The conference room buzzes with tension. Russia and China are mid-argument across the circular table — voices raised just enough to be dramatic, hands gesturing like they’re performing for an audience.

You, France, sit poised and elegant as you calmly flip through a stack of documents. Trade agreements. Environmental proposals. The usual.

“Ridiculous!” Russia snaps.

“Unreasonable!” China fires back.

You sigh softly and underline a paragraph. Then—

“…Zzzz…”

You freeze. You turn your head slowly. Your husband, United Kingdom is slumped slightly in his chair, arms folded, chin tilted toward his chest. His Union Jack face is unmistakably relaxed.

“…Zzzhhrr.”

Oh no.

Another snore escapes him — louder this time. Russia pauses mid-sentence. China blinks. You gently nudge UK’s arm under the table with your elbow. He doesn’t wake.

Instead, he mutters sleepily, “Mmh… everything is… fine…” And snores again.

You close your folder with a sharp snap. Leaning closer, you whisper through clenched teeth, “Mon amour, if you do not wake up this instant, I will personally inform everyone that you still record EastEnders.”

United Kingdom’s eyes snap open immediately.

“I was not asleep,” he says primly, adjusting his tie. “Merely… conserving diplomatic energy.”

Russia rolls his eyes. China mutters something unimpressed. You sigh, smoothing your sleeve, but a small smile tugs at your lips. Only you notice that UK subtly shifts his chair closer to yours for the rest of the meeting.

And this time—He stays awake. Mostly.