Once Upon A Time | A Hetalia x Reader

Chapter 47: It's Nighttime

3 Days Before the War

[ First Person POV ]

It wasn't normal, really. My outstretched hand was incapable of reaching those beautiful stars who had done nothing but sit there and shine its light down towards us. Who was this, "us" may you ask?

Matthew and I were simply sitting around. No one but us actually knew of this place, you see, so it was normal for this peace and quiet to engulf us whole.

Our conversations were simple and always ended up with a simple, "Okay" or "Sure".

"Are you participating in the war, Matthew?"

"Yes," he sighed, gently. "Unfortunately."

"At least you're going to be alongside Alfred, right?"

He smiled gently. "I guess. But I doubt he'd remember me. It's been like... what? 2 years since I've last saw him? I'm not so sure. Although even if we weren't close, I feel kind of bad for him. He's been more depressed than usual. Did Arthur die or something?"

"How did you know that?"

"Word got around, I think. I can't tell. He was pretty popular with magic. He loved to make children smile," he said, looking up. "without giving out his usual frowns, of course."

"I'm kind of confused with your relationship with Alfred and Arthur. Were they associated with your past somehow?" I asked, feeling quite curious. He chuckled.

"Arthur and Alfred were still young when I met them. Francis, who took care of me, apparently didn't have the time to study while taking me under his wing. So he brought me to Arthur's place, since he was a good friend of his back then... but now, they aren't all that close. I'm pretty sure it was connected to that one incident when Francis met his first love."

"He...loved someone once?"

"Yeah. Her name is Jeanne d'Arc. She was courageous. Francis fell in love with her at first sight, admiring her for her success and capabilities. Like a thorned rose who still held a welcoming aura. But then," he sighed. "Arthur came along and ruined their relationship. Just like that, in a snap of a finger. And she never came back since. Francis was heartbroken since then and despised Arthur for what he had done. Not that it was accidental or anything. After all...Francis knew Arthur more than anyone else. So obviously whatever happened indicated a reason for why Arthur would do such a thing."

"Oh. She must have been a very interesting girl." I stated sadly, giving out an empathetic smile. It's sad to hear a part of Francis' backstory...the stories that I never hear for as long as I can live unless another individual spreads the word instead. It's nice to see Francis smiling, though. They never looked fake.

"Mhm."

The wind abruptly drifted in my direction, causing me to give a short shiver. Matthew suddenly scooted in and wrapped his arms around me, as if pulling me into a hug. It helped, actually. I felt a bit warmer. And for that, I smiled.

"I remember this," I said, following up with a quiet laugh. "I didn't know that you still remember doing this traditional tactic."

"Hey, just because we always did this when we were younger doesn't mean I'm required to forget the childhood..." he whispered, leaning his head on the top of my own. Then he sighed. "I missed you."

"Hah...I missed you too, you dummy."

-

"Oh, Matthew! Long time no see!" Gilbert exclaimed, grinning all-so widely and lightly punched Matthew's right arm. Matthew seemed to flinch at that, and with me snickering.

Matthew sighed as soon as he regained composure. "But we met earlier this morning," he said. "And at breakfast too. Didn't you see me at our daily training regime-?"

"I never forgot you! I just dreaded the interval between our special quality time!" stated Gilbert, ruffling the latter's hair. Only I acknowledged that small little detail in which proved their close relationship. Gilbert laughed. And so did Matthew.

Gilbert then looked towards me and grinned in pleasure. "Du bist sehr shon, (Name). I mean it."

"What's this all of a sudden?" I inquired, not resisting a smile that easily revealed my befuddlement and surprise.

"I never had the time to actually say it, kesese. That's very unawesome for me," he replied, looking at me in the eyes. "only unless you don't want it to be unawesome."

"Well, thank you very much for the compliment."

"I guess I'll be escorting (Name) now," said Matthew, gently taking my hand with his and pulled me away.

"Good night, both of you!"

"He seems pretty ecstatic for the war," I sighed, dreading the day when everyone will just leave this area, to fight for their lives.

And for mine.

"He wants to be successful in this," Matthew responded in a quiet voice. "For you, especially. I've seen him training harder these days."

"Is he really fighting for me, or for his country?" was all I asked, before silence ensued.

"Well..."

"I'd still hope for the best either way," I chuckled. "Because I wouldn't want anyone to die, either. That must be too much to ask for though."

"We're all here to protect you." he stated straightforwardly, arriving by my bedroom.

"I wish I was able to protect you guys, too." I whispered, absentmindedly rubbing my arm in distress. Then I turned the knob to the bedroom door and pushed it open, letting myself in.

I stopped midway when he asked what I said. "Nothing," I replied, before softly closing the door behind me.

"Goodnight, (Name)." said the muffled voice from the other side.

"Goodnight."

-

"You aren't worth it anymore."

-

I want to get to sixty parts, haha.

But I can't. ;-;

- Yuki

((i'm going to add in a chapter for dedications and acknowledgements.))