Roanoke

Snuggles for America

Alfred was content to be held the whole way to the meeting, holding his Pooh squishy. They entered the meeting room and there were so many coos and squeals of cuteness. Alfred just ignored them as he laid his head on Arthur's shoulder. Yao Wang caught Alfred's eyes. The little one didn't know what to make of the gleam in the elder's eyes.
"Order! Ve vill begin the meeting after everyone is seated in their assigned ." Ludwig yelled over the nations talking about how cute Alfred is. Arthur looked to Ludwig, who didn't know what to do other than motion to Matthew. Arthur handed Alfred over after whispering a few assurances. Matthew placed Alfred on his lap, placing the container of food in front of him. Alfred would slowly snack on the food on and off for the next few hours. Matthew also pulled out a box of crayons and blank paper for his little brother in an effort to make sure that Alfred wouldn't get bored. Now that his magic had broken, his mind would start working like his physical age and said behaviors would present themselves.
Matthew was unaware that the other nations were informed of this and were prepared for many different situations and scenarios. Alfred would be shown the patience he should have received earlier. Many of the personifications were realizing that Alfred truly had no say in the running of his country and had absolutely no political power which meant that he was in no way responsible for the actions of the people he represented. This realization placed a new light on Alfred's previous presentations. Only a child could propose what he had been doing and it now made total sense. The personifications would apologize to the little nation eventually.
The meeting began once more, Alfred's concentration quickly becoming that of a five year old. As Sadık Adnan, the personification of Turkey, presented his information on the topic of economic development, Alfred drew with the crayons. He would occasionally eat the small bits of food, drawing a bunch of cartoons and rainbows and space ships and rockets. He had to go to the bathroom. He looked to Matthew, who was focused on the meeting and easily slipped out of the adult's lap. Matthew didn't really think much of Alfred's choice to slip under the table.
Alfred really needed to go. He accidentally bumped into someone's leg. Matthias, Personification of Denmark, peered under the table to see what had bumped into his leg and saw little Alfred. He recognized the look in the kid's eyes. He took immediate action, gently pulling Alfred from under the table and quietly leaving the room. Once they left the conference room, it only took a matter of seconds to dart to the bathroom and help Alfred.
"Thank you!" Alfred chirped as Matthias held him up to wash his hands. Matthias smiled at the tiny nation.
"You're welcome, squirt. Do you want to head back?" Alfred nodded. Matthias placed Alfred down. Alfred frowned, reaching up towards the Den. Matthias picked him up, starting to hum as he walked. Alfred was tired and Matthias's shoulder was perfect to lay his head down on. Only a few moments more and Alfred was out like a light. That's what cuddles and boring meeting did to anyone.