Title: My Hero
Author: Himuro Miharu
Pairing: mentions of PruCan and USUK
Genre: Family/Hurt Comfort
Rating: K
Warnings: OOC, fluff
Summary: Alfred knows he isn't a hero, but sometimes it's nice to hear someone considers him one.
Notes: Part 5 in the 7 part 'Sign Series'
Disclaimer: Hidekaz Himaruya owns them~

"Stop thinking everyone likes you!"

"You're not a god damned hero Alfred! You're just a country, just like the rest of us!"

The words cut deep, his own love was talking about how he was nothing special, just like everyone else. It hurt to hear the man he loved speaking to him like that. It didn't bother him when Yao said such things, but when Arthur chipped in, it felt like a knife being twisted into his heart.

Matthew watched his brother's face fall from his seat at the other end of the long table. It hurt him to watch the verbal abuse his brother was subjected to, just because he had silly ideas and was overcompensating for his lack of confidence by calling himself a hero. He knew how much Alfred adored the older male, and he knew Arthur loved him as well, but he didn't understand how Alfred could handle such horrible treatment. If Gilbert treated him that way, he would have left in an instant.

Watching him he couldn't help but think about the times his brother had told him how special he was, and he never believed it. Then he got to know Prussia, and suddenly he didn't feel so non-existent, he had two people that loved him, and he felt like he was important finally. And all he wanted was for Alfred to feel the same way. The relationship between his brother and Arthur was almost toxic in a way. They both loved each other deeply, but Arthur didn't know how to show it properly and was always hurting him.

Alfred shut his mouth and watched as everyone else discussed the matters at hand, slowly shrinking into himself when no one noticed how hurt he was. Looking over he caught his brothers eye and gave a broken smile, knowing his brother knew how he felt.

After the meeting he was the first out of the room, almost running to get away from all the hurt he felt. He knew it wouldn't go away just by running, but it was all he knew how to get rid of the pain, even if was only for a moment. Matthew followed him out, quickly catching up to him, ignoring Gilbert calling to him.

"Alfred! Wait up!"

Turning he was met with watery bleu eyes full of hurtful tears.

"Hey Mattie…" His breath was knocked out of him when he received an armful of little Canadian, knocking him off his feet.

Gilbert watched from around the corner, eyes softening. He understood the two needed time alone, and decided to do what he could to keep everyone away to give them just that.

"I'm sorry you're not happy…I wish I could help you." Matthew said softly.

Alfred scoffed.

"I'm happy Mattie. I just…I'm happy."

""You're not happy Alfred. I can see it."

Alfred sighed, looking down into framed bleu eyes so identical to his own.

"I just…I want to be something to him. He says he loves me, but he never shows it in public. I don't know what to do…I know I'm not a hero, but it was always my way of getting him to notice me, and then when I did, it became a safety blanket. I don't want anyone seeing how weak I am. How…scared I am." He explained. Matthew smiled, hugging him tightly.

"No matter what others say, you're my hero brother."

Alfred was shocked, he had never guessed he would ever hear those words from anyone, ever. Too hea them come from his beloved brother, meant more than the small Canadian would ever know. Hugging him as tight as he could without causing him pain he smiled, tears streaming down his face.