Insecurities

Written thanks to a Tumblr prompt.

It's hard enough to just exist as a nation, whether or not you're a major world power or just a few ideas thrown into a human body and given life. Alfred is keenly aware of this.

But honestly, this pudge around his midsection... It is just unfair!

Very few of the nations who manifest as adult males have pudge like he does. There's a few, he supposes. Finland always seems a smidge soft around the edges, and no one seems to know what Russia looks like under all those layers of sweaters and coats, so he might have one as well, but they don't get the stigma like he does.

Especially when he has a fucking Greek Adonis for a boyfriend.

They're having a fun day at the beach, just as a family unit of sorts. Oscar is sulking in the shade umbrella with a new book he grabbed from some little place further up the beach, practically hissing every time he has to move to avoid the sunlight. Alfred is sitting under a second umbrella, giving him his privacy, watching the other two play.

Zoe screeches in delight when Jett picks her up and almost throws her over his shoulder. "Look what I found in the waves!" He grins, lifting the usually serious micronation onto his shoulders and laughing as she tries to pull him over by leaning backwards. "Good luck with that, baby girl!"

Alfred chuckles as he watches Jett and Zoe play in the waves. He doesn't understand how Jett stays so fit. He's a father of two, in the sense that nations are parents, but somehow, he manages to maintain a figure of impressive strength. Lightly defined muscles, just enough for you to know they're present and strong, dark and beautiful skin, the ability to give bear hugs Alfred almost can't compete with. He eats really great tasting food, yet somehow still eats healthy and just...

It isn't fucking fair. It really isn't.

Alfred maintains his cover under the second umbrella, t-shirt and cargo shorts on. He doesn't just have a muffin top to worry about. He's also got thighs that would probably look better on a woman than a man. And he's not about to let them see the light of day.

Finally, after a while, Jett carts Zoe over. "Come on, Zo, time for more sunscreen." Wy doesn't protest as she reapplies it, only turning to Jett for help with her back.

Alfred smiles fondly as he watches them interact. Jett is a great dad. No one could ever deny this. When Wy zips off to go collect seashells, he shouts after her. "Remember to stay in sight of one of us at all times! And take a bucket in case you find more than you can carry!"

Alfred smiles as Zoe runs off. "You're a good dad."

Jett smiles. "At least to one of them. A certain young man seems to think me quite the annoyance."

Oscar shouts from his shady spot. "I can hear you talking about me over there."

"Go take your sister for a walk then! If you go with, she can go further looking for seashells." Jett shouted, and both were pleasantly surprised to see Oscar stand up and pull on his shoes, setting down his book and glancing around to spot Wy.

But then he spoke.

"I'll take her out of sight for an hour. Try to have done all the disgustingly cute things you want to do as a couple before we get back."

"Oscar Michael Kirkland!" Jett shouts, but Hutt River is heading after Wy as fast as he can. Jett groans and leans back, setting his head on Al's lap. "God, that kid sometimes..."

Alfred snorts. "I'd say he gets it from you."

"Oh, stuff it!"

They sit there in silence for a few minutes, and Alfred watches Zoe and Oscar disappear out of the corner of his eye. They have cell phones, and Jett gave them each an independent streak a mile wide, so he's not too worried.