NOTE: Continuation from the previous chapter.


Chapter 12 – With A Little Help From My Friends

When Alfred woke up, the first thing he was aware of was the arms wrapped him. As the events of the previous evening started to filter through his brain, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. After all, as the hero he was supposed to never show his weaknesses to anyone.

Very carefully, Alfred slid out of his lover's arms and left the room. He had just spent the last couple of days moping, and Arthur was right that he had to snap out of it. Besides, he was hungry and if he wanted something edible he had to make it himself.

He walked downstairs into the kitchen and started gathering the stuff to make himself a big breakfast. Meanwhile, he pondered what Arthur had said the previous night.

Well, at least he actually admits I'm a hero… Normally he's shouting about how I'm not the hero… Could that have been part of him being a tsundere or what? He paused in his thoughts as the coffee maker beeped, telling him that he could finally have some highly caffeinated goodness.

Alfred poured himself a cup of coffee and then took out his teakettle to start the water for Arthur's tea when he came down.

He couldn't help but remember Arthur's words from the night before about heroes. Then he caught the sight of a blinking light out of the corner of his eye. Alfred looked to see the light on his answering machine blinking. Curious, he walked over and pressed the button to listen to his messages.

The first message played. "Hey, Al. I'm sorry about what happened. Just letting you know that I'm here if you need anything, so call me back okay." Matthew's voice came from the machine.

Beep! "Amerique! I am sure that Angleterre is already looking after you, but if you feel like having some… edible food, please contact me. Feel better soon!" Francis offered the only thing Alfred would take from him: food.

Beep! "Alfred-san, I heard about what happened. Allow me to express my condolences and please let me know if you need anything." Kiku's voice was kind of stiff, bur that could only be expected from the stoic Japanese man.

Beep! "Ve~! I heard about what happened and I'm sorry! The next time I see you I'll bring lots of pasta! Pasta makes everything better!" At this point there was the sound of scuffling and Feliciano's voice was replaced.

"Stupid fratello! He doesn't need any damn pasta! Hey, American bastard! If you die from something like this, I'll kill you myself!" Despite his harsh words, Lovino was obviously worried too.

Beep! "America, please let me know if you need any assistance in recovering from this tragedy." Ludwig's stern demeanor showed in his call. Still, in the distance, Alfred could hear another voice in this message.

"West, don't worry! All he needs is a visit from the awesome me!" The message cut out just as Gilbert launched into his signature laugh.

Beep! "You owe me money, aru! So hurry up and get better, America! Also, try some of my remedial cures if you need them, aru." Yao still seemed to have Alfred's best interests at heart.

Beep! "If you do not recover soon, you will not be able to see my big secret, da?" Ivan's voice creeped out of the phone.

Here, Alfred stopped the machine even though there were still more messages to be heard. Despite how nations treated him normally, whenever something bad happened, they would all support him however they could. Even people who were once his enemies, like Kiku, Ludwig, and the Italian twins were his friends and allies now. And even Ivan, in his own creepy way, seemed to care.

With this sort of support and what Arthur had said the previous night, it all reminded Alfred of heroes.

"After all, the only thing better than a superhero is a superhero team." Alfred said to himself as he looked at the wall where a picture of the Allied Powers hung. "And back in the days, it was just us kicking butt."

Alfred smiled as he looked at the picture. "Just like the Beatles song, huh?" Because no matter what, he would always get help from his friends and Arthur, like the song With A Little Help From My Friends.

Just then the kettle screeched, and he quickly took it off the burner. He was so busy preparing the tea that he didn't notice Arthur entering the kitchen.

"Alfred?" Arthur looked a little worried himself. Alfred knew that considering what had been going on the past few days that was fully justified.

"Morning, Iggy!" He said with a huge smile. "Don't worry about breakfast! I'll make sure that it's something that we can actually eat!"

Arthur tried to scowl at him, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "My name isn't Iggy and I could make a perfectly good breakfast if you just let me!"

Alfred laughed. "Of course you could." As he handed Arthur his tea, he leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Thanks for the two Beatles moments. I needed that."

As he pulled away, Arthur looked at him, confused. "Two?"

"Yep!" And as he bustled about getting breakfast ready, he found himself humming With A Little Help From My Friends.

Behind him, sitting himself at the table, Arthur realized what he was humming and smiled.

His hero was back in action.


A.N. Not sure I got all the voices of the other nations right, but whatever.