Posted this when I'm supposed to be studying. XD Hope you guys enjoy the final chapter.

Ch 13 Of Endings and Happiness

For once, in the past few months, the town of Little Flats was liberated from its burden. The air was clean once more. The dark clouds dissipated into fluffy white ones. The birds returned to sing their usual songs and the people returned to their normal activities. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted and now everyone could see clearly. However, not everyone felt the same way.

Arthur had been rushed to the emergency room after being admitted to the hospital. He underwent surgery while Alfred wandered into the cafeteria, looking for something to eat. After grabbing a bite to eat, Alfred had waited and waited…and waited some more until finally a doctor had gone to look for him. He had informed Alfred that Arthur had lost a lot of blood. He had also suffered damage to his liver and kidney. The doctor had told Alfred that Arthur's liver had suffered too much damage and was incapable of regenerating. Arthur was put on a list, waiting for a liver. As for Arthur's legs, the doctors had done what they could but whether Arthur could walk had yet to be seen.

Alfred had asked to see Arthur and his request was granted. Arthur had all sorts of tubes attached to him. He still looked incredibly pale. Alfred grabbed Arthur's hand and squeezed it, hoping that Arthur would feel comforted by the action.

It had been a week after Arthur was first admitted into the hospital and there had been no change in his condition. Arthur had received the liver and necessary surgery but he had yet to wake up. Alfred had asked about why Arthur hadn't woken up yet but all he received was a vague answer.

And so, Alfred waited. He visited Arthur everyday, bringing a bouquet of flowers every time. Arthur's room was covered in flowers. Alfred had even gone to the trouble of asking Francis what Arthur's favorite flower was. Alfred usually wasn't so thoughtful but he felt that he needed to make things better for Arthur…if he ever woke up.

Alfred was surprised to find that Arthur's favorite flower was a red rose. It was very…romantic of him. It was certainly getting expensive buying Arthur all those flowers but Alfred didn't mind. He hoped that they would please Arthur.

Whenever school ended, Alfred would go straight to the hospital. Sometimes Francis, Matthew and Kiku would go with him. Alfred brought books and magazines with him. He had originally brought in some comic books but Matthew reminded him that Arthur wouldn't be able to see the pictures. Alfred sometimes read aloud to Arthur, hearing somewhere that people in comas could still hear what was going on around them.

This particular day, Alfred had brought a book of poems that Matthew had suggested. Matthew mentioned something about this author being one of Arthur's favorite poets. Alfred had skimmed the poems and didn't find them all that particularly interesting. Then again, Arthur was more of literature person than Alfred was.

Alfred placed the bouquet of red roses and placed them in a vase next to the other dozen bouquets that he had gotten. Alfred then pulled a chair and sat in it.

"Hey, Arthur. How've you been doing today?" No response.

"So guess what happened to me the other day. The nurse got the wrong idea when she saw all these flowers here. She thought- well maybe not the wrong idea but not the right one, you know?" Alfred smiled through it all, having grown used to Arthur not responding to him.

"I brought a book today. Mattie recommended it. He said something about you liking this sort of thing." Alfred flipped through the book before finally settling on a random page and then cleared his throat.

"Ahem.

Hope is the thing with feathers

that perches on the soul,

and sings the tune -without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chilliest land,

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It never asked a crumb of me."

Alfred thought the poem suiting at the moment and closed the book. He felt thirsty and got up.

"I'll be back, Arthur. Just going to get something to eat, ok?" Silence once more. Alfred didn't mind. After all, he got to talk more and Alfred liked hearing himself talk.

Alfred whistled as he walked to the nearest vending machine. He got a mangled dollar bill and bought himself some chips and a soda. Alfred walked back to Arthur's room, cheerful, knowing that Arthur would wake up…soon. Alfred sat back down on the chair.

It took Alfred a moment to realize that Arthur was awake.

"Arthur?"

"Yes?"

"You're awake!" Alfred exclaimed, enveloping Arthur in a tight embrace.

"I can see that," Arthur said, sensing the other's happiness.

"What happened? How long have I been here? My injuries- are they serious?" That was when Alfred's smile faded. So it was serious.

"I think it's better if a doctor explained to you," Alfred said quietly. Arthur felt concerned now. Was there something wrong with him? Alfred stepped out and came back with one of the doctors.

"Hello Arthur. It's nice to see you again but not under these conditions. Now your friend here-"

"Alfred."

"-Alfred, has informed me what happened. An accident of some sort, am I correct?" Alfred nodded.

"Now, some of your internal organs were damaged during this accident. Your liver, unfortunately, was too damaged to heal on its own so you were put on the organ list. Once a liver became available, we were able to perform surgery. Now, we have done what we can for your legs. It is still unclear whether or not they are completely functional. The doctors and I, however, agree that with the proper physical rehabilitation you'll be able to walk again." Arthur listened attentively, trying his best not to let his own emotions show.

"For now, you are to rest and when your body has healed enough, we'll talk about physical rehabilitation." Arthur nodded.

"Will I be able to return to-"

"I'm afraid that your body has gone through tremendous stress and strain. You will not be able to return to school until you have completely recovered," the doctor finished.

"I see. Thank you, doctor," Arthur said softly. The doctor nodded and left the room. Arthur sighed, his fingers curling around the blankets.

"Arthur? Are you ok?" Alfred asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine, Alfred, really," Arthur said softly and if Alfred heard correctly, almost listlessly.

"Hey, don't let it get you down, Iggy-"

"Don't call me that," Arthur said lowly, his hands clenching the blankets. Alfred placed his hand over Arthur's.

Alfred paused for a moment, trying to choose the right words to say. Arthur seemed to be in an irritable mood and Alfred did not want to set him off.

"I understand that you must feel frustrated but be patient, Arthur. And it's not like you're going to do this on your own, I'll be here. I'm sure Mattie, Kiku, Francis and Sechelles want to help you too," Alfred said softly, stroking Arthur's hand with his thumb. The motion seemed to soothe Arthur.

"Does Francis really have to come? You know that I hate that tosser." Alfred laughed and used his other hand to ruffle Arthur's hair.

"Good to have you back, Iggy."

"How many times do I have to tell you, Alfred, that I despise that name."

"Iggy."

"Oh sod off."

Arthur's body was recovering slowly but steadily. Alfred had paid Arthur a visit at least five times a week. When that got to be too much, Alfred visited on weekends, bringing the usual bouquet with him. Arthur had told Alfred that he didn't need flowers nor did he want them, having remembered the earlier incident Alfred caused that involved flowers. Alfred insisted and, frankly, Arthur was too tired to argue with him.

As Alfred predicted, Arthur received more visitors. Kiku was a frequent visitor, often telling Arthur strange stories in order to cheer him up. Even Elizabeta had come to visit him. She was shortly escorted out of the building on her first visit for having caused an "internal disturbance" and Arthur was glad for that. The woman was far too nosy and perverted for her own good. Who did she think she was, asking him all those strange questions?

Questions like 'Had he and Alfred started doing "it" yet?' Arthur had almost blown a gasket and was on the verge of throwing some expensive hospital equipment at her when Alfred and Matthew had restrained him.

Francis had been his usual perverted self. Francis had brought every single porn magazine and video known to man, saying that since Arthur had nothing better to do he might as well enjoy himself. Matthew has saved Arthur the trouble at hitting Francis.

One day, Sechelles came herself to visit Arthur. Alfred had encouraged her to visit Arthur, having forgotten his jealously. Sechelles had put off the visit for as long as possible until she felt that she was ready to face him. She had heard from the others that Arthur was recovering well but the details to the extent of his injuries were unknown to her and that scared her. She had seen Arthur hurt once and it upset her. Now that Arthur was in the hospital again, she felt the same fear once again. However, she wasn't going to let it beat her. If anything, Sechelles was a strong-willed, independent young woman and she wouldn't let something as silly as visiting Arthur get to her.

Sechelles had debated whether she should bring anything with her and settled with a book. Arthur liked to read, right? She wondered what compelled her to visit him let alone bring anything! She sighed and stopped. She supposed that it had finally happened, the moment she had been dreading ever since she met Arthur.

She liked Arthur fucking Kirkland. Actually liked him. Sechelles wondered where her sanity had gone because she'd have to be crazy in order to like Arthur. He was a possessive, arrogant, irate, annoying, foul, ugly, controlling jerk. But he was a likeable and decent jerk and Sechelles supposed that was what really mattered in the end.

She had knocked on the door twice before entering.

"Hello Kirkland," she said anxiously. Arthur looked up from reading a magazine, a gentle but weary smile on his face.

"Hello Angelique, please sit. Make yourself comfortable. It certainly is n-nice to have you visit me," Arthur said softly.

"Troubles in Hospital Paradise?" She asked, her fingers stroking the book's spine absentmindedly.

"This is hardly paradise, Angelique. The food is horrid, the staff is slow and cynical, the sheets are rather uncomfortable and I'm in a whole load of pain so yes, I'd have to say that this is no paradise," he added, his voice lacking its usual vigor and exuberance. Sechelles had known that Arthur was rather thin but he seemed to have lost weight. He was paler than usual and there were bags under his eyes. He seemed weary and tired.

"If you say so. Um, here. I got this for you," Sechelles said, extending her arms toward Arthur and holding the book in her hands. Arthur looked a little surprised.

"For me?" Sechelles nodded.

"Thank you, Angelique. I will read it once I have finished this magazine." After that, the room was filled with an awkward silent tension. Sechelles stepped back and headed towards the door.

"Goodbye Arthur, I hope you'll feel better."

"Thank you, Angelique. That is rather kind of you to say."

Sechelles blushed for a moment before shouting out, "this doesn't change anything between us, you know? I still hate you!" With that said, Sechelles ran out, leaving Arthur rather confused. That woman was a complete mystery to him. Just when he had thought that they were getting along, she had to say something like that! Arthur shook his head, wondering if all women were this difficult.

Arthur had started physical therapy after the doctor had said that he had healed enough. The procedure was painful for Arthur. Every step was a complete agony but he was determined to walk. The doctor had stressed that he not strain himself but it was hard to. Arthur always put his all into everything he did and it was hard for him to restrain himself when it was in his nature to do otherwise.

It had been a long day and Arthur was about to start his physical therapy session for the day. He had asked for the sessions to be early in the morning so to avoid anyone from school watching him struggle. He had also kept the information a secret from everyone, not wanting to worry them any further. It also meant that he was alone in it. No one was on the sidelines cheering for him. It saddened him but he had chosen to have it this way. It was better this way. It wasn't like he wanted them to cheer for him anyways. He was a big boy and he could take care of himself.

This day he had been especially tired from the previous day's session. But he had to keep going. The physical therapist had insisted that he should keep going at it, not wanting the window to close for Arthur. Arthur had agreed but that didn't change how he tired he was.

Arthur had wheeled himself to the training room and waited for the trainer. After waiting for a few minutes, Arthur saw someone by the door. It was Alfred.

"What are you doing here?" Arthur asked, astounded. He had made sure not to tell anyone. How could Alfred have known?

"I played hooky today. I wanted to see you, figured that you'd miss me. So I came by your room and you weren't there. I asked one of the nurses and she told me you were here," Alfred had said nonchalantly, his smile as bright as ever.

His expression changed to a more serious one. "Arthur, why didn't you tell me? Me, of all people. I t-thought that you-"

"Oh, don't give me that face, Alfred. Stop it. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you or anyone else to know. I knew that you'd hover," Arthur said defensively. Really, that stupid bloody git always had to make it about himself.

"Oh, I see. Still, it would have been nice to know, Arthur. I lo- care for you. I want to be with you every step of the way," Alfred said kindly, his hands on Arthur's shoulders, trying to comfort him. Arthur scowled.

"I suppose that since you are already here-"

"Yay! Goody, Iggy."

"I told you to stop calling me that," Arthur reminded him. Alfred just nodded.

"So what are you waiting for?"

"The trainer. I'm waiting for him," Arthur said as the trainer walked in.

"How are you doing today, Arthur? And who's your friend?" Alfred frowned at the comment. He had hoped that he and Arthur were more than just friends.

"I'm fine, just a little groggy. And this is Alfred," Arthur said, motioning to Alfred.

The trainer and Alfred shook hands.

"So Arthur, are you ready?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"I want to help!" The trainer chuckled. "Very enthusiastic I see. Come here. Just put your arm there, under his arm," the trainer said, pointing to Arthur's arm.

"Now steady him while he tries to stand." The trainer nodded to Arthur. Arthur gripped Alfred's arm tightly before trying to straighten his legs. Standing up had been very difficult to do but now it was walking that was harder. Arthur tried to take a step forward, gritting his teeth in pain. The burning sensation in his legs returned. Arthur always tried to push through it but sometimes it was too intense.

Arthur panted and paused before taking another step. So far, Arthur had been able to walk (painfully) to the end of the room and back. He still didn't trust himself to walk on his own. After his usual walk, the trainer asked Arthur if he wanted to try to walk on his own. Arthur had originally shaken his head, signifying that he did not want to but Alfred had zealously encouraged the idea.

"Come on, Iggy. You won't walk sooner if you don't try." Arthur grudgingly agreed and let go of Alfred's arm. He tried to take his first step. He shook so much that Arthur thought that he was going topple over. After what seemed like a century and a half to Arthur, he had managed to steady himself to take another step. Alfred cheered loudly.

"You can do it, Arthur." With that encouragement in mind, Arthur tried to take another step but it was too much for one day. He fell on his knees. Alfred ran towards him.

"You ok?" Alfred asked. Arthur laughed.

"I did it," Arthur said, grinning widely. Alfred smiled in return, glad that Arthur was ok. The moment was wonderful for Arthur. He wondered why he hadn't told Alfred earlier.

------------------

Hours turned into days and days into weeks and finally Arthur was released from the hospital. Many things had changed since his stay at the hospital. For one, Little Flats had elected a new sheriff. Arthur had asked Kiku (not trusting Alfred or Francis to do it) to file a report on the sheriff's death. There had been a search for his body, along with the other missing people. No bodies had been found, including the sheriff's. The sheriff along with the others was declared missing until further evidence suggested otherwise. Arthur had made a note to himself to visit the new sheriff, with the intention of informing him of what he knew (downgrading the supernatural details of course).

As a result of his long hospital stay, Arthur had to resign his position of student council president and take a leave of absence. It had taken all of Arthur's will to do it. It was unfortunate but necessary. The Academy needed someone who was there, not some useless injured prat. It saddened Arthur a bit. He had put his all in trying to run the student council. It wouldn't be the same when he returned to school.

Arthur had taken a shuttle back to school, not wanting to burden anyone. He still had problems walking but the doctors had said it was fine if he left as long as he took it easy. Arthur had to use a cane to walk. It annoyed Arthur immensely, not having grown used to using it.

The shuttle ride had been long and tiresome for Arthur. He had felt more tired lately. The medication the doctor prescribed for him wasn't helping. He knew it was for his own good. He just felt…frustrated and impatient. He was tired of being injured, tired of being bedridden, tired of being tired, tired of being…helpless. He was tired of it all.

It took Arthur a good ten minutes to walk up to his room. His left leg constantly ached and the luggage he had to carry wasn't helping much. When he had finally reached his room, Arthur was exhausted, wanting to just lie in bed and sleep until he was no longer tired. He unlocked the door and walked in, lugging the luggage behind him.

The room hadn't changed much since he had lasted used it. The mess he had left was still there. Arthur contemplated whether he should clean it up or not but decided against it. He was too exhausted to do anything. He just let himself fall to his bed and wrapped whatever was there around himself. He snuggled closely into the blankets and let himself fall into a deep peaceful slumber.

Eight hours of sleep would have been nice but Arthur rarely received what he asked for. He woke up suddenly, sensing someone watching him. He sat upright, rubbing his eyes. Once he was fully alert, he looked around, trying to locate the source of his unease. He saw a blond with glasses staring straight at him. It took Arthur a minute to try to recall who it was.

Alfred.

"What are you doing? And stop looking at me like that! It's rather unsettling," Arthur complained. Alfred just smiled at him.

"I heard that you came back. I had to find out for myself," Alfred explained. Arthur wondered who had told him. He had made sure to be discreet. It seemed that no matter what he did, he could keep nothing from Alfred.

Arthur sighed and shook his head. "Well, I would greatly appreciate some sleep so if you can leave me be I'd greatly appreciate-"

"Come with me," Alfred said, extending his hand to Arthur. Arthur gave Alfred a quizzical look before gripping the hand. What harm could it do?

"Fine. Just tell me where we are going."

"Can't. It's a surprise," Alfred smirked. Why didn't that surprise him?

Arthur rolled his eyes, making a grab for his cane. He couldn't walk properly without the thing. Alfred eyed the cane a moment before dragging Arthur behind him. Arthur hoped this little trip was not going to be too tiring. He was rather low on energy at the moment.

"Is there going to be food? I am rather ravished, Alfred." Alfred continued walking, having seemingly ignored Arthur's statement.

"Did you hear me? Alfred? Alfred! Listen to me! I said-"

"I heard you," Alfred interrupted.

"Well, you could at least answer me, you git! Now I said that we were-"

"We're here," Alfred stated.

"We are?" Arthur asked puzzled. That was quick. They had not left the dorms. Alfred had led him to another student's room. Arthur almost fainted when he saw whose room it was.

"Ivan Braginski?! Alfred, why have you brought me here? You know that Ivan and I aren't in the best of terms! Alfred!" Arthur screeched.

"Hm? It was the only room big enough."

"Big enough? For what?" Arthur asked, cocking his head to the side.

"You'll see," Alfred said, smiling. That smile was starting to get on Arthur's nerves. Alfred's hand grabbed Arthur's and opened the door.

The inside of the room was less frighteningly than Arthur had thought. There were no torture devises in sight. The room had almost a cheerful atmosphere to it. The walls were decorated with banners and balloons. In the center of the room was a large sign with the words 'Welcome Bak Arhur' written on it. Arthur noticed the spelling mistakes but said nothing. He gaped at how many people were there.

"Do you like it? I wanted to celebrate your return from the hospital so I asked Ivan and Francis to help me plan something."

"Since when have you been friends with Ivan?" Arthur asked, distinctly remembering that Alfred and Ivan were not the best of friends to say the least.

"Oh, we sort of bonded a while ago," Alfred said vaguely. Alfred and Ivan had become friends during the time he and Arthur had fought. Ivan was not the bad guy everyone made him out to be. He could be creepy at times but that was the worst of it. Alfred felt best not to let Arthur know that he had befriended Ivan just to spite Arthur.

"I see…" Arthur trailed off. He smiled weakly. "This is very kind of you, Alfred. I'm surprised by how thoughtful you can be."
"Hey, heroes can be thoughtful. And don't thank me. Thank everyone for making this party possible," Alfred said gesturing to the other people. Arthur blushed slightly at the thought that Alfred had done all of this for him.

Arthur almost cringed when he saw Elizabeta walking towards him. This could only mean trouble.

"Arthur! Finally! I've been waiting for the longest time! I've been wanting to ask you some questions," Elizabeta said rather cheerfully, pulling Arthur aside.

"I've heard that you and Alfred are a thing now. I've tried to ask Alfred for some details but he's avoiding me for some reason so I was wondering if I could maybe ask you some-"

"Now, Elizabeta, it is not kind to hassle an injured man like that, da?" Ivan interrupted, giving Elizabeta one of his "kind" smiles. Elizabeta almost cringed in response but was determined to get answers.

"Ivan, it is not polite to interrupt young ladie-"

"Lady? You're no lady, Eliza. You're more man than woman if you ask me," Gilbert said cockily. Arthur had wondered when Gilbert had approached them, having not heard him walking over to them. He was starting to get flustered from all the attention he was receiving.

"Hey guys, calm down. Arthur's getting old. He can't take so much excitement in one day," Alfred teased, giving Arthur one of his more devious smirks. Arthur huffed.

"I am not old, Alfred. I'm only a year older than you. That hardly qualifies me as old-"

"Ah, le Briton has returned from his luxurious hospital stay. I hope that you are well rested, mon petit," Francis interjected in his usual extravagant way.

"Francis is here?" Arthur asked exasperated.

"Of course he is! I couldn't plan the party without him!" Alfred exclaimed.

"Oui oui. It is true. Alfred is rather dunce when it comes to sensitive matters like these. I simply had to help him out."

"Don't worry, Arthur. I helped too. Someone had to keep Francis in line," Matthew said softly. "Hello Arthur. I hope you are feeling better now."

"So kind of you to say, Matthe-"

"Why does everyone pick on big brother Francis?"

"Belt up, frog! I was speaking to Matthew. Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, it was very kind of you to say that, Matthew. I am feeling rather better."

Arthur had mingled with some more people before he found a place to sit down. The little energy he had was now depleted. He wanted to go to sleep once more but it had been a few hours since Alfred had brought him to the party. He knew that Alfred would want him to stay longer.

He headed towards the door when a hand grasped his arm.

"You're leaving already?" Arthur didn't need to turn around to know that it was Alfred.

"Yes, I'm getting tired. I would try to get some sleep in before heading back to class tomorrow," Arthur replied.

"You're going back? So soon?"

"Yes, I have missed far too much in my hospital stay. It's going to take a while before I am caught up," Arthur explained.

"Oh ok." Arthur could sense the disappointment in Alfred's voice. "I'm just going to sleep, Alfred. We'll see each other soon enough!" Really, that boy was too much.

"I didn't say anything!"

"Well, I could sense it."

"With your old-man-wisdom?"

"Not old!"

"You sure act like it," Alfred retorted, the smirk returning to his face. Arthur almost smiled at the sight of it. This was better. Alfred was not Alfred if he was not being annoying.

"Good night, Alfred," Arthur said roughly.

"Night, Igs," Alfred teased. Arthur rolled his eyes at the horrendous nickname and closed the door behind him.

One could say that things had returned to normal…almost.

Two weeks after Arthur's return to school, a local boy had found some deteriorating remains of a human corpse near some rocks by the pier. The boy had reported his findings and a forensic team from the city had been dispatched to investigate the cause of death and identify the remains. They had given their results to the police who had made a public announcement about them. The remains were identified as the former sheriff's and a public funeral had been arranged. The whole town, including Academy students, was invited. Arthur himself had been personally invited to attend by the Major and the city council.

Principal Rome had also made a public announcement about it. He encouraged students to attend and had decided to let the students take the day off for the occasion. Principal Rome had personally made sure that Arthur would attend, knowing what the town expected of him. Arthur was hailed as a sort of local hero of sorts even if he had not solved (not to their knowledge anyway) the mystery. No explanation was given to the townsfolk. As far as anyone knew, the murderer could have still been out there somewhere, waiting for his next victim. Arthur had not offered anyone an explanation as to what happened. He found no way to explain the whole thing without sounding crazy. His explanation to the new sheriff had been vague and unclear. Arthur felt that was the best he could do without making himself seem insane. Arthur had not even offered an explanation to Alfred, who had seen some of the final events. They had not discussed the subject once.

The morning of the funeral, Arthur had woken up early, ensuring that he would have plenty of time to dress accordingly. He had put on a black suit with a dark red tie. He hoped it didn't look…too colorful. He didn't want to insult anyone. The attention he was receiving from the townsfolk was almost…overwhelming. He felt like he was being smothered.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by a knock on the door. The door opened, revealing a ready Alfred.

"Hi Arthur. You ready?" Alfred asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose," Arthur replied weakly.

Alfred sensed Arthur's tone. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. It's just that…they smother me."

"Nah, they just like you, Arty. Nothing to be nervous about, right?" Alfred said, having closed the gap between them and massaging Arthur's stiff shoulders.

"Ready?" Alfred whispered softly in Arthur's ear. The action almost made Arthur shudder.

"Uh y-yes," Arthur said quickly, walking out of Alfred's reach for his cane. He didn't need it anymore but he felt more secure with it on his person.

Arthur was carpooling with Alfred along with Francis, Matthew and Sechelles. It annoyed Arthur how much Sechelles had mooched her way into his life. But nothing could be done about it. Arthur had ridden up front with Alfred. He had originally wanted to sit in the back but Francis had insisted on sitting next to Matthew. Sechelles had taken the last spot in the back, forcing Arthur to sit up front.

The ride to the funeral procession had been a quiet one. Even Alfred had refrained from making his usual annoying commentary. They all sensed the solemn atmosphere that one usually felt at funerals. Not one of them had known the sheriff well and only Arthur had spoken to him. They still respected the man nonetheless. He had given his life to protect Little Flats and that much deserved their respect.

The funeral itself had been long and sober. Various people had given speeches about the sheriff's good deeds. Arthur had been asked beforehand to give a speech. Arthur had declined, having felt that he hadn't known the sheriff well enough to give a whole speech on him.

The casket and the whole funeral process had been paid by the town as a way of showing their gratitude to their former sheriff. Various flowers had covered the casket along with little trinkets that his family had brought. Arthur himself had brought a bouquet of pink carnations, daffodils and dark crimson roses*. He had thought the man deserved more than just black roses on his funeral.

One thing had caught Arthur's eye during the funeral. It was a woman, dressed in a long crape black dress with long sleeves and a black bonnet with a long veil covering her face. The woman struck Arthur as odd. There was something about her that seemed almost off. She was certainly different. She was a short woman, only five feet or so. She had long dark hair that reached her waist. In her gloved hands, she carried a small bouquet of bird's foot trefoil, heliotrope and eglantine rose*. Arthur had stared at the woman a bit longer before she turned to look at him. Arthur quickly turned away, ashamed of staring.

As they were lowering the casket into the ground, Arthur could hear the various sniffs and sobbing of various people. Arthur thought it was a shame that the town lost such a capable man such as the sheriff. He hoped the new sheriff would be able to live up to his expectations.

Arthur turned to look for the strange veiled woman but had found that she had disappeared. He shrugged the incident away. It was just another strange detail to add to the many that had occurred since the day of the murder.

The funeral ended with a sermon by the local parish priest. The priest had been a good friend of the sheriffs. It seemed right that he would be the one to speak of the sheriff.

The sermon commemorated all the sheriff's many accomplishments and all he had done for Little Flats. Arthur was surprised by the sheriff's many great deeds and heroics. It truly was a shame that such a great man died.

And before Arthur knew, it was over. The casket had been lowered and people were murmuring to one another, talking amongst themselves. Arthur stared at the casket, wondering how different life would be if he was the one in the casket. Not very different he decided.

Arthur stayed long after everyone had left. Arthur was deep in thought when something tugged at Arthur's arm. Arthur turned around to see Alfred motioning for him to follow him. Arthur frowned and shook his head. Alfred tugged on Arthur's arm fiercely until Arthur relented. Alfred led him away from the casket and into another part of the cemetery and stopped at a small tombstone.

"Well, this better be good, Alfred -"

"Listen to me," Alfred said sternly, gripping Arthur's arms and looking deeply into his eyes. Arthur couldn't help but stare back at the baby blue depths. And how beautiful those blue eyes were. Arthur could stare at them for forever.

"I like you, Arthur. Like really like you and I thought that m-maybe you might like me back. I mean, you did kiss me back and I thought…well, I just want an answer. Do you like me, Arthur? The way that I like you?" Alfred asked softly, longing in those blue eyes. Arthur sighed, cupping Alfred's face in his hands.

"I-i…" It was certainly harder to say aloud than Arthur had originally thought. He composed himself and decided to give it another go.

"I'm afraid," he said softly. Alfred's eyes widened. Alfred let his arms fall to his side.

"Is something wrong? Is the creature coming back?" Alfred asked, concern etched into his face.

"No, it's not coming back. I made sure of that. I was afraid. I didn't want to get hurt. I thought that maybe I was just another toy to you. Just someone to play with until you're bored. And I don't want that. I w-want…" Arthur couldn't even finish, his eyes tearing up and his voice cracking. Alfred took Arthur's hands in his own and gripped them tightly.

"It's not like that, Arthur! I really like you, like a lot! I want to spend all my time with you. I want to kiss you whenever I want. The only thing I ever think about is you. I'm serious, Arthur. How am I supposed to prove it to you?" Alfred asked softly, his voice conveying his desperation. Arthur let the tears run down his cheeks and sniffed. Alfred absentmindedly wiped the tears away with his fingers, placing a warm hand to Arthur's cheek.

Then Arthur did something he never thought that he would do, not in a million years. He stood on the tips of his toes, wrapped his arms around Alfred's neck and kissed him. Alfred blinked in surprise, not expecting Arthur to make the first move.

Alfred pulled away and smiled. He laughed, his laughter echoing through the cemetery. Arthur smiled gently, enjoying the sound of Alfred's laughter. No one could laugh quite like Alfred could. His laughter was merry and cheerful. Arthur could feel himself smiling in response. He couldn't stop grinning like some love-struck idiot. Alfred grinned widely, his blue eyes shimmered with joy. Arthur couldn't help but sigh. Alfred was simply too beautiful when he smiled. Alfred could stop time with that smile of his.

"I like you too, Alfred. I just couldn't admit it. That sort of thing…well, it's hard for me to admit that sort of thing," Arthur confessed. Alfred just chuckled.

"Well, you wouldn't be you if you blurted stuff like that aloud," Alfred teased, pressing his forehead against Arthur's.

"Arthur?"

"Yes, Alfred?"

"I like it when you smile. You have a nice smile." Arthur could feel himself grow red at the compliment.

"Well, I will try to do it more often," Arthur said. Alfred smiled and leaned down to kiss Arthur. Arthur leaned in and kissed Alfred back, closing his eyes as he did so. Alfred's lips were softer than he had remembered and tasted sweet. Not at all of hamburgers or soda like Arthur expected. Arthur felt Alfred wrap one arm around his waist and felt a hand running through his hair. It had taken all morning to fix his hair but Arthur supposed it was worth the trouble. It wasn't everyday that he got to kiss Alfred F. Jones.

Arthur had wanted to pull away for air but didn't want to stop the kiss. When the demand for air got to be too much, he pulled away reluctantly.

"Hey, Arthur?"

"Hmm?"

"Want to go steady with me?" Alfred asked softly, pressing soft kisses on Arthur's face.

Arthur chuckled in response. "I would be glad to go steady with you, Alfred Jones." Alfred had almost cheered with joy but stopped himself. He felt silly if he did something like that in front of Arthur. Heroes were cool. They didn't do stuff like that in public. Especially in front of their damsel-in-distress. Arthur would always be his damsel-in-distress.

They had started to make out again when they were interrupted by a soft cough.

"Um, are you almost finished, eh?"

"Mattie!" Alfred yelled out. Alfred supposed that the natural response would be to be embarrassed but he felt no shame. He liked Arthur and there was nothing wrong with kissing him in public. Arthur, on the other hand, was horrified. Someone had seen them kiss.

"M-matthew! Did you see…"

"See what?" Arthur almost sighed in relief. He would have never been able to look at Matthew in the eye again if he saw them kissing.

"Oh, um, Ludwig told me to come and get you. Something about being Francis being completely inappropriate and needing to be stopped," Matthew explained, clutching the white bear to his chest.

"I did it, Mattie! I asked Arthur out! And he said yes!" Alfred exclaimed happily, like a child at Christmas. Arthur blushed deeply. He could have at least waited until he was gone.

"I'm glad. For both of you. It's nice to see that you're finally together, eh," Matthew said as he started to walk away.

"What do you mean finally? Matthew, explain yourself," Arthur called out to Matthew. Alfred gripped his shoulder and shook his head. "Come, Iggy. We got to go back," he said, taking one of Arthur's hands in his own.

"Iggy? Really Alfred, when are you going to listen to anything I tell you?" Arthur said almost irritably. Alfred just laughed, happy to have Arthur as his own.

The two walked back to the parking, where their peers were waiting for them. Arthur thought it almost strange to feel at peace at the of a funeral but couldn't help but be happy. Alfred would not be Alfred if his timing wasn't horrible like it usually was. Arthur needed to teach him a few things now that they were officially a couple. Arthur could see Elizabeta grinning and almost leaping with joy at the sight of them holding hands. Francis had given them a lecherous grin upon seeing their intertwined fingers. Ivan had given Arthur a gentle smile, one that Arthur could not determine whether it was a threat or not.

Arthur felt almost bubbly with Alfred next to him. It was strange for him to be with someone. He had always imagined that he would end up alone. He was grateful for what he had and he hoped that he would get to keep it this time.

As they walked toward the car, Arthur saw two lights flying overheard the clear blue sky. Arthur smiled at the sight. The fairies had returned to him at last, after years of waiting. A hand squeezed Arthur's own, causing Arthur to look at Alfred. Alfred smiled gently at him, and Arthur smiled back. Because for once in his life, everything was perfect. Finally, in his world, flowers were blooming, skies were the beautiful baby blue of Alfred's eyes, birds chirped, crickets sang, and fairies flew in the air once more.

*In the language of flowers, pink carnations mean 'I'll never forget you', daffodils mean respect and dark crimson roses mean mourning. Black roses mean death.

-Bird's foot trefoil means revenge, heliotrope means devotion and eglantine rose means a wound to heal

As for what type of fairy the dark fairy is, Arthur himself doesn't ever really find out. I did base it off a 'real' type of fairy named Nuckelavees. If you want to find more about I suggest googling it since it would probably take me a whole page to talk about it.

Sequel: I'm been thinking a lot and I really want to write a sequel so….I haven't started yet due to my many homework assignments and essays (I finally finished!) but now I have to study for my finals. But I promise that I will write as soon as possible! :D So be on the lookout. Its titled 'Of Phantoms and Poltergeists' and I'm planning on the first chapter to be up in two weeks.

I know that I didn't explain everything but if you guys still have questions, feel free to ask me via PM or comment and I'll be sure to reply. :D And no asking about the veiled lady! She's not important…yet!