Authors Note:

Just going to mention that from here on out, I'll be addressing the countries as their human names. So Russia is now Ivan, America is Alfred, etc.

Just letting you know now.

The first person Ivan decided to visit was Alfred. Yeah, not the best decision he ever made, but it was a start. The others would have to wait and he, for some reason, believed Alfred would be more understanding. So wrong.

He hadn't been to the United States for a while now. It's not like he had any valid reason to visit in the past. Alfred and him weren't exactly on good terms.

That day was a sunny one. The sky was clear and birds flew above his head as Ivan walked down the streets of New York City. It was odd to be surrounded by so many people, and by so many loud noises. Everywhere he looked there was life. Even the building seemed alive as the honking of the car horns rebounded off its tall surface. Ah, the atmosphere warmed his heart. It was certainly a sight to behold.

After making his way through the crowded streets, he reached the apartment building in which the American stayed in his two bedroom complex. The Russian walked up the steps and stared face to face with the door. Its new painted wood stared back at him as if silently beckoning him to hurry up and know. That's exactly what Ivan did.

Knock Knock

Ivan stood awkwardly as he awaited for Alfred to open the door. Whether he would answer him or not was still a mystery. He couldn't predict anything with the American. Suddenly, the faint sound of footsteps were heard thundering down a flight of steps. Then came a loud thud and a censored word that shall remain to the reader's imagination. After the shuffling of feet and unlatching of a lock, the door swung open to reveal a cheery looking American.

"Hey!" Alfred greeted. "What's up- Shit, it's you." He suddenly cracked the door and squinted up at Ivan. Ivan remained smiling, but faltered a bit as he did so.

"Privet, Alfred." Was the simple greeting he gave back to the narrowed eyed blonde.

"Look, I'm not here to become one with you, or do any shit like that, okay?" Alfred said in a slightly irritated tone. A cold glare passed his eyes as he continued. "So don't you dare try to hurt me. I have Mattie and Iggy on speed dial so I could holler for them whenever I need to. My seventy-two hours of playing Call of Duty ain't for nothing, you know. Not to mention my sweet as fuck Nerf Gun collection. I will have you know that I can kick your ass. Uh-huh. You heard me. I will kick that commie ass of yours so hard that you'll be be demoCRYING (stupid pun for democracy) for mercy! Hah! So you can just suck my-"

"I am not here to fight." Ivan said with an exasperated sigh. Honestly, friend or not, Alfred, if he was in a mood, would use this same exact rambling with them. "I am here to speak with you, only speak."

Alfred cocked up an eyebrow at that statement, debating whether or not to let him in. He seemingly came unarmed so what reason would he have to not let him in. "Alright... well come on in." The American said, opening the door wider and stepping out of the way. Ivan nodded his head and slowly took a step inside.

The interior of the place was, as expected, a mess. Furniture and other personal belongings seemed to fill every crook and corner. Comic books could be seen stacked along the edges of the walls that led towards what seemed like the American's bedroom, not to mention the countless video games and movies. The strong aroma of bacon and eggs filled his nostrils the more he walked inside. Alfred apparently had just eaten his morning meal.

"If you want to talk, let's talk in here." Alfred said, walking over into his living room. This room was just like the rest, very crowded. Ivan had to take his time to try not to step on his belongings which seemed to be scattered everywhere. After making his way across the room, the Russian took a seat on the couch across from Alfred. Alfred leaned back and put his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner. "What's up, dude? What do ya want to talk about?"

Ivan shifted a bit before he sighed. "I... I wanted to apologise for everything..." This caught Alfred off guard. Apologising? Not once had he ever heard of Ivan apologising.

"You... what?" Alfred said with a slight tilt of the head. Ivan expected this. Toris did say it would be hard to earn people's forgiveness.

"Da, I'm sorry..." Ivan repeated, hanging his head. "I am sorry for being so cruel and mean to you. I never meant to hurt you, Alfred. If I did, it was unintentional and I hope you can forgive me." The Russian fell quiet for a moment, unsure what to say next. Maybe he'll learn to properly apologize on the way... starting with Alfred. After a second, he said once again, "I'm sorry."

Silence. That's the reaction Ivan received. Then, the words.

"Sorry? You honestly came all this way to apologise?" Alfred exclaimed with a light laugh. Ivan froze, his eyes widened as he stared down at his lap.

"I, uh-"

"It's not that big of a deal, man. We all go through rough spots and dark times, and we all have fall-outs with those around us. It's impossible for us to not go through stuff like this. Well, maybe Japan 'cause that dude's like a perfect— The point is, things like this happen. I've had my share of bad times where I've been a total douche to people." Alfred chuckled a put a finger under Ivan's chin and lifted it up. Sapphire eyes stared into violet ones. "Keep your head up, dude! The fact that you got the guts to apologize earns automatic forgiveness from me! You faced and accepted your mistakes; not many can do that." Ivan was speechless. He never realised how caring Alfred really was. How kind he was. Maybe it was because he never got to really know Alfred... or maybe he was too blinded by his own actions and the American's gestures never reached him.

"You.." Ivan frantically searched for words to say. "Thank you.. Thank you for forgiving me, Alfred." The blonde chuckled and shrugged.

"No problem, dude! I know what it's like to do something stupid or regretful and want forgiveness. Hell, just ask Block Brows. He could tell you all you wish to know about my lame ass moves— but don't ask him. It's quite embarrassing.. Then again.." Alfred continued to ramble on with Ivan zoning out. Not once had he ever had someone treat him so nicely. Not once had anyone should him compassion such as this. Is this all because Ivan learnt to love? Is this all because of love? Suddenly, Ivan felt his vision blur as tears began to well up in his eyes unexpectedly.

"Huh?" Alfred quit his chatter as he noticed the glossiness of Ivan's violet orbs. "What's wrong? Did I say something?" The sudden teary-eyes caught the American off guard. At that moment, he thought back of every little thing and word he said but couldn't find anything that would cause the larger nation to cry.

"N-Nyet," Ivan said with a slight chuckle, ceasing Alfred's thoughts, "I am just much relieved that you said such things. You are very kind."

"Hah, I'm just doing what a hero does!" He exclaimed happily with a bright smile. "A hero is always nice to those who deserve it! Besides, you're a cool guy Ivan. Despite our events in the past, I don't really think down about you. Hey, give it here." Alfred held up his right hand in front of the Russian and kept it up. He stared at Ivan with a wide grin, hand still raised. Ivan looked up at the American's hand then back at him then back at his hand.

"A-Are you going to slap me?" He questioned, starting to cower away from the hand. Previous bosses often used the slapping punishment on him so it was only instinct for him to turn away. However, this wasn't the case. Alfred let out a light laugh and waved his hand a bit.

"Nah, bro. It's a high-five! You just lightly hit your hand on my own." He lifted his other hand and smacked it against his own, making a light clapping sound. Ivan tilted his head a bit at this new action. It was quite odd, but fitted Alfred perfectly. Slowly and hesitantly, Ivan raised his own gloved hand held it up to the level of Alfred's. Alfred chuckled and reached over to lightly tap Ivan's hand. "See? A high-five! Ah, it's something I do a lot at my place. It's somethin' you do to greet someone or just wanna cheer them up. Ah, I don't know. High-fives are just common." He shrugged as Ivan slowly lowered his hand. It was a weird feeling, yet it warmed his heart—

High-Five

Two words, two syllables

A gesture often used in a positive manner that can be used to greet others or to express happy feelings

A smile began to tug at the Russian's lips as the word processed into his mind.

"High... Five." He repeated just like how he did with 'hug'. How interesting. Who knew love could be shown in the weirdest ways. It certainly did boggle the larger nation's mind.

"Hey, why don't you hang out with me today?" Alfred offered through the silence that had begun to set out upon them. "You're already here, might as well chill for a couple hours." Ivan thought over what the American said before nodding in agreement.

"Da! I would love to.. um.. hang out." He spoke aloud the last words with an unfamiliar tone. The American just laughed lightly at the Russian's confused expression.

"Ah, you're such a dork. Wait here, I'll get you some sodas and snacks."

Hang Out

Two words, two syllables

The act of spending time with someone in a friendly manner

Love doesn't always have to be romantic, you know.