1000...1000...1000 mother fucking reviews, guys. It's just...Is just...Whoa. My mind has been fucked in every position and then blown. SO MUCH SEX APPEAL.
RIGHT. RIGHT. SO SO. ARRGGH THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH. I WOULD SERIOUSLY HUG EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU IF I HAD THE TIME, RESOURCES AND WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A PEDOPHILE AFTER!
AAARRGHH!THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE FAILS TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE AND EXCITEMENT!
mmm, right. okay. Caps off.
There two reasons to cerebrate. The first, obviously being the fact that this story has just reached 1000 reviews, which is awesome, woo. Then, there is the fact that this this chapter marks the 40th chapter of this story! Hooray! We're almost middle aged!
And My god what a dozy of a chapter this is. I have to say that this is the longest chapter I have written for this story yet. I was actually considering making it a two parter with how long it was but I decided it HAD TO BE ONE.
Caps locks off once more and back to the 1000 reviews thing, because it's 1000 reviews I wanted to do something a little special for everyone though I truthfully am still not sure what exactly I should do. I'm kind of making it up as I go here (what's new) however, I decided to do a short story for the person who got my 1000 review who was FlyingSolo365! WOO(even though you CHEATED). The story can be about anything or anyone it really doesn't even had to be Hetalia (one rule: No USUK) so PM me later and tell me what you want!
To everyone else, I want to do something for ya' too! But I don't know what (fail brain). If you can think of anything just run it by me and it will go down. I was also thinking of bugging someone into drawing a few pages of a random scene from this thing but I dunno. Maybe.
God I know this is long already but just ONE more VERY VERY VERY VERY important thing before the story. I would like to thank the one person who if they weren't around this story probably wouldn't even exist. It is this person who even before I posted the first chapter of this thing I ran the general plot line by her and got the inspiration to see this thing through.
bombayxprodigy
God even without this story what would I do without you? I would probably just kill myself for being so unawesome that's what. SO MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH LOVE. NOW MAKE ME A SANDWICH. HA kidding, but seriously, couldn't have done this without you. I would have gotten bored and left pst.
Also, thank you MaryMew for the edit because I fail at everything.
KAY ENOUGH WITH THAT! ON WITH THE STORY!
"Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God!"
Alfred was confused. For once in his life he actually decided to do the responsible thing and start studying for his exams only to have his twin burst into his room and start freaking out. Guess the gods were telling him his studying was not meant to be.
"Whoa, whoa, jeez bro, calm the F down!" Alfred exclaimed, gladly shutting the textbook he just opened to focus on his frantic brother. Whatever was bugging him must have been big. He didn't even knock on his door before he barged in.
"O-Oh my God, Al. I...I don't think having an ability is a good idea anymore."
Alfred couldn't help but laugh, even with his brothers off state. "What? Mattie, that doesn't even... You know what?" He swept all his school stuff off his bed and patted on the spot next to him. "C'mon, tell me what's up."
Matthew paused, taking a moment to breathe and run a shaky hand through his hair. Something had shaken him quite greatly, that much was certain. He accepted his brother's offer and sat next to him, taking off his glasses and nervously cleaning them on his shirt.
"Jesus, bro. I hadn't seen you this nervous since you were asked to make a speech in front of the whole school in junior high."
"I'm sorry," Matthew apologized needlessly, setting his glasses back on his nose and staring down at the scattered books. It didn't seem as if he heard his brothers comment but he did seem much calmer than a couple minutes ago though there was still a look of mild panic on his features. "It-It's just with Liz and Yao I-I just don't know what I shou—"
"Whoa! Bro. Seriously. You're starting at chapter forty here! Let's rewind. Who's Liz again?"
Matthew glanced over at Alfred, a faint look of confusion on his face. Nevertheless, he answered. "Liz is the leader of the group I go to to see Ivan."
"See! Now we're getting somewhere!" Alfred petted his sibling on the back encouragingly. "Okay, so what happened to this Liz person?"
Matthew took a deep breath before he told Alfred of the happenings of the hospital. From Elizabeta's scream to him dragging the unconscious Feliciano back to his room. Surprisingly, Alfred was quiet throughout the whole story but as soon as Matthew had finished he had quite a bit to say.
"What! You mean I missed all that?" He exclaimed, standing and walking around to vent his sudden frustration. "Damn, bro! Either you have to start carrying around a camera or I'm following you more!"
"Alfred! What happened wasn't in any way 'cool'!" Matthew argued, angry at his brother's lack of compassion. "It was depressing and stressful! I'm gonna have nightmares about that scream for weeks!"
"Okay, okay," Alfred eased, putting his hands up in a surrendering motion. "Yeah, okay, you're right." He took a deep breath as if to calm himself before he sat down next to his brother. "Kay, so. Feli and Ludwig are good, right?"
Matthew paused before he shrugged, the simple action causing a sadness to show on his face.
Apparently for Alfred that was good enough. "That's good! So did you find out why Liz was so upset?"
"Yeah, Gil called me later. Liz's grandfather had a heart attack and died."
The usually loud mouthed American went silent and Matthew could tell he felt guilty for the way he acted. "Oh well…Shit that sucks. Is she okay?"
"I think so. Last I heard Roderich was taking care of her."
Alfred nodded. He didn't know who this Roderich guy was but he guessed he was good enough of a guy to leave a grief-stricken girl to.
…
"Is that why you were flippin' out?"
"No…well…" Matthew paused to think. "…Yeah, a little bit but it was something that Yao told me that was um…interesting,"
"Can I get off now?"
"A few more minutes," Yao responded from further away in the kitchen. Matthew released a disapproving moan that was ignored. After the series of rather strange events that happened at the hospital Matthew went over to Yao's apartment to help him with his research. For some reason that meant that he had to be stuck running on a treadmill. He didn't know why he was running, but he knew he didn't like it. Still he continued, for what Yao referred to as 'the pursuit of the truth.' Augh…
Yao's apartment was strange. He wasn't even sure if it was the older man's permanent place of residence. From what he could see everything about it was just so thrown together and bland. The walls were yellow-white, anything hanging on the walls were notes to himself in Mandarin and if any of the furniture matched it was by accident. Though when Yao walked into another room to get something he saw a flash of bright red. Maybe he was thinking about décor way to hard. He blamed exercise. God he was out of shape.
"That should be enough."
Matthew gladly stepped off the machine, panting heavily as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Yao began towards his balcony, motioning for the blond to follow him. "Notice anything different about people?" Matthew leaned over the railing to better look at the citizens walking on the sidewalks in front of the apartment building.
He took a moment to really look at the passer-by's before he answered. "Everyone's colours are easier to see." It was true. Normally he had to concentrate on a person to see their colours but now a simple glance seemed to do the trick.
Yao nodded, having expected the result. "Exercise does stimulate the mind, aru!" He said as if promoting it on a children's show. "Now try to make a connection with me." Matthew pulled away from the railing and nodded, now nervous for no logical reason. "O-Okay, um...I'm sorry, how do I do that again?"
"Use your ability on me while I use mine and a connection should form."
Matthew nodded and did what was asked, though the result was unfavourable. Matthew deflated. "I'm sorry." He apologized needlessly. Though he had come here expecting that outcome he found himself disappointed. Yao didn't answer immediately, instead opting to focus on a random spot just beside Matthew's head in thought. He then walked back into his home as he spoke, Matthew following closely behind. "It's not your fault, aru. Still things to try. Tea?"
"No thanks but may I have some water if that's okay?"
Yao nodded and entered his kitchen, Matthew hanging awkwardly behind and leaning against the counter. Yao handed him a glass of water and Matthew decided to start a conversation. "So, um...I-I heard that there other people who can also make connections. Have you ever talked to them?"
"I used to talk with them, aru." Came Yao's simple reply.
Silence.
"Um...'Used to'? Did something happen?"
Yao put the filled kettle on top of the stove, not even looking like he heard the blond talk. He turned the stove up to high and made sure everything was fine before he looked to Matthew like he hadn't spoken for hours. "Aiyeh? Ah, yes, I tried to contact all of them but only the kid from Portugal answered. Though he stopped a few years ago."
A few years ago? It really made Matthew wonder just how long Yao has been researching people with abilities. Wasn't he only twenty...? Clearing his mind of that thought he decided to stay on track. "Did he ever share anything about making connections?"
"Not as much as I would have liked, aru." Yao said with a hint of disappointment, as if the boy who lived hundreds of miles away was somehow eavesdropping. "He did say one thing. He said it's easier to create a connection with someone you know over a complete stranger."
"Oh?" Matthew responded, feigning interest. It wasn't the helpful tip that he hoped for, but it was a tip all the same. Yao seemed to have approved of the others reaction, because a small smile tugged on his lips. "That was pretty much it, aru. He talked too much but always stopped when it came to his abilities." Though Yao's expression didn't change in the slightest a sad blue grew over his pale yellow. Matthew wouldn't have noticed it if the exercise hadn't sharpened his mind. He changed the subject.
"This is going to sound strange, but, um... Gilbert said that I should be careful on my way back. Would you know anything about...that...or..." He trailed off when Yao's face took on a sudden turn for the serious, his colours matching his new persona.
"Sorry Matthew, I didn't want to talk about this today but you deserve to know." Matthew didn't know why but he straightened up as if to look more presentable to whatever the elder was about to say. Yao looked to Matthew's large anticipating eyes and sighed. "Some think that because they have an ability they are better than everyone else. That they are gods or a part of some ancient prophecy. Abilities make us special, aru, but they aren't something to be worshiped. I can't break the law just because I can paint."
He paused to allow Matthew to absorb what he said, Yao's face making the words seem deeper than they were. Matthew definitely had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Um...What are you talking about?"
"I think someone is using their abilities to kill."
The kettle whistled.
"Wait! Wait. Wait. Wait...What?" Alfred interrupted, unable to contain himself. "Did you just say murder?" His eyes were wide with some kind of emotion but Matthew couldn't tell if it was with horror or excitement. Honestly, he didn't really care. For some reason, Matthew suddenly felt tired. Nevertheless, he continued. "Yes. Murder but that's not it." He continued the story, his brother listening quite intently.
Yao turned his attention to the kettle and Matthew was grateful for the distraction. He was...surprised for a lack of a better word. He probably should have felt something much more right after hearing that someone he possibly knew may be a murderer but he didn't. Though somewhere in the back of his mind he knew this wasn't true, he thought the Chinese man was joking.
"It's just a theory though, aru. Don't worry about it too much."
What the— How can he not worry about a possible murderer running around? The fact that Yao even told him not to worry just made him even more anxious. Why was he so bad at this?
"—hew? Matthew?" Realizing the Chinese man was calling him Matthew snapped out of his thoughts. "O-Oh, sorry I, um...How can you be sure that it's someone with abilities that's doing the kil...the kil...the crime?"
"Experience." Yao breathed, looking at a memory he didn't wish to retell. "There have been people whose supposed suicides just seem...abnormal..." He trailed off, the memory slowly engulfing him, dragging him into past and present fears. Deeper and deeper into places he'd thought he's long since conquered.
He snapped out of it and looked at Matthew as if nothing had happened. "Though none of the victims had abilities so you should be safe, aru." Well, that was a bit of a relief though it certainly didn't stop Matthew from worrying. Jeez...How could anyone talk about murder so casually?
Yao picked up his now prepared tea and smiled at him but it was a strange smile. It was sunny and almost goofy looking, seeming so out of place on his usually uninterested expression. It actually made Matthew smile as well, despite his less than happy thoughts. "There will be a meeting next week to discuss it. Are you ready for more experiments, aru?" Matthew nodded, quickly finishing off whatever was left in his glass before he followed Yao out of the kitchen.
"...Okay..." Alfred said slowly after Matthew was done. "Was there something I was missing there that was supposed to shock me more than, I don't know, murder?"
"I'm not done," Matthew stated, eager to get this whole retelling process out of the way. "Gilbert called me after I was done helping Yao and he told me what happened with Liz."
Gilbert was almost ashamed to see Elizabeta in the shape she was in right now. Roderich was there, holding up her broken form as she wailed and screamed into his body. He knew that if the Austrian wasn't there to comfort her she would have injured a doctor or two. "Liz! Rod what the fuck? What happened?"
"Her grandfather just passed away," Roderich stated surprisingly calmly.
"...Oh." The surprised sadness on the teen's face showed that he understood. He knew Elizabeta and her grandfather were close. Very close.
"He didn't deserve it!" Elizabeta suddenly cried out, looking up at the Austrian with complete desperation in her eyes, like if she stared hard enough he would some how bring her grandfather back to life.
"It was bound to happen Elizabeta!" He exclaimed, his face sympathetic but his tone stern. "The man already tried to kill himself! It was his time!"
She tried to push herself away from the teen but Roderich held her strongl—
"Wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait." Alfred interrupted once more, his brow deep as he thought. "Liz's grandfather tried to commit suicide? But, but wasn't there...Something else...Something else you said about suicide..." He paused to think and Matthew allowed him to do so. It took a while of the cogs in his head to slowly turn but once he was able to string it all together his eyes widened with realization and his body went erect. "Oh! No, wait, what? Seriously? You really think that?"
"It makes sense doesn't it?" Matthew reasoned, glad that he and Alfred were now on the same page. Alfred paused, his brow kitted in thought once more. "So...You seriously think that the so called killer that Yao was talking about...tried to kill Liz's grandfather?"
Matthew slowly nodded, suddenly unsure. This was strange. For having pieced together a possible murder Alfred was relatively calm. It even rubbed off on the Canadian. Though he still felt the nerves in the pit of his stomach, he no longer had any desire to act on it.
Finally, Alfred said, "Bro, you are being really paranoid."
...
What.
If there was one person Matthew thought would share his theory it was Alfred. This was the same guy who thought Ivan wanting to know where Elizabeta was was suspicious!
Alfred, interpreting Matthew's stunned silence as an admission that he was right, laughed and smacked his younger twin on the back. "Don't worry about it! Just 'cause you have an ability doesn't mean some organization is going to try and capture you or something!"
"Alfred this is serious!" Matthew exclaimed, rounding on his brother. "We're talking about a murderer here! Doesn't that make you even a little nervous?"
"Aren't you the one who told me to stop referring everything that happens to Heroes?" Alfred asked, trying to sound soothing while still having that almost victorious look on his face. "Now you're saying that there's some kind of Sylar running around? I think I get a freebie after that!"
Matthew just stared. He was in such a state of disbelief that he half expected Alfred to say he was joking and then turn serious. Of course this didn't happen.
"What is wrong with you?" Matthew stood and glared at the other, the tired he felt before turning into anger. "I show concern for our lives and you compare it to a TV show!"
Alfred shot him his own disbelieving look before he also stood. "You've got to be kidding! Just how many times have you knocked down one or, fuck it, all of my theories?"
"Most of your theories don't make sense!"
"Oh, and yours do?"
"You just admitted it did!"
"Heh! Do you know how many paedophiles there are in our neighbourhood?"
The question was so random that it caught Matthew completely off guard. "I…How many what now?"
"Paedophiles. Guess how many registered paedophiles there are in our neighbourhood."
Paedophiles? In their neighbourhood? Matthew highly doubted there were any! … right? Still he decided to humour Alfred, now actually wanting to know the answer. "I don't know! Two?"
"Try fourteen. Ms. Robinson moved."
"Really? Oh that's too bad. She made really good cookies." Matthew shook his head, reminding himself that he was in the middle of something. "F-Fine! What does that have to do with anything?"
"It means that you are unnecessarily paranoid!" A small smirk appeared on the American's face for a moment but he quickly wiped it off. It was too early for victory. "Admit it! You got scared when I told you about the paedophiles didn't you?"
Truthfully, yes. He was scared. If he wasn't in the middle of an argument he would have asked who they were so that he could avoid them. "S-So what if I am! It doesn't mean you have to be such a jerk!" At this point Matthew took an aggressive step forward and none too gently shoved Alfred's chest, sending him back a step.
There was a pregnant pause.
Alfred put a hand to his chest before he glared back at Matthew, a very annoyed look on his face. "You really want to start something? Bro." He spat out the last word no longer using it as a term of endearment.
Malicious thoughts of bringing harm to his twin brought a sparkle to Matthew's eyes. "Bring it."
"Consider it brung!"
"It's brought, dumbass!"
"OI!" A loud banging on the door caused the two to stop completely. "STOP FIGHTING OR I'LL RIP YOUR BLEEDING FACES OFF!"
…Whoa.
"Sorry Dad…"
"We'll be quiet…"
Arthur made sure that he heard the two mumble apologizes before he went back downstairs. He was angry again. Realizing that simple fact only served in making him angrier. He tried to calm himself but everything just seemed to tick him off lately. He knew the reason but the only way he would admit aloud was if he was viciously tortured. The only thing he would say was that he was frustrated.
He moved into the kitchen, making a beeline for the fridge. There he grabbed one of Francis' water bottles and knocked it back, trying to drown his madness. Normally he went straight for the alcohol but for once he wanted his mind clear. Something about the meeting he had with the family psychologist just hours ago had him on edge. He was still trying to decide if he should take her seriously or call a loony bin. It certainly didn't help that the first thing she said was:
"Your family's in danger, Arthur."
It wasn't what Arthur expected when Dr. John had called him into her office but certainly caught his attention. "What are you talking about? My family is fine."
The doctor was acting rather peculiar. Usually she seemed so collected, sitting calmly in her fancy chair with a welcoming smile on her face. Now she wasn't even sitting, instead opting to stand near one of her small windows, her hands on her elbows. For some reason she had decided to close all the blinds in her office, leaving the usually warm place ominous.
"Not now. Now everyone is safe." She stopped to bring up two fingers to her lips and stare out the unopened window. She seemed to be in some kind of ethical conundrum.
Arthur looked at her strangely, sitting rigid at the edge of the client couch. "Please don't tell me my own therapist has gone raving."
She laughed a humourless laugh. "I'm afraid I wouldn't be a good psychologist if I wasn't mad. But this isn't about me. This is about your family."
This couldn't be about what was happening between him and Francis...Could it? Well, she was being rather melodramatic about it. "What's happening with Francis and I isn't...ideal but—"
"That's not what this is about," The doctor interrupted. "However, the fact that you kept such a secret from the one you truly love probably comes from trying to trust people who were close to you in your childhood only to be greatly disappointed more than once. Though that's another session." If this were another day Arthur would have argued with that fact but something about the doctor's expression demanded he listen.
"I'm not saying this to brag but my ability is stronger than most. I can do things that only a few with our ability can do. One of those things, Arthur, is knowing that your family will soon be facing hardships that aren't deserved." Dr. John still chose to look at the unopened window than at him but even in the darkened office Arthur could see her sadly serious expression. This really wasn't a joke.
"You know what's going to happen, don't you?"
There was only a moment's hesitation before she nodded. She fully turned to look at the Englishman, chewing on her bottom lip as if in possession of a juicy bit of gossip she just couldn't tell. Her eyes asked for forgiveness. "I'm sorry Arthur. Just by saying anything I've probably made more than a few mythical creatures mad at me."
Arthur, suddenly feeling anxious seated decided to stand and be on the same level as the doctor. "Why?" He questioned. "Not that I'm not grateful but why would you tell me?"
"Over the years I've grown to like you and your family, I'm almost ashamed to say." She smiled and if not for the ominous atmosphere of the office she would have looked normal. "Your family really has been through a lot, Arthur. More than you and I can imagine. I really don't want you to go through any more than necessary."
"Necessary for what?"
Again she bit onto her bottom lip and Arthur knew that was all the information he was getting out of her. He trusted her but he couldn't help the voice in his head that screamed rubbish. If he still didn't believe that abilities existed it really would be complete rubbish. Still though, didn't they have the same ability? "Eliza, what exactly is it you can do that I can't?"
Again she bit her lip but this time she had something to say. "Let's say...I can see possibilities."
If anything that weakened his belief.
He sighed through his nose before he turned his back to her to think, not wanting her expression to sway his thoughts. He really did trust her but she was going on like she could see the future or something and he knew she wasn't registered as an oracle on Tony's forum.
"C'mon Arthur," she urged, the faintest of pleading in her voice. "You really don't think I'm the type of person who would joke about the safety of your children, do you?"
Children? Before she had said family. Were Alfred and Matthew going to get the blunt of whatever was to come? Oh Jesus Christ. He turned back to the doctor. "...What do you advise?"
"Make up with Francis, Arthur. Neither of you can make it through this alone."
A part of him had expected that and yet there was that faint knot of dread and nerves in his stomach. He slowly nodded, unable to look at the others face. "Is that all?"
"That's all I can tell you."
Arthur nodded dumbly, the information still buzzing in his head. "Thank you Eliza." Though he wasn't exactly sure what he was thanking her for. Either way she smiled, though it seemed tired. "You're welcome. Now get out of here, I have to go visit my mother for a few days and if I'm late I'll never hear the end of it."
That earned a small chuckle before he left the darkened office.
"Good luck." She had said, as if the price of failure was losing his spouse forever. Argh…Just the thought of that made Arthur want to grab the nearest bottle of liquor and down half of it in one swing but he didn't. He resisted, instead taking another drink of water before he made his way out of the kitchen.
'Get back together with Francis' she had said but he really didn't want to make up with him. He wanted to be with him but he didn't want to go and do the incredibly embarrassing apology he knew needed to be done. Perhaps he was being selfish. He needed to do what he needed to do but where would he even start? He didn't even know where he was!
Though today it would seem fate was smiling down on the Englishman.
Just as he was making a mental list of the places his husband could be the front door cracked open. Arthur stopped dead and stared at the door intently. It didn't move. From his position he couldn't see through the slightly opened door but he knew someone was there. He could see their blurred shape through the stained glass window, moving about nervously. Finally, the door opened and in stepped Francis.
He looked as if he had carefully put himself together for this occasion. His attire was nice but casual, his hair was styled and….were those dress shoes on his feet? The Frenchman walked into the house and closed the door behind him, not noticing the sandy haired male watching him. It was then that the object in the blond's hand became visible. Flowers. He had brought flowers. Like he was the one who needed to apologize. Hm…Maybe Arthur should have expected this. He knew Francis couldn't live without him for long.
He cleared his throat to announce his presence and Francis turned to look at him. For just a beat he remained still, staring at the Brit as if he didn't expect to actually find him in his own house. Then he straightened up and ran a hand through his blond locks, offering a small smile. "Ah…Bonjour, Arthur."
Arthur glanced down to the flowers before he looked back up at Francis with a raised eyebrow. True, he was about to go and look for him so that he could apologize. True, a large part of his mind was screaming, 'he brought flowers! Jump him! Jump him!' Though from the way Francis was acting it really seemed like he had the upper hand. For this reason he didn't say a greeting back.
Francis' smile slowly faded and he looked down at the flowers he had. They were nothing fancy, in fact, if it wasn't for the street vender that pushed it on him he never would have bought them. He hoisted the bouquet into both hands to display them. "I have some flowers for you."
"Why?" Arthur asked, suspicious. "Why would you bring me flowers? Am I not the one who wronged you?"
Francis sighed lightly, allowing his shoulders to sag as he breathed out. "This isn't about who wronged who anymore." Letting the bouquet drop back to one hand he took a deep breath. "I…I married you because I love every part that makes you…you. This is why I was so upset when you didn't tell me about your, um…creatures. Truthfully, mon cher, I still don't think you realize just how much you hurt me." It was here he paused, mentally preparing himself for Arthur's angry retort. Only it never came.
Arthur actually looked…guilty. It seemed as if he didn't find Francis' theory completely incorrect. "I don't think I ever will." He admitted.
Francis just shrugged, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "I don't care." Those three simple words that were usually the start of countless arguments lifted a weight off Arthur he didn't even realize he was lugging around since this whole stupid thing had started. He found himself laughing, though wasn't sure if it was one of relief or simply amused by how easily it was over. "You don't think I'm raving?"
"Amor, I always think you're raving." Francis answered in full honesty. "This ability of yours just makes it a little more sensible."
That earned a small laugh, and if not for the situation, Francis would have been surprised at what the Englishman did next. He walked up to Francis and wrapped his arms around his torso, laying his head on the other's chest. The only thing that reminded Francis that this was his emotionally stunned husband was the fact that he avoided eye contact the entire time.
Usually, he would have eagerly accepted the rare invitation and promptly hug him back but he did nothing; leaving Arthur feeling like he was hugging a statue rather than a person. Breaking the embrace he tried to make eye contact with Francis but the other wasn't allowing him to do so.
In that moment the atmosphere changed. Francis would never ignore a display of affection from him. He shouldn't have thought that it would be so easy. "…Francis?"
He knew Francis was emotional but he was still perplexed by how drastically his expression could change. In place of his smiling face was an almost sombre expression
"Arthur. We can get through anything, right?"
"I...Yes of course." The sandy haired man answered unsure, the blissful high of forgiveness diminishing before he could really bask in it. Something in the back of his mind told him he wouldn't be feeling that again soon.
"Then there is something I must tell you."
He really shouldn't have thought it would be that easy.
/ / / \ \ \
If there was one word that would describe the situation inside Alfred's room it would be awkward. After Arthur's, er, warning the two wouldn't dare start fighting and although Matthew's room was only across the hall he was honestly scared to leave. So they stayed that way, Matthew seated on his brother's bed while Alfred flopped down in a beanie chair across the room. Each of them had their bodies facing each other but their heads were turned to pointingly ignore the other. Not that either of them noticed as they were turned away from each other but it made them feel a little more superior. It was Alfred who broke the silence. Of course it was Alfred. He was never good in awkward situations.
"How about everyday after school we walk home together?"
"We do that anyway." Matthew deadpanned, not even turning his head in his brother's direction.
Alfred looked as if he carefully considered this fact. "We'll…do it…carefully?"
"Alfred!" Matthew called through clutched teeth the anger he had managed to suppress coming back up. Why did everything he said have to be done so mockingly? See if he ever showed concern for his well being again!
A polite knock caused the two to fall silent and look at the door. "Alfred? Matthew?" Came Arthur's voice. Without waiting for an answer he opened the door and went inside. Walking up to Alfred he placed a hand on his shoulder before he looked between the two. "I just came to apologize for yelling at you two before. I wasn't angry at either of you and you didn't deserve it." He then smiled and Matthew felt something off about the man.
This whole exchange was just too…Normal. Arthur wasn't like that. Usually he was awkward or embarrassed when it came to apologizing; everything he did feeling as if someone else had forced him to do so. Matthew glanced at Alfred who was staring at Arthur like he shared his thoughts.
"Um…Dad?" Alfred started slowing, gaining the Englishman's attention. "Did…Did something happen?"
Arthur smiled, though the warmness of it was almost overly fake. "No, lad. Nothing happened. Everything is fine."
Alfred just stared back at his step-father, for once not knowing what to say but clearly not believing what he was told. The silence that followed was tense but Arthur didn't even look like he noticed. Finally, he patted the blond's shoulder once more before he let his hand return to his side. "Alright then, glad to see you both okay." Then, the worst possible thing that could have happened at that time happened.
Arthur looked right into Matthew's eyes.
The black leapt out at him like a wolf on a sheep though instead of hitting him directly it curled around his body, eliminating any colour that crossed it. Matthew tried to call for help but the colour shot into his mouth before he could, moving down his throat and squeezing the air out of his lungs. Choking, he reached up to claw at his throat but just like that, it was gone.
He inhaled sharply, the exhale blocked by the ghost of whatever was there. His hand came to his neck, continuing to choke on nothing as he desperately tried to bring air back into his lungs.
"M-Matt? Mattie!" Alfred jumped out of his chair and raced to his brother, placing a hand on his shaking back. "Shit! Are you okay? What's wrong?"
Matthew could barely even hear him over his wheezing, the choking making him feel sick. "Mattie! Jesus Christ, calm down! It's okay! I'm right here." He began to rub soothing circles in his back though even with the extra comfort it took a while before Matthew had calmed down enough to speak.
"D-Did you see that?" Matthew asked, already knowing the answer. "I-I-I-I I don't think that I…I…I've never seen anything like t—"
"Seriously, bro! Shush!" Alfred keeled in front of him and forced his twin's hands from his neck. He was trying to keep the curiosity out of his tone but he was failing. "Mattie, does this have something to do with your ability?"
Matthew paused, turning his head away to cough, his airway now free. Was that his ability? He had never seen a black among people's colours before. Nor had a colour ever tried to, well…harm him but it had to be his ability, right? Alfred didn't even feel it! Though…If it was his ability that would mean it came from…
He looked up at the door and physically recoiled, the noise of surprise dying on his tongue. Arthur was gone but not the black. It hung, suspended in the air, its slight transparency making it seem the darkest of blues rather then the solid black he thought it to be. It looked like it extended beyond the door, almost like it was leading him somewhere.
Alfred glanced over his shoulder at where Matthew was staring. "Uh, Mattie? What are you looking at?"
Matthew looked at him, honestly confused. "You don't see…" He trailed off, realizing the obvious answer. He grabbed onto his twin's hand and stood, his heart rate increasing as he decided to follow it. Opening the door he poked his head outside, eyeing the trail of black as it drifted down the hallway and through another room, his parent's room. Tugging a confused Alfred along with him he slowly made his way over, the heartbeat in his ears throwing off how loud he really was. Alfred whispered, "Mattie. What are we do—" but a simple finger to the lips made him quiet once more.
The door to the room was slightly ajar but Matthew didn't look inside just yet. He looked up at the black that hung above him. This wasn't anyone's colour. Colours don't linger. Then why couldn't Alfred see it? Or rather, why could he?
He slowly reached towards the door, a light sweat breaking out on his brow. He wasn't thinking this through but he needed to know. The black only he could see was leading him somewhere and he had to know what. He tried swallowing back his nerves but it only succeeded in making his mouth dry. His fingers brushed against the wood, applying just enough force for one eye to peek through. He glanced back at Alfred for a reason but only found his confused face. Right, of course he would have no idea what was happening. Focusing back on the door he released a shaky breath before he peered through the door.
Not a minute passed before Matthew slapped a hand over his mouth and quickly stumbled backwards, his eyes so wide they could have popped out of his head.
"Mattie!" Alfred didn't need an ability to see the absolute horror all over Matthew's face. Still hand in hand, he pulled Matthew closer to him and grabbed onto his forearm, forcing his twin to look at him. "Mattie. What did you see? Is something wrong with dad?"
Matthew just stared. His body was so rigid that Alfred was afraid he would snap in half. Then, quite suddenly, he shook his head, his hands slipping off his face so that he could quietly say, "N-No. It-It was nothing."
They both knew it was a lie before the sentence was even finished. Matthew didn't care. Even if he told the truth he knew Alfred wouldn't believe him.
Creatures…He had seen…Horrible magical creatures.
They weren't doing anything, just sitting around a hunched figure that he assumed was Arthur, where the black was coming from. Yes…It looked like Arthur was the cause of the black, the monsters probably attracted by it. Though even after seeing this, it still didn't explain what it was. Being around it made him weak. Very weak. He needed to leave.
"We…We should go." Matthew turned and began towards his bedroom, slipping out of brother's hand.
"Go? Go where?" Alfred called but he was ignored. He groaned, so confused of what was going on that he was actually getting a bit of a headache. His sibling's behaviour worried him greatly. He knew that Matthew had been through a lot but…God he hoped he wasn't going crazy.
Glancing over at Arthur's room he wondered why the other man didn't come out and comment about the noise. Curiosity taking a hold of him as well, he looked inside the room.
The sunlight that usually entered the room so easily was now shut out with a heavy curtain, casting the room into an unwelcoming darkness. He heard Arthur before he saw him. His back was towards the door but even so he could see the jerking of his shoulders that matched with the faint sobs that reached his ears. Alfred sucked in his breath, his mind wanting to leave but his body not obeying. He had never, ever seen the Brit cry. He honestly didn't even think he was capable of doing so. The strangest mix of awkward pity rose within him as he watched the man. He didn't know what it was, but there was something about seeing him in this venerable state that made him seem so…so…small.
Prying himself away, he reached for the handle and gently shut the sight away.
Perhaps he and Matthew should leave.
This chapter is important (the author tells herself).
Right, to anyone who reads these things I have a bit of a secret to tell. It not really much of a secret but after 1000 reviews I though I should say something.
When I started this story, I honestly had no idea what I'm doing. I still don't. I make up most of the next chapter as I write the current one. Also, must of the major plot points were very spur of the moment. One of those is in this very chapter! So for all of you that said that at parts it seems like I have no idea what I doing. IT'S TRUE! AHAHAHA!
Ha...I'm a horrible story teller.
Thank you Mix Matcher, Chromatic Simplicity, Lawliette93, allavengedromance, SabrinaScissorhands, Her-Bloody-Majesty, Puffin Person, Glimmyfrost7, Berry Doyle, MatthewKirklandWilliams, 4erloveyou, sam-makes-pancakes, fan girl 666, Axxi, The Color Clear, Maki-sama, XxAlysxX, It's A Bonsai Tree, cutegixie, Ottilia, Miss Trim, The Awesome Sugar Sparkles, Lalliey, Anji-Chan666, Leite Destiny, Dreamaker401, Mei-sama, Chatlantic, SoulBreak, SupaCrazee, xIkuna, Silvermoon of Forestclan, Mikadocon, randompersonwithnoname, cryingcarebear, NexaKudo, Washy-woman, RedmapleLeafinFall, FlyingSolo365, TheAwesomeMeThatIsPrussia, Kuraitsuki Tukiko and ChibiKillerPanda for the reviews!
THANK YOU ALL GUYZ! I MAY NO REPLY TO ALOT OF THE REVIEWS BUT I REALLY DO READ AND LOVE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! MAY YOU BE WELL TIL NEXT TIME!