Arthur and Alfred had grow close over the past few weeks, but the boy would still not talk. The Brit was starting to wonder if there was some psychological damage and if it could be healed. Many times he would try to ask the boy if he could tell, or even write why he wouldn't, or couldn't, talk. Everytime, however, Alfred would break down into tears.
Eventually, the Brit learn to avoid the subject all together and they went on living together. Arthur had decided, when he met Alfred, that he would stay with him. He wasn't going back to being a soldier.
By now the two wounds he had, were almost completely healed and his arm no longer need to be in a sling. Alfred began to bring him hunting and they caught almost three times as much as the boy could alone.
"Alfred, over here," Arthur whispered.
When the boy made it over to the Brit, he was shown a deer grazing a few meters away. Alfred got his bow ready and aimed it at the unsuspecting animal. With a quick and silent release, the arrow struck it's target. Arthur was impressed.
They took the deer back to their small camp and lit a fire. After cooking the meat, they ate while Arthur told Alfred some stories. When they were done they decided it was time to leave this place and relocate. They never stayed in the same place for more than a few days, so they were constantly on the move.
After everything was packed they set out, deciding to move about half a mile. They never had to move far, just far enough to keep from becoming too comfortable. Once they found a nice clearing they set up their tent and sat down to rest.
"Alfred."
The American looked at Arthur.
"We've been together for almost four weeks now. I know I shouldn't, but in order to understand better..." Arthur wasn't sure how to say it. He was going to ask Alfred why he wouldn't talk, again. He probably shouldn't and would most likely only get a crying child for an answer, but he wanted to know. "Why won't you speak to me?"
Alfred looked to the ground and clenched his shaking hands. He stood quickly and ran off into the woods.
"Alfred! Wait, stop!" Arthur yelled after him. He slapped himself in the face. "Stupid!"
The Brit charged into the trees, trying to find the little boy, who he was starting to see as a son.
"Alfred, please! I'm sorry..." Arthur choked back some tears that threatened to break through. "Why can't I keep my mouth shut?"
He hoped with all his might that he found the little American.
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After Alfred bolted into the trees he kept on running, not looking back. Tears poured down his cheeks. 'Why can't that stupid Brit stop asking me that question?' Alfred thought.
He wanted to tell the man why he wouldn't talk, but for some reason, everytime he tried, his voice would never work. He could make certain noises, but not voluntarily. Not only that, but it was a painful thing to think about. Tears continued to stream down his face.
The blur that his tears created made it hard to see where he was going. Before he knew it, he tripped over a root and fell down a steep hill. As he tumbled, he tried to stop himself, but found nothing to stop his decent.
He landed harshly on his back, getting the air knocked out of his lungs. He couldn't draw any breath. It felt as though he were suffocating. Finally, he inhaled a shaky breath. Sitting up, he tried to see where he was. A sharp pain shot through his leg. A scream ripped through the air.
Alfred grabbed his ankle and found it at an odd angle. It was either broken or dislocated. He couldn't stand, and if Arthur was chasing him, then he probably wouldn't find him a few hours if not more. If he wasn't looking for him, thinking that Alfred would get tired and return... The boy trembled at the thought. He was in such tremendous pain that he hoped Arthur would find him soon. Fresh tears broke through and he tried to stop them. This was no time to break down, he reasoned.
Leaning against a tree Alfred attempted to rest, but found it difficult. 'Please, hurry Arthur." The boy buried his face in his hands and sobbed.
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Okay I know this is a little short, but please don't hurt me. I just came out of a writers block for this story so don't be too hard on me. Don't forget to review~!