Children

"N-no! Don't go back! Being all alone in such a big place is scary! I'll be sad and lonely..."

"Alfred?" came the timid voice of Matthew. Alfred hugged his gun close to him and glanced over towards the trees.

"What'cha doing here, Matty?" Alfred smiled. Matthew took that as his cue to walk up alongside him.

"If I'm here England and France can't be arguing about me," Matthew said. Alfred's smile fell from his face instantly.

"They fight over you a lot." His voice was hollow.

"Being with you calms me down a lot..."

"They shouldn't, eh. I like 'em a lot better when they are nice to each other," Matthew's voice wavered.

"England is stupid."

"No..." Matthew swallowed. "He just can't agree with France-"

"I'm sorry. I know very well how it feels to be lonely. So I'll be back again."

Alfred turned away and Matthew rethought his words.

"Eh... England is stupid," Matthew agreed. Tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

Alfred continued to look away.

"I miss Arthur," Matthew finally said. He sniffed, keeping his tears at bay. Alfred stayed quiet.

"So you do your best too, and become strong."

"Me too." Alfred did not turn towards him. Matthew saw his shoulders shaking.

Matthew was not certain whether it was from sadness or anger.