the man with the fullest calendar
(Ramadan Mubarak!!)
Will we burn inside the fires of a thousand suns?
More dysfunctional dynamics —
Arthur's favourite is Alfred, but years of bitterness over Alfred's revolution means he doesn't treat him very well even when they finally get over that hurdle.
Meanwhile, Arthur thinks of Matthew as 'ex colony' and 'ally' and not much else, yet takes his side whenever there's conflict between the brothers, and treats Matthew like an equal in a way he only does with Alfred when forced to, and doesn't bother doing with Australia and New Zealand at all.
This is terrible for Matthew, and he doesn't realise it until it's too late.
A younger Matthew basks in the attention and flaunts it at his newly independent brother — to prove he made the right choice by not leaving, to work off his righteous anger for the hurt Alfred caused Arthur. For a time, Matthew really believes he's now Arthur's favourite, and he thrives.
Arthur, of course, is lavishing Matthew with attention to make a struggling Alfred regret his decision to leave. Matthew has new, comfortable clothes, and Alfred has to patch up the holes in his scratchy old shirts himself. Arthur spends nearly all his time with Matthew in the years after Alfred's revolution.
But eventually, Arthur's attention wanes. He has other colonies, more valuable ones, and Matthew doesn't have that something that makes Arthur love him despite a lack of riches. (Whatever Alfred had, Matthew thinks.)
In the meantime, Alfred's bonded with Francis, and their relationship is real. Francis treats Alfred like a son and a friend.
Arthur starts treating Matthew with polite disinterest, now that he's no longer trying to make Alfred jealous. Still, the physical dynamic between Arthur and Matthew doesn't change. Arthur treats Matthew better than he treats anyone else because he's used to doing that - there's just no feeling behind it. (Eventually, of course, that polite disinterest turns into a real acquaintance, a comfortable dynamic, but never the affection Matthew craves.)
It alienates Matthew from Australia and New Zealand, too, who see Arthur's treatment as a sign of love and favour they felt they didn't receive. They joke around with Alfred about Arthur being a jerk and then stop when they notice Matthew in the room.
Matthew can't say anything, not when Arthur never interrupts him when he shares his ideas. When they meet for breakfast every month and Arthur takes all his advice into consideration.
Matthew has Arthur's respect but lost out on everything else — a closer relationship with Francis, a camaraderie with Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, no one thinks Alfred has Arthur's respect, but Matthew knows he has his heart, and Francis' affection, and a friendship with Australia and New Zealand.
How can Matthew not resent his brother for having everything he wants?
why do i have to wake up
Yall up to see my ch America art
America save me
Incredible, no notes.
Edit:
So,so corny I love it 😭😭😭
i wanna starve to death
#1 fan of any American character in a diverse cast unless you are as well then we can share
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