The Song of the Nightingale

Chapter Three:

"Angleterre?" The man laying next to me asked groggily, rubbing his head.

I nearly shot out of the bed, as my captor's hold was no longer on me.

He didn't react.

"Francis...Is something wrong?" I asked, pausing by the door, my brows furrowed.

"Non...It just hurts." He added flatly.

I immediately dropped my act, scooting over to Francis' side.

"What does?" I asked softly.

"Everything." He grumbled curtly, his hands digging into the mattress.

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked, sliding my hand over his.

"Unless you can make the Axis powers retreat from my territory..."

I shook my head slowly.

"Oh Francis...I can barely keep them from taking over mine. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

The man thought, looking at me.

"I would like for you to leave, Arthur."

I blinked.

"No." I retorted. "I refuse to leave you like this. I'm staying with you until you get better...and that's final."

I made my way to the exit, warranting a heavy sigh from Francis.

"What is it now?" I wondered aloud.

He chuckled.

"Why, Angleterre...Did you not just say that you would stay with me until I became well again?"

"Of course, you git! I'm only going into the foyer...I need to send a telegram to one of my officers as soon as possible."

He pouted discontentedly.

"Can you find it in yourself, to perhaps, stay here with me?" He pleaded evenly.

My face turned red.

"Why the blazes would you want that?"

He shrugged.

"You asked what I wanted...So I've made my request." He elaborated with a grin.

"F..Fine! But only because you're sick!" I added quickly. "Don't you dare get used to this!" I huffed, walking back over to the bed and sitting next to the man, all the while mumbling about how taking advantage of one's kindness is hardly a way to repay it.

I warily laid my head back, only to be wrapped in an embrace. I found myself buried into the chest of Francis.

"Bloody hell." I deadpanned. "I should have known better than to agree with this..."

"Merci, mon lapin." He said quietly, tightening his hold on me once more.

I felt my heart tug a bit when I noticed he was shaking. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't exactly the epitome of a person to turn to for comfort.

I merely felt for his hand and held it in mine, rubbing my thumb along his in a consoling manner.

"It's alright Francis...I won't leave you. I won't let them hurt you." I stated as-a-matter-of-factly to the now sleeping nation beside me. "I promise."