"Help Will Come To Those In Need..."
It wasn't the first time Alfred had woken up late. Heck, everyday he woke up at least a little later than expected. But this time it was the latest.
He had slept through five alarms each blaring shrieking sirens into his ear but none had been able to wake him. It was only when the obnoxious banging of his door that Alfred's eyes flew open, nearly breaking his back in two as he bolted upright, that he finally realised that he was two hours late for the conference meeting.
"Oi! America! Get the fuck outta bed! It's been two hours you Blödmann!"
Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Alfred climbed out of bed, smacking his stomach as the rumbling noise filled his ears, "I'm...comin'! Gimme' a sec, 'kay?"
"Sich beeilen!"
America, even though he was still tired realised that the man on the other side of the door. Was Prussia. Ah fuck. As if I haven't had enough recently? His eyes widening in realisation that his face was still covered in dry blood from the incident that had happened mere hours ago. He could it by the stiffness of this face. "Shit..." He muttered.
"Oi! Hurry up! Can't wait all day!"
"I-I'm coming! Hold on!"
Rushing over to the sink in a sleep-dazed state, Alfred splashed cold water over his mouth and nose. Cursing under his breath as his nose still stung from the harsh impact. Grabbing a towel he dried his face. That should do it. He thought.
Opening the door he was greeted with a pair of sly red eyes and an obnoxious grin on the ex-nation's face. America knew that Prussia couldn't care less about him missing the meeting, in fact, he probably thought it was an 'awesome' thing to do. But today, waking up two hours late and missing the conference that he was meant to be talking in, really put a downer on his day.
"Sorry."
"Sorry? Gott America! This is totally badass! Why didn't ya' tell me about your plan on stayin' in late? I would've totally joined you!" His smirk turned into a grin as he smacked Alfred on the shoulder. His grin faltered slightly when the American swayed at the force.
Alfred rolled his blue eyes, "I wasn't supposed to wake up late...just did..." He continued to stare into Gilbert's eyes, feeling slightly uncomfortable when the arm lingered just above his collarbone.
"Y-yeah whatever! England's getting pretty pissed down there and don't even get me started on what bruder is doing!" He turned to look sideways, before whispering in the other's ear, "Russia's also gone schizo. But you would know that anyway. Just sayin' he was threatening on coming up here and bashing your door to pieces but as the awesome me would, I volunteered to go and have probably saved your ass." He stopped whispering and took two paces back grinning, "But you can thank me later. Now get a move on. You have ten minutes. Wir sehen uns!" And with that he pranced down the corridor in a full on Prussian-fashion, bashing on all of the doors as he passed.
When Gilbert was out of sight, America slammed the door shut and sunk to his knees, his head resting on the back of the door. "Russia..." He whispered. Closing his eyes he nearly fell back into the depths of sleep before he realised that he literally had ten minutes before the said Russian would tear him to pieces. Alfred knew only a few nations, that included Germany and Italy (who would follow the German anywhere), were really the only countries who actually wanted to go to the meetings. So him not being there would create a riot of selfishness which is something Alfred really didn't want right now.
So getting up and making his way to his portable fridge, which contained only fruit and two bottles of water he picked out an apple and one of the cold bottles. Whilst crunching on the apple he got changed into his usual attire. This time though, he stayed clear of all mirrors, dreading to see his reflection and how fat he was. He continued to chew on the bits of apple at least sixteen times before swallowing, knowing that he would be able to trick his brain into thinking he was full even though he had just eaten a small portion of the apple. Biting down on the red fruit, he held it in between his teeth whilst he wrapped the brown leather belt around his waist. Looping it through the holes around his trousers.
He had always hated belts. More now that he was dieting. They had a tendency to show all of the fat around his stomach and waist, giving off an enlargement of fat around his hips and stomach. He sighed though as he buckled the belt in place.
Taking another bite from his apple, Alfred searched for his jacket, cursing under his breath when he couldn't find it.
"God dammit!" Crunch. "I'm already late as it is!" He scowled as he threw his half eaten apple in the bin with as much force as he could to make the metal object rock back and forth at least six times. Giving up on finding his coat he decided that he wouldn't wear his it, even though it made him feel vulnerable without the feeling of something hugging his body.
Checking his face in the mirror for one last time and giving a hesitated smile to his reflection, America headed out the door.
Alfred wasn't surprised by the commotion he had caused when he entered the conference room. Heck, he even managed to brace and withstand all the angry comments thrown at his face. England was the worst but America could understand that, Arthur wasn't one for a late start as he always arrived ten minutes early.
"Why the hell are you so damn late, you idiot?" He raged, struggling against the prying arms of Francis, "You have no idea how long I've had to withstand this!" He pointed an accusing finger at the French nation who just smiled and winked.
"Oh mon amour...you know you love this..." He murmured, his hand drifting lower but it was hit back repeatedly, as he just managed to dodge a fist and a yank to his blonde locks.
"I bloody well do not!" England sat down with a red blush dusting over his cheeks while the other just chuckled, sitting down as well. Francis smiled as he linked his hand with the British nation's who grudgingly accepted with a huff.
Alfred smiled sadly as he watched the scene between the two nations. The two always did seem to have a kind of 'love-hate' relationship but America knew it was something much deeper than that. He had watched countless of times, how Arthur would always keep his eyes on Francis when he was talking to another nation and how he would clench his jaw or squeeze his fist under the table when somebody tried to 'flirt' with him. This would be the same for France; always looking out for the other but instead of being subtle he would be slightly more...outspoken about it. He was able to show his jealously more than hiding it. Alfred always thought that their arguments weren't actual arguments or rows but more like a bonding thing. A way to get close to the other without making it too obvious that they loved each other.
"What in God's name did you do to your nose, Alfred?" Arthur's mood quickly changed as he noticed the slight bruising on his former colony's face.
Coming up to touch his nose tentatively Alfred used the best excuse he could think of, "I, er, ran into a wall. A really strong wall."
Both England and France stared wide eyed. "You ran into...a wall?" France repeated, "When?"
America started to panic, "Y'know...like as I hurried to get changed...didn't see where I was goin'...then I just...well...slammed...into...it..." He laughed nervously.
The two didn't say anything after that, seeming to believe him. Alfred sighed and turned around but as he did he came face to face with a pair of auburn coloured eyes. The Italian's face was cheerful as he went to hug Alfred around his waist.
Even though he wasn't the brightest nation in Europe Italy felt that when hugging his friend...there wasn't much to hold of him. He wondered why he felt...different and that he had a bruise on his face. But he heard the conversation with England and France so he didn't ask.
"Ve~ You came! Yay!~"
"Hey Italy..." He returned the hug, "What's wrong?"
"Ve~ You seem...different?" The little Italian cocked his head to the side, taking in the taller man. "Are you okay, ve~?"
Alfred nodded, "'Course. Why wouldn't I?"
"Well, you are very late and you feel...different..."
America clenched his jaw, his heart quickening. It's alright. It's only Italy...he's just being Italy...just lie!
"Oh? I do? Nah, I'm good! Honest!" A with that he grinned, relaxing when the Italian grinned as well.
"Yay!"
Changing the topic he asked how Germany was.
"Doitsu? Ve~" The Italian's smile faltered slightly, "Be careful! His in a bit of a stato d'animo!"
America blinked, "A what?"
He smiled again, "Stato d'animo!" He then went on tip-toes to whisper, "It means he is a bit moody."
"Ah, 'cause I was late? Okay I'll watch out!" Alfred smiled slightly, rubbing his neck in an awkward fashion. Before the Italian could bound off he quickly asked, "Hey, what's the time?"
"Ve? Oh, I think it's..." He rolled his sleeve up to reveal a slim, pale wrist with a neat red watch wrapped around it. Alfred unconsciously grabbed his own wrist, a pang of jealously hitting him. "It's mezzogiorno! Twelve o'clock!"
"'Kay thanks!"
The meeting started once everyone sat down after they had given their final grumble towards Alfred for being extremely late. Germany was the scariest, giving him a warning that if he was ever the slightest bit late again, Alfred would be banned from all fast-food restaurants in the next meeting. He nearly laughed in the German's face when he said this. Nobody knew about his diet so not being able to go anywhere with a deep-fat frier inside was fine by him. In fact, he welcomed the warning. He apologised and promised not to do it again, mustering the best sad expression he could.
The conference finished at 1:30 so it was lunch time. When he stood up and collected the sheets that were given to him on how to stop pollution levels rising, blah, blah, blah, Alfred headed towards the door. He had eaten today and really didn't feel like eating again. He was determined to reach his goal weight at the moment so as he was walking down the corridor he stopped at a vending machine in the corner. Alfred stuck his hands down both pockets, fishing out a few coins. Eyes scanning the selection he forced himself to go for the water bottle and not the fizzy stuff that begged him to pick them. He bent down and grabbed the bottle from the compartment.
As he walked down towards the staircase (taking the elevator doesn't burn as many calories), Alfred suddenly felt like he was being watched. He felt vulnerable in just his shirt and trousers, without his jacket it felt colder too. At least he wasn't shivering, that was a good sign but it still felt eerie walking down alone. He had the sudden image of a headless man at the end, holding a knife or something. Alfred grasped the bottle tighter, It's all in your head Alfie, he reminded himself, it's still daylight!
True as it may be, the corridor was awfully long and seemed never ending. There were the occasional windows dotted along the walls, offering some sort of light but he still felt like he was being followed. He knew he should have come back the way he started but the vending machine wasn't in that area. Deciding that he would go the other way Alfred turned around and ran. Literally ran back down the hall.
He almost collapsed as he came to the end of the hallway. It wasn't even that far! But Alfred still commended himself for running as he had probably burned the calories from the apple. He leant back against the wall, running through things in his mind. He suddenly came back to reality when he realised that he hadn't seen Russia today. Prussia warned him about the large nation but he had seen neither head nor tail of the man. Strange...
"Hmm...maybe he left..." Alfred sighed. He was feeling miserable again. He was alone...again. He closed his eyes and thought about what he should do now. He really should head back to his room but what was the point? He would just sit there, bored. An idea sprang to his mind. The gym.
He was about to turn left when he bumped into something. Something hard and strong. Looking up, he nearly gasped. Russia.
"Amerika."
"Russia." Alfred glanced at the Ivan's face, noticing how the bruise on his jaw and gone down. If he was in a stronger state then the bruising would probably still darker and more visible...but it wasn't.
Russia noticed the swelling and bruising of America's nose was still quite visible. He was surprised when the Italy didn't see it. Or maybe he did see it and not question it. He decided to take the polite approach.
"How are you?"
Alfred was taken aback. It was only last night when the two were at each other's faces. Throwing punches and shouting accusing words and now Russia was asking him how he was? Maybe he just felt sorry for him but Alfred knew that would never be the case. Ivan was his enemy and yet, America kind of felt the same feeling for Ivan as well...
"Fine. You?" He decided to answer as briefly as possible. The gym wasn't open all day.
"Da. I am good," He paused, "Your nose. I am sorry."
"You what?"
Ivan looked at him confused, "I am sorry. You know English, da?"
"Of course I know English you-" He sighed, "Yes...I know what you said...but why?" He pressed.
"Why?" Russia took a step towards the other, blocking him against the wall. He lightly traced a delicate, gloved finger over Alfred's nose, "For doing...this...I am sorry..."
America didn't dare move. His thoughts on being late for the gym, vanished. Russia was being...kind? Careful? It was different and Alfred felt uncomfortable with it, "It's okay." He whispered, "I'm...sorry too..." He didn't like this feeling but he felt he should at least apologise as well.
Ivan smiled but didn't move away, instead took in Alfred's body again. Without his jacket, he could see more of the American's figure. It was thin.
"Hey, Ivan?"
"Da." He looked up into those blue eyes but asked without thinking, "What is wrong with you?"
"Huh?" Alfred looked up confused, feeling really awkward. Russia was looking at him weird. He felt the pain strike his stomach again, telling him to eat something. He hoped that Russia wouldn't hear it. Hope wasn't on his side today.
"You are hungry, da?"
He shook his head. No, no, no, no. I'm fine. Leave me alone!
Russia frowned, placing a hand on the other's thin shoulder, "Da. You are."
"Shut up. I'm fine. Can you move please?" America glared. First Russia goes psycho, then he's all uncomfortable and creepy and now he's asking fucking, annoying questions!
But the other wouldn't move, "Nyet. I've noticed how you have been acting, Amerika."
"What are you, a stalker or somethin'?" He tried pushing against the Russian's chest but stopped because he didn't want a repeat of last night. Instead he crossed his arms and looked the other way, away from the violet stare trying to pry answers.
"I am not a stalker, Amerika."
"Are to."
"Am not.
"You are! Just stop changing personalities on me! You go from weird to weirder, to even more stalker weirder!" He hissed.
Ivan shook his head, "That does not make sense."
"You don't make sense!" Alfred jabbed a finger, "What do you want from me?"
"An answer." He quickly responded, "An answer." He repeated.
"Okay. The question?" The American glared. He felt a smug of superiority than Russia. It wasn't an unusual feeling. Ivan was Russian in an English-spoken country. Of course he could feel higher than him!
Russia stared and it wasn't because of the clever response that Amerika had given him. it was because he didn't think he would get this far. Now what was he supposed to say? Hey Amerika, do you have an eating disorder? Are you happy with your body? Nyet, he could not say that. That would be awkward and...weird. He had to think but Alfred was getting impatient.
"Well? You pry me for an answer and you haven't even got a question? What is it with you?" Alfred growled. He had had enough of this! So he pushed his way through but was quickly caught by the wrist. "Yes?"
"Let me help you, da?"
America's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What?"
"Will you let me help you?"
I'm so so sorry! This chapter was meant to be up at least a week ago! I could give you a thousand excuses as to why but my main one is exams! Oh God how I hate them! Anyway, please enjoy this chapter and I promise the next one will be up next week! Thank you for all of the reviews and I welcome them with open arms!
