As the weeks passed, Francis made an effort to go to the orphanage every day to visit the boys. He took Arthur with him as often as possible, but the Englishman usually had to work. Francis spent every moment he could getting to know them, playing with Alfred and translating for Matthew. Both children gradually grew to trust him. One day as he was leaving, the woman pulled him aside and told him the date of the home visit, when a social worker would come to the house and watch the couple in their home to see if they were suitable to adopt. Francis went home a bundle of nerves. He spent the next few days frantically cleaning his house.
"Arthur, did you check the bathroom?"
"Yes Francis."
"What about the laundry?"
"It's been done."
"Have you dusted?" Arthur sighed and put down his book.
"Francis—"
"Everything has to be perfect!" Arthur grabbed Francis's arm as he ran by and pulled him into a kiss, blushing as he did so. When they pulled away, Francis looked down at him in confusion. "Arthur?"
"Calm down, Francis. Everything will be fine. The house doesn't need to be spotless. It's clean enough as it is." Francis stared down into his husband's eyes.
"But, Arthur—"
"Do I have to kiss you again?" Arthur interrupted. Francis blinked and then smiled.
"Arthur, you are usually not so bold. It has been a while since we spent a night together, non?" Francis asked, running his hands through the shorter man's hair. Arthur leaned in towards him, and Francis pressed their lips together. Arthur pulled the bandana out of Francis's hair and undid the ribbon he had used to tie back his ponytail. Francis grinned and led Arthur upstairs to their bedroom.
That night, a strong thunderstorm blew into the city. Matthew cried in his bed, shivering anew at each thunderclap. He was hiding under his blankets, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. At a particularly loud boom, he let out a scream. A moment later Alfred stood in the doorway.
"Mattie?" he asked tiredly, rubbing his eyes. "Are you okay?"
"A-Alfred!" Alfred looked at the shivering lump on the bed and walked over.
"It's okay, Mattie, you don't need to be afraid, the hero is here to protect you," Alfred said. He yawned and patted the lump. Matthew peeked out at him. Alfred pulled back the covers and climbed into the bed next to him. Matthew clung to him desperately as the storm raged outside. Alfred put his arms around the other boy and yawned again. "Don't be afraid Mattie, the storm can't hurt you when the hero's here." Matthew gradually calmed in Alfred's embrace and looked up at him.
"Thank you Alfred," he said softly. Alfred smiled sleepily, his eyes closed.
"Sure thing, Mattie…" Matthew snuggled closer to Alfred's chest and both boys gradually fell asleep.
Doing this after school and before work .