I Never Make A Promise I Can't Keep

Part 1

Nothing seems to be going right today.

First, Arthur woke up late, resulting in him not being able to have his morning tea. Then, on his way into the meeting room, he tripped, running head-long into Russia, who spilled coffee down the front of his shirt.

The gods must be against me. Arthur thinks to himself as he pours himself a cup of coffee and finds a seat next to America.

Picking up the cup, he brings it to his mouth trying to ground himself.

"I'd like to introduce the newest addition to the group: Scotland."

Arthur chokes on his coffee.

You have got to be kidding me!

He looks up in shock, staring at the tall country standing at the head of the table.

It's him alright. Fiery red hair standing at wild angles, and emerald green eyes that seem to glow. He scans the room, a lit cigarette dangling from his smiling lips.

"Great to be here." Scotland says. He smiles at everyone again and walks to his seat.

Of course he sits across from me. Arthur stares into his cup, doing everything he can to avoid looking at his brother. Why the bloody hell is he here?!

It's been years since they last saw one another. The last time was when Allistor got drunk and... Arthur shakes his head, trying to clear the bad memories.

He puts his head down, promptly zoning out. He should be paying attention, but... He'll just get the notes from Alfred or someone later.

Arthur shivers slightly. Someone is watching him.

He looks up, immediately making eye contact with Scotland. He does his best to stand his ground, but finds himself shrinking under the intense stare from his older brother.

Enough is too much for one morning. He stands, staring down at the space between his hands.

"I have to go." He walks out of the room before anyone can stop him.

Once he's out of sight, Arthur breaks into a run. He bolts to his room, slamming the door behind him, and sinks to the floor, coughing into his hand.

Why are you so afraid of him? It's not like you've seen him for years.

"I shouldn't be afraid of him! Why am I so afraid?!" No answer comes, not that he expected one.

Arthur sighs, standing and walking to his desk. He pulls out the chair and slumps down into it.

I'm a bloody fucking idiot. He lets out a long breath and closes his eyes, letting sleep overtake him.

A knock.

Arthur groans, coughing and blinking himself awake.

He stands up, slowly moving to the door and opening it. Scotland stands there, green eyes glittering in the low light of the hall.

"A-Allistor!" Arthur stammers, shrinking back slightly.

The taller country doesn't respond, instead he peers into England's room. "Your room's a lot bigger than mine." He smiles down at his little brother.

"Oh. I suppose it's because I've been here longer." He coughs into his hand again.

"I just came to give you these." He hands Arthur a small stack of papers. "America said you'd want them."

"Thanks."