Chapter Text
Goodnight.
Those were the last words Arthur heard from Francis before succumbing to sleep, his eyes shut as his hair spread across the pillow. Inside his head was a completely different territory. It was a red void, with a simple black door at the back. However, nothing was ordinary about this. He sat in it, holding the lifeless body of France, his hands stained with blood.
“Francis…” He whispered, before tears started to drop, his grip fighting as his head dropped into France’s now still chest. This was all his fault, and there was no turning back.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I’m so fucking sorry… Don’t leave me again…” He choked out. His scarlet-fangs had now made him sick, and he utterly despised himself. “Francis…”
Angleterre?
England’s eyes finally opened, his mouth letting out a gasp as he quickly sat up, his eyes filled with tears. Next to him, he saw the Frenchman, already awake and watching.
“Bad dream again?” France questioned. This was the second time this week..
“Look Arthur, you’ll never hurt me. It’s not your fault you’re having these nightmares.”
“Why couldn’t I just stay in a coffin or some shit..? Pritani could’ve just left me in the dirt…” Arthur sobbed out, his arms clinging onto Francis’ shakily.
“Don’t you dare say that. You know it’s not your fault.”
“What if it is?” He doubted as he let tears flow through.
Arthur sniffed softly, trying to wipe his tears away.
“Francis..”
“What?”
“What if that happened?”
“What if what happened?”
“What if I… was the cause of—“
France gently shushed him. “I don’t actually want to hear it, idiot…” He scolds softly. “…That will never happen.”
“But what if it does?! What if it happened during one of our missions? What then, do I just go astray into the forests and eat an animal or something?!” He said in both a sarcastic and panicked voice.
“I will always make sure it never happens.”
“But—“
“Angleterre.” He whispered, his hand gently cupping the Englishman’s cheek. “I will.”
Arthur’s breath hitched before he started shakily; “Please… please never ever leave me…” He sobbed as he felt France’s arms touch him so gracefully and with such care. “Never.” The other whispered back, as they embraced each other in the dark.