Tell Her -USxPH-

Alfred sat up from his bed, feeling groggy after another night of international conferences. As usual, it was barraged with heated arguments…which was ironic since the nations were supposed to be solving problems and not making more…

Alfred sighed. Yeah, sure it was the norm for all of the countries, but he knew that there was something different about that particular meeting. He stood up from his bed and walked across his hotel room to the window.

As he watched the sun rising slowly, he remembered how much ruckus the nations created before Ludwig shut them all up (as usual). But then he also recalled the way he wasn't himself that time…you know, that normal hero self of his…

Oh right.

Because she wasn't there.

Alfred gripped the railing of his window as he knowingly felt his heart clench. It was supposed to be the first time she would attend an international meeting in England, and he knew she was really excited. He recalled how she rambled on about how much she dreamed of staying in Europe, and how much she wanted to participate in another conference (despite all the fights). He laughed every time she would bring that topic up. She wasn't the only one excited actually.

"Alfred, you've been to England many times before, right?"

"'Course I have. Arthur's been hosting loads of meetings at his place lately…"

"Is it lovely there? I heard the weather's quite gloomy, but the tourist spots are splendid! I even heard the food tastes bland, but the restaurants seem fancy. And I heard Antonio say that…"

He gave out a small laugh. She's been getting so hooked up with their upcoming trip.

"Maria, it's great there actually," he interrupted, suddenly inching his way closer to her and giving her a slight peck on her forehead. "…especially since you're going with me."

The nation blushed at his action and immediately smiled up at him. He was staring at her adoringly and without a word, she kissed him on the lips.

Surprised, Alfred turned a deep red, but continued to hold her close as he kissed her back. It's been so long since they shared a moment like this…and he was hoping they would once again in England.

Another sigh escaped his lips as the blonde looked intently at the view before him. He was excited for the trip as well, knowing that she'd be right beside him almost the whole time. After the meetings, he actually planned on taking her around the city, just to spend time with her.

But sadly, it never happened.

Affairs began piling up on the little country and her tight schedule prevented her from attending the meeting. She knew it wouldn't be much of a bother to the other nations, but it was to Alfred. He wanted to be with her, since after the conference, he may not be around her as much as before. He too had a tight schedule, which delayed his time with her.

He wanted to see her at least one more time. Hold her in his arms one more time.

…feel the touch of her lips one more time.

The more he thought about her, the more he felt his heart ache. He missed her terribly. Suddenly, he heard a knock from the door.

Wonder who that is… He thought. It was still very early in the morning and one of the few persons he knew who could wake up at this time was…

"England?"

"Good morning, git."

The American smiled widely at him and greeted him back. "So, what are you doing here?"

"I forgot to inform you that I will be attending an international business trip this morning, so I cannot accompany you to your flight tomorrow. I apologize for that."

The American frowned. Awww…he didn't have anyone to annoy during the flight.

"Where are you going, dude?"

"Asia."

Alfred froze as he heard his ally's destination. The first country he immediately thought when he heard that word was-

"Are…are you going to…err…Southeast Asia?"

The Englishman smiled knowingly. It didn't surprise him when Alfred knew his geography when it came to this one particular nation...

"Why, yes I am."

Alfred was silent for a moment. It was difficult for him to sum up the courage to ask about this nation straightforwardly. "Ummm…uhhh…are you visiting the…err…the Phi-Philippines?"

England could sense the nervousness in his voice and chuckled as the younger nation was staring at the ground. "Yes, I'll be visiting her. I at least owe her one since she was not able to attend our meeting."

Alfred frowned at the memory. "You know, the reason why I'm really here is because I wanted to ask you if you wanted to give or tell anything to her…you're quite a busy man lately, and I know that you have little time to spend with Philippines…"

Alfred perked up at what the Englishman said and immediately dashed into his room. These were one of the times when he was so thankful for Arthur to be around…

He searched frantically under his bed and blankets for something, until right under his pillow, he carried a small chocolate brown box, engraved with his favorite name on it. The color matched her eyes perfectly and as he took a quick peek inside to see if it was still safe, he saw a beautiful pearl dangling from a lovely gold chain, resting on the small velvet cushion in the container. He smiled at the present. It reminded him so much of Maria…his pearl of the orient seas…

Alfred soon snapped back from his usual daydreams and walked towards the doorway, where Arthur patiently stood.

Carefully, he handed the fragile box to the older nation. Arthur held it gently in his hands and read the markings on it.

"…Maria."

Alfred immediately blushed as he heard the name and saw the smug smile on the Englishman's face.

"C-could you…give th-that to…well…her? I don't have enough time to…uhh…do it myself, and I really want to give it to her…already…"

"Alfred, from all those centuries I've known you, I've never seen you this…err…sensitive! Seems to me that you're still head over heels for that young lady…"

"Sh-shut up England! J-just give it to her, okay?" he retorted, trying to stop his cheeks from reddening even more at the obvious truth.

Arthur laughed with glee. "Do you want me to give her a message? Any romantic lines in particular?" he asked, clearly amused at Alfred's stupor. Instead, the American punched his forearm, but lighter than usual. Arthur flinched a bit, yet his smirk remained on his face. "Okay, I'll tell her you miss her then…"

Alfred didn't say a thing, so Arthur assumed that it was alright to tell her that…probably. He looked at his watch and immediately turned to the other country. "I best be leaving now, git. Have a safe trip home," and tucking Maria's present carefully into his jacket he added, "…and don't worry, your gift is safe with me." Alfred gave him a slight smile and nodded back. Arthur went on his way to the elevator when he suddenly felt a nudge on his shoulder. Though he did not look back, he had a good guess on who it was.

"…by the way…please tell her…tell her I love her."