Japan got to his feet shakily. His face was a deep red and he stared at his feet. "Tai-kun... I don't... I don't know what to say."
"Japan, we've moved on from that..." Russia said.

"Think about it" she smiled, holding his hands gently "Oh, Russia" she looked over, "Did you take Velos home?"

"Ah, he's right here. He's been living in my coat." Russia said, smiling. He handed her Velos, who looked a bit disgruntled.

She cuddled Velos and then popped him up on her shoulder, stroking behind his head with a smile, "Thank you, big brother."

"Da." Russia said, looking away. Poor Japan was still in freakin' emotional turmoil, his face hidden in his hands. He loved Taithlon, but was an alliance too far?

She touched his hands gently, "Japan, it doesn't have to be a proper alliance. Just a peace treaty. An agreement that we will not fight" she begged, "I am a war tool to the bigger countries, the stronger ones."

"You are not a tool!" Japan yelled, before clapping his hands over his mouth. "I am sorry, that just slipped out." he said.

She stroked Velos head again, "Maybe not to you, but some other countries wouldn't see it that way" she glanced at Russia, she was holding him up and felt uncomfortable about it.

"Taithlon... To me, you are the most precious and delicate thing in the world. Don't ever tell yourself that you have no worth." Japan said, putting his hands on her shoulders.

She went pink and mumbled something inaudible, biting her tongue. "Okay" she gave a nod, taking it as she was used to, almost as an order or statement.