America said goodbye to his second youngest, their little meeting done after a mere half hour. He didn't have it in him to ask her to stay for longer, knowing she was always busy on Mondays, and Alaska was grateful. 

Ten whole years. Ten whole years of freedom, of fresh air and room to grow. Ten whole years free of abuse and neglect. She savored every moment of it, even with the small skirmishes she would have to break up. Iran and Iraq were at each others throats quite often, like bickering brothers, and the blue and gold woman was the only one gutsy enough to break them apart, knowing their tendency to join each other if someone interfered. Instead they back down, knowing this newest Country's might. Turkey and Russia always had some sort of bone to pick, and the larger Country would often ask her to take his side. Of course, she took neither, and made her own play that would stop the two's battles. 

She loved her misfit family.

         "Ah, Alaska!"

The taller woman turned, smiling as she saw China jog her way.

         "What are you looking for me for this time Chai-tea," she chuckled, having caught the nick-name from America, to which the shorter Country sighed, hating it, but not minding the sound coming from her lips.

         "I was hoping you may have some time later tomorrow," he began his offer, "The children are becoming restless, wanting to have another playdate with your own. Is there an available time?"

         "Always for you, China," she nodded, ripping a piece of paper from a small notebook in her pocket. She wrote a time after a moment of thought, handing the frail piece to the shorter man, who took it with care, "I will warn you, Uno is grounded, so Xinjiang might feel left out."

         "I believe the others will include her," he nodded, thanking her for her time, before leaving, barely able to wait for the next day. He cared for the woman more than he believed he could. She kept her natural ways, albeit her native's traditions were eroded upon by America and Russian Empire. He admired her and how she was able to keep her forests lush and green, barely any animal was endangered in her land, and pollution didn't seem to exist... Oh how he wished he could bring that back in his own people, but he was far to dependent by now. He loved Alaska for who she refused to be, who she refuses to change into. He loved her for her natural self.

But boy was the woman clueless when it came to others affections.

     She didn't play favorites, no matter what the other Countries tried, and it hindered her sight of genuine feeling toward her from another. What the others didn't take into consideration, was that she never became a Country to be with someone for what life she could live, she became a Country to simply be alive, independent, and herself. A love life never crossed her mind. None of the Boroughs made jabs at how often China came over, no embarrassing moments of one calling him 'father' or 'dad'. It was simply 'Mister China', or 'Emperor China' if they were being silly. They were happy with their mother figure.

         "Ireland," the woman called, looking a little cross when she saw him, which made the man flinch as he turned, wary of her sharp teeth. Though they were slowly dulling and forming back to her winter pearls as fall enveloped them, they were still menacing.

         "Oi' there," he chuckled nervously, "Uh... now 'bout tha' shipment-"

         "You're a month late," she glared, towering over the man, arms crossed, "First it was something wrong with the cargo ship, then the container was dropped, and of course, the ever so famous one 'you forgot due to business'. Either you get that shipment on my shores or on my runways within the next week, or your precious Drunken Salmon is no more."

The Country nodded, watching as the Alaskan slipped off somewhere else, her short sleeve showing the lack of blisters and burns.

     U.N. wasn't expecting any visitors when a knock sounded on his door. He opened it to find Alaska, a sweet smile on her face as he welcomed her in, still not used to having to look up to another Country, but it couldn't be helped.

         "This is quite the surprise," he smiled, pouring a cup of coffee for himself, asking the woman if she wished to have any, to which she declined, "I know you planned coming if you came today, but why not make an appointment?"

         "Because I know you're schedule to well," she chuckled, "You're always doing nothing during this hour."

He hated how she was right, but chuckled nonetheless. He liked his usual time alone, forgetting about his paperwork and the Countries he fretted over. Except Alaska. She never seemed to get out of line... Unfortunately, in some cases.

         "You know me all to well," he let out a tired chuckle, "What it is it you wish to speak of?"

         "I'm afraid E.U. has been making advances again," she told him, to which the government embodiment frowned, his earlier frustration, though mild, gone, "He's becoming more unruly to those under him. You can guess who his favorite to harass is."

         "Yes... your and Germany's connection is what he wants you to latch on to. Have you declined his offer to join him?"

         "I always do," she nodded, "But I'm tired of having to take time out of my busy schedule to accommodate him. He holds no consideration for the lives others live. I would like to request permission to refuse his company. He's scaring the Boroughs most of all. They hate him."

         "Well... hate is a rather strong word..." U.N. slightly defended the other government embodiment, but the look on Alaska's face showed that he two was not overly fond of the blue and gold starred man, and she knew, "Alright... I'll see what I can do."

She thanked him, leaving the lighter blue and white colored male to his own devises.

     She passed by Russia, on her way home, not liking the use of her ring, since she never had one before becoming a Country, and that was for years. They exchanged short pleasantries before Alaska hurried off after a long look at the sun. No one knew how she was able to stare at it just to check the time. She greeted others with a short nod or a 'hello', South Korea having not heard her with his headphones on, making the woman roll her eyes with a chuckle, though North Korea was as attentive as ever as he hid behind a tree, acting as if he were spying though in truth he was simply scared stiff of the woman who had threatened him earlier that year.

         "You might want to check your E-mail, North," she called to him, passing his tree nonchalantly, "and don't worry, it's not rigged with a virus this time." She waved behind her before calling to Spain, who was driving past. She asked for a ride, to which he gladly provided, flirting with her along the way in an attempt to win an extra export of hers or two, but she simply slipped out a handcrafted Ulu from her pocket, making the man shut up as he parked in front of her house.

         "I'll see you tomorrow?" He tried his luck.

         "Booked," she simply stated before hopping out, only to lean low into his passenger door, "And next time you offer a kiss as payment, you better prepare for an early Running of the Bulls."

The man shuddered, simply nodding before he watched her go inside the still military-like home. It never changed from it's original form once the Boroughs appeared, but most got used to it.

     Alaska sighed as she leaned on the door, her keys dangling from her fingers as she squinted in the darker hallway. Laughing and cute giggles of children could be heard, which made her smile. Most thought she'd still be busy at the moment, but today she decided to take a short break. Besides she deserved it. Everyone else was busy, she made sure of that, so her peace and quiet was ensured. Placing her boots on a mat, and her keys on a small plate resting on the entrance table, she stepped out to see all 21 little Boroughs staring at her expectantly.

         "Shouldn't you all be with your people?" she realized that the giggling was quite out of place when she walked in... they were all supposed to be elsewhere, in their separations of land, playing with the children or taking care of their own political matters that didn't need her help. They all giggled, sliding away to reveal a lopsided and sloppily decorated cake, dark blue with yellow star sprinkles all around it.

         "Happy Birthday Mommy!" they cheered.

Alaska sank to the floor, her 21 children engulfing her in a hug as she cried in her joy.

     Behind them, five pictures rested on the wall. 

One of her and her father, Russian Empire. 

One of her and her step father, America.

One of her and the only man who understood her for what she was, Third Reich.

One of her, all grown up with her many people, all so proud of their State embodiment.

And one of her with the Countries and her Boroughs.

         "Thank you," she told them all, "for remembering."