"Why?! Why would you do this Alfred!?" Arthur's voice quivered as he clenched his fists at his sides. Emerald green eyes filled with tears as he glared at the calm, sorrow filled blue eyes staring at him.
"Arthur, I had to. You know I want to protect my country...and you." He took a step forward and enveloped Arthur in his strong arms.
"You idiot! How can you just up and leave me like this, without even telling me!" Arthur fisted Alfred's button up flannel shirt.
"I'm sorry Artie. The country needed people to join the draft because of the war Germany, Japan and Italy have declared on everyone else. The Allies need more troops." Alfred murmured gently. "Besides you know that I would've been forced to join either way with how many troops they need."
"I know but..." Arthur sniffed and buried his face into Alfred's chest, "I just don't want you leaving and then not coming back to me..."
"Artie...I'll always come back to you, no matter what." Alfred tightened his grip on Arthur, not wanting to let go but knowing he would need to eventually let go to go pack his bags.
"You promise?" Arthur looked up at him, eyes glistening with tears.
"I promise." Alfred leaned down and kissed him gently, sealing the promise.
Arthur smiled through the tears that blurred his vision and nodded. "Ok, then lets go pack your bags and then spend the rest of the time that we have together."
"I like that plan." They went up to the room they shared and set about packing Alfred's bag, neither one saying a word as they moved to fill the bag. Once done, they moved to the living room where they curled up together on the couch, both dreading tomorrow morning when Alfred would have to leave for the war and leave Arthurs' side.
~~~~Next Morning~~~~~
The early morning light filtered through the curtains hanging over the window. Arthur, who hadn't slept more than 3 hours last night, cursed it as it meant that Alfred would have to leave him.
"Alfred, it's time to wake up." Arthur murmured as he shook Alfred awake. Alfred opened his eyes and yawned, taking in the bags under Arthurs' eyes and the way he seemed like the whole world was crashing down around him.
"Arthur-" The sound of a car pulling up and honking interupted him.
"That's the military van..." Alfred said softly.
"It is..."
"I promise to write to you every day Arthur." Alfred cupped his cheek, leaning their foreheads together.
"You idiot, that'd be impossible." Arthur smiled softly and leaned into his hand.
"I'll make it possible." The van honked again. "I've got to go. I promise I'll be home before you know it."
"I'll be waiting."
They kissed, the emotions behind it strong, before Alfred pulled away and, grabbing the bag that sat beside the door, stepped out of the house. Arthur watched the door close, almost as if it were in slow motion, and listened as the roar of the military van's engine faded away, taking away Alfred with it.
"I'll be waiting..." Arthur curled into a ball and cried, unaware that Alfred, who sat in the back of the military van, was crying as well, the tears creating silent tracks down his cheeks.
Well there we have it! The prologue for Letters Home! Hope you all liked it and be sure to watch for the chapters that are going to, hopefully, be coming soon!