AN: What has happened over the cross three months: Miscommunications with friend, a month of 'vacation' in a different country, then summer projects I had to finish before going back to school. This chapter is short but I'm about to post the next chapter after this. THE STORY SHALL NOW COMMENCE! heh, it's kind of like the Fall schedual line up you know?

...ya'll are still mad aren't you?

...

Enjoy...

"You two need a break."

England sighed. Alfred told him that...what, yesterday? And he was right. He hardly knew what day it was anymore. He hadn't really showered much. He hadn't done...much of anything, besides look after Alfred. And...well, Francis wasn't very different. Though his behavior was even being affected, and at least Arthur was still acting the same.

"What are we going to do, Francis? It's not like we can leave him alone."

"Yes, but who would watch him?"

"Well, we can't ask Matthew, and we can't ask any of the other European nations...wait. What about Japan?"

And so Arthur went off to visit the Asian nation, while Francis watched after Alfred. He hesitated knocking, but didn't need to, as Japan opened the door.

"England?" His voice only had a faint tone of surprise. But at least it was there.

"I...could you look after Alfred for us?"

Japan blinked, opening the door. "...here. Explain inside."

Kiku lead Arthur to his living room, and Arthur looked around. He'd been here a few times, and had always had pleasant experiences. Kiku was quite hospitable.

"Here, sit. I will make of tea."

Arthur opened his mouth to say that wasn't necessary, but Kiku was gone. He looked around again, and saw a magazine in English. He blinked, leaning forward and looking at it. At a second, more concentrated glance, it wasn't a magazine, but some sort of scrap book. It had random English sayings, and words, along with pictures of certain ones. The writing was all in Alfred's sloppy big letters, but next to it, the exact same words, written in Japan's clean, neat handwriting. Arthur thought about why it was here, then he remembered, back quite a while ago, when Japan was just opening up to the world, and America had moved in to modernize it, that Kiku had carried this around, and at various World Meetings, he would see Alfred explaining phrases and what they mean to Japan, who listened like he was the smartest person in the world.

"I wonder how much he respects Alfred," thought Arthur, putting the book down. Within seconds, Kiku came in, setting down a tray which held tea and rice balls. Kiku put a cup down in front of England, and got one too, filling both glasses until there was just enough room for sugar and cream, and grabbed a rice ball, motioning for Arthur to do the same.

They sat in silence for a minute before Kiku spoke up.

"Are you growing tired of Alfred?"

Arthur choked on his food, coughing for a second before he got himself under control, shaking his head furiously.

"Alfred is fine! It's just...We've been watching him nonstop. Francis and I hardly sleep anymore. He keeps saying we need a break, and I think we do. We just...he needs someone there. Francis and I decided you would make the most sense."

Kiku nodded, looking down for a minute, before looking back up.

"Alright. I agree."

Arthur blinked. He had been fully prepared to pay him for doing so. But the way Kiku looked; he guessed he didn't want payment.

"Alfred is a good friend of mine. The way he is right now is upsetting and confusing. Its fine, I'll help."

Arthur nodded. That made sense. "Well...thank you. I really appreciate the help. All of us do."

A flicker of a smile passed over Japan's face. "Of course, I'd do anything for him. He's my friend."