Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers, Teen Wolf: The Series or Twilight.
Chapter 17: Natalya The Fiance
The magic council got everything under control, and stopped the inciting riots in Beavergonie and Albuquerque. The main actors were sentenced to death by hanging. The weredog population shrunk as a result. With the existence of the supernatural known to the public, the burden of responsibility was not left on weredogs alone, and curfews were enforced on traveling at night.
It was nearing the end of Summer, the weather was cooling down as it approached Autumn but it was still warm outside now.
Kiku the Mage would be coming to ask her of her decision to accept her Mage apprenticeship or to decline tomorrow. Natalya was leaning against the walls of a rickety worn down shed, her usual Lovino meeting time. Lovino was currently shearing a sheep, eyes concentrating on cutting the wool, as to not accidentally cut the sheep. Wool gathered in a pile beside him.
Arthur watched the process curiously, standing just over the Italian's shoulders. He joined their outings after being freed from his nightwatches.
"Well I'm in support of whatever you do, Natalie. If you want to go learn magic, I'm not going to stop you. Although, I don't know what I'd do with just this one around to keep me company." Lovino stopped his shearing to glance up at her briefly.
"Alistair likes you enough, maybe you could tag along with him on his route." Arthur said that, although he looked upset about it. He straightened up and crossed his arms, lips pursed.
Alistair had sent Lovino a few letters saying that he and by extension his family was welcome to visit him in the Midwest. Lovino said he might take him up on the offer and even bring Feli if he was in town but hadn't sent a letter in response.
Although Arthur didn't say anything, it seemed that he was envious of the positive attention Lovino was getting from the eldest Kirkland sibling. Lovino didn't seem to pick up on Arthur's discomfort though.
"That's a good idea Blondie, taking the mail train to go up and visit your brother. You think your brother would want to come with us?" Lovino looked up at him.
Arthur blinked, "You're saying like a family vacation?"
"Yeah my idiota of a brother Feli, and you and your brothers. I kind of wanted Feli to meet you anyway." Lovino waved him off, sheers in hand.
"There's no way in hell I was going to go visit Alistair on my own…and Dylan's been saying we should visit. So, I suppose you being there would make it more bearable." Arthur avoided his gaze.
Natalya cleared her throat and their attention was on her again.
"Right, your decision! Sorry about that." Lovino said, knocking his fist against his forehead.
"I would have to say that my answer is the same. I'm behind whatever decision you want to make." Arthur gave her a nod.
Maybe she had hoped he would plead with her to stay.
Natalya had weighed her options, magic was very useful, but five years of study was a long time. Ivan had not returned. Irunya had gotten closer to Mister Jones, and it seemed as though she would be in good hands. Irunya had encouraged her to gain more knowledge, and thought it would be useful in their now blended supernatural world. So, it seemed as though everyone was encouraging her to leave, there was really no need to stay.
So it was set then.
Natalya was saying her prayers before bed later that night when she heard a knock at her window. She got up from her knees and walked over only to look into glowing green eyes.
Natalya opened her window for Arthur, reminded of before.
"You can't keep doing this, you know." Natalya said, voice in a whisper.
"For old times sake. This will be the last time after all." He said as he climbed through the window. His voice was lowered.
She was wearing her pajamas, dress pooling around her ankles, lilac in color, ruffled collar.
Arthur looked her over briefly, "I'd forgotten there was no reason for you to stay up at night anymore."
He looked sad, maybe he had been trying to put on a strong face earlier.
"You either."
Arthur nodded, "I've been well rested."
Silence fell over them like a thick blanket as they stood a few feet from each other. Arthur hadn't made any movement to suggest he was leaving, she wasn't going to push him out either. His gaze was not on her but his own feet.
"I will be back, I promise. I will write to you everyday." Natalya said with an affirmative nod.
Arthur stepped closer to her before wrapping his arms around her. "Truth be told… I don't want you to go." His voice was so quiet she almost didn't hear. "But I know you will."
She could feel his heartbeat in his chest, her hands pressed against it. His fingers weaved through her hair. He was warm, and she felt safe in his embrace.
"When you return, I'll marry you," He said.
"I would like that very much," She said, voice low, eyelids drooping. She was tired, it was late and if she stayed like this, she might fall asleep. She felt something soft press on the top of her head, a kiss she could assume.
She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his breathing, light and calm, enjoying this last moment they'd have together.
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The next day Natalya said her good marrows to her sister and Kiku the mage came to take her away.
"Sweet Sister, I'm so proud of you! Write to me, I will miss you terribly!" She squeezed Natalya into her chest.
"I will, Nyah." She said, after the woman let her go. Irunya's eyes were filled with tears.
Kiku the mage teleported her to the council. Where after five hours she was indoctrinated into the mage apprenticeship program. There had been a lot of paperwork to fill out, but she would be staying with the female mage, Lovise Bondevik, to practice magic. She was the first female mage.
She was forbidden to share what she learned in her letters to Arthur and Irunya.
Aug. 18, 1890
Dear Natalya,
I hope you are well and that you are learning quite a bit of spells. I didn't want to pester you, I'm sure you're doing important business.
Lovino, Dylan and I took that trip we had been planning before you left to see my brother Alistair. I have to agree Lovino's brother is rather bothersome, always a gigglemug and being a church-bell. The entire trip there he had so many questions.
The trip was more barrable with Lovino and his brother around as his brother provided a distraction from the attention of my sister in law and little nephews. Even going so far as to paint a family portrait of us all, uncomfortable for sure, but I will admit it was a bit nice to be included with my brothers.
After much prodding by everyone I was forced to show them that I could indeed turn into a dog. Surprisingly my sister in law did not faint, and my nephews wanted to get piggy back rides.
Lovino had been quiet most of the trip, a surprise to me at first but then I realized his brother was practically stealing the spotlight with his explanation of his Catholic studies. Alistair managed to pivot away from that and Lovino was able to share his stories of transporting werewolf meat to the upperclassmen around the South West.
I figured it would be of more convenience to send this letter to you now—
The handwriting was drastically different here.
Blondie's been writing this letter during the entire trip home, he's probably not going to write it in because he wants to be "formal" . He only has this paper left so you'll be able to see this Natalie.
Did you learn any interesting spells? Do you miss us terribly?
The handwriting changed again.
You don't have to answer that.
Yours respectfully,
Arthur
And Lovino, and Dylan because we're also on the train. We had to listen to him scribble out sections for hours.
Dec. 20, 1890
Dear Alya,
Little Vanya has returned! It is a Christmas miracle!
He is now sleeping, but he told me he would send you a letter as well.
Vanya said that he lost a lot of men and that he has gotten his revenge for Father…but he does not look very joyful. He says he is done with vampire hunting.
I talked to Arthur just recently after seeing him at the bank. Sweet Sister, why didn't you tell me you were going to get married when you returned?
I was so embarrassed! Let me help you plan! Oh! Or it could be a surprise!
I miss you terribly! Hope you are well!
Love,
Irunya
Natalya learned invisibility spells, ones to make herself invisible and to make others invisible.
She learned levitation spells as well within her first year.
Sept. 15, 1891
Dear Alya,
Sweet little sister, I have great news for you! I am to be married next month! I had been saying that Mr. Jones and I had gotten quite acquainted. He proposed!
I am very sad you will miss the wedding. I will be moving out now that Vanya can keep the house safe. It will still be here when you return.
Alfred is happy about our families' blending. You will be seeing a lot more of Matthew and Alfred, I hope that you all get along.
I miss you terribly. I hope all is well.
Love,
Irunya
Oct. 27, 1891
Dear Natalya,
Considering our now fully integrated world and upon discovering there is little literature about it, I've decided to publish a book. The first written book on Weredogs. It's taken almost a year to write. I've just finished the first draft to send in to be edited. With luck it should be published by next year.
I have hope schools will use them.
I attended your sister's wedding. A few of your relatives from the East Coast gathered at your home to attend the ceremony, I wasn't properly introduced to them, so their names are unfamiliar to me and now forgotten. I was forced to make amends with Alfred and his brother Matthew, with your families now being blended and all. I can say it is rather freeing not to have to keep being a weredog a secret anymore, makes situations less complicated.
Your brother avoided eye contact with me and avoided engaging with me the entire morning though, that is to be expected I suppose. I wasn't able to tell him of our engagement, unless you've already done so? Has he written you?
Yours Respectfully,
Arthur
Natalya learned that spells could be combined. She also learned a spell that allowed her to control lighting and other forces of the weather in her second year.
Jan. 3, 1892
Dear Alya,
Apologies for the late letter. I have been thinking of what to say.
Hello little sister, how are you? I have heard from Nyah that you are in some kind of magic school? I am proud to hear that you were able to hold your own during some kind of crisis that was going on with the weredogs. I am sad that I was not there to help.
The Vampire King is dead and a new one has taken his place. He has an idea to change their diet to animal blood. Time will only tell how well that works.
I have learned that the Vampire King was able to get inside my head and make me see things that are not true. And I am afraid that this is what happened with the brother of the boy you are courting. He was at Irunya's wedding, I was not ready to apologize just yet, so I avoided him.
Do you plan to marry him? If not, apologizing might not be necessary.
Irunya has moved out and it is just me now. I am glad she is happy. I will be focusing on finding what brings me joy as well.
Love,
Ivan
June 7, 1892
Dear Natalie,
Blondie won't let me add on to his letters anymore so, I thought I'd write you my own.
Your brother is actually kind of nice. He lets me plant my tomatoes in his garden in the backyard and he's planting sunflowers. He seems to really like farming. I stay with him sometimes because it's easier than going back home.
My plan is to make a really good pasta sauce recipe. If I can sell enough, I'll be very wealthy and in the upper class. I'm going to save up enough to move out to the Midwest and get my business going.
I met your close neighbor and apparently step brother, Alfred. He's really bothersome, reminds me of Feli with how fucking optimistic he is. He won't leave me alone. Is this what you have to deal with all the damn time?
I won't ask about the classes anymore. I understand that they're classified.
It isn't the same around here without you, you know?
Sincerely,
Lovino
Natalya learned to connect with the energy surrounding her and strengthen this connection to make spells at a quicker speed this year.
March 9, 1893
I have good news! Apologies if I seem too excited...and that my handwriting is a bit messy–
Natalya noticed that it was not as neat as it usually was.
My book was published and will be sold in bookstores! Not an academic start like I'd hoped but it's something of note.
Your brother and I had a talk, apparently upon finding out I had a more permanent stay in your family; he mentioned he had written to you.
I accepted his apology although, it had taken him a few years to give it, what use would it be not to, we'll be seeing more of each other anyway. Don't tell him, but I happened to notice him visiting your father's grave when I was visiting Connor, and he seemed to be weeping. I think he assumed he was alone, and I hid when he looked around.
He'd left a sunflower there when I passed the area. Apparently he and Lovino garden sometimes, what a peculiar situation.
Your absence has been truly felt.
Yours Respectfully,
Arthur
Natalya noticed the ink was distorted in a few places on this letter as she read it.
July 30, 1893
Dear Natalie,
That bothersome neighbor of yours, Alfred, is going to the Midwest, Kentucky, to study digging fossils or something and said he needed a roommate. He bought a house out there with some money he had saved. I've got my sauce made, and I'm going to try selling it out there.
So, I probably won't be seeing you when you get back. I'll be sure to visit when I get the chance though, don't you worry. Don't fucking forget to invite me to the wedding.
Ivan gave me some sunflowers to take with me. They're very nice and I was holding back tears. Feli's probably going to become a bishop within the next two years, good thing I'll be out of here. If you happen to stumble into his church, run as far as you can.
I am ashamed to say that I did weep a little when I said good morrow to Blondie. He looked so sad, although he was trying to hide it from me. He tried my pasta sauce and said it was the best spaghetti he'd ever eaten, and I had fun showing him how to milk a goat.
Gah! I didn't show you how to milk a goat! And you didn't get to try my sauce!
Sorry if the paper is a bit wet…it was raining when I went to mail it.
Sincerely,
Lovino
Oct. 17, 1893
Dear Alya,
After looking at the stars for many nights, I have decided that I want to study them.
I am going to sell the house and study at a University on the East Coast. It is colder there as well.
You can just move in with your fiance, da? Or I am sure Irunya would let you stay with her.
Depends on when I sell the house…but I might be gone before you return.
I think this will be a nice change for me, all of my closest friends are dead and I have spent so much time focusing on hunting vampires.
I will come back for the wedding.
Hope all is well.
Love,
Ivan
In her fourth year Natalya learned about necromancy to perform spells that could restore life in small plants, animals, and children. She also learned about combining power with other mages to perform complex spells such as creating matter, and even bringing an adult back to life.
May 6, 1894
Dear Natalya,
I've decided to write yet another book. I've noticed a few inaccuracies in the books written on werewolves and vampires that your brother owns. Upon selling your home he allowed me to have them.
Dylan has moved out now, he's further West towards Oregon Territory. He plans to get married soon to a young maiden he met in the growing town he's staying in. So, begrudgingly that means I'll have to travel all the way out there as well, or we will, depends on how soon.
How long do you have now, a year?
Anticipation is creeping upon me, and I've willed away feelings of longing, and yearning to push forwards.
With Love,
Arthur
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Natalya's boot-covered feet hit the damp ground and she instantly felt comforted by being home again. Although she wasn't at her house, she was in front of the bank. Water droplets wet her face, her hair, and her clothes as she stood outside; it was raining a gracious amount.
But it mattered very little as she walked towards the entrance and pushed open the door. The bank teller raised his head at her entrance, although he was not who she was expecting to see. The blonde wearing round bifocals was familiar to her, but his name slipped her mind.
"Alya?" The blond said, his expression was shocked. She had arrived months earlier than she was supposed to.
"I didn't know you would be back today. I'd asked your sister and she said around Spring of next year." He continued, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
Does Arthur not work here anymore? He never said he resigned, but I didn't ask either.
"B-but that doesn't mean I want you to leave! I hope I didn't come off as rude. I'm just surprised!" He waved his hands in dismissal. Would I be the first to welcome your return?" He smiled.
Natalya stalked up to the counter. "Where is Arthur?"
"Did he not tell you–" He paused, "Ah, I would assume so because you're here…looking for him. I feel a little foolish." He chuckled, "At your house, or would it technically be his?"
"Which house?" Natalya said through grit teeth as she gripped the counter.
"Did he not tell you?" The blond's gaze was confused as his laughter quieted down.
Natalya frowned.
"R-right…He bought your house from Ivan when he sold it earlier this year." Natalya turned and swiftly ran out the door, back out into the rain. He whispered something but she didn't catch what he said.
The rain continued to fall, she probably could have said a spell to stop the rain, but she was focused on reaching her house. Her hair laid flat against her cheeks, droplets laid to rest on her eyelashes, and her boots splashed against the cobblestone roads. She came upon her father's old house after running through the rain, and now she was out of breath and thoroughly wet.
Natalya was standing at the end of her walkway, when suddenly the door swung open.
Her breath hitched as Arthur approached her, he didn't look much different from when she saw him before except for the blond mustache he'd grown, something that seemed to be more common of the times now. His expression was of shock and even a bit disgruntled, eyes hard focused, an umbrella in hand, before he was right in front of her.
"You're drenched!" He said as he opened the umbrella and shielded them both from the rain, although pointless for herself considering she was already as he said, drenched.
Natalya felt relieved at this moment, the blond at the bank had not lied to her. She embraced him, probably getting his clothes wet as well, but it mattered very little to her.
"I'm back," She muttered, face pressed against his chest.
There were many more things she wanted to say, and she knew he had some questions for her, but for now she wanted this small moment to stay as it was.
"I see." She looked up at him. "Welcome home," he said, meeting her gaze with a small smile on his face.
A small smile twitched onto her lips as well.
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Six months later
"….and you may kiss the bride." The officiant who was also a pastor said, and Natalya's veil was lifted.
Arthur's hands, feeling a bit clammy on her face, cupped her cheeks. She looked into his eyes, the same ones she'd seen many times before, although there was a flash of something she hadn't caught before as he leaned down, desire. His lips pressed against hers in a sort of ungraceful union, squished uncomfortably and somehow wet, not at all how she assumed a kiss was supposed to be, if she had fantasized beforehand. She felt her cheeks warm with blush as she blinked, and then it was over before she could dwell on how strange it was. He pulled away with haste, she didn't even know she was supposed to close her eyes.
Then there was applause and pieces of rice were thrown. Pictures were snapped, flashes flickered in her eyes,and cheering echoed around the local church's walls. They signed the marriage certificate. Arthur offered her his arm, and she grabbed it with her glove covered fingers. He gave her a smile before facing the other attendees.
Natalya took note of her closest friends and family as she and Arthur exited the church first. A reception would be held at their home an hour after the ceremony. Her sister Irunya and her husband, brother Ivan, good friend Lovino,and step brothers Matthew and Alfred came to the wedding. Arthur's family including his parents, sister-in-law, nephews and his two brothers Alistair and Dylan were there as well.
Seeing them all gathered there, in high spirits to celebrate, made Natalya realize that she and her siblings could finally move on from their father's death and find happiness.
The End.
A/N: This last chapter took me so long to write. Thank you to everyone who commented, and followed the story. They motivated me to continue writing this story until the very end.
I like how it turned out, and I hope you did too.
Thank you for reading!
