I've been in bed for several hours, I can smell the roses outside my bedroom window when the breeze rolls by. Beer cans and trash roll with me as I move, from one side of the bed to another.
I look at my hand and wonder when the last time I've been this sad was, but I can't recall. It feels as though life is devoid of emotion, that the birds chirping which used to bring me joy, only makes me ill. I hear the doorbell and groan at the thought of human interaction.
I roll back over, hoping the noisy person will go away after being ignored. After a few moments, the noise stops and I feel achievement swell in my chest.
"Finally, someone gets the message!" I exclaim, a smile crossing my tight lips. I close my eyes, hoping to fall back to sleep, but am met with loud ruckus in my living room. I jump up, thinking someone's broken into my home.
I swing over and open the walnut nightstand next to my bed and grab an old, loaded pistol. I silently roll out of bed, landing on old chip bags and beer cans which rustle with my maneuvers. I grunt, but keep moving, hoping the assailant hasn't invaded my space yet. I see a shadow move and open fire, shooting towards the floor, but hearing a grunt and wail of pain.
I rush in, throw the intruder to the floor and place my foot on his throat before threatening to blow his god-damn head off. I flip the little nightstand lamp on and a blank stare comes across my face as I see Arthur sprawled out on my living room floor, bleeding into the rug.
"Really man, you're seriously bleeding on the rug that I stole from Austria?" I groan and Arthur squirms.
"You bloody idiot, you shot me!" I hear him exclaim, but I can't help but laugh.
"I learned from Texas to shoot first and ask questions later." I wink to him before offering to help him up. I slip into the kitchen and grab an old towel and throw it to Arthur so he can apply pressure to his arm.
"You're truly an idiot." Arthur can't help but sigh, after all it's not the first time he's been shot by me. I grab a beer from the fridge and pop the top, it fizzes up and I slurp up the fizz.
"By the way, why are you here breaking into my house?" I cock my head to the side and casually take a seat on the comfy couch.
"I'm here because some idiot doesn't answer his calls. I've been trying to get ahold of you for two weeks!" He seems angry as he tries to dig the bullet out from his arm.
"I've been busy." I brush it off, considering it couldn't have been that important.
"And I've been dealing with Russia and his allies so they do not invade you, you stupid American!" My attention goes directly to Arthur and my jaw drops.
"What?" I can only manage as I process what he's said.
"Russia is the puppet player behind many of the smaller countries that are trying to invade you. None of his family members are safe, not even your Natalia." I stand up and punch him where I shot him. Hearing her name still hurts, being reminded of her is like being stabbed a million times and having everyone just watch and enjoy the show.
"How do you know about that? We were discreet…" I mumble, while Arthur laughs.
"Please, not everyone is brilliant enough to see it, but we all see the way you watched her. I'm surprised you picked her though, we all see you with someone like Monaco, sweet and simple…not vindictive and horrifying." Arthur comments, but I only glare towards him.
"Is she alright?" I ask, concerned about her safety, considering Ivan isn't against killing his traitors.
"Word is that she joined him, or that's what he's saying." Arthur throws the bullet from his wound onto the coffee table and ties the towel around his arm, hoping the pressure will stop the bleeding.
"What are our battle strategies then?" I can't help but be curious.
"We plan on going to Ivan's wedding this weekend and acting like good buddies, raiding through his offices and seeing if we can find any type of intel on his battle plans." Arthur hands me a list of our allies this time around and I can only sigh as I see Germany, Italy, Austria, Monaco, Denmark, and Hungary.
"Welp, I'll tell Hungary to polish her frying pan." I groan at the thought of seeing them all over the weekend.
"Good, and you better put on your big boy pants, Natalia is now our enemy. You will have nothing to do with her." I look at him with a glare, but considering the little vixen doesn't want anything to do with me, I suppose all is fine. I stand and go back to my bedroom, slinking into the bed. It smells like her still, the sweet scent of lavender clings to the pillow and instantly my heart sinks.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" I ask myself before I push myself off my bed and go into the bathroom, thinking a shower might do me some good.
After my shower, I look around in the house. Arthur is long gone, the open window he came through sends chillingly cold air through. I look at the blood he left on the floor and can only sigh as I stare into its pattern.
I look over and notice my cell phone is blinking red, indicating I've received a message. I scroll and read the debriefings for Saturday. I also read that I'm paired up with Monaco for this mission.
I groan at the thought of dealing with a stupid teenager, being 5 years older than when I saw her last, but 5 years doesn't do much for a child of 13, she's probably still a brat, I think to myself. I sit on the couch, beginning to think that Natalia may be there.
"What if she's with someone, what if…Ivan plans on seducing her and making her his marital whore?" I groan at the disgust.
"It would be just like her to be his side piece!" I smash my phone done on the table, sending a crack through the center. I feel queasy and lie down, before I know it, I'm out like a light.
***Saturday***
I slink out of the shower, the morning air is cold against my sides, actually makes a shiver run up my back. I walk into the closet and grab a garment bag and lie it on the bed. I slowly unzipper the bag and sigh when I see the suit.
"It's been a long time since I've needed to wear this." I whisper to myself and pull the jacket, suit tie, and pants off the hanger and lie them on the bed. I slip the pants up and they sit comfortably at my waist.
I grab a classic white button down from my closet and throw it on, it sits slightly baggy, but that doesn't concern me as I grab my tie and casually loop it around and pull it through to where it's almost choking me.
"Ah, wonderful, now my appearance matches my attitude." I joke around, winking to myself in the mirror. I hear the doorbell ring and I walk into the living room. I can see a sporty little convertible outside and prepare myself for when I open the door.
"Hello," I say humbly as a young Monaco stands on my stoop. I lick my lips as I see her form-fitting dress hang to the curves she didn't have 5 years ago. Her dress captures her hip and rounds her butt nicely.
"Wow," is the only thing I can say as I see her. She smirks, adjusts her small wire-frames and walks in, lightly tapping my lower jaw as she sees it hanging loosely.
"Wonderful to know you approve." She says in a quiet tone. "Are you ready? It's about to start." She mentions to me and I remember my coat that's on my bed.
I excuse myself and grab the jacket, but I go over to the small bookcase I have and stare at a picture of Natalia and I, it's a few years after I started this thing with her and she looks happy, almost as happy as the copy I have of her and Ivan. I take it from the frame and slip it into my pocket. I feel a little numb as I walk out of the bedroom and take Monaco's hand.
We walk along the drive way and I ask her which car she wants to take, she replies with the typical 'I don't care, I just wish to leave.' Remark and I grab the keys to the little yellow corvette. She represses a laugh as we climb in. I silently pull out and speed off to the destination that Monaco's programmed into the GPS. Halfway through our trip, Monaco looks over and grabs my arm.
"So…Alfred, why do you look so…old?" She bluntly asks, a twinge of a smile caressing her lips.
"Well, because I am." I joke, not wanting to dive deep into the topic that has make me cold.
"Is it because of Belarus?" She asks, her inquisitive mind getting the better of her. I don't respond, I only keep looking forward, my eyes on the curves of the mountainous roads.
"Is it because you can't perform in bed?" I smash the breaks and I send her chest into the dashboard at 60 MPH. She grunts and cries out in pain.
"What the hell?!" She screams at me as she holds her chest.
"It's NOT because of that!" I shout at her and continue, slightly pissy she'd even think the hero himself couldn't perform.
"I've had relations many times….and not a one has complained!" I say, trying to reassure he of my manhood, yet she only laughs at me.
"To your face…" She adds and I only glare at her. "You're an evil little brat, do you know that?" I spat at her as I make a turn, cutting the corner a little tighter than I need to, shoving her against the window.
"Rumor is that you call Belarus' name when you-" I slammed on the breaks again and pulled over to the side of the road.
"Back. Now." I order and I step out of the car. I walk around the little yellow car and open Monaco's car door. I grab her by the wrist and yank her out, slamming the door behind her. She screams in protest and I tell her to shut up as I pop the trunk open. I estimate that she'll fit, which she does with a little room to spare and slam the lid.
I mention that I'll let her out once we're there and the rest of the trip is peaceful. I pull into a back lot, which is away from many of the people and pop open the trunk. I see Monaco struggling to get out, so I slip around and help her.
"That car ride was absolutely wonderful, don't you agree?" I ask with a smirk on my face as I held her by the sides, helping her pull her legs out from the trunk. I place her feet down on the gravel and her heel shifts, causing her to lose balance, which forces her into my chest. I see someone from the corner of my eye, but don't pay them much attention.
Monaco looks like a rabid puppy as we walk into the church together, arms tangled with one another so we look like a happy couple. I look at her and can only sigh.
"Arthur was so wrong." I mumble as I take a seat in the back pew, hidden from anyone who may know me. I look down towards the front pews and see long, wavy blonde hair with a bow resting on top and stand up, scraping Monaco's hands off my arms as I absent mindedly walk forward. It's like I'm under a spell as I sit behind her, the sweet lavender scent filling my nostrils. She doesn't know I'm behind her, watching closely as the wedding music begins to play.
I turn and see Anastasia walking down the aisle, she looks beautiful. Her auburn locks wavy under her long veil.
Two flower girls hold her veil as she walks. I become breathless as I see her elegance and poise, and right then and there, I can see why Russia chose her. I hear a sniffle in front of me and I turn back to Natalia, her head low as she tries to hide the tears that follow. I see Ivan and Anastasia have already said their vows during my staring at her and I notice Ivan cupping his wife's face and leaning in the passionately kiss her. Without knowing I force Natalia's chin up with one hand and cover her eyes with the other.
"You shouldn't be forced to watch this." I whisper calmly in her ear. Her warm tears sliding over my fingers as I block her view. After a few moments I see Ivan walk down the aisle with his new bride and I stand up, slinking my way out of the pew and away from Natalia. I go back to Monaco and hold my hand out to her, hoping she'll come along and not mention why I left her side. Monaco grabs my hand and she pauses as she looks towards the front. I feel eyes on my back as I try to push Monaco forwards, towards the side entrance. I know who they belong to, they burn into me like fire and I take a breath, leaving Monaco in the building.
I get into the car and wait for Monaco to come out, it feels like forever as I sit there, the hum of the engine forcing me to lose my concentration. I look at the window and see her, finally, rushing towards the car.
"What took you so long?" I ask, an irritated mood rising with my displeasure. "I had to see who you left me for." She smirks and slips into the car.
"She's a pretty little thing, but man can she be mean. She almost stabbed me when she saw us together." Monaco shivered as I pulled out.
"Let's get today over with, I'm sick of everyone." I mumble, driving as Monaco programed the GPS once more.
"Geez, I can see why Arthur said not to piss you off, you're a real grumper." She whispered to herself, but intended on me to hear it.
"Just shut up, Monaco." I sighed and kept my eyes on the road.
"You're too young to know about life like this yet. Just wait until your lover goes to war against you, see how you feel." I sigh and pull up to Russia's home, once again I park where no one else is and get out. This time I don't even bother with the pint-sized pipsqueak in the passenger side. I walk in and look around. It's not changed much since I was last here. I look at Monaco and sigh.
"What's your objective?" I look at my watch and mumble, hoping to be home by 8:00 so I can wallow in self misery at 8:10.
"You're going to stay here, I'm going to go into Ivan's office. You're going to make sure they don't come my way, understand?" She makes sure she's clear as she cuts off and hears towards Ivan's office. I nod and lean against a wall.
"All for the sake of my country…" I whisper to myself as I grab a glass of scotch from the open bar. I hand him a bill and nod, ensuring he knows to keep me liquored up tonight.
I see Ivan and Anastasia walk in, smiles upon their faces as they celebrate their union.
"I can't see why he'd ever get married." I mutter to myself and France comes next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
"Because, little boy, he's found love. Love is priceless and once you find it you're always going to want it." He whispered into my ear and I only sighed.
"Love doesn't exist." I sigh and take a sip of scotch, which makes France scoff in disbelief.
"That's not the high-spirited young man I know, what's wrong?" I look at France, deciding whether or not I tell him about the troubles I've had. I look over and see Natalia and Lithuania walk in, Ukraine is behind her with Latvia. They seem happy, and they should. I see Natalia in a form-fitting little number that exposes everything I don't want others to see.
She pulled her hair back into a simple braid and she looks over at me, a saddened look in her eyes as she walks by. France observes this and instantly knows what's wrong. He shakes his head and pecks me on the cheek.
"My boy, go say hello…everything starts there, you know." I can't help but laugh as I pick up another glass from a passing waitress. I down it in a heartbeat and cough as it burns my throat. I walk towards her, but I see Lithuania grab her hand and lead her off to the corner.
I see her softly smile towards him before she shakes her head, it almost looks like she's rejecting him for something. I see her walk out of the large hall and leave, going off to somewhere more private. I follow her, making sure she doesn't see me.
I end up losing her in the east wing hallway, but I know these rooms like the back of my hand and I walk to the third door on the right and softly knock. I wait for a moment and the door creaks open. I see her soft indigo orbs stare up at me.
"Natalia," I softly call as I try to come in. She gives into restraint and opens the door, she goes over and sits on the bed, crossing her hand over her heart and making a fist.
"What do you want?" She asks through a painful tone.
"You." I reply back, going over to grab her hand and tightly squeeze it. "I want you, Natalia. I need you in my life." She looks at me with tear-filled eyes and she can't even muster words, she only lightly slaps my chest.
"Alfred, we're over. There is nothing you can do, besides, you came here with Monaco…of all people." Natalia throws her hand up and turns her head away. I get up and I grab her wrists, forcing myself on top of her.
"Do you not see why I'm here, Natalia? I'm here because our countries are enemies and I don't want to be your enemy!" I shout at her, hoping it gets through her mind. "Monaco is digging through Ivan's files so that you and him fall!" I grab her chin and stare into her orbs. Her nails rake down my chest and I lean down and kiss her, my bottom lip roughly captures hers and I bite it hard enough to bleed.
"You've caused me so much pain, Natalia, but even so I don't want to see you hurt." I whisper into her ear before I pull back, letting go of her. "I'll give you a choice, Natalia, but only because I love you so much it hurts to be near you." Natalia looked at me, only nodding as I stood back and leaned against the mirror in her room.
"You can leave here, with me. Become my lover or whatever you want to call it, just be mine….and you will not have to worry about getting hurt and pulled into Ivan's plans, or…you can leave. Tell Ivan that Monaco is in his office and she'll be captured and possibly killed by your brother. The option is yours, but note that if you tell Ivan about Monaco…I'll will probably be captured and tortured as well."
I look at her as she sits there. I've been hard on her, and I realize it as I process that I just told her to betray her brother or kill me, someone she may have loved. She gets up, slowly walks over to me and she wraps her arms around me. She tilts her head up and captures her lips against mine and we slowly, passionately kiss.
"Alfred, I do care for you." She whispers as she pulls back, sliding back onto her bed, I follow like the lost puppy that I am and pin her to her bed. I kiss her lips, nibbling and biting as she rolls her hands up my torso, attempting to unbutton the dress shirt. I smirk and straddle her legs, licking my lips as I roll up her dress and find a blade in her garter.
"Really now?" I yank it out and open it, slicing her dress in two. She winces slightly as I nick the blade across her skin, below her breasts. She grabs the blade and glares at me.
"That dress wasn't yours to cut!" She cuts the belt around my waist and kissed her passionately.
"My date wasn't yours to threaten." I whisper into her ear, ensuring that I'll rile her up. She flips us and straddles me, her look is ice cold and I can't help but smile as I see her passion leak from her.
"The hell she wasn't! You're mine, you said so yourself. I. Do. Not. Share." She folds the blade and tosses it on the floor. She shreds the remaining portion of her dress and opens my pants before yanking them off and finding what she really wanted. I grab her arm and pull her up towards me, pushing her down to the mattress, I nibble on her ear before trailing down her neck and torso. I stop at her belly button, looking up with eyes that question whether I should dip below, she only nods and I part her legs.
I can tell she's turned on from her soaked panties and I pull them down, swirling her juices around my finger and licking it off before I dive in with my tongue. I feel her hips arch as I assault her insides, her nails roll through my hair and little moans or gasps escape her tight lips. It doesn't take long until she's rolling and bucking through an intense orgasm. I pull back and stare at her body, what was once contained and put together has exploded with passion. Her hair's a mess as she lies on the pillows, pale-ivory skin burns hot and smells of sweet sweat.
I kiss my way up her body before loosening my tie and pulling my shirt off. I stand up and slip out of my pants, leaving only my socks on. I can see she doesn't want to wait as she grabs my hand and yanks my down again. I line myself up with her and slowly slide into her. The feeling is all too welcoming and I moan into her neck.
"Natalia," I call gently as I begin bucking my hips. Her breathing is irregular as she tries to meet my thrusts. I position myself and begin hitting her sweet spot, which makes her cry out loudly. I smirk as I think of someone barging in on us. I can tell she's close, she never last long when she's with me, I feel her tighten and loosen only to tighten up again.
"Turn over." I whisper into her ear as I pull out and lightly smack her ass, causing her to look back at me. I wink, then violently thrust into her, making her call out and shift her hips. I roll my hips into her ass for a good few minutes before I do several long and painfully slow strokes.
"Natalia, I'm going to-" I whisper and thrust deeper than before into her. I can see her body quiver as my nails dig into her ivory skin. I pull out and lie next to her, my breathing heavy and heart pounding. I look at Natalia as she lies her head on my chest.
"I love you with all of my heart, Alfred." She kisses my cheek and I close my eyes, falling asleep well into the night.
(So this is kinda more than a one shot, I just had an idea. I'm really sorry about the spelling mistakes on the first two chapters, I'm going to copy them down and edit them. Thanks for reading the story and I hope you like where this goes.)