Request: The nations playing dodgeball/snowball fight after a meeting. No angst, just the nations relieving their stress through plumbing each other with projectiles.

Sun and Games

The door slid open, and a shower of light washed over him. Alfred had to blink for a moment to adjust his eyes to the sudden brightness, yet, a smile was already tugging at his lips. As he stretched his arms over his head, the sunrays seemed to sap over all the residual lethargy from the conference, energy buzzing back into his limbs.

Alfred didn't like having to spend an entire day sitting inside. He was so glad it was over... but he felt like he had to make up for it, somehow. His taut muscles were begging for the release of physical activity.

I could go for a quick run, who cares if I get sweaty? The conference is over.

The mere thought of that kind of freedom he would finally be able to indulge in brought a twinge of satisfaction. Alfred's eyes swept over the courtyard, trying to locate the few people he might have wanted to say goodbye to before leaving... and just as they did, they fell on a bright yellow spot.

A cheap rubber ball, abandoned at the bottom of the staircase by an unknown party.

Alfred's lips opened into a satisfied smile as he jumped down the stairs, landing next to the ball before he picked it up in a fluid motion. The rubber flexed under his fingers. That ball was in dire need of some maintenance before it could be used properly... it was just firm enough for what Alfred had in mind, however.

Bouncing the ball on his fingers, he located his brother. Matthew was standing on the lawn not far from him, with his shoulders slightly hunched over and the gentle wind blowing blond locks away from his face. He turned his head as if to look for something – but his plans would have to change.

"Mattie! Dodge!"

His brother jerked up his head just in time to see the ball careening towards his face. With a small yelp, he jumped to a side, his eyes widening. The ball passed an inch from his nose before landing on the grass and bouncing away, harmless.

"Hey! What was that for?"

In spite of the note of complaint in his voice, Matthew automatically bent down to retrieve the ball and threw it back at Alfred.

There wasn't any real strength behind that throw, Alfred easily caught it. Nevertheless, it was a start.

"There's one hour before we have to leave for the airport! Let's have a bit of fun. Five hits and you're out!"

Without leaving Matthew the chance for a reply, Alfred aimed at him – this time, with a more powerful throw.

Matthew sidestepped and dodged again before lunging for the ball. He contemplated it for a moment and checked his watch, then shrugged.

"Oh, all right!" A small smile blossomed on his lips, his posture tensed in anticipation. "You get a bonus if you catch the ball!"

His next throw was much quicker, aimed at Alfred's legs. Once again, Alfred avoided it easily, but he could see Matthew's posture shifting, concentration glimmering in his eyes as he started getting into the game. His own smile widened.

This is going to be fun.

True to Alfred's prediction, the next few exchanges were far more challenging – and equally more entertaining in turn. The physical effort was like a rejuvenating shower, sharpening his focus and body. Matthew laughed, looking just as entertained.

It was just what they had needed.

But maybe, it could be even better.

With a corner of his eye, Alfred caught Arthur rolling his eyes at their antics. Of course, prim and proper Arthur always felt superior to that kind of 'lowly entertainment'... but not for long.

Alfred snatched the ball from the air. Instead of aiming towards Matthew, he propelled it in Arthur's direction.

Arthur gasped, barely dodging to a side.

"What the hell, Alfred? Were you trying to break my nose?"

Alfred had aimed for Arthur's shoulder, not his head, but he knew it could be hard to tell. He had counted on it, actually.

"Come on, play with us!"

Predictably, Arthur rolled his eyes and huffed.

"I don't have time for such childish activities. I don't know what has gotten into you..."

At Alfred's other side, Matthew seemed to wilt. All the energy evaporated from him as he hunched his shoulders, suddenly self-conscious.

"I'm sorry, Arthur, we were just trying to loosen up a bit—"

That wouldn't do. Fortunately, Alfred always knew how to get what he wanted.

"Too afraid to play against me, aren't you?"

Arthur scoffed.

"Hardly. I simply do not wish to partake in such nonsense."

In spite of his words, his tense back and the way a vein on his forehead twinged with irritation were unmistakable. Alfred let his smile widen.

"Oh, are you saying that you're too old and frail for some physical activity after a day spent sitting? You really are an old man!"

"Al, don't—"

But Alfred laughed. Too close to the ball, Arthur gave in to the temptation and hurled it at Alfred.

Alfred danced away from it, laughing.

"What was that? My 90-year-old neighbour could have done better!"

He knew he had him. Once Arthur started, there was no turning back. Even better, the lines of irritation that creased his forehead slowly smoothed down, replaced by a focused expression. It wasn't long before Arthur surrendered to his competitive side and fully gave in to the game.

Playing against Matthew had been fun. Playing against both he and Arthur – actually, it was everybody for himself – was almost challenging, at times. The ball almost brushed Alfred twice, and another time, he nearly let go of it as tried a mid-air catch.

Small beads of sweat started cropping up on the heated skin of his forehead.

There was still room for improvement, however.

The next time he caught the ball, Alfred aimed it at Francis. Of course, he knew that Francis considered himself above such 'childish activities' as well... But once again, Alfred knew just how to play him.

"That was Arthur!" he yelled in answer to Francis's outraged yelp as the older personification turned towards his aggressor, rubbing his head where the ball had it him.

Francis's features contorted his rage.

"Why, Angleterre, you brute!"

Without waiting for an explanation, he took the ball and threw it back with enough force to pelt Arthur straight in the face.

There was no turning back after that. The lawn became a flurry of activities, Alfred found himself twisting, jumping, dodging, and throwing in a frenetic dance. Euphoria danced in his veins, his heart beat strongly with the competitive effort. The boredom of the conference just a distant memory, Alfred only tasted fun as he fully immersed himself in the moment.

(word count: 1,132)