A new chapter~ Got a little stuck motivation wise on this but it is finally here!
Arthur sipped rather bland tea as he walked around without any real aim. His shift had ended, a rare early day, and now he didn't know what to do with himself. Alfred wouldn't be home from school yet and he hated sitting around in their empty house. It felt empty enough with Alfred there never mind when no one was around. He sighed softly and wondered if he should try to do something. Offer to take Alfred out tonight? They hadn't eaten out in...
As he paused to try and recall the information—a bad sign in itself—a voice suddenly called out to him. "Arthur! Arthur Kirkland, correct? I would recognize those eyebrows anywhere!"
Arthur whirled around with a scowl to see who dared mock his eyebrows. Opening his mouth to sharply retort he suddenly paused and closed it. Furrowing his brow he stared at the man who was cheerfully waving at him. It took him a moment but he finally placed him. "...Francis right? Matthew's father?"
Francis put a hand to his heart. "Oh, I am wounded. Am I truly so unmemorable?"
Shrugging, Arthur felt the tension leave him. "Sorry. We only met the once and I was a bit... off my senses at the time."
Francis chuckled. "Ah, no worries, no worries. C'est la vie, oui? I am so surprised to see you! What are you doing out here? On patrol after all?"
Arthur snorted. "Hardly. I got off and now I'm trying to kill time. I work so much that it's actually a bit of a burden to have free time. I never know how to fill it."
"Oh but that is terrible! Come, I am on break but you must have lunch at my restaurant. It is a small thing and I am still working on getting regular customers but those who come say it is magnifique!"
When was the last time Arthur had been invited to do something? "Er, I'm not sure about that. Not that I don't appreciate it but-"
Francis grasped his hand. "Do not try to give me that monsieur! You told me yourself that you have nothing to do and so I shall give you something to do. And as I am in charge I may join you and no one can say anything about it."
He laughed flamboyantly as he dragged Arthur behind him a short distance into a discreet doorway that he would have walked right by without a second glance. It was cool inside while the atmosphere came off as warm. A few people sat scattered here and there. Francis pushed him down at a table for two. "Wait here and I will make you something to die for!"
"B-but you don't even know what I like-" Arthur started to protest. This Francis was a regular one-man storm.
Francis winked at him. "One bite of anything I bring out and you will fall in love, trust me."
Arthur sat back with a slight scowl on his face. What an egotistical man. It didn't help that he felt terribly guilty and embarrassed about one of his scones making Francis choke nearly to death. And he had been so confident that batch had turned out well...
All there was to do was look around. A friendly (and very attractive, he noted dryly) woman came out to pour him water and share some platonic friendly banter. Then more waiting.
Finally Francis came out and put a beautiful plate before him. All Arthur could do was stare for a moment. Not only did it look too good to eat it smelled heavenly. "Bon appétit!"
Francis watched him intently as he took the first bite. Arthur stared at him. "...You... You French! And your fancy foods and...and..."
"But you like it?" he asked with a pleasant smile.
Arthur took another bite in response and Francis chuckled. After pouring him a glass of wine without his usual spiel on how it would enhance the meal—Arthur hardly seemed the type to vaguely care—he sat back, satisfied by his reaction. There was something about Arthur that he rather liked. Perhaps it was a desire to squirm beneath his hard, prude outer layer.
"You know it has always been my dream to own a restaurant and to be the head chef. I would have liked to do it in the romantic city of Paris but...I suppose you could say I had some family problems I wanted to escape. The kind you have to cross an ocean to get away from."
He paused and smiled wistfully. "But that is hardly interesting. Let us see... Ah, I moved to Canada and tried restarting there. I had almost gotten it too but then I was blessed with a better miracle, my dearest Matthieu. Needless to say money got a bit tighter after that but it did not bother me so much. Honestly even if I had gotten a restaurant at that point I would have surely lost it. I was so lost myself back then. Ah, and then came my beautiful Angelique! My angel. Between them I reached a point where I could truly hope to make something of myself but... being a single Papa is quite expensive. As I am sure you are quite aware, eh Arthur?"
Arthur realized for the first time that he had stopped eating while he listened to Francis speak and quickly speared another piece of meat. "Mm, yes. It is rather pricey. One of the reasons I started working so much in the first place."
Francis poured himself a glass of wine and swirled it before taking a small sip. "I started saving up money again whenever I had it. Where we lived was expensive and Matthieu wasn't having the easiest time. I thought about moving and then one day on a whim decided why not travel to the dream country? Perhaps a bit foolish. I cannot say it is the best country I have lived in, and far from my favorite, but I have attained two of my dearest wishes after all so it must have just a touch of the magic people think it does. I now own my own restaurant and it seems it may very well succeed. And of course Matthieu is no longer lonely. He thinks the world of your son you know. Talks about him all the time."
Arthur chewed thoughtfully then swallowed. "I have already given my permission for them to see each other if you are trying to make a point."
"But you see Matthieu has confided that he feels like you must hate him and is worried about being in your presence. Neither he nor I mean offense, believe me. I was thinking perhaps if our families spent more time together it would ease that awkward little hiccup, oui?"
Arthur's face flushed and he gave himself a moment to think over his response by taking a drink of wine. It tasted bitter and dry. He wasn't used to drinking wine. "...I hold no grudge against your son. Really I do not doubt that it was Alfred who initiated that behavior. And in all honesty Alfred has been better behaved since spending time with your- Oh... Hmph, now that I think about it maybe that's why he blew up at me over dinner the other night."
Francis raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"
Making a face and shaking his head, Arthur told him. "We were eating in our usual icy silence when he suddenly blew up at me, blaming me for, oh I don't know, all of his unhappiness, global warming, the end of the Inca Empire. Just about everything that has gone wrong in all of history."
Francis gave him a look of disbelief. "Did he really?"
"No, of course not, but sometimes it really feels that way. I can never do anything right. Maybe something happened with Matthew and so it was of course my fault. Tell your son he can come over whenever he wants. I have no problem with never acknowledging that awkward first meeting."
Francis leaned his chin on one hand. The man before him was so awkward and odd. It was cute. "Perhaps we can do one better? Tonight I am afraid I will not be ready but perhaps tomorrow night both you and Alfred can come over for dinner? The Bonnefoy household would love to have you both!"
Clearing his throat, Arthur started to look around nervously. "I-I work full shift tomorrow. A lot of the time I end up working late too. I don't know-"
Francis reached over and took one of his hands, running a thumb over it lightly. "Now now, no need to be shy! I do not mind a late dinner. That works for me as well. Alfred can come home with Matthieu and then you may join us when you get off. I will not take no for an answer and trust me when I say I am a very persistent man."
The nervous, stricken expression that appeared on Arthur's face was so wonderful Francis wanted to eat it up. He had a feeling he could easily entertain himself for hours mercilessly teasing Arthur given the chance.
Arthur wilted somewhat, both annoyed and uncertain. It would be rude to brush him off, especially if he was the father of Alfred's... special friend. But things like dinners and social gatherings were usually tiresome for him and he felt out of place. It didn't seem he would be able to talk his way out of it though. "...I will see what I can do."
The words left Francis absolutely beaming and already the menu for tomorrow night was forming. "I am very happy to hear you say that! Please, finish your lunch. Relax, enjoy. Kill as much time here as you wish. I do not mind in the least. And do not worry about the cost of your meal, it is on the house. Unfortunately I do have to get back to work or my subordinates may mutiny."
He chuckled as he stood, offering Arthur another warm smile. "It must be fate that our paths crossed this day."
Arthur watched him walk back towards the kitchen. He slowly ate what was left on his plate. It wasn't that he disliked Francis, he just didn't quite... know how to handle him. He simultaneously made him feel at ease and very on edge. It was obvious he was a bad influence but he didn't seem to mean any ill will and had a genuine love for his children. With bitterness he couldn't help but think they probably loved him very much despite a hardly ideal personality and lifestyle. Arthur set down his fork.
When Francis had a moment to break away again, see if Arthur was still around, he found the table empty. Beneath the wineglass was a twenty dollar bill. Francis couldn't help but smile. That was hardly enough to cover what he had made for him. Even if he had overpaid it was somewhat insulting to his hospitality. Picking up the bill he kissed it lightly before tucking it away. That was alright. The reluctance only made the chase that much more exciting.
~.
Matthew watched Alfred's face apprehensively as he studied his house. It was his first time coming over and while Matthew knew that Alfred wouldn't care if he lived in a dumpster, he couldn't help feeling nervous. The house was small, just big enough for his family to cram together in. Angelique had been on beautification patrol and had started to plant flowers along the front of the house.
Francis came up and put his arms around the both of them. Making a special dinner was something he took very seriously and so had left work early to pick the two boys up then get started. "So tell me Alfred, what do you think of our humble abode?"
Alfred grinned brightly. "I think it's great Papa!"
"Wonderful! And just wait until you see the inside. It is even better!" He dragged the two of them towards the house. "Now how about you give him the grand tour while I start dinner?"
Matthew could barely agree before Francis was bustling towards the kitchen. "Let's see, well through here you have the living room..."
The living room, a glimpse of the kitchen before they were shooed away (it looked to be the best equipped room in the house), a small dining room, a bathroom that was apparently shared by all three of them ("You can't believe the chaos during the morning"), and then the bedrooms. Matthew merely pointed out his Papa's and sister's room. It would be rude to open them up without permission. The furniture was a bit sparse but there was excellent use of space and everything was very tastefully decorated. A bit messy but very home-y.
Feeling self-conscious again, Matthew stopped in front of a door. "This is my room." Fidgeting slightly he opened it and let Alfred in before closing it behind them. "It's... well, it's home."
Alfred looked around. The bedroom was what he expected more or less. Lots of books, a poster of some hockey team, a hockey stick shoved into a corner (no doubt there were some ice skates tucked away somewhere), a few family pictures including a pretty woman Alfred assumed was Matthew's mother, and everything was very neat unlike his own room.
"I like it. Very nice." Alfred plopped onto the bed and kicked off his shoes. He bounced on it a couple times. "Hey, hey! The bed doesn't creak."
Matthew flushed deeply at the devilish grin Alfred flashed him. "Yes but I am not exactly given much privacy. The door doesn't lock and Papa and Angelique have a habit of popping in whenever they please."
Alfred reached out and hooked his fingers in the belt loops of Matthew's pants, pulling him closer. "That may be true but Papa is busy right now and your sister won't be home for a little while right?"
"Actually the bus should be dropping her off pretty soon. She's in Jr. High and gets off the same time we do. We would have picked her up but she insisted on riding with her friends instead. And I really don't want to traumatize her." The last thing he needed was a repeat of what had happened to Arthur with his little sister.
Alfred pouted up at him. "Fine, fine. No sex. Can we still have just a bit of fun? Hm?"
He unhooked his fingers and slid his hands beneath Matthew's shirt, rubbing his sides. Matthew couldn't help but melt into the touches. Alfred scooted back a bit on the bed and pulled Matthew forward until he was straddling him. Feeling just a little sick from paranoia Matthew leaned in and met Alfred's lips in a soft kiss.
The kiss gradually deepened and became more heated, tongues roaming across one another. They left each other breathless. Alfred's hands continued to slide along Matthew's chest and sides. They rubbed his back lightly as Matthew gripped Alfred's hair, glasses almost slipping off and bumping against the other's. His hands finally came down to cup Matthew's ass, squeezing shamelessly. Matthew blushed and moaned into Alfred's mouth. If they only had a little more time...
Alfred pulled away from the kiss, hands still working. "We are making time," he kissed Matthew lightly, "to have sex," another kiss, "in the very near future. I'm dying here."
He pressed his lips up against Matthew's again, nibbling the bottom one lightly. Matthew sighed softly and began to rub the back of Alfred's neck to show his approval. It felt like it had been a while since their last time.
There was suddenly the sound of a door being slammed and a female voice yelling something. Matthew pulled away sharply. "Th-that's my sister!"
He struggled out of Alfred's grip and straightened himself out. Alfred chuckled. He was so flustered and red it looked like they had done more than just made out. But he certainly hadn't been lying about one thing, just moments after the initial slamming door, his own burst open and a young girl all but threw herself into the room. "Hi Matt!"
She hugged him fiercely then almost pushed him away, turning to examine Alfred. She tilted her head and hummed thoughtfully. Angelique had black hair that was pulled back into two ponytails with red ribbons and brown eyes as well as darker skin. While Matthew took after Papa, she obviously took after her own mother. Other than having fine features there was little resemblance.
Angelique finally nodded, as if satisfied. "So you must be Alfred. You're Matthew's boyfriend right?"
Alfred grinned as Matthew winced. "Sure am. And you must be his little sister. He never told me you were so pretty."
The compliment pleased her very much and she grinned back. "He was probably worried that if you knew that you would leave him for me. You can call me Angel or Angie if you like. Most people do."
Matthew gave an indignant squeak. "Don't be so full of yourself, it is very unbecoming for a girl!"
She twirled around. "Oh, but it would be alright if I were a boy?"
The two of them stared each other down and Alfred watched for a moment. Finally he laughed and stood, abruptly lifting Angelique into the air. She shrieked, first from shock and then with delight. "What a vibrant personality! Poor Mattie. Do you know all his buttons? Share them with me, okay Angie?"
She giggled shrilly. "Carry me like a princess and I'll tell you what he was afraid of until he was thirteen!"
"A-Angelique! Don't you dare!" Oh damn it was cute when Matthew got all upset like that.
Alfred set her down then scooped her back up a la princess bride style. Delighted beyond words she slid her arms around his neck. "Quickly, run to my room and I'll tell you all kinds of stories about him!"
"A-Al don't! Come on, it's not funny!" He reached out to grab Alfred's arm but he was too fast.
Alfred ducked around him and ran out of the room towards Angelique's.
"Quick, quick, put me down!" Alfred obliged and she hurried over to the door, pushing hard against it as Matthew tried to open it.
"Cut it out Angelique! You're being annoying!"
"You're annoying! Go away, I'm talking to Alfred!"
"Let me in this second Angelique!"
Matthew pushed harder on the door and she grit her teeth, bracing it with her entire body. "N-no!"
Alfred was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe. Very useful. "Alfred! Would you stop laughing? It isn't funny!"
Francis's voice cut over the chaos. "Mon Dieu, what is going on out there?"
Angelique's voice became surprisingly loud as she yelled through the door to their father. "Matt is being mean to me! He doesn't want me to hang out with his boyfriend! Tell him I can!"
"Matthieu, be nice to your sister. Angelique, how about you come help Papa in the kitchen?"
"I am not being mean to her, I just-"
Matthew's voice, which was quite soft, was easily overpowered by his sister's. "Make Matt do it, I suck at cooking!"
"You can only improve with practice mon petit chou."
"Please Papa, make Matt do it! I helped last night right? I promise I won't tease Matt anymore, but I don't want to help!"
"Oh, light of my life, angel of my soul, you break my heart! You do not love your Papa?"
Matthew stood against the door, forehead pressed to it as he waited hopelessly for his sister to cave. Sometimes she could act so bratty. It didn't help that it usually got her what she wanted and that Alfred was playing along with her.
Alfred finally calmed himself and put a hand on Angelique's head. What a completely different atmosphere than what he was used to. "If you help Papa I'll go out and help too. Sound good?"
She stared at him then smiled warmly. "Well, okay... I guess so."
Angelique took his hand and opened the door, Matthew nearly tumbling onto her. "Jeez Matt, way to be in the way. Alfred and I are helping Papa. You may come too."
Matthew adjusted his glasses and looked at Alfred in confusion. Alfred simply smiled and shrugged, clasping Matthew's hand with his free one. Still a little confused about what had happened Matthew stumbled after the two of them.
Once they hit the kitchen Angelique released Alfred's hand and ran to her father, throwing her arms around him. "Papa, we came to help! Give me and Alfred something easy. Make Matt do the hard stuff."
Francis laughed. "Suddenly so many little helpers! Alright then, I can find something for everyone."
He proceeded to divide out a few tasks. The kitchen was too small for all of them to work comfortably in at once and so Alfred and Angelique chopped things in the dining room as Matthew assisted his father. Alfred was alright at the task but he moved slowly. Angelique was truly impressive, chattering away as her hand easily guided the knife quickly and precisely through a variety of vegetables.
Francis glanced at the two of them from time to time, smiling and shaking his head. Finally, as he was picking out some spices, he spoke quietly to Matthew. "I am sorry to split you up. I'm sure you would much rather be with Alfred. In all honesty I would have thought Alfred would have gotten tired of Angelique by now. But non, he sits there and listens to her in a way neither you nor even I will most of the time. He doesn't look bored or annoyed or like he's ignoring her. It is truly impressive."
Matthew looked up from the meat he was cutting for a moment towards the dining room then smiled to himself. "Oui, Alfred is... he's quite amazing. I've never met anyone who listens so patiently and understandingly. It's like he really cares. About anything. No matter how silly or if it's..." He waved his hand thoughtfully. "Une broutille. Vous savez?"
"Hmmm an excellent quality in a man. Or anyone really." A moment of silence passed. "So you have been using protection, oui?"
Matthew blushed deeply. "Papa! I told you already, we usually-"
Francis cut in, tone mildly amused. "Usually will not save you mon petit."
"It's not like either of us can get pregnant and neither of us have anything to catch from each other. And we usually use protection. Honest."
Clicking his tongue, Francis took over cutting the meat as he shook his head. "It would make me feel better if 'usually' was 'always'. I am not saying anything against either of you but it is much safer. And of course I understand that it is somewhat awkward and doesn't feel nearly as good. But that's what extra thin-"
"Papa, please."
"Alright, alright. And if you find it cuts into the romance I can tell you various ways on how to make it a romantic part of-"
"Papa! Enough already! You're embarrassing me."
Angelique popped her head into the room. "We finished cutting up all the vegetables. What's Matt's problem?"
Alfred came in a moment later with the vegetables. "Where should I put these?"
Francis told Alfred where to set things down as Angelique teased her brother about his flushed face. Finally Francis rubbed his hands together. "Okay children, I can take it from here. Out of the kitchen as Papa cooks! Play nicely together please."
The three left the kitchen and after another small argument they ended up on the couch in front of the television watching cartoons. During a commercial break Angelique slipped off to the bathroom and Matthew sighed. "Sorry about Angie. I hope she's not being too annoying. She's just excited to meet you. And she loves tormenting me."
Chuckling softly, Alfred leaned over and kissed his cheek. "My poor Mattie. I don't think she's annoying. And it must be kind of fun to have a sibling, even if it is sort of irritating sometimes."
"Well...I guess so. Sometimes she can be really sweet and fun." He pressed a little bit closer to Alfred. The feeling of anxiety over Alfred's first visit to his house and meeting with Angelique had faded. Alfred seemed to be comfortable in his surroundings and hadn't made any negative comments. If only he felt so comfortable in Alfred's house after the awkward first meeting with Arthur.
Matthew licked his teeth and stared at the colorful cartoon on the television, hugging Alfred's arm tightly. They hadn't discussed the incident of his refusing dinner the other night. And it had made him feel very awkward asking Alfred over afterwards on Papa's behalf even though he had seemed more than happy to. "U-um, Alfred. About... the other night. Um, maybe-"
Angelique suddenly returned, crowding on the other side of Alfred and copying Matthew, much to his annoyance. Alfred didn't seem to mind in the least. "This sure is a friendly family. So affectionate. I should make both of you my brides and then I can have the lot of you to myself."
He laughed and Angelique giggled as Matthew made a face that was most certainly not a pout. "Al, don't say weird things like that."
Alfred laughed again and kissed his forehead. "Sorry, sorry. You know you're the only one I want as my bride."
A flush of heat traveled through Matthew. "Th-that's..."
"Aww, no fair Alfred. I would make a way cuter bride than my brother."
"Oh you think so? Both of you should have a competition. I shall marry whoever wins. And go!"
Matthew punched his arm and Angelique stuck her tongue out at her brother. And Alfred grinned, all the while wondering what it must be like to have such a warm family.
~.
Francis looked at the clock and frowned slightly. Everything had just finished cooking and the table had been set by a grumpy Angelique. All that was left was to allow a small window for cooling and to serve. And still no sign of or word from Arthur. He walked out of the kitchen. "Ah, Alfred, do you think something could be the matter? Shouldn't your father be here by now?"
Alfred looked up, his smile fading a bit. "...I doubt he'll come if he isn't here yet. Just wait, Arthur will call any minute now telling you why he can't come. It's better that he doesn't, he'd just curdle the atmosphere anyway."
The words were surprisingly venomous to Francis, who might well die of heartache if he heard his own children say such a thing. "I am sure that isn't true."
Alfred shrugged. "Whatever you say Papa."
Frown deepening, Francis returned to the kitchen as Matthew stared uncomfortably at the television and Angelique looked up from her half painted nails curiously. Well, Matthew had told him that Arthur and Alfred had problems. And Arthur had told him on their first meeting that he had a variety of issues with the boy. He just couldn't understand why. Alfred seemed very polite, kind, and easy going. It was hard for him to believe Arthur had such a difficult time with him. And that Alfred disliked Arthur so much.
All he could do was carry on and get the dinner ready. Once everything was on the table his cellphone rang. He picked it up, voice bright. "Bonjour! You have reached the Bonnefoy residence."
A quiet, slightly muffled voice spoke. "Er, hello? Is this Francis speaking?"
Ah, here was Arthur. "Yes, this is he. Where are you? I was starting to get worried."
"Er, just a second I'm having some- Watch it! Er, I'm having some trouble hearing, let me get to a quieter location."
Francis went to stand in the doorway of the living room. The three children looked up briefly and Francis mouthed to Alfred 'Your father.'
Alfred rolled his eyes. Just then Arthur spoke again. "Right, sorry about that. Listen-"
Suddenly Alfred began to speak in a flat voice. "I won't be able to make it. I'm terribly sorry but work just won't let me go. I hope you understand but what can one do?"
The fact that Alfred's small speech was almost a clone of what Arthur said over the telephone deeply troubled Francis. "Ah...but that is alright. If you show up a little late-"
"Er, no I...I'm sorry to waste your time and any effort you took on my account but tonight is not a good night. Maybe another time..."
All trace of a smile disappeared from Francis' face and he ducked into the other room, voice lowering to a slight hush. "I see. I suppose if that is the case... but may I just mention that Alfred repeated nearly verbatim what you just told me as you said it?"
There was a soft sigh on the other line and a pause of silence, some sort of background noise he couldn't quite identify the only sound.
"...You can still get here while we are eating if you left now I am sure."
Another sigh. "I don't..."
"You are a very stubborn man Arthur. I admire that but when it comes to your son don't you think-"
The next thing he knew he was listening to the dial tone. "He hung up on me. How rude those Englishmen are..."
Francis drummed his fingers on his arm then walked to the living room, clapping his hands sharply. "Dinner time!" The three got to their feet and headed towards the dining room. "Do not forget to wash your hands."
Alfred paused next to Francis. "Not coming, am I right Papa?"
"...Non, it seems not. This happens often?"
Smiling softly, Alfred shrugged one shoulder. "Yeah. What can I say? The world is filled with sunflowers."
The words, so optimistic, struck Francis as terribly odd. "What?"
"Oh... just something someone told me once. I've found it to be...quite true." Alfred slid past him and Francis watched him with a perked brow, not sure what to make of it. But really, it was no wonder he and Arthur had so many problems if things like this were common occurrences.
Matthew looked at Alfred with concern as they sat at the dinner table. "Are you okay?"
Alfred raised his eyebrows questioningly. "Eh? Of course. I didn't want Arthur here anyway. I'd much rather enjoy you and your family without him."
And what could Matthew say to that? Francis didn't seem to know how to take it at first either but Alfred was cheerful and didn't act bothered in the least. Matthew let it drop, knowing it was just how Alfred was. But it wasn't quite so easy for Francis. No, even as he carried on the friendly banter with his children and Alfred it bothered him.
It greatly amused Alfred that all of them had wine with dinner, even a small glass for Angelique, and Francis acted as if it were perfectly alright. He even demonstrated the proper way to drink it for Alfred. No, it was definitely better Arthur wasn't there.
Dinner and dessert were finished and none could eat another bite. Alfred praised the food highly, telling Francis a few horror stories of Arthur's cooking and of his own meager talents. They all talked for a long time before Francis determined it was time to take Alfred home. After all, if Arthur couldn't do it...
Pursing his lips at the thought, he put a hand lightly on Matthew's shoulder as Alfred was putting his shoes on. "Matthieu, please allow me to take Alfred home alone."
Matthew looked up at him, a bit confused as to why. "Eh? Oh...um, alright Papa."
Francis pet his hair. "Thank you. Say your goodbyes."
Nodding once Matthew went to Alfred, still wondering why Papa didn't want him to go with them. Probably something about Arthur... Alfred was saying goodbye to Angelique and he waited a bit awkwardly. Alfred's eyes met his and he smiled warmly. Matthew returned it weakly. "U-um, I won't be going on the ride with you. Papa...um, he wants me to clean up. But I will see you tomorrow."
Alfred tilted his head and Matthew held his breath, hoping he wasn't completely transparent in his lies. "I see. Alright then. Thanks for having me. Let's do this again, eh? I like it here a lot."
"And he likes me," Angelique inserted before trotting off when Matthew gave her a warning look.
"Yes, we should! Um...I really liked having you here."
Alfred leaned close, voice very soft. "But let's also go somewhere more private in the near future hm? Somewhere that has locks on the doors..."
Matthew blushed and Alfred smirked slightly, leaning in to give him a small kiss. Matthew just barely reacted in time to kiss him back before he pulled away. Francis walked in tugging on a light jacket. "Alright lovebirds, I hope you have said your farewells, difficult as it may be to part." He laughed lightly and put a hand on Matthew's shoulder for a moment. "Ready Alfred?"
Alfred nodded and waved to Matthew. "See you later Mattie! Angelique!"
Matthew waved and watched the two leave. That had been really nice even if he hadn't gotten as much alone time with Alfred as usual. Maybe...he would have to make an effort to go to Alfred's house and actually stay next time. It was only fair and it was obvious that things were tenser than he had thought between Alfred and Arthur. Maybe he would only make it worse but on the other hand he might help ease tension. It couldn't hurt to try. For Alfred he could try...
~.
The world flit by outside the window. There was an easy silence between Alfred and Francis as they drove along. When they were close to his house Francis finally broke the silence. "So Alfred...It is normal for your father-"
Alfred cut in, tone sharp. "He is not my father, he is my adoptive guardian. There is a difference."
The words took him slightly aback. "...Oui. Arthur then. It is normal for him to skip out on things?"
Snorting loudly, Alfred continued to stare out the window. "Yeah... Not the most reliable guy. But I don't really care. I don't need him."
The words were so cold, automatic. They gave Francis an odd feeling of déjà vu that he did not care for at all. "Does he truly work that hard?"
There was a pause and Alfred peered over at Francis for a moment. "Yep, that Arthur is a workaholic. It's sort of disgusting really. Never there when you need him."
"...I see. So he works late? Most of the time?"
A wry smile twisted Alfred's lips upwards. "No not most of the time. Just when it matters."
As Francis digested the words Alfred took off his glasses and cleaned them, looking the epitome of bored. "Don't worry about it. I'm not asking you to feel all sorry for me or be all angry at him. I'm just stating the facts as they are and we have gotten on as we are for years now."
Francis tapped the steering wheel. Before he had a chance to speak again they were pulling up in front of Alfred's house. It was very dark. "...He does not seem to be home yet. Alfred, would you like to spend the night at our house? I will even wait for you to grab a few things if you like. It wouldn't be a problem."
"Huh? Oh no I'm fine. He'll be home soon I'm sure. Thanks for the offer though, I really appreciate it." Before Francis could protest Alfred had the door open and was out of the car. "Thanks for having me. You're the best cook ever! Hope to come again soon."
After a brief pause Francis smiled. "...Whenever you like. Really, you are always welcome at my home."
"Thanks Papa! I'll take you up on that sometime soon. Thanks for the ride too." With that Alfred slammed the door and walked towards the dark house. Francis watched him uncertainly, lingering even once Alfred was inside to see if he changed his mind. It felt wrong leaving him here alone but he was all grown up after all. Something was bothering him but he couldn't put his finger on it. All he knew was that somehow he was having a cœur à cœur with Arthur very soon.
When a light went on in the house Francis finally pulled away. There was little he could do at the moment. Still...Perhaps he would talk to Matthew about it. See if he had more of a perspective on the whole thing.
Alfred watched Francis drive away and turned the light off, making his way to his room in the sudden darkness. He knew it fairly well, having snuck in after hours more than a few times. Once in his room he stripped down to his boxers and slid into bed, placing his glasses safely aside. Then he sighed into the emptiness of the house. So different than the atmosphere of Matthew's house. He hated it here.
~.
It had been difficult to fall asleep, Alfred tossing and turning before falling into a light doze. Some unknown time later he was awoken by the sound of a slamming car door. He blinked in the dark and listened carefully. After a pause he heard a car drive off. Taxi.
Figured.
Alfred quickly turned on his side, facing away from the door. His body was tense, annoyance making him ultra sensitive to the noises he heard from within the house. As he finally heard his bedroom door creak open he bit his tongue, closed his eyes, and held his breath. He hated this most of all.
The sound of unsteady steps across the floor. A pause. Then weight on the bed. "Alfred...?"
The name came out slightly slurred, the smell of alcohol lingering. Alfred pretended to twitch then resettle into 'sleep'. He felt a hand shakily brush through his hair and then the worst part. Sniffling. A moment later Arthur was crying, feebly trying to hold back sobs. Alfred grit his teeth as he began to speak in what he supposed Arthur thought was a whisper. "I'm sorry Al, I am. One drink, thought to myself just one little drink and I'll go. I will try my best, just need that one drink. But I couldn't stop. I tried, I'm so sorry Alfred I'm a failure."
The words were all slurred and painfully pathetic. And still Arthur carried on. He was sorry. Next time he would try harder, really he would. He wouldn't go near a bar again. Wouldn't touch a drink. All for Alfred. God did he really think Alfred was sleeping through this bullshit?
Finally the sobbing winded down and Arthur pet Alfred's hair one last time. "Goodnight. I'm sorry. Truly very sorry."
There was the sound of footsteps wavering across the floor and the door closing again.
Fucking drunk.
Arthur wasn't so bad really. It wasn't like he drank everyday and he was neither a mean nor violent drunk. The problem was that when he started he couldn't seem to stop and then he got all sappy and sentimental. And he only seemed to drink when he should have been there for Alfred instead. It hadn't started out that way but that's what it eventually boiled down to.
Alfred couldn't stand it when Arthur was drunk. It was the only time he apologized but the words didn't mean a damn thing if he wasn't sober. Not a goddamn thing.
He could have told Francis the truth. That his "father" hadn't come to dinner because he was probably out drinking in some pub. According to Arthur stopping to get just one little drink before the dinner. Perhaps to work up his nerves with liquid courage. Then he simply couldn't stop. Probably called a couple drinks in when he had the wits left to make excuses.
'It's okay Arthur,' Alfred thought to himself with only a touch of bitterness. 'I keep everyone's secrets. Even yours. I...am very good at keeping secrets.'
Translations:
C'est la vie – such is life
mon petite chou-literally: my little cabbage but can signify something like 'sweetie'
Une broutille. Vous savez? – A trifle (trivial matter). You know?
cœur à cœur – heart to heart
