Tomorrow

A/N: So, under much consideration, this story has three more chapters. Two chapters of actual story and a chapter that's more like an epilogue. Chapter four song is Like We Never Loved At All, sung by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 4: Like We Never Loved At All

Alfred had his pick of places to go for his internship. Once he commented he'd like to study medicines abroad and possibly learn alternative methods of healing his councilor brought up a list of places he could choose from and told him he was making a good decision.

"People don't realize that medicine isn't just about a person's physical needs, but sometimes their emotional ones as well. What works for one may not for another so learning what you can to further your boundaries makes you wise beyond years," the councilor said before sending Alfred on his way.

Alfred hadn't really thought of it like that. He had just wanted to get away from the reminders of Arthur to move on, but if by doing this he could help more people he was glad to do it. He liked helping people and even if he never fell in love again he thought he could be happy just helping. There was something about other people, their expressions of relief and gratitude, it didn't make him feel self-important rather it humbled him. People would put their lives in the hands of doctors and trust them, and it always humbled him to see how something as small as helping or offering diagnosis and treatment could offer hope.

When he left the councilor's office he was still unsure as to whether or not he wished to leave just yet, that fragile hope that maybe Arthur would return niggled in the back of his mind, but he carefully put the idea to the back of his mind in a box of things better left unsaid and locked it away.

The idea was cinched for him when he caught sight of Arthur walking with Francis four days after his talk with the councilor. They were walking beneath the city lights, Arthur looked so happy. They were laughing and it seemed as though neither had seen him, or if they had they looked right through him.

Alfred's heart sent a jolt of longing and pain through him. Here he was stuck on Arthur's goodbye still, but Arthur kept going on with his life. Alfred wondered how Arthur could just walk by not a single tear in his eye or even the barest hint of regret. Didn't Arthur have even the slightest of feelings left for him?

He shook his head of the thoughts. Arthur had always hid his feelings exceptionally well until they all blew up in epic proportions in front of him. Maybe that was his way of dealing with the pain? Forgetting everything they had, like they had never loved at all?

Alfred couldn't do that. Not with how much everything meant to him. Before he knew it, he stood in front of Mattie's apartment.

"Hey, Al."

"Mattie," he responded offering a tired smile.

"How are you?" Matthew asked pulling his brother in for a hug and moving to let him in.

Alfred sighed. "I don't know."

Matthew offered a sympathetic smile. "Francis and Arthur are doing fine. Gilbert told me they got together."

Alfred nodded. "I saw them, it seems like they're doing well."

Matthew winced. "I'm sorry."

Alfred shook his head. "I don't think I ever had the chance. I should have listened to you when you told me being with Arthur was a bad idea, that we just weren't good for each other."

"I was jealous Al, I didn't mean it like that."

Alfred stared at his brother waiting for Matthew to elaborate, so he did. "You and Arthur have always been kind of close and I felt like I was losing you. You're my twin, you've always been there for me, but when you were with Arthur or anyone else it felt like you were forgetting about me and so did they. I don't stand out the way you do and when you notice me it makes me happy. If you left I thought I wouldn't have anyone anymore, even though you were really happy. At the same time you and Arthur are always fighting, little things become a big deal and you always end up hurt. I didn't want this to happen."

"Thank you Matthew, for being the best brother I could ask for," Alfred smiled.

That was as close as they had ever gotten to actually talking about how they felt about each other, because really, the words weren't needed. The gratitude and love were always there, along with everything else they would need to fall back on when hurt.

Another week had passed and time just seemed to slip by as Alfred contemplated his decision. He couldn't say he wasn't looking forward to it. Matthew was getting worried about him because he hadn't laughed since the break up, but Alfred thought he was doing okay. He didn't know Arthur's secret to letting go, but he could focus on what was important.

His mind was set though. Arthur was forgetting him as though they had never loved at all. The magic Alfred had felt in their relationship, the blessing, the passion, like Arthur didn't even miss him. Alfred wondered if Arthur ever compared him and Francis, their kisses and the way they expressed their love, but he would leave. Alfred would let Arthur move on unhindered and he was set to intern in Italy.