Alfred walked along the forest floor quietly. Avoiding each leaf and stick, he knew what creatures resided in these parts. What lurked in the shadows.

It was quiet during the night but also dangerous.

Alfred knew that nothing would hurt him, he pulled out a small yellow crystal from underneath his tunic. It glowed and pulsed with lifeAlfred's life. Arthur had one as well, and it kept track on how Alfred was doing.

There were perks to having a lover who was a wizard.

Finally he reached the cottage and stepped inside without bothering to knock.

Arthur sat hunched over books and chewing his lip in concentration.

Alfred chuckled kissed his lover on the brow. The wizard gave him a small nod, but he otherwise focused his work.

The other blond knew better than to disturb his lover so he sat back and waited and waited and waited.

Eventually, dawn had come and it was time for Alfred to head back before the others awoke.

Alfred sighed and kissed his lover again.

"Alfred? Oh, I forgot you were here. Sorry love," Arthur kissed him properly this time.

Though in his heart he knew that he was disappointed that his lover had ignored him, again, he simply smiled, "It's alright, I'll be back soon." He said softly and left.

This had been the fourth time that he had visited his lover and he had ignored him in favor of his studies. Alfred supposed it was difficult being a wizard and he forgave Arthur every time.

When Berwald awoke, his neck and back popped and creaked from having slept in a chair the whole night.

It was worth it though.

Little Peter had slept in his bed and was still sleeping it seemed.

He walked over to the bed and smiled at the boy sleeping soundly. He felt bad for having to wake him, but he knew it was almost time for breakfast.

Gently he reached down and shook his shoulder.

"Peter," he whispered softly, "Gotta wake up."

"Don't wanna," came the half hearted reply.

Berwald chuckled deeply and said, "Yer gonna miss breakfast."

That had the boy up and out of bed like a shot. He gazed at Berwald and smiled, "I thought I had dreamt you were my papa," he jumped into the King's arms, "But it was real."

Berwald felt his heart swell with happiness. He had never been so content before. Tino loved him and now this boy was not afraid. Perhaps Tino and Berwald could raise him together.

There was nock on the door and Tino walked in smiling.

"Hey mama," Peter chirped.

Tino blanched and paused. He shook his head and laughed nervously and walked over to them.

"Silly boy, I'm not a woman," he said and ruffled the little one's hair.

Berwald chuckled, "I don't know, I kinda like it...wife."

"Berwald!" Tino cried indigently. "I'm a knight!"

"You're a very pretty knight mama!" Peter cried happily.

Tino laughed shakily and patted the boy on the head, "Silly boy."

They went to breakfast talking amicably, as if they truly were a happy family. When they arrived in the dining hall, Feliciano practically screamed in fright crying about ghost boys.

Ludwig hushed him and told him ghosts didn't exists.

"Who is this child?" He asked.

"We found him running around in the castle, he says he's been taking food and living in the castle without anyone's knowledge," Tino answered with a bow.

"He will be coming home with us," Berwald said.

Ludwig raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

"Yes, he has no home so we will take him to ours, he has already said that this would be acceptable," Berwald's voice was final.

"As you wish," King Ludwig said.

When Feliciano had realized that the boy was not a spirit he began talking with him animatedly. Thus breakfast continued Tino watching as the Kings conversed and the other King and Peter spoke much louder.

When everyone was finished, Berwald stood and bowed deeply, "Thank you King Ludwig and King Feliciano, for your hospitality and kindness to my knights and myself. We will be leaving here an hour before noon."

The other King stood and grasped hands with Berwald,"We will give you necessary provisions for your journey home. It has been a pleasure speaking with you."

"It is mutual, we will begin the trade agreements as soon as I have returned home," they parted ways with a shake of their hands.

Tino gazed on hopefully.

King Ludwig did not seem to be afraid, then again, he did not show any emotion really.

They parted ways and began packing. Tino watched Peter follow Berwald to his room, asking questions about his new home. The boy was practically bouncing up and down with excitement.

The knight laughed and went to his room to pack his own things.

It only took Tino about ten minuets, considering he did not bring very much.

He walked out into the courtyard and met Alfred. He had actually forgotten that he had come. The young Captan of the Guard seemed distracted, sad even.

"Alfred!" Tino called and Alfred turned to him with a false smile.

"Hey Tino, how is the King?"His voice was strained and tight with false cheer and happiness.

"Alfred, what's wrong?" Tino asked.

The young knight's smile flickered for a moment, "Nothing's wrong T, I'm just tiered."

Tino frowned and was about to ask for the truth when he heard someone calling.

"Mama!"

Alfred turned and echoed the name, "Mama?"

Peter bounded in front of Berwald, at least five steps ahead. He practically jumped into the shorter knight's arms. They spun around laughing and the youngest squealing with glee.

"Who is this?" Alfred asked, all false emotions gone. Replaced by ones of interest and amusement.

"This is Peter, he's going to live at home with us now," Berwald answered packing his things onto his horse.

"Yeah! Who are you?" Peter asked.

Alfred smiled and got down on one knee, "My name's Alfred and I'm the Captan of the Guard," he said proudly.

"Woah, so you're a knight like Mama?"

Tino frowned, "I told you not to call me Mama," he scolded like a mother.

Alfred stood up and laughed, "I dunno, it suits you," he ignored Tino's annoyed glare and instead turned to Berwald, "How did the delegations go?"

"Mmmm, Pretty well, King Ludwig is willing to expand on trading for fish and iron, for sugar and silk."

Tino had gone off and was packing his and what little Peter had onto his horse.

Berwald stepped closer to his friend, "Did you visit him?"

Alfred frowned and looked away, "Yes, I did."

Berwald hummed and watched his friend, "Still the same?"

Alfred sighed and his shoulders drooped, "Yes. I stayed the whole night and he never even looked at me once. What if I'm not good enough for him anymore?"

Berwald sighed and placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "It will get better Al, Promise."

Alfred sighed again and plastered a smile, "Let's get going." He called to the other knights to go out ahead.

They swung up onto their horses and rode away at a slow and steady pace.

The whole two day journey consisted of Peter and Alfred trying to out talk each other. Occasionally they would ask Tino and Berwald questions which they would answer, but then be swallowed by two boisterous voices.

"Wow!" Peter gasped when the sight of his knew home came into view. "This is awesome!" He cried and bounced excitedly in Tino's saddle.

Berwald and Tino smiled to each other.

Berwald was simply glad to be home.

Tino on the other hand, began to think of his own little home in the woods. He thought back to his life before he was called to protect this cursed king and realized, he was not happy living alone in the woods. He had been lonely and sad, though he had not realized until he experienced what it was like to have a family. Tino watched Peter talking animated to the King with Alfred joining in.

As Tino watched this exchange he realized that he was home.