"Big brother! I need your help with som-"

Alfred and Ivan swiveled their heads around to find Natalia standing at the entrance to the kitchen with her mouth hung open before her cheeks puffed out and her eyebrows scrunch together in fury. They both looked back at each other with identical looks of fear and noticed that, from Natalia's point of view, Ivan was wrapping both arms tightly around the American's waist in a loving caress.

Fuck my life, Alfred whimpered in his mind.

Alfred immediately shoved Ivan back. "Natalia! This isn't what it looks like!"

Natalia narrowed her eyes, "Oh really now, I beg to differ, American."

Alfred gulped, and once again stepped behind Ivan. He made a good shield, could he really blame him? Alfred glanced up at his shield and found the giant was frozen still, and gave an encouraging push.

"Go to your sister, Ivan."

Natalia's eyes brimmed with tears and her hands clenched into fists. "Just don't even start brother! I'm sick of you helping this disgusting American!" With that, the Russian turned and fled the room.

Alfred stared at the vacated space for 2 seconds before looking up at Ivan, "I don't suppose you're going to go comfort her?"

Ivan furiously shook his head.

What a coward.

"Move over, you're in my position."

Alfred grumbled and moved a fifth time that hour. After a fitful night of sleep in one of the spare bedrooms Ivan showed him too, he awoke to a shrieking voice ordering everyone to get downstairs and into their stage positions before she shoved a rather sharp object into a place things were only meant to come out.

"Yes, my princess." Alfred smiled sweetly as he moved passed Natalia who gave him a scalding glare back.

"Okay guys, I worked out the bass, so when you're ready, you can start." James sat back up from a huge speaker he fiddled with moments ago, giving a nod to Natalia.

Natalia sighed and took hold of the microphone.

"Who do you think you are,

Running around leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart…"

Natalia stopped and flashed a smile at James. "It's perfect. Thanks so much James!"

Alfred didn't realize he was gawking until Natalia turned to him and a strange look crossed her face. It was half sneer, half confusion. "Alfred, you better shut that mouth before flies start to fly in and choke you."

"Did I…did I just see Natalia Braginski, spawn of Satan, smile?" Alfred grinned. Natalia let a furious blush to escape as she shoved the American aside.

"You say another word and your dead, you hear that! It's your turn for voice check."

"Of course, princess." Alfred rolled his eyes and went to take Natalia's previous spot.

"Stop calling me that!"

"Yes, please spare me from your high school drama." Vash grumbled from his seat at the drums.

"Oh honey, trust me, it is not a high school drama yet." Feliks commented from his seat below the stage.

"Can I start now?" Alfred laughed, pouting down at Feliks.

"Sure sweetie, don't let me stop you." Feliks waved at Alfred and went back to painting his fingernails pink. Yes, pink.

Alfred flashed a smile back at his band before starting to sing. Natalia stood offstage and watched the young American singer intently, a smile coming to her lips. Alfred looked back and straight at her, shooting her a grin. Natalia dropped her smile and frowned.

"And that's a wrap for today's practice!" Alfred gave a fist pump and turned around to help his new band mates clean up.

"You did well, everyone did."

Alfred gritted his teeth and tried not to squeal. The hand that clamped down on his shoulder gave a painful squeeze and he looked to the side and met Natalia's bright eyes and her wide grin.

"Of cou-course I did well! I'm awesome like that!" Alfred tried to edge away, but Natalia held tight.

"I'm sure." She stated dryly. "Alfred, may you please accompany me out to pick up supplies for tonight's dinner, so we can have a real meal?"

Alfred turned to face her completely after she let go, but was stopped in his tracks with her glare. "Of course, princess." Alfred grimaced, letting her lead him off stage.

"Hey Natalia! Take a look at this!"

Alfred dashed down the shop street, heading for a small pottery store. Natalia paid for the vegetables quickly and dashed after him.

"Alfred I swear to god if you don't quit running after every shiny object that catches your eye, I will slit your throat in your sleep!" Natalia grabbed Alfred by the collar of his shirt and dragged him away from the pottery window.

"But Natalia! That bowl with the red stars is perfect for you!"

Natalia's eyes moved to slits and she pulled Alfred close to her. "Oh yea? How so?"

"Uhh….cause…." Alfred gazed behind her and his mouth dropped open.

"Alfred, what have I told you about having your mouth open? What are you staring at?"

Alfred closed his mouth slowly and met Natalia's eyes.

"Arthur, the lead guitarist of Brittannia is right behind you, looking through the window of Jo Ann Fabrics!"

"What!"

What? Rissa actually updated this? By god she did! HUZZAH! Sorry guys...hopefully my lovely readers are still here...