Hetalia Feels

Unsung Hero (S)

Everyone has a sun that lights up their life. Maybe they know who that person is, maybe they don't. Sometimes it isn't even a person. It might be a pet. But we all have one.

For Matthew, it was his (barely) older brother, Alfred.

Sure, he got into fights with him, was constantly mistaken for him, and was basically the epitome of forgotten- but seeing Alfred smile like that, it was worth it.

They weren't just brothers. They were best friends.

Sometimes Alfred forgot Matthew. But it was natural. He was easy to forget.

At least he always apologized, and did his best to remember.

When the two were eighteen, they signed up to join the army. It was World War Two. Times were changing. And Alfred wanted nothing more to be a hero. A part of that change. Matthew, like usual, just went along for the ride.

At first, it was exciting. Yes, so exciting. They met their team, of sorts. Theirs was composed of men named Arthur, Francis, Ivan, Yao, Alfred, and, of course, Matthew.

They played pranks on each other, joked around, and, most importantly, fought as a team.

Two years passed in this fashion. Despite the constant terror of it, Matthew sound himself captivated by war. It was a beautiful nightmare.

Nothing went wrong. All seemed to be going alright. At least, as good as it gets when it comes to war.

Until one fateful night. Another group was taking the night shift, and their small group was sleeping peacefully in their bed.

It was silent.

And then... The ringing sound of gunshots shattered the false sense of peace.

Alfred was the first to wake up, Matthew close behind him. The group slept in their shoes, so all they needed to do was grab their guns.

Matthew tossed Alfred's gun to him, Alfred already having his own ammo, and made sure everyone was prepared.

It wasn't until he turned back that he noticed Alfred had rushed out into the battle.

"Shit," he cursed, eyes narrowed. "Let's stay alert, okay?" He barked out uncharacteristically to the others, them responding with solemn looks. "I'm going out there after him. You guys.... Just don't die."

Matthew rushed out, heart thrumming with adrenaline. Where was he? Where was his brother?

He ran, dodging bullet after bullet without being aware of it. Please, God, don't let him be dead... Don't let him be dead... Please...

Matthew heard a familiar cry of, "I'm the hero!" And ran towards its source.

There was Alfred, fiery passion raging in his eyes in much the same way bullets whizzed from his gun. He stood his ground against many of the enemy, using various tactics to avoid being shot.

Matthew nearly cried out with relief. He ran towards Alfred, the two of them fighting back to back. The dynamic duo. Perhaps it was the bond that twins seem to share that made them so close. Perhaps it was the bond of friendship, and not blood.

Whatever it was, it kept the thought of abandoning the other from even beginning to make an appearance.

Their fierce loyalty to one another was both a blessing, and, in a sense, a curse.

Because, when the two were side by side, guns blazing, eyes flaming, and Matthew found himself staring at the butt of a gun, Alfred did the first thing a protective older brother would do.