Disclaimer: Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya, I'm just playing in his sandbox. No money is made from this fanwork.

Note: This work is unbeta-ed, so feel free to correct any mistakes I might have missed. Constructive criticism and reviews are welcome. This series will be written using a prompt table (which you'll find a link on my profile).

Prompt #13, Lonely.
Title: "A Chance Encounter"

Arthur was lonely, that was a given. After all, not many creatures of the night had friends, let alone lovers or mates.

Yes, he knew he could re-join his maker and his sisters; but on second thought more time with Ivan might drive him insane. And even if he'd rather die than admit it, he was far more afraid of Natalia than Ivan, at least angering Ivan meant a quick death, Natalia had the nasty habit of playing with her food before eating it. And then, there was Katya. Too kind for this un-life, who cried with each kill, but heaven help you should you harm either of her siblings.

So no, Arthur would rather roam the world alone. But there were nights when he would sit on someone's rooftop to watch the sky, sometimes talk to the moon and in some desperate nights beg to the stars. And there were nights, when loneliness would gnaw at his bones enough for him to miss his family; he the youngest of five had never been in the best of terms with his brothers, but he missed them now that they were long gone.

He hoped that some day, he would find someone that would like him (he wouldn't dare to hope for love) enough to walk the undead life with him. Maybe some day, he would find that one who wouldn't fear him, who would like talking to him, who would find him interesting enough to have a friendship… a companionship.

And it was on one of those nights when he met Matthew.

He was wondering around, no place in mind when he came across a couple of friends. What madness drove him to follow them, he could not say. But he did. They were young, 21 at most and loud. Specially one, Alfred, he heard the boy being called; but it wasn't him who caught his eye. It was the other one, they were brothers and it was plain to see. Their too many similarities for them not to be. But while one had bright and vivacious blue eyes, the other, Matthew, had soft purple ones. His eyes were bright too, but he could see a quiet calm in them that his brother's lacked.

So he followed, like a moth follows a flame. Far enough to be discreet, but close enough so he could see, so he could learn about his newly discovered object of attraction. There was a natural shyness about the boy that called to him, there was a second guessing in his actions and Arthur could sympathize, he'd been the second youngest of five sons and he could see how that boy could hesitate, almost a struggle to voice himself in the company of friends. But Arthur understood, having a sibling like Alfred, who was all spark and enthusiasm could make anyone second guess themselves. But, even then, there was a security on and about himself in his actions.

There was a moment, however brief, where their eyes accidentally met. And the boy had given him a smile and carried on with his conversation. And Arthur had to admit he was intrigued about this boy and, just like that, he made a decision that would change his life. He would find a way to meet Matthew, to know everything about him.

And Arthur smiled. And Arthur followed.

A/N: All comments, reviews and constructive criticism are welcome, thank you for reading.