A/N at bottom
Chapter 28
1765
Matthew woke with a start. He hears noises from downstairs. Who could it be? A burglar? Matthew knew that was a fight he wouldn't win.
"Alfred... is that you?"
Nothing.
"Alfred... quit messing around. You're freaking me out."
Alfred didn't answer.
Matthew strained his hears to try and hear what, or who, was making the noise. He hears footsteps and... whimpering?
He was sure it was nothing. Maybe an animal outside. Or maybe...
"Godamnit," he whispered aloud before throwing the covers off and opening his bedroom door. He stood at the top of the stairs and whispered.
"Hello? Arthur, Alfred, is that you?"
The whimpering stopped for a moment. Matthew crept down the the stairs, preparing for a fight. Instead, he found Arthur sitting down at the kitchen table, head down, glass in hand.
"Arthur, are you ok?"
He looked up, seeming guilty and upset that Matthew had caught him.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Matthew didn't try to leave. It was clear that this was a side of Arthur he didn't want anybody to see, but Matthew was, in a way, fascinated to see somebody who was usually in control completely fall apart. He didn't try to ask what was wrong. He just sat there quietly for what felt like hours.
"I'm sorry Matthew." Arthur broke the silence.
"What?"
"I haven't been awfully nice to you, have I?"
"I suppose not."
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok."
"No, I really am. You've been nothing but nice since you arrived here, despite the circumstances. Alfred adores you, you know."
"No I- I understand. It was a burden for me to live here in the first place."
"Matthew, don't say that. You know you always have a place here, even if I don't show it. I shouldn't have hidden your letters, or yelled at you... can you ever forgive me?"
"Of course, Arthur. Let's be friends from now on."
"Friends?"
"Of course."
"You're too sweet, Matthew. Now, get to bed. I don't want you being tired tomorrow because of me."
"Good night, Arthur. You're sure you're alright?"
"Of course. Goodnight."
Matthew turned and walked out of the kitchen and back to his room. Arthur turned his attention back to his glass.
The dynamic of the household improved dramatically after this point.
A/N
And that's the chapter! I finally finished this section! Revolutionary war is up next. I'm taking a few weeks off to update my other story. When I get back, I'll finally be able to add in Ludwig and Romano :) As always, criticisms are greatly appreciated!
Also, I have another story if anyone is interested. It's basically about Canada, ghosts, and history. I'm updating it. Ext Friday. It's called:
The 5 Ghosts Canada Met Throughout His Life (And One Bonus)