Chapter 2: Extinction
The crunch of twigs and leaves begged under the feet that walked on them and crushing them. One step after another crunched and crunched until the feet became lighter and the echoes in nature became clear. The flutter of wings from above, the sound of mating calls, the wind shaking the trees. This was a forest of peaceful tranquility, an enchanted forest. Not like those fairytail enchanted forest, but a forest just in general was enchanted. In the middle of this stood an abomination of nature itself. He turned left when he heard a bird fly out of the tree, and turned right hearing a squirrel running out of a bush. His panicked breathing showed as he spun around in the same spot, crushing the earth over and over with his heavy steps. He gasped as he spun the other way, the blindfold blocking his vision. He kept turning to every noise and was distracted by them. He turned the wrong way because someone jumped him from behind and knocked him down, pinning him to the ground.
"AH!" The man let out as he fall.
"You lost…again." The other man said and the man on the bottom pulled off his blind fold.
"GET THE BLOODY HELL OFF!" The heavy British accent rang aggressively. The boy above only smiled and laughed.
"Don't I get a prize for winning Artie?"
"It's Arthur you dud." Arthur said with a pout.
"I have the right to call you anything I want, as your master." The man smiled.
"Than I can call you Alfie instead of Alfred." Arthur smiled as well as Alfred.
"I'm fine by that." Arthur grunted and started to squirmed under his master. Alfred only chuckled at the struggling Brit underneath of him and he lowered himself so he was actually laying on Arthur.
"GAH, GET OFF!"
"I want my winnings." Alfred said and pressed more weight on his pupil.
"YOU CAN'T BLOODY WIN IN BLOODY TRAINING, GOOD LORD GET OFF!"
"Winnings." Alfred smiled and got closer to Arthur.
"GET OFF!" Arthur yelled and brought his head up in a swift movement, smacking Alfred against the forehead. The American descendent jumped off of Arthur and held his head as he fell back. Landing on his back, Alfred rolled left to right and whimpered. "SERVES YOU RIGHT YOU BLOODY SAVAGE!"
"ALL I WANTED WAS A PRIZE FOR GETTING YOU!" Alfred whined.
"Fine." Arthur sighed and got on his knees. Bending forward Arthur quickly pecked Alfred on the lips seeing it fit, but Alfred didn't and decided to get a bigger prize. Grabbing Arthur by the arm Alfred repositioned himself on top of Arthur, seizing the Brits lips before he could yell. With a growl Arthur forfeited and kissed Alfred back. It didn't last long before Alfred flipped onto his back and pulled Arthur onto his stomach. No words were used as Alfred unbuttoned Arthur's dress shirt, the Brit only watching. Although Arthur flinched when cold hand hit a tender spot in his skin, frowns on both of there faces.
"It's been over 50 years now and it still is hurting you?" Alfred said.
"Only 50 years." Arthur muttered as he fell off to the side.
It had been only 50 years since the day Arthur and his father had been separated into two different kingdoms, the only memory was of when Allister Kirkland had made his father trip, ending with a broken pole pierced him.
Alfred had taken Arthur back to the Jones castle and had Arthur cleaned up. The wound hadn't been life threatening and Arthur's hybrid side had long produced blood to make up for what had been drained. That moment Arthur woke up in the strange castle, in a humongous bed, and in strangers clothes. Looking up at the ceiling Arthur notice a handprint indented with cracks leading from it. Looking around he noticed a blue room, light blue and dark, mixed with shades of reds and white. The bed itself was made to resemble the old flag of a crush country known as America. The only thing that made Arthur's eyes stay wide open was the star shaped sunlight hitting him in the face. With a grunt and moan from the teenager, from the rude awakening and his wound, threw the strange blanket over his head.
"The sun won't go away, time to get up and go." A voice said and Arthur peeked out of the blanket. He was upset when he saw it wasn't his father, but a strange man wearing glasses. The man looked around Arthur's age and had a shade of blonde hair that could only resemble the sun hitting the sand of a beach. The teen had a slight tan compared to Arthur pale complexion, caused by a life of shelter, and blue eyes that looked like an ocean, light blue going deeper in color. The only thing that spoiled type of smile he shared with Arthur, that smile was displayed by children with wealthy families and Arthur hated those type of children with a passion. The difference between them and Arthur was that Arthur hasn't been spoiled as a child, but hidden from society itself. Arthur only wanted to punch the boy standing with crossed arms and leaned against the large door.
As Arthur stared at the boy he slowly regained his memories of what happened only moments ago in Arthur's mind. His mind slowly reacting to his father being taken away by the Kirkland's and his body reacted right behind it. It probably wasn't the best idea at the time when Arthur shot up in a panic, ripping open the stitches, but he hasn't notice yet.
"WHERE AM I!?" Arthur yelled immediately and ended with a gasp of pain. The boy ran over as soon as Arthur shot up and caught him before Arthur fell back.
"Hold on pardner." The man said and laid Arthur back down. Arthur was in a panic and didn't try to hide, nor stop the tears of fear and pain.
"Where am I? Where is my father? Does he know where I am? This isn't Kirkland Kingdom, is it?" Arthur asked in a fluster of questions, some of it hard to hear from the wailing involved.
"Calm down, you aren't in any parts of the Kirkland territory. Yeah, your dad knows where you are, unfortunately he didn't make it over. You're in my families territory, Jones Utopia. By the way I'm Alfred, oldest son. I'm the one who brought you here and had you bandaged up a couple days ago. I've been waiting for you to wake up, so how you feeling?" Alfred ended his long, and somewhat run on, sentences and collected his breath as Arthur broke down. The Brit covered his eyes with the palms of his hands and cried his eyes out, Alfred only watching. "Come on, cheer up fella. I won't turn you over, I was just about to send a letter about your recovery." Alfred smiled and pushed Arthur's bangs back. The Brit immediately slapped the hand away and looked up at Alfred with the eyes of a killer, spooking the other.
"Don't tell them, I'll get my revenge. Tell them I died because my blood couldn't keep up with my wound."
"Alright, give me your name so I can tell them formally." Alfred got up as he spoke and looked around for a paper and pen. "Just sign it as the Heir of Kirkland, they will know my vengeance and I'll take my father back." Arthur said as Alfred found what materials he needed and sat down at his desk, beginning the letter. All the while Arthur wiped his face.
"If you want vengeance then you need to train, I'll be happy to train along with you. My father and mother would be too happy to have another mouth to feed?" Alfred offered as he packed the letter into an envelope and pushed it into the desk drawer. While he waited for Arthur to respond Alfred fetched the bandages, needle and thread, and alcohol wipes for Arthur's wound.
"Alright, deal Jones."
"Can I at least get a name?"
"Arthur, Arthur Kirkland."
"Nice to meet you Artie." Alfred snickered and ended up with a fist hitting him in the head.
In the next day the letter was sent and received by the Kirkland family who were currently interrogating Thomas at the moment they received the letter. WithThomas unable to move Allister read the letter allowed.
"Dear Kirkland's,
We regret tae inform ye of yer tragic lose of the Heir of Kirkland. As of yesterday night the boy died of blood lose and an infection from the pipe that pierced him. We send regards tae ye and hope fer ye tae flourish once again, after proper grievances. We wish ye the best over here.
Sincerely,
Jones Utopia's Prince of Throne,
Alfred F. Jones."
There was a moment of absolute silence when no one could think of what to say, which was broken when Thomas broke into one of many weeping fits. Thomas covered his face from the others, no one else knowing the prince well. Cailean sat next to his husband and patted his back. Dylan and Allister only held the one another, watching Thomas breakdown. Eily leaned against the couch and sighed.
"Tom." Cailean said after a while. "Tom, cheer up. I know ye both were close, but-."
"HE WAS YOUR FAMILY TOO, YOUR SON THAT YOUR BROTHER MURDERED! IF THIS IS HOW YOU ADDRESS HIM IN DEATH THEN I'M GLAD HE NEVER HAD TO BE RAISED BY SUCH A NEGLECTFUL BEAST!" Thomas stood up in anger and slapped Cailean. "AND YOU!" Thomas snapped his head towards Allister, who released Dylan and walked over.
"Et's yer fault, if ye hadn't ran he would be alive."
"If you weren't such messed up people, I should have never tried to make you."
"WELL YE DID AND ET'S YER FAULT HE'S DEAD! NOW GO MAKE ANOTHER HEIR!" Allister growled.
"I AM NOT DOING ANYTHING YOU TELL ME, YOU MAY BE THE KING OF HYBRIDS, BUT I'M THE CREATOR!"
"Thomas sit before ye hurt yer ankle again." Cailean said as he got up and picked the younger man up like a bride.
"NO, PUT ME DOWN DAMN IT!" Thomas pushed his husband away and climbed to the ground.
"Calm down Thomas, et doesn't matter if the heir is dead, as long as yer alright then I'm fine." Cailean said and kissed Thomas' cheek, earning him a slap that resounded in the whole chamber. Thomas went to yell something when a hand made its way around his neck and pulled Thomas from the ground with the constricting of his airway. At the beginning the Brit squirmed, but gave in to the clenching hand of the red headed brother.
"Do it." Thomas muttered, wanting to leave the world rather quickly. He hated this home, such a place was only hell to him as he felt nothing but fear and anger of the others, Cailean scaring him the most.
"DON'T ALLISTER, RELEASE HIM AT ONCE!" Cailean yelled in anger as he stomped his foot on the ground. Allister glance out of the side of his eye with a small glare that followed with sigh and the release of Thomas' neck. "DON' EVER TOUCH HIM LIKE THA' AGAIN!"
"OR WHAT WILL YE DO!? YE DON' CARE ABOUT OUR LIVELIHOOD! WE NEED AN HEIR BECAUSE EVEN WE WON' LIVE FOREVER! Allister growled at his older brother, Dylan and Eily not interfering with their fight. Thomas only cried on the sideline, cursing out the brothers in anger.
"THOMAS DOESN' HAVE TE DO SHIT FOR YE, HE'S MY EQUAL PARTNER IN THIS KINGDOM AND HE SHARES EQUAL POWER AS ME!"
"HE ALSO STOLE OUR NEXT KING AND IT ENDED WITH HIS DEATH. YE DON' EVEN KNOW HIS NAME ANYMORE, ALL YE CARE ABOUT IS YER ARSEHOLE OF A HUSBAND! EVEN THOUGH HE KILLED MY NEPHEW!" Allister yelled in the heated battle, his true feelings being pulled out of him in the fits of rage.
"YOU DID IT, YOU GRABBED HIS HOODIE AND TRIPPED ME! HE LANDED ON THE PIPE BECAUSE OF YOU AND BLED OUT, YOU MOTHER FUCKING BASTARD!" Thomas yelled as he walked back and forth and weeped with screams of pain from the thoughts of not being able to save his son. "I WANT HIS BODY BACK FOR BURIAL!"
"WELL YW DON' ALWAYS GET WHAT EVER THE FUCK YW WANT!" Dylan joined in on the screaming, shocking everyone. "UNLIKE YW SOME OF US NEVER GOT WHAT WE WANTED FROM MOMMY AND DADDY WHEN WE WERE BRATS! TRUTH BE TOLD AI AM GLAD HE'S DEAD, AI NEVER WANTED TO MEET HIM IN THE FIRST PLACE! A DIRTIED BLOOD RELATIVE DOESN' DESERVE A HOME FOR PURE HYBRIDS!" Dylan glared at Thomas as he approached the blue haired Brit, showing fear and shock at the usual quiet boys outbreak, hitting Thomas deeply. Dylan stopped across from Thomas, finishing the square. "Halfbreeds are filth," Dylan brought up his hand, bent 90 degrees, and had his index finger extended into a point unlike the rest that were pushed back. "Just," Dylan poked once. "Like," Again. "YW!" This time when Dylan poked him an electrical current passed threw Thomas. The shock separated two going into the leg with a tingle, as well as the arms. When the streak hit Thomas's brain it shut down Thomas' brain and body, causing the young hybrid to collapse. Cailean luckily caught his unconscious husband and held him up.
"THOMAS!"
"Shut et, he's just out cold." Dylan said with a smirk until a hand wrapped itself around Dylan's pale neck. Letting out a gasp Dylan's eyes went wide and he reached up to tear away the hand. Allister even tried to help but Cailean just shoved him off.
"ENOUGH!" Eily yelled out and stepped in between her brothers. "CAI LET HIM GO AND GET ALL OF YER HEADS OUT OF YER ARSES! ANDY'S DEAD AND THA'S ET, NOTHING MORE! CAILEAN YE AND THOMAS NEED TIME TE MOARN WHILE AI SEND OUT A REPORT FOR THE RETURN OF THE BODY! LASTLY, DYLAN! NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!" Eily yelled, slapping each brother against the cheek. "Mam and dad would beat each of ye for the way you just acted. We protect one another. As the Americans said, "United we stand or divided we fall" and ye all know war is comin'." Eily said as she took Thomas out of Cailean's arms and laid him on the couch. "Get him te a doctor now, make sure he is alright and then stay with him Cai." Cailean nodded and quickly left to call for the family doctor.
"But he is a criminal, he must be killed in the court fer his treachery." Allister fought, but Eily shot up a hand to slap Allister again. She stopped her actions when she saw Allister and Dylan flinch.
"Give him his chance as the consort, ye and Dylan married family and ye are both scared te accept Thomas into this new life. He isn't evil, he isn't trying te hurt us, he is tryin' te get use te being in our family. Ye've both realized tha' emotions have changed in us. Allister ye accepted him the day Cailean and Thomas wed as human…wha' happened now."
"He's different from us, we accepted this, but he didn't even wan' tae be like us." Allister muttered and looked down at his husband. Eily only smiled and hugged her younger brothers.
"He's just like ye, scared. His whole life as a Hybrid was just busted into a million pieces, we have te make him at home. The human land he fit in with was all he pretended, Thomas has yet to settle in with his new life and body." Eily explained while tangling her fingers into her brother's hairs. The two only listen to her as she had inherited their mothers way of words. "We have te help him settle in." Cailean had walked in at that moment and saw the family hug, feeling left out.
"The doctor wants te see Thomas tomorrow."
"Lovely, Allister can take him and bond with while they wait." Eily clapped happily while her two brothers faces drop.
"B-B-BUT!" Both yelled only to be silenced by Eily's glare.
"Ye're goin' te whether ye have interest te or no'." Eily's words stuck if she met them and that meant Allister was taking the Brit to the doctors. Riding on Allister's back with his jacket on and hood up to hide his hair there was an awkward silence.
As they walked down the street Allister looked back at the boys head that was laying against the mans shoulder. "Ah, so…how's the outside life?" Allister asked followed by a grunt.
"Relaxing."
"We should all go out there sometime, the family is so tense lately." Allister said with a wide smile, but Thomas remained the way he was. Allister listened to the steady breaths that seemed to be full of emptiness and depression. Allister bit the side of his cheek as they made it to the doctor's office. Walking in Allister sat Thomas down on a chair in the waiting room and went to check Thomas in, lets just say that the secretary was in so much shock and excitement that she constantly stared and would ask for an autograph. Allister finally gave in and signed the woman's Kirkland Family postcard as the door opened to the waiting room.
"Thomas Kirkland, I came to meet you personally." The man said as he walked up to the Brit. "I'm Doctor Chao, please come this way and we will look at your ankle." The doctor walked towards the door as Allister picked up Thomas.
"How are ye doin'?" Allister said to Thomas as the young man clung to Allister's jacket. When they got to the x-ray room Allister laid Thomas on the bed and the doctor set the machine up. "As soon as we get the all clear from theses x-rays, the sooner we can go home." Allister said and a flash went off. The two waited for the doctor to finish and once he had, he escorted Thomas and Allister to a room. It was long before the x-rays came back and the awkward silence returned, Thomas sitting on the examining table and Allister in a chair off to the side.
"So…do ye want te go and eat somewhere."
"I don't care."
"Oh come on, Ai'm tryin' tae be nice."
"Just don't right now, I haven't forgiven you."
"Eh, fine Ai'm sorry."
"It will take a while." Thomas muttered with his head down. Before Allister could say anything the doctor came back into the room with a folder.
"It appears as though your bone moved out of place when healing, you will need surgery to move it back into place."
"S-Surgery. Do I have to?" Thomas asked, scared. Allister saw this and grabbed Thomas' hand.
"Yes, or it will cause trouble. I can do it here and now, though you would need to change and King Allister would have to leave."
"Oh?" Thomas squeezed his brother in laws hand and shook.
"Let me stay, how do Ai know ye aren't screwing somethin' up?" Allister said as he held Thomas' hand tightly.
"Sorry, it's protocol." The doctor went to the closet and grabbed a patient gown. "As is this. Please follow me, King please stay here." With that Doctor Chao left the room and walked down the hall to a changing room. "Change in here and come across the way to this room, when you are ready." With this the man went into the room, leaving Thomas on his own. When he found a room he removed his shirt and below. He then threw on the gown and hurried over to the room. When he opened it he notice the bed and surgical equipment and a larger bed. "Lay down and take that pill before we start, it should put you in a sleep like state and numb you." Thomas climbed onto the bed an got cozy before he grabbed the pill and the glass of water. After taking and clearing the glass of water, Thomas waited for it to kick in. His vision began to spin and his head became heavy, making the boys head fall back. He suddenly notice the doctor next to him with a scalpel and a small dish with something small in it.
"Lets began." Was the last thing Thomas heard before he fell unconscious, though he would regain it from time to time.
While he waited Allister looked around the doctors room, noticing he must make a mess. What really caught the Scotsman's attention was the file on the desk was the manilla folder, which held the x-rays. With a sigh the Scotsman walked over and picked them up, staring out of curiosity. He looked over and over, but he never saw the bone being misplaced. Allister immediately noticed the fault and took off down the hall. In seconds he found the correct room, Thomas' clothes laid outside the room's door. The King ripped open the door, the sight before him sent him into a small panic. It wasn't the fact the the man was carrying a scalpel, but the fact he was over top of Thomas, cutting along the side of Thomas' hip. Thomas' was still unconscious. The doctor only smirked at the King even when he was pushed off of Thomas, the knife clinging on the ground. Allister turned towards the blue haired consort and grabbed a clothe, pressing it against Thomas' new cut.
With a growl Allister turned to Doctor Chao as the man picking himself up from the ground. The Scotsman ran towards him and latched his bloody hand around the doctors neck. "GUARDS!" Allister yelled and two men came bursting through the doors. Running over to the doctor the guards separated the two.
"Charged by King Allister, second king. Doctor Kasem Chao is charged with attack of first king's, Cailean's, consort. The weapon of chose was a scalpel and the attack was of work relation. The rulin' is death by guillotine."
"Erm." Came from Thomas on the bed. Allister ran over and pressed the clothe down.
"Tom, don' move. Are you ok?"
"Yes, why?"
"Stay calm, the doctor cut ye deep."
"EH, WHAT!?" Thomas yelled and began to freak out when Allister grabbed hold of his arms.
"Stop, he didn' finish the incision. Yer alright." Allister said and Thomas jumped him on a hug, shaking in fear.
"Don't tell Cai…he'll worry."
"Cai has the right tae, come on." Allister picked up Thomas and grabbed the bag of clothes. "Ai'll help ye dress and we will grab something tae eat if yer hungry."
"I want to go home." Thomas weeped and hugged his brother in law.
"Alright, I'll call for a car." Allister nodded towards one of the guards who returned it and pulled out his phone. Meanwhile Allister grabbed the bag from outside the door and took Thomas into the changing room. When they came out the doctor passed by with a smirk.
"I gave you a gift, visit me soon if you want to know what it is."
"What?" Thomas muttered as he hid behind Allister.
"Say tha' again." Allister glared and brought his elbow up to protect Thomas.
"You'll find out, you all will find out, until later Johnson." Thomas gasped when he heard his old surname.
"How do you know."
"Hmph." Chao left without another word, Allister turning around and picking the confused man up. The rest of the day was spent in bed for Thomas, the rest of the week was spent recovering for Arthur, then the training began.
Arthur fell back and dragged his hands on the ground when trying to catch himself, but failed and ended on his back. "URG!"
"You have to be able to sense the pressure around you, you have to listen to nature Art."
"YOU BLOODY TRY IT WITH DULL HUMAN HEARING!" Arthur yelled with a grunt. He remained on the ground and folded his arms and legs like a child.
"Alright, we have all the time in the world, lets get food and drinks." Alfred smiled down at Arthur and extended his hand. Arthur smiled back with a nod and grabbed Alfred's hand. "You know your not bad Jo-." Arthur was cut off when Alfred pulled Arthur up, kicking the Brits feet out from under him and making Arthur fall face forward. To finish it off Alfred sat on Arthur's back, pulling the poor Brits arm. "AH!"
"Never accept the enemies hand, they will never favor you easily."
"OW GET OFF YOU FAT ARSE BASTARD!" Arthur yelled in pain.
"Don't be assertive, flirt or bargain a way out so you can easily take out the distracted enemy."
"OW, PLEASE STOP IT! MY BODY CAN'T HANDLE THAT MUCH FORCE!" Arthur yelled with tears in his eyes, dripping down his face slowly. "P-PLEASE!" Alfred felt a sting of guilt and quickly got off of Arthur's back.
"Hey, I'm sorry, but even half-breeds need to le-AH!" Alfred let out as Arthur flipped him over and laid on his stomach.
"Never, never ever look down on a half-breed. I hold more strength than you think. I am skilled in hitting and defense, so don't look down on me." Arthur growled. Before Arthur knew it he was on bottom again with Alfred pinning his hands and legs together.
"You need to know how to attack."
"Am I interrupting you two." A woman's voice said as a young boy ran over to Alfred, a stuffed bear in his arms.
"Get off of the half-breed big brother, he was with the blue haired traitor." The boy said and glared at Arthur who seemed dumbfound.
"Mattie that's not nice. Apologize to Artie."
"Never, he can rot in hell." With that the boy ran off with his teddy bear shaking in his arms. The woman and two boys watched the little boy until he was no more.
"That boys head has been poisoned, I'm sorry Arthur."
"It's fine, we were all that age." Arthur said, still pinned to the ground.
"Would any of you hard at training men like some drinks and snacks."
"No thanks mom."
"I would actually like that." Arthur said and pushed Alfred off to the side. He got up and walked forward Mrs. Jones. As he was about to grab a glass a dagger shot up in his face.
"In this house, you fight to earn food." With a flick of her wrist the dagger brush passed Arthur's hair. As he jumped back Alfred watched and yelled lessons. Mrs. Jones pounced off the ground and at Arthur. The Brit only dodged her and tried to escape.
"TIRING HER OUT WON'T WORK, TRY AND DISARM HER!"
"YOU TRY IT WHEN SHE'S TRYING TO KILL YOU!" Arthur yelled, which left him distracted and Mrs. Jones took her chance to trip Arthur. This time the skin broke hard and Arthur's hands began to bleed, though he didn't care since a knife was being pointed at him.
"You can't run, look what happened last time Art. If you ever want to see your father again then you have to win against my family."
"What are you gaining?" Arthur asked as he helped himself up and Mrs. Jones put the knife back into it holster around her dress belt.
"Land mostly. If we can beat the Kirkland's than we can win the top family and the Kirkland mainlands." Mrs. Jones explained, a savage woman Arthur learned.
"I am only in for my vengeance."
"Well keep trying." Mrs. Jones said and Arthur's feet were knocked out from underneath him. "And always keep your eyes on your primary target." With a smile and a clack of her heals she took the tray of food.
"Alright, again." Alfred said and held out a hand. Arthur stared at it for a moment before taking it and pulling Alfred to the ground. Climbing on his back, Arthur laid down.
"Don't ever threaten me Jones, I'm going to rescue my dad. I'm going to get him back and when I do," Arthur began and his voice became more muffled as tears slid down his face. "When I do, we are going to live in our quiet home away from any ruling or war." Arthur muttered and fell to the ground as Alfred turned. He stared at the boy curling up and crying into his hands. "W-we're going to go to a nice place, a-and live forever. It's us two against the world." Two warm arms engulfed Arthur's small frame and held him. The teenager needed not a glance at the hybrid in front of him before he returned the hug. The half blood cried into Alfred's chest and curled up against him.
"Now it's us Art. You and me against Kirkland." Alfred said as he rubbed his hand in Arthur's hair. Alfred hummed a bit for a while as he looked at his mansion. After a good five minutes of silence Alfred opened his mouth. "I wonder what the human world was like."
"My dad said that it was like today, but much weaker, over 200 countries."
"Really, that's a lot compared to our four."
"Ours are grouped together."
"Alright, lets head inside for dinner and then training." Alfred said and both boys stood up slowly.
After getting settled in with the fact of what almost happened, Thomas began talking and communicating with the Kirkland's, realizing he had no way out. It was a Wednesday that Thomas woke up with this sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach, like when you have to throw up. All day Thomas held his stomach in place, his heart thumping faster than it ever has before. He spent the day next to his husband and brother, tired from his dreams. He was currently excused from dinner and alone in the bathroom. He was staring at his pale complexion, paler than his already pale skin. He only stared when his stomach cramped in and made him fall into a fetal position. His hands clung to the sink edge until a few minutes passed and the pain subsided. The only thing making a sound was the thumping, but not Thomas' heart. With a gasp and sigh, the Brit got up, cleaned himself up, and walked into the dining room, avoiding Cailean's sneaky arms.
It was after dinner had just concluded and everyone was getting up to leave except Thomas who was deep in thought.
"I need to see Kasem." He said as everyone began walking out the dining room doors, but instantly the stopped. "I know who he is, I worked with him and I want to know why he did this to me."
"Tom." Cailean began but closed his mouth. "Alright, tomorrow alright." Cailean smiled and held out a hand, Thomas taking it as soon as he stood up and walked over to Cailean. "If ye need te ask him anythin' else then Ai'll stay."
"Thank you." Thomas muttered and leaned against his husband. Cailean stare down and smiled.
"Yer hearts beatin' so fast, are ye scared?" Cailean asked as the family walked down the halls together.
"Kind of, I think I'll sleep on the couch tonight. My back hurts from sharing a bed in better shape than mine for a 1000 years." Thomas yawned as the duo separated from the family. The continued to walk down the hall their courters are in.
"Oh, Ai'll sleep on the couch, then ye can get use te the bed."
"I don't want to do that to you." Thomas said as they found their room's door and walked in, both sitting on the bed immediately. Thomas stared at his love struck husbands stupid face and sighed.
"Alright, I'm sorry."
"Et's fine because Ai love ye, but we all need space." Cailean smiled and kissed Thomas' forehead before he got up and walked to the couch. It was fairly long and wide so it was like a multi piece bed.
"Um, Cai, you forgot your blanket." Thomas said and lifted the blanket off of the bed.
"I don' need et." Cailean said and earned a glare. "On second thought, et is chilly." Cailean chuckled and quickly hurried over. When he tried to take the blanket, Thomas pulled it back puckered his lip. The Irish man chuckled again and bent over, kissing Thomas lightly before seizing the blanket. Cailean laid it on and over the couch and returned for pillows. When he turned around Cailean noticed Thomas was asleep. With a light smile Cailean walked over and covered Thomas with the second blanket. Cailean moved the couch and laid on the it. Before falling asleep, Cailean got comfortable and grabbed Thomas hand.
The next day was a slow day and Thomas was no way in his best condition. It took the duo gentle steps and slowly as they made it to the prison where Chao was being held. Thomas was biting his lip, hoping he wasn't right.
When they finally sat on the same room with Chao he kept staring at Thomas who stood behind Cailean.
"Did you finally figure it out?"
"Is it "that" experiment?"
"Yes, that's my gift to you."
"WHY? IT'S NEVER BEEN TESTED!"
"Well I tested it on you."
"What did ye do te my husband?" Cailean got on his feet and stood in front of Thomas.
"You didn't tell him yet?" Chao looked with a smile and wide eyes.
"HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO TELL MY HUSBAND SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!" Thomas yelled, bring his hands up and he cried into them.
"Tom, wha's wrong."
"Cai, Chao was my partner in a male body experiment. We had come up with the idea, but never had a volunteer."
"Until now, is it exhausting, is it growing."
"Hold on, ye don' have the right te talk like tha' te a king." Cailean said and grabbed Thomas around the waist, pulling him into him.
"CAI STOP!" Thomas pushed away and looks up in fear at his Irish lover. "I need to know and you need to know. Chao, who's DNA?"
"Yours and your husbands of course."
"Thomas, tell me wha's goin' on." Cailean grabbed Thomas' wrist.
"Later…please." Turning back to Chao. "When will it be taken out."
"50 to 200 years."
"YOU MEAN IT WON'T BE REMOVED TILL THEN!?"
"Yes, come now you must be excited."
"I AM! It's just Cai." The hand moved to Thomas' shoulder before the young man looked up.
"Tom wha's wrong with ye?" Without a word the blue haired man grabbed Cailean's hand and led it down. Placing on his stomach Thomas watched for change in Cailean's face; confused, a little happy.
"The project was to make men pregnant. Cai, I'm scared because I'm pregnant with your child."
"WHA'!?" Cailean asked, the boy letting go of Thomas's hand.
"You can listen to the heart beat if you lean against my stomach." Cailean did such and moments later he chuckled happily and rubbed his hand in circles on Thomas'.
"There's really a baby there, our child."
"I suppose I'm off the hook since I'm the only one that can help birth it." Chao said with a smile. Cailean didn't even look at Chao and answered.
"Alright, yer cleared of the crime and will not be killed, unless ye harm my child." Cailean pulled Thomas closer and smiled at him. "Ai'll be there the whole time." Thomas' cheeks flushed and he hugged his husband. Cailean smiled wider, one Thomas hadn't seen in the duo's hybrid lives. "Lock him back up and Ai will be back te release him with conditions." Cailean said and picked Thomas up. "Let us go home." Cailean swiftly walked out of the room and walked home.
"I'm sorry." Thomas muttered. He curled up and held Cailean around his neck. "I'll stop keeping secrets from you."
"Et's fine, Ai can understand this. Ai know yer scared of us, but I don't wan' tha' te be us alrigh'." Cailean leaned his head on Thomas, the Brit knowing this was a gesture of forgiveness. "Lets act like humans again."
"Yes." Thomas smiled and clung closer to Cailean.
"Lets name et Peter."
"What if its a girl."
"Alice then." Thomas looked up and smiled at his husband.
"Lets just go home, I'm tired."
"Ai've got documents te read through and sign." Cailean sighed and the rest of the walk was silent all the while the Kirkland's having no idea what was about to happen. That night at dinner the married couple let it slip that he was expecting and the family was certainly surprised. After Thomas explained what happened Eily and Dylan congratulated Thomas while Allister sat in shock. It wasn't until Dylan wrapped his arms around his husbands neck that the Scot unfroze and laid a hand on top of Dylan's. After chatting everyone dispersed into their rooms, Cailean the only source of light in the castle. Thomas was actually awoken by the light being on and a grunt from his husband. With a yawn Thomas got to his feet and walked over to the desk Cailean sat at.
"Your up so late." Thomas muttered to Cailean, scaring the Irish man who turned rather quickly. Thomas just stared tiredly and stopped in front of Cailean.
"Ai'm sorry Ai woke ye up, go back te sleep." Cailean smiled up at the sleepy man.
"Come to bed with me." Thomas muttered.
"Ai'll be there soon, but since yer up what do ye think about this kids crime. He broke into a shop and stole ten loaves of the bread and et was found near his mothers dead body. Should he be hung?"
"Maybe he was feeding his dead mother who could have sick. Have his mother autopsied and come to dreamland with us." Thomas said and grabbed Cailean's wrists.
"Ai'm serious Tom, Ai have te have all of these signed."
"Then sleep on it-."
"JUST GO TE BED!" Cailean yelled and pushed Thomas by the stomach, which cause said boy to fall backwards. Instantly Cailean got to his knees and began apologizing, all the while Thomas was curled up in pain from the baby kicking his insides around.
"UGH!" Thomas grunted as Cailean tried to calm him and the baby down. Cailean massaged Thomas' stomach, placing light kissed on the flesh. It didn't take long before the baby stopped kicking and calm down.
"Ai'm sorry Thomas, Ai'm so sorry." Cailean whispered over and over as he helped Thomas to his feet. Latching himself around Thomas' waist and continued to lightly kiss Thomas' stomach, apologizing to their child.
"It's alright Cai, but you need to sleep. Tell you what, I share equal power so we will split the papers in half and I'll sign some, so you can sleep and not worry."
"Yer rather smart, wha' would Ai do without ye."
"Well, look at the past thousand years." Thomas smiled and helped Cailean off his knees and took his hand. The Brit led his exhausted husband to the bed and laid him down before laying next to him. Drawing the blanket up, Cailean made sure Thomas comfortable before laying a hand on his stomach. There was absolute silence as Thomas turned off his nightstand light. In the darkness Cailean gave a chuckle. "What?" Thomas asked as he turned his head.
"Ai feel his hand against mine, et's so tiny." Cailean smiled against Thomas' neck, Thomas' already asleep. The next day left Thomas and Cailean busy, occasionally asking questions and Thomas leaving to get food. Now done with lunch the duo were on their last few papers and it was quiet. The next thing Cailean hears is a sniffle and he turned to see Thomas in tears.
"Eh Thomas, wha's wrong?" Cailean asked as he turned his chair to face his husband. Thomas handed the paper to the Irish man and he read it aloud. "Woman and baby found mugged and murdered in the streets. The husband was in a devastatin' state, and claims that his wife left with their daughter. The police found no evidence nor alibi for the husband, should he still be counted as a suspect? Cailean looked over at his husband, who was still bawling his eyes out.
"I'm sorry I left." Thomas muttered, but Cailean only smiled.
"Et's alright, Ai told ye Ai understand yer reasons." Cailean said and patted Thomas on the back.
"Is this how you chose Jeanne's death?"
"The witch?"
"Yes."
"Yep, this is it. Trial by Kings and queens." Thomas sighed and turned to Cailean with a straight face.
"Jeanne was my half sister."
"EH! WHA?!" Cailean's shout upset the baby and it began to turn so Thomas placed a hand over it.
"She was my sister on my dads part. Before he married his second wife, my mother, his first wife gave birth to a daughter."
"Tom, Ai sorry ye had to watch." Cailean said and wrapped his hand around Thomas' on his stomach.
"I know your are, Allister is the violent one." At that Cailean chuckled and leaned over, placing a kiss on Thomas' cheek. Both went back to signing the papers and in the silence they stared at one another from the corner of their eyes. It was two minutes and a knock came to the bedroom door.
"COME IN!" Cailean called and the door opened to a blonde man with blue eyes and a stubby beard.
"Mon chéré, I am back." Francis said as he looked at Cailean, noticing Thomas. "Your back." Francis said wide eye.
"Oh yes, I came back a week ago."
"Francis, great news. We are expecting a child."
"EXCUSÉ MOI!" Francis yelled.
"It's amazing what these body's can do with a small adjustment." Thomas said as he rubbed his stomach. "You will get to be a real uncle now."
"Mon chéré, that is great news, but where is the heir."
"Andy…he died from bleeding out of a wound."
"I am so sorry mon chéré." Francis said and walked over.
"I just want the body to bury."
"I can go get it for you." Francis said with wide eyes.
"Really?" Thomas asked and Francis claimed his hand before going down on his knee.
"I pledge my loyalty to you my lord." With a wink Francis kissed Thomas' hand that was soon pulled away by Cailean.
"Thomas, wash yer hand before the smell of frog sinks in." Thomas stood up to go into the rooms own bathroom when Cailean shoved him towards the bedroom door. With a powerful shove and the slam of a door Thomas was out of the room and with nothing to do. He tried to eavesdrop by pressing his ear to the door, but the wall and doors were too thick. With a sigh Thomas walked off to find something to do for away.
Thomas walked down the stairs to the kitchen, hearing screams and cursing. Peeking in he noticed Lovino and Feliciano fighting and Thomas decided to leave when the baby started to push on his stomach. As he went down he noticed a lot of people. There was Elizaveta with Antonio, the man from the kitchen, and a red eyes, white hair male. There was another group with a girl with blonde hair and soft green eyes. Next to here was a person that could have been her male counter part, and the executioner from Jeanne's trial. There were a bunch of other Thomas had yet to meet, and they wore classy outfits like silk dresses and suits.
A little scared and embarrassed of his pajamas, Thomas took off up the back staircase and explored the second floor. As he looked around he noticed some men and woman, also dressed fancily, were running into rooms, some throwing clothes outside of the room. "Hounds." Thomas muttered and continued walking when an arm latched around his shoulders.
"What's an attractive young man like you doing out here?" Thomas turned to see a man smiling at him, drunken breath blown in his face.. Thomas never saw this man, he had no idea what state he belonged to. Cailean had once explained that the Kirkland Kingdom was so big that it was actually cut into states owned by different people under one law system.
"Not talking to you, get the fuck away before I kick your arse, you damn drunk.." Thomas said before he was turned around and slammed into the wall. Before he could say anything a tongue was force into Thomas' mouth. "UGH!" Thomas let out as he struggled. A hand pulled his hair back and gripped him on the waist. That set Thomas off. Thomas began thrashing in place, kicking his legs. The man grabbed him tighter around waist and pinned him to the wall. Thomas was in tears for his baby and glared at the man as he withdrew his tongue and smiled. "Hells going to reign over you. You have no idea who I am."
"I could careless." The man smirked the best a drunken person could. A sudden force knocked the man down, leaving Thomas with an upset baby kicking in the man made womb.
"Are you ok?" A woman said and Thomas looked up at her. She had an old and very thick old Belgium accent.
"Aw, yes I am. Thank you…?"
"Florinda Maes, heir to a corner in west of the kingdom."
"Thomas Kirkland, Cailean's husband." Thomas stuck his hand out and Florinda returned it with a shake of his hand.
"So your the king's consort?" She smiled. "Lovely to meet you. So how are you celebrating the king and queens birthday?"
"I was heading to town, but I'm lost again."
"Getting a present?"
"Yes, I was thinking another ring for Cai and a necklace for Eily." Thomas said with a smiled as he rubbed circles on his stomach.
"That's so nice, we can go to town together." Florinda said and before Thomas could agree or reject her she stole his hand and back tracked to the staircase and left down them, Thomas in toe.
50 years later and both sides have grown stronger as well as two other Kingdom and war was on everyone's mind. Jones Utopia was stealing supplies from the Kirkland's. Two other kingdoms were teaming together, metaphorically and positively, attacking the Jones family territory, all the while the the Kirkland played the strings like a cellist.
Arthur had grown stronger, human and hybrid sides. His hybrid personality started to come out and show itself more often then it should. He had Alfred there to talk to when this and other things happened. Alfred had become one of the nicest people Arthur has ever been lucky to meet. Everyday was practice, such as earlier activities, for fighting, yet even as a normal day today was a different day. It changed soon after Arthur got off of Alfred and buttoned his shirt back up. Lady Jones came to the boys in a run of tears, and a letter in her hand. When she had spoke Arthur's blood ran cold and he felt the cold feelings rush to his face and out they came as droplets of water. The new family Arthur had come to love and become one of, the ones that helped him and taken him in on Alfred whim was now broken. King Jackson Jones was killed in a sudden ambush on the way home from the Kirkland's Kingdom.
Matthew, a now grown and mature teenager, was more than upset, but no one noticed since he kept to his room the rest of the night. Arthur and Alfred only snuggled into one another in bed as light faded into darkness, leaving the two to cry in pitch black.
Arthur made a sudden movement and turned the lamp light on. "Alfred, we should get ready for tomorrow." Alfred only leaned against Arthur's shoulder. "Come now, I will miss him too even though I didn't know him long, but he liked me." Alfred weakly brought up his arms to Arthur shoulders, and without warning, Alfred pushed Arthur down on the bed. Alfred laid on top of Arthur, who seemed to not care, and both laid like that for a few minutes.
"We are the guest of honor, the Kirkland's are hosting a party to celebrate my crowning as king."
"You mean your family is the guests of honor, I'm dead." Arthur said as he patted Alfred's head.
"Your dying your hair and coming partner." Alfred said and swiftly threw the blanket above his and Arthur's heads. The rest of the night was filled with the two shifting in the bed and talking. The next day Arthur helped dress Alfred for the funeral, while Arthur had to watch from the window. The one thing that Arthur hated was the family cemetery, not the cemetery itself, but the placement of it. The cemetery was placed right outside Alfred and Arthur's bedroom window. It didn't take long for Arthur to realize that Alfred was a complete scardy cat. Arthur had to sleep on the side nearest to the graveyard.
"Now behave yourself you git, and remember, it's alright to cry in public over this. You aren't weak, but your upset."
"I know, but all the kings and queens are going to be there so I can't show tears to them. I'll show them to you and only you Arthur." Alfred said and looked at his alarm clock. "Shi- I gotta go." Alfred said as Arthur fixed his tie. With a peck on Arthur's lips and ran out of the room. Arthur stood there for a few minutes and waited for Alfred, who ducked back into the room. "Sorry, I love you Art and be careful." Alfred said and ran off again, a smile on his face. Alfred never failed to tell Arthur he loved him. With a smile Arthur walked over to the window and sat on the ledge, and stared at the people and casket. He watched as people walked up to the casket, left a flower, and left back to their original spot. Some were not fazed a bit and Arthur cared not to glance at them. In seconds more Alfred came out of the castle, pushing his knot on the tie up, tightening it. With a swift brush of his hand in his hair, Alfred walked into the crowd, accepting people's apologies for his fathers lose. Arthur's smile widened and got off the ledge. A sudden cold breeze made Arthur cold and he decided to wrap himself in the blanket from bed. He pulled it off the bed, wrapped his whole body in it, and climbed back on the ledge. The blanket fell over his eyes, but he still saw Alfred interrupt his talk to look up and wave. Arthur waved back, but stopped when he noticed who Alfred had been talking to, and they looked back at the window with curiosity. He recognized the red haired man and his blue haired father. He shook with fear and happiness. He was glad his father was still alive, but his feelings changed into confused and a bit of anger when he saw that one man's arm around his waist. The Kirkland's stared up at Arthur who looked at them, their body's the same as 50 years ago, while Arthur's had matured. Alfred continued to wave, but Arthur pulled his hand under the blanket.
"Who is tha'?" Cailean asked as he held Thomas' closer.
"That is…Michael, I met him soon after…well you know." Alfred explained, covering up Arthur identity.
"Speaking of that, you refused to give us the body, and cremated it without our permission." Thomas said, not looking disgusted, but sounded like so.
"He didn't want to go there, he asked before he died to be cremated."
"Ai don' like tha' Michael kid." Allister said and glared at the window.
"I could careless what you think Kirkland, you don't come into my Kingdom and tell me what you like or don't. This is my fathers funeral so please shut your fat trap." Alfred said and glared at Allister, who snapped his head back to Alfred. Before Allister could snap at Alfred Eily jumped in to the conversation.
"So who is he in royalty?"
"He's my boyfriend."
"Oh really? Tha's lovely." Eily said happily. "Look at ye, Ai remember when ye were jus' a tike and now ye are datin'." Eily clapped her hands together and smiled up at Alfred.
"Ya, you haven't even changed a second."
"So any chance ye'll pop the question?"
"We've been dating for about 45 years now, I hope sometime soon."
"That would be wonderful to have another king to help you rule." Thomas said, his hand on his stomach.
"Well Matt's going to help me, I just don't want to bring Michael into a mess." Alfred said and smiled back up at Arthur.
"Why isn' he down here?" Dylan asked with a pout as Allister's anger built up inside him.
"He's upset, scared to see my dad there. Those two were close enough to be biological father and son." Alfred said and someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"We are sorry for your lose aru." Yao Wang, leader of the Asian regions, and Wang Court king, said, meaning none of it. Yao currently wore his kingdom's national celebration robes as to piss off the Jones. Next to him stood a familiar, plain, person. A small Asian man from old Japan stood.
"Kiku, is that you?" Thomas said with a smile.
"Hai. Thomas San." Kiku smiled a little bit.
"HEY! HE JUST-!" Allister yelled, but a tree behind them fell between Allister and Alfred. "FUCKIN' HELL!" Allister yelled, getting slapped by Eily.
"Wha' jus' happened?" Cailean asked as he held Thomas against him, both had one hand on Thomas stomach.
"Excuse me, I have to go check on Michael." Alfred said and began to walk away.
"A tree just fell, what happen Jones?" Yao asked as Kiku protected him.
"Oh, just Michael. When he loses concentration, his blood runs wild."
"Your boyfriend did this, he must be strong, da." Alfred gritted his teeth and turned to see the king of Braginski Empire, Ivan Braginski. "He would make excellent soldier."
"Ah." Alfred let out and Allister took the opportunity to cut in.
"He would belong to us, as the mainland and first generation we have all call on any soldiers we find decent."
"I want him in my country." Yao said and looked up at the window.
"The hell. Anyone touch him and I'll remove your hand. Michael is no weapon or soldier, he is my lover and this is my fathers funeral. If none of you can act proper then leave." Alfred said and pushed his hair back again. "I'm going to check on him." Alfred walked all the way to the castle, then took off running up to his and Arthur's room. The door wasn't locked and ran over to Arthur sitting on the ledge. Turning him around Alfred stared at the tears rolling down Arthur's face and mixing with the blood rolling down from Arthur's nose.
"Ugh." Arthur let out in panic , causing blood to pour down faster.
"Shhhu~. Art, calm down." Alfred said and covered Arthur's nose with the blanket. "Lets lay you down." Alfred lift Arthur up and carefully carried him over to the bed.
"It's cold." Arthur muttered as he curled up in the blanket.
"Listen, I'll come visit you after my fathers buried peacefully." Alfred said, and with a kiss on his partners forehead, Alfred. Arthur stayed in bed and covered his head with the blanket. He was put to sleep by the quietness and awoken later on by the door creaking open. Peaking out from under the blanket in a tired daze, Arthur strained till his vision set. The person, or people, that entered the room was not Alfred, but a white hair man. Next to him was an Asian man with long black hair. Behind them stood Allister and his family.
"He asleep, da?" The white haired man said.
"Shu, or the American will hear us." The Asian man said.
"Move et, Ai'm grabbin' him and leavin'." Allister said, pushing aside the other two. Arthur watched as the red-head walked closer and stretched his hand out, but Arthur couldn't move.
"Hold et Allister." Eily said and stomped to her brothers side. "No one is touchin' him, Ai will make sure of tha'." She said and sat on the bed next to Arthur.
"Stupid Kirkland, you will die first, da." The white haired man said.
"I want to see his face." Cailean said and walked over to his sister who allowed him to grab the blanket.
"STOP!" Alfred yelled as he ran into the room and pushed Cailean away. "LEAVE!" Alfred yelled and with a smiled the white haired man pulled the Asian man out of the room.
"It's awful in here." Arthur whispered and wrapped the blanket around both him and Alfred. The Kirkland's were surprised by the sudden movements and backed away.
"Are you alright Michael?" It took Arthur a moment, but he caught on to Alfred and nodded.
"My head hurts." Arthur said, trying to fake a Jones' accent.
"It will." Alfred said and helped Arthur up. Thomas seemed to be the only one to notice the blood run down Arthur's face.
"Michael, your bleedin-." Thomas went to wipe off the blood when Alfred shoved him away, barely missing Thomas stomach. Cailean growled and shoved Alfred into the wall.
"Don't touch them." Cailean said, shocking Alfred and Arthur.
"Them?" Arthur asked and got up. He stretched his arm out and placed it on Thomas' stomach, pulling it away in seconds. "A baby, how?"
"Baby?" Alfred said as Cailean's grip loosened.
"It was an unplanned experiment, but I can't say I hate it."
"Another heir, what's it's name?" Alfred asked in excitement.
"If it's a girl, Alice. If its a boy."
"Andrew the II, after the first one." Cailean said.
"I see, excuse me." Arthur muttered and stood up. He walked past the Kirkland's and out the door. Alfred chased after him, sliding a "congratulations" to Thomas.
"MICHAEL!" Alfred yelled a he reached out and grabbed Arthur's shoulder. The Kirkland's peeked their heads out from the bedroom. Arthur turned and punched Alfred in the chest in a spat of anger, but Alfred grabbed hold of him and held him.
"I've been replaced." Arthur muttered quietly.
"You have a home here Art." Alfred muttered as he rocked both of them back and forth, all the while the Kirkland's watched.
"Can I do something?"
"What is it?" Alfred looked down, looking at the green eyes staring at him.
"I want to protect him, he's my family." Arthur said and Alfred's face became serious.
"You know we aren't friends."
"A treaty between us both, in the long run the other two kingdom leaders will find out about the new heir, what is a kingdom in the future without a ruler?" Arthur explained. Alfred listened and made his decision, a smile on his face.
"I understand, why don't you go dye your hair and I'll ask." Alfred said and with a kiss on his boyfriends lips Arthur took off down the hall, the blanket dragging behind. Alfred waited till he was out of sight before turning and hurrying back into his room. "Thomas, I have a question from Michael."
"What?"
"He wants to be a personal guard to you and your heir." The Kirkland family's face turned to shock.
"Really, why would such a young boy do that."
"Michael kind of looks up to you, so?" Alfred asked, but Cailean rejected the offer.
"Sorry, but I don't believe you would protect us."
"Michael doesn't want war, he wants peace. That won't happen if your son is born with the Wang and Braginski having knowledge then they'll come after him. No heir, no future for the Kingdom." Alfred explained, giving the Kirkland's time to think.
"Tom, what do you want?" Cailean asked.
"Well, you all can't be around me, and sadly what they say is true. I'm weak in my state and probably after the birth as well." Thomas explained. "I think it would be a good idea, I can't take care of myself." Thomas smiled up at Alfred. "I trust that he listens to you and that you wouldn't want us hurt."
"Truth be told I really can't stand Allister there," Alfred said with a smile, earning a growl from Allister. "but you are a nice person, so I don't have any objections."
"I like the idea, I mean I can't have all of you around me at all times, but a guard could always watch me."
"How would this work, Jones is basically giving him to us." Allister said with a cocky smile.
"Actually, I'm going home with you all tonight, got to make sure he's in a safe environment."
"We will behave with him, since we can only repay him for his charity." Eily smiled at Alfred who returned it. Turning around Alfred shoved his hands into his pocket and pulled something out, though it wasn't detected by anyone except Thomas.
"What's in your hand?" He asked and Alfred held out his hand, opening it for Thomas.
Laying in Alfred's palm was a ring, one with an eagle engraved on it. Thomas knew what kind of ring that was, even though he had never seen it before.
"I guess it wasn't the right time." Alfred smiled sadly and tucked the ring back into his pocket.
"Go ask him now, if your ready."
"I've been ready, but it's my fathers funeral and we both have been upset."
"So what, go ask him." Thomas smiled widely.
"He's in the shower, I ain't going to walk in on him." Alfred scratched the back of his head.
"Why, don't you see him naked a lot?" Allister asked with a smirk. "Or is it true yer still a virgin?" Alfred turned red and glared at Allister.
"It's not your matter if I am."
"That poor runt has you as a partner, never gets any." Allister snickered, along with Eily.
"Screw off, Michael doesn't care," Alfred said, but the two just chuckled.
"I suggest we return to the grand hall before people notice we are gone." Thomas spoke up.
"Agreed." Cailean smiled and held Thomas in his arms.
"Wait, we need to talk about a treaty!" Alfred called, but before anything could happen the other bedroom door opened and smacked him upside the head, rather hard. The American descendent fell to the ground, his mind refusing to cooperate with his arms and he laid there, falling unconscious.