Arthur looked up as Alfred tromped into the sitting room. His cheeks were flushed a light pink, a telltale sign that he was trying to fight down a blush.
"Alfred?" Arthur asked, concerning barely gracing his voice.
"Don't worry, bro. Francis just asked about my girlfriend and well…" Color tinted his cheeks again and Arthur grinned.
"Is it about-"
"Shut up!" Alfred sent Arthur a glare and tore up the stairs. Arthur smiled and shook his head. The big, bad hero afraid of someone as small and shy as his classmate. It made Arthur smile every time he thought about it.
He gathered up his things and turned to the radio, trying to decide whether or not to turn it off. Francis had said that the songs were some of his favorites and, even though he really didn't want to admit it, he wanted to see how alike their taste in music was.
He huffed and neatly placed his bag off to the side, switching the TV off as he went. He turned the music off and fell backward onto the couch, just as the blasted doll started to cry. Again.
"Alfred~" He called, a whine tinting his voice.
"Deal with the kid yourself!"
Arthur let out a whine and looked at the TV stand where he had dumped the kid. He didn't want to get up. He groaned and rolled off of the couch, hitting the floor with an oomph. He dragged himself over to the kid and picked himself off the floor. He studied the baby and frowned.
Francis changed the diaper and fed it so… Now Arthur just had to go get that damn key he stuck in its back so it could 'sleep.' The teacher let slip it just turned the baby off for a few hours, the amount of hours different each time.
Reaching his room and retrieving the key, Arthur put the kid on his bed and absentmindedly pulled the blanket over its tiny body. He wandered back downstairs where he flopped back on the couch and curled into a ball. He had finished his homework and taking care of that kid had worn him out. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
"Vous idiot! Vous auriez dû être là maintenant! Avez-vous la recette de votre mère était censée vous donner*?"
Francis scowled, grabbing his apron from the hook.
"I know! I was occupied with something that concerned school! And oui, I have it." Francis reached into his back pocket and frowned. He checked each pocket for the slip of paper his mother had given him and didn't find it. I know I had it.
"Bien sûr, vous l'avez perdu! Allez le chercher à partir de votre mère ou encore aller le trouver*!"
Francis scowled as his biological father's voice grated on his ear drums. He despised this man. He was just rotten on the inside and out. He could cook, Francis gave him that, but he was just mean. And he refused to speak in English even though he was fluent.
"Fine! I'll be back in a moment." Francis tossed his apron onto the counter and hurried out to his car. He settled himself in the driver's seat and pursed his lips. Might as well see if I accidently left it at Arthur's. Anything to delay going back to the café.
He reached for his cell phone and dialed Arthur's home number which he had sneakily put into his phone after searching the house for it. Well… He searched sneakily if you count asking Alfred after not finding it written down and then being hit in the head with Arthur's science book when he caught him snooping in his room.
It rang for a little while before someone picked up.
"Hello, Alfred here."
"Hey, Alfred. It's Francis, can I talk to your brother?"
"Uh, yeah. Hold on a sec."
Francis leaned back in his seat and fiddled with the radio until a CD was playing quietly.
"Hello?" A groggy voice asked.
"Hey. It's Francis. I need to stop by and see if I left something over there. It's a recipe on a piece of yellow legal paper."
"Oh, well, okay… I'll see if I can find it until you get here."
"Thanks Arthur. Be over in a minute." They both hung up and Francis leaned his head against the head rest. He started up the car a moment later and made nice time getting to Arthur's.
He slid out of the car and knocked on the front door. A moment or so later, it opened and Arthur looked up at him. Wait, he's looking up? He's shorter than me? The thought made a small smile curl Francis' lips as he stepped inside.
"Thanks, Cher. Did you manage to find it?"
Arthur shook his head and led him back to the sitting room where Francis' CD was still playing. Francis grinned and scanned the room.
"Would it possibly be in your room?" He asked, trudging over to the couch.
"Maybe. I wouldn't think so but… I'll be right back. Don't screw anything up."
Francis watched him leave, a smile on his lips. He had no idea why the Brit enthralled him so, but he just did and that kind of scared him. Usually the people he took an interest in weren't like Arthur. They didn't have temper problems, they didn't hit him with a book when annoyed, they didn't argue with him as heatedly, they weren't as smart, and they tried to flatter him. Arthur was pretty much the opposite and it attracted Francis like a moth to a flame.
He went back to searching for the scrap of paper when Alfred burst into the room, his eyes wide.
"Arth- Francis?" He said, stopping abruptly.
"Oui?"
"U-uh… Where's Arthur?" He asked, shuffling his feet.
"In his room. Why do you ask?" Francis replied, kneeling to look under the couch.
"Uh… Well… A f-friend called and I-"
"A friend? Seems like it's someone who you a little bit more than a friend." Francis' smirked at the look of embarrassment on Alfred's face. "Who is it?"
"N-no one!" Alfred shook his head fiercely. "You're just taking it wrong! I'm going to go talk to Arthur!"
Francis chuckled under his breath as he scanned under the couch. Why it would be there he- Oh my God, it's actually under his couch. How the hell did it escape my pocket?
He reached for it and uncurled it. It had a recipe for Turtle Cheesecake his mother made. He tucked it back into his pocket and stood up. How it managed to get out of his pocket and under the couch, Francis couldn't figure out. He turned when he heard footsteps and Arthur entered the room, a smug smirk on his lips.
Raising an eyebrow, Francis spoke. "What's up, Cher?"
"Alfred has a crush, that's what." He walked over and shrugged. "Sorry, couldn't find it."
"Don't worry, I did. And who is he crushing on?"
Arthur smiled devilishly and waved a hand airily. "I'm not allowed to tell."
"Oh?"
"Yep. But… He's Alfred's age and in his biology, history, and chemistry classes."
"A he?" Francis raised both eyebrows as Arthur's face blanched.
"Uh, yeah. A he."
Francis' smile softened as he shrugged. He crossed his arms and glanced at the radio.
"Good for him. Whatever makes the kid happy. Anyway, I found the recipe and I can go now. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay? We can finish whatever homework we were assigned then swap the kid. Sound good?"
Arthur nodded, his eyes guarded as he examined Francis' expression. He finally let out a sigh and stepped out of the room.
"You're… surprisingly okay with that… Thanks." Arthur headed towards the front door with Francis on his heels.
"You're welcome, Mon Cher." They fell into a semi-comfortable silence until they got to the door. Francis turned to Arthur and grinned.
"Thanks for trying to help. I'll see you tomorrow! And mark my words, I will find out who Alfred's crushing on. Who knows? Maybe I could help!" He reached out and patted Arthur's head. Arthur's face at the 'indignity' was one of the cutest things he had even seen. He walked out to the door after Arthur shoved his hand away and muttered a quiet 'good-bye.'
He slid into his car and cranked up the radio. He started up the car and drove back to the café and hurried inside. He threw on his apron and laid the recipe on the counter. He dashed into the kitchen and started his daily routine.
(Hours Later)
Francis jammed his apron back on its hook and rubbed at the flour dusting his cheek. He really, really hated the fact his mother forced him to work here.
Francis' parents were divorced and in an attempt to get Francis to spend more time with his father, his mother forced him to work with him. It turned out to be the worst idea she had ever had.
After gathering his things, Francis stormed out to his car and slammed the door shut. Overall, the day had been alright. He had only gotten into three fights with his father including the first one.
Sighing, he cranked up the music so that Teenagers by My Chemical Romance blared throughout the car. He hummed the tune and tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, trying to stop himself from driving over to his little brother's work. In the end, he failed.
Pulling into a quaint little restaurant, Francis parked and walked inside, plastering a fake yet convincing, 'nothing's-wrong' smile. Someone who worked with his little brother recognized him and yelled for his brother. He walked up to the counter and waited for him, while checking his phone to look busy.
A tap on his shoulder a few moments later brought him back to reality and he looked down at his little brother, Matthew. He had inherited their mother's blue eyes those his were a bit darker and were hidden behind brown framed glasses, his hair was a sandy looking brown that he had grown out though it wasn't longer or as long as Francis', and he was usually smiling.
Francis gave him a strained smile that he saw through right away. He wiped his hands on his pants and took Francis' arm and led him to the back.
"What's up?" He asked turning and putting his hands on his hips. Francis smiled at the pose, recognizing it as both Matthew's and his mother's 'you-just-interupted-my-work-and-I-know-by-your-ex pression-you're-troubled-so-spit-it-out' look.
"Ah, dad and I got into a fight, that's all."
Matthew looked dubious but relaxed his pose. His eyes scanned Francis' face, searching for something that made Francis shift nervously.
"Really, I'm fine. How's work been?"
"Well… A friend came over." At this, Matthew's cheeks seemed to color slightly which Francis didn't hesitate to point out.
"You're blushing, petit frère*." Francis smirked as Matthew's blush intensified. "Who is it?"
"N-no one!"
"Yeah, right. Who is it? I swear to not tell."
"… I-it's A-A-Alfred K-Kirkland." Matthew's face was bright red as he stared fixedly at the ground. Francis' eyes widened and his lips stretched into a smile.
"Really!?" He pulled his brother into a hug. "Mon petit frère is growing up~!"
Matthew's face reached an even darker shade of red and he struggled feebly to get out of Francis' grip. Francis pulled away and couldn't stop the perverted joke that passed his lips, causing his brother's eyes to widen, the blood to drain from his face, and then come back full force.
"Remember to use protection~!"
"I-idiot! H-he d-d-doesn't even l-l-like me like th-that!"
"Are you sure?" Francis questioned, thinking back to Alfred's reaction when he suggested the girlfriend thing.
"P-positive." Matthew's eyes seemed to sadden and Francis' heart twisted.
"Hey, Mattie, after you're done with work, wanna go to the river by dad's café? You love that place."
Matthew's head snapped up to look at Francis, his eyes shining with hope.
"Really? Y-yeah!"
Francis smiled warmly and laid a hand on Matthew's head.
"I'll pick you up later, deal?"
Matthew nodded his head fiercely and practically glomped his older brother. He pulled back quickly and saluted Francis.
"I'll be off at 6 today. See you then, big brother!" Matthew ran off leaving Francis alone. He shoved his hands in his jean's pockets and left the restaurant, a smile on his face. Matthew loved that little river and Francis loved to his brother happy.
Tipping his head back, Francis smirked. It looked like he was going to have to talk to Arthur and snoop around in Alfred's personal life, despite the last time he tried to help Matthew he had been almost killed by his little brother. He had used a huge ass book and hit him multiple times. It had really hurt.
Arthur wasn't surprised at the situation that Alfred had put him in. He glared down at his younger brother as he sat on his stomach to hold him down.
"Get off!" He shouted, struggling.
"No."
"B-but, A-Arthur-!"
"No! You had the perfect opportunity to ask him out on a date and you chickened out! What happened to being the hero, brat?!"
"I… I… He can't like me back! He could-"
"And how the hell do you know he doesn't like you like that?" Arthur demanded furiously.
"W-well… I don't! I just don't wanna ruin the friendship!"
"Well, what if he does like you and is waiting for you to make the first move?"
"He… He…I… Goddamn, Arthur, mind fuck maybe?!"
Arthur smirked down at Alfred and shrugged in a 'maybe-maybe-not' fashion. Alfred glared and gave a particularly hard shove that sent Arthur sprawling on the floor. Arthur pushed himself up and brushed himself off.
"You should just ask him. When Francis finds out, he'll be all over it."
"W-why?" Alfred looked scared
"Because Matthew is his younger brother, fool. He may either kill you or try to make Matthew fall in love. Just ask him, because I seriously think Francis might kill you."
"Uh, why?" Alfred demanded quickly, jumping up off the ground as Arthur started for the kitchen.
"If Matthew had a crush on you and you didn't have one on him, I'd do whatever possible to keep him away from you. But, of course, we don't know if Matthew likes you or not. Now shut up and the call the boy. I'll even cook something for you to have on your date."
Alfred's features blanched and he dashed forward, clamping onto his brother's arm.
"I'll ask him out on a date as long as you promise to not cook anything for our date."
"Fine but… Why!? My food is amazing!" Arthur forced himself to not strangle Alfred when he shuddered and blocked his way into the kitchen.
"No, it sucks. Sorry, but it does, bro." Alfred took a step back and rubbed his neck. "I… I'm going to go call Matthew."
Arthur momentarily forgot about his anger and indignity and smirked. He grabbed his brother by the shoulders and pushed him towards the phone. They reached their destination and Arthur took a step back, watching Alfred closely.
"F-fine! I'm doing it!" Alfred picked up the phone, a blush dusting his cheeks. "I hate you so much right, now."
Arthur just smirked until Alfred dialed the number and held the receiver to his ear.
"Uh, hello? Matthew?" Alfred paused. "Yeah, it's Alfred. I wanted to ask you a question… … Do you wanna go catch a movie sometime?... Cool! Does tomorrow sound good?... I'll pick you up at 8 then! Bye!"
Alfred hung up and turned to Arthur, who had a pissed off look on his face
"What?" Alfred demanded.
"That was like me asking Roderich to go with me to the movies. You didn't ask him out on a date and-"
"I'll ask Matthew out on an 'actual' date if you ask Francis out!" Alfred took a hasty step back and held his arms out in front of him to keep himself from being killed.
Arthur narrowed his eyes on his retreating brother and placed his hands on his hips, which would have made Alfred laugh if he wasn't so terrified.
"I will not ask that bloody frog out on a date!"
"Well, now who's scared?"
"I'm not scared! You know Matthew is bisexual! Francis is straight! I would embarrass myself!" Arthur's eyes were large and he tapped his fingers on his hip.
"Just say I forced you! Hey, I'll go easy on you! Ask him to the movies as friends and I'll take Matthew on a date!"
Arthur pursed his lips and looked at the floor. He… didn't really want to put himself in that emotional torture but if Alfred was really going to ask Matthew won a date…
"Fine," he sighed. "But if you don't do you're end of the bargain, I'm telling Francis you have a crush on Matthew."
Alfred nodded fiercely and held out the phone. When Arthur didn't take it, Alfred nudged his arm with it with hopeful blue eyes that tugged at Arthur's heartstrings. He took it and slowly dialed Francis' number, trying to fight down the impending blush. He held it to his ear and waited. Alfred was watching him closely, the expression on his face stalkerish.
Arthur wrinkled his nose and jumped as a lovely French accent reached his ears.
"Oui, Arthur?"
"Uh, H-hello Francis. I was… wondering if you would mind going to a movie with me this weekend?"
~~ ~~ ~~
Translations-
Vous idiot! Vous auriez dû être là maintenant! Avez-vous la recette de votre mère était censée vous donner= You idiot! You should have been here now! Do you have the recipe for your mother was supposed to give you?
Bien sûr, vous l'avez perdu! Allez le chercher à partir de votre mère ou encore aller le trouver= Sure you lost it! Go get it from your mother or go find it!
petit frère= little brother
oui= yes
Okay guys~! I love you all so fucking much. This story has gotten reviews! Oml, you guys rock and I love you and dfskjhfksjdhfskjdfhsdfhksn! And how do y'all think Francis gone react? *derp face* Well… Like for brotherly relationships that rock and make me feel fuzzy? O3O C'mon, you know you love it~! And thanks for the love, again guys. It reeeeeally means a lot. You may not know or even understand it, but I am kinda insecure about what I write, no matter what great feedback I get so… Thanks guys. I love you~! (And special love for wifey and da in-laws :3)