AN: Some NSFW in this chapter but toned down from what I usually do.
Chapter Seven: Taking a Chance
The open house party lasted until almost midnight. People were laughing and mingling in the Jones' house and the alcohol flowed freely. Arthur found himself constantly at Alfred's side throughout the evening. He was introduced to friends and neighbors and the occasional relative. Everyone greeted him enthusiastically and usually made a jab about Alfred's horrible track record with relationships. Arthur found it confusing and was a little offended at how everyone made their surprise at the relationship known. No one seemed to have trouble with the fact that they were both men—they just seemed shocked that Alfred had finally brought someone home.
The two of them stood by the roaring fireplace talking with the woman from across the street. She was sharing an anecdote about a previous party and Arthur was having a little trouble following along with the tale. He felt fingers brush against his own and looked down. Alfred was trying to hold his hand. The thought made Arthur smile and he grasped the lawyer's hand in his own and smiled fully at Alfred's face. He looked surprised, as though he wasn't used to people being comfortable with innocent PDA.
In truth, most of Alfred's past boyfriends had been against any displays be it hand holding or something bolder, like kissing in public. He was a naturally affectionate man and he had worked hard to tamp down that part of his personality with his past relationships. He was surprised and grateful that Arthur didn't seem to be uncomfortable with his timid gesture. In fact, the sexy Englishman seemed to be perfectly content with entwining their fingers.
The neighbor moved on when she saw Denise setting out a new tray of appetizers and her place was quickly filled by Gilbert and Matthew. They were both well on their way to tipsy and Gilbert had his arm slung playfully around Matthew's shoulders. He swayed a bit against the quiet man as he spoke. "How's everything going with you two?" Gilbert wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
"We are excellent, thank you," Arthur said primly.
"How come you guys were so late to the party?" Alfred's eyes narrowed at the German. "You weren't upstairs corrupting my brother were you?"
"I was definitely doing something to your brother, that's for sure."
"Gilbert," Matthew hissed with embarrassment.
"Don't make me kick your ass Beilschmidt," Alfred said playfully. "You know you have to wait until the wedding night."
"Too little, too late," Gilbert laughed. "I already got me a piece of this sweet—"
"Gilbert!" Matthew practically shouted, slapping his hand over his fiancée's mouth.
Alfred laughed at their antics and squeezed Arthur's hand lightly. "Just looking out for you Mattie."
"I'm fine," Matthew said stiffly. "I don't need looking out for."
"So, when are you two going to finally get it on?" Gilbert swayed and pointed a question at Alfred and Arthur's shocked expressions.
"What?" Arthur managed to stammer.
"I mean, here," Gilbert amended. "You know…at your parent's house? You haven't had sex in your childhood home in a long time, have you Al?"
Arthur's face was pale and he turned to Alfred who looked just as trapped. "Um, yeah," Alfred managed. "I mean, cause we've been together for four months so we've obviously…you know, done it already—ha!" Arthur almost shook his head at how awkward Alfred sounded. At least the parent's weren't anywhere nearby to see how terribly their ruse was going.
"Of course you have," Gilbert said in a stage whisper.
Matthew grimaced at his brother and tugged on Gilbert's arm, "I think it's time for us to call it a night," he said. He didn't seem upset, or even surprised at Gilbert's actions. In fact, he smiled indulgently at his lover as they said their goodnights and retired upstairs.
Now alone by the fire, Alfred turned to Arthur and looked deep into his eyes. "It's getting late," he spoke after a long silence.
"Yes, it is."
"Do you, maybe, want to go upstairs too?"
The look on Alfred's face was so full of hope that Arthur felt his intense crush on the other man deepen further. He glanced around the room which was quickly emptying out and nodded silently. Alfred's grin widened. He tugged Arthur gently toward the stairs. Neither man bothered to say good night to anyone as they slowly and quietly climbed the stairs.
The room was in full darkness, lit only by the moon. Alfred and Arthur stood, facing each other, at the foot of the bed. Neither man was moving or speaking. They simply watched one another. The heat between them was palpable. After a few moments of simply watching one another, Alfred made a small movement. He took a single step toward Arthur and tentatively reached up to cup Arthur's cheek in his palm. He rubbed a soft circle on the Englishman's face and they gazed into each other's eyes. The silence stretched. Alfred took another step closer and their chests brushed against one another. Arthur's breath hitched.
Slowly, Alfred leaned his head down ever so slightly and pressed his lips against Arthur's. They moved as one, but it was soft and precious and slow. Arthur ran his tongue along the seam of Alfred's mouth and the lawyer's lips parted to allow him entrance. Their tongues melded beautifully and the thought crossed both of their minds that this kiss was perfect. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing deeply and watching the other with trepidation.
Finally Alfred spoke. "I want to do that again."
"As do I," Arthur sighed. In fact, he couldn't wait to feel Alfred's lips on his own. The idea of waiting even one second longer was pure torture. So Arthur went up on his toes and kissed Alfred, his hands sliding over the other's shoulders lightly.
Alfred kissed back fervently and soon they were in the throes of a passionate embrace. Fingers and hands and tongues and teeth all melted together as one and they were completely at each other's mercy. Collapsing back onto the bed, Arthur maneuvered himself so that he was straddling Alfred's waist, his hands pressing down on the young American's defined chest. Their kisses were harsh and needy as Arthur tugged at Alfred's shirt, wanting it to come off more than anything. Alfred obliged.
In the moonlight, Arthur drank in the sight of the beautiful man stretched out beneath him and his breath caught. Alfred was perfect. So handsome and kind and wonderful. Arthur couldn't believe how lucky he was at that very moment. Alfred reached up and cupped Arthur's face once more, the look in his impossibly blue eyes was so incredibly tender that Arthur let go with a rare, genuine smile. As quickly as it had come, the moment was gone, and they were once again, frantically ripping at their clothing. Shoes were kicked off, belts were tossed to the floor, and pants were shed and thrown across the room. When they were both down to their underwear, the spent some time exploring their bodies with hands and mouths until they were both gasping for breath. Arthur could feel Alfred's hardness beneath him and the thought that he had turned this beautiful man on was intoxicating.
Almost shyly, Arthur reached down and grasped Alfred through his boxers, rubbing his fingers up and down the hard length. Alfred cried out and bucked his hips. "Now, now," Arthur chided with a grin. "You mustn't be so loud, or you'll wake the entire house."
Alfred shook his head, because that was the last thing he wanted. He made an effort to keep his cries and mewls much softer as Arthur began to pull his underwear down his thighs, exposing Alfred's erection to the cool night air. Before Alfred could move, Arthur dipped his head down and quickly licked the tip of Alfred's penis causing the American to jolt and moan. "That tastes lovely," Arthur concluded, his lidded eyes glancing up to Alfred's flushed face.
"I bet you taste better," Alfred managed to gasp.
Arthur didn't respond, he simply lowered his head once again and took all of Alfred into his hot, wet mouth. The Englishman was incredibly skilled and he worked over Alfred's erection with tenderness and attention. The feel of Arthur's tongue lavishing pleasure on him had Alfred thrashing around on the mattress in utter ecstasy. He unconsciously bucked his hips upwards and thrust himself deeper into Arthur's willing mouth. For his efforts, Arthur clamped his lips around him hard and sucked deeply. In moments Alfred was spilling himself in the most intense orgasm that he could remember.
Arthur kept toying with him as he shuddered to a finish, wordlessly lapping up everything that Alfred gave to him. When he was finally spent, Alfred collapsed back against the pillows breathing hard, his eyes closed tightly. He felt Arthur slide up the bed and snuggle his body in tightly. Alfred slung and arm around Arthur's shoulders and pulled the smaller man flush against him. "That was beyond amazing Artie," Alfred breathed out.
"For me as well love," Arthur buried his face into the crook of Alfred's neck and inhaled the American's scent. He smelled like sex and a hint of chocolate. It was intoxicating.
"Let he help you out now," Alfred said as he made a half-hearted movement to sit up.
Arthur gently pressed his hand to Alfred's chest and pushed the younger man back down onto the bed. "No need for that love," he said, his cheeks flushing red.
"What do you mean?"
"I, um," Arthur stammered and turned his head away from Alfred. "I may have come on my own when you finished in my mouth…"
"What?" Alfred's voice was full of mirth and pride. "Really? You came just from that?"
"Well, you know," Arthur tried to defend himself. "It's been a rather long while and you're so…you know…attractive." He trailed off and tried to keep his face turned away from the other man.
Alfred let out a bark of pleased laughter. "That's awesome babe," He said pulling Arthur closer and nuzzling his face against the Englishman's cheek. "So you really think I'm that hot?"
"You know you are, stop fishing for compliments," Arthur groused, thoroughly embarrassed.
They stayed twined together, cuddling against the chill of the air, casual touches and small kisses.
Arthur woke the next morning very late for him. He was usually an early riser and didn't sleep much past seven in the morning. However when he rolled over and glanced at the old fashioned alarm clock next to the bed the numbers read that it was nearly nine. He sat bolt upright, clutching the blankets to his bare chest. He glanced quickly around the room and noted that he was alone. For a moment he stared at Alfred's pillow and he felt a tightness in his chest. Why would the handsome American, who was notorious for sleeping in, not be lying next to him this morning? Arthur could only think of one reason—Alfred regretted their night.
He felt the beginnings of tears prick at his eyes and he angrily wiped them away with a huff. Nick looked at him from the end of the bed where he was curled up in a patch of sun. The cat blinked lazily and turned his head away as though ashamed at Arthur's sorrow. Steeling himself for an awkward day, Arthur swung his legs out of bed and placed his bare feet on the cool wooden floor. He brushed once more at his eyes and then resolved that he wasn't going to cry. He wouldn't give Alfred the satisfaction.
As he pulled on his clothes for the day, crisply pressed slacks and yet another drab sweater-vest, he could hear the faint sound of voices drifting up from the main floor of the house. Alfred's voice seemed to stand out from the rest. Arthur delicately sniffed the air—it smelled like waffles. Breakfast sounded good, although he didn't really want to go down and face Alfred just yet. He looked at himself in the mirror over the dresser once more before sighing in realization that he couldn't spend the entire day hiding in his room. The room he shared with Alfred. Arthur rolled his eyes and grunted. Nick made a small mewing sound of commiseration. Glancing fondly at the cat and patting Nick's head, Arthur didn't hear the door to the room creak open. He looked up sharply and saw Alfred standing in the doorway holding a tray of food.
The American looked even more handsome in the daylight. Arthur sucked in his breath. They were finally face to face. He didn't want to see the look of regret in Alfred's eyes so he averted his down to stare at the cat.
"Hey," Alfred said in a cheerful voice. "I thought you might be hungry. You're usually up way before now."
"Yes." Arthur couldn't manage to say anything more and his eyes remained steadfastly down.
"You okay?" Alfred asked. "I made waffles. Well, actually Mattie made waffles and I'm taking credit for it because I watched him do it." Arthur felt a smile ghost across his face. He chanced a glance up into Alfred's eyes. He didn't see pity or regret—he saw worry. "Are you…mad at me?" Alfred's voice was small.
"No," Arthur said loudly. "Not at all," he dropped his voice. "I was just…concerned when I woke and you were gone."
"Yeah, I was really hungry and I could smell the food. I've only been up for about a half hour."
"You didn't wake me," Arthur said softly. He could feel the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes once more.
"I didn't want to," Alfred admitted. "You looked so happy sleeping. Your face is all relaxed and you don't seem angry."
"I'm never angry!" Arthur stated sharply.
"You kind of are," Alfred smiled. "Don't worry, I think it's cute."
Arthur huffed and watched Alfred step into the room, placing the tray of waffles on the edge of the bed. Nick sniffed the air with curiosity but he seemed to find breakfast pastries beneath him and laid his head back down. Alfred stepped closer to him, holding out his arms. Arthur fell into them gratefully. They kissed softly, their eyes fluttering closed and their lips brushing.
"I'm really glad that last night happened," Alfred said as he broke the kiss.
"As am I," Arthur agreed.
"So," Alfred said in a small voice, "No regrets?"
"Not from me," Arthur said. "You?"
"No way," Alfred smiled widely. "I was worried you'd wake up and be all mad at me or something."
"I would never," Arthur furrowed his eyebrows.
Reaching down and grabbing a waffle off the plate, Alfred offered it to Arthur before snagging one for himself. He stuffed the entire thing into his mouth in one bite. Arthur's eyes went wide as he watched and took a single delicate bite of his own breakfast with decorum and dignity. If this was going to keep up, he would have to do something about Alfred's table manners.
"So," Alfred said, his mouth full of chewed food. "You wanna go Christmas shopping downtown with me today? Mom and Mattie are going to come. Gilbert and my dad are staying here. They said they have something to do together in my dad's woodshop. Who knows what that is? Anyway, I was thinking you might enjoy seeing the main street. There's a lot of cool little shops and stuff and—"
Arthur held a finger up to Alfred's rapidly moving lips and said "I would love to join you."
"Great! Make sure you dress warm, it's freezing out there today."
"It is winter," Arthur pointed out with a small laugh.
Alfred chuckled. "It is," he agreed. He bent down and kissed Arthur swiftly before turning and heading out the door calling back that they were going to be leaving in ten minutes. Arthur began to dig through his suitcase looking for gloves and a scarf. Just because he wanted to stay warm didn't mean that he couldn't be fashionable as well. So Jones had no regrets about the previous night. Arthur felt a surge of relief course over his entire body. He mentally berated himself for jumping to conclusions as he was wont to do. Next time, he would give Alfred the benefit of the doubt. He licked his lips, remembering their kisses from the night before. It was a memory he would treasure forever.
"It's supposed to start snowing again any time now," Denise rubbed her mitten-covered hands together and joined Alfred at the store front window display that he was admiring. "Looks like we'll have a white Christmas."
"That sounds lovely," Alfred tore his eyes away from the beautifully decorated window and looked at his mother.
"Anything catching your eye?" She grinned mischievously at him.
Alfred shrugged. "I don't know. Do you need a new scarf?"
Denise sighed and patted her oldest son on the shoulder. "Darling, you are hopeless with Christmas gifts, you know that?"
"I know. I try."
"And every year you get me a scarf…or scented lotion." Denise smiled lovingly at her boy.
"Sorry," Alfred hung his head. "Natalia usually gives me advice and she's on a budget."
"I'm not complaining about the price tag," Denise laughed. "I'm commenting on the lack of originality."
"I'll do better, I promise." Alfred glanced up and down the street. "Where are Arthur and Matt?"
"They're in the candy shop. I think they're both buying the place out for you." Denise smiled up at him. "Come on, tell me more about Arthur while it's just the two of us."
Alfred froze and tried to distract his mother by pointing out some of the store window's holiday ornaments. She declined to get a closer look at them and pulled Alfred over to a snow-covered bench. They brushed off the seats with their mittens and sat down next to each other.
"There's really nothing to tell," Alfred said after a pause.
"Is it serious?"
Alfred hesitated. He didn't want to give the game away, although now the entire plan seemed stupid since they actually were trying to give real dating a go. "I think it is," he finally said.
Nodding, Denise patted his hand. "He's a lovely man."
"I know."
"I would be happy to call him a son," she spoke the words with affection in her tone.
"Mom!" Alfred moaned out. "We just started dating!"
Denise cocked her head and looked directly at her son. "I thought you had been together for four months."
"We have," Alfred covered quickly. "It's just…that's not too long, right? So we're…taking it slow." His voice hitched up on the end.
"You sound like that's a question."
"It's not. We're taking it slow." Alfred spoke firmly, trying to keep his tone in check.
"Okay then," Denise smiled at her son. "I don't mean to pry."
"You always pry mom," Alfred smiled at her.
"I just want you to be happy. Matthew is so happy with Gilbert and I want the same for you. Preferably with Arthur so I can start getting grandchildren," Denise chuckled.
"Mom!" Alfred groaned. He covered his face as his mother laughed beside him. She stopped as Matthew and Arthur approached, each of them laden down with a number of bags bearing the name of the local candy shoppe.
"I think we bought them out Al," Matthew joked as he shook his purchases at his brother.
"You know me," Alfred said, glancing at Arthur. "I love…candy."
Arthur raised a brow at him and said, "You know this sugary stuff is going to put you in an early grave."
"Nah," Alfred waved a hand in dismissal. "Hey Mattie, you wanna hang with mom for a bit, I need Arthur's advice on some gifts."
"Sure Al," Matthew set his bags down and traded places with Alfred. He and his mother began a soft conversation as Alfred and Arthur grasped hands and headed into the closest store.
"I suck at buying gifts," Alfred admitted as they entered.
"And you want my help?" Arthur smirked.
Alfred nodded. "If I get my parents and Matt really good stuff they might get distracted and stop asking me questions about you."
"Your mother is still suspicious?" Arthur's brow creased.
"No," Alfred said, picking up a snowman knick-knack and glancing at it. "She just keeps talking about grandchildren and you know…it's so soon. I mean, we just started dating last night."
"I knew it."
Both men whirled around and came face to face with Matthew who stood before them with his arms crossed over his chest. "I knew it!" He repeated.
Alfred and Arthur had identical looks of panic on their faces and they chanced a quick look at one another. "Mattie?" Alfred said pleadingly. "It's not what it sounds like."
"It sounds like this whole relationship was a fake and now its…real?" Matthew looked at them suspiciously.
Arthur squeezed Alfred's hand and the American found some courage. He looked straight at his twin and the entire story spilled out. How Ivan had dumped him, how he was so ashamed and couldn't face the family as a recently dumped, single man with no prospects. Hiring Arthur. And then Alfred started to tell his brother about how much Arthur meant to him and how they had decided to give their relationship a real chance. "It may have started off as fake Mattie, but it's really real now. I swear. Please don't be mad."
Matthew listened silently during the entire story and then shook his head. "I'm not mad. I'm surprised. I knew something was off but really Al? Hiring a stranger? No offense Arthur."
"None taken."
"I won't tell anyone, not even Gil," Matthew stared at them both. "But you should. You really should come clean to mom and dad. Let them know the kind of pressure they put you under and the result. Maybe she'll back off a little. They deserve to know the truth."
"I know," Alfred said. "I just don't know how."
"Figure it out," Matthew said pointedly. "Anyway, I was just coming to tell you that we're going to pop into the café for sandwiches and you two should come with when you're done in here."
"We'd love to," Arthur said quickly.
"Be right there" Alfred echoed.
"Okay," Matthew nodded. "And really think about telling mom the truth."
"I will."
Matthew turned to leave, hefting his bags with him as he maneuvered through the packed store. "Oh, and Al?" he turned back when he reached the door. "Don't get mom another stupid scarf this year…make an effort?"
"I'll do my best," Alfred muttered.
"I'll help take care of it," Arthur spoke up.
Matthew turned and left, letting a blast of winter air into the warm shop as he exited. Alfred and Arthur stared at each other in a state of shock. "Well, the world didn't come crashing down, did it?" Arthur finally said, trying to lighten the situation.
"Almost," Alfred sounded miserable.
"It will be fine poppet," Arthur rubbed a hand along Alfred's broad shoulders. "We just have to be more careful."
"Maybe he's right," Alfred said. "Maybe I should tell them."
Arthur took a breath and remained as calm as possible. While he certainly didn't want the parents of the man he was beginning to have strong feelings for, know that he was a hired boyfriend, he would stand by Alfred no matter what. "That's your choice darling," he said finally. "I'll support you in whatever you want to do."
"Thanks Artie," Alfred leaned down and pecked the Englishman on the cheek. "You're the best."
"Anytime," Arthur said. Although he had an uneasy feeling beginning to grow in the pit of his stomach.
"Okay, now help me pick out something that isn't a scarf and we'll go meet mom and Mattie at the café. They have really good burgers." Alfred attempted a charming smile.
"I'm not really a fan of hamburgers," Arthur said distractedly.
"They have good salads too, I think," Alfred began to pull Arthur through the store. "I don't really know, I don't eat a lot of salad."
"I'd never know," Arthur smiled affectionately. "You're very fit."
"All for you babe," Alfred winked. "Hey," he held up a bottle of cherry scented lotion. "What about this?"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You're hopeless, my love." He turned away and could feel Alfred following him to the back of the store where there was a small jewelry counter. He didn't see the humungous smile plastered on Alfred's face at the word 'love.' The American smiled for the rest of the day.
