A Game of Chess

Moscow, Russia

December 14th 1949

2:27 PM

The air was always so cold here, even colder than the states. He shivered, recalling that wicked cold breeze chasing him into the building. But then again, what was he to expect? Still, it would've been nicer if he packed fluffier clothing or even a foot warmer. He knew it was a bad idea to come to Europe unprepared, especially here of all places but he had been so hung back by documents and paperwork that he forgot. It was such good luck he had that the meeting place had air conditioning.

Alfred tucked his leather suitcase next to him as he stood in front of the riggedy mirror in the men's bathroom. He stared uncomfortably at the weird greenish black grime between the floor and wall tiles. Of course the maintenance here wasn't quite 5-star but it was decent enough for Russia in his opinion. Although he really disliked the weird smell that floated around in the air. It made him want to gag a bit. He shook his head a bit and focused back on his stained reflection. His bright vivid eyes stared back at him as he tried to study for any flaws in his appearance. Apparently, appearances were everything now to Mr. Marshall. He said to leave a good impression on everyone today, and if all went well, he would buy the young American a bag of coffee beans from Colombia. Of course, Alfred could easily buy those beans himself, but it was much more fun when he had the General do his bidding. He wickedly smiled at the thought, wondering if he could push the general to buy him chocolate as well.

Slowly, his body slumped forward, leaning into the mirror. His smile dropped from his face, a miserably tired look replacing it. How was he going to give a good impression if he was so exhausted? Complaints about safety measures on parks had kept him up all night, he would have to really dry up his economy to support all of this. That means he'll have to increase taxes and..

His head wobbled back, letting out an exasperated sigh and stared into the plain white ceiling. Normally he'd be happy to see Ivan again, it was a given. And although he hated to admit it, he had looked forward to seeing Ivan in all these past meetings before, it was one of the things that motivated him to be so hyper all the time. The fact that their relationship was taboo only made it more exciting. And besides, he truly did like him, there were times that he was sweet yet had the same amount of intensity to clash against him. But things were feeling off this past year. There were weird red flags he would constantly see when he talked with him, but he'd just ignore it. But no matter how patient he was, they never stopped showing up. If anything, they were getting increasingly more irritating. Like sometimes ignoring him, but always clinging to him. Never letting him talk to the baltic group, and knowing things about him that he shouldn't be able to.

He pulled his back upwards, looking at his reflection in the mirror again. Where there once was a smile was now a scowl. He took a step back in shock, the nasty look fading away. Maybe he was just over reacting. Arthur used to say he had a knack for doing that. But then again, Arthur himself over reacted a lot too. Quickly, he neatened his tie and turned away from the sink, discarding his uncertain thoughts. He didn't need to wonder over this, right now his only mission was to impress and woo the other nations. Because him and Ivan were going to keep it cool and showed that they weren't enemies in front of everyone, it already gave him a head start. He just needed to keep his streak.

Alfred walked out of the bathroom, a large smile plastered on his face. It would be bad if he was seen without one, who knows what that would do to his reputation? Immediately, the sound of chatter filled his ear as he walked closer to the banquet. Unlike the restrooms, the halls and interior of this meeting spot wasn't as bad. There were these thick large royal red curtains that hung from every window, and everything including the wall and ceiling was a sparkling golden. Even the floors were covered with a matching red carpet. A slight twitch of his left eye occurred as he tried to look past the shiny golden flair the room was covered in. Softly, he let out a tch as he approached the group of people loudly entering the meeting room they were using. Ivan had no money to afford all of this. And while he and everyone else here dined on delicacies, people groveled on the ground trying to make ends meet. 'Egotistic asshole.' He thought, quietly to himself.