Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy the next chapter.

I apologize in advance.

Please don't forget to review and let me know your thoughts!

After this, there is one more chapter!


10 years later...

I wake up feeling something very, very cold pressed to my knee. Like, really cold.

I open my eyes immediately, startled, and find myself in a...

How do you say it.

Very precarious position.

There's a person sleeping to my right, and we're on a couch so there isn't really a lot of space to move. I'm kind of squished against the back of the couch, while the person faces me, his back looking like it's going to fall off the edge. And, uh...his head is resting on my arm. He's asleep, I think, and we're really close.

I blush slightly out of confusion.

I don't know him.

And there's an ice pack strapped to my knee, which I just noticed. That explains the cold feeling.

My knee feels pretty sore, actually, so its no wonder there's an ice pack there. I wonder if the guy sleeping next to me put it there.

He looks very mature, but when he's sleeping he seems very...I don't really know the word. Innocent? Peaceful? He has really thick eyebrows, and I feel like I should notice them more, but I don't. I'm too captivated by his face.

For some reason, I get the feeling I'm used to seeing those enormous eyebrows, which is impossible. I don't know him.

I also don't recognize the house - and I still don't know what this guy is doing here, right next to me, and I feel a little disturbed.

Suddenly, his eyes flutter open, and I find that his verdant eyes match his light blond hair perfectly, and wow, he's kinda hot...

But he isn't that young either, so maybe he's already married.

But then why would he be sleeping on my arm?

...And why am I thinking about that, anyway?

His eyes widen as he lets out a small yelp, jumping off the couch as he stands and stares at me in shock.

"Uh...hey?" I begin, unsure.

For some reason, my voice sounds a bit different than usual. I don't really know how to explain it. It sounds kind of deeper than I'm used to.

"I-I apologize," the man says, and then I notice how thin, how frail he looks, and I kind of want to ask him if he's okay. But I don't.

And then I notice that he barely has any crease lines by his eyes, and I wonder if he ever laughs.

"M-My name is Arthur," the man says quickly, with expertise and a hollow tone. "This is my apartment. Your name is Alfred. You fell down the stairs and hit your head yesterday, and your...knee. I was helping you fix up your ice pack, and I suppose I must have dozed off. I apologize. I am a stranger to you, but since your family was out of town the doctor suggested that I take care of you for the time being." He tries to smile, but I can tell he's panicking inside.

I give him a killer smile, sitting up. "Nice to meet ya, Arthur!"

I wonder why my head doesn't hurt, but I decide I probably should be grateful, so I don't mention it.

He looks relieved at this, and he nods, shaking my hand.

"Give me quite the scare," he mutters, although I'm not sure whether he's talking about my accident or being woken up by me.

He seems like a cool guy, if only a little uptight.

I can't really help myself, so my eyes trail down to his left hand, and I let out a sigh of relief when I see that his finger doesn't have a ring on it.

...That sounds really creepy, I know. I just...I needed to know, for some reason.

I push myself forward so that I'm sitting at the edge of the sofa, but it's hard to move so I decide to stay seated. He goes into another room and quickly comes back with some toast and butter, handing it to me.

I notice that the toast is slightly burnt, but I don't say anything and take it gratefully.

"You...you may notice that your head is a bit addled. The doctor said that you would have trouble remembering things for the time being, but not to worry, as your memories will come back soon."

"Great," I mumble as I stuff myself.

He snorts in amusement as he hurries to the room again. I guess it's the kitchen?

I notice that he has a cane leaning against a cabinet, but since he walks fine I wonder why he has it.

"Hey, do you mind if I use that?"

He pops his head out from the kitchen and looks at me.

"Oh, yes, of course. It's for you."

"Huh." I slowly stand up, wincing at how much it hurts, and he rushes over to me, taking my arm around his shoulder.

"H-Hey, thanks. Sorry to make you do this."

"No worries."

Then I start to wonder why he has the cane if it's actually for me. He said he saved me yesterday. When did he have time to buy the cane?

Arthur hands me the cane, and I take it, hobbling back to the couch and sitting down, a small frown on my face.

"Feel free to watch TV, peruse a novel, or whatever you wish to do," he says, heading for the kitchen again. Soon, he brings back a cup of tea, and he settles down on the opposite end of the couch.

"I don't bite," I say, half smiling at him. He sighs and scoots closer to me.

"So, uh, Arthur..."

"Yes?"

"Uh...what do you do?"

He pauses. "I work part time at a cafe near here. I'm also an editor, although I mainly do my work from home nowadays."

"Oh, cool! So you're really busy then, huh?"

"Yes, but today is Sunday."

"Oh...okay. Sorry if, uh...I'm disturbing you or anything."

He looks at me curiously then, and he lets out a small laugh like I said something funny.

"No, no. You never did."

"Uh...okay?"

"Take care of yourself. Focus on getting better," he says kindly, and I unconsciously scoot closer to him. I don't think he notices.

I also note, as I look down, that I put on a bit of weight. I don't know how that happened since I don't really remember, but it annoys me a bit. I'm not fat or anything, but I'm not toned either. Arthur notices me staring unhappily at myself and smiles at me.

"Would you like to go to the gym later? You stopped going."

"Huh?"

"Oh." He coughs. "I heard from your, er...brother. He called recently, at the hospital, and um...he said that you haven't been...exercising...lately."

"Oh."

Well, that was embarrassing. He'd have to give his brother a talking to once he remembered who his brother was.

"Don't worry about it," Arthur laughs.

"How do you stay so skinny?" I ask, and he grins at me.

It's a childish grin. Mischievous. He looks so much younger, and I can't help but smile back at him.

"Because I don't stuff my face with hamburgers all day."

"Can we get hamburgers for lunch?"

"Alfred, did you listen to anything I just said?"

"Yeah," I tease, smiling at him. "Wait, did I used to know you?"

"No, I'm a stranger," Arthur says quickly, sipping his tea again. The cup covers part of his face so I can't really see his expression. "A lucky passerby."

"And you're okay with me just coming in here eating your food?"

His lips quirked upwards.

"Technically, I was the one who agreed to accommodate you; therefore, anything you consume or do here is my fault and my responsibility. I told you, you needn't worry."

"Huh. Anything I can do for ya?"

He blinks. "Tend to the flowers by the window, won't you?"

"Oh, sure! Where are they?"

"Just outside."

I hobble over to the door and open it, and I see that Arthur has a really nice garden. On the windowsill, he has a potted plant, and I assume that these were the flowers he was talking about.

They're a bright, vivid blue, and there are tons of them. I count them because, why not?

"25. Wow."

How he managed to fit them all in that small pot I will never understand. And to grow that precise number...

I felt this before, too, but now I know - there's a lot more to Arthur than meets the eye.

I take the watering can, fill it up, and pour the water gently.

I come back inside, and Arthur gazes at me questioningly.

"Man, you sure have a green thumb!"

He smiles a bit, but quickly tries to hide it. "It's nothing, really."

"Aww, it's great! You have to give me a tour later."

"Of course," he says, and I detect a hint of pride in his voice. I settle down next to him again, picking up my last slice of toast.

The phone rings, and Arthur immediately stands up to get it.

"Hello?"

"...No. Yes, he's here. ...Yes, you know that...no."

A laugh.

"Of course I'm going batty, what else is there to do? ...No...yes...a joke, really. Oh, you...perfect. Wonderful. 12 PM? Of course...oh, great. Jolly good. We'll see you then."

He puts down the phone and sits next to me again.

"Who was that?"

"Your brother," Arthur says, a small smile on his face. "He's coming to see how you're doing."

"Oh, cool! Uh...what was his name again?"

"Matthew."

"And your name is..."

"Arthur."

"Okay. Cool."


I kind of expected to have some flash of realization and remember everything, but I was pretty disappointed because I remember nothing when I see him.

He kinda looks like me, except his eyes are violet and softer than mine are. His hair is also longer, and a lot lighter than mine.

"Alfred," he says, a small smile on his face. He seems kinda nervous, but I don't understand why.

"Matthew!" I say, and quickly look at Arthur. He nods, and I grin.

"Oh, Arthur told you about me, I suppose."

"Uh, yeah. Sorry. Can't remember. The hit, and all that."

Matthew turns to Arthur with a pitying smile. "What was it this time?"

"He fell down a flight of stairs."

"Hey, what do you mean, this time?"

Do I do this kind of stuff often? That's pretty lame. I hope I'm not that lame.

"Nothing!" Matthew squeaks, and Arthur laughs.

"He'll be fine. Don't worry about it."

Arthur leads Matthew inside, and I follow them, still confused.

"It's been a while since you've seen your brother, hasn't it, Matthew?"

"Six months. I've been traveling with Francis, so..."

"Ah, Francis. And how is that frog doing?"

"Arthur, you're too harsh on him."

"I don't believe I am. Continue."

"He's doing well. He says he misses you."

"Tch."

"No, really. It's been what, two years?"

"He's..." Arthur's voice lowers to a whisper, and it's hard to make out what they're saying, but I try my best.

"He says he's sad, seeing Alfred like that. He doesn't like coming over."

My heartbeat speeds up a bit. What does that mean? I go closer to them, but they realize I'm listening and they stop, turning around.

"Oh, Alfred. Would you mind catching up with Matthew while I fetch us some lunch?"

"Uh, sure."

"Great."

He gives me a tight smile before he grabs his bag and leaves the apartment.

Matthew stares at me expectantly.

"I'm sorry, dude. I really don't remember anything."

I see his eyes fall a bit, but it's kinda like he expected it. He shakes his head.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine, besides my banged-up knee."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"So you're my brother?"

"Yes."

"So, uh...are our parents still around, or...?"

Matthew looks a bit taken aback, like I mentioned something I shouldn't have.

"No, Alfred. They died when we were young."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

I realize that it's weird for me to feel sorry about my own parents, like I'm a stranger, but I don't say anything else. It kinda feels awkward between us, and I wish that Arthur would come back soon.

"So...you really don't remember anything, still?"

"Nope. Sorry."

"Not even about Arthur?"

I pause.

"What about Arthur?"

Matthew suddenly looks sad and averts his gaze.

"Oh, yeah, I mean, Arthur's a real nice guy. This morning he told me we were complete strangers, but he still helped me and fed me and all that."

"Yes, Arthur's...unbelievably strong," Matthew says, his voice quivering. "I don't understand how he does it."

"Does what?"

"Oh." Matthew looks up at me again, his eyes slightly watery. "Um...taking care of people. He does that a lot, you know."

I frown. "Oh, so like...volunteering?"

"Of a sort."

"He said he was a part time waiter. Is that what you mean?"

"No. Besides that."

"Huh. When does he have time for all this stuff?" I wonder aloud, and Matthew laughs.

"I wonder the same."

I smile at him, as if some ice was broken.

"What do you do again?"


When Arthur comes back, Matthew and I are sitting on the couch chatting. He seems relieved as he puts down the bag on the table.

"A hamburger for you, Alfred, and a chicken sandwich for Matthew."

"Thanks, man!"

"Thank you, Arthur."

Arthur smiles at us as he takes off his jacket.

His jacket seems kinda worn out, actually, and his shirt looks like it's too big for him. I wonder if he's doing well financially.

"Play a film, Alfred," Arthur says, pointing to the TV. "We can watch as we have lunch."

"Oh, sure!" I hobble over to the DVD rack and pick out a sci-fi movie.

"As always," Matthew sighs, and Arthur laughs.


Eventually, as the movie finishes, I lie down on the couch lazily while Matthew and Arthur go into the kitchen. I hear them talking again, so I lower the volume carefully and sneak behind the wall to eavesdrop.

Because you're never too old to eavesdrop.

"How do you do it, Arthur?"

"Just being with him is enough."

"But having to repeat yourself over and over? Arthur...I...I feel so sad just thinking about what you're going through..."

My heart pounds in my chest as I hold my breath. What's wrong with Arthur? Did something happen? Why is he suffering?

"It's hard at times, yes. But I've told you this before and I will tell you this again - he's worth more than my sadness. And it's all my fault anyway."

"Of course it's not your fault, Arthur!"

I've never heard Matthew shout before. I really want to know what they're talking about now.

"It never was your fault! It was an accident, and you know that!"

"No," Arthur cuts him off, his tone harsh. "No, it was my fault. If I hadn't run away from him..."

I'm beginning to wonder who the guy they're talking about is. I feel like it'd be weird to just jump in on the conversation, so I go on listening.

"Arthur...things happen without our control."

"I know. But I..." Arthur's voice begins to waver, and I hear a shuffling sound.

"Arthur...you've done more for him than anyone ever could. But...but I can't bear to see you like this anymore..."

"I'm perfectly fine."

"No, you're not!"

"Matthew...I appreciate it, but..."

"I-I mean...I don't really like this option either, but don't you think it would be best for both of you?"

A pause.

"Well I mean, he wouldn't know either way, but...you could always go see him, you know? Whenever you wanted. Francis was saying the same thing..."

Who is this Francis guy?

"Matthew, I love him."

"I know you do, Arthur. More than any of us combined. I still can't believe you've been doing this for twenty-five years! Every day...every minute..."

"It isn't a big deal."

"Of course it is, Arthur! And I just...I can't see you like this anymore..."

"I-I can't leave him," Arthur says, his voice breaking, and then I realize he's crying, and before I can stop myself I barge in there, a huge frown on my face.

Arthur is crying, and he looks up at me with surprise. Matthew freezes, his eyes wide.

"A-Alfred..."

"Arthur, what's wrong? Who's this guy you're talking about? What's going on?"

"Alfred, did you switch off the TV?" Arthur asks me in an unnervingly calm voice. It sounds very practiced, even though his face says otherwise.

"What the hell does the TV have to do with this?"

"Did you?"

"Uh...yes."

"I can still hear the music playing in the background."

"Okay, fuck the movie. What's happening?"

Arthur looks down again, and I walk towards him, pain in my chest. The ache in my knee feels like nothing now.

"I-It's nothing. Just a small spat we're having."

"Uh-huh. So why are you crying?"

"People cry all the time."

"Oh, Alfred," Matthew says, his voice sorrowful. "Not now. Please. Not now, when he's already like this..."

"Why won't you guys just tell me what's happening?" I demand, frustrated.

But Arthur just shakes his head vigorously, swiping at his tears with his hands.

But it's futile, and they don't stop.

And before I can think I'm in front of him, and I gently wrap my arms around him.

He seems so much smaller in my arms.

It kind of reminds me of when I woke up and saw him lying next to me.

"Hey," I say softly. "Whatever it is, it's gonna be okay. We can work through it."

I feel slightly embarrassed at hugging a guy I only met today, but he leans into me, and I think he cries even more.

Matthew wordlessly leaves the room, leaving us alone in the kitchen.

"A-Alfred," Arthur begins, but he breaks out in another fit of sobs, and it pains me how he tries to stop, how he tries to keep them silent, but it doesn't work. I squeeze him tighter, and I want him to cry, I want him to let out whatever he's been holding in. I know I'm probably not enough for him, but I'm grateful that he trusts me enough to show me his tears.

I want to be by his side and make him happy.

The realization sort of startles me, but I don't have a lot of time to think about it since Arthur is pushing on my chest.

"Nope," I say, as gently as possible. "You're not done yet."

"I am, you twat."

His voice is more like normal now, and my right shoulder feels soaked with tears.

But I squeeze him again, and his arms fall with barely any resistance.

"Idiot."

"Love you too," I joke, and I feel him stiffen, and then relax.

He cries a bit after that, but I know he'd deny it if I asked.


I hear them arguing again in the evening, and I'm surprised that they don't bother to keep their voices down.

"They don't take care of them well there, you know that...especially in this small town..."

"But it's better than...it'll be better for you, right?"

"But it won't be for him. I'm done with this discussion, Matthew."

Silence.

They come into the living room again, settling down on the couch.

We went for a walk in the park in the afternoon, and some random kids playing ran into Arthur, which I thought was pretty funny. Then we came back. And now we're sitting here, watching the news.

Except Arthur's reading a book now, and Matthew doesn't seem too interested in the news anyway.

"So who's Francis?" I ask bluntly, and Matthew looks up at me with a small smile.

"A...um...a friend of mine. He's known us since we were little."

"Oh, so like a childhood friend?"

"Yeah...maybe a little bit later than that. We went to high school with him."

"Oh, cool. What's he like?"

"He's a charming man," Matthew says, musing. "Flirtatious. Kind of annoying sometimes, but he means well."

"Yikes. I already don't like him."

Matthew laughs. "Well, next time he comes over you can -..." Matthew stops, as if remembering something, and he looks down.

...Okay, then.

"I'll invite him over sometime," Arthur says, putting down his book. "Perhaps we can all go on a trip together."

Matthew's eyes widen, and I unconsciously mirror him.

"Wait, really?"

"Yes. After all, if we're there to watch you, I'm sure the doctor wouldn't mind."

"Sweet!"

"Where are we going?" Matthew asks, but I see the concern in his eyes as he stares at Arthur.

"It'll be fine," Arthur smiles softly. "Perhaps a cruise?"

"That sounds awesome!" I chime in.

"Does it?" Arthur repeats offhandedly, smiling to himself. "I don't know why I didn't think of it before, actually."

"Maybe because you're a worrywart?" Matthew offers, and Arthur frowns at him.

"Oh, shut it," he says, and Matthew and I laugh.

The word 'brother' suddenly flashes through my mind, and I feel like for the first time, I feel a connection with him.

And with Arthur, but I knew that since the beginning. I don't need my mind to tell me that.


I was just about to fall asleep on the couch when I hear the door bang open. I jump up with a start, wincing as my knee moves uncomfortably.

"Alfred! Alfred, are you there?"

"Uh...here."

Matthew rushes into the room, his hair a windblown mess and his eyes alight with panic. It's startling, how out-of-character it is. Panic races through me as I stare at him, my body tensing.

"Alfred, Alfred, oh my God..."

"Hey, slow down," I say, standing up slowly, a frown on my face. "What's going on, bro?"

"Oh my God..." Matthew looks like he's about to cry, and I hobble over to him, a hand on his back.

"Hey, what's happening?" I ask as gently as I can, and he begins to sob.

"A-Arthur..."

My heart drops as my eyes widen.

"Arthur?"

"H-He was...oh, Alfred...I should never have agreed..."

"What happened? Matthew, what happened to Arthur?"

"H-He's in emergency care."

My heart almost stops.

"He was hit by a drunk driver, and the doctors say he might not make it."