Nothing can be said, not that he wants to utter a word. It was his worst fear and he knew it was coming. "You weren't being stupid." The voice in his head says in a soft tone, seemingly trying to comfort him. "I'm sorry." While still his father's voice, it's nothing but his own mind so it doesn't do anything but worsen his pain. In that moment a lump grows in his throat while he forces back the tears. Even as Allistor takes his hand he continues to stare straight ahead.
"Wait," he hears called out behind him. "Please, Alfred!"
He doesn't want to turn around, not to let his brother know he's holding back tears but in an instant Matthew has his arms around the other. "I can't stay." He manages to choke out though it doesn't have to be said.
Matthew's hold on him tightens. "I know," he whispers coarsely. "I just got you back..." he stops letting out a sigh before his eyes turn to the Fox. "Can I have a minute with him?"
With a smile Allistor nods, motioning the rest to follow. "We'll give yah all the time you need."
Once the group is out of earshot Matthew's eyes turn to his brothers. "When I become Chief come back. We'll change everything."
"And if you don't?"
"Then I'll come join you." His voice is low and stern in case any of their clan is around spying on the pair. "Angelica is pregnant and I can't make her up and leave this close to her due date."
The Omega nods taking his hand and squeezing it gently. "You don't have to explain to me. Take care of them first. I can wait."
"Don't say it like that." Matthew looks away towards the horizon. "I love you and you love me...I'm ashamed of what I did." He lets out a deep sigh now unable to look at him. "What I put you through...you were six months pregnant yourself."
"My mates weren't far away. I understood everything and what was going to happen." He hugs the Alpha. He can't let his twin feel like this, Alfred's heart might be aching but Matthew shouldn't have to feel the pain too. "Leon's okay. Hell I bet he'll be as tall as me or his father. Spunky too."
"Yeah he'll be just like you I'm sure." Matthew's smile never fades as he presses his forehead to the Omega's. "Clara's gonna be gorgeous and the next one will definitely have your smile."
Alfred taps his forehead against his brother. "You're little Franny will freaking show the Alphas who's boss."
"You haven't seen her yet."
"I don't have to; your mate's pretty hot." Both share a needed laugh. "But seriously take care of them and I'll never be far away."
Matthew nods, their time is nearly up. Alfred has to keep moving to make it out of their territory by night fall. "I love you and for gods sake be careful."
"Now when have I not been?"
In an instant the Alpha flicks the Omega's ear. "Don't be a smartass. Stay safe."
"I will and don't let Father treat you like shit. Never let him okay? Promise me that." He doesn't want to sound desperate, like he's leaving his twin in the hands of a monster.
Calmly Matthew nods. "I won't." He pats his brother's stomach. "So don't worry about it cause it's not good for him or you."
"Yeah that I know all too well." Alfred looks back at his family waiting. "One last thing before I go." He holds his brother's hand to his stomach, shifting it over a few inches. "Just wait a sec." It's faint but Alfred knows his brother feels it by the size of his smile. "I'll stay safe and I love you too."
They break away after one last hug and Alfred heads off to meet his mates. His heart while feeling lighter is also torn. "We'll make our way back here in a few years." Allistor says the moment the Omega joins them. "Even if we have to stand out 'ere and watch for a few hours."
"You don't have to do that," Alfred says picking up his son.
"No we don't," Abel says taking his free hand, letting out a purr. "But he's a good kid and he's important to you." In a rare moment the Neko leans in for a kiss. "So it's important to us."
Alfred deepens the kiss for a moment before breaking away. "Are we heading down south now?"
"Yeah, we're stopping off at an Orange city first to pick up extra supplies before going down to the coast." Gilbert pulls out his weathered map, folding it back and pointing to a dot. "We should get there in about a month then the coast in another three."
"Okay sounds like a plan." They walk towards the tree line. Alfred looks back once seeing a tall figure watching from the gates of the clan. He gives a wave seeing the figure wave back then turning on their heels and walking back into the village. From where he's standing it's clear to be his brother, it has to be in his mind.
"He's going to need your protection Chenoa." Aaren mutters watching as they become distant dots from his new spot beyond the gate. "If she finds him now...she'll kill the kid in a fucking heartbeat."
"Then why not break the contract?" Matthew asks joining him.
Aaren doesn't look away. "Because then she'll kill us all."
"He's your son."
"Yeah," Aaren says turning only once the group reaches the tree line. "And so are you."
"But-"
"Matthew." Aaren turns back, looking a decade older. "Don't question my actions."
The half breed doesn't back down. "So you really don't feel anything for him? Or his kids? Like it or not they are your grandchildren." In a second his father shoots him a look that makes his blood run cold. "Sir..."
"Don't tell me something I already know." With that he walks off back to his home. "You have a lot to learn about how the world really works. You're both still children playing games you don't understand."
"Then teach me."
Aaren stops but doesn't look back. "I'm trying, I've been trying for years."
