Hello from the other-
Wait, I already made that joke.
Shoot.
Nothing to say guys, so, ONWARDS!
In the high-middle class of London, a young boy sat in his window, writing in his diary.
Tomorrow, I will be married to Lucy Marceline. And thus, this will most likely be my last diary entry for a while. I don't understand why an eighteen year old like me must marry into a high class family, but I guess I don't have a real say. It's saddening, really. I've been having a dream for a while now, about this beautiful girl. With wavy brown hair, nice blue eyes…Then I wake up. I wish that, at times, I could simply live in my dreams.
Till we meet again,
Arthur Afleruo
Sighing, Arthur closed his book, placing it on the side, before looking outside.
How he wished that he could live how he wanted to live.
Just then, he saw movements in the corner on his eye. He looked outside, scanning the edge of the garden, before he saw it.
One women was his wife to be, Lucy in all of her glory, with blonde hair and dark brown eyes.
And then, there was her.
Right next to her, another women stood. Beautiful chocolate brown hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile. She looked happy and right, like she could light up a room. Around her neck was a silk scarf of teal.
It was the girl from his dreams.
He felt giddy, ready to simply throw himself out and explain that they were meant to be; only to stop. There was no way that could be done. Not in front of Lucy. Not to…to a stranger!
"My God." He groaned, before falling back, landing with a loud huff.
He looked up, staring at the ceiling. With so much on his mind, it was nearly impossible to sleep.
But, whether he liked it or not, he was slowly lulled to sleep, thinking of some of the last words his mother had said.
"No matter what, Arthur; you've always got a choice."
He felt like he was going to puke, as he pulled at his bow tie.
Not that it wasn't normal.
It was his wedding day, after all.
"Back straight." His father insisted, standing with him at the entrance.
Arthur nodded, looking on. He, at the moment, was greeting guests. He ran a hand through his golden brown hair, nervous dark green eyes trying hard to become calm.
"Quick shaking, boy." His father murmured, "Your mother would find it irritating."
Arthur paled slightly, nodding.
His mother had died a whole eight years ago, when he was merely ten. She'd caught a terrible disease, and became bed ridden. After half of month of slow progression, she passed on over night. Ever since, his father hadn't been the same.
Nor had he.
He shook his head, feeling his father glare, "Sorry, father…My mind is overtaken."
His father scowled, "Excuses." He rumbled, before his expression changed, arms open wide, "Sarah!"
"Stanley!"
The two exchanged hugs as if they were friends. Judging by her chocolate brown hair and dark brown eyes, she was Sarah Ann Celcetra, one of the richest people alive.
Arthur cleared his throat, sliming slightly, before watching as someone stepped out from behind Ms. Celcetra.
Her.
Arthur tried to hide his red face, as Ms. Celcetra moved her hands to the shoulders of the beautiful girl, "This is my daughter, Mary Ann Celcetra."
His father nodded, giving him a small look. He gave Mary a small smile, trying not to simply crush her into a hug at the very second. He bowed, "My lady."
Mary giggled, the most heavenly sound imaginable, "Good sir."
Mary's mother smiled, "oh, if only it wasn't the young boy's wedding; these two would be perfect for each other!"
His father couldn't help but let out a small grunt, only to have her mother giggle, "I'm just joking!"
While the two conversed, Mary leaned in a bit closer, "Is that how we'll end up as adults?"
Arthur laughed lightly, "I really do hope we don't." He joked, before extending his hand, "Arthur Afleruo."
Mary did a little curtsy, "Mary Ann Celcetra."
"And a beautiful name it is."
Mary giggled, before going back to watch the two parents, "…Congratulations, on your engagement."
Arthur gave her a confused look, before nodding, "Oh…Ah, yes, right…I'm getting married."
Mary giggled, "You don't sound rather happy about it."
"I'm not."
Mary gave him a questioning look, "Oh?"
"It's all arranged." Arthur murmured, "I'll be honest, I don't even like Lucy. To prideful, if I do say so myself."
Mary giggled, "I'll have you know, Lucy is my cousin."
"…Oh?"
"Yep!" Mary said, before lowing her voice, "But, to be honest, she is a bit much."
Arthur laughed lightly, the first real laugh he'd had in a while now, "Now, that's no way to treat your cousin…But, I'll take your side."
Mary giggled softly, before watching as someone else walked inside. His name was Aleistor Chamber, wit pale blond hair and lavender eyes. He held himself high and proud, as if he was king.
Mary sighed, "That is my future husband."
The very thought made Arthur want to tear someone's guts out, "Oh?"
Mary gave him a look, "I don't like him, mind you. Better suited for Lucy…Nothing against you, of course!"
"Really now?" Arthur asked, before laughing lightly, "I'm just joking!"
Mary growled lightly, playfully hitting him, before looking off, "…Doesn't it irritate you?"
"I…I beg a pardon?"
"That we can't choose." Mary said, looking down sadly, "Doesn't it irritate you, how we have to marry who we're told to?"
Arthur nodded bit to vigorously, "It does. I've hear about how the middle class and lower do something called 'falling in love'."
"What I would give, to live like that."
"Agreed."
"No rules, no parents, no one to tell me otherwise Just…Freedom."
Just then, he felt a hand on his collar, pulling him away, "If you'll excuse us, miss." His father said, a straining smile on his face, "We best be off."
"Oh." Mary murmured, as if she didn't get what she wanted, only to curtsy, "Alright then; till after the wedding."
"Till after the wedding." Arthur murmured, before being more or less pushed into the cathedral.
His father glared at him, poking his chest, "You best watch your mouth, boy. I don't care who you love, you're going to marry Lucy, and nothing can change that!" He said, with huff. He quickly fixed his hair, "Now, be a good groom at wait down the aisle; do no disappoint me, boy." He spat out the last word, before rushing off to greet guests.
Arthur sighed, walking down the aisle. Many people whispered about how lucky he was, to marry such a beauty, but Arthur felt more live a slave then lucky. He felt like hand cuffs had been placed on him, slowly dragging him down to hell. Oh, how he wished that were the case.
Finally, he arrived at the end.
He turned around, staring off into space, until a voice spoke up.
"Arthur. Arthur! Down here!"
He looked around, before spotting her, "Mary! What are you doing there!?"
Mary giggled, as she rested on the ground in front of the pew. No one could see her, blocked by the holy chairs, "I just wanted to talk more."
"You're going to get into trouble!"
"And why would I care?"
Arthur gulped, before murmuring, "What about your mum? She'll be sure to punish you, you know."
Mary giggled, "It's okay! I plan to run away!"
Arthur's eyes widened, "W-what?"
"I have plans with a good friend of mine! He can get me a house in the high-middle class area, and I can stay for as long as I'd like!"
Arthur felt happy, yet sad. The love of his life would be happy, living alone, while he'd be forced to become the man for another women.
"Well…Lucky you."
"And I'm taking you with me!"
Arthur's eyes widened, "W-what!?"
Mary's eyes took up a bit of shyness, curling a strand of hair on her fingers, "Well…I need someone to talk to! I'm going to be all alone! Besides, my brothers would never approve; I need a big strong guy to protect me!"
Arthur gulped, pulling at his bowtie, 'W-when do you plan to depart?"
"A few minutes."
"What!?"
Mary giggled, "You're so cute when you're flustered!" She cooed, before going on, "My friend will be breaking in and out; he said that I could use an extra, a hostage of sorts-."
"And who's more important then the groom?" Arthur murmured.
"Well?" Mary asked, eyes filled with hope, "Are you in?"
Arthur gave her a look, "This is foolish. We could be found, or worse, killed on the spot."
"…Oh…" Mary said, sounding heart broken.
"But," Arthur went on quickly, "I never said no."
Right before the wedding could start, a loud crash came from one of the windows. The guy wore casual white tucked in shirt, dress pants, and a jacket. But, he had dark blue eyes, and tall spikey red hair.
"Now, Marian!" The boy yelled, before throwing down a gas bomb. Mary grabbed Arthur's hand in the confusion, a warm touch he never thought he'd be able to keep, before leading him to the exit.
Never had he felt so much freedom, rushing out of his own wedding. All around, the rich were coughing from the smoke, inhaling to much of the white dust.
"If you haven't noticed yet, don't breathe in to harshly."
Arthur nodded, holding in his breathe. Just as they got to the doors, someone kicked them open, grabbing Mary, "Is this you're plus one?" The guy asked. He was the same man that had crashed into the window.
Mary nodded, before rushing down to the coach. The man jumped into the driver's seat, "Hurry it up then, let's go!" He yelled.
Mary ripped the door open, before pushing Arthur inside, "In you get!"
Arthur had little to say, before she threw him inside, crawling in after him. She closed the door, before knocking twice, "Let's get on with it then!" Mary shouted.
Seconds later, a whip cracked, the coach rushing away.
Finally, Mary let out a relived breathe of air, sitting down across from Arthur, "…I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
"I dragged you into my own little fantasy land," Mary said softly, giving him a sad little smile, "I'm sorry. I pressured you, out of your own wedding."
"Well, it's not like I wanted to get married."
Mary scowled, slapping his arm, "Let me apologize!"
"O-okay."
Mary sighed, before giggling a bit, "You're so cute when you're flushed!" She said, before taking off her scarf, "Here, it's cold!"
"I can't take that!" He said, blushing harder, which only made her laugh.
"See? Point made."
His face only got warmer, as he tugged on his collar, "Well…Well, I-."
Just then, the coach came to a sudden halt. The door was ripped open, the boy on the other side wearing a large grin, "We're here."
The boy stepped to the side, bowing as he helped Mary out. Mary gasped, holding her mouth in awe. It was a nice house, no where near the kind that the rich had, but it was very nice.
"You don't need to worry about the cost," The boy said, "I'll pay for it. Do you like it?"
"I love it!" Mary said, throwing her arms around his neck, "Thank you, James!" She squeaked, before grabbing Arthur's hand, "Come on, let's go!" She said, excited, as she dragged Arthur inside.
The boy, James, glared at Arthur slightly. He growled slowly, before calming down. It was only a matter of time until she realized what he'd done for her. She'd be all his, sooner or later.
He was wrong. It had been a total of twenty years, watching the two of them live a happy life. They had gotten together, and from what he knew, they'd had a few kids!
A hand came down on his shoulder, "What's troubling you, James?"
James sighed, watching the house from a roof top. HIS house. It was suppose to be HIS house with Mary!
"It's…It's-."
"It's her, isn't it?"
James growled lightly, "No, it's not just her, it's HIM." James growled.
The other, his elder brother, laughed lightly, "Do you not know who I am?"
James gave his brother a look, "…What can you do, Elias?"
Elias laughed, his glimmering with mischievous intent, "What do you think, James? After all, you're elder bother is the legendary Gold!"
James nodded, his own little smile appearing, before looking down, "…Right, Gold and Gage get what they want, when they want it."
"Got that right, little bro."
Arthur yawned, turning in the bed, before one eye opened slowly…
Only to look into a pair of crazy dark blue ones.
Arthur jumped back, holding the scarf. After all of these years, he only took off when he showered. The child to laugh lightly, "Damn it…Mary, your son."
Mary, who was on the other side of the bed, grumbled lightly, "…Hmm…Go back to sleep."
"But I can't!" The little boy sighed, before jumping onto the bed, "The sky's awake, so I'm awake! And I want to play!"
"You can play in the morning." Arthur groaned.
"Agreed." Mary murmured, "Besides, where is your brother?"
"He won't wake up!"
Mary laughed lightly, "Typical…Just go back to sleep."
The boy yawned, before nodding, "Alright, mommy."
Arthur was ready to go back to sleep, only to have Mary lightly brush his arm, "Make sure he goes to sleep."
Arthur wanted to say something, only to slowly get out of bed, "Alright, I'm going." He murmured.
He pulled himself out of the bed, slowly trudging over to the room of his two boys, before his mind was captured by memory. He smiled at the found memory of him and Mary, escaping his wedding. From what he'd heard, his father had tried to find him, only to have him be pronounced a dead hostage, same for Mary.
He opened the door of the kids room, chuckling lowly. Two beds were out and ready, but bother boys were on the same bed, "Kids." He murmured, about to close the door, before a low sound was heard.
A stray footstep.
Slowly, Arthur turned around, slowly walking towards the sound. He slowly came across the kitchen area, opening the door, and flipping on the lights…
Only to see a thief at the stove, eyes wide from being caught.
They stared at each other for a moment, before Arthur pulled out a gun, hidden in a vase, "Step away from the stove." He demanded lowly.
The man did so, a small smirk on his face. He wore all black, nd yet, his skin was white like snow, "Arthur, you've gotta trust me, I'm here to help you."
"Lies." Arthur growled, mind going into over drive. Was he with his father, "…Who are you?"
The man gulped, laughing lightly, "My name is Timothy Light; my friends call me Valentine."
"Well, look, Tim." Arthur growled, cocking the gun back, "I want you out of my house."
"And I mean to help you!"
"What for?"
"Gage is on his way!"
Arthur's eyes dimmed, "…Gage?"
Tim sighed, "You know him as James Brown; ring a bell?"
"Yeah…But, why would he be after us?"
Tim sighed, "I don't have time to explain; but we really must go!"
Arthur growled lightly, before lowing his gun, "What do you want?"
Tim let out a small sigh, "Gage is coming with his gang, his army. He'll kill you, and take Mary…Unless you let me help you."
Arthur sighed, giving Tim a look, "What can I do?"
Tim's eyes shined with a dark light, "I've already got an army, now all we need in the leader. And who's better to protect the girl then the girl's lover?"
A few blocks from the house, a group of men walked on, guns cocked back and ready. All wore harsh smirks, with the leader holding the worse of them all, "Shoot everyone but Mary," Gage ordered, eyes gleaming, "She's mine."
The group was a mere number of ten, but still, they had more skill then they needed. They walked down the walkway, large houses lining the area.
A piece of cake.
At least, before one of his men were shoot down, and arrow sticking out of his chest.
Gage gave the fallen man a look, the others filling with horror, "…The fuck?"
"MAKE IT RAIN!"
Gage only had time to look up at the rooftops, eyes widening, before he ran for it. On the roofs, multiple men stood, all holding a bow of sorts, before letting the arrows go.
It wasn't long till all nine of the men were dead, the ground littered with misfired. Gage was long gone, selfish enough to allow his men to be killed for his escape.
From the roof, a loud whoop sounded, before the men jumped down. Tim hollowed with laughter, "It's done, Arthur!"
Arthur quickly came down, trying to jump from building to building, only to fall on his back.
"…Oww…"
Tim sighed, helping him up, "I'm sure we'll get the hang the whole building jumping stuff later." Tim murmured, before gabbing Arthur's arm, raising it high, "We've won! Thanks to our new leader, we'll live to see another day!"
The men jeered, raising their bows in triumph, before all went quiet. "What do we do now, Arthur Afleruo?"
Arthur scowled lightly, "Don't call me that." He murmured, rubbing the back of his head, before smiling, "But, we could go for a drink!"
The room was quiet, with only one person inside, playing a bit with a stack of money. Just then, an out of breath Gage ran in, breathing heavily.
The man sighed, "What happened?"
Gage huffed, "He…He was ready! Had a large team on the rooftops!" He growled, taking a seat, "What do I do now. Elias?"
Elias sighed, standing up, "Have I not taught you anything, James?" Elias asked, tsking, before smiling darkly.
"When force doesn't work, use smarts."
All was well for the next couple of days, with Arthur being a loving father at day, and a protector at night.
In a way, he was like batman.
But, one night, it all changed.
Right before he could leave, Mary stopped him, "We need to talk."
Arthur nodded, taking a seat, "What is it?"
Mary sighed, sitting down next to him, "It's just…You're not…Acting normal."
Arthur laughed lightly, "What on earth are you talking about?"
Mary sighed, giving him a look, "I mean that something's changed. We never just hang out anymore, you always go out at night…Your son was born a few days ago, and you don't do much with him!" Mary murmured angrily, before sighing, "Are you seeing someone else?"
"W-what? No, of course not!" Arthur replied, rubbing the back of his head.
"Then what is it? What are you hiding!?"
Arthur sighed, rubbing the back of his head, "It's James."
Mary's eyes widened at the story, taking a moment to hold it all in, "…Really?"
"I'd never lie to you." Arthur murmured, before sighing, "I've been working to keep us safe."
"But that's not your job." Mary insisted, "Tell the Scotland yard, they'll take care of it!"
"He is above the law." Arthur insisted, "I can do this. I can be a good father, and I can keep us safe."
"But I don't want that; I want you to be around!" Mary yelled, "Do you like playing gang lord, is that it?"
"What? No, it's never been like that-!"
"Don't lie to me!" Mary screamed, crying lightly, before wiping away her tears, "…You need to choose."
"I don't want to!" Arthur murmured, giving her a look, as he slowly grew more and more aggravated, "If I choose, I'll lose you either way!"
"What makes you think so!?" Mary growled, "I may be women, but I can handle my own!"
"But it's my job to make sure of that!"
"Don't yell at me!"
"You're yelling at me!"
Mary growled, tears in her eyes, grabbing him by the scarf, "Fine, leave! But, don't expect me to be around to wait. The boys need a father, not a gang lord!" She growled, before letting go, pushing him back.
Arthur watched as she stalked back upstairs, angered. He sighed, feeling a little hole in his chest. Everything that he'd ever did was because of her. Everything was for her, his dream girl.
With a sigh, he walked out of the house...
Only to have Gage waiting on the other side.
Gage held a finger over his mouth, gun pointed at the window of his son's room, "You don't want me to wake them, do you?"
Arthur growled, giving him a look, "…What do you want?"
Gage smirked, "Don't worry, I come for words, not violence."
Arthur nodded, "Speak."
"Well, I noticed that you've got your own little gang," Gage murmured, smiling, "Good for you."
Arthur scowled, "And so?"
Gage smirked, "You are aware that each area can only have one gang, correct?"
Arthur growled, "What?"
"It's a small rule, but it's still a rule." Gage said, eyes sparkling, "If there are two gangs in one of the four districts, they fight to the death until none of the losing gang is alive; a battle to the death. Winner gets the area."
Arthur growled, "And so?"
"You're in my district." Gage murmured, "The only thing left is the middle-low class. But, that's on the other side of town; far from here."
Arthur scowled, "What are you saying?"
Gage laughed lightly, "As I said, I'm here for a deal. If you leave here, do your gang like the little boy that wants to play war inside of you; I promise to spare Mary. I'll look over her and her family, but you must leave."
Arthur growled, "…And if I don't?"
"Then you've called war on me, my brother, and Kiko; king of the slums." Gage said, chuckling at the last part, before holding out his hand, "Either way, you lose your family…Your girl." He spat out the last part, "However, choose to leave, and you all live. If we are to fight, there are no rules against killing families and people closets to win-."
"You wouldn't dare." Arthur growled lightly, fist clenched.
Gage smirked, "The kids can die; but Mary…She'll be as she was meant to be. She'll be mine." He smirked at Arthur's narrowed eyes, "But, if you choose to clear out, leave to your own district, I'll leave her alone."
Arthur looked at the extended hand, before looking back up at him, "Promise?"
Gage laughed, eyes glimmering with victory, "I, unlike my brother, am I man of my word."
With that, Arthur grasped Gage's hand, shaking it, as he handed over all rights to his house, his kids…His lover.
"Deal."
The next morning, Mary woke up alone, remembering the fight last night, before sighing. She sighed lightly, climbing out of bed, "He wouldn't leave me to play leader; would he?" She murmured, walking down the stairs, and into the kitchen.
She pulled out pans to make food, only to notice something on the table. A little package. Mary walked over, confused, before grasping it. It had no tag, no sticker, nothing. Curious, she ripped it open, only to drop the gift.
It was the teal scarf.
Arthur cringed at the sound of Mary's horrid shriek, before turning away. He had been on a nearby rooftop, watching to make sure that she'd gotten it nd that Gage had held himself to his word.
A hand came down on his shoulder, Tim right behind, "I'm…I'm sorry for what you had to do. None of this would have ever happened if I hadn't asked you for help."
Arthur shook his head, "We'd be dead if it wasn't for you. This way…This way they'll live."
Tim nodded, "…So, do you want to go and grab a drink, Arthur?"
"Don't call me that." Arthur murmured, looking down at the house, "…That is the name of the lover of Mary. He was a father of three, but, when his family needed him most, he…he ran." He spat out.
Tim nodded, before giving him a questioning look, "…What do you want us to call you; Afleruo?"
Arthur cringed at his last name, "God no…Too long."
"Then we shorten it." Tim reasoned, thinking in his head, before snapping his fingers, "Fero!"
"…Fero?" Arthur asked, confused, "Why?"
Tim shrugged, "Does everything need an answer?"
Arthur gave him a look, "…No?"
Tim laughed, slapping his back, "That's the spirit! Now, come on, Fero! Your hopes should be lifted! Let's go get a drink, it's on me!"
Fero looked about one last time, before nodding, allowing a small smile onto his face, "Yeah…Yeah, that'll be nice."
Tim laughed lightly, slapping his back, "That's it! Now, we depart!"
Fero couldn't help but laugh, feeling like the very sound was a bit giddy. He felt sad beyond belief, but, he was happy. Mary would live, his twins and new bon would live. He laughed again, the sound growing insane, before slinging his arm over Tim's shoulder, "A dawn to another amazing day!"
Tim laughed, punching him lightly, "That's the spirit, Fero!"
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