Arthur sighed as he went into the kitchen, setting his jacket on the chair. "So Adeline, how did he behave? Is there anything I need to be aware of?" he asked, loosening his collar as he sat down, waiting for her to serve him. Adeline presented him with a plate of mush, to which Arthur gave her a bewildered look. "Perhaps if you were here when you were expected, or needed, you would find the food and the atmosphere more pleasing to you sir," said Adeline simply. "I beg your pardon?" asked Arthur, eyes wide. "Oh don't worry. You're pardoned on account of being my boss, but not so much as being a father," she said.
Arthur sat up straight. "I will give you one moment to explain yourself. Then, I ask that you see yourself out for speaking to me in such a manner," he said. "First of all, I am not your maid. Yes, you pay me, but I come to work because of that little boy of yours. You are never around for him. He waits for you, needs advice for you, misses you. And where are you? Partying in Europe. I feel that he wouldn't be half of a handful if he had a steady father-figure in his life," she said.
"I am not his father-" "He tells anyone who listens that you are his father. You may be the closest thing to a father he has ever had in his life. Now I know I don't know about your wife, nor do I know much about your job, but I do know that that is your son. He is not your burden. Not your problem. Not a piece of luggage or something that you can distract by adopting a friend for him. He is your son. Your only son. You need to start acting like a father and giving that child the attention and compassion he deserves," said Adeline, hands on her hip.
Arthur was blindsided. "He...He introduces me as his father?" he asked quietly. Adeline nodded, happy that something happened to stuck from her little speech. "Aye sir. Sometimes he refers to you as 'Captain Father' because you own a ship. He idolizes you. You're his hero. Someday, he's going to grow old and he'll realize just how much you neglected him. Sir, you have a unique opportunity right here to try to be something better, be there for your son. I pray that you don't waste it," she said, urging him to take heed of her word.
Arthur stood up. "Leave. Report back in the morning. Perhaps you'll still have a job here. I must think," he said, waving her toward the door. She gave him a look before taking off her apron and leaving. Arthur leaned back, eating the mush that she made for him. Alfred thinks of me as his father. I thought I told him I wasn't...He has a mother. Surely she would have set him straight on who the father was. He must be confused. That's it. He isn't aware of what we are as nations don't have sturdy family structures…
Arthur sighed and went upstairs, determined to set thing straight with Alfred. He paused when he heard the boys talking in the room, speaking in that strange language Alfred used when he first came to the house. They were giggling and chatting with each other as if they knew each other their whole lives. Arthur blinked. They were brothers. Alfred had once mentioned having a brother that 'looked like him.' He didn't realized that by that he meant twins. England listened in, smiling as the boys moved furniture around and switched to english. He noticed that Canada's English was non existant and that he was mostly using French while Alfred translated for him. Stupid frog and his Louisianna territory seems to have at least come in handy for once.
The boys chatted until it was late, finally collapsing on top of each other. When they were finished talking, Arthur went into the room to find that the boys had pushed their two beds together. Matthew had the bed most north while Alfred took the bed to the south. The two of them were passed out on top of each other, look as if they had fallen asleep only out of pure exhaustion. Arthur chuckled slightly, picking up Matthew and gently changing him into a nightgown before tucking him into the bed.
Arthur then turned to Alfred, pausing. He hesitated before leaning closer to the bed, deciding to change the boy. The minute Arthur started to unbutton the boy's shirt, Alfred immediately started hugging his arm. He blinked. "C'mon lad. Let go. It's time to go to bed. Wouldn't want to keep your brother awake, would you?" he asked. Alfred sighed before slowly letting go of Arthur's arm. He smiled and quickly changed him, tucking him into bed. Arthur sat on the edge of the bed and ran his hand over both of their hairs. "Maybe Adeline is right. Maybe I'm not quite sure what I have here. I know I don't know what it was I got myself into," he said.
Once he was done tucking the boys in bed, he went to his own room and quickly changed. He glanced at the pirate hat laying on his desk before walking over to it. "I suppose it's time to put childish things away. I suppose Elizabeth was right in saying that I need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to better the empire. These boys if anything are the future...I should be there for them more…" he muttered. With that, he picked up his hat and coat and put them in his trunk.
The next morning, Alfred was surprised to find that someone had dressed him in his night clothes and tucked him in. Matthew, on the other hand, didn't seem at all surprised. "Francis used to do this all the time. He would even tell me stories. It's good to see that Arthur is nice too," muttered a half-asleep Canada. "Want to go down and get breakfast?" asked Alfred excitedly. Matthew only grunted, nowhere near being a morning person, and proceeded to faceplant into his pillow and fall asleep.
Alfred simply shrugged and climbed out of bed before heading to the kitchen. He was surprised once again by a full English breakfast waiting for him on the table. Arthur would usually only make those around the time of special occasions such as holidays. "...What's this?" Alfred asked, waiting in the doorway of the kitchen. "Think of it an apology for being so brisk with you and not coming home right away. I know you love breakfast and thought that since Matthew tends to be a bit of a late waker, we could talk," said Arthur.
Alfred frowned. "Talk about what?" he asked. Arthur simply pulled out a chair and nodded toward the food-filled plate. America sighed and climbed up on the chair, only starting to eat after Arthur sat down, nodded at him, and started digging in himself. "Well, for starters, I'd like to apologize for Matthew. I knew you had a brother...and that you felt betrayed by him. It was not my intention to reopen old wounds by bringing him home and into the family without checking with you first. I merely intended to find you company, a friend for when I can't be around," said Arthur.
"...It's okay. Matthew and I made up last night. I'm happy to have him back, to have a brother again. Thank you for bringing him," said Alfred. England nodded. "And second, I need to come clean. I have been...working two separate jobs. I decided that perhaps, I should focus on only one of them. I will be writing the queen and see what she thinks. But until then, I will be here, spending what time I have with you and your brother. Part of the reason I had to wait so long before coming home yesterday was because I needed to settle some...accounts my second job required," said Arthur.
"What was your second job?" asked Alfred innocently. Arthur swallowed. "I, erm, did some trade. I had to deliever some goods to another port further south. But worry not, I'm here to say. I apologize that I did not have this explained to you. I was not aware that my first mate just turned you away until Adeline so...kindly and bluntly pointed it out along with the fact that perhaps my methods of interacting with you were misguided at times," he said, mumbling the last part. "What does that mean?" asked Alfred, happily shoveling beans into his mouth.
"It means that...I did not realize that you saw me as your father figure. I always thought you thought of me as perhaps a guardian or mentor. And while I am humbled and honored to be thought of as your father, I also realize that I have not done anything to honor that role. I need to step up more to be the kind of father that you...and your brother deserve. I'm sorry for the long trips, the long time away. I'm sorry that my cooking isn't always up to par. I'm sorry I set the kitchen on fire regularly, that I lose my temper often. I'm sorry that sometimes I don't have the time, the energy, nor the patience to put up with your little shananegains, much less spend time playing and exploring you. I haven't been much of a guide as a nation," he said.
Alfred looked suprised and unsure of how to handle the apology. Arthur swallowed. Perhaps Alfred didn't even forgive him. "I-I know it's unforgiveable and-" he blinked, realizing that Alfred had somehow disappeared from his chair. I suppose he doesn't forgive me. England jumped when something crawled up on his chair. Alfred hugged Arthur, smiling. "I'm just happy you'll be home more. I love you Artie," he said happily. Arthur's heart melted and he found himself hugging the small boy tight. "I love you too Alfred. You are what's driving me forward," he said.
Alfred smiled and looked up at him. "Can we go to the lake? Oooh, ooh can we show Mattie the field? And the town? And Mr. McGuinness's horses?" he asked. Arthur chuckled. "As soon as you finish your breakfast and as soon as I can get Matthew up. You both need food, a good bath, and a fresh change of clothes," said England. Alfred wrinkled his nose. "There's nothing wrong with my clothes and I'm not that dirty!" he said. Arthur chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair. "There's grass in your hair and feathers. Your also a little sweaty. You need a bath sweetie," he said.
Alfred huffed but smiled. "Okay, but we get to stop at the chocolate shop….and a picnic!" he said. Arthur chuckled. "You want to give your brother the full tour and experience?" he asked. Alfred smiled before nodding. "Yeah! He had to see everything and do everything so he doesn't get left out! We'll have so much fun and we'll make up all of the time that we lost with each other! We can do that right?" asked Alfred excitedly. Arthur nodded, ruffling the boy's hair. "Go on, eat up," he said. America nodded, jumping down and racing over to his chair before hurrying his breakfast.
Arthur chuckled and went upstairs, deciding that it was best to wake Matthew so he would be out of his funk by the time Alfred got out of the bath. He entered the room, finding the small nation sprawled out on his bed. Arthur shook his shoulder. "Matthew?" he asked. Matthew's eyes flickered open. "F-Francis?" he muttered. England frowned. "No no child, It's me. Arthur. You're with me in New England. Now get up dearheart. Alfred is waiting for you. Breakfast will be cold soon as well. As soon as you two are dressed, bathed, and fed, we're going to go do some activities that Alfred had planned for us.
Matthew groaned, burying his face in his pillow. "I love him but he's too energetic. I don't wanna get up yet. It's too early," he complained. Arthur chuckled. "Oh trust me, I agree a hundred percent. Alfred just seems to be a morning bird, getting up with the dawn. Must be due to the early farmers. We'll just have to play along with it. You do get used to it after some time around him," said Arthur. Matthew only groaned some more before Arthur playfully helped him out of the bed.
Matthew dragged himself out of bed and went down to go get breakfast when Alfred glomped Arthur. "I need help with the bath. Adeline still has to help me," he said. Arthur sighed but nodded, getting the water and the tub ready for the boys. Once he was done, Matthew waddled over and the two boys allowed for Arthur to undress them and set them in the bath before scrubbing them and washing their hair. Alfred squirmed, hating baths. "It hurts. You're doing it too hard. Can I go out? There's not that much dirt on me," he said.
Matthew, on the other hand, seemed to love baths. He was quietly playing with the bubbles, making beards out of them, as Arthur washed his longer locks. As much as Arthur hated the long hair, due to Francis, he couldn't see any real reason to get rid of it. It made it a lot more easier for him to tell the two twins apart. Arthur could tell that Francis had washed Matthew often. Maybe Arthur should have Adeline bathe Alfred a bit more in hopes that it would help him behave better.
The two boys played with bath toys, something that kept Alfred occupied enough that Arthur was able to wash the boy's hair without him squirming too much. When they were cleaned, he pulled each of them out and wrapped them in a towel. Alfred giggled before running out of the room. "Alfred, get back here. I will not have you running through his house bumnaked!" shouted Arthur, getting up to chase the boy. "Noooo! No clothes! I don't need clothes, just a loincloth!" shouted Alfred. Matthew sighed before getting himself dressed, putting his shirt on backwards.
Arthur grumbled and managed to retrieve the ever elusive American before coming back to the bathroom, closing the door and quickly dressing the boy. "I do not pity that poor Adeline. Please don't tell me that you've been doing this everyday. Not only is it disruptive, but extremely inappropriate," huffed Arthur when he finished dressing him. Alfred giggled. "Only sometimes...She usually catches me with the towel before I can get to the door," he said. Arthur made a mental note of that. He really should talk to Adeline to see what tips and tricks she could offer him.
Matthew was smirking a little as he watched the two of them. "Is this how everyday in this house is? I guess I can get used to it. It got a little boring and quiet with only France and me," he said. "France and I. And unfortunately, or fortunately if you ask Alfred, yes. He's a bit of a hellraiser," he said. "You said a bad word," teased Alfred. Arthur simply rolled his eyes and cleaned up the bathroom. "Alright you little rascal. Time to go downstairs. I have your picnic ready. Get your shoes on along with your jacket. You too Matthew," she said. Alfred cheered and dragged Matthew downstairs.
Arthur made sure they were both ready for the outdoors, grabbed the picnic basket, and let Alfred lead the way. The first place they went was the lake. Arthur smiled. He hoped that Alfred had avoided the lake while he was away. When he was home, he would charm it when the boy wasn't looking so it was both safter but also more enthralling. The waves would sparkle more, fish came to visit more often, a water spirit or two would look after him and play with him even if the boy didn't realize it. He didn't want the illusion to be a disappointment if Alfred came back and found just a murky lake.
Alfred pulled them over and lead Matthew to the lake. Arthur waved his hand, smiling as the lake started to gleam and sparkle. For some reason, even the plants themselves would cheer up when he and Alfred came to this spot. Perhaps Alfred's presense helped Arthur's magic become closer to the land. Alfred grinned and started playing with Matthew some weird version of hide and seek. Arthur smiled and set out the picnic, making sure to keep a good eye on the two boys.
After the two boys got tired of playing by the waterside, they wandered over to the picnic blanket and ate. Arthur wiped their faces after and helped them pack up their picnic. "Alright, are we ready to go into town?" he asked the boys. "Yeah! Chocolate!" shouted Alfred, hugging Arthur's leg. Matthew smiled faintly before nodding. "Alright, I like chocolate," said Matthew softly. Arthur chuckled. "Alright, alright. I think I understand the enthusiasm. Let's go boys. First one to town gets the biggest bar!" he shouted before racing them there.
Arthur made sure to slow down and let the boys win once they got to town. Alfred and Matthew raced, but slowed down to a tie when they reached the candy shop. England had a sneaking suspicion that they didn't want to make each other upset by winning a bigger candy bar. He smiled and bought them both the biggest candy bar the shopkeeper had. He was proud to see the two boys getting along better than he or any of his brothers ever did. Heck, these boys got along better and behaved better than all of his combined adult brothers put together.
They each got a different kind of chocolate bar and decided to share with each other. He smiled, leading the boys into town. An old lady stopped by. "Arthur dear, are these your boys? Why they have gotten so big! And are there two of them? Was I mistaken in think you only have one, or am I seeing double?" she asked, fiddling with her glasses. Arthur chuckled. "No my dear, I have recently discovered that my boy has a twin. This is Matthew, Alfred's brother. We have recently brought him back from Canada. He's still having some trouble getting adjusted. He's only been here for a few days," he said.
"Oh, well they both look like the most darlingnest, sweetest thing. You dears come to my house and visit me some times. It gets so lonely. I can make you pies and cakes, so don't be shy," she said nicely before hobbling off. "...Are all the people here that nice?" asked Matthew. Arthur smiled. "Well they are certainly friendly," he said before blinking at Alfred's sullen expression. Matthew looked just as thrown off. "They're not all nice...some of the colonists are actually kinda mean," muttered Alfred.
Arthur frowned. "Alfred, don't call people names. They may be mean but it's more mean to call people names like that," he said. Alfred frowned before looking down and taking an angry bite from his chocolate bar. Arthur sighed before picking both boys up. "Alright, what do you two want to do now?" he asked, tickling Alfred's side slightly. Alfred started smiling slightly, fighting to keep his pout. Arthur smirked. "I know. How about this? Let's go on a little treasure hunt. We'll go home, you two boys play in your room for a little bit, and I go make a map for you," he said.
Alfred and Matthew blinked. "Really? You really will let us play pirates?" asked Matthew, knowing that Francis has talked about pirates and how England was such a fierce captain. Alfred grinned. "Can we dress up in your hats and jackets? Please please pretty please? Ooooh and your swords! I want to play with your swords and guns too!" said Alfred. "Absolutely not. You can play with the clothes and hats if you wish, but you will be staying far away from weaponry. Perhaps if you are nice, I can fashion the two of you a couple of wooden swords and teach you how to use them. But you will not, under any circumstances, play with any real weapons," he said.
Alfred pouted. Arthur sighed. "Alright...how about this. I'll let you play with the clothes, the hat, AND the boots, but you can also play with the medals. The cheap participatory ones that the crown hands out. I might even be able to find us some fake gold coins to play with as well. And I know for sure that I have a few treasure chests laying around on the boat somewhere. Perhaps we can even play on the ship for a bit. Most of the men are staying at the inn or paying visits to their families," he said. Alfred glanced at Matthew, who gave his brother a sullen nod. "Alright. I suppose we will take that deal. However, you must throw in dessert for breakfast," said Alfred in a serious tone.
Arthur managed not to chuckle and pretended to seriously consider the thought. It's a bit ridiculous...but I did leave him hanging. "I suppose I will meet your demands, but know that this is a one time instance. I will not allow you to haggle me to such means again," he said in a serious tone. Alfred giggled and Matthew's eyes lightened up. "Really?" asked Canada. England gave them both a smile. "Really. Now, come along. You two go clean up and keep to your room. I'll go ahead and make up a treasure hunt for you boys," he said. Both boys nodded and raced back to the house, immediately going to their room.
Arthur chuckled to himself and got to work setting up a little scavenger hunt, hiding bits and pieces of poetry for the two boys to use as clues. When he was done, he called the boys, raising an eyebrow at the fact that they had already raided his trunk of pirate clothes. "Alright boys, you two need to work together, otherwise you won't be able to find the treasure. Also, anything you find you have to share," he said. Alfred looked around before picking up a frog. "Do we have to share this frog then?" he asked. Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. "Alfred, put the frog down," he said. Alfred pouted but let the frog hop away.
With no further ado, he let the boys run around the area around the house, letting out a sigh as he watched. He wished for his fae friends. Although Alfred's land seems to have some magic and fairies in it...Arthur couldn't get seem to get any contact with them. Every time his magic reached out to the magic of this land, it shied away from him. That was when he was able to sense any magic. For the most part, the magic of the land seemed to be extremely weak.
At this point, he figured it was because of his influence that America seemed to have any magic at all. As more people showed up and as Alfred grew up, Arthur suspected that the magic would fade. If it was contingent on Arthur's magic, it would fade as the land settled into itself more. In fact, Arthur feared the opposite may happen, that Alfred and his people would completely go to war with magic. As it was, they were extremely opposed to it, holding trials, hanging witches. If Alfred was any proof, the people would not embrace magic anytime soon. Poor Alfred completely shuts down whenever the topic of magic was brought up.
The boys quickly found the first few clues, eventually finding the treasure after a few hours. "Alright! Candy!" shouted Alfred, grinning happily. Matthew was also smiling, although a bit more shy. "There's toys in here too. Little wooden figures and marbles," he said happily. The boys nicely divided up the treasures with Arthur stepping in to mediae every once in a while. When they were done, Arthur brought them inside and made pancakes at Matthew's insistance. England didn't mind that much as it satisfied Matthew and met Alfred's earlier demands.
Sorry to say that this may be the last chapter as only a handful of people seem to be reading it and only one person has been reviewing. I think my summer hiatus may have killed the story. Sorry guys.