It took Arthur a moment to comprehend what the doctor had told him. Alfred had been involved in a car accident and was now in a critical condition. He didn't know how to handle this news.

He's alive, he thought to himself as he scrambled around for his car keys and jacket, he's alive... that's what counts.

After a few moments of searching, he realised that the car actually belonged to Alfred and he'd taken it when Arthur kicked him out. And he'd now crashed the car so the Brit had no other choice than to call a taxi.

When the taxi finally arrived, Arthur told him where to go and he told him to go as fast as he could. He sat in the back of the car, drumming his fingers on his leg nervously as he glanced out the window. So many questions were running through his head, and none of which could be answered until he reached the hospital.

Finally, after what felt like hours, they reached the hospital. Arthur paid the driver (actually, he more or less threw the paper notes at him and hurried away) and went inside the hospital. He hurried quickly to the receptionist and stated, "I'm here to see Alfred Jones. I was told he was brought here..."

The receptionist nodded and started to look at her computer. Arthur glanced around the room nervously and wondered why she was taking so long to find out where Alfred was. Arthur forced himself to think positive.

Eventually, she looked up at him and said, "His room is on the fifth floor. Ward B, room 105."

"Thank you!" Arthur said as he hurried to the elevator. He pressed the button for the fifth floor and waited impatiently for the cursed elevator to hurry the hell up. Why did everything feel so bloody slow!

He stepped into the elevator and waited for it to bring him to where he needed to be. When it did, he exited it quickly and walked down the hall. He looked around for Ward B and when he found it, he walked inside and looked for room 105. He found a doctor down the hall and he hurried towards him, "Excuse me, I'm looking for Alfred Jones. I was told he was on this Ward..."

"Ah yes, it's Arthur right?" the doctor said, "I'm Doctor James Smith; we spoke on the phone."

"Yes, I remember," Arthur said, now realising his voice was familiar, "Can I see him?"

"Of course," Doctor Smith nodded and started to lead the way down the hall. Arthur followed him nervously and he felt his heartbeat increase and his stomach churn. He didn't want to know what he was going to find.

"Is he all right?" Arthur asked and the doctor glanced at him for a moment.

"He's stable," he informed, "He broke his leg and gained a few cuts and bruises but he also has a head injury that we're quite worried about. He's still unconscious; I've just been to check on him."

"When will he wake up?"

"Honestly, I don't know," Doctor Smith said truthfully and they arrived at Alfred's room. Arthur glanced through the window and he could feel the tears building in his eyes. He fought against them and looked at the doctor again.

"Will he recover?"

"As long as the head injury doesn't prove to be serious, I'd say he will be absolutely fine."

Arthur paused, "What do you mean by serious?"

"Well... amnesia is something we're concerned about, but hopefully it won't come to that..."

Amnesia? So that meant... Alfred could forget everything? Arthur shook his head; he didn't want to think about it.

"No," he said firmly and placed his hand on the doorknob, "It won't come to that. I'm sure of it..."

"We're hoping the same thing," Doctor Smith said, "You can go and see him if you don't have any more questions. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask," he offered Arthur a smile and a comforting pat on the shoulder before he walked down the hall. Arthur paused and took a breath before entering the room.

Alfred looked a mess. From his position across the room, Arthur could see that his golden blond hair was still matted with blood. There was a bandage around his head and even then there was still a little blood seeping through. Arthur walked closer and took a seat next to his boyfriend... was he still his boyfriend? He did kick him out, after all?

The Brit carefully took hold of Alfred's hand and got a better look at him. He was extremely pale, and Arthur wasn't surprised. He'd probably lost a lot of blood. He could clearly see that one of Alfred's legs was in a cast and he noticed that he was hooked up to all sorts of machinery.

Arthur carefully rubbed his thumb across the back of Alfred's hand and he watched him for a while, as though his intense staring would bring him from his unconscious state. He was so scared of what the doctor had said. If Alfred did suffer from any memory loss, he didn't know what he would do. How many times could heart cope with being broken? He didn't think he could handle anymore. He just wished that everything was back to the way it was all those weeks ago. He just wished that everything would be all right again.

He carefully adjusted himself to rest his head on Alfred's bed. Still keeping hold of his hand, he let his eyes close and allowed himself to take a small nap. He didn't think Alfred would be waking up any time soon...


Arthur awoke an hour later to movement and a slight groan. He sat up quickly and rubbed at his eyes to get rid of the sleepiness and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Alfred was awake.

"Oh thank God," he sighed in relief as he took hold of his hand again, "I've been so worried about you..."

Alfred blinked a little and turned his head towards Arthur, "Artie?" he asked weakly. Arthur sighed in relief; he still remembered him.

"Yes Alfred, I'm right here," he said and gave his hand a small squeeze. Alfred, despite being in pain, managed to give Arthur a smile and he squeezed his hand back.

"Hey..."

"Hi..." Arthur replied and placed a kiss on the back of Alfred's hand.

Alfred watched him and his eyes grew watery, "Artie... I broke the car..."

"Don't worry about it; I'm more concerned about you."

"But... it's broke..." he said weakly and looked into Arthur's eyes. The Englishman gave his hand another squeeze.

"I promise it is fine, I don't care about the car," Arthur reassured him. He smiled slightly but the tears in Alfred's eyes didn't fade.

"Artie... I'm so sorry."

"Alfred, the car—"

"Not about the car..." Alfred interrupted, "About what I did..."

Arthur looked away for a moment then glanced at him again, "I forgive you..."

"You said you—"

"I know what I said," Arthur sighed, "I was being stubborn. I love you, Alfred. If I didn't, would I be here with you now?"

Alfred thought about it then replied, "I guess not..."

"That's right," Arthur smiled. He placed a gentle kiss on Alfred's head and continued, "I forgive you and I want you to come home..."

"Really?" Alfred smiled and Arthur heard his heartbeat increase on the monitor and he smiled.

"Of course."

Alfred let go of his hands and reached them out towards Arthur. Knowing what he wanted, Arthur perched himself on the bed and carefully allowed Alfred to take him in his arms and give him a hug. He kept his weight off him so he wouldn't hurt him.

Alfred buried his nose in Arthur's hair and inhaled deeply, "I've missed you so much..." he murmured. Arthur smiled into his chest and allowed him to hold him like that for as long as he wanted.

"I've missed you too. I'm sorry I've been so stubborn..."

"I'm sorry I hurt you. Give me a chance to fix it?" Alfred asked and Arthur moved from his hold slightly to place a soft kiss on his lips. Alfred kissed back slightly but they kept it short and sweet for the time being.

When they pulled away, Arthur nodded, "All right," he stated and Alfred smiled happily.

"So we're together again?"

"Yes," Arthur replied and moved back to sit in the chair next to the bed. Alfred held his hand out to him and the Brit took it in his own and kept hold of it firmly. He smiled gently.

The door opened and Doctor Smith walked in and smiled, "Hey, you're awake. I'm just going to run a few tests, okay?"

"Sure," Alfred said but kept hold of Arthur's hand the entire time. The doctor asked Alfred a series of questions about what he could remember. Alfred could remember everything, as he proved to Arthur earlier. When the doctor was satisfied, he gave Alfred a check up and confirmed, "I don't see why you shouldn't make a full recovery."

Alfred beamed and Arthur placed another kiss on his hand with a small smile of his own. The doctor left and the two were left alone once more.

"Hey Arthur..."

"Hm?"

"When I get out of here... I'm going to take you out someplace special."

"You don't need too," Arthur stated and shook his head. He didn't want Alfred spoiling him; not after the way he'd treated him over the last couple of weeks, "If anything... I should be the one taking you out."

Alfred puffed his cheeks, "I'm the hero. It's my job to take you out."

"Well... heroes need a day off once in a while."

"I haven't been your hero for three weeks."

"And whose fault was that?"

Alfred's cheeks turned red and he glanced away. Arthur sighed; he'd forgiven Alfred but had Alfred forgiven himself?

"Listen, love... it's in the past. Let's look to the future and move on. That's what's important, right?"

Alfred seemed to contemplate this and he smiled. His smile grew after a few moments and he nodded slightly, "Yeah, you're right... I'm sorry."

"I think we've said that word far too much," Arthur chuckled and started to stroke Alfred's hair lightly. The American closed his eyes, contented with the situation and he allowed himself to relax to Arthur's touch. He'd always loved it when Arthur did that.

"So... what happened?" Arthur asked. Alfred kept his eyes closed and he didn't reply for a moment. He turned his head towards Arthur after a few seconds.

"I ran a red light. I guess I wasn't paying attention. My mind's been everywhere lately..." he mumbled. His eyes were still closed.

"I can understand why," Arthur replied and continued to stroke his hair. He could see he was about to fall asleep so he continued for a while until he did, "You should sleep. Tomorrow, when you're feeling better we'll talk more, all right?"

"You'll come back?" Alfred asked and he opened his eyes slightly so he could look at him. Arthur nodded.

"Yes, I'll come back. I promise."

"'Kay..." Alfred said and closed his eyes again, "Love you Artie..."

"I love you too..." Arthur replied and he smiled a little. He stayed with Alfred until he fell asleep, then he placed a kiss to his head and left the room. He went home and he could already feel his broken heart being put back together.


Arthur returned the next day, and the next and the next until Alfred was finally released from the hospital. The American puffed his cheeks as he pouted and he attempted to balance himself on the crutches that he was to use until his leg healed. He hobbled around the ward while Arthur talked to the doctor.

"Hey Artie!" he called and beamed at his boyfriend, "I'm getting it!"

"Well done... and Alfred, this is a hospital... please use your indoor voice."

Alfred rolled his eyes and continued to practice with the crutches. The doctor laughed and finished with the paper work.

"Okay, that should be it. You're free to go."

"Finally!" Alfred exclaimed and moved himself to the door, "C'mon, Artie! Let's gooooo!" he started to whine, obviously irritated with just waiting around for him.

"Alfred, just wait a second," the British man sighed lightly. Alfred gave a sigh of his own and looked at the doctor. He smiled again.

"Oh yeah... thanks Doc! You're awesome!"

"No problem," the doctor smiled, "Now, I don't want to see you back here."

Alfred saluted him and Arthur walked up beside him. The American placed a kiss on his boyfriends head and he watched the doctor walk away. He looked at Arthur and smiled his brilliant smile before saying, "Let's go home."

Arthur returned the smile and nodded, "Yes... lets."


Arthur had retrieved Alfred's things for him while he was in the hospital and had already unpacked for him so he wouldn't have to worry about it. The American smiled in relief and collapsed on the couch as soon as he arrived home and sighed happily.

"It's good to be back..."

"Indeed," Arthur replied and walked to the fridge. He retrieved a soda for Alfred and handed it to him and gained yet another beaming smile as thanks. Arthur made himself some tea and a few moments later, he was seated next to Alfred. The American wrapped an arm around Arthur's shoulder and started to kiss at his neck when the Brit pulled away. Alfred pouted.

"Alfred... I need to know. Why did you kiss Francis?"

He felt Alfred freeze beside him and he moved away slightly. He looked at him and paused for a while then finally replied, "He kissed me first. He came over wanting to talk to you... he didn't tell me why. I told him he could wait when I said you weren't here and as soon as I sat down, he kissed me. I didn't know what to do... yeah I knew I should have pushed him away... I know that now, but I was just shocked, you know? I think if you'd have been here he would have kissed you instead..."

Arthur nodded. He'd forgiven Alfred but he could never forgive Francis, "I never want to see him again."

"Oh, don't worry. He's totally crossed off our Christmas card list," Alfred said and made a face. Arthur ended up laughing a little and leaning in to capture his boyfriend's lips in a sweet kiss. Alfred smiled into the kiss and wrapped his arms around him happily and kissed him back.

When Arthur pulled away, he rested his head on Alfred's shoulder and got himself comfortable against him. He felt Alfred's grip around him tighten slightly and he said, "I want things to go back to the way they were. I want us to be happy again..."

"I do too, Artie... I do too. And there's no reason why we can't..." Alfred informed and placed a kiss on Arthur's blond hair. The Brit nodded and remained where he was.

"I'm tired," he said quietly. Not physically, but emotionally. He closed his eyes and fell asleep for the rest of the day. It wasn't long before Alfred followed suit.


"Come on Arthur! Hurry up!"

Arthur huffed and puffed as he attempted to keep up with Alfred. How on earth he still managed to speed ahead when he had to use crutches, the Brit would never know. Half way down the street, Alfred laughed his throaty laugh as he watched Arthur catch up with him. He smiled happily when the Englishman finally reached him and his blue eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Really Artie, I knew you were slow but this is—"

"Oh shut up!" Arthur whined and smacked his arm lightly. He glared half heartedly at him and continued to lead the way down the street. Alfred followed him and tried to keep at a slower pace and they eventually reached their destination.

It was late afternoon and Alfred had insisted the two of them take a walk by the beach. They settled down on a bench and looked ahead. The sun's rays reflected off the oceans surface giving it a mysterious glow. Arthur found himself smiling; he loved the sea and finding a place like this to live was just perfect for him

Alfred set his crutches against the bench and twiddled his thumbs as he looked thoughtful. Arthur looked over at him and asked, "Are you all right?"

"Hm?" he asked, getting drawn back to reality. He looked over at Arthur and smiled, "I'm fine."

"You seem to be deep in thought."

"I was just thinking about stuff."

"Like what?"

"Nothing important..."

Arthur narrowed his eyes but decided to leave it alone. He looked ahead again and the two of them stayed quiet for a while. It was comfortable and Arthur enjoyed just spending time with Alfred like this. It was rare for him to stay quiet for more than five minutes. Alfred had his arm around him and the two of them enjoyed each other's company.

However, after a while, Alfred tightened his grip around Arthur for a moment then moved it away. Arthur watched him and asked, "Really, is there anything the matter?"

"Arthur... do you remember when we took a walk on the beach the day before... that happened?"

"Yes, I remember?" he said and frowned slightly, "Is something—"

"Please, just listen," Alfred said sounding serious. Arthur took a breath and nodded. Alfred continued, "I said we've been dating for a long time... and you said that wasn't what I was going to say, remember?"

Arthur nodded, now thoroughly confused.

"Well, you were right... that wasn't what I was going to say."

"Alfred...?"

Alfred shifted slightly and retrieved something from his pocket. He opened the red velvet box to reveal a ring. Arthur's eyes widened and Alfred continued to speak.

"I was going to ask you to marry me, but I chickened out..." he said with a deep blush. Arthur was still staring at him in shock as he continued to speak, "and then all that stuff happened and I..."

"You what...?"

"I didn't think I'd ever get to ask you again. I know I can't do this properly," he looked at his leg and smiled a little. He then raised his sapphire eyes to met Arthur's emeralds. He shifted his position slightly and kept his smile, "I don't wanna loose you again... Arthur Kirkland, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Arthur responded without a moment's hesitation. Thrilled, Alfred slipped the ring on Arthur's finger just before the Brit threw his arms around him and kissed him. Alfred wrapped his arms around his new fiancé and kissed him back with a smile. He felt Arthur deepen the kiss and he quickly responded but after a moment the Brit pulled away. He looked at his hand and admired the ring with a small smile.

Alfred watched him with a small pout; he wanted to continue the kiss. He wanted to kiss him all day forever and ever and ever until they were old and grey. Arthur looked at him and continued to smile.

"We'll continue that later."

Alfred smiled but kissed him again for good measure. Arthur eagerly responded and wrapped his arms around him.

From that moment on, they both knew that everything was going to be okay. Despite whatever obstacle they may face, they knew that they could overcome them. Their love for each other was strong and was unbreakable. Life was perfect once again and saying yes was the best choice that Arthur had ever made.

End.