After a long and painstaking journey home, both men finally made it safely. Arthur, astoundingly, didn't contract gangrene. Alfred was tired from carrying his friend most of the way, but in no worse shape than before. A small victory party was held by the American and his friends at a local bar, and afterwards, he took Arthur home, neither too drunk. Alfred's house was quaint with two floors, both furnished. There was a kitchen, parlor, dining room, and two bedrooms along with a bathroom outside. However, he didn't take much time to show Arthur around. The sun was setting, and both were exhausted.

"This is your room," the American mumbled groggily. Arthur just nodded in agreement and wandered inside. Immediately, he flopped onto the bed and curled into a ball. Standing in the doorway, Alfred watched him. His room was the whole way down the hall, but he really didn't feel like walking that far. Sharing a bed with Arthur for one night couldn't hurt, right? Alfred sleepily crawled into bed with the other, careful not to disturb him. He pulled the covers over them and quickly drifted into a deep and relaxing sleep.

The next morning, Arthur awoke to two big, strong arms wrapped around him lovingly. He didn't remember falling asleep with someone, so he skillfully rolled over to see who it was.

It was Alfred.

The American had snaked his arms around the Brit in the middle of the night, pulling the other close. Arthur was mortified, but for some reason, he…liked the sensation of being this close to his new friend. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach while he examined Alfred's face. He looked so much more peaceful asleep than he did awake. His golden locks were dirty and hung in front of his face, blocking bits of the view, but that was ok. A soft smile resided on Alfred's delicate pink lips, and his breaths were content as his chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm.

Arthur slowly readjusted his position so that he was more comfortable and carefully scootched closer to Alfred. The smile was still there, and it drew Arthur ever nearer. Gingerly, he placed a small kiss on those perfect, absolutely perfect lips. Then, he suddenly pulled back with such force that he would've fallen off the bed if it wasn't for the American's arms. He was shocked. Disgusted. In utter disbelief. What had he just done? His eyes intently watched the other for any sign of movement as a dark blush came over his face. Luckily, Alfred was a heavy sleeper and too busy dreaming about another victory to notice the Brit.

"H-Hey…Al…Alfred," Arthur tried, "Wake up, git…its morning and you're in my bed…Hey? Are you listening?" He tried poking Alfred's cheeks, and then pulling at them, leaving red marks. It didn't seem to be working since no response was given. "I know you can hear me, damnit. Stop playing games!" Now angered, Arthur blatantly kicked Alfred somewhere which he thought was his leg. In reply, Alfred groaned and unwillingly opened his eyes.

"Dude…what time is it…?"

"Time for you to get up, that's what time it is. Now if you don't mind, let go of me. I'm hungry and I'd like to go make something to eat." Lazily, Alfred unhooked his arms and allowed Arthur to free himself. Since when had the Brit become so standoffish? And why was he blushing? Alfred thought he liked hugs? Oh well. Perhaps he was just a little moody.

While the American was lost in thought, Arthur combed his hair with his fingers, ridding himself of his bed head. "…Shit." How could he have forgotten? Maybe it was because he wasn't able to change for the longest time, but he'd need some new clothes now. The ones he wore were dirty and worn, the fabric thinning in some spots, plus they smelled slightly. "Hey, Yankee," he started. "I need to borrow some clothes. Think you have any that will fit me?"

Alfred stared at Arthur, whose back was to him. "I dunno," he replied. "Sure, I've got clothes you can borrow, but I don't think they'll fit."

"Well, find some that you think will," Arthur swiftly retorted.

"Whateverrrrrr…" the American whined as he rolled out of bed. "The closet is over there…Go find something yourself." Alfred's current attire wasn't in the best shape, either, so he walked over to the closet, grabbed a few things, and then left the room. He was glad to have the first pick of clothes and to get away from Arthur as well. The man was becoming annoying.

Left alone in the room, Arthur sighed and began looking through the available clothes. Nearly everything was too large for him, but he was able to find a few smaller articles. He worked with what he had and used suspenders to keep the borrowed brown trousers up. The vests were all too big and would look awkward on him, so he didn't even bother with one. Luckily, shoved in the back of the closet was a white dress shirt that looked about his size. At least he wouldn't look too unproper. Unable to find shoes that fit, he kept the black boots he had. After changing, Arthur made his way downstairs and into the kitchen where Alfred was.

"So, what'd ya find?" questioned the American. He had already changed into an outfit that really showed off his build and was now cooking breakfast for both of them.

"Hm. Would you like to take a guess?" Arthur responded smartly.

"Clothes?"

"Very good. I wasn't quite sure If you would guess correctly," the smaller stated sharply while looking through the cabinets for tea. "By the way, we're going shopping."

"Shopping?"

"Yes, shopping. Most of the food you have around here has gone bad…You don't even have any tea. And I need clothes. Also," his gaze drifted over to Alfred and a smile made its way onto his face, "You could use a haircut." Arthur imagined his friend cleaned up with a spiffy outfit that was tailored flawlessly. The butterflies in his stomach returned once more, and so did a light blush.

"A haircut?" Alfred mused, not paying much attention to Arthur. "Well, I guess so. My hair is getting kinda long, after all. You should get one, too." He looked over and grinned, still not picking up on the other's blush. Alfred was too busy thinking about his hair, cooking, and how cute Arthur looked in those oversized clothes. "So, let's go shopping tomorrow? We can go to the market."

"Sounds excellent."