The World Meeting had just finished, and all the nations were leaving, to return to their own homes or to stay in the hotel one more night.
Arthur was in the elevator with Alfred, quickly growing weary of his companion's incessant ramblings about superheroes and hamburgers.
Suddenly, the elevator jolted to a stop as the lights went out. This annoyed Arthur even further; he did not have time for this.
A couple minutes later, he finally noticed how quiet it was. When had Alfred stopped talking?
"Alfred? Are you alright?" he asked quietly, trying to see where the other was.
The younger nation was curled in a fetal position in the corner, tears silently rolling down his cheeks.
"Al? What's wrong?" Arthur asked, kneeling down next to his former charge.
Alfred didn't seem to hear him, worrying Arthur further. He reached out to touch the other's shoulder, startling Alfred into looking up. His frightened sky-blue eyes broke Arthur's heart as he pulled the taller nation into a hug.
"Shh, don't worry, love. I'm sure we'll be out of here soon," Arthur reassured him, gently carding his fingers through his friend's hair.
Alfred clung to Arthur as though his life depended on it, sobbing against the Englishman's shoulder. Arthur continued to whisper reassurances, holding the other until Alfred fell asleep.
Arthur shifted to a more comfortable position, continuing to card his fingers through Alfred's hair as he waited for the elevator to return to life.
Several minutes later, the lights came back on as the elevator began moving again. Somewhat reluctantly, Arthur shook Alfred awake. The boy sat up, looking around sleepily.
"The elevator's working again. We should reach the ground floor in a moment," Arthur explained. "Now would you mind getting off of me? You're a little heavy."
Alfred's eyes widened as he jumped away from Arthur, who also stood up.
"Now, would you mind telling me what that was about?" Arthur asked, looking curiously at his friend.
As the elevator dinged to signal the opening of the door, Alfred ran out as quickly as he could, leaving behind a very confused Arthur.
AN: Should I make a sequel chapter?
Please let me know what you think!