Alaska's Burning Love

Chapter Twenty Three

Awkward Situations

Sky POV

I woke up in the morning with a smile plastered across my face as I felt a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I let out a happy sigh and snuggled into the warm chest in front of me, apparently I had turned around at some point last night, and whispered "Good morning." I looked up with half closed eyes to see a pair of big baby blue ones staring right back down at me. My heart skipped a beat, for a moment I had forgotten it was Alfred I was laying with, not Russia. My heart quickly settled down though. What use was there in freaking out? Besides nothing had happened so everything was fine … right?

"Good morning beautiful" he replied back happily planting a kiss on top of my head. I scrunched up my nose a little at the gesture, it wasn't that it was unwelcome it was just that it would take some getting use to before I was perfectly okay with the whole Alfred being lovey thing. He then sat up with a yawn and stretched his arms above his head, the blanket sliding down and revealing his pretty well sculpted body. I then blushed, how did I forget that he was naked on top of everything else?

"So um erm … how did you sleep?" I asked rather awkwardly as I shuffled out of bed, being careful to keep the blanket over Alfred's lower half. When I was with Russia we got into the pattern of sleeping together every night, which I enjoyed, but in the morning I always felt awkward because I never knew just what to say. I guess that habit still stayed but the awkwardness just increased ten fold since I was Alfred now. Okay maybe not with him with him, yet, but still same rules applied.

"Perfect since your warmth was keeping me all nice and toasty." Alfred grinned watching me curiously as I walked around the room trying desperately to find something to do. He must have gotten bored after a while though because he eventually laid back down and asked indifferently "Dude what are you doing pacing around the room like that?""

"I … don't know." I answered truthfully with a sigh as I sat back down on the edge of the bed and running my hand through my hair. We sat there in silence for awhile with only the gentle lapping of the waves on the boat making any noise. I finally couldn't stand the silence anymore so I asked "So what are we going to do today Alfred? Or better yet what are you going to wear? I don't think your clothes are dry yet." I said suddenly remembering the soaking wet clothes he had tossed around the room. I got up and picked up his shirt, sure enough it was still dripping freezing rain water.

Alfred laughed and I turned around to shoot him a small glare. I saw nothing funny about his no clothes situation. "Hey chill don't get so mad, I'm laughing because I totally have clothes in my dresser! You didn't honestly think I would have a dresser with empty drawers did you? That would be stupid." he grinned getting up, luckily for me this time he was decent enough to tie a sheet around his waist, and walked over to the dresser to open the drawers and reveal his stockpile of clothes.

"So you slept naked last night even though you had clothes?" I asked wearily hanging my head as he proceeded to pull out everything he would need for a complete outfit. "You know if you were anyone but yourself I would think you had actually planned that just so you could pull something with me." I said with a small smile as I made my way to the bathroom. I choose to stop worrying about Alfred's apparent lack of common sense, after all he honestly probably had just not thought about it last night, besides now at least I knew he wouldn't be walking around naked all day. Though he did have the body for such a thing.

"Of course I wouldn't pull something with you Sky, you're not exactly a normal girl. You're special." he said pulling a shirt over his head before leaning against the door frame of the bathroom as he watched me brush my hair. "And being as special as you are if we do make love it has to be just as special. So prepare for the romancing of your life babe!" he said cockily giving me a thumbs up and a wink.

Okay maybe the way he worded it wasn't as romantic as it could be but still none the less it was still sweet, really sweet, and it made me smile. He had even said 'if' we slept together not 'when'. I walked over to him and stood on my tip toes to give him a small kiss on the nose "You know Al you might not exactly be the sharpest tool in the shed but you really are sweet beyond belief. I think that's why I like you … sure Russia was always nice and protective but with you I feel different. I feel like I'm actually your equal and not just something you own. Thank you for that." I said softly hoping I wasn't ruining the situation by being so serious.

Luckily though he didn't seem to mind because he smiled back at me and put his arms around my waist causing me to blush. "I know I'm not the smartest guy or the strongest guy or even the richest guy but I promise you Sky I will do my best to protect you, I will do my best to make sure you are happy and I will do my best to keep you mine forever. I think … I think I love you Sky." he said in almost a whisper as he rested his forehead against my own.

That word, why did he have to say it? I felt my chest begin to tighten and hands started to shake and my whole world seemed to start spinning. "Alfred ..." I whimpered. Oh why did he have to go and say something like that. Why couldn't he have just let things develop, let me come around to love him? No he had to go and say something so stupidly sweet and heart wrenching. "I want to be with you but. But I can't return those feelings, not yet. I like you I really do but its still so early. My heart is still broken after what happened with Russia and I still have feelings for him somewhere deep down. Please don't hate me because of it but … I can't love you. Not yet." I said and I felt my eyes starting to sting.

I felt Alfred tense up underneath me and he had a strange look on his face, an almost angry one, and I felt tears threatening to start any minute. I really didn't want him to be angry with me. Just as soon as the look was their though it was gone and replaced with a gentler one as he looked down at me. "Hey that's okay, I never said you had to return the feelings, I just wanted you to know how I felt. Besides you like me and you said you wanted to be with me so that's good enough for me!" he laughed throwing his head back. "That just means I have to work twice as hard." he added with a grin as he finally let go of me.

I smiled and nodded, happy that he wasn't angry with me. Heck he even seemed happy! Though I still couldn't shake the angry look I had seen earlier, it had left so fast but I knew it was there. I just hope that I can keep him happy and keep that scary face away.

Alfred POV

So like a week had gone by since I told Sky I loved her and she kind of got all freaked out. I guess I should have expected that because I mean I knew she must still have a sort of thing for Russia since what it had only been a month? I just didn't know it would have caused her to panic like that. Everything turned out okay though because I did learn she wanted to stay with me and ever since that day she seems to be trying hard to make sure I'm happy. That's great and everything, especially when she volunteers to cook, but I'm just glad that shes here with me.

Today I was kind of worried though, it was Allied poker night and I knew if I missed another one England would get totally mad at me. I didn't feel comfortable leaving her though especially knowing that Russia wasn't one to give up easily. It was kind of a lose lose situation. "Whats wrong Alfie?" Sky asked coming to take a seat next to me on the stone bench I had put in her garden.

"Oh nothing really. Its just I'm suppose to go to this poker thing with England, France, China and Canada. I kinda missed the last one so I think if I don't go England will get pissed but …. I don't wanna leave you here alone." I said with a small frown as I draped my arm over her shoulders and pulled her closer to me. It was a kind of natural movement to me now but it still made me feel better to feel her so close to me.

"Oh you worry to much. Whats the worse that can happen?" she asked with a smile up at me but I didn't return it for once, did she so quickly forget about the whole demon summoning thing. She seemed to read my mind because she placed a finger to he cheek and said "Hmm I guess you are right but nothing has happened since then so I think everything should be okay. Besides its a big house and I'm sure Hero will take care of any intruders." she said with a grin and I couldn't help but smile back this time.

Hero was the golden retriever puppy I had bought a couple days ago when we were in town and we met this hobo who had a box full of the little guys. Sky actually made me get the whole box but we gave out the rest to good homes and kept one. Actually the only reason I kept him was because she said he reminded her of me and on some level she was right, the little guy was pretty hyper and had a love for hamburgers just like me. Plus he was majorly cute just like me. "Maybe you're right, its just gonna feel weird ya know?" I asked running my fingers through my hair.

"Alfred you did have a life before me and I'm not exactly helpless, I did live in the wilderness for a couple hundred years." she pouted crossing her arms over her chest. "People always seem to forget that, not to mention my house is freezing and dark for half a freaking year. I think I can manage for one night." she said with a huff as she stood up and marched away. I laughed and followed her, she was really cute when she was 'angry'. And by angry I mean slightly annoyed but would get over it in a few minutes.

"Okay, okay I'm sorry. You are a big strong girl and can hold down the fort til I come back later tonight." I said with a grin as I caught her from behind and pulled her closer to me by her waist. She protested slightly but it wasn't much of a fight and she eventually gave in and smiled. I smiled back and nuzzled my nose into her neck making her giggle, god I loved that sound.

"Yes now its getting late you should probably go get ready. Wouldn't want you late for guys night out now would we?" she asked with a grin as she wiggled her way out of my grip and pushed me into the house. I laughed and nodded as I jogged up the stairs to change out of my clothes which were now stained with dirt due to our weeding earlier in the day. "Oh and wear something nice, I don't want England getting all moody because he thinks you look like a wanker!" she called up after me and I laughed again, I had told her all about the other countries and now she acted like she knew them all personally. Cute if not a bit annoying at times.

"Yes dear!" I called out behind me with a laugh as I made my way to my room. It didn't take me long to get ready since I didn't care what England thought he would be drunk with in the hour anyway so in no time at all I was back downstairs. When I reached the end of the staircase I saw Sky walking out from the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn in her hand and Hero at her heels with his American flag bandana flapping behind him like a cape. "What is your royal cuteness planning for tonight all dressed up in your pjs?" I asked throwing her a grin.

"Super hero marathon with Hero. Figured he should see some people that he has his namesake after. Other then the original amazing hero himself of course." she said popping another piece of popcorn into her mouth as she stepped towards me to give me a peck on the cheek. "Though it seems the hero has a hard time following directions. Oh well you have to deal with Iggy not me." she said with a shrug as she made her way to the living room.

"Eh I've been dealing with him for centuries he don't scare me. Now you're sure you are going to be alright here by yourself? I'm still feeling kind of jumpy on the idea." I asked leaning on the couch to look down at her. She simply rolled her eyes and attempted to shoo me away saying something about me hovering. "Okay okay just double checking. If you need me for anything though England's number is number three on the speed dial so just call. Be back later then." I said giving her a small kiss on the forehead.

"Okay hurry back, I'll miss you." she said softly reaching up to give me a kiss, a real kiss to not one on the cheek. Those were the kind I like the most. She then gave me another smile before Hero jumped up on her lap and gave me his own kiss. That kind I didn't enjoy nearly as much. "I think he is going to miss you too." she giggled pulling the small dog down and scratching behind his ears.

"Yeah so it seems, I just wish he wasn't so slobbery about it." I said wiping my face in a sad attempt to get rid of the dog slime. It didn't really work though so I just grumbled some and finally left to make my way to England's place, hoping this night would be fun so my mind would stop worrying about Sky and the Russia problem.

Ivan POV

The night had finally come, Allied poker night. I hummed happily as I looked at myself in the mirror and adjusted my scarf. If I knew America then he wouldn't dare miss another one and face the wrath of his friends. If I also knew him correctly he wouldn't dare leave his precious new land behind. The very thought of them together made my blood boil and my erm "mind friends" start to whisper their devious plans. I quickly hushed them though and reassured myself that she would be back in my arms before long. Not only was I convinced I could steal her right out from America's nose but why would she want to be with someone as dim witted as him in the first place?

So after grabbing a couple bottle of vodka, some to share and some for my own enjoyment, I made my way to England's house. It didn't take me very long since I was so anxious to see my Sky again and before I knew it I was being showed to his game room by his younger brother, at least that's what I assumed he was, Sealand. "Look England, Mr. Russia actally showed up this time! Didn't you say that would never happen?" the young boy (nation? I wasn't quite sure what he was really) said proudly before skipping off down the hall.

"R-Russia I was-wasn't expecting you!" England said slightly nervous as I stepped into the room but I ignored him and instead scanned the faces of everyone sitting around the room til they fell on the one I was looking for, America. Yet something was very wrong, there was no Sky at his side.

AN: I am a bad person taking so long between updates T~T but here is the latest chapter! It may not be the best but it is here and thats what counts, kind of. The beginning was kind of choppy so I am sorry about that but I wasn't quite sure what to do to make the situation not awkward. But Russia is in this chapter and next chapter will be the fight I am sure all of you have been waiting for! Or will there be a fight at all? The world may never know … until I write it that is. Okay enough rambling and again sorry it took so long and thank you all for the fantastic reviews! Remember a good review is always better then a favorite (though those are nice too), good bye until next time my pretty little readers!