One
Alfred F. Jones was a very energetic, upbeat, pretty loud, and happy man. He usually had such a huge grin on his face, but not today. Today he just lied face down on his couch. Not moving, not speaking, pretty much just laying there. The cushion his face was on, was soaking wet from his tears. The reason he is like this, you ask? Well, in order to understand that, I'll have to take you back about four days earlier.
It was about six o' clock in the morning. Alfred was sleeping comfortably in his bed, having a dream about hamburgers. There was a knock at his bedroom door, but he was too lazy to get up and answer. The knock came again a little louder. Alfred mumbled angrily and placed his pillow over his ears. A small laugh came from the other side of the door along with the knock. "Alfred? Get up, you git." at the familiar voice and name calling, Alfred moved the pillow and sat up a bit. He stared at the door and wondered if he were still dreaming.
The knock came again, this time with a sigh. "Jones. I didn't fly all the way down here for you to just sleep in. Come on, Alfred. Are you even in there, you git?" Came the voice. Alfred grinned and hopped out of bed. He swiftly made his way to the door and listened in. "Alfred? Are you even here? Your roommate said you were." The voice said once more. Alfred was sure he wasn't dreaming and opened the door. "Arthur!" Alfred cheered happily and hugged the man on the other side of the door. The man, Arthur, laughed at Alfred's childish behavior. "You bloody wanker, calm down. Why are you so excited?" Arthur asked.
"Dude, It's been forever since I've seen you." Alfred smiled and let go of Arthur. "I know. Sorry for missing your birthday."Arthur apologized. "Again." Alfred teased. Arthur gave a small sigh. "Yes, again. I'm really sorry." Arthur rubbed the back of his neck. "No need to apologize, dude. You flew all the way from England to be here now. I'm really happy." Alfred smiled once more and hugged Arthur again, this time more calm and gentle. Arthur blushed a little and hugged back.
"Hey, you said that you met my roommate?" Alfred asked. The two broke the hug. "Well, not exactly. I only asked him where you were." Arthur explained. "Well you two need a proper meeting!" Alfred yelled excitedly. "Why are you so energetic right now? I specifically came here at an early hour, so that you'd be calm and less hyper." Alfred grinned at his friend. "Dude, how can I not excited when you're here?" Arthur blushed again and sighed. Alfred took Arthur's hand and ran to another room where they met another man. He sat at a desk and was writing. He had short, black hair and seemed very calm.
"Hey, Kiku, dude. This is my friend Arthur." Alfred smiled and draped his arm over Arthur's shoulders. Kiku looked up from his work and gave a small bow. "Hello. It is a pleasure to meet you, finally. I am Honda Kiku." Kiku gave a slight smile. "The pleasure is mine. Nice to meet you, too. What does he mean by finally?" Arthur looked to Alfred who gave a nervous smile and a slight shrug. Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Alfred-san speaks about you often." Kiku stated. "Is that right? How often is often?" Arthur smirked a little. Alfred blushed and tried sending signals to Kiku to drop the entire subject.
Kiku tilted his head slightly and smiled a little. "Just...often." Kiku finished and looked back to his work. Arthur kept his smirk, making Alfred blush more. "I'll go make some tea. Would either of you like some?" He asked. "S-sure." Alfred agreed. "Hai. Thank you." Kiku stated, focused on the paper. Arthur nodded. "Where's your kitchen?" he asked. "Uh, across the hall." Alfred directed. Arthur gave a swift thank you and made his way across the hall. Alfred sat on the couch and hugged a pillow. "Kiku, dude, why'd you have to tell him that?!" Alfred asked getting a bit flustered. Kiku shrugged. "Alfred-san doesn't seem too upset." Kiku smiled, still staring at his papers. "S-shut your face!" Alfred blushed.
Kiku gave a small laugh. "I wanted to let Alfred-san know that I am not going to be here this week." Kiku informed him. "Wait wha-? Oh yeah, you did say something about going over to Ludwig's place. What for again?" Alfred asked, sitting back on the couch. "We have a project due for class, remember? Alfred-san begged Sensei to let him work by himself." Kiku reminded. "Oh yeah! I remember. Dude, I had a damn good reason! He was planning on making me work with Ivan and his little sis, Natalia. Those two creep me out." Alfred explained. "Hai. I agree. But Alfred-san has yet to start on any of the project. Sensei said it was half of our overall grade." Kiku explained.
"Of course he did. That totally sucks." Alfred sighed. "What was the project again?" "We're supposed to write about a life changing event in our lives. After you're done with that, you and your teammates are supposed to come together and create a poem from what you've all learned in those three or four events." Kiku explained, finally looking up at Alfred. "Okay, but I don't have a team." Alfred pouted. "Hai, Sensei told you to write about an event in your life and just write a poem based on that." Kiku reminded. "Cool. Thanks dude. Uhhh, whose your partners?" Alfred asked. "Feli-san and Ludwig-san." Kiku smiled. "That's going to be one interesting poem." Alfred smirked. Kiku sighed and smiled. "I agree."
Arthur walked back into the room with the cups of tea. He handed the two their cups and sat on the other couch across from Alfred. "So how's school, Alfred?" He asked. Alfred shrugged. "He hasn't started on his project. It's worth a lot." Kiku stated. Alfred swiftly and forcefully threw a pillow at Kiku's head. Kiku fell over onto the floor. "Alfred!" Arthur exclaimed. "What? He deserved it." Alfred pouted. Kiku stood up, dizzy. "Are you alright?" Arthur asked concerned. "Hai. I'll be fine." Kiku gave a short laugh and checked his watch. "I'm heading over to Ludwig-san's dorm now. Sayōnara Alfred-san, Arthur-san." Kiku smiled and collected his papers. He left in the matter of a few minutes.
"You didn't have to be so hostile." Arthur scolded. "Yeah, yeah. I know." Alfred laughed. "Why haven't you started on the project?" Arthur asked. "Well, I kinda forgot about it. I'll get to it eventually." Alfred yawned. Arthur sighed, but let it fade into a sincere smile. "Alfred? Do you have any pencil and paper?" he asked. Alfred gave a confused look. "Uhh, yeah. Right there on the table."
"May I use them?"
"Sure, dude. Go ahead."
"Thank you." Arthur reached for the utensils and began writing. "W-What are you writing, dude?" Alfred asked curiously. "Something important to someone really important to me." Arthur explained. "What is it? A love letter?" Alfred teased. "You could say that. Yes." Arthur admitted. "R-really?!" Alfred asked feeling a bit crushed. "Yes." Arthur stated, still writing with a smile on his face. "Oh. W-well, What's the chick's name?" Alfred asked a little upset. Arthur blushed. "Um, A-Amelia." He stuttered. Alfred pouted and huffed as he layed down on the couch. After a while, Arthur asked for an envelope.
"Here." Alfred tossed the envelope onto the table and flopped back onto the couch. "What got into you?" Arthur asked. "Nuthin'." Alfred huffed. "Okay." Arthur sighed. Alfred stole a small peek at what Arthur was doing. He watched as he placed the stamp and draw a cute little heart on the envelope. Alfred blushed at the thought and turned back over, with his face and back faced away from Arthur. "You're so girly, Iggy." Alfred stated." Arthur blushed. "Sh-shut up you bloody git." Alfred laughed a little.
"Done." Arthur announced after a little. "Cool." Alfred sighed. Arthur tucked the envelope into his jacket pocket and smiled at Alfred. "So, how's school going for you?" Alfred asked. The smile on Arthur's face quickly faded. A sad aura surrounded him. "It's...fine. I'm being home-schooled." Arthur explained. "What?" Alfred sat up and faced Arthur. Arthur starred down at the floor. "Were they still bulling you?" Alfred asked. "It's nothing to worry about." Arthur smiled sadly. "Dude, I told you before, if you keep talking to your imaginary friends, then they will keep messing with you." Alfred scolded.
"They're not imaginary!" Arthur argued. "Dude! No one else can see them but you. They. Are. Imaginary. They don't exist!" Alfred yelled and covered his mouth, realizing how loud and aggressive that sounded. Arthur's eyes widened. "Y-you think I'm crazy?" "I never said that." Alfred shook his head.
"But you were thinking it. Weren't you?"
"A-a little, but Arthur-"
"Shut up."
"Arthur, don't do this."
"Just shut the hell up Alfred. You're no better than anyone else in this damned world." Arthur stood up and headed for the door. "Hold on. I'm sorry." Alfred apologized and followed after him. "Save it, Idiot." Arthur walked out, and Alfred followed. "Wait, Iggy-" "Don't call me that! Why I ever thought I could trust you, is beyond me. You're just like the rest." Arthur sighed, frustrated. "Fine! Whatever. Go back home. I guess you wasted your damn money coming here in the first place." Alfred yelled. A flash of hurt filled Arthur's eyes. "I-I guess I did. Don't expect me to come to any of your blasted birthdays ever again." Arthur stated.
"Like I ever expected you to come to one in the first damn place!" Alfred yelled, ran into the house, and slammed the door. Arthur flinched and let a stray tear fall. "I fucking hate you, Alfred!" He yelled and left. Alfred put his back to the door and slid down to the floor. "Like I give a d-damn." Alfred hugged his knees and placed his forehead on his arms. "I'm sorry, Arthur. I'm sorry."
The next day, Alfred layed in bed, unable to have slept that night. He sighed and sat up. He looked to his phone. No new messages. He spent that whole afternoon texting Arthur to apologize. He hadn't responded to any one of them. "Arthur, You can't be that mad at me. W-we're best friends. R-right?" Alfred sighed. "I know. I-I'll go see about him. Whenever he's here, he always stays at that same old hotel, whenever he's not staying over at my place." He jumped out of bed and got dressed. He headed for the door and heard a knock. Alfred smiled sadly.
"A-Arthur? Dude I am so sor-" He opened the door and standing there was a man in a tuxedo. "Can I help you?" Alfred asked confused. "Yes. Are you Mr. Alfred F. Jones?" The man asked. Alfred gave a small nod. "Y-yeah. Is there a problem?" Alfred asked. "I am Detective Taylor. I'm sorry to inform you sir, but your friend Arthur Kirkland got into an accident yesterday and is no longer with us." The man stated. "What?" Alfred asked. "Arthur was going across a street and a drunk driver hit him. The force was enough to kill him. There was nothing we could do." Taylor stated. "N-No way. You're lying. Where's Arthur? He's playing a prank on me, isn't he? To get me back for yesterday, r-right? Tell me it's a prank. Say you're lying." Alfred begged.
"I'm sorry. We have apprehended the driver and he is being charged as we speak." Taylor sympathized. "I don't- I-I don't give a shit about that! What do you mean there was nothing you could do to save him?!" Alfred yelled, tears welling up in his eyes. "He was hit and then the driver carelessly ran over the body, crushing his skull and chest. I'm sorry." Taylor apologized once more. Alfred let his tears fall and punched the wall. "W-was there a l-letter on him?" Alfred asked. "A letter?" Taylor asked confused. "Yeah, a little letter in his pocket. H-he was gonna send it to some girl." Alfred explained wiping some of his tears. "We confirmed that he was walking out of a post office. We can assume that he already sent the letter." Taylor stated. "G-good. Is there a-anything else you need?" Alfred asked a bit more hostile then he'd hoped. "No sir. Again, I am very sorry." Taylor once again apologized and left the dorm. Alfred made his way over to his couch and just layed there, face down, letting the cushion soak up his tears.
He stayed like that for the past two days, wallowing in self pity. He was totally heart broken. His best friend was now dead. What was he to do now? A knock at the door was heard, but Alfred more than refused to get up. He heard the door unlocking, so he assumed it was Kiku coming back to get something he left. "Mon Dieu. Alfred, get up. This isn't healthy. Sit up. How long have you been like this?" Came the voice of Francis. He pulled back the curtains, letting light enter the dark room. Alfred sheilded his eyes and sat up. "Damnit Francis. Close the curtains! Are you trying to fucking blind me?!" Alfred grumbled. Francis sighed and sat next to him. "I heard what happened with your friend, Arthur, was it?" Fancis asked. Alfred nodded, still shading his eyes.
"Ah, oui. The little blonde one with the unruly punk hairstyle. He used to always call me a frog. Such a nuisance. And he'd always talk to himself. He was pretty crazy, no?" Francis said. "Shut up, Francis. You've no right to talk about him that way! He was not crazy!" Alfred snapped and glared at Francis. Francis stared at Alfred's face, and gave a sad smile. Alfred's face was really pale. His eyes were red and puffy. All life and happiness was drained from this man. Francis sighed. "C'mon. Talk to big brother Francis. By the way you scolded me, it seems that you are really fond of that man and cared for him a lot. Am I right?" Francis smiled sincerely.
"Of course. H-he was my best friend." Alfred gave a slight chuckle. "He was here with you yesterday, no? You were the last one he spoke with?" Alfred nodded. "Tell me, what were his last words to you?" Francis asked. Alfred tensed up at the thought and his eyes filled with more tears. "They were...Th-they were 'I fucking hate you, Alfred.'" He let the tears pool over at the hateful words. Francis scooted closer to Alfred and spoke again. "And what would have happened to be the last words he heard from you, mon ami?" Alfred thought back. He opened his mouth,but froze. "I said, ' Like I ever expected you to come to one in the first damn place.'" Alfred gulped. "What were you two talking about, might I ask?" Francis moved closer. "My birthday and school. I was sorta upset that he missed my birthday again and the fact that he was being bullied. He said he was getting home-schooled." Alfred explained.
"If he was being home-schooled, then he would have been safe from any harm. Why would you be upset over that? And he rarely comes to any of your birthdays, so what changed. If you're going to bring up his 'friends' then save it. I already know that you naturally ignore them and stick up for him on that subject, so what aren't you telling big brother Francis?" He asked getting a little closer. It went unnoticed by Alfred. He sighed shakily and ran his finger threw his hair. "I...H-he was writing a letter." Alfred admitted. "A letter?" Francis asked confused "Yeah. It was a love letter. H-he was writing a love letter to some chick, Amelia." Alfred explained. France sensed hatred seething through each word in that last sentence and gave a small nod. "Are you perhaps, jealous?" Francis smirked. "N-no way! I'm the hero! I'm not supposed to get jealous." Alfred laughed off the comment. "You claim you're the hero, yet you couldn't even save your best friend?" Francis stated bluntly.
His words struck pain through Alfred's heart. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He clenched his fists and teeth. "Alright. I-I get your point." Alfred sighed. "Now I'll ask you this-" France moved his face close to Alfred's ear. "What was Arthur to you?" He whispered. A chill went through Alfred's spine. He blushed and an eye twitched. Francis smirked. "What was he to you?" France asked again. This time Alfred hit him in the head and pushed him off the couch. "Don't touch me. And never do that again, dude." Alfred ordered and then gave a slight shiver. Francis gave off a chuckle, that turned into an all out laugh. He held his throbbing head. "O-ow. Heh, I bet you wouldn't have done that to Arthur." Francis continued laughing. Alfred looked at him with confusion, yet let it fade into a small laugh.
"You're one weird dude, Francis." Alfred laughed. "Oui, I guess so. Well, I'd better go. I have to goand pick up your brother. I'll tell him you are doing better now." Francis stood up and smiled. "Thanks. I wouldn't want him to worry." Alfred gave a small smile. Francis headed for the door and stopped. "Oh yeah, Kiku told me to remind you about the project." Francis said. "Oh! Yeah, I got it. I'll get it done. I Have the perfect plan." Alfred grinned brightly and gave Francis a thumbs up. Francis smiled widely. "It's good to see you smile again." Francis stated and left the house. Alfred sighed happily and stared off at the sky through the window. He placed his glasses on and grabbed some pencil and paper.
Three days later after class, Alfred walked out of his classroom with a proud grin plastered on his face. He stared down at his essay paper and cheered inwardly. "The world must be coming to an end, or somethin'! Who would've guessed I'd get the highest grade in the class?!" He smirked at his grade. It truly was the highest one in the class. Everyone was amazed. "Wow Jones. That poem was beautiful!" one girl complemented. "Yeah. I never knew you were so poetic." Another girl practically swooned. "So who was it about?" The last asked. "Well, that's a secret." Alfred scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Oh c'mon. Tell us." The second girl whined. "Sorry, girls. I gotta go." Alfred said and flashed them his winning smile.
"I was afriad I might never be able to see Alfred-san's smile again." Kiku smiled. "Oh. Sup Kiku. I was surprised that I didn't see you're team." Alfred stated. "We had something to deal with. It's nothing." Kiku looked off sadly and sigh. He turned back to Alfred with a smile. "I was hearing rumors going around saying that we all should prepare for the apocalypse, because Alfred-san made the highest grade in our class." Kiku smiled. "Hells yeah! Check it!" Alfred grinned wide as he showed Kiku his grade. "Good job, Alfred-san. You'll have to read it to me sometime." Kiku smiled. "Alright, but i'm sorta headed back to New York for a bit. I kinda miss that place." Alfred smiled. "Have fun. See you when you get back, Alfred-san." Kiku gave Alfred a swift bow and was on his way. Alfred shrugged and headed back to his dorm to prepare for his trip to New York.
On the plane, Alfred couldn't help but to read through his poem again. He was pretty proud of himself.
Why was it you?
You, the one that took care of me.
You, The one I woke up every morning to see
You, The one that brightened my day.
You, The one that lead me on my way.
Why was it you?
You, the only one I dreamed about.
You, the only one I cared about.
You, the one I called my best friend
You, the one I wanted to stay with to the end.
Why was it you?
You, the one that made me feel this way.
You, the one that made everything feel okay.
You, The one I told my secrets to.
You, the only one who knew.
Why was it you?
You, The one I would've died for.
You, The one that made me feel more.
You, the one that made me feel like a hero.
You, The one that never made me feel like a weirdo.
Why was it you?
You, that one let me be free.
But, You're still you.
You, The one that left me.
I'm never going to forget that day,
Because I never got to say the words I wanted to say.
I've practiced it a lot, even in the rain.
The hurt is still growing, my heart is in pain.
You died because of me.
That's my burden to bear.
I miss every little thing about you.
From your clothes to your hair.
If I say those three words everyday.
Maybe once, one of my confessions will lead astray.
To find the angel's ears that belong to you.
And maybe you'll feel the same way too.
Why was it you,
The one that made my tears fall.
You, the one that made me punch a wall.
The one I wanted to confess my feelings to.
Arthur, I love you.
~ Dude, I miss you.
Alfred F. Jones
A stray tear slid down Alfred's face. "Damnit Iggy. I-I wish you could've read this." Alfred sighed. "Attention Passengers. I am glad to inform you that we are now arriving in New York. Please prepare for our safe landing. Thank you for flying with us today." The flight attendant lady called over the intercom. "Cool." Alfred smiled. Time really flew by quickly while he was reading that poem and having flachbacks about his time spent together with Arthur. When the plane landed, Alfred stretched and headed for his apartment. He soon arrived and saw one of his old neighbors and good friend. "Hey Alfred! Wassup. Long time no see." The man smiled. "Hey Mathias. Nice to see you dude." Alfred smiled brightly.
"You too. So how has school been treating you?" Mathias asked. "Pretty good really. Hey, Have I gotten any mail recently? I'm gonna walk past it so might as well check, right?" Alfred shrugged. "Well, none that we haven't already sent to your dorm, but I think I did see the mail guy stop by and place something in yesterday. It should still be there." Mathias recalled. "Alright, great. I'll go check. See ya later." Alfred grinned and headed for the mail room. As Mathias said, there was one envelope. Alfred reached for it and stuffed it into his jacket pocket without giving it a proper glance. He headed for his apartment. He unlocked the door and made his way in. He flopped down on his couch and didn't bother to do anything else.
He nodded of to sleep, but woke up almost instantly. There was this weird feeling nagging at him. He sat up and ran his fingers threw his sandy blonde hair. "Oh yeah. I have that letter." He reminded himself. He dug in his pocket and grabbed the letter. He blinked at the envelope and squinted. He switched on the lamp behind him and stared at the envelope again. He was awake right? He wasn't just dreaming what was in front of him, right? He stared at the envelope more. His eyes made it's way to that stamp. Then over to the cute little heart drawing. He had to steady his breathing as he opened this envelope. His hands shook. He pulled out the flimsy piece of paper that he would never forget. He gulped as he began to read that beautiful handwriting he loved and missed so much.
Dear Alfred,
You look so cute with your pouting face right now. I just told you that this letter is for some girl named, Amelia. To be honest, I'm not lying to you. That's just what I believe would be your name if you were a girl. Funny right? Sorry for making you so upset. Look, I'm writing this because I know that soon enough, You and I are going to argue like we do every meeting between the two of us. I didn't just come here today to visit you, or to just apologize for missing your birthday. (For that, I am still truly sorry.) I'm here for more of a selfish sort of reason. I've been talking with old frog face. He's been getting to me lately. I finally took that bloody wanker's words to heart this time and manned up the courage to come and really tell you how I feel about you and I. But in the end I just couldn't find the right words to say it to your face. Honestly, I've practiced it a thousand times, and yet I just can't say those damned words to you in fear that I'd ruin what we have right now, Alfie. Promise you won't hate me for this alright? You've been my best friend since, well forever and I don't want to lose you. I'm sending this letter in the mail only because I don't want to look at you while you read this. It's because of my fear of rejection. I'm babbling now, aren't I? Knowing you, you'd be saying something like, "Iggy, dude, get to the point." Well fine. Alfred F. Jones, I love you. I want you to always remember that and keep hold of the memories we share. Lord know I'll never let them go. I've said it a million times and practiced it for forever. I love you, Alfred. I love you. I love you. I honestly hope you feel the same. Don't ever forget me Alfred. I'll never forget you. There's a special place in my heart that only you hold. I love you. Alfred, I love you. I'll always love you. No matter what I say from this day forward, even if I say that I hate you, don't believe me. You're too dear to me and there's nothing you can do or say for me to even think about hating you. How could I ever hate my hero?! I will always and forever love you. For as long as I live and more. I love you.
~Your best friend always ,
Arthur.
Alfred was on the floor. Hands and knees. He breathed heavily at what he just read. He shook violently and uncontrollably. His tears flowed and he clenched the paper with all of his might. He wept loudly and cursed himself. He'd been keeping it all in, trying to suppress his sadness and loneliness. After the talk with Francis, it had helped some but deep down Alfred had only locked himself in a small cage and kept his emotions bottled up, so that no one else would worry. He gave one more glance at the paper and smile through his tears. "D-damnit Arthur. Your so girly." He laughed to himself and continued shedding tears. In all truth, this is the happiest he's been since the incednt.