Well it's been some time since the last chapter. Sorry to say, the person I started this for is losing interest in hetalia, and that in turn has me kind of...push this story to the side. I'm going to change this to complete, though if I ever get the urge for TurkAme I'll might still update every once in a while.
As for the unfinished pair(Mama and the unwritten-as-of-yet Papa), I don't know if I'm going to get to that. What I had planned to happen would probably not work well as a cliffhanger, in that it would drive everyone crazy because of what would happen and what Alfred's answer would be(if you catch my meaning). Sorry again!
"I don't want to talk about it mom."
"Alfred, you're being ridiculous. Don't you think Matthew has the right to know about your life? I'm sure he won't react as badly as you're suggesting."
"No mom, I don't think Matthew has that right. It's my life, and I'm sure he's going to react badly. Why can't you respect my decision to not tell him!"
Francine and Alfred stared hard at each other, each unwilling to give in. Alfred fully believed he had the right to keep his life private from his brother. Francine fully believed Alfred was the one overreacting. She would definitely like to know about her sister's lives, and even meet any boyfriends to judge them for herself. She knre Matthew would do the same to Alfred, but what he was suggesting was outrageous; Matthew would not kill his own brother, nor his brother's boyfriend. And he would not react in such a way that Alfred had good reason to keep the news from him.
"I just don't see what you do. I know he protected you a lot, I've seen it for myself. But you're both adults now. Even if he gets upset, he can't do anything about it. But he should be told. How would you like it if Matthew didn't tell you about his girlfriends?"
"Do you even hear yourself? Why should I care about Matthew's love life? I don't care if he keeps it a secret. He could have the best, most awesome girlfriend in the world and keep that a secret, and that would be okay with me because I wouldn't know about her." Alfred was playing a dangerous game, arguing with his mother. He may have been an adult, like his mother so nicely liked to point out, but he still lived with his parents and so had to live by their rules. But he would not give.
"You watch your tone Alfred. You're being such a child about this. Tell your brother."
It was said with finality; she obviously thought Alfred would simply follow her demand. Yeah right.
"Or what?"
"Or," Francine said, turning back to the dinner she was preparing, "I'll bring it up at dinner."
Letting out an annoyed and frustrated sound, he stood up from the table and stormed out of the kitchen, cursing his mother out the whole way to the door. His father looked up from his embroidery. "Going next door?"
"Yeah," Alfred said shortly. He pulled his shoes on and opened the door, slamming it shut on his way out to show just how angry he was.
It was the third day since Matthew had arrived, and Alfred was starting to feel very nervous, and slightly afraid. Yesterday, Francine had given him a choice: tell Matthew in private, or at dinner. Well, Alfred had avoided both scenarios by staying with Sadiq and the boys for dinner. He hadn't told his mother or father. He knew his mother was probably furious that he'd skipped out, if only because Matthew was here.
He'd stayed the night even but, now that it was morning, he couldn't avoid going home any longer. Heracles and Yusuf had both given him a hug, and Sadiq had given him a kiss for good luck, because he was going to need it if he wanted to see the light of day again.
He walked slowly to his house, opening the door even slower. His father was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper. He looked up at Alfred's entrance and raised his eyebrows.
"Your mother is going to kill you."
"That bad huh?" Alfred said, sighing and shutting the door. He wondered if just banging his head repeatedly against the hard wood would feel better than the reprimand his mother was likely going to give him. He sulked over to the couch and sat next to his father.
"Yes, but it's pretty well deserved. Matthew is here and you missed a dinner with us. You know how your mother is about family. You probably did the worst thing you could have."
"Oh great," Alfred said, closing his eyes and leaning all the way back. He felt worse now.
Arthur observed his son from the corner of his eye. The lad was obviously troubled about the whole situation. "What's on your mind?"
Alfred almost told his father "nothing", but thought better of it and instead said, "Mom wants me to tell Matthew about Sadiq, but I know he's going to react badly. You know how protective Matthew is of me; what if he...I don't know, says something hurtful? Or confronts Sadiq? I don't want that. And why is mom so bothered by this anyways? It's none of her business, just like it's none of Matthew's. Shouldn't I have a say in this?" Alfred looked expectantly to his father. He knew dumping all this uncertainty on Arthur was not the best course of action to take at the moment, but he figured his father's insight might be better than nothing.
"I would just tell him."
Well that sucked.
"What? That's what I want to avoid!"
"I know, I know, but just...be forceful. Alfred," and Arthur put down the newspaper and turned to his son, "Tell Matthew about Sadiq, do it in front of your mother if that's what will satisfy her, but do it with confidence. Allow no disagreement from Matthew. You appreciated Matthew's help when you were younger, right?" Alfred nodded. "So tell him that but make him understand he doesn't have to do that anymore, and that it's starting to do more harm than good. As long as you have conviction, Matthew won't be able to do anything. You're happy, aren't you? With Sadiq?" Alfred nodded again. "Tell Matthew that if he wants to be a good big brother that he should support you, not hold you back. Do that and everything will turn out fine."
Alfred sat in shocked silence as his father picked up the newspaper and continued reading. That was...enlightening, he decided. Much more helpful than his mom, or even Sadiq himself.
"Okay...okay, I'll do that. Thanks dad," Alfred said, standing up and walking into the kitchen. Along with a new argument forming in his mind, he thought his walking into the kitchen was a parallel to being thrown to the wolves.
Both Francine and Matthew were bustling about in the kitchen, likely preparing breakfast. Alfred stood until one of them noticed him. It was Matthew.
"Alfred! Missed you at dinner. Where were you?" Matthew looked to be in a good enough mood. Alfred hoped it was enough to cushion the blow, so to speak.
"I was at Sadiq's house," he said, sitting down at the table. Matthew's brows drew together.
"Really? And he let you stay the night?"
"I don't see why he would object to it. That's what boyfriends do, after all, isn't it?"
Alfred's heart was pounding, because he'd said it. It was out in the open, bare for his pushy mother and overprotective brother to see and accept. Because Alfred wouldn't allow for any objection.
"Whoa whoa, hold on a second. You're dating your neighbor? Doesn't he have two kids? And isn't he older?"
"Yes. Is there a problem with that?" So far so good. From the corner of his eye he could see his mother listening intently, though she had her back to them.
Matthew looked at him funny, and sat down at the table. They stared at each other for a few seconds. "I don't know. Are you happy?"
It always came down to that, didn't it? Was he happy. Was he? Thinking about Sadiq put a smile on his face. Thinking about the boys brightened his day. Being around them, being a part of them, was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was more than simply happy.
"I'm more than happy, Matthew. I'm in love."
Matthew sat back and watched his brother. Alfred was looking at him with such conviction, obviously wanting him to understand. And he did. He loved his brother, and with Alfred having been so easy to push around as a kid, Matthew had to step up and take being a big brother seriously. For a long time he'd protected Alfred, then suddenly Alfred found the courage to stick up for himself, and Matthew wasn't really needed, at least in that regard. It was hard, but he trusted his brother to take care of himself.
"In love huh?" Matthew chuckled. "We must have inherited our interest in older partners from our father."
"What?" "What was that?"
Alfred's response was covered by Francine's question. She turned around, eyeing her older son. "What's that suppose to mean, Matthew?"
Matthew shrugged, smiling. "Just mentioning we all seem to have fallen for older partners, that's all. I mean, dad's what, four years older than you? And Katya's seven years older than me. How much older is Sadiq?"
"Six years," Alfred said, stunned by Matthew's revelation. Well no wonder he was taking the news with style; the man had an older lover himself.
"So...you're okay with this?" Alfred glanced at his mother, who narrowed her eyes.
"Yeah bro, but I think I'd like to meet him. You know, just normal big bro stuff. Have to make sure he's good for my little brother." Matthew reached over and ruffled Alfred's hair. Alfred, spirits lifted significantly, smiled and pushed Matthew's hand away.
"Well okay then," Alfred said, standing up and clapping his hands together. "I'm going to go over to Sadiq's. Maybe we can have dinner together?"
Matthew and Alfred both looked to their mother, who stared back before realizing they were waiting for her to answer. "Yes, that's fine...with me. Yes. I'll, uh, modify tonight's dish to include more people." She turned to Alfred.
"Great, thanks mom." He and Francine shared a look Matthew decided did not go well with the pleasant exchange just then. Francine look vaguely confused, and also smug. Alfred looked...well, he couldn't decide just how Alfred looked.
Alfred turned away and left the kitchen. Francine sighed and rubbed her face. Matthew sat at the table, confused himself about what had just happened.
"I see you're not dead," came the greeting once he stepped into Sadiq's house. He smiled despite his mood.
"Yeah, everything went better then I thought it would. Dad gave me some good advice, which helped to psych me up for the task. The strangest thing though; Matthew's girlfriend is seven years older than him. He accepted us without so much as an argument. I'm still reeling."
Sadiq, by now used to Alfred and his unique family, felt proud of his boyfriend for finally taking the situation head on. He knew Alfred had been troubled by his situation, and had urged him to simply come out with the truth. He was glad that Alfred got over his fear of telling his brother about them, and honestly he would feel better knowing Alfred's entire family approved of them.
"I'm proud of you," Sadiq said, slinging an arm around Alfred's shoulders and leaning down to kiss the top of his head. "I told you nothing would happen, but it sounds like you handled the situation like a pro."
"Thanks," Alfred said, ducking his head a bit. He lifted it a moment later, angling his head to press his lips to Sadiq's for a thank you kiss.
"Want to come over for dinner? The question's just a formality really. I don't think you have a choice in the matter."
"I'd be thrilled too. I've heard a bit about Matthew, it'd be nice to meet him finally."
"Just hope he doesn't take a hockey stick to your face for sleeping with his little brother."
MMMMMMMMMM
Arthur opened the door later that day, two little boys immediately running past him. Reminded of Alfred and Matthew as young boys, he almost yelled at them to stop running in the house, but knowing they were Sadiq's boys had him not even trying. They wouldn't listen to that order. Sadiq and Alfred were standing on the other side.
"Sorry about the boys, you know how they get," Sadiq said. "I'll talk to them."
"No no, that's quite alright. Let them have their fun." Arthur held out a hand. "It's nice to see you again."
"The same to you," Sadiq said, shaking Arthur's hand with confidence. They moved into the kitchen so Francine and Matthew could greet Sadiq.
After Francine said her 'hello's, Sadiq introduced himself to Matthew. "Sadiq Adnan."
"Matthew."
Matthew regarded him before saying, "Can I talk to you?" He motioned to the living room, and Sadiq nodded, giving Alfred's hand a squeeze before following Matthew out of the kitchen. Arthur bothered Francine about dinner, but she waved him away. Alfred stood in the middle of the kitchen, hoping—praying—neither of the two men in the living room did anything stupid.
—
Matthew turned around as soon they were on the other side of the living room, away from the kitchen. Sadiq was taller than him, so Matthew did his best to look intimidating.
"Listen, I can't really say anything without sounding like a hypocrite, but one thing I can say is that if you do anything to Alfred, I'll shove my hockey stick down your throat. Alfred is important to me, and since he's my little brother it's my job to give his boyfriends this talk, no matter if they're older than me. So do ya get it? Hurt him and you'll pay, make him cry and you'll wish you were never born, break his heart and I'll make sure you don't have any more children, got it?"
Alfred had been totally right; Matthew was protective. But Sadiq could respect that, and appreciate it. From experience with his own family he knew that older brothers weren't always the perfect role models, nor the best influence.
"Matthew, I would rather walk bare foot on broken glass then hurt Alfred. I would rather swallow fire than make him cry. And if I ever break his heart, you have my permission to make me regret it."
Matthew's mouth upturned at one corner. "I'm glad we're in agreement."
—
Alfred was pacing somewhat nervously when Matthew and Sadiq walked back in. They looked...better than when they'd left, which made Alfred sigh out in relief. He didn't question them, but the look on his face must have given him away because Sadiq saddled up next to him and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Everything's fine," he murmured. The rest of the night was arguably one of Alfred all time favorite family dinners, now that his family was finally complete.
