Summary

Arthur and Alfred set out for their family trip, but they don't go very far because Arthur and Francis sense that something is wrong with Alfred

Shadow Smile

Chapter Ten: What Hurts the Most

Francis had certainly been taken aback by the forward nature of Arthur's request. However, he didn't question it since it was his first time seeing his old friend actually thinking of being adventurous for once in his life.

The next morning came finding Alfred and Mathew leaning on each other for support as both of them had stayed up much too late playing games and laughing. The sun had yet to make an appearance on the horizon and the cold night air was playing timidly with the blanket draped over the two half-awake spawns. Arthur looked at the two of them with a slight disapproval, but couldn't help letting a small smile drape across his face. The two spawns were certainly destined to be the best of friends.

Francis called out to Arthur alerting him that the last of the luggage had been packed. They had decided on visiting a few of the more popular places on Earth. Mainly centering on Europe since the bloody frog wouldn't leave without visiting his beloved France. They planned to go there first and drop their luggage off at Francis' vacation home before setting out. Turning to the two spawns Arthur quickly tapped the two of them on their shoulders and ushered them in the direction of the transport circle Francis was currently waving at them from.

"Is everyone ready? I haven't been this excited since the last time I went!"

Arthur snarled, "That was last month you bloody idiot and might I remind you that we will be going other places as soon as bloody possible."

Francis only tsked in response, " Mind your language mon ami you wouldn't want to turn your poor spawn into some sort of demon." To which Arthur only grumbled and glared in Francis' direction. Whether he was saying that on purpose or not Arthur would rather not be reminded of his worries.

"Alright everyone one last thing before we go," Francis turned to the spawns, "you need to tuck your wings in since this is the human world we will be visiting!"

Francis had much more energy than the two spawns who sleepily rubbed at their eyes and separated as Mathew immediately did what he was told. Turning to Alfred both angels looked at him with expectation. Francis silently urging him on with a smile as Arthur patted him softly on the shoulder.

"Come on lad, just one more thing before you drift off again."

Alfred looked up at the tree faces staring at him still trying to process what they were saying this early in the morning. It was enough that he had made it all the way here from his room on the third floor, but pull in his wings? That was something he was wary of doing. He wanted to please his older brother and tell him that he would do it right away though that wouldn't be the case since he knew his little secret was going to hurt when Arthur found out.

Deep in the recesses of his mind Alfred filed out the memories of his early childhood remembering the moments of pure bliss when he was left alone. He couldn't avoid the conversation now. The people here cared and truly only wanted the best for him. Back then avoiding a conversation was as easy as turning around and hearing them grunt in disgust. His two black wings, large and bold, were a constant reminder that he would never be able to hide them. "Stupid," he thought to himself, "this is exactly what I get for thinking I could make it this far. If only…"

Looking over at Arthur, he knew what he needed to do and pulled in what he could. The one wing that disappeared from view was tucked safely away. The other only grew bigger as new layers of gorgeous glittering black were added to its ranks. Among them being one lone streak of red that tauntingly went the other way dripping up his back and through his hair only to stop when it pooled into one of his eyes threatening to spill over with the tears he thought he had hidden away.

"Arthur, I'm sorry"

The Author Speaks

Wow it has been a while hasn't it? Well I'm certainly not saying that this chapter makes up for it haha it would be longer if so. If you're wondering what I've been up to I've been doing too much lol. As always I am willing to continue this story just leave a review or follow/favorite so I know that this story is appreciated. Expect the next chapter to come out soon

-Duck

Characters So Far

Alfred F. Jones – A mysterious black winged angel and little brother to Arthur who also has ties to Ivan

Arthur Kirkland – A stubborn angel who has adopted Alfred despite the risks

Francis Bonnefoy – A flirty angel who is sympathetic of Arthur's plight

Mathew Williams – Francis's spawn taken from Arthur and good friend to Alfred

Ivan Braginski- Demon with ties to Alfred