Alfred jogged down the long sidewalk watching each line pass under his sneakers. He glanced up to find the sun had finally risen into the sky. His clock flashed 7:30am, he had started running around 6am. The fall air was crisp and cool against his bare arms that were covered in a thin layer of sweat.
Fall had passed quickly fortunately he and Canada hadn't come across Prussia since that night, Mattie once again became silent and the nightmares had ebbed away. Alfred sighed taking in the morning air, across the street a convince stores neon light flipped on broadcasting that they were open.
The soft tinkle of the stores door alerted the store owner to his entrance as Alfred stepped inside.
"How can I help you" he asked in a slightly Spanish accent
"Were can I find the energy drinks?"
"Last isle on the left"
As he walked around the store trying to decide on something for breakfast the store owner had moved from the front and was stocking the back shelves as America walked bye he thought he glimpsed a fine black scar on the man's shoulder but when he glanced back it was already covered by the shirts collar. He pulled his jacket back on Alfred had forgotten that he had left it tied around his waist when running, leaving only the thin white tank top to cover up his own blemish.
After shopping he went to the front with a bag of doughnuts, a monster energy drink, and a last minute add on of an ice crème sandwich. The store clerk came around the front to ring him up only his eyes questioned the weird breakfast. Alfred starred at the name tag that read Antonio, the clerk glanced up bright green eyes flashing under a mess of brown hair a look that brought back memories and sent a shiver down America's spine.
"Sir" the clerk said shaking America out of a zoned out trance
"Sorry what was that I am little tired" he pulled his wallet out
"I said $10.82 is your total."
"Ok'' the money transferred quickly and change was made.
Alfred turned to leave bags in hand, as he reached the door it didn't budge. He felt the hair on his arms raise as two green eyes burned into his back he could feel his heart beat increase.
"Sorry about that sir. The door's lock is a bit old, and sticks sometimes" came Antonio's voice from behind the counter. The man walked around as he became level with America he rubbed the back of his neck pushing the collar down so a black scar shaped to look like the image of a nation could easily be seen.
"Spain" the word hissed under his breath, but the store clerk didn't seem to notice.
The lock clicked with a dull thud the man smiled "have a nice day sir."
As Alfred stepped out a hand laid on his shoulder and the clerk leaned in, whispering in Americas ears
"It is good to see you alive and well America I hope the same is for your brother"
He straightened up and shoved something in America's hand. Don't forget your receipt young man it was good to see you again."
He closed the door America looked down at a small crumpled piece of paper unfolding it he found a quickly scrawled note
"Come back tomorrow if you can Hungary and the Italy brothers will be happy to see you again"
America pushed the paper down into his pocket and turned home lengthening his legs into a fast jog.