A/N: Sorry for the delay, here we are. This chapter is filler …. kinda... Scotland and Russia interact again.

To Answer theworldofhetalia question on how I felt about the whole independence thing; if you knew me from my tumblr then you might have been aware that I was strongly against Independence. I don't want to start debates as this isn't the time and place for it but I was pleased with the results but it's strange that its over.

"Temporary happiness can cause lifelong pain"

~ Sonny Long

The news has gotten out about the engagement and everyone was pretty cool about it. Scotland's brothers were proud of him for coming out to them about the whole ideal, even England who tried to pretend he didn't care. France had Prussia and Spain, who were strangely indifferent and knew about the whole thing to begin with. However, Scotland found out something about Prussia that should have been obvious before. Prussia had never quite gotten over his last relationship with France, this is apparently the reason why he is dating Canada, to get on France's good side.

Now this was just needless gossip he heard from a few people close to the trio but France remained oblivious to any of this. Scotland was going to keep a special eye on him but now the referendum was in a few days. Scotland had to relax. The YES campaign had been working really hard and were very voicy so surely the No Thanks campaign had no chance...right?

Scotland had decided to take it easy right now. Being sure that he would get his independence, he decided to spend as much time with France because no matter what the outcome was, he would be spending a lot of time in Westminster when he got home from Paris at the end of the week so he needed to see as much of France while he was with him.

So he decided to do some mini celebrations alone with Francis. France wanted a big celebration with all of their friends but right now... dinner. Scotland wanted to be able to sit in public and have a quiet dinner and then go home for some sex if they were up for it.

Scotland picked some classy restaurant and made a quick reservation before heading down. Sitting in public with someone your loved was a great feeling for both of them but he could tell it was true for France, he was absolutely glowing and radiant. Scotland loved him and felt happy when he saw him like that. Equally, France loved seeing Scotland so relaxed and happy. He seriously was a handsome man when he wasn't stressing all over the place but France understood why he was so stressed out all the time.

They were sitting inside a lovely little restaurant. Scotland had wanted to try all the French food that was on the menu so they ended up ordering everything. It was all going really well...

Until Scotland saw someone at the corner of his eye heading inside the restaurant.

"Shite..." A mutter came from Scotland as he saw Russia head in on his own. How peculiar... Russia didn't have China or one of his sisters with him. France turned around to see Russia, which made him smile.

"Quoi?" France asked Scotland.

"It's Ivan..." Scotland muttered before taking his eyes back to France, "More of the "Independance is overated" bullshite he sprouts out,"

"Oh shush Alaistair... he means well," France said back with sincerity, "He's misunderstood for someone of his age and well being. He just needs someone to love,"

"Hmph," It was strange. France found good in everyone while Scotland was bitter and cold to most. Francis knew all the bad things that Russia had done and could see the angry and bitterness that Scotland held inside of him but he found goodness in both. It wasn't naivety. France knew who his enemies were and wouldn't back down from a fight when it was needed but there was beauty to everyone. If we focused on people's flaws then the world would be a ugly place.

Russia noticed them. He had heard about the news and he was feeling down about it. He liked France a lot and it was a bit upsetting to hear about it. He didn't have that many friends around because people were scared of him or thought he was some kind of commie. Granted, France is scared of him but was still somewhat nice. He felt that Scotland wasn't that grateful for him but it was all about to change. Soon, everything would change.

But enough about that, after getting seated and ordered, he went over to go and talk to the couple.

"Ah, private comrades," He put on the cute smile that could tare through someone's heart.

"Salute Russie," France smiled, "You enjoying the French culture, non?"

"Very much, very beautiful," Russia said and it made France smile. Damn the bastard and his cute smile, damn France for being proud.

"Excuse me," Scotland interrupted the chit chat, "I think we need to go Francis,"

"Ah Scotland," Russia smiled, "How's the independence going?" He asked him.

"Great, Yes champagne are ahead," Scotland quickly added as he was getting up to put his jacket on, calling a waiter over for the bill.

"I hear the No voters are many but quiet due to fear and intimidation," Russia quickly put back to him with that same cute smile.

"That's all scaremongering," Scotland shot back, "The No Thanks campaign are just as bad. Everyone is just as biased,"

"Independence is a big mistake, Scotland," He put back to him in which Scotland shook his head.

"And you have said this to me a few times right now and it hasn't changed my mind," Scotland got the money out before looking at France, "Come on Franny, we're leaving,"

"Franny?" France laughed getting up, "Mon amour, you've never called me this before,"

"Well I am now," Scotland chuckled as France got up to follow, "Thank for yer... insightful words Russia. I'll be sure to take 'em into mind next time,"

Russia caught onto the sarcasm and left them alone. Scotland and France went over to pay for the meal before heading out. When they did, Scotland was hit softly by France on the shoulder. Scotland chuckled.

"Oi!" Scotland chuckled, "Fit was that for?"

"You!" France looked at him, "Your attitude towards other nations,"

"Hey. I don't like people telling me those kinda things," Scotland shrugged, "I've had enough of England doing it,"

"You are unbelievable," France grabbed his arm and resting his head on his shoulder, "We should have an engagement party soon,"

"That would be nice..." Scotland wasn't exactly sociable but he was willing to make France happy at least, "Does England have to come?"

France chuckled, "As much as he is the thorn on my side, we have to invite our precious Angleterre,"

"Fuck," Scotland chuckled, "Ah well 'en, as long as we invite my other brothers, there'll be no problem,"

For the first time, Scotland was focused on something else other than Independence. He was happy, content and didn't think anything would change. He never anticipated the change that could and did happen.

A/N: Yeah. This chapter kinda sucked and is kinda short but the next chapter is where things get interesting. Sorry for the slow start.