I'm sorry this took so long! I really wanted to update sooner I swear! On the bright side, exams are over ;) yay! No more school…until September . anyway...better late than never right?

Matthew Williams

"Matthew, is it?" Arthur asked again.

He was sitting calmly outside on the patio in the backyard. It was one of those rare sunny days and Arthur had insisted on having tea out there.

"Yes, it's Matthew now," I re-fill his cup and then set the teapot down on the table between us.

China hasn't been coming by as often and Arthur looked the better for it. Not only was he not using magic, but his eyes didn't have shadows and there was more colour to his skin.

"Hm, the fairies seem to be enjoying the sun today," Arthur said to no one as his eyes danced around the yard.

"Of course, Arthur," I stated bluntly.

He had been seeing things for awhile and I was beginning to think it was an after effect of the magic or the drugs, or maybe both…

"Matthew?"

I looked over at him to see him facing me, pale green eyes meeting violet, "Yes, Arthur?"

He cringed and looked away, "Why won't you call me father anymore?"

I pointedly ignored his question and stood up, "I'll go re-fill the teapot. It won't take too long, Arthur, so I'll be right back."

He nodded as I picked up the pot and walked inside. The new screen door closed with an echoing rattle when I entered the backroom.

I had set the kettle on the stove and was waiting for it to boil when the kitchen phone began to ring.

I picked it up quickly and held it to my ear, "Hello?"

"William? Mon fils, is that you?"

Papa's voice startled me from the other end of the phone and I had to sit. He sounded exactly the same, "Papa?"

"Oh, mon fils! I miss you so much. You sound so grown! How are you doing, William?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a deep breath, "Um, my name's Matthew now, but I'm doing fine Papa, so is Arthur."

I could picture him cringe at the mention of Arthur, "That's good…do you think we could talk for a min-"

"Actually," I didn't mean to cut him off, but, "now isn't a good time. I have a kettle on and Arthur is outside waiting for me."

"Oh of course, I understand. I'm just glad to hear that you're ok…Matthew," He sounded really tired…

"How are you Papa? Are you good?" I asked automatically.

There was silence for a moment, "Oui, I'm fine."

I nodded before I realized he couldn't see me, "That's good."

He sighed at the same time the kettle began to whistle, "I've got to go, Papa. It was really nice to hear from you."

"Oui, it was nice to hear your voice to, Matthew."

I hung up quickly and moved to lift the kettle off of the stove top. After turning off the burner, I poured the hot water into the teapot and replaced the leaves inside. Then I walked back out to Arthur.

"So who was it that called?" He asked abruptly when I sat down.

I hadn't realized he'd heard me on the phone, "It was, um…Papa."

Arthur nodded, taking a sip of tea before turning back to the yard in front of us.

"He wanted to talk to you, I think."

Now I was just rambling. I'm not sure why I said it, but it was out there now and there was no way to take it back. I'm not good in awkward situations like this…

Arthur closed his eyes and nodded. We sat there in silence for the rest of the afternoon, until the sky began turning orange and the night's stars could be seen on the horizon.

[Arthur Kirkland]

The days were no longer blurring together. I had given up magic for opium, which was hard enough, and now Matthew and China were weaning me off of that. As if it was any easier. The good days were, however, becoming more frequent, but it only meant that the bad days were worse. Today was a bad day.

Matthew had been distant this past week, and yesterday he told me he wanted to leave.

"Arthur, would you at least look at me?" He pleaded.

We were in my office. The curtains were drawn back and were letting in grey, afternoon light. It had been a few years since Alfred left and even longer since I'd kicked France out. Everyone seemed to want to get away from me. Was I just a screw up that they saw couldn't be fixed?

"Arthur, come on. At least say something to me."

"Why?" I looked at him.

Matthew looked really tired. His pale hair was messy and the eyes behind his glasses were droopy.

"Why what?"

"Why do you want to leave?" I turned back to the windows, not wanting to see his face, much less hear his answer.

He sighed and I saw him rub his face with his hands, "I want to leave because I feel that you can be independent now, and so can I. Arthur I want my own life, and I can't have it if I'm here."

I turned to him, my pulse racing at his words, "But I need you. What if I re-lapse or I crash completely?"

He shook his head, "I know you won't."

"You can live here, and have your own life, whatever. It'll be great, amazing. You'll see."

He leaned back, "No, I won't. Are you even listening?"

"Then we can explore the world, when I'm better. And-"

"Arthur," Matthew raised his voice rarely, but he did this time, "I want to explore the world myself. I want to discover it, learn about it, myself. A lot of the other countries probably don't even know I exist, Arthur."

I looked down at my hands. All of what he said was either true or justified. I really couldn't keep him here forever, but I didn't think he'd leave so soon.

"Don't worry Arthur. We'll be here to help you!" Flying mint bunny appeared in my lap with wide, black eyes.

"I know…" I nodded, and then realized Matthew probably thought I was talking to him, since he didn't have the Sight.

"But I can't let you leave," I said turning to face him.

He sighed heavily, looking defeated, "Please Arthur. Don't make me fight you."

I jumped as Flying mint bunny bit my thumb, "Ow!"

"Don't be a baby, Arthur. You're a nation and you should be showing him how to be strong!"

"I know, but-"

"No 'buts', or else you'll lose him forever."

My eyes widened at his words and I turned to look at Matthew. He looked confused, but quickly hardened his gaze, and I knew.

My eyes burned as I nodded and it took a moment for Matthew to realize what I was saying. I was going to let go of him.

The next morning Matthew began packing. We didn't say anything at breakfast or after when he walked around the house picking up things of his. I called a driver up to help him out and he agreed to be gone by dinner at the latest. I had gone out to the garden, while he continued to slowly pack, to clear my head.

When I came back in, there were four black suitcases at the door, and the smell of lunch from the kitchen.

I walked in to find Matthew at the counter, "You should get a cook to help you make meals."

"I can cook."

"Then get a maid, to help you keep the house clean and to do the laundry."

I sighed, "Mattie, I'll be ok. I promise."

He turned around with two plates of sandwiches in his hands, "You'd better."

His eyes were shinning, but he shook his head and set the food down on the table.

"You be safe out there, ok?" I asked as I brushed dust that wasn't there off of his coat.

"I will."

"Call whenever you arrive somewhere, or whenever you can."

He smiled, "Sure thing."

"Oh and don't-"

"Arthur," his smile grew and I stepped back.

"Right, sorry," I took a deep breath and stuck out my hand, "Safe travels Matthew Williams."

He rolled his eyes and stepped forward, pulling me into a hug. We stood there for a long time, feeling comfort in the other's strength, before pulling away.

Matthew kissed both of my cheeks in farewell, which was a painful reminder of France, "Stay focused, father."

I smiled and nodded, wiping silent tears off of my face, "I will, Matthew."

And then he was gone.

So did you like the last chapter? Are you curious about the epilogue? Well, I'll try to update very soon juuuuust for you! :D

And yes, that means there is an epilogue :P so if you want to read the wrap up I'd really appreciate it!

Sorry, this might ruin the mood of the whole chapter for you but… XD I couldn't help picturing France as his maid! Sorry, sorry! Oh, I crack myself up sometimes :D

Till then ;)