(*Hetalia does not belong to me)
(*Christopher's POV)
"Bonjour-"
I slam the door in the strangers face. I stood there standing and staring at the now closed door in shock. I recognized the stranger. And if I'm right and I'm most likely am then...
"Father?" I heard Matthew ask.
"Everything's going to shit." I mumble to myself as I felt my heart beat in my chest. Francis is here.
(*A while later)
It was finally later in the day and I watched Matthew and Alfred associate with Francis outside as they walk the horses around the corral.
Francis and I had yet to have a serious conversation on what exactly happened with Madeline. And if I'm honest I'm not sure if I want to. But I suppose it's best to know the truth in whole. After being told that the stranger with the French accent was his uncle Matthew seemed to look happier than I've seen him in a while.
He's been spending more time with Francis than he has with me during the day. I admit it hurts to watch. To see Matthew happy and chattering as though he was never shy. And even Alfred took a liking to the Frenchmen.
And here I was sulking as I watched them from inside and crinkled the paper of the book I was supposed to be reading.
"Is everything alright?" Arthur asked. He startled me having forgotten he to was inside and diagonally sat across from me.
"Ah...yes fine why?" I answer a bit too quickly.
"You seem tense." Arthur explained.
"Ah yes...Francis...his presence is unnerving for me." I speak confiding in Arthur. I'm not proud of it but Arthur and I are on a similar page when it came to secrets.
"Oh, I see...about their mother?" Arthur hesitantly asked. I forgot he still thinks Alfred is my son as well.
"No...Matthews mother." I elaborated figuring it be useless to lie to him considering Francis could easily spill the beans.
"Oh? Oh!...and is it a bad thing?"
"What?" I question back.
"That Matthews mothers brother is here?"
"No and yes I suppose...it's...complicated. I haven't seen her for little over sixteen years."
"My...do you miss her?" He asked closing his own book.
"...I can't say that I miss her considering we never had the time to come together. It was...more on the fact I wished she was around for Matthew." I answer with a deep breath.
"Of course of course."
"Arthur love look what I have for you!" I heard Victoria call as she quickly made her way into the dining room where we were seated.
"Huh?" Arthur answered. She came up to him and extended a neatly wrapped gift. Was that what she was doing? I knew it was oddly quiet in here.
"Oh...is this for me?" Arthur replied slowly taking the gift.
"Yes! Congratulations for turning twenty-one!" She exclaimed with a smile.
"Yes, congratulations for surviving one more year without managing to die." I add sarcastically. Must girls make so much extravagance over these things?
"Oh hush Christopher." She snapped at me.
"It's Mr. Jones to you child." I remind sternly. She didn't say anything as she then focused her attention back on Arthur.
"Ah well...thank you, Victoria, I'll open it later." Arthur stepped in before the conversation could escalate.
"Oh no Arthur dear open it now. I want to see your reaction." She said pulled the seat across from him and sat down.
"Well alright." Arthur relented. He then began unwrapping the gift and taking away the protective stuffing protecting whatever it was.
He then got to the center of gift revealing a beautifully crafted teacup and matching plate to go with it.
"Oh wow this is lovely. Thank you very much, Ms. Tudor." Arthur spoke as he looked over the floral paintings decorating the cup. She seemed not quite satisfied with his lack of enthusiasm.
"Yes of course! Anything for you Arthur. I-it's hand painted made of the finest China." She said in hopes of raising his impression of her gift.
"I can tell it's very nice. Thank you." He said as he laid the cup onto the matching plate gently.
"It kind of reminds me of my grandmother's favorite tea cup." I add pointing out what I could tell Arthur was thinking. The cup was very feminine. It looked like something you'd get a sixteen-year-old girl.
"Well, your grandmother had fine tastes!" Victoria turned to me and responded.
"Of course she did. She loved flowers in general. Naturally, it was her favorite pattern." I agree with a small smirk gesturing to the cup. I could see her lip stiffen in offence.
"There is nothing wrong with floral print!" She insisted upset.
"I never said there was." I defended trying not to grin.
"Well, you were insinuating it!"
"Now now no need to get upset." Arthur once again tried to calm things.
"You like it don't you Arthur?" She suddenly asked hurriedly.
"I already said so-"
"And that was very polite of you Arthur." I added with a knowing look.
"Why you-! Why can you just be kind you senile old man?!" She stood and shouted at me as I distantly heard the front door open.
"What's going on here?" I heard Alfred ask as he rushed inside taking off his shoes ready to rumble.
"This has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it!" She shouted putting a hand up to Alfred.
"Well, I come inside only to hear you calling my un-"
"Alright alright, you two let's not start arguing again." I cut in quickly.
"What happened?" Matthew chimed in.
"What happened? I just gave Arthur a gift but this rude old man decided it would be best to humiliate me!" She announced not backing down.
"I said nothing of the sort. You are-" I tried to defend myself growing irritated. I could see a confused Francis watch us intently.
"Do not even try to pin this on me! You know what you did! You may look old but you're hardly a grown up!" she accused back pointing a finger at me. I then stand up not one to be put in my place by this hot headed girl.
"Hey! You best set yourself down missy." Alfred then stepped in for me.
"This isn't about you Alfred-"
"Ya know what? I don't care! All ya done here since Mrs. Kirkland left was argue! You've disturbed the peace in this house more times than a cow farts in a day! You've been struttin' round here like like the sun comes up just hear you crow! So I think it best yourself down before I decide to go against society and tan your hide!" Alfred finished impressively.
No one said anything for a moment taking in what was just said.
"Alfred that wasn't-" Arthur then stood up a spoke.
"Was that a threat?!" She neared him and got in his face.
"Yeah, it was! Need ta clean yer ears?" Alfred snapped back. She then grabbed his dirty worn vest and brought him down to her level.
"Hey-" I tried to intervene.
"I will not tolerate your disrespect little boy. Know your place! I am older than you-"
"So is Christopher! And yet you talk to him like he was me! Well, he ain't! And if you had good parents they would've already wiped ya by now!" Alfred shouted back not intimidated.
She fumed and her eyes widened as she then shoved Alfred back knocking him off balance.
"Alfred!" Arthur called worriedly. I try and grab him but just managed to grasp his vest to helping much. He caught his footing not completely falling over. Matthew then rushed over to help him up.
"Victoria! That was very uncalled for! Are you all right Alfred?" Arthur spoke nearing Alfred as well.
"I'm not sorry. He insulted my parents. I won't have that sort of talk." Victoria spoke much calmer but still frowning. The hypocrisy this girl spouts is mind boggling.
"You've got a lot a lot of nerve girly. Too much if you ask me." Alfred said already back on his feet.
"I could easily say the same for you!" She argued back.
"That's ENOUGH!" I shout tired of this also having gotten violent again. Everyone looked at me.
"Victoria you are to leave! Alfred go to your room." I ordered.
"What?!" Victoria exclaimed.
"You heard what I said! You are to be on passage back to London by two days time!"
"You can't! It hasn't been a month! Please!" She begged.
"Actually I can. And I don't care anymore. You've used up your welcome here! Now go to your room and start packing!" I said pointing to the hallway.
"You can't do this! I won't go! I-"
"I can and I will! Now for the last goddamn time Victoria go!" I said raising my voice. She began crying and stubbornly didn't move. I was extremely angered further by the girl's disobedience and had had enough.
I then go up to her and grab her by her arm.
"Hey! Unhand me!" She protested trying to get away from me. I then drag her through the hallway and open her temporary room and shoved her inside.
"Now pack!" I shout before closing the door in her face and turning to leave.
Making my way back to the others their eyes were set on me. It's tough to be the oldest but someone has to make the hard decisions.
"Alfred go to your room-"
"Boss I didn't mean any trouble-" he tried to apologize.
"I know but you acted brashly as well. Now go." I say calmer but still stern. He looked at me and then looked down defeated. He then silently made his way to his room.
I gave a long sigh and plopped myself back on my chair. Matthew and Arthur follow Alfred down the hallway. Once they left Francis took a hesitant seat catty-corner to me.
"It seems you've your hands full." Francis said light-heartedly with a sheepish smile.
"You don't know the half of it." I say pinching the corners of my eyes.
"I believe you...it must be hard."
"I suppose...when Matthew and Alfred were younger it was...but they got older and were more independent. Then Arthur and Victoria came by...things have been more complicated since."
"Raising two kids is difficult but a house with four young adults seems like a challenge." Francis sympathized.
"Three young adults now." I say reminded at what just happened.
"Ah yes, three...are you sure it's fine to kick her out? Isn't it a bit cruel?"
"Not really no. She is only here cause she's infatuated with Arthur." I explain.
"Ah I thought I sensed that...so if they are in love then why separate them?" He asked.
"It's one-sided." I defend.
"Are you sure?" Francis questioned.
"Pretty sure yes."
"Then you aren't certain?"
"Alright fine I'll ask the boy will that quell you?" I propose irritated.
"...I suppose...I don't mean to be a bother-"
"We'll forgive my snappiness but I am tired of troublesome guests."
"Aha...well I promise my stay won't be long. I should leave soon anyways. My sister will want the news as soon as possible."
"..." I say nothing and a beautiful face enters my memory.
"You still are in agreement with it correct?" Francis asked unsure how to take Christopher's silence.
"Yes...what am I suppose to say? No? It's the boy's mother for gods sakes. I couldn't deny either of them this out of spite." I say with another deep sigh.
"That's thoughtful of you. My sister will take that to heart. After her husband's death...nothing is holding her back from seeing Matthew. She is...just afraid."
"Afraid of her ghosts?" I question back.
"Non...of rejection..." He explained. Afraid of rejection?
"Well...no need now...Matthew may be hurt but he's much too kind for his own good."
"Yes...he's a very kind and mannered young man. He reminds me of my sister very much." He said with a soft smile.
"But...what of you?" He continued.
"Me?"
"Will you hold a grudge?" He elaborated.
"...I can only regret that Matthew didn't have a mother. I tried...I try to hold a grudge...but grudges become much too heavy after so long. I came to a conclusion...it was her loss...she didn't and won't ever experience Matthew for that long while...At the same time, I fear when I see her she'll be like a stranger. Nothing connecting us but Matthew."
"...you...feel for her?" He responds slowly.
"No...how could I? I am not like Victoria...in love with the thought of loving someone. I'm old and sensible. I know it's not love." I clarify.
"Sensible enough to admit there is some care for her? From the way you speak of her...like a dream...gentle but hurt..." Francis tried.
"You are still on the inexperienced side Francis. Aren't you only twenty-four? You've much to learn. Of course, I care for her...I laid with her...she had my son. A gift I could never thank enough for." I spoke honestly.
"Then perhaps...is it because of Alfred?" Francis said carefully.
"Alfred?" I ask back.
"More specifically the boy's mother." He explained further. I forgot he probably thinks Alfred is also mine.
"His mother is dead." I say bluntly answer in hopes of trying to stop his questions.
"O-oh...pardon I didn't mean any disrespect."
"It's fine. Just remember you aren't always owed any explanation."
"Of course...and...I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you but...it happened years ago no need. Not for me at least."
(*Meanwhile)
(*Victoria's POV)
Those evil men! Those insensitive bastards! Who does he think he is? Kicking me out?! I'll be sure Alice will hear of this and she'll set Christopher straight!
I angrily grabbed my suitcase and began throwing all my clothes inside messily. But leaving means...leaving Arthur. I stop my actions to wipe my face. He's my only hope.
If I confess to him then...then he could convince Christopher and we couldn't properly court. And once he has enough money saved up we will move from this god forbidden place. We'll have a cozy place to our own and in time we'll have children and everything will be perfect.
I clench my teeth and grip my handkerchief. But that's only possible is I convey my feelings to him. It's definitely not aligned with society for me to do so but in this situation, I feel a push is needed.
I put a determined face and began thinking how I would go about telling him. Should I tell him tomorrow? No Christopher will probably have me at the harbor at the first signs of dawn.
Tonight then? I don't think I have any another choice.
(*A bit later)
(*Author's POV)
Alfred and Arthur were in their shared room when a light knock was heard on their door. They both looked at each other stopping their conversation wondering who it could be. Alfred then stood and went to open the door.
There stood a pink eyed Victoria behind the door.
"Yes?" Alfred answered not having much patience in his tank for her anymore.
"I wish to speak to Arthur." She answered not looking him in the eye.
"Arthur she wants to speak to you." Alfred turned and informed Arthur. Arthur stood and went over to the two younger.
"Ms. Tudor?" Arthur questioned as Alfred stood to the side allowing Arthur to take his spot at the doors entrance.
"Please don't call me that Arthur. I know you might be upset but...might we talk?" She pleaded with him
"I doubt Christopher wants you to be out of your room." Arthur replied.
"I know but I just must talk with you."
"We are talking now. Now say what you want to and hurry back."
"I don't care if I get in trouble because it is important I talk with you in private." She whispered.
"I don't think that would be appropriate given the circumstances." Arthur rejected her proposal.
"Oh Arthur please it...it means so much to me. I want what I say to be only for your ears." She said sneaking a glare at Alfred.
"Whatever you must say it will be here Ms. Tudor." Arthur insisted.
"Why are you acting so cold to me?" She whined.
"Because I am not pleased with you." He admitted simply.
"...I wish you weren't. No one here is on my side. You're the only one Arthur. Please don't push me away." She spoke as her eyes began watering.
"I never understood it. You stay here with a house full of strangers...such a distance from your family and friends all for what?" Arthur questioned frowning.
"That is what I am trying to tell you. So please won't you listen?"
"I am listening."
"Oh, you're much to mean to me, Arthur." She said with a small hiccup. They stood there for a moment as she tried to fight back tears.
"I...I love you." She whispered but was audible to Arthur.
"..."
"I love you, Arthur Kirkland." She raised her voice and spoke clearer. She looked in his eyes and went to hold his hand.
"Ms. Tudor..." Arthur tried to form the right words but Victoria then picked up his hand and pressed it to her cheek.
"I love y-you so much." She kept on with her confession. She began panicking as his hand did not move against her face.
"P-please don't deny me. I will do anything." She became scared as he said nothing. Arthur slowly pulled his hand away from her teary face.
"Please." She didn't let go of his hand.
"Ms. Tudor...I am flattered by your show of affection but it makes me grieve for you that I must be truthful. I am sorry but I do not carry the same feelings for you." Arthur spoke eloquently taking his hand from her grasps.
"Don't do this." She pleaded as her face crumpled into misery.
"If I said otherwise I'd be lying. It would only be worse." Arthur tried to console her.
"But I love you. Doesn't that mean anything?"
"Yes it does...it means that you will have to get over me. Find someone as devoted to you as you are to me."
"I will never love again if not you." She persisted.
"That's not true. Think of my mother. She once loved my true father but after his passing, she found George and fell in love again. So please understand." He reasoned.
"B-but-"
"No Victoria...go home Victoria...Please for your own wellbeing. It's been said before. A houseful of men is no place for a lady." Arthur was stern but gentle. She stared him straight in the eye looking for some sort of wavering but found nothing but cold green eyes.
She then began shaking and covered her mouth and turned and dash to her temporary room. She slammed the door behind her in turn Arthur slowly closed his.
"Everything okay?" Alfred asked.
"Never been better...never been better." Arthur said shaking his head with a bitter laugh and plopping down onto the bed.
"Is that sarcasm I hear?" Alfred asked sitting next to him rubbing shoulders.
"I'm afraid so. Making girls cry isn't something I take joy in."
"Well, of course, ya don't...if anything, you mister take joy in making me cry." Alfred said nudging Arthur a tad hoping to cheer him up. Arthur chuckled a bit at this.
"Do I still have to apologize to her?" Alfred spoke up.
"You know what? If I'm honest I don't particularly care at this point." Arthur admitted falling back onto the bed with a sigh. Alfred did the same turning his head to look at Arthur.
"Well cheer up! You did the right thing. And I promise ya sounded mature the entire time." Alfred complimented.
"Is that so?" He responded tiredly.
"Mhm. You rejected her in the slickest way I've ever seen." Alfred exaggerated.
"You're an idiot." Arthur said pushing Alfred.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Alfred said with a smile happy they were on better terms now. He then rolled partially on top of Arthur who grunted in surprise.
"Alfred get off! You're heavy!" Arthur said as he rolled Alfred on his side off him.
"Hahaha." Alfred laughed as he rolled back but landed face to face with him. Their stomachs and legs pressed together as Alfred bent his elbows against Arthur's head.
Their faces so close they could feel each other's breath. Arthur looked straight into Alfred's eyes as the devil seemed to blow on the figurative flame. It flickered and swayed at the closeness.
Alfred felt and enjoyed the human touch. Up till now, he'd really hadn't acknowledged the sprout of a bud that grew in him. These eyes...these green eyes seemed to grow as they laid on him. But now the curiosity was there.
"Your eyebrows are rather thick aren't they?" Alfred randomly spoke Arthur snapped out of the devils trance and shoved Alfred off him.
"Shut up you insufferable yank." Arthur snapped back sitting up. He then felt Alfred's calloused hand gently grasp his. Arthur looked at Alfred questioningly.
"Pals?" Alfred asked squeezing Arthur's hand.
"...Sure." Arthur relented with a small grin. They sat and laid there in silence a bit just enjoying each other's company.
"And don't worry I like your eyebrows."
"You little-" Arthur let go of his hand and grabbed a pillow and began whacking Alfred relentlessly.
A/N What an escalating chapter. I just needed Victoria out of the picture by the end of this chapter. I've got a plot schedule after all. Still, I hope you liked it! I had some writers block at the beginning of this but I'm glad I pulled through. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas! Thanks for Reading!
