So after about a few thousand years, I've finally managed to upload a chapter. Sorry for making you guys wait so long.
For some odd reason, I can't stop crying while I write this story. Also, I have a feeling that I made this chapter a little too fluffy.
It had been a few hundred years since England saw America in such a peaceful state. Despite the pitiful dark circles that formed on the American's paling face, and his paling skin due to a lack of nutrition, it was clear that his dream contained no terrors nor troubles. One of the many things England had been yearning to see once more, but unfortunately would not be able to savor. It was not the fact that he felt responsible for causing America's agonizing self hatred. He would always be delighted to watch his former colony rest peacefully. The fact of the matter was, he still needed to do his research, and then was the perfect occasion.
After browsing through multiple sources, England was becoming somewhat confident that with the knowledge he had acquired, attempting to help America through the whole crisis would be at the least, more effective than what he had been trying to do. That however, did not mean that England didn't have any concerns. From the many sources he had found reliable, there was one piece of information that perturbed the Englishman. He was not at all fond of the idea that the sources tried to encourage him to let others know of America's condition, so that they could help him as well. There was not one nation England could think of that he thought was suitable for helping him with America.
Other than that concern, England's guilt had slightly worsened after a while of his research. He had read through some red flags, and realized that he was responsible for possibly worsening America's condition. Why do I keep losing my temper with him? I was suppose to be more patient and compassionate. Then England sighed, Maybe I'm worrying too much. I mean, all I have to do is use the correct method of approaching this, and hopefully in the end, I'll be able to see that cheerful, enthusiastic Alfred I once knew. His stomach churned as his mind felt the need to torment him further I'm going to mess up, I just know it. I'm going to do something that will encourage America to harm himself further, and I won't be able to help him!
England mentally slapped himself as he clenched his fists, Oh pull yourself together Arthur! You need to stay strong if you want to help him. Don't let your emotions get the best of you!
The encouragement England had provided himself seemed to have helped quite a bit. Instead of letting himself full victim to his thoughts of despair, he began to analyze some plans he had been forming while researching. England sat there, watching America sleep as he continued to revise his strategies. He even lost track of time as he only grew deeper and deeper into his thoughts. In fact, England had become too intrigued in his thoughts to even notice the dizzy spell he was feeling due to exhaustion. Eventually, he passed out. Slumped in the chair he was sitting in as he unknowingly fell into a dreamless sleep.
"England?" England opened his eyes groggily as he felt someone tug on his sleeve. He looked over to see who had disturbed his sleep, of course, he was not angry about being awoken as he usually was. To no surprise, it had been America. England was relieved to see that his former colony look somewhat well rested, but it was still clear that the nation was rather frail. It had been a while since England was able to see him in a more perky state. Maybe it's a sign of improvement? England thought, becoming more hopeful as he asked with a small smile, "Did you sleep well?"
America nodded, becoming slightly embarrassed as he admitted, "Better than I have in a while."
Then America grew a sudden interest in the ground as he felt himself blush with even more shame, Why do I suddenly feel comfortable venting all my problems to Arthur? He doesn't need to hear it. I mean, he's probably already had enough of me already. I did drag him into this.
England grabbed America's attention as he stated, "You don't need to feel embarrassed."
America gave England a confused look, "But, I thought you would be disappointed in me."
I did it again! America was beginning to grow irritated with himself Seriously, I need to stop! England seemed to be more confused than America. He knew that the nation had a problem with his self esteem, but England still was not used to hearing the pitiful comments, and he probably never would. England didn't even bother to hide how addled he was as he inquired, "Disappointed? In you of all people?"
"I know you have no faith in me." America replied accusingly, "I've turned out to be such a failure."
Now America was on the verge of tears. England was beginning get a little emotional himself, but he managed stay keep himself under control as he said in a firm, yet gentle voice, "Come here."
America obeyed England's request and let his former mentor embrace him. He finally let out a silent sob, but felt more comforted than he had before. After letting his former colony cry for a bit, England finally began, "I could never be disappointed in you. There's no reason for me to be disappointed. You've proven to me more times than I can count that you are great nation. You're very strong Alfred."
"But I let myself fall apart," Alfred retorted, though there was less hurt in his words, "I let myself fall victim to this depression. I let it control me."
England turned America's head to face him. He made sure to look America in the eye before finally saying, "I know you're strong enough to get through this. I understand that what you're going through is hard, but trust me. Recovery's possible."
There was a moment of silence. England wasn't sure if his words had any effect on America, but then he froze as he felt America wrap his arms around him. England glanced at the American with schock, Did my words really touch him? He couldn't help but melt with glee as he felt America nuzzle into his shoulder while saying, "Thank you so much! I never thought anyone would care as much as you do. I never realized how much you cared about me."
England smiled and stroked his former colonies hair, "I could never stop caring about you."
They stayed that way for a while. That was until England's phone started ringing. England couldn't help but loathe at the sudden interruption. He was having quite a touching moment with America, after all. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he did his best to restrain the irritation from his voice, "Hello."
"Bonjour Angleterre, I haven't seen you in a while." England flinched with vexation as he heard the one voice he rancored even do so much as to even greet him. His hands were already trembling with rage, "I don't care if you haven't seen me in a week!"
France ignored the snappy response, he continued to speak casually, "I've been stalking your house for a few days now. I haven't even spotted you once in your bedroom, or anywhere else you might spend most of your time. Are you with another country?"
How can that bloody frog be so casual about stalking me!? America could now feel England tremble violently aggravation. The Brit yelled into the phone, "GET AWAY FROM MY HOUSE! I SWEAR THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU-"
England was cut off as France snapped back, "You didn't even answer my question! Seriously! It's ridiculous how easy it is to anger you!"
Before replying, England took a moment to regain his composure, but he was still violently trembling with rage when he finally retorted, "You shouldn't care about where I happen to be. I don't want, nor need you to. Now never talk to me again!"
England hung up before France even had the chance to reply. He then put his phone away, and sighed in an attempt to relax the tensions that were beginning to build from the short conversation. All of the anger that was bubbling up inside of him had already made him exhausted. He looked over at America who was just staring at him silently. The younger nation wasn't necessarily shocked by England's sudden outrage, he just hadn't fully expected the sudden change in mood. England sighed again, "Sorry about that."
"It's fine." was all America said. England glanced over at the clock to find that it was five thirty three in the morning. Then looked out the slightly opened curtains to find that it was still quite dark out. Changing his gaze back to America, he asked, "It's a little early. Aren't you tired?"
"A little," America admitted, "But I'll be fine."
"Well in that case, let's go eat some breakfast."
America paled, as if he had just seen a ghost appear right in front of him. England stood up, led America out of the room, "Come on, you know the deal."
Reluctantly, America followed England. Every second passed by at such an agonizingly slow pace. At least, for America there was that dreaded tension. Even if England himself felt uneasy about mealtimes, he could never possibly understand how terrifying the subject was to America.
It was England who, to no surprise, took it upon himself to prepare breakfast. All he did was make two bowls of cereal. As he poured the milk in America's bowl, the younger nation suddenly cried out, "You're putting in too much!"
England set the bowl in front of America and explained, "I put in exactly the right amount."
America looked away from the bowl, "I'm not eating it."
It was then that England realized his mistake, How could've I forgotten? He clearly isn't ready to see me prepare his food! I need to fix this. Then England came up with an idea, "Alfred, listen to me."
Groaning, America glared at England. Still clearly upset about his cereal. Once the Brit was sure that he caught America's full attention he continued, "I know I've told you this before, but you're a strong nation. I've seen you face your fears before, and even overcome them. I know that you can overcome this one as well."
America cautiously grabbed the spoon. After America swallowed a few bites, England decided to changed the subject, "So, have you played any interesting video games lately?"
The conversation had continued on. America had become so intrigued that he didn't even realize he had eaten all of his cereal, and didn't even notice the stomach ache that tried to warn him about there being food in his system. Eventually, England ended up agreeing to playing one of America's video games. Of course, he was not too fond of the idea, but if it was to make America feel better, he knew he had no choice. The video games did give him time to review his situation, This really does feel a lot like a battle. I've fought wars that were a lot less challenging than this. Well, I just hope that he'll be able to get better soon.
