(LOL! This came to me while I was at my church youth activity somehow!)

"Hey, Merlin? Do you think that black magic can be used for good?"

The elderly man raised a brow at the King, then chuckled. "If it could, it wouldn't be called 'Black Magic.'"

Arthur hummed, nodding. "But, do you think it could be altered to do good?"

Merlin laughed, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder. "My dear boy, I'm sure if there was a way, you would know. You are older than me."

The King smiled up at the man. "Not by much, Merlin. I still look up to you. I do. You're like a father to me."

"Of course, dear Arthur. But you do know I will pass on one day?"

The King frowned. "I know. I just wish you wouldn't. I hate being a personification. I hate seeing people I love pass on while I stay the same."

Merlin hummed. "I know you do, but it is what God has chosen you to be. I pray that you find someone that can stay by your side as long as you live."

Arthur crinkled his nose and sneered. "Anyone but that bloody twit that tries showing off constantly."

"Francis," Merlin chuckled. "Of course. But, what I mean is someone you love. A soulmate."

"'A soulmate?'" Arthur quoted, then looked down with furrowed brows. "But, Merlin... I'm immortal."

"Your soulmate could be immortal as well. You may just have not met her yet." Merlin took the book from Arthur's lap, and kneeled in front of him. "I know you'll meet your soulmate one day, and you'll always have them."

Arthur nodded. "Yes... Thank you, Merlin."

~

Arthur looked proudly upon his knights at the round table and at the woman beside him. The beautiful, lovely Guinevere by his side and his knights protecting him and his land. "I have gathered you here today for a very important meet," Arthur started, his emerald green eyes meeting sky blue. He paused, staring for a moment before shaking his head and looking around. "France is pushing their limits. We need to protect the people as much as possible. Lance, you will choose the men to go with you on your quest to protect the east, and James, you will choose your men. I need at least two of you here in the castle with me and Guinevere."

The man he had made eye-contact with moments before stood. "I will stay. They will send their most vicious mercenaries here to harm you, which will devastate our Kingdom," he stated, voice calm and deep. However, he had a playful glint in his eyes. Arthur nodded, hardly paying any mind as another knight volunteered to stay.

~

Arthur sat proudly in his throne, his knights on other side of him and Guinevere. The woman tightly held Arthur's hand as the trumpets began the ceremony celebrating the anniversary of Arthur's rule.

The King looked up at the knight beside him. The knight's blue eyes sparkled as he looked down upon his King. Arthur gulped and gripped Excalibur's sheath. He quickly turned away, cheeks flushing and heart skipping a beat. Arthur cleared his throat and stood. "I, King Arthur, welcome you all today!"

~

"You should not be alone, my King."

Arthur looked over as the knight approached him. "Jones... I have Excalibur. I'm plenty safe."

Jones hummed, taking off his helmet, then tucking the metal under his arm. "Of course. But you never know when, or even if you will be attacked... You don't even know how they may attack you."

The King chuckled, looking back at the cracked stone before him that had once held his trusty sword. "Yes, I understand your concern." Arthur exhaled, a white puff of air clouding from his mouth before evaporating. "I don't constantly need a body guard. I need someone protecting my people. I can protect myself."

"I understand." Jones bowed his head, placing his helmet back on. "However, Guinevere wishes for me to return with you."

Arthur sighed. "Guinevere... She is quite a beautiful maiden, isn't she?"

The knight laughed. "Am I allowed to answer that?" Arthur smiled at Jones and nodded. "Honestly, I do think she is beautiful, but I would not wish to be with her. I find her dishonest. She's also... Not the kind I'm looking into spending the rest of my life with." Arthur nodded again, returning his gaze to the stone. "Your majesty... We should return before people worry."

"I know," Arthur sighed, turning back to Jones. "Let us return."

~

"Jones, I'm immortal."

The tall man blinked, then furrowed his brow. "This was what was so important?"

Arthur jolted back, surprised. "You... You're not...?"

Jones chuckled, taking off his helmet. "Surprised? Angry? Scared? No, none if that. I've known for a while.

"How?"

The blue-eyed knight hummed. "I overheard you speaking with France a long time ago. You two bicker like children." Jones smiled widely. "But, if you're worried about me leaving or hating you, stop. You're my King, immortal or not." The Knight tucked his arm under his chest and bowed. "I serve you until they day I die. Even after then, I'll always be completely loyal to you."

Arthur gulped, then sighed in relief. Jones stood straight, then tilted his head. "I just... I had to tell someone, be able to talk to someone else about it. I only have Merlin and the others like me- whom I don't often see aside from my brothers and France." Jones hummed and nodded. "Thank you, Jones, for not leaving me."

Jones grinned. "I would never, my King."

~

"Bloody-" Arthur gasped, spinning on his heel to face whomever had thrown the throne room doors open. His conversation with Merlin came to an abrupt halt. "Jones!"

Arthur dashed down the hall towards the wounded knight. "Jones, what on earth happened!?" He hesitantly reached towards his knight, heart pounding and stomach twisting.

However, despite his injuries, Jones grinned. "Ambush on castle grounds. Don't worry, your majesty. I took care of them. They got the worst of it."

"H-how many?" Arthur gulped, cupping Jones' slightly bruised jaw.

Jones shrugged, cradling his elbow. "Ten? A dozen? I'm not completely sure."

"By yourself!?" Arthur jolted back, eyes wide. The taller blonde man nodded. "Why didn't you call for help!? You could have been killed!"

"I know," Jones hummed, nodding. "But I also know that I could defeat them. I knew I could lock them away." Arthur bit back tears that built up. "I'll be fine. I'll just get my wounds patched up and I'll be ready to defend you and the castle again in no time." He gave Arthur a reassuring grin and ruffled the King's hair before departing to treat his wounds.

Arthur held his hands over his heart, watching the knight limp away.

"You've met him," Merlin stated, standing beside the King. Arthur glanced up at the sorcerer, confused. Merlin smiled softly, placing his elderly hand on Arthur's shoulder. "That knight is your soulmate." Arthur jerked away.

"What!? No! No way! I'm-" Arthur shouted, cut off by Merlin.

"You're a man, as well as he. I realize that." Merlin's smile spread. "I also realize that you don't have to be a man and a woman to be soulmates. However," Merlin frowned, "in this day and age, it will be impossible to be with him without punishment."

Arthur looked down. "A man with a man is disgusting," he whispered, shutting his eyes. The first image that came up was Jones' bright, smiling face. "I... Why him, Merlin? He's a man, and a mortal!"

Merlin hummed. "I'll never know... Maybe you'll never know. But I saw the way you two looked at one another." Arthur felt a knot tie in his throat as tears gathered in his eyes once again. "At least tell him how you feel for him before it's too late. Like you said; he's mortal."

~

Arthur gulped, fiddling with his  thumbs as he paced back and forth in the gardens near the rose bushes. "Where is he?"

"Here, your majesty. I have been for several minutes."

"Jones!" Arthur gasped and whipped around to face the Knight whom grinned teasingly. "You scared me half-to-death!" Arthur crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the taller man.

Jones laughed, setting his helmet and sword down on a nearby stone bench. "I am sorry, my King."

Arthur dropped his shoulders and his glare, then stepped closer. "Please... Stop calling me that." Jones tilted his head, his wheaten blonde hair falling over his eyes. "I'm tired of it. And don't call me by my country name, either. I feel abnormal and... Scared. It reminds me that the people I love will soon pass on while I still look like... This." Arthur's voice softened as he looked down at the cobblestone path.

The knight hummed, then placed his hands on Arthur's upper arms. "What would you like me to call you?"

Arthur looked up into Jones's sky blue eyes. "My name... Call me by my name when we're alone. Please?"

"Of course, Arthur," Jones chuckled, then pressed a soft kiss to Arthur's forehead. The King gasped softly and shuddered, eyes widening.

"J-Jones!" Arthur placed his hands over his pounding heart, then feathered the tips of his fingers over the warmth Jones' lips left behind. "What..?"

Jones bowed. "I apologize if I have displeased you."

"No!" Arthur yelped, grasping Jones' shoulders. He then cleared his throat and pulled back. "No, you havent. I was just surprised, that's all... Don't bow." Jones straightened his stance. "Jones..." Arthur cupped the knight's face, his face unshaven for only a few days. "Jones, don't be so formal when we are alone..." The taller man nodded, humming softly as he relaxed. Arthur relaxed himself, moving closer to the knight. "My lovely knight," Arthur murmured, their breaths mingling as they leaned closer. Jones' hands hesitantly placed themselves on Arthur's waist, drawing them closer.

"My beautiful King." Jones leaned down as Arthur had to stretch his neck slightly. Their lips met, Jones' lips chapped, but warm. He wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist, pressing their bodies together. Arthur sighed softly, relaxing himself in Jones' arms.

"Jones," Arthur whispered as they broke apart for air. His slim fingers tangled in Jones' hair as he looked up into the Knight's bright blue eyes. "I've fallen in love with you, somehow."

Jones chuckled, smiling as he gently squeezed Arthur. "I have, too... I fell in love with my King." The taller man leaned down once more, pecking Arthur's lips.

Arthur ran his fingers over the prickly hairs on Jones' jaw and crinkled his nose. "You need to shave." Jones burst into laughter, possibly the most beautiful noise Arthur ever heard, then buried his nose in Arthur's hair.

"I will, I will. I'll shave at dawn before I return to the palace." Arthur nodded, satisfied. "Now you should return to the palace before someone thinks you've gone missing or got hurt."

Arthur smiled and nodded. "Alright. I will."

The two shared one more kiss before departing their own ways, neither able to stop smiling.

~

"Will Guinevere find out?"

Arthur blinked at the sudden question. "A-are you really asking now? At a party?"

Jones nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry for asking at such a time, but it's been bothering me for weeks. Every time we kiss, I worry about someone finding us. Especially Guinevere."

The King looked down, then subtly grabbed Jones' hand. "Meet me in my room." Jones smiled, squeezing Arthur's hand before turning and exiting the room.

Arthur went to Guinevere and Merlin, telling them he didn't feel well and that he would be resting in his room. Arthur rushed to his room, excitement coursing through his body and his heart beat erratically. Once he reached his room, he shut the door and locked it behind him.

Jones stood near the window, staring upon the view. Arthur smiled fondly as he approached the knight. The King wrapped his arms around Jones' waist and tucked his nose in his back. It was nice to see and hold the knight without the heavy armor. Arthur breathed in Jones' smell and sighed softly, relaxing against Jones. "You smell heavenly... Like earth and old spice."

The Knight chuckled, but didn't move. "Thank you... This view is beautiful, Arthur... I could only wish to wake to this every morning and sleep to it every night."

Arthur moved himself to be able to look into Jones' eyes. He cupped his face and pulled him down for a tender kiss. "I wish to wake to you every morning and fall asleep to you every night." Jones grinned, placing his large hands on Arthur's hips. "I mean it... I'm terribly in love with you. I shouldn't be, but I am. I'm not afraid of it. If Guinevere finds out somehow, let her. I know she's been laying with Lance."

Jones laughed, pulling Arthur closer. "Alright, okay... But I won't tell anyone." Arthur nodded. "Just give me this one night with you." Arthur's heart skipped giddily. Jones leaned down, pressing a kiss to Arthur's cheek. Warmth spread throughout the King as he sighed happily. "Please allow me to praise your body- show you how much I love you. Allow me just this one night to show you my weakness and my strength." Arthur found himself stepping backwards, leading Jones towards the large bed. Jones followed. "Allow me to see you- touch you, Arthur."

Arthur sat on the edge of the bed, then lay back as Jones leaned down and crawled onto the bed. Arthur's arms wrapped around Jones' shoulders as the young knight began undoing the knots holding Arthur's clothes on his slim body. "Jones... Tonight, I'll give you all of myself. My whole will belong to you, and you alone."

Jones smiled, then deeply kissed Arthur. The immortal moaned, pressing their heating bodies closer together. Jones hummed, caressing Arthur's pale skin as articles of clothing were shed. The King gasped as Jones' hands traveled his now-bare body and he trembled. Arthur tugged on Jones' hair, the air steadily becoming thicker.

Jones ground their hips together, leaving a trail of wet kisses down Arthur's throat. "Arthur," Jones murmured, carefully stretching the smaller man out. "My beloved King..."

Arthur whined and squirmed, gasping for air as tears built in his eyes. "J-Jones!"

The knight moved them further up on the bed and tugged the sheets over the both of them. "Better?" Arthur relaxed and nodded. "Good. I must make sure my King is pleased in every way possible. It is my duty as a knight." Jones brushed his knuckles over Arthur's smooth cheek, then kissed Arthur once more.

"Mmph!" Arthur jolted and gasped at Jones' abrupt intrusion. The knight's lips silenced Arthur's pained cries, removing falling tears with his calloused thumb. Arthur breathed heavily, his nails clawing into Jones' scalp and shoulder. "Jones!" Arthur cried out once they pulled apart for breath. "J-Jones... It-it hurts, Jones."

"I know," he whispered, his rough hands gently massaging Arthur's pale, smooth skin. "I know. I'm sorry, Arthur." He leaned down and gently kissed the King. "I swear, I'll take all of your pain and bear it myself if I must. Arthur, you mean a lot more than life itself to me." Arthur sobbed, tugging Jones down for an embrace. Jones nuzzled his nose in Arthur mess of hair. "I'll hold you forever, my love."

~

Arthur rested his head on Jones' warm chest, tracing circles into the tanned skin. The Knight hummed, rubbing Arthur's side. "Jones?" Arthur finally spoke.

"Hm?" Jones pressed his lips to Arthur's forehead.

"I'm not scared of anything." Jones chuckled, squeezing the King. "But... There is one thing." Jones tilted his head. Arthur shifted, crossing his arms over Jones' chest. He looked into those deep, bright blue eyes. "I'm scared of loosing you."

Jones smiled, placing his hand on the small of Arthur's back. "Loosing me to what?"

"Time," Arthur muttered, Jones' other hand cupping his cheek. "Time will take you away from me."

The young man hummed, then pulled Arthur down for a kiss. "I promise I'll never leave you, Arthur."

"How?" Arthur whined, placing his hand over Jones' on his cheek. "How could you promise me that, knowing you can't keep it?"

Jones laughed softly, and rolled them over so Arthur lay underneath him. "Arthur... I may die, but..." He pressed his lips to Arthur's forehead. "If you keep me in your heart and in your thoughts, I'll live on so long as you'll remember me. So, please don't ever forget me, Artie."

Arthur blinked and blushed at the nickname, his heart fluttering. "Why would I forget you, Jones? How could I? I love you, you're my soulmate... Not for thousands of years could I forget you... I'm just not sure I could live without you actually with me. Physically."

"I feel the same, Arthur," Jones muttered, sighing softly. "But I'm not going to be around forever."

Tears built in Arthur's eyes and he gulped. "Jones..." He began to sob softly as Jones embraced him. "Please, please stay with me! Don't let time take you from me!"

"I'll stay by you, my love... I will. Just don't let time take me from your heart." Arthur nodded, squeezing Jones as tightly as he could, muffling his sobs in the knight's shoulder.

~

Arthur panicked, scurrying through the recent battle field, dodging his injured soldiers and swerving around the unmoving bodies. Arthur couldn't find the one person he needed to find. "Jones! JONES!!"

The King didn't bother to wipe away the tears that stung his eyes as he searched every face and every voice.

Last he had seen his knight, he was fighting the worst soldier; Francis. Jones was young and reckless while Francis was much older and had much experience. Arthur had confidence in Jones though- the knight having been the best of all his soldiers- but he was still freightened. "Jones, please!"

Arthur gasped when he spotted a French soldier standing above one of his knights and a cold chill stopped him. Hesitantly, Arthur made his way over, the face of his knight blocked, but he recognized the French soldier.

"Francis..." Said man looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Wh-who is that?"

Francis chuckled and shrugged. "Some child who claims that he loves you."

The Englishman stepped closer, moving his stance to get a look at the knight's face. Arthur's chest swelled with pain as his eyes burned with a wave of tears. "No!" A loud scream tore from his throat as he rushed over and collapsed beside the young knight. "No! No, Jones! Jones, please!"

The knight shook slightly, then weakly opened his eyes. "Ar... thur?" The king's shoulders dropped and he whined in relief as he gathered Jones in his arms.

"Yes, I-I'm here, love. I'm right here, darling." Arthur cradled Jones, brushing matted hair out of the young man's face. "I-I can get you back to the castle, a-and then get your wounds treated. You'll be okay."

"England, what do you care for this mortal?" Francis growled.

Arthur sneered and glared at Francis through his tears. "Get away from him!" Arthur pulled Jones to himself, listening to his ragged breaths. Arthur's gaze softened as he looked back down at Jones. "Please, Jones. Just stay awake, love. Merlin can help heal you. He will... You'll be okay."

"Arthur," Jones rasped, hardly able to breathe. "Your heart... Y-your heart..."

Arthur wept and shook his head. "No, no... My arms... Please, don't leave me..." Jones smiled as best as he could. Arthur pressed their foreheads together as he listened to Jones' short, ragged, shallow breaths and felt his body steadily go limp. "I love you, Jones... I love you too much..."

A soft, slow breath blew past Jones' bloody lips, his dulled blue eyes staring up at the gray sky. Arthur cradled Jones close, running his aching knuckles over Jones' pale cheek.

"This is why you don't fall in love with mortals-why you don't get attached to mortals," Francis scolded the younger Brit.

"I love him... I love him more than anything... You stole him- not time. Time didn't take him from me." Arthur glared at Francis. "I hate you. How dare you take him so early! You bastard!"

Francis raised his chin. "You shouldn't have cared in the first place." Arthur's eyes widened as he trembled. He returned his gaze to the unmoving body in his arms. "Now you've learned your lesson."

Arthur whimpered, breathing in Jones' familiar, but distant smell; the scents nearly smothered by blood and death.

~

Arthur didn't realize it at first. He noticed distinct similarities, but America was only a child. Once Alfred had grown, Arthur recognized him more, but didn't study or memorize his features.

However, once Alfred's revolution came, Arthur immediately knew.

"Why!?" Arthur screamed, slamming the door to Francis' office open. Francis jumped, and looked up at the Brit. "You knew! How could you do this to me!?"

Francis raised a brow and leaned back. "I don't know what you mean, Anglettere."

Arthur slammed his hands down on the Frenchman's cherry wood desk. "You know damn well what I mean, you disgusting Frog! You knew! How did you find out before me!?" Angry tears built in Arthur's eyes, but he refused to let them fall. "Stop taking Jones from me!"

The Frenchman sighed. "I knew the moment I first saw him. I knew when he chose you over me."

"So then why are you helping him!? If you've known all this time, why are you taking him from me again!?"

Francis hummed. "You were never there for him. You didn't raise him as you should have. Alfred waited for you every time you left. And now that he's started a revolution, you're finally paying him some mind. I feel like it's only fair, though." Francis stood and dusted his coat. "You forced me to give up Matthew."

Arthur watched as Francis exited the room, his eyes wide and heart aching in anguish. "I love him, Francis." The older man stopped. "I thought you of all people would understand that." Their eyes met for a moment before Francis left Arthur alone in the office. Arthur balled his hands into fists as he shook. "You're such a coward! You're a damned bastard! I fucking hate you! Burn in hell, you bloody frog!"

~

Arthur blankly stared out the window as Ludwig drew the meeting to a close and all the countries aside from him gathered their things and left as quickly as they could. The Brit sighed once the wide doors closed, then stood.

Slowly, Arthur organized his papers and placed them in the folder. Arthur set the folder down and ran his fingers through his hair. The Brit stepped back and made his way to the windows.

Water droplets pattered softly on the glass, cars driving down the street to get away from the building. Arthur gasped and jumped as the doors slammed open.

"Oh, dude!" The American shouted as Arthur spun around. Alfred laughed, carding his fingers through his hair. "Sorry! I just thought I left something in here!"

Arthur cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. "Then find it and leave."

Alfred whistled, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Harsh. Alright, I'll get it." Arthur watched the younger personification make his way over to where he had previously sat, and grabbed a sheet of paper. "If I didn't bring this back, boss would've killed me."

"Then go back, fool," Arthur grumbled, turning his focus back to the window. "I know you hate being in England."

Alfred paused in his tracks. "'Hate'?" He repeated. "Artie, I don't hate it here."

The Englishman bristled at the nickname. "Don't call me that wretched name!"

"Why?" Alfred set the paper down and began making his way towards Arthur. "Do you have a problem with me saying it, or the nickname itself?"

"Just don't say it!" Arthur shut his eyes and ducked his head. "Please, don't say it," Arthur murmured, his voice cracking.

"Arthur..." Alfred stopped just a few steps behind Arthur, brows furrowed in concern. "Arthur, what's the matter? Did I do something wrong? Why do you hate me so much?"

Arthur hugged himself, biting back tears. "I... I don't hate you."

Alfred scoffed, kicking at the tiled floor. "It sure seems just like it."

"I don't," Arthur whined, looking out the window as the rain poured harder. "I don't hate you... I- I'm just... I'm scared."

Alfred raised a brow, taking a step closer. "Scared? Of what?"

The Brit shut his eyes again. "I can't talk about it."

"You can't, or you won't?"

"Can't!" Arthur whipped around and glared at Alfred through thick tears. Alfred jolted back in surprise. "I can't talk about it! You don't need to know! Even if I did tell you, you wouldn't believe me and you'd say I'm lying and laugh at me!" Arthur snapped, backing up against the windows. "If you want to know so badly, listen to France's side of the story! You'll believe him, despite how wrong it is! You always do!"

The American's eyes widened, then he quickly made his way to Arthur. "No, Arthur, I won't! Arthur, you're crying!" He carefully grabbed Arthur's arms and leaned down to search for eye contact. "Arthur," he murmured softly, pressing his forehead against the Brit's. "Arthur, what's the matter? I'll listen, and I swear I won't laugh or call you a liar. Please tell me why you're always so upset and pushing people away."

Arthur sobbed, leaning into Alfred. "F-Francis... H-he's killed o-or taken ev-very one I've loved..." Alfred rubbed Arthur's arms, attempting to comfort him. "Everyone, Alfred... If I show any mortal affection, he'd kill them. I showed you my affection, and he helped you get away from me... I'm scared to show people I love them."

Alfred hummed. "Do you know why?" Arthur shook his head and sniffled.

"No," he whimpered, looking up into Alfred's eyes. "My people killed Joan, and I hadn't known about it until days later, and I had to take your brother from him or the poor boy would have never known how to defend himself! And this was centuries after he killed Merlin, and Lancelot, and Guinevere, and-and-" Arthur broke off, bursting into hiccups and loud sobs, collapsing into Alfred's arms. "I'm more scared of him than I am of time!"

The American tightly embraced Arthur, becoming confused. "'Merlin?' 'Guinevere?' Like, the people from the King Arthur story?"

"It's not a story." Arthur pulled back, wiping away tears with the sleeve of his jacket. "It really happened. Well, some of it. The tale isn't exactly historically acurate." Alfred raised a brow and ushered Arthur to continue. "I did pull Excalibur out of the stone when no one else could, and Merlin was always there for me. However... Guinevere and Lancelot were turned against me, then killed by Francis and his men, and Merlin... Killed right before my eyes as I sat in my throne... And there was someone the story never included."

Arthur breathed in deeply, then pushed Alfred away. "No, I can't... I can't say anymore."

"Wha-? No, Arthur!" Alfred held out his arms. "Arthur, please stop pushing me away- physically and emotionally. You really need to get it off your chest, and I'm here for you." Arthur stared at the ground, then shook his head. "Arthur..."

"Jones," the Brit whispered. "His name is Jones. He... I love him."

Alfred froze, his eyes wide. He stood for a moment before suddenly looking hurt. Arthur didn't see, his gaze glued to the floor. "Is... That why you gave me that as a last name?" Arthur didn't respond. "Oh..."

"I loved him... I loved Jones. He was a knight at the round table, the best with swordsmanship. He was strong, capable, funny, and made sure I smiled everyday..." Arthur smiled as he hugged himself. "He was so kind and caring. He was great with chidren. Everyone loved my Jones. He accepted me for being immortal." The Brit then frowned and squeezed his arms. "Except... Francis scolded me for caring for Jones as I cradled him... As he died in my arms as I begged him to live."

Alfred felt deep, conflicting emotions churning inside him. Should he comfort Arthur, or also scold him for loving a mortal. His next words slipped out. "What if he was using you?" Arthur's head shot up, eyes wide. "He could have been."

"Excuse me?" Arthur voice cracked. Alfred almost took back what he said. "Jones would never use me."

The American huffed. "The dude's been dead for centuries. Maybe you're remembering him wrong; mixing the memory of him with other people."

Arthur stood straight, his stance and tone showing he was deeply offended and hurt. "I could never! He was my love! He was my everything! I remember him like he just left the room! He was my first kiss, he was the first and only one I had ever lain with! I remember his voice, his touch, his smell, everything!"

"Even what he looked like?"

"Of course!"

"Then tell me." Arthur gasped and jolted at Alfred's demand. "Tell me what he sounded like, what he smelled like, felt like, looked like. Tell me his personality if you remember this guy that had died over a thousand years ago so well." Alfred stepped closer until Arthur had to tilt his head back to look him in the eyes. "What was 'Jones' like?" Alfred said the name with such distain that it sent chills down Arthur's spine.

"I... I..." Arthur couldn't form words. He trembled under Alfred's demanding stare, his heart pounding and aching. He finally mumbled something beneath his breath, too quiet for Alfred to hear.

"What did you say?" The American leaned closer, his warm breath fanning over Arthur's nose and cheeks.

Arthur shakily breathed in. "I-I said... 'E-exactly l-like'..." Arthur trailed, finding breath difficult to come by.

Alfred raised a brow. "What? Arthur, I can't hear y-"

"You!" Arthur yelped, shoving Alfred away. "Exactly like you, alright!? That's what I said! The only differences were that my Jones would never leave me, and he would never treat me with such cruelty!" Alfred blinked in surprise, having stumbled back from Arthur's outburst. "Jones loved me! He-he wouldn't have used me! If he didn't love me, he wouldn't have lain with me!"

Alfred gathered himself, recovering from his shock to retort back. "How am I exactly like him!? He's dead, I'm immortal, he supposedly loved you, and sometimes-! Geez!" Alfred laughed. "Sometimes I can't stand being in the same room as you!"

Arthur sobbed, shutting his eyes and covering his ears. "You can't possibly be my Jones!"

Silence then consumed the room, the only noise being Arthur's whimpers. "Wh-what?" Alfred stuttered, feeling an abrupt swelling in his chest.

"P-please... Please tell me it's not true," Arthur pleaded, falling to his knees and curling up in himself. "He would never say that to me... I refuse to believe you're him... I refuse..."

"Are... Are you saying you think I'm a dead guy? Your dead lover?" Alfred furrowed his brows.

Arthur leaned back against the wall beneath the windows. "I know you are!" Arthur cried, tugging on his hair. "I just don't want to! I don't want you to be him! J-Jones loves me! I know he does! His dying words were to remember him and keep him in my heart!" The Englishman gasped for breath. "Don't tell me he used me! Please! Alfred, I beg of you!" Arthur looked at Alfred, tears pooling effortlessly from his eyes. Alfred didn't know what to do. "Don't say such things with his voice, or his eyes, or anything... Please... I don't know what I did to deserve this... I don't understand..." Arthur was too vulnerable. Alfred didn't like it. It was his fault Arthur was hurting so badly and crying like a frightened and hurt child.

"I..." Alfred trailed, unable to tear his gaze away from the older nation. "I'm... Not Jones... He died, Arthur... A long time ago..." Arthur didn't react, still sobbing softly and trembling.

However, when Alfred took a single step closer, Arthur screamed and scampered back against the wall as far as he could. The American leapt back, shocked. "Arthur-"

"Get out!" Arthur wailed pathetically, tossing his head to the side so he wouldn't face Alfred. "Get out! Leave me be! Please! Please..."

Alfred didn't move. He felt as if he couldn't move. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Soon, though, Alfred couldn't stand Arthur's cries. He hurriedly grabbed the sheet of paper and left the room.

~

Arthur groaned, dropping the book he was reading and hitting the back of his head on the seat's cushion. "Can I not enjoy my reading and tea time?"

He sighed as the knocking became persistent, and stood. "I'll be there in a moment! Hold on!" Arthur set his teacup and book down on the side table before making his way to the front door. "Yes, what is-"

Arthur barely had the door open enough for him to peek out when the door flung wide open, shocking Arthur into stumbling backwards.

"Arthur, we have to talk," Alfred stated, rushing inside.

The Brit blinked, then sighed. "Oh, do please come in and make yourself at home, love," Arthur muttered, sarcasm dripping from his voice as he shut the door. "Alfred, what on earth do you need that couldn't have possibly waiting until the next meeting?"

Alfred cursed and tugged at his hair. "I'm such an asshole!"

The Brit raised a brow and crossed his arms. "Are you just realizing this?"

"No- Arthur, I- listen to me!" Alfred started pacing, furiously tugging on his hair. "I just thought they were dreams! And I made you cry!" Arthur raised his brow, pursing his lips. "I just- I got so stupidly jealous over nothing!"

"You got jealous? Of 'a dead guy'? Why?" Arthur scoffed, rolling his eyes. Alfred stopped and looked at Arthur with deeply sad eyes. Arthur narrowed his own eyes at Alfred. "Is that it? Is that what couldn't wait? Bloody hell, Alfred."

The American stepped closer, holding up his arms. "Arthur... Please, listen."

Arthur glared at the younger man, then sighed. "Fine."

Alfred exhaled in relief, his shoulders relaxing only slightly. "Thank you." Arthur then waited for Alfred to say more. "I... I wanted to leave because you kept saying that I was like your little brother!" Arthur blinked, his eyes widening. "I didn't want you to see me as your little brother! I-I wanted you to be in love with me as I was in love with you!" Alfred moved closer. "I hated how Francis spoke about you, but I knew he'd help me away. I didn't want you to hate me, and I didn't hate you. After... After the war, I started having these-these dreams. They were so strange to me, but yet so familiar. I never understood them, and I never thought more about them until two weeks ago when-" Alfred paused, staring into Arthur's shocked eyes. "Arthur, I'm a complete dick!"

The Brit gasped as Alfred threw his arms around him, tightly embracing him. "Alfred!"

"I'm so sorry, Arthur... I'm so, so sorry." Alfred squeezed the smaller man.

"Alfred, what on earth-!?"

Alfred jerked back and cupped Arthur's cheek. "Why? Why did you hold on? Why when I was such an asshole?"

Arthur furrowed his brows. "Alfred, I'm so confused."

"I..." Alfred paused, unsure of how to continue. "Arthur..."

Alfred tried finding his words, searching Arthur's eyes. Arthur still wasn't understanding, and was still hurt from two weeks previous. "Damn it, Arthur!"

Arthur jolted and gasped, Alfred crushing their lips together. Arthur was frozen still, his arms stuck in between their chests and his eyes wide. Slowly, almost hesitantly, the Brit melted into Alfred's familiar warmth. Arthur placed his hands on Alfred's shoulders, standing on his toes as the kiss relaxed, softening as they held each other. Arthur didn't push Alfred away- he tried holding him closer.

When the two finally pulled apart for air, they stared into each other's eyes. "Arthur, I've been remembering." Tears built in the Englishman's eyes. "I only thought they were dreams, so I got jealous when you spoke of my past life so fondly. Then, when you said that I was Jones- or, more accurately, that you didn't want me to be Jones- I started freaking out. I remembered the dreams, but I didn't want to believe it." Arthur cupped Alfred's face. "But, I remember, Arthur. I remember, now."

Arthur sobbed softly. "My Jones," he whimpered.

Alfred smiled. "My King."

"God, I missed you!" Arthur cried, collapsing onto Alfred and sobbing uncontrollably. Alfred held up the Brit, tightly holding him and comforting him. Arthur gripped Alfred, soaking the front of his shirt with his tears, hiccuping softly. "I-I missed you... I love you, Jones! I love you too much!"

Alfred chuckled, pressing his face into Arthur's hair. "I love you, too."