More meeting days went by, and while the two weren't exactly close again there was at least a tiny bit of improvement.
They weren't giving each other such sad looks all the time, which certainly made things less awkward and depressing.
Actually, ever since their interaction from a few days ago they've been feeling slightly better. Neither have had a night where they felt the urge to bottle up their emotions or let them all out in a breakdown, so that was something at least.
Alfred sort of secretly wished Pennsylvania hadn't been called so he could be sleepy again and have that short private moment to talk with her.
Once realizing what she did for him he was very grateful. She could've just as easily left him there and saved herself a lot of trouble and embarrassment.
It also reinforced his trust in her, as she hadn't done it simply for attention, since she was trying to make sure he didn't wake up and discover her. Until the very end at least.
He thought about this extensively all throughout the night and following day, as well as right now as he unconsciously prepared himself a snack.
He didn't even notice as a sudden presence came up beside him. His eyes were focused hard in concentration, but only for what was in his mind, not the plate where his hands worked to make sandwiches.
Only when a hand came into his peripheral did his eyes shift to the right, finding Natalya gathering items to make herself some sort of drink. Immediately any thought he was having had flown out the window.
From what he could see she was probably making tea or coffee or something like that, but he couldn't be sure since he darted his eyes away, his nerves getting the better of him.
Discreetly looking over his shoulder he eyed all the other people on the break room. They didn't seem to be paying attention to him at the moment.
Facing forward again he forced himself to stay calm, then started speaking to Natalya softly. "Hey, I wanted to say thanks for- "you already did," she spoke over him, though like him understood it was best to be quiet.
Alfred snickered a little, staring down at the sandwich he had created. "Not that. I meant for taking me to a place where I could get some actual sleep. I know you were risking your neck doing that for me."
Natalya blushed a little but pushed it down, afraid of the pain that was bound to fill her heart. "It was nothing."
The two kept their eyes off of each other, not sure of what to say next. It still felt so uncomfortable talking. They so wanted to get back to how things were, but something kept holding them back. There was this underlying tension they couldn't shake, it was terrible.
Too nervous to say more the two stood side by side, their minds blank as they busied themselves with making their foods and drinks.
Only when those in the break room were notified of the meeting starting up soon did the two collect themselves.
Natalya stepped away from the counter first, her drink in hand. Before turning to leave she lowered her head and tilted it a tad toward Alfred, her eyes staring coldly at his plate.
"I think that sandwich has enough ham on it," she suggested, then spun around and walked out of the room with the other nations.
Alfred glumly watched her go, then looked down at his plate as well, dumbstruck at the sight of one of his sandwiches having a stack of about twenty slices of ham on it.
"Oh, s-shit!" He stammered, quickly working to fix the mess. And by "fixing it" it meant dividing some slices onto the already-made sandwiches then eating the rest.
Lifting up the mountain of sandwiches he set them down on a nearby table, not ready to go back into the meeting room just yet.
Pulling up a chair he sat down and started eating with one hand, the other propping his head up as he sighed.
He hoped he wasn't making a mistake. If he goes through with trying to repair their relationship just for it to blow up in his face a second time...
Then that's it, he's done. He's not trying anymore. The only reason he's still attempting to get close again is because of that tiny bit of doubt he had. Without that he wouldn't have cared to figure out she wasn't actually trying to hurt him.
Despite that, his trust has been severely wavered, and even in the best case scenario where things work out between them he may never fully trust her the same way again.
Then in the same vain, if in the worst case scenario he works toward a relationship with her just for her to show her true colors and turn him down, with that evil and condescending giggle she used to give him prior to becoming friends, then he will forever be ruined.
If he fails a relationship for a third time, and by a brutal rejection or another betrayal by Natalya no less, then he will never recover. He thought it was the end this time, he knows a third failure actually will be.
With another sigh he shoved a sandwich in his mouth and stared out of a nearby window. From the bottom of his heart he wanted this, needed this to work, and he was hopeful Natalya felt the same. He just has to stay optimistic.
"Al?" A voice called to him. Alfred turned to the noise, recognizing it as his brother. "Yesh?" He asked through the clump of ham sandwich in his mouth.
Canada shuddered at the pieces of bread ejecting from his brother's mouth, but forced his disgust down for the moment. "Almost everyone is back in the meeting room, you should probably come back before the nations get upset, eh."
Alfred grumbled and puffed out his already full cheeks. "Ov coursh the one time I w'nna eat in peash. A'right, g've me a shecond."
Then at an ungodly speed he scarfed down the remaining food, afterwords standing up and tossing the plate behind his head into the nearby sink.
Putting on a confident grin he put his hands behind his head and strolled out of the room, Canada tailing along.
Of course the first thing Alfred noticed was Natalya peering at him from behind Ukraine, though like before it wasn't so sad, just hollow. Is that better or worse?
With Canada so close he made sure not to look too long, focusing on his seat across the room. Though because of that he failed to see that Ukraine was also giving him an odd look.
"Maybe you should try to be talking to him, he is not looking the very upset with you anymore," she suggested.
Natalya rubbed her arm and frowned uncomfortably. "I don't know. We have a couple times but it feels... wrong."
"Wait you are talking to him?" Ukraine wondered. "Well that is the good news, da?" Natalya only shrugged, not really paying attention anymore.
Ukraine still can't get over how much this has screwed her sister up, they're barely the same person anymore. She can't believe it but she actually sort of misses the crass, vulgar Natalya.
While being nice more often would still be preferable, Ukraine wished nothing more than for Alfred to return the sister she knows and loves.
"Come on, let us be going to our seats. The meeting is starting," Ukraine instructed as she walked, Natalya following very close behind.
For the remaining meeting days Alfred attempted a few more times to talk to her, but they only managed to get out a sentence or two before they grew uncomfortable and had to stop.
Yesterday they had managed to speak for a whole three minutes. That was until Alfred ran out of things to say and excused himself to the bathroom in a panic. Yeah at this rate they'll be together in no time.
Why is it any different than when they talked back in Boston? Back then she always looked ready to carve his skin off or give him the worst insults of his entire life, and yet he couldn't bring himself to care. So why is he so afraid of her scrutiny now?
He felt the urge to beat his head with his fists. It's all so needlessly complicated, all he needs to do is man up and get her back. Surely she would take him back in an instant, he's the one that left her after all. Unless she really is starting to move on.
Lying on his bed he tried to think of a next move. He can't only try to make small talk during the meetings, at the rate they're going it will take actual months to make things up, and he doesn't really have the patience or resolve to feel like this for that long.
He had an idea of what more he could do, though he didn't really like it very much. Reaching over to his nightstand he grabbed his phone and opened the texting app, staring at the old unopened messages from Natalya.
After hesitating a great deal he nervously clicked on her contact, a wall of texts flooding onto the screen.
Quickly he skimmed through them all, finding various messages such as:
"Alfred text me back!"
"Please I'm sorry I didn't mean it!"
"Take me back please!"
"I don't want to be alone, don't leave me alone Alfred."
"Alfred..."
"Why have you done this to me?! I'll kill you!"
"I know it's all my fault, just let me have a second chance I'm begging you."
Each text he read only made him feel worse, and more put off from what he was about to do next.
Pressing on the text box he hovered over the keyboard for a good while, constantly rethinking what he should actually write.
With careful consideration he made his decision and typed out a short message, a simple, "Yo, what's up?"
An open-ended question, nothing too specific or personal, she could answer with whatever makes her comfortable.
Once again he hesitated with the next step, contemplating whether to send it or not. He could back out right now, she'll never know. Well then again he did open all of her messages, so she would know he did that.
Seeing he was already too far in he sent the text, then immediately turned it off and tossed it away from him, hiding behind his blanket covers while watching in wait.
Across the world Natalya sat at a desk in her room, lazily working through an assignment her boss gave her while Ukraine laid on her bed.
Ukraine stuck around a lot now, whether Natalya wanted it or not. Mostly she talked about random things or current events, as long as it kept Natalya distracted.
At the sound of a notification Ukraine raised her head and turned to where she heard it come from, twitching an eyebrow when she saw Natalya's phone resting on a pillow.
They rarely ever got text messages on that phone, her and Russia being the main two to send anything. And it couldn't be the government, they only contact Natalya through their government-issued blackberry.
Crawling over to it she grabbed it and sat up. As she read over the notification her eyes began to sparkle. With a loud and long gasp she had gained Natalya's attention, who stared with a bored expression. "What is it?"
Raising up her head, her jaw slack as she clutched the phone in her hands, she answered with a hopeful rise of pitch in her voice. "America is texting you."
"What?!" Natalya screamed, her body going cold with terror. In the blink of an eye she had bounded across the room, yanking the phone from her sister in a needlessly rough fashion.
Huddling onto her bed she held the phone close to her face, scanning over the text numerous times.
Ukraine stared over Natalya's shoulder at the phone, but when minutes passed by without anything happening she looked to Natalya with an impatient purse of her lips. "Well? Say something back."
Not able to come up with any response to Alfred's text, Natalya shook her head while she turned off her phone and set it face down.
Visible confusion fell on Ukraine's face. What was Natalya doing? All they had to do was send something. Literally anything.
Noticing the disgruntled girl beside her Natalya looked to them blankly, then shrugged tiredly and got up to return to her desk.
Ukraine refused to let Natalya avoid this opportunity, so taking matters into her own hands she picked up the phone.
Usually their password had something to do with Russia, but when that didn't work Ukraine had to do some guessing to figure out what it was changed to.
To her surprise it was actually Natalya's own birthday, she was fully expecting it to be Alfred's or something else correlating to them.
At this point Natalya had spotted Ukraine on her phone, so she stood up once more, worriedly predicting her sister was doing something bad. "Sestra... what are you doing?"
Ukraine didn't bother looking up as she tapped on the phone screen. "Since you do not seem to be wanting to talk with America, I was figuring I would be doing it myself."
Natalya's hairs stood on end as Ukraine spoke, then she ran over again to take away the phone, but Ukraine moved it last second to keep it away.
"Sestra stop!" Natalya demanded as she reached her arms around the other and grabbed at the phone.
Ukraine refused and finished the text, but before she could send it Natalya slapped a hand on the phone and started trying to wretch it from the other's grip.
"Sestra I am just trying to be giving the help," Ukraine argued while fighting against her sister.
Just as Natalya was about to get the phone away from Ukraine, her palm pressed down on the phone screen, not only sending the text but also clicking something else.
At the sound of a ringtone the two stopped their fight as they froze, then they broke away in a panic and looked to the phone in Natalya's hand, which was currently calling Alfred.
Hearing the text notification go off Alfred retrieved his phone and read the reply. All it said was, "Nothing. How are you?"
Since he had waited nervously for the text to come, Alfred wasn't expecting get a call right after, causing him to nearly throw his phone from getting startled. Looking at the caller id he noted it was also from Natalya.
Why'd she call him? They only just started texting. He's not ready for this, he hasn't even prepared anything to say.
With a hard lump in his throat he hung his thumb over the answer call button, but he still wasn't sure if he should accept or not. The loud ringtone only making him more stressed out.
"I'm going to hang up," Natalya stated as she moved to do just that. "Nyet, you can't!" Ukraine screeched in protest, but with a quick glare Natalya shut her up.
With her pointer finger she was about to poke the end call button, but right at that moment the call went through.
Alfred and the two sisters all sat in suspense at the silence that followed. Shakily raising the phone up to her ear Natalya waited anxiously for any response to come from the other side, despite her being the one that called him.
She couldn't hear a thing, not even his breathing, all she did hear was her own heartbeat ramming in her ears.
The awkward silence remained for some seconds more, then as she heard the quietest murmur through the phone she quickly hung up and dropped it on the bed, scurrying away like it had bitten her.
On the other end Alfred sat with the phone still to his ear, a little disappointed she hung up on him. He couldn't really blame her though, he barely had any semblance of what to say beyond a simple greeting.
Ukraine, on the other hand, was appalled at her sister's actions. "Sestra why did you do that?!"
"Don't even, that was your own damn fault anyway," Natalya countered. Ukraine could only watch piteously as they sulked while staring at the phone.
"Look, I am understanding that you are the uncomfortable with America, but how are you supposing you will get better if you do not talk to him?"
Natalya's eyes softened a little as her gaze shifted to her feet. She knows this is the way, and it's not that big of a jump from talking in person, but it's just so hard, and scary.
"But what do I even say? What if I say something wrong and he hates me again?" She asked as she turned to Ukraine with a regretfully pleading look.
Ukraine flashed a warm smile at them, not at all concerned with Natalya's predicament. "I would not be worrying about that. He is the one that had been starting of your talks, I am not thinking you could be saying much he would hate. Just be honest and putting in effort to get him back."
Natalya thought it over as she put her knees to her chin, meanwhile Ukraine gently brushed the back of her hair to sooth her more.
Eventually she reached forward for the phone. Going onto Alfred's contact again she turned to Ukraine, an embarrassed blush adorning her cheeks. "Could I have a minute to myself?"
Ukraine obliged and climbed off the bed, then gave Natalya one last reassuring smile before removing herself from the room. She didn't leave entirely though, putting her ear to the door and listening in to make sure her sister actually called.
After the ringtone cut out there was another moment of silence, but then Natalya steeled herself and took in a deep inhale.
"Hello... Alfred," she spoke firm and clearly, though even through the door Ukraine could tell they were wrought with anxiety.
At hearing Natalya say Alfred's name, names being something they are very serious about using only for those they care about, Ukraine knew things were going to work out between those two.
With that extra boost of confidence Ukraine finally moved away from the doorway, skipping down the hall with a massive smile on her face.
Like when they were talking in person things started off slow, but after some time... and it really was a lot of time, as in most of November... the two started to improve.
At first they only made short calls every day or two, just enough to ask about the other's day or how they were doing, but as time went on and they began to warm up to each other again they started calling and texting more often, until the point where they were communicating for as long as their time zones would allow.
There was also the fact that Natalya had to hide her texting from her brother, she doesn't want any meddlesome hacks getting in her way.
While Ukraine is enjoying the gradual increase in her sister's mood, the one downside is that they were becoming very defensive again. Natalya refused to let Ukraine anywhere near her phone, unless she was showing something Alfred had sent her, though she liked keeping the brunt of it private.
"Hello sestra, how are you today?" Ukraine asked as she peeked her head into Natalya's room.
The younger nation sat in a small ball at the top of her bed, staring with an impassive expression at her phone screen.
At first they didn't even acknowledge Ukraine's existence, but then Ukraine asked another question that made her look up. "Are you still texting America?"
It was an obvious question, but with Natalya slowly becoming Alfred obsessed again there wasn't much else she could do.
"He started playing this snowboarding video game and liked it a lot so he took a flight to Switzerland to do it for real," Natalya replied while holding up her phone, showing Ukraine an image Alfred took from the top of a mountain.
"Oh, that is most fun," Ukraine responded enthusiastically, but when Natalya went back to texting Ukraine was left in more awkward silence. "I will be leaving you to it then," she said quietly as she closed the door and left.
Natalya gave a lazy wave to the door after the fact, a small smile on her face as she read over a text Alfred sent.
Alfred sat on a mountain peak overlooking one of the many verdant valleys of Switzerland, a massive grin on his face as he kicked his feet while on his phone.
He was enjoying talking to Natalya again. They've yet to say anything personal or talk out their feelings, but that was alright, they were actually friends again.
If they fail a second time after all of this then he's throwing himself off this mountain, not even exaggerating.
Alfred stayed on the mountain for a while, too distracted by Natalya to notice how much time was passing.
Due to all his focus being on Natalya combined with his loud, joyous humming, he didn't notice the footsteps approaching from behind until he heard the sound of a gun cocking.
"Vant to tell me vhy you're up here pointing zhat phone at my house?" The voice spoke coldly, Alfred could feel their finger itching on the trigger.
With an unconcerned look Alfred turned around, grinning down the barrel of a pistol as he saw the man holding the weapon was none other than Switzerland.
"Oh sup Switzerland. Hey do you know of any stores I could get that really good cheese you have? I've been looking everywhere for it but it somehow keeps evading me," Alfred asked, seemingly unaware of the gun pressed to their forehead.
Switzerland narrowed his eyes and pushed the gun harder against Alfred's head. "I sought I made it so you couldn't come back here."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Alfred wondered, confused why Switzerland would prevent him from coming here.
Though now that he thought about it Switzerland once gave him a watch that shocked him anytime he crossed over the Swiss border. Whatever, he broke that thing years ago.
"Well whatever, I'm here now dude. Hey weird question I've been meaning to ask, why are you only eighteen if you're way older than me?" Switzerland simply ignored him.
"You're dodging my question, vhy are you here?" They asked, the tone of their voice indicating they were beyond fed up with Alfred's stalling.
Alfred turned away from the gun to his other side, picking up the snowboard and showing it to Switzerland with a proud, toothy grin.
"Dude you should totally join me. I don't have a second snowboard but you have one right? These are your mountains after all."
"If you vant to snowboard in zhe Alps go to any of zhe ozer countries zhat are part of it. Also it doesn't look like you're doing much snowboarding anyvay," Switzerland pointed out, motioning toward the phone still in Alfred's hand.
"Oh yeah, I was just texting for a bit. Snowboarding is really tiring dude," Alfred laughed while moving the phone toward his pocket, but Switzerland moved the gun closer, signaling Alfred to stop moving.
"Who vere you texting?" Switzerland interrogated, only growing more suspicious.
Alfred frowned slightly and gripped the phone in his hand. "My friend? They were interested in what I was doing so I was showing them pictures of the mountains."
"Pictures..?" Switzerland muttered in horror, almost dropping his gun in his shock. "Zhat's it, give me your phone," he ordered.
Alfred got to his feet and held his phone away, defensive and embarrassed. "Can't do that man, my private stuff is my business."
"You're trespassing in my country, sitting on a mountain vhile taking pictures of my home and sending zhem to some unknown nation. It is now my business," Switzerland argued. Holding out a hand he waited for Alfred to place the phone in it, but Alfred remained apprehensive, clearly planning on doing something else.
"Don't..." Switzerland warned, knowing they were up to no good, but it was too late as before he could react Alfred had jumped off the mountain peak, sliding down the slope on his unattached snowboard.
Looking back up he gave the other man an apologetic grin. "Wish I could stay dude, but I can't have you looking through my stuff, government secrets and all that jazz."
"AMERICA!!!" Switzerland yelled on the top of his lungs, giving chase down the mountain while shooting off rounds of his pistol.
Alfred ducked down from the shots, also simultaneously crouching to secure his feet to the board.
He didn't mean to anger Switzerland or act suspicious, but he can't afford to let them know about Natalya. Given they were a neutral country so they wouldn't have any reason to tell anyone. Alfred wasn't willing to take that chance though.
Gliding all the way to where the snow ended Alfred quickly removed the snowboard and continued his escape on foot. That should've given him a couple minutes of distance from Switzerland, though the sound of bullets hitting the ground around him told him he wasn't out of the woods yet.
Running for a little longer he caught something in the corner of his eye, causing him to slow down and completely forget about the gunfire behind him.
In the near distance he saw a familiar-looking girl sitting alone on a picnic blanket, on closer look realizing it was Liechtenstein.
She was probably having lunch with her brother before Alfred had gotten his attention. 'Actually how could Switzerland tell it was me on the peak? That's so far away,' Alfred thought as he walked over to the girl.
"Yo Liechtenstein what's up?" Alfred called out as he got closer. Liechtenstein turned to the voice that said her name, seeing Alfred waving at her energetically.
With a wave of her own she responded to him. "Oh, hello America. Vhat are you doing here? Actually... how are you here?"
Alfred laughed a little too loudly while casting a glance to his right. "That's not important. Hey you're friends with Belarus right?"
Liechtenstein paused to think over such a weird and random question. "Vell actually she held me at knifepoint before. It vas really scary."
"Oh so you are friends," Alfred confirmed with a grin. "So totally unrelated, wanna take a selfie before I go?"
Before the girl could even answer Alfred had taken out his phone and pulled her into a selfie. Looking over the image he determined it was good and sent it to Natalya.
With his face still locked to his phone he said bye to Liechtenstein and ran off, Switzerland arriving to the spot only a couple minutes after Alfred left, very flushed with anger and exertion.
"Are you alright, vhere did America go? Did he do anything?" He asked, his head on a swivel. Liechtenstein shook her head. "I'm fine. He just ran off zhat vay. Vhy vere you chasing him, vhat did he do?"
Switzerland scanned over the lands with curious eyes, looking out for where Alfred could be. "I'm not fully sure. He said he vas taking pictures of zhe mountains, but it seems suspicious. . . Hmm, it appears he is gone for now zough, let's return to our picnic."
By the early days of December things were finally returning to normal.
They were of course still struggling to address the cause of all this, but they knew it would have to be talked about eventually, and soon. It's just that neither of them wanted to be the one to bring it up.
There was also the last world meeting of the year, but unlike the previous ones the two weren't dreading having to attend. In fact, they were actually excited, wanting to see each other in person now that they were closer.
In the days leading up to the meeting the two could barely contain themselves, they knew things would be different this time.
Ukraine could see the instant change in her sister. Natalya has been, dare Ukraine say, happy with texting and calling, but with the prospect of being with Alfred in person made Natalya glow with exuberance.
It gave Ukraine the same feeling as when Natalya chased Russia, though less terrifying and more sweet. There's still a tinge of unease with it, but that might be because of Natalya in general.
Even Russia took notice, though without the knowledge of the talking he assumed it was her coming out of whatever funk she was in.
He was delighted to see her doing well again, and now that she wasn't closing herself off he resumed his effort toward redemption.
He did all he could to keep her this happy: including cooking more of her favorite foods, having family days out, and taking the time to focus on her interests for once, rather than the other way around.
While he didn't understand what had caused her joy in the first place, he advocated for her to continue doing whatever it was that made her happy, ironically encouraging her to pursue a relationship with his biggest rival.
On the other side with Alfred, he was luckily still in Europe, so Canada wasn't there to notice and comment on it.
He knew that if Canada saw how he was back to his giddy, energetic self, they would pester him about wanting to know what was troubling him before.
Maybe he will explain everything in the future, but for now he was content with waiting in Europe for the world meeting, it was supposed to take place in Paris this time around.
So for the remainder of his time in Austria, since he was kicked out of Switzerland, he would ski and do whatever he felt like, while in the background he would think about what to do regarding him and Natalya.
Instantly on the first day of the meetings things were vastly different, with the both of them giving each other secret waves when entering the meeting room.
Compared to how they used to sulk and avoid looking at each other, this was hundreds of times better.
The only downside was that while they were in far better moods, they weren't as focused on each other so that left them beyond bored.
Alfred rested his head on both hands, an angry pout on his face as whoever was presenting presented whatever it was they were discussing today.
Why did meetings always have to be so boring? If everyone else just tried to make it more fun like him then they could probably get more done, plus there most likely wouldn't be as many arguments and physical fights since everyone won't be going insane.
Glancing over at Natalya he saw her sitting straight and proper, void of any weariness or irritation, but when seeing her face there was that familiar dimness in her eyes. She had zoned out of the meeting.
Alfred was envious of her ability to do that. The best he can do is be oblivious, he doesn't understand how she can zone out on command.
Due to not wanting to be left out, and from his own jealousy, Alfred took his phone from his pocket and secretly texted her from under the table.
At the feeling of a buzz under her dress Natalya blinked back into reality and reached under the folds, pulling out her phone and peeking below the table at the screen.
Alfred
A: Bro this is so boring omg!
Natalya looked questioningly at the message before facing Alfred, who once seeing her attention on him faked slamming his head into the table.
Looking at the phone again she texted him back.
Alfred
N: Are you surprised?
Just deal with it, we'll
have one of our breaks
soon enough.
A: But how??? There's
nothing to do!
N: Don't ask me, you're
the one that's good at
not paying attention.
A: You're one to talk! :(
I know you're staring off
into space over there
N: Of course I am, this is
mind-numbing bullshit!
If you really can't focus
then just daydream or
something.
Alfred sighed and put his phone back in his pocket. What's he even supposed to daydream about?
Scanning over the nations he let his mind wander, random questions popping into his head such as 'what would happen if Greece drank coffee?' or 'would Iggy be more scary with plucked or shaved eyebrows?'
When questioning came to Natalya it completely changed his thoughts, and now he was daydreaming for real as he thought out scenarios with her.
Quickly he ended it when he starting thinking about her tricking or rejecting him. He didn't like his thoughts going there.
He focused again on England's eyebrows again, as they were a constant wonder to him. He's pretty sure British people don't have brows that big, so what happened to England?
'God it looks like two burnt caterpillars,' he thought. It amused him somewhat so he continued.
'It looks like two strips of bacon. Like those girls that put on too much eyebrow makeup. He looks like Bert from Sesame Street!'
Alfred gripped his mouth tight as his body shuddered, trying to hold the snickers in.
Pulling out his phone again he shakily found an image of England, copying it a couple times and editing slices of bacon and caterpillars onto them.
After finding a picture of Bert, as well as other big-browed people he saw, he sent them all to Natalya before finally breaking down into stifled giggles.
Feeling another buzz Natalya turned her phone on, knitting her eyebrows as she saw the pictures Alfred sent, followed by about a million laughing crying emojis.
Looking across the table she saw Alfred writhing around with both hands over his mouth, fighting as hard as he could to not burst out laughing.
After a minute or two she got another text, this time with a picture of Turkey and the following message. "Yo he looks like the guy from phantom of the opera!"
'Is Alfred... picking on the other nations?' She thought while watching him grip the table and hide his face, his body periodically quaking as silent laughs rocked his body.
Alfred
N: Why are you making
fun of them, don't you
like these people?
A: Ofc I do, it's just a
little teasing. That's
all. Just a little
Hey wanna join in?
It's probably way
better than whatever
you're doing
N: Nyet. Someone will
eventually catch me
using my phone.
A: Aww come on! Please?
I'm so bored here I'm
gonna die ;-; ;-;
N: Are you trying to give
me puppy dog eyes
though the phone?
A: No.
...
Is it working?
N: It's just symbols
you idiot!
A: Oh. Right
LOOK UP
Rolling her eyes she followed the direction and looked up, but as she saw him looking directly at her she darted her eyes back down and raised a hand to shield them.
'How the hell did I fall for that?!' She thought bitterly. She should know by now never to look at him when they start talking about puppy dog eyes.
Angrily she typed on her phone.
Alfred
N: Alright fine goddammit!
Just stop looking at me
like that, I can feel your
stupid eyes still staring!
A: Thank you you're
the best!
N: You're an ass! Also I'm
stopping the instant
someone gets close to
catching me.
A: Fine ._.
Alright first victim.
Uhhh... how about
Russia?
N: Big brother is off limits.
Such a short reply and Alfred could feel the threat in that statement.
Not wanting to say something that would push her away he quickly looked for an alternative, his eyes eventually falling onto France.
With a smirk he thought up some jokes about their hair and pervy side, then went back to Natalya.
Alfred
A: Ok, let's do France
N: Easy.
Before Alfred could write down his own jokes Natalya sent him an image. Looking at it he found it to be a picture of Jared Fogle, which made him feel more disgusted than amused.
Alfred
A: Woah dudette,
France isn't like that
N: Sure he isn't.
A: Idk man, that seemed
like a little... much
N: I don't really tease
people often, I prefer
to insult them.
A: You tease me just
fine. Also don't you
prank call Lithuania
sometimes?
N: That's different. You
tease me just as much.
And as for Lithuania?
I terrorize him because
he bothers me.
A: Oh. Well anyway
maybe just tone down
the insults a little.
We're roasting people
not slandering them
N: If I need to tone down
mine then you need
to up your own. Those
"roasts" are weak.
A: That's fair. You pick
someone then
N: Fine.
Canada has a very
punchable face.
A: You only said that
because we have the
same face
N: Of course not.
A: It may be way harder
over text but I still
know that was sarcasm!
N: Nyet. Really?
A: :(((((
Ok ok for real tho,
who's your first pick?
N: China. Fuck that
pathetic little excuse
for a man!
A: Roast him remember.
No normal insults
N: Whatever. Just shut
up already.
I wonder if it's
because he looks so
girly that big brother
likes him.
A: Probably likes getting
his hair pulled
N: Like how he only
pulls the middle of
his hair back, leaving
those shitty curtains
at the sides? Please,
he can't even pull
his own hair.
A: If he just made it into
a bun or something it
would be much cooler
You'd think someone
that old would have seen
all sorts of hairstyles
and experimented with
his own
N: He's the oldest yet
in all that time has
not grown a beard.
How sad is that?
A: Are you sure? Maybe
he just shaves it
N: He hates being
confused for a
woman though.
Why would he
shave it?
A: Japan once told me
China wore cat ears
and had pigtails and
a dress
N: Well then why does
he keep complaining
about being mistaken
for a woman? That's
his own doing.
A: Idfk man!
Alright next one.
Austria
That guy makes
sloths look athletic
N: He looks like you
if you dunked your
head in cow shit.
That mole on his
face is a piece he
didn't clean.
A: Do you think he can
have sex or does he
have to time out after
two minutes from
exhaustion?
N: No wonder Hungary
is such a gay boy freak.
Probably needs it to
fill the void in her sex
life.
A minute went by without Alfred replying, so she looked up to him, seeing his whole face hiding behind his hand.
She could see the corner of his mouth peeking out from between his fingers, which was tweaked up and pressing his lips tightly together.
While she wasn't as easily amused as him, the fact that she could make him laugh made her feel all good inside.
The one thing that still worried her was him getting himself caught. Best case scenario he gets yelled at, which will anger her, and in the worst case she gets caught talking to him and all this recovery is ruined.
It was too late for her to stop though, as Alfred sent another message while biting his tongue to contain a laugh.
Alfred
A: Maybe it's just a
Germanic thing?
I know that Germany
is into some crazy stuff
Btw be mindful when
you wear your dress, I
heard Germany is
crazy about maids .3.
N: He comes anywhere
near me and I'll kick
him so hard he'll
choke on his balls.
A: I'd be careful doing
that. He's probably
also into cock and
ball torture
N: I seriously did not
need that image put
into my head.
A: Hey it could be true,
Italy said he's a fan
of BDSM
N: Strange how the
kinkiest nation has
the biggest stick up
their ass.
A: OMFG HERR STICK!!!!!
Natalya began to feel a little bubbly sensation rising up within her. It was growing harder to hold her mouth straight.
Alfred was dying at this point, only making it that much harder to keep her composure. The way his reddened face puffed out and his mouth quivered, a second from exploding, for some reason it was so contagious.
It took quite a while for them to calm down this time, as whenever they noticed the other it only made them giggly again, and then even when they were calm that long silence pushed Alfred to the brink once more.
Alfred
A: Omg dudette I'm
fucking crying
N: We're so going to
get caught.
A: Bro I can't help it
it's funny. You were
holding back a laugh
too I saw it
N: You lie I did no
such thing.
A: Don't be embarrassed
dudette, it's totally
normal. Also like I've
said before, yours is
really cute
N: Have you?
A: Idk, probably
N: Well I'm not cute nor
did I laugh, but thank
you I guess.
A: Don't mention it.
Anyway do you want
to continue, or are
you done?
N: ...
I suppose I could go
for a little longer.
Just don't be a fool
and blow our cover.
A: I'll do my best!
Now how about
Poland?
For most of the meeting the two continued to trade their jabs toward other nations, seemingly finding something to say about nearly all of them.
While struggling to function through her trembles of smothered laughter, Natalya started typing out a particularly long message about Lithuania and the Baltics in general, having to stop a few times to catch herself before she slipped up.
She went still as she heard the audible sound of soft giggling from across the table. Ripping her eyes from her phone she saw that Alfred had reached his breaking point.
He could barely hold himself up anymore, growing weak from his battle to keep silent, and his face had gone from red to purple as he choked on his laughs.
Hearing the wheezes and other strained breaths, many of the nations turned to him with either confusion or concern.
Before Russia took notice Natalya shoved her phone back under her dress and focused hard on the speaker, trying to block out Alfred before his obnoxious laughs spread to her.
"Why can you never be quiet, what are you making those odd noises for?" England asked in aggravation while his huge brows arched down and twitched.
When turning and seeing the condition Alfred was in England completely flipped his attitude, facing them directly with what looked like genuine concern for the young man. "Lad? Are you alright?"
Alfred stopped his pained laughs as he turned his head ever so slowly to England, suffocating silence hanging thick in the air.
Suddenly his eyes lit up and he bit his lip as his cheeks puffed out, but it was too late.
"PfffffHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" He laughed hysterically, pointing a shaky finger at England and his bushy eyebrows that were curved in immense confusion.
That loud burst of emotion had attracted all the rest of the nations, effectively ending the meeting for the time being.
"I... don't laugh at me!" England screeched, trying to overcome the volume of the other. Even if Alfred did hear it didn't matter, he was too far gone at this point.
"Aiyah! Would you just grow up already?" China stated, irritated that the meeting had been stopped.
At hearing China's voice Alfred only laughed harder, tipping back in his chair and falling off onto his side on the floor.
The commotion was the trigger that set off the nations as they began yelling at Alfred then eventually at themselves.
Natalya held her hands to her ears trying to hide from all the noise, but she had hit her limit as well. She needed to escape this room or else she'd be caught.
Standing up abruptly she attempted to leave, but had unfortunately gotten her brother's attention. "Sestra, where are you going?"
Natalya went still, her whole body tensing as her mind raced trying to come up with an excuse.
Letting out a breath she relaxed her shoulders and turned to face him, but as she opened her mouth to speak the bubbly feeling of laughter caught in her throat.
"I'm... um... suddenly not feeling t-too well, heh. I think now is the perfect time to. . . teheh t-to pff... bathroom!" She nearly screamed the last part before speeding out of the room.
Russia almost followed after her out of curiosity, but not wanting to intrude on her bathroom business decided to stay out and ask once she returns.
Natalya got about ten steps away from the room before her legs gave out and she crumpled to her knees in a fit of laughter. Her cheeks and stomach stung from all the smiling and giggling, but she couldn't stop herself.
If anyone came out and spotted her they would be terrified at this uncharacteristic display. Even to her it feels unnatural laughing this much.
Forcing herself up she sat against a wall, continuing to giggle as she pulled out her phone and finished writing the previous text.
It was probably a huge risk doing this while everyone's attention was on Alfred, but all she cared about now was hearing him laugh.
Sending the text she held the phone to her chest and waited, a stupidly large grin on her face while she snickered.
She could hear as it went quiet in the meeting room, that was until...
"OH. MY. GAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA! AHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!"
Instantly the room was in uproar again, but nothing could hold a candle to Alfred, who even from outside the room Natalya could hear his laughs and feel him pound his fist against the ground.
Closing her eyes Natalya leaned back and rested her head against the wall, pleased with what has come of her and Alfred's relationship thus far.
She could now say that she was happy again, and it felt really really good.
After another semi successful meeting the nations began to leave and go about their business for the remainder of the day. For Natalya, that meant getting dragged along by Alfred as he told her about some bakery full of pastries he wanted to try with her.
The two walked down the long hallways toward the exit, Alfred enthusiastically describing the types of treats they'll try, until on one corner a figure unexpectedly came around the corner at the same time, bumping into Alfred and falling back onto their butt.
"Aiyah! Watch where you're going aru!" China groused as he rubbed at his sore tailbone. "Whoops, didn't see you there dude," Alfred laughed while reaching a hand out.
Once hearing their voice China lowered his head and sighed. "Of course it's you. Always so oblivious."
He muttered that last part under his breath, but Natalya heard it, and became filled with rage. Does China have a vendetta against her? Why is he always stealing or ridiculing everything she loves?
Rejecting the assistance, China got to his feet on his own and brushed his pants off. Raising his head he just barely acknowledged Natalya as he faced Alfred grumpily.
"How could you not see me coming? Are you really that clumsy?" China rebuked. Alfred laughed again and put his hands on his hips. "You didn't see me either. Besides, I wasn't the one on my ass a few seconds ago."
China seethed, stuttering over himself for a moment as he tried not to explode in anger. "That was your fault, aru! You're too careless!"
Then China shivered out of disturbed remembrance. "Sometimes you remind me far too much of Rome."
With a confident grin Alfred stood a little straighter. "Isn't that a good thing? He was kinda famous for, you know, being one of the coolest and strongest nations ever."
"Yes, and he's also famous for collapsing and causing 1000 years of darkness. Not to mention he inspired a large part of your government and culture, so I wouldn't say he was exactly great," China cut back.
Alfred pouted childishly but hanging far behind him Natalya stood with balled fists and gritted teeth. China was really testing his luck.
She wasn't sure if she should leave to prevent drawing more attention to herself, and because she was only a few seconds away from going back on her promise not to kill China. At the same time there was no way she could just leave Alfred here to get harassed like this. 'Just punch this bastard already,' she thought impatiently, though she hid it well.
"Well maybe that's why I'm number one and you're not," Alfred teased, leaning in close and giving a huge grin for added effect.
China gawked in offense, getting close and trying to stand tall in front of the vastly larger nation. "You and him are both so naive, and air-headed, and detached from those around you, and you especially, have not an ounce of respect for those older and more experienced than you. We know far more than you about how this world works, so don't act all high and mighty like you've got everything figured out.
Oh, and just in case that little pebble of a brain of yours couldn't remember, my economy is the second largest and growing faster than yours. I've told you this a million times before, you keep up that immature attitude and be ignorant to your government's dysfunction and you'll fall- "I know I know, I'll fall apart," Alfred interjected while rolling his eyes in disinterest.
"That! That attitude right there is what's going to get you killed one day, aru!" China admonished.
"My attitude is fine. Besides, I'm too strong to fall," Alfred said with complete confidence, but China just grumbled with immense frustration. "That is exactly what Rome said! Are you listening to a word I'm saying?!"
"...Enough," Alfred responded, a little less confidently. He can't help he's heard this exact same conversation a dozen times before.
China rubbed at his thumping temple, suddenly feeling far older from scolding such a young nation. "I can't wait for this to all come flying back in your face, maybe then you'll finally learn your lesson."
Taking a step to Alfred's side he began walking away, passing by Natalya with nothing more than a fearful glance, he doesn't even want to begin to question why she's here.
"Uh yeah, but I'll also be dead," Alfred pointed out, with a slight hurt in his voice that only Natalya could pick up on.
"Well if you want to be such an arrogant bother to everyone then maybe that's for the best," China replied coldly, not even stopping in his walk away.
Alfred was disheartened, but he's heard it all before so it's lost some of its previous bite. Natalya on the other hand, was utterly livid, and not able to contain it anymore had snapped.
"Like you're one to talk!" She yelled, stopping China in his tracks as he turned and looked at her with a mix of confusion and fright. "Excuse me?"
Alfred looked over at her with just as much confusion as China over this sudden outburst. Natalya kept her eyes squarely on China as she took a step forward. "You heard me. How can you spout all this bullshit like you're any better?!"
Alfred blushed as his mouth fell open in surprise. Is Natalya defending him? What is she doing?! She's going to get herself caught.
Before China could speak up Natalya glared at him, making any argument die on his lips. Taking another step forward China reflexively stepped back, despite the great distance already between them.
"You claim he's going to fall but how are you any better?" She taunted, a ferocious glint in her eyes as she stalked toward the ancient.
China could barely get a word out in his bewilderment. "I... you... wha— you're defending him?!"
Natalya tsked through grinding teeth and glared at China harder. "Nyet. That fool couldn't run his country if Rome himself returned to help him out, but I can't stand to listen to you be so infuriatingly hypocritical."
Knowing China was about to complain, Natalya stomped on the ground to shut him up. All he could do was tremble like a terrified child.
"Maybe being a decrepit, feeble old man has made you so senile you've forgotten, but your nation has broken apart and been taken over so many times, with you getting passed around between nations and governments like a goddamn whore! And here you call America's government dysfunctional, how fucking brain dead are you?!"
China winced at the harsh words, but Natalya pressed on, all while Alfred could do nothing but stand around helplessly. He wanted to stop it before things got too far but couldn't find the courage to do so.
"Look at you, the oldest country on the planet, one that prides themselves on their maturity and wisdom, telling a nation roughly twenty times younger than them they're better off dead. Pathetic."
"You say the same stuff all the time, aru!" China cried out, getting shut down with another swift glare. "Da, but I know who I fucking am. I'm not making some ridiculous effort to act like I have some moral high ground above everyone else. You're just as insufferable as the rest of them.
Also, if you're acting all pissy because of that "hundred years of humiliation" bullshit just because your little feelings are hurt from the West not treating you well, then get in line asshole! A majority of the world has been fucked over from the West at some point in time. You. Are. Not. Special!"
"Um... Belarus maybe you should..." Alfred tried to defuse, earning him a hateful scowl. This argument was personal. He quieted down and stepped away.
Natalya turned back to China, who at this point had fallen onto his butt as his shaky legs have given out on him. He couldn't understand how Alfred wasn't running away in terror.
"Urgh everything about you infuriates me! You complain about everything, and it's always some trivial bullshit no one but you cares about. I've never met someone more sensitive than you, you're seemingly so "mature" yet can't seem to take even the smallest bit of criticism.
It's like I can never escape you, you're always lingering around to make my life a living hell! Not a day goes by I don't think about wringing your neck and watching your miserable life slip away!" She yelled while staring down at her twitching fingers, which subconsciously curved at the thought of the fragile neck in its clutches.
China shuddered at that last part, eyeing the hands cautiously. Eventually they balled into tight fists as Natalya brought them back at her sides. "I may hate the same people you do, but I won't stand to hear you insult them, because there is no one on this whole damn planet that I hate more... than you."
Taking one final stride she loomed over China like a specter, all features of her face disappearing behind a murky abyss except for her spine-chilling purple eyes.
"If I ever see you pull this shit again, no matter how stupid or deserving the nation may be, then I will personally see to it that I rip out your tongue, cut off your limbs, or remove however many pieces of your body it'll take to finally make you shut the fuck up!"
China's body went a ghostly white and his shivering became uncomfortable. Pretty soon he'd most likely faint. "Y-You can't-t do that, you know w-what will hap-p-pen."
"You know, you're right, and you're probably just going to go crying about this anyway. Therefore... I should do this now while I have the chance," Natalya spoke menacingly as China caught sight of the shimmering steel of a blade.
As she began leaning down with the knife pointing forward, he clambered back and tumbled around until he could get away, his face dripping with an unhealthy amount of sweat.
"You're completely insa- "say it. I dare you," Natalya challenged, squinting her eyes at him while raising the knife up for China to see.
China opened his mouth, ready to argue, but his confidence crumbled under a flick of her knife, so without a word he got up and ran away.
Long after he was gone Alfred stepped up and tapped Natalya on her shoulder. Whipping her head around she glared at him too, still on a high from her China rant.
Alfred jumped in fright, then clamped a hand over her eyes. "Dude you can chill now, that glare is giving me the creeps."
From under his hand he could feel her lashes tickle his palm as she closed her eyes to calm down. Coming down from the excitement she gripped the folds of her dress and let the hand rest on her face, this was such a weird feeling.
With a laugh he removed the hand, giving her a gentle smile as she opened her now serene eyes to him. "See? That's much better," he said softly, making her face burst into flames.
Composing herself she looked away from him, but the heat in her face wasn't leaving anytime soon. "I didn't mean to glare at you. It's China's fault, he gets on my nerves."
"Oh don't worry about that, he gets on my nerves too. I'm just surprised you defended me like that, you really put yourself in danger of getting caught being my friend." Closing his eyes he gave her a heartwarming smile and a chuckle. "Here you are being my hero again. I think you're just trying to show me up at this point."
Natalya's heart pounded in her chest. Why does he keep saying this stuff? It's so embarrassing. "It was nothing," she spoke firmly, though Alfred could see how timid she had become, especially compared to how she was acting only a few minutes ago.
"Why'd you do that by the way? It was super sudden," Alfred wondered. Natalya frowned at him and crossed her arms. "What, was I just supposed to let him harass you?"
Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Well... yeah... I guess. You pretend to insult me to protect our friendship, wouldn't it just make more sense to keep quiet?"
Natalya's frown deepened, reluctant to reply as she held herself tightly in her crossed arms. She could only hope he wouldn't react too badly. "I remembered that one of the last entries in your diary was about China being cruel, and how that was really upsetting to you." Her eyes flickered between him and the floor, seeing the immediate change in his mood. "I apologize."
". . . It's alright," he said softly, followed by his hand delicately grabbing onto her shoulder. At the feeling of contact she looked to him again. He didn't look mad or even uncomfortable for that matter, it almost seemed as though he was entirely neutral, besides the slight smile which was probably done for her own convenience.
Just like that the touching moment was over, as he let go of her and flashed his much larger smile. "Now come on, let's get out of here before we bump into someone else and end up getting into another lame argument."
She was a little disappointed the moment was ruined, but having learned to expect Alfred's abrupt changes she went along with it and followed him down the hallway.
As they walked side by side Alfred felt very conflicted. She had defended him without question, and without any real need along with a stupidly high risk, but at the same time she had reminded him that she had read his book.
But it was with the information she learned that compelled her to step up and protect him. He's fairly certain she would've stayed back if she wasn't aware of how China's words hurt him.
With his thoughts all over the place he turned and stared at the side of her head. He's so unsure of how to proceed, he's been caught in a very difficult dilemma. Does he take a leap of faith and make a move, or throw it all to the wind and move on with his life?
He may need a few days to think it over... but he thinks he's made a decision.
In no time the final meeting day had ended. Things went well, his presentation was pretty hit-or-miss so nothing out of the ordinary, and China's been leaving him alone so that's always a plus.
Having left the meeting room Alfred and Canada walked with each other down the street, heading toward the hotel room when Alfred randomly stopped moving.
In wonder Canada turned around and watched as the American frantically patted himself down. "Forget something?" He asked.
"My phone," Alfred responded as he finished checking the remaining pockets, coming up with nothing. "I think I left it back in the meeting room."
Turning around he began going back toward the government building. "Meet you at the hotel dude, I'll be back in a sec!" He yelled as he started running away.
Once he was far out of Canada's sight he let out a sigh of relief, glad they didn't decide to tag along. Turning a few corners and sprinting down a couple blocks he was getting close to the building, and that's when he spotted Natalya, walking all alone toward the hotel. She must've just left.
"Hey Nat!" He called out loudly, waving an arm rapidly to get her attention. Raising her head she stopped walking and tilted her head in annoyed confusion. Why's he screaming her name like that? Is he trying to get caught?
Running up to her he slowly came to a stop and stood about half a foot away, breathing heavy with a strange, nervous smile and eyes that were filled with burning resolve. They focused deep within her own eyes, causing her whole body to shiver.
He stood there wordlessly and unblinking, making her even more uneasy. "Could I help you with something?" She wondered, which finally got him to blink.
"Oh, no I... uh well yes um... no wait, crap I'm messing this up. Let me restart," he requested, his whole face going red in panic. Taking in a breath and closing his eyes he held the air in, recuperating himself as he regathered his words.
Letting out the breath he opened his eyes, which had been refilled with their previous determination. "So, if you want to... if you're willing, would you... you..." he trailed off, that determination fading once again as the nervousness and embarrassment crept back in.
Those intense, swirling purple voids of hers wore him down quickly. While he at first acted like a confident adult, now he was nothing more than a middle school boy talking to a girl for the first time. She raised an eyebrow at his stuttering, only making it worse for him as everything went hot.
Then finally, with one impassioned shout he forced himself to say it. "Do you want to go on a date?!" Right after speaking he recoiled back, as if afraid her reaction would hurt him.
Instead she stood completely still, not speaking, not raising an eyebrow, he couldn't even hear her breathing anymore. She just stood with wide eyes.
That terrified him, but something was keeping his feet locked in place. His heartbeat thumped wildly in his ears and his chest felt heavy. Her silence was scary and starting to get concerning, but he couldn't even ask if she was alright because an impossibly large lump had filled his entire esophagus.
As she processed the information he watched as everything from her face to her ears turned into a tomato. Letting out a shaky breath she blinked and looked up at him with disbelieving eyes. "You... a... a date?"
Her voice soothed him a bit, allowing the lump to slightly decrease in size. Putting on his best grin he nodded and put a hand on the back of his head. "Y-Yeah! I was thinking about it and... well we're in Paris already. I just figured... what better time and place, right?"
The two looked at each other nervously for a little longer, then Alfred coughed into his hand and blinked a few times. "So uh... do you want to?"
It took a few seconds but Natalya eventually gave a couple nods, her face practically melting with how hot it felt.
Alfred's nervousness evaporated away and his eyes sparkled with so many emotions he couldn't even describe them.
Rushing forward he wrapped her up in a crushing hug and spun her around, laughing victoriously and smiling like he just won a lifetime supply of burgers. "Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!"
Setting her down he was shaking with excitement. "Thank you so much I can't wait! This will be the best date ever I promise! We'll eat at an awesome restaurant, and see the Eiffel Tower, and... I don't even know what! I'm gonna go start planning right now! Bye Nat, this will be so awesome!!!" He waved as he started sprinting away, before almost tripping over himself as he ran back. "Oh, I almost forgot! It'll be tomorrow at 8:00 pm, does that sound good?"
Natalya could barely utter out a "da" before he nodded furiously and ran off faster than she could comprehend, the echoing sound of laughter filling the whole city of Paris.
Natalya still stood fixed to the ground, holding a hand up to her thumping chest while her brain tried to wrack around what had just happened. 'A... A date with... Alfred."
'A date... with Alfred.'
As the realization sank in Natalya collapsed to her knees, not caring that she was in the middle of the sidewalk. She only had one thought running through her mind. "I'm going on a date with Alfred F. Jones."