Beep... Beep... Beep...

The heart monitor was the only sound they heard. The three other members of the FACE family: listening intently, sitting agitatedly, waiting patiently. It was not only a few hours ago when they saw him. He was so damn happy to have been hosting the other nations. He was so loud in expressing it too. God, what is this? The silence was like poison to the three nations, especially when he was right next to them. The other nations were stuck in Manhattan, while these three were brought with Alfred to a hospital in the rural countryside of Pennsylvania.

Arthur was sitting on the window frame, looking out into the distant sky. It reminded him of America's eyes. America's innocent, star-filled, bright eyes. Eyes that embodied wonder, freedom, and kindness. England had since been cleaned up, the medics brushing the white soot from his hair and wrapping his few scrapes. He then looked at Francis worriedly. He saw the look of guilt in his eyes. He saw the pain in France's face as more tears pricked his stubborn emerald orbs.

Francis' baby blues looked at America, puffy and red. They were tired eyes and suffered through major strain. A few bruises littered Francis' face and arms, and tear stains were so apparent on his puffy cheeks. He still would let them flow every so often, blurring his vision. Francis quickly wiped them away and kept an eye on America. It was the fact America went out of his sight that this happened. Had Francis seen Alfred, his selfless and caring Alfred, running toward the smoke... He could have stopped this...

Matthew just rested his head by Alfred's chest, passed out from crying so much. He had a black eye and some scrapes on his arms that had been treated. He had been crying so much it could flood the Great Lakes. His brother, his precious baby brother, was in a coma. After he was attacked and went to risk his life for his people. Why couldn't his brother be selfish every once in a while? Why does he have to help? Why couldn't Alfred just get to safety? Mattie hadn't stopped crying since the attack happened. His exhaustion got the better of him after he sat down by Alfred. He could sleep now, knowing his brother was just a hug away.

The day seemed so... Normal... How could this happen?

America's bright as the sun Hollywood smile was ever present as he and some of the nations were exploring the city. Mattie following close behind him, less like a shadow and more of an overprotective guardian. Francis hanging on Arthur, who was pleasantly scowling as they dragged along. Ludwig keeping an eagle eye on Feli and Lovino, as Antonio flirted with his little tomato. Gilbert and Mathias were not far behind, admiring their friend's gorgeous city. Tino and Berwald were holding hands, also loving the different styles of American culture. Yao and Ivan were talking, paying little attention to the busy surroundings. Kiku was shyly staring at Alfred, listening to every word that flew off his tongue.

The sun was shining and not a single cloud was in the sky that beautiful, brisk morning. Everyone was enjoying their time, much to Ivan's dismay. They all really did wonder how America did it. Yao was especially curious about how the young nation could have acquired the power he wielded. Nobody really hated America, how could they? Sure he had little spurts here and there of his obnoxious attitude, but he was still so young. Too young for this.

Many nations viewed him as a brother or son, as America's land was a mixture of all of them. The older nations: China, Finland, Sweden, France, and England were extremely territorial of the young nation. In secret, they fought over who were his parents. Even though China didn't have a case in that situation, he grew increasingly protective of Alfred. He can't even count how many times he's hit creepy strangers with his wok after they flirted with him. Finland was much the same, always carrying a pistol with him. Finland and Sweden had been known to square up against anyone who hurt their little boys: Peter and Alfred. Ask Cuba what happened when he socked America as a cheap shot and was instantly met with an angry Finland. The color from his face will drain faster than a cheetah.

Denmark and Prussia were also very close to America. Their bonds were more brotherly than parental, but it was a protective older brother. Denmark and Prussia would move mountains if their America was in trouble. One time they all went out drinking at a club Russia, where America quickly got tipsy from the strong liquor. When America went to use the restroom, two guys were chuckling and went to follow him. Mathias and Gilbert instantly stood up, heading over to the two men. It was a heated verbal argument until one of them admitted to roofie America's drink. Gilbert lost it and pounced on the man, punching him mercilessly. Mathias quickly went to check on Alfred, finding him out cold in a stall. Mathias quickly picked up Alfred and held him protectively in his arms. He found three large bouncers holding Gilbert back and the man's face wasn't even recognizable. They had to face an angry Ivan before they were given diplomatic immunity.

Despite what people think, Ludwig was also a little protective over Alfred. Yeah, he was oftentimes short-tempered with the boy. But America has done a lot for him in the past, like the time Alfred lifted Ludwig onto the Berlin wall to reunite with Gilbert. He never will be able to repay America for that gesture of kindness. Ludwig developed a soft spot for him over time, having memories of America helping him rebuild his cities after World War II and forgiving his war debts. While Germany didn't have many opportunities to show his protective side, he still had it. One time, in particular, Alfred had been walking with him back from a meeting when a man stepped from an alley. He pulled a gun on Alfred and began shouting profanities at him, clearly on something. Ludwig reacted instantly, snatching the gun and pistol whipping the crazy man across the face. Needless to say, Germany didn't take shit from anybody.

Lovino was much the same, often times hanging out with Alfred and cooking alongside him. Lovino developed his soft spot after America let him stay at his place, and quickly learned a lot about him. Like how America was extremely good with mechanical issues, was an excellent cook, and also a generous caregiver. America had been taking care of Lovino when he got sick one day and was cooking some stew and baking fresh bread. While he was taking the bread out, his hand slipped and the top of his hand smacked right into the heated rod. Alfred screamed in pain as his charred skin sizzled from the impact. The terrible screech reached Lovino's ears, the pain was so obvious in his tone. Lovino didn't care how sick he was, he booked from the couch and ran straight to the kitchen. Grabbing a bat from the closet, he raised it only to see the young country washing water gently over his hand. Lovino paused and quickly connected the bread pan on the floor to the injury. Alfred didn't want Lovino to worry, so he gave Lovino a bowl of soup while he treated and wrapped his own wound. Lovino was awestruck that America was still making him a priority. He knew just how selfless America was, still is.

Along with Tino, Feli was also a force to be reckoned with when angry. Feli loved to tinker with Alfred, often times building and welding new machines with the bubbly American. He loved making prototypes with him, constantly getting their hands dirty. Since both of them shared that caring and oblivious nature, it made sense that they got along so well. Feli had been bringing America some new materials with a project in mind when his moment came. He got close enough to America's door and noticed two large men trying to break in. Feli kept back and waited for them to gain entry before calling the police. Once he knew they were coming he rushed to the door. America had already been beaten up by the two men, who had a solid six inches on Feli. They were both holding crowbars stained with blood, America's blood. Something snapped when he saw America all bruised up, and a fire ignited in his eyes. Grabbing a wrench from the satchel, he quickly knocked both men out. Feli held America tightly in his arms until he woke up, refusing to leave his side despite what paramedics wanted.

Kiku always cared for Alfred as if they were brothers, despite the patchy history they have. Kiku has seen a lot of the Alfred that the world doesn't see. Kiku even witnessed America purging himself and collapsed next to him crying. Kiku begged Alfred to stop hurting himself, making America hold him tightly. You could say Kiku loved him as a mate after that, always making sure he ate and kept him happy. They even went to cosplay conventions together. When they dressed in character and America was playing a role, Kiku fell hard in love. Kiku's small stature made people think he was weak, totally misleading to the fact he is an expert in swords and knives. He always had something on him, especially after the incident in Brazil. He and America were celebrating Carnival, which meant a lot of drinking. The crazy night ended once Kiku dubbed Alfred 'too drunk' and began to take him back to the hotel. As they were walking, a hooded figure approached them. Kiku's gut twisted and he instantly reached for his concealed weapon in his belt. The figure tried to make a pass on his dear Alfie, sweetly cooing him. Alfred, being drunk, was quite affectionate back. But when the hooded figure tried to touch Alfred, Kiku pulled the blade from his belt and slashed his palm. Quickly realizing he was outskilled and also unarmed, he ran away. No one touched his Alfred while he was here.

The FACE family was known for their protectiveness over each other. But nobody was more protected than Alfred. Mattie especially would be at his brother's beck and call if he was needed. Mattie has been known to brandish a bloody hockey stick when someone threatens Alfred, and nobody dares to pick on him then. One world conference, Cuba had made some harsh insults towards America. Boy did Canada let him have it, showing no mercy as the bloody hockey stick made contact with Cuba's cheek. Canada's cold glare made it clear that Alfred was off limits, and no one has insulted him since.

Francis also defends Alfred, often times standing in the person's way or using himself as a shield. Alfred always had a habit of getting in trouble, and one time a bunch of men showed up at America's doorstep. Francis had been over and quickly answered the door expecting it to be Arthur or Mattie. But when he saw the large group there, holding different types of weapons, it was clear that their intentions were to harm America. Francis scoffed and blocked the doorway, thanking the lord it was him who answered the door. When America came into view one of the men tried to charge, but Francis grabbed his throat and began to choke him. The fights with England did pay off somehow. Never has a huddle of humans ran so fast.

Lastly was England, oh boy did Arthur have it. England may fight often with America, but he'd be damned if he let anything happen to him. England often times spies on America when he knows something is off, and when he witnesses something he documents it. Using his magic, the assailants are then cursed to assure they live a living Hell. Casting spells of torturous magnitude, to assure Alfred could be safe. He has checked up on a few of his victims, let's just say living in actual Hell would be better than being on Arthur's bad side.

Alfred was a man like no other. While it is true the other countries were protective of him, he was just as protective of them. America has been in some really bad fights when defending one of his fellow nations. Like the time he got stabbed while shielding Liechtenstein from a bunch of gangsters. Switzerland was gracious for his actions and helped mend his wounds for free. Then there was the time when he got tased so Sealand could escape a large herd of kidnappers, Tino almost keeled over from a heart attack when he heard that both his kids were threatened. Berwald and him spent the entire night hunting and 'taking care' of them.

There was also the many, many times he had been shot for someone else. He's taken bullets for a fair amount of the nations, including Hungary, Austria, Greece, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, China, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Prussia, Canada, France, England, Russia, Ukraine, and Australia. All of them each on a separate occasion, but Alfred didn't care. He liked being a hero to his fellow nations.

They all took care of each other, nobody really holding grudges often. They were one large, dysfunctional family. However, that day. That cursed day, the world held a permanent grudge. The cruel and merciless acts of hatred against young America brewed darkness. No one can forgive those actions. None of the nations could even bare it, their little America had been attacked. By who they still did not know. But when America's comatose state became known, tears were the only thing anyone could muster. No one wanted this, especially for someone like America.

America. Bright, kind, selfless, creative, compassionate America.

Wake up... Wake up damn it!

Please wake up! America, we'll do anything!

Don't leave us America! Wake up!

Our beautiful America!!! Wake up!