When Alfred had finished his meal, Arthur happily gave him some scones and a glass of milk before turning to do dishes. Alfred grinned. "I like these rock things. They're really nice! Did you make them?" he asked. Arthur's eyebrow twitched before turning around. "They're not rocks lad, they're scones. And yes, I made them myself. Do you really like them?" he asked, trying not to sound irritated. Alfred nodded happily. "They're really good. I don't get to eat a lot of sweet things. I haven't had a...treat? Is that the word? I haven't had one since a long time ago," said Alfred.
Arthur frowned. "I see...Who took care of you growing up? Before the coloney?" asked Arthur. "I was on my own since I looked like a four year old human child...I think. Before, I was taken cared of by a woman that my mother had warch over me before she died…" said Alfred. That tugged on Arthur's heartstrings. He knew how it felt to lose a mother so young. "Was she a kind woman? Your adopted mother?" asked Arthur, not entirely sure why he asked but finding that he had to know.
Alfred looked a bit perplexed by the question. "Well..I don't know. I know she was kinda forced by my mama to take me in. She didn't seem to really like us and only did what she could to keep me alive," said Alfred. Arthur blinked. Who wouldn't want to take in such a sweet boy? "If you don't mind me asking...why didn't she like you and your mother?" he asked. Alfred blinked. Arthur must have thought 'us' was him and his mom, not his brother. Not that he had reason to think otherwise.
"Well...Etsi..er, Aiyanna. She was the one who killed my mom...or at least that's the story," said Alfred. Arthur's jaw dropped. "W-What?" he asked. Alfred simply shrugged before jumping down from his chair and taking the plate that once held scones over to Arthur. "Y-You were raised by your mother's murderer? What about her family? Do you have any other family?" asked Arthur. "I had a brother once...and my mama said I used to have uncles...but I've never met them. They sound nice though," he said.
"...What was your mother's name?" asked Arthur, looking at the child softly. "Vinland...I think that was her country name...I don't really remember. It happened a long time ago and I never really got to meet her," said Alfred. Arthur looke confused but didn't want to pry further. He already felt he had a good sense of the child's life. It reminded him of how sad and bleak his own childhood was...to a certain degree. At least he had his brothers to keep things lively and keep him somewhat...tolerable company. Not that Arthur would ever say that or admit it.
Alfred let out a little yawn. "But I got you now...and I'm sure everything's going to be nice with you around. I don't got to be alone anymore," he said softly. Arthur's heart twisted enough that he couldn't find it in him to correct Alfred's grammar. Arthur immediately scooped up Alfred and gave him a soft squeeze. "I think someone's sleepy. How about we get you to bed and you can get a proper night's sleep, hmm?" he asked. Alfred nodded lethargically before laying his head on his father's shoulder.
By the time Arthur had reached Alfred's bedroom, the child had fallen asleep against him. Arthur smiled and put him to bed, running a hesitant hand through his hair. "I've no idea why you seem to warm up to me so quickly or trust me so much...but I appreciate it. Perhaps you'll be the first person I could truly be close to...Many of my relations with other nations have been tarnished by wars...but I'll make certain that I'll make a fresh start out of you. I'll be a better man," he said softly.
When he was done tucking Alfred into bed, Arthur got up and went to his own room, falling asleep rather quickly after he made a list of all the things he had to do to prepare the house for Alfred. He had never had colonies so far away from his home, so he had to find a way to provide for the boy with the meager supplies and resources he currently had at his disposal. The poor boy seemed amazed with everything, his eyes seemingly gobbling up anything he saw. The two little feathers had broke Arthur's heart.
Alfred woke up gasping in the morning, freaking out. W-What was going on? Something felt severely wrong. Then remmenants of the nightmare he woke up from came back. Alfred shuddered, realizing why he woke up. He had to remind himself that Mr. McGregor was dead and gone. Etsi had...stuffed him in another dimension or something. But what if he didn't stay there? What if he came back when he realized I was with his people again? What if he's coming for me?!
Alfred whimpered. Should he go tell Arthur? Arthur had said he would help him with anything...and Alfred wanted to believe that but...he was America! He can do this on his own! He's been on his own for so long and the nightmares weren't anything new. It's just been a couple of years since he's had them. Alfred whimpered, not wanting to seem to needy so soon to Arthur. Etsi would have kicked him out and left him outside to fend for the night if he whined too much about nightmares.
Alfred heard something creak somewhere in the house. He whimpered. What if it was a monster?! Alfred whimpered and pulled the blanket over his head, doing his best to not whimper again. He did his best to make it look like he was sleeping. Under the covers, he rubbed his hands together, wondering if this was a safe place to do magic. After Mr. McGregor, Alfred wasn't sure if he could trust the English settlers as much as he did before. Now that he's seen what 'his' people are like, or essentially what people in general were like, he wasn't sure if he should be so open with them.
Arthur walked into the room and smiled when he saw the coloney seemingly sleeping peacefully. He thought he heard whimpering when he decided to go visit the outhouse. Perhaps it was a stray dog or something of the sort wandering outside his window. Arthur noticed that the sheets looked a bit rumpled and were nearly half off of the bed. "Well lad, it looks like I just imagined the whimpering. But let's get you covered. You'll get a cold without properly being tucked in," said Arthur with a slight smile, re-tucking in the smaller personification.
Alfred immediately relaxed, not opening his eyes. So it was just Arthur...and Arthur was being nice. He came to check on him and make sure he was safe. That was nice...His father was nice. Alfred smiled to himself. Maybe he could get used to all of this. And if his father was this nice...he'll keep the bad people and the ghosts away. England will be the hero he needed to make things the way they should be.
A gentle hand started wandering through his hair, slowly massaging his scalp. Without thinking, Alfred leaned into the touch and started to drift off. He was asleep by the time Arthur had kissed his forehead goodnight and went back to his own room. Alfred cuddled an extra pillow that Arthur had allowed him and had nicer, sweeter dreams about the life he would have had if his family had been given the chance to stay together.
Alfred woke up to the smell of something sweet baking somewhere downstairs. Alfred blinked and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He could vaguely remember someone petting his hair after he had woke up from a nightmare. Alfred jumped down from the bed, still wearing the oversized shirt, and wandered his way down to the kitchen where he had found Francis and Arthur fighting with each other. Alfred's eyes widened as the two of them threw towels at each other.
"I don't care what you say. You must have poisoned the poor child if he thinks your food is good. What dark magic have you used on him you eyebrow wizard?! No one could possibly steal a child, an impressionable coloney like that, from me after they taste my food. My food attracts everyone to me like honey to flies," said Francis, mixing something in a bowl that he was desperately trying to keep out of Arthur's reach. Arthur, on the other hand, was trying to grab the bowl so he could throw it out.
"I didn't use magic! The boy just happened to choose me because he prefered a guardian who didn't smell like cheese and practiced proper hygene!" shouted Arthur, throwing a scone at France. France ducked and looked at Arthur, horrified. "Do not let even the tiniest crumb of your cooking touch my food. I'm certain that it would either poison it or cause an explosion," said Francis, making Arthur get angry enough that he through more scones. Alfred watched, not sure how to take this.
"My food will do no such thing. Now pipe down and get out of my house before Alfred wakes up. No one wants to wake up and see you first thing in the morning," growled Arthur, making a last attempt at snatching back the bowl. Alfred shuffled his feet. "I-I'm already awake….Is everything okay? I didn't know what I'm supposed to do...or if I'm supposed to do something," said Alfred. Arthur and Francis both froze, Francis taking the opportunity to quickly pour the batter into molds and get them ready to bake.
"Bastard…" grumbled Arthur under his breath before turning to Alfred. "Oh, I'm so sorry Alfred. Did we wake you? I was just trying to get this intruder out of our kitchen," he said, giving Francis a sideways glare. "Moi? I was simply doing my best to make sure the boy felt welcomed. I know you aren't one so much for baking, so I thought I'd reach out a friendly hand and simply assist you in the kitchen. The child seemed to enjoy the food I made him earlier, I thought he'd enjoy a bit more," said Francis innocently.
Alfred grinned at Francis. "Your food was really good! Thank you for making some of it for us!" he said, happy to have something delicious smelling to eat. If it was as good as the food Francis had given him earlier, he wouldn't be disappointed. Arthur looked a bit hurt but mostly frustrated, glaring at the Frenchman. "You don't understand Alfred. Francis here would be happy to steal you away from me the minute he had the chance. We shouldn't risk having him in the house," he grumbled.
Francis smirked. "Don't worry little one. I'll be happy to make you some crepes. How does blueberry crepes sound to you? Arthur here can nibble on his rocks while you and I enjoy some real food," said Francis. Alfred nodded happily, walking over to a chair and struggling to get it. Arthur was about to argue but instead softened and helped Alfred into his chair. "There you are love," he said. "Thank you!" said Alfred, happily settling into the chair, sleeves unrolled again.
Francis grinned. "Ah mon lapin, he's so sweet! I hope he doesn't become a bitter old man before his time because of you," he said. "What makes you think that would be my fault?!" shouted Arthur. "Well he has the...feeling that he's associated with you some how, as much as I hate to admit it. As much as he reminds me of my petit Matthew, I have to admit that Alfred does remind me of you when you were little. You were the sweetest looking thing...until you opened that infernal mouth of yours," said Francis, sounding almost sincere.
"...England was little?" asked Alfred. "Some may argue that he still is," smirked Francis before getting a sharp elbow to the stomach. "Not in front of the kid! That's it. You are out of here," said Arthur angrily. "But if you kick me out, you will ruin my cusine. Surely, you will burn it. I refuse to have an attack on my culture carried out like that. Non. I leave after everyone's belly is full. If you are polite, perhaps I will allow you to have some breakfast with us as well if you're civil," said Francis. Alfred giggled as he watched the two men fight.
The giggling brought Arthur back to his senses. "If that is what it will take to get you out of my house, then fine. You may serve breakfast. Only breakfast. Then you must leave," he huffed. Francis smiled. "That's all I need. I will be leaving after breakfast anyways. I wouldn't want to keep my poor Matthieu waiting. Oui, I have the finest maids and servants looking after him, but nothing replaces a big brother's love," said Francis. "...Are you Matthieu's daddy?" asked Alfred. Francis laughed. "Non, but I hope to make up for it with love and pastries and cuddles and presents," he said.
Arthur's eyes widened, looking over at Alfred for his reaction. Alfred only smiled. "That sounds nice, but I like it better when grown ups hold your hand or roll up your arm pants," he said. Both Francis and Arthur had to smirk. "Oui, I noticed that your...arm pants looked a bit long," chuckled Francis. "Can I blame the lack of English skills on your mere presense, or is that pushing the envelope?" snorted Arthur. Francis only rolled his eyes. "Non, perhaps you aren't as influential as you brag," he shot back, pulling the food out and starting to serve it.
Alfred dug in, getting most of the food on himself. Arthur sighed but smiled as he wiped the child off. "So Alfred, where do you come from? Surely you have been living somewhere or with someone before you found us," said Francis. Arthur gave him a look of warning, to which the frenchman just looked confused but rolled his eyes. "What is the harm in asking? The boy is young and has been on what seems to be a peaceful land. He could possibly help us find some valuable information," said Francis.
"Francis, don't try to exploit the boy," said Arthur in a low voice. "What? You aren't the least bit curious? Alfred, tell us a little about yourself. It isn't fair for Arthur to take you in and treat you as his own if you keep to yourself," said Francis, syrup practically dripping from every word as he tried to sweet talk the toddler into giving him information about nearby gold or jewels. "Are there more people like you? I just want to be aware in case I run across them. Perhaps we can even arrange a reunion," said Francis. "Francis, last warning," said Arthur.
Alfred shrank in his chair as Francis gave Arthur some sort of retort and the two started bickering. He pushed away his half-eaten food and slid from the chair, choosing instead to go outside and hide under a tree. He didn't like it when adults fought. He had heard too many people fighting growing up. Alfred could hear them continue fighting, something breaking as well. All of a sudden, the fighting stopped and, after a pause, he could hear the two men start to frantically call his name.
"Alfred? Alfred! Where are you lad?" he could hear Arthur call. "Mon petit, I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you away by pointing out Arthur's eyebrows. Please come back. You have barely eaten your food!" called Francis, followed by what sounded like Arthur elbowing him in the gut. "I mean, we want you to come back. I am sorry you were startled," said Francis. "Better. Alfred, please come back. It's not safe for a lad your size out here. I just want you to be safe," shouted Arthur, the two men wandering outside. "I'll stay here in case he comes back. You search," said Francis. Alfred ducked behind the tree.
"Alfred? ...Alfred! There you are child. What are you doing out here? I'm so sorry we startled you, but you shouldn't run away like that," said Arthur, sitting down next to Alfred. The Brit gave him a look of concern when he realized that Alfred was crying. "What's wrong Alfred? You know neither of us were mad at you...or even at each other. We just talk to each other like that. You know, we're old friends..enemies...frenemies. It wasn't your fault or anything you did," said Arthur.
"Y-You were yelling...l-like they did in the village. Everyone was yelling and screaming or crying. They were all scared and running. A-And I didn't want anyone to fight. I-I tried to stop it. N-No one would listen. I-I tugged at their sleeves and pleaded and pleaded b-but…" Alfred hiccuped, "O-One of them decided to h-hurt me. I-It took me a long time to wake up and every one was gone. T-They were yelling death threats like you were. W-Why didn't they listen to me?" Alfred was now throughly bawling. Arthur was panicking. Where was the Frog when he was actually useful?
Arthur pulled Alfred into his lap. "Who did that? Who wouldn't listening? Why weren't they listening?" he asked, trying to rock Alfred. Alfred only started crying, now crying too hard to actually form coherent sentences. Arthur swallowed and picked up the boy, cradling the small coloney to his chest. "Shh shh. We're going inside and I'm getting you some warm milk to help you calm down. How does that sound?" asked Arthur, not expecting an answer, which was good because the only answer he received was a snotty shoulder.
Francis looked up when Arthur kicked the door open. "What's wrong? Is he hurt?" asked Francis, immediately standing up and glancing around the kitchen for any medical supplies he may have to use. "No, no. Traumatized is more like it. All of our yelling reminded him of what I think may be Roanoke. He was talking about people fighting and...we'll discuss the rest later. Right now, I just want to try to calm him down," said Arthur, rocking the child slowly.
The Frenchman nodded and moved to warm up some milk. "Don't try to talk to him about it now. Approach the subject sensitively when he is more calm, like tomorrow. If you push him, he will only become more upset and less willing to tell you anything. But don't leave the subject untouched. It will only fester if you don't show him healthy ways to handle it and discuss it. Do you wish for me to be there for the conversation?" asked Francis. While Arthur knew Francis wouldn't try to exploit a child while in this state, he shook his head. "No...I feel like the less people involved, the more comfortable he would be," he said.
Francis nodded understandingly and put the milk in a cup, handing it to Arthur. "Go put him to bed. I will try to find him some comfort food," he said. Arthur nodded and slowly made his way upstairs, rubbing Alfred's back gently. "Shh lad. I'm here. Let it all out. Let's take a nice nap together, hmm? Doesn't that sound nice. I think we both need to get a little bit of rest to unwind. We can talk about this later. You just worry about relaxing and letting me take care of you," said Arthur.
Alfred let out a whimper and buried his face into Arthur's shoulder, now hiccup-sobbing. Arthur sighed and continued rubbing his back, cooing to the small boy every now and again. He reached the boy's room and tucked him in before crawling into the bed with him, holding the boy close. "Shhh. You're alright. You're safe. Nothing here is going to hurt you. That all happened a long time ago," said Arthur, looking up and seeing Francis open the door a crack, surprisingly holding a plate of scones and a glass of water.
"Y-Youre not going to hurt me right? Y-You won't change and be mean like the others? You won't turn against me?" whimpered Alfred softly. Arthur's eyes widened, glancing at Francis who looked just as shocked. "I-I...of course not! Of course I wouldn't hurt you! Alfred, you and I are family now. Families may fight and get...turbulant, but I would never hurt you or betray you like that. You are completely safe with me. I may have done a lot of things in my life, but I would never hurt a young nation under my care," said Arthur.
"Oui. Arthur would not hurt you in that way Alfred. Never. Like he said, you are family. There may be times where he may make you feel upset and hurt, but he would never act out against you violently. Even him, a man with a temper, will refrain himself from hurting people, especially children. As much as I hate to say it, Arthur will make a good caretaker for you. I feel you both can learn from each other and help each other. He cares about you as much as I'm sure you will care about him," said Francis.
Alfred sniffed and peaked from where he had his face hidden in Arthur's side. "I-Is that a scone?" he asked shyly. Francis chuckled. "Somehow, I think you found a way to his heart," he said, handing Alfred the plate and cup. Alfred sat up. Arthur had to chuckle as well. "I think the food was the real key here. Thank you for your help Francis…I appreciate it. Your Matthew is very lucky to have something like you in his life," said Arthur. Francis smirked. "We shall never mention this day again," he said. "Deal," agreed Arthur.
Alfred nibbled on his scones before leaning against Arthur, eyes slowly starting to drift closed. Arthur put the food and water on the nightstand and ran a hand through Alfred's hair. Francis smiled. "I will leave you two alone. Perhaps you can come and visit my Matthew sometime. You know where my Canadian residence is, correct?" said Francis. Arthur snorted. "I'm sure I will stop by, if only to save the child from being fully corrupted by you," he said sarcastically. Francis simply rolled his eyes and left after saying his goodbyes.
Arthur then turned to the sleeping toddler at his side. He ran a hand through Alfred's hair, softly petting him. "You are going to be a handful, I'm starting to get that feeling. But I know you won't mean it. You seem like a sweet little kid...who has seen somethings. I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you from all of that...or to avenge what sounded like your death. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I will do everything in my power to make sure that you never experience anything like that. To be betrayed by those you thought loved you...not even myself have experienced that," he said softly.
Alfred exhaled and nuzzled Arthur's side. "I suppose...it wouldnt' be too unheard of if I decide to take a nap myself. We both seem to need one. Hopefully, you feel a lot better when we wake up," said Arthur, making sure that Alfred was properly tucked in before laying down himself. Arthur hesitated before pulling the child closer, lightly hugging him before falling asleep. Francis snuck back upstairs to check on them before smiling and leaving, certain that the boy was in good hands. The boy he watched grow up was ready for one of his own.
Don't worry. Francis won't be very happy about the way Arthur becomes a father for the second time. On that note, Mattie will be making an appearance soon. Reviews appreciated!