the light that shines behind your eyes (7b/9)
anonymous
June 4 2009, 07:56:54 UTC
the light that shines behind your eyes - part 7b
"But I showed my worth in the War!" Alfred says, a note of pride washing out the other emotions so recently in his voice. "I fought right along side you and all the Allies."
Arthur doesn't want to quash the gleam coming back to Alfred's eyes, but he can't bring himself to let this slide. "Yes-though West Indies contributed to victory in the Great War, too. All my Dominions and Crown Colonies did, including your brother here." He nods in Matthew's direction.
"Yeah, but," Alfred's brow furrows, "it's not the same. You controlled them."
"That hardly means their contributions, military, financial, and otherwise, count for naught."
"Arthur Currie," Matthew says. His voice is soft but his smile is wide, proud. "Vimy Ridge."
"Yes," Arthur agrees, trying to acknowledge without dwelling on that single battle. Turning the conversation back to Alfred, he points out, "You ought not put anyone else down. You weren't a full Ally, yourself." He's about to add that Alfred didn't even sign the Treaty of Versaille, but he doesn't want to get into another argument over something a decade in the past.
"That's not the point." The furrow is deepening, his face starting to flush again. "None of that is the point! The point is, I'm not worthless. I gave as much support as West Indies or any of your Colonies, I gave as many resources as all of them put together, I gave as many lives, I gave more…You should-I gave so much, for you, for. For everyone-"
Alfred is becoming overwrought, drink-fueled emotions getting the best of him. Trying to have a rational dialogue with him at this point would be futile, especially when such complex and heated matters are involved.
So Arthur tries to change the conversation's course. Remembering his earlier, unspoken point, he says, "Alfred, just because you weren't my favorite, that doesn't mean I didn't care for you. Look, when it came down to it, didn't I pick you over Japan?" But Alfred's mood will not be dissuaded by logic; he doesn't even acknowledge Arthur's words. In that case, Arthur will try to get at Alfred's own logic. "However did you come to the conclusion I don't like you at all?"
"You wanted me to fail." Alfred turns his head on the pillow so he's looking at neither Arthur nor Matthew.
tbc…
NOTE: By 1921, US-Japanese relations were steadily breaking down and the US was suspicious of Japan’s ambitions and relationship with Britain. The Canadian Prime Minister argued that continuing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance would alienate other nations, including the US. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance officially terminated on August 17, 1923.
Re: the light that shines behind your eyes (7b/9)
anonymous
June 4 2009, 09:18:12 UTC
Dear lord, this is awesome and beautiful and hot! I can't wait to read the rest of it! When it's finished, you should consider posting it to the US-Canada community. ♥
Alfred is an adorably pouty brat, Canada is incredibly sweet and strong at the same time, and England just can't help being a bit of a bastard. I love it! But I have to say, above all, the closeness of the obvious bond between Canada and America here is what really makes this fill.
Re: the light that shines behind your eyes (7b/9)
anonymous
June 4 2009, 15:30:57 UTC
...Author!anon did not know there was a US/Canada comm! I shall have to look for it.
I've had a lot of fun writing this one, especially in experimenting with new ways of characterizing some of the characters (from how I usually write them), so I'm really happy you're enjoying it so far. And I hope you enjoy it to the end even if -- spoiler alert! -- Matthew kind of fades while Arthur and Alfred sort themselves out. Or, I'm not sure that things are really sorted, but probably as much as they ever will be.
Thank you very much for reading and for your lovely comments! ♥
"But I showed my worth in the War!" Alfred says, a note of pride washing out the other emotions so recently in his voice. "I fought right along side you and all the Allies."
Arthur doesn't want to quash the gleam coming back to Alfred's eyes, but he can't bring himself to let this slide. "Yes-though West Indies contributed to victory in the Great War, too. All my Dominions and Crown Colonies did, including your brother here." He nods in Matthew's direction.
"Yeah, but," Alfred's brow furrows, "it's not the same. You controlled them."
"That hardly means their contributions, military, financial, and otherwise, count for naught."
"Arthur Currie," Matthew says. His voice is soft but his smile is wide, proud. "Vimy Ridge."
"Yes," Arthur agrees, trying to acknowledge without dwelling on that single battle. Turning the conversation back to Alfred, he points out, "You ought not put anyone else down. You weren't a full Ally, yourself." He's about to add that Alfred didn't even sign the Treaty of Versaille, but he doesn't want to get into another argument over something a decade in the past.
"That's not the point." The furrow is deepening, his face starting to flush again. "None of that is the point! The point is, I'm not worthless. I gave as much support as West Indies or any of your Colonies, I gave as many resources as all of them put together, I gave as many lives, I gave more…You should-I gave so much, for you, for. For everyone-"
Alfred is becoming overwrought, drink-fueled emotions getting the best of him. Trying to have a rational dialogue with him at this point would be futile, especially when such complex and heated matters are involved.
So Arthur tries to change the conversation's course. Remembering his earlier, unspoken point, he says, "Alfred, just because you weren't my favorite, that doesn't mean I didn't care for you. Look, when it came down to it, didn't I pick you over Japan?" But Alfred's mood will not be dissuaded by logic; he doesn't even acknowledge Arthur's words. In that case, Arthur will try to get at Alfred's own logic. "However did you come to the conclusion I don't like you at all?"
"You wanted me to fail." Alfred turns his head on the pillow so he's looking at neither Arthur nor Matthew.
tbc…
NOTE:
By 1921, US-Japanese relations were steadily breaking down and the US was suspicious of Japan’s ambitions and relationship with Britain. The Canadian Prime Minister argued that continuing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance would alienate other nations, including the US. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance officially terminated on August 17, 1923.
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Alfred is an adorably pouty brat, Canada is incredibly sweet and strong at the same time, and England just can't help being a bit of a bastard. I love it! But I have to say, above all, the closeness of the obvious bond between Canada and America here is what really makes this fill.
Thank you so much!
Reply
I've had a lot of fun writing this one, especially in experimenting with new ways of characterizing some of the characters (from how I usually write them), so I'm really happy you're enjoying it so far. And I hope you enjoy it to the end even if -- spoiler alert! -- Matthew kind of fades while Arthur and Alfred sort themselves out. Or, I'm not sure that things are really sorted, but probably as much as they ever will be.
Thank you very much for reading and for your lovely comments! ♥
Reply
Off to read the rest now. I'm sure I will enjoy it!
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