Hello everyone. I hope you all have had amazing holidays. I want to apologize for the delay in updating part two of chapter 13, which ended up becoming so long itself that I had to tweak it to encompass some of chapter 14. I'm sorry for not being active these last couple of months. Lets just say the holiday season has been difficult this passed year. My family lost someone very dear to us and in the wake of such tragedy we were also betrayed by another person all within the span of November and December. With all the drama that has been going on in my life, I was unable to write as much as I wanted. Even now, the chaos that has broken my family up isn't exactly the best energy to write in. Please forgive me for disappearing and for the quality of the next couple of chapters.

Thank you for the amazing reviews again. I wish you all a belated Merry Christmas and Happy 2012. Please enjoy the fic and continue leaving comments.

Chapter 13, Part 2(I messed up on last chapter again. We are still on 13 guys, not 14)

September 25, 1958

Whistling a happy tune, the United States strolled down the carpeted hall towards the large dining room where the nations were currently having their hour and a half break in between discussing world issues. Despite spending much of the day arguing over the legitimacy of China's position in the UN, thanks to India, Emily was in good mood*. The earlier debate had shown a clear divide between the Communist East and Free and Democratic West, which gave her confidence in maintaining the support of her allies aside from her unexpected pregnancy. She fingered through the sheets in her hands, all the documents Arthur needed to complete the temporary merger between their two nations. Emily looked forward to the completion of the paperwork and the chance to finally breathe easy knowing she had the United Kingdom as backup.

For the time being, she didn't plan to bring up Alaska until after lunch, choosing to let time fatigue her fellow nations enough so that when she announced her state's father, no one would freak out too much. She had sensed the Soviet Union's cold gaze on her the entire conference trying to get her to say something about it before he did. But America kept to her own agenda; damage control could always come later. It didn't make much sense to her, the man seemed to be in a rush to get people to know about their little bundle of political chaos. He was planning something, which only made the merger that more important.

The absence of her closest allies deterred the blond for a moment as America entered the hall where the world representatives were spending their break. Of the nations currently in the area, England, Canada, France, and even West Germany were nowhere to be seen. Still, she kept the happy expression on her face, gazing around the room, pretending not to search, and throwing the occasional bright greeting in everyone's direction. The four's absence was rather peculiar, Emily had to admit, but she decided to place the suspicions aside and play humble host. It would help her in the long run, if she was to be seen in a positive light when she announced the pregnancy.

"America, America!" The accented call drew her attention away from her thoughts and to the Northern Italian approaching her, tugging his twin brother by the hand after him. Feliciano grinned as oblivious as ever, "How are you?"

Mirroring his energy the American woman smiled in return, "I'm good. How about you, Feli? How're you and your brother doing?"

"Great. Romano, say hello."

With a grunt, the Southern Italian nodded in her direction, "Hello, Emily."

"We just wanted to tell you thanks for being thoughtful and having pasta served for lunch. It's not as tasty as ours back at home, but at least your cooks don't cook like England, right Romano? Did you know that one of them has a father who came all the way from Firenze? You have people from everywhere living here." Their host giggled and took the compliment in stride. Feliciano's brother grunted again, eyes falling from her face to her stomach, in all too obvious an action. America tried to ignore it. "We also wanted to congratulate you on the new baby."

"We heard you are having a new state soon?" Romano added on his own accord.

Emily thanked her lucky star that she was talking with the Italian Republic of all nations, who couldn't have noticed her sudden discomfort at the reference. She allowed herself to blush at the compliment, even if she was shocked to hear them talk about the unborn child she wanted to keep secret until later that day. "Thanks guys. Well, I thought I could make it a surprise for everyone." Laughing loudly, America continued to cover her growing anxiety, "That's really funny, but sweet. How'd you guys know?"

"Well, you kinda look bigger." Blatantly honest, Romano motioned to her middle. "And we sensed that something was different with your body."

Feliciano added, "Brother told me, and Spain told him."

Neither Italian caught sight of the woman stiffen, "Spain?"

"Si, the idiota learned about it from Francis."

"You must've planned a really bad surprise because I think a lot of people know." Innocently, Feliciano kept on, "Everyone's been talking about it ALL day. During the meeting people were trying to guess how far you were…"

"… and who fathered your state this time." The Southern twin finished.

"They were even placing bets. I think it'll be a lot of fun if you tell us soon." Chuckling, North Italy, rocked on the balls of his feet, "Come by Italia when you have the baby, I don't think we have ever gotten the chance to see an American state so young before."

Hearing the explanation, America suddenly felt self conscious, finally aware of the stares she'd been receiving all day. She couldn't do much but play along, though her eyes made another scan across the room for England and the others. Their absence continued.

"So who is the father, America?" Romano questioned, his tone characteristically angry. Emily didn't hold his words against him, yet she couldn't hide the fact that she hesitated before replying.

"Oh, why don't you guys just guess and I'll tell you if you are right or wrong."

North Italy nodded, wanting to play this game, but Emily swore the smaller nation sensed the pause in her words. As seemingly simple-minded both Italians were, she knew that they were not a threat in a physical sense but understood how to manipulate information if she allowed something to slip. Visiting the two and the US bases that dotted their country frequently had taught her that much. "Is it England?"

"Nope." Came the answer, with another scan of the room in search of said nation.

"What about France?" Romano was quick to throw his prediction.

Emily shook her head and laughed. The brothers would never win the guessing game and she was more than glad that it would turn out that way. It gave her time to continue searching for the missing members of NATO whom she swore had made their way to the dining hall when the break was called.

"Is it Germany? Oh, I mean West Germany?" Shock was written on Feliciano's face at the mere thought of his war-ally actually fathering an American state.

"It isn't that bastard, Spain, is it?" His twin added roughly.

Emily shook her head. They were going to be playing this game forever, but she could care less. Catching sight of one of England's human aids who stood by the far entryway of the hall, she made a mental note to talk to him as soon as her current conversation was over. "No, no. You know Ludwig's been busy just as you guys have been with the recovery and all. And I really don't think Franco is allowing Antonio much freedom in terms of international relations right now. Tell you what, why don't you guys think about it for a bit? I have a few errands to run before the break's up and we can talk then, ok?"

Sighing, America felt a moment of relief when the twins nodded, already drawn into the little game of guessing the woman's baby-daddy. She quickly said her good-byes, waving as she did so, and walked towards the British aid, who, on closer inspection, seemed to be rather uncomfortable standing in a room full of immortal nations. His reaction was another thing to put on her list of unusual observations, but the superpower assured herself that she was reading the atmosphere too much, something she refrained from doing due to the underlying paranoia she felt when she did so.

A slight sensation from her stomach made Emily pause. She took another breath and patted her middle with a small smile. Little Alaska was already starting to move, a good sign for the mother of 48 energetic children and the woman who had had even more pregnancies. She just hoped the little one would continue to provide strong signs that he would still exist after all this drama over his conception went away.

America gave the human another grin and greeted him with the manners she had learned centuries ago as a colony. "Good afternoon. I'm sorry you have to spend lunch with a bunch of countries. It can be a bit uncomfortable." England's aid quickly turned to the approaching host.

"Oh, not at all Ms. America- I mean Ms. Jones." The unrecognizable man answered. His eyes instinctively scanned the approaching country, still awed by the fact that such a young and beautiful woman represented a nation that had existed for more than 200 years. He had met nations before, but he hadn't spoken with the American despite his nation's strong relationship with the blonde. He couldn't help but note that Emily was far more polite than Arthur had described.

"So is everything ok here? I noticed that you are the only aid around. I swear I told everyone to let their aids off the hook today while we had this meeting, but Artie never listens to me. I digress. I don't think I've met you before. You are-?"

"Henry Warren. It's an honor to meet you. I had to deliver a message from the Prime Minister to Sir Kirkland. I will be leaving shortly." If the man knew Emily, he would have long noticed that she was toying with him, acting like a graciously hospitable host to get information that she wanted. Only nations could tell when the American woman did this, and even Emily, herself, didn't realize that New York's own polite-host act was derived from her very own.

"It's fine, Henry. Please, stay as long as you like. If nations don't weird you out then stay and have lunch if you want. There is more than enough." The two smiled at each other, before Emily continued, "So you delivered a message to Arthur did you? I have been wondering where he's been since the meeting adjourned for lunch. Might I ask where he is right now?"

She saw the hesitance in his eyes, but with another bright grin and a gentle pat on the shoulder, his resolve broke down in an instant. America had more than two centuries of practice in using her feminine charm around humans, and as long as no nation was close enough to notice, she was able to get what she wanted. This was why many nations were careful dealing with the woman. In almost half the time most nations learned the trade of power, Emily had learned how to make allies (and enemies) by the use of her gender alone, ensuring her a position as a superpower. "He-He's speaking with West Germany and France at this moment, ma'am. I believe they are in one of the conference rooms down this hallway."

It was almost too easy, getting the information from the Brit. America made herself an optional mental note to speak to her ex-colonizer about his aid's weakness to a couple of touches and words, but went on with the act nonetheless. The seemingly private conversation between three of her allies caught her attention and not in a good way. Restraining a desire to frown, the expectant nation slid her hand across the human's shoulders feeling him melt under her touch. She laughed to herself, "So that's where everyone is. I was getting lonely." Finally removing herself from Warren, Emily nodded and eyed the corridor behind them. "Thank you very much, Henry. I had a few things to discuss with them myself, so I should get going. Help yourself to whatever you like from the dining hall. Enjoy your stay here, even if it is on business." With this, Emily made her graceful exit, a move she had mastered in the 20s.**

In minutes she found her fellow Western countries a few doors down from the dining hall. Catching sound of a pair of arguing voices in one of the smaller committee conference rooms, she was quick to hear both England and France in another of their characteristic disputes. The door to the room closed, Emily hesitated and substituted her normally obnoxious entrance for a silent approach to the source of the voices without making her presence known. Yes, these were her allies she had fought in wars with, but two centuries of being a country had taught her that nothing was true and everything was permitted***, especially when politics were involved.

"Let me guess, Ingleterre, because of your special relationship with her, you're just going to allow yourself to be pulled into this mess. Is that right?" There was a hint of disgust in France's voice as he spoke. It was evident even to someone like Emily that he was referring to her in more ways than one. "And most likely, due to your bond with her, you'll end up pulling the rest of Europe with you."

Openly frowning, Emily crossed her arms and continued to listen. She was already aware of Francis' changing demeanor since the election of his new President, De Gaulle. The Frenchman had become increasingly hostile towards her and England, angered by the knowledge that the two were sharing things with each other that the rest of Europe did not get to hear. Francis had always been suave and actually reserved for a representative, but over the past few months he had become distant, stating that he desired to build a unified Europe that didn't need outside forces such as the United States for protection or economic support.

So she chose to help Arthur advance his nuclear weapons program to incorporate missiles that Ivan couldn't reach****, why get angry? England asked for the protection and wasn't afraid to turn to her for the assistance. The old Brit still had his pride, yet they had come to an agreement long before the second World War started that power was something that could be easily lost and gained. Though the man wasn't going to admit it, despite losing his empire, he was proud that Emily of all people had earned the title of new superpower. It wasn't as if Francis wasn't trying to build a power of his own. As much as Emily respected that he wanted to look passed the differences and past conflicts of the European countries to create a unified force that could even rival her family of 48, soon to be 49, she couldn't help but feel that by pushing her away, France was potentially making things harder for himself. As long as the Soviet Union was next door, they would have no choice but to depend on NATO, the only force currently able to unite Western Europe in a common cause, which was under her leadership. Yes, there were the Treaties of Paris and Rome, which had been signed by West Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands already, but the success of such agreements could still be debated*****.

She listened on, England's voice answering with words that summed up her thoughts exactly, "How many bloody times to I have to tell you? If we are going to stabilize Europe, we need to maintain ties with the United States to keep her in check. As much as you want to romanticize your little club, where will you get the resources needed to keep the Soviet Union at bay?"

"I apologize for interrupting, but you may recall that the Treaty of Rome did establish economic ties among the six of us, Arthur." America restrained a gasp, realizing that the new voice was none other than West Germany, who calmly added, his voice making Emily's stomach church with dread, "If you feared economic instability, you were free to join us, Great Britain. However, you did reject the invitation.******" His words weren't exactly her idea of putting the NATO members at ease.

France let out a laugh, "For a good reason too. Isn't that right? You were too busy following Amerique like some dog. Look, the Republique francaise does not have the patience or the benefit to wait for some girl to make decisions on issues that are rightfully our own. Especially now that we know she is still spreading her legs as a form of diplomacy. Was it not Emily who ordered "us" to avoid forming ties with the Soviet Union? And yet here she is pregnant with the spawn of the man."

"Shut up, Frog! Do you think this is easy? It wasn't my damn idea to seduce the God-forsaking bastard."

"And yet you're still going to allow this merger to happen, leading the entirety of Europe into another World War. You just can't help but spoil the girl." Gritting her teeth, America suppressed the urge to bust into the room and give the Frenchman a piece of her mind. Francis was just as skilled offending women as he was getting them to sleep with him. As she recalled, he was one of the many countries who emphasized the importance of sexual diplomacy, their children could vouch. "Understand this, Ingleterre. She isn't one of your colonies anymore. This is a nation who believes that she was 'favored' during the two Great Wars and believes she has the right to tell us what to do with our own nations."

"I'm not… spoiling her. She is an ally, France." Emily knew that he was protecting her, but Arthur's voice wavered ever so slightly. The man's weakening tone began to fill her with worry. "I…She isn't the only one who thinks they should be making decisions for other nations."

"We were not trying to challenge your sovereignty, Great Britain." Ludwig noted once more just as politely, cautious around his two ex-occupiers. Nevertheless, his words clearly made it apparent whose side he was on. "We are concerned with choosing a side in this issue that concerns solely the United States and the Soviet Union. Do you not think that prioritizing neutrality would be more beneficial?*******"

Neutrality? This was far from what Emily had told the German to say. She hadn't asked for the entirety of NATO to suddenly go neutral. What about East Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland? What about the maniac who had ten times as many nuclear weapons at his disposal? Who could easily get revenge for centuries of having to sit behind the West? Who could easily force the US down with no allies to turn to? How could playing Switzerland help anyone, except themselves? Clenching her fists, America's anger began to boil.

"Germany has a point. I-I mean, we want to avoid a fight, right?" Hearing just another voice, belonging to the Northern Italian, she had been talking to moments before, Emily cursed under her breath. So this was what was going on through everyone's mind while they tried to "guess" who the father of her newest state was this time. However with the newest voice reaching her ears, another thought came to mind. If the Italies felt this way, how many more had similar views on the issue? Another emotion slid beside her anger, cooling it and weakening it, replacing it with a sudden uncertainty. Who truly supported her cause of getting democracy out there? Who truly wanted the Soviet Union to fall? Who was ready to stand beside her when Ivan decided that this bloodless struggle between them had gone on long enough and his bosses decided to end it all? Who was willing to stand by her now when the very life of her child depended on the loyalty of at least one of her allies? Her clenched fists had come together and were now a picture of tangled fingers as if she was trying to wash away the suspicion, the growing realization that she had made a mistake in depending on Europe to help avoid the wrath of the USSR while she carried his child. Maybe. It was the word that mattered now. Maybe they would help her if she was suddenly attacked by the Soviet Union, but now, when she had a reason to be attacked, no one was going to stand up to actually help her after what she had done for them.

"Oh no, we wouldn't want to tell the British Empire what to do, Italy." France mocked, "Let's just watch as he marries America and diverts all of the Soviet Union's onto himself."

Being reminded of England's promise was a temporary reassurance to the woman. And aside from not being a very religious woman, Emily felt herself praying to any greater power that she could still depend on the old Empire.

"Will you stop going on about it, Francis! Do I have to spell it out to all of you? I'm not marrying her! I wasn't bloody planning to!" A silence followed the Briton's outburst. Even America could have sworn her own heart had stopped pounding in her head and chest. "Since that blasted Soviet decided to come into my nation unannounced, do you think I'd consider going ahead with the merger? I'm not stupid. And remember this, even if I had gone ahead with this suicidal move, it won't stop him from attacking any of you."

Seconds of complete silence followed. The truth sinking in and wedging itself like a knife into Emily's middle. The only sound that could be heard was the footsteps crossing the room. Whoever had moved had approached dangerously close to the door, his quiet voice loud enough even for his southern sister to hear despite the shock of hearing the fate of her unborn child decided by the men she had seen as allies. "Hold on, Arthur. Have you told her about this? Do you know what you've done?"

Francis's voice followed Canada's own, speaking to the North American nation in French out of habit, "Mathieu, do not be surprised. Not even your superior wanted to get involved with her problems. Is that not right?"

England sighed, his next statement a mere whisper compared to his earlier declaration. "I… couldn't bring myself to tell her. We were supposed to go over the merger at this very moment, but Macmillan ordered that I allow him to deal with this issue privately with the President. He is speaking with Eisenhower about the United Kingdom's desire to remain…uninvolved."

"But Arthur, the President is going to veto the state." The Canadian said. His voice trailed off with a heavy sigh. "If he does than Emily loses the-"

"I know, Canada, but right now Europe will not sacrifice this fragile peace for an American state. She's lost them… before. She'll just have to understand where her country's priorities lie."

For some reason Emily couldn't breathe. An invisible weight had situated itself on her chest constricting each breath. It felt weird, the wave of some emotion actually making her feel nauseous. Yes, she was a woman and many of her bosses expected a sniveling pile of emotion when first meeting the representation of the United States, but she had long since trained herself to avoid feminine traits when dealing with her duties as a nation. Finding herself responding emotionally to the issue was something she just wasn't used to. She just didn't have the time or the liability to just tell others how she felt about certain events. Half the time she was doing as her bosses ordered, just like every other country before her, during the other half she was protecting and sustaining the states like a good mother should. Emotion didn't have a place in her reaction to a very practical and realistic choice made by her allies.

Returning to the dining hall, America smiled. She could do nothing else. Laughing, grinning, acting as if nothing wrong. If she could convince herself things were going to be ok, she didn't have to worry. The United States wasn't going to lose her friends or alliances. Her children could still sleep well at night knowing that as long as Mama America remained in the good graces of her fellow Western counties, the Soviet Union wasn't going to come crashing into their homes spreading hellish Communism. Arthur was right, Europe was right. Why sacrifice so much for a single state? United we stand, divided we fall, right? The female superpower released a small chuckle, making her appear less than sane.

It was a practical decision made by practical countries. She was the idiot who thought she could get away with committing the sin and avoiding the punishment. So she couldn't find someone to marry her. So what? It wasn't the end of the world. It wasn't the end of the United States. In a few years another little Alaska would come along and she'd choose wisely next time. She'd pick someone more acceptable to father the state, from the West, someone who could stand up to the Soviet Union… if there was anyone like that nowadays. Besides, who knows what the state would end up like having a father like the Ivan? Her kids were eccentric in their own right, but it wouldn't surprise her if the northern child ended up as insane as his sire. No, not getting married was fine. If England knew she could get through another miscarriage without falling apart, he was absolutely right. America could not fall and would not fall because a state's entry into the union was vetoed by her own President.

Emily found herself in the lobby of the United Nations building, the receptionist staring at her with a bit of concern. Weakly waving, America regained enough of her composure to break the human woman's gaze, but with a glance the blonde caught sight of the phone on the check-in desk. Before she could control herself, the nation took it and began to dial. She avoided the receptionist's eyes, who luckily recognized the country and quickly returned to work.

Despite the reassurances, despite the endless excuses, Emily just had to make sure. There could still be time. The President could give her a few more days. She was working on damage control after all. Everyone just needed a night to get used to the idea of an American state fathered by a Communist. Her words flew out of her mouth on their own, sounding more powerful than she felt, "This is Jones. I need to speak to the Ike now."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Jones. Could I get your access code please?" The President's secretary answered politely.

"I'm speaking on a public line. You don't need one." Emily didn't mean to snap, but her tone was difficult to control. "Just give me one of the security questions they gave you during orientation. You memorized them didn't you?"

A pause followed as the secretary took a moment to remember what the caller had referenced. "Oh, I apologize, Ms. Jones. Um… Could you please provide the name of the child born to you on January 29, 1861?"

The weight in Emily's chest hadn't lifted, still making it hard to breathe. The given security question wasn't helping either. Even without a mirror, the American woman knew she getting red in the face. She released a heavy breath, pushing painful memories of similar circumstances out of her head. With a gasp of air, she answered, "Katherine…Katherine Bonnefoy Topeka Jones, also known as Kansas."********

"Thank you, Ms. Jones. I will see if I can connect you."

Emily didn't answer, wanting nothing more than the secretary to do her job and get Eisenhower on the line. Taking a few breaths to calm herself, Emily grinned for the umpteenth time, a defense mechanism that was weakening with every attempt. Holding the phone tightly to her ear, America fingered the coils of the cord and turned away from the receptionist desk. On the opposite wall of the lobby several large clocks depicting the world time zones were hung to help the buildings international occupants keep track of time at all hours of the day. According to New York time, the lunch break was coming to a close and the second half of the day's conference was about to begin.

"Good afternoon Jones. You do realize there is a meeting you should be attending instead of speaking with me, yes?"

"What the hell is going on, Eisenhower?" Once more there was more force behind Emily's statement than in her entire body. "You promised me that you'd let me deal with this issue myself. I never agreed to you deciding on a solution without my input."

She heard the man sigh over the line, "Jones, I don't think you should be discussing this with me right now."

"Oh, and that makes it completely fine for you to discuss it with the damned British Prime Minister?" It was too late to catch herself and keep the anger and pain out of her voice. She ignored the shocked look of the receptionist beside her. "Did you know this was going to happen? Did you know this wasn't going to fucking work out? Arthur assured me that there was going to be a merger. There wasn't supposed be a change in plans."

A hint of impatience was coloring her boss's tone ever so slightly, as if he had already gone over the topic before and had long since resolved the problem at hand, satisfied with his decision. "Yes, according to the Prime Minister, Kirkland did tell you he would look into fulfilling the agreement, but McMillan told me that due to recent events, the United Kingdom has decided to promise nothing. Please, Jones. At this time, I think it would be best that you let this go for now and-"

"And do what? Just sit pretty as every single one of my "fellow" nations chooses to exploit my power, my wealth, my willingness to help them when they won't return the damned favor?"

Another sigh came over the line, the President not holding back. "…and not allow this to ruin your alliances. You have other responsibilities, Jones."

There was only so much a country could do to influence their boss's decisions. Aside from her immortality and inhuman strength, Emily's entire existence depended on the actions made by her people. Eisenhower's explanation only further convinced her that she had lost this battle.

"The Prime Minister and I have dealt with your child's paternity matter ourselves, and you will agree with the resolution whatever it is, am I understood?"

Eisenhower's last question was enough of an answer for Emily. His query sounded more like an order and felt as terrible as a death sentence. Nothing was gray when your superior was a retired General, everything was black and white. There was no way to compromise with the stubborn man. He didn't need to say a thing about vetoing the Alaskan state petition, but she knew it was already done. She was losing her baby within the next 48 hours, the time it took for such a small, yet significant issue to pass through Congress without resistance whatsoever. America didn't recognize her reply as her own, "Yes, Sir."

It was all that she could say. The most powerful country in the world was at the mercy of a single man.

Emily didn't know how she said good-bye, how she hung up, how she got herself all the way back to the conference room wearing a mask of American confidence, convincing everyone, even England and the others that nothing had changed on the woman's agenda. No one in the room noticed that she had gone on autopilot, the American's show of normalcy a mere façade while Emily coped with accepting the upcoming events of the next few days. No one noticed that the usually direct nation never met anyone's eyes or engaged anyone in debate or personal conversation. No one noticed that with each loud obnoxious reaction, America diverted every route of conversation that potentially could lead to her talking about the pregnancy.

Except for the Soviet Union, who was drawn to the woman as soon as she had arrived. Less vocal than his Western rival, Ivan was quick to sense the change in the woman as soon as she entered the room, yelling something incoherent and bossy as she was prone to doing. He watched her from his place at the far end of the room, as far away from her as he could be placed in fear of any physical confrontation between the two. He was used to her hiding things, everyone in the room had their share of secrets, but her body was expressing much more than her usual teasing demeanor. America's gestures were stiff with restraint, making her appear preoccupied with keeping whatever was on her mind from overflowing. She kept doing something odd with her hands, placing them away from view, under the table and maybe in her lap, the Slav wasn't sure. Deciphering his enemy's movements was by far much more entertaining than listening to the same share of arguments.

Smirking to himself, the Soviet Union observed each flaw in the woman's mask, each crack in her defense. With every word, Ivan was growing more and more sure that Emily was avoiding the very announcement he was waiting for. It was a bit of a surprise that she was making it so obvious that she was trying to hide such world-changing news. It offended him greatly. He wasn't going to let the foolish young woman get away without sharing his contribution to her growing nation.

"Excuse my interruption." It never ceased to amuse him how quickly the room froze the instant that he spoke. He really didn't care who he interrupted, it wasn't like they mattered or anything if America gave herself the freedom to have something distract her the way it did. He raised his hand to emphasize his presence and to make his abrupt entry into the conversation more 'polite', which only made others recoil at a sign of his childish insanity. "I notice we are almost out of time for the day. I do not want to rush everyone, but we are all very busy and I think there are a few announcements our host would like to share before everyone leaves today… so please finish soon, da?"

Reassured by the reaction, the Soviet watched with content the speed at which, whoever was talking, concluded his or her issue. Even the NATO countries appeared uncomfortable. He caught sight of Emily abruptly pale, her hands flying to their place under the table again. She avoided eye contact when he glanced in her direction, letting her confidence slip to reveal a raw emotion Ivan had never seen on her face before. If it meant breaking her last defense to see more of the 'glorious' United States lose her composure in front of her allies and enemies, he didn't mind making her squirm.

Sooner than later, the last speaker returned to their seat and the attention fell on the US again for the closing remarks. Looking directly at the woman, Ivan pressured Emily to stand with his gaze, chuckling when she nearly tripped as she stood from her seat. Her face was clean of any feeling but her characteristic positive energy, and with a glance from one side of the room to the other, she began to speak. It was then that the USSR caught sight of where her hands had been falling to the entire meeting, the slight uneven curve of her stomach where their child lay.

"So, I guess I want to thank everyone for coming today. We all have things to do back home, yeah? Um, I hope your lodging and the food and stuff was to everyone's liking. If it was me I'd send everyone home with hamburgers, something my people whipped up recently. It's been really popular so if you haven't tried one you should before you go." She laughed, gaining not much of a response. "Anywhoo. Our bosses are scheduled to hold another official UN meeting in a month or so, so let's remember that whatever we resolved today may as well get effed up tomorrow. Still, we really got a lot of headway this evening so good job everybody."

Suddenly, Emily's eyes fell to Ivan's, making the man stiffen at the unusually open gaze. The raw expression in her eyes was clear as day, despite the smile on her face and the light tone of her words. They begged him, her eyes, begged him for mercy in a way that actually colored him a feeling of guilt. When she looked away, it was too late for him to stop her. "Also, I've heard from a few of you that there's been talk about me having another baby. Yeah, yeah, if you don't know yet, it's better late than never, right? So… um…the rumors about this kid-I mean, the concerns about what "should" be the state of Alaska... well…" America didn't even try to hide the difficulty each word gave her. She chuckled and swallowed, "Well, you guys really don't need to have them… I want everyone to know that my boss has decided that for the time being a new state will not be added to the union. The Alaskan Territory's petition for statehood will be vetoed until a more convenient time… for everyone. So…uh… that's it, you can tell your bosses that and they can sleep well tonight. Good night everyone, have a safe trip home. The United States proposes that this conference is adjourned. All in favor?"

A mix of stunned "Yeahs" came in reply, enough for Emily to simply adjourn the meeting without asking if anyone was against her proposal. Without much more than a glance in Ivan's direction, Emily collected her belongings and headed for the exit, ahead of everyone else. England and Canada were close behind.

December 29, 2010

10:56pm

"Hold it, hold it!" Raising her hands in the air like a gospel preacher having a revelation, America brought the story to a screeching halt. She pulled herself up and hopped over the couch, grabbing the family cat mid-pounce before the feline went soaring at Russia's scarf which was dangling over the edge of the couch. She straightened and placed the cat in Andrei's lap. "Keep him there, I knew he'd be heading for that scarf, he's been eyeing it since Ivan came in. I'm watching you DC."

Her son held the fat pet in place, though DC seemed obliviously content where he was aside from his failed attempt at attacking the Russian's garment. The boy watched his mother in confusion, having no idea where the interruption came from. Rolling his eyes, Andrei pouted, but before he could speak, he found their foreign guest doing the honors of getting the storyteller back on track. Ivan pulled in his scarf while speaking, "Emily, I don't think this is the best place to stop."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. We're not done yet, k? Gosh you guys are so bossy, geez." Maybe it was the next part of the story that made the woman so jumpy. She laughed loudly, "Give me a sec, I gotta take a quick bathroom break. We've been here for hours."

"Mom!" Alaka whined. "You have to go now?" Even Ivan found himself raising his eyebrows at this abrupt break.

Heading for the door from the basement theater, Emily was quick to explain, "Hey, I gave birth to the 50 kids… naturally. Do you know what that does to a woman's bladder? Have some empathy, babe." With this she was gone.

It was only then, in the new silence in the room that Andrei realized that he was once again left alone with his father. For the first time, however, Ivan's attention was elsewhere, gazing around the large basement floor with a calm gaze. Once again, Alaska couldn't read the man's expression as he took in the entertainment room. By the look of the Russian, it seemed that Ivan had gotten bored, or maybe he was tired. He hadn't been quiet during Emily's account, adding a few of his own observations toward the end of her part of the story. Russia had been the one to add that despite his desire to have his Cold War rival break down in the middle of the meeting, he did start feeling guilt. America hadn't stopped the explanation, accepting the other superpower's small confession without many words on her part. Andrei's parents had come to some kind of an agreement and it surprised the state that the two were no longer trying to overtake each other when they reminisced.

The change was nice, yes, but Andrei felt a bit uncomfortable with how serious the story had gotten, how serious his mother had become. Emily's storytelling style was famous for being entertaining and light, but she had actually taken the moment to explain what went through her head after hearing that she was going to lose him. The very fact that he now knew his mother was so close to losing him was terrifying, but it fed his curiosity all the same. How did she end up getting her way in the end? What did she do? More importantly, what did his dad do?

"I'm sorry." Andrei found himself starting a conversation without thinking. His paternal nation's violet eyes fell on him with interest.

"For what?" Ivan returned, already feeling the warmth creeping into his neck at the very idea that his child was trying to talk to him. This was his chance to try creating that bond Emily spoke of, but where would he start?

"For Mom…" Andrei chuckled uncomfortably; it was his turn to refer to his mother while trying to say something to his father, "She's kinda all over the place."

The boy found the Russian laugh in return, in full understanding, "Ah, yes, well I am more than used to it. She is an… interesting woman… your mother. She's never been able to sit in one place for very long, always moving."

"Yeah, but you must be tired. You traveled far didn't you?" The budding dialogue was weak, but it was a start no less. Both father and son were being careful with their words, trying to find the common ground between to begin their 'relationship'.

"Da, but traveling long distances is something I have grown accustomed to...uh… thank you for your concern." Ivan internally cursed his failure at a response, but he was quick to rebound, "I should be asking you the same question. Are you not tired? You have learned quite a bit today."

Alaska laughed again, "Oh yeah, I think my mind's imploded." A look from the Russian made it apparent that Ivan didn't get the impression, "All this stuff is hard to take in. I mean, it must have been really hard for Mom. She never really tells us about states that never… happened, you know? So unless you were there, you just wouldn't know what happened then."

Russia looked at his son in shock. "She doesn't tell you anything?" Ivan had always seen Emily as a very open and easy-going parent, but it seemed even she had secrets she wouldn't share with her own states.

The two had gotten over the first boundary, for Andrei nodded and answered truthfully, "Sometimes, but not always. Most of the time, if I want to know something, I ask Nick and Virginia, or Cal and Big Tim. Mom's busy enough without us asking so many weird questions." Alaska didn't realize that his simple justification enlightened the Slav, who had never heard a state's description about America before. The 49th state found nothing wrong about the things his very own mother withheld from him. It was very different from his reactions earlier that day when he caught his mother not telling him all she knew. "Besides, she doesn't like thinking about the past too much. That's why I was really surprised when she said she'd tell me about all the events around my birth."

"You must not spend much time with her then." Ivan voiced his observation, but moved his head to side when Andrei further explained.

"Not really, but when we all get together; it's pretty nice, especially when it's just the two of us." With every word, the state further opened up, revealing a more amiable personality that reminded Ivan of Emily in more ways than one. Andrei had inherited his father's more reserved demeanor, yet underneath there was still the American warmth that the state had in him as well. "A lot of my brothers and sisters like hogging Mom's attention."

"I assume you don't enjoy that? Competing for your mother's time?"

Andrei shook his head, "Not really, but I live pretty far out there and I am one of the more well-mannered of her kids." There was a hint of pride in Andrei's statement. He grinned, more involved with talking about how he felt than with trying to get to know his father. With such a smile, Ivan saw more of America in the boy than anything. "It's not like my older siblings get to see her more than me. Most of the time it's when the family gets together for a holiday or something. Like Christmas, not New Years though, we plan our own gatherings then. Other than that, Mom comes by mainly for domestic business. She doesn't get much time off."

Nodding, Russia found himself enjoying just listening to his son speak. He had spent decades wondering how Emily raised their child, whether she treated him differently because of his father or if the boy had grown up to be difficult to deal with. It was such a relief that Andrei was like any normal child, other than having lived half a century. There was a satisfied independence about the state that the nation wasn't used to. Compared to speaking with a fellow country, there was no ambition in Alaska's words, merely a simple contentment with his existence. It was difficult to admit it, but Ivan was happy that Emily had been the one who in custody of their son. America had smothered the state, raised the boy in fear, but at least Andrei had grown up away from politics.

"I'm glad you have had a happy life, Andrei." The name felt strange on Ivan's tongue. He smiled, "You are blessed to have a mother like Emily."

Blue meeting violet, it dawned upon Alaska that he wasn't talking to just anybody, but the father he had never spoken to before. The state's concentration broke and he looked away at the compliment. He hadn't noticed himself being drawn by the stranger's calm presence. When his dad wasn't trying, Russia was an unusually peaceful person, awkward, but peaceful all the same. Maybe the notorious ex-Communist wasn't so scary after all. The pre-teen part of his mind wondered if the Russian was just bad at socializing with people. Andrei bobbed his head up and down, "Yeah… I guess."

Ivan frowned, seeing Andrei abruptly pull back into himself and coming in terms with the fact that they were actually carrying a conversation. Was it something he said? Did he do something wrong? Where was his mother when Russia needed her to translate the boy's actions?

As if on cue, America jumped into the room, oblivious at the progress that had been made. "Yo, what I miss? We didn't get to the weird parts yet did we? You guys ok?" The superpower noticed the discomfort between the two males. She sighed, "Well lets just wrap this up, shall we? Sorry for the wait, had a quick conversation with Texas."

Receiving a couple of incoherent mumbles from the father and son duo, Emily returned to her seat and didn't even try asking more. She released another breath and looked to her fellow country before continuing where they left off, "You better help me with this part, big guy. I won't be able to explain what you were thinking when we decided to get hitched."

Ivan cleared his throat, readjusting himself in his seat. He looked to Andrei again, but the boy had returned his attention to his mother, coming back to the source of familiarity that Ivan could not yet provide. "After you."

Emily laughed, but Alaska found her tone dripping with sarcasm, "How thoughtful of you."

Author's Notes: I'm sorry there are so many.

*China's United Nations seat and India: In the 1958 UN meeting (the actual historic one, not this fic), India challenged China's place in the UN. This issue was not new, as the United States, feeling its interests threatened by having two Communist nations in the UN and backing the Republic of China (which was located in Taiwan), also pressured China to be removed from the UN. The US had to stop however when the USSR threatened UN stability if Communist China did not keep its seat. At first the USSR tried to boycott the UN, but it only allowed the US to influence the rest of the Western-oriented nations to create a joint military action against North Korea, because it was not stopped by the Soviet veto. On a tangent, did you know? The Soviet Union practically had three seats in the UN due to both Soviet Republics of Belorussia and Ukraine being allowed to join in as members. The US was offered two extra seats as well, but the 48 states could not come to an agreement on what two states would take part in the UN, so the US decided against it. (Besides, I doubt Mama America would have liked dealing with her children during UN meetings, especially the opinionated ones.)

**20s: I have always seen the roaring 20s as a time when Emily first learned to be the nation that she is today, classy and confident. As this is post-WWI, America was enjoying a period of great development, so Emily developed her diplomatic skills when helping Europe from afar. Prior to this, Emily was more of a homely girl, less likely to leave the country and the states until the turn of the century. The 20s made her more outgoing and in many ways, more likely to hold herself in a fashionable and respectful way when dealing with humans from other countries. If you've ever read or seen The Great Gatsby or The Fountain Head (both great books), the way Emily acts around humans is similar to the distant yet hospitable characters of Daisy Buchanan and Dominique Francon. It is only around other countries does Emily show her energetic and youthful nature. Neither of her demeanors boast her super strength as a nation.

***Nothing was true and everything was permitted: If you can tell me where this statement comes from, you deserve a cyber hug! XD Hint: It has nothing to do with politics.

****Strapping British Nukes to American Missiles: In 1958, the US repealed the Nuclear Secrets Act, allowing information about its nuclear program to go to close friends such as the United Kingdom and Canada. By then, the UK had developed its own program, but its method of transporting nukes wasn't exactly fool-proof. To use nukes during the 50s, the UK could only drop them on targets from above. When its newest bomber, the U2, which had been the planned carrier of British nukes, was shot out of the sky by the Soviet Union, the UK turned to its closest ally. Within months, the US offered to strap British nukes to American missiles, so that the bombs could be launched some distance away from the target. Lets just say, being the first Western European power to have to bomb, the UK made the rest of its neighbors very nervous, especially France. Luckily, France would get its own private nuke lesson from the US in the 70s, but the products created were solely French as the US didn't want to be seen aiding other nations with developing more advanced nuclear weapons.

*****Treaties of Paris and Rome: These two Treaties were a couple of the most important agreements that created what we today know as the European Union. Signed in 1951 and 1957/8 respectively, the Treaty of Paris formed the European Coal and Steel Community, in which the nations of the European mainland shared their resources of Steel and Coal. The Treaty of Rome formed a European Economic Community, easing trade barriers and customs duties on items imported and exported between the member nations.

****** Hesitance to join the developing EU: Not wanting to be the nation carrying most of the fiscal for such a fledgling organization, the United Kingdom rejected the invitation to join France and West Germany, as well as other countries in signing the treaties. The British economy was still strong, actively supported by the US, but with its colonies becoming independent one by one, the UK did fear financial issues once American aid and colonial import/export stopped coming in. It did reconsider the invitation into the "European Communities" but French President De Gaulle denied the UK entry, feeling that UK policies matched more with American ideals that European ones.

******* Neutrality in the Cold War: West Germany preferred neutrality over choosing sides during the Cold War, but for the first couple of decades much of German leadership was Pro-American resulting in a very large split with East Germany due to differing ideologies. Ludwig expresses a strong need to avoid conflict, an opinion of his that his country doesn't exactly follow until decades later. Throughout much of the Cold War, Germany was the catalyst to many disagreements between East and West, specifically because the Soviets did not want a Germany that could be armed and potentially stab it in the back again. By the 80s, however, German leadership fell solely to non-aligned leaders from which sprung forth a sudden development of relations between East and West Germany from a neutral perspective, and which would lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

******** Katherine Bonnefoy Topeka Jones (Kansas): This is another reference to Bloody Kansas, a period of time leading to the American Civil War, during which the North and South fought over accepting a state into the Union that would be either a Slave or Free State. You will be hearing more of Bloody Kansas and the birth of Kansas as the fic goes on, specifically because it is an example of what Emily and Ivan both fear in terms of losing Alaska. Several state constitutions from both pro-North and pro-South groups were petitioned during bloody Kansas, all of which were vetoed or denied statehood. This means, Emily miscarried several times over this period. More details will come later in future chapters.

Thank you for reading. I apologize again for the delay.

Preview:

"It is the truth then?"

Another laugh fell from the American's lips. She ran a hand through her hair, "What? Do you actually think I was lying to you, Red?" The woman roared with laughter despite not changing Ivan's demeanor. Yet there was no joy in her laugh; it wasn't even a laugh of scorn towards her Cold War enemy. It was merely a sound, frighteningly loud in the silent void of the room. The Soviet Union's frown deepened, still not enraged by her lack of respect. Quietly, he wondered whether or not she could tell that he understood her form of coping with her predicament, expressed so blatantly.

He could have memorized this defense mechanism for future reference. He could have exploited the moment of weakness because their nations were at war. However, he made no move to do so. Instead, he forced himself to forget whatever he was seeing before him. Ivan was the not the type of man who kicked a person when she was down, especially when the person was the mother of his child.

When Emily's laugh finally began to subside and fall apart, the Communist forced himself to look away as her last chuckles gave way to a trembling gasp for air.

December 29, 2010

"I wasn't crying. I just want to get that out there."

Sure, America. We believe you. Please stay tuned. And Review! Have a great year everyone!