Hey! Thank you for sticking with me!
Just an announcement! I added more stuff during the Arthur-Francis confrontation. Sorry for the sudden additions ;w; I figured It was essential.
Warning for lots of swearing! (Gomen for their potty mouth)
"Matthew and I plan to marry…in 8 month's time"
What are you saying?
"We have been together for 2 years"
No. No, that's not true. You're lying!
"We were afraid to tell you. Matthew especially…"
"I hope we can still be good friends, Mon cher"
Arthur's breath hitched at the memory- causing his legs to almost falter. He quickly regained his balance as he continued to pant for the lost air. Arthur puzzledly looked around. How long had he been running? Where exactly was he? He didn't know for sure. And right now he didn't give a damn. He'd rather be anywhere but near Francis.
Francis. Married. He was getting married.
"BOLLOCKS!"
His eyes started to water again. How did he not notice?
All this time-
Then, it hit him.
No wonder the Frenchman always visits the shop during break. No wonder he would always wear his best smile around them. No wonder he always agrees to help out even when the situation didn't call for it. His smiles, his laugh... it was because of Matthew. Francis loves Matthew. And in 8 months, they are-.
Arthur felt a sudden twinge in his chest and quickly rubbed a hand against it- attempting to soothe the pain. It was just not fair. He knew Francis way before Matthew did. He had been there for most of Francis' life more than Matthew has ever been. So…why?...God, why?
A truck passed by the merely traveled road as Arthur reached for the railings on the roadside; legs giving up and bent towards the ground. With shaking hands covering his face, he finally released the desperate tears that were aching to let loose. After long minutes of holding back he finally cried. Whirlwinds of emotion surged through his head- Disappointment, jealousy, bitterness…loneliness. What was he thinking? How could he even dare think someone as like Francis would notice a grouch like him? Everything he hoped for…It was all just wishful thinking. The one person he cherished the most, was ultimately the one who broke his heart into a million shattered pieces.
"Arthur?"
Eyes still glistening with tears, Arthur looked up at the concerned voice. And just as immediately, he stood up and angrily walked away. "Sod off, Jones!"
"What the- HEY!". Arthur continued to stomp away, ignoring the American's call.
"Arthur, I ran about almost a mile for you so you're not just gonna fucking brush me off!" Alfred yelled causing the Brit to stop on his tracks.
Arthur turned to face Alfred- and Alfred, having noticed it halted as well. "I did not ask you to chase after me, you sodding moron! I don't need your pity! You never cared about me before so don't expect me to even believe you care about me now!"
"I DO care about you!"
"Oh really? Then why didn't you tell me about your brother's secret relationship! I know you knew about my feelings towards Francis! Don't you lie to me!"
"That's 'cause I didn't know anything about them!"
"He's your brother for Christ's sake!"
" . ... Look, I know how you feel but running away and crying your balls out in the middle of the night, NOT to mention on the middle of the road isn't gonna solve anything!"
"How do you even know what I'm feeling right now? You know how I feel? That's a load of cobblers! Don't pretend you're some kind of all-around Hero when you're actually not!"
A switch seemed to have been clicked seeing as Alfred was already marching right towards Englishman and grab him by the arm. "Because, Sir! I went through more shit than you ever did! Whereas you never even fucking started, I went through a relationship for a fucking year and when I thought she was finally the one, she dumped me for someone else! Are you fucking satisfied!"
Arthur's eyes widened at the American's sudden outburst. He had never seen Alfred this angry before (probably because he was usually all smiles). Arthur searched for any signs of deception but could only find desperation and sadness in his companion's eyes. To be given up on. To be let go despite a promise. What kind pain had Alfred gone through? For how long? Was he still hung up on the past? Is that the reason Alfred never considered dating as far as Arthur knew? Arthur then lowered his gaze as he felt guilt slowly seep through his gut. Alfred seemed to have noticed Arthur's arm relax so gently but surely, he let go of his grasp on the Briton's arm
"H-How?", Arthur asked.
Alfred sighed tiredly and looked fixed his gaze on the night sky. "We were kids. I mean I was. We both went to the same school back when I was still living in America. She...she was the 'smart and nice' type. I was in footba- American football. I really did love her. But I guess…she decided that she was tired of my shenanigans and well…left." Alfred then shifted his focus on the Brit, "So I know exactly how you feel. More than, even."
Arthur sniffled once…twice...thrice. He could feel Alfred staring at him as if waiting for a response. The silence was beginning to be deafening.
"Well…", Arthur began awkwardly "she doesn't know what she let go"
The tension that was there a few minuets ago gradually died down at the words. Alfred smiled tenderly and wrapped his strong arms around his still-sobbing friend "Thanks, dude. I could say the same to you but you know ", Alfred chuckled "Matt's my bro and Francis' my boss."
Arthur flushed at the sudden man-hug but gratefully accepted the soothing gesture. For a moment, he swore we felt a sense of belonging as his tiny frame was being held by the American but quickly brushed off the idea. Arthur then reassuringly tapped the latter on his back. "I mean it, Al. And...I should be the one thanking you so… Thank you. For running after me"
The American quickly let go and looked at Arthur excitedly, hands still resting on the Brit's arms "Arthur…You just called me Al"
Blimey. He did now, did he? Was he being too familiar? "S-sorry, I did not mean to sound so-"
Alfred waved his hands dismissively, "No, no, no, no! Keep it that way…I like it. Way better than hearing 'Jones' all the time."
Arthur could swear if it wasn't for the darkness of the night, the blush on his pale skin would be too evident. "O-oh. All right." The American grinned and placed an arm around him.
"So from now on, I'll call you Artie as well!"
Arthur sneered and removed the said arm around his shoulders. "No, you will not"
"You owe me right now so I get to decide what to call you and I say Artie is a cute name."
Arthur merely huffed and crossed his arms which earned a snigger from the American.
"Say Artie"
"Ar.thur."
"Ar.tieeee. Anyway, as much as I love the night sky it's getting really late. Care to walk down? We'll catch a cab when we get to the bottom."
Arthur blinked a few times, "Oh, Yes. Right. Home." Alfred then stretched his arms and yawned "Great,great. Well, let's go!"
"Alfred?"
"Yeh?"
"I want half the pocket money and a ticket"
"Of course"
The two chuckled and made their way down the empty street. The walk was quiet but it wasn't awkward. Alfred hummed familiar tunes while Arthur comfortably looked at the distance; lost in thought. He would have to face the two tomorrow. And with his new found friendship with Alfred… He could only hope that his emotions wouldn't eat him up.
Waddyathink? ok so far? TvT
Oh! I have a surprise for you guys but it's gonna be a secret for a while so please watch out for it!
Reviews, Faves and Follows are greatly appreciated! Thank you for reading!