America X Reader: Every Star in the Sky ch. 6

You're staying with Alfred during the St. Patrick's weekend. The city you're staying at has a big festival each year in honor of the holiday, and you're so excited to be able to spend it with Alfred. This is your first holiday with him, and while it isn't a major holiday (like Christmas), it still means a lot.

But those excited feelings fade when you see America dressed to the max—his cliché, green Kiss Me, I'm Irish shirt, dark green plaid Bermuda shorts, hair dyed green, and tons of green bead necklaces and bracelets on. You're kind of surprised he didn't dye his body hair green and/or painted his skin green. You have at least put on a simple, green T-shirt with a four leaf clover, but you're still in jeans and your (color) hair is still normal.

"Yo, babe!" Alfred winks at you, pulling his arm around you. "Y'ready?"

"I…I guess," you say reluctantly as he takes you out to the festivities.

***

The festival is fun, though you had no idea people could go so crazy over a little holiday. Not to mention you've eaten enough funnel cake, chicken, beef, and drank enough soda to feel queasy.

You lie down on Alfred's couch, cradling your stomach as you feel you've grown maybe a size or two in pant size. You're pretty sure the festival had enough food to fill your people up for a whole week.

"That was totally kickass!" Alfred exclaims as he plops down beside me.

"Hmm," you manage from your spot.

"Hey, wanna order something to eat?" he asks.

You groan as you cover your mouth. Thinking about eating more food makes you feel sick.

"Hey, _____, you okay? You seem kind of…green," Alfred notes as he leans towards you. "And I don't mean St. Patty's green."

"Too…much…food," you mumble as you shift so you can lean against him.

He laughs and lightly pecks your lips. "Then just rest, okay?"

You nod and close your heavy eyelids.

***

You wake up with your head to the couch.

Wait, where's Alfred?

The light that's on in his kitchen leads you to believe he's probably in there, so you lazily get off the couch and saunter over there. Nope. Not there. You gnaw on the edge of your lip and figure he's probably upstairs or in the bathroom or something. I mean, he left the TV on one of his favorite horror movies—surely, Alfred isn't that irresponsible…right?

You sit back down, crossing your legs at the ankles as you lean against the arm rest. This movie feels so pointless to you…

"Hey, you're awake," a certain America says as he steps onto the ground floor. He has just walked down the stairs. "Nearly eight."

"Was I really out so long?" you ask as you stand.

He nods. "I…I was worried…"

You can't help but smile. "I'm sorry."

He goes over to you, kissing the top of your forehead. "Don't be," he murmurs against you before he asks, "Hey, are you hungry?"

You shake your head but say, "Though I could go out for some ice cream."

America cheers. "Let's go!"

He grabs your arm and drags you out of the door. He only stops to get your coats hanging in the closet, and you two put them on as you two walk down the sidewalk. It's still pretty cold out, and that's strange to you. Back home, the temperature is nearing 30*C.

"Do you want to…share the ice cream?" Alfred asks you.

"But you'll have less ice cream for yourself," you point out.

He blushes, lowering his gaze to his feet. "I-I don't mind if it's with…with you."

Your face becomes pink. "Oh. Then I'd love to share the ice cream with you, America."

He beams, nodding. "All right!"

When you reach Dairy Queen, he orders as you sit by one of the tables. He brings the order for both of you, and he lets you take the first bite, feeding you himself. You can't help but giggle as he does, your face scarlet. The taste is extra-sweet.

You hear someone murmur about how adorable you two look.

Afterwards, the two of you head to his home, holding hands the whole way. You two enter his home and decide to watch cartoons. The two of you curl up on his couch, his arm around you.

"Hey, ______?" Alfred asks. You look up at him. "I know that you have a hard time sleeping without nightmares…and, um, I was wondering what exactly your nightmares are about." He watches your expression; you suddenly feel conflicted, but you've known that sooner or later, you'd have to tell him. It's been about a month since you two became a couple, and you had yet to tell him your fear.

"Autophobia," you blurt. "The fear of being alone."

"B-but you live…alone…" Alfred whispers before alarm hits him. "Do you want me to move in with you?"

You laugh lightly at his concern. "No…not physically alone. I fear being forgotten and ignored and…unloved."

Alfred presses his lips against yours lightly, whispering, "But I'll always love you."

"I know," you say. When he pulls back, you yawn, making youself comfy against him.

"You tired?" You make a committal sound. "Let's go to bed then."

He doesn't even wait for you to stand. He picks you up in his arms delicately and takes you to his room upstairs. He lays you down on his bed and kisses you goodnight.

"I'll sleep downstairs, okay?"

You shake your head. "Stay."

"You're okay with that?" he asks.

You nod and make room for him to get in. He curls his arm around your waist, and your heart pounds so quickly. Before actually talking to Alfred, you couldn't imagine yourself attracted to anyone…especially not someone like Alfred. Someone who is wild and crazy and funny and loud and totally awful at sensing the mood. But there is something sweet and slightly old-fashioned about Alfred. And that's what you love about him.

You close your eyes, feeling the drumming of his heart on your back. You fall asleep with a smile on your face because you know that Alfred truly loves you, and it feels like he always will.