Note: This is mostly played by ear. Everything I know about anorexia is from reading other fics. If I end up with an inacurrate event I fully apologize.

The morning came too soon, Matt knocking on his door. *Al? Come on, open up!*

He woke groggily, shuffling to the door. Matt looked anxious when it opened, wanting to go, it seemed. *Al, we're going to be... Didn't you sleep? You look worse than yesterday?!*

*Really..?* He was still half out of it, not even realizing the rabbit still in his arm.

The sight of Mana sent up alarmbells for Matt though. He slipped into the room, shutting the door for privacy before reaching to check his temperature. He was just a tad warm, nothing too bad though.

And that threw his brother into even more confusion and uncertainty. He knew Alfred was sick, he could almost feel it...! But he didn't know how! He wasn't burning up, nor throwing up... But he was pale and unsteady on his feet.

*Matt?*

*What's up?*

*You said we were late right?*

*Alfred, you're not going to a meeting, the state you're in! Are you mad?!*

*'M fine.. Just haven't been sleeping well lately..*

*This is more than a lack of sleep, Alfred. You passed out for a solid ten hours last night.*

Al wandered off to change though.

"Alfred, stop it," Matt followed after him, planning to drag him back to bed.

"But I gotta go, I'll catch hell if I don't.."

"I'll explain things to everyone. Look, you can't even stand up straight!"

Sure he could. He just needed to wake up is all, coffee would work. So what if he was sick? Everyone else was tired and irritable and he knew they'd still get onto him for it.

Matt seemed to think otherwise though. "Don't make me force you."

"But Maaatt.."

"Bed." He frowned firmly, not in a negotiative mood.

Al sighs rubbing his eyes.

"Come on," Matt sighed and softened some, guiding Al to his bed. "Believe it or not, the others will be glad of the day off."

Al sat down clutching onto Mana again. Matt sat beside him, watching curiously.

He had just been a little stressed lately is all.. Nothing to be worried about right? Nonetheless, Matt wouldn't let him out of his sight. He sighs softly closing his eyes for a moment. Maybe a little more sleep wasn't such a bad idea...

Al leans back laying down again. *...You sure they won't mind?*

*They won't. You saw it yesterday - not even Iain is fully on his feet again yet.*

*...Fine..*

*Rest. I'll bring you lunch later.*

*Alright..*

*Just rest,* he hummed, petting his hair. *I'll stay with you.*

Al nuzzled closer to him closing his eyes. Matt hugged him tight, coaxing him back to sleep. He settled rather quickly. Matt stayed by his side, trying to work out what was wrong with him.

Other than looking a few pounds lighter there didn't seem to be a problem.. Considering the state of the world, being underweight was the least of their worries... Maybe Al was just tired...?

Either way he ended up sleeping for another hour and a half. Matt had stayed, as promised. He'd finished off a chunk of Al's paperwork for him, knowing how his brother hated the stuff.

Al sits up combing at his hair

*Hey,* Matt smiled over. *Feel any better?*

*Yeah..* A little at least.. *..Did anyone come by..?*

*France did. I told him you weren't feeling to good so he'll tell the others.*

*Ok..*

*Al, are you sure you're alright...?*

*Yeah, just busy is all.*

Matt frowned uncertainly still. Al got up with a yawn heading to the bathroom. Matt just flopped onto the bed, considering everything.

When Al came out again he was dressed to leave, jacket and all.

*What part of no escaped your mind today?* Matt frowned. *I told you, the meeting's cancelled.*

*Yeah but I've still got stuff to do..*

*Like what?*

*Need to talk with the state governor, check on imports, stocks, and a few other things..*

*Fine, but I want to come with you.*

*If you insist.* Al smiles softly.

*I do,* Matt smiled back, finally letting him leave the room.

They head off, Al's errands taking a good majority of the day. He had planned to do it after all the meetings but now was a good a time as any.

By the time it was done, it was dark out, a sharp wind picking up. They were on their way back, Al gripping tight to his bomber jacket. Matt hugged his own coat around him, hurrying along the street.

They get inside the hotel sighing in relief of warmer air.

*I'll be happy when I get my cabin back,* Matt sighed, rubbing warmth back into his arms.

Al chuckles softly. *Just a few more days.*

*Hopefully our meetings will start getting more productive pretty soon.*

*Yeah..* Speaking of which, a few of the other nations seemed to be hanging out in the lobby at the moment.

Scotland stood at the desk, using the telephone. He looked very stressed and tired, his slumped form reducing his imposing air greatly. Al frowns worriedly at that. Francis was waiting nearby, having some conversation with Ivan. The whole lobby was full of tension.

Al sighs to himself, making his way through. Germany came over to them, stopping him politely. "Apparently, England took a turn for the worst... I don't think his brother will be staying much longer..."

Al grew a little more worried at that..

*I know he's having trouble rebuilding; but...* Matt shifted unsurely.

"Is everyone else still going to be here?"

"I'm not sure," Germany shrugged. "Everyone seems restless..."

Al sighs rubbing the bridge of his nose. Post-war was more stressful than war itself, sometimes...

But they had to continue if they were going to get anywhere. Still didn't make it any easier...

Al glanced around the room. Iain had thrown the phone down, holding his head as he tried to calm back down. Italy looked like he wanted to go comfort him, as his loving nature encouraged, but old tension kept him back. Maybe it was best to wait till next month..

*Al, just let them go. They need more time to recover...*

"I guess it's best to conclude for now.. We can pick up again some other time."

The Scot slumped for a moment before rushing off to his room to pack. Al watched him go worriedly.

*I hate seeing him like that... Makes me nervous...* Matt sighed, watching the others drift off too.

*I hope Dad's ok..*

*His people are rebuilding London, the economy's not great, but it's steady...*

Al grips his hand for a moment.

*He should be alright,* Matt assured him. *It's just a bumpy road...*

*I wanna check on Iain before he leaves though..*

*Me too... He's off and I don't like it...*

Al starts off to follow him.

They head up to his room, worry spiking when they caught him doubling over, gripping his chest again. More relief efforts were going to London and the surrounding areas, meaning Edinburgh wasn't being repaired as quickly.

They rushed over supporting him. Matt manged to get his key from him and unlocked the door. *Get him to the bed.*

Al guided him over making him sit. Iain slumped, fighting for breath for a few more minutes. The blonde eyes him cautiously.

Matt perched beside the Scot, rubbing his back encouragingly until he brushed him away. They sat waiting.

"M'okay," Iain sighed softly.

Al sighs.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Matt frowned worriedly. "Your heart seems awfully weak..."

"You need to heal too.."

"I'm fine," Iain shook his head, trying to stand, only to find his legs weren't steady enough to support him yet. "I just need to get home..."

They couldn't really stop him.. Al sighs offering a hand. "Say hi for us?"

"Sure thing," he forced a smirk. Matt just frowned uncertainly.

*He's not gonna give up.. Might as well help him to the airport..*

"Are you sure you should really be flying in this condition...?" Matt had to try...

"Not really," Iain laughed, voice rasping. "But Artie needs me, so I don't have a choice."

"As long as you take care of yourself too.."

"I'll heal regardless," he shrugged. "I hear you're still not grand yourself kid."

Al just shrugs. "It's getting there.."

"Not from what I hear," Iain lay back on his bed, rubbing his chest. "Some big company went bankrupt recently..."

"Just recoil.. Nothin big.."

"Nothing," he scoffed. "I'm not sure if you're brave or just stupid."

Not like it hasn't been happening a lot.. There were many companies that had died off the last few years..

"I need to catch a flight," Iain made to get up again but Matt stopped him.

"Let Francis go with you... Just in case."

"You've got the same flight anyway."

"Fine... Go fetch him?"

Matt nodded and slipped off, soon returning with the Frenchman in tow. Francis came over giving him a soft slap to the head.

"Gah, what the hell?!" Iain yelped, sitting up.

"That's for being stubborn. How are you supposed to look after your siblings if you run yourself ragged?"

"Same as I would with you trying to dislodge my brain! It's a long flight, I'll sleep on the way over!"

Francis sighs pulling him into a hug with a smirk. Iain closed his eyes, leaning in for a moment, finally admitting to how tired he was.

"I'll help you pack and we'll head out first thing in the morning alright?"

"Morning?" he really was too tired to argue, but his worry was clear and genuine.

"That's when the next flight is, I already checked."

He groaned, falling back into the bed. Francis grips his shoulder gently.

*We should leave...* Matt stood up, stretching. "Guess we can leave him with you now..."

Al moves to follow. "Love you all, guys. Stay safe."

"Hang in there kid," Iain waved him off. "I'll tell Art you're still kickin."

Al smiles back to them as he shuts the door.

They walked down the hall to their own room. When their door was shut, Matt just exploded. "How many of your companies have sunk without me knowing?!"

Al flinched at the unexpected yell.

"How many?" Matt was angry, but it was more fear than anything.

He sighs "A few dozen..? The Depression really threw things out of whack.. Didn't help that the soil dried out, but things are getting better I promise!"

"You have next to no energy, you're sleeping a lot but you're always tired, you're not eating like you normally would... Al, you look like death warmed up right now!"

Al gazed at his feet shamefully.

"What am I meant to do with you?" Matt just sighed, pulling him into a hug.

"Sorry.. I just didn't want to worry you.." Al hugs back. "With fighting the war and everything you had enough on your plate.."

"I could have helped, you idiot... I'm never too busy for you, you know that..."

Al clung to him for a bit.

*You're coming home with me... I don't care what kind of obligations to work you have, it can wait until you're better.*

Al nods, nuzzling in. Knowing he couldn't get out of it either. Matt was a stubborn nanny when he wanted to be. But it was only out of love.

They hugged for a while before parting. Al needing to sort a few things with the others before they left. Worst of all China had a meeting with him in three days, but because of the cancellation of the G8 conference it was being moved up to tomorrow.

Matt ensured they had a room for the next few days, but refused to let Al too far out of his sight now.

They had moved out of their separate rooms to share one together. Alfred using the rest of the night to talk to the remaining nations about work before bed.

With everything prepared for the next few days, they slipped into bed together, just laying in the dark. Al had snuggled next to him glad for some company.

*Rest up bro... You'll need it, dealing with China...*

Al grips tight to Matt's hand as he fell asleep. Rabbit clutched in the other. Matt soon followed, making sure to keep their hands connected as they slept.

Morning came bright and early. The twins seeing off their family and the other nations before picking up Yao.

China was already in a bad mood when they picked him up. The flight from China to America was long and audorous.

China was a grumpy old man no matter what he went through really...

He had his good moments, but this was a very bad day...

As they drove off away from the airport he was already complaining. First the city was too small, then there weren't enough people in it. Couldn't he make better use of the space if he built practical buildings rather than fancy theatre halls? Did he really need that statue? Why were his drivers so slow...?

By the time they had arrived at their destination, Al was radiating irritation through the link. Matt wasn't much better, though he was more anxious for how this was going to play out.

They had a business room reserved, a catering service was already there bringing lunch to a few other meetings. The trio headed in, the twins already ready to leave. *Be careful Al...*

They set at their table sorting through paperwork.

"So," Yao pushed over a document. "You owe me this much now, including war taxes and arms and munitions."

Al held back a sigh looking it over, his expenses where already stretched as it was.

"My people are sick of you dodging payments, so we're adding interest for every month you don't pay the set amount."

"I'm doing the best I can.. We're still trying to recover storeware and basic needs."

"So are we, which we can't if you're busy hoarding everything away here after spending all of our funds on your war!"

A blaze of pure fury shot from Matt.

"You were just as big an influence in the Allies as I was.."

"I wouldn't have been if you'd handled Germany properly the first time!"

Like he had a say then?

They were interrupted by a knock on the door, Matt going to answer it.

"Sorry for disturbing you sirs." It was one of the catering girls. She was trying to drum up extra business by offering out a few excess sandwiches they had. If only to humour the girl, Matt took the sandwiches and thanked her kindly before wishing her a nice day. She left smiling.

Al glanced to the sandwiches for a moment before turning back to Yao. The Chineseman sat, fuming and impatient. "Well? I haven't got all day."

"Sorry.." He goes back to the paperwork only for his stomach to give a tortured growl.

"Even now, all you can think about is food," Yao groaned irritably.

Matt twitched, hand clenching under the table.

At least he didn't say fat.. Al's eye twitched. China had been using that word more often ever since they were stuck together on that island for hours. Being lectured for his large amounts of Spam and chocolate. Really what to you expect for war rations?

And honestly Al's doctor had neglected to tell him he had needed all those calories just to look like he had a healthy weight at the time.. Al still hadn't even realized how thin the recession was making him despite his hunger..

"I don't understand how a fat lazy slob like you-"

"That's enough!" Matt stood up, slamming his hand on the table. "You're here for politics, not to slander people that saved your ass!"

Al grips his wrist gently. *Easy..*

He growled in irritation, glaring for a long moment before slowly sitting back down. *I swear, one more word...*

Al just went back to the papers, not like it was anything new anyway..

China cleared his throat indignantly. "This is why I request we meet alone."

"It's just been a bad day ok? Artie's not doin so good and he's worried."

"Then perhaps he shouldn't be here," he gave Matt a pointed look that just screamed 'get out'

Doubt that will happen.. Al could practically feel the protective instincts..

"I'm staying," Matt growled softly.

"Then stay quiet, or I'm leaving."

They continued on, the room full of tension now.

It took the best part of the day to reach a stalemate with China and avoid payment increases, on the condition that an amount would be paid over soon. Al was more than ready for him to leave when they were done.

China swept out of the room without a second glance, eager to be off. Al sighs tiredly, slumping to lay on the table. Matt came to sit beside him, just rubbing his back.

*I hate politics sometimes...*

*I hate stuck up dicks... He had no right, talking to you like he did...*

*Hasn't stopped him before.* Al shrugs.

*I'd have stopped him...*

*Believe me bro if I could punch him without it biting me in the ass I would..*

*I'm still half tempted to run after him and whack him...*

Al chuckles softly. Sitting up and gathering his papers. Matt just waited for him, it taking every ounce of his self restraint not to go throttle China.

He packed up and they finally left the stuffy room. It was a relief to be back in the crisp city air, fuel fumes wafting along the breeze. They head back to the hotel, Al just wanting a nice hot soak. Matt had the same idea, so they split off to their rooms to do just that.