Where Loyalties Lie

"Matt!" Rudely, Alfred pushed open the door, his usual bright grin on his face. He grabbed Matthew's hands, kneeling before him where he sat at his desk. There was a bruise under his eye, colored sickly purple green, but it didn't seem to disturb him at all, his entire being radiating energy. "They're doing it! They're finally doing it! The revolution's started, Matt! I can break away from that bastard England."

The information came in a whirlwind of excitement. "Don't talk about Arthur that way." He mumbled, but he was ignored. Alfred let go of his hands, laughing loudly. He went about Matthew's room, dragging out bags and tossing about clothes and items, stuffing them into the bags haphazardly.

"What are you waiting for?! Start packing! Come with me! Once we're away from here, we'll eat ice cream every day and no one will tell us when to go to bed. We'll be free Matt –!" Alfred paused, looking at him. Matthew only sat there, innocent violet eyes sad, looking at him. "Matt, what's wrong? Aren't you excited? Aren't you happy?"Matthew couldn't deny it. Yes, he was happy for him. But... Alfred ventured closer, looking deeper into Matthew's eyes, confusion evident.

"I'm not coming with you."

"What?" for a moment, Alfred looked like he didn't understand at all, as though Matthew had suddenly started speaking french. He took Matthew's hands again, eyes beseeching before understanding dawned. "Oh. Are you scared? Don't worry Matt, I'll take care of you! You'll be safe, I'll never let you–!"

"I'm not coming with you."

He had to say it so that Alfred would understand. It wasn't that he doubted Alfred. Quite the opposite. Alfred was strong, where he was peaceful. He didn't doubt that Alfred would keep him safe so that he would never have reason to be scared. He didn't doubt a word Alfred said, knew that Alfred would make his own truth, without ever doubting. He just couldn't. He just couldn't....

"Why?" The beginning of tears pricked both of their eyes. Matthew shook his head. There were no words that could describe the sorrow swirling in his gut as he looked into Alfred's perfect blue eyes and wondered if he could ever forgive himself. "Why? Why Matt? Come with me!"

"I can't. But... I'll be rooting for you." He laid a kiss over Alfred's mouth. It was fitting, a last goodbye before all the fighting began and Matthew was forced to face Alfred on the battle field. Alfred kissed back, slow, sweet and inexperienced. They broke apart for a moment, foreheads resting together, fingers trailing in soft hair. Matthew's fingers touched the back of Alfred's neck, enjoyed the shiver he got. "I'm sorry." He whispered finally.

Alfred stood, kissed his forehead, before turning.

Leaving him, strait backed and as confident as ever.

Owari