Toris let out a shaky breath as he drove the near empty streets. Ivan sat beside him, eerie smile in place as he watched the world pass by through his window. Ivan had at first refused to go to the dinner party, nervous he might do something wrong or hurt someone. That is until the brunette revealed that it was at Alfred's home. The Russian then became quite excited about the prospect of seeing the American's home.
Ivan was very interested in the rude obnoxious American. He was the only person, other than Toris, to dare speak to him. He even fought back, as his slowly fading black eyes showed. The boy was so different than anyone he had met, fiery, stubborn and so vibrant. He wanted to know more about him and visiting his home could provide more clues.
Most interesting of all, the idiot didn't fear him. Everyone was scared of him, after the incident with Mr. Winter all the residents and staff at the orphanage were terrified of him. The American school was no different, students stayed clear of him. Even Toris was shaky around him, always second guessing the words he said to him. Ivan didn't mind the treatment though, the less people interacted with him the better. All others ever brought him was suffering.
Except Alfred. Alfred wasn't afraid, even after he beat his head into a table. He still pestered him even after he tried to strangle his life away. It was so very strange and intriguing. He wanted to know more about the American, he needed to know more. There was just something about the lively idiot that attracted the Russian to him.
Saying Toris was nervous about the evening would be the understatement of the year. He was absolutely terrified of what would happen. He had yet to tell the Bonnefoy family that the boy terrorizing their son was the orphan he adopted from Russia. He had wanted to tell them over the phone but he had never gotten the nerve. He hoped they didn't kick him out at the sight of his ward.
He was especially afraid of Alfred's reaction. He had known Alfred for a long time and knew the way he could overreact, sometimes in a violent way. He didn't want to lose the friendship he had with the nice family and so tonight weighed down on him heavily. How was he going to explain all this to them?
With mounting dread he parked the car and stepped out onto the driveway. Ivan followed with new found apprehension. He had never been to a formal dinner before. What if he did something wrong? He found he didn't want to make a bad impression on Alfred's parents. He didn't know why he felt that way so suddenly. He had probably already made a bad impression by sending the American to the hospital. He pouted at the realization before snapping back to reality as Toris beckoned to him to enter.
The doorbell sounded, echoing throughout the bustling home. Francis ignored it, completely engrossed in finishing his task of cooking the dinner. Matthew working beside him pleasantly while Gilbert chatted away and helped set the table. He had arrived early in order to seem like an awesome boyfriend. He even got rewarded with a kiss when no one was looking. Matthew had been amazed to see Gilbert actually behaving bu,t for some reason, he couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom.
Upstairs, Alfred and Arthur were battling over the teen's present attire of a t-shirt and black jeans. ("Alfred! This is a formal dinner and I will not have my son presented as a slob!" "Dad I dont want to wear such stupid stuffy clothing! Its uncomfortable!") Finally, they reached a compromise when Alfred agreed to wear the stupid red button down shirt. Crisis averted, Arthur stormed down the steps as the bell rang for a second time.
"Coming!" He called, striding quickly toward the door before pulling it open with a polite smile. "Good evening Toris! Thank you for coming." He greeted, exchanging handshakes with the brunette.
"Th-Thank you for inviting us." Toris replied nervously and stepped inside admiring the house even though he knew it well. It hadn't changed much over the years. He smiled as memories of watching over the two boys came back to him.
"Its nothing Toris, now where's that new charge of yours? And don't forget you must tell me all about your trip to Eastern Europe." Arthur said, ushering him into the house and taking his jacket. Toris smiled, following his host but paused. He turned back to the door and beckoned at his charge to come in.
"Alfred! Get down here!" Arthur yelled up the stairs and heard his son's footsteps thumping around.
"Ivan, time to come inside." Toris murmured softly and the Russian finally stepped into the loud house glancing around the (in his mind) luxurious home. He still wasn't used to such extravagance and felt uncomfortable.
Alfred finally reached the bottom steps and looked up to lock eyes with a familiar pair of violet ones. His blue eyes widened and he gripped banister tightly.
"Oh hell no!" He hissed angrily his eyes now narrowed. Ivan giggled, tonight would definitely be interesting.
"Good to see you too, Alfred."
"Alfred! Mind your manners!" Arthur scolded angrily, not believing how rude his son was being. Hissing at their guests just as they arrived?
"Manners? Dad, this is the guy who gave me a concussion!" He accused, pointing an angry fingure in Ivan's direction. If he were a cat he would be bristling. Arthur raised his thick brows and turned his gaze to the tall Russian standing in his hall. He frowned and Toris looked even more nervous as he trembled slightly.
"He's very sorry." Toris quickly stated apologetically glancing toward Alfred. The teen finally noticed him and grinned broadly.
"TORIS!" He cried happily, flinging himself toward him and wrapping him in a crushing a hug. Toris chuckled, patting the teen's back awkwardly.
"It's nice to see you too, Alfred."
"Man, its been forever! I missed ya. How was the trip?" He asked ignoring the Russian completely. Ivan blinked looking at the pair with interest. Were Toris and Alfred close? He'd have to interrogate the brunette later. Maybe he knew vluable information about the American.
"Well you're too old for me to babysit anymore...It was great, I was able to see some distant family and made some new friends." Toris replied happily, disentangling himself from the hug.
"Toris." Came a warm soft call. The Lithuanian turned at the sound and smiled before being enveloped in a much softer hug.
"Hello Matthew, you've been doing well I hope?" Toris greeted after pulling back. The boy nodded before turning to address them all. He was surprised to see Ivan in the company but decided against mentioning it yet. "The food is almost ready. Please head over to the dining room." Matthew stated before returning to the kitchen where his help was needed. The party obeyed heading toward the dining room while chattering amongst themselves.
Ivan stayed at the rear, observing the halls decorated with pictures of the twins and the occasional family portrait along with some paintings. It all seemed so warm and welcoming, so loving. It made him feel even more uncomfortable. As if he wasn't meant to see such things, he wasn't worth it. His mind wandered toward how his sisters were. He frowned as the thoughts led to darker things. He shook his head to clear it. They would find each other again someday. He needed to be positive. His smile was once more back in place.
"Dad, you're seriously letting him stay? This is the guy who sent me to the hospital!" Alfred reiterated, pointing accusingly to the smiling Russian as they entered the dining room. He was hoping the Freak would just leave or disappear of the face of the Earth because he was ignoring him. Life should really have a delete button so he could delete the commie for invading his life and giving him trouble. His ankle still hurt damnit! At least the other's black eyes were still there, though his nose wasn't as swollen...
"Alfred. Ivan is our guest tonight and you will keep your petty disagreements to yourself. Toris is taking care of him and he is therefore a friend of ours. We will discuss this later." Arthur snapped back, his cold green eyes daring his son to argue with him. The gentleman was stressed about the whole dinner and was set on making sure it went perfectly.
Alfred crossed his arms and pouted at his father who promptly ignored him. Arthur was much more interested in conversing with Toris, trying to find more information about his travels and the reason he adopted. Toris though, masterfully kept steering the conversation from the latter. He didn't want to talk about it...yet.
Alfred let out a whine that resembled a kicked puppy when he was ignored and Ivan couldn't help but giggle. He didn't know the American could be so adorable but at the moment he was. His sunny blond hair combed neatly except for that rebellious strand. His cheeks dusted pink and lips formed into a small pout. Blue eyes wide as the clear American sky. Yes, he was very adorable.
Alfred didn't appreciate being laughed at by his nemesis and shot him an amgry cold glare. Ivan giggled louder, the American was just so odd.
"Shut up! God, can't you be like normal for once? This isn't school! I can beat up right here and now!" He hissed threateningly, jabbing a finger into the other's chest. Ivan was still wearing his scarf, Alfred noticed. He flicked his eyes toward the end to see the small tear he had made. Didn't he tell Ivan his father could mend that? Why would he offer that? He must have been out of his mind. Or maybe Ivan had commie mind bending powers. Shit, what if Ivan was some super commie experiment soldier sent to defeat the hero? Everything made sense now! His train of thought was interrupted as the villain spoke.
"Da, it means I can hurt you to little American." Ivan responded, a shadowy glint in his eyes. This night was even more entertaining than he thought and they hadn't even commenced eating yet.
"Little? You're just a giant commie freak!"
"Alfred! Stop it! Can't you behave yourself for one night? Sit down!" Arthur ordered angrily and Alfred hesitated before sitting down in one of the chairs. He crossed his arms and glared at the table. Ivan blinked, Alfred seemed to obey his father once the other was angry. The British man seemed to like to yell a lot, he kept scowling at Alfred disapproving. Ivan wondered if he was like his own father and he had to suppress a shudder. He'd have to watch the British man, he didn't want Alfred to be a victim of the same things he suffered. Wait...why did he care all of a sudden? Alfred was merely an idiotic American who didn't know when to get his nose out of other people's business. Was he really feeling protective over the blond? He had only ever felt protective over his sisters...
"Hey! Yo Ivan? Snap out of it." Alfred called waving his hand in front of the tall teen's face. Ivan blinked and saw that most of the guests had already taken their seats. Arthur sat at one head of the table conversing with Toris who sat beside him. On Arthur's other side sat Gilbert who was speaking with Matthew next to him. They had left the kitchen together after finishing their duties and were now talking about something or another. Ivan wondered why the albino's hand was resting on Alfred's brother's thigh... Oblivious to Matthew, Alfred sat in the chair next to him, his focus still on glaring at the Russian. Though, Ivan noted, it seemed more subdued after being scolded again by his father. There was an empty seat at the other head of the table and another next to it beside Toris. He assumed that one was for him.
He sat down in the seat looking at the nice plates and silverware. It had taken him a while to master using them. The orphanage barely had enough bowls for the children, having any sort of silverware was a rarity. Once he sat down he realized Alfred was sitting right across from him. The Russian gave him his creepy smile and received a scowl and muttered words (he assumed they comprised of 'commie' or 'freak') in return. Ivan wondered who they were waiting for before realizing they were probably waiting for Alfred's mother.
"Francis! What's taking so long?" Arthur yelled into the kitchen in patience was thinning and he was quite hungry. He should of just cooked the dinner, it wouldn't of nearly taken this long to prepare. But his whole family had banned from the kitchen much to his displeasure. His cooking was good no matter what those gits said.
Alfred smirked before opening his mouth and much to Ivan's surprise mouthing the exact same response as the voice emanating from the kitchen. "You can not rush perfection, mon cher!" Ivan blinked and Alfred chuckled to himself. That was a male voice... Should he ask?
"Papa, do you need help?" Matthew offered and Ivan became even more confused. Papa? But he thought the British man was their father... He frowned in thought concentrating on his plate.
"We have two dads." Alfred stated bringing Ivan out of his thoughts. "I have a dad and a papa. They're gay. We're adopted. That answer your question?" He spat, glaring at the Russian in open hostility. Ivan smiled at him and was glad the mystery was put to close. though he had never heard of two men being romanticly involved together. Then again he had only be subjugated to poor education so there was probably a lot he hadn't heard of. He was about to reply when a man with his blond hair tied loosely back, entered the dining room while carrying a steaming pot.
"Voila!" He said happily setting it down and ignoring Arthur's "finally". He turned to Toris smiling warmly at him. "Toris, so good to see you again... and this must be your ward! Bonjour!" Francis greeted the tall teen.
Ivan nodded and opened his mouth when Alfred spat, "Its the guy who gave me a concussion."
Francis eyes widened and he studied the Russian. "Vraiment? What a coincidence! So you must be Ivan! And Alfred don't forget you broke his nose." Francis reminded with a cool smirk and Alfred grumbled, sinking to his seat. Ivan merely smiled, unsure how to react to so much attention. At least there weren't any violent urges yet.
"Well, bon appetit!" Francis announced. Immediately, Alfred and Gilbert began stabbing at whatever meat they could find on the table. Ivan watched the others help themselves (more politely instead of starved animals) before copying their behavior carefully. He didn't want to mess up, he wanted to learn more about Alfred and this might be his best opportunity. There was just something that attracted him to the obnoxious American.
Ivan ate in silence, listening to the scraps of conversation that lingered over the table. A lot was of Arthur scolding Alfred's manners, he found it quite amusing. He gave the teen a smirk and Alfred scowled at him. Ivan giggled before taking another bite, the food was quite delicious. He noticed that Gilbert and Matthew would sometimes whisper to each other, though he couldn't hear exactly what about. Toris spoke mostly to Arthur who seemed determined to not answer any of his husbands comments. Ivan thought that was rude but Alfred's other father didnt seem to mind the treatment, only smiling more.
"Do not worry Ivan, I will get him back for this when we retire to the bedroom~" Francis whispered, noticing the teens observations of his husbands behavior. Ivan was quite surprised at the man's perceptiveness though he wasn't sure what he mean by his comment. Do what in the bedroom? He would ask except Alfred, who had heard, reddened and glared at his father.
"Don't tell him that!" The teen hissed before stabbing at his food. It was already embarrassing enough to know all about his parent's sex life through the paper thin walls. Having Papa announced it to the world, including his nemesis, was just awful.
Gilbert looked around the table and noticed all the normal small conversations going about the group. It was too normal. Best to stir things up. He took another bite and pondered what to do or say. Then an awesome idea (the only kinds he ever thought up) shined inside his mind and he grinned wickedly.
"Gil? What are you thinking?" Matthew asked warily, noticing the grin and knowing it could only lead to bad things. Very bad things. Gilbert ignored him and instead addressed Francis, grin plastered to his face.
"Francis? Could you tell us the story of how you and Mr. Kirkland met?" He asked innocently enough. The reaction around the table was immediate. The twins suddenly became very red and both groaned at the same time. Arthur stabbed his food and glared at Gilbert with intense fury. On the other hand, Francis looked simply delighted at the prospect of telling the story. Ivan was quite surprised at the variety of reactions.
"No. We've all heard it anyway." Arthur said quickly. Gilbert pouted, how could his awesome idea fail? It just couldn't! Then he caught sight of the Freak. His grin returned full force.
"But Mr. Kirkland, Ivan has yet to hear the story." Arthur paled and he held his face in his was no stopping it now.
"Of course I'll tell the story! Its only fair that I recount the tale to our guest." The Frenchman said in a sing song voice. The twins groaned once more.
"Papa please!" Matthew begged, not wanting the utter mortification that always accompanied the story.
"Nonsense Matthieu." Francis shrugged him off and winked over at Ivan.
"At least tell the clean version! Please!" Alfred sighed. He had enough memories from the time Papa gave them the "talk" in 6th grade using explicit examples from his own sex life. He had been scarred for months.
"Fine fine! Let me just begin."
It all started when Arthur got a new job at a publishing company.
Arthur was excited, quite excited in fact. Finally, he had gotten a job he could somewhat like instead of one he would come to abhor. Sure, it wasn't his dream job of being a tailor but editing novels seemed like a good fit. Especially since he had been given the fantasy genre. How he loved tales of magical worlds filled with faeries and unicorns.
He entered the office building with an unusual smile. He was sad to admit that he mostly wore a scowl on his face. It wasn't his fault though, he was constantly surrounded by morons. Hopefully, this job would be much better. A no nonsense brunette with an odd curl met him at the front desk. He was dressed professionally and held a clipboard in his right hand.
"Hello, my name is Arthur Kirkland." The blond greeted politely, he was a gentleman after all. The brunette nodded noncommittally scribbling something on his clipboard.
"Yes, Mr. Kirkland we've been expecting you. My name is Roderich Edelstein, please follow me so you can meet Mr. Beilschimdt, your new boss." He stated, turning around and beginning to walk through the many cubicles toward a closed office in the back. Arthur was surprised and slightly annoyed to find the other hadn't been writing notes on his clipboard. He had been writing music.
Arthur kept the question within him, not wanting to ruin his prospects, and followed behind silently. They reached the office and the brunette opened it, pushing Arthur inside before closing the door. Arthur straitened himself and looked up at his new boss. He felt a bit intimidated. The man was blond like him but with his hair slicked back. He had piercing blue eyes and was quite muscular. He gave off an aura of authority that made the Brit feel quite inferior. Still, he held his ground.
"Hello sir, my name is Arthur Kirkland and I was recently hired in order to edit fantasy novels." He introduced hurriedly, he had habit of speaking quickly when nervous. He mentally cursed himself for it, he probably sounded like a bloody moron. His boss looked at him for a long moment before nodding.
"Hello Mr. Kirkland, I'm Ludwig Beilschimdt. I hope you enjoy working here with us." The introduction seemed forced as if the blond just wanted to get back to his work. He didn't wait for Arthur to answer. "Elizaveta." He called, the door opened almost immediately and a light brunette woman stepped in. Her hair was long and she wore a pretty smile along with a flower behind her ear.
"Take Arthur to his new cubicle and get him set up." Ludwig ordered before glancing back at the Englishman. Arthur nodded meekly as his boss returned to his work and followed the woman out the door. As soon as they stepped out she turned to him excitedly.
"Hello! Arthur was it? My name is Elizaveta Héderváry but you can call me Elizaveta. I'm Ludwig's secretary." She introduced pulling him into a hug. He gaped, such informality to her direct superior? And hugging? What happened to formal handshakes? "Anyway, I need to ask you a few questions before giving you a cubicle." Arthur tilted his head in slight confusion before nodding. This job seemed to be getting weird...
"Alright first off, are you gay?" She asked, brimming with excitement. Arthur gaped again and flushed.
"What? I d-don't see how this has anything to do with editing!" He remarked, trying to fight off the blush staining his cheeks. The woman only smiled wider.
"So you are! Wonderful!" She scribbled something down.
Arthur sputtered and furrowed his thick brows. "I never said I was!" He said indignantly, just what kind of business was this?
"True. But you didn't say you weren't. Its fine! That means I don't have anymore questions! I have the perfect cubicle for you." She stated happily, grabbing his wrist in order to drag him down the aisle of cubicles. He followed helplessly, still red in the face. "This cubicle is the best in the whole office! Its in the corner right by the window. It gives the greatest view of the city. I've been having trouble filling it so you're like a god send!" She cheered happily.
Arthur was even more confused. If it was the best cubicle then why were they having so much trouble assigning it? He felt a mounting dread settle in his stomach and he swallowed thickly.
"Here it is! Nice huh? Well if you need me I'll be at my desk by Ludwig's door. Here's your first piece of work!" She said hurriedly, pushing an envelope into his arms and rushing away. Arthur blinked rapidly before looking into his cubicle.
It was indeed nice, slightly larger than his last one at his previous job. It did have a window and the city looked quite breathtaking. Maybe they didn't like it because it was in the corner? Fortunately, he preferred it that way since he enjoyed his solitude. Yes, this cubicle would suit him just fine.
He let slip a small smile and sat down in his chair, setting his first piece of work on the desk. Yes, everything would be fine.
"BONJOUR!" Came a loud cry and Arthur almost jumped out of his chair in surprise at the sudden vocalization. With wide emerald eyes he looked up to see a blond man's head poking out from the only neighboring cubicle. His blue eyes looking down at him with amusement. "You have such a pretty smile!" The stranger cried happily and Arthur immediately scowled. Who the hell was this guy?
But the other man, the handsome dashing blond Frenchman could tell he was scowling because he knew deep down he could never be with such a gorgeous man.
"THAT WAS NOT WHY I WAS SCOWLING!" Arthur interrupted angrily, his face extremely flushed. Gilbert was laughing obnoxiously in his chair, threatening to fall out of it. The twins had identical expressions: red faces defeatedly held in their hands as they pondered 'WHY?' to the heavens. Ivan absorbed everything curiously. "If your going to tell the damn story, tell it right!"
"Yes, yes." Francis sighed with a pout aimed for his irate husband and gave Ivan a wink. He smirked, taking a sip of his red wine before continuing.
Arthur continue to scowl up at the stranger, so Francis decided to continue the conversation himself. "My name is Francis Bonnefoy and I'm your new neighbor!" He grinned happily, finally new prey and what a cute specimen too. Once you get past those monstrosities sitting above his eyes. ("Don't you dare make fun of my eyebrows!" "Do not worry! I love them now, mon cher!")
Arthur bit back a grimace at the heavy french accent. He had to be civil, even if it was an obnoxious Frenchman. He had to be a gentleman, he didn't want to lose his job hours after being hired due to murdering a coworker. Even though it seemed a lot more ideal. Maybe he could make it seem like the other had gotten a very deep, large paper cut that lead to his bloody death...
"Arthur Kirkland." He introduced curtly, hoping the conversation was over and he could begin his work. I will not kill my coworker, he repeated in his head like a mantra.
"Merveilleux! I edit romance novels and you?" Maybe he could get out more than two words this time...
"Fantasy" Arthur answered, why couldn't the guy get the message? I will NOT kill my coworker!
"Alright, one last question. What is your favorite sexual position?" He asked with a smirk. The Englishman's eyes widened and he spluttered. His face was an angry embarrassed red and he glared at the Frenchman with new found hatred. Francis chuckled at the reaction.
"Why would you need to know that?" Arthur demanded, keeping the curses he so wished to utter inside. I WILL NOT KILL MY BLOODY COWORKER.
"It will save time if I know in advance, that way there is no awkward pause as we try to figure out how to do it." Francis answered matter of factly. Arthur had to reign in the urge to punch him straight in the face. I WILL NOT KILL MY BLOODY WANKER OF A COWORKER! He had to at least wait until his second day at work. Patience Arthur, patience.
"I'm not going to dignify that question with a response." He spat, turning quickly to his work. He was pretty sure he knew why no one wanted this cubicle. Obviously, the man was a perverted Frenchman, best to ignore him. Francis laughed and ducked back down. He'd know the answer to his question soon enough, his charm always won out in the end.
"It took my a while but I got my answer. Arthur loves doing it doggy style. He's such a kinky little boy." Francis cooed while Arthur looked absolutely mortified.
"FRANCIS! THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU!" He screamed in utter fury and embarrassment .How dare the frog reveal such information?
"Desole! It just slipped out!" Francis quickly apologized but couldn't stop the Englishman from storming out of the room.
"Papa! We asked for clean! Clean!" Matthew reminded, his face bright red. Gilbert cackled, that was the best part of this story. Matthew would get all flushed and adorable. Of course the twin sent him a harsh glare, but it was worth it to see that pink face.
"Do not worry. I'll get him back and continue the story." Francis assured, standing up and following his husband out the room.
Ivan blinked and listened to everything. So was this how you courted a love interest? He hadn't even known that you could fall in love with another male before the night. Interesting... He glanced over at Alfred who was glaring at his plate while trying to get rid of his now permanent blush. The American looked up and scowled at the Russian.
"Shut up!" He whined looking away wasn't his fault his parents were so horribly embarrassing. The Freak didn't have to rub it in!
Ivan was pretty sure he hadn't spoken but shrugged it off. He hoped Alfred's french father continued his story. He wanted to learn more about the courting behaviors between two men. He didn't think it be appropriate to ask what doggy style exactly meant. He could just research it on the computer Toris let him use once they returned home. He wondered, if the Alfred's father enjoyed 'doing it doggy style', did that mean Alfred did too? He would have to ask him at some point.
"Great now they're arguing." Alfred muttered, the sounds of shouting echoing into the dining room. "They always argue" He whined, taking gulp of the Coke he insisted on having with his meal.
Interesting...so he and Alfred's arguments were seen as normal between couples. He smiled brighter. "
Yep, and their fights always end in sex." Gilbert announced.
"GILBERT!" Came the identical cry from the two flustered brothers. "Shut up okay! We don't want to here that!" They both yelled out, their voices synchronized. Gilbert chuckled at the reaction. It had always creeped him out when the twins were able to speak the same sentences at the same time, especially since they were so different from each other. And Mattie was definitively the awesomer twin.
So after an argument it was customary to have sex? Americans are quite odd... Ivan glanced back at Alfred who was even redder now, his focus now on glaring at the cacking albino. If that were true...Then how come he and Alfred had yet to have intercourse? Hmmm... He'd have to research this more.
Francis returned to the room, dragging an angry Englishman with him. "Alright, where was I?"
And so it begins!
Yay! Longest chappie yet~
The dinner and Francis' beautiful tale of heartwarming love and romance (not) shall continue in the next chapter!~
I think Papa Francis should have like a romantic advice column... except all his answers would be 'have le sex'
But with people who want break up advice the advice would be 'Here is my address: XXXX Come have le sex with moi~'
But that's just me~ XD
I'm going to try and update by next week before school starts... But once school starts I dont know how often I'll be able to write... I'll figure something out~ This stories to much fun to write to abandon. Though I'm pretty sure its going to be LONG. Especially since were like 10 chapters in and Alfred and Ivan still hate each other~ Well maybe hate is a strong word... Whatever...
The romance will come soon~ Be patient my dearies!
Thank you guys so much for all the awesome reviews! I love you all!
So yep, that's all I've got to say. So review and DFTBA (kudos to those who get that)!