(*Hetalia does not belong to me)
(*Twelve Years Later)
(*Arthur's POV)
My life is about to change. I can feel it. In my shaky hands and beating heart. I watch as the harbor grows farther and farther away. I clenched my hands on my luggage and I was headed for the colony named Canada. The vast northern land of the Americas.
I knew there was no turning back. I had made up my mind. Yet my body couldn't help but be nervous. I wonder and think about how father did it. He had traveled to America as a young man. Was he scared? Even so, I won't go back on my decision.
This was both an escape and an opportunity. To live as I wish. To finally breath. From the time I had turned of age to get married, it progressively got worse. I went to school and used that as an excuse for as long as I could.
I studied law, literature, and medical practices. I buried myself in work hoping my rather overbearing mother would see I didn't have the time nor wished to be off and married. I figured I should follow in my elder brother's footsteps in this case but a bit differently.
They had all moved from home once they were able, leaving my mother's attention solely on me and Peter. He was still was a child though and could drive my mother mad and still get tucked in at night.
But in our case, it got to the point we started arguing. And after one particularly bad fight, I had gone to brood in my room when my father came in as neutral party.
He came in and sat next to me and started to tell me of what he remembered of his travels to America. Why he went and what he dreamed of. He sympathized with me. I for the most part just sat there and listened.
He then asked me what I wanted to do. At that point, I wasn't completely sure but was leaning towards pursuing the medical practice and keep literature as a hobby. He nodded at my decision. He then spoke of a place where they could potentially use a doctor.
I was interested so he spoke more. Speaking of his brother he had located in Canada. My eyes grew wide at what he was proposing. I asked if he was being serious and he chuckled but confirmed this. I asked if it would be a trouble for my unknown uncle.
He said he'd get in contact with him but will allow me to go once everything was set. And that it didn't have to be permanent, that I could come home whenever. I was overjoyed. I gave my father a great big hug and for once I have felt hopeful about my future.
That occurred a little less than a year ago. When I was given the okay I started right away preparing and packing. I was swift in writing farewell letters to leave behind. And in less than a week I was ready to leave.
Timing it out perfectly I left and said my personal goodbyes to my mother who was left asking what I meant when I said I was going to visit my uncle. She would surely smack me if I ever returned.
Before I arrived at the harbor my father caught up to me handing me a letter to give to his brother. He gave me a strong hug and pat on the back before wishing me well. And just like that, I was on a boat heading for the new world.
The journey there was filled with stinky men, choppy waves, and endless sea. For many of a day as we drew closer to our destination I had spotted a passing ship as I was lingering on deck.
I overheard some men conversing as they to saw the ship and had mentioned it was a merchant ship and not to worry. I was curious where its origins were as I began squinting to see the flag.
I saw red and white stripes and a blue corner with white dots. It was the American flag. It was all too bizarre really. We were certainly nearing our destination as the Untied States was just south of Canada. I wonder where they were headed.
I gave a small grin as I then scanned the immense waters for a sign of land. Perhaps I shall visit America during my stay. I shook my head at the idea. Baby steps Kirkland; I reminded myself.
Before I knew it we were docked and I triumphantly stepped down onto Canadian soil for the first time. It had its definite English influence but was still unique to itself in many ways.
It was a tad chillier but I didn't mind. Now it was the task to get directions and find my uncle's home. I decide to stop and ask some locals. They were friendly enough as they referred me to ask the owner of a nearby pub. Apparently, he was the go to for directions.
He was an older fellow but seemed to be well traveled and kindly gave me a map and pointed me the right way. I had finally started on my way when a family and their wagon a pair of donkeys offered me a ride.
I gladly excepted it as it had begun to grow colder as the sun went down. Summer was ending and it seemed the infamous northern writers may just be true. We made small conversation as we neared our splitting point.
They seemed intrigued by my story as they asked about me and my reasons for travel. I asked if they knew of my uncle but they said they were from further west thus weren't too familiar with the area and their people.
I soon bid them a due and we went our own ways. I found that I hadn't gotten their names. But I would surely remember their faces. I took a deep breath as I pushed on following the main road which should lead me to their house eventually.
I was feeling slightly numb as I spotted the light of a lantern on a porch. I wasn't sure if it was my uncle's house or not but I wished to ask if I was at least close. I stepped onto the wide porch as I then knocked on the door. A young man answered the door; he didn't look too much older than me though.
"Can I help you?" He asked me.
"I'm so sorry to bother you sir but I was wondering if you know a Christopher Jones who lives around here?" I spoke up nervously tightening my grip on my arms.
"Christopher?...Oh yeah them. They live just down the road some. You're almost there." The man answered understanding I was looking for directions.
"Oh, that's good news! Thank you, sir! Have a good evening." I say as I quickly departed.
I quickened my pace ignoring my complaining feet. I was much too excited to get there. I soon spotted the lit house that was all too inviting. I practically sprinted my way to the door. I tried to fix my hair as and straighten my attire before I knock.
I take a deep breath and knock on the door. I hear the scraping of a chair as footsteps made their way to the door. I felt my heart beat faster in anticipation. A man opened the door. He had similar blond hair as my father's and a similar face structure but their stature was rather different.
"What do you want?" He asked with a hint of an accent. This must be him!
"Hello sir I'm Arthur Kirkland and I was-"
"Hold on." He interrupted as he closed the door in my face. I blinked in surprise but did as I was told. I heard the faint conversing of others before he opened the door again and stepped outside shoes and all and shut the door behind him.
"Come with me." He said as he led me to what looked like a barn of sorts. I did as told and felt my anxiousness rise.
"Arthur Kirkland was it?" He questioned as he opened the barn for us to go inside.
"Yes, sir. Your Christopher Jones correct?" I asked back really hoping I hadn't gotten the wrong house and was shut in a barn with a stranger.
"Yes. I know why you're here. I received his letter. I just didn't believe it was true." He said as his voice seems to carry disbelief.
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Of course you don't understand." He said with a sigh as he rubbed his temples. I knew my father hadn't been in much contact so I wasn't sure what was said between them. But I had taken my father's word and traveled here believing I would be welcomed.
"Well if you could explain?" I suggested as I was unsure what we were talking about.
"Your father...my brother...did he tell you about his past? His past here?"
"Well...not much other than the sights...He traveled America not Canada though."
"So...he...but...did he speak of perhaps a...mishap during his travels?" Cristopher tried to pick his words seemingly struggling with memories. Why was this necessary information?
"Mishap? He spoke of an accident he was in before traveling home yes. But what does that have to do with anything?" I asked.
"What indeed. Your father has some explaining to do." He said with an unexpectedly venomous tone.
"Is this because of my father's lack of proper conversing? He told me you were expecting me so I-"
"Yeah like I said I got his letter. It doesn't explain the half of it." He cut in with a clear frown. I felt less and less welcome as the conversation went on.
"I hate to seem nosy but I am confused." I state bluntly.
"I suppose you would be. Let me inform you on something...When your father was here he had gone missing for the longest time and was presumed dead. And several years later I suddenly received a letter from supposed a dead man." He said looking me straight in the eye.
"What?" Was all I could say. Did they think father dead? It must have been the accident. Had he not told them of his leaving back home?
"Indeed. So you can see why I might be upset at his sudden appearance. And with an adopted son at that." He said with a bitter laugh.
"Well, if you speak the truth...then...had he not contacted you before?" I asked hoping my father was not the sole issue of this.
"No. And yet he had the will to write to me as if we had been writing as though he had."
"I-I see. Well, that does change things." I say grimly.
"Well for me and you perhaps."
"What?"
"I do not intend to tell my boys. And if you plan of housing here then you will not either." He said putting an intense gaze on me.
"You still wish to house me?" I asked in surprise.
"I may be on rocky terms with your father but I have nothing against you. But my rule still stands."
"Oh thank you, sir! But...why is it-"
"Think about it for a moment. Breaking the news that a long lost relative is suddenly alive? I don't intend to mess with the peace of this house. It's been too much of a struggle to backtrack now." He spoke determinedly.
"Do you understand?" He leaned closer with a stern glare.
"Y-yes sir." I agree. I'd be a fool not to. This was his house after all. And I suppose I could see reason.
"Good lad. Now to do so you'll introduce yourself as your mothers and you true father's child. Just don't whisper a thing of George you hear?" He spoke commandingly. I processed what he said and slowly nodded.
This was most definitely not the warm welcome I was expecting. "Yes, sir," I responded swallowing the lump that seemed to build in my throat.
"Good...I know you might still be confused but...I'll try to explain what I know later. As for now, we will both have to move on as though nothing is wrong." He said as he slowly made his way to the closed barn doors.
"Right." I agree unsure if he heard me. I followed him out of the barn and back towards the house. He welcomed me into his home and then called for his children.
"Boys!"
Two pairs of feet came from the dining room to the entrance. The more eager of the two arrived first with a curious smile. Another followed behind him with a look of uncertainty but still was careful not to frown.
"Yeah?" The more energized of the two answered as he neared us with a bounce to his step.
"Alfred, Matthew I want to introduce you the kin of a friend of mine from England. He will be staying with us for a while." Christopher lied ever so believably.
"Good evening, my name is Arthur Kirkland and it's a pleasure to meet you." I say with a small bow. I look back up taking in both boys. They seem younger than me.
They look rather similar in the face but had their differences.
"Arthur Kirkland? Haha nice name. The name is Alfred Franklin Jones! It's nice to meet ya as well! Oh and this is Matthew, my right-hand man." Alfred said in a energetic tone and introduced himself and his brother who seemed slightly annoyed at being introduced in that manner.
"Good to meet you Alfred, Matthew." I say nodding to both of them. The dim light of the house did little to let me see the details of each but their clothing was more visible. Matthew wore some black trousers and a coat over a clean white collared shirt; he looked like a humble student of some sort.
Alfred, in turn, wore some worn brown trousers and a dirtied shirt with rolled up sleeves and an unbuttoned vest, looking like he's spent the day outside working.
"So you is one of his friends children huh? From Britain right? You speak with an accent too! Isn't that fascinating? How long will you be stayin'?" Alfred rattled out question after question ushering me inside.
"Alfred mind his space." Christopher scolded but went back to the dining room. It seems I interrupted their supper.
"I am I am. You ain't uncomfortable are ya? Here have a seat." Alfred responded then practically pushing me into the nearby chair. I frowned but didn't say anything. Matthew also joined us sitting down a space away from Alfred.
"You is a quiet one huh?" Alfred spoke when realizing I wasn't answering.
"I would say that but you seem keen on doing all the talking for me." I replied sharply. Curses my temper. I pinched myself. I just arrived and these were my cousins even if they don't know it. Kindness remember? Mother had harbored you about this.
"Haha! We've got a live one here Mattie!" Alfred said patting his brother firmly on the back. In which earned him an elbow to the side.
"Ow. What's itching you?" Alfred asked eyeing his brother who whispered something sharply to Alfred.
"Tsk come now Matthew. There's no need to be so shy." Alfred tried to whisper back. Matthew whispered his response but seemed to relent.
"Fine have it your way, Matthew." Alfred replied and Matthew rolled his eyes.
"So Arthur what brings you to North America?" Alfred asked then quickly shifting his attention back to me.
"Ah yes well...I hope to pursue in my studies and practices here all the while taking in a new life of sorts." I explained. My plan wasn't the most stable or understandable. Making it particularly had to explain.
"So schooling and jobs n' stuff. Rather ironic since Mattie-ah Matthew here wants to go study in Europe." Alfred added.
"Oh? Well, that seems like a great pursuit. There're many great schools." I say directing it to Matthew who nodded with a small smile. It seems he is more on the quiet side.
"Yeah, so we've heard. So...why come here for that sort of thing?" Alfred inquired.
"Well, I've already accomplished my schooling for the most part. I came here for the job I suppose."
"That's real neat. What you wanna work as then?" He asked. Alfred seemed full of questions.
"The medical practice." I respond simply.
"A doctor huh. Yeah, that be convenient. We farmer folks have to travel to get to the town's doctor. And with farming comes injuries so I guess you is in the right place! I've visit ol' Doctor Frayman a couple of numbers of times myself. He could use the help. Although he'd never admit it." Alfred ranted on but caught my interest.
"Is that so? Well, it would be a help if you introduced me to uh-this Mr. Frayman." I pressed.
"Well, sure thing! I'll have to find time to do so." Alfred said looking as though he was thinking of a good time.
"Well if it's too troublesome perhaps Matthew could if you have the spare time." I ask hoping not to spend more time with Alfred than needed. It's not that I didn't like the lad; it was just that his sort didn't quite get along with me.
"Ah...I apologize Mr. Kirkland but I've much to do between my chores and schooling. But I do think it possible for Alfred since he often takes breaks anyways." Matthew responded with a soft voice. I wonder if that's just the way he spoke.
"Oh, I see." I reply mildly disappointed.
"Ah ain't no need to be upset, Arthur. I can take ya. And despite what Matthew here says I have time during lunch to take ya. Deal?" Alfred said with a small puffed up glance at his brother. They are rather different for brothers.
Matthew seemed quiet and polite and Alfred seemed loud and energetic. Not to mention the slight twang of accent that Alfred carried.
"Well thank you, Alfred. What day would be the best might I ask?" I begrudgingly accept.
"Uh...tomorrow I suppose. Best to do it while it ain't so cold yet." Alfred decided.
"Tomorrow?...Sure that's sounds fine." I agree my mind beginning to wander. This whole day was something I couldn't seem to process fully.
"Great! Well, then it's a plan! By tomorrow you'll be Doctor Kirkland. Best doctor around!" Alfred said as he stood up and patted me firmly on the back causing me to cough a bit.
"I'm afraid it won't happen that quickly." I added.
"Aw come now, Arthur. You is smart looking, young, and you is British too! You won't regret coming here for a second!" Alfred said cheerfully. He's acting as though he's giving his junior a pep talk. I felt my eye twitch in annoyance.
"Being young and British has nothing to do with it. If I get the job it will be solely if I qualify. Don't be so ignorant." I huffed out. He was countering my way of pessimistic thinking.
"Sure sure. Well with the way you're looking I may not need an excuse to take you to the doctor. You is looking pale or is that just your complexion." Alfred said nearing my face and squinting. I took notice of how indescribably blue his eyes were. I heard Matthew sigh in the background.
"Neither you daft fool. It must be your eyes." I say as I push him away from me.
"Lively ain't he Mattie." Alfred attempted a not so much of a whisper.
"Alfred you're being a nuisance. I'm sure Mr. Kirkland is just tired. I'll ask father for the sleeping arrangements." Matthew said as he went into the other room. At least he seemed decent. There was a pause of silence as Alfred seemed to actually think before he spoke.
"Heh...well I ain't mean no disrespect, Arthur. Just-" Alfred tried to be polite all too late.
"Mr. Kirkland you'll be sleeping in my room but I promise to clear it out properly by tomorrow." Matthew intervened.
"Oh thank you. Apologies for the trouble." I respond in a kind gesture.
"I'll take your bags." Alfred said and was off before I could protest.
"I must apologize for him, Mr. Kirkland. He seems to have an endless supply of energy but he doesn't mean ill." Matthew spoke after another sigh. I had to listen closely to his soft words.
"Of course. Oh, and do call me Arthur. As your brother seems so keen on from the beginning." I reply with that last bit in more of a mumble.
"Will do." Matthew said with a nod as he led me to the room. It was a spacious yet cozy house. Reminding me of my first house a tad. My stay here may not be easy but I'll survive.
A/N I can not thank you all enough for the response! It made my day and then some. Feel free to share thoughts and ideas! Thanks for Reading!