I flutter my eyes to a brightly lit room and grab the covers placed under my nose. I sit up and throw the blankets almost off the bed and rub my tired eyes.

"Where's the damn clock?", I mutter to myself and snatch the alarm off the nightstand. 8:37.

"I hope it's Saturday. Otherwise, I'm not moving my ass." Despite saying this, I roll out of bed and head for the kitchen after throwing the clock violently on the floor.

"Mornin, Artie!", I hear a familiar voice ring. I open my eyes to see Alfred in my kitchen, making breakfast.

"Piss off." I sit on the stool and lay my upper body all over the countertop, my arms outstretched. "How are you up and ready so quick?"

"Okay. And I woke up pretty early to shower and stuff. Oh, and Artie?", Alfred asks.

"What is it now, Alfred?", I question.

"Don't act like I can't see it anymore.", he says solemnly.

I look up at him and tilt my head. "What?"

He just glances at me and goes back to making his eggs. I start to put my head down, but I notice something fleshy. My arms are facing Alfred, revealing my wristband tattoos.

I jerk back up and widen my eyes at my open arms. "WHERE'S MY FUCKING JACKET?"

Alfred turns the stove burner off and stands in front of me. "I came in and took it off ya when you were sleepin'. I told ya I'd wash it."

"But I didn't WANT you to! And I most certainly don't need you seeing my ink."

"I didn't know ya had tattoos, Arthur.", he purrs. "But what are those marks on your arm?"

Shit. I look at the cuts on my arm and think of an excuse other than the truth. A street fight? Doesn't seem convincing enough, despite that it's the truth. "Uh, we had a cat from Hell back in England."

Alfred looks warily at me from the corner of his eyes and goes back to his task. "Alright."

I cringe my nose and cut my eyes and he glares playfully, leaning closer to me. Alfred asks, "So, what's with the whole punk attitude, huh?"

I look down at my wrists and look at the mistake I try so profusely to ignore everyday. "What? Haven't you ever seen a man with tattoos before?"

Alfred comes over to me and grabs my arm. "Yeah, but not you, of all people. It's hot! How many other tats ya got under those clothes of yours?", he persuades.

I snatch my limb back and reply snidely, "None you need to see, pervert."

"'Ay now, pretty baby! No need for sassiness! Especially after ya hear what I've got planned for ya today."

I raise my eyebrows and question, "And what is that?"

"It's gonna be a surprise."

I grab onto his shirt and hold him close to my face to mumble, "Spill it or so help me God, Alfred."

He raises his hands and backs up, "Our first date!"

I let go and lower my shoulders. "Oh."

"What? Don't tell me ya forgot we were dating!"

"To be honest, I completely forgot." I hold my forehead in my palm and smile halfway.

"Whatever. Okay, it's time." Alfred sits down in front of me with plates of the eggs for the both of us. "What did I do last night?"

I smile and laugh, eventually putting my head down on the counter. "You were so wasted. You're such a lightweight."

"Oh, God. What?"

"Well." I sit back up and retain my formal attitude. "What was the last thing you remember clearly?"

He sits and ponders for a moment and then speaks, "We were playin' Seven Minutes In Heaven and I told ya I loved you. After that, I kissed you and you agreed to be my boyfriend. Then, I remember somethin' about runnin' around the party, a bathroom, my car, being here, and were also married and OLD. Like, we grew really old together." He tilts his head at my and talks sweetly, "It was kinda nice."

"Well, you got most of it," I answer.

"What am I missing?"

"Do you not remember at all when you kissed me twice after the game?"

Alfred's expression loosens and he drops his head onto the table. "Did I really?"

"Yes, you did." I cut my eyes and daydream while Alfred is possibly regretting every sin he's committed in his lifetime.

"What the hell is wrong with me?", Alfred mumbles, head still down.

"Nothing's wrong. I might've liked it better if you weren't drunk."

He shoots his head up and lifts his eyebrows. "Really?"

"I said I might have. Can't guarantee anything."

Alfred folds his arms like a disobedient child and pouts, "No fair."

I roll my eyes at him, but recollect my thoughts. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be hungover?!"

"I don't really get hangovers. Why, do you?"

I turn my head and clench my eyelids closed. "Like you wouldn't believe. But you also wouldn't believe some of the shit I do when I am drunk."

"Ooh. Can I be confided in such valuable information?", he asks as he leans in closer across the tabletop.

"I'll kill another homeless guy before I tell you."

Alfred widens his eyes and questions, "What?!"

Fuck. I rub my temples and explain, "Remember when I told you that I lived a drastically different life back in England?"

"Yeah", he confirms, inhaling more of his breakfast.

"Well, try to think the very opposite of me and you've got it."

Alfred brings up an eyebrow inquiringly and asks, "From the sounds of it, were you a gangster?"

I rest my head on the countertop and confirm, "Bingo."

Alfred makes an annoying 'oh' sound and slams his hand on the table, "Woah, seriously?! I didn't know I was datin' a bad boy!"

"Yeah, I was a wreck back then."

"Is that how you got your tats? Can I know more?", he inquires.

"Yeah. And maybe I'll tell you more later today. If the date is to my liking," I joke, lifting my head back up.

Alfred turns his head and snorts at me. I chuckle as Alfred looks at me and then shovels his food in one fail swoop.

I glare at him and leave my food untouched. Alfred looks over at me and raises his eyebrows.

"What?", he asks.

"Nothing. It's just, I never thought I'd be hooked up with a fat ass," I clarify.

He raises his knee to the counter with his arms and back in a fight position. "What was that?"

I feign a baffled expression and raise my hands to my mouth. "Is that a threat I detect? How can my hero be so cruel?"

Alfred jumps from his side of the island over to mine and engulfs me into himself. "Am I really your HERO?!"

I pull on him to get him to back off, and snarl, "Don't you know sarcasm when you hear it?"

"That almost sounds like what my mom always says to me!"

"Oh really? And what is that?"

"'Alfred, don't you know personal space when when ya see it?!'", He imitates as the woman I tricked, technically, earlier this morning. We laugh and Alfred falls on the floor with his fat ass. I suddenly remember something and confront Alfred about it.

"Speaking of your parents, do they know you're here? I mean, If you keep staying over at this random foreigners' apartment, do your parents not get suspicious?"

"Well, I told ya yesterday about how my dad was pickin' up on some things with me and you." He tilt his head down and whispers, "I wonder what he's gonna say now. I mean, I gotta tell 'em sometime or later."

I smack him on the back and he sputters. I laugh and shout, "You're smart, you'll figure something out!"

His outlook changes and his mouth curves into a wide smile. "So you DO think I'm smart?!"

"No."

"Why the change of heart, princess?" Alfred grabs me by my hand and waist and he starts swaying me around, I think trying to do a crappy ballroom dance.

I bring my face into his and whisper, "Do I look like a fucking woman?"

"Aw don't be like that!"

"Sorry, I can't help but to be a crabby bitch when I'm forced to dance with an idiot without music."

Alfred stops and grins. He intertwines his hand in mine and starts swaying me around and singing, "Nice to meet you. Where you been? I could show you incredible things."

"Are you quoting a Taylor Swift song?", I ask, eyebrows lifted.

"Saw you there and I thought: Oh my God. Look at that face. You look like my next mistake. Love's a game." Alfred swings me around and lowers me down and whispers, "Wanna play?"

"No."

"Go with it."

He swings me around and starts singing again. "Cause we're young and we're reckless. We'll take this way too far. It'll leave you breathless or with a nasty scar. Got a long list of ex-lovers. They'll tell you I'm insane." He rapidly swings me halfway across the room and retracts me back into his chest. "But I've got a blank space, baby. And I'll write your name."

"Leave me off that blank space."

"But weren't you impressed by my American Idol performance?"

"Nope."

He sways me suddenly and scrunches his face. "Ah, don't 'cha like it when I dance with you?"

"Not one bit.", I retort, digging my nails into his forehand.

"'Ay! Ya know, if you were my husband, I'd do this for you every morning.", He purrs as he pulls me in from a twirl.

"I'm not the age of consent."

Alfred stops and shouts, "Wait, so you WOULD?!"

"No."

"You know I'm older than you. So you know, I'd have to wait a little longer for you. But not by not much, right?"

"I'm actually supposed to be a year ahead of you in school.", I state to get a reaction from him.

Alfred stops in his tracks and shoots me a stern look from the corner of his eye. "What did you say?"

"How many gangsters do you know have never failed a grade level?"

He's still holding onto me, but he cringes his face. "What?"

I laugh and clarify, "No, I'm just kidding. I started my school year too late back in Britain to be a Senior here in America."

"Oh, so you start school at the very beginning of the year, huh?" Alfred goes back to swinging me around and his attitude changes. "And you had to restart the year when you moved here over the summer, right?

"Yeah. Us Brits have everything better than you Americans. Especially schooling systems."

Alfred pulls his face closer to mine and whispers "And apparently men, too."

"Well, we do have a more gentlemanly appearance than boys like you."

Alfred sighs, but turns back to me. "Wait, then when's your birthday?"

"Off topic, but, April 23rd, 1998."

Alfred blushes and puffs his cheeks. "Oh."

"Why? When's yours?", I ask, chuckling.

"July 1st, 1998." I burst out into laughter and Alfred glares at me. "Not cute, Artie."

"Oh, I'm sorry. At least I'M not younger than my scrawny ass BOYFRIEND!", I laugh.

"You can shut the hell up about that, got it?", he whispers.

"Nothing can make me.", I smirk. "And does it bother you that I'm older?"

"Yeah, because I'm usually the older one in relationships. And with age comes authority, right?"

I cut my eyes and glower, "No."

"Oh."

Alfred unexpectedly jerks us around and laughs like a madman. "Ha, that means I'll live longer than you."

"Is that so? By just a short couple of months?"

"You'll grow old without me, babe!"

I raise an eyebrow as I dramatically let go of Alfred and turn my back . He mumbles and puts his hands on me, trying to get my attention. I smirk evilly and turn back to him with a pout.

"Why would you say something like that?", I pretend to whine, fluttering my eyelashes at him.

"U-Uh, I'm sorry! What can I do to make you better?!"

"Nothing. There isn't anything you can do-" Alfred interrupts me by stooping to the ground and picking me up. I beat my fists in his chest like a bass drum and screech, "LAY OFF, ASSHAT!"

"Aww, c'mon now, baby! Why the potty mouth?" He lays his head to the side and I feel his cowlick brush against my skin and I shiver.

"BACK UP, FUCKFACE!" Alfred laughs, kisses my nose, and sets me back down.

"Alright! But I'm not done with you. In the meantime, you can take a shower so we can go on our memorable and magical first date!"

"Run.", I state.

"Huh?", he inquires.

"Run fast, run far.", I reiterate.

He comes at me with open arms and I push them away. "I'm not known for being the world's most patient man, Alfred."

"But I am.", he counters.

I walk into my bedroom to get my clothes and call out, "Whatever, Alfred."

He follows me and I block him before he can walk through the entryway to my room. Alfred cocks his head askew and asks, "What?"

"You aren't coming with me."

"Why not? I'm just helpin' ya pick out somethin' appropriate for a date."

"I'll wear whatever the fuck I want to because I can. Got it, pretty boy?"

Alfred raises his hands in innocence and turns on his heels back to the living room. I roll my eyes and rummage through my dresser. I think about what Alfred said about wearing something 'appropriate' and I hatch an idea. I pull out random shit and select my old friends as candidates. I get in the shower and try to take my time, in hopes I'll piss Alfred off. Afterwards, I slip into my ensemble and come stumbling out of the bathroom to present myself.

"Alfred…!", I sing out, slamming the door open. I glance around the hallway and the main room, but he's not there. I grumble in frustration, "Alfred!"

I hear a knocking noise and trace it from my bedroom. I storm in and find Alfred looking through my nightstand drawers, holding objects I'm not particularly proud to show off.

"Alfred! Why are you digging through my shit?!", I confront. He just stares at the item in amazement and turns to me, revealing what he's marveling over.

"Dude, you own MAKEUP?!" But of course he had to find that.

"Why the hell are YOU so surprised?"

"Cause it's all BLACK!" Alfred takes another look into the top drawer and gapes, "And you have more makeup than all the girls I've gone out with combined."

I advance towards him but he quickly counteracts by asking, "Why do you even own this stuff? What do you use it for?"

I sigh and reply, "I wear it. What the fuck do you think?"

Alfred looks up at me from his criss crossed position and ogles, "Is that why you're so good looking? Do ya wear it everyday?"

I furrow my eyebrows and sass, "Of course I don't. It's costume makeup, you idiot."

Then how come some of them don't say that on the bottle?"

"Because I use them for cosplay, obviously."

"Wow, this is the COOLEST thing ever!", he exclaims, looking back at the makeup.

I loosen my appearance and ask, "You really think so?"

Alfred looks back up with a wide expression, but is replaced with an unamused one. "Arthur…?"

"Yes, Alfred?", I sarcastically follow up, smirking that he finally noticed.

"Whatcha wearin'?", he inquires.

I look down at my attire and grin mischievously. "What ever do you mean?"

I'm wearing my Buckcherry album t-shirt, the one with the naked and inked woman, and dark colored everything else. Hell, even my socks are black.

"You know, Arthur.", Alfred confirms.

"But I see nothing wrong with it." I squat next to him and lay a hand on his shoulder for support and emphasis. "What's your opinion?"

He glares at me from the side and stuff my makeup back into the drawer. Alfred faces me and cuts his eyes. "Ya look like a scene kid. It's kinda not suitable for a date, don'tcha think?"

"But I always dress like this. Why is it any different now?"

"I planned a lot for this, and you're going to wear that?"

I shrug my shoulders and retort, "Hey, I thought our gay fashion consultant was Francis."

He turn away and murmurs, "Whatever."

I get up and walk to the kitchen, calling, "I'm not changing, Alfred."

I hear his footsteps follow and he argues, "But c'mon!"

"I have a better idea. How about we do something else you want after the date, as well. Okay?"

Alfred's eyes light up and his devilish smirk comes into play. "Anything?"

I feel like I'm going to regret this, but, "Anything."

Alfred runs into the hallway and I hear him foraging through my supply closet. I follow him and am pelted with a dark blue darkness. I rip it off my face, but don't see Alfred.

"What the hell?!", I retort, putting my navy blue Tardis jacket on my body. I enter my bedroom again and find Alfred fully dressed and looking fondly at something. I approach closer to him and look over his shoulder to see what he's smiling about.

"What'cha got there, Alfred?", I ask sarcastically.

Alfred whips his hand to his opposite side, trying to hide the item, but I've already deduced that it's a photograph. Just not sure who it's of yet.

"I-It's nothin'!", he tries to deny. I come up to his chest and wrap my hands around his waist jokingly. I lean in to Alfred's lips and wait for his eyes to flutter shut. I reach my hand closer to his hand occupying the photo and swiftly take it, all under Alfred's nose. To my surprise, Alfred actually plants a kiss on me and I push him off, picture in hand.

"Ew, Alfred! I was just fucking around!", I clear up. I turn around and hold the photo in my middle and index finger, sarcastically analyzing it. "But what do we have here?"

Alfred's jaw drops and he attempts to fetch it back. "Bro, wait a minute!"

"What is it?" I push Alfred to the side and look over the photograph. It's the picture of my brothers and I that I thought I lost a long time ago. I soften my demeanor and slump my shoulders. "Where did you find this?"

Alfred rubs the back of his neck with his hand, the other pointing to my dresser drawer, and answers, "Over there."

I look over and gape my mouth open. Then, I make the realization and accuse, "Hey, why were you even looking through my dresser, anyway?"

"I was lookin' for somethin' else, anything else, you could wear today."

I give him the stink eye and refocus my attention back to the photograph. Alfred interrupts and asks, "So what is it? I see that's it you, but who are the other dudes?"

"It's me with my brothers Allistor, Dylan, and Seamus.", I explain. "It also happens to be the last happy memory I have of my family."

Alfred glances at me and I turn my back to him. He walks up to me and puts his hands on my shoulders, but I smack him off. He, instead, looks over my shoulder and asks, "Where are ya guys?"

"We were at Legoland in Berkshire." I lower my eyelids and smile. "I remember my dad had sobered up and dragged us and his girlfriend there to have a good time. And it was."

Alfred's expression loosens and he smiles. "That's… nice."

I turn my head over to look at him and ask, "Did your parents ever take you anywhere?"

"Well, duh. We went EVERYWHERE!" His arms extend to imitate an airplane and he starts babbling, "We went to Disney World, Disneyland, Six Flags, and even to some foreign place!"

"Oh, cool. Do you remember where?"

"Um, I think it was England, since I remember their funny voices."

"That sounds lovely. Can you recall the park you went to?"

Alfred stands still and ponders for a moment while I roll my eyes and look back at the photograph. Off to the side, where the crowds were gathered, I notice something. I hold the photo closer to my face and gasp. My brothers and I were standing in front of a crowd and in that crowd stands a familiar figure.

"Holy shit.", I exclaim.

"Yes, Artie?", Alfred responds.

"Look in the crowd.", I thrust the picture on him and his eyes dart around the paper.

"I don't see anything.", he replies.

"Ugh, look." I point to a blue eyed, blond child with a tuft of his hair sticking up.

Alfred's eyes light up and he exclaims, "Woah, dude! That's me! And that's you!"

"So it appears so, Alfred." I wrench my neck over to take another glimpse of the picture.

"So, technically, we've met before!", He assumes.

"I don't know if I'd call it that."

"Were you that whiny kid that sat with me in the bumper car thing?"

"Excuse me?"

"My ma still has that picture!"

I pick through my brain to try to remember and it comes up clear as day. "Oh, right."

"You remember?!"

"You were that kid that wouldn't slow down for anything." I turn the other way and exhale, "I remember now."

"Man, I was good at drivin', even at an early age! And you were such a wuss! Hangin' onto me, yellin' for me to slow down!"

"Shut up.", I retort. I laugh and smile, "Heh, I guess we haven't changed much, huh?"

"Yeah." Alfred grins and puckers his lips for a kiss. I push him off into the hallway and he falls hilariously to the floor. I laugh and walk away from him as he bounces back up and stumbles for me.

"Artie! How could ya laugh at me like that?!", Alfred complains.

"I don't know. Something about you falling down always make me laugh."

Alfred's eyes widen and a thud follows. I pace over to him and sit on top of him, reprimanding, "What the hell is your problem?"

"Nothin'."

I slide my ass onto his chest to slow breathing and I shift my legs up by his head, my face close enough to his to emphasize creepiness. "Right."

Alfred darts his eyes to the side and looks back at me. "You know, if I move my head a little more, I could…" His eyes shoot to my crotch and I look down, as well.

I push myself off Alfred, scowling. "Whatever."

I stomp towards my bedroom to grab my wallet and cell phone and Alfred follows with, "But ARTIE!"

"ALFRED!", I duplicate.

"Hurry up, I wanna go!"

I walk back to him and glare him in the eye, in which I have to lift my head almost all the way up. Which isn't very threatening, I've learned.

"ARTIE!" Alfred wraps his arms around me and embraces me. I smack him on the back, but he still refuses to let go.

"Let go, asshole.", I demand.

Alfred holds me tighter and coos, "Aww, Artie! There isn't anything that you could say to make me let go."

I birth an idea and smirk devilishly. Speaking of birth… "Alfred, I'm pregnant and it's yours."

He loosens his grip and pulls out, holding my upper arms for control. "What?"

I chuckle and respond, "You heard me. It's yours."

I close my eyes and smile uncontrollably as Alfred stutters, "B-Bro, what the fuck?!"

"That's what a shithead like you deserves.", I insult.

"D-Don't joke around with shit like that."

"Why? Afraid one of your former skinny bitches are going to come back demanding for child support?"

"Yes! Bein' the school's most popular and attractive playboy isn't all it's choked up to be."

I snort a sigh of derision and retort, "Oh really?"

"Yeah. I mean, with all the chicks chasin' for your dick, the insane amount popularity. It's definitely not for everyone."

I shrug my shoulders and trick, "You know, you're not the only one with people attempting to get in your pants."

He tightens his grip and rears his face closer. "What do you mean?"

"I've heard Francis is a pretty loyal guy in a relationship, despite that he sleeps around a lot when he's on hiatus. Maybe I should keep my options open…", I joke, turning away from him.

Alfred's eyes shoot open and he gasps, "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME!" He frantically wraps his arms around my upper body and readjusting himself.

"Alfred, I'm fucking with you. Let go of me," I make clear.

Alfred lifts his red face from my shoulder and snorts, "Well, duh. You don't seem to be the kind of person that sleeps around with strangers."

I cut my eyes and Alfred smiles. I harshly nudge him off and mutter, "I'm dating an idiot."

"Don't be like that!", he reassures. "We call it 'love' for a reason! I'm sure you'll figure it out sooner or later."

"Piss off."

"C'mon, let's get goin'! I got somethin' cool for ya today!"

I walk out the door and down the stairwell. "Swell."

Alfred follows and supports, "Isn't it?"

We reach the bottom level and see Mrs. Lizzy at the front desk. Her eyes light up and she dismisses whatever paperwork she was dealing with.

"Hey, boys! Where are you guys going today?", Mrs. Lizzy asks.

"I don't want to-", I start.

"We're goin' on our first date!", Alfred blabs.

Mrs. Lizzy looks as if shes going to implode any moment now. "OMG REALLY?!"

"Yes, Mrs. Lizzy," I answer.

"I told you I had a feeling about Alfred! And Alfred, dear?", her eyebrows raised.

Alfred's eyes light up and he faces her. "Yeah?"

"Where did you sleep last night?"

"Hey, I like that Nirvana song, too!"

I punch him in the arm and snarl, "Not the song, you idiot."

Mrs. Lizzy's attitude changes and she comes from behind the desk towards me. "If you happened to be sleeping at Arthur's, I don't want anything going on up there that Artie doesn't approve of."

"Huh?", Alfred and I say at the same time.

She grabs my arm and gives a protective glare to Alfred. "I don't want my Artie to come crying to me that his boyfriend did something he didn't like."

"Come crying to you?!", I exclaim.

"Don't worry.", Alfred tugs on my other arm and stares at Mrs. Lizzy. "My Artie won't have that problem."

Alfred and Mrs. Lizzy have a stare off in the middle of the lobby and I dart my eyes between the two. Alfred blurts to Mrs. Lizzy, "Why're you so protective of him?"

"Because he's almost like the son I never had. And I wouldn't let my son date a sleazebag, in which I'm hoping you aren't."

I look over at her and confess, "This is the first I'm hearing of this."

"Well.", she stutters. "You're such a good kid. And what I've been told about your parents, I felt sympathetic."

"Well, I can give him what you can't," Alfred interrupts. He pulls me in closer as he raises my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

Mrs. Lizzy glares and comes in closer, retorting, "If anything happens to Artie here, I'll hurt you so bad that you won't be able to find your own ass with both hands. Got it?"

Alfred and I stare in horror at her and he shakes his head. She lets go of me and smiles. "Okay, have a good time! And meet me for dinner tonight, Arthur."

"O-Okay. See you, then!", I answer as Alfred hauls ass and drags me out. We approach his car and Alfred starts it as I seat myself in the passenger side.

"Bro, she's a lunatic!", Alfred affirms.

"She's not as bad as you think she is, Alfred," I defend.

Alfred rolls out of the parking lot and we head out for the road. I stare out the window for awhile, causing a cease in our conversation. Alfred grunts and I turn to him, "What now?"

"You were just makin' me uncomfortable, that's all," Alfred answers.

"Oh? Is my prolonged silence disturbing you?"

"Um, no. Not anymore."

"So be it." I glance out the window again and drift off into space. Then, I hear Alfred mumbling random shit.

"Well, fuck you, too…"

"What was that?", I snap.

"Nothin'."

"EAT GORILLA SHIT, THEN!", I curse.

"Alright, I was wonderin' why you were bein' so quiet."

I turn to him and sneer, "Don't you think I have better things to do on a Saturday?"

He laughs and sighs, "Yeah, RIGHT!"

"And what's that supposed to mean, fruitcake?"

Alfred glances over at me with his kicked puppy expression and I slump my shoulders. He whispers, "Fruitcake was unnecessary. Along with eating gorilla shit."

"Ugh, I'm sorry. Happy?", I half assedly apologize.

Alfred slams the brakes and I take a glimpse out the window and see we're in another parking lot. I look back at Alfred and he's wearing a seductive face. "I know one way you can make me happy."

I look at Alfred with a haughty aspect and jeer, "And what's that?"

"Kiss me like you mean it."

"And what if I simply don't mean it?"

"Oh, I'm sure you do." He leans his face in and raises his eyebrows suggestively, his eyes half closed. "Haven't you ever wondered?"

"Oh, if I wondered anything, I'd do it. But I don't." I lift my eyebrows again at him and Alfred gets out of the car, covering his mouth and blushing. I roll my eyes and follow him, stomping all the way. I pace the grassy walkway and search for him, huffing curses under my breath. I trek across the gravelstone onto the woodchipped playground and glower at Alfred on the swingset.

"Alfred?", I ask disapprovingly.

Alfred swings himself, keeping his feet anchored on the ground, and looks up at me. "Yes?"

"What are we doing here?", I ask with a mixture of sarcasm and bitterness.

"Isn't it obvious? This is our first date!" I cross my arms again and tap my foot. Alfred looks innocently up at me with that stupid puppy dog face. I throw my arms back to my side, exasperated, and take a seat onto the swing next to him. Alfred chuckles and begins swinging wildly. I remain stationary, gazing at Alfred's gleeful attitude and I feel a smile overcome me. He yells incoherent rants about superheroes and rocket ships and I giggle at his childish atmosphere.

He looks over at me and urges, "C'mon, Artie! Swing with me!"

"No," I state outright.

Alfred shrugs and lets go of the metal chains, flying halfway across the playground and managing to land on his feet. I widen my eyes at his sudden gracefulness and Alfred approaches.

"Fine. Let's go over there." Alfred points behind him and yanks me there, grabbing my wrist firmly. We halt in front of a rock wall and I feel my heart race as my eyes follow up the plaything. My eyes shoot open as I feel Alfred's hand smack my back.

"Bro! Let's climb this!" Before I can even answer, Alfred's already scampered his way upwards. I gape at him as he crawls to the very top and seats himself on the platform. I back off a little and shake my head nervously.

Alfred cocks his head and yells, "Dude! Little KIDS climb this! You can do it!"

I backtrack a bit more and nod my head again, not making any attempt to raise my voice. Alfred shrugs again and stands up, preparing to jump. I get closer and wave my hands to notion my turn down of his suggestion.

"Alfred, please don't jump," I manage to sound like a total dork.

"Then, come up here," Alfred bargains. I glance around the park and get an idea. I dash to the opposite end of the playset and run up the slip proof stairs up to the rockwall platform. Alfred glares at me and snidely remarks, "Chicken."

"Sorry. I don't do rock walls," I glance at his face and back to my feet to escape his domineering.

Instead, I feel his large hand come over my head as he laughs, "Okay. Let's go find somethin' else to do, then."

I'm harshly whisked away again and Alfred giggles as we arrive at the next activity. He grins as I glower at him. "A slide?"

"Yes!" He pats the slide for me to take a seat. I sigh and do as I'm told and gently maneuver my way onto the slide. Then, I feel Alfred hold me between his legs as he pushes off, holding me close to him. I flip out, ripping at his hold around my waist, and he laughs. We stumble at the end of the slide down and land on my stomach as Alfred falls on top of me. I groan on meeting and hiss for release.

"Get the fuck off me, Alfred." Alfred does as instructed and flops down next to me instead of standing up. I flip over to my back and sit up, brushing the wood shavings off me. Alfred laughs and rolls his head to me, arm reaching for my own.

"Alfred," I begin to reprimand. "This is a children's park. I don't think kids want to see your raunchy nature."

He gasps and fakes a damaged aspect. "You're so malicious, Artie. And do you think little kids wanna hear your potty mouth?"

"Better than public sex, if you ask me."

Alfred gets on his knees and whips his head towards me. "Wait, so you would?"

"Of course not, Alfred. I'm a decent and civilized being-"

"What're you two talking about?", a higher pitched, British accented voice, speaks up. Alfred and I rise to our feet and brush ourselves off, to appear more professional to this kid.

"Uh, nothin'!", Alfred sputters.

"Yeah, nothing," I back up.

The kid looks wonders at me and exclaims, "Woah! You have the same voice as me! What're your dudes names?"

"Um, I'm Arthur," I introduce. I point to Alfred and begin, "And this is Alfred."

"I'm Peter! Nice to meet you gents!" Peter holds his hands behind his back and looks shyly up at the both of us. "I was wondering if you guys could play with me. The other kids are playing with their friends."

He motions his head to the sprawled group of kids playing hopscotch. I look to Alfred and he nods. I glance back to Peter and agree, "Why not?"

The kid's face lights up and he comes charging past us, grabbing our hands, and leading us elsewhere. Alfred and I stumble to keep up with him until we cease at the sandbox. Alfred and Peter excitedly jump in without hesitation and I follow camly. I pick up the sand and filter it through my fingers as I watch the other two make a giant hill. I try to keep quiet, since I'm not good with kids and kids aren't particularly fond of me, but I join when Peter beckons, "Arthur! You should com build with us!"

I smile and chip in by collecting more sand to add. I turn to Peter and ask, "So, what is it we're building?"

"It's a volcano. Duh!", Alfred interrupts. I glare at him from the corner of my eye as Peter gives an approving grunt.

After a bit of bickering and playing in the sand, we stay quiet, preoccupied with our tasks. Peter speaks up, "Are you guys in love?"

I widen my eyes and dart them to Alfred, who's blushing a deep crimson. Peter innocently tilts his head like he hasn't done anything wrong and asks again, "Are you two in love?"

"Why would you think something like that?", I try to cover up, nervously chuckling. Alfred stays quiet and continues to turn fifty shades of pink.

"Because. You guys almost remind me of my papas," Peter states matter of factly. "They're both guys with weird accents and they both love each other."

"Oh," Alfred finally says. I glance to him and he meets my eyes for a split second before he looks away.

Peter looks confusedly at us and suggests, "You two should kiss."

I choke over my own spit and Alfred makes a weird gasping noise, "What?!"

"I don't care what you say. I think you like each other. And you should kiss. That's what papa and papa do." He continues to elaborate on the sand mountain and I stand up.

"I have to use the restroom!", I hurriedly excuse myself.

"Wait! Don't leave, Artie!", Alfred calls after me. I stop and look at him from behind. He reaches up and yanks my wrist, appearing apologetic.

I plop back down as Alfred interlocks his fingers in mine firmly and displays it, "Is this good enough for ya, Peter?"

Without even looking up at us, he responds, "No. I said kiss him. That's how my papa's show they love each other."

Alfred plops our hand on his knee and sighs. Peter glances at us this time and commands, "I'm waiting."

Alfred jumps suddenly, barely resting on his leg, reaches for my face and snags his lips on mine. I close my eyes and take it, due to lack of preparation. He parts quickly and sits back down, still holding my hand.

He turns to Peter as I flash red, "Happy?"

"Very. Now let's go on the tire swing!" Peter ditches us and rushes over to the swingset, leaving us dumbstruck.

Alfred gets up, pulling me with him, and apologizes, "Sorry, Arthur. I know you don't like it when I do that. It was just for Peter, and all."

"It's okay, Alfred. Let's just go before we lose Peter." Alfred smiles and takes off as do I, keeping my hand in his.

Peter is struggling onto the tire swing and Alfred lets me go to assist him. He pulls Peter up and seats him on the edge. I stand on the opposite of Alfred as he pushes Peter off. He smiles and laughs, like he's having the time of his life. I grin and force the swing to Alfred when comes around again. I lower my eyes at Alfred as I catch sight of him smiling, teeth bared. I watch his behavior around Peter and it somehow fills me with glee or how caring he is. What the hell am I saying?

After a couple of hours of playing and romping around, the times turns to a little past one. Alfred complains, "Dammit, I'm HUNGRY!"

I widen my eyes and smack Alfred in the stomach. "Don't use such language around Peter, Alfred!"

"Ow, hit a man where he's weak, why don't ya?" Alfred rubs his abdomen and stands straight up, "I'll get the picnic stuff from the car! Stay here, you two."

He takes off, leaving Peter and me laying on the ground. I sit up and Peter shoots upright, grabbing on my arm. "Get up, Artie! Let's go find a place to eat!"

Alfred has even Peter calling me that. I ignore Alfred's request and follow, "Alright, kid."

I stand on my two feet as Peter takes my hand and leads me to the picnic area by the nature trails. We find a clean enough table and Peter situates himself, waiting for Alfred. I sit next to him and fold my hands on the table, having a conversation about the difference between monster trucks and regular trucks that Peter started. After a while, I see Alfred approaching us slowly, having trouble handling his things. I tell Peter to stay as I go help him and I run up to Alfred. We come back around and set up, eating as if we're a family. I laugh as Peter and Alfred argue over Star Wars movies as we finish lunch. Alfred packs everything up and pulls out a knife, letting it gleam in the sunlight.

"Hey, let's carve our initials in that tree!" He points to a large trunked tree over to his right and Peter's face fills with glee.

"Great idea!", the kid pipes up. I shrug and go along with it.

"Alright! I'll do it right, HERE!" Alfred strikes the said spot on the bark of the birch. Alfred forces the blade into the inscription, 'A+A'. Below it, he puts '+P' and Peter seems satisfied. To finish it off, Alfred carves a heart around out initials and puts the pocket knife back where he got it.

"That's pretty romantic, don't cha think, Artie?", Peter suggests.

I cross my arms and roll my eyes as I reply, "For him."

"Rude!", Alfred exclaims, whipping around to face me.

We laugh at Alfred and start heading back to the park, holding hands with Peter in the middle. As Peter skips merrily and Alfred smiles, I take in the scenery. A cloudless sky, greenery surrounding the perimeter of the park, and children voicing shrill screams of elation. I grin, my arm swaying up and down due to Peter's skipping, and I glance over at Alfred who's looking this way. Our connection is broken the moment it began and we find ourselves walking up the gravel entrance to the playground. Peter lets go and heads for the monkey bars, arms winged out like an airplane. I smile and catch up to him as Alfred puts the picnic things back into the car. I approach Peter and observe how well he can climb and jump, probably because he's a little boy. I stand idly by to make sure he doesn't fall and I find Alfred next to me once again. A little while, we're running a muck on the playset, following Peter and his incredibly wild imagination. Alfred runs across the jaw bridge and trips flat on his face and Peter and I laugh ecstatically.

"Shit," Alfred mutters loud enough for us to hear.

"Alfred! I told you to stop!", I warn.

He approaches me and throws back, "At least I'm not the one wearing the pornographic shirt."

I look down and smirk, "Well, if you think the Tardis is that skanky, here you go." I peel my jacket off and finally experience the cool air against my stuffy arms. Then, I feel a small pair of hands grasping my upper and lower left arm.

"Woah! You have really COOL tattoos, Artie!", Peter marvels.

"Shit," I mumble. I totally forget about them.

Alfred turns his head around scolds, "Don't talk like that in front of the boy, Arthur."

"These are so AMAZING, Artie! But why is these part of your arms blank?" Peter points to my forearms which are, indeed, blank.

"I was going to save space on my arms for my future wife or husband's name," I answer, looking at the blank spaces.

"Oh, okay! So that means you're gonna have Alfred's name on your left arm and his last name on your right, right?"

I widen my eyes and quick glance at Alfred for his response. His cheeks are a deep shade of magenta and hand over his mouth to conceal his reaction. I look back to Peter who has a huge smile on his face, and I confess, "Um, Peter?"

"Yeah?" He focuses more on my arms than my face, but I can tell he's listening.

"I dunno if me and Alfred are going to get married."

Peter tilts his head up, raising an eyebrow and looking anything but offended. "Why not?"

I look back to Alfred and return, "Well, love's complicated. And marriage is a long ways ahead."

"No it's not.", Peter tells me, sure of himself.

"You'll understand when you're older, but it really is," I attempt to clarify.

"No it isn't. All you hafta to do is say that you'll love each other forever and ever! And if you aren't a filthy liar, you'll get married!"

I chuckle at his explanation and Alfred smiles, approaching us. He pats Peter on the head and we all laugh at nothing, Then, as if I didn't know earlier, I get the realization.

"Hey, wait a second." I turn to Peter and ask, "Who did you come here with?"

"My class. I'm in first grade and we're on a field trip!" I slowly turn my head to Alfred as I gape my mouth open and we look back at Peter,

"When were you supposed to leave?", Alfred inquisitions.

"I dunno…", he trails off. Alfred and I take one of his hands and run back down to the entrance where, luckily, we see a bus just pull in. A teacher looks hastily at us as we come running up with Peter. I mean, I would too, if two suspicious teenagers came up to me with my student. Peter tells us that this woman is his teacher and she bids him onto the bus. He turns around and hugs Alfred and me simultaneously, despite that he can only reach barely up our waists.

"We'll see each other again, right?", he asks, looking up at us with puppy dog eyes akin to Alfred's. I'm so vulnerable to those eyes.

"Maybe, Peter. But if we don't, I want you to know that I had a great time today. Both of us." I gesture to Alfred and I. "And you're a pretty cool kid."

His eyes light up again and he embraces us a second time before the teacher urges his departure. He sits by a window seat and waves us goodbye the entire way out of the parking lot. Alfred grabs my hand and shifts his face close to mine.

I give a toothy smile and strain my head back, inquiring, "What?"

"You know.", Alfred starts. "How was our first date?"

"One of the best days of my life, thanks for asking," I exaggerate.

Alfred shifts his weight onto the opposite foot and rubs the back of his neck with his free hand. "I mean, I didn't plan Peter and all, but it went better than expected."

We head for the car and shuffle our feet to extend our conversation time. I turn my head and query, "What did you plan for today?"

"I thought we'd play on the playground for a while and have a picnic. I did give that name carving thing some thought, though."

"And it was cute when you added Peter, too," I add.

Alfred glances at me and grins cheekily, "Really?!"

"Yes, really. You're actually pretty good with kids, Alfred."

"And so are you. But I expected that."

I crinkle my right eye and look up at him, "What?"

"Ya know. You just seem like you'd get along with children."

"Nobody's ever told me that." Alfred lets me go and hops in the driver's seat, and I, in the passenger seat. "It's kind of nice."

Alfred turns to me after starting the vehicle and interrogates, "So. Do you think you want to continue going out with me? Can I be your Mr. America?"

Nothing good has ever came with going with the flow, but this is different. How would my life change with Alfred being a part of it? For the better or for the worst? What's the worst I'll regret? I ponder for a moment and respond with, "Yeah. I'm interested in you and what you're like." Alfred blushes and I finish, "I'm dying to see how this one ends."

"Grab your passport and my hand," Alfred sings. He leans closer to my side and picks up, "I can make the bad guys good for a weekend."

"Oh, so you're a Swiftie?", I ask.

"No, I just like that song," he fails to convince as he steers out of the parking lot. His eyes pop and he shimmies something off his waist as we stop at a red light. "Here."

I take my jacket and blanket myself, my feet gripping the glovebox. Alfred grunts as I do so and clears his throat to announce, "I have somethin' else planned, as well."

I look over to him through my eyelashes and query, "Is that so?"

"Yeah! We're gonna go back to your place and watch a movie of my choice."

"As long as it's not porn, then I'm all for it."

"Why would I bring somethin' like that?"

"I just can't read it anymo- shit," I cover my mouth as soon as the words flow out. Why the hell did I say that?

Alfred widens his eyes and lifts his eyebrows at me. "Wait, WHAT?!"

"Nothing. Pretend you didn't hear that."

"How can I NOT?!"

I cover my ears and throw my head into my raised lap. "Just, shut up."

"Okay, alright! It's not like I'm not exposed to that stuff. I can take it."

We sit in uncomfortable silence as Alfred continues downs the highway and into my apartment building's parking lot, soon enough. I walk out and head straight for the front doors, leaving Alfred in the dirt. I race up the staircase, silently thanking God that Mrs. Lizzy isn't here at the moment. I yank out my keys and fumble them into the lock, open the door, and slam myself inside.

I pant as I slide down the metal door and whisper, "That was a total disaster. Great job with screwing things up, Arthur."

I clamp my hand over my heart as I feel a pounding ring out from the other side of the door. A noisy, deafening, American knock. I stand up and present myself in front of Alfred who has a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.

"Uh, what's with the bag?", I ask, shakily, pointing to it.

Alfred grabs the strap to readjust it and explains, "Movies. Now let's watch 'em before it gets dark!"

He shoves his way in and heads straight for my telly and dvd player. I blink my eyes at the spot he was standing a second ago and I shuffle the door closed. I swing around and find Alfred crouched over by the t.v, shoving a disc in the player. I roll my eyes and stagger to my bedroom as I throw my wallet and jacket on the bed.

"GOT IT!", I jump as Alfred screeches.

I stumble back to him and ask, "What did you get?"

"Besides you?" Alfred smirks, making me fluster in annoyance. "We're gonna watch Salem's Lot!"

I cock my head to the right and suggest, "But wouldn't it be better to watch when it's dark outside? And we'd only have to wait a little bit-"

"NO!" Alfred rubs the back of his neck and fails to play off his outburst with, "I, uh. Don't cha wanna watch it now?"

I grin internally, knowing the outcome of this situation. It's about four something now. So by the time when the scary parts are on, it'll be dark enough and Alfred will be scared shitless.

"So how's about it, Artie?", Alfred interrupts my daydreaming.

I nod my head nonchalantly and Alfred jumps up with glee. He yanks me onto the couch and lands on top of my chest. He tries to cuddle with me by grabbing my shoulders and making himself comfortable. I somehow push his bulky weight off onto the floor and he groans.

"There's a FLOOR you can sit on, Alfred!", I assert. He laughs it off and turns to his bag thing. I shrug it off and sit through the opening credits until I feel Alfred come up behind me and pull something over my shoulders.

"What the hell could you possibly want?", I exaggerate, standing up with whatever blanket Alfred put over me. He slides over to me and grabs the throw off my shoulders to present it. I widen my eyes and smile as Alfred peeps his head out from behind it.

"It's a Tardis blankie! Ya know, it's the thing in the black bag from Hot Topic on Tuesday," he explains. I observe the white Tardis outline and the Doctor Who title bordering the bottom of it. I chuckle and thank him.

"Thank you, Alfred. I love it." Alfred comes up and wraps it around me, embracing me. We laugh but cease when we hear the movie start. Alfred and I jump on the couch as he tries to hold me, but I throw him off again.

"Don't be so mean to me, Artie!", Alfred whines.

I grin evilly at him from above and retort, "Kiss my ass."

He smirks and jumps up, "Alright."

He pounces back onto the sofa and knocks me down on my side. He coddles me in between his hold and I laugh, "G-Get the fuck off! The movie's on!"

"And if I don't wanna?", Alfred challenges.

"Then I guess I'll have no other choice other than to wait."

"Huh?"

"It'll be dark enough before we have to go to dinner at Mrs. Lizzy's.", I point out. "And if you plan to watch the film now, I fear it'll get dark soon if you don't knock your shit off."

Alfred's expression loosens and he darts upright. I sigh and refocus my attention to the telly where the film begins. I rest my chin in my right palm, feet overlapping on the sofa the other way, and I sense Alfred gingerly lay on me. At least, I think that's what he was going for.

I sigh, rubbing my temples, "I am so done with your bullshit, Alfred."

He must've thought that of an invitation to lay a little more comfortably on my side. Alfred gives up after I smack the shit out of him and settles for resting his head in my lap. I grumble at him, "You really are a jackass, aren't you?"

He responds with, "Just like how you're a priss ass, darling?"

I snort in raillery and tune in to the picture, ignoring Alfred for most of the rest of the time. That is, until he starts to get creeped out.

"Vampires, vampires! I'm NEVER trusting small towns, especially if they're named 'Salem's Lot!", he screams when the film ends. Alfred shudders, shaking his head, and I suspire.

"Well, that was the entire point of watching it." I grab my house keys and fetch my hoodie off from the bed and head out the door. "Come, now. It's time to have dinner at Mrs. Lizzy's."

I proceed outside and trek down the stairwell, waiting for Alfred to accompany me. I hear the door slam shut and pounding footsteps follow. Three, two, one…

"ARTIE, DON'T LEAVE ME BY MYSELF!" There it is.

"By God, Alfred. Ever hear of respect? There are other people that live here, you know," I warn.

Alfred interlaces his hand in mine and clumsily follows behind, constantly looking around for the origins of random noises. I dramatically roll my eyes and knock on the landlord's door.

"Answer ze damn door, Elizabeta!", the landlord, Mr. Edelstein, calls out from within.

"What vas that?!", Mrs. Lizzy asserts. Momentarily after, Mr. Edelstein comes at the door and unlocks it. He catches sight of our faces and raises an eyebrow.

"Oh. Hold on a sec," Mr. Edelstein wrenches his back from behind the door and shouts, "Hey, Lizzy! Arthur's here! And he brought some dork, too!"

Alfred cringes his face and his nose goes crimson. I brush it off and Mrs. Lizzy waltzes her way to the door.

"Arthur! Alfred! Come on in!", she invites. We walk inside, I, snatching my hand back from Alfred as we enter the dining room. I seat myself and Alfred confusedly takes a chair next to me, shooting perplexed glances around the room. The couple come out together but Mrs. Lizzy strays and embraces me instead.

"Aw, Artie! How've you been?", she asks.

"Like you don't know!", I joke. "You've been keeping tabs on me ever since I moved in!"

"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable."

"But you've been keeping a special close eye on him over here." I motion my head to Alfred, still not looking at him.

Mrs. Lizzy sets the table and nods, "Well, I HAVE to! You're like my baby!"

"Liz, I don't think Arthur appreciates being called a baby.", Mr. Edelstein interjects.

"Nonsense!", she slams her palm down on the table. She eyes Alfred and so starts the interrogation. "So, Alfred."

"Yes, m'am?", he asks politely. Politely? Alfred?

She sits down and makes herself a plate, inquiring, "What are your intentions with my Artie?"

"Uh, what?", Alfred asks pell mell, clacking his fork on his plate ear piercingly loud.

"Your intentions? What do you have planned for Arthur?", she clarifies. I ignore her and continue to eat, still not looking at Alfred.

"Uh," Alfred starts nervously. "Well, we had our first date today, and I think it went pretty well. Right, Arthur?"

I raise my eyebrow at him from my dinner plate and agree, "Yeah, sure."

He gives me the stink eye for a split second before Mrs. Lizzy reiterates, "I mean, what're you planning to do with him?", she hints.

Alfred's character becomes chippier and he speedily answers, "Oh! We could go on dates, and hold hands, and kiss, and-"

"Jesus Christ, take a hint. When do you plan to fuck him?", she bursts outright. Alfred and I make sputtering noises synchronously.

"What?!", I yell, definitely not looking at Alfred now.

"Not now, Arthur, honey. The question was for Alfred," she raises her hand innocently. She returns to her stern exterior and continues, "Now answer me."

"Um," Alfred fumbles. "I don't know."

"Don't know, huh? Well, it better not be within the next few months, got it?", she asserts, bringing her torso closer into the table.

"Yeah. Totally!", Alfred nervously sweats.

We continue to eat and the atmosphere lightens up as conversation develops. At around eight o'clock, we clean up and Alfred and I leave back for my apartment. Alfred intertwines his fingers in mine and darts his eyes from wall to ceiling, apparently still shaken up from the movie. I moan as I mishandle my keys to let us back inside. I jerk free from his grasp and lock myself in the bathroom to get ready for bed. After Alfred does so, I throw a pillow and the Tardis blanket on the couch and go off into my bedroom.

"There's your couch, Alfred. I'm going to type until, oh, I don't know. Two in the morning?", I explain. I enter my room and dig past my clothes and band merchandise for my Apple mac laptop. I climb into bed and activate it, starting back up with my writing. I see the lights go off, but not Alfred's mouth.

"Whatcha typing, Artie?", he pesters.

"My novel," I growl.

"Wow! So are you, like, a writer?", his tone of voice lightens.

"No, not yet," I affirm.

"What's it like? Can I read it?", he requests.

"No, but you can go to Hell," I kid, not taking my eyes off the computer screen.

Alfred sighs and I hear the sound of rustling material followed by silence. I continue to write the current chapter, using side sketches I've come up with or thumbnail scenarios that've been cut from preceding episodes in the plot. I keep this up for the meantime and instantly lose track of time. I finish the chapter I picked up on and complete another full one before I decide to crash. Closing the lid to one of my prized possessions, I adjust my pillows and fall asleep with my back facing the entryway, after checking the time. 2:34 am. Whatever. I sense sleep cast its spell of delirium over me and I close my eyes to replenish my tired tears.

"ARTHUR! ARTHUR, GET UP!" I feel a brawny pair of hands violently shake my shoulder, seeing as I'm still lying on the other one. I flop over to my back and discern the sight before me and I close my eyes again to ignore him. Alfred is sitting nervously at the edge of my bed, shakily attempting to wake me.

"Arthur, please. Get up," he asks again, a little quieter. I roll onto the side closer to Alfred and I flash my fiery green eyes at him, hoping he'll get the message that I don't want to be disturbed.

His face lights up and he lays down next to me to get to my level. "Hi, Artie."

"What the bloody hell do you need, Alfred?", I ask bluntly.

"Just wanted to say hey." He bops my nose with his finger and silently giggles.

"Are you fucking kidding me? That can't be the only reason why you dared to wake me up," I interrogate.

"Okay. That movie scared the living shit outta me," he confesses.

I roll my eyes and struggle to flip back over, since Alfred's placing his hands all over me. Is he that desperate for comfort? Did that movie scare him that much? He whines, "Artie, seriously. Can ya stay awake for me? Please?"

"At what godly hour did you decide that this was a good idea, Alfred?", I ask snappily.

"Dunno. It's about three-thirty now."

I rub my eyes for directness and mutter, "I fell asleep only and hour ago…"

"Hey, I got an idea!" Alfred shoots up and heads back for the living room. I tremble when I'm blinded by the brightness of the telly set in the living room. I shield my eyes with the only pillow that I have at the moment and growl.

I hear footsteps nearing me and a soft hand rub my arm. "Artie, c'mon. I got somethin' else we can watch! I really don't wanna be alone."

That last statement really bugs me. I aggressively toss my pillow at the end of my bed and let Alfred guide me to the sofa. Than, a blasting, childish, theme song comes into play. Alfred fumbles for the remote and turns it down and I can make out what they're singing.

"My little pony?", I question.

"Friendship is magic." Alfred blushes and rubs a patch on his neck. "Uh, yeah. I'm a brony, sort of."

I pick up the case and inspect make the accusation, "All of season one, huh? And probably more where that came from, right?"

"Yeah! So, are ya gonna watch it with me? It'd make me feel better," he persuades.

Damn him. "Yeah, I suppose."

Alfred smiles and plops onto the couch, patting a spot next to him. He leans on the arm of the sofa to sprawl his legs out. I glare at him and snap, "You're pushing it, Alfred."

He retracts his legs and I take a seat next to him. I barely sit upright on my own before I fall into Alfred's open arms. He speaks at a considerable volume, "This is the first episode, where Twilight comes to Ponyville and she has to destroy Nightmare Moon with the other five using the Elements of Harmony. Sound cool?"

"Yeah, yeah," I sheepishly rate. Honestly, before the end of part one, I'm asleep again. The rest of that night is kind of hazy, but I remember Alfred staying over the entire damn weekend. That is so like him.

AN: Hey all you ass jockeys! Welcome to another chapter of Coming To Terms! t(-_-t) So how was your week, guys? For me, I had a headache/migraine for a straight fucking week. I actually had to stay home from school Thursday since it got pretty bad Wednesday night. Overall, I haven't been feeling well at all. So that's fine and fucking DANDY. This week I've been listening to Evanescence, Green Day, Buckcherry, Marilyn Manson, Butcher Babies, Black Veil Brides, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift (HELP ME), and Hannah Montana (of course it's the best of worlds, bitches). Seriously, I made a Hannah Montana station on Pandora and I feel I should regret it, but I don't C: I've been typing up scripts and drafts for another UsUk fic I have in mind and with some MAJOR editing, I might publish it. I'm still working on the PruCan fic idea but It's going to be the SADDEST damn thing I've written in my young lifetime. So THAT'LL be fun, amirite? Anyways, I've also been thinking and writing scenarios about the ending of this fanfic, but what I SHOULD be worrying about is how I'm gonna space out the timeline. But whatever, I'll have everything planned out out again, like I usually do…? But it's Saturday, so you know what THAT means. Watch Doctor Who and cry! WAIT A MINUTE. I forgot that the new Marilyn Manson album, 'The Pale Emperor' recently came out and I want it more than anything in the whole fucking world. Damn, I need a job. Anyways, I'll try posting sooner, but I'm starting to get in the habit of writing everyday and typing more words per chapter. So I'll see you when I see you. Oh, and thank you SO much for the reviews! It makes my WHOLE FUCKING DAY when I get a review, good or bad. I'm just glad you like it so much X*