Blinding light, mixture of pleasant and unpleasant smells, stuffy atmosphere. USSR winced: it would better staying home than being here. In his childhood mind were memories of ballrooms, large, colorful and… fabulous. Some magic was in word “balls”. Only now USSR realized. This "event" is as alien as residential one, it's noisy and crowded. Having gotten rid of father's monarchy, Soviet Union didn't want to be in such atmosphere again. But what can you do if Britain creates all this for world conference. USSR didn't understand. It was really important when all countries gathered together and discussed politics, not snotty dancing and squeaky music.

One of Union's palms squeezed gentle hand of some omega, while other lay indifferently on his waist. His. Who is this? Soviet Union mentally shrugged and endured cloying laughter in ear. USSR is good at waltzing, Russian Empire took care of this in son's youth. But compared to elegant omega, Soviet looked ridiculous, even crude. Eyes of this person sparkled coquettishly, USSR was washed over by wave of suffocating perfume and nausea. He couldn't bear another dance. Omega apparently didn't even notice boredom on USSR's frowning face. Music ended, so did waltz.

«I'm sorry» — Soviet Union said, barely holding back curses. His body, as if caught in wind, rushed away from annoying omega. USSR approached exit, being in huge hall now dimly lit by candles. Here he took out cigarette and lit it, savoring tobacco and smoke. He was overcome with memories…

Union disliked balls not only because of monarchy, but also his first love. He remembered that day clearly. Then USSR was young alpha, his father also threw grand balls. That night, Soviet Union also escaped to low balcony. There were too many empires there enjoying all this "bright abomination." Feeling of freedom overwhelmed him instead of blood in veins, instead of air in lungs. His gaze caught on something pale, emitting slight glow near gazebo with fountain. Without thinking twice, he glanced around furtively and jumped over balcony, falling with rustle into bushes and stubbornly ran toward magical glow. At that time, USSR had naive soul of romantic poet, hoping to meet someone destined for him there, like any teenager.

Alone omega, roughly same age as USSR, sat in gazebo. This proud solitude, far from all these colors, was close companion to young alpha. Omega looked sad and defiant, but cute. Black hair as night, face with round, button-like brown eyes and arched eyebrows that made him look sad. USSR moved cautiously toward fountain, afraid to take step toward gazebo. Young boy was also stunned by interruption. Soon, conversation ensued. Omega's name was Reich, he was son of German Empire. German omega spoke to him cheekily in friendly way. Union's young heart fluttered with pride when he noticed how admiringly Reich watched movement of his broad shoulders. Reich turned young Union's head, they shared their first kiss… tender, a bit silly, but most memorable. Unfortunately, they had to leave. USSR and Reich promised to send letters and meet. Young alpha was overcome with grief at loss. Russian Empire was merely amused by son's first love. Father's words were remembered for rest of life.

«Omegas…» — Russian Empire laughed hoarsely. Whole situation seemed to amuse him. — «The most seductive and helpless creatures in world that can drive you crazy.»

USSR returned to present. They exchanged couple of letters with Reich, and then omega stopped writing. Now he's grown-up alpha, powerful country. Thoughts of Reich vanished along with his teenage naivety. Union no longer cared whether Reich had become official country or what policies he has. Especially after so many events: First World War, murder of father with his own hands, revolution and rise of Russian people... But suddenly he saw painfully familiar pale silhouette. Something touched heart… Without thinking, he ran outside.

«Reich, is that you...?» — His usually confident voice trembled. Had he really met his first love again?