I remember his voice. The way he spoke reminded me of silk, but the meaning of his words scratched me like rusted nails. The simple phrase was repeating in my head even now as I sit alone by a window. The rain never seemed so welcoming until now. I can see why he likes it so much; it provides a calming sound when you're alone yet need a reminder that the world is still turning. But its distraction can only keep me away from the dark clouds shadowing my mind.

It's time to get back to business, Alfred. We need to stop this.

He had been getting dressed when he said those words to me. He didn't even face me; maybe he couldn't. England's always been brave, but I suppose it would have been a repeat. A repeat of what? Ha… I suppose history can answer that. It makes me wonder if he would have shot me had I not been facing him during the revolution once upon a time ago. He has a hard time telling the truth to my face.

I sat back in my chair and glanced at the coffee cup sitting on the table in front of me. The steam rose is a small, thin line as it continued to cool. I still hadn't eaten. It'd just been cups of coffee to accompany as I waited the hours closer to my flight back to my home or rather, back to myself. The radio played softly, stuck on a station playing classical music.

Life had never seemed so slow to me before.

In all honesty, everything felt slow since I heard England tell me that yesterday. I couldn't tell if it was me who slowed down or the world.
However, taking into the account that I'm not doing this because I hate being alone. It's on the contrary. I spent much of my life alone, usually sharing more moments with my younger brother than even England. It's just what happens when there's a whole pond keeping you away from most from… the one you've loved your whole life.

I'll admit it; I'm an idiot sometimes. Usually it's on purpose, but this time… this time, I can't figure out what it was about. I can't figure out why England would leave me like this… But part of me told me it was because we, as nations, have a duty. Getting involved with other nations like that… despite how close you two already are and have been, is risky. It might the one unspoken rule we've all agreed on. But that doesn't change the fact that I can't find a cause for England leaving me. No one knew of our relationship's extent except for us and a few humans; there was no pressure on him about that. As far as anyone knew, we just had that Special Relationship. I knew he loved me; I know he loves me… I just can't figure it out, and until I do (blame my ego), I won't accept it. Arthur's always put more pressure on himself despite my reasoning, but he still finds ways to take up things by himself. I figured this was one of them.

I jumped when I heard a knock on my door. I guess I got too involved in thinking, I thought with a light chuckle to myself. I got up, putting on my slippers as I made my way to the door.

"Coming! Hold up a sec," I called before I opened the door. When I did, I was coldly welcomed by an indifferent stare from Arthur. I froze but for no more than a second. "Arthur.. um, what are you doing here?"

"I've been trying to get a hold you. I called, but you left your cellphone at my home," he said as he handed me back the phone. I took it with a bit of hesitation; not because I wasn't sure, it was because I didn't want him to leave just yet.

"Was that all? Were you just trying to call me to tell me I left my phone at you place? Seems kinda pointless," I laughed but stopped when he didn't give me any change of expression. The guy sure does know how to make a man feel awkward…

"No," he began, "I had to tell you that tomorrow's meeting changed time. The start time-"

"I'm not going," I said coldly and that was when I finally got a response out him. His eyes widened a bit before he blinked as if that would make me change my answer.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm. Not. Going. I'm going home. My flight's coming in at-"

"Are you really being a child over this? I tell you I'm not going to sleep with you anymore, and you decide to go home to bitch and moan over it like a child?!"

"Yes. I'm nineteen. I think I can get away with acting like a child-"

"YOU'RE NINETEEN, BUT YOU'RE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ALFRED. The one meeting I've held in two year, and a superpower doesn't show up- how the hell is this going to look on me?!"

I clenched my fists as I listened to him before slamming the door straight in his face.
"GO TO HELL, ARTHUR." But as if something like that would make him stop. He's stubborn, I'll give him that much. He quickly opened the door and walked in after me as I made my way back to my little corner of self pity by the window.

"Alfred, you can't be acting like a child over this. You're not even human enough to even be allowed the luxury of blaming your physical age for your actions. Most nineteen year olds haven't gone through two world wars, a civil war, and a…"

"A what?!" I shouted angrily at him. "A revolution?! Is that what you're too much of a coward to say?!"

"I'm not the coward in this situation, Alfred!" he shouted back. I walked over him, glaring at him straight in the eye as I pushed him back against the wall.

"You're an idiot if you think you're going to scare me with your strength," he muttered.

"You deserve the embarrassment you have coming to you."

"I hate you…" he said as he looked away.

"Look me in the eye and say it." I heard him gulp at the demand, but he didn't face me nor did he say anything. "And you call me the coward…"

"I'm not a coward for not wishing to say something that isn't true," he said as we met eyes once more.

"Then why did you break up with me?"

"Alfred… you're an idiot…" he said quietly. I grabbed his face and stared into his eyes just a moment more before kissing him like my life depended on it. It took him a moment, but he returned the kiss as his arms slowly wrapped around my neck. But just before I could do any more, he pushed me back. "You're the biggest idiot I've ever met…"

Alpaca: now whether there's smut in the next chapter or not, it depends on the reviews.