Warning mention of previous torture in this chapter.

It was thirty minutes after Gilbert left that Matthew's phone rang. Shifting Al some, he reached across his brother to pick up the phone that was at the end table. Looking at the caller id, he knew he would have to take this one.

It was his boss.

"Hello."

"Hello, Canada. I hate to disturb you during your time off, but a representative, Richard Roman, from the US is here." He could feel the man pacing over the phone. Matthew made a quick note of the name.

"Have they finally decided to let me visit my brother?" Matthew asked sharply, all the while pulling his sleeping twin closer to him. Gilbird who had been woken by the movement, fluttered off, only to land on Nanuq's head.

"No." There was a measured pause before his boss spoke again. Matthew couldn't suspect what he was about to say. "They are actually accusing us, well mainly you, of kidnapping him."

"What?" His voice was sharp, and he clenched the phone. How dare they?

"I know. The official has absolutely no evidence, so it's just an allegation at the moment. I'm upset about it myself."

"Did you check the his credentials? He could be just trying to stir up tension, maybe to distract from internal issues." Matthew mental prepared an emergency list of what he would need to do. He would need to contact Juan or even Kelley McDuff, the senator that had been at his house the other day. And they could discredit this Richard Roman. Though he was worried that he might have to move his brother.

"I have someone on it, with the field day they are having with cleaning out corruption form their government at the moment. But if he keeps being insistent and his credential check out. I might have to call you back to the capital. Otherwise I feel no need to inconvenience you on your vacation." The note in his boss's voice said he still couldn't believe that they were accusing them.

"I'm sorry I can't be of more help out." He would rather not leave his home at the moment. In the back of his head, he was glad that he had manage to get rid of the GPS in his phone and took other precautions so it couldn't be tracked.

"No, I'm sorry to worry you when you are suppose to be relaxing. I know this situation is stressful. I hope the rest of your day goes well."

"Yours too." With that he clicked the phone off. He ran a hand through his hair.

Matt. Al turned onto his right side, angling his head up towards his brother. He had woken up when he felt Matt's distressed.

They can't take you away. Matt hugged his brother to him, putting his head against his shoulder. I won't let them. There has to be something we can do.

I don't want to leave. Al gently rubbed a circle around his twin's back, trying to sooth him.

The thought of going back- He felt himself beginning to shake. He couldn't go back. Not to them. There was the faintest impression of a memory. Hands held in manacles above his head, chaffing his wrist. The cold seeping into his bones, and wondered if he was ever going to be warm. There had been several people that would pass by. Mock him. Say all those words that he had heard before. But it was the one. The betrayal of trust.

How could someone make those promises? Swear it. And then-

He felt the pain ripple through him as he was kicked repeatedly in the ribs. Each one accompanied by an insult. There was silence for a moment that was only interrupted by Al's wet coughing. There was a metallic taste in his mouth.

A brief click that was so often identified with a lighter sent a wave of fear cascading over him.

"You're pathetic." He felt something wet land against his face.

There was another pause, a rustle, and the sound of clinking as metal hit metal.

"Not going to say anything?" Then waited for a second, before a final click was in place.

"Oh that's right." The man gave a cold laugh. "You can't speak."

Then there was a ringing blast in his ears; he moved away from it as a starburst of fresh pain consumed his left shoulder. The bullet had barely missed his heart and lungs. He had just curled up in pain, sitting there as blood flowed from the wound. His head had spun.

Al couldn't see him. His vision had been destroyed ages ago. Eyes that promised lies. He had been told. The lie that was the sky.

"You will never see it again. You will never be free." The man cursed him, before he burned the end of something, into the old scar above his heart. "And nobody wants you." Before he left, he hit play on that same recorder. The one with their voices, familiar ones saying familiar insults.

Then he heard a voice inside his head.

Alfred. It repeated over and over again, desperately calling him. With a slow moment he reached for it, letting go.

Al please. It was his twin. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

A hand clutched at the back of his head. He felt moisture dripping along the cheek that was pressed against his brother's. Matthew was crying.

Matt? He was hesitant confused, where was he? He couldn't see. Was he still in that place? There was a cold that had settled in him.

Al! Matt tightened his grip a on his brother.

Where am I? His mind felt hazy, but the previous moment was still fresh in his mind.

You're at my home. Safe.

A warmth washed over Al; he could feel his brother's affection through their bond.

Can you send me a picture? Just so I can see it. Al could feel the fuzzy memories rise up again.

Of course. Matthew wiped away his tears, before he sent images of what he was seeing through the link. The focused on the window, watching the trees sway with fresh leaves.

I want to go outside. Anything to displace the cold darkness of his memory. Al was still shaking, trembling in his brother's arms.

"Let me go get a sweater for you. It's only 10 degrees out." Matthew voice was still a little watery.

That is cold. What time of the year is it? He could know if he reached out for his own land, but- something held him back. Alfred would feel everything. He could already sense the political chaos in his own country, swirling in his stomach to make him nausea.

"Celsius. It's 10 degrees Celsius. I think it's about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And it's spring." Matt gave a small smile, as he leaned out of the embrace to ruffle his twin's hair.

Fahrenheit is better. Al pouted.

"You are the only one in the world who thinks so." Matt teased, enjoying the old joke. One that would elsewise made him roll his eyes, instead it merely reassured him.

It took him a moment though, to get up and fully let go of his twin.

"I should get a blanket. A toque would be a good idea too. Nanuq." He picked up the little bear, who had been resting on the other side of the bed, and pluck him down in Alfred's lap. "Keep Al warm."

Gilbird gave a small chirp as flew from his spot, before nuzzling Matt's cheek, then flying into his hair, close to the little curl. "I'm sorry. I had forgotten about you. But don't touch the curl."

The bird merely tweeted again.

"I was sleeping." The bear grumbled as Al threaded his fingers through Nanuq's kitten soft fur, petting until he found the ears. He always forgot how comforting Matt's bear was. He sat there for a few minutes; just petting the bear and listening to his brother rustle through his room and mumble to himself.

"I think I have everything." Matt grin, as he gently pulled the blue knitted cap over his Al's head. It was wool one with soft fluffy material on the inside and little earflaps.

Is anything hurting you at the moment? Matt gentle wiped around his sibling's face. Realizing Al had been crying earlier too.

No more than usual. His left side tinged some, and there were still the gentle throb from the bullet wounds. But the painkillers he was on did help.

"Alright Nanuq move so I can wrap Al in the blanket." He shooed the little bear to the side, as he wrapped the blanket more snuggly around his brother. The cotton batman pajamas that he had on weren't enough to keep him warm.

I feel like a child. Al pulled his right arm out, but kept his left over his chest and under the blanket. Exhaustion was swelling up, but Al didn't want to go to sleep again, afraid that this would be the dream.

"You were the one who asked Gilbert to tell Arthur to bring you a stuff rabbit." He pointed out as he picked up Al with Nanuq on his lap. The bear avoid sitting near Al's injured side.

Matt took careful even steps as he went to his back door, heading for the open porch area. His home was well shield by tall trees, a mixture of pine and maple, so he wasn't worried about being seen. Though he did need to talk to Juan about the news he just heard. It was almost noon now and he would be there in an hour.

Nanuq opened the door without needing to be told, and Al took a quick inhale. Breathing fresh crisp air, tasting each scent that it offered. They sat down on a wooden outdoor couch that had a cushion. Nanuq hopped down, scenting some grassy areas.

An eagle called out before it swooped down to settle at the edge of the couch.

It's one of mine. Al would always recognize that call.

Gilbird tweeted from Matt's hair and fluttered down, to hide in the blanket.

Is the sky blue today? Al lifted an arm to the outside, almost as if he was trying catch the sunlight.

Yes. Matthew proceeded to describe the world in vivid detail through a series of words and images. It was a love the two had always shared, for the outdoors. He went on to other places that he was so keenly aware of the mountainous rocky ranges, how flowers were growing but not yet bloom. The sun glinting off of the calm water that lapped at the shores of the Great Lakes.

Eventually, Matt's voice had eased Alfred into sleeping. Matthew pulled his brother closer before leaning against the armrest and dozing off into a light sleep as well. Despite the chill in the air, the two were warmed by their proximity. Nanuq settled near their feet, but his eyes were wide open, ready to protect his old friend at a moment notice.

Above them loomed a great bald eagle.

It was to this scene that England and Prussia saw when they arrived.

Arthur paused in mid step.

Matthew had a loose arm wrapped around Alfred, who was leaning against him with his face to the sun. From this distance, he could see the wrappings around his eyes, which were partly hidden under the knitted cap he had on. One sleeve of cotton pajamas with batman signal peaked out from the blanket.

If he hadn't known it was Alfred, he wouldn't have been able to tell. The boy was bundled such underneath an old quilted blanket and with his hair hidden away like it was. Arthur felt the sudden need to know each injury.

But he was there.

"I can't velieve that they fell asleep outside. It's terrible tactical strategy. They are completely defenseless." Gil scolded as he took swift steps to the two, with the intent of waking Matt up.

"They are protected. You did not know that Nanuq can suddenly grow to be five times the size of a person?" Arthur could still remember the first time he had seen it happen. Matthew had only been a child then, and they had encountered robbers on the road, only to get separated and for Arthur to turn panic when he heard the bear's great roar.

"The little bear?" Gilbert studied the cub better. Its eyes were wide open, but it recognized them. He had a hard time seeing something so adorable just turning into a giant.

"Yes." Arthur was moving closer to the two, keeping his steps calm and light, despite want to run and check on his child, the wayward oldest.

Matt opened up one eye when he heard the murmur of conversation. Both shot open when he saw Arthur and Gilbert.

"Dad?" He shifted a little bit, as he brought his brother closer. Alfred was still sound asleep.

"Good afternoon, Matthew." Arthur gave a smile, but he noticed the redness around Matt's eyes. He had been crying earlier. His hands clenched a little at his side. He hated seeing his children upset. However, his attention was stolen by the American.

"Is he sleeping?" With the eyes covered, it was difficult to tell. The even rise and fall of his chest hinted at it. Arthur reached out, to place a hand upon his son's cheek. Noting the bruises, and the slight tinge of redness on edge of the wrapping around his eyes. His face was a little chilled, but still warm with life.

"Ve should go inside, vhere it is warmer." Gilbert broke the moment. There was a chirp from the blankets in response before Gilbird darted out to his owner.

"I miss you too." He cupped the bird in his hands, while petting it's little head.

"Can I take him?" The pulse he felt on Alfred's neck told him he was alive. But he wanted to hold his son. He didn't care if he was his own nation, superpower, and his equal. It didn't matter. No, matter how much time had passed. Alfred would always be his child.

"Be careful. I don't think there's a place where he isn't hurting." Matthew helped shift Alfred into Arthur's arms; he was almost hesitant letting someone else hold his twin. He didn't want to let go. It would be fine as long as his brother was in his sight.

Arthur held Alfred to his chest, careful of holding him too tightly. The American shifted in his arms some, almost as if he was waking, but then he settled. Matthew stood shortly after, leading the way into his home.

A/N: I probably won't be able to post for a while after this one. Let me know what you think. Or if you catch any minor errors.