Leave Nothing Behind [Alfred]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width:450px; background-color:#000000; border:8px #392F40 solid; box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #FFFFFF, bTable][cs=2][STYLE=font-family:georgia; font-size:30px; color:#C9C9C9; text-shadow:-1px 0 #666666, 0 1px #666666, 1px 0 #666666, 0 -1px #666666; margin-top:-30px; letter-spacing:-3.0;]when you throw your love away .[/STYLE]
[STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:10px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style]	[STYLE=font-family:courier; font-size:10px; text-align:center; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:3.5; margin-top:-5px;]you act as if you don't care you look as if you're going somewhere[/style] [STYLE=font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; text-align:center; color:#C8C8C8; background-color:#666666; opacity:0.7; margin-right:3px;]679 tagged: alfred notes: got this up pretty quick.[/style] [STYLE=overflow:auto; width:300px; height:250px; text-align:justify; font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; padding:5px; color:#666666; margin-top:-5px;]Ana had been in America for only a day and a half now, most of which was time spent getting settled for her brief stay and checking out some of the local sights. She had seen them before… but it was still a small treat to see them every decade or so, to notice the added or altered details. Change was something that entertained most nations. If they weren’t settling petty alliances or petty breakups and hookups, then they were at least standing still and watching the world pass them by—people die and history books are rewritten, but some of these reminders of the world they once knew remained... Sometimes Portugal felt old watching the times change so quickly. One moment, she’s on top of the world, the next, she’s just another nation in a forgettable sea of others. Tonight, though, Ana had a goal in mind—something that she had been pondering on and off for the past century. And that involved two very stubborn nations. Nations who only seemed to be growing more mulish as the years passed… and that put a damper on Ana’s goal. At the moment, she had been in contact with Alfred, exchanging texts and e-mails, planning to visit him a couple of weeks in advance. Fast forward to now, she found herself in the City That Never Sleeps... in one of her favorite casual-classy bar/restaurants. It was fashioned to look like an old speakeasy with two entrances. One was the boring front entrance; the other was a bookcase entrance connected to the louder, more modern-looking bar next door. The bookcase entrance was the only entrance for her, she thought with a small smile... It had been five years… five years since she’d last been here. For nations, that really was nothing, but to Ana, it was still an testament to how long it'd been since she'd been to New York City. The atmosphere was light and easy with a local band and the drone of conversation and glass clinking, but it was still quite a bit more relaxed and classy than the rowdier bar next door. Some were clad in casual attire, others, a bit dressier. Whether in jeans or a cocktail dress, you’d fit in. That’s what Ana liked about this place. That... and they gave you more than your money’s worth in liquor. Ana was currently going for the classier look… but that’s always been her style. She prefers sleek, but not over the top. A soft, short dress that was effortless and comfortable. Her hair down and softly curled. Although, being closer-than-blood to the country of passion, Ana sure loved her vibrant colors… and red was her choice tonight, making her relatively easy to spot in a crowd. New York City was lively as ever on a Friday night, the band contemporary, the conversation easygoing, and Ana couldn’t wait to get a taste of chilled wine to go with the ambiance. It was breezy and warm outside, just as lively as it was within this little cluster of bars. Ana wondered if a walk would be in order after eating. She still wanted to check out some of the sights that she hadn’t seen in a while… and they were currently located in the center of it all. Ana sent Alfred a text as soon as she found a couple of seats at the bar—a lucky move, as it was fairly crowded. Sometimes she liked sitting at the bar more so than at an actual table. Better access to liquor was always nice. She ordered a glass of a Portuguese Rosé Espírito. A chilled and lightly fruity wine that she preferred for casual outings. Crossing her legs, she tapped her shoe gently against the stool of her chair as she waited, listening to the band. Setting down her glass, she barely noticed the faint imprint of red lipstick against the rim. She flipped open her phone once more, checking the time, as her thoughts wandered… wavering between how the hell she was going to pull this off and deliberating how receptive Al would be to her suggestions… Ah well. The night was young and she was sure to have several opportunities to give him something to think about. [/style]
[cs=2][STYLE=color:#666666; font-family:helvetica; font-size:10px; text-align:center; margin-top:-10px;] credit: shiki @ ote[/style]

[rs=2][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; width: 20px;]	[rs=2][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #fed39c; width: 280px;] Alfred enjoyed all of his cities, but like his people, he tended to flock to and around larger metro areas. The fast-paced, active lifestyle suited his personality just fine. Occasionally he wanted to get away, and that was where his more rural areas came in handy, but for the most part he felt right at home where all the action was. No U.S. city fit this description better than New York City. He only had one permanent home located near Washington D.C., but New York City was one of his most frequently visited cities. He was currently renting an apartment in the area, and thus when Ana contacted him notifying him that she'd arrived in the city, he knew this was his signal to head on out himself. Alfred dressed up slightly for the occasion. The key word, of course, was slightly. This was not an occasion that called for a suit and tie, though jeans and a t-shirt seemed like it would be pushing it a bit. He was sure that Ana would comment on it, at the very least. As a result, he opted for a button up shirt and some slacks. He slid his wallet, phone, and apartment key into his pocket before heading out to the street where he hailed a taxi. Alfred, too, opted for the bookcase entrance once he arrived. He fetched his phone from his pocket when he heard a loud beep that signaled he had a text. Ana found two seats by the bar. Good, that meant they wouldn't have to wait. Alfred made his way through the crowd toward the familiar figure clutching a glass of wine. "Jack and Coke," Alfred ordered when he saw the bartender making his way over. This was followed by the man looking Alfred up and down, to which Alfred sighed and fetched his ID from his wallet, handing it to the man. Noting the date on the ID, the bartender nodded. "I'll have that right away for you, sir." Alfred slipped the ID back into his pocket, which he in turn crammed back into the pocket of his pants. He tried to ignore the slight twinge of embarrassment he felt for being carded in front of Portugal. How ridiculous, that he had not only the standard IDs that all nations had their governments make for them, but had to make an extra ID so that he could go drinking because of his physical age. As far as he was concerned, he was perfectly legal to drink. He was drinking long before the drinking age was raised to higher than his physical age, after all. Didn't that make him grandfathered in or something? He took a seat, smiling and thanking the bartender as he was presented with his Jack and Coke. As the bartender retreated, Alfred greeted the other country. "Hey Ana. Glad you made it here alright. How've ya been?" That was what he figured the purpose of this visit was - Catching up with each other. He had no idea that the female nation had any ulterior motive. Had he known exactly what she had in mind, after all, he would have never agreed to this.	[atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; height: 235px;] what do those shaking fingers of yours seek?
[atrb=vAlign,bottom][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede;] [/style][style=float: left; margin-left: -120px; border: 5px #c1c1c1 solid; background-image: url('http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/spottedcherries/2962810-15.png'); border-radius: 10px; width: 100px; height: 100px;]
[cs=4] Coded by AMB Tanz

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width:450px; background-color:#000000; border:8px #392F40 solid; box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #FFFFFF, bTable][cs=2][STYLE=font-family:georgia; font-size:30px; color:#C9C9C9; text-shadow:-1px 0 #666666, 0 1px #666666, 1px 0 #666666, 0 -1px #666666; margin-top:-30px; letter-spacing:-3.0;]when you throw your love away .[/STYLE]
[STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:10px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style]	[STYLE=font-family:courier; font-size:10px; text-align:center; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:3.5; margin-top:-5px;]you act as if you don't care you look as if you're going somewhere[/style] [STYLE=font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; text-align:center; color:#C8C8C8; background-color:#666666; opacity:0.7; margin-right:3px;]729 tagged: alfred notes: derpdederp.[/style] [STYLE=overflow:auto; width:300px; height:250px; text-align:justify; font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; padding:5px; color:#666666; margin-top:-5px;]Ana didn’t mind the fast-paced lifestyle of New York… but she was often far more used to the laid-back Portuguese life that her people had adopted within the past half of the century. The female nation didn’t really mind, but sometimes she did miss the old days where she had far more to do… places to be, European powers to snub, and alliances to make and break. Yes, theirs was a different sort of fast-paced living back then. A paranoid sort… especially when alliances were only as good as the next day. This… was nice, however. For the most part, the Portuguese nation had adjusted well in the new century, even if she did turn more into a vacation spot more than anything. Portugal first noticed the other nation by the bookcase door, as she had been infrequently glancing towards it every minute or so, waiting for her companion. And she wasn’t disappointed. Alfred opted for the more interesting route. Ana flashed him a smile. She heard him order a Jack and Coke, though she smiled into her wine, not looking at the pair, as Alfred was carded like a juvenile. Granted, he did look too young to be drinking… too young here. In Europe, no one would really give a damn if someone looked too young. Depending on the area, even if a sixteen or seventeen year old attempted to get a drink, the drinking laws weren’t as strictly enforced and they’d probably get away with it. Before Alfred took his seat, Ana set her wine glass down before throwing an arm across Alfred’s shoulders bringing him in for a firm side hug. Normally, she would have been a heck of a lot more affectionate and familiar with her greeting, as most Portuguese were, even with near strangers, but as she wasn’t home, she made an attempt to fit in more with American social decorum: give extreme amounts of personal space. And no kisses. Though it was still amusing to see her people give them to American tourists that they had likely just met, just to see their baffled expressions. Ana may or may not have done that on a couple of occasions herself. Ana was the kind of nation that tended to get along with almost everyone. Even during the time of 'all-European-Empires-are-bastards.' She was known to be a bit kinder than the likes of Spain and England, especially to her colonies. Even before actually meeting Alfred for the first time after she recognized his independence, she felt like she had known him prior through England. Her and Arthur’s relationship/alliance/whatever was fairly close during Alfred’s childhood. She’d have to have been blind not to have noticed how much Alfred had come to affect Arthur. It surprised her at first… that a seemingly heartless Empire, who could want for nothing in the world, had allowed a child to slip under the wire and take ownership of his heart in such a way. It was completely baffling. But Ana soon came to respect Alfred for that. Anyone that could do that to the proud, seemingly unbeatable Arthur would always be in her good graces. ”Alfred!” she greeted back with a grin. ”It feels like it’s been a while, querido… Though, you’ve understandably been busy with all the notícias louco.” She’d used the term enough with him that he probably remembered what she’d meant: crazy happenings in the world, insane news, etc. She gave the slightest of shrugs as she took another sip of wine. ”I’ve been doing well. Life is much simpler these days.” Which she supposed was a good and a bad thing. Sometimes it was a little boring compared to the crazy sea-charting, exploring existence she used to lead, but it was also nice to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life… She gave him a playful glance, leaning towards him to mock inspect his shirt. ”And look at you, homenzinho. It’s nice to see you dressed up for once…” A small teasing wink. Of course she knew that he had dressed up before, but it was still very rare. Not that it what he wore would really be called “dressed up” either, just an upgrade from what she considered ‘stay-at-home’ clothes. But she still did like to tease him every once in a while for it. ”And how about you, Alfred? How’ve you been?” [/style]
[cs=2][STYLE=color:#666666; font-family:helvetica; font-size:10px; text-align:center; margin-top:-10px;] credit: shiki @ ote[/style]

[rs=2][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; width: 20px;]	[rs=2][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #fed39c; width: 280px;] Alfred grinned as Ana immediately pulled him into a side hug. He was fine when it came to hugs of greeting, but kisses were indeed still off limits. Well, not entirely. He didn't mind kissing, but he saw it as a romantic gesture rather than a way for friends to greet friends - unlike some of the European countries. He'd come to expect it from certain nations, but he was still caught by surprise occasionally at meetings. "It feels like it's been a while because it has been a while," he remarked with a shrug, raising his glass to his mouth and tasting the beverage within before continuing. "It's a lot easier to meet up for drinks now than it used to be, though!" It certainly was. He could still recall some of his first trips to Europe, when it would take months to cross the Atlantic in a ship. Now one could not only traverse that distance much faster by water, but they could travel through the air, as well as communicate via telephone and the internet. It certainly made keeping in touch with other nations a lot easier, and that was something that Alfred particularly enjoyed. Alfred chuckled at Ana's next remark. "For you, maybe." Alfred, on the other hand, was a superpower. It was indeed rare for Alfred to get any form of 'dressed up'. Suits and ties were usually reserved for meetings, and even button-up shirts weren't a common part of Alfred's wardrobe unless the situation called for it. It wasn't always this way, of course. In the past, clothing was a lot different, and what was considered dressing up in modern day was considered normal fashion back then. That said, Alfred always did appreciate comfort in his clothes, and the modern fashions provided for that much better. "I've been good," Alfred responded, still completely oblivious to any ulterior motives that Ana might have. As far as he was concerned, this was just a casual conversation, not building up to anything in particular. He raised his glass to his lips to take another drink before speaking once more. "Did you wanna just hang out here or do something after this?" Alfred asked. He didn't even know how long she planned on staying, but figured she planned on at least staying for a day or two after making the trip considering the distance.	[atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; height: 235px;] what do those shaking fingers of yours seek?
[atrb=vAlign,bottom][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede;] [/style][style=float: left; margin-left: -120px; border: 5px #c1c1c1 solid; background-image: url('http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/spottedcherries/2962810-15.png'); border-radius: 10px; width: 100px; height: 100px;]
[cs=4] Coded by AMB Tanz

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width:450px; background-color:#000000; border:8px #392F40 solid; box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #FFFFFF, bTable][cs=2][STYLE=font-family:georgia; font-size:30px; color:#C9C9C9; text-shadow:-1px 0 #666666, 0 1px #666666, 1px 0 #666666, 0 -1px #666666; margin-top:-30px; letter-spacing:-3.0;]when you throw your love away .[/STYLE]
[STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:10px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style] [STYLE=border:3px #666666 solid; background-image:url(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/amoline/portoicon_zps1bb04739.png); width:100px; height:100px; margin-top:5px; margin-left:5px;][/style]	[STYLE=font-family:courier; font-size:10px; text-align:center; color:#FFFFFF; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:3.5; margin-top:-5px;]you act as if you don't care you look as if you're going somewhere[/style] [STYLE=font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; text-align:center; color:#C8C8C8; background-color:#666666; opacity:0.7; margin-right:3px;]729 tagged: alfred notes: derpdederp.[/style] [STYLE=overflow:auto; width:300px; height:250px; text-align:justify; font-size:10px; font-family:helvetica; padding:5px; color:#666666; margin-top:-5px;]Ana personally thought it was hilarious whenever Alfred reacted the way he did whenever other European nations suddenly pulled him in for kisses as casually as if they were shaking his hand. She was careful enough not to go into such an automatic reaction to seeing him (sometimes she did forget… but it was like going against second nature!) Ana pondered Alfred’s remark with a slight tilt of her head, her eyes scanning the bottles of liquor along the back of the wall of the bar. ”Has it? They tend to blur together.” Any meeting that Portugal went to usually involved alcohol of some sort. Not in the same way that Arthur probably would have it (until he was well smashed) or even Francis (who viewed it as the finest accompaniment to any conversation… or if he was just attempting to sleep with whoever he was drinking with…) Her nose crinkled disapprovingly at each scenario before giving Alfred a returning smile. ”It certainly is, homenzinho. Although it’s perhaps a bit more difficult whenever we meet here.” she teased. Ana sometimes liked taking playful jabs at his youth… and the fact that his people are ridiculously strict with drinking. ”Yes,” Ana winked. ”And I thoroughly enjoy seeing you take the reins… for a long while, hopefully. It’s tiring ruling the world, isn’t it? I believe that I’ve deserved a long holiday after my time.” Sure, Portugal could reminisce on occasion, but she wasn’t unhappy with no longer ruling the world. In fact, it was nice to take the backseat for a while… concentrating more on her own people instead of looking after the entire world. ”That’s good…” the female nation paused only a moment before slipping in another casual mention within their conversation. ”As I’m sure you’re aware, Europe’s been in a bit of a mess. With Antonio now bankrupt, we’re unfortunately depending on Francis and Ludwig to keep the rest of Europe afloat.” Ana rested the rim of her wine glass against her lip in sad thought before sipping. ”I wish I’d listened to Arthur when he advised me not to change my currency… Thanks to his anti-European stubbornness, he’ll probably be the only one in Europe not completely devastated if that were to happen.” Ana’s gaze lingered on Alfred as she pondered what they could do afterwards. ”I’ll be here for a few days. Have to see my favorite sites at least once more. How about we make our way towards Manhattan and see the park? That has been a while.” She grinned. She wanted something casual, especially considering that she wanted to make this conversation with Alfred as casual and spontaneous as possible… [/style]
[cs=2][STYLE=color:#666666; font-family:helvetica; font-size:10px; text-align:center; margin-top:-10px;] credit: shiki @ ote[/style]

[rs=2][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; width: 20px;]	[rs=2][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #fed39c; width: 280px;] Alfred smiled. "I guess it depends on your definition of a while." Save for world meetings, it had been years, which was a long time in terms of those who did not have near immortal lifespans. He tried not to freak out when he saw some of the more...er, personable European nations coming at him. It wasn't even as though he had issues with personal space. It just wasn't how he was used to doing things. Alfred shrugged as Ana spoke again. "It can be sometimes, but I wouldn't trade it." He enjoyed his position in the world, and did not want to lose it any time soon. He liked being the one with power. That said, he also felt it was his duty to step in if he saw something that he didn't think was right - especially if it happened to involve someone that he cared about. Sometimes the decisions he made were decent, other times they ended badly. It was both a challenge and a heavy responsibility - one that did cause Alfred undue stress at times. Regardless, Alfred relished his position as superpower and did not intend to rescind it any time soon. Not if he could help it, at least. He felt as though he was truly where he was meant to be. Alfred nodded when Ana mentioned the situation with Antonio. His economy was still struggling as well, though he was doing better than he was at the start of the recession. At least that much could be said? "Well if it does happen he'll still be affected. So will I. We're all kinda connected in that regard nowadays." It had it's advantages and disadvantages...the Great Depression of the 1930s and the more recent global recession were proof of this. That said, she was probably correct in her assumption that Arthur wouldn't be as affected. He grinned upon hearing that Ana planned on staying in the area for at least a few more days. He figured as much, but wanted to get a scope of Ana's plans before the discussion became too in depth. "Makes sense!" Alright, so they weren't strapped for time - That was good. It meant that he could chat and catch up with her a bit more, and they could have some fun while they were doing it! Not that Alfred minded going out for drinks like this, but anyone who knew Alfred knew that he had trouble sitting still for too long. They'd either have to get into motion at the bar/club, or they'd have to go out elsewhere. Thankfully, Ana seemed to have that same idea in mind. "The park? You mean Central Park? Sounds good to me! We can head there after we're done with our drinks!" He didn't plan to have too much more to drink at the bar. Enough to perhaps create a buzz, but not enough to get drunk. He lifted his glass to his lips and finished it up, pondering on whether to order another one or head out.	[atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede; height: 235px;] what do those shaking fingers of yours seek?
[atrb=vAlign,bottom][atrb=style,background-color: #dedede;] [/style][style=float: left; margin-left: -120px; border: 5px #c1c1c1 solid; background-image: url('http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/spottedcherries/2962810-15.png'); border-radius: 10px; width: 100px; height: 100px;]
[cs=4] Coded by AMB Tanz