Arthur sighed as he watched the scenery below him move. In the plane, it felt like time was standing still. Just like it did when I was with her, he thought.

He was cooling his toes in a small creek as he laughed at something she said.

"Joan, where do you learn all these jokes? They almost sound familiar." She looked around before leaning in, as if she had a secret.

"I got them from the country of France." Arthur's eyes widened. He had known France as a child, but after he had grown he had really only seen him at the start of the war. Joan grinned.

"I knew you'd be amazed. Have you ever seen the England before?" Arthur hesitated before nodding.

"What's he like? Is he strong and tall? Or maybe fat?" He puffed out his chest,

"He is handsome! He has these amazing eyebrows and he can even cook!" Joan smiled.

"I heard about his eyebrows. Is it true they're like caterpillars?" He was about to reply when they heard yelling in french and footsteps running towards them. He instantly stood and began to run.

"Wait, where are you going?" But Arthur ran on until he was surrounded by his own people at their base.

He had known it was dangerous to talk to her, but she was such a good friend that he couldn't help it. Of course, she was also dangerous. He smiled to himself. Even then he had known she would be a great asset to France, for he could sense her strength at times, both physical and spiritual. Like when they had parted for what they thought was the last time.

He was sitting in the grass beside a small trail when she came. She said nothing as she sat down beside him. After a while, she finally spoke.

"No matter who wins today, we shall always have our friendship." Arthur nodded and smiled at her. though it did not reach his eyes. She took his hand, looking at him determinedly.

"No matter what, we will always have our bond." Arthur's smile grew.

"No matter what."

Arthur stared at the ceiling of his living room. It has been a few days since Joan's anniversary, and he was lounging on his couch. For some reason, he had had no energy lately. He tried to think of something to do. After a few moments, he sighed and gave up. He was thinking about putting a kettle on when he heard knocking at the door. He got up and walked over to the door, sighing as it was probably Alfred wanting something. He opened the door and froze in shock when he saw Francis standing there awkwardly.

"H-hello," Francis said, obviously nervous. Somehow, Arthur became even more tired

"What do you want?" Francis looked around rapidly, as if wanting to bolt. He seemed unsure as if to stay or go. He made the choice for him by stepping aside Francis hesitated before stepping in. Arthur closed the door behind him and walked over to the living room to see Francis in a chair opposite the couch. He sat on the couch as he looked over Francis. He looked slightly bedraggled, his eyes holding bags. He looked even more tired than Arthur, yet his eyes still held determination as he looked back at him.

"Can you tell me of her last moments before..." He trailed off, unable to say it. Arthur blinked in surprise, not expecting the request. he mulled it over before finally nodded and began to speak.

"Leave us." The three guards that had been beating her saluted him before leaving the cell room. Joan smiled, though there was no happiness in it.

"I see you are not truly a lowly servant. I don't suppose you'll tell me who you really are."

"I am Arthur, the country of England." Joan snorted and, raising a hand to cover her face, began to laugh loudly.

"So all this time, I've been spending time with my biggest enemy. I could have saved the lives of many of my men if I had just killed you when we first met."

"That would not have killed me," he said quietly. She laughed harder, her laugh bordering insanity.

"That's just wonderful. And I suppose you came to save me from your own people." He shook his head.

"I tried that. You are to be an example to the French. But, if you escaped to some nameless place with a new name and a dress, everyone would forget about you soon." Joan stopped smiling and became serious, standing up.

"I cannot run from my fate. I have no regrets except one."

"What is it?" She looked sad.

"To make sure France had found happiness that will last him far beyond my life. He will be very lonely when I die." She did not say if, as she knew it was definite that she would die soon if she refused to escape. Arthur hesitantly took her hands. When she did not reject his touch, he looked earnestly into her eyes.

"I swear to guard his happiness for you and to be his friend, if he lets me." At this, he looked away.

"Though, after this, he will probably hate me forever." Joan took his chin in her hand and turned his head towards her. She gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

"Do not worry, Arthur. France is a kind man who cannot hold onto such negative things as hatred for long. And if he tries to blame you, give him a big old smack on the head for me, alright?" He chuckled as she mimed hitting someone on the head. Arthur smiled sadly as he hugged her, resting his head on her shoulder as he cried silently. She simply placed a hand on his head and said nothing. They stayed like that until the guards told him to leave.

When the story was over, Arthur looked to see Francis's head in his hands. Arthur thought of comforting him, but was unsure how the man would react. He got up and left the room, coming back a few minutes later with two cups of tea. When he returned, Francis was sitting straight, his face almost composed except for the unshed tear that laid in his eye. He nodded as he took a cup.

"Thank you for telling me. I know this may sound silly, but I just wanted to know who she had her last moments before...it, and if she were perhaps happy before she died." He looked at him as he sat back down.

"Is that all she said?"

"Yes." Liar, he couldn't help but think. Francis smiled sadly at him, adding to his guilt.

"Thank you again Arthur. For everything." With that, he stood up and took his leave. When he heard the door close, Arthur sighed and laid down on the couch, ignoring the tea on the table. He hadn't told Francis everything. But that's to protect myself, he thought fiercely as he slowly fell asleep.