Hello, everybody! Sorry for the LONG wait! Here you go!

/

/

/

Alfred would not look at Japan as the older nation tried to console him. Ukraine was holding him, coaxing him to look at the other man. The only thing he could do was mutter apologies to Japan.

"Alfred-san," Japan said. "You have nothing to be sorry about. You and I are friends."

Alfred shook his head violently, his hands clutching his dirty blonde locks. Ukraine grabbed onto his hand, softly rubbing it, while she whispered in his ear to stop.

The whole scene was heart wrenching for all who were there in the room. France excused himself, slipping behind Sweden to gain access to the door. England stood in the corner, staring on and biting the end of his thumb.

"Alfred-san . . . please . . . tell me why you're sorry."

"I-I-"

Japan laid a hand on his shoulder – something he rarely did even now – and urged Alfred to continue.

"I- I almost killed you."

"Killed me?"

"The fire. You were soaked –" His breath shortened. "You were bleeding. Y-your skin was melting off-" His fingers dug into his scalp. "- y-your skin was melting off-"

"Stop!" Japan and Ukraine struggled to pull his hands down.

Alfred pulled away from them, his great strength giving him the upper hand. He jerked back, falling off the bed. Japan and Ukraine were moving to help him up when Sweden stopped them.

"No."

"But-"

He shook his head, "He'll hurt himself more. Let him be. You two should go get some rest."

Japan wanted to argue, but Sweden's fierce eyes cut his words off. He followed Ukraine out the door, consoling her on the way out.

When the two nations were gone, Sweden leaned down to lift Alfred off the floor. The younger nation tried to struggle, but Sweden's grasp was too much to fight against.

As he laid Alfred back down on the bed, he heard England shuffling out of the corner.

"And where do you think you're going?" He growled.

England, who was heading towards the door, stopped dead in his tracks.

"You need to stay here and take care of him."

"But . . ." England turned around slowly, his eyes avoiding both Sweden and Alfred. "I – I really can't do anything in this situation. At least not in here. Maybe if I went out and helped China and Norway and – "

Sweden's gloved hand clutched England's collar, raising the smaller man off the floor.

"Look here, Ængland. You are the closest thing this boy has had to a father in all his life. I don't care if you have to take a shit or about to die. If you leave his side before we can find out how to help him, I promise I will kill you myself. And I'll make sure that no one can find your body. Got me?"

England nodded fiercely.

Sweden let him go. "Good."

England ran to Alfred's side, more so to get away from Sweden. The larger man did not turn around to make sure England was aiding the boy. He was still angry at the man's cowardice.

Sweden walked towards the door. He hesitated for a second. "England."

The other man jumped. "Y-yes?"

"Don't waste your time with him. Don't let your pride or fear get in the way of healing old wounds. Do that, and you'll never have a good relationship with anyone. Ever."

"Yes."

Sweden nodded. He didn't know if England saw or not, but he was satisfied. He left the room, giving England the chance to heal. And praying Alfred was able to as well.

/

/

/

So I apologize for this being super short. And I apologize for ya'll having to wait SUPER long to get it. This past year (and a little more) a LOT has changed for me in my life. But now I'm back to writing!
I wanted to tell ya'll that I'll be posting another fanfic. I plan to update it regularly along with this one until both are complete. I hope ya'll give me very constructive feedback and bear with me as I get back into the writing groove.

Love ya'll!

Thanks!