Chapter 10: Bright Eyes
November 10. The Dreaded Wedding.
I decided to call it the Dreaded Wedding because two of my biggest fears are coming true; another woman will feel my father's wrath, and I will be related to Alfred. Technically.
The second fear only recently occurred to me. Alfred is a wonderfully charming boy and I have a suspicious feeling I'm falling for him.
The wedding party will be leaving soon. I leave you, diary (even though I resent saying you are a diary, calling you journal is strange to me), with an aching heart and will most likely return with bruises and a broken heart.
I am sure Alfred hates me again.
~•~•~•~•~
Alfred's eyes never left Arthur. Through the whole wedding.
Alfred had walked his mother down the aisle, since he was the alpha of the family. Matthew had the rings and Arthur followed behind his father. That meant Alfred was able to watch Arthur on the alter. The walk was a little awkward with Alfred's cast.
The omega kept his head down, eyes half lidded and ears flat. Alfred thought he looked adorable. He mentally kicked himself. 'He lied to you!'
After the ceremony, Alfred listened to and said speeches. He watched Arthur pick at his food. He watched Arthur fidget in his seat. He watched Arthur catch his eye. That was the only time Alfred looked away. He didn't know why he couldn't keep his eyes off the omega. It was unsettling.
After a while of mingling and dance music, the DJ turned on a slow song. Alfred knew it. He never understood what it really was about, but he figured out why she would want the boy to turning around with his bright eyes. Alfred knew someone with some bright eyes. He looked at Arthur and found his eyes glimmering in the low light. Suddenly, an idea came to him.
The alpha stood and went to the blond omega who had turned his gaze and was sitting quietly, watching others dance. Alfred cleared his throat and Arthur looked at him, his bright eyes turned hard. "What?"
"I just want to say I'm sorry for yelling the other night." Alfred said softly, not wanting the other alphas to hear him.
Arthur pursed his lips, then looked at his lap. Finally he sighed. "It's alright. I can understand how one wouldn't believe something as ridiculous as that."
"No. It's just... I was upset with Matthew and it kinda got at you. I'm sorry."
Arthur smiled gently. "It's alright." He said again, turning to his lap once more. His smile fell.
The alpha had an itching feeling that Arthur was just being a 'good' omega.
Alfred chewed his lip. The song was going to end if he didn't act now! "Hey, do you, uh... wanna dance?"
Arthur's head shot up. "What?"
"Dance? With me?" Why was his heart pounding?
"How can you dance with that cast?" Arthur asked, glancing at the plaster winding up Alfred's leg.
"I'll manage. Come on." Alfred held out his hand.
"Al... alright." Arthur stood and took Alfred's offered hand.
Alfred grinned and led Arthur to the dance floor. He set his hand on Arthur's somewhat wide hips. Omegas' hips tended to be wider to bear children, male or female. Alfred didn't mind. Arthur tentatively slipped his hand to Alfred's shoulder and they held each other's hands. Alfred lead them into a clumsy kind-of-a waltz.
Arthur glowered. "You are terrible at dancing."
"It's not about how you look. It's about how you feel, bright eyes." Alfred answered.
"What?"
"Turn around."
"What?"
Alfred smiled and pushed his face close to Arthur's. He began to hum softly. He watched as Arthur's eyelids fluttered.
When the song was over, they didn't move apart. Even when the dance floor flooded with people and jostled them.
Finally Arthur spoke. "We should move."
"Yeah." Alfred whispered.
They still didn't move. Then Alfred decided to dance. Even if the song was fast-paced and they were pushed against each other. Neither cared that their chests were constantly against the other.
When people began to clear the floor, Alfred took up more space. He would make Arthur spin out and pull him back in. Alfred could tell the omega wanted to laugh, but Arthur never did.
Alfred was about to pull Arthur into a dip when he heard Matthew. Looking up, Alfred found Matthew backed into a corner with Francis leaning over him. Matthew had yelped and Alfred was the only one who heard.
"I'll be right back." Alfred said, hobbling over to Matthew's side.
"Al." His brother breathed. Tears swam in the omega's dark blue eyes.
Francis turned and glared at Alfred. "Leave. You are interrupting us."
"No. You're leaving. This is a private event, how did you get in?"
"William invited me." Francis said, smirking.
Alfred narrowed his eyes. "I don't care. Get out and let go of my brother."
"Now why would I let this omega go? He disobeyed an alpha. He needs to be punished."
"He's been through enough." Alfred stepped forward and reached for his brother.
Francis shoved Alfred, making him stumble on his cast. "I claim him as mine." He said, yanking Matthew off the wall and to his chest.
"No!" Alfred shouted. Arthur rushed over then and glared at Francis.
"Oh look. Another omega from my collection." Francis said, glancing at Arthur.
Collection? Alfred looked at Arthur before shaking his head. That could wait. "Get out of here." Alfred said, pushing Francis's chest.
Francis rolled his eyes but backed off. He seemed bored with this whole deal, not to mention he smelt like alcohol. "I'll see you later, Arthur." He waved his hand and walked away.
Alfred ran his hands over Matthew. "Did he hurt you?"
"No." Matthew was shaking .
"Did he touch you?"
"No. He just scared me, Al." Matthew hugged his arms.
"Alright. Let's get you home. Everyone has left anyway." Alfred looked around the ballroom. Very few people were there, no one would notice if they left. "You too, Arthur."
"Oh. Okay." Arthur followed behind Alfred and Matthew to the street to get a taxi.
Alfred guessed Arthur knew he would ask him questions when they got home.
~•~•~•~•~
When Alfred was sure Matthew was alright, he changed into a t-shirt and basketball shorts before grabbing an extra pair and going downstairs and giving them to Arthur. "You can change in my room."
"What makes you think I'm staying over?" Arthur asked, looking at the clothes.
"Mom and William went to your house." Alfred said simply, plopping on the couch and lifting his leg to an ottoman.
Arthur made a face. "You're right. So, your room?"
Alfred nodded and clicked on the TV, his ears twitching.
"Alright." The omega went upstairs.
Alfred let out a breath. When Arthur got back he would ask what Francis meant about his collection.
Then he would finally know the whole truth as to why Arthur hated his father and all the other bullshit that had happened to Arthur and- holy hell, so cute.
"These are way too big, Alfred." Arthur huffed, coming down the stairs and holding up his shorts.
"Roll 'em." Alfred waved Arthur over. The alpha ignored his warm cheeks and wagging tail.
The omega went to Alfred. The shorts brushed the middle of his shins. "God, you're not that much taller than me, why are these so long?"
Alfred grinned and took hold of the waistband. "They hit just past my knee." He rolled the shorts twice, ignoring when his fingers touched Arthur's bare skin.
They were silent when Alfred finished. He dropped his hands and looked up at Arthur. The omega pulled down the overly large shirt and looked down at Alfred.
This was it. Alfred would finally know what happened behind closed doors. He opened his mouth-
"Do you still make yourself puke, Alfred?" Arthur asked.
Alfred closed his mouth. Damn. "I try not to." He started, looked at the ground. He stared at Arthur's bare feet. "Some days it's hard, but it's not every night like I used too. I didn't tonight. Or yesterday."
Arthur suddenly pushed Alfred's shoulders. It was meant to be playful, but Alfred felt an almost electric shock. "Well at least you try." He said. Then he sat beside Alfred. "What was that song we danced too?"
"Oh! That was Total Eclipse of the Heart. It's kinda old. But Mom would always put it on when we went on Sunday drives." Alfred said, grinning. He had already forgotten about Francis and dismissed Arthur's topic change.
"Can we listen to it again?" Arthur asked. "If it won't wake up Matthew."
"He'll be fine. He's probably on the phone with Gilbert." Alfred stood and moved to the TV. He cursed at how awkward he must have looked.
"The TV?" Arthur tilted his head and stood.
"Yeah, we'll play it through the speakers." Alfred looked over his shoulder.
"Uhm... Alright." Arthur said, watching Alfred fiddle with the TV and his phone.
"Okay!" Alfred hit play and set down the phone before turning around and grinning. Piano fluttered throughout the room and he began singing softly.
'Turn around...
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you never come around...'
Alfred pulled Arthur to his chest, he moved his cast back so he wouldn't step on Arthur's bare feet. His hand was on Arthur's hip and he was holding his small, pale, shivering hand.
"What are you doing?" Arthur asked.
"Singing to you."
"Oh." Arthur whispered as Alfred's hand returned to his waist.
'Every now and then I get a little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes...
Turn around bright eyes...'
Alfred watched Arthur's tail searching for something before it came to a rest on Alfred's hand. The orange fur was soft and Alfred had to push down a shiver.
'Every now and then I fall apart...'
"This song is nothing but 'every now and then'." Arthur said. His cheeks were steadily glowing a darker red.
"It gets better!" Alfred grinned and started moving Arthur around the living room.
'Every now and then I get a little bit breathless and I dream of something wild...
Turn around...'
Alfred spun Arthur. The omega smiled shyly and was back on Alfred's arm in an instant.
"Are we to the good part yet?" He asked.
"Almost! There are these drums and her voice gets really raspy and it's like the best old song ever." Alfred exclaimed.
"Oh really?" Arthur was smiling full on now.
"Well, except for Jenny." Alfred tilted his head from side to side.
"Who?"
"Ya know. Jenny. Eight six seven five three o ni-e-ine."
"Uhm, no."
Alfred sighed. "We'll do Jenny next."
Arthur let out a small giggle and Alfred felt his stomach leap. "Alright. Oh, here we go!"
'Every now and then I fall apart!
And I need you more tonight!
And I need you more than ever!
And if you only hold me tight,
We'll be holding on, forever!'
Alfred pressed close to Arthur as he made a clumsy circle around the living room. He kicked things out of the way and took care that his cast was nowhere near Arthur's fragile little toes. Arthur just blushed and eventually grinned as Alfred danced and sang. Alfred liked it very much when Arthur looked like that.
'I don't know what to do I'm always in the dark!
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks!
I really need you tonight!'
Alfred stopping his dancing and came to a rest beside the wall. With his back against it, he held Arthur closely.
"What is it?" Arthur whispered, as if talking too loudly would shatter everything.
"This is my favorite part." Alfred replied, turning off the lights so that only the moon through the window and his phone illuminated the living room.
'Once upon a time I was falling in love,
Now I'm only falling apart...'
Arthur gulped.
'Nothing I can do,
A total eclipse of the heart...
Once upon a time there was light in my life,
Now there's only love in the dark...'
Alfred pressed his forehead against Arthur's and finished the rest of the verse in a barely audible whisper.
'Nothing I can say,
A total eclipse of the heart...'
They stood frozen as the opening piano filled the air again. And as drums joined, Alfred planted his mouth against Arthur's.
Alfred didn't try to make a sexual move on the omega, but this kiss was long overdue for him. Even if Arthur wasn't lying and it was all in his head, Alfred felt that they were going to be alright. Even if Arthur was at that club, he would have a good excuse. Alfred already knew some of what was happening. Arthur was abused by his father and his friends, and Alfred would be the one to save him.
Arthur pulled away first as the lyrics picked back up, but Alfred stayed silent.
After a moment, he whispered, "That felt like it should have happened sooner."
"Yes. It should have." Arthur murmured, his breath ghosting over Alfred's lips.
The song ended and another started playing. Alfred swayed back and forth, moving Arthur's hips with him.
'What think,
If I sang outta tune?
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a little song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key...'
"The Wonder Years." Arthur grinned. "They would play that show repeatedly during the summers."
Alfred grinned right back at Arthur. "Yeah. That was the best show. Although I was the only boy who didn't have a crush on Winnie Cooper."
"Who did you have a crush on?" Arthur asked, leaning completely against Alfred.
"Kevin Arnold."
Arthur laughed. It was quiet and seemed like it didn't get much use, but Alfred liked it all the same.
"Who did you like?" Alfred asked. "I know you liked one of them."
"Well..."
"Don't say Paul."
"Paul! Goodness no!" Arthur laughed again.
"Then who? Tell me!" Alfred spun them from the wall to the couch.
"Alright! It was Wayne..."
"Wayne."
"Yeah." Arthur blushed and looked away. "I'm a sucker for blonds."
Alfred's legs hit the back of the couch and he fell back, Arthur landing awkwardly in his lap before scrambling off. "Oh." Alfred said.
"Y-yeah." Arthur brought his knees to his chest. "So... are we... going to be, uh... mates?"
"W-well... I don't... I want to! I just... don't know everything about you. Like with your dad and stuff..." Alfred looked at his hands in his lap.
"I know. I need to tell you, it's just..." Arthur brought his hands from his knees to run at his shoulders. "I'm scared he'll hurt you."
"Hey. I'm a freaking hero. I'll be alright." Alfred moved closer to Arthur.
"Yes, but... he's very scary, Alfred." Arthur whispered.
Alfred slowly slipped his arm behind Arthur's shoulders and pulled him to his chest. "I know. But he shouldn't treat an omega that way. Not to mention you're his son."
Arthur leaned sheepishly into Alfred's embrace. "But how do we stop him?"
"Well, instead of mating right off the bat, let's date." Alfred grinned.
A blush erupted on Arthur's face. "You mean it?"
"I do." Alfred kissed Arthur's cheek. "Starting from now on."
"A-alright." Arthur smiled and laid his head on Alfred's shoulder. "I guess I'll be spending the night."
"You can spend as many nights as you want." Alfred whispered.
~•~•~•~•~
The rest of November went by smoothly. Arthur still hadn't told Alfred the full truth, and even though Alfred knew most of it, he felt he should hear all of it. The two had gotten closer together. Alfred could now name all of Arthur's favorite things and everything he hated. Not to mention Arthur's knowledge about Alfred.
They held hands. When Arthur came over, he would sleep beside Alfred. Although the alpha insisted on sleeping on top of Arthur's blanket. He didn't want the omega to feel uncomfortable. Alfred even sneaked in kisses, but when Alfred would push his tongue against Arthur's lips, the blond would pull away and his ears would lie flat and his tail would settle between his legs. Alfred's attempts at getting to second base were few and far in between.
It wasn't until December that this changed.
Alfred finally was able to take off his cast. Unfortunately, he could never play competitive contact sports again. Even baseball was a push with ninety mile per-hour balls flying around and the fast pace running. But the doctor said with some recovery time, Alfred could pull it off if he was careful.
So as Alfred did his nightly recovery stretches with this giant rubber band, he suddenly got an upsetting feeling in his stomach. He tilted his head. He got a similar feeling when Matthew was in distress, but it only happened when he was near. But Matthew wasn't home yet. He was on a date with Gilbert. Not only that, but his mom was with William god knows where.
Then there was a faint knock on the door. Alfred frowned, set down his rubber band and limped to the door. He still wasn't used to bending his knee.
He swung the door open and was hit with Arthur. Arthur's scent and his body. "Whoa!" Alfred said, holding into Arthur awkwardly. "What..?"
Alfred could smell the ever constant fear, but it was stronger than it had ever been. He also smelt alphas and alcohol. His eyes cast down Arthur's frame. He smelt the blood on Arthur's legs before he saw it. There was so much blood staining his white skin red. "Arthur..." He breathed, his eyes widening. Wait... now Arthur smelt like... He was in heat too?! What the hell was going on?!
Arthur brought his eyes up to Alfred's. "I really need you tonight." He whispered. Alfred knew he was quoting what had become their song.
And Alfred had a feeling that forever would start tonight.
~•~•~•~•~
Authors note: Dear me this is like awfully late. But I hope that kiss helped!
Now next chapter will be full of... story? I'm not very good at speaking. Thanks always Hannah-fish!
zfrine: they will be opened.
TheAmazingBookWorm: well... How many more chapters do I have left...just a bit more shit in the fan!
BlueMusic09: Francis has a bit more to go before...things.
MadamTea: Alfred's being a hero next chapter! Same with the double life...
killerkitty15: why Alfred? He's being better!
alguien22792: Alfred's American!
zoewinter1: I do too! Don't tell hannah-fish. We have issues with this.
DarkMoon0327: yes I know.
darkeningflame: well...Gilbert's an idiot.
Guest: I'm sorry!
*Hannah-fish says: /incoherent squealing