Kiku woke to a banging at his door. It had been a late night with his boss and he was exhausted. Things were not going well for him nor his country. War was almost inevitable and it scared the shit out of him. He didn't want to risk harming Alfred or his sons, but if war were to ensue…He'd rather not think of it now. The banging on his door had gotten his attention once more as he looked at his clock. It was early in the morning, far too early for his liking. He swore if it was Italy again he would fry him in grease! Yet, would no doubt enjoy the company. As of late he had seen little of his friends and family, far too depressed to deal with anyone. Sighing heavily, Kiku rose from his futon and wrapped himself in a thick cotton yukata before heading to the door.
"Itari-san, relax I am on my way." He rolled his eyes as he unlocked the door and let in a burst of cold air. The first thing that registered in his mind was the familiar Russian coat that blew in the wind. His heart sank as he thought of why Russia would come to visit him unless it was to cause trouble. Yet, it was clearly not the Russian in the coat. "Arufuredo-san!" he shouted as he quickly pulled the frozen other into his home and began to rub his shoulders to help the blood circulate quicker. He watched closely as Alfred paid him no mind and quickly opened his coat to reveal the twins who were sound asleep.
His body was shaking and an ugly bruise was visible on the side of his face. It was swollen and his eye was starting to turn black. "Japan-san, please can I borrow a blanket?" his voice was weak and cracked a bit. He was clearly exhausted.
Kiku wasted no time in getting the blanket for the twins and warm dry clothes for Alfred who sat on the floor next to them, humming a soft lullaby. The mother thanked him before draping the blanket on his sons to keep them warm. Kiku took this opportunity to look at his son. He was so healthy and strong. Alfred was a good mother, just as he had always known. "Tea?"
The American gave a slight nod. The kitchen was within view of the family, so Kiku kept a close eyes on them, especially the mother. "He hit you didn't he?" the Japanese man asked as he handed Alfred the cup of steaming green tea.
Slowly the other shook his head before sipping the tea. "No, he's in England right now." He turned to Kiku with puffy eyes and tears slowly sliding down his cheeks. "It's too dangerous to stay." He said softly.
"Hush now, crying is not a good look on you." He gently wiped the tears away with his thumb before giving him a pleasant smile.
Alfred recoiled a bit but allowed the gentle hand to remain on his face. It had been too long since he had such comfort, such safety but he knew he could not stay long. They were tracking him and would no doubt try to stop him. There was nothing else he could do, nothing he could think of as he tried so desperately to find any other way but none came to mind. He let his walls fall and he dropped the glass of tea on the ground before burying his head in the other's neck, holding him close as he let out soft cries.
Kiku was taken by complete and utter shock as he heard glass braking and was soon holding a sobbing mess in his arms. He felt so sorry for him, sorry for everything that was happening. He wished he could change things, change the world and set America free once more but that was not up to him. Alfred needed to find his own strength, his own way toward freedom once more. "Anoo, it's okay Arufuredo-san, let it out. I'm here for you, I always will be." He said soothingly as he stroked the other's warm hair.
Time was getting cut short and he had to go if he was going to make it to his next stop before they finally caught up with him. He let go he turned to his sons and picked up Kazuo. Turning to Kiku with a kind yet heartbroken smile he gave the child a kiss on his forehead before handing him to his father. The look of pure joy filled Kiku's face as he held his son, speaking baby talk and wiggling the child's fingers and playing with his toes. It was a beautiful sight. A sight that warmed Alfred's heart as it ripped it apart. His choice was now his only chance to make sure that his sons were forever safe. "Kiku…" his voice was pained but he had no other option. "Kiku I can't take care of him anymore."
The Japanese man stared at the other in shock. He could see the pain in the other's eyes at being forced to let go of his child, but also the calm at knowing it was for the boy's own good. "It was not an easy choice, was it?"
"I had thought it over many times, trying to find a way to keep them together but…Like Mattie and I, they are doomed forever to be separated. They are close so it will be hard for him, love Kazu-chan well. Here…" he handed Kiku a small bag of simple baby supplies and a list. "It is important to get him that medicine and give it to him twice a day and…" Alfred's body was trembling as he stood up. "He likes hot baths and pandas so be sure to find him a stuffed one okay?" He tried to play it off as a cold shiver but Kiku was no fool.
"He is in good hands. I will do well to honor you by caring for our son." Kiku bowed lowly to him before looking to Frederick. "What of him? Would you like that I care for him as well?" Though he and Gilbert were not on good terms he would be damned if he let that baby suffer for it.
The blonde shook his head. "No, just like you I have to give him to his father." Alfred bent down and collected Fritz before quickly preparing for the next leg of his journey. He turned back once more to his little Kazu-chan, giving him a soft smile and a kiss on his nose. "Be good for Oto-san…"
"Arufuredo-san!" Kiku called, quickly pulling the other in for a deep and passionate kiss. All his hidden emotions now let out in that one final kiss. The pain, anger, frustration, love, loss, humiliation, and worry all let out as he relished in the taste of his American.
Alfred pulled away before bowing to him a full ninety degrees and opened the door. "O-Oka…" a tiny voice called out. The mother froze in his place as he heard a soft whine.
Quickly turning around he kissed the space between his son's nose and eye. "Daisuki…Kazu-chan." And with that final good-bye his mother left with his twin brother. Kazu looked up at his father, who held tears in his eyes though he dare not let them fall. For the first time in his life, Kazuo began to cry hysterically for he had been abandoned by his mother.