Alfred knocked on his brother's door, shifting uncomfortably as he adjusted his jacket. He and Shelby agreed that they needed to meet up somewhere to talk, and that the best place to do that was somewhere peacefully, like Canada's house. America didn't think it was weird at all- in fact, he was rather happy that they were meeting here, because Apollo would be there as well.

The door cracked open and Canada peered out, before smiling slightly and opening the door for Alfred. "Hey bro. She's already in the backyard."

"Hey Matt." Alfred waved, before his hand fell away as his smile dropped. "Did she seem... Mad? Sad?"

"Actually... She seemed calm. A little nervous, but I think she's ready for this. And I think you're ready for this too." Canada reassured him, moving aside and letting America in.

Alfred rubbed the back of his neck, smiling slightly again. "Thanks buddy. How are you and Hope?"

Canada's shoulders dropped. "She still lives here but... It's definitely not where I want to be."

Alfred gave him a small punch in the shoulder. "I'm sure it'll get better, dude."

With that, he made his way through Canada's house to the back door, which he slid open. As soon as he stepped outside, a large golden retriever slammed right into him, barking and crying with excitement. "Apollo, is that you?" He laughed, stooping down and petting the dog as he excitedly kissed Alfred's face. "You've gotten so freaking big! Did those Canadians feed you nothing but pancakes or something?"

"Nah, if he was eating pancakes, he would have smelled like syrup, and I would've smelled it." A female voice spoke from a few feet away. Instantly, America's head snapped up and his eyes widened.

Last time Alfred had really seen Shelby, it was February. She was pale from lack of sun, broken out from all her stress at school, and generally just not as happy. Now, she looked like a different person. Her hair was cut shorter, which gave it a bit more life and shape. Her face was clear of not only acne, but the open wounds she'd get on her face from picking them off. She was no longer in sweats and a hoodie, which made her body look shapeless. She was in a pair of denim shorts and a black tank top with a pastel floral pattern that hugged her chest. He completely forgot what she looked like when it wasn't winter time and she wasn't sad.

She offered a small smile, shifting her weight nervously. "Hey Alfred. How's life been?"

Alfred stood up, clearing his throat. "Honestly? It's been better."

"Same." She shrugged.

"Shelby, I don't know how to start this- I don't really apologize too often for too many of my mistakes." He began, walking towards her and ringing his hands.

"All right, then I'll start." Shelby stated, taking a seat in the grass. Alfred sat across from her in silence, Apollo panting in excitement and curling up next to him. "I'm super sorry that I didn't tell you about me being greysexual sooner. I know I could have explained it better and made you understand. By not telling you, I was playing with fire. I just didn't think there was so many... negative things about greysexuals on the internet." She looked down at her hands. "I may not heterosexual, but I am heteroromantic, and the only person I've felt anything for is you."

Alfred hesitated, before reaching forward and lifting Shelby's chin up gently with his hand. "Dude, you literally have nothing to be sorry for. I was the ignorant one who believed something on the internet over what you were saying. I thought I was being used, but now I know that you didn't not tell me to hide something... you didn't tell me because you just weren't ready yet. And I reacted like a self-centered jerk."

Shelby let out a short, breathy chuckle. "Sounds like you just stereotyped yourself as a typical American."

"Yeah, sometimes I'm a bit too American, huh?" Alfred attempted to smile, but it fell. "I don't know if you could find it in your heart to forgive me... but I love you. And not being with you for these past months has only made me miserable because you weren't by me. I honestly think I love you more now, even though we've been broken up. I know that sounds really crazy, but it's true."

Shelby shrugged, leaning her cheek slightly into America's hand. "They say true love grows with separation."

Alfred raised a brow. "Who said that?"

"Not sure, probably some old guy who lived decades ago." Shelby answered.

Alfred laughed, shaking his head. "I've missed you so much."

"And I've missed you." Shelby admitted.

Alfred looked at her hopefully. "So, do you forgive me?"

Shelby took a deep breath, before she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Alfred's. Once the surprise of the kiss wore off, Alfred pulled her closer til their arms were wrapped around each other's necks. When they finally broke apart, Alfred's eyes were wide and sparkling. "That was new."

"Like I said, I missed you." Shelby sighed, laying her head on Alfred's chest. "And yes, I forgive you. Just... next time you find something out about anything, don't believe everything you see on the internet."

Alfred nodded, burying his face in her hair, tears welling up in his eyes. "I'll never hurt you like that again, Shelby, I swear on the Constitution."

Shelby giggled slightly. "I'll hold you to that, Jones."

"Oh my God." Hope stated, her face pressed to her window as she gazed outside at the Americans. "I think Shelbmerica just got back together."

Ivan followed her gaze, nodding. "Da, they do look very together to me."

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That may have been poorly written but to be honest I don't even care at this point 😭😭