I had a Denmark/Norway chapter, but after reading over it, I didn't like it, so I had to skip them. Oh well, I'll save it for another story.

…

The melodic burst of trumpets sounded, an aerial view of luscious green terrain, then finally, the deep male voice.

"Welcome to Europe, a continent rich in history, culture, and art. In this episode, we'll explore the vital regions of the once great empire, Prussia. Here you see-"

RIING!

The sudden shriek made you jump. You gritted your teeth and turned up the volume. Not today. You were not going to miss another minute of History and Culture of Europe. Even if the entire continent of South America was declaring war on you, you weren't going to pause the show.

You tuned out the five minute phone ringings until there was only the audio of your TV. Ah, peace at last. You plopped your feet up on the coffee table, letting your eyes rest on the regions of Prussia.

It was a perfect day. Until the phone, there wasn't any interruptions keeping you from your program. The weather was squelchy, the perfect conditions to spend a relaxing day inside. You could stay like this forever…

Bzzzt!

Your pocket buzzed intensely. You squinted at the TV. Nothing else was going to avert your attention. You had waited too long.

Your open laptop dinged, signaling an email. You pushed the volume up another notch. Nothing was going on, it was a serene afternoon. Only your program was worthy of your thoughts.

As if sensing you were at the end of your rope, all possible communication devices sprang to life. The various buzzes and dings blocked out any concentration. You punched the pause button, then pulled out your cellphone, resisting crushing it to dust.

"What is so important that you very rudely interrupt me from-"

"(name)."

You held your breath. The recognition dripped into your brain, making all of the blood fall from your face.

"Oh, boss! I'm sorry, I am just, um, occupied with something. I've been getting inane calls all week and-"

"Yes, yes, alright. I am calling for a purpose. Turn to Channel Four."

You furrowed your brows.

"Um, I can't…"

"You must. Now."

The tone of their voice told you further objections would be useless. You sighed, memorized where you were on History and Culture of Europe, then turned to the main source. Channel Four was playing the world news. Currently, they were broadcasting a daring kitten rescue in Japan. You rubbed your forehead.

"Boss, I really don't-"

"Just wait, they're going to play it."

You slumped back into the couch, watching a clip of a small cat over and over. Is this what your boss had to talk to you about? Finally, the reporter switched to a different story, after going "aww" for the fortieth time. They cleared their throat.

"In other events around the world, there has been a surprising amount of talk of alliances in Europe."

You cocked an eyebrow. This was interesting.

"The first of the European countries to file for a bond was Switzerland. This shocked many, especially the country's neighbors, as the nation has not offered any partnerships in decades. The Swiss Federal Council has not yet released the cause for the sudden alliance."

You bit your lip. Switzerland had mentioned an alliance briefly to you, but you didn't think he'd actually follow through with it. The reporter had left out the other end of the alliance though. Maybe it wasn't you. Your boss remained mute on the other end. You reverted back to the TV.

"Another announcement certainly shook the public this week. David Cameron, prime minister of the U.K., proclaimed that he and Parliament were in the process of approving another alliance. From what he and other member of government said, it appears that the alliance was in positive favor."

England was another country you had visited. There was a suspicious pattern going, but the reporter left out the receiver of these alliances. They continued.

"Another prominent event has been happening between Italy, Denmark, and Norway's diplomats. They have been seen exchanging harsh chats, which is unusual for the mellow behaved officials. It is uncertain what could've cause these rough relations, but it has been spilled that the three nations have had their sights set on similar alliances."

You stared blankly. Now you were almost certain this revolved around you, but nothing of your country had been mentioned. As you were about to question your boss, the reporter continued.

"Lastly, and probably the most appalling, a meeting between Greece and Turkey was scheduled yesterday. There was an odd time of peace between the two countries, and that seemed to last into the meeting. The exiting diplomats said very little, except that they had come to an agreement about a different country.

"As you may have noticed, I have been leaving out the opposite end of these alliances. That is because they are all centered around the same nation;"

You gasped. Your name was uttered from the reporter's lips, confirming all of your beliefs. They looked intently into the camera.

"We are waiting to hear more on these stories. For now, nothing is confirmed as we have heard nothing from the attention grabbing country's leader."

You shut off the TV, leaning into your cellphone.

"Boss, is this true? Have all of these countries contacted you?"

There was muffled shuffling from the other line.

"Why do you sound so surprised? Wasn't this your doing?"

"No!" you exclaimed.

"Once everyone finds out they had the same intentions toward me, they'll be-be…war!"

You got up and paced, clutching the phone tightly. Your boss sighed deeply.

"Well, It sounds like we can't keep a neutral stance anymore."

You rested your head against the wall, closing your eyes.

"I'm going to have to choose one person, and then hurt everyone else. There's no easy way out of this."

"Or you could choose no one and try to keep these ever going hostilities."

You glanced back over to the DvD case of History and Culture of Europe. In front of you there was the variety of the continent to choose from. It was clear to you now, their intentions. Your boss was obviously delighted about all the positive light shed on your country. You had a feeling more like being a prize.

It wasn't like you didn't return their feelings, but there were nine men who liked you. Nine! They were all so different, they couldn't be compared in just one way. You didn't have a lot of time to think about this, and this was one of this biggest decisions you'd ever have to make! Which country did you like? No, which country were you in love with?

You took a deep breath.

"No, I have to choose one. For now…try to delay the alliances. Make up excuses, say we're not in the position now, whatever. I need time to think about this, before the whirlwind meetings next month."

There was a thoughtful pause. You could hear your boss tidying papers.

"Fine, (name). I will do what I can, but I advise you, there isn't a lot of time to make your decision. Try to…keep our country and safety in mind. These are all formidable choices. Whoever you pick, I trust your judgment."

You raised your eyebrows.

"Wow boss, I-I-"

"Yes, yes, one time sympathy only. Maybe this "freedom" you talk about isn't such a bad idea, if you can wheedle your way into these partnerships. Talk to you later, (name)."

The other line beeped. You groaned and rubbed your forehead. This month was going to be a mess. All the ranting calls you'd be getting…you'd never get to finish History and Culture of Europe! How were you going to find out about your future ally?

…

There it is! I'm sort of continuing this series, but with stand alones with a single character. You actually get to...*dramatic pause* hook up with them in end! One of those should be out soon, if I don't get too distracted by the internet. Thanks for reading!