Hey everyone! Just a quick notice! After this chapter and the following one I'll hopefully be writing some light-hearted stuff just to lighten the mood up a bit cos up until now the chapters have been quite serious...
ANYWAYS! I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah not mine except the plot and OCs!
As Scotland and England drove closer to the grand mansion they called 'Home', they couldn't help but feel anxiety gnaw away at their insides. Yes they were together. It was a more or less open relationship but they were 'together' all the same so that wasn't a problem. The problem was sitting their family down and actually telling them. Whilst Scotland was more optimistic and believed that they would all understand, England was one cheeseburger shy of a full-blown heart attack. He theorised that North would take the news well and after a while Ireland would accept the new situation easy enough and would probably embrace it. Wales however...that was a different story all together. He was so scared because he was running the risk of losing Wales all together by giving so much of himself to Scotland. He was running the risk of Wales hating him. God only knew what he would do if Wales started to hate him...he just wouldn't be able to function. He dipped his head into his hands as he felt a wave of nausea take over. Scotland glanced at his love briefly as he drove his 4 x 4 onwards. He ran a hand through the younger man's silky corn coloured locks.
"Dornt worry. They will understand. Cari will understand..."
England looked at the flamed-haired man.
"You cannot guarantee that...I could lose him, Alas...and you know what?"
Scotland glanced at England once again after looking at the road. His eyes were alight with worry.
"What, luv?"
England's mouth became a hard, straight line etched into his face and his eyes were solemn.
"The thought that I could lose Cariad scares me more than anything this bloody world can throw at me or has ever thrown at me..."
Scotland grimaced but tried to be optimistic and reassuring.
"We'll just haftae see wornt we?"
With that they drove the last five minutes and parked just outside the garage, bot being bothered to park inside it. When they entered the familiar, cosy home they were greeted by a tired yet annoyed looking Ireland. His delicately handsome face was contorted into a scowl and his eyes simmered with jealousy. Scotland supposed that the family were going to start being difficult early. England seemed to shrink even more under his Irish brother's heavy gaze.
"'Tis really nice ter 'av yer both back...Al' together an' al' dat..."
"Weel wi' that look oan yer face Ah woods think that whit ye jist said is a pack uv lies..."
Ireland narrowed his eyes and his glare became venomous. Scotland pushed England behind him as he recognised the stirrings of a familiar and savage fire begin to ravage his younger brother. His attractive face became tinged with colour as his temper short-circuited. Ireland tried to take a deep, calming breath but it shuddered with the strain and effort. He decided to compromise with himself by spitting out his words caustically but with a restraint that both he and Scotland found infuriating.
"Don't put words into me gob, yer bastard. Don't git me wrong, Oi'm 'appy for de both av yer cos de sexual tension wus gettin' ridiculous."
At that both Scotland and England blushed slightly. The Irishman scoffed and carried on.
"But de minute yer feck up Scottie...I'll 'ave yer. Basically, Oi don't nu 'ow dis foive plus people relationship is gonna work but as lang as yer don't monopolize de fella, don't break 'im or his wee 'eart then we won't 'av a problem..."
Scotland leaned downward ominously so that he was invading Ireland's space in a show of dominance. He hissed his words.
"Weel, if that's th' case then Ah suppose yoo'll never have a problem wi' me then coz if Ah was ye Ah wooldnae worry aboout me dooin' those things..."
Ireland squared up to the taller male and returned his glare with a fearless defiance.
"We'll jist 'av ter see den won't we?"
Scotland snorted at the comment but did not reply. Ireland, satisfied that his eldest brother understood, looked at England who was still behind Scotland and clinging on to his shirt. He smiled sweetly at the blonde.
"Nigh, Art'ur, cum 'ere. Ah've missed yer pure much yer nu?"
Even though England returned the smile awkwardly at first and was rather hesitant, he couldn't help but smile at Ireland genuinely after a short while and make his way over to him. Ireland's smile stretched and became laced with a sinister tinge and his eyes briefly lit up with malice at the sight of Scotland's crestfallen expression when the blonde left his side and England's lack of major resistance to his call. As soon as England got to the older man he was embraced gently but possessively.
"I've missed you too, Patrick..."
Ireland chuckled musically and held England loosely in his arms whilst resting his forehead on England's. His voice became huskier which strangely only seemed to heighten its musical quality.
"Really nigh? Oi find dat 'ard ter believe since yer must 'av been...busy ter say de least..."
Ireland smirked when the Englishman's face reddened with embarrassment. He tilted England's chin upwards and kissed him sweetly. He could feel England's face heat up dramatically but the younger man made no move to push Ireland away besides a small keening sound. Ireland opened his eyes briefly to see Scotland fuming but doing his absolute best to restrain the envy and anger that Ireland knew was just dying to rip him apart and reclaim England. He thought it best not to fan the flames of his brother's fury however; especially since they hadn't even seen Wales yet. He pressed the his lips to England's firmly once more, licking and nipping at the younger man's bottom lip briefly, before letting him go with a pleased smirk. Ireland whispered the first two parts of his next sentence in England's ear but then moved away from the smaller man to speak aloud so that Scotland could hear too.
"Still as sweet as ever, Art'ur...God, Oi could take yer now Oi could...Cariad's in de livin' room an' North's visitin' 'is Aunty Mann for a day or two 'til dis whole tin' blows over slightly..."
England gulped and, despite his trembling form and flaming face, moved quickly to hold Scotland hand to calm his nerves. Though the older man was still a tad put out by Ireland blatantly taunting him, he held on to England's hand firmly in a show of support as they entered the living room. England called out to his twin
"Cari...Brawd...ydych chi yno?" (Are you there?)
England and Scotland found Wales casually sitting on the sofa looking just as dangerous as a natural disaster waiting for the trigger needed to destroy everything in his way. As soon as he saw his twin, his demeanour brightened instantly especially since he spoke in Welsh.
"Ah! Arthur! Rydw i mor falch eich bod yn ôl...huh?...Scottie hefyd?" (I'm so glad you're back...huh?...Scottie also?)
Any happiness or confusion evaporated as soon as he saw England and Scotland's intertwined hands and their anxious expressions. England's breath hitched when he saw Wales' expression for he looked just as distraught as when he first saw England and his army first march into his lands to invade and conquer him. He hung his head lowly and his tone was bitter. It cut England like a lemon-soaked knife
"So, it's true then...you and him and the rest of us...everything..."
England let go of Scotland's hand and tried to reach out to him but the dark-haired man batted the offending limb away. When he looked back up his eyes were watering and his pretty face was contorted into a vicious sneer.
"Don't touch me!"
England flinched back with hurt.
"Cari, we came back to tell you...we had to tell you about this..."
"Ye have a reit tae knoow..."
Wales seemed to anger even more. It was tearing both Scotland and England apart because he was just such a mellow nation. He chuckled humourlessly.
"Just look at how you pity me! Do you not care about how I feel at all, England?"
England's eyes widened as did Scotland's. Wales never called family by nation names unless it was absolutely necessary or he was at breaking point with rage. Ireland merely watched and waited at the door way.
"What use would fucking pity be now Cariad! And you know how much I bloody care!"
Wales shouted out with vitriol as he moved forward to grab England by the shirt. Scotland moved to separate them but was stopped by Wales.
"You don't care enough! Don't you dare get involved you fucking arsehole or I swear to God I'll make you'll regret the day that you came into fucking existence! And you..."
Wales returned his toxic gaze to England.
"Would you like to know why I think you don't care?"
When he was met with a stiff upper lip he blazed on regardless.
"Of course you fucking would! I was the first nation you ever married and yes I fought back but I surrendered everything to you didn't I? Didn't I, England!"
England held the man's gaze.
"Everything...I gave you everything! I almost lost my entire language for you, I lost my people in wars for you, I let you have me time and time again didn't I? And for what?"
England looked at his twin guiltily but still remained silent. Tears began to stream down Wales' face.
"I love you so, so much but still you push me aside. All I want...all I've ever wanted was for you to just look at me...don't you think I deserve to be a bit selfish once in a while too?"
Scotland's fists balled up in frustration at the same time Wales tightened his grip on England's shirt.
"I deserve it too, England. You always take me for granted and I don't know how long I can cope with that any more."
England raised his hands to cup Wales' face, a sad smile on his face. Wales blushed and instinctively tried to nuzzle closer to the familiar feel of his love's hand's on his heated skin.
"You're right, love. You're right about everything you've just said. But please, Cari, don't shut me out now..."
Wales seemed to stare at England for what seemed to be an infinite amount of time but then he began to shake his head. He looked back at England with cold eyes.
"You know what? I can't stand to see your fucking face right now..."
With that Wales shoved England to the floor and strode purposefully out the room to get to his own room. After a couple of minutes, the three remaining brothers could hear Wales slam his door furiously.
Scotland moved to help England up but the younger man had already gotten up.
"I have to go to him...I have to clear this up...both of you just stay here..."
Scotland looked at the younger man with desperation but decided it would be best to leave him to it. England looked to Ireland, his eyes pleading. Ireland heaved a sigh but then smiled at the younger man.
"Oi suppose Oi'll 'av a wee blather wi' Scottie aboyt 'ow dis is al' gonna work whilst yer blather wi' Cari..."
England nodded and began to make his way to Wales' room. He guessed that his twin would have locked the door but decided to try the door knob anyway. He tisked in exasperation when he found it was indeed locked.
"Cariad! Open the door!"
When England received no answer he began to knock on the door.
"Please Cari...please..."
After ten minutes of being ignored he decided to resort to more underhand tactics. He took out a bobby pin that he usually kept in his pocket and began to pick the lock. As a gentleman, he would usually never condone such behaviour but desperate times were calling for desperate measures and old habits came in handy often. He managed to get the lock open but when he got inside he found that his twin was nowhere to be found. Panic surged within him and his breathing became shallower. When he saw that the large window at the other end of the room that lead to the balcony was wide open he bolted to it, a thousand terrible thoughts running through his mind. He looked around wildly.
"CARI? CARI!"
The only thing he could hear however was the sound of his own harsh breathing. Wales wasn't on the balcony and England couldn't see him down below. As he racked his brain trying to figure out where on Earth his twin was, he heard a soft sniffling sound above him. It hit him then; his twin was on the roof.
"Fuck..."
He looked around for a ladder since every room on the second and third floors had one in case they needed to get on to the roof but he couldn't find one. When he looked up, he saw that his dark-haired twin had pulled his ladder onto the roof with him so that no one would be able to follow him. He gritted his teeth as he remembered that he wouldn't be able to get to the roof without a ladder because North had lost the key to the stairs that led to it. He then figured out that there wasn't a great distance between the balcony and the roof. He grabbed at the aged rocks and began to scale the wall. He thanked every God he could think of that nations were blessed with strength and coordination that surpassed that of humans but it was still a very hard task. He could feel himself slipping at times as he desperately held on for dear life. When he reached the top, he hoisted himself up with a final burst of energy and was panting lightly as rested for a minute on bended knee.
He looked up an saw his twin looking out into the sun set. The man had his knees brought up to his chest and his arms, though they rested on his legs, were tense. His head was resting on his arms and fat tears were rolling in seemingly endless torrents down his face. His sobbing and sniffling pulled on England's heart strings.
"I should've known you wouldn't leave me alone..."
Wales had turned the full force of his broken gaze on England, he normally bright emerald eyes dull and sad. Wisps of his hair that were too short to remain tied in his blue ribbon fluttered gently in the wind. England stood and made his way over to his twin carefully.
"Of course I couldn't...I would never leave you alone like that..."
Wales let out a broken sob and turned his face away whilst curling into himself more as if trying to defend himself and his heart from England.
"I don't see why...just leave me be..."
England sat down next to his twin and reached a tentative hand out to rub his shaking back. He sighed quietly in relief when he wasn't shoved away.
"Do you really think that little of me?"
Wales snapped his head around in frustration.
"I'm beginning to, Brawd!...I'm beginning to think that you'll see me as nothing more than a love-sick fool that you can overlook no matter what I do and that hurts me, Brawd, especially since that's the last thing I want or expect from you."
England raised his hands to cup his brother's face.
"Well don't think that! Don't you dare think that because it's not true and it never bloody will be..."
Wales' eyes began to flutter close but he shook his head slightly to signal his disbelief.
"It's because I've never been as special to you as Scottie, Paddy, Seamus, or that American boy even though I was married to you before any of them were joined to you, isn't it? It's because I'm your twin isn't it? Those must be the reasons why you never seem to take my feelings for you into account because I've done nothing but give you my heart...a heart thunders for you so harshly I can barely breathe when I'm around you..."
England wrapped his arms around his twin as the Welshman began to tremble violently with emotion.
"Cariad, listen to me! You are just as special to me as they are! None of this changes how I feel about you! I still love you even after all this time you stubborn twit!"
England despaired when he felt more tears seemed to flow down his twin's face. The sensitive man began to weep as he threw his arms around England. The blonde felt his heart crack when his twin let out the most sorrowful, grief-stricken cry he had ever heard directed at him in recent history. A cry that made him cuddle his twin to him as if he was going break in his arms.
"I never asked for this, Brawd!...God, I never asked for this!"
Wales was completely torn between belief and disbelief yet he held on to England for dear life anyway. His head was telling him to run away from the man in front of him because he was dragging him through thorns, but his heart was beating thunderously for that same man. His heart was telling him that though England may be dragging him through thorns, it couldn't help but find pure white and blood red roses on the way. England's hold on his twin tightened as words seemed to spill from his mouth.
"Tell me...Tell me what I can do to convince you that I love you...Tell me how, Cariad..."
Wales moved from the embrace to look into England's eyes and he saw turmoil. He saw despair and longing and he found that his wretched, traitorous heart couldn't sustain his previous levels of anger any more.
"Cariad, you said you wanted to be selfish and now is your chance. Tell me what I can do to convince you that I love you..."
Wales snapped out of his reverie and handed his rational thinking, his senses and his ability to function over to complete instinct.
"You...you are a Devil..."
He moved forward and smashed his lips against his twin's, pressing on demandingly and stubbornly. England's eyes widened with shock but then they closed sluggishly as he responded fervently. Wales moaned deeply as he brought smalls hand towards England's shirt to undo the buttons. At this England disconnected the kiss, realising his his twin's wish.
"Is this what you really want?"
Wales gazed at his brother lustfully as he nodded, his eyes glazed over as he tried to wipe the tears from his eyes.
"Convince me? If you want to convince me, Brawd-"
Wales pushed England backwards and settled atop him. He bent his head downwards to nip at England's ear and his hips began to grind downwards sluggishly.
"If you want to...convince me that you 'love' me so much, then make love with me...just like you do with...Scottie or even Paddy...Take me without using me...see me and give me the love that I deserve...the love that I crave from you more than the air I breathe now..."
England raised himself and pushed Wales backwards so that he could lie between his spread legs. He looked at Wales seriously.
"I'll show you how much I cherish you but I won't make love to you...not like I do with Alas or Patrick."
He could see Wales' become slightly more distressed but before the other man could sob out he pressed a finger against his lips to shush him.
"I can't do that Cari because you're a completely different person and you deserve more respect. I'll still make love to you but in our own way...I'll love you the way you want me to, not how you think I want to..."
The Welshman began to cry harder at England's words and he believed him. He sincerely believed him as he reached his arms up to drag England back down for a kiss. What they were doing was so wrong on so many levels but as he wrapped his arms and legs around England and as he raised his hands to grab at England's hair in ecstasy, he didn't care in the slightest. He typically disliked selfishness as a quality but after being starved he was taking everything he could with a passionate fervour. He wined in displeasure when England raised himself to break the kiss, smiling softly down at him.
"I love you and I am going to treat you right. That means I'm not willing to take you on a roof..."
Wales chuckled at England's suggestion but found it endearing. Though they were both fully aroused, they both went back to Wales' room by putting the ladder back so that they could climb down the easier way. Clothes were shed eagerly as Wales wanted to feel England's skin against his own. He wanted to feel that heartbeat unite with his in one ear-splitting pulse. They collapsed on the bed and Wales felt his desire to be taken increase. He wanted to be filled to the brim both physically and emotionally. He wanted England to show him how much he cared and he wanted to be lavished with attention.
And it was attention he was thoroughly lavished with. England's lips and gentle hands roamed freely over every inch of skin he could possibly get to and by the end of his ministrations Wales was a panting, sweating mess of a man; and he loved it. His hands would run themselves through damp corn-coloured locks as he held England to his chest. His spirit felt alive and loved. When England pushed him down onto the bed, as he had tried to get on top of the blonde, and serviced him, he felt himself turning into seven different shades of red but to England they only served to make Wales all the more radiant.
England looked down at the beautiful man who was panting and writhing under him and blushed, wondering if he looked just like him when he was being made love to by Scotland. He realised then why the man looked so much in awe of him for Wales looked more stunning than ever. He remembered his mother explaining to him that when one is loved so completely and so purely then their soul can't help but shine through; allowing their inner beauty to reach its maximum potency.
England suddenly felt a pang in his chest as he remembered two particular opinions that he had held for centuries and continued to hold into the present day. That Wales was just too pretty for his own good and that the Welshman was much to good for him. However his twin's facial expression made England believe that he was good enough for him. That he must be good enough if someone as wonderful as Wales loved someone like him so much. He loved his twin so much it should have been impossible but the simple fact that Wales finally believed that he did made his heart soar.
When he became physically one with Wales, the cry of pleasure that erupted from the dark-haired man's throat was just as melodic as his singing if not more so. England felt a crushing desire to make the man sing like that into the night and even into the day. He wanted to hold his twin in his arms until the man was completely satisfied. He groaned as the Welshman's nails began to drag down his back in an effort to cling on. Wales' hair, that was tied up with a blue ribbon before-hand, had come completely loose and it was flowing all around his head and shoulders, creating a shadowy frame that was a stark contrast to the white pillows and his flushed face. To England, Wales was probably one of the most innocent looking nations but with his constant grinding, flushed face, glazed eyes and his dark hair England could swear that this innocence was tinged with sin.
"Brawd...mwy...os gwelwch yn dda..." (Brother...More...Please...)
England could feel sweat dripping down his body with every thrust and the room became hot and steamy.
"Unrhyw beth i chi, fy nghariad...fy Cariad..." (Anything for you, my love...my Cariad...)
Wales wrapped his long, lithe legs around England in an effort to bring him closer than physically possible. He couldn't have been happier because, for a while, he felt like the most precious treasure in the world and England was making good on his promise to him. He knew that he was important but it was do lovely to be shown this love in its purest form.
"Dy garu di...mwy na bywyd ei hun..." (Love you...more than life itself...)
England smiled tenderly at the man he was making love to.
"Ac yr wyf yn dy garu di..." (And I love you...)
They remained like that through the night as England found time and time again that his twin's appetite was just as insatiable as his. Brief feelings of guilt would grip him when he remembered that Ireland and Scotland were still downstairs doing God-knows what, but they were set aside for the marvellous Welsh personification who he was lucky enough to have as a brother, friend and lover. When they had finished due to exhaustion, Wales sighed in bliss.
"Arthur?..."
England, who was laying down with Wales curled into his chest with his hand at his heart tracing words and little shapes, looked down at the Welshman.
"Yes, Love?"
Wales blushed prettily and he smiled shyly. He entwined their legs more, desperate to get rid of any distance between himself and England.
"Thank you..."
England couldn't help but blush right along with him. Really, the whole world considered him as stubborn as an old mule but in situations such as this he was completely defenceless.
"F-for what, Cari? I was the one who made you so upset in the first place. I never learn do I? I treated you badly these past few months..."
Wales raised his head,
"Yes you made me upset, but it's alright now...you allowed me to be selfish and I think that's the loveliest thing anyone has ever done for me...and it's all the more lovelier because it's you..."
England smiled nostalgically.
"You never fail to remind me just why I called you 'Cariad' when you asked for a human name...you're such an endearing creature...you're such a sweet, loving man..."
Wales hid his face in embarrassment.
"Jesus...Just stop it!"
England chuckled and raised Wales' head so that he could look at him.
"Aw, don't hide your pretty face, love. I don't say these things to you as often as I should because you deserve to be told how amazing you are every day. Believe it or not you have me wrapped around your little finger.-"
To emphasise the point, England picked up Wales' hand to kiss his fingers, giving a sly lick to the little finger. By this point Wales' face, ears and neck were engulfed in a rosy hue.
"I'm completely enamoured with you, you stunning, kind hearted, gentle creature and you fail to see it. For over two thousand years, despite things that have happened that none of us can change, you have been the one constant in my life. You have seen what's inside my head and heart and you still love me despite my numerous flaws. God only knows what would have become of me if I didn't have you..."
Wales leaned up to kiss England delicately and chastely.
"I could never hate you. I have told you that before haven't I? No matter what happens I will never leave you because after everything I still love you so, so much."
The blonde tightened his hold on the similar sized man in his arms. He felt calm and at peace though he knew he would have to have a talk with Ireland, North and possibly Mann for he knew how much his sister cared about all of them. He replied with sheer earnestness.
"Thank you Cari, thank you so much my love..."
Wales smiled and returned to his original position nuzzling England's chest. The both fell asleep within minutes of each other as the sun began to rise on the horizon. When they had woken up, gotten washed and dressed, Wales and Ireland decided it would be best to go pick up North from the train station that was only around an hour away whilst England had a talk with Scotland who looked like he hadn't slept at all. Ireland only went on the condition that he and England would have a much needed talk before he went back to Ireland since he was only visiting. England saw both men off and then went to find Scotland. When he did find him, it was in their back garden under the shade of the large oak tree by their pond. The summer breeze ruffled his hair and clothes and there was a pleasant heat. The older man was surrounded by an array of flowers and England couldn't help but smile at the image as he approached his love.
"Alas..."
Scotland's head snapped up but when he saw England he bowed his head low and any words seemed to die in his throat. England crouched down in front of the Scotsman. Worry marred his handsome features.
"Alas, are you angry with me?"
Scotland shook his head and sighed.
"Nae m'dear. Ah'm not mad at ye but Ah suppose...Ah dunnoo...Ah suppose Ah wasnae expectin' what happened last night. Dornt get me wrong, Ah'm sae happy that ye managed tae sort things oout wi' Cari but...Ah guess Ah still haftae git use tae all this sharin' business..."
England gazed at Scotland sadly. He leant forward to rest his forehead on the other man's forehead. Scotland raise his face so that he was nose to nose with the the younger man.
"I'm sorry, my love."
Scotland sighed once more.
"Thirs noo need tae be sorry, lad. We both knew that this woods be hard fer th' both uv us but we'll be fine..."
He reached over to kiss England and was secretly relieved to find that he didn't taste of anyone one else. He tasted just like Earl Grey tea. England moved to straddle the man so that he could hug him better.
"Thank you for being so understanding..."
Scotland chuckled.
"It's nae problem, loove. It's all aboout givin' an' takin'. Noow stop lookin' like yer hamster's died an' let's go feed th' fish!"
England dead-panned but was relieved that the heavy topic was exchanged for a more light-hearted one.
"Firstly, I do not own a bleeding hamster and secondly, only you would be so excited about something like that..."
"Weel firstly, hamsters shooldnae be bleedin' aw th' time an' secondly, uv coorse Ah am, fish are great!"
"Oh very funny Alas! And that's because they provide your country with about a quarter of its income..."
Scotland smirked as he whispered in England's ear.
"Noow dornt git jealoos that ye lost aw them cod wars wi' wee Icelain!"
England blushed with shame but still laughed, happy that Scotland seemed to cheer up.
"I swear I told you not to bloody mention those damn wars ever again!"
Scotland pushed England over, got up, picked the younger man up in a fireman's hold and begun to spin him around. They were both laughing at how they always seemed to end up teasing each other. Scotland stopped and England had to wrap his legs around him in order to support himself. The red-head smiled tenderly.
"Ye pure are somethin' ye ken that?"
England cupped the man's face in his hands, heart beating loudly and the sun seemed to be out-shined by the man holding him.
"You have to be both the strongest and the stupidest man I have ever known. Now, let's go feed the fish."
When North, Ireland and Wales returned home, they found the house to be alight with a joy that wasn't present the previous day. When Wales saw England, he ran up to him to embrace him as tightly as he could. England returned the sentiment with delight. When Wales kissed England chastely, though they felt a pang in their chests, Scotland and Ireland couldn't seem to find it in their hearts to feel any further jealousy or negativity. North was simply happy to find his family looking much happier than they had been for almost three weeks. He thanked God that the issue that threatened to rip his family apart once more was more or less averted. Even the fish seemed to swim more energetically and England couldn't help but feel that if his family kept on getting past all the obstacles thrown at them, then they could get past absolutely anything.
Hope you all enjoyed that!
Constructive criticisms and reviews are all welcome! If anyone is unsure about anything mentioned in this chapter then please ask! :D
