Ch. 10:
They spent all day memorizing each other, the taste, the feel, until they lay under the blankets, sated for now, as it grew dark out.
Alfred had drifted off into sleep, his bare arms and legs wrapped around Arthur who drowsily played with Alfred's damp hair. A smile played faintly across his face as he listened to the American's soft snores, it was so cute; he was so cute. And Arthur had to hold back an unexpected bubble of laughter; he couldn't remember feeling this happy, feeling this light. His time with Francis and anyone else was nothing compared to the short but unforgettable time he had spent with Alfred. He felt such pride that he had been Alfred's first, and knew with utmost certainty he didn't want anyone else to see Alfred like this, his built body glistening, his eyelids fluttering as he dreamed, his breath coming out soft and peaceful. He didn't want anyone to know the feel of being wrapped in Alfred's arms, to know the pleasure of being with him. He didn't want anyone to know anything…
"Alfred," Arthur murmured in his ear, "Alfred?"
"Mm," Alfred mumbled, still sounding half-asleep, "What?"
"Thank you for giving me your virginity," Arthur said gratefully.
Alfred let out a yawn before snuggling back into Arthur's neck, "No problem."
Arthur chuckled and rolled his eyes, he doubted the silly git had even understood what he said, he'd have to-
"I love you."
Arthur's world stopped. Everything from the wind outside to the blood in his veins froze at those three simple words; he stared, wide-eyed, down at Alfred who continued to sleep peacefully.
Surely he was just mumbling nonsense, talking in his sleep. He couldn't possibly…
Tears welled up in Arthur's eyes and he didn't know what to do, he didn't know how to feel, he swallowed the lump in his throat. Leaning down he kissed Alfred's head before wrapping his arms around him, holding Alfred close.
"Goodnight," he whispered, and despite the emotions that had been stirred up, Arthur fell asleep.
Alfred woke up sometime around morning with Arthur holding him, it was by the far the greatest wakeup call Alfred had ever received. He wanted nothing more than to stay with Arthur right then, thinking of how wonderful last night had been. But then he remembered what had caused it…to think it had been Francis who had broken Arthur's heart. A sudden fear hit Alfred; he had been so worried about Arthur he hadn't thought about how Matthew was taking this big reveal. And Alfred knew Matthew really cared about Francis.
Alfred quickly got up and picked his clothes off the floor, after changing into him he left a quick note for Arthur to explain why he had left, he didn't want to wake him. Giving Arthur's cheek a farewell kiss he snuck out of the mansion (which was thankfully still empty) and raced back to his hotel.
He nearly fell out at what awaited him back at the hotel, Francis and Matthew sat together on the couch, watching Saturday morning cartoons as if nothing had happened.
"Al-Alfred," Matthew jumped up, noticing his brother who stood slack-jawed at the door.
"How's Arthur," Francis asked, standing up and looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable.
Alfred immediately glared at the French man, making the blond man flinch, "He's great, actually. No thanks to you."
"Oh-good," Francis said, looking away awkwardly.
"Now give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you apart after hurting Arthur and messing with my brother."
"Because I'm telling you not to," Matthew spoke up in a surprisingly vicious voice, standing protectively in front of Francis.
Alfred stared at his brother in disbelief, "Have you gone mental, Mattie? Did you not see what happened yesterday? Have you any idea-"
"Yes," Matthew cut in, "I do; Francis explained everything." Matthew took a deep breath as if to steady his nerves, "Let's talk outside, Al."
One out in the hall Alfred whirled on his brother, "What the hell is wrong with you," he whispered violently, remembering at the last second the rest of the floor was probably still asleep.
"Look you don't know Francis like I do," Matthew began, "I know he's done some terrible things but he's changed."
"No, Mattie," Alfred began, "That's what he wants you to think! He'll use you just like he used Arthur."
"He said he loves me," Matthew said suddenly, "And don't look at me like that Alfred. You may think so but I'm not some little kid anymore, I know when someone's lying to me." Matthew faced Alfred's gaze dead on, "He's not lying."
It was then that Alfred noticed how messy Matthew's hair was, how wrinkled his clothes were, and he had to bite his lip from saying something. Who knew Alfred would lose his virginity the same night as his brother.
"I don't trust him, Mattie," Alfred said instead, "I don't want him to hurt you."
At that Matthew laughed, though it sounded bitter, "Alfred, I was hurt the moment I met that man. I always was, and you were hurt the moment you met Arthur."
Alfred blinked, confused, "I don't follow."
Now Matthew just looked sad, "It's July, Alfred. Do you know what happens at the end of July?"
Alfred felt his heart shatter and fall to the floor in a thousand pieces right then, "Oh right…" At the end of July they would be leaving, going back and Alfred would be forced to forget the best thing that ever happened to him. He felt like crying.
"Right," Matthew nodded, his voice was calm but Alfred saw the grief in his violet eyes, "So I'm going to enjoy the rest of my vacation as I see fit. And I want to spend it with Francis, and I'm going to whether you like it or not, and you're not going to bother us." Then without a word he turned and went back into the room. Leaving Alfred standing there, part of him wanted to run back to Arthur and savor the remaining time he had with him, the other part wanted to go back inside and stay hidden, not wanting to make the separation harder, the last part, the largest part, just wanted to weep. So Alfred did.