lost ~completed~

chapter 23

Darkness; crushing, suffocating. A thick veil of fog smoothers the mind. All senses are gone, the brain muddled. Arthur found himself in his own mind, away from real life.

In his perfect world, Alfred was there. The American's large hands were secure around Arthur's waist, pulling him close to his muscular (that many people mistook for fat) side. His booming laugh reverberated in the empty space and his bright grin pulsed with confidence and happiness.

Arthur didn't hold back his smile. He was too happy to have Alfred back. He leaned his head on Alfred's shoulder. Alfred just laughed again and wrapped his arms around him. Arthur loved to have his boy beside him once again but something felt different. Something wasn't complete.

Suddenly the surroundings morphed. Instead, it was Francis beside him. His hand rested gently on Arthur's shoulder, gently pulling Arthur towards him. He leaned down and pressed his lips to Arthur's forehead.

"I love you, amor." he whispered, his voice thick in his French accent. Arthur shivered at his touch and leaned into him. It shamed him to say so but his heart truly felt full. There was just something about the Frenchman that made Arthur feel whole.

It was the same thing he felt for Alfred but just a little stronger. Arthur could feel electricity boarding through his veins at Francis' simple touch. He would never admit it to the Frenchman but he needed him with him.

The haze separating himself from consciousness was starting to slowly ebb away. Like waking up from a dream, Arthur blinked his eyes open. A groan escaped his lips and a sharp pain felt like it was splitting the top of his head.

As his eyes focused, he began to make out the texture on the ceiling as well as a blurry figure. He began to make out the color of blond hair and blue eyes.

"Arthur?" the Germans voice exclaimed. He gently slapped Arthur's face a few times, chasing away the last bit of shadows dancing in the corners of his vision. Arthur blinked up at him questioningly.

"Hmmm," he groaned, "What happened ?"

Arthur propped himself up on his elbows. Ludwig's arm slid behind his back to help him sit up. Arthur softly rubbed his head, feeling a lump. His voice was a bit hoarse but that was to be expected.

"We were attacked." Ludwig informed him. He quickly scanned his meticulous eyes over Arthur, checking for an injury.

"And we're still alive?" Arthur asked surprised. He looked around, memories slowly starting to come back to his mind. He could remember being with Francis and the door bursting open but then a fog clouded his vision and he couldn't remember anything else.

"Ja, I don't think Feliciano wants us dead just yet." Ludwig said, trying to keep his voice void of emotion.

"Where's Francis ?" Arthur asked noticing the blond wasn't in the room. He glanced at the Germans pale face. Fear quickly sank in his stomach seeing the Germans expression.

"Ludwig?" Arthur asked. When Ludwig didn't answer Arthur quickly sat up further.

"Where's Francis ?" he yelled. Ludwig sat up, taking Arthur arms in hopes of calming the British man down.

"Calm down, Arthur." Ludwig said in a warning tone. The memories suddenly slammed on Arthur. He remembered fighting Peter and glancing over to see Mattie choking Francis. Raw sobs ripped past his throat.

"Francis!" he cried curling in on himself. Ludwig looked awkward but tried to comfort the panicking man. He rubbed Arthur's arm, his motions stiff.

"Calm down, Arthur. It's ok." Ludwig said. Something snapped within Arthur and his sadness turned to anger. He suddenly turned on Ludwig, screaming in rage.