Arthur knew something was wrong. Alfred usually called him or texted him with something stupid weekly yet he hadn't heard so much as a peep. He'd tried contacting the blondes government but all Arthur got out of them was that he was just busy right now. 'God, the US government is piss poor at lying' he thought to himself as he sipped his cup of tea. Deciding to try another route he called up Matthew, "Hello my dear boy, how have you been?"

Matthew hadn't been expecting a phone call from Arthur, the reserved Brit barely called. it was nice to actually hear from him, "I'm doing great Arthur, how have you been?"

Arthur responded, "I've been great as well, I was wondering if you heard anything from your brother in the past week or so?"

'Of course.' The Canadian thought bitterly, 'He only called me talk about Alfred.' "Nope, I haven't heard from him…actually now that you mention it things over here are weirdly quiet."

"Ah…" Arthur murmured, he knew something was up and was prepared to find out what. "Well thank you my dear boy, I'll talk to you later." Hanging up he dialed another number, bringing his thoughts into focus as he waited.

Ivan was in the kitchen cooking when his work phone rang. Setting down the spoon he had been using to stir he answered his phone, "Hello, Russia speaking."

"Where is he?" Arthur demanded.

Ivan sighed, "England we have been over this, you must be being more specific."

"I really don't have time to have the same conversation with you again. Where's America?" The nation responded in annoyance.

He raised an eyebrow, the Englishman sure was short with him today. "I am afraid I do not know. However, you should ask his government." Sure Ivan couldn't go snooping around Alfred's government but if anyone could it'd be England.

The British nation paused, Soviet knew something. "What do you mean by that?" he questioned. However, he knew if he wanted to get a little more information out of Soviet he would have to let some information he knew slip too. "Well I talked to his government, but they wouldn't tell me a thing. Usually when it's that it has to deal with you." he grumbled.

Ivan thought for a moment, "You are on right track." he was pretty certain the video was real now. Alfred must be being kept somewhere in some sort of house arrest at this point. "You should find video of America's trial. It will not be easy." The ashen blonde sighed, "Well I have already said too much, good bye England." he hung up the phone on the other man. Ivan found himself hoping England found the video and could somehow help the blonde when he could not.

"What trial?" he asked but it was too late, Ivan already hung up the phone. After some snooping Arthur found the video. The Russian had been right, it was very difficult for him to get his hands on it. Taking about a good month before he received a copy. He couldn't breath after watching them open fire on Alfred…feeling disgusted and sick. There was no way that patriotic twit would choose the USSR over his own country. Alfred was just being stupid and angry about the unconstitutional trials and said what would piss them off the most…now he was paying for it. He knew he couldn't do anything for Alfred besides be there for him when he got out. Arthur headed to the US as soon as he could to try and urge his bosses to release him earlier.

Meanwhile, Alfred couldn't believe he was on major lockdown for being a "communist". How could he, practically the representation of capitalism, be a communist? He was what his people were…and his people were just letting blind fear lead them. He didn't even have a fair trial. Well the joke was on them, he didn't tell them shit. Though that really depended on what they already knew… Frankly, this was business between him and Ivan not their countries.

Though he had to laugh at their attempts to torture information out of him. Alfred just found it too ironic, they had trained him to not break under such pressure and here those very people were trying to get him to talk. He couldn't count how many times they almost killed him in the process. Though a few times they got pissed at him and ended up killing him anyway. It really just wore him out. However, Alfred did learn something from the whole odd ordeal…his people were choosing to give into their fears over keeping their freedoms. He supposed he couldn't blame them…he'd felt just the same until recently. The only thing that really pissed him off was that he now had a mugshot, 'really hero's aren't criminals' he thought dying inside.

Alfred had no grasp of the date, the time passed slowly and he had no way of knowing when one day ended and another began. He just wanted to play some video games, read some comics, and most importantly get a good burger! He was given the same bland food every time, though not enough for him to actually feel full. Sure he wasn't starving but he went to bed hungry a lot. All Alfred was focusing on was staying sane and staying himself as the weeks dragged by.

...

It was now September 21, 1991, Alfred was briefed that he would be attending the world conference in two days. He needed to act like nothing happened, the world could not know the United States was practically turning against itself. That would cause uprises everywhere...apparently. Alfred just rolled his eyes, he wasn't making an uprising, he just wanted the stupid policies to be reworked.

His boss walked into the room, totally avoiding his eyes, showing Alfred word for word what he needed to say in his presentation. Alfred was confused and annoyed, usually he was the one that made and gave it. "If you manage to do this successfully we will consider putting you on parole. You've been seeming to change your ways and we'd like to see that continue."

Alfred just rolled his eyes, "Yes, sir."

The representative had no idea what was going on in the world, sometimes he could feel a slight stir of something but was never quite sure. He was wondering how Ivan was fairing out there. When he finally walked out of his prison he was greeted by Arthur. The American ran and gave him a tight hug. "God you can be so stupid sometimes!" Arthur chastised, holding him close. They had always had a very...special relationship.

"So you know?" Alfred muttered.

"Yeah…I saw the video." The other nation replied.

"Did I at least look cool?" He asked hopefully.

"Really…?" Arthur sighed…"Yeah, yeah you did you git…standing up for your constitution was pretty cool." Alfred just chuckled. They had always been there for each other and they would continue to do so.

Alfred and Arthur flew into France on September 22, 1991 to attend the world conference. The American was frantically working on his presentation, there was no way in hell he was going to give a present that a stupid fascist wanted. The only problem was presentations like this usually took a week to put together and he had only started a day ago so he needed to hurry and focus. Plus, to make things worse he was distracted by his thoughts of Ivan. He wondered if he should try to talk to him or just pretend nothing happened. Alfred sighed, staring out the plan window no closer to a decision.

Once they landed he booked it to the hotel to take a nap, he didn't know if it was the jet leg or the whole not sleeping in the past 24 hours thing that made him so tired. His presentation was on the second day of the meeting anyway so he had some time…but not as much as he would like to have thought. Waking up a bit later he made some shitty hotel coffee and was ready to go at it again. He passed out around three in the morning of the first day of conference only to be awoken by his alarm three hours later. 'Today's going to a coffee and Redbull day, huh?' He thought tiredly. Taking an ice-cold shower that he hoped would wake him up or at least give him enough energy to seem awake to everyone else he began dressing. He heard a loud knock at his door, looking out he could see Arthur, plastering on a grin he answered it.

"You're not ready yet?" Arthur frowned, though mildly relieved Alfred was awake at all.

Looking down at his state of dress the blonde chuckled, "Believe it or not once I put on my jacket I'll be all ready to go!" he was trying his best to seem like he had energy.

"Hmm, almost impressive." The other nation scoffed, shaking his head. Soon the two were making their way to the conference room together.

...

Ivan inspected his reflection in the hotel mirror, his tailor really had done an exceptional job. She had managed to pad out the jacket in a way that made it look like he hadn't lost a single pound. The lifts in his shoes also seemed to be working quite nicely. Sure everyone would already know that the Soviet Union had lost some of its land with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and quite a few others having left but that didn't mean he had to show it. The last thing he wanted was anyone's pity or for anyone to think they could take advantage of him. He wasn't going to look weak, therefore he had to hide his smaller stature with his black suit.

He straightened his scarlet tie, wrapped his scarf about him, and left to fetch his sisters from the room next door. His thoughts drifted to America, he wondered if the blonde would be in attendance. He hoped he would, Ivan still found it odd to think of the other as fondly as he did.

His sisters were ready to go when he knocked so they made their way to the meeting room. Taking his usual seat with his sisters beside him he waited. Others were in the room already such as the host France with Italy, Germany, and Japan among others. No one made eye contact with him, not wishing to strike up conversation which was fine by him. He ran through his presentation in his head, fairly straightforward really. Just snuffing out any concerns others might have as to the coup that took place in his country as well as the recent governmental upheavals and loss of influence over many countries. It would be a delicate situation of course but he had practiced so much he could give the presentation in his sleep.

He heard America before he saw him enter the room with England. Alfred noticed Ivan as well, but he was pretty sure now wouldn't be the best time to talk considering all the other countries around. America and England took their assigned seats on the other side of the table from the Russian with Canada. Ivan was surprised by how run down Alfred looked. He had dark circles beneath his eyes and looked as if he had lost weight. 'What has his government been doing?' he wondered. But before he could put much thought into it France began the meeting. He soon gestured to Ivan to give his presentation.

Alfred was trying to stay awake the best he could, downing another Redbull to aid him. Matthew glanced at him in concern, "You're going to end up dying if you keep drinking that stuff." He whispered.

Alfred responded with a breathy chuckle, "Then I wouldn't have to do this stupid presentation!" Matthew just rolled his eyes. America was too tired to pay attention to the presentation. Instead he ended up staring at Ivan the whole time while wondering if things had really improved for him.

As he spoke Ivan's thoughts drifted to the lies present in his speech. In reality his country was a mess and he knew that most others here knew it too. He wondered if anyone here would miss him. His eyes drifted to his sisters, of course they would. Sure they would be happy for their freedom but they had always been family and his death would affect them harshly. Near to them was China, he knew the small man was just thinking of how he would make use of his lands when he was gone. That's all he had ever been concerned with, including when he was younger and tried to seduce Ivan. Granted he couldn't blame him, he had been an easy target being so young and naive. Glancing to Germany he knew the man wouldn't have any feelings for him, he was right to still hold resentment towards him. The same could be said for the Japanese man beside him. Then there was Italy, he thought he might at least mourn his death out of respect. He had always been nice to most everyone. When his eyes fell to England he was a bit conflicted but ultimately he decided the man probably neither loathed nor liked him. France was a different story however. They had their fights of course but they had always gotten along rather well, even having romantic relations at one point. He would like to think he would at least miss him.

Then there was America, he noticed the blonde was staring at him intently. He still didn't know if the things the other had said in the video were true or if he was simply using him to get back at his government. He tried to not get his hopes up even though it was rather hard to do. He wanted Alfred to mourn his absence but he didn't know if he would. Ivan's country had ultimately been its own demise but America had still played a part in that decline. As much as he wished they weren't they were still enemies. So shouldn't Alfred be happy that he was gone? That he had won? A small part of him didn't believe that, the same part that had wanted to have sex with the blonde and grow close. But there was no use in it anymore, Ivan was being selfish trying to get close to the other now. He knew he would be gone soon. Alfred may have killed the representative that was supposed to take his place but a new one could show up at any time. Or, even if there wasn't, he would still change. He didn't know who or what he would change into once the Soviet Union was gone. He could be someone unrecognizable even to himself. So in the end, no matter what happened, this current him was going to die. And he was afraid of what was to come.

He finished his presentation and sat between his sisters, a little sick to his stomach after such thoughts. France then called the thirty minute break, Alfred darting from the room and returning to his own for some much needed sleep before coming back for the rest of the presentations. Eventually the meeting ended and the American fled the room once more, he still needed to finish his presentation for tomorrow and would need all the time he could get.

Ivan tried to find America after the meeting but just missed him as he slipped out of the room. He supposed he would just have to speak with him later. Instead, he brought his sisters back to their room and went to his own. Attempting to read a book or otherwise distract himself Ivan found his thoughts constantly returning to those he had during the presentation. He was beginning to hate the quiet of his room and wanted some sort of noise and presence of others with him. So he left his room and went down to the lobby with his book. He knew he would just be a bother to any of the other countries, so he figured sitting in the lobby where there was a constant commotion of people coming and going to keep him company was the next best thing.

Later that night Alfred had just finished his presentation and was about ready to fall asleep when he heard his private phone ring.

"Hey Alfred, come get Arthur, he's literally strip dancing on the table and I've ran out of one's!" An obnoxious cackling rang out from his phone.

Alfred frowned in annoyance, "Where's Francis? Can't he do it?"

Prussia responded in a hushed tone, "Well you see they got into a fight and that's why Arthur is smashed in the first place."

The American sighed 'They really need to stop getting me involved in their personal fights. Also, when did I become the designated person to take care of drunk Arthur?' "Just give me a minute, I'll be right there." Hanging up the phone Alfred threw on his clothes quickly and strode down the hall.

Glancing up from his book Ivan saw America walking from the elevators, he was about to get his attention when the blonde was already out the front doors. 'I suppose he has somewhere he needs to be.' he thought, but he would have to return eventually so Ivan would just wait until then.

America arrived onto the scene of one extremely hammered Arthur stripping in what looked like a small waiter apron in front of his junk. This sight only made his headache worse. He had been hoping Arthur was already passed out and he could just carry him back. "Hey Arthur! It's time to go home!" Alfred yelled loud enough to get the drunks attention.

Arthur turned around, wobbling on his legs but thankfully managing to stay upright. "Bloody hell it is! The night's still young my boy!"

Alfred was trying his best not to hit his head against the table...with a heavy sigh he hopped up onto the table and grabbed Arthur bridal style. Walking out the door despite the Brit's whining. If he carried him any other way America risked seeing his butt or...other things that he really preferred were left in the dark. However, before reaching the hotel, a now very sleepy Arthur began to shiver, "Is cold here."

Alfred groaned, "And you think I'm the one with the problems..." Setting the drunken nation down he slipped his bomber jacket onto his bare arms and shoulders. "You better stop complaining, got it?" Arthur just nodded before Alfred picked him up again. He was happy Arthur fell asleep after that, sure he couldn't ask him about his room card or where it was at. However, Alfred assumed he probably lost that with his clothing anyhow. 'God Arthur is wild sometimes'.

Some time passed before America returned, Ivan heard the commotion the blond made when he entered. Looking up ready to get his attention he stopped short at the sight before him. America was carrying a naked England through the lobby. Well not completely nude seeing as how he wore the other's signature bomber jacket but somehow that just made it worse. Ivan didn't know why exactly but he felt a little rejected and extremely annoyed.

Ivan rose from his spot and made his way to the stairs, determined to see if the blonde was going where he thought he was. Ivan exited on the blonde's floor and waited. Sure enough Alfred appeared walking from the elevator with England still in his arms and entered his hotel room. Was there something going on between the two? Did Alfred just sleep with anyone when alcohol was involved? If so Ivan felt rather cheated and humiliated. He had told himself that America was using him to get back at his government, that he had just been drunk and didn't mean the things he had said. But apparently that small part of him that had thought otherwise had been bigger than he anticipated. Now he was furious and wasn't going to walk away empty handed. He would show England, America, and potentially even the rest of them that Ivan was not one to be played with. Walking up to the door Ivan knocked and waited for America to answer.

The American laid Arthur onto his bed, he really couldn't leave him like that, who knew what sight he might be greeted with if he moved in his sleep… Alfred took out his pajamas and managed to slip them on the drunk without getting a look at his genitals which called for a small victory dance. However, he didn't have any more pajamas so he slipped on his white t-shirt and just took off his pants. He didn't mind just sleeping in his boxers. The blonde was exhausted and was about to lay down when he heard a knock at the door. He sighed, it was probably Francis wondering where Arthur went. Without looking to see who it was he opened the door..."Hey- Huh? Hey Ivan? What's up?" Alfred asked curiously.

Ivan looked the american up and down, his outrage growing. "Sorry to interrupt but we are having talk now. Please close door." he knew there was a noticeable lack of his usual smile.

"Oh? Ok. Let me just put some pants on and I'll be right out." Alfred was really too tired for this.

The talker nation grabbed the door, "Nyet. Now." His voice was firm leaving little room for argument.

"Ok?" The blonde shot Ivan another puzzled look. Walking out and closing the door behind him. "So what's up dude?" He asked with a yawn.

His seeming lack of understanding to the situation only served to piss Ivan off more. "I should be asking you." he responded pointedly looking at the blonde's attire, "Having fun with England?"

"What...?" He gave the Russian a puzzled look. "Not really? I've just been trying to sleep...I had to go take care of the drunkard. Why?" Alfred frowned, slightly annoyed at the thought.

Ivan sneered, "So this is usual situation with alcohol then? I feel very special comrade."

"If you mean me having to clean up Arthur's drunk mess then, yes?" Alfred replied sarcastically, he was starting to get annoyed at all of Ivan's accusations that didn't seem make any sense.

Wait so he wasn't going to have sex with him? Was he lying? He could just be trying to make Ivan continue to go along with his plans like he wanted. But how was he supposed to know? Well he supposed he could test it, "Oh?" He stepped forward and grabbed the blonde's hair, his other arm wrapping around his waist. "Then this should not be problem da?" he spoke low, keeping his voice barely above a whisper.

Alfred gasped as Ivan grabbed him. Taking a moment to understand the situation he glared at him with a challenging smile, "Of course it wouldn't be."

Ivan chuckled, "Then you won't mind this." He leaned down and bit into the other's neck, sucking the skin in hopes of leaving a sizable mark. He couldn't wait to hear how Alfred explained this to everyone, or how he managed to cover it. He wanted it to be obvious that America wasn't available for anyone else to play with. Not while he was around. Besides, if he was lying and was planning to have sex or further relations with England then he'd have to try and explain this. Alfred let out a small yelp, shuddering as the Russian bit into his neck.

Ivan soon pulled away, it looked as if the mark would stick around for a while. "See you tomorrow America. Have fun with England." He turned and walked towards the elevators satisfied with his work.

"Hmph," Alfred just held his hand on his neck where Ivan had touched...watching him walk away before going back inside. He was far too worn out to think much on the thoroughly confusing encounter and instead passed out.

Ivan returned to his room, he still felt annoyed by the whole situation with Alfred but there was not much else he could do. He wished he could know if the American was telling the truth for the past few months. He felt exhausted, he was rarely so active these days. Taking off his clothing he climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.