The Final Letter
Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own

Summary

Receiving the final letter, from someone who has already departed. He let the tears fall. —
Set during WW1 , the last letter Francis will ever receive from his English counterpart. Human AU

The Final Letter

My dearest Francis,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I'm deeply sorry I couldn't rendezvous with you for the spring. The war is still raging on, and my squadron has been under heavy artillery. We're occupying the frontline trenches, and the situation has become increasingly dire. It is starting to rain cats and dogs, and the trenches have flooded. The only reason this letter has arrived at its destination is due to the careful care of yours truly.

The constant sound of artillery and the relentless downpour are making our days unbearable. Each day feels like an eternity, and every night, I find myself hoping for a better tomorrow, for a glimpse of spring and for the opportunity to hold you in my arms once more.

I think of you constantly, Francis, and your letters are my only source of solace in this harrowing place. I treasure every word you send me, and they provide a glimmer of light in the darkness that surrounds me.

Please, my love, do not worry for me. I am doing my best to stay safe and keep my comrades safe as well. I cling to the hope that this nightmare will end soon, and we can reunite. Until that day comes, hold onto our love, and know that you are the reason I find the strength to carry on.

If I do depart from this world during this Great War, do not worry as I did not die alone, my brothers in arms will never leave me for dead. In the case anything ever happens to me, I entrust you to tell the remainder of my family especially Matthew and Alfred.

My comrades here have become my second family, and I have forged bonds with them that run deep. They are brave and selfless, and I know they would do everything in their power to ensure that I'm not left alone on the battlefield.

Please, should the worst come to pass, reach out to my family and let them know what happened. Tell them of the camaraderie that exists among us, and the sacrifices we've made for one another. Let Matthew and Alfred know that I went into the battle with courage and resolve, carrying their love and the memory of our family with me.

In the end, I find solace in the thought that my sacrifice, should it come to that, was in the service of a greater cause. I love you deeply, and I hope that the day of our reunion will come soon. Until then, know that you are always in my thoughts, and my love for you is my guiding light in this darkest of times.

I am safely writing you this letter in the dark and unforgiving domain of the night, as it is safest, for the enemy is asleep, and so are we.

Please, I implore you, do not let Matthew and Alfred enlist. I cannot bear the thought of my younger brothers fighting in future wars that will eventually take them away from our beloved mother and grandmother.

The horrors I've witnessed on the battlefield are indescribable, and I would not wish this fate upon anyone, especially those I hold most dear. I know the desire to serve their country may be strong, but I beg you to persuade them otherwise. Let them know of the pain and heartache that war brings, and remind them of the importance of staying with the family who loves them.

Please do not be sad if this is the last time I write, I will always have your memory with me during the endless suffering of this war, I will perceive to return to your arms safely, but I cannot leave my post and so I will wish this letter to arrive at your safely in your hands if I ever happen to lay down my own.

Every day, every hour, I yearn for the moment when I can hold you again, but until that day comes, know that your love and our memories sustain me through the darkest of times. I take strength from the thought of reuniting with you, and I hold onto that hope no matter what challenges lie ahead.

Please tell Abel, Anne and Lars my deepest condolences, they were great friends and I now know why they refused to enlist when the time came, please offer them apologies and thank yous in my name, they were good friends and great people.

Please take good care of the boys and the animals, please tell them I'm sorry. I cherish the moments we've spent together, and they remain close to my heart, even in these trying times.

Your memories will all be with me until the very end.

I will do my best to return to you, to our family, and ensure that they do not have to endure the same hardships that I have faced. Please, protect them from the grip of war, and keep them close to your heart.

Please tell my family, that I am truly blessed for having them by my side during my youth and that I am sorry.

Sincerely, Arthur Isaac Kirkland

Francis sat in the dimly lit room, the silence heavy around him as he read the letter aloud in front of the Kirkland family. His voice quivered with emotion as he carefully unfolded the words written by their beloved family member.

As he reached the final sentences, tears welled up in Francis's eyes. He took a deep, shuddering breath, his voice breaking as he finished the heartfelt message. The room was filled with the weight of the unsaid, the unspoken emotions that hung in the air.

He closed his eyes for a moment, his hand trembling as he clutched the letter to his chest, feeling the profound sorrow and love that it contained. It was a moment of shared grief and unity, as the Kirkland family gathered around, offering silent support and understanding.

Matthew spoke up, "Big brother was the one that held promises and hope in high regard. He would have wanted us to be safe, so… we should listen to him, Alfred." Alfred nodded absentmindedly, tears welling up
as his brother hugged him.

Meanwhile, in the city square, Francis stood alone, his breath visible in the crisp winter air after running out of the Kirkland Manor. He gazed at the place where he and Arthur had first met, memories of their shared laughter and dreams flooding back. The snow began to fall more heavily, covering the square in a pristine blanket of white. It was a poignant moment, a tribute to the enduring bond of love and the hope of a reunion that lived on, even in the midst of war.

As the winter deepened, Francis continued to carry the letter with him, a constant reminder of his friend's love and sacrifice. The seasons changed, but the memory of Arthur and their enduring love remained etched in his heart, like footprints in the snow.

The final letter, the cold warped around it. A bird flapped it's wings and prepared to fly.

"We'll meet again,"

And the bird flew away, a distant call coming from the sky.

Afterword

End Notes

Francis watched the bird until it was nothing more than a tiny dot against the pale blue canvas of the sky, his heart heavy with the promise he had made and the memory of the friend he held so dear. The world was silent, save for the soft rustling of the snow-laden trees, and he knew that, despite the vast expanse that separated them, their friendship and love that was forbidden would endure.
"We'll meet again."