Story beta'd by the lovely OKFan here on . Go check out her stuff she has a new story out which is very good!
So this is more of a short chapter to clear up the last chapter which had some conceding reviews. So this is going to be one of the last few chapters of this fic. I have loved finishing this fic, but at the same time am not happy with it. I am a perfectionist, and this fic has not let me grow as a writer. The other fic I am currently writing The World of Cards or even the one-shot I have done for the forth of July (go check em out and drop a review if you like them) have been the things to really help me out. I will stick this out and finish writing it no worries, but I am going to be going and doing my own thing to which I hope you all will join me. I am even planning my own novel out which is slowly being written as is another fan fiction which I hope to have out come November.
Also a thanks to those who have subscribed to me on tumblr!
P.S. If you have and want a story message me on here as I am still figuring out that site. Even to anyone who wants a one-shot tell me what you want in a review and I will pick a few out to write. That way you guys can be the cure for my Writers block I seem to have come down with.
Chapter 24
Alfred really didn't know what to think of the situation. Truthfully he was quite happy that Arthur wanted to take things in their relationship forward. But, what he had found on the man's computer left him with an uneasy feeling in his stomach that he was hoping the tub of ice cream he was eating would fill.
The teen was at one of the kitchen's barstools slightly hunched over so his elbows rested on the counter top around his ice cream tub. Strawberry ice cream, to be precise.
It was mid afternoon on the third day of their vacation, and the rain kept them inside. It also kept Alfred thinking.
Light footsteps across hardwood floors echoed into the room. Not looking back Alfred heard Arthur approach him. The man seemed hesitant once he had gotten to the doorframe that lead to the kitchen, but continued inside anyways.
"Alfred, are you quite alright?" Alfred didn't voice his answer, only nodded his head. Arthur heaved a sigh before sitting down on the chair beside him, "I should not have done that with you yesterday. We got carried away. All I wished to do was kiss you thank you for returning, but things got heated. I- You drive me crazy Alfred." A pause, "You were not ready and I just am no good at relationships, I should never date!" Arthur leaned forward on the counter and placed his head in his hands giving out a long sigh. He was upset with himself. Letting his urges get the better of him. Sure the other responded, but so did he when they were in the car all those months back!
Alfred sat up and pulled the spoon from his mouth, "No, that's not it. I enjoyed what happened yesterday, and don't regret that it happened. But, I just" Alfred paused to collect his thoughts, "why would you have been looking that stuff up on the computer? I am just confused as to why you didn't talk to me about it."
Arthur breathed out slowly, "Alfred I am still a teenager at heart, do not take it wrongly. But I am still stuck in that phase where I need to relieve myself, and I refuse to take our relationship further. I will not push you into anything, and don't you dare just do anything without seriously thinking about it.I have tried to look at other things, like the stuff Elizaveta has sent you. I just can't get into it as I still am attracted to the feminine form. I did ask Francis about it." Arthur's face scrunched up in irritation, "he said that it was because I am not really as Bi as I thought. He believes I am as he says a fool for love, that I am a straight man whom has found love with another man. If it weren't for you I would never think to date another man."
Alfred looked up and nodded, "I understand."
Arthur reached out and took Alfred's face into his hands. "Listen to me Alfred. I am risking my job, my life, and even my home here in America to be with you. Do not doubt for one second that I would not want to be with you. I admit that in the past I may have been one horrible teen who had more than his fair share of partners, but with you I feel like the home I always needed is closer than it has ever been before."
Alfred allowed his face to be held by Arthur's warm hands, he could feel the sincerity the other's voice as he spoke. Alfred felt calm with Arthur and, as the other expressed it, at home. Arthur accepted him for who he was, and did not criticize him. Though, the idea of Arthur bedding so many unnerved him. "What made you change and become such a stuck up teacher?"
Arthur blinked before he let his hands fall from Alfred's face. Taking a breath he allowed his cheeks to slightly color as he turned his head. "That is a long story.
Alfred smiled, "I do want to know more about you as a person, not just my teacher Arthur. Plus we have a while here, and it's raining. I believe we have time for a few long stories."
Arthur nodded, "Alright fine, but you are not allowed to laugh at me."Alfred agreed and prompted Arthur to begin which the Englishman did ever so hesitantly. "I met Francis when I was starting my high school career. He came from an area in Northern France, and wreaked havoc on my life, to say the least." Alfred smiled.
"I had been shipped off to a boarding school while my mum took care of my new brother Peter. I was none too happy about having to leave my home, and when I met Francis he was able to help me loosen up. He convinced me to join the football team. No Alfred, it was proper football the one where you actually use your feet to play the sport, not that rubbish you call football." Alfred laughed at Arthur's tone about his country's "football."
Arthur cleared his throat. "Well to say I acted posh is an understatement. Francis was the pretty boy of the school, and so me being in his circle of friends I had to follow him. I wore all the proper clothes, and tried my best to style my hair. We made fun of the other students, and threw parties most of which I ended up drunk and passed out. That was also how I had lost my virginity.
"This continued the rest of my high school life, and later became my university life." Arthur took a deep breath. "I shared my bed with many women over the years, which I am not proud of. This is the first stable relationship I have had." Arthur looked over at Alfred who was watching him.
Alfred had a look of awe on his face. He listened to the other with much curiosity.
"Then why did you have that stuff on your computer?"
"Alfred you cannot sit there, and tell me you have never looked at X rated stuff on the net?"
Alfred blushed, "A bit."
"Have you done so while we have been in a relationship?" A nod. "Then should I also be upset that you have been looking at other men. To have me think that I am no good for you?"
As Alfred's head shook he tried to speak to deny that statement, but Arthur cut him off. "Alfred we are men, we need that release every now and then or it consumes our thoughts and dreams. Women are right about what they say about us keeping it in our pants. I have tried, Alfred, to look at other men since I started this relationship. But, it doesn't get to me like you do. I have never wanted to be with someone so badly in my life, and as I watch that smut damned I admit it and cast myself deeper into the pits of hell, but I think of you while you know." Arthur put his free in his hands as he hid his blush, "Just send in Chris Hansen now."
Alfred took a deep breath, "There is nothing wrong with that. This, I mean, what we have now is consensual. As long as you want to be with me, I want to be with you." Alfred reached over to pull the Englishman's hands from his face. "I love you Arthur."
Arthur looked up. Green meeting sky blue. "I shall love you till the stars fall from the sky and we are cast into oblivion."
