Chapter 4

I'm still sick! This really sucks. Coughing, sneezing, talking like Canada…. Great for taking tests… .
Anyway, I'm sorry if this chapter sounds like I was distracted while I wrote it, because now I can only write these in school due to the amount of work I am receiving all at once. Luckily, Winter break is coming up soon, so I'll probably post a new chapter as a little Christmas present. One chapter for this one and a chapter for my other fan fiction, The Black Marker. But for now, you guys can have this. Again, I apologize. . This is really late being posted…

This chapter is going to be LONG because of the fact that when I post a Christmas chapter, it needs to be around December. So BLEH! That's why it is taking so long to upload this!

Once again, I changed the ages. Arthur is now 16. It's just odd for me to write them as so far apart in age, so I lowered Arthur's age.

XXX

Arthur really liked when Alfred was just a kid, and was unable to stop thinking about when he was little. He began to think back to when Alfred had just started school.

XXX

They had gone to the mall to buy Alfred new clothes and school supplies. Arthur bought Alfred almost anything he wanted, within reason. Alfred was very picky about what he chose. He took all day just to even consider ONE book bag! When he finally picked out what one he wanted, Arthur ended up buying him a black book bag with all sorts of crazy designs on it. Along the sides there were white lightning bolts, and on the front there was the Union Jack that looked as if it had been spray painted on. It looked quite stylish in a punk sort of way, but it didn't match any clothing that Alfred owned. Thus, they were clothes shopping.

Seeing as how Alfred was ten and could pick out clothes on his own, Arthur allowed him to pick out his own clothes this time. Alfred pretty much knew what he wanted to wear, but did ask Arthur for his opinion every now and again. He was very independent through this whole process. There were several outfits that Alfred picked out that Arthur thought made him look magnificent. One outfit especially struck a chord with Arthur; Alfred had worn Arthur's nephew's clothes the entire time he had lived with Arthur, which was now approximately a month. The two of them had grown very close, but when Arthur saw the outfit Alfred was wearing, he almost cried at how great Alfred looked. He was very happy that Alfred had re-gained the weight he lost while he was out on the streets. They hadn't known each other for long, but the bond that built between the two of them was very strong; unbreakable even. Arthur felt a bit of love towards the boy. It was strange though; it didn't feel like the love that was expressed towards a family, but more towards…

A lover….

Arthur shook his head at the thought. Instead, he looked back at Alfred who was checking himself out in the mirror. He had on a pair of dark, almost black, (almost) skinny jeans. Those were the type of jeans that Arthur still wears. They showed off Alfred's legs quite nicely. The shirt that he had on was an almost skin-tight shirt, but was just loose enough to make the outfit look a bit more natural, yet kept that punk theme alive.

Arthur didn't know how long he had been staring at Alfred, which was apparently a bit too long because Alfred finally piped up and spoke.

"Arthur? What are you looking at?" Arthur looked back up at his face, to see that he was blushing a bit.

Why is he blushing…? "Oh, nothing. Just making sure that outfit looked okay on you," He looked at the pile of folded clothes in the changing booth, "Are you all done shopping now?"

"Yeah!" he pumped a fist into the air, but then his attention went right back to the mirror, a nervous look spreading across his face, "Hey, um… when does school start?"

"On Monday. It's Saturday right now, so you have a few days to get ready. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason. I'm just trying to get used to the fact I'm going back to school. I haven't been to school in good two or three years,"

He is THAT far behind? Maybe I should have put him in the less advanced classes…

"But luckily I have been able to go to a library and read. Books can teach you about a lot of stuff, plus they are entertaining! Especially when you don't have a television to watch! I bet I already learned about all of the stuff we missed! Haha!" He laughed so loudly it rang through the whole store, and made Arthur laugh along with him.

"Well, we will see when we get your progress report in November. Until then, just do your best, okay love?" That last part just slipped out. He covered his mouth with his hand, "Sorry that is just a bit automatic to say to love ones… I mean, oh bloody hell… how do I explain this?" He put his finger to his lip, as though that would help him. He looked at Alfred, who he noticed had turned a bright shade of red. Arthur looked away, and leaned back against the wall of the outside of the changing booth, "It's hard to expl-" he was suddenly pulled into the booth by Alfred, who locked the booth, pushing Arthur away from the door. "What are you doing?" Arthur was panicking. This was very unlike Alfred to act so violent.

Alfred walked towards him, careful to keep Arthur pinned against that wall, unable to escape. "I've been through a lot as a kid. Alone and abused, abandoned and unloved. No one knew of my existence, and no one cared if I was to die or not; No one, except for you. You're the ONE person who cares about me. I don't know if you love me, and if you do I don't know in what way," He had grabbed Arthur's wrists as he was saying all of this, and pinned them against the wall, "whether it's just brotherly or something more serious than that,"

Oh bloody… he wouldn't dare… Arthur's heart rate was off the charts, and he bet he was blushing too. Alfred was tall for his age, and could easily look straight into Arthur's eyes; due to the fact Arthur was a bit short.

"But all I know is that I've wanted to do this for a long time." Quickly, Alfred attempted to kiss Arthur, who closed his eyes out of shyness. He didn't move, and felt a pair of soft, warm lips press up against his. He knew the age difference, but honestly, didn't care at that point. He suspicions were confirmed, and he knew at that point he didn't just love Alfred as a brother or a son, but as a lover.

He wanted things to be like this, and not be wrong to the rest of society. He immediately kissed back, melting into the kiss. Almost as if they read each other's minds, Alfred let go of his wrists, and Arthur held Alfred's head in his hands. Alfred ran his hands down Arthur's sides, making his shiver. Alfred deepened the kiss, grabbing the back of his head and pulling it closer. Arthur felt Alfred's tongue brushing up against his lips, begging and pleading for entrance. Arthur resisted for as long as he could, but gave up when Alfred passed his hand over Arthur's sensitive spot on his back, making him gasp.

Their mouths fit together perfectly, and moved in perfect harmony to one another. Alfred explored Arthur's mouth, taking in every last taste he could. Arthur teased him a bit by biting his tongue lightly, and then pushing it out of his mouth. Arthur gained dominance, and Alfred sighed into the kiss. The kiss became more passionate, but the two were both running quickly out of breath. Eventually, they parted, and saw that they both were blushing.

"What books were you reading at that library?" They laughed, and Alfred stepped back.

"Well I have to have SOMETHING to read in my non-study time." Arthur shook his head.

"You're too young to read something like that, idiot." He messed up Alfred's hair, and then frowned a bit. "You do understand what society thinks of something like this, right? In both cases?"

Alfred nodded his head. "One, the age difference; Two, the fact that we are both guys, right?"

Arthur nodded his head sadly. "You seem to be acting a lot smarter than when I met you. Is the library the place you've been going to while I'm in my study?" He nodded again. "You're lucky I let you out all alone like that… Well, when we get home there will be a few rules that we need to go over, alright?"

"Rules? About what?"

"About us, Alfred," He leaned in closer, and began to whisper, "We cannot display public affection. That will get us weird looks, and possibly get me in trouble, especially when I turn seventeen this April." Arthur scratched his head awkwardly, "I honestly don't feel right about this at all, but when you're eighteen and I'm twenty three, people don't care at all! You are eleven now, and I'm sixteen. We are the same age difference then as well, but for now, it just can't be helped. Now come on, help me with these clothes." He picked up the pants, and Alfred picked up the shirts and his new shoes.

They checked out fairly quickly, seeing as how the store was pretty much going out-of-business because it didn't have enough money to pay for bills, there weren't a lot of people there. They were in the car when Alfred became fairly quiet. Arthur broke the silence, seeing a McDonald's coming up on the right. To cheer Alfred up, he pulled into the parking lot. It was lunchtime, after all.

Alfred looked up and saw where they were at. Instead of getting super-excited, he smiled. "Awesome. Thanks, Artie." There was barely any emotion in that response either.

"I just have one question before we go in," Alfred's odd behavior was annoying him, and he wanted to know what was wrong. "What's on your mind? You aren't acting like you usually do, so don't lie to me."

Alfred stayed silent for a moment, and then spoke. He chuckled, "Is it okay to hate society? He, I mean, if two people love each other shouldn't it be okay? I know why they don't approve of something like us in the age difference sense," He paused for a second to sigh, "but why does our gender matter? God loves everyone, not just straight people! Why don't people see that…"

Arthur sighed, happy that Alfred wasn't having second thoughts about them, "They are afraid of those who are different, like us," he put his hand on Alfred's back, attempting to comfort him, "but it's okay, love. Just don't condemn society forever; not everyone is like that, you know."

"Yeah… I know. I just don't understand why everyone can't accept something like us." Arthur pulled him into a hug, and released him a few seconds later, kissing him on the cheek.

"Let's go get something to eat, okay love?"

..some hours later…

"You have gone to the bathroom, eaten AGAIN, and you watered every plant that I own TWICE. Can you PLEASE sit down now so we can talk?" Arthur was getting very impatient. He really wanted to set the rules and limitations for his relationship with Alfred.

He already discussed his speech with Seychelles, and she was okay with it. Arthur was very child-like in physical appearance, as well as the fact that Alfred was much more mature for his age. He didn't always express this fact, but instead suppressed it and replaced it with his loud and eager personality.

"But now I am thirsty!"

"Don't start a sentence with BUT!" he walked into the kitchen to see Alfred digging through the fridge trying to find something to drink. He ended up taking a bottle of apple juice, and Arthur dragged him into the living room, throwing Alfred on the couch. He took the television remote so Alfred couldn't turn it on; due to the fact there wasn't any buttons on the television.

"You HAVE to take the remote too?"

"For your sake, as well as mine, yes. Now listen to me," He took a deep breath before he gave is mini-speech, "You do understand that the majority of the people do not accept something like us, correct?

"Yeah."

"Well, because of this, we have to limit displaying public affection."

"Why?"

"Hm?"

"Why would we have to put a limit on our public affection? So what if people don't accept us, that shouldn't get in the way of our feelings!"

"How many books?"

"What?"

"How many books have you read on love and relationships?"

Alfred hesitated for a moment, recalling the numerous books he read at the library, and which ones were about love and relationships. "I guess about four."

"And what did they teach you?" Alfred stopped trying to open the bottle he had in his hands, and looked at Arthur, "I've read those books before, Alfred. I know what each of them says. There are only four books about love in that library, love."

Alfred looked defeated. "They taught me that love does have its limitations, and that… people who are, well, gay have a harder time showing affection to each other, due to the fact that some people don't accept something like that." He pouted, and Arthur sat down next to him.

"That is correct. Now, seeing as how you are only eleven, I believe you can live with that," suddenly, the phone rang, "Excuse me," he kissed Alfred's head and answered the phone on the other side of the room. "Hello?"

"Hi, Arthur! It's very nice to speak with you again. How are you?" It was Arthur's business partner, Matthew.

"Oh, Matthew! I'm doing perfectly fine."

"How about Alfred? How is he?"

Arthur then went over his story, leaving out that he and Arthur had kissed and were now (in a way) in a relationship. He told him stories that he couldn't recall today as he spoke, when he suddenly stopped and asked him, "Wait, why did you call me in the first place? I don't wish to get too sidetracked!"

"Oh right. Well, I have a small job for you to do. You still model, right?"

That's how Arthur made a living. He was a young male model. He got paid a great amount, and he could live life the way he wanted to.

"Yes I am. Did you find a place that would be interested in hiring me?"

"I wouldn't have called if I didn't!"

"Magnificent! Where is the job at?"

"Oh, well, I already bought you your plane tickets and it really isn't that long of a trip-"

"Where. Is. It?" Arthur couldn't stand when people avoided the subject.

"It's a 3 year contract, and it pays a lot-"

"Matthew."

He could hear the sigh on the other end of the line, and regretted the answer almost immediately.

"America."

...December 2nd

"So does this mean I'm not going to school?" Alfred was very excited to go back to America, where he was born. Arthur had to call the school he had enrolled Alfred in to tell them he wouldn't be attending because they were moving temporarily. Arthur looked at the boy sitting in the plane seat, and shook his head.

"You have one of two options," he held up his fingers, "One, you go to an American school, and make both of our lives easier. Or two, you are homeschooled and don't have the chance to meet new people. You may choose as you please."

"I think I'll just go to school…" He sat back in his chair, looking out the window. Alfred watched as the men loaded luggage onto the plane, and pointed out to Arthur when he saw theirs.

It wasn't a fascinating plane ride, seeing as how they both fell asleep. Alfred slept on Arthur' shoulder and Arthur's head gradually lay onto Alfred's. They were awoken by the screeching of the wheels landing on the rough New York airport's landing area.

Arthur was actually the one who woke up first. He had to shake Alfred awake, and they made their way away from the airport as fast as they could. They wanted to see their new apartment, for Arthur would have to look for a house soon, and Arthur personally wanted some rest.

When they finally got to their apartment, Alfred took their luggage out of the trunk very quickly, and wheeled almost all of it upstairs. Arthur picked up the rest of the bags, and locked his car. He didn't bother to rent one, and just had his shipped over from England in advance to them coming to America. Why waste money on a new car? Not that he had any money problems…

They entered the apartment, and to their surprise, Matthew had arranged for his friend Gilbert and his brother Ludwig to come and put furniture in, as well as fix up the place a bit!

It was marvelous, and made Arthur feel like he was in a smaller, more American version, of his home back in England. It was very simple, with the kitchen off to the right as you walked in, the living room to the left, and stairs right in front of you that led to the bedrooms and bathroom.

Arthur no longer had his own room, and had to share a room with Alfred. They were only renting the place until Arthur could find a real house for them. Until then, this would suit them just fine. They took their luggage upstairs, unpacked everything, and went into the living room to watch some television over two cups of hot cocoa. Alfred was getting very tired of the regular programs, and asked Arthur if they could watch a scary movie.

Arthur hadn't yet known of Alfred's fear of scary movies, and he learned about it the hard way.

Arthur allowed Alfred to pick the movie, and he picked out the movie "Hatchet". Arthur didn't mind movies like this; he enjoyed them in fact. As the movie began, Alfred scooted closer to Arthur on the couch. Arthur didn't notice, and the movie proceeded on.

Arthur's memory of the movie was majorly blurred, but his memory of what happened to Alfred was as clear as crystal.

The horrible deformed man just appeared, and it was so sudden, that Alfred jumped and screamed. He clung to Arthur, as though he was going to fall into the couch any moment.

"Alfred? Are you okay, love?" Alfred began whimpering, and Arthur held him close. He turned off the movie, and sat Alfred on his lap; all while still hugging the child. He rocked back and forth, trying to summon up a lullaby. What was it his mother always sang to him? What was it?

"Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night

Angels watching, e'er around thee,
All through the night
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones' watch am keeping,
All through the night" He rocked back and forth through the whole thing, embracing the boy. He was about to continue, when Alfred looked up, face red with tears. Alfred then took Arthur's head in his hands and forced upon him a kiss that made Arthur feel like he was on top of the world. Arthur knew that he calmed Alfred down significantly, and was gladly accepting the loving kiss. It was closed-mouth though, so it only lasted about ten second. When they parted, Alfred leaned into the crook of Arthur's neck, and spoke in a shaky voice.

"C-could you kee-ep singing? Please?" Arthur smiled, held the child, and continued.

While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O'er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night

Angels watching ever round thee
All through the night
In thy slumbers close surround thee
All through the night
They will of all fears disarm thee,
No forebodings should alarm thee,
They will let no peril harm thee
All through the night.

Though I roam a minstrel lonely
All through the night
My true harp shall praise sing only
All through the night
Love's young dream, alas, is over
Yet my strains of love shall hover
Near the presence of my lover
All through the night

Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night
Thou, my love, art heavenward winging
Home through the night
Earthly dust from off thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou awaken
With thy last dim journey taken
Home through the night" Arthur stroked Alfred's hair, knowing he wasn't asleep yet. He was probably really scared from the movie. Arthur wasn't expecting that reaction from him at all, "Would you like to go to sleep now, love?" Alfred nodded his head, and Arthur carried him to his room. He placed him on the bed, and climbed in himself. Alfred got really close to Arthur, burying his face in Arthur's clothes.

"Please, could you sing one more lullaby?"

He smiled tenderly at the boy. "Sure, love," He thought for a moment, and began to sing one last time,
"Angels full of love and light
Come down around this house tonight
As we sleep and as we dream
Please hold us in your golden gleam.

Angels full of golden light
Come down into our hearts tonight.
As we dream and as we sleep
Please hold us in your love complete
Amen" By the time he was finished this short lullaby, Alfred was already asleep in his arms.

XXX

Long chapter is short. X.x

And sloppy chapter is sloppy. O.o
I'm sorry about this. . and I apologize that I keep changing the ages, but this is the set ages for them:
Arthur: 16 years old
Alfred: 11 Years old.

This is only until after Christmas, and then they will be 17 and 12 when they go trick-or-treating. :D

Name of the first lullaby: All Through The Night
Name of the second lullaby: A Nighttime Blessing

I really do apologize for the lateness of this chapter, as well as the fact that it is kind of sloppy.
THE CHRISTMAS CHAPTER WILL BE UP ON CHRSITMAS EVE! Until then, sayonara! -Alex