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Different Hearts, Same Love	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1572 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
***Warning: Language

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 12

When Arthur finally woke up from a nap he never remembered taking, he found that his head was pounding and his body ached. Somehow he had ended up in a stall in the stable with some sheep. How he got there or why, he didn't know. When he sat up, he felt a sharp shooting pain in his backside. It was at that moment when the memories came flooding back. He had been running through the disaster site, hearing the pain of the trees and spirits. Then he was jumped by some men who had taken him by force. Arthur unknowingly squeezed his knees tightly together, pulling the blanket over his shoulders to hide himself. The part of him that was different from others kept his mind from fully focusing on anything that wasn't part of the forest. Now that he was awake, calm, and rested, the human part of him began to emerge.

Flushed cheeks were suddenly moist with tears. He brought a finger out from under the blanket to wipe at one, watching as it dangled from the tip of his nail. It was painful to move, but Arthur made himself stand up on shaky legs. The feel of the men were still in him; he could feel their rough movements. Never had he given much thought to rape for he didn't have to fear it. Now that it had happened while he was unaware and in a different state of mind, it scared him. He had to go and see Francis for help. Normally, asking that man for help would have him vomiting the contents of his stomach. But now, he wanted the comfort and support the nobleman could give him. Francis was the only one in this whole city who could understand his strange behavior.

Walking on stiff, bruised, and aching legs, Arthur slipped through the stable gate. One of the stable hands came up to him and he quickly covered himself fully with the blanket. He couldn't trust anyone right now.

"Hey, you're awake," said the man, "Looks like you've been through some rough shit. Do you need help?" Arthur swiftly shook his head. "You sure? I could walk you somewhere?"

Arthur quickly shoved past the man and rushed out of the stable. The air was cold, but Arthur did not feel it against his naked legs or feet. Some looked at him as he made his way through the manor, and some even tried to help or speak to him. Arthur ignored them all, now running up to Francis' room. Arthur knew it was the room with all the plants outside of it and without a knock or a call, he entered.

"Arthur?"

Arthur looked at the well-dressed man sitting at the side balcony table with a cup in his hand and a tart in the other. Francis quickly placed both things back on the table and stood up, heading over to him.

"Arthur? Are you all right now?" Francis was surprised when the other walked slowly towards him, then leaned his head into his shoulder. Arthur had actually moved to embrace him for the first time, but Francis wished it were for other reasons than this. He wrapped his arms around Arthur, holding the other close to him. Francis said nothing about the man smelling like animal or grime. "Arthur," he spoke softly "tell me everything that's happened. Don't be afraid to do so. You can talk to me. I want you to talk to me. I want to help YOU, not the forest. Let me help you get better first, then I promise I will see what I can do about the forest, okay?"

"I want to leave."

"Huh? What was that?"

Arthur continued to lean in to Francis. "I want to leave this place…go back to the woods…where peace is…and people aren't."

He sighed. "Arthur, come sit down." Francis led him to the balcony table, helping him to sit. "Can I pour you some wine? I know you don't drink, but-"

"Yes." Arthur watched the red liquid pour from the sprout. It was the same color as the trees when they bled. "Thanks," he said softly when handed the cup.

"Wine will relax your nerves," Francis said with a tiny smile. "Now, tell me what you are feeling. You're a very hard man to read, Arthur Kirkland."

Green eyes glanced outside the glass doors. "You wouldn't understand."

Francis shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I can't understand if you don't tell me. What wouldn't I understand?"

Arthur narrowed his gaze at him. "Were you ever raped?"

"No, I never was." Francis could tell where this was going.

"Then you wouldn't understand."

"Maybe not everything…but I am a fellow human and I understand basic human emotions. Like helplessness, fear, shame, anger. I am human, just like you."

"But I'm not human. I'm different." Arthur looked down at his cup for a moment, and then back up at Francis, watching as the blonde hair started to melt off. "You're melting right now."

Francis could see the green eyes turning red as they gazed at him. It made him slightly uncomfortable, but he had to be strong for Arthur. "What does that mean, Arthur? When you see me 'melting', what does that mean? Do you know?"

"You're destroying yourself…and near death." His voice had become hallow. "You have a short life."

That troubled Francis a bit, but he was never one to believe in prophecies or fortune telling. Arthur may have some strange, unique features about him, but the man was still a man. Flesh and bone. "Well, that's a shame then, isn't it? Guess I will have to make the most of my life while I can."

"Why would you not better yourself?" Arthur asked him.

"I'm happy with the way I live. It's my life, you know." He sat back and casually crossed his legs. "I choose to live it in a big palace with food, wine, and servants at my fingertips. You choose to live in the woods with trees, birds, and animals. Oh, and spirits, of course."

"But…" Arthur gritted his teeth and squeezed the cup, "Why would you want to be like everyone else? Why be like all the other humans in this world? Cruel, dishonorable, wasteful, selfish, foolish, greedy-"

"Are you saying you aren't cruel and selfish?" Francis scoffed. "Arthur, you have to be one of the MOST selfish and cruel men I know." He flipped his blonde hair. "Weren't you the one who tried to have me killed just so that you could run away and live free? You were going to trade the life of an innocent man for your own; for something YOU got yourself caught up in. I was to pay for your mistakes. Even during sex you're selfish! It's all about you, and you need to be in control. So you are just as cruel as the rest of humanity, Arthur. You just act on it differently."

Arthur stared at him, taking in the words that Francis had just spoken to him. He knew all of those words to be right, but they didn't make him 'like' the rest of humanity. He understood the world on a much higher and spiritual level than the rest of the human race. Arthur was only cruel, selfish, and stubborn when it was necessary. Francis was wrong. "You are wrong," he whispered, "Your kind is cruel."

"But what about the man who came to your rescue when those thugs were raping you? He didn't have to save you, but he did. How about the man who carried you for free in his cart back to this manor, making sure you got to the door? What about me? I'm the one who has accepted you for the unique being that you are. So we're not all cruel, don't you see?"

"Those are only some examples…you're not viewing it as a whole."

"I knew you would say that," he answered with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Arthur, what can I do to help you? How can I make you feel better? Please, I want to help you."

"Even after I tried to have you killed?"

"Yes, even after you tried to kill me." Francis smirked. "I want you to see that people can be kind and forgiving. I let things roll off my back quite easily, and I know that you feel regret for what you tried to do to me."

Arthur took a heavy gulp of the wine. "Why does sex mean so much to you?"

"Pardon?" Francis blinked.

"Sex. Why is it such a necessity for you? True, it feels good, but it matters little. It's everything to the person you share it with. But with you…you go with just anyone." He put the cup down. "If I told you that I wanted you to fuck me right now, would you?"

Francis quickly averted his eyes when Arthur spread his legs and slumped slightly in the chair. "Forgive me for having respect for a rape victim."

Arthur glared, quickly squeezing his knees together. "So now you're pitying me?" He was furious.

"Calm down! Arthur, you're missing the point! Why do you get so angry over every little thing?" Francis reached over and took Arthur's hand in his own, surprised when the man did not pull away. "I'm not pitying you. I know enough about rape to understand that your body is damaged, not just physically, but emotionally as well. I would only cause you more pain and shame by sleeping with you. I would be no better than those men who took you. What about Alfred? Would Alfred had jumped at you offer?"

'He probably would have.' Arthur thought to himself. 'But he wouldn't do it to be cruel…he would think he was trying to help me feel better.' "I want you to make me feel better. I don't want to feel those men inside me anymore."

Francis gave a little sigh and shook his head. He smiled sweetly at the other. "That wouldn't work with you. No, you have to feel better about yourself before I can sleep with you again. Don't think I won't, though. I would love to show you how two people can make love and feel connected without an emotional bond."

"I don't believe you."

"I'll make you believe me. Someday." He drummed his fingers on the table. "Now, I'm calling a physician for you and I'll even have a special herbal bath prepared. After you are cleaned and checked out, we will ride out to the work site and see what can be done. Only if you are up for it."

"I will be. And please, don't send a physician for me. I'm capable of healing myself. Bring me to your manor apothecary and I will medicate myself. I will…take you up on that bath, though."

Francis smiled and said, "May I bathe with you?"

The surprising answer was 'yes'.

/

Lounging in the tub with Arthur against his chest, Francis lifted the washcloth from the water to dribble on the man's blonde head. He frowned a bit when Arthur made no reaction to the dripping, but chose to leave it be. Instead, he let the other's back rest fully against his chest while his hands stroked the other's belly and limbs. Despite what Arthur may think, Francis knew he needed gentle, nonthreatening touches. The man was emotionally and mentally damaged right now.

While he cared for Arthur, he could not see himself fully having a romantic relationship with the man. He wanted Arthur to love him, but with the recent events starting with the sacrifice, Francis started to believe that the other would not feel the same way. Arthur was definitely different from other men, but perhaps a bit too different. Arthur would never live in the city with him, not after what those men did to him and how they are destroying the trees. Arthur, on the other hand, would probably not be opposed to Francis coming to live with him. However, Francis hated the woods and could never live the life that Arthur does; rough and dirty. Still, Arthur was a friend, one who had saved him when the plague swept through his old city. Should the plague strike here, then Francis knew he would have a safe place to stay with Arthur. They may live in different places, but the two men equaled each other out in many ways.

Still, anything could happen.

"How are you feeling?" Francis asked.

"My ass feels better at least," the grumbled response came.

"But isn't it nice to be clean? See? Ahh…clean." Francis sniffed his arm of the rose oil. "Delightful."

Arthur turned his head slightly to peek a green eye at the other. "You're not getting a hard on from me practically sitting in your lap. Why?"

Francis chuckled and lifted Arthur's arm to wash it. "Surprising as it may be, I'm not always horny. Sometimes when I'm in a bath, my body is just more calm and relaxed. If you bathed more often, then perhaps you would feel the same way too."

"I do bathe, you jerk," Arthur grumbled, "Just not daily like you."

"Then start doing so." He looked at the tattoos on Arthur's back. "Hey, Arthur? Just what are these tattoos for?" Francis traced one with his finger.

"They really mean nothing. It's just some tribal designs from when I was younger, nothing to get excited about. I wish I didn't have them."

"But did you want them snake-like?"

Arthur smiled. "Yeah, because I like snakes."

"Ah, I see." Francis moved to wash the other arm. "So, are you certain you don't want me to hire some thugs to beat up the ones who raped you?"

The blonde tilted his head back to rest it against Francis' shoulder. "Nope. I'm thinking more properly now…and I have my own way of dealing with them." He knew Francis could see the dark smirk on his face.

"Please…don't fill my manor with snakes like you did with animals?"

"What makes you think that will happen?" Arthur turned his body to face Francis. "You don't even know what I plan to do."

Francis gave an amused look. "I don't want to know. Just…keep it focused on those guys. I don't want to end up with the head of a jackal or hanging upside down." Long arms wrapped around him, pulling him close to chapped lips.

"What makes you think I'll use magic?"

"Somehow, I just have a feeling." He wrapped his own arms around Arthur's waist. "Why are you so cuddly all of a sudden?"

"I'm not, it's just that this tub is cramped."

"Aww, how cute." Francis poked the other's nose. "Not only are you stubborn about touching, but you're a little liar about it too! Just say you want me to hold you. Will it kill you to say it?"

Arthur stared at him for a moment, looking into the soft blue eyes. Within them were trust and loyalty, but tainted with a hint of defiance. Francis was being true to his word and not being his normal perverted self. Arthur was flattered in a way. It did not change his feelings for Francis, though. He did not want another situation like Alfred, and that's the direction their relationship was heading in. Still, there would be no harm in a little bit of tenderness between 'friends'. "I don't want to say it…but I'll show it." Arthur hugged him tightly and felt the other hold him back just as tight. Arthur didn't know how long he remained there in Francis' arms, but the comfort was much needed at the moment. For once in a long, long time, Arthur felt cherished again.

"Hold on to me for as long as you want, Arthur. I'm not going anywhere. I won't walk out on you."

"…but you should," Arthur whispered, his eyes growing moist again, "I tried to kill you."

"And yet I forgive you." Francis rubbed his back but could feel the tightening of the other's muscles. He could sense Arthur was crying. "I'm the only one here, so let it all out, Arthur." He crushed the other man to him. "We're still human enough to comfort one another." Arthur's response was silent, but the dripping of tears and the tightening hold told him otherwise.

/

"This ride sure is bumpy," Francis whined from the carriage seat as his body rocked back and forth.

Arthur just stared at him with a lazy look. "Really? You're going to whine about the road being bumpy? Honestly, Francis, you're such a girl sometimes."

Francis gasped. "I am not like a girl! There is nothing wrong with a man wanting to look handsome, smart, seductive, and drop-dead gorgeous." Francis blew him a kiss.

"What the hell does that have to do with what I said?"

Francis coyly tapped his lip and batted his lashes. "It made you forget all your worries."

"It just reminded me of what a big loser you are." He looked out the carriage window. "So, what's your plan when you arrive at the site?"

"Not sure yet." Francis flipped his hair. "I'll decide when I am there. Now, tell me again what you've seen with the trees? What are we doing that's wrong?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "The forest spirits die when the trees are cut away and replanted. Sprites, fairies, phantoms, all sorts of spiritual that take their breath from the trees are dying."

"And…what purpose do these 'spirits' serve? What do they give to the earth?"

"They take care of the forest, of course! It's what I see at night, when I'm staring far off into the distance. I'm watching the spirits dance and play."

Francis remembered that night at the lake. "Now what about the trees? What are we, humans, doing wrong?"

"This is where it gets important, so listen up. You see, the- Francis!" Arthur sneered when he noticed the man had pulled out a hand mirror when he started to speak. "Are you even pretending to listen?"

"I am." Francis checked his teeth and moved a few pieces of hair to their proper place. "Continue on." He waved to Arthur with his hand.

"Put down the goddamn mirror and listen!" Arthur snatched it from the other's hand and sat on it, glaring. "Now, back to the trees." He ignored Francis' pout. "The trees and forest don't mind if they are cut down for useful things, like houses, boats, and carts. The forest does, however, get upset when it's mass production and people are being wasteful. The trees are crying as they die because their lives mean nothing. Half of them aren't giving themselves fully to a cause."

"Huh. Interesting." Francis tapped his chin in thought. "So, you're saying that if I, and I mean my family, if we find a use for ALL the trees being cut down, the forest will be happy?"

"Yes." Arthur nodded. "But, that means there cannot be more expansion."

Francis bit at his nail. "Um…you see, Arthur, that's an area where I would have to disagree. Upon looking at some facts and figures of this city with cousin Matthew, it's necessary for us to expand our living conditions. Too many people are overpopulating the city, and with that comes extreme outcomes like-" he gasped "Like the plague! Arthur! Do you think the trees are giving off that disease to kill the population of humans?"

Arthur just stared at him. "Francis, people are cause of all their suffering, not the forest. It is true that overpopulation in a small area can cause illness and crime…but I promise you it was not the trees or the spirits."

"Then if we are doing it to ourselves…then we must expand our cit-AH!" Arthur had shoved the base of his boot into Francis' chest.

"Do it PROPERLY, you turd. Find a way to make use of ALL the trees."

"Get your smelly boot off of me, you cur!" Francis shoved the boot away. "I already had a plan before you so RUDELY shoved your foot in my chest!" He cleared his throat. "But now I won't tell you, because you're being an ass when I've been so kind and generous."

The sudden ruckus and rumbling from inside the carriage startled the footman and driver.

They had just arrived at the construction sight, and Francis rubbed the growing bump on his head as he exited the carriage. Arthur followed right behind, wearing an annoyed frown. Francis grumbled but asked to be taken to the leader of this organization. The ground was a bit wet and muddy, forcing Francis to lift up his white pants so they would not get dirty on the bottom. Arthur, of course, trotted past him without a care about the mud. Luckily, the leader had heard of Francis' arrival and came over to meet them with a smile.

"Hello there, Lord Bonnefoy! To what do we owe this pleasure?"

"Ah, yes." Francis was still holding up his pants as if he were in a dress. "Could we perhaps talk somewhere less…muddy?" Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Of course. Come in to my tent." The man showed him to the tent and let them in. Francis took a seat immediately, but Arthur remained standing next to him. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"Well, my slave here is a bit concerned about the production and expansion of this area."

The man looked at Arthur, recognizing him immediately. "That is the man from yesterday. Yes, I remember him. He had some good ideas, they just weren't feasible."

"Now, that is where I come in." Francis said proudly, wearing a smug smirk. "I have a wondrous thought about what to do with the spare trees that we do not have a use for. I know Arthur is waiting to hear this." Arthur crossed his arms in annoyance. "Any trees we have no use for, I would like to have them chopped up into pieces and brought to the lower, poorer part of the city. That way, the less fortunate can have wood to fix or expand their houses, have burning wood for their hearths, and keep their bodies warm."

Arthur's brows rose in surprise and he looked at Francis with the hint of a smile at his lips. Had the man really come up with a solution on his own like that? Arthur couldn't help but place a hand on Francis' shoulder.

"I suppose we could do that. I don't see why not. We'll just drop the chunks of wood off at the areas and have the people divide it up how they need. Makes it easier than just burning it or dumping it into the ocean." Arthur twitched at that. "I can see that done very easily, Mr. Bonnefoy. Now, anything else?"

"Well, I do have an idea or two that will make my slave here a bit unhappy, but it will do well to help society." Francis looked to Arthur for permission to continue, and green eyes rolled. "The poor are looking for jobs and money to help build themselves up, correct? Well, if we are going to give them this wood for free, then they should pay for it by their labor. Labor, by which I mean, plant and care for new trees to replace the cut ones. Also, by giving them the wood, some of the smarter ones will properly market what they have earned, thus helping the poor to rise. It's foolproof in my opinion. What do you think, Arthur?"

Arthur squeezed Francis' shoulder. "I think that is an excellent idea. It will help the people to see just how precious the forest is, what it can give, and what they can do to give back. But we're not done yet." Arthur lifted his finger. "Production of vegetation should be more frequent here in this city! All this land you are slash and burning? Make some of it into harvesting fields full of grain and corn! Feed your workers so they can stay strong and healthy to combat diseases."

The man looked at them both, and then smiled. "Hm…I have no reason to oppose that. Of course, I cannot make those situations happen now without the boss's approval."

"My uncle, you mean," Francis answered and the man nodded. "Fair enough. I would like a proper proposal written up about this and have it brought to the manor to await upon his return." Francis stood up and shook the man's hand. "I appreciate your time and understanding, sir."

"Pleasure is all mine."

Francis saw himself and Arthur out, smiling at the other. "Well, Arthur, is that what you wanted? Are you satisfied now?"

"It would be rude of me to ask for more, but to answer your question, yes." He smiled. "I am content with how you handled things, Francis. I didn't think you had it in you."

Francis hooked his arm in with Arthur's. "I have my ways. I just need to think about them and practice first before I go forth. Now, is there anything else?"

"Yes, there is one more thing." His smirk turned dark and Francis gulped. "Take me to the nearest apothecary and alchemist. I have a few…spells…to whip up."

"I don't want to hear another word about it." Francis plugged his ears. "But…since I don't want to end up on the 'bad' end of your magic spells, I will do whatever you ask." Francis could imagine himself being turned into a plum or a kumquat.

"Good boy." Arthur leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. "Just make sure to smoke your mellow-grass and drink wine tonight…for I'll be VERY busy and you don't want to be in the right state of mind when things start happening outside."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

/

Arthur wore all black and wrapped his cloak around his shoulders, flopping up the hood to conceal his face. He flung the leather sack over his shoulder and left the manor in the dead of night, wandering out into the cold and frost. He needed a quiet, dark spot where he could have a little fire going and be alone to concentrate. Everything was with him that needed, and all that was left were some magic words and proper mixing. Arthur could not believe he had not thought of this before. He had been so distraught with the trees and dying spirits that he wasn't thinking straight. Of course he could have his revenge upon those men for raping him. He had the willpower to do so.

Arthur found a secluded spot far behind the new stable and within the small circling of trees. Next, he started a small campfire in a circle of stones he had gathered before placing an stone bowl over it. He stared at the bowl, waiting for it to grow hot enough before he could add in the ingredients. Placing his hand above the bowl to test the heat, Arthur decided it was warm enough to begin. Opening the sack, Arthur first took out some herbs and with his hands, ground them into the bowl. After, he took out a few vials of various oils and extracts, dripping the contents onto the herbs. Next came a handful of mouse bones, bird bones, and strangely, bird eyes. For this spell to work, he needed it to travel far along the winter breeze and reach its victims. Once the mixture was complete and smoking slightly, Arthur swirled his right hand over the bowl. He let the smoke dance between his fingers and knuckles, trying delicately to catch it. Closing his eyes, he started to chant a mantra of incantations. The bowl shook and bounced above the fire, like a teakettle squealing at its boiling point.

"I call upon the spirits of the dark, the forest, the sky, and the moon." He wove his hand through the smoke. "I summon thee from your restful sleep to avenge me. See the image in my head, and go forth to punish those responsible! May their food forever taste like ash and their mouths laden with sores! May their penises wither, and may their first born sons be born all daughters! In their old age, let them go blind and deaf, lost in their memories. May they forever suffer until the end of their days for their crimes against me." He stood up from the fire and threw his arms up in the air. "GO FORTH NOW, VENGEFUL SPIRITS, GO FORTH AND DO MY BIDDING!"

Arthur closed his eyes and felt a heavy gust of wind come over him. He smirked as he felt the strength of the spirits travel through him. He would have his revenge, but it was not by asking for help from others, but by his own hands. This way would be better than having Francis hire some thugs to attack them. This way would make them suffer for the rest of their lives, and they would be unable to take advantage of anyone else. Arthur smirked. "They picked the wrong man to mess with. Now that I know I can properly handle the scum of this city…I shall wreak havoc among them all!"

It felt good to exercise the true extent of his power, and he could only go higher.

End Chapter 12 TBC
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Different Hearts, Same Love