III - Arbat: According to Plan
[Арбат: всё идёт согласно плану]

"A-aahn!" Maddie burst through the massive, ornate restaurant doors and almost broke them off their hinges. She huffed and puffed as she reached for the table; her large, red messenger bag violently crashing into her hip behind her. Her hair was a sad mess: multiple strands of blonde were poking out from all different angles.

The surface rocked against the wall when the clumsy young girl reached over and grasped Anya's hands together. "I'm so sorry! Amelia made me stay and read her a bedtime story… she insisted, so I had to book a later flight. Eh..." she blushed, realizing how ridiculous she must have sounded, but it was not out of the ordinary in her everyday routine. At 7pm, it was time to fold the laundry. At 8, it was time to do the dishes. 10 o'clock was reserved for Amelia's bedtime story. It was lights out by 10:30.

Anya smiled slightly. It was, of course, a bit strange and unexpected to hear that, but she decided not to ask for any additional details and ignored the confession. "Um, don't worry… I'm glad you could fly here. Don't be sorry. T-take a seat…" She gestured to the chair before her.

Peering eyes watched the two, suppressing a few chuckles when the little blonde struggled with her speech in between shallow pants. "It was a long flight, but I'll live..." Maddie dove her hand into her bag, pulling out a small, delicate box wrapped in clear red wrapping paper. It was thoughtfully wrapped and tied with white ribbon, decorated with a modest bow. "As I promised, Russia-san… these are for you!" She held the gift out to the Russian, who now covered her mouth with her hands.

"A-aww, thank you! I appreciate your efforts!" Anya gingerly reached for the package of sweets and placed it on the table beside her. Now, all of her attention turned to Maddie's moving bag as the fabric stretched and rose in different directions.

The girl placed the large tote down in between her legs on the ground below, making a soft but heavy thumping sound. Without missing a beat, her little white bear, Kumajirou, poked his head out from the confines of the leather, gasping for his first hit of fresh air in hours.

"It's so hot!" The bear exclaimed, pushing himself up with his tiny little paws. Normally, he wouldn't be crammed into a bag for a long flight across the world, but would take a seat on the plane, making sure to fasten his seat belt just like everyone else. As he collected himself, he lifted his chin to look up to his owner with a blank stare. "Wh… Who are you?"

"I… I… I'm Canada. I haven't changed one bit, you know..." A little sigh escaped her lips as she dejectedly hung her head. The little bear had some nerve!

"Waah! Is that you, Kumajirou?! I have not seen you for such a long time!" The taller, more pale girl shrieked with excitement, clasping her hands together. She was crazy in love with her guest's little companion. He seemed so sweet and funny, and Anya always had a knack for such cute things. Of course, if she so wished, she could buy herself a pet, but would have no time to care for it.

Anya leaned forward, her silky, long gray hair cascading over her one shoulder as she smiled broadly. "I so want to give you a hug! Can I?!"

Maddie half-heartedly extended a palm. "But he doesn't usually -"

"I love hugs!" Kumajirou joyously squealed, leaping into Russian girl's open arms.

"Oh, wow!" His owner entwined her fingers together against her lips as she gasped. "The little guy is just so happy! He's never like this."

"Aah~ I love it!" Anya hugged the bear again and nuzzled into his fluffiness. Burying her nose into the thick fur on his head, she began to rub her fingers along the soft, somewhat sticky pads of his paw, making small circle designs. "You will stay with me forever, right?"

The little bear squirmed uncontrollably as he gave Anya a few well-placed whacks, trying to break free of her grasp. But she held on so tightly, so desperately, he couldn't help but scream. "Ahahahaha! Nooo!"

"Why? I'll take care of you like no one else can!" With a free hand, she gently stroked and patted his head.

"Kumajirou-san, that's so rude!" Maddie snapped, straining as she raised her voice. Kumajirou failed to listen and now slammed his paws against the Russian's forearm, attempting to push his frame out of her strong hold. Shaking her head, the pigtailed girl unraveled the lavender silk handkerchief wrapped around her silverware, strategically placing it on her lap to cover her skirt completely. "I'm sorry, he woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. The poor little guy was tossing and turning all night."

"Don't worry, everything's fine. Once again, thank you for finding the time to come see me," Calmer, Anya finally averted her attention to something more fitting. "Mm, then, I propose to start with something to drink. Михаил*!"

"Huh..?" Maddie's attention turned to a mysterious shrouded figure approaching the three. A rather tall, dark haired waiter clad in a neat and carefully pressed suit now stood at the foot of the table, awaiting the newly arrived guests' drink selections. The Canadian was delightfully surprised at such prompt service.

Ordering her standard mint tea and her favorite delicious Italian pastry, the tiramisu, Anya graciously handed her menu to the waiter. Maddie soon followed, simply requesting a sweetened iced tea with a hint of lemon. The smaller nation gave the handsome man a subtle nod when he reverberated their orders back to them without missing a beat.

Once the waiter took leave, Anya leaned her elbows against the table, cupping the soft skin of her face with her left hand and, with the other, rolled one of the glass balls from the center with a lone fingertip. She always indulged in such habits whenever she found herself worried or nervous. "Can I ask you something?"

"Y-yes, of course!" Maddie sat up straight, pressing her shoulders back into the hard wooden chair.

"Since you came here, it would be beneficial to talk some business..." Anya abruptly drove the ball to a quick stop and continued to smile, despite the more serious situation at hand.

Her guest bit the corner of her lip and tapped her fingers against the side of her thigh. She had to admit, whenever Russia uttered the word 'business', it always sounded so intimidating. She almost wanted to run the other way. "Oh...? What do you mean?"

"Well," Anya started slowly, "...maybe we can agree on a few contacts? I have a bit of interest in your precious stones and metals. In return, I offer you my reliable ground transport. You now deliver such goods to the US, right? I can offer you a much lower price for these services…"

Maddie shifted in her seat. It was painfully apparent to Anya that she felt at least somewhat uncomfortable. Unfolding her legs, the elegant Russian girl let out a little chuckle. "Sorry to overload you with such affairs during such a lovely moment."

"N-no, it's okay.. I'm just not so sure. As irritating as Amelia can be, I still have a pretty good contract with her," Bringing her hand up to brush a few stands out of her face, Maddie squinted her eyes when she thought about the situation deeper. "D-don't get the wrong idea! My boss thinks it's a good idea..."

It came almost as a blessing to Maddie when the same waiter returned to their table. The two stayed silent as the gentleman set down a cup of fragrant and hot mint tea for Anya along with a large piece of the decadent chocolate dessert. Maddie's eyes continued to focus on the glass spheres in the center of the table as the waiter set her iced tea before her under a white napkin. The sun shone through Maddie's glass, the light penetrating the ice cubes to make tiny, fragmented designs on the wood below.

"Спасибо, Миша,*" Anya smiled, placing a generous tip in his hand.

"Y-y-yes! Thank you!" The Canadian gasped. She shook her head and brought herself back to earth.

"Благодарю Вас, приятного аппетита.*" The waiter bowed with extreme gratitude and left them quickly, allowing the other staff to wait on more tables.

Stirring any undissolved sugar, Anya grabbed the teacup by the handle and lifted it to her lips, taking in the fresh, crisp smell of the mint leaves. She took a modest sip before she started again. "I'm sorry again...How are things at home? ...Nothing to be worried about?"

Maddie pinched the lemon wedge between two fingers, making sure to cover them with a cupped hand as she squeezed out any juice in the slice. "It's getting better. We are still recovering from the storm, people are now returning to their homes to see what damage has been done." She stopped and looked up slowly, a light violet meeting a much dark, somber purple. "- Ah, b-but with the help of EMERCOM**, we have been able to at least keep them fed and clothed. Unfortunately, there were 7 casualties reported, but we thought the numbers would be much higher."

"I'm glad we were able to help you, if at least a little bit. I once again express by dear condolences," her host drank some more tea, a deep breath soon following. "How are your relationships with the family?"

"A-ah, well…" The violet-eyed blonde looked down at the lavender handkerchief in her lap, resting her neatly manicured hands on top of the soft silk fabric. "I haven't spoken to England-san in a while, and Mr. France… well… things are looking better for us**. I invited him to Montreal, but then the storm hit…"

"It's always good to 'kiss and make up' of sort. Well, I'm glad!" With that, her usual smile faded. She put the spoon down with a clatter on the table. "Now, additional chatter aside, I'd like some words with you," Anya crossed her fingers. Her face suddenly turned serious and she fell silent. In a little guilty voice, she said, "In fact, I invited you for a different reason, I'm sorry. I have long needed an excuse to meet up with you. Look, just… I cannot talk to her in person right now. I'm afraid that her quick temper will cause a disaster. Our talks have stalled…"

The Russian took a couple of sips of her tea and, after a short pause, she continued. "Everyone is looking for support, including myself. But I at least hope you will take a neutral stance. I understand that you would like to be at America's side, but listen. No matter which side you choose, it won't be profitable for your people. It's not worth the money for you. I will be eternally grateful if you refuse to participate in this, you know?"

"L-let's not make any rash decisions, now!" The Canadian girl laughed nervously and adjusted the frames resting on her nose. "It's not l-like I… I… agree with America or anything like that,"

Kumajirou's eyes flickered, watching his bashful naïve owner tense up with fear. Something felt different this time. He smelled something foul in the air. But there was no need to fret: the feel of Anya's embrace was soothing, and, contrary to popular belief, her touch was very warm. It was probably the safest place to be in the world right now. No one dared to test a powerful nation such as her. He cooed quietly and peacefully when she ran her hand through that distinct patch of fur on his head.

Maddie looked away from her beloved companion, careful not to lock eyes with him. "Well, uh, she's my sister and all…"

"Sometimes there are moments where you have to cast your feelings aside. Those who cannot sacrifice something dear to them will never be able to become stronger and survive. It's the law." Her gaze fell downward and, with a saddened expression, began to pick at her tiramisu with a teaspoon.

As the words escaped the nation's lips, her guest felt her blood surge through her as she gathered the rough fabric of her leaf-printed skirt with tight fists. A rugged "tch" escaped her lips - slanted, bitter, deep purple eyes fixating on a set of swaying curtains across the room. Maddie fell silent, careful not to make any sudden interjections or actions. She quivered slightly, biting the inside of her lip hard until it bled.

"But what if she hurts me?" Her voice quivered as tried in all her might to hold herself together, but it was no use. Unprovoked, the big-hearted girl's eyes welled up with tears and she hung her head heavily. "What are you planning to do, Russia-san?!"

"Nothing radical, but there's not much time," Anya licked the chocolate stuck to her spoon, and picked up a small piece of the dessert, eating it with relish. "When this all began, I tried to hold diplomatic talks, but now I need your help." She sighed and, eating another piece, she continued. "You do not have to succumb to the ill-advised decisions of Amelia. The most important thing for you to do is to use some common sense and not be blinded by your feelings."

"It's too early for all of this, don't you think? I'm sorry, my head hurts.."

"No. This is the best option right now," she calmly observed her guest. "or do you have any other suggestions?"

"I don't know…" Maddie whispered hoarsely as Anya continued to speak only to fall on deaf ears.

It was all Maddie could take. She jumped up from her chair and slammed her fists down on the table, chopping it in half almost instantly. The force was incredible, and it was a shock that she possessed such a hidden strength. "I just don't know, OK?! Why must you insist?!" More tears formed in the corners of her eyes. She picked up her bag and threw it over her shoulder, taking no moment to stand by any longer.

"'Why'? Because it is necessary." She brushed off the debris from the table that coated her lap. "I just wanted to negotiate, or are you against it?" Anya gave her a very cold and serious look. She believed in Maddie, but apparently her feelings for her sister were stronger than she hoped.

"No, just no more. P-please…" Streams of tears ran down her flushed cheeks, completely oblivious to the fact that she just destroyed personal foreign property. She sniffled as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. The girl felt so frustrated and just wanted to run away back to her rather isolated continent. As empty as the restaurant was, she still felt the eyes of everyone in the room.

"Of course. I do not want any serious losses," Anya took a deep breath, trying not to lose it. "Okay, if we stay here a little longer, the consequences could be dire. I suggest a change of scenery."

"O-okay, let's talk about this later, p-please," Maddie finally stepped back and took a glance at her hands. Were they bleeding? It sure did hurt enough for them to...

She looked back up at her host and the little bear, who now clung onto Russia for dear life. It startled them both for sure. She remembered the outburst was not in her nature, especially in the presence of such an intimidating superpower. Collecting herself, Maddie pushed her chair in towards the shattered table politely, as if order and presentation meant anything.

"I think we should talk in a more informal setting," Anya stood and swooped Kumajirou up in her arms. Shaking off her coat, she gently said, "I invite you to my home."

"Thank… you. Or, how do you say it, 'спасибо'..?" The Russian was sloppy and mangled with typical English-sounding hard consonants, but it was the best she could do. Maddie flung her fluffy, snow-white fur coat over her arm without thinking. She paid no attention- her wayward emotions still clouded her judgment. She even forgot all about Kumajirou, who now found a cozy refuge in Anya's little brown satchel.

Anya smiled and patted the head of the little bear who occupied her purse. "Well then, let's go."

She carefully stepped over the wreckage, making sure not to forget Maddie's gift, and flicked two fingers, beckoning the waiter from before. "I'll pay for it, don't worry. Send me the bill tonight. And you…" she turned to the Canadian. "... next time, warn me before you start destroying things."

Anya's tone made her cringe in fear. "I-I'm s-so sorry! I really didn't mean to…" Maddie turned her head away from the two, a wicked grin creeping across her face. It was a nice save - maybe she had this in her all along.

Twirling on the ball of her foot, the Canadian laced her fingers together behind her back and bent forward. Her expression was much softer and more cheerful than moments before. "Send the bill to my parliament, please. I-I acted carelessly, please forgive me..."

"No. In the future, keep your feelings to yourself." She was lost in thought and scratched her head. "Go ahead. I'll catch up with you."

With a nod of her head, she continued through the restaurant and through the doors. Once outside in the concourse, the blonde flung off her glasses, throwing them in her bag. They were so strong...she couldn't see anything with those on!

The tiny girl stepped out into the large hallway just outside the restaurant, not taking note of the exotic, lush green plants on either side of the doorway. In a mindless daze, she reached for her most treasured item, her smartphone (of course), and hurriedly dialed some familiar numbers to wait for the 3 usual rings. After the third, she heard a loud click, and the voice of a young man, not a day older than 30, could be heard on the other end.

"Well, what have you found out?" The voice said flatly.

The exhausted blonde threw herself over the dark, metal railing and hugged the metal bars loosely. "Ugh! This is sooooooooooo boring! When can I come home?" She looked at the droves of people below, watching them casually walked through the large corridor of the shopping mall. A certain few pushing baby strollers filtered into a bright-colored children's store across the way.

"You can't just yet, Ms. Jones!" The man interjected. "You know what the big guy would say. You can't bail now!"

"But this totally sucks! I just want to bash the retard's face in!" Amelia shouted, giving herself more attention than she bargained for when some of the disturbed shoppers looked up to find the source of the banter. "Do you know she's saying so much shit about me?!" She almost threw herself off the ledge.

Her superior let out a labored sigh, breathing into the receiver with muffled static. it was nothing new - the same old America. Whenever fired up, she never refrained from such passionate, improper speech. "I bet, but the feelings are mutual. You should know this. Anyway, what are they saying to Canada?"

"All this stuff about not listening to me and blah blah blah… or staying out of it, which you know is sooo Maddie."

"...which is what we expected. Wonderful job, Ms. Jones. When you can, please type up a daily report for us when you get there, OK?"

The American threw down her fist, hitting the cold, resistant metal in anger. "Aww man, seriously? I gotta do all this work and THEN some? You guys really suck! What are you, on another shutdown again?!"

There was a short pause. Her assistant boss tried to find the words, SIMPLE words, to best explain it to her in a way that she would understand. As he gathered his thoughts, he breathed into the phone. "Th-that's -"

"... Whatever, I'll see ya later. And don't forget - you owe me that 20 bucks from the game last night!"

"What?! But, hey, they lost! You owe -"

With a long, slow exhale, she tapped her finger against the screen to end the call. To Amelia, this was all so tiring. She just wanted to go home, lie in bed, grab a bag of Doritos and pig out during a good episode of Law and Order. You know, where you could watch professional detectives find and round up all the bad guys, and the city was saved once again from a creepy rapist or killer. The show must have gotten their ideas from watching her in action, right?!

RIGHT?!

Ahahahahahah… maybe not.

She sunk her head enough so her chin could rest against her arms. This was not exactly the heroic role she was looking for, being in a foreign country wearing some terrible Canadian clothes that maybe a moose designed. Amelia could only wish for at LEAST some stylish: maybe some badass-looking Gucci sunglasses, or at least a pair of her favorite stonewashed bootcut jeans from American Apparel. Was it so hard to ask?

As she thought, small rays of sunlight from the mall's windows above illuminated her strawberry blonde strands. She took a glance from the corner of her eye and ran her fingers through them, admiring the silkiness of Maddie's long hair. Her sister always took wonderful hair of her hair, making sure to wash and style it every day as necessary. She was always so protective it, Amelia never made sense of Maddie's ways. But she had to admit, she missed the older days when she could brush and style her younger sister's hair. Amelia would often put her hair in high ponytail pulled to the right side - something cute and simple. Maddie loved it, and would give Amelia the biggest smile and the most genuine of thanks. But those days have long gone…

- A rough patch and several dead ends. Well, that didn't feel right. Maddie always made sure to work out the kinks and tangles! Intrigued, Amelia looked down at her fingers and saw a dirty blonde curl disgracing the end of her light, poker straight hair. She recognized it: it was HER hair, sometimes unruly and hard to manage, affixed to end of these specific strands. Amelia figured she didn't have much time to carry out this mission. It was dumb of her to trust on Arthur's 'sorcery.' The disguise would fall apart in due time: she would have to hurry.

...This gaming system better be pimped out and sweet as hell.

Translations:

1. Михаил, Миша - Mikhail, equivalent of 'Michael'

2. Спасибо - Thanks

3. Благодарю Вас, приятного аппетита - Thank you, enjoy your meal

Notes:

1. EMERCOM (rus. Министерство по чрезвычайным ситуациям РФ) - Russia's Ministry of Emergencies, is an organization aimed at helping others in large-scale disasters, catastrophes, and other emergencies.

2. For many decades, Quebec was often a centerpoint of Canada-France tensions. Eventually, in October 2008, the French President for the first time will address the National Assembly of Quebec and recognized it as a Canadian territory.