America sighed as he looked up from his lap top and stared at the ceiling of his office. Leaning back into his chair, he studied the small cracks running along the roof trying to make sense of them. Not that there was sense to be made from them, but it was something to do. God, what he wouldn't give for something to do. Between the "kidnapping" and the girl scout incident last week, he had been prevented from doing any work because his higher ups had been concerned that he was losing his mind. (Pfft, like he'd ever go crazy.) He also wasn't allowed to travel until they smoothed over the incidents either, so he was stuck at home. At first, he had treated the whole situation as a vacation, (because it technically was), but after seven days of doing nothing he had started to get a bit twitchy.
He had already played through all his video games. Even the crappy ones. And he had done that in two days. He had then tried to get someone, anyone, to hang out with him. He had called all his friends, enemy's, and random nations just to get someone to spend time with him. But due to the rest of the world being a bunch of jerks, they all had stuff to do. Then he had cleaned his apartment from top to bottom. And he hated cleaning. (Now that he thought about it, this was the cleanest his apartment had been in some time.) After he had finished that, America had tried to entertain himself. He had failed miserably, because for the life of him, nothing was coming to mind. He had already seen all the movies that were out, T.V. was boring, he didn't really want to go anywhere with any crazy parties, he wasn't old enough to go to bars, (which was bullshit), and everything else that came to mind was illegal. Sighing, he looked back at his laptop. He had been playing minesweeper, but he sucked at it so he kept losing.
As he contemplated on how someone as amazing as himself could be so bored, Hero wandered in and hopped onto his lap. Absentmindedly he started to pet him, making the cat purr loudly. Just then, Libby, his golden retriever, came in carrying her leash. Spotting her owner, she walked over and placed it in her owner's lap. Hero was less than pleased to have the leash dumped on him, so he left in a huff. Looking down at the dog, America was amused to see that her tail was wagging excitedly.
"Oh, did you want to go on a walk?" America asked Libby, who's tail started wagging harder at the word walk.
"Do you? Do you?" America cooed as he rubbed the dog behind her ears. Libby let out a happy bark, and started running in circles out of excitement.
"Alright, let me get your collar." America chuckled. Getting up from his chair, he walked out of his office and to the front door where he kept Libby's things. Libby followed her owner eagerly, carrying the leash with her. After grabbing the collar off the peg by the door and putting it on his dog, he put the leash on her, grabbed his backpack, and they walked outside. After locking the door, they walked down to the street.
As America walked onto the street, he looked around at the bustling people around him. New York always seemed so busy. Not that it surprised him, after all, it was the largest city in the USA. In fact, that's why he loved this city. Something interesting was always happening here. Just then, he felt Libby pull impatiently on the leash.
"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya." America chuckled as his dog dragged him eagerly down the sidewalk. America already knew where she was leading him. And she didn't disappoint when ten minutes later as they came up to a hot dog stand on the corner of a busy intersection. The guy running the stand glanced over at America, and his face broke out into a grin.
"Alfred, how are you doing?" The man asked as America came up to him.
"Good, I'm on vacation right now actually." America said with a grin.
"Oh, nice. And I see that you brought my favorite customer." The man laughed, gesturing to Libby, who was watching the hot dogs keenly.
"Joe, she could sniff you out from the other side of the city." America chuckled as Libby let out a whine. "I'll have the usual."
"Coming right up." Joe said with a wink. "Oh, and for the little lady, this one's on the house." He said, throwing Libby a hot dog, which she eagerly caught in her mouth.
"Jeez, you'd think I never fed her." America joked, watching the hot dog disappear in record time.
"I see she takes after her owner." Joe said as he put the mustard on the hot dog.
"I don't see it." America denied, making Joe laugh.
"Boy, the day you're full is the day I go out of business." He said with a wink, handing America his hot dog.
"So, never." America said, handing the man a five-dollar bill.
"That's right. So, where are you heading off to?" Joe asked.
"I think I'm going to swing by the park today." America said, patting Libby on the head with a smirk. "This one is in need some exercise."
"Well, have a good time." Joe said. Then Joe turned to serve the next guy in line. America noted that the guy looked sketchy.
"Thanks, we will. Come on girl." America said, and they headed down to the park. America watched the people around him, munching his hot dog as he walked. Libby was still leading the way. About five minutes later, they finally made it to central park. Finishing his meal, America threw the wrapper in a nearby bin, and walking over to a patch of grass, finally took off Libby's leash. Excited about her new-found freedom, Libby started to roll around in the grass.
"Hey, don't do that." America scolded her. "You don't need to be getting too dirty." Shrugging his backpack off his shoulders, he opened it and pulled out a Frisbee. "Hey, guess what I got here?" He said playfully, making Libby go into hyper mode. She jumped up and almost knocked America over in her excited attempt to grab the Frisbee out of his hands.
"Hey, down!" America laughed as the fuzz machine tried to climb him. "Go long!" He said, throwing the frisbee away from him. Libby jumped off him, using him like a spring board, and dashed after the toy. America was nearly knocked back on his butt, but caught himself at the last second.
"You were a lot easier to handle when you were a puppy." America groaned. "And a lot lighter."
Libby jumped up and snatched the toy out of the air, and ran back to America eagerly throwing it back at his feet. They did this for a while, with America doing a few different tricks to try and fool her, but she caught the frisbee each time with ease. After a while, America noticed that he had attracted a small crowd, mostly little kids, but a few adults as well. Winking at them, he threw the frisbee at one of the kids. Just before the frisbee could smack the kid between the eyes, Libby jumped out of nowhere and caught it. The kids gasped in amazement, and started to applaud.
"That's nothing." America said, walking over to the kids. "Libby, play seel."
Confused, the kids looked over at Libby, then started laughing in delight when they saw Libby balancing the frisbee on her nose.
"Wow mister, what else can he do?" One of the younger kids asked, looking awed.
"She." America corrected.
"So, what can she do?" The kid asked again.
"Why don't you ask her?" America chuckled, calling Libby over. Dropping the disk, Libby walked over to the small crowd.
"Sit!" A little girl said. Libby sat down, tilting her head to the side.
"Aw, she's so cute!" An older girl said. "Shake!" She commanded, sticking out her hand, and Libby stuck out her paw. The girl giggled as she shook the dogs paw.
"Can we pet her?" A boy asked.
"Of course, she's a sucker for a good belly rub." America laughed. With that, the kids surrounded Libby, petting her all over. As the kids cooed over her, America felt a tap on his shoulder. Looking behind him, he saw a man with a warm smile on his face.
"Hey there, that your dog?" The man asked.
"Yeah." America said with a grin.
"She sure is cute." He laughed, watching the kids giving her a belly rub. "I hope they aren't bothering you."
"Nah, it's no problem." America laughed. "I like kids."
"Well, that's good." The man chuckled. Then calling to the kids, the man said, "Hey, what did I tell you about wandering off without me?"
"Oh, sorry dad." The eldest boy said, looking embarrassed.
"Sorry Mr. Andrew." The others mumbled.
"So, these all yours?" America joked.
"Oh, heavens no." Andrew laughed. "Just the one. We're having a birthday party for my son. One second I'm grilling burgers, the next these guys are running off. And when I find them they're with a guy and his dog."
"I said I was sorry!" The boy said.
"Alright, all of you, get back to the party." Andrew said. There was a matter of disappointment, but the kids ran off back down into the park.
"Hey, aren't you forgetting something?" Andrew called towards the kids.
"Thank you, mister!" They shouted.
"No problem." America laughed, waving at the kids.
"Well, see ya." Andrew said, running off after the kids. Libby looked at America with a drooped tail.
"What?" America asked.
Libby whined, and looked over at where the burgers where.
"No." America warned. "You already had a hot dog."
Libby whined again.
"No." America said sternly. "You are not crashing some kid's birthday party just to get a hamburger. You don't even need hamburgers."
Libby gave America a neutral look. Then she put a paw on his shoe.
"Just because I eat them doesn't mean you should." America huffed, scratching her neck. "Come on, why don't we go for a jog around the park?"
Libby's ears perked up at that, and after he put away the Frisbee he put the leash back on Libby, and they started down one of the paths. It was still chilly outside, but the first signs of spring could be seen everywhere. Flowers where in bloom, pollen was in the air, people were out and about, and the sun was shining red as dusk was approaching. America was glad he had thought to wear his sweater out today. Looking down, he was happy to see Libby was keeping good pace with him. She was always bursting with energy. In fact, usually she had too much energy. And he adored her for it.
As they came to the end of the path, America noticed that the sun was starting to go down. Not really surprising, considering he'd gone out late. That with the combination of his stomach growling, America decided it was time to head home. Turning around, he and Libby headed back to where they were before, and out of the park. For the first five minutes, nothing happened. The street lamps turned on, people were starting to go into nearby bars, the night life was starting up. The usual New York thing. But after walking for a while felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Like he was being watched.
Glancing around him, America didn't see anyone watching him. But with the crowds around him, he couldn't really tell. Shrugging it off as paranoia, he continued on his way. After all, what idiot would attack him and his dog? But after another five minutes, America was really getting freaked out. For some reason, he just couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was following him. And Libby was acting antsy. She kept pulling on the leash, encouraging America to hurry up. Feeling like it was wise to follow the dog's instincts, he hurried up his pace.
America knew that he wouldn't be attacked as long as he stayed in an area with a lot of people, so that wasn't a problem. And having Libby with him didn't hurt either. She was 55lb's of muscle after all. And he had super strength for god's sake. He should be one of the safest people in all of New York. But for some reason, he didn't feel like it. As they came up to the intersection where Joe's hot dog cart was, he was surprised to see a bunch of cop cars and ambulances blocking up the road. Joe was packing up his cart. Jogging over to him, America nodded towards the crowd.
"Hey, what happened here?" America asked, trying to look over the crowd.
"Oh, Alfred." Joe said in surprise. Then with a grimace, he shook his head. "Some idiot ran a red light and caused a pile up."
"When did this happen?" America asked in surprise.
"About half an hour ago." Joe huffed, locking up his ingredients. "I nearly got hit. Damn idiot, nearly took out my lively hood." Then glancing at the crowd, he chuckled. "I don't think you're going to be going that way to get home. The cops would probably be pissed off that if you strolled through the crime scene."
America felt his heart drop a bit. This road was the safest way to get home. And the crash had taken up the sidewalk, so he was going to have to find another way home. And, he didn't like to admit it, some of the streets around here weren't the friendliest. And he still felt those damn eyes on him. Looking around him, he grew frustrated when he still didn't see anyone looking at him, or anyone out of place.
"Hey kid, you alright?" Joe asked in concern, seeing America was agitated.
"Uh, yeah." America said, looking back at Joe. "Well, I'll be seeing you Joe. I want to get home before it gets to dark."
"Alright, be careful." Joe said, giving America a wave as he and Libby walked down one of the side streets. Sighing, America stuck to the street lamps. But to his dismay, the street was becoming more and more deserted the further he traveled down it.
"Damn it, isn't New York supposed to be filled with people?" He growled, keeping close to Libby. He could still feel the eyes on him. But no one was around. Sighing, he shook his head. Maybe he was losing his mind. What if he was becoming paranoid like Russia? Shuddering at the thought, he spotted an alleyway. The alleyway would lead him right to his apartment, and was a short cut he had used many times. But right now, it felt like the alleyway batman's parents had gotten killed in. And as much as America loved Batman, he didn't feel like reenacting that scene.
Libby suddenly growled, and America looked over to where she was looking. There was a man lurking in the shadows of the alleyway. America felt the hairs on his arms stand up. It had been too dark to see him at first.
"Good girl." America whispered, patting Libby on the head. Deciding to take the long way around, he turned to go the other way, when he heard the man chuckle.
"That's quite the smart pooch you got there." The man said, his voice sounding like he was gurgling gravel. The man walked out of the alley, wearing a worn-out coat, long dirty beard, and had a look in his eyes that really put America on edge. They didn't look quite stable. For some reason, this guy looked familiar.
"Thank you." America said, clutching the leash tighter.
"It really put on quite the show at the park." The man said, grinning coldly. "Must have taken a while for you to train her."
"Wha- have you been following me?" America asked in alarm. Then it struck him where he had seen him. At the hot dog cart this morning. At the park, standing with the crowd watching him. He backed away from the man. Libby started to growl again, baring her teeth at the man.
"Ah, so you did notice me." The man said with a chuckle.
"Dude, what the hell is your problem?!" America said, scanning the area for a quick getaway.
"Oh, nothing." The man said, looking to amused for America's liking. "You just struck me as a kid who had some cash on him. After all, you did overpay the hot dog man this afternoon, and you didn't even ask for your change back."
"Screw off man." America growled. "I don't have anything on me. If you don't back off, I'll set my dog on you. She'd be more than happy to use you as a chew toy." Libby snarled to back up her owners point.
For a moment, the man hesitated. And for a moment, America actually thought he could walk away without any one getting hurt. But then the man sighed, and shook his head. "I really thought we could do this without any trouble." He said as he pulled out a gun from his coat. America felt his eyes widen. This old guy was packing! And to his horror, he pointed the gun not at him, but at Libby.
"Give me your bag, or the pooch gets it." The man demanded coldly.
"You're picking on my dog?" America asked in disgust. "That's really low man."
"Oh, I know." The man said, finger twitching on the trigger. "Hurry up boy. You don't want your dog to die, do you?"
Reluctantly, America shrugged off his bag and threw it to the homeless guy. The guy made sure to keep the gun trained on Libby as he picked up the bag. America felt his blood boil. All he wanted to do was sock the guy in the face. And he would have if he had been alone, (probably would have punched the guy through the walls), but he wasn't going to risk his best friend's life. That stuff could be replaced, but not her.
He had thought once the guy had gotten his bag, he would have run off, but he opened the bag, and started to rummage through it. And to America's dismay, he didn't look pleased.
"Where's the cash?" The man snarled, throwing the backpack into the alleyway in anger. The contents of the bag scattered everywhere. Libby stepped in front of America, growling louder. The man ignored her.
"That's all I have." America shot back. "Just go away. I don't make it a habit to carry a lot of cash."
For a second, the man looked super pissed. Then, a calm expression came across his face. "I see. So I wasted my time on you." Then to America's shock he turned the gun from Libby to him, and the man smiled. "I guess I have no more use for you."
"Wait, no!" America said, eye's wide in horror. God, he hated getting shot. Sure, it wouldn't kill him, but they hurt like a bitch. And if the guy "killed" him, the guy was going to be charged with murder. The man pulled the trigger, and there was a bang and America felt his shoulder explode in pain. Giving out a cry of pain, he fell onto the ground. He let go of the leash, and Libby wasted no time charging the criminal man, sinking her teeth into the man's wrist on the hand holding the gun.
"Let go, you bitch!" The man cried angerly, trying to grab Libby's collar. Libby refused, snarling angerly. America watched dizzily from the ground. Damn, he was bleeding a lot. And Libby was in danger! Looking around for a weapon, he noticed a two by four in alleyway. Forcing himself up, he ran into the alley and grabbed the piece of wood. He heard a crunch, and the man cried out in agony. Looking back at the two, America was pleased to see that Libby had broken the man's wrist, forcing him to drop the gun. Then the man kicked Libby in the stomach. America saw red. Taking the wood in both of his hands, he swung it down on the man's shoulder like a baseball bat. There was a sickening crack, and the man crumbled down to the ground with an angry shout. America supposed he had just broken the man's collar bone. Libby finally let go of the man's wrist, and started to chew on his leg. America kicked the gun away from the man's out stretched hand, and with a well-placed punch across the man's face, knocked him out cold. For a moment, America just stood there, breathing heavily.
Libby stopped chewing on the man as soon as she was sure he wasn't getting back up, and ran over to her owner. She whined, and nuzzled his legs.
"I'll be ok." America comforted, checking on his fuzzy buddy. After seeing that she was ok, which he was thankful for, he walked over to a nearby wall and slid down it, clutching his shoulder. He was seriously bleeding. Damn, that guy had hit him hard. Libby whined again, and placed her head in his lap.
"It's ok." America reassured her, petting her softly. He chuckled at the blood covering them both. Damn, they looked like they survived the zombie apocalypse. Just then, he heard a pair of footsteps. Glancing up, he saw Joe and a cop running towards him. America felt relieved. He didn't think he could have gone for help for a while in his condition.
"Alfred!" Joe yelled, running up to America, and taking the boy's face into his hands. "Hey, kid, don't you dare fall asleep on me." He said fearfully.
"I'm not going anywhere." America chuckled. "Tis but a scratch."
"Now is not the time for joking." Joe scolded. Just then, Libby growled at the cop.
"Down girl." America said, petting Libby. "He's one of the good guys." Looking up a Joe, he frowned. "How did you know I was in trouble?"
"Kid, I've been around the block enough times to know when somethings up." Joe said, taking his apron and pressing it against America's gunshot wound. "You weren't acting right earlier, and I saw that weirdo with a gun following you down the alley. I grabbed one of the cops at the crash site and we ran after you."
"Thanks." America sighed. "But it looks like I, no, we handled it." America said, hugging Libby with his good arm. "But an ambulance would be nice." America added, wincing at the pressure on his wound.
"I already called them on the radio." The cop said. "Jeez, you sure did a number on this guy." The cop said as he looked over the sketchy man.
"He deserved it." America grumbled, starting to feel a little light headed from the blood loss.
"Hey, stay with us." Joe said, tapping America lightly on the cheek. "Now's not a good time for a nap."
"Hey, could you make sure Libby is ok?" America asked, looking up at the concerned man above him. "That jack-ass kicked her."
"Yeah, I'll keep an eye on her." Joe said assuring. "You just hang in there."
"The ambulance is coming." The cop said, hand cuffing the guy. "As well as some other officers. Your name is Alfred, right?" The cop added, looking over at America with a soft look.
"Yeah." America said, eyes feeling heavy.
"Well son, looks like you've had a hell of a night." The cop said as the ambulance made its appearance. "Don't worry, we'll get you up on your feet in no time. And this one," The cop said, pointing to the man on the ground, "is going to be behind bars for a long time."
"Good to hear." America muttered. Libby whined, and head-butted America but America had already passed out.
_LineBreak_
America woke to arguing next to him. They were in hushed tones, but they were just loud enough for him to make out what they were saying.
"We leave him alone for one week and he goes and gets shot!" The first voice whisper yelled.
"I'm sure he didn't mean to." Another voice said calmly.
"Like how he didn't mean to be kidnapped?" The first voice snapped.
"I think it's safe to say that he didn't want to be kidnapped." The second voice said firmly.
"Ah, yes, I suppose your right." The first voice sighed. "It's just frustrating. He just keeps getting into messes lately."
"I think you two need to keep your voices down." A third voice interrupted. America really had to strain his hearing to hear that one.
"Sorry." The first muttered.
"Pardon." The second one said.
Feeling as he had heard enough, America forced his eyes open. He instantly regretted it, as white lights burned into his eyes. Damn it, why did hospitals insist on having the lights blaring into your eyeballs? Closing his eyes, he let out a groan of pain. Fucking lights. Stupid bullet wound. Stupid everything.
"Al, you're awake." Canada said, walking over to his brother and placing his hand on his good shoulder. "How are you feeling?"
"Peachy." America said sarcastically.
"America, he's only trying to help." France said with a sigh from one of the chairs next to the bed. He was flipping through a fashion magazine. England was sitting in the chair next to him, watching America intently.
"Yeah, I know." America sighed.
"Al, what happened?" Canada asked, looking worried.
"I was shot." America said simply.
"You know what he meant." England said bluntly.
"I was mugged." America sighed.
"And you didn't knock the day lights out of the guy immediately?" Canada asked in disbelief.
"He was threating to shoot Libby." America said with a scowl. Then his eyes opened in alarm, and he tried to sit up. He just ended up causing himself pain though, and let out a hiss of pain when he moved his shoulder. Canada let out a sigh as America moved, and gently pushed America back into bed.
"Al, that's not a great idea." Canada said firmly.
"Libby, where's Libby?" America asked worriedly.
"She's fine." England said gently. "She's back at your house."
"Oh." America said, looking relieved. "Is she ok? Is she badly hurt?"
"A little bruised, but other than that, she was very lucky." France said with a scowl. "To think that some barbarian would put a hand on that creature really pisses me off."
"Not as much as it pissed off Germany." England said with a shake of his head. "He was shouting for blood."
"Jeez, I'm feeling the love." America joked.
"If it makes you feel any better, Canada wanted to beat the guy over the head with his hockey stick for hurting you." England said with a smirk.
"There was a reason he was my favorite." America said with a grin. Then with a sigh, he glanced around the room.
"So, I guess I'm not getting out of here for a while." He said with a grimace.
"I'm afraid so." France said with amusement. "However, we sent Germany to pick something up for you."
"Huh?" America asked in surprise. "What is it?"
Suddenly, the door opened and a yellow blur came running into the room and jumped into America's lap. America winced as his shoulder protested against the sudden movement, but all that was forgotten as a pink tongue started to lick his face.
"Libby!" America shouted happily, rubbing the dog all over in excitement. Libby barked happily, jumping all over her owner licking as much of him as she could. "My little hero! The best girl!" America cooed as he buried his face into her fur.
"America, how are you feeling?" Germany asked as he walked into the room. America looked up and gave Germany a thankful look. "Much better now I've seen Libby."
"I thought she would help." Germany said with a knowing look.
"I'm glad she's not covered in blood anymore." America said. Calming Libby down, he inspected her belly, and felt a spark of anger at the ugly bruise on her. Seeing America's death glare, Germany smirked.
"Don't worry." Germany said with a grin. "The marks she left on the guy that attacked her are much uglier looking. In fact, the guy is going to have trouble holding anything for the next four months."
"Good girl." America said petting Libby. "Beat up the bad guys."
Libby let out a satisfied bark.
"I think that you should get a bit more rest." Canada said with a soft grin. "Your wound should heal soon, but we don't need you pulling out your stitching before it does."
"That a good idea." England sighed. "And America, do try not to get yourself killed again."
"I can't help if danger is attracted to me." America huffed.
"Whatever you say." England sighed, standing up from his chair. "I think I'm going to pop down to the food court. Would any of you care to join me?"
"I'll go." France said, putting the magazine back down on the side table next to him. "Goodness knows that I need to stretch."
"I'll go to." Germany said with a nod. "I need a coffee."
"I'll catch up with you guys." Canada said, with a nod. After the others left, he sighed and looked over at America.
"Are you sure you're ok?" Canada asked worriedly.
"I'm alright. I got my body guard with me." America said with a smile, pointing to the dozing dog on his lap.
"I suppose so." Canada said with a small chuckle. Then he sighed, and gave America a serious look. "Look, can you please stop getting into trouble. And I don't mean like the Girl scout cookie thing. I mean, you were kidnapped recently, and now you were mugged. I'm getting worried."
"There's nothing to worry about, Mattie." America assured softly. "The kidnapping thing was weird, and the mugging happened by chance. I'm sure they are just one-off things."
"I hope so." Canada huffed, flicking his brother on the forehead. "Next thing we know, you'll be abducted by aliens."
"It could happen." America joked.
"They'd bring you back." Canada laughed. Walking over to the door, he smiled at his brother. "Get some rest." And with that, he walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
America sighed, and absently minded pet Libby. Libby woke up, and looked over at America and with a soft ruff, curled back up on him. America decided that she had the right idea, and he dozed off again.
A/N: The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United states. They are only beat out by the German shepherd, (number 2), and the Labrador Retriever, (number 1). Now, Golden Retrievers rarely act as guard dogs in real life, as they are super friendly and are much more likely to look for companionship than fights. That's why they are so popular as house pets. People often joke that Golden retrievers would more likely to make friends with the guy robbing your house than to bite him. However, there are cases in which these soft fluffy creatures will attack if someone is trying to hurt their family. I made Libby a little more protective, because she's the Hero! By the way, I have a poll up on what topic I'll write next, so go and vote.
P.s., if anyone hurt my dog I'd go John Wick on their asses.