Mein Gott! This is my first fanfic. (With chapters too, golly! ) I really hope I don't disappoint and that many of you will enjoy the work I put into this. I've been so inspired by so many wonderful authors here. Laughter, tears, anger. Stories that I'll keep with me forever. The Hetalia fandom, so much love. 3 Anyway~ RusAme! Why? It's my OTP DAMNIT. They're just HNNNG. *drool* I decided that my first fanfic should just be a Human AU. I don't want to write about my darlings as nations just yet, it's a bit more complicated. Now, without further ado I present you with the first chapter of 'Promises.' *Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. 3
The day was calm and quiet, two things Alfred did not enjoy. He missed the hustle and bustle of his beloved Manhattan. The Nebraskan countryside had nothing to offer him but uneventful days and the odor of nearby farms. Today he was going to start his first day at 'New Forest High' and as Alfred gazed wearily into the mirror he could tell that today was going to be dreadful.
"Alfred honey, get downstairs, your breakfast will get cold!"
Alfred replied dully, "I'll be right there mom!"
Grabbing the rest of his things he took one last look into the mirror. This wasn't like him. The blonde was usually hyperactive and outgoing. Positive in the darkest of situations. The move had affected him. Saying goodbye to his friends, especially Kiku, had hurt too much. Sure, thanks to modern technology he could text them. Skype was always an option too but it wasn't the same. Alfred blamed it on his father's job, and how they unjustly let him go. But what could he do? Uncle Sam had been nice enough to open up his home to them. It was selfish of Alfred to be upset, but how could his parents expect him to just act as if nothing happened. Alfred had wished they'd put it that way, however his parents almost always compared him to his twin brother.
'You should be more like Matthew, Alfred. Would it kill you to be considerate? An F again? Why don't you ask your brother for help, he's always so eager to help. Nice and smart. You should be more like your brother.'
Alfred didn't resent his twin, far from it. In a way his parents were right. Even so, Alfred was his own person and he had a choice do do what he wanted with his life. Control, he yearned for control which is why this situation had him uncertain. Slowly but steadily he left his room and made his way to the kitchen.
"Good morning sweetheart." Alfred forced himself to look into his mothers eyes with a smile.
"Good morning, where's dad?"
"He's running a couple of errands with your Uncle Sam."
Alfred raised a brow, "And you let him?"
"Be nice, that is your uncle."
"Where's Mattie?"
"Your brother was up early as usual, he's probably out back."
"Well he better come in before I'm done eating, or I'm leaving his ass."
"Alfred!", his mother huffed.
"Sorry...uh what's for breakfast?"
"Your favorite! 'The Hearty Hiker.''
Alfred could only gaze at the three plates placed in front of him. It wasn't the size of the meal that alarmed him it was that his appetite was gone.
"Is everything alright pumpkin..?"
Alfred took a moment,
"Yea, mom why wouldn't everything be alright?"
"Alfred F. Jones," Alfred didn't even have to look at her to know her hands were placed firmly on her hips, eyes narrowed slightly "It's been a full minute and you haven't touched your food."
"I uh...guess I'm just not hungry."
Alfred almost punched himself. He knew his mother wouldn't take that well.
"I think I need to sit down..."
Rubbing her hands onto her apron she left the room in a hurry.
Alfred sighed, whether he liked it or not he was going to have to scarf down his meal with another sickening smile. Five miserable minutes later and he was out the door. Keys in hand Alfred could only wish his car wouldn't cooperate. In, a flick of the wrist, and his engine roared to life. Make an excuse Al, come on. He had nothing. Peering into the rearview mirror Alfred could see his brother making his way to the car. A small tap on the passenger side window.
"Alfred could you unlock the door?"
Doing as he was told, he smiled at his brother, who settled himself in backpack on his lap.
"Ready to start your first day?"
"Not really."
Alfred began to pull out of the driveway, cautious not to hit anything on the way out. Matthew kept his eyes on his brother.
"Al, this is you we're talking about. The social, happy-go-lucky twin remember?"
"Matt please, I really don't WANT or NEED a repeat of last night's lecture. You guys can't possibly want me to adjust to all this change in the blink of an eye."
"Al...," a pause, "I get that this is your senior year and all but you've always been the morale of this family. We can't have you down in the dumps."
A sigh, "It's hard Mattie, it's really hard."
"You'll see bro, everything will be alright."
"How can you be so sure?"
Matthew gave his brother a soft smile.
"Because you're the hero."
Alfred couldn't help but chuckle, returning a sincere smile to his brother.
"You see? That's the smile that could cure cancer right there."
"Shut up Mattie."
"You do know where you're going right?"
Alfred pouted, "I take offense to that, I might be a space case sometimes but I'm not a moron."
"Maybe so but you could learn to read the atmosphere a bit more."
"Shut it."
"Love you too Al."
The uncertain feeling slowly began to diminish as the boys got closer to their destination. Alfred was thankful for the easy conversations he partook with his brother. Even though he was still a bit anxious he knew he had to be strong. It wasn't like he was at war, it was just high school. A high school with strangers who would judge his every move, possibly talk behind his back, and make his last year of high school a living hell. Perfect. The feeling came back tenfold, but Alfred refused to let his brother know, he didn't want to make his brother just as anxious. Breath Al, come on. New Forest High slowly came into view. Shit shit shit.
"Al...Al...ALFRED HELLO!"
"Huh?! What?!" When had he spaced out?
"Your hands keep shaking on the wheel...and you kinda accelerated."
"Holy shit. Sorry dude, really I-"
"Just relax. Deep breaths. You're starting to freak me out."
Slowly inhaling, Alfred tried to compose himself.
"The last time you were this anxious was when we were in line for The Avengers premiere."
Laughing at that, Alfred relaxed a bit in his seat.
"Sorry..."
The brothers had finally arrived to their new school. Matthew clutched at his backpack.
"Ok...now I'm terrified. Oh god, it just hit me."
"Now it's your turn to relax Matt. We're in this together."
Getting out of the car the brothers walked as close to each other as possible. Vulnerable to the hungry eyes that we're taking notice of their unfamiliar faces. Alfred could hear the whispers. Matthew remained with his head down until they got into the building. It was going to be a VERY long day.
***
"Did you hear? There's a new kid around!"
"I know, it's all I hear, apparently he's from Manhattan. I bet he's hot."
"The kid also has a brother who I've heard is on the good looking side too."
"City boys, yum."
Giggles resounded throughout Ivan's ears. How annoying. Did they have to be so loud right next to him? He processed the information he had no choice but to overhear. A new student? Ivan could see how that was a significant event, considering the small town they lived in. He wondered about these new students. What did they look like? Why did they transfer here? Were they friendly? The word stinging his heart a bit. Ivan had moved from Moscow with his sisters Katyusha and Natalia after their parents passing. He had tried to make friends, yet his best efforts were to no avail. Ivan was considered strange, his demeanor, appearance, accent repelling all those around him. Haunting memories from junior high coming back to chill him. He remembered often being called a "Comie" and being taken as a weakling. One day, Ivan had endured enough and when he came through he was shocked to see his oppressors a bloody mess at his feet. His family was forced to move away from Waterbrook, to reside here in New Haven. Yet, the rumors had followed and Ivan was cursed to remain alone. Now, everyone was afraid of him and kept a distance at all times, fearing he'd once again snap. He was sure that the new students would hear about the incident and the rumors surrounding him. They would be afraid like everyone else. Loneliness and hardship was all he knew.
"Marie, holy shit. Is that them?!"
"Fuck, fuck, fuck. How's my hair?"
Ivan closed the door to his locker firmly, making sure to face the other way. He had everything he needed for his classes. He wasn't going to let that small spark of hope fool him again. Just walk away. Don't you dare look back. There was no way he'd let himself be torn down. Katyusha's voice resounding throughout his mind.
"Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́."
"тишина," Ivan mumbled under his breath. It was time he got out of his mind for a bit. Physics was the first class of the day and Ivan always enjoyed getting to class early. A simple habit.
Locker number 17-76. Alfred had to remember that, he had a pretty good memory when he put it to use.
"What's your locker number Mattie?"
"Uh, 18-67."
"That can't be too far. Want to just use mine for today?"
"Thanks but I think it's better if I just find mine. Like you said, it can't be far."
"Okay then, go scavenge. I'll wait for you here."
"You sure?"
"Yea, just don't take your sweetass time. We need to report back to the office."
"I was there with you in the room smart one."
Exchanging glances the brothers laughed.
"I'll be right back in a jiff."
Alfred took this time to look at his schedule. First class of the day was Physics. The school itself wasn't all that bad from the looks of it. Clean halls, nice rooms, basic. Regardless, he couldn't contain his homesickness. He'd be huddled around his best friends, spazzing out to no end. Everyone kept ogling him which was flattering but it left Alfred uncomfortable. He liked attention, yet these foreign eyes left him restless. Where the hell was Mattie? Out of the corner of his eye Alfred could see two girls making their way towards him. Matthew get over here quick!
"Alright bro I'm all good."
"AHH!"
Eyes gazed at him curiously.
"Al, it's just me."
Matthew placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Just got lost in thought."
"Don't hurt yourself."
"Shut it Mattie."
A student guide was waiting for them in the office, a simple precaution to make sure their day went just a bit smoother.
"What's your first class Al?"
"Physics, yours?"
"Pre-Calc."
"Shouldn't you be taking Trig?"
"I doubled up freshman year remember?"
"Smart ass."
Matthew rolled his eyes.
"That's hardly an insult."
Alfred placed his hand on the door handle, "Alright, Hell officially begins now."
"Stop being overdramatic."
"Hello, boys your guide is waiting for you in the next room," a cheery secretary piped up from behind the counter.
"Thanks." Matthew replied.
The boys walked over to the next room, both freezing instantly in place.
Alfred couldn't believe it, Matthew was just as dazed.
The guide looking at them with equally astounded eyes, a hint of amusement.
"A-Alfred, Matthew..?"
"A-Arthur?" Alfred managed to murmur.
Matthew smiled, "This is insane."
All three joined in an embrace, joyous.
Alfred in what seemed like forever, smiled brightly.
"Dude! I thought you moved back to London?! What're you doing here?"
Arthur smiled,
"Let's leave that conversation for later. I have to get you both to class. Let me take a look at both of your schedules."
Arthur was a childhood friend of both Alfred and Matthew. The memories they shared abundant and happy, until the day Arthur had given them the news that he had to move away. Now they were all here in Nebraska. What were the odds of that? Alfred was starting to gain his optimism back. Maybe things weren't going to be so bad after all.
"Okay this won't be difficult at all. Follow me."
Content the three of them briskly left the office.
"Artie I can't, this is just-" Alfred drifted off.
"Matthew what happened to him, we used to have to tell him to shut up, not to speak."
"At least he's smiling again."
"What brings you two here anyway?"
Alfred snapped back into reality, "Oh no! You first!"
Matthew replied, "We're staying here in Nebraska with our Uncle Sam."
Arthur laughed,
"You mean THE Uncle Sam? The one you and Alfred had constant stories about?"
Alfred grinned, "THE one and only!"
"There is still no way I believe that he caught a bee by the wing using his own teeth."
"Suit yourself but Matt and I were there."
"Higher than kites on sugar."
It felt so good to reconnect with an old friend Alfred could not stop smiling. There was absolutely nothing that could ruin this day.
"Okay Alfred your classroom is down this hall, the last one on the left. I have to take Matthew to his classroom before the bell rings. The two of you will meet me right at this intersection. Remember this glass showcase." Arthur gestured to a wall filled with various awards.
Alfred nodded, "Alright thanks Artie, stay fresh! Matt be careful."
"Same goes for you, see you later."
And with that Matthew and Arthur walked off.
With confident strides Alfred made his way to his first class, he wouldn't let anything dampen his mood.
***
"Ah you must be the new student, welcome to New Forest High. I'm Mr. Wang Alfred correct?"
"Yes sir," a cheerful voice rang throughout the room.
Ivan peered up from his book, eyes transfixed. 'красивый.' Ivan quickly looked back down towards the page he was reading. He didn't want to risk making eye contact with this person. This person he did not deserve to look at. Instantly he was reminded of a sunflower. Golden locks, light sunkissed skin. A voice that reminded him of the summer breeze.
"Alright, let me assign you a book," A pause, "There you are. Your seat is next to Ivan. Ivan raise your hand."
Instantly Ivan tensed, why did he have to be tortured like this.
He already thinks you're revolting. What rumor could he have heard already. Alone. Alone.
Gingerly Ivan raised his hand. The one called Alfred took his seat and smiled at him, revealing rows of perfect teeth. Blue eyes like sapphires, directed towards him. A sunflower under a blue sky. Ivan could feel his heartbeat, he had almost forgotten he had the organ. Translations: Author's Notes: There you go folks! The first chapter of 'Promises' I really hope you all enjoyed it!
"Nice to meet you Ivan, I'm Alfred. But you must know that. Wait. Not that way. I'm not trying to sound like a snob or anything. You know what I mean. You probably heard me talk to . It's really only us in this room. I'm rambling aren't I?"
A chuckle, "Sorry, nervous." Ivan could feel the goosebumps forming on his skin. The bell rung, the other students began to fill their way in.
"Quiet down everyone take out your homework from last night," Mr. Wang said from his desk more than ready to start his lesson.
Ivan glanced at Alfred once more, feeling an emotion he hadn't felt in years. Happiness.
"Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́: Russian Proverb. Without effort you can't pull a fish out of a pond. English equivalent to No pain no gain.
тишина: Silence
красивый: Beautiful
The Hearty Hiker is the name of a breakfast creation I made up for that scene. It consists of: Two eggs sunny side up, Four slices of bacon, Three pancakes, Two pieces of toast, and I side of Homefries. GO ALFRED. xD
Uncle Sam, I know. I just had to. Made sense to me. He's my favorite so far.
My Mattie will not be Mr. Quiet guy. I'm modeling Alfred and him after my sister and I. We're practically twins. I even call her Mattie and she calls me Alfie. PROUD HETALIANS BABEY.
Please forgive any grammatical errors or inaccuracies.