I don't know if Russia planned on doing this or not, but it's happening. America and I are sitting alone each on one side of a booth, a basket of pommes frites (or French fries) pushed in the center of the table. For some reason, Hungary was insistent we all came back to Prussia, and one day after my hospital release, here we are. (I tore through the History textbook, and it's close by.) Hungary and Russia are in the bathrooms. I'm sure they coordinated this so I'd be alone with America.

Probably just testing, setting their limits, waiting to see what happens.

"So," I say, glancing around.

"So."

"You used to be a lot more talkative," I say.

America looks at me. "What?"

"Nothing." I grab a fry. "So," I repeat.

He takes a deep breath. "Hey, look. I- I'm thinking about asking Belarus to back off," America says, trying to sound casual.

"W-why?"

"Well, because, like, you took the car for me and everything. And of course you didn't die or anything, but, um... maybe. I don't know."

"So you forgive me?"

He shakes his head once. "What you did was wrong."

"Shoving you out of the way?"

"No, before that." He closes his eyes. "I thought, when the war was finally over, 'Oh, look. Secnod world war, we can relax.' But then you invaded me."

"I know," I say. "I'm sorry."

"It's... it's not okay," America says. "But I'm not exactly mad anymore."

I hear the sadness in his voice. I stand up. "You're right."

He looks up, surprised.

"It's not okay. I really get that. I really understand, more than you know, America. And trust me- I know it's not okay to have to deal with the consequences of other people's actions. I swear I'm not being sarcastic or whatever. And I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." My voice trembles on the last word. "Ja."

America's quiet for a second, then he smiles. "Prussia, you're pretty fucking awesome."

For the second time, I see my house.

"Ooh!" Hungary squeals. "I call the guest room with the really big window!"

"Nyet," Russia says. "I was going to call that one." You know it's bad when your guests know your house better than you do.

"Sorry, it's mine!" Hungary says, and I have a sudden memory of how she used to act when we were little, all bitchy and smart but funny and strong, too. Back when she thought she was a guy, heh.

"I'm going to call Belarus," America says. "Shut up, you guys."

We sit on some of the huge couches I have, Hungary and I on one, Russia and America on the other. It's night outside, the sky dark, so I have all the lights on, and Hungary rests her head against my shoulder. Normally I would push her off, but I can tell it's a sign of friendship and not love, plus everything is so chaotic right now.

"I'll put it on speaker, but you all better not dare say anything or I'll shank you with a pencil."

I throw up my hands. "Ja, ja, alright."

"Hey, Belarus," America says.

"Oh. Hello."

"So, about the war with Prussia..."

"What?" she barks.

"Chill out," America says. "I was just thinking, maybe you should call it off."

Belarus pauses, disbelieving. "But he broke it, America! You idioooot!" Hungary jolts her head away from my shoulder, startled by the blood-chilling scream. Russia winces.

"I know!" America growls. "I know. But in his defense, why is it so wrong for him to visit Russia?"

"Oh, you poor, poor child." Belarus' voice takes on a sweet, creepy tone. "Didn't you hear, darling?"

I look over at Hungary, and she shrugs, mystified.

"Hear about what?" America asks.

"It doesn't matter if you attack Prussia or not- Nii-san is going to hurt him, too!"

It takes me a second to realize what she's saying, but- "What?" Russia and I scream at the same time.

"They were listening?" Belarus shrieks. "America, you bastard!" She hangs up.

America stares at Russia and me. "You guys..."

Hungary coughs, shocked. "Russia, you didn't say anything about this."

"She's lying, right!" I exclaim.

Russia shakes his head. "My God. How did she hear?"

"Hear?" America asks. "You mean it's true? Russia, that's pretty... low."

I spin to Russia. "You lied to me."

"Nyet, Prussia, you see-"

"YOU LIED TO ME!" I shout. "You knew I didn't have a clue about anything. And you lied! You never told me you were planning to attack me! You said you would tell me everything! I mean, yeah, of course you didn't tell me, but when you heard what happened to me, you should have. So call it off!"

"Russia!" Hungary says. "I thought we agreed to tell Prussia everything."

America's eyes dart around. "What? What do you mean?"

"Okay, fine," Russia says coldly. "Go on, Hungary. Tell him about Ukraine. Tell him why you think she's such a whore."

"Oh my God!" Hungary screams. "You did not just say that, Russia! Shut up!"

"You're the one who brought it up earlier, da? Remember?"

Hungary's crying now. "No, I didn't mean- I thought that after she..."

America and I are totally lost. Everyone is, for different reasons, until the doorbell rings.

I walk to the front door and answer, leaving the other three nations arguing in the living room. "Hallo."

"Hallo, Prussia." Standing there, smiling, is Stefan. I should have checked to see who it was before I opened the door. "I'm guessing now isn't the best time."

"Nein, not really," I say. "Sorry, I'm awfully busy, and-"

He laughs and grabs me by the wrist. "Too bad, we can't let Russia see me. Let's go."