Trust Me

I met Matthew in my Senior Year of High School.

~~~

Arthur Kirkland walked through the halls of Hetalia Academy with his nose planted in a book, the words along the page creating images and pictures inside of his mind. The book was an old one, the spine of it old and worn, and the pages turning to a faded yellowish tint, the words that were once printed in black now diminishing to some sort of grey. It was still readable, however, as he was doing now.

Transfixed, he quickly maneuvered his way through the bustling students, and when casual glances were thrown his way, he brushed them off. He cared not to hear what they had to say, or how they scrutinized him for being the "book worm" of campus. Names meant nothing to him, for in a few years they wouldn't matter, and these fools who cared only for popularity and their appearance would be nothing, while he himself would aspire to be something.

Or at least, this is what he always told himself.

Though, at one point he made a mistake, completely losing himself in the words that he had a collision with someone. He let out a cry as him and whomever he'd hit collapsed onto the floor, his book flying in the air and then hitting the polished, tiled floor with a crash.

Arthur cursed softly, but then thought better when the person he'd collided with began to panic.

"Oh, oh I'm so sorry!" the voice said hastily, extending a hand.

Arthur met the gaze of the one and only Matthew Williams.

He'd always known who the boy was, though they'd never spoken to each other. Matthew had recognizable features, from his wavy blond hair, to his exotic violet eyes, to the little looped curl that he'd never been able to figure out. The glasses he wore were always being pushed up, and he was the younger brother of the football champ Alfred Jones.

Carefully he took the hand extended to him, and soon enough he was back on his feet, dusting himself off a bit. Matthew quickly scrambled over and picked up his book, and smiled at the cover of it.

"Ah, I love this book…my Gran gave this to me a long time ago…" he smiled fondly.

Arthur couldn't hold back the grin that twitched onto his lips as he took it back.

"It is a lovely book, isn't it?"

~~~

We were merely acquaintances when we first met, but ever since our first encounter, it was like sparking a fire. Slow at first, then soon it roars into a raging flame.

~~~

The library was where Arthur always ate. He preferred the quiet tranquility of the library rather than the loud cafeteria. He also liked to eat on the rooftop when no one was there, however today a schoolgirl and her friends, all freshmen, were occupying it no doubt. That's how it usually was, at any rate.


The librarian had grown quite fond of him, and always had a few books to recommend to him in the large entirety that was the library. There was always something to do there; it was his sanctuary, his good place. It was like his second home, the one more home feeling than home.

This particular morning, Arthur had finished his lunch early, though he never ate much to begin with, and was trying to find a new book to read. The librarian had already suggested a few, and he was glancing around in the particular section that she had recommended for him. His eyes scanned over the spines, some new, some old, some were even in between, but none of them seemed to perk his interest, despite how he usually enjoyed anything that he read.

He gazed around, running his finger along the titles, reading them each carefully, trying to find an interesting one. He found a title that sounded remotely interesting, so with a swift movement he removed it from the shelf, and began to read the inside cover, trying to figure out if it was worth reading or not.

Arthur was interrupted by a voice.

"That's a good one, but I think you'd like this one, better."

Emerald eyes flashed beside him, and saw the face of none other than Matthew Williams.

The boy was smiling, holding a few books of his own in his arms, two, to be precise, one on the subject of World War Two, while the other two appeared to be pleasure books.

When he saw his eyes looking at his books, he shrugged. "History report on any topic. Chose World War Two because it's interesting, even if it's sad. Anyway, here."

Matthew was holding out one of the books not in his hands, and nodded for him to take it. He did.

"I just finished it. Marvelous book, quite an ending, I might add," he winked a bit, and then smiled softly. "The one you have there is also good, like I said, but it's sad. Trust me."

Arthur looked it over, and then looked back up at him. At first he was confused, but then he smiled ever so lightly. "Thank you, I'm sure I'll enjoy it very much."

Matthew shook his head. "Tell me what you think! Well, catch you later, Arthur!"

The Brit watched him drop off some books in the check-in box, before he sped out of the library.

~~~

"Catch you later." An honest phrase, it was. The book was miraculous if you want to know, and ever since then, I was always compelled to ask his opinion on books I'd read. It became sort of a "thing" between us. He began to ask my approval as well before he read a book. It was an exchange, but honestly? It was an excuse to talk to each other.

~~~

"Haven't read that one yet, lad. Do tell me how it is, when you finish."

Matthew shrugged, tilting his head from side to side, as if weighing the pros and cons of reading said book. He eventually nodded, and set it into the pile of books to read, before writing it down on a list.

"Now, what about this one?" Matthew asked, showing a book to Arthur. "Read it?"

Arthur picked it up, and after glancing at the cover, a rare smile crossed his lips. "Ah, yes. This is a wonderful one. You'll love it very much. It's very theatre based. You like that, don't you?"

"Oh, very much. Theatre and Photography are my life, basically."

Arthur paused, glancing back at him. "Really? That's…interesting. I never knew."

Matthew hummed a bit, as if acknowledging the fact, but didn't face him as he read the summary on the back of the book. "You never asked, so I wouldn't expect you to. Though, you may have sooner or later, since I'm planning on trying out for the school play coming up soon."

His eyes lit up. "Well, that's rather lovely. I'm in the Student Council; I'm one of the judges. It'll be nice to see a familiar face, one that I actually like looking at."

If Arthur had been looking at him this time, he would've seen a faint blush dot Matthew's cheeks, but then a grin appeared on his face. "That's great! Then I can win you over with my amazing skills, trust me, but no favoritism!"

"Wouldn't dream of it."

~~~

Eventually he began to eat lunch with me. I suppose it was easier than just being like his brother---inhaling all the sustenance whole. Though, I couldn't complain. I enjoyed the company. It was pleasant, talking with him, just…being there with him. It was friendship, the thing I'd hadn't really felt in a while.

~~~

"School food is so weird."

Arthur stopped eating his own packed lunch and turned to look at the blond boy with curiosity. "What?"

"It tastes weird. Sometimes I swear it's going to crawl off my plate and just like, die there."

He set the tray down and crossed his arms, looking as if it were a protest of some sort. He huffed a bit, and then jumped a bit when he heard laughing.

Matthew glanced over and saw that Arthur was laughing, actually laughing. His face seemed a lot brighter when he laughed.

Matthew found himself smiling too.

~~~

I tell you, the more time we spent together, the more I just honestly adored him. I learned so many little things about him, pointless, but not so to me. They all meant something greater to me, one little piece of the puzzle that was Matthew Williams.

~~~

"Matthew Williams."

Matthew walked onto the stage with a broad smile on his face, looking confident in his stride. He faced the judges with pride, and winked a bit at Arthur, who, in turn, promptly gave him a light smile, waiting to be impressed.

The Canadian didn't disappoint at all. His words, despite his quiet nature, were carrying, and powerful. He looked so into his role, he could've been an actor, and not just a student trying out for the school play.

When he was over, there was a round of applause, and Yao Wang, one of the other judges, smiled for once. "Thank you, Matthew. You can go now, aru."

Matthew nodded hastily before practically leaping off the stage.

After all the performances, they gave scores and decided to post the results tomorrow. Arthur was surprised to find Matthew waiting for him, beaming.

"Hey, how'd I do?"

"Well, considering you got an applause…" he smirked a bit. "I'm not allowed to say. Results tomorrow."

Matthew's face fell, almost pouting, when Arthur winked back at him, deciding to speak anyway.

"But you did well."

~~~

The more I thought about it, the more I loved Matthew's company. I didn't want to lose it. He just gave my life so much more…comfort, in a sense, even for the small amounts of time we saw each other. Before I knew it, I was sure I was falling in love.

~~~

"Arthur!"

Arthur turned abruptly in the hallway, stopping in mid step to find Matthew heading towards him, waving. His bag was slung over his shoulder; his school books in his arms. He looked a bit surprised somehow, as if he wasn't expecting him.

"Matthew…" he said quietly, glancing around, before looking back at him.

"Hey, how are you?" the boy chirped, and began walking again. Arthur followed tentatively.

Matthew looked back at him and frowned slightly. "You're lagging behind, something up?"

He shrugged a bit. "Just…you're walking with me."

"…Yeah?"

Arthur shrunk down a bit. "Look, this may sound weird but…no one walks with me. Ever."

"Well, I am?" Matthew stopped, tilting his head at him. "Besides, you make it seem like we've never talked before."

"It's not that…"

"Then what is it?"

Arthur shook his head and continued walking. "It's nothing."

Matthew grabbed his wrist. "It's obviously something. Come on, you can trust me, I promise."

"You always talk to me in the seclusion of the library. You talk to me after school when no one's around. I just figured…that I wasn't… 'Cool' enough for you to hang out with during school hours…that's why I'm surprised…you're…here…" the Brit's voice got smaller as he spoke.

He felt a bit of a scowl form on his face as Matthew began to laugh. Though it was loud in the rambunctious hallway, he could hear him from how close they were together.

"You're so silly, Arthur," Matthew chided, taking his hands. "Trust me, once I make a friend, they're my friend always, from start to finish."

Arthur couldn't stop the blush this time from crossing his face.

~~~

Yes, I was undoubtedly, madly, and head over heels for Matthew Williams. As awkward as it may have been, I was. I couldn't help it. No one had ever really seriously shown such companionship and kindness to me. Who was I to tell my heart no? Although, as the feelings grew, it was hard to hide.

~~~

"You should come over sometime."

Arthur looked over at the boy. "Hm?"

Matthew smiled. "You should come over to my place sometime! We could have all sorts of fun! Plus…it'd be good time for us to get to know each other."

Arthur set his pencil down. "What do you mean? We don't know each other, already?"

"Well, we do. But, I don't know a lot about you, to be honest. Always shrouding yourself in mystery, really. So I was thinking you could come over, I could tell you more about me, and you all about you. Fair?"

The Brit thought for a moment, and the nodded.

"Sounds fair. Alright."

~~~

Part of me had been frightened to go over after details were exchanged. I was scared that I would do something idiotic and that he would hate me forever.

Honestly? Just the opposite happened.

~~~

Arthur laced his fingers together, shifting uncomfortable from foot to foot as Matthew unlocked the door to his house. He spared a quick look back at him, and sighed.

"Arthur, relax. It's not like I'm taking you in for murder or something."

"I'm not nervous."

"You are so."

"Are not."

"We're not having this argument. Just come inside."

The two boys walked inside, and Matthew took off his shoes, indicating Arthur to do the same as he traveled up the stairs, urging the other to follow.

They stopped at the first room on the left, and upon entering, Matthew put his bag down on the floor by the closet, and smiled back at him.

"Here we are. Not much, but hey? I don't need much."

Arthur smiled lightly at the display, and took in the features of the room. It felt quiet, like Matthew. The walls were a pale peach color, very welcoming somehow. The curtains were a faded yellow, home feeling as well.

"Lovely room."

"Thanks."

Matthew walked over and sat on the bed, shifting a bit and then laying on it, tucking his hands behind his head. "So, tell me about you, Arthur. Where were you born? When did you come here? Why did you come here? Any siblings? Parents?"

Arthur waved his hands, and sat down at the foot of the bed. "One question at a time. So pick one."

"Alright. Where were you born?"

"London, England."

"Okay, siblings?"

"Four older brothers, one younger."

He stared at him in disbelief. "You're kidding."

"What?"

"There are six boys in your family?" Matthew put a hand to his forehead. "Mon dieu, my mother would've killed herself."

Arthur laughed. "Yes, quite a handful we are, I assume."

The cycle continued like this, little things being exchanged between the two here and there. It felt good just to talk, to laugh.

And in Arthur's case, to love.

~~~

Nothing could have gone better.

~~~

They had long since gone quiet, and they just sat there in each other's company, content with just that, when Matthew hugged his pillow to his chest, plopping over on the bed.

It was bloody adorable in Arthur's opinion.

He instantly turned away, trying to keep from showing his opinion when Matthew frowned. "Something wrong?"

"N-no. Not at all. Why?"

"You won't look at me."

"I can."

"Then do it."

"I will."

"Do it now."

Slowly, Arthur turned to face him, his blush rising as he did. He felt the scrutinizing gaze of violet eyes, and only prayed that it wasn't terribly noticeable, though he knew it was without a doubt. His eyes darted away, unable to meet his.

"You're blushing."

"Am not."

"Arthur, your face is all red, don't even try to lie to me."

Arthur scowled, and then turned away again. "What does it even matter to you?"

"I want to know why you're blushing. Thinking about a girl~?" he teased lightly, meaning it as a joke.

The Brit crossed his arms, clearly displeased. Matthew covered himself. "I was joking. But seriously, are you okay?"

The question was one of which Arthur wasn't sure he could answer. He honestly wasn't okay, in love and kind of a mess, frankly. How was he to answer this?

"Well…"

"Arthur, are you in love?"

The older blond looked back at him. "Huh…?"

"You're in love. No one gets that kind of a face when they're not. I've seen it on Al a million times, and now I'm seeing the exact same look on you. You've got a crush on someone, who is it?" they were sitting side by side at this point.

Again, he wasn't sure how to answer. How could he possibly tell him that he was the one he loved? Could it be he already knew? He hoped that wasn't the case, but if it were, why was he asking? He sighed, and continued to look in the other direction, the door suddenly more interesting than Matthew himself.

"You can trust me. Come on, tell me."

Arthur laced his fingers together again.

"I'm in love with you, Matthew."

~~~

When those words left my mouth, I had been afraid, and even more afraid of his answer. I shouldn't have been.

~~~

"I love you too."

Arthur wasn't sure he heard right. "W-what?"

Matthew sat up and smiled at him, totally serious. "I love you too. I've always loved you. Since I saw you in freshman year, I've loved you."

"T-then why didn't you tell me?" the Brit demanded, eyebrows furrowing in anger.

"Did you want to tell me when you fell in love? No! I was scared too, okay? I was afraid of getting rejected. So I figured…that if I just got to be your friend, it would be good enough. Make sense?" the Canadian said, his eyes softening as well.

Arthur didn't respond at first, just stared back at him, emerald clashing with violet, before slowly he leaned over and pressed his lips to the other's.

It was a small kiss, a bit sloppy too, but it was blissful to Matthew all the same, and to Arthur as well. They held that kiss for a few seconds, before pulling back. Both of their faces were covered in red, but they didn't care.

As if knowing exactly what was wanted, the two embraced.

~~~

After that, things were high and flying from there. I loved Matthew and he loved me. We were perfect, everything was just happiness from then on out.

~~~

The Brit and the Canadian walked down the hall together, their fingers intertwined at their sides, not giving a care in the world who saw, because they loved each other, and that's all that mattered.

~~~

So from an accidental run in, I'd made a best friend and a lover, all over time. I didn't feel lonely anymore, not one bit.

~~~

The two sat on the roof, the sun setting just above the horizon, turning the sky from blue to orange and pink and red, beautiful, really. They were quiet, just enjoying each other's presence, though the occasional word was said here and there.

After a prolonged quiet, Matthew turned to him. "Hey, Arthur, come here, turn to me."

Arthur did as he was told, and Matthew took off his glasses, placing them on the Brit's face. He went to protest at first, before Matthew held up his hand, and Arthur being Arthur, stopped talking.

He waited a moment, and then broke out into a broad smile. "You look really cute with glasses on, you know that?"

He blushed again, but this time with a smile on his face.

~~~

Funny how things worked out, from then on. We graduated not too long after, and after that, we did our best to stay in touch. Though, we both headed off to college, as we'd planned. Maintaining the relationship was a bit of a hassle, but it lasted well enough, and we planned meetings every so often, so it wasn't as if we never saw each other.

~~~

"Where are you?"

"I'm almost there, love. Please wait a bit longer."

"Sorry, I miss you, you know?"

"I miss you too. Ah, I'm here, I'm hanging up now."

Arthur grinned broadly as he stepped out of the car, placing his hands into his pockets. He locked the car and headed past the fence, and smiled as he saw Matthew sitting on the park bench.

He smirked a bit as he approached, and then walked up to behind the bench, placing his hands over the Canadian's eyes. "Hello, love."

Matthew began laughing as he pulled his fingers off, dropping them. "Hey, cut it out. Your fingers are cold."

"Are they?"

"Yup."

Arthur motioned for Matthew to stand. "Let's go walking, I want to catch up."

"Sounds great."

The two walked through the park, chatting away as if no one was there to know, or to listen. Their hands were intertwined with each other yet again, and Arthur realized how nice it was to feel another person with him, there.

After a while of walking, they decided to head down to a local café for something to eat, when Arthur had to stop by his car to grab something. Matthew didn't get a chance to see what said thing was, and Arthur didn't tell.

They went and sat down, ordering something to drink, before Arthur got his attention.

"Matthew," he began, setting a book on the table. "Here you go."

Matthew looked a bit bewildered as Arthur slid it across the table, and he looked at it, reading the back. "Oh, this looks good. I don't think we've done book talks in forever."

"No, I don't think we have. I bought you a bookmark too, take a look at it."

Matthew opened the book, and the mark slipped out, but something glimmered a bit as he did.

His breath hitched as he picked it up.

It was a simple bookmark, peach in color, but on it were words written in purple, in cursive, the words 'Marry Me~?' On the tassel hanging from the top, was a ring.

Matthew couldn't speak as such an emotion he wasn't expecting to feel overwhelmed him. He nodded his head quickly, before he began to cry, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clenched the bookmark tight.

Arthur smiled as well, walking around the table, sitting next to him, and finally pulling him into a hug.

~~~

I met Matthew in my Senior Year in High School. That love traveled from that fateful day, to graduation day.

People used to say that only Fairy Tales ended in happily ever after.

Well, if that's true, I guess I'm just trapped in my own perfect fairy tale.