Author's Note:

This is the resolution to the last fic. People can become family. It's not only the blood relation...it's more on the time spent together.

Yup, made my entry short. GC's not here for now, a little sad to do anything.

So in honor of my friend

Warnings: Tight, 'awww-you two-would-look-great-as-a-couple' BFFs! AmeBela, Rather suffocated! Denmark, Jealous! Norway, Extra! Finland and Icy, Some cute Svestralia! ( I AM HEAVILY ADVERTISING THEM! LOLOLOLOLOL)

Heta's not ours. You should know who made it by now.

...It's Hima-Sama!

Comment. Fave. Follow. Suggest (I changed the arrangement!)

The Nordic five was whole once again and of course there was nothing more precious than their genuine smiles.

From what they've overheard, Iceland shyly suggested to go to Disneyland since France was the only country in Europe that had it and since 'Big Brother' was fluent in French then they won't get lost or get confused.

Norway was on board with it, being the try-hard big brother he was at times but Emil seemed to appreciate it in his own way.

So that meant he canceled a very important date with her.

Sweden seemed to be just as excited as Iceland and dragged Australia to come with.

Great, he could tag along and go on a very awkward date with four chaperons but at least he was already used to the eldest one.

Denmark sounded reluctant or lazy but since it came from Iceland, the least demanding of the four, it made perfect sense to give the kid a good time.

He asked America to come with but...

"Um...sorry...I-I already have something planned with...um...my family..."

America declined, leaving Denmark heart-broken.

"J-Ja, I understand. Maybe next time then...we could check Disneyland together...I-I mean...as friends..."

"Maybe...don't know."

The words stung and went straight through his heart before the American left the Dane in the hall.

He sulked around his room for hours now, trying to keep his spasms and chuckles under control.

"S-stop it!" He commented himself amidst his chorus of laughs. He sat at the corner of his hotel room, the farthest from the door. He had his hands ball patches of his hair, his knees tucked in.

"N-nej! Du stopper!" He turned his head to he side, scolding himself.

(A/N: No! You stop!)

"J-ja...U-undsklyd." He apologized to himself. Fuck, he was talking to himself again.

(Yes...Sorry.)

The Dane took deep breaths, thinking of anything but the American for the mean time but that was extremely hard.

'Hey, next time you ever get an attack...just mumble with a tune you like, make it funny though...it kinda helps with mine. You know, if you want to try it.'

"A-America?" For a split moment, he felt his tremors subside. He closed his eyes, tossing his head until it rested on the wall behind.

"Mumble."

Matthias breathed out slowly, swallowing some of his saliva before trying to make a random set of sounds that his friend said would help.

It started out a little shaky with him being unsure of what he was doing but with time and a myriad of curses and other vulgar term thrown to it, he started to find it enjoyable. He laughed softly and gave some snaps and taps on the floor until he stopped, determined to stand up.

The Dane was very slow at it like an old man or a baby trying to balance himself. Once he was successful, he inspected his frozen room. Some were even frozen to their cores that giving a small punch could break them.

"I'll fix that." Denmark laughed, checking how much he had in his wallet and his small money bag which seemed sufficient for now.

'Thanks, Al...even if ya do hate me.'

America was alone his dark room. Canada had to go help France and England with their catering gig tonight and he didn't feel like cooking or serving anybody at the moment.

'Why can't you just forgive him? Scratch that, he hasn't done anything wrong to you!'

'Oh fuck that, he killed Mr. Vi remember? He's been planning this all along.'

'You honestly think that he'd hurt you in any way? He humbles you and you humble him, sometimes you get physical but that's just how you two are.'

'Mr. Vi would never hurt you, right?'

'You don't need to be babied!'

'But rough-housing isn't respect!'

'How do you think he feels right now? Huh? He's best friend suddenly stopped talking to him.'

'...A small price to pay for losing yer first and real best friend.'

'He treats you like one of his own, he even took care of you when you were sick.'

'You've always been alone remember? You can take care of yerself.'

'You've been there for him and even if you keep thinking otherwise, he needs you...and you need him. No one ever made you feel this way and not even Mr. Vi...you love him, Al...you do.'

'But will he love a monster like you?'

"STOP IT! STOP IT!" He shouted loudly, trashing and snarling at nothing. His cheeks were wet with tears and his eyes weren't stopping any time soon.

He shoved his face deep to his pillow, wanting to mute or choke himself. The last was a better option though.

"Stop it...stop..." He pleaded to the voices but they weren't stopping soon as they continued confusing and torturing him.

"Ah...Ah..." He panted. "T-Thias...Ma...tt...Den...mar-AH!" His eyes were dark with eyes and lust and anger and despair. It was like every emotion was flooding him. They were so overwhelming that he was in physical pain.

"P-please..." He was moaning. "H-help..."

'Ya know what makes me feel better?'

Alfred froze, the pain stopping dead-cold. He looked around, desperate to locate the Dane.

'Some music. I don't care if I hum or a little vocal run or if I blast my head off with my speakers. It lets me focus on anything but having an attack.'

'But you wanna focus on him instead, right...right?'

"Shut up..." The American scolded himself briskly, before rolling across the bed to get his phone on the opposite nightstand.

"Worth a shot."

He sighed and got the earphone and blasted it to a pleasant moderate volume, humming the lyrics of 'It will Rain' by Bruno Mars. The lyrics settle the voices, his mind flashing with images of random art and choreographed dancers that suited the music.

'So far so good...' He breathed out more calmly until he received a text, momentarily ending the call.

'Hey Al, wanna go out for a drink? Don't fucking stand me up, your the only man left I think won't stand me up. Desperate. Nat.'

Al laughed coarsely, flipping to his feet and getting his good jeans.

*A LITTLE LATER*

"Are we selfish bitches?" Alfred asked before he drank a shot of whiskey.

"No..." Nat took her shot of vodka with relative ease as well. "How can we be if we let them ditch us for a few weeks so they could smile bigger than they've ever smiled when they're with us?" She said with venom.

She refilled her shot with a bottle she brought before laughing sarcastically at the American who had finished three bottles of pure, undiluted whiskey.

"...I think it's gonna be Nordic bros before... Well, you know..." America played with the rich liquid inside the shot glass before taking another shot. He closed his eyes to savor the burn. He sighed before allowing it to slide smoothly down his throat.

"...hot pieces of ass like us?" Belarus continued, getting an affirmative grin from the taller nation.

"Fuck yeah!" They toasted their shot glasses before taking them like water.

"Give me some of Van's vodka." Al reached for the bottle and filled his glass. "God, I miss vodka!" He declared before drinking it like water. "So...what do you wanna do tomorrow? Seeing as we both got stood up."

"I got stood up...you declined his most sweetest invitation yet!" Nat teased, batting her eyes.

"We are not dating!" Alfred sat up from his slouched posture. "And now that they're okay, that just means there'll be a lot more teasing from them when they see me with him and that means a lot less time with him." He let out a breath of surrender.

"Maybe I wasn't in the mood especially with Finland being a dick and screaming 'WE'RE SUCH A HAPPY FAMILY'" America mimicked his accent perfectly. "And the worst part is that he looks at me every time he does."

"God, you notice that too? That prick's been eyeing me too!" Belarus laughed loudly. "It stings 'coz I never met my parents." She quieted down, smiling down at the counter.

"I hear you, seeing them all happy as a family makes me feel like shit. Never met my dad but at least I had a lot of time with my mother before she...fuck..." America cursed under his breath, breaking the shot glass he had in his hands. "...still gets to me after all this years."

"What can we do? We're countries, we have bigger emotions..." The girl comforted her friend with a firm squeeze on the shoulder.

"I'm gonna stop the depression train right now!" Alfred grinned. "You know what's so fun with this side of the world?"

"Not needing fake IDs to drink?" Natalia smirked.

"HELLZYEAH! I mean, we can drink a lot more than those douches!" America pointed at the table of tough-looking men in their late 40s who were talking about their lives with their numerous women and how great it was to be a drug lord with ten children from four wives.

"I think I know what we should do tomorrow." Nat clicked her mouth as she looked at his friend.

"I'm all ears." Al smiled as he leaned closer to listen to her plans.

"Well...that was an exciting day, wasn't it?" Denmark, with bags of souvenirs in hand, asked calmly. He had goofy hats and glasses on and...the four even asked him to get some face paint on. He also had a lot of plastic bracelets and other whatnot that made him look like a very young dad with four over-sized children or better yet three children swapping bodies with grown man and a snarky teen.

Would it be mean if big brother asked for some space? The whole day, the four were glued to him by the hips, feeling like he was in a can of sardines. It was okay when they were still kids but now he was being huddled by very forceful men. He expected them to be more...mature, like hiking trips or fishing, though he did find those boring as well and found Disneyland ...fun.

A lot of people were staring, some smiled, some flirted, some obviously confused and stunned. The Dane couldn't blame them, seeing the huge Sweden laugh and get excited over spinning cups definitely made him raise a brow as well. But Matthias just theorized that it was just the childish things the four wanted to do with him since he was away all the time.

"It was great." Iceland smiled softly while taking licks from his ice cream. He was wearing a standard Mickey hat that Sweden glued onto him for the day. That caused a major argument until Matthias had to break up the fight.

"Ja." The Swede added with a mask glued to his face as revenge while the Aussie's fingers were locked with his while carrying the numerous things Waldy bought out of impulse.

"What do you think Nat's doing?" Norway's face was messy with smeared face-paint...now he looked like the fat woman in the beginning of Mulan with the ink-beard and wet mascara.

"She's probably seeing the sights..." Finland was the only relatively clean one with a plastic crown and a stick of cotton candy.

"Hey, we haven't had dinner yet...and I know a great place, we just have to follow their dress code." Denmark smiled as they entered the hotel they were staying at.

All of them seemed interested as they stepped into the elevator, ignorant to the stairs of the people in the main lobby.

*AN ELEVATOR RIDE LATER*~

"Collared shirts, slacks, and dress shoes. That means, no masks." The Dane ripped the glued mask completely off, making Sweden bite his lips to stop himself from screaming.

"And no hats." He yanked the hat off of Iceland's head, taking out some strands of hair. Thankfully, it wasn't his scalp that was torn off.

"Thanks for being gentle." The two remarked as they rubbed their pained areas.

Matthias just smiled before heading to his room. "Meet me in fifteen minutes." He closed the door with a not-too innocent grin.

"OH FUCK!" The four scrambled and shoved each other until they got to their doors. Neither bothered closing their doors as they rummaged through their suitcases whilst asking each other for extra clothes or gel or toothpaste.

"What the hell is going on?" The Australian broke his code of silence, leisurely taking time to pick his clothes.

"When big brother says fifteen minutes..." Sweden looked at his lover with a very fearful expression while he stripping to nothing but his black briefs. He got a smoky grey collared shirt, hurriedly popping the buttons in as soon as he got his muscular arms into the arm sleeves.

"He MEANS it." The three came in barely dressed. Iceland already had his pants on but not his orange shirt. Finland was jumping on one foot to put his socks on. Norway came in naked with only a royal purple shirt to drape over his shoulder, revealing his toned torso and regrettably something else.

"Okay then..." Jet waved the racing four off as he decided between and black and grey pinstripe or a solid sea-green, definitely taking his time.

The six men were dressed sharply and really took a moment in prepping even their hair. Denmark tousled his hair back, Norway took his hair for a short and tight pony, Sweden's hair was too short but he tried to make it look 'bed-head' worthy, while Iceland and Finland decided to go with their natural waves and so did Australia.

They headed to the edge of a huge complex, greeted by a man in a reservation booth in front of a dark staircase going up.

He had black hair that was excessively gelled back, a monocle, and a very antique butler-esque uniform. He looked up with a bored expression and dark rings around his eyes.

"Oui?" He drawled before clashing his olive eyes with the vibrant Dane's stunning blues. "M-Monsieur Køhler! How nice it is to see you again!" He smiled. "We shall find a table for you and your company shortly." He gestured the six to go up the stairs. The younger five were stunned and amazed.

"Nice to see ya too, Pierre." Denmark gave a broad grin before leading the others up the dimly lit and constrictive way.

"Don't worry the main lobby ain't small and depressin' and the entertainment's one of the best in the city! They do have an age restriction since they change their acts every night and ya can never tell if it's child-friendly or not." Matthias explained as they reached the lobby carpeted in plush red draped with the most luxurious curtains with golden and jewel-toned embroidery.

They opened the gilded doors and the music rushed to their ears. The pulled strings were full of suspense and the violins played seductively.

The place was of dark warm espresso. Chandeliers lit up the fancy room only at the center while the rest was lit in a manner reminiscent to a starry night and the floor was covered with small specks of glass that reflected and diffused the light from above. No wonder big brother asked them to wear long socks and boots, it was cold. Strings of glass crystal hang around the ceiling, reflecting most of the lights down the table. The room did not look dark at all.

"Whoa...not too shabby, mate!" Jett grinned as he pulled his Swede closer.

"Thanks...took a lot of planning and the menu's gonna be worth it, I hope." Matthias smiled though a bit nervous.

"Wait...do you own this place?" Tino looked pleasantly surprised as he scanned the walls that glowed with the beautiful murals that captured the numerous images of a good dream.

"Well...I planned out the room...I made the menu...and I get money from it...so, Ja!" He answered. "It's better for me to have a business elsewhere so I don't have to manage it all the time and stick to drawin'!"

"C'est mangifique!" The crowd cheered, gaining their attention.

There were women already applauding softly and man whistling at a sight the six would've guessed was a vixen of a woman.

They could see people form a circle around the performers.

Strange, no one ever gets riled up for a performance before.

The family of brothers made their way to the round table that was in the best position to watch whatever was going on.

Roxanne

You don't have to put on that red light

They were dancers, go figure. A small girl had tousled bed hair of shimmering moonstone and a see-through baby doll shirt of mesmerizing black. Her lacy undergarments were of midnight blue and her legs were accentuated by fishnets and here eyes were covered with a black masquerade mask.

She was lifted, her body bending down to the earth, by a young man with lazily fixed hair of rich strawberry gold and a defiant curl sticking up from the beautiful mess. His beautiful torso was fair but warm, showcased by his open white shirt. His black slacks completed his sexy look.

Neither wore shoes.

Walk the streets for money

You don't care if it's wrong or if it is right

She was rolled down his back, unfurling her body to grasp him by the neck and press her body to his back. Like a cape, she swayed as he lumbered with each strum of the violin.

Roxanne

You don't have to wear that dress tonight

She climbed to sit on his broad shoulders before getting spun in air until she sat on the top of the grand piano at the center of the room.

He brought his callused hands under her shirt and peeled it slowly, his mouth less than an inch to her neck. The sleeve came down to expose an angel wing tattoo on her upper back. A tattoo that was all too familiar to Lukas.

"Nat?"

Roxanne

You don't have to sell your body to the night

The girl pulled the man closer by the hips. She pulledd off his shirt revealing the other's striking amount of tattoos. Tattoos that a certain Dane has been longing to see again for quite some time.

Matthias couldn't help but stand up in shock, he could his mind to work properly.

"A-America?"

His eyes upon your face

His hand upon your hand

She was carried once more, her legs securely wrapped around him and hands were on either of his cut face. They spun around until her legs unfurled and were now delicately doing the waltz, with only one of their hands touching as they slowly circled in great tension.

His lips caress your skin

It's more than I can stand

Norway felt his blood boil as she was turned around, her back pressed against his chest. Her neck stretched back to receive an almost-kiss from the awaiting lips.

When that didn't happen, they snapped their hands together, one outstretched as they faced each other and trotted in a tango.

Denmark started gritting his teeth.

At the high note, he released her like a top while he gave a barrel turn followed by a front leg flip and a butterfly twist then he caught himself on one hand, proceeded to a backbend with one leg still stretched up in a split formation before pacing around the still pirouetting girl until they snapped into abrazo.

(Roxanne)

Why does my heart cry?

They continued to tango. Their groins pressing. She held her leg up to a split in vengeance, kicking the man down the floor.

(Roxanne)

Feelings I can't fight

The two Scandinavians have long past shock and were now enraged.

The man launched himself to his partner's face. His private region was literally on her face, a strong hand holding the back of her head and her delicate ones clawing the calves of the other before slyly slipping away under him. Back was pressed against back, before the heated girl turned the man to face her.

You're free to leave me, but just don't deceive me

And please believe me when I say I love you

The girl was spun out before getting whipped back in by the hand that held hers. The two hands were pressed between them, the girl relaxing her posture as if to comfort the rigid, anxious man.

She jumped and hoisted her legs around him without assistance. They spun around until he bent down slowly and slightly as she arched her back down.

The music stopped and the lights went out.

Denmark and Norway were confused as fuck, going around like blind mice.

Music went back on but only softly, a lone candle from a candelabra that was held by the taller man, now in a fetching tuxedo, as he swayed the soft and subtle waltz with the girl in an exquisite gown of blood red and diamonds.

They were mesmerizing to the humans but deeply enraging to the two nations.

The light started to pulse in time with the plucks until a mighty roar blinded everybody with a strong white light.

(Roxanne)

Why does my heart cry?

The waltz began again, this time with fury and passion. The man going down the girl's neck while holding a knife to her back. She started to struggle under his hold.

(Roxanne)

Feelings I can't fight

She tried to run, only to get stopped by the sheer force of the man, pulling her to his arms and lifting her like she was some sort of trophy.

(Roxanne)

You don't have to put on that red light

She struggled until she fall to the floor, her partner straddled her. Everybody gasped and Lukas started to walk towards them briskly.

Roxanne

You don't have to put on that dress tonight

She started fighting the man who was about to kill her, trying to push the man off. But the man was stronger, preparing to drive the black knife through her heart.

Matthias started to run after his brother.

(Roxanne)

The women looked away. The northern nations were practically having a panic attack while they ran towards them.

Both pounced for it but with one last burst of light the room was back to normal with the two dancers gone into thin air. All they got was a mouthful of lint.

(Roxanne)

The crowd applauded, the loudest the employees have ever heard. They were brazen like animals and even the dinosaur of a man in his wheel chair and on life support was cheering.

Denmark sat up and dusted his shirt off. "America!?" He shouted as he got up and searched for the blond through the crowd.

"Thanks, bro..." The sarcastic remark came from Norway, who was crushed by the Dane earlier, before he got up and searched for his girlfriend.

'Now where did you go?'

*FEW MOMENTS LATER*~

The four were left at the table watching the other performances that were less exciting than the dance earlier as Denmark asked around while Norway watched the incessant French cursing being thrown by the high-strung Dane to his numerous employees.

"Who the fuck books an act for five minutes and still give them the standard pay?" Matthias snarled as he turned to face his brother.

"So...?" Lukas drawled.

"They aren't here anymore. They said they had a next gig down town and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one plannin' on confrontin' them." The Dane crossed his arms, giving a serious look to the Norwegian.

"No time to lose then!" The other man grabbed Denmark by the wrist and fumed out.

Alfred and Natalia were now on the streets still in their almost-nude costumes. Although they had their coats on, they were still open all the way showcasing their ripped middle-sections.

They decided that it would be fun to book numerous gigs through out the city and stay for just one performance in each venue, making it imperative to be on time or else there would be nothing but dead-air in the venues they got booked in. They were just small intermission between those of the main acts, so if they missed their cue that would be it.

"So...our next gig is less...*pant* a t-three blocks away...r-right?" Belarus asked while clip-clopping on her heels.

"Yeah...*pant*...how many more...*pant*...gigs did you book?" America asked, trying to take his trench coat off his body to put his shirt on.

"Five." The girl answered, making the man freeze in place.

"FIVE?! We already did eight and we've been walking all over the city!" The American complained, taking a huge squirt from his water bottle.

"You said you were okay with this..." The Belarusian smirked though panting. "Don't worry, that was the last dancing gig. The next ones just singing gigs." She tiredly approached Alfred. "Come on, we still have three minutes worth of walking." She extended her hand which was accepted with smile.

"Lemme fix yer hair." Al volunteered only for her to wrap her legs around his narrow waist.

"No time to stop, you fix me...I fix you...you run for it!" She commanded while buttoning his shirt and fixing his hair while the other stood motionless in shock.

"GIDDY UP!" She brought the painful stilts of her stilettos to his back, making him run for it while he braided her hair and continuously trying to put on his shoes.

"S-so...how'd you book...*pant*pant*pant*...Le Rêve?" Al asked, bereft off oxygen as he continued to skillfully braid the girl.

"Performed there once...they liked it...they told me that if I'm ever interested, I could go back...FASTER!" She dug her shoes deeper as she tucked his shirt in and somehow manage to fasten his belt.

"...did you see anybody we know?" He finished braiding the moonstone hair and made it to a very elegant bun and afterwards, proceeded to zip up her midnight-colored cocktail dress.

"Nope. Did you?" She looked around, not noticing the curious glares of the on-lookers but the street names and landmarks.

"We're here."

"Oh thank GOD!" He bent over with his hands on his knees, his hot breath grazing her neck though she was honestly unaffected by it. She stepped off, finally giving him relief from the torturous shoes as he cracked his neck and back. He too was nowhere stimulated from their position earlier. He regulated his breathing which was quicker than expected.

"I can see why Lu gets tired with you around." The comment earned him a hard push from the blushing girl. After a moment, they both chuckled while they wiped the sweat off their faces.

"Anyway...I didn't see anyone we knew...but I wish that Den-dude or Lu could've seen us...instead of going to Disneyland..." America sulked around as they went inside the rather large café.

"You and me both..." Belarus smiled sadly as she ordered two cups of espresso for while they waited for their time to perform.

Suddenly, the girl remembered a small, almost invisible detail that has bothered her for some time, she cocked her head and crossed her legs giving the man seated across her a questioning look.

"I have the feeling that it's not just the Finnish man and their annoying family time that's bothering you." She declared her claim with the small twitches of disgust or anger that the other has targeted towards the Dane.

"It's nothing to worry about." Alfred smiled nonetheless, trying to not let his emotions boil.

"We've practically cheated on 'our' boyfriends with what we've been doing, so the least you can tell me if what you really have against yours." America blushed wildly and looked down at his leather shoes.

"The first seven-hundred years of my life were not so great..." He said softly. "I was the white kid that got bullied by the reds and even got axes thrown and arrows flung by the men. Frankly the only reason me and Mattie are still alive, besides being countries, was my mom and the Shamans that were our godparents and we had some animal-help." He gave a soft chuckle.

"So one day I met another white kid and we became friends, he went away but promised to come back but never did."

Belarus got curiouser and leaned closer.

"He gave me this before he left." The American rolled his sleeve to showcase an old-looking bracelet that was red dirtied and aged with brown and black with one small totem that had degraded over the centuries.

"...but he never really left me." A nostalgic smile decorated the older nations face. "For the past twelve-hundred years, he's been showing up in some of my darkest times, nagging me to stop."

"Honestly, sometimes I do it just to see him again." The crinkled smile gave him a reddening nose and small drops of salty water around the creases of his eyes.

"So one day...after I did my thing...he showed up and it was during an EU meeting. He started walking away. I followed him, followed him out of my hotel room...out of the hotel...down the street...to the bar where I saw the Nordics drinking and laughing..."

The suspense hang around the two like a whale being suspended by a thin thread.

"He came up to Denmark, stopped, looked at me, smiled...and..." Alfred took a hard sip of his espresso.

"Said 'See ya'round, Kid'...then he was gone...like thin air...and something tells me that he won't be dropping by anymore..." The man's shoulders slumped pathetically, not having the strength to look at his friend.

"It felt like Mr. Vi was telling me that he was yesterday's news and now I have Denmark to be best friends with."

"Now, there might be a lot more to it than that, you know." Natalia comforted her friend with a firm squeeze on his hand.

"That's how I saw it...and I know I sound fucking crazy so you don't have to pretend." Alfred hid his hands under the table, only for his friend to pull it out and continue to give him small gestures of comfort.

"We're countries, the truth is even stranger than fiction." She smiled. "So how old are you?"

"Old enough for Russia and Sweden to call me big brother." America smirked.

"You never cease to surprise me, Alfred Jones." Belarus gave a sot laugh with her eyes teasing.

The two men gave up the search, they've been chasing the two for hours and they always miss them. They were like two foxes that could never get caught.

"Maybe we should head back to the hotel. I mean, you have a room with Nat so why not talk to her there instead?" Matthias suggested as he fixed his thick scarf.

"And what about you?" Lukas ran his fingers through his hair in a gesture of annoyance.

"What about me?" The taller Dane asked as they walked down the well lit street.

"You and Al..." The Norwegian huffed.

"I'll go talk to him when he's willing too...do you wanna grab somethin' to eat?" Denmark brought his thumb to point at a patisserie they were passing.

"...Ja, why not." Norway forced a smile as they went in.

(Free by Haley Reinhart)

The piano played in a rather lively yet emotional way and the song sounded very familiar to Denmark, it was one of the songs that was constantly on America's playlist. He has heard him sing some of it or whistle or hum it but has never asked the title of the song.

The drums came in and a sultry voice lead the melody.

It's not like I'm invisible, you still wear me under your skin

When we talk, we don't talk at all

Too weak to leave, too stubborn to give in

The voice was familiar, so familiar that Norway had to look. To his credit, he was right. It was no other than his beloved Belarusian with her hair in an elegant braided bun and her beautiful body in a smoking cocktail with lace detailing and a white fur scarf looped around her back and held by the crook on her arms.

Who is gonna be the first to say enough

Who is gonna be the first one to find true love

The one manning the piano also had a very delightful voice, dressed sharply in a white collared shirt tucked in some great black slacks that showed off his mouth-watering ass. His voice was one of the sweetest things Denmark has heard...like a soulful free spirit.

We don't let go, we can't get close

I still need you, and you still need me

The men were so entranced that they grabbed whatever seats they could find and dreamily looked at the duo.

Their voices melding to one immaculate presence.

This tug of war can't go on anymore

Nobody wins from this misery, free

Well oh can't you see, I wanna be, I want you to be, free

The girl swayed as he stood in front of the antique mike, while the man played with his feet and looked like he was breezing the piano.

Let it be, let it be just a beautiful memory

Anything that starts will have an ending

The girl's bewitching eyes opened, capturing the whole of the audience as the lights dimmed to focus on her. Her Siren's voice made the people lull to her control.

Let it go, let it go, yeah cause we both know this will only be over when we're free

Yeah, Oh, when we're free

The light's went to the man, his eyes shut as if he was bearing his soul...giving hums that were truly connecting to people in another level.

Oh, I know, oh

The piano keys were slammed as the two hit the notes like a hot knife in butter, the people applauding and the Scandinavians standing and whistling.

We don't let go, we can't get close

I still need you, and you still need me

Their voices kept on switching roles was being the ad liber or the main singer, effortless and sensual. There was so much soul that everybody was practically going with their emotions. Truly, they were artists with passion.

This tug of war can't go on anymore

Nobody wins from this misery, free

The girl slowly stepped back until she sat next to her friend, leaning against him as they harmonized even more.

Well oh can't you see, I wanna be, I want you to be, whoa, free

I wanna be, I want you to be, oh can we be, free

Oh, I wanna be free...

They sang through a shared mike, it was literally the only thing that kept them away from each other's mouth.

The song started to drift to an end but instead of losing energy it continued to pick up, subtle yet powerful their voices sounded angelic until the lights faded and a round of applause was given.

The two bowed and proceeded to exit only to be blocked by the two men.

Lukas gave a proud smirk only to be returned by a sour snort. Matthias was blushing and Alfred was blushing.

"Had a great time, Al..." Nat came in for a friendly kiss on the cheeks. "And don't worry..." She gave an inconspicuous glance at the Dane. She was pulled away by a very jealous Norwegian.

The moment was awkward, Denmark trying to come up with words and America giving him glares.

"Can we please just talk...ya've been actin' weird the past few weeks...and I don't like seein' ya like this." Denmark bowed his head, scratching the back of it as he lamely asked the other to go out on a date.

"Whatever rocks your boat..." America grimaced as he walked passed him. The Dane following close behind.

"I-I'll try..."

Natalia has just finished taking a bath. While still in her robe, Lukas came up to her to hug her tightly, his chin resting on the dip of her neck.

She paid no attention and proceeded to waddle to her vanity and pushing him off for her to take a seat.

"So now you notice me." She remarked with a snort, rubbing butter to her scalp and oil on her neck.

"Now what do you mean by that?" Norway asked, kneeling to hug her from behind, his cheek squished on her clothed back.

"You know exactly what I mean..." Belarus pushed the arms away and rolled her eyes in contempt before taking a seat on the side of the bed.

"Sorry...can't talk right now...with the bros...can't have sex tonight...with the bros...sorry Nat, forgot our date...with the bros...bros, bros, bros..." She listed all her boyfriend's excuses, making the other blush and take a seat next to her.

Silence.

She crossed her arms and legs and directed her face away.

He moved in closer only for her to move away. He placed a hand on her thighs only to get kicked on the face.

"...so what's wrong with spending time with my brothers? If you haven't noticed, we've been treating each other like crap for years and we're finally putting this all behind us. We're finally at peace." Though soft, his voice was laced with venom.

"But what if the cinnamon incident didn't happen?" She snapped her head to face his. "Wouldn't you have moped around telling the others that your brother was a lost cause or that 'big brother' was 'dead'? " She stood up, turning her once supportive and comforting expression about the topic to nothing but contempt.

"That's speaks volumes of how good you are at giving up. Does that mean you're gonna give up on me that easily too? I mean, I'm worth less than your precious brothers anyway." She yelped as she was pinned to the wall softly, his arms trapping her, a hand on the back of her neck, going up and down smoothly as his eyes bore holes through her soul.

"I might've been smiling all the time when I'm with them...but no one, NO ONE,will ever compare to how I feel about you." Lukas gave a passionate kiss, running his tongue skillfully inside her mouth, leaving her panting and moaning for more.

"Don't you ever say shit about yourself again." He pulled away, caressing the side of her flushed face. "You're an angel. Your my angel. And you're going to be the only angel I'll ever love until I die..."

Tears streamed down her porcelain face, shivering under his cool touch. "Liar..."

"...you've been my family when they weren't, when I shut the door on all of them...since the day I saw you with a thick copy of the latest vogue..." His lips trailed up her shoulder. "...with the cutest face...I've ever seen..." She felt his pair of luscious lips meet her forehead. "I knew you were the one."

"I'm just stupid to forget that sometimes." Norway gave her one of his rare toothy smiles that just looked so handsome to her.

"I'm sorry, min kjærlighet..." He hugged her tightly, his arm around her neck and back, pressing her to his toned body.

"...Ja ciabie liubliu..." She whispered to his chest.

"Jeg elsker deg også..." He lifted her up, her legs around his hips, as he pressed his lips on hers. Her lips were soft and delicious and her soul was pure, she was definitely an angel in his eyes and he was definitely hers forever.

Beautiful was the first thing that came to Denmark's mind. America's features always took his breath away.

He looked refined with his clean crisp shirt and his hair tossed back, his built yet sexy figure was accentuated by his thick warm trench coat with fur lining and a white wool scarf that was knotted securely around his neck. His azure eyes looked longingly at the waters below Alexander bridge.

But what captivated his soul more was the rambunctious flare that he had inside, the light that ceased shining, the light that fed the souls of everybody he met.

Was it selfish to keep him to himself?

Scratch that, America wasn't his in the first place. And America was sure as hell not in the mood to talk to about the possibilities.

"Um...C-cocoa?" The usually confident Dane was reduced to a shaking mess as he handed a cup of expensive cocoa he got from the café the younger blond played in a while ago, the cup that the American didn't bother accepting before.

"Sure." America got the cup. Through his gloves and even Denmark's gloves, a cold surge was exchanged promptly shutting down any other attempt the older blond had to strike up a conversation down to the ground.

As Matthias looked down, feeling like he was not even half a man, Alfred gave curious and worried glances at the taller man. Denmark never had a bad angle though.

His hair was fixed in a hot tousled way and his muscular body was hugged by his favorite black patted aviator jacket and a beautiful red scarf wrapped around his neck. He was wearing a white button-up underneath and comfortable and thick slacks as well as brown dress shoes underneath the pants.

He never liked seeing the other sad. What more was that he never thought that he was the one to make him sad.

But why didn't he want the Dane to stop frowning? Why did he keep blaming the other for something he didn't even know happened? Why can't he stop persecuting him of 'killing' Mr. Viking?

Out of habit, America took out one of the especially made cigarettes he had, ones with some ground catnip. He lighted the tip and let it die down until the edges glowed bright orange.

"I thought ya quit smoking?" Matthias asked, worry-stricken. Alfred blushed before heaving out the white smoke out of his nose.

"Well...it's not like it does somethin' to me..." He blushed and buried his face in the scarf unsuccessfully.

"But still..." An overbearing warmth melted America when the black gloved hand touched the back of his hand. His cool blue eyes were soulful and genuine. He could feel himself wanting to fall forward but he shook his head, huffing the smoke in front of his friend.

"Don't worry so much...yer just talkin' to a lost cause." Alfred pulled his hand away.

He heard a soft gasp from the other and s slight snarl, like he was angry or disappointed.

"I don't know what happened t'ya but I think that's the most shittiest thing I've ever heard, ya fuckin' prick!"

America froze, feeling a huge sword go straight through his heart. He looked shocked as his eyes stayed stuck to Denmark's intense ice-blues.

"Never give up on yerself please. Stop talking like yer crap...because...well 'coz yer not." Matthias pleaded, his voice very demanding and strong nevertheless. "...yer better than this...where's that hero's smile ya always have?" He whispered so lowly that it could only graze his soul.

"I-is it because of me...?"

Denmark's brilliant light blues looked almost watery, softening America. They looked so vulnerable. It was like his soul was pouring out of them.

"Ya never gave up on me, ya told me that I ain't crap...that I shouldn't throw myself away 'coz I felt worthless...because I'm not. R-remember...Øresund? Remember when...when ya saw me near a dumpster, drunk as fuck...'coz...Wald didn't even look at me after cuttin' the ribbon...a-and shot me down when I invited him for a drink?" His accent was definitely getting thicker.

Alfred would've been yapping by now about how he didn't have to speak English around him if he wasn't more concerned.

Hands rested on the younger blond's taut shoulder. Matthias's cheeks darkened. Drops of water started to drop from his blushing forehead.

"Ya got me out of there and spent the whole day with me doing all the shit my drunk self did. Ya stayed for a few days after just to see if I was okay. Ya even stopped me from doin' the stupidest things I could've done. Fuck, ya were always there...even before that. And now yer avoiding me...after all that?"

"Ya were my family then...and...ya still are...till now." He squeezed the other blond in a very tight hug. Al couldn't help but blush as he awkwardly patted his broad back.

"I'm sorry..."

"I-I..." Alfred took his time, should he even consider confessing what really happened?

'Why can't you tell it to him? Because, I'll sound stupid. Yeah, you're stupid enough not to tell him. Then why did you tell Nat? Well, 'coz I'm fucking stupid so shut up. NO, YOU SHUT UP! I can't...I just can't...'

The American closed his eyes, gripping on the other's jacket tighter. Why was it so easy to let his emotions out in front of him but so hard to tell him what's bothering him? Why did his mind and heart have to fight each other day-in and day-out over that one kid that made him feel less alone? Why couldn't he let go already?

Denmark pulled away in concern, looking down on his shorter friend who started to sniffle.

"I don't know what came over me...j-just stop crying, you big baby!" America's nose was reddening and so were his ears, but he grinned nonetheless to cover up his white lie.

"Can't..." The Dane embraced him again with more warmth. His nose inhaled the deliciously fresh smell of the other, drenched in a little bit of sweat.

Alfred gave up, his arms were tightly around the taller man. He didn't give one fuck if this was embarrassing. The only thing that mattered was that he knew that there was one person he was willing enough to let in, just a little bit, to kill the pain slowly...that's all he needed for now. And that's all Matthias needed to know. Maybe it was really time to let go.

When America thought that the hug was too long to be considered friendly, he pulled away.

"Here." Denmark got America's pack and lighter. He pulled one out with his teeth and lighted it.

"If yer back to smokin' at least ya have company...besides Lars and Li." He laughed carefully, exhaling the some through the side of his mouth.

"It tastes...funny..." The Dane noticed its very unique flavor, playing with the cigarette in his mouth. "...herby..."

"W-what? NO WAY DUDE! IT'S BAD FOR YOU! AND...didn't you stop after WWII?" The American blushed, keeping his voice down and tugging his taller friend down by his collar to whisper as they were getting undesired attention from onlookers.

"Didn't you?" The Dane chuckled, playing with the smoke inside his mouth. "Damn, I really like this one." He added as the smoke seeped out of his nose.

"FUCK THAT!" America stole back his lighter and pack and pulled the stick out of the other's mouth and threw it to the channel.

"What the fuck?" Denmark glared, feeling his craving getting back. "Ya threw away a perfectly good stick!"

"Yer anger is a small price to pay for yer safety!" America laughed loudly like he had accomplished a very important mission.

"Then yer anger's a small price t'pay too!" The older blond grinned back, yanking his friend's cigarette and throwing it to the water to join his.

"Just like old times, huh? 'You quit, I quit'?" Alfred smiled while massaging his jaws, looking at his friend meaningfully.

"And whoever smokes gets a beatin'?" Matthias cracked his knuckles.

"Uh-huh." The American wrapped his hand over the clench fist. Denmark blushed, he wanted more of the sensation. But he had to control himself, take things slow. Yeah, and a century wasn't slow enough.

"Let's go back to yer place. Play some games?" The Dane suggested, seeing his friend's eyes twinkle only meant one thing.

"Sure. You can stay there tonight or the whole week! Come on!" America already started planning on playing all night long and wait for the man to sleep and he'll innocently sleep beside him. GOD, SUCH A PERFECT PLAN.

"I still haven't had dinner though." The man notified as he was being dragged like a man with an excited dog.

"I'll make you something...just hurry up, will you?" Alfred barked playfully as they ran across the bridge and to his apartment still far away.

Denmark knew that he was hiding something but God knows that the stubborn kid won't tell him unless he wanted to. He'll get to it someday, but for now he just wanted that smile to last as long as it could. This was probably why Kid left...he had a new responsibility...he had a new 'Kid' in his life.

"Come on gramps! The game consoles are waiting to be raped by our gamer-god hands!" America continued to ramble on and on about his new game that he got from his twin and blurted out that he got a present for the Dane but wasn't able to give it until now. Then it changed back to games and tech news...honestly, sometimes America's a dork...but then again, Denmark's a tech geek too.

Matthias rolled his eyes but laughed. The things he did just to see that smile.

'...he's a lot like ya, Kid...'

"They left us." Iceland said blatantly with two huge plates of discarded lobster. His face was greasy and sticky with garlic butter and his hands were definitely oily.

"IKR." Finland agreed, while he took his last spoonful of caviar.

"Who's payin'?" Sweden slurp his very succulent pork into his mouth, pointing at the waiter who had their receipt.

"Oh, I will, mate...no problem." Australia raised his hand proudly as he handed his credit card to the waiter.

His Swedish love threw a fork and it flew to intercept his credit card. The card flew with the utensil until it broke the plastic, lodging to the wall meters away.

"What's wrong with you, Waldy!?" Jett apologized to everyone who almost got killed with the utensil.

"You. NO. Pay." Berwald looked down at him with the scariest glare in the world, but Jett's used to it by now.

"I'm tryin' t'impress your brothers, mate...just chill..." He whispered tenderly before nibbling on his earlobe, definitely making the taller Swede submit and melt in his arms. Waldy felt like Jello, his arms stuck out as arms were wrapped around his chest and his knees were almost sagging the floor. He sighed and panted as he was swayed into submission with Australia's humming.

"I have an extra..." He smiled as he politely handed his extra card. He apologized in perfect French, gaining appreciative nods from the waiter. Berwald tossed his head back so that he could look up. His cheeks were burning, feeling so turned on with the French his lover was saying. He didn't understand any, it was just hot to hear.

"Merci." Jett thanked him before giving a smell peck to his dumbfounded lover's nose.

"WOW! Australia pays and he can keep Sweden under control! When's the wedding?" Tino asked, propping his face on the rested propped elbow.

"TINO!" Emil gave the other a smack in the head.

Sweden looked away, blushing, he was scared of that topic. He stood up and pretended to dust something off of him, effortlessly unlocking his lover's tight hold around him. His wet forehead was dried with a napkin and he sat rigidly but appealingly next to his lover.

Australia closed the distance between their chairs, interlocking their fingers before locking their lips with hot passion.

"I don't see why we shouldn't talk about that...babe..." Another hand went up to squeeze his rock-hard arm.

The Swede rested his head on the other's broad shoulder. He loved the feeling the nation with the fifth biggest muscles gave. His hands went up the clothed tanner arms, giving the mounds of muscle appreciative gropes, before wrapping him in a crushing embrace. His smile serene and soft.

"You definitely have your hands full tonight, min kärlak." He whispered tenderly before giving a small peck to his lips.