What is... "Home"? (Hetalia Fanfic, Part 2)

Chapter 102~!

The next day, I was sitting up on my own and reading a book boredly when I heard a knock on the door and looked up.

"Dude, can I come in?"

I grinned and closed my book, setting it down on the table beside me. "Yeah, come on in, Al."

The door opened and America stepped in, bearing a McDonald's bag and a bulge in his brown bomber jacket. "Hey, 'sup girlfriend?"

"Haha. Nothing much, I'm just bored out of my brain."

"Cool, 'cuz I brought a couple things for ya," he said, setting the paper bag down on the table. "Mickey D's fries are the world's best comfort food, haven't you heard?"

I smiled and opened the bag, taking one fry and putting it in my mouth. "I think I've heard that once or twice. What's in your jacket, though?"

His grin was mischievous as he extracted the slightly twitching animal from his coat. It was blond, wore a cone around its neck, and had a completely shaved hindquarter. I gasped and reached for Zip with my right hand, practically dancing with happiness. "Oh my gosh, Zip!"

He barked softly and settled into my arms, licking my cheek and chin over and over. His shaved leg bore a two inch-long line of black stitches, and he couldn't move it practically at all. Still, he was happy and definitely himself again. "Oooh, I missed you, buddy!" I cuddled him to me gently, burying my face in his fur.

"I was surprised how easy it was to sneak him past the staff," Alfred commented to himself with a mischievous grin. I laughed and looked up at him.

"Thanks, Al, this totally made my day a hundred times better."

He grinned and sat down, making himself comfortable. "So, you doin' better?"

"Loads," I replied, eating another French fry. "But how come no one will tell me what happened? I think I have a right to know, don't you?"

"Well sure, but... Mattie says he doesn't want you to know until we all can tell you, and when you're not going to freak out or anything."

I deadpanned. "That's so reassuring. But why is all this such a big deal? The suspense is killing me, after all!"

"It's kind of a lot to take in, dudette. We just don't wanna traumatize you after everything you've been through." He stole a fry and stuffed it into his mouth, which was odd because usually he would have taken more. "It's pretty epic, though, the way Mattie saved you..."

"What? Now you have to tell me!" I exclaimed.

"Sh! Patients are trying to res- What is a dog doing in here?" a nurse said as she poked her head in. She stepped fully in and put her hands on her hips, a pissed-off look on her face. "Animals are not allowed in here, that's a rule. I'm afraid you'll have to leave, sir."

Alfred pouted. "But I just got here!"

"Sorry, sir, but you revoked your right to be here by breaking the rules of this hospital." She stood a little closer to the both of us, still looking upset.

"Dumb human hospital..." I barely heard him mumble before he stood and held out his arms for Zip. I gave him to Alfred and watched him go with sad eyes.

"Hey, thanks so much, Al!" I called to him, and he smiled at me over his shoulder before leaving my hospital room completely.

'Oh well... At least I have some actually decent food now' I thought while hungrily eyeing my fries.

~~~

"How is she, aru?" I heard while I was roused from my sleep. I didn't open my eyes right away, though, and waited for an opportunity to play a prank or something of the sort.