"I think something is wrong with Alfred-san" Japan's soft voice reached England's ears, he had been speaking to china, but they hadn't been hidden.
and all England could do was agree, the normally proud blond nation hadn't spoken a word the whole meeting, no great plans to rid the world of pollution or save some rare animal.
not only had he been silent, he hadn't eaten either, not a scrap of burger or cup of soda in sight.
Standing slowly Arthur made his way over to his ex-colony, arms limp at his sides as the rest of the world filed from the room.
"America!" England barked, making the taller nation sitting in front of him jump a bit.
Alfred slowly turned his eyes on England, still the same shocking shade of blue as the day England had discovered him.
"what's wrong with you? bloody git, couldn't concentrate even the smallest amount with you moping about over here like a sack of dead fish."
America forced a smile, flashing a thumbs up, "I'm just fine! why wouldn't I be?"
Arthur rolled his eyes, then allowed them to meet America's emerald against sapphire.
"Alfred" he began slowly, placing a hand on the other nation's head, ruffling his golden blond hair, "I raised you from a little colony..." a small smile tugged at his lips "I know when you're sad...."
America's eyes snapped closed, and he looked down, hands balling into fists.
"Are you....proud...of me?" he asked slowly, voice breaking in the middle of his words.
The older nation froze in surprise.
"why...why do you ask?" he finally managed to question when he found his voice again.
Head snapping up America looked at England, and Arthur was astounded to see the other male's sharp blue eyes glazed over with a thin film of tears.
"Just answer the question!" Alfred demanded.
There was a pause, and England knelt down, coaxing one of America's hands into relaxing and threading his fingers through the younger nation's, his other hand moving to Alfred's cheek.
"Of course I'm proud of you" he stated slowly, tilting his head a bit, "I raised you...." he leaned up, lips ghosting over Alfred's.
"You're my Hero"