A/N: This ones is a little more serious, but I hope you all enjoy it.
Vietnam War Era
"I can't go back." Alfred was curled up in the corner of the room, rocking ever so-slightly back and forth. His hands were covering his ears, and his eyes were wide. "I can't."
"Alfred." Matthew's tone was gentle, as he set Nanuq down. The bear settled and solemnly watched Alfred. Matthew had been out earlier buying some groceries and when he returned his brother was in his previously empty house, curled up in the corner.
His face was contorted in fear, his mouth ever so slightly open in a silent scream. And his wide-blue eyes did not see him, but were trapped in a remembrance. Alfred's mind was elsewhere.
The sight had torn at Matthew. He had known Alfred had gone off to fight the war with his people, when it had started. This was the first time he had seen him since he left. Though he had seen some of what was happening on the television. He couldn't help but be surprised at Alfred's sudden appearance. And that there wasn't anything he could do to bring him back, truly back from the war, but wait.
Not wanting to startle his twin, he carefully approached with calm steps. Now however, he saw recognition in his eyes after he had spoke. Or at least hoped it was. He didn't want his brother to lapse into another memory.
What had this war done to his brother?
"Mattie?" Alfred blinked owlishly at Matthew, still shaking ever so slightly. His head was faintly echoing with the sounds of bombs and the spray of blood and gore raining down in the air. His people were dying, and he couldn't stop seeing it.
"Yes." Matthew leveled himself to his brother's height, offering a gentle smile, and open arms.
Alfred moved forward, into a clinging embrace. "Please don't make me go back."
"You can stay here Al as long as you like." Matthew returned the embrace. He would need to know what happened eventually. If Al had left the war front without telling anyone, or had been sent back home. Though he had never heard of personification abandoning a war before, Matthew wouldn't be surprised if Alfred had. Given the opinion of the war by his masses and the influx of people to his country from the states, the draft dodgers. His country had welcome them, just, as he would always welcome his brother.
His brother had always represented his people more then his government. However, given Alfred's hero worship. Matthew doubted that Alfred had purposely left the front lines. Or he couldn't have healed from something, like an explosion, and rematerialized in the states… But that was rare.
America would tell him another day. Today they would just be brothers, just Matthew and Alfred.
"How about I make us some pancakes?"
Please review and let me know what you think or if you liked it.
