Word count: 571 words

    Sadiq ran down the now dark streets as it was pouring heavily, drenching him in rain. He never expected it to escalate like this, as it was only sprinkling before, so he left his umbrella at home. The Turkish man stopped in front of a small two-story house. He swiftly went up to the steps, shivering and panting, and knocked on the door repeatedly. As it opened a smaller male poked his head through the crack.
    "Sadiq? What are you doing in this rain?" he asked. Said man chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck, not replying to the latter's question. Frowning, he continued, "Come on in." He pulled Sadiq into his home and shut the door, locking it. He then left Sadiq at the door as he went to get a towel and a pair of pants for him. "Get your coat and shoes off there. I'd rather you not drip water everywhere," he called over his shoulder.
    Finally deciding to respond, he replied back, "Sorry, Gupta, I didn't expect it to be this bad! Heh heh.." Sadiq pulled his soaked jacket off and kicked his boots off then sat them by the door and hung his coat on the wooden rack above it. He looked around for a bit before coming back to dry his hair off and change into the spare pair of pants the latter had gotten from his room. They weren't his though, Sadiq decided on his own terms to leave some of his clothes behind last time before he left. "Thanks again, I really appreciate it," he said finally, having changed and settled on the couch. He wrapped his arm around Gupta, who was sitting next to him.
    "Well, it's what partners are for, isn't it? I'd be sad if my boyfriend was being harassed by the other countries and I couldn't do anything about it," the smaller Egyptian male smiled. Sadiq laughed at that.
    "Just sad? Nothing more?" he mused.
    "What, you want it to be more?" Gupta replied calmly. The younger country merely looked away, a small blush evident on his cheeks. Gupta giggled and maneuvered himself to kiss Sadiq on the cheek. "It's okay," he spoke softly. "To be honest, I'm quite scared about the predicament you're in. I'm afraid I'll lose you to another country..." His gaze saddened at the thought and possibility. He squeaked when he suddenly felt a strong pairs of arms wrap around him. Sadiq pulled Gupta toward his chest and rested on his head, nose buried in the Egyptian's brown hair. Gupta relaxed and settled against him. It was quiet for awhile, and Gupta started to nod off. Before he did though, he heard a faint whisper from above him that was barely heard over the heavy pattering of rain outside.
    "I love you."