Well this is rather unexpected. Why am I posting a new chapter on my old story, I haven't a clue. I just had this idea literally smack me in the face today so I had to add it despite it's short length. Inspiration for Clarity is way low so I don't know when that story will be updated... I'm trying though; I didn't want to post an author's note as a chapter (because I find that annoying) and ask for help on it. Ideas for it are much appreciated.

Enjoy this little side story of Blurred.

Side Story:

Happy Birthday

Arthur wandered (waddled) into the hospital in the early morning of July 4th- he couldn't sleep and with the persuasion of his friends, he had been convinced to go home and get some proper rest. He would've if said rest wasn't denying him. The receptionist at the front desk greeted him with a sympathetic smile before continuing paperwork and Arthur returned it.

Reaching the fourth floor, Arthur entered Alfred's room and expected to his unconscious lover but nearly cried out in surprise instead.

Alfred was staring out the window with an expression full of wonder and fascination. His eyes darted as he watched cars and planes pass by and his eyes narrowed to try and get a better look at the miniscule citizens down below.

"A-Alfred?" Arthur was still standing in the doorway, completely stupefied.

He's awake…!

Said American's head whipped around and instantly a grin flew across his face, "Arthur! I'm so happy to see you! How are you and the baby doing?"

His voice still carried that childish innocence… and like an old stone the ocean beats against, a little more of Arthur was worn away.

When would his Alfred be returning?

How long was he going to keep the Englishman waiting?

"Oh, we're doing fine, love," Arthur moved towards the American and placed his hand to Alfred's bandaged head, brushing his bangs back. "More importantly, how are you feeling?"

"I feel… funny. I know I should be remembering something but I just can't- it's hard to explain," Alfred replied, his gaze shifting back to the window. "I'm missing something, I know I am."

"I'm sure it'll come to you soon enough," Arthur's voice was full of lost hope.

Alfred only nodded, continuing to be distracted by the outside activity.

"Happy birthday, love," Arthur murmured in the silence.

"Birthday?" Alfred's head tilted to the side. "Today's my birthday?"

"Yes. It's July 4th," Arthur answered.

"Maybe that's what I forgot… I don't think it is though…" Alfred hummed in thought and then smiled. "But thank you. Do you… know how old I am?"

"Twenty-two," Arthur replied.

Alfred nodded again as a pink flush tainted his cheeks, obviously embarrassed that he couldn't remember his birthday or his own age for that matter. He was… a little disappointed in himself to say the least. He hadn't been able to recall much of anything- the fight with Matthew had vanished along with many other events that happened that day.

But he couldn't forget Arthur.

That man had become his whole world, his entire purpose for living with him being in such a befuddled state of mind. Arthur was invaluable.

Alfred then placed his head gently against the Englishman's bulging stomach and took comfort when he felt the baby kick. Alfred sighed in content. Without him knowing it, he had missed Arthur and the baby. He felt like he hadn't seen them a very long time and he desired nothing more than to simply sit with them and enjoy their company.

"Alfred, love, are you all right?" Arthur asked, thoroughly concerned.

"I'm okay," Alfred sighed again, lighter this time and hummed a tuneless lullaby to the baby.

"Alfred, don't try to hide from me," Arthur reprimanded, sounding a bit frustrated.

"We're not playing hide-and-seek, are we?" Alfred flicked his eyes up to Arthur's, showing that there was no sarcasm intended.

The tea lover didn't know what else to do other than keep running his fingers through Alfred's hair, finding that they both took comfort in the gesture. Alfred drew tiny circle patterns on Arthur's stomach with his forefinger and resumed humming.

The sun's rays glittered into the window, shining its light on the small collapsing family.

"Arthur?" Alfred stared at the wall absentmindedly.

"Yes?"

"Are you happy?"

"Of course I am," Arthur replied after a few moments. "Why do you ask?"

"Because of everything that's happened; I was just curious. You looked so sad," was Alfred's answer and sniffled a bit. "Your boyfriend is gone and I can't remember anything and you're having a baby."

"As long as you're here with me, I'm happy. Now listen, it's your birthday. There's no need to be so glum. You should be happy. You only turn twenty-two once," Arthur placed his hand on Alfred's face so the latter could look at him and smiled. "The others will be here later on today so you can't be upset."

Alfred nodded with a sullen smile.

"Mon dieu, he's awake," Francis exclaimed quietly as he entered the room.

Alfred grinned upon seeing the Frenchman but it disappeared as soon as he noticed someone was missing.

Matthew.

Where was he?

"Francis, where is Matthew? Isn't he supposed to be with you? He didn't get lost, did he?" Alfred questioned, looking around as if the Canadian would appear at any second.

Francis blinked twice. Did the American really remember nothing of what happened?

Arthur shot Francis a glance that said not to bring up Matthew's true whereabouts and the Frenchman kindly obliged, wanting this both easier on Alfred and himself, "He got caught up in some other business in his home country and is sorry he couldn't make it. But he wishes you a happy birthday."

"Ohh," Alfred said with sad understanding.

He really wanted his brother to be there.

It just wasn't the same.

The others arrived closer to noon, finding the news of Alfred's sudden awakening shocking.

He was supposed to be in a coma, wasn't he?

"Ve~, Alfred, Ludwig and I baked you a cake!" Feliciano announced happily, pointing towards the table where said cake that was decorated like the American flag had been placed without Alfred's notice. Lovino snickered quietly at the thought of Ludwig baking a cake.

"You didn't have to do that, guys," Alfred stumbled a bit over his words.

"Sure we did! What's a birthday without a cake~?" Feliciano smiled.

Well, the Italian did have a point…

"Thanks," Alfred smiled.

Feliciano nodded and placed the cake in Alfred's lap and clapped cheerfully once lighting the numbered candles, "Which means it's time to sing happy birthday~!"

Alfred blushed a little but kept his smile as those in the room sang to him in their own language. It was very off-key but carried the same meaning nonetheless.

"Make a wish, love," Arthur encouraged and in turn, Alfred closed his eyes, wishing with all his might.

I wish that Arthur wasn't sad anymore and that I could make him happy.

The American opened his eyes and blew out the candles in a single breath, earning claps from his visitors.

"Thanks for coming, guys. It means a lot," Alfred glanced around at everyone.

"But we haven't even given you your present!" Antonio smiled, reaching into a bag that he had placed by the door.

"A present?" Alfred's eyes lit up, straining to see what was in the bag. "You got me a present?"

"Si, you deserve it," Antonio pulled out the gift and showed it to the American.

Alfred's eyes widened a fraction before there was a grin and small laugh escaping his lips. His bomber jacket was in Antonio's hands. He didn't know why but he felt as if he had lost it or that it had been damaged beyond repair. A strange sense of relief washed over him when Antonio draped it across his shoulders.

"T-Thanks!" Alfred grinned.

As Alfred slept that night, using his bomber jacket as another blanket, Arthur watched him fondly and looked back at the four men still lingering in the room, "Thank you, Antonio. You don't know how much that meant to him."

"It was the least I could do. I was the one who ruined it after all," Antonio gave a carefree wave and moved to wake up his lover who was sleeping with Feliciano leaning on his shoulder. "Well, we'd better get going. We had a good time, Arthur and we wish you both the best of luck."

"Thank you."

The two couples exited, leaving Arthur and Alfred alone once more. The Englishman placed his hand to his stomach began a flutter of kicks in an attempt to calm it.

"Don't worry," he said to it. "Your father will be all right. Everything is going to be fine."

However, when Arthur returned the next day, his American lover had slipped into the darkness again.

So, after this, Alfred goes back into his coma and doesn't wake up until the... 11th chapter, I'm guessing? Curse me and my bad memory.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and I apologize for those who are waiting on the next chapter of Clarity. I'm lacking motivation.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are love!

Hasta la Pasta~!