Hellu~ Sorry it has been a while. I hope you are happy, today I wrote this instead of packing my kitchen like I should have been doing -laughs- xBeyondxBirthdayx, I am halfway done with your oneshot and it will be out in the near future, I swear! Probably after finals this week.

The Hetalia movie plot has been released! I am excited~ It sounds silly.

Halfway up the walkway the door suddenly bursts open and Ukraine is standing at the door, hands clasped tightly against her well endowed bosom. "Oh you're here! I was starting to become so worried!"

She starts to jog over and America can't help but stare, mesmerized. Damn he always forgets just how big her-

Ukraine suddenly grabs his hand, pressing it warmly between her own. "Th-thank you so much for coming! I really hate to intrude on you and, um, I am so very grateful! Really. I...I really am...this isn't a big burden on you is it?"

America melts a little at the look of growing concern on her face. He has always been a sucker for a maiden in distress. "No, no, not at all! I always love seeing you and your bre- er, b-bright smiling face!"

The words seem to reassure her and she brightens. "I'm so relieved to hear you say that. Oh, but how rude of me! Lunch is ready, won't you please come inside?"

America smiles cheerfully. "Of course, I never say no to food!"

Ukraine smiles back and gestures for him to go inside. "Ah, and thank you for going to pick him up for me Lithuania. It is lovely to see you again after so long."

Lithuania shakes his head. "It's nothing. Really."

The three go inside, Ukraine fussing at this and that as they make their way into a small dining room. Her house is rather small but cozy. Definitely in much better condition than it was in the past. She has Lithuania and America sit, trying to serve them cabbage rolls and potato dumplings. Little cries of embarrassment and panic escape her as she continuously knocks things over with her chest.

Lithuania watches her nervously. "I-I can serve Miss Ukraine..."

Flustered, she shakes her head. "N-no I'm fine!"

America watches in amusement as they both awkwardly try to straighten and serve things, making the mess that much worse. It occurs to him it's a shame Lithuania doesn't like Ukraine instead of Belarus. They would be a ridiculously cute (and hilarious) couple. Plus she would never break his wrist on purpose. Though it still might happen in a fit of clumsiness.

Finally everything is settled and Ukraine smiles nervously at America. "S-so you and my brother! I am so surprised, I must admit. Um, congratulations! How did the two of you end up in a relationship?"

America swallows hard. He sure as hell isn't going to tell a lie but the truth is out of the question. "Er...it was very sudden. Very, very sudden. Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you."

Ukraine plays with her food nervously. "Ah...b-but the two of you came together on your own? This... well you can tell me, I'm his sister after all and Lithuania is his...friend. This isn't...political is it?"

America quickly shakes his head emphatically. "Oh hell no. That is definitely the last thing it is, I swear. No politics period."

At least he can be honest about that. And he definitely doesn't miss the unbelievably relieved expression on Ukraine's face and to a lesser degree on Lithuania's. Were people still worrying about that after all? Such a pain...

"I-I'm glad to hear that! I mean, er, well it's nice to see him in a relationship for the sake of it. I've never known him to... well usually there is a reason behind it. Vanya has such a hard time with relationships."

America pauses before taking a bite of a potato dumpling. "Vanya?"

Ukraine beams softly. "Ah, that's a little nickname I have for him based off of his name. Isn't it cute?"

America grins. "Yep, lil' Vanya." He starts to laugh. Ukraine giggles along with him, Lithuania smiling softly. He doesn't quite dare laugh at anything related to Russia, even now.

"Ah, that reminds me, do either of you have good dirt on Ivan? I don't know, anything really. Just thought I'd ask."

Ukraine and Lithuania suddenly look uncomfortable, glancing at each other a moment before looking away. Lithuania finally speaks hesitantly. "H-he once told me he would like to be somewhere warm with sunflowers."

"Hmm I figured and he's sort of told me as much. You... don't have anything or... you don't want to talk about it?"

Ukraine tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well... When I think of my brother I... usually think of unhappy things. He had a very hard time as a child and... well, even as he got older. Ivan is a man who is guarded because he has gone through much hardship. I...I'm sorry. I'm sure there are things if I had a little time to think about it..."

She chews her bottom lip, trying to come up with something. America wishes he hadn't asked. He hadn't meant to upset anyone. So Russia has been frozen just as much from history as the ice in his lands.

Suddenly Ukraine speaks. "W-well I mean... he really just was the most darling looking child. Really, I doubt any of us were as cute as him. And he was very good to Belarus and I... The three of us were so close back then."

She starts to tear up and America feels like a total asshole. "Ah, s-sorry! Er, please forget I asked. Um, uh, y-you know he still really cares about you. He...He is really happy at the thought of being able to spend time with you again."

Ukraine wipes at her eyes. "R-really? I'm glad to hear that. I do love him, things have just gotten so complicated over time."

"I totally know how that goes. Canada and I usually get along pretty well but... Well, I mean he burned down my White House once. I'm sure Toris has had problems with Latvia and Estonia right? Yeah, rough patches are bound to happen."

Ukraine smiles at him, a smile of appreciation with an underlying layer of 'I know you're trying but you really don't understand.' It makes her seem more mature in that moment and America is once again reminded how much younger he is than everyone else.

She suddenly looks around. "Oh! I didn't even think of it! I haven't made any tea or anything... But you prefer coffee, don't you America?"

"Yep, tea gives me flashbacks of being a colony. Ech. Try not to touch the stuff whenever possible."

She nods. "Ah, Lithuania, I do hate to be a bother but I was working early and my back is bothering me. Would you...?"

Lithuania, who has been feeling a bit uncomfortable with the current conversation is quick to take the request. "Of course! I know exactly how America likes it. I'll be right back."

Ukraine nibbles on a cabbage roll as Lithuania leaves the room. After giving it a moment she turns to America, face filled with apprehension. In a quiet voice she begins speaking rapidly. "America, I am terribly sorry but I think my brother might have sent Lithuania to monitor our interaction together. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but... But that doesn't matter. Please America, I really don't mind your being with my brother but... I have to know. Even if this isn't political, what you have with him... Are you still on my side?"

America blinks. "Huh?"

She throws a glance at the door and turns back. "I have to know. I'm more than aware that Ivan doesn't approve of my trying to join NATO and... and honestly the other countries don't take me seriously. You are my only real ally on this. If he convinces you otherwise... I love him but it is my decision, even if he doesn't want to let go. But I need someone to help me. I know I'm a bit unorganized and I still have work to do but... but you are the only one who seems to believe in me and I...I don't want to lose your support. Please tell me you aren't on Ivan's side now? Please tell me I can still count on your support?"

Tears well up in her large blue eyes as she gives him a searching look. Is that what this meeting is about? He takes her hand firmly. "Hey, it's okay. Don't cry, alright Ukraine? Of course I'm on your side. I completely believe you should have the freedom to do what you want to do. I will continue to support you on your decision to join NATO no matter what. Ivan couldn't change my mind on that if he tried to kill me. So no worries. I am with you. Please... be there for Ivan too. I think he could really use a steady family bond and no offense but your sister has her own problems."

Ukraine runs a hand over her eyes and gives him a small smile. "...Promise?"

America gives her his famous, twinkling smile. "Of course I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Thank you. So much... And I will do my best as Vanya's big sister." She puts her arms around America, pulling him to her chest. "Oh thank you, thank you! I feel so much better now!"

America finds himself buried in her breasts. "Mmph?"

Lithuania walks back into the room. "Miss Ukraine, where is your-"

He freezes and Ukraine abruptly releases America, who takes in a gulp of air. "Ah, ah! H-he was choking!"

Lithuania continues to stare as America adjusts his glasses, face flushed.

Ukraine looks between them nervously. "Please don't tell Ivan?"

Lithuania clears his throat. "Tell Russia what?"

Ukraine suddenly stands. "I-I'll help you with that coffee now."

Blushing, she leaves the room, turning to give America a small smile. He returns it before she slips through the door. He turns back to his potato dumpling.

Goodness... Ukraine really does have bountiful lands.

~.

Prussia lies on the grass, swinging his legs back and forth, head rested on his folded arms. Gilbird flits around in front of him. "I swear, you should have seen West's face this morning when he saw I had crawled into bed with him and Italy. It was hilarious! And Italy just asked when breakfast was. Damn he's cute. West didn't have to throw me out of the house though. Idiot is just embarrassed because this is his first relationship. How can I not mess with that?"

He laughs, completely impressed with himself. Gilbird begins to cheep wildly and Prussia raises an eyebrow. "Hm? Something wrong?"

A shadow suddenly falls over him and Prussia glances up over his shoulder. He gasps as he sees Russia reaching for him. Before he can get away Russia grabs a hold of the back of his collar and lifts him up.

Prussia kicks at him to no avail. "What are you doing here you bastard? Let go of me!"

Russia smiles pleasantly. "Prussia, do you remember my favorite game that we used to play?"

Swallowing hard Prussia mutters, "...The 'be quiet or I'll smack you with my pipe' game?"

"That is right! You remember. We are about to play it again if you do not stop talking."

Prussia doesn't see Russia's pipe but that doesn't mean he won't be able to magically produce it. He fixes him in a glare. "What do you want? I'm not interested in you wasting my time with threats. This isn't like back then. Don't think you can just smack me around as you please!"

Russia tilts his head. "Oh no, I am not here to do that. I actually promised I would not hurt you. Though I will still smack you if I have to. I am here because you left a very ugly mark on the beautiful neck of my Alfred and that displeases me very much. I want you to stay away from him."

"Hmph, he's the one who came to see me. I was within my rights. Don't let such a fine piece of ass walk around on his own if you don't want anyone trying to take advantage of him. And if you can't hurt me why should I?"

Russia gives him a very intimidating smile. "I do not need to physically hurt you to make you stop. If you do refuse I will curse you."

Prussia's eyes widen. "C-curse me? Are you... are you freaking kidding me? ...What kind of curse?"

Russia leans in and whispers into his ear. Prussia starts to squirm in his grasp. "No way, anything but that! Fuck, I won't touch him, I swear! Gott, it was just some fun, no reason to be hasty."

Russia drops him unceremoniously. "I was so hoping you would say that! Well that is all. I shall be on my way now. ...Do not forget, da?"

Prussia rubs his back, grimacing. "Whatever Blödes Arschloch."

"No need for name calling. Have a nice day and if you see Italy tell him I said hello." He smirks at Prussia and starts to walk away.

Prussia considers chasing after him but honestly Russia would probably kick his ass, promise or not. Gilbird jumps onto his knee and he pats his head. "Some backup you were."

Gilbird cheeps at him. "That's probably true... Damn... I am so doing something to piss him off next chance I get."

Gilbird cheeps disapprovingly. "I know, but what fun would it be if I learned my lesson? Definitely have to be careful about it though." He shields his vital regions and winces. "What a terrifying curse, can't take any chances."

Gilbird seriously wonders about his master but who is he, a simple chick, to judge?

~.

"Thank you for the coffee, it is exactly what I needed. I hate traveling. No offense or anything. It just messes with me."

America places his cup down on the table feeling quite satisfied. Things had not been nearly so bad as either he or Russia were worried about. Though Russia probably still wouldn't be too happy about what Ukraine wanted to talk to him about so maybe he would keep that on the down low. He drums on his legs restlessly. "Hey, the weather is pretty good here. How about we go outside?"

Ukraine nods. "If you'd like! How about you two go on ahead, I just want to clear the table."

Lithuania opens his mouth to offer assistance but America interrupts. "Sounds like a great idea! Come on Toris, let's go."

America stands and puts an arm around Lithuania. Once they are outside he pats Lithuania's arm. "...Did Ivan send you here to be his eyes and ears?"

Lithuania turns bright red and America knows the truth before he starts weakly denying it. "N-no it's... um, I just... it has been a while since I saw either you or Ukraine and... and..."

America shakes his head. "No, don't worry about it. I'm really not that surprised. Honestly it's the most in-character thing he's done these last few days. Don't worry about it, I'm not angry. ...What are you going to tell him?"

Lithuania lowers his head, feeling horribly guilty about the whole thing. "I... I'm sorry. Um... Well there isn't much to tell. We had lunch, discussed safe topics... And I really don't think he has to know about that hug. She... was being friendly, that's all."

America coughs. "Right... good. Okay then. It's not a big deal but... I know his sisters are sort of a delicate topic under certain circumstances. I don't want him getting all pissed off over nothing."

Lithuania nods silently. Not that he would ever say it as it might come off as offensive, but it's interesting to see America taking Russia's feelings into consideration. To actually care enough about him to be worried on how he might react. It's refreshing, seeing the two of them be so much more courteous and close with one another. It is far more desirable than the violent dislike they once shared.

America suddenly stops. "Hey, check out this tree. The cherries at the top look really good! We should get some. Think Ukraine would mind?"

Lithuania glances back towards the house. "I...I don't think so but-"

"Should I kick it? That might get them down."

Sighing softly at what is undeniably an 'America' response to the problem, Lithuania shakes his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. Remember back when I lived with you? You did that once and nearly knocked the whole tree down. It was bad."

America eyes the tree then Lithuania. "Okay, okay, fair enough. I have a different idea..."

~.

Russia steps out of the car and pays the driver. For a moment he simply stares at his sister's house. It has been a while since he has been here under what he hopes are pleasant circumstances. As he starts towards the door he hears a small cry. "Ah, please be careful!"

That was his sister's voice... Russia hurries around the side of the house and towards the back. He stops and for a moment simply watches. America has Lithuania on his shoulders, who is desperately straining to reach cherries that fall tragically out of his reach. Ukraine stands by with a basket in her arms looking worried.

America laughs. "Come on, just a bit more right? Reach Toris! Maybe if I threw you-"

Lithuania looks down at him. "Don't you dare!"

"I'm serious, you should try standing on my shoulders, I swear I won't let you fall!"

"A-absolutely not!"

Ukraine fidgets. "I-I do have a ladder, really."

"Nah, nah we're fine! Damn too bad your arms aren't longer."

Russia can only watch, frozen to the spot. They seem to be getting along rather nicely. Would his presence be an unwelcome thing? Maybe they would prefer his not being there at all...

America looks over his way for a moment then does a double take. "Ivan! Great timing! Here, get over here!"

As America lowers Lithuania back down Russia pauses then walks over, eyes stuck to the ground. He doesn't want to see if they are disappointed that he has arrived.

"H...hello."

America tugs at his sleeve. "Yeah, yeah, hello to you too. Crouch down, I'm going to get on your shoulders."

Russia blinks and looks up at him. "Huh?"

"Just do it! Come on." Russia complies, helping America position himself. "Give me your arm before you stand and hold onto me."

Russia reaches up and grabs America's arm right below the elbow and America takes a firm hold of him. "Now arise! Up, up, the cherries won't wait forever!"

In one swift motion Russia stands, wavering slightly. Ukraine quickly puts a steadying hand on his back. "Oh, be careful dear!"

Russia finally turns to look at her and after a second she smiles warmly at him. His anxiety melts and he smiles back. "Da."

Once Russia has steadied himself America looks around. "Damn it's like I'm huge! This is awesome! I...I'm not too heavy am I?"

The delicate self-consciousness in the question is both surprising and oddly adorable. "Nyet, not in the least."

Giving Russia's arm a slight squeeze he reaches up and starts picking cherries, tossing them down to Lithuania who puts them in Ukraine's basket. Ukraine questions Russia about his trip up and if it went smoothly. Lithuania sums up the lunch without making it seem too obvious he is reporting to Russia. America praises Ukraine's cooking.

And Russia feels perfectly included into everything. There is no tension, the mood is light and friendly. Russia strokes America's leg with his free hand, eliciting a harrumph of indignity and a light kick to the chest. Giggling softly, Russia tries to absorb this moment. This is what he wants. In the past he has never been sure how to go about finding this with people but America makes it possible. Once more he is reassured that he has made the right choice. America is special, can make these things possible, and Russia needs him.

Translations:

Blödes Arschloch – stupid asshole

AN: The U.S. is the only country that shows strong support for Ukraine joining NATO but it'll probably be a long time... (Totally made the mistake of saying the UN before, I meant NATO! Thanks to anon who pointed this out, how embarrassing!) And Gilbird fanservice~ haha