FrUK: From The Start

Part Twenty Five

Arthur spent as much time as he could with Matthew before Sunday came along. On Saturday night, he tucked his son in but couldn't bring himself to leave his side. He sat down on the floor and took Matthew's hand in his.
"Dad...is papa coming home?"
"Tomorrow. But only for a little while." Arthur answered truthfully.
"Will I get to say goodbye?"
"You can go with him."
"No." Matthew shook his head. "I'm staying."
"But why? I'm just a boring old man who can't do anything right." Arthur felt tears starting in his eyes.
"But you need me daddy. You need me more than papa does." Matthew climbed out of bed and hugged Arthur, burying his face in his chest. The Brit hesitated but engulfed his son in his arms, gratefully.
"I don't deserve somebody as amazing as you, Matthew." He whispered.
"Yes you do."
"No. You'll understand when you're older."
The two ended up falling asleep there on the floor. Not waking up until they heard the bedroom door open. Alfred ran in, slamming into Matthew and hugging him.
"C'mon bro. Let's go." He said just as Arthur managed to lift his sore body up. He looked to the doorway where Francis was standing, hair a mess and bags under his eyes.
"Is 'e coming?"
Arthur shook his head just as Matthew pried himself from his brother and made his way to his papa.
"Mon filles, is it true?"
Matthew nodded. "I'm sorry, papa."
"It's okay."
"No it's not okay!" Alfred yelled. "I want Mattie to come with us to America."
"America?" Arthur wondered.
"Oui. I 'ave a friend zhere whose letting me stay."
"But that means..."
"Listen, if we're splitting zhe twins up...let's at least plan to spend Christmas togezher. Deal?"
"Uh...of course..." Arthur felt like he had been stabbed in the stomach. Alfred started to cry.
"But I want Mattie to come with us."
"I'm sorry, Alfred. Unless you want to stay 'ere, you 'ave to wait until Christmas."
Alfred pouted but still stayed silent as he collected his his clothes and toys to leave. Francis wandered around the house, doing the same.
"You need to sign zhe papers I left on zhe table."
"I'll do that." Arthur nodded, watching Matthew help Alfred pack. The sight of it all crushed the Brit more than anything, but he kept his composure over it all.
When they finished, Alfred and Matthew exchanged a final hug before the younger twin gave one to his papa.
"Be safe, Matthieu." The Frenchman whispered. He placed a two necklaces with maple leaf charms in the boys hand. "Give one to somebody you love for moi, okay?"
"Oui, papa." Matthew nodded.
Francis smiled and kissed his son's head.
And with that, the two left, not to see their family for another few months.

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