"It's fading fast" Vlad muttered to himself as he looked up at the fog like trail above. He frowned when it started to slowly scatter and dissolve in the air around him, he shook his head and mildly cursed Arthur's deteriorating powers, he had quite enough of painstakingly using half of his senses to try and locate the frail essence "You'd think he'd want to make his rescue easier…" He growled, pushing through bushes and chopping down low branches. It's been a day and a half since he went out in search of his missing friend. The mage searched everywhere, he and Arthur's favorite hunting grounds, villages he used to visit, places where they were assigned and even Arthur's supposedly current post near the dragon. Yet no sign of the other mage anywhere. Though he was thankful for the paper doll's leaked magic trail, no matter how taxing it was to find it if he lost it, as annoying as it was, it was the only lead he had to Arthur's whereabouts.
"Tsk! Not again!" He pulled at his cloak, finding it stuck in a bush again, he rolled his eyes and gave it a hard tug until he heard a ripping sound. The sudden release caused the poor mage to stumble and fall on his backside, Vlad got temporarily winded before he blinked himself conscious again. He stared at his ripped cloak and scowled "Why couldn't the kingdom give us durable cloaks? How do they expect us to fight in these rags?" Now he understood why Arthur insisted on making his own cloak, no wonder the guy burned all the official cloaks given to him. The memory made Vlad chuckle, it took a whole week for their superiors to give up making Arthur wear 'the right attire' since all they ended up with was a base full of ashes. Vlad on the other hand had to wear it since for one; unlike Arthur he had no skills whatsoever in making his own clothes and he wanted to make his family proud.
"Yeah…totally worth it…" He joked bitterly while removing the black piece of clothing from his body. He stared down at the cloak, years of training and learning let him earn it, and years of serving the kingdom branded the cloak with memories, some he'd rather not remember. Vlad sighed and shrunk the cloak, putting it in his shirt's breast pocket, he dusted himself off and looked up at the trail above him once again "I'd give it another day before it disappears…" He mentally calculated before setting off on his mission again. Minutes marched on and the mage kept going, he passed by a small quiet village but decided not to enter since he spotted the gang of what looked like ruffians to him at the front of the village, laughing and sharing whatever tales amuse them "You think they made it?" One of them asked as he stopped laughing. Vlad stopped, hiding behind a tree to listen in on their conversation, it can't hurt right?
"From that height? Nah, they're probably pancakes on the ground, sure as hell don't want to find out for myself, have you seen that thing? Deep…." The mage stopped listening up to that point, they weren't talking about anything that suits his interest. After hearing enough gruesome tales from the group he went on, remembering to keep to the forest so he wouldn't attract attention. Unlike some people he knew, he doesn't like going around to randomly punch someone in the face just because they said something he didn't like. Besides, this group wasn't exactly worth any of his time, or anyone else's so he simply passed by them, almost as if he were just a gust of wind.
Vlad kept walking, unsure where the trail was leading him exactly but as long as it was there, he had to follow it. But to his surprise and dismay, the trail took a U-turn back into the village he just passed, his sight caught the trail going into a window of an inn, but it never came out "That's where he conjured it" He groaned and put a hand to his forehead, slowly pulling it down his face as if he wanted to rip it off "Great, no leads at all…I'm on my own now" He looked around him, options running out as fast as a humming bird could beat it's wings. He was trapped in a dead end, all that searching for nothing. He had one last idea left though, but he didn't like it. Silently, he sat down on the ground and closed his eyes, connecting his very core to the earth. It hurt a lot but it was his price.
Arthur kept his glares on a particular someone's back, and that particular someone was starting to fidget because of all the unwanted attention "Hey Arthur? Can you stop?" Alfred looked over his shoulder once to meet gazes with the mage. Arthur scowled at him and began to mutter something under his breath "I wouldn't do that if I were you Al" Matthew turned his brother's head back so that he'd be facing away from Arthur "I think he's cursing you right now, so it's best you don't make eye contact" Alfred paled. He hated those kinds of things, maybe even more than ghosts, he's been at the sidelines of a cursed person before, and he swore he's never seen something so horrifying in his life. It usually varied for a lot of people, unfortunately for him he encountered a man who was cursed to eat things that crawl or inhabit the ground until he bursts. Do you know how disgusting it is to see a man dig up a hand full of worms, gobble them up, repeat the action again and again then explode? It made the swordsman shudder.
"Oh don't flatter yourself" Came Arthur's reply to Matthew's first statement, causing said person to glare at him as if daring him to utter another word "It's not just Jones…" This made Gilbert look back at him once before looking ahead again, he was riding Schmidt this time after Arthur woke up "He didn't say what I think he just said right?" He received no reply in return. Michelle on the other hand was busy warding off any of the aforementioned curses that Arthur was trying to cast, since the mage was in such a weakened state, she was able to break most of the curses 'Will you stop that you brat?' The mage sent the fairy a secret message along with a small power blast at her. The fairy cringed when nausea hit her but she kept her ground 'I'm Alfred's guardian, I'm not about to let someone like you put a curse on him' She replied with a glare.
Alfred dared to look back, feeling most of the glares leave him, he caught Arthur and Michelle having their own cold war together, both of them never taking their eyes off the other as if their hatred alone could make either of them spontaneously combust. He smirked, somewhat amused that someone like Arthur would get so wound up about a fairy. He's like what? A hundred times her size? And yet, he could still vaguely recall Michelle able to give Arthur trouble the first time they met "What's so funny?" The swordsman blinked once, finally noticing that he spaced out with a goofy grin for a while. Both Michelle and Arthur were staring at him as if he grew a second head, confused- and worried in Michelle's case- looks were plastered on their faces. Michelle flew close to the swordsman and checked his temperature "You don't seem sick" Alfred chuckled and just motioned for her to sit on his shoulder, which she did "I just remembered something funny, no worries"
"It must have been very hilarious since your face froze momentarily. Although next time I would recommend a less disturbing look" Arthur quipped behind him. Yao rolled his eyes and walked closer to Matthew to whisper in his ear "I'm starting to dislike him aru. What are we really going to do with him?" Matthew shook his head and jabbed his thumb at his half brother, too busy talking to Michelle to notice "Ask that guy…Apparently he thinks we have an opening for a new member" Yao caught on quickly and almost choked on air "Are you serious? This better not be one of your brother's pranks Matthew" To his dismay, the younger's serious look never wavered "How will he ever wish to accomplish that aru?! From what I observe, I don't think the mage is too fond of us" he continued worriedly.
Yao spared Alfred a pitiful glance, the boy was such a fool, he knew Alfred was an idiot but he couldn't possibly be serious about that could he? Then again this is Alfred they're talking about. Alfred who wouldn't let a kitten get stuck in a tree, who wouldn't let a little kid cry about a lost toy, who thinks the word 'distress' should never be put together with the word 'damsel', Alfred who always saw a right punishment for anyone who kicked a puppy. Basically just Alfred. The doctor sighed, even though he doesn't look like it he was the eldest in the resistance, and with that comes the responsibility over the younger ones. He made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Alfred for now to make sure he doesn't do anything rash, just until they find a better way to deal with the mage "Alright guys, we'll camp out here for the night" Gilbert called out in front of them as he dismounted from Schmidt. The stallion shook it's mane once before taking it's position next to it's master. Matthew's eyebrows furrowed together, he looked up at the sky and was surprised to see that the sun was starting to set "How long have we been traveling?" He asked "Oh maybe a few hours unless the darkening sky wasn't a dead give away" Alfred narrowed his eyes at the mage behind him "Hey, why can't you just stop being moody for a day? My bro was just asking a question"
"Not the right ones" Arthur hissed, returning Alfred's glare. The swordsman gave the rope that held the mage's hands together a rather hard tug. Arthur stumbled forward, almost falling, until he was right in front of Alfred. The two scowled at each other "Why don't you just do me a favor and drown me in the nearest lake? It'd be better for all of us" Alfred saw a relay of emotions in the mage's eyes, one of them was anger. Looks like he has his work cut out for him "If you haven't noticed I'm not the bad guy here, so why don't you just be friendly for a while dude? Not gonna kill you"
Arthur scoffed "Oh rest assured, your butchering of the English language will definitely kill me one day"
Alfred rolled his eyes "You know, you won't get a lot of friends with that attitude of yours"
"And I don't plan to have any"
"Dude you're lonely"
"If you can't remember- which isn't surprising- my name is Arthur, not 'dude'"
"Enough!" Matthew came in between them, putting as much distance as he could "We will not just stand around here and listen to you two argue!" Matthew rubbed his temples and glanced at all of them, pausing for a while to make sure that everyone understood that he wouldn't take anymore of their shit "Look guys…I know we're on a tight schedule here, but can we please just go one day without anything ultimately life threatening happening to us?" Gilbert was about to make a joke about their situation but was stopped when Yao elbowed him in the gut. Matthew nodded and sat down on a nearby log, suddenly feeling tired "Alright, everybody get settled down, we'll start traveling first thing in the morning" He looked up and started to assign everyone to do something "Gilbert, you go out to hunt our dinner. Yao, you'll stay here with me to double check for shorter and faster paths to Avia. Alfred and Arthur…." He paused, feeling the silent hatred passing between them "How about you go and gather some firewood, and hopefully you won't try to mangle each other"
"Pssh, no worries broski. I'm cool with firewood" Arthur rolled his eyes behind him, and he did so at a time where Alfred could see it. The swordsman didn't let it get to him though, he constantly reminded himself why he had to put up with the mage's attitude, he was going to go through with his plan no matter what "Well come on Jones, wouldn't want you and your friends to start shaking like a leaf…" Arthur walked ahead, making sure Alfred was right behind him. The swordsman gave one last look at his brother, who waved him off, before catching up to the mage ahead of him.
They spent a lot of time looking for decent firewood, most of the things they came across might have been infested by termites or too damp to use. And needless to say, Alfred was bored. The young man glanced at his partner, Arthur seemed to have less difficulty keeping himself composed whereas Alfred could barely walk without groaning or complaining from time to time. The mage, once again, ignored the swordsman's complaints, lucky for the boy that he's had experience with people like him else he'd find himself a splat on the ground by now "Dude, we've been out here for hours!" Alfred groaned, nearly dropping the twigs and branches he was carrying "I think this is enough, Matt isn't picky anyway"
"I'd beg to differ Jones, those are barely enough for a fire" Alfred scoffed and looked down at his load, sure okay maybe not but it beats nothing "Why'd ya keep doing that?" Arthur raised an eyebrow at Alfred's sudden question "Keep doing what?" The swordsman shrugged and picked on a branch he was carrying "Keep calling me Jones.." Arthur smirked in amusement "It's your name is it not? Unless you lied about that" Alfred thought he could sense a joke in there but quickly shook it off "It's not that I just want you to call me Alfred" The mage looked at him with slight exasperation "You know, I was always taught that only friends call each other by their first name, saying your last name is merely a sign of respect" Alfred grinned "You respect me?" Arthur grinned with him "Well maybe not when I'm trying to curse your name" They both shared a small laugh at the otherwise darkly made joke "But seriously Art, whats up with the attitude? I mean kay I know where you're coming from with the whole 'you're a royal mage and you'll lock us up' thing, but it's not like I just recently killed your cat. Did I say something wrong while we were travelling?"
"Hmm, no you didn't say anything that would have fouled my mood" Arthur was quick to reassure him when Alfred was starting to put up some sort of kicked puppy look "But who wouldn't act this way when they're kidnapped by a bunch of loons? I think you'd be the same if our situation was reversed" He huffed. Alfred imagined what he just said and tried to see himself in the same thing, yep, he right about pinned it "I guess but we're not bad or anything" Arthur shot him a glare "Oh there you go again with your 'good guy, bad guy' concept, when will you just accept that the kingdom isn't doing anything wrong?!" Alfred groaned and faced his partner "When will you accept that your precious kingdom is doing a lot of wrong things?! How much lies have they fed you to make you think of them like they're heroes? Seriously dude! The resistance is made of heroes just as how much evil there is in the kingdom!" There was a stricken and horrified look in Arthur's eyes, something Alfred had trouble seeing "How..how dare you…" Arthur growled at him seemingly angry, although there was so much more hurt in his features than anything else. It made the swordsman's heart twist "You don't know half of what they sacrificed for this godforsaken land! They work hard! There are people there that can't even come home! They're always busy day and night without a break and…. and you just…is that what you really think of them? Just that?" Alfred started to feel guilt gnaw at him. They way Arthur said those words almost seemed as if he's rehearsed them too many times, it made the swordsman wonder just how many people the mage encountered had almost the exact same opinion as him.
"You haven't seen what they've done Artie.." 'Shut up me! What am I doing?! You'll make it worse! Shut up!' Despite his inner conflict Alfred couldn't seem to stop words from spilling out of his mouth "They've done a lot of horrible things to everyone, they must have been great before but now? I'm not so sure…you've really got to start opening your eyes to the-"
"How about you start opening your eyes!" Arthur interrupted him, fire blazing in every word he said "Why can't you all just stop being so closed minded?! I wanted to give your little "hero group" a chance! I wanted to see if you really claimed to be the so called light of hope to the people you claim to be! I'll admit that I've seen the less justifiable things kingdom does but they make up for it!" In the heat of the argument, Alfred noticed that Arthur had his hands free and the rope was far from where they were already. His eyes widened but he didn't say anything "I thought 'Well maybe they deserve a chance, maybe they can be good too' and you know what?" He backed Alfred into a tree, still keeping their gazes locked. Despite his size to the swordsman, he was actually pretty intimidating. Alfred bit his lip when Arthur started to talk again "I was wrong, I thought you good but I was wrong. If these are the kind of people there are in your little resistance then I think it isn't even worth my time"
Fear went through Alfred's mind. What if Arthur leaves and starts tattling to the kingdom? What about his super-awesome-mega-plan alpha-mark two? What if…what if they never meet up again?
Just as Arthur was about to turn and leave, Alfred grabbed his arm and spun him around again to face him "Wait! I didn't mean to upset you! I was just- it came out wrong!" Arthur gave him the most un-amused look he could muster, he crossed his arms at him "I don't know how you could possibly make something like that 'come out wrong'" The swordsman winced at the mage's tone but went on anyway "It was on impulse okay! I've just seen too much-excuse my French- shit in my life regarding the kingdom. How else am I supposed to react if all I've seen from them is nothing but-" He paused when Arthur gave him a look. He chose his next words carefully "-Bad from them! How Art? Just how?!" Ignoring the nickname Alfred gave him, Arthur tsked at the swordsman's desperate display to keep him where he was. Instead of answering, he just jumped to another subject "I think it's about time to head back to your camp, I'm sure the others are freezing. And don't worry about me running off, you'll probably just hunt me down anyway, what's the use?" The mage walked ahead, leaving Alfred to watching go for a few seconds before silently walking next to him. Neither said anything until they reached the campsite.
Matthew looked up from his map reading and solemnly smiled at his brother, but it soon disappeared when his eyes drifted to the mage's untied hands. He shot a worried look at his brother but Alfred just waved him off and mouthed 'It's fine' He sighed, maybe Alfred could pull off his plan after all "So did you both find enough firewood?" Yao asked, still looking at the now marked map. Alfred smiled sheepishly and set down the twigs and branches he was holding "Kinda…" Gilbert yawned and got up, walking towards the center of the camp "It'll have to do, move over noobs, watch how the master lights a fire" He picked up two stones and gathered the into a pile, he took some leaves from nearby trees as well before striking the two stones he got to make a spark. Eventually the fire was lit and over it was a bunny. Though Michelle said she didn't want to stick around for dinner, so the fairy flew off into the forest to find less meaty choices for dinner "Why'd fairies gotta be picky? This rabbit is fricking awesome because the awesome me caught it" Alfred scoffed as he watched the poor animal get cooked over a fire "Yeah, scrawny and little, totally an awesome feast for five"
"Make that four, I don't want to take part in your..dinner…I've gathered enough berries and a few fruits for myself thank you" Arthur spoke up from the other side of the camp, Schmidt was there with him picking on a red apple the mage found. And Arthur, being who he is, decided to let the shadow horse have the apple, he doubted the poor thing was properly fed by his so called owner anyway "Aw come on Art! Ever heard about sharing? Aren't you freezing over there? We got a good fire going here!" Alfred called out, trying to wave Arthur over. The mage shook his head "I'm perfectly content here, and I didn't see you helping me get these so why should I share?"
"Sharing is caring Artie!"
"Did you just think of that now? And don't call me that!" Alfred laughed, practically feeling the smile Arthur let slip when he said that. It was as if the tiny fight between them never happened. He liked it this way, no fighting or life threatening situations, just him and his broskis around a fire, relaxing. Too bad it couldn't always be like this. Yes, sometimes he'd wonder what it could have been like if the world they were in wasn't so fucked up or bent on having conflict at whatever chance it'll get. If it was a perfect world, he'll probably be chilling all day, partying all night, meeting new people, travelling the world. Yep, the good life all the way. He glanced at Arthur, who was currently trying to make Schmidt give back a pear, the mage was smiling and it was almost as if he was also playfully trying to get the fruit back, much to the stallion's delight 'What if we met on different terms?' The thought was lovely, that was something Alfred could admit, it would have been nice. If only they weren't on different sides like a messed up version of Romeo and Juliet.
'The hell? Did I just compare my life to that?' Despite the thought, Alfred kept wondering which of them- him and Arthur- was Juliet or Romeo.
By the time Gilbert started to crack up some of his 'awesome adventure stories' which truthfully was just their missions but with Gilbert's so called 'awesome twists' in it, Alfred went ahead to see how Arthur was holding up, he got a rather suspicious look from Michelle and a warning from Yao but he still went on "Hey Artie" He greeted and sat down under the tree with the mage, Schmidt was helping his master tell his tales with shadows around this time so it was only the two of them "Don't call me…that" Arthur yawned and blinked his eyes open, turning his head to face Alfred beside him "m'names Arthur you twat.." Alfred smiled and ruffled the mage's hair, something he only usually does to Matthew "Yeah yeah, sure. Ya getting sleepy on me bud?" Arthur gave him a sarcastic smile before turning away from him, the silence was Alfred's go for a conversation "So I was wondering, when I first met you, you were stationed near a dragon's keep. That was totally cool mind you, but wasn't it dangerous for you to be there?" Arthur shifted but never turned to look at the swordsman again "I knew there was a dragon if that's what you're implying. But I just wasn't concerned"
"Why not dude? Dragons can melt ya on the spot y'know?" Alfred put his hands behind his head and looked up at the stars above them. The night sky was beautiful, streaks of light and dark blue littered the sky, topped off by the stars that only seemed like dots of sparkles in the sky, there was not cloud in sight and the moon was full, it shone brightly, not as bright as the sun but it had a sort of magical glow that dusted gently on to the surface of the earth. No wonder lots of things could happen under a full moon "I'm not scared of dragons" Alfred looked at Arthur, back still turned on him, but kept quiet as the mage went on "They're…powerful, but they can be magnificent too…they're great teachers and loyal friends…they're lots of things for me, just not something to be feared" Arthur craned his head to look at Alfred's reaction, sure enough there was a thoughtful look on the swordsman's face "Never heard anyone say that about dragons. Usually it's something along the lines of 'monster' or 'demons'" Arthur scoffed but couldn't hide the smile on his face "Are you being closed minded on me again? Otherwise this conversation is over"
"Hey no, I was just saying. Geez, you're sensitive" They both smiled at each other, like they were long time friends. And this time, Arthur didn't mind or make a move to stop whatever it was they were doing right now "Of course, wouldn't you be the same if it were things you loved? Other than the kingdom, dragons are close to my heart" Alfred wanted to ask more about what Arthur liked, he couldn't explain why but he just felt that he should know more things. But before he could start, Arthur beat him to it again "But enough about me, how about you? What things suit your fancy Mr. Jones?" Alfred half-heartedly laughed at that, he hummed and thought about everything "Well, I think you know that the resistance is like family to me" Arthur shrugged "Rather weird family but go on" The swordsman looked around for other things to share "I like my sword, my dad gave it to me when I was still little. He really loved this sword…" His hand unconsciously went to the hilt of the sword "I'd see him practice with it everyday, then he'd sharpen, polish and clean it later. Haha, you should have seen this stand he had for it, I mean obsessed much? It was almost as if he was worshipping it" Alfred chuckled at the memory of the old stand, it was made of simple wood but it was hand crafted and lined with gold and silver, courtesy of his father. His voice lowered as he looked at the sword at his side "But it was his..this is my dad's sword, and I love it just like he did. Maybe not as much as he did but you get it"
Arthur was listening carefully, he caught every word and was surprised with how Alfred said them "You do seem passionate about it, I guess that sword must have been some sort of special heirloom?" To his mild surprise, Alfred shook his head "Nope, it was a piece of scrap metal once, dad just melted it down into a sword, it's held up for years now so I think it was good enough for my dad"
"Yet he treated it like a jewel.." Arthur mumbled, which the swordsman didn't hear. He sighed and looked down at his hands, suddenly they felt empty "You're a weird lot, I can tell you that. Magnets for trouble and scrap sword wielders" Alfred nudged him playfully "Don't hate" Arthur shook his head and turned so that his back was facing Alfred again "It's not my fault, Allistor always said I was too honest sometimes" He laughed, and this time it sounded really genuine. Alfred sighed happily and looked over at his companion "Who's Allistor then?" He asked curiously. At this Arthur froze, he turned to his side to face the swordsman. What Alfred didn't expect was a look of pure shock and confusion on the mage's features. Arthur looked at the ground then at the sky, basically anywhere but Alfred "I….I don't know…honest to God I don't. I-It just came out and I…" Arthur stood up and went to the other side of the tree "Please leave me alone Alfred, I need to sort things out"
The swordsman frowned and tried to reach out to the mage "Artie…" Arthur shook his head and inched out of reach "No, just go Jones…just leave me for now. I won't run if that's what you're thinking, just go.." Hesitantly, Alfred got up and started walking back to the others at the middle of the campsite. He glanced at Arthur once and sighed "Sure you won't run?" He saw the mage nod, but nothing was said. Alfred looked down at the ground, albeit disappointed that their time together had to end there, and made his way next to his brother. Matthew looked at Alfred with surprise when he sat down next to him "The plan not going too well bro?" Alfred sadly smiled at him and shook his head "Guess I'm just not a good talker huh Matt?" Matthew patted his brother on the back comfortingly "You're good enough Al, just give him some time…" He looked back on the mage, still brooding behind a tree "There's just a lot he has to take in"
"And then! I punched his lights out!" Gilbert concluded his story once Schmidt made a shadow version of him knock down a giant with his bare fists. Yao was watching him with an unimpressed demeanor, but he was a bit entertained with how Schmidt was helping with the story, its not everyday you see something like that "Was that an awesome story or what?" Gilbert grinned as Schmidt materialized beside him, nudging his master for at least a head rub which the albino did give "Now that story time's done.." Yao yawned, completely ignoring Gilbert's protest that he had more stories to tell "It's lights out guys, see you in the morning" Yao went back to his bag to pull out blankets for everyone, he handed them all to the members then walked up to their new recruit still behind a tree "Ahem" He cleared his throat to get the mage's attention. Arthur looked at him then back at the stretching forest "What do you want?" Yao reluctantly held out a blanket "Here, you might need it for the night" Arthur glanced at the blanket, thinking about refusing at first but when a cold wind passed through he decided otherwise. He took the blanket gratefully "Thank you, Yao was it?"
The doctor narrowed his eyes at him "Look, Alfred may trust you but I don't, and I wouldn't like it if you think you can take advantage of him. The rest of the resistance wouldn't take it so lightly either aru, if you ever hurt Alfred-"
"You'll be on me like a pack of wolves? Aren't you all creative? Matthew said the same thing to me, I think I get it. Although you'll have to get in line with the rest of the 'I hate Arthur' club, would you like a number?" Yao glared at him while Arthur just smiled innocently. The doctor made an 'I'm watching you' sign at him first before moving to tend to the others. The mage sighed and leaned on the tree again 'You know, it's quite taxing having to talk to you all the time'
'Well if you didn't let them capture you, you wouldn't have any problems talking to me'
'By the way, why did you come alone? Did Ludwig only send you to look for me?'
'I'm hurt Arthur, aren't I enough for a search party? You doubt my abilities'
'Not at all, I don't think that way' Arthur smiled 'When will you get here?'
'Tomorrow afternoon tops, just keep them busy. Play the nice mage for now, I'm telling you it'll be like hook-line and sinker!' The mage felt something inside him drop, the suggestion of lying to the resistance members suddenly didn't fit too well with him. Lying to Alfred. He shook the thoughts away, who cares what they thought of him afterwards? They'll be sent to prison either way at the end of everything, they were criminals…they were…'So, do I rough them up a bit when we meet up? Cause I don't think it'll be a lot of fun if we just throw 'em in jail, I mean come on, they must have tortured you over there, they deserve a lot more if they hurt mi amigo'
'Although I appreciate your concern Vlad, I'm hardly hurt. Not counting the few times my life could have been in danger…'
'AHA! One good reason to punch a kid in the face. I'll be there as fast as I can, see you then Arthur' With that being said the connection was cut. Arthur looked down at the ground then at the resistance members settling in for bed. His eyes drifted to Alfred's direction who seemed to be telling his brother a last minute joke, one which Matthew didn't find amusing. Blue met green. Alfred waved cheerfully at him, Arthur waved back a bit awkwardly 'Night' the swordsman mouthed before laying his head down and closing his eyes. Arthur bit his lip. It's just a little lie right?
(A/N: Hahaha..wow, took me long to update. Ayyiii, no excuses here I guess *awkwardly goes away* sorry it's short, suffering from unspeakable horrors right now)