After a long nap induced by some seriously strong painkillers, Alfred was almost back to his regular self, only quite sunburnt and rather confused.
"Wait, so you're telling me I was drifting for three whole days in the middle of the Pacific ocean?!"
Matthew sighed, "the Atlantic ocean, Alfred."
"Right, right! The ocean is the ocean, but why was I there?!" Alfred exclaimed, further irritating Matthew.
Matthew merely looked at him expectantly, "You tell me, you disappear for a week straight and then I receive an emergency message from you. Three days later you show up in a lifeboat, unconscious, near New York."
For a moment, Alfred was just confused. Then his expression evolved into one of pure panic. "Wait, where the heck is my cell?!" He lept up and frantically began searching the hospital room for his missing mobile.
Matthew gave another esperated sigh before proceeding to explain to Alfred that his cellphone was water damaged and he'd have to get it fixed – Alfred seemed traumatised at this.
It took a lot of reassuring that Alfred's phone would be okay and that it wasn't the end of the world. But when Alfred had been discharged from the hospital and had had a miserable day without his beloved mobile, he lay down and proceeded to think.
Just how the hell did he wind up in this situation? He could remember the storm, and falling overboard, but nothing else...
He sighed switched on the TV, hoping it would help take his mind off it. Soon after, the country was quickly absorbed in a cheesy American superhero film. However, this was short lived.
The main protagonist (the hero) had seemingly just fallen off a high building (obviously he wasn't dead otherwise it wouldn't be an American hero) but even though he knew the story, there was something about the look on the heroine's face that struck some familiarity within him.
He was suddenly filled with fear, so much that he could hardly breathe because of it. He started panicking though he didn't know why. His stomach twisted into knots that pulled at his chest, and it hurt so much he thought he'd cry. He quickly shut off the TV but it was still there. He didn't understand what was happening to him.
It was like he knew that expression, he just didn't know where from. It left a horrid sense of unease and nausea settling in his stomach.
He must be going crazy.
...
Arthur was forced to lock pick his way into his house that night upon discovering that he'd lost his keys while being left at the ocean's mercy. He shamefully climbed over his back fence and got his picks out of the shed before unlocking the back door, silently praying that nobody saw him.
He didn't bother with tea that evening, just dragged himself upstairs and passed out as soon as he reached his bed.
When he awoke the next morning, he didn't remember much from his dream. Though he distinctly remembered a pair of sparkling blue eyes as bright as the sky.
England thought nothing of it as he began getting ready for his flight to Switzerland – the country where the next world meeting would be held. He showered and took care of his morning routine before packing his bag for the week. He was to leave early the next morning.
...
America pulled his suitcase almost stylishly along the Swiss sidewalk to his hotel, munching on a bar of chocolate. He may have been slightly jetlagged but the chocolate here in Switzerland sure was worth it.
The North American country yawned as he entered the hotel lobby and checked in. He frowned upon the realisation that there was no elevator but proceeded to make his way up the steps, suitcase in tow.
...
Arthur had to stop a quarter of the way up the staircase to put his bag down, what kind of hotel didn't have a lift in this day and age anyway? He lifted his bag once again and continued his journey up the very tall flight of stairs. That was until he heard an obnoxious chuckle come from behind him...
"You need some help there, dude? You look like you're struggling." Arthur briefly looked to the side of him to see a goofy looking blonde just a few inches taller than himself with a stupid, smart arsed grin plastered on his face. Looking down, he noticed that he was carrying a suitcase much bigger than his own – Arthur suddenly felt rather self conscious.
"No thank you, I can manage perfectly fine on my own." And with that, the Brit hurriedly continued on his way.
Alfred frowned and walked beside the guy who refused to make eye contact with him, he was only trying to help yet he got outright rejected. "You sure, dude? I don't mind."
Even while growing tired from the bag's weight, Arthur found himself unable to place this irritating man's accent. He wasn't Swiss, that's for sure, and he spoke English be it a strange variation of the language. The Brit had travelled the world yet he still found he didn't recognise it. "Quite fine, thank you."
Fine, if he was going to be like that, Alfred would show him what he was missing out on. With a smug look on his face, he hopped a few steps ahead of the annoying guy and walked backwards up the stairs, all while holding his suitcase high with one hand. He eyed his slim frame that seemed to lag downwards with the bag and smirked. "If you insist dude, but it'd make your life a whole lot easier if you stopped being so stubborn~"
This twat was mocking him! He felt his face erupt into a flurry of anger and embarrassment. "Wanker! Leave me be and-" Arthur soon found that he was the one smirking which soon morphed into a full on laugh. The stranger had tripped over the last of the steps and landed right on his behind. He was pleased to see the cherry red blush sprouting over the shocked young man's cheeks. "Heh, serves you right, lad. Maybe you should learn to act more mature in future."
The American huffed, "no fair dude! You-"
Bump... Bump bump...
Almost upon reflex, Arthur grabbed the handle of the rolling suitcase, stopping it for a moment. How bloody heavy was this thing?!
The moment he saw him start to fall, Alfred dived forward and, seeing he had his hands full, grabbed Arthur by the collar of the shirt without giving it a second thought. That was the moment the pair made eye contact.
They both froze.
Those eyes...
Lu here! Hope you're enjoying this so far and I apologise if it's ooc. Constructive criticism is welcomed!