Chapter 5 - Spring is here!

March 21st, 1803

The first day of spring. The town a buzz with the thought of warm weather and the first bounty of crops to be planted. Alistair had no idea why it was such a big idea. He hadn't been around normal people for so long he had forgotten what preparation for spring was like.

"Hey brat, why are ye so excited all o' a sudden?" Alistair asked, watching Arthur run around the town like a madman.

Arthur stopped abruptly, turning to face him. His face having an expression of disbelief. "It's spring you idiot! Why wouldn't I be excited?!" the Brit exclaimed.

Alistair smirked. "Well sorry if I don't understand your foreign ways."

Arthur stared at the Scot, not sure what to say. "Wait... you mean you don't know what's going on?" he asked hesitantly.

"Nae, so do ye mind doing a little explaining."

The Brit nodded, "Sure."

Alistair listened as the younger explained how the town was planning what crops to plant this year, trading, hunting, and lots of other stuff. He was amazed at how much had to be done in spring. Wow... they have so much to do. And they do this every year!? I got to hand it to 'em, that's impressive, he thought.

"Hm. Interesting..." the Scot admitted.

Arthur was trying his hardest to keep himself from smiling. I never would have thought he'd have the will to ask such a simple question. I wonder how long he's been away from civilization... I will have to tell him more about life here later, the Brit thought fondly.

After wandering around town for a bit the pair decided to stop by the bakery. Rounding the corner they saw Jett standing in front of the shop, waving his hand like a maniac, a big toothy grin on his face.

"Hello, Arthur! Hello, Alistair! Wonderful day, ain't it!" the Aussie called, more like yelled.

Arthur shook his head and sighed. "He'll never learn, will he?" he muttered under his breath. Alistair smirked- agreeing with his complaint.

"Yes Jett it is a wonderful day," the Brit responded, walking up to the Aussie.

"Are ya here for something?" Jett asked.

"No. Just wanted to chat," Arthur smiled, glancing over to see Alistair nod.

"Well come on in then!" Jett beamed, holding the door open for them. Closing the door behind them Jett led them into the back of the shop.

"Were are we going?" Alistair wondered.

"Oh! We're going to my house," Jett smiled, leading them over to another door. Pushing it open to reveal a small garden and short path leading to a smaller building.

"We're here!" Jett said excitedly, throwing his arms up in the air, reaching the house in only a few long strides. He held the door open, welcoming Arthur and Alistair in.

Upon entering the house Alistair could see the kitchen. It looked very similar to Arthur's and was about the same size too. The room also functioned as sitting room as well, much like Arthur's. The sitting room had a brown sofa that sat in front of a small fireplace. Over to the left there was one door, presumably the bedroom.

"Kiwi ain't home right now. I think he said something 'bout going to Antonio's and planning what crops we're havin' this year," Jett said, frowning slightly.

Alistair was surprised to see the man of seemingly endless joy, frown. When the Aussie went to get some water for them he leaned over to Arthur and whispered, "Did he just frown!?"

"I think he's sad James isn't with him," the Brit whispered back. Alistair nodded and straightened up as Jett called them over to the table.

Sitting down they started to talk. Alistair drank his water, watching Arthur and Jett discuss people and past events, but one thing caught him off guard.

Alistair choked, causing the others to give him concerned looks. "Wait, hold on a second... Jett is yer cousin?!" he coughed.

"Yeah, Arthur's my cousin" the Aussie assured. Alistair looked at him like he had two heads.

"But yer so different! One o' ye kin be sassy and has a temper an' the other is non-stop happiness an' smiles! It just doesn't make sense!" Alistair exclaimed.

"Alistair, we completely agree with you. Even after all this time we still don't know how we could ever be related," Arthur laughed.

They sat there and laughed together before another question came to the Scot.

"Hey Jett, this is something I've been wondering for a while, but why do you call James 'Kiwi'?" Alistair questioned.

Jett smiled and responded. "I call him that 'cause he's from New Zealand, it's kind of like a term of endearment." "Oh! I'm from Australia, by the way" he added.

"Hm. I guess that answers my question then," the Scot nodded.

Just then the door opened and James entered. He didn't seem to notice anyone was home and called out.

"Jett you here? You better not be asleep!" Everyone kept silent as James trudged over to the bedroom. With James' back fully turned to them Jett stealthily slid out of his chair and crept over to him. The Aussie pounced onto James scaring the shit out of him.

Alistair, Arthur and Jett burst out laughing when James let out a shriek, his face turning bright red.

"You guys are so mean!" the New Zealander shouted.