Last Chapter before the epilogue, Thank you for all those who have read and reviewed this story. I'm glad you all enjoyed it, and I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for over 50 reviews!
Next chapter is pretty much a service chapter. *wink*
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.
There all four stood up on their stools, overlooking the crowd. Arthur wanted to make a grand speech but his soon watery eyes and tight throat told him not to. It told him if he dared open his mouth even a little he would start sobbing and he wasn't going to give these people the satisfaction. He wondered if Toris felt the same way, he was a pretty emotional man despite his calm and cheerful exterior. Arthur glanced and could Toris standing tall but sullen, he looked defeated. Arthur must have looked the same, he wanted to stand tall and glare out at the people but it was too hard.
He looked farther back to see the rest of his crew tied up together in a line to watch them be hanged, how cruel of those bastards to make them watch. Arthur bit his lip as one of the navy generals started to read out their sentence, as if no one knew already why they were being hanged. He almost smirked at the pure stupidity of it, but his heart was too heavy. He glance around the crowd once again, there was no sign of Alfred anywhere, and he cursed himself for wishing he was there.
It would be too painful right? If Alfred was there and just watched him be hanged, looking at him so coldly as if he deserved it. Still, he wanted him here with him, it was scary and he wanted to look into those eyes once again. He felt his chest heavy and his body shake, he was going to die all alone, how bitter his spit tasted in his mouth.
The man finished his speech and turned towards Arthur and the others with a cold gaze then smiled. He didn't notice a sudden commotion behind him till it was too late. He was shot in the back and fell to the ground. The rest of Arthur's crew was freed from their bindings and attacking the marines. Arthur looked out and saw Tino the man Berwald had kidnapped handing each one of his men a sword, he held a little dagger in his hand as well.
Arthur wanted to laugh, he couldn't believe their savior was that little man Tino who was sweet as could be. He did acknowledge that he was a hard worker and a hardy man despite his looks but it was just too funny. He would have laughed but the rope around his neck was too tight. He then looked at his men brawling with the marine men, the civilians fleeing for safety, he then looked at the man groaning in pain on the ground, he was shot in the back but who could have shot him?
Arthur looked around the flurry of men running around and growing bloodshed but didn't see anyone who had drawn a pistol or was using it. The person had to have had more then just one bullet. A man ran up and was going to pull the lever to have them hanged while everyone was distracted but the moment his hand touched the lever, he was shot and fell to the ground. Arthur looked to where the bullet came from and it was from atop the jail a good two stories, that was some good accuracy.
" Captain Bonnefoy! Matthew, help us!" A man in the crowd said, their numbers dwindling and the pirates slowly overtaking them.
Francis and Matthew walked into view and closer to the mad brawl, Francis gave a smile and took out his sword, Matthew took out his slowly as well.
"Thank goodness! We can get them with your-" The man was cut short with being slashed by Francis swiftly and effectively.
Arthur widened his eyes and was wondering what universe he landed into, Francis was helping as well? It didn't make sense, why would he do such a thing unless he wanted to hang Arthur himself but that still was just too odd for the man. Matthew ran through the crowd swiftly and up to the four men still standing with ropes tied around their necks.
Matthew quickly went and uncut them all, he handed Yao some knives and Toris two pistols, the three men then jumped from the platform down to join the fight but Arthur was dumbstruck from what had happened.
"You saved me?" Arthur asked the other man and felt a twinge of pain when he noticed the familiar blue eyes.
"Well, it wasn't my idea...wait, he should be here in a second." Matthew said quietly.
"Who? Francis? Was this his idea?" Arthur asked and took a step forward.
Before Matthew could say another word, Arthur caught sight of what the man was looking at and gaped in surprise. Alfred came running up with a pistol in one hand and a huge glorious smile. He didn't bother to use the stairs and hoped up onto the platform and embraced Arthur in a smothering hug. Arthur froze too speechless to move. Alfred pulled away and turned to Matthew.
"Thanks for your glasses bro." Alfred said and handed Matthew back his glasses.
"Wait, it was you? I don't understand!" Arthur yelled a bit enraged.
Alfred turned around smiling softly at the other man. "I wouldn't let you die, not in a million years."
Alfred lowered his head and Arthur could feel the man's breathe on his face and could swear he could feel the other's lips barely touching his when he was suddenly yanked by the arm.
"We got to go! Mattie! Francis!" Alfred yelled and stood on the ledge that overlooked the ocean below, it was a rather big jump but Alfred was full of confidence.
"Wait! Where are we going? You better not be thinking what I think you're thinking!" Arthur screeched.
Alfred smirked still holding onto Arthur and jumped forward off the ledge, he turned in the air and Arthur noticed how truly beautiful the man looked with that stupid smile on his face complete with the setting sun as his background, it was supposed to be a cold day but Arthur felt so warm. They held hands looking at one another, Arthur didn't notice his hat flying off or the fact that he couldn't swim, not wait he remembered that.
"You idiot! I can't swim!" Arthur yelled.
"Really?" Alfred said a bit surprised then smiled again. " Don't worry we're not going far and I can swim for you."
"Idiot..." Arthur mumbled.
"I love you." Alfred said and gave Arthur a peck on the cheek.
Arthur blushed. "Idiot..."
They finally hit the water and Alfred took the long coat and shoes off Arthur before they went back up to the surface to breathe. A few more splashes were heard and Matthew and Francis popped their heads up also.
"Lets go before they send more guards, that mess up there should keep them busy though." Alfred said making sure Arthur was holding onto his clothes tightly and slowly swam to a row boat.
Matthew and Alfred took the oars and began to row hard and fast. The two brothers despite living different lives for a while were both strong men now. Francis sat with a smirk and Arthur felt uncomfortable in this situation, Francis and him used to be enemies and now he was simply sitting with him in a row boat. Francis could sense the other's discontent and gave him a harsh pat on the back.
"There there, cheer up!" Francis said with a chuckle.
"Don't touch me, frog!" Arthur snapped quickly out of habit.
Francis kept his hands to himself as the two boys smiled and rowed the boat over to the cave. They landed on the rocky beach inside and ran into the cave.
"Where are we going?" Arthur asked running beside Matthew.
"All these caves connect to other caves and coves, we have a ship we've been stock piling and we're going to escape on that." Matthew said a bit earnestly.
"Brilliant...who thought all this up?" Arthur asked.
'Well, that would be Alfred." Matthew whispered.
Arthur looked to the back of the man running in front of him and was deeply confused.
"Alfred, when we get on board and are safe we're going to have a talk." Arthur said putting his hand on the other's shoulder.
"Haha, sure thing!" Alfred said with a smirk, though Arthur could barely see it in the bleak light of the cave.
They finally came to the boat, it was resting out in a little cave where it couldn't be seen from town. The four men climbed up and set sail for their journey. With only four men it was rather difficult but since each man had ample experience with ships they were able to get the sails down and catch a strong wind to lead them safely away into the dark of the night.
Alfred was looking out at the open sea with his hands on his hips as the ship sailed smoothly through the water, the moon was coming out and the stars wrre starting to twinkle ever more. Arthur after getting redressed in warmer clothes went out to talk to him.
"Why did you do this?" Arthur asked and looked out at the ocean too, not wanting to look at the other man.
"Well, I was mad at you for a while...but I never hated you. I love you Arthur." Alfred said with a soft smile while pulling the smaller man closer.
"That doesn't make sense, you should hate me, you should have let me die." Arthur reasoned but did not fight the embrace.
"No way! I couldn't live with myself if you died, I know we've had some tough times but really, Artie I love you. I don't know what else to say." Alfred said with a small pout.
Arthur sighed and pulled Alfred completely in a hug, he wrapped his arms around the other and rested his hands on the mans back. "How about you're dumb git, you can say that."
Alfred hugged him back happily. " Hey, I came up with this plan all on my own, so I can't say that."
"Honestly, how did you come up with all this. How did you get Tino involved, and the row boat, this boat, the food, everything this really seems like too much for you to just come up with." Arthur said looking up at Alfred curiously.
"Okay, lets sit and talk, I'll tell you all about my awesome plans."
With a sigh Arthur sat down in front of Alfred and stared at the man to start explaining.
"First things first, my brother... I wanted to get back together with my brother no matter what but I didn't want to leave you. When I met my brother at the black market I knew I could just leave with him but that wouldn't work, so I gave him the papers and maps Toris was using for the next time we made port."
"It's your fault we were ambushed?" Arthur asked furiously.
"Yup, but listen! Don't interrupt! That's rude...anyway I gave him the info and knew we would meet there but I still needed to separate you from the your ship and crew. Francis called in the other navy boys and they came in and captured you guys. While you had to sit in jail, which I'm sorry about, I went to told them that Tino was an innocent bystander who was just captured. Which is true! Berwald was even thankful, he really cared for the little guy. Tino didn't want him to get hurt either and asked me if I really am turning all you in."
"I see." Arthur muttered.
"I said, I had a plan and he was really earnest about helping, that guy is pretty strong. Anyway, I also talked to Francis and Matthew, Francis was tired of his life and didn't enjoy being a part of the navy anymore and Matthew just wanted to go home. That made me really happy because I needed their help getting food and supplies on this ship. For the day of your hanging, I gave Tino a dagger and he freed all the other men and gave them swords, I knew those guys would know what do to do and started to go crazy. I briefed Matthew on what weapons Toris and Yao liked, Ivan I know didn't need any. I stayed up on the roof and sniped down anyone that tried to hang you."
"You? How?" Arthur asked in disbelief.
"Well, my eyesight has gone down a bit but thankfully so has Matthew's and his glasses really helped me out." Alfred said cheerfully.
"Still doesn't explain why you still say that you love me after what I've done to you." Arthur spoke softly.
"Look, I'm not going to say I'm not mad or upset with you, it hurt me, a lot. Still, I fell for you... even after all that's happened. Do you know how much I hated life pretending to be empty and broken. I noticed it especially hurt when I saw that look in your eyes. I hated seeing you so sad and lonely." Alfred said and leaned forward to place a soft hand on Arthur's cheek.
"I wasn't lonely." Arthur stated looking away.
"You never quit do you?" Alfred asked with a smirk.
"Not on your life." Arthur stated with a smirk.
"Oh, can you do me a favor? I have something to give you Artie, just close your eyes and hold out your hands." Alfred said with a smile and turned around to get something.
"W-Well fine, no funny business." Arthur said slightly blushing but held out his hands ready to receive whatever gift Alfred was going to give.
He then felt something cold and hard, probably made of iron clamped around his wrists. He opened his eyes widely and looked to see huge iron handcuffs now securely on his wrists. He looked to Alfred speechless, who was smiling like a child.
"What the bloody hell is this! Alfred take these off of me!" Arthur screeched and stood up to yell even more at the other who was now laughing.
"No way! You're my prisoner now!" Alfred said standing up, he gave a devilish smirk before picking Arthur up and throwing him over his shoulder like a sac of potatoes.
"Put me down, you infernal git!" Arthur yelled to which Alfred responded with a laugh.
"It wont be for long! Just till we get back home." Alfred said cheerily and placed Arthur in a small bunk down below.
"Home? I don't have a home." Arthur said shortly.
"You will now, we're going back to my old home but you're going to be my captive till we get there." Alfred said giving Arthur a pat on the head.
"Captive? I will be no such thing! Let me go!" Arthur said stamping his feet in the ground.
"Yes, you are my captive, I'm still a bit mad at you." Alfred said with a wink.
"I-I thought you'd forgiven me?" Arthur stammered.
Alfred leaned forward his face a few centimeters away from Arthur's. "My ass is still a bit sore from that time, y'know. I think by the time we get home it should be all better."
"O-Oh, I...about that..." Arthur felt a bit too ashamed to say anything.
"So be a good prisoner and stay put!" Alfred said pushing Arthur on the bed and left upstairs.
Alfred made his way up and to the captain's cabin where Matthew and Francis were speaking idly. Alfred smiled happily and joined in.
"So, how is our little captive?" Francis asked with a smirk.
"He'll be sleeping soundly." Alfred said with a smile.
"Here Alfred, I saved this for you." Matthew said softly and took out Alfred's old journal, the one that was bound in dear skin.
"Y-You! Mattie! Thanks! Did I ever tell you that you were the world's best brother?" Alfred asked taking it in his hand and feeling the bound dear skin.
"I'm just glad you're here." Matthew said with a sweet smile.
Alfred seemed to swell up with love then tackle his brother in a hug, Matthew fell back on his back and Alfred simply squeezed his brother in his emrbace on the floor.
"Now, start with leaving a trial of kisses from his neck and capture his lips! After that you can start taking off each other's shirts and-"
"Shut up!" Both yelled in unison and Alfred sat up and let his brother have room to sit while they glared at Francis.
"Sorry, sorry I couldn't help it." He said with a smirk.
"We know." Alfred said standing up then helped his brother.
"So what are we going to do if we're followed?" Francis asked suddenly more serious.
"We wont be." Alfred stated bluntly.
"How so?" Matthew wondered.
"I kind of...busted a hole in the navy ships one night." Alfred said with a sly grin.
"You...are some kind of animal." Francis muttered with a smile.
"How'd you do that with out them noticing?" Matthew asked astonished.
"Well, I went and dived down with some tools, a pick axe and a saw. I made a hole, pretty small but by the time they were going to hang Artie the hull should be full of water." Alfred said with a smirk.
"You're something else when you put your mind to it." Francis stated.
"No problem, I just can't wait to get back home, it's probably a mess." Alfred stated.
"It might not even be there." Matthew countered softly.
"It will be there, just have some hope!" Alfred said with a smile.
"I'll try." Matthew answered softly.
"Haha! Then we can finally relax!" Alfred said.
"Oui!" Francis chimed in.
" That would be nice. Do you think Arthur would be okay with it though?" Matthew wondered.
"He'll love it! Maybe not at first but I know he'll learn to love it." Alfred said with a great smile. "We'll live together like one big family."
I have a kink for a smart Alfred deep down. I love how he's an idiot but it's just so attractive (for me) when he shows he's smart and sly.
Then of course Pirate iggy.
I hope you enjoyed the story, please review! Special thanks to those that have stayed with my story and review all the time it means so much you have no idea!