Author's note: «German» "English" This is important, since the story takes place in Germany at the beginning. (I needed a place in Europe as a setting: Alfred can't be American because they (normally) don't do student-exchanges to Britain (and if they do, it's freaking expensive). And the exchange is... well a vital plot point. So...)
Like always, reviews and faves are warmly welcome, and if you spot an error, tell me~
Prolouge
Alfred F. Jones lay back in the uncomfortable, green padded chair in the assembly hall of his school.
He only listened to his teacher, who was talking about stuff concerning an exchange, half-hearted and his eyes didn't even look at the papers in his hand.
They were going to do a student exchange to England in two weeks, and Alfred felt like he was the only one who wasn't thrilled. Well, apart from Gilbert, who had a rather bored expression on his face. And Alfred could relate: The whole thing sounded rather tedious to him. Luckily, it was only one week they had to spend there.
Mr Wang, the Chinese professor for History and Business Management, who never missed a chance to remind them what a great deal it was that they were able to visit Great Britain for just 300 Euros, already covered the prohibition of alcohol, drugs, weapons and... Energy drinks?!
«Also, please limit the usage of the shower to ten minutes» -some girls groaned- «and remember that there is no power in English bathrooms.»
Gilbert raised his hand.
«Mr Beilschmidt?»
The white-haired German folded his arms and asked: «Can they at least speak some German?»
Quiet giggling and some sarcastic comments filled the room, but Mr Wang's face was just stern.
«I mean, you know that my English is not so good.»
Alfred sighed. Sometimes he felt a little lonely in this school.
Not that he was unpopular, mind you, but he just didn't feel at home.
The reason for that was probably that he had only moved to this little German village 6 years ago.
Before, he was a proud citizen of the US of A, but then his father was transferred here by the company he worked for.
And so little Alfred had to struggle with all those crazy Europeans: Seriously, he hadn't even known before that there was a world outside of the US!
So while all his classmates were nervous that they had to speak English during the exchange, he was kinda glad to take a break from this complicated, German language. Just speaking his mother-tongue at home did nothing, since his parents were at work most of the time either way. And don't get him started on his brother!
«Yes, they can.»
Alfred was startled when the voice interrupted his train of mind, but he relaxed when he remembered he was still sitting in the assembly hall. He shouldn't let his mind wander so often.
«They know Kindergarten, Doppelgänger, jawohl and Blitzkrieg.», Mr Wang answered Gilbert's question, his face unmoved.
The student's laughter became louder. «Very funny.», Gilbert hissed through gritted teeth.
«By the by, I don't really think that it's such a good idea to put you, Carriedo and Bonnefoy in one family». The teacher scribbled something into his notebook. «I'm going to talk about that matter with your homeroom-teacher.» His eyes quickly flicked to him. «Later.»
Alfred heard Gilbert mumbling something, but he wasn't paying attention anymore.
Really, was this exchange seriously necessary?
He'd rather stay at home and play video games.
Honestly.
«Man»
Alfred winced when Gilbert's hot breath tickled his ear. He quickly pulled away, ramming his best friend Kiku, who sat next to him.
«Sorry, dude.», he muttered. Then he turned to the pale German. «What the hell do you want?»
Gilbert brushed his fingers through his short hair nervously.
«I thought that if Wang's serious and pulls me, Francis and Antonio apart, I could join you?»
Alfred lifted his eyebrows. What made Gilbert think that the long-haired teacher would do that? Seriously, did he miss something? «I have no clue what you're talking about, dude, but I guess the answer's no.»
Gilbert narrowed his eyes. «Fuck you, Alfred.»
He turned away and stomped down the hallway angrily.
Alfred sighed. He and Kiku were sitting in the cafeteria, leaning over a shopping list. He felt like a girl.
But the fact that most items on said list were candy eased that feeling a little bit: It was the list of things to buy before the classtrip, and they decided to divide it evently.
«I'm going to buy the chips and the coke, if you don't mind.», Kiku said.
«And I'll bring cookies, gummy bears and energy drinks.»
Kiku spun around quickly, looking at him shocked. «Bu-But Alfred-kun! We were told that we...»
«Ah, come on!», Alfred interrupted him. «Nobody's going to take that stupid prohibition serious! And I need that stuff to stay awake!»
He grabbed his short Japanese friend by the shoulders. «The bus trip's gonna take 10 frickin' hours! Gimme a break!»
Kiku sighed, his eyes focused the ground. «Alright. But you're going to put it in your luggage. I've got nothing to do with it.»