...

~(WMD)~

I'm so sorry I've neglected this story for so long. I had to find a new place to live and that kind of killed my inspiration. This happened out of the blue so it really threw me off for quite awhile, but I'm back now. *yaaay...!*

This chapter is pretty emotional so you might want to go back and re-read the last chapter before reading this one. (I had to.) lol

'Thoughts' "Speech"

-(SC)- = Scene Change

~(TS)~ = Time Skip

Warnings for - Unexpected Confessions, Lovino's Hidden Softside, and The Promise of Cooperation

xXx xXx xXx

Honesty Part 2

"You're right.." Alfred sighed. He didn't even bother defending himself from the small polar bear's harsh comment. Kumajiro was right after all, and he knew it. His brother's bear always seemed to know exactly what to say to get right to the heart of something. "But I can't fix the problem anyway, so isn't it better to just try and ignore it? …That way nobody has to be sad…" Alfred reasoned. A moment later he caught sight of the door opening in his peripheral vision. He turned his head to the side to see his brother entering the bedroom, a somber expression on his face.

"It still makes me sad, Alfie.." Matthew said as he closed the door quietly behind him. Alfred frowned slightly as he watched his brother walk over to him, before he slowly pushed himself back into an upright position.

Matthew came to a stop in front of his brother and frowned back at him as he continued what he had been dying to say for so long. "It makes me sad that you don't remember all the time we spent together growing up. It also makes me sad that you won't talk to me about this anymore. ..And it really makes me sad that you've known about this for so long and yet you've never asked for anyone's help." The Canadian then narrowed his eyes a fraction as he continued. "But the very fact that you refuse to even try to cure your amnesia, ..that makes me mad. Don't you care? Why won't you take it seriously, Al? You're not the only one who is affected by it." Matthew ranted as Alfred looked up at him with his signature 'kicked puppy' expression. Despite how bad that look made him feel, Matthew kept going. Now that he was finally speaking his mind about this, the teen was finding it hard to control the flow of words that he had been holding back for so long.

"When I first discovered you had lost your memories, it was horrible! I felt like I had lost half of myself as well." Matthew stated fervently. "I remember trying so hard during the turn of the last century, but no matter how hard I tried, nothing got through to you. It was like you didn't seem to care enough or even want to remember… Even after the wars broke out, you were always on my mind. I've spent decades hoping that one day you would just wake up and remember something. Anything! That's why I kept bringing the past up. Can't you see,-"

"Mattie, I..-" Alfred tried to cut in, but he was quickly interrupted.

"I've been patiently waiting all this time for you to just let me help you!" Matthew exclaimed semi-loudly. He then paused for a moment, calming himself before continuing in a more subdued voice.

"It's painful… Don't you understand? ..You were my everything, Alfie. You still are my everything.." Matthew revealed without thinking as he mirrored his twin's hurt expression. "I just want you to remember why…"

The look on Matthew's face made Alfred's chest ache. His twin looked like he was on the verge of tears now, and again, it was all his fault.

'Oh god, did I really just say that?' Matthew stressed, a blush spreading across his cheeks as he replayed the last few seconds in his mind. 'I can't believe I just said that. He's going to think I'm so weird..'

"My everything" was something they used to say to each other all the time when they were little. It was like a term of endearment that they both shared with the other, course now, it must sound really silly. Plus, Alfred probably didn't even remember the special meaning behind those words.

Matthew groaned silently in embarrassment as he thought about everything he had just said. He was starting to wonder if it was really worth the damage he had potentially caused by coming into the room to have this conversation in the first place. He had said far more than he had planned to. It was like all of the stress he had built up over the day had just poured out of him in an uncontrollable stream of words that he was quickly beginning to regret. The teen's eyes stung with despair. 'Why'd I have to go that far? I'm such an idiot. What if he starts acting awkward around me now? ..I don't want that to happen…' The Canadian's worries were quickly silenced when he felt his brother's arms wrap around his waist. Alfred then pulled him gently between his legs and pressed his face to Matthew's stomach.

Matthew chewed on his bottom lip as he stared down at his twin, momentarily lost for words. He then lifted his hand and timidly placed it on the American's head. He hadn't been expecting this reaction at all. Matthew had been expecting his brother to look at him like he was crazy then try to dismiss the odd rant with one of his stupid jokes, or worse, maybe even leave. But no. Alfred had stayed and he wasn't trying to smooth over what had been said with humor, instead he was simply staying quiet. No, Matthew had definitely not been expecting this reaction.

'Your everything, huh..?' Alfred thought as he felt his brother place a hand on his head. Those were the exact words he had been wanting to say for so long, but never could. For some reason, it brought a warm feeling to his chest to hear those words spoken directly to him. It felt special somehow. Even so, Alfred couldn't shake the guilt that was steadily growing inside of him. He hadn't been aware of how much this had been hurting his twin. If Alfred would have only known it was causing Matthew so much pain, he never would have avoided it like he did. 'I really am an idiot...'

Sensing that Matthew had finally calmed down a little, Alfred released his hold and pulled away so that he could once again look up at his brother, a serious expression on his face. Before he began what he wanted to say, Alfred reached out and took his twin's hand in his, which was always such a comforting gesture between the two of them. "I'm so sorry, Mattie.. I didn't know how much this meant to you. I'm not sure what I can do, but I'll do whatever I can to try and fix this. I promise." He vowed as he studied his brother's face carefully. "But I can't guarantee my memories will ever come back.. In case they don't, will you be able to accept me just as I am?"

Matthew's violet eyes widened slightly in surprise at the serious and mature response he had just gotten from his twin. Regardless of how much that question hurt, Matthew already knew the answer. "Of course I will, Al." He replied honestly and without hesitation. "Even if you never recover your memories, you know I'll always be here for you."

Alfred smiled warmly up at his brother, happy about his answer. "You really are the best, bro."

Matthew rolled his eyes at that before returning with a small smile of his own. "So does this mean you're really willing to let me try and help you now?"

"I did promise, didn't I?" Alfred reminded after giving a small nod.

"You mean it?" Matthew asked as if trying to get some kind of solid conformation.

"Of course I mean it." Alfred replied with a small pout due to his brother's skepticism.

"That means you can't just leave if you get frustrated, and you can't ignore or try to change the subject if you're uncomfortable with it. You have to take this seriously, Al." Matthew said as he analyzed his twin's expression for any signs of wavering.

A smirk rose onto Alfred's face at his brother's persistence. "Dude, Mattie. I meant what I said, and I said what I meant. A hero's faithful, one hundred perce-"

"Oh, god. You're such an idiot.." Matthew groaned as he covered his twin's mouth to stop him from finishing the silly rhyme.

Alfred removed his brother's hand and grinned. "True, but I'm your idiot." An involuntary blush bloomed on Matthew's face as he instantly understood the depth of those words. Alfred lifted a finger and added as an afterthought. "As I recall, I'm also your everything else as well." Matthew blushed even brighter as he was reminded of his embarrassing choice of words.

"That is what you said, right?" Alfred pressed, as he laced his fingers together with his brother's while continuing to smile up at him.

A frown tugged at the corners of Matthew's mouth as he nodded. What his twin was saying, sounded like something he had been wanting to hear from him for years, but he was uncertain if Alfred really meant it, or if he was simply teasing. If he was teasing, then this was a really bad joke. "That's what I said.." He confirmed warily.

Alfred beamed. He was half expecting his brother to try and take it back. If he had, Alfred would have been pretty bummed out. "Mattie's everything, huh?" Alfred mused aloud with a chuckle. "I must have done something right to earn that title."

The Canadian let out an irritated huff as he pulled his hand from his brother's, he then took a step away and turned his back on Alfred, crossing his arms grumpily. "Just be quiet if you're going to make fun of me for what I said."

Alfred frowned slightly before quickly recovering with an amused smirk. The American then stood up from the bed and took a step towards his brother's turned back. When Matthew felt a hand rest on his shoulder, he seriously considered shrugging it off before he heard his brother begin to speak.

"I wasn't making fun of you, I swear." Alfred reassured as he felt his twin's shoulder relax a little. "If you want the truth… You've been my everything for as long as I can remember, Mattie. And I have no doubt, for far longer. …I just didn't know how to tell you. The last thing I wanted to do, was freak you out."

Still refusing to turn around, Matthew chewed on his lower lip as he let his twin's words sink in. 'Is he just saying that, or does he really mean it..?' He wondered as he tried to calm the butterflies in his stomach.

"I really mean it, Mattie.." Alfred added as if he had somehow psychically heard his brother's doubts. "You're my everything. You've always been my everything." He confessed as he wrapped his arms around his twin and pressed himself to Matthew's back. "Even if my mind can't remember why," Alfred continued as he placed a hand over his brother's chest. "…my heart never forgot."

Just like that, the crack in Matthew's proverbial dam became irreparable after hearing his twin's confession and before he knew it, he could no longer hold back his tears. The Canadian slowly uncrossed his arms, then shakily grasped his brother's hand as he hung his head, letting his wavy honey blonde hair fall into his vision.

Alfred's azure eyes widened when he felt something warm drip onto his hand as his twin's body began to tremble against his. A frown tugged at the corners of his mouth as he tilted his head slightly to try and see his brother's face. "Are you crying?" He asked as he felt his stomach squirm a little. Matthew didn't reply as he turned his head away to hide his face from view. Alfred pulled away a little in worry, he then closed his hand around one of his brother's, and carefully spun him around so he was now facing him. A somber look came over Alfred as he reached out and brushed a few strands of hair away from Matthew's face. "Don't cry, Mattie… Was it something I said? I'm sorry, please don't be sa-!"

Alfred's sentence was abruptly cut short when Matthew embraced him with a little more force than was probably necessary. The American stumbled back a step then collapsed backwards onto the bed, bringing his twin down with him.

"I'm not sad, Al..!" Matthew cried as he laid on top of his brother, trembling slightly.

"Then why are you crying?" Alfred demanded as he gingerly placed a hand on his twin's back.

"I'm not crying.." Matthew lied as his voice cracked a little, betraying his statement.

"Seriously, Mattie. You can't just cry when I go and confess something like that to you. That's totally not cool, bro. Quit it." Alfred whined.

"Just shut up.." Matthew sniffled. "I can cry if I want to." He retorted as he curled his fingers into the back of his twin's nightshirt. "You're such a jerk, Al. Do you know how long I've been waiting to hear that from you? Why'd you have to wait so many years? If you felt this way all along, you should have said something sooner!"

"But, ..you also waited until just now to tell me how you truly felt." Alfred reminded. "If you would have told me years ago, instead of now, I still would have given you the same answer." He informed as he wrapped his arms securely around his twin's waist as a form of comfort. "I've always loved you, Mattie."

Matthew's heart ached at that revelation. 'I can't believe we've wasted so much time…' He thought mournfully to himself as he buried his face into Alfred's chest. The Canadian then began to weep much to his brother's dismay.

Kumajiro stared blankly at them as he had witnessed the whole ridiculous scene play out before his eyes. This unbridled show of emotion was enough to make a bear sick and he had had enough for tonight. He knew he didn't have to be too concerned that his favorite person was crying right now, because he was certain the doppelganger could take care of him. Besides, this wasn't the first time this had happened. Kumajiro let out a small yawn as he turned and padded back to the nest of pillows he had made for himself at the head of the bed. The polar bear took one more look at the scene before he curled into the pillows once again. Regardless of his usual attitude, Kumajiro was greatly relieved that his favorite person had finally spoken his mind to his other half, because it appeared to have finally alleviated some of his stress. Now, perhaps things would finally start getting back to normal. Unfortunately that may also mean there might be less cookies…

-(SC)-

Hero let out a small sigh as he redirected his azure eyes from the closed bedroom door and back to Maple. His friend still refused to leave and it felt as if they had been waiting forever for someone to open the door for them. The sounds coming from inside the room were worrying him as well. He could tell one or both of their owners were distressed right now however, Hero had come to learn awhile ago that whenever this happened at home that the likelihood of the door opening any time soon was slim. Maple had obviously come to understand this differently as he once again put a paw to the door and mewed quietly. Hero swished his super fluffy tail at his friend's persistence. He then looked away again as he laid down beside Maple and got comfortable. Even if he was bored right now, he would much rather stay with Maple than go wander off without him.

A few more minutes past by before a new pair of voices came from down the hall. Hero's ears perked at this and he lifted his head to see the two strange newcomers approaching. An almost instantaneous purr started up inside of him as he got back to his feet. After a small stretch he walked over to greet them happily.

Feeling the warm body that had been beside him, keeping him company, leave, Maple looked away from the door and back to Hero, only to see him walking away towards the two houseguests. The Ragamuffin's ears drooped slightly before he turned his violet eyes back to the closed door yet again. However, after a few displeased swishes of his super fluffy tail, Maple let out a small sigh before he got up as well then proceeded after his friend.

Maple watched dejectedly as Hero was lifted into the arms of one of the newcomers and then carried into the guestroom, all the while being cooed at affectionately. The lighter Ragamuffin slowed and came to a stop in front of the other person who was giving his friend an exasperated look. Having yet to be noticed, Maple lifted a paw and softly placed it to the newcomer's leg. To the Ragamuffin's delight, the person looked down and spotted him. He hesitated for a moment before giving the cat a faint smile. A moment later however, the smile faded, being replaced with a small frown when he heard the unhappy sounds coming from the room a little ways away.

Maple watched as the person stepped around him and made his way over to the door to investigate. Seeing this as a possible door opening opportunity, Maple followed after him eagerly. When they arrived, the Ragamuffin looked up expectantly at the newcomer. He watched as the frown deepened on the person's face as he listened. Getting impatient, Maple reached up and put both paws onto the door and mewed quietly as if he were trying to remind the person why he was there. To Maple's disappointment, the newcomer simply looked down at him before shaking his head slightly. He then bent down and lifted the fluffy Ragamuffin into his arms and carried him away.

-(SC)-

"Hey, Lovi~" Feliciano started when he saw his twin finally enter the room, carrying Maple. "What kind of cats do you think these are?" He asked as he held Hero out and stared up at him adoringly. "Veee~ You'reh so fluffy~" Feliciano laughed as Hero simply stared back at him, purring happily.

After a moment, the northern Italian lowered the cat and looked back over to his brother, confused that he hadn't gotten an answer, or even a grumble. A frown formed on Feliciano's face when he noticed his twin's grim expression. "What's wrong, Lovi?"

"I heard someone crying in Matteo's room." Lovino informed after he shut their bedroom door and set Maple down.

Feliciano's hazel eyes widened at the unexpected news. "You did? Why were they crying? Do you know who it was?"

"How the hell am I supposed to know that?" Lovino snapped at his brother's unreasonable questions. He then made his way further into the room while grumbling something under his breath.

"We should go see if they're ok." Feliciano said as he carefully set the Ragamuffin he was holding back to the floor. "Maybe we can help." He thought positively as he walked past his twin.

Lovino quickly reached out and grabbed hold of Feliciano's wrist, stopping him. "No, Feli. This isn't any of our business. We should let them deal with this on their own."

Feliciano stayed quiet for a moment as he stared at the door. "I wonder if it has anything to do with Alfred's memory…" He said softly as he conceded to his brother's wishes of not interfering. Lovino was usually right about these types of things after all and he was willing to admit it.

"So that's who has memory loss?" Lovino asked as he released his brother's wrist, now that it appeared he wasn't going to attempt to leave the room. "Matteo asked me about Toni earlier, but he wouldn't tell me who it was that was having the problem."

Feliciano turned back to his twin and nodded, a frown still etched into his face. "I overheard Matteo talking to England after the World Conference today. It was about Alfred. He seems to be having a similar problem to Antonio's." He explained as he looked away slightly and continued in a more subdued voice. "I think it's really bad, Lovi.. I'veh never seen Matteo so upset before."

Lovino felt a pang of sympathy as he stared at his twin's worried expression. He released a heavy sigh then took Feliciano's hand. "Don't look so sad, Feli." Lovino started, encouraging his brother to look back to him. "Where's your optimism? I'm sure it will all work out. Toni got better after all, didn't he? And if he could, then there's no way that idiota won't be able to as well. He is the luckiest bastard we know of, after all."

A small smile came to Feliciano's face before he laughed lightly at his twin's reassuring speech. It was so weird hearing his brother trying to encourage him for once, and with optimism no less. He even gave Alfred a small compliment. Of course that was after he had insulted him, but still, Lovino was trying so hard just to cheer him up.

"You're probably right." Feliciano agreed as he took his twin's other hand, then lifted them both in front of them in an adoring fashion. "I'm justa worrying too much. I'm sure everything will work out fineh. Like you said, Alfred is super lucky after all~"

A light blush tinted Lovino's cheeks at his twin's strange actions. He then tsked before pulling his hands from Feliciano's. "I didn't say that." He grumbled as he walked away from him. "Ima going to bed.."

Feliciano internally sighed at his brother's expected reaction. He could never understand why Lovino always got so uncomfortable around him. Regardless of his mild disappointment, the northern Italian smiled and followed his twin to the bed they would be sharing.

~(TS)~

Once the lights were off and they were both tucked in for the night, Feliciano turned on his side. He could barely make out his brother in the dim light, but he could tell he was laying on his back, the way he usually was when trying to fall asleep.

"Hey, Lovi." Feliciano whispered. He waited for a few seconds but received no reply. "Lovi." He tried again. Feliciano could tell his brother wasn't asleep by the way he was breathing, so that meant he was just being ignored. He really hated that. Even more than when Ludwig ignored him when he was reading.

A small pout came over the northern Italian's face as he tried yet again, this time however, with a little more incentive. "Lo~ vee~ no~" He whispered again but not before he had propped himself up on an elbow so that he could lean down close to his twin's ear for maximum irritation.

"What do you want!" Lovino snapped grumpily as he jerked his head away in annoyance.

A lopsided grin spread across Feliciano's face as he flopped back down on the bed beside his brother. "I want to ask you a question." He replied in a more casual tone.

Lovino let out a heavy sigh then relented. "Fine, ..but only one."

"I'eh wanted to know what you would do if I lost my memories.." Feliciano asked a little more seriously.

"You really have to ask?" Lovino replied rhetorically. "I'd get them back for you, of course."

"What if you couldn't? What if I ended up never remembering?" Feliciano continued sadly.

A few minutes went by without a reply from his brother, and Feliciano was starting to wonder if Lovino was simply refusing to answer because he had been asked two questions over the limit. The northern Italian felt the bed jostle a little as his brother changed his position. Feliciano looked over to him and frowned slightly when he noticed his twin had turned on his side, away from him.

"If that happened.." Lovino started, finally deciding to reply. "Then I'd rather lose my memories too… That way, we could start over together."

Feliciano's eyes widened in surprise at the honesty of his twin's words. "Really?" He asked happily.

"Yeh, now would you shut up so I can get to sleep?" Lovino replied tiredly. The southern Italian took the silence from his brother as a positive sign and he once again began to attempt to fall asleep. A moment later though, he had to suppress a small growl when the bed jostled again as Feliciano changed his position. However when he felt his twin's warm back press against his, the irritation he had been feeling seemed to melt away.

"Thank you, Lovi…" Feliciano smiled softly as he too enjoyed the closeness.

xXx xXx xXx

~(WMD)~

Lovi needs to show his feelings more!

xXx

"I meant what I said and I said what I meant. A hero's faithful, one hundred percent!"

In order to get people take him seriously, Alfred quotes Dr. Seuss. Yes he does. XD

Can anyone guess what story that's from?

xXx

Sorry this chapter was so dramaful, the next chapter's gonna have some adorable pre-colonial AmeCan in it and will be much lighter.

I really need your reviews because I'm still feeling kind of uninspired. So if you enjoy this story even a little, feel free to show it some love~!