Attention!
Just like last chapter's, make sure to listen to the song 'The Story of Tonight' from the musical Hamilton.
(Yes, yes I'm Hamilton/theatre trash)
Link to the song can be found at the start of the chapter before this.
_

[ Arthur's P.O.V ]

The last thing I remembered was the faint image of Francis's fingers twitching. That assured me that my spell had been done right and he was going to be okay. All I hoped then was that he would understand my actions and wouldn't be upset.

No, I don't exactly understand fully the actions and ways of love. This was something a lover would do for another, right? Sacrificing their life for them. I mean, it feels like that is a way of showing love. However, that could just be my own lack of knowledge of the topic and I could of easily made a huge mistake.

Well that was unreversable now. The spell was cast and I was sent away into my lifeless state. I wasn't exactly 'dead'. I mean, I was, in a sense, but not entirely in death's hands. My heart stopped and my body turned cold- which could give the impression that I was forever gone. But, my mind was still awake. Oh yes. It was very much awake.

I didn't know that the spell still kept a small part of me alive. When I casted it, I was all ready to be damned into eternal sleep in which I would ever wake. That's what I read in my spell book anyway. Then again, there was a small note written in some ancient language I had always put off translating. So, waking up in the depths of my mind was quite the shocker.

"Francis! Francis!" I called out. All around me was white with random bronze doors scattered about my mindscape. I was clean and my clothes were my usual uniform that I used to wear every day. "Alfred! Matthew!" Calling out was an idiotic thing, now that I recall it. It was my own mind and no living being was in there except for me.

I looked about, examining the different doors to see what they leaded to. I didn't open them, fearing for what might happen if I did. I merely read the little plaques that explained what contents could be found inside. Each door held a gateway to my memories. Even inside my own mind I was neat and organized. (Quite bloody brilliant if I have to say.)

One door said 'Friends and Family', another said 'War. Others said 'Love' and another said 'Hate'. Some doors held signs that said 'British music' 'British Television' or 'Sherlock Holmes' (Oh sod off, I'm sure it's not a surprise I have a special area specifically for that. It's a bloody brilliant series.) Basically, it was just significant categories that my memories could be stored in. It was very interesting to see.

Being in such a place was so calming. It was blank and everything was easily placed. I could think about something, like a music melody, and it would start playing around. There was no danger. There was no conflict. It was complete serenity. Imagine being in a place where you can whole heartedly relax with no worries nor complications. Sounds lovely, right? It really was.

"You can't stay here."

A voice echoed around the mindscape, causing myself to jump out of surprise. Who was that? Was someone else in my mind?

"You're needed out there. You can't stay here, Arthur."

I turned around to catch a glimpse of whoever was speaking. I could only see the blank scenery and numerous memory doors all still as ever. Before I knew it, a figure was slowly appearing in front of me. It didn't take long for me to decipher the figure as Alfred.

"Alfred!" I exclaimed, a smile appearing at the corners of my lips. He did not return the smile but merely blinked in response. He spoke once again, his voice never changing in emotion. Right... This wasn't actually Alfred. This was the Alfred in my memories.

"Arthur, you have to get out of this state. You can't stay lifeless like this." I watched him walk towards me, his blue eyes deepening in color as he drew closer. What did he mean by this? Why would this be bad? My mind was perfectly in tact and harmless to myself and it wasn't like there was anything I can do to wake myself up to reality.

"You want to see why it would be bad?" Alfred spoke as my questioning thoughts were made. Of course, this was mind so everything thought was understood as if I said it out loud.

"Bad? Why would it be bad? It's not like I can do much about it anyways." I frowned a bit as I watched Alfred hold up a hand above his head. A yellow glow appeared on his palm and slowly lit up a window above both our heads. (Yes, everything was possible apparently within your mind).

I squinted up at the window above us, trying to make out what was happening.

"Come back.. Please, come back.. Don't be dead.."

I felt my chest tighten as I saw a weeping Francis hugging my body in reality. His cheeks were stained with tears and his cries were as loud as ever. He clutched my limp body close to his chest and buried his face in neck. More cries and sobs broke forth from him as his cracking pleads occasionally interrupted them. I've never seen my love make such heart shattering sounds before...

Scene change.

"A-Arthur! Wake up! I-It's me! Alfred! W-Wake up!"

I gasped as I watched a heavily wounded American crawl towards my body and grasp my hand. He was crying like how Francis was, but his was much more excessive. I watched him shake my hand and hold on tight until his knuckles turned white. I glanced down at my hand and tried to clench it, in hopes of making it hold Alfred's hand back in reality. It didn't work. Alfred continued to cry and remain attached to me as Matthew and Francis tried to pull him away...

"Stop this. Please." I mumbled, looking over at the Alfred beside me. He shook his head, keeping his calm demeanor.

"I can't stop it. This is what's happening right now." He stated, stepping back. "You have to wake up-"

"But I don't know to bloody wake up!" I interjected, my voice rising in anxiousness and desperation. "The spell said this was permanent! I sacrificed my life, correct? Such an act can not be reversed or fixed! It's forever. There's nothing I can do."

A dagger pierced through my heart as I saw Alfred curl up beside me as Matthew rubbed his back in a attempt to comfort him. No.. Seeing Alfred sad was always the worst sight to bear. That boy was always smiling and cheerful- even if he genuinely wasn't. To see his smile nonexistent and replaced by pain filled pleas and tears was devastating. I wanted to stop his tears. I wanted to comfort him.

"Alfred.. D-Don't cry.. I'm still here." I mumbled softly, my voice cracking as I continued to peer through the window. The Alfred beside me sighed, his eyes never leaving me.

"You have to wake up. Staying asleep-"

"Quit telling me to wake up!" I whipped around, giving the Alfred beside me an irritated glare. "I don't bloody know how! Since you keep bringing it up, why don't you tell me how to do it?! How about you wake me up since you want me to so badly!" The Alfred blinked, stepping back a bit with a shrug. It was obvious I shut up his empty demands. Ha, even in my own mind nuisances still follow me.

I looked back up at the window. Alfred's cries had died down by now, but he was still clinging onto my hand as if it was the only thing keeping him alive. My God, the sight of such a thing... I needed to get out. I had to get out.

Foolishly, I jumped and tried to reach out into the window as if to pull myself out into consciousness. That attempt was quickly proven wrong as a sharp force jabbed at my hand and pushed me back out. That didn't work. What else was there? I knew no charms that would be useful. I didn't have any objects nearby that would help me. There were no miracles willing to comply with my yearning. There was nothing.

Hours probably passed until I finally gave up trying to get out. The exact time is something I could not comprehend. A second in my mind could mean and hour in reality. One hour could mean a whole day or more... That fact alone scared me. Am I too late? No, no. I couldn't think that. I would get out in time.. hopefully.

I buried my face in my hands as I sat down below the window. "I don't know what to do..." Tears seeped through my fingers as I felt defeat settle on my shoulders. Maybe I was to forever be stuck in my silent mind and watch my family suffer through this pathetic window. Maybe I won't ever get to se them again. Maybe they're gone forever-

I may not live to see our glory

My doubtful thoughts ceased as I heard those lyrics echo off the white nothingness around me. That song.. It was one of Alfred's favorite songs. He learnt it from these two gentlemen who sang to with their two other friends. It was during the time the American Revolutionary War was ongoing and the Americans were having trouble keeping their spirits up. I've heard Alfred hum and sing that song countless times. It's tune brought up nostalgic memories.

But I will gladly join the fight. And when our children tell our stories, they'll tell the story of tonight.

I chuckled sadly, hearing the three sing together. Their voices blending beautifully which caused my heart to ache. My dear Alfred.. My beloved Francis.. My lovely Matthew.. I love you all so. If only I could be with you guys again. I suppose... it's only a matter of time. That is, if time is in my favor.

"R-Raise a glass to freedom.." I sang along softly into my hands, my voice delicate from my threatening sobs. My doubtful thoughts subsided and all that I was focusing on was singing along with my family, even if I wasn't physically there to sing along with. Music and song with those I love was the only important thing right now.

When the song started to go onto its last handful of verses, I felt the white scenery around me begin to fade. Oh, what did this mean? Was this because I'm finally and completely dying? To disappear from reality and my own subconscious. Nonetheless, I continued to sing along softly, grasping onto the sound of my family's uplifting voices. That's all that mattered now. And I'll cherish whatever time I get with them till my last breath.

/

"Raise a glass to freedom... They'll tell the story of tonight."

Silence.

Was I dead? Was this it? No... No, it wasn't. This wasn't death. There was just the faintest sound of leaves whispering in the wind. A dim light was glowing behind my closed eyelids. There was a gasp and, quite uncomfortably, I felt pairs of eyes looking at me. What was this?I could feel something touching and holding my hand. Instinctively, I cautiously held onto whatever it was to get a feel of it. It took me a moment to realize it was another hand. (Wow, Arthur, you're so smart- then again, I have to give myself some leeway. I had just woken up.)

When I came to realize I could move and was certainly not dead, I opened my eyes. Sudden light from a window to my right blinded me briefly as I tried to take in my surroundings. Wood flooring was beneath me. I could smell it from where I lied. Was this.. this the cabin? Wait- does this mean... I'm back in reality?

I looked up, my eyes connecting with a soft blue. Blue. Wide blue eyes brimming with tears as I stared up at them. Connecting those blue eyes were old spectacles and messy blonde hair. And connecting with that was an upright curl with some blood matted into its strands around it. Blonde hair. Curl. Spectacles.

"A-Arthur!" The male beside me exclaimed, his lips quivering to form a smile.

"A-Alfred." I stuttered out, my own eyes widening as I took everything in. This was reality. I made it out of my mind. My, apparently temporary, slumber was lifted. I'm... I'm alive.

Before I knew it, two American arms reached over and pulled me into a big hug. Sobs were buried into my right shoulder as Alfred shook his head countless times. Why? I do not know. All I do know was that he was in hysterics and crying out muffled words that made no sense if put together in an academically correct sentence structure. "A-Arthur.. I th-thought you were d-dead..! Y-You.. I n-never thought I'd s-see you again..! A-Arthur.."

I felt myself suddenly burst into cries as I took in everything. I raised a hand to gently stroke Alfred's hair, feeling every strand to assure myself that this was indeed Alfred. This wasn't a dream. This was real. Alfred was here. The boy who became my brother. The boy who I love more than anything. The boy who I dedicated my life to and did all I could to make sure he was alive and well. The boy who has the most curious sprit I ever knew. The boy who never failed to amaze me with what he could do. The boy who I wished countless, sleepless nights that he was alive... The boy who was alive and was hugging and crying upon me right now.

"Oh God, Alfred.." The words broke in between my tears and gasps of breath between my sobs. "I looked all over f-for you.. All over.. I didn't th-think we'd ever find y-you..! B-But you're here.. You're here.. You're here.." I repeated those words multiple times, barely catching Alfred's echoing response as he repeated those words as well, addressing them to myself.

If this wasn't a dire time, I'm sure this sight would be very bloody amusing. Two men sobbing into eachother shoulders whilst taking turns saying the two words 'you're here' countless times between tears and shaky intakes of breath. It certainly seemed amusing to me as I imagine what it'd be like if this was a scene in the pre-apocalyptic times.

As we hugged, I looked over Alfred's shoulder and took in the rest of the room. My eyes fell upon two other figures, one close beside and another sitting against the wall opposite. The figure sitting on the wall crawled over, a huge smile on his lips. "Arthur!"

I felt a chuckle mix in with my bawls as my emerald orbs recognized the sweet Canadian. "Matthew.."

He came closer and soon wrapped his arms around Alfred and I to join the hug. My two boys.. My two beloved boys whom I searched for since the very beginning. They were okay. They were alive and well. Both with beating hearts and living souls. Both with us right now and not lost like how they were before.

Wait.

Us

I looked over to my left, my heart nearly stopping when I saw the person sitting beside me. The one who I sacrificed my whole being for in the first place. The one I saved out of my attempt of portraying love in a noble way. It certainly did work. He was breathing and living right here beside me. He, too, had tears sliding down his cheeks but no sound came from him. I stared up with blurry vision as I saw his frozen shocked expression as little droplets dripped off the bristles of his chin.

"F-Francis.." I mumbled out, fresh tears welling up as my chest broke into more cries. I reached out a free hand and shakily took Francis's. His hand was shaking as well as he grasped back and slowly scooted more toward us. He didn't say anything but I could tell a billion thoughts were dashing left and right within his mind.

After a thirty seconds of just sitting there still and in shock, Francis let out a shaky breath ran a hand through my hair. I laughed lightly, leaning into his touch ever so slightly. He laughed too before he, too, joined in the hug. He wrapped his arms Alfred, Matthew, and I whilst sobbing with us.

"Mon Cher..." The Frenchman mumbled to me, his lips parting ways every now and then to let out a blended chuckle and cry. "I-I thought you would never wake up.. I d-didn't know if you were even a-alive.. I th-thought I lost you.. I.." His words transitioned back to tears as leaned his forehead against my own in the hug. I shook my head, taking in everything that was happening at this very moment.

"N-Nonsense... I will never leave you guys. I love you all so much. I-I'm here now.. I'm here.. And I will not leave you any time soon, I promise you that."

Alfred.
Matthew.
Francis.
My family.
My everything.
All that I have left in this world.

Nothing will take that away from me. Nothing.

_
Author's Note;

If it wasn't already clear, this chapter connects to the previous one. So, a little gift from me to you, double chapters in a week :)

I hope this one was good. I was trying to make it emotional but, then again, I can't even tell if I succeed in drawing emotion at all agh.

Anyways,
Please leave your thoughts on this chapter in the comments/reviews! I love to read them and they help inspire me to continue writing!