Chapter 3
"Asshole!" Alfred yelled, ripping Francis off a sobbing Arthur, without thinking he threw the Frenchmen into the desks and instantly wished he could take it back. The Frenchmen flew over a desk and flipped over completely landing on his back with an "oof" as his other foot knocked over a chair.
Shit! Alfred thought, gaping at what he had done. Being possible expelled was the further thing from his mind, it was that he might have just seriously hurt someone. Even if it was the Frenchman, Alfred didn't want to send him to the hospital.
"Dude," he said, torn between helping Arthur who was sitting up, holding his button-down shirt close and seeing if Francis was okay. "Are you okay?"
Francis glared at him and touched his cheek. "My face... my beautiful! You stupid pi-" he began, but shut his mouth, his eyes widening. Alfred glanced at Arthur who for just a moment he swore was glaring darkly at Francis, but maybe that was just the light because Arthur was all concern when Alfred looked.
"Do you need a hospital?" Alfred offered. "Look I was just trying to get you off of him!"
"Mon petit loved it," Francis huffed.
"No, I didn't," Arthur sniffed, wiping the tears off his cheeks. "H-he tried-d to..." He stammered off.
"It's okay," Alfred said almost falling over when Arthur flung himself against Alfred's chest. "Wow, Artie."
Francis touched his bloody lip and clutched at his sides. His face clouded with rage. "I will sue you into oblivion amerique!" he laughed haughtily.
"You were the one forcing yourself on Artie! It was lucky I just caught you dragging him in here," Alfred defended. "You try and sue me and let's see how they feel about attempted rape."
"He consented."
"N-no, like bloody hell I did!" Arthur insisted, clinging tight to Alfred. "Please believe me. He grabbed me."
"I believe you man," Alfred said. Francis sniffed and Alfred glared at him.
"As if anyone would believe you," Francis said.
"They will believe him," Arthur said, his eyes narrowing on the Frenchmen. "If you try to get Alfred in any trouble, I will not stay silent. Do you understand?"
"Artie?" Alfred gaped. But that scholarship you want?
"You are bluffing," The Frenchmen said, but worry crossed his face. He winced and held his side harder.
Alfred opened his mouth to suggest the nurse's office, but Arthur interrupted, "I will. If you ever threaten Alfred again, I will not be able to stop myself. It's one thing to trouble me, but he stays out of this. Do you understand?"
Wow, Artie? Alfred blinked and he could not see more than the back of Arthur's face from this vantage, but he could see Francis'. He blinked in shock as Francis paled. Is he that afraid of Arthur's threat? Francis swallowed and nodded, without a word he went for the door, all but limping he left.
"Uh, what just happened?" Alfred said, but when Arthur turned back his eyes were all shiny with tears and puffy underneath.
"I was so scared, Alfie," Arthur cried, nuzzling his nose against Alfred's chest. Alfred resisted the urge to push him off. This was too much physical contact.
"I really wish you'd report him," Alfred said, leaning slightly away as Arthur's hands began to creep into some uncomfortable areas like he was testing and seeing how far he could go.
When they were too close to Alfred's butt, he caught Arthur's arms and pulled them off, coaxing the boy into off the seats. "Why don't you relax and take it easy for a bit?" The boy's hand slid over his shirt, almost reluctantly letting go.
"I wish they'd leave me alone," Arthur said, staring at the floor sullenly. "They've been like this ever since they learned I was gay..."
"You're gay?" Alfred gasped.
"You didn't know?" Arthur said, tilting his head. He blushed suddenly and looked away. "I'm so sorry. I thought they had told you by now. Please don't hate me."
It's not that much of a surprise. "Dude I don't hate people, especially not for that. I defend all who need it. I'm the hero!" He chirped, giving Arthur a hearty clap on the back. "Ah, sorry," He offered as the boy rubbed his shoulder. "Don't know my own strength."
"It's okay," Arthur said, buttoning his shirt up. Alfred frowned, a few buttons were missing. Arthur caught Alfred's look. "I'll sew some back on so it's not a big deal."
"Artie, this is a very big deal. If I hadn't shown up-."
"I'll handle," Arthur cut in, zipping up his fly. "He has never gone so far. I promise and after your performance there. I doubt he will ever try that again."
Alfred sighed, shaking his head. "This is not okay."
"Please keep my secret. Promise you'll tell no one about this," Arthur urged.
"Maybe I won't, but what about Francis."
"Oh, he'll keep quiet," Arthur said dismissively, "Unless he wants me informing the world about this."
"You'd do that?"
"If it came to your reputation, then of course I would," Arthur said, smiling gently. "I'd do anything for you, Alfred."
Alfred rubbed at his nape and laughed lightly, looking away. That sounded kinda weird.
"Do you promise?"
"Yeah, I guess if the french bastard keeps his quiet. I guess I'll do it to, but I still think it's a bad idea. He could be doing this to others."
"He's not," Arthur said. "Trust me." There was such surety in his voice that Alfred felt a little confused. When one thought about it, the timing of it was very lucky. That Alfred just happened to be leaving school at that particular moment to look down the hall and see Francis drag Arthur in here.
It's almost like... He caught sight of the clock. "Shit the time!" He yelped, turning to grab his backpack off the floor and run, but Arthur caught his wrist. His fingers were cold and his grip almost painful. "Uh, yeah I'll see you halfway to your house," Alfred said, believing that's what Arthur wanted.
"Actually I wanted to come with you to your Judo class," Arthur said, straightening his clothes and standing up.
"Dude, that's not such a good idea. You should go home and get some rest," Alfred said, scanning his mind for more excuses. Judo was his thing and Arthur had already invaded most of his school life. He didn't need the kid in his private life too.
"But if I learned some self-defense techniques I could better defend myself. Please," Arthur said, his expression looking crest-fallen. "Just once. I won't be in the way."
Alfred bit his lip and nodded. "Sure, why not?" He grinned at Arthur.
#
The sun was setting by the time they left school. Alfred wanted to take off on his bike, zipping for the dojo, but Arthur did not have a bike so he was forced to mostly coast. C'mon, walk fasteri, he wanted to say.
"They have made my life hell since I arrived," Arthur said suddenly.
"Who? Oh, those three?" Alfred said. "They're jackasses."
"There used to be this senior. Ivan Braginsky." Alfred glanced over his shoulder, but in the late evening shadows he could not see Arthur's face well. There was something in the way he said that name though. The way he twisted it, like it was a curse word instead of a name. His tone sounded far off as he continued, "He was their ringleader back then and he made my life hell."
"But he's graduated now, right?"
Arthur chuckled and said, "Yes, he's gone." Alfred shivered, wondering if it was the cold air. Something sounded off about Arthur's tone, but he could not put his finger on it. "Say Alfie. I just thought of something. Something that would make Francis leave me alone. It's very rude of me to ask thought and I think you wouldn't like it."
"Well, tell me first and I'll let you know," Alfred answered.
"It's embarrassing," Arthur said, clearing his throat. "Please don't hate me, but I just... I want it to stop. It would only be for four months. Until I graduate, but would you... would you..," he trailed off. Spit out man. "Be my boyfriend."
His bike tires screeched to a halt. Alfred sat there. His mind went blank, fried by what his mind was trying to process. Hell no! It thought. He swallowed hard, licking his lips as he controlled himself enough to laugh, "Ha, ha, good one man."
"I'm not joking," Arthur replied. His tone very serious. Then came more sniffling. "You're right it was rude of me. I apologize." He sounded broken and distraught.
"Uh..," Alfred said. He was almost raped. "You're a cool guy and all, but I can't. I don't swing that way. I mean I'm flattered, but I can't." He forced a smile.
"I only meant for pretend, but I see. I overstepped myself. I apologize. I'm not thinking clearly. I just thought it would make Francis back off."
"Would he respect that?"
"He would," Arthur responded, adding, "He has odd morals, but he never goes for what belongs to another."
"No, I'm sorry," Alfred said, shaking his head. Even if it's only four months, I could kiss any chance of a girlfriend good-bye.
"I see." Arthur lowered his head and shuffled past Alfred. "I was rude. I hope I can still attend this Judo class with you."
"Of course man," Alfred offered.
#
It was only near the end of Judo class that Alfred started to realize that, despite their mutual smiling, maybe Arthur and Kiku did not like each other at all. In fact, they almost seemed to loath each other.
Kiku-sensei, as Alfred called him, was shorter than both of Arthur and he. Kiku had black hair and brown eyes that were curved up at the end. He had been kind enough to allow Arthur to observe even going over with Alfred to teach Arthur tricks for breaking handholds and wrist locks.
It was right then that Alfred began to noticed it. The air of animosity between the two and within a couple minutes Kiku had excused himself and gone back to the other students.
Alfred turned to follow, but Arthur caught his shoulder. "Could you show me that move again, Alfie?"
"Which one?"
"That one with the thumbs." Alfred glanced over at Kiku and then back to Arthur.
"Sure thing," he said, grabbing Arthur's wrists with both hands, he began, "Now what you want to do is..."
#
"I think your friend has small interest in Judo," Kiku said, approaching Alfred after Arthur stepped out for the restroom.
"He's just new. That's all," Alfred said, rubbing the back of his head.
"That's not what I refer to, Alfred-san," Kiku whispered. "Something is off in his aura. Be careful."
Before Alfred could ask more, Arthur returned a look of displeasure flickering over his expression as he saw the two standing together. Kiku retreated to the other side of the room just as Arthur arrived.
"What did he want?" Arthur inquired, all smiles, but it never reached his eyes.
"Ah, nothing much. Just some tips," Alfred lied, laughing it off. "Come on, let's go." He grabbed his backpack and his stuff, throwing his work-out towel over his shoulder as they left.
#
Alfred groaned, rocking from heel to toe on his bike as he waited. Arthur had asked him to wait and then ran off into a convenience store, saying he needed something. Since the Judo was apparently near Arthur's home, Alfred had agreed to see him home. I hope this isn't a regular occurrence.
Alfred worried that even his good-nature was getting worn down. He liked his independence too much and someone dictating his every move really wore him down.
"Here you are, my love," Arthur chimed and Alfred flinched, blinking at him. "Ha, it was joke," Arthur chuckled. "Why so serious?"
Did he just reference the Dark Knight? Okay Arthur went up in awesome points for that though Superman would always have a special place in Alfred's heart. An opened coke can was handed to him. He stared at it, raising an eyebrow. "It's open."
"Sorry, I took a sip," Arthur explained, "But it's almost full. I haven't been sick and you must be thirsty. For your troubles."
Alfred took it and leaned back, chugging it down. God I love coke! Finishing it with a smack on his lips, he tossed it toward a nearby waste bin near the store's entrance. "He shoots, he scores!" He chortled. "Let's blow this joint. I gotta get home before my parents kill me."
"Of course," Arthur said and Alfred frowned. Must be my imagination. Yet he was sure there had been something sinister in that tone.
"So how do you know Mr. Honda?" Arthur asked in a neutral tone, following along as Alfred coasted on his bike.
"My dad and him are good friends. Kiku-sensei and I were thrilled I could come train with him."
"Why?" Arthur asked icily. He's not jealous?
Alfred paused, touching his forehead, he felt a little woozy. He shook it off. "Because he's an old friend," Alfred answered. "Why do you think?"
"You told me once that he's gay. Does he like you?"
"Kiku-sensei?" Alfred guffawed, a touch offended. "He's totally not like that! He's no pedo. Why are you saying that?"
"I just asked. No need to be so sensitive," Arthur huffed. "One can never be too careful. You never really know what people are capable of."
"Kiku-sensei is my friend," Alfred replied firmly, "And if you want to stay my friend you'll back off on what you're implying."
Arthur's tone softened and he touched Alfred's sleeve, saying, "I'm sorry, Alfie. I guess I'm not used to having friends. It's new for me."
"'Kay," Alfred said, shrugging him off. He was about to tell Arthur to walk himself the rest of the way, when Alfred's vision blurred and he stumbled, leaning over the basket of his bike.
"Alfie, are you okay?" Arthur asked with concern, holding Alfred's shoulders. "You look ill."
"I'm fine," Alfred said, waving him off. He rolled forward a couple feet and then almost fell off. Dropping the bike, he stumbled and almost fell, but Arthur caught him, hooking Alfred's arm over his shoulder. He felt light-headed and weird. "I think... I need... hospital," he slurred.
"What you need is rest," Arthur said, almost purred as he picked up Alfred's backpack, putting over his other shoulder before leading Alfred forward. "You pushed yourself back there."
"My bike," Alfred protested, trying to pull away, but Arthur was stronger than he suspected, half-dragging a stumbling Alfred forward.
"I'll come back for it. But first you need rest."
"My head is funny...," Alfred mumbled, clutching at it. "My parents..." He fumbled for his phone and no sooner had it out then Arthur took away. "Hey!"
"You're in no condition to text. I'll text them for you. Let them know that you're staying over."
Alfred planted his feet. They wobbled, feeling like jelly, but panic was now working through the haze in his head. "Staying over?" Like hell. He starting pulling away, but his strength was almost non-existent. He almost collapsed, but Arthur caught him and held his arm firmly over his shoulders.
"Now, now," Arthur chided, pulling him forward. "No more of that. Just relax. I'll take care of you. That's what friends are for after all."
Things at that point began to skip. For example, Alfred didn't remember walking into Arthur's house or moving through it. He was only aware of the world spinning and those cold hands clamped on his arm and around his waist, pulling him flush against the other. It felt like he was a bird being pulled into a cage.
He stared at the door closing behind him. No.
Everything blurred. At some point he found himself in a strange dream, lying on a wooden floor, surrounded by a circle of candles. Groaning, he tried to sit up, but two hands pushed him back down.
"Wait, my love," A familiar voice urged. "It's almost over."
What is? He wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. His glasses were not on his face and everything was blurry. He gasped when his cold lips touched Alfred's lips. He turned away, forcing the lips to his cheek. Why can't I move?
Someone chanted around him and coldness seeped into him seemingly from the floor. He squirmed, trying to resist, but invisible chains forced him back down. "No," he moaned. Those terrible lips came back, kissing his forehead, but this time they didn't feel so bad. Now they felt kind of nice.
What is happening to me?
"Now you are mine, love," That icy voice cooed and then Alfred was falling. Falling into a bottomless darkness where green eyes glowed, glittering with malice.
AN
Sorry I've been so busy. I've had no time for fanfiction. Not with my other stuff.
