Cursed

Chapter 4

Alfred had burst through his hotel room and quickly locked the door. He slid down it and slumped against the floor, hugging his knees to his chest.

What happened earlier that day was the most embarrassing moment he had ever experienced. Everyone knew his secret now, and had literally seen it too. Now there was mass confusion and curiosity amongst his colleagues. They all probably thought he is a chick now. Not necessarily a bad thing, but he is a man, thank you very much. Right now, he felt pretty emasculated and exposed. He would have to go through great lengths to save face, and he was not looking forward to that. Alfred continued to lay on the floor feeling sorry for himself until he heard a soft knock on his door.

"Al, you in there? I just wanted to know if you're okay." It was Canada. Alfred wasn't too surprised his brother came by to check up on him. He suspected England had sent him instead of coming himself, as per usual. The Brit could never stand to openly show Alfred sympathy. America's expression darkened a bit at that thought. He moped about his family issues as he contemplated opening the door.

Suddenly, Canada spoke up again through the other side.

"I've brought McDonald's."

Canada heard some shuffling from inside before the hotel door was unlocked and opened, revealing a disheveled America. Just in case Alfred changed his mind, Canada showed him the greasy fast food bag to insure he'd be let in. His brother stepped aside so Canada could enter. He then placed the bad on a nearby table and plopped himself down onto the bed, watching Alfred shuffle over and pick out a burger and fries before coming over to sit right next to him. He laid his head on the Canadian's shoulder and went to work at eating his food.

"This sucks," he said in-between bites, "I'm so screwed. I'll never be able to show my face again!" Alfred was practically inhaling his burger at this point, a bad habit of his when he was stressed or bored.

Canada showed him sympathy by rubbing his back. "Crazy stuff happens at world summits all the time. I'm sure they'll forget about it within a month or so as the rumor mill swings its pendulum at some other unfortunate nation."

Alfred moved from his brother and fell backwards to lay on the bed with his feet still on the floor. "Hmph. I know. It still sucks though."

Matthew flopped his back on the bed as well, and turned his head to face his twin. "So, how exactly did this all happen anyway?"

The American took in a deep breath. He knew the other would bring this up eventually. "I don't know. I just woke up like this yesterday. There wasn't any weird evil scientist surgery involved either. That's why I think it's some kind of supernatural phenomena that's the culprit."

"Do you have any leads to who did this to you?"

"So far, no, but I wouldn't put it pass Russia to do something like this."

Canada rolled his eyes. Of course, America would suspect his former rival. He was too stubborn to let old grudges go. "Well, at least Arthur is cutting tomorrow's meeting for you so he can try to find a cure."

"Wait, he's really doing that for me?" Alfred was surprised. England usually didn't go out of his way for him unless it was for his own benefit or if he felt guilty.

"He is. After seeing the reactions of the others, I'm sure he thought it'd be better to get this all resolved sooner than later."

"Wow." Alfred turned to stare up at the ceiling. He couldn't believe it. He was honestly touched. Now he felt bad about his earlier sulking.

"He cares a lot about you, man. He just has a funny way of showing it."

The two on the bed had a laugh at that, and the Canadian sat up. "Well, I've got a few things to do. Since I know you're fine, I'll just head back to my own room. Call me if you need anything, alright?" He fully sat up and approached the exit.