To The Sun ((Alfred))

[Arthur Kirkland]

England ignored America's pitiful display. He hadn't given into his puppy dog eyes since he was a baby and he wasn't about to restart now. He did blink at that suggestion, though, and nodded. "That's not a bad idea, actually." Even if it was one of America's. Slowly he pushed himself up again and managed to limp over to the bookshelf, taking an old magazine rather than a book so he wouldn't leave an imprint on a book, and then returned to America's side.

The paperwork took almost the full time of the episode, between the distraction of America and the program, but he did eventually get it done. He neatened it up into two piles, and slid one into his briefcase, ready to take to his boss, but then finally set back with a small sigh. It was good to know that that was done with. Now he really could relax and focus on America properly.

[Alfred Jones]

Grinning that England actually thought it was a good idea, he hummed happily, toes wiggling faintly. When he returned, he smiled at him, then hsi attention returned to the screen. It took about ten minutes in before America was once again clinging on his side, shaking. However, he had made sure that he wasnt too much in the way of his working, and just would occasionally hide his face in his shoulder with a whine.

Letting go as England put the stuff into his briefcase, he then looked up at him, hugging him fully while he muttered things about how terrifying this was. Still, the younger nation managed to make it through the episode with only shaking and whimpering with his clinging, at least feeling safe England was there, apparently. Once it was over, he still shivered a bit, but slowly released the other--His reaction to horror was cut back in the daytime it seemed.

[Arthur Kirkland]

England let America cling on him - well, it wasn't as though he had much of a choice. He did gently nudge him into a better position, and wrapped one arm around him, but otherwise ignored him. Otherwise they'd be there forever. When America clung back onto him after he finished, England sighed, but then did shift a little stiffly, pulling him into a better position.

He was a little surprised when America released him after the program was over. Clearly watching things in the daylight was (partly) the answer to America's problems, though England still thought that he was over reaction. "Come on now, that wasn't that bad." He said, his arm still loosely around America's shoulders. Reaching up a little, he stroked the back of America's hair, giving him a small smile. "Seems like you were less scared in the light, though." He didn't move to get up yet, giving America a chance to gather himself. It'd be as embarrassing for England as it would for America if he took him to work like this.

[Alfred Jones]

Luckily the younger nation didn't seem opposed to being adjusted around, but the hold didn't really let up the entire time they were watching the show. Glancing up at him, he gave him a faintly shy smile and then cleared his throat. "Well I guess we know it's a bit better to watch them during the day, I guess..." America murmured, but, well...he had a feeling that eve this wouldn't keep them from festering in his mind until it was time for them to sleep again.

But they would just deal with that when the time came. Not that England seemed to really mind, he happily thought to himself. "It was still pretty scary, though.." he mumbled out, but then shifted a little. It took a few more minutes, but after reassuring himself nothing was going to happen, his arms released the smaller nations form, and America slowly stretched out, glancing around as if something was going to pop out and get them.

[Arthur Kirkland]

"Hardly." England replied, a little stiffly. Honestly, America was terrified by anything on the screen! It was even worse when you considered his past as a Nation. He really shouldn't be scared of any of these things. Still, he petted the other Nation's golden hair, ruffling it up a bit like he would when he was young, then stretched, clicking out his shoulders.

Standing up, he made a soft noise, faintly wincing. It wasn't as bad as earlier, though, and he limped around, gathering up his papers. "It'll be cold outside, so if you want to go for a walk, you should get your jacket." England told America, looking at him. "Can you grab mine too, please. It's hanging in the wardrobe." He could go upstairs and get it himself, but if America was going upstairs anyway it saved him from having to face the stairs.

[Alfred Jones]

A small noise slipped from the younger nations mouth as the hand pet his hair, though his blue eyes closed with his nose faintly wrinkling at the ruffling, also like when he was young. It wasn't like he could help it, it was practically a reflex to his hair being messed up by now. Not to say it didn't feel quite nice though, the action and feeling familiar to America.

Watching as he stood, he hummed at the noises and frowned, glancing to the side. Obviously America wanted to try something, but he wasn't sure how England would take the idea..Nodding, and happy for the chance to have a moment to think to himself, he trotted on to the bedroom. After putting on his own bomber jacket and fishing out one of Englands warmer coats, he returned downstairs.

"You really should get a house with no stairs, man. It'd be more comfy." It wasn't mocking or anything at least, just a bit of a statement. Plus he had an inkling that England might appreciate the smaller space, just because it'd be easier to go to and fro as well as easier to clean. Not to mention the old man was probably used to being surrounded in his memories so it might seem a little more cozy than this big place.

[Arthur Kirkland]

It was easy for England to tell that he wasn't sure about something, but he didn't say anything. He expected America to burst out with it. The Nation had no tact, after all. He was more surprised when America didn't say anything, than he could have ben by anything that he actually said. While America fetched their jackets, England finished cleaning up, then went to start putting his shoes on.

He had one on by the time America returned, so he slipped the other one on, then took his coat and put it to one side to do up his lace. "I've just moved here, I don't really want to move again." 'Just' in this case was almost thirty years now, but bearing in mind he'd lived in his last house for almost four hundred years until it was flooded perhaps he could be excused for thinking it was recently. Besides, that would be giving in, and England couldn't accept that. Giving in and getting the cane had made him feel pathetic as it was.

With his shoes on, England slung his coat over his shoulder, pocketed his wallet and keys and picked up his briefcase. He waited for America, then held the door for him, ever the gentleman. From the doorway he opened the car so America could get in while he locked up the house. Then he limped over to the drivers seat and slid in, reaching back to put his cane and briefcase on the back seat. "Are you going to come in to say hello to my Boss?" He asked, as he started the car.

[Alfred Jones]

A brow arched, England really was stubborn sometimes. Sighing, he gave him a pat on the back in response before his hands slipped into his jacket, slipping out of the house first since England offered. Settling into the passenger seat, he waited as the cane and briefcase were taken care of before putting his seatbelt on and smiled at the question. "Might as well. It's been awhile since I've seen 'im." He chuckled, rolling his shoulders.

Lazily his fingers laced over his stomache, relaxing in the seat as England started off. "Think it's gonna rain today?" He asked then, glancing out the window at the sky which, while slightly grey, actually looked semi neutral.Cocking his head at it, America eyed it suspiciously for a moment before his bright blue eyes returned to looking at the older nation sitting next to him, giving a smile.

[Arthur Kirkland]

"I bloody well hope not." England glared at the sky out of the windscreen, as though daring it to try. He wasn't in the mood to get cold and wet. The last thing he needed on top of all of his other troubles was a cold. Besides, when it rained it wasn't just England's memories that plagued him these days. His legs always ached more than ever when it did. "If it does you'd better hope that we're close to the car, because I will not be happy." All right, so he was mostly being playful, but he looked serious.

It wasn't far to drive to the small town that had rapidly expanded into a new city. London had never been England's official capital, but it had still caused a lot of problems when it sank into the rising waters. He'd had two more capitals since then, both of which had been swallowed up, before people finally realised that this wasn't going to stop, and rather than picking the next biggest city left they took to a town high up and hopefully out of the water's reach. Things were still disorganised, though, and to be honest, not as well protected as they should be. England felt a little bit of embarrassment driving America through to his make shift parliament. Even the checks they went through to get the car parked and into the building weren't as stringent as they used to be, but then again it was clear that England was known to most of the guards, who often as not waved them through with a smile.

Limping up to his Boss' office, England knocked on the door before pushing it open. "I've got the papers I told you I'd finish." He said, smiling at the man. At least this one was semi-decent, unlike some of the ones he'd had before him.

The politician stood up, smiling at both of them in return. "Thank you. Hello, America. Did you have a good flight over?"

[Alfred Jones]

"Ahhh, just because you said that it probably will then. You know how your weather just loves to defy you." America teased, giving him a bright grin and smile as he got more comfortable. Luckily for him rain didn't have the same effect as it did many years before, but he'd admittedly feel a bit bad for Englands sake, knowing that it would probably cause his leg problems. What he said did cause a smile though, grinning at him teasingly. "I can just give you a piggy back ride." Was the teasing response.

Despite the area not being what it used to be--England not being what it used to be--America did enjoy the ride. His eyes closed after a bit from the comfortable seat and enjoying the faint heat that the car had been set on previously. Yawning, America settled on down in his seat, only waking when they passed through security, giving the guards a smile as they just waved England in so quickly and easily. Well at least that was a semblance of what it had been when this island was a steady nation.

Squirming out, the younger man just followed England as he led the way, giving people he recognized a polite wave and smile so as to not distract them from their work.Perking when he was spoken to, he gave the man a bright smile in response and a nod. "Pretty good! There was a bit of turbulence but it wasn't too bad otherwise. You holdin' up alright with grouchy here?" He asked, giving England a light nudge with a teasing grin.

[Arthur Kirkland]

England was unimpressed by the teasing, and retaliated by smacking America's side where his Boss couldn't see. If America thought he was getting away with that one he had another thing coming, though England wasn't going to say anything in front of his Boss.

His Boss, however, snickered, smiling at the pair of them. "Now, now, at least try and get on." He chided them, as though he really was the eldest of the three of them as he appeared. "I'm glad the flight over was good. How long will you be staying with us this time?" As he spoke, though, he turned back to his papers. While he wasn't particularly trying to push them on, he did still have a lot of work to do, and the papers that England had just delivered would have to be dealt with too.

[Alfred Jones]

Yelping softly at the smack, America took a good distance from the other nation and rubbed the area with a small pout. Still, he grinned again as the other man spoke. "Just a couple days. I dunno if I'll get back around to say g'bye to you, but I just wanted to pop in and see how you were doin'."

Smiling brightly, he then glanced at England, at least able to tell that they should get a move on so they didn't distract him from his work."You look pretty busy though, so...I guess I'll leave ya to it! Nice seeing you again." Another bright smile was given but then he scooted on out, figuring England might want to have a few words on his own with the man and he headed on over to one of the secretary's wanting to say hi to them as well.

[Arthur Kirkland]

Surprised that Alfred left them to it, England's boss looked at him questioningly, wondering what the younger Nation was up to. England gave him a reassuring smile, and leant forward to pull out the letter that America's boss had sent. "They're proposing a coalition." He said, softly. "In return for allowing them to build a military base here and sharing our resources, they'll share their resources with us."

The man gave him a surprised look, pulling the paper forward. "This is... more than generous."

"I know, but a lot of Europe won't like it." England pointed out. "They'll be nervous to have an American presence so close."

Sighing, his boss sat back, pinching his nose. "I'll have to think about it. We'll talk when America has gone home again, and I'll try and talk to his boss before then as well." He gave England a smile, then. "Go and have fun. Try and get some rest."

England nodded and smiled in return. "Don't stay here too late or your wife will give me an earful again." He warned his boss, before limping out to save the secretaries from America. It looked like he'd managed to charm one of the younger ones from the way she was staring at him, and England smiled, amused. If only she knew how old he really was. "Come on, Alfred, let's get going before it does decide to rain." He told him, lightly, using his civilian name as they were there.

[Alfred Jones]

Really he had been asking her about her pets--she had two dogs apparently, and he was of course chatting away about how he had a fondness for animals. Perking when England spoke though, he grinned and nodded, before giving her a nod. "Seeya later, Miss Katherine~ Take good care of those dogs." Giving his usual bright smile, he then turned and nudged on the other nation playfully, before leading the way out himself. Overall he was...Well a bit of sunshine. Or perhaps he was just hyper because of the small nap that he had taken on the way here.

In any case, he led the way out to the car, and then peeked at him with a smile. "What did he think of it?" he asked then as it was unlocked and they both got in, taking their seats. He was a bit nervous about that, he knew about how it probably wouldn't go on well with Europe, but, he didn't mean them any harm. Sure it was a nice strategic place as well, but really America had proposed it to his boss because he was worried about England.

[Arthur Kirkland]

Amused by how hyperactive America was now, England limped after him, refusing to admit that he was going just a little too fast for him. He didn't want to put a downer on America's good mood. When they were sat in the car he took a moment to gather himself before starting it up. "He seemed positive." He admitted, before falling quiet as he reversed out and got on the way. "But he said that he'll have to get in contact with your Boss first." No doubt the pair would be doing a lot of talking over the next couple of days. But England was starting to think that they had a pretty good chance for this. Despite himself, he was starting to feel a little excited.

"We'll drive down to the sea and find somewhere to park there. It's usually pretty easy to find a path to walk along, if we stick to the old roads." He said, to move the topic on. "We might even pass a pub for lunch." Well, it was pretty likely that they'd pass a pub, but an open one... that would be the tricky thing.

[Alfred Jones]

Nodding at what the older nation said, America just got fully comfortable in his seat. "Yeah I figured. I wonder how long it'll take 'em to fully reach a decision." Looking out the window in thought, then as England spoke again he smiled, nodding. He'd almost forgotten about their plans! "Yay! I wonder how the sea is gonna behave today."

Smiling to himself, America then blinked as a thought hit him."Hey, you're going to be okay on the beach with your cane, right?"He asked then, not wanting to have the old guy falling down everywhere. That wouldn't be good for the trip and it would most likely make England really mad or embarrassed...Or a combination of the two which was less than ideal if he wanted to spend some time with him in a good mood.

[Arthur Kirkland]

"The wind's not too strong, so it shouldn't be too bad." England said, thoughtfully. "It's never clear anymore, though, so you won't be going paddling." He chuckled, remembering all the times he'd taken America to the beach when he was little. Those had been good times. "No fishing either. It's a pity, it'd be nice to have fish cooked over a bonfire like we used to."

The question was annoying enough. He wasn't an invalid! Just because he had the bloody thing did't mean that he couldn't walk. "There's not even a bloody beach any more." He muttered, grumpily. "And even if there was, I'd be fine." It had been a while since he'd been able to go out to have a nice walk, and he was looking forward to it, but if Alfred decided to mother him the whole way he wouldn't be able to.

[Alfred Jones]

Of course America mentally sighed as England started drifting bck to that time, but he said nothing to it...Well he was right about the fish thing at least. "Mm. That would be delicious...Ah, Japan has a really good way to prepare fish that way too. Rubbing salt on the outside before you spear it to cook it...Tastes awesome." Licking his lips at the thought, America smiled teasingly.

Cocking his head lightly at the annoyed tone, the younger nation couldnt help the small chuckle that slipped out, but then shrugged. "Alright then. I just wouldn't want you to tire out since I don't get too much time to spend here with ya." He pointed out before he perked as the area where he assumed they were parking came up, bouncing in his seat faintly.

[Arthur Kirkland]

"Oh, I tried that a few times." England said. "Maybe we should try making it tonight." Between the two of them it wouldn't be that hard, right? England was sure he'd be able to find a recipe online somewhere. And he had plenty of fish in the house. At least that was one thing he wasn't in short supply for. "If the whether's still nice we can light a bonfire in the garden."

Parking in a car park that had been on the outskirts of a town which had now been swallowed up by the sea, England got out and locked up. He glanced at his clock, and then at the shoreline. Trees, dying because of the salt water, were visible in places, and in others, the ruins of buildings stuck out of it. It was actually a little depressing to see, but England was planning on leading America out into the country side where it wouldn't be as bad. Once America was out of the car as well, he headed out along the old road. "This way. There's an old footpath which is more or less on the shoreline these days." He hadn't looked at a map recently, but he didn't need to. He felt the land that the sea had taken away from him every morning.