A few weeks passed and they slowly recovered a little. Al had put on three to five pounds but was still around 15 under, his and Molly's wings had healed but now was their next test. Alfred's boss suggested that he invited the other nations to a Christmas party like he tried to do for the past few years, start an annual thing to promote better relations and keep up appearances.

Matt had spent a good two hours after that call trying to convince Al that it might actually help with international relations and Alfred's own confidence.

He finally gave into it, starting to make calls. The question was were to have it? Go home to the states were it would be easier on him, or move further into Europe since only he Matt and the Latinos lived out that way?

Maybe the best thing to do would be hold it in neutral ground? Don't go anywhere that nations may be bitter or uncomfortable over?

That's probably best.

Okay, first call: to Switzerland. It took some doing but he finally agreed, after a few days everything was set to go.

The Celts agreed to help set up when they got there, Francis agreeing to do the food. If they got through the night without someone arguing, it'd be a miracle. They were all looking forward to seeing Arthur again too, whether he could go or not was still uncertain but they would stop by on the trip over to visit at least.

In his last letter, he'd said he was finally getting his feet back under him, but it was still very tiring and taxing. He'd promised to try, at least.

The day they were ready to set out was anxious, but at least this time they remembered to leave a way out for the pets. Patrick sulked the whole ride, complaining that the pets would get lonely and he wanted someone to play with.

Al tried to explain that they would be miserable traveling like this, Kuma was still healing and Mana had never been on a train before. Plus they would be left in the hotel all alone during the party and they were happier when they had access to outside.

Patrick still argued that he would have played with them and made them feel happy. It was a lost cause trying to convince him otherwise..

At least they knew he'd be easily distracted once they got to work setting up. Molly had insisted on sparkly decorations for the room.

When they arrived in London to see Arthur they were more than ready for a good stretch. Arthur and Dylan met them at the station, both looking much healthier than when they last met. Al seemed to perk up at that at least.

"Boys," Arthur beamed, opening his arms to the twins and Patrick. The three huddled in one by one each clinging for a moment. Patrick claimed the last hug, climbing into his brother's lap. Arthur just chuckled warmly. They headed off to find someplace to eat lunch and talk.

"I'm glad to hear you're all doing better," Arthur beamed. "And you, Patrick! Taming your magic so quickly!"

"She didn't need taming," the child giggled. "We work together!"

*You think Dad ever noticed our powers? I've caught Papa talking to Iain about us..*

*If he had, I think he'd have asked us about them already... He's not too subtle...*

*He's a great parent but I've got to admit he's kinda blind sometimes.. Even if we did hide it it wasn't a very good job now that I realize..*

*He's always been pretty busy, but I'm pretty sure I actually bit you when we were colonies and he told us to go play and ignored the fact they were bear teeth...*

*...Maybe we should keep it up a little longer.. I don't think he needs this right now...*

*He needs to heal properly... No point stressing him out over it all just yet.*

They focused back into the conversation at that agreement. Good thing too because Arthur just asked how party plans were going.

"It's alright so far, Lili asked if she could help Pops with the food and maybe learn some new things, though Vash is kinda nervous with it still.

"So I promised to stay with her," Molly chimed in.

"We just need to get there and set up really."

"I can come, but I'm still mostly confined to this chair," Arthur offered.

"We'd like that." Al smiles.

"You can keep an eye on Pat," Iain smirked playfully. Arthur just rolled his eyes in pretend annoyance.

Al chuckles.

"I suppose I should help Francis keep an eye on you, more than anything," Arthur smirked slyly at his oldest sibling, getting a laugh from the others.

Francis grins.

Iain just scoffed. "Like I need looking after."

France would disagree.. As would anyone else who had seen his fits... Or the state he'd get into fighting as a child... Really, the Scotsman was brash and reckless, thinking more with heart and might than thought and foresight.

France would always worry no matter how much the Scot protested.

"I think I shall come," Arthur smiled warmly. "Dylan?"

The Welshman just shrugged. He'd been rather withdrawn since they'd discussed how well Patrick had taken to his magical abilities.

Was he that upset about him learning? Or was it all his worries were for nothing so far? Whatever it was, he came across like a sulking child.

*Is he going to say anything or just keep quiet the whole time were here?*

*Probably stay quiet... That's the same scowl Arthur wears when Iain upsets him over something petty...*

*He really doesn't trust his powers that much does he..?*

*Everyone else is fine with it though... Why just him?*

*I'm gonna guess it was something worse than the time Eagle said a 35 foot cliff was good flying practice...*

*Or the time Bear said he knew the way home from the far north...*

They might not be able to change his mind much then, it'd just be something they'd have to live with.. At least his surly attitude was worry rather than scorn or jealousy. An angry Brit was hell to pay.

They finished lunch getting up to leave again. Arthur scooted along with them; Pat giggling on his lap. Still, Dylan stayed sat. Al glanced to him curiously.

He just sat fiddling with a leftover crust of bread.

Al walks back over, "You alright?"

"Fine," he dismissed calmly. "I don't fancy travelling though, so I'll stay here."

Al hums sitting down next to him. The Welshman cast him a curious frown.

"...You know, when I was expanding out west horses were a big economy. But people always had different views about them."

"You're going to get left behind. Everyone else is waiting to leave."

"Just sayin," he shrugs. "There's no horse quite the same as the other so earning their trust never ends up the same way. Sometimes you gotta try something different." Al stood up following.

"You'll be decades trying to turn him about on this one," Iain strode casually beside him as he finally caught up. "But we appreciate you trying."

They headed off to get a bag for Arthur before getting to the next leg of their travel. It wasn't long before they were off to Switzerland. Al had settled in for a nap. The others just chatted. It was wholly uneventful.

By the time they got there it was nearly dark. They were met when they landed and taken to the building where they were staying. They split off into three rooms, huddling together.

The next morning they shuffled down and started the day, luckily Al's boss had given them a small budget for food. Combined with what the Brits had been allotted, they'd be fine.

Francis and Molly took Lily to the store, the others started setting up the ballroom. It took about three hours before the room was ready. When Francis and the girls came back, Molly was grinning and Lily blushed bashfully. Al had sat in a chair glancing up to them.

"We found the prettiest dresses," Molly giggled. "Lily's going to look so cute tonight!"

Oh.. Did Al still have his suit from the last meeting? They never did make it to his house so maybe.. If not, he might have to beg one from Vash... Ugh he hates suits..

Francis chuckles taking his bags back to the kitchen. He found Iain leaning out of a window for a sly cigarette.

"How are you holding up?"

"Arthur's in high spirits, Pat's been running around like a loon and the twins have been happy enough to be busy," he shrugged. "I'm content enough."

"That's good at then." Francis takes the meaning behind that to he felt at least a little better.

"How was shopping?"

"It was fun, though Molly begged to stop at the dress store. They had some rather nice ones actually."

That finally pulled a little smile to his lips. "She deserves a treat after the shit we dragged her into."

Francis chuckles softly.

"Spose this means we've all got to wear suits tonight?

"What would you rather a kilt?" The blonde smirks

"Aye, but I didnae bring one down with me," the redhead just shot him a look that dared him to tell him kilts were a bad idea.

Francis just shrugs, who was he to talk when he used to wear tunics that were more dresses than anything. In fact it wasn't all that unusual for him to wear something a little feminine from time to time.

Iain sighed and turned back outside, letting a plume of smoke slip between his lips. Francis started setting things up humming to himself.

The Scot offered a little help but was still not quite himself somehow. Francis was itching to ask but with other people nearby he knew he wouldn't get an answer. He'd have to corner him later...

He had a job to do now at least, might help distract him for a while. The group worked hard and soon, all they had left to do was freshen up and get changed.

They shuffled up to their rooms to do so, Al catching himself in the mirror while Matt showered. In reality, Al was starting to fill out again. His bones weren't as prominent and his skin looked healthier.

He was still a bit thin really, but it was hard for him to tell if gaining again was a good thing or a bad one. It was just a matter of perception.

The shower shut off and Matt came through in his towel. He looked like a tower of muscle next to Al...

It nudged his perspective back into the good side though, maybe when he was healthy he'd get his muscles back. Matt flashed him a reassuring smile as he went to dry off. Al took his turn in the shower, getting dressed (thankfully he did still have his suit). They headed downstairs after.

The rest of the men (and boy) were already waiting for them. Iain looked less than comfortable in his suit. Arthur was fumbling with Patrick's bowtie. "Stay still, honestly."

Al had to chuckle a bit at that, kind of reminded him when he was little and had to be dressed up.

"It's too tight and stuffy," Pat whined but held still anyway.

Al couldn't agree more, but things would get started soon and other nations arriving. They had to put up with it for the night.

Nations soon started filing in, a little wary of each other but still dressed to impress. Al had his happy face on greeting them all. Matt stood beside him, beaming brightly enough to make them all forget he'd been depressed these last few months. Maybe if the night went well things will start turning around.

Soon, the room was full, but only a dozen or so couples danced, since there really only was so many female nations and the men didn't really want to dance together.

It wasn't unusual for male nations to hook up seeing as how long they lived tended to damper on love lives. In fact a great many of them were bi, but most the world at this time didn't see it as a proper relationship.

It was more of a behind closed doors sort of affair. For now, they were content to mill about and chat in their familial groups.

Al was doing alright for the most part, no one had raised any fuss and he was starting to relax a little. Everyone was settling into the spirit of the party, opening up to the good food and lighthearted celebration.

They still wouldn't let the twins drink though.. Iain had caught them trying to sneak one and taken the glasses, telling them they didn't need it before draining both glasses himself.

Al pouts as he walks off. *Is it really all that bad?*

*I'll let you know if I ever find out,* Matt sulked childishly.

Al sighs glancing across the room, he spotted Russia and a few others off a way and fidgets. Matt glanced over as Al shuffled away, curious over what he was unsettled by.

His tired violet eyes landed on a thin figure in a black suit, ashen hair hanging over dull red eyes and pale skin. And he found himself staring...

Al however had his eyes on someone different. He and Russia never really had a bad relationship, they had helped each other out from time to time. But some of his politicians have been raising hell lately against communism and how democracy was superior. Al was afraid that this would turn into something serious but he didn't want to fight the man.

For now, the Russian gave him a soft nod and a flicker of a smile before Belarus insisted he go dance with her. Al sighs softly turning back to Matt.

He was still watching the ghost of a man across the room, eyes glassing over slightly. Al frowns softly, poking his arm.

He blinked, dazed. "Huh, what...?"

"You ok there Matt?"

"Yeah, I... Just... Spaced out, I guess...?"

Al rubs his shoulder gently as they walked off.

That was weird... Why couldn't he stop staring at him? They went around the room again chatting with the others before they circled back.

More nations were starting to offer them smiles, little compliments and thanks for the party. Liechtenstein had been beaming all night - thankfully, since it would keep Switzerland more docile if she was happy. A fair few nations had danced with Molly too, though she had panicked slightly when Germany came for a glass of wine while she was at the drinks table.

It was going rather well. By the time they caught back up to the others Al started to feel genuinely happy again. Arthur smiled warmly, patting his arm. "Great work, boys. Splendid idea."

"I'm glad we did this."

"It's nice for us all to get together without worrying about politics and the like."

"Yeah. I don't even remember last time we did something like this.."

"If I recall, it was sometime in the 1800s," Arthur hummed. "The dresses were very different and I think Molly overheated in her corset."

"Thank God for the cotton gin.." Al always hated the coarser materials clothes were made out of, part of the reason he hated wearing fancier things.

Arthur just smiled warmly. "Why haven't I seen you two dancing this evening?"

Al shrugs, nervously..

"I've seen a few ladies asking you," he teased lightly. "It's impolite to refuse."

"I.. I don't know.."

"Start with Molly," Arthur smiled tenderly. "It's a good show of grace to look like you're taking part."

"O-ok.."

Arthur patted his arm encouragingly. Al sighs to himself wandering over to her.

Molly turned as he came over, knocking into him by accident. "Oh, goodness! Ever so sorry!"

"Hey its fine."

"Alfie," she beamed with relief. "I haven't seen you all night!"

"Sorry."

"It's okay," she beamed. "Would you like to dance?"

"Uh sure, I'm not that great though..

"Don't worry," she giggled softly, helping him along. "Denmark stepped on my feet four times in one waltz. You'll be fine."

Al smiles softly following. Molly mostly lead, but it was fun and lighthearted. He laughs a little starting to enjoy it.

Despite the elegant green satin dress and fine jewelry, Molly was still just Molly. She laughed with him, sharing silly little jokes about the other men she'd been dancing with all night. It was rather amusing to listen to.

All too soon, the song ended.

Al smiles brightly, "That was fun."

"And you didn't step on me once," Molly giggled. "You're not too bad."

He grins.

"Ms. Ireland?"

Molly froze, smile struggling to stay bright as she turned to face the one man she'd been avoiding all night. "Y-yes?"

Germany stood, looking rather sheepish in himself as he offered her his hand. "Might I have the next dance? I would like a moment to talk to you."

Al glanced to the blonde curiously, he was still a bit off himself around him.. Molly stood between them, stalling nervously. Al squeezed her hand a bit nudging her over.

She took a deep breath, letting Germany lead her across the floor as the music started up again. Al moved off to the side watching them.

They waltzed around the room, Germany doing most of the talking. As he spoke, Molly slowly started to relax, eyes shining. Al smiles softly.

When the music stopped, they embraced. Whatever had been said, it seemed the last few decades were behind them. That was good. The blonde moved off, looking like some of the weight had lifted from his shoulders.

Al turns away looking for someone to talk to. Almost on cue, Hungary swept up, offering to dance. He smiles softly going off with her.

After that, the night became a blur of dancing, smiles and laughter. It was much later when he finally got to sit for a rest, he was getting pretty tired now.

Matt fell into the chair beside him, grinning widely.

"Where have you been?" Al smiles.

"Dancing," he chuckled. "The Asians can go for ages!"

Al grins hugging him sleepily.

"You tired already?" Matt hugged back happily.

"Hmm.. Hey Mattie? I'm kinda hungry.."

Matt's face lit up brighter than it had in months. "Really...?"

He nodded, "Could you get me a piece of cake or something?

"Sure thing," Matt gave him an affectionate squeeze before heading to the food table. Al sat where he was trying to stay awake.

Speaking of sleep, was Patrick still up? He'd seen him a little while ago, but it was pretty late... Surely Arthur didn't let him stay up? He probably was already in bed, if not asleep on Arthurs lap.

Where was Arthur, even? He'd lost track of everyone.

Al glanced around the room searching. He found Iain first, his red hair and his height making him hard to miss. He was dancing with Seychelles across the floor.
Finding Arthur was harder. Half the nations in this room were blond... He spotted Francis at the food table with Matt and Ireland talking to a few other girls, Arthur was being difficult still.

Maybe he'd gone to bed... He was still rather tired from what Al had seen. They could talk in the morning.

Matt came back with cake and a bright grin. "Here."

Al smiles taking the plate and eating the treat.

*I think tonight's been a hit,* Matt hummed brightly. *We haven't had a single scuffle above a quiet argument and I hear Germany's been running around apologizing to everyone.*

Al finished his snack leaning on him. *Maybe things are going to be alright now..*

*I think they will,* Matt wrapped an arm around him. *Everyone's calmed down now and personal feuds are being put to rest or at least tried to.*

Al grins tiredly before yawning. He snuggles into Matts shoulder feeling happier than he had for a good long while.

A bit of an abrupt end but I don't think we could get much else out of this but more ups and downs. Though once we come up with a plot there will be an omake of the revenge of Molly's fairy!