The blazing fire that consumed the bodies of my family didn't leave me warm, and the surrounding snow did not have me feeling cold. Instead, I feel numb, no physical sensations. My mental state wasn't very different.

I've never gotten along with my family in any sense of the word, but there's still an unspoken attachment I had always felt towards them, no matter the differences between us.

"Arthur," Alfred whispers, standing next to me as we watch the funeral before us. He takes in a shaky breath, as if trying to muster up the courage or words to speak. "You know that this isn't your fault, right?"

I shake my head, feeling my thoughts swim at the motion. "Ivan attacked because of me," I return, squeezing the hand Alfred slides into mine.

Alfred squeezes back. "Ivan attacked because he was insane. That isn't your fault." His jaw clenches when I turn to look at him. His stubble has grown in more than usual and his eyes look tired, but he has never appeared more beautiful to me.

"I need some time to believe that," I finally say after staring into his eyes for a while. He nods, swallowing.

I watch his throat move, looking at some of the veins that I can see underneath his skin, the ones that are subtle around his wrists. He's alive. He blinks, his chest rising and falling in a barely recognizable way. He's alive. He squeezes my hand, his pulse throbbing gently into my own, probably cold hand. He's alive.

"Alfred," I finally say, walking away from the now cold ashes of my siblings and father.

He hums in response, wrapping an arm around me as we walk through the snow, heading towards the border.

"Alfred, I love you." I watch the snow as we walk, hearing the crunch of it underneath our boots.

"And I love you," he returns easily, placing a kiss to the top of my head.

"Alfred," I say once more.

"Yes, Arthur?"

"We should marry when we return."

He pauses.

"Alright."

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Heylo, my love little nuggets! I hope y'all liked this chapter! Sorry it's so short, but the end of the story is closing in, one or two more parts left. :3 Don't forget to leave any comments or suggestions. They always make my day! Anyway, I'll see y'all nuggety readers in the next update! Until then, have an absolutely fantastic and fabulous day! Bai!!! >:3

-IggyScones