CHAPTER 14
Alfred slowly awoke the next morning feeling wonderfully satisfied and relaxed. He looked down and saw his, in every sense of the word, lover sleeping still, his head resting on Alfred's chest. Last night had been awkward, but amazing at the same time. He had never felt so close to another human before and he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, just how much he really loved Arthur. He reached over and started to stroke the other man's hair as his other arm pulled Arthur closer.
The smaller body shifted slightly at Alfred's touch. Arthur definitely approved of the warmth Alfred was giving him; not to mention his chest's firmness made it perfect to be used as a pillow. The big eyebrows frowned slightly because of the tighter hug and eventually, Arthur opened the heavy eyelids and looked up at the American, clearly not fully awake.
"...It's mo'nin' already..?" he murmured.
Alfred smiled at the cute mumble and shifted so he could press a kiss to Arthur's brow.
"Yep, starting to get late too." He added after glancing at the wall clock. That didn't mean he wanted to get up. The comfortable heat and the sleepy, adorable Arthur was just too good to leave. There was a quiet groan and Arthur's fingers started to dance lazily over Alfred's chest.
"...Mhmm... don't want to get up..." the Brit murmured lazily. He might have been all good and proper for the whole day but... Arthur was not a morning person. Still, there was a small smile that just would not get off his lips at the memories of their well spent last night. Arthur's heart, as sleepy as he was, continued to jump up and down at the thought of finally having experienced that very special closure and intimacy. He was not regretting a single thing because, as far as he was considered, for the first time, Arthur couldn't have asked for anything better. Even if it was short and awkward... he knew it was with Alfred and that was all that mattered.
Alfred grinned, "Don't worry we don't have to get up yet." It was Saturday; Hugh and Einar weren't coming back until Sunday. Alfred figured that Arthur probably had stuff to do later in the day, but right now there was nothing to worry about. He continued stroking Arthur's hair and just soaked the feeling of being this close to another person, cuddling and feeling Arthur's naked body against his; it wasn't even sexual, just intimate and wonderful.
"...Good. You're rather comfortable to lay on, I must admit." Arthur stated fondly. Alfred's hands felt gentle and caring and Arthur could not imagine a more perfect morning after. Even if they were to have done it back at the cottage in Brighton, there was a risk that they wouldn't have been as happy with it. "...Can I ask you about something Alfred...?" Arthur began lightly.
"Sure." Alfred said relaxed and enjoying the moment, right now he was wouldn't even think of moving.
"....You know that very first time we met at the pub...? What were you thinking at the time when you sat down at the table I was at?" Arthur posed the question with genuine curiosity. He really wanted to know what the first impression Alfred had of him was.
"Hmm," Alfred thought back to that fateful day that set the two of them on this path. "Well, I thought you were a fairly handsome fella and that it was swell of you to let me sit with you." He hadn't really thought a lot about Arthur in that first moment of meeting. "What did you think about me, and be honest." He knew that Arthur was not a fan of the Americans in the beginning.
Arthur smirked slightly. He had no plans about lying to Alfred about that. "I was certain you were like all the other Americans; loud, tall, with blond hair and way too wide smile, not to mention an inability to use your tongue properly."Arthur stated and then stroke Alfred's cheek. "But I was wrong about two of these. You're not like all the other Americans...and... I dare say your tongue can have plenty of uses." he added feeling somewhat cheeky.
Alfred grinned, well at least Arthur didn't lie about it, though there was one thing that bothered him. "...What does 'inability to use your tongue properly' mean? I never heard that phrase before."
Arthur chuckled, "Pretty much not using it to say anything worthwhile." he explained. "Just me being metaphorical."
"Oh, alright." Alfred nodded. It made sense, he knew how the British felt by this point. His stomach decided to growl at that moment. They did a lot of physical activity last night and he was starting to get hungry for breakfast.
"...Someone's hungry." Arthur stated with amusement. It was lovely staying late in bed but they would need to get up eventually and... Arthur really needed to get cleaned up since he never did so before going to bed and the remains of last night were still there and sticky. "...How about... I'll go take my bath and you can organise us some breakfast?" Arthur proposed, reluctantly pulling away from Alfred to sit up.
"That's fine with me." Alfred said as he leaned down to give Arthur a real good morning kiss before getting out of bed.
Arthur almost forgot how good it felt to get the simple kiss in the morning... Only, when it came from Alfred it was never all that simple. There was something so... domestic and familiar about it, Arthur didn't understand how he managed to get through so many years without waking up to a kiss.
The Brit picked up the change of clothes he brought in yesterday and headed for the small but perfectly functional bathroom. He adjusted the running water to a comfortable temperature and as soon as he deemed it enough, Arthur got into the bath tub with a satisfied sigh.
Alfred went to the kitchen to figure out what to make, but couldn't decide, not when Arthur was bathing and, more importantly, naked so nearby. He looked at the food and realized it was a bad idea to start cooking now. Once he will have finished, Arthur would be done; but then he would have to take a bath and Arthur would have to eat alone. That just wasn't right. Alfred drifted to the bathroom and thought about reasons he could give to why he was in there and eventually settled on one.
"Hey, Arthur, do you need some help?" He asked walking into the bathroom and looking at the bathing man. Arthur, who just a minute ago was attentively rubbing the soap over his arms looked at Alfred surprised and with a shadow of blush on his cheeks.
"...I..." He wanted to tell Alfred that he is perfectly capable of washing by himself but... could he really deny him? "...I don't really need help but... it's a kind offer." He said finally.
"Are you sure? It really would work out best this way. We can both have our baths and eat together." Alfred said pressing just a little harder. Now that he has seen Arthur in the tub, he wanted to bathe with him, it really would only be right. Alfred took off his shirt in order to tempt Arthur a little more, "And it would only be a bath, I hear people in other countries bathe together all the time." He could even say that honestly.
'Sly devil' Arthur thought to himself as his sight was getting lost in the expanse of tanned flesh. Why was it so easy to just agree to Alfred's ideas and how did he manage to make them seem so irresistible? Arthur hesitantly shifted in the bath to make some extra space, hugging his knees to his chest. "...Get in Alfred." he finally said with a sigh.
Alfred cheered happily and quickly stripped before slipping in the bath behind Arthur. His legs didn't quite fit well, but with some shifting he had Arthur pressed against his front and his legs on either side of the smaller man.
"See, this is perfect."
Arthur tried hard not to admit Alfred was right but what was the point when he so clearly was.
"... It is ...rather pleasant." he stated feeling relaxed when resting against Alfred's wide chest. Again, the nakedness added an intimate atmosphere. "...I seem to remember you offering some help..?" he added with a small smile passing the soap to Alfred.
Alfred laughed, "Of course, baby." He took the soap and rag and soaped it up before he started to clean Arthur gently. It wasn't easy, washing Arthur in a bath tub not designed for two grown men, but was so worth it.
There was just something really precious about having someone to do such a normal, everyday thing for Arthur that the man was now very happy that Alfred came up with the idea.
"...I'm not a 'baby'." he murmured quietly but could not actually get irritated over it; not with Alfred's tenderness.
Alfred smiled, "I know don't worry." He continued to wash Arthur until he was sure the other man was clean and a little bit longer after that. He just wanted to keep caressing Arthur. "All done." He finally admitted when it was about to become too obvious what he was doing.
Despite all the best efforts it was still easy enough to work out that Alfred just didn't want to stop and yet Arthur decided to be kind enough and not point it out. "...Thank you." he replied turning his head in Alfred's direction and capturing his lips for a few seconds.
"Your welcome." Alfred answered when the kiss was over. He thought about letting Arthur clean him, but quickly realized it would be too hard in the little tub and he really didn't want Arthur to get out.
Turning around would probably require standing up or some rather impressive gymnastics. Arthur didn't want to miss out on the chance but it seemed like he didn't have much choice.
"I'd help you out too." He said with some regret in his voice.
Alfred looked at him and then smiled, "Well, you can wash my legs and arms." He knew it wouldn't be the most comfortable of things, but for Arthur he was willing to put up with it.
"With pleasure." Arthur had no idea that such a small thing may make him quite so happy. Nevertheless, there was a warm smile on Arthur's lips as he took the rag from Alfred ready to return the favour.
***
The week had passed much too fast; Arthur was doing everything to be able to see Alfred outside of work, practically every evening. He dreaded the weekend, knowing that the separation was approaching but no one could stop the time. So, when Saturday came, Alfred was invited to Arthur's home.
Mrs Kirkland had insisted that Alfred came over around dinner time because she would not have the boy leave without trying some more of the good British cuisine. She had served steak and kidney pie, having Alfred and Einar eat two portions - Mrs Kirkland decided that Einar, the poor man, needed to put on more weight.
The young men were now sitting in the living room waiting for Mrs Kirkland to come back carrying a tray with tea in the same china Alfred remembered from the last visit and Peter quickly followed carrying the delicious looking cherry pie.
"Now, this is absolutely brilliant." Hugh said with a wide smile.
"...Please, just eat as much as you like. And Alfred, don't even think of referring back to your handbook... I just want you to feel at home." Mrs Kirkland said. The handbook was definitely not going to be easily forgotten.
"It's alright, Mrs. Kirkland, I didn't even bring it." Alfred actually accidently left it at the base or else it would have been there. He was really touched that Mrs. Kirkland had done all of this for him and knew he would miss the entire family when he went back onto the field. They really did become like a second family to him. His mother could not have been happier. "Oh yes." He pulled out a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, "This is for you, Mrs. Kirkland, from my mother."
"Oh, that's a surprise!" she said taking the piece of paper. "Do you mind...?" Mrs Kirkland asked before opening up the sheet.
Alfred shook his head at Mrs. Kirkland, "Of course not." He had already read the letter and it was thanking Mrs. Kirkland for being so kind and watching over her boy. It said some other stuff about motherhood and Mrs Kirkland understanding what it was like to be a mother of the time, but Alfred really didn't understand what his mother was getting at.
Peter soon sat down on the couch next to Alfred. "Aaalfred!" The boy pulled on the sleeve of the American's uniform. "Do you... have to go?" he asked. Even the youngest Kirkland had managed to grow really used to Alfred, especially after the great time he had when Alfred kept his promise and showed him around the base. Arthur tensed ever so slightly glancing over at Peter. Of course, the small boy couldn't have known what a difficult question it was.
He smiled sadly and patted the boy's shoulder, "I'm afraid I do, though trust me, I would much rather spend time here then go back out there."
Peter pouted slightly. "They should just ... come up with something to...get the war to end before Monday and then you could just stay here and..."
"Hey, hey. That's a great idea but kinda difficult ye know?" Hugh smiled at Peter. "...That's why Alfred, me and so many other good lads are going... to help it end really soon." the Scotsman added.
Mrs Kirkland was clearly getting caught up with the letter and a gentle smile appeared on her face, making her face look all that bit prettier. She understood completely what Mrs Jones was getting at and found that there was something extremely beautiful about how, despite living in countries so far apart there was such a strong understanding between mothers of boys fighting in today's tough world.
Alfred nodded, "Yep, we will be working as hard as we can to end this war!" he knew there was a lot to do and even after the war in Europe was over, there was still the Pacific war. They couldn't give up China or any of the other countries over there to those Japanese bastards. "But, it would be real swell if they came up with a way to end the war tomorrow."
Einar knew the war wouldn't, couldn't end tomorrow, but it was nice to dream that it would.
"...Wouldn't it just?" Hugh replied with a small smile. "...I still have a few more weeks before they send me back... and damn the waiting is kind of killing me. Once ye get out, ye don't know what ye'll find waiting for ye."
"Enough of that Hugh" Mrs Kirkland finally spoke up. "...I'm certain Alfred would rather take his mind off this." She folded up the piece of paper again. "The next time you write to your mother Alfred, please tell her I really appreciate this letter and that it was all my pleasure."
"Will do, Mrs. Kirkland." Alfred said with a smile, grateful that she pulled the conversation away from talk of the war. He didn't want to think about it and just hoped to enjoy the last of his time with Kirklands and Einar. He was scared about going back out there. It was dangerous out there and Alfred really didn't want to die.
"In fact... let her know that if she wants to write to me directly she is very welcome to do so. I'm certain Arthur could give you our address." Mrs. Kirkland added with a smile. "...And why are you not eating? Oh goodness me, I never thought I'd have to remind boys to eat." She sighed.
Alfred laughed when Mrs. Kirkland mentioned it and took a slice of the pie.
"Alright, I am sure she will love to hear directly from here." He actually already gotten their address from Arthur a few weeks ago, but there was no reason to mention that. Einar really didn't think he could handle eating much more, Mrs. Kirkland had been on his case the entire night about eating more. It wasn't his fault he was naturally thin. He still took a slice, glaring slightly at Alfred for making it so big. The American just smiled back.
Arthur smirked at Einar's expression when Alfred passed him the big slice. Soon enough Hugh cut another slice for himself and for Arthur making it just as big. Really, Hugh and Alfred were just too similar in some ways.
Hugh chuckled slightly nervously. While he remained as positive as ever ... being an army man for such a long time did put one into a certain mind set which made it difficult to keep your mind off what was going on out there. It seemed almost impossible that they were sitting peacefully at home, chatting while... awful things were happening not that far away. These thoughts however, were quickly interrupted by Mrs Kirkland speaking up again.
"So Alfred, did the two months here change your view about England at all?"
Alfred looked when Mrs. Kirkland asked that. "Completely, I still think it is a fairly rainy country, but it is really beautiful here. Brighton was really neat and a lot different from London. I really like it here." It wasn't like home, but it was still welcoming.
"The country is sooo boring though." Peter stated as he was already munching on his second slice. Hugh almost gagged as he was eating and had to mask it with a sip of his tea. The last weekend spent in the country with Einar was the farthest from being boring. Alfred and Einar both smiled, also knowing how the country could be extremely appealing.
"It gets more enjoyable when you are older." Einar said, taking a bite of the pie to cover the smile. Alfred fought back a chuckle; Einar could be a terrible man sometimes.
"...Either way," Arthur, who was the first to fully compose himself "One should always take the pleasure of going away. Fresh air and space really does allow to fully relax." He stated.
"...You really speak like an old man at times." Peter stated pursing his lips together.
Alfred laughed openly at that and Einar quickly took another bite of pie to cover the amusement,
"I have to agree with Peter on this one." Alfred had teased Arthur plenty of times on both acting like an old man and being older than him. He loved Arthur, but the other fella did have his 60 year old man moments.
Arthur just snorted finding the comment not worth answering while Hugh laughed as well.
"I think it's cause you felt you never had a mature big brother and you're trying to make up for all your siblings which made you gain so many years." the Scotsman suggested teasingly. Even Mrs Kirkland was smiling behind her teacup.
Alfred listen to the others tease Arthur and just talk and felt himself feeling very calm. It was so nice, being among these happy people, who, while were still being affected by the war, were able to make him forget about it for a few minutes. He knew he would miss all of them terribly.
The conversation was light and flowed effortlessly, the pie was gradually disappearing and it was getting rather late. Arthur glanced at his watch briefly and groaned inwardly realising that so little time was left. He came to hate the short arm of the watch.
Alfred didn't want to leave either, but he knew he was going to have to soon. It saddened him, but he knew better than to let it get the best of him, he didn't want these last few moments to be gloomy.
"It's getting late." He finally said during a lull in the conversation.
Mrs Kirkland smiled at Alfred. "It's not a problem for us at all but I understand if..."
"...Alfred don't go yet!" Peter pressed, pulling on Alfred's sleeve again. Arthur's mother shook her head slightly.
"Now, don't be like this Peter. You're making Alfred feel bad." she looked back at Alfred. "I'm really glad you agreed to come here today." she said.
"Honestly Mrs. Kirkland, there wasn't any place else I would rather be and it's alright." Alfred said with a smile and then looked at Peter, "I really have to go now, Buddy, but what do you say if I sent you some letters from the field." It wouldn't be that hard and he knew a young boy like Peter would be thrilled to get his own mail.
"....Really?" Peter's face brightened up slightly. "...Alright!! I'll write back to you too!" He said, always so easily pleased. Alfred knew exactly how to get through to the boy. Mrs Kirkland seemed much relieved as well.
"...We will miss you here Alfred." She added sincerely. Even if she only met Alfred a few times it was difficult not to get attached to the kind American.
"...And... we'll probably get a chance to speak soon, if fate wants it" Hugh added, sending a grin to the American. "Hopefully better than how we met"
Alfred beamed at Peter, "Perfect". He then looked at Mrs. Kirkland with a smile, "And I'll miss being here too." He really would. He may never see London as home, but he did see this house as a home away from home. Mrs. Kirkland had just been so kind to him, he was so attracted to her, seeing her as almost an aunt. He then looked at Hugh and smiled, "I am sure we will and I am also sure it will be in a much better situation! I have no doubt about that." The two soldiers just seemed destined to keep meeting and Alfred was fine with it, Hugh was a great friend and a real swell guy.
"Take care Alfred." Einar said smiling. He had also grown fond of the American too; they were both outsiders in London and not a member of the Kirklands, which helped for a strong friendship.
Alfred smiled back, "You too, Einar."
Hugh got up and extended his arm to Alfred. "Get up lad, ye're getting a squeeze whether ye like it or not!" he stated with a wide grin. Arthur knew his time for saying goodbye would come later and so he didn't get in a way just yet. He would allow for his heart to clench as he watched how not only his family members but also Einar seemed to have grown so close Alfred which... made the American all the more a part of his life.
Alfred laughed and hugged Hugh. "Aww, I almost got out of it too." he teased lightly. He actually didn't have an issue hugging the large man. He then looked at Einar with a wink, "Your next."
"Oh goodie." Einar replied flatly, though a small smile could be seen on his lips.
Hugh took a step back and waited for Einar to get his turn, the Scot just crossed his arms on his chest and watched patiently. While sad, the whole scene was actually kind of heart-warming at the same time.
Peter jumped off the couch in a record time. "...I want one too!!" he called out.
Einar got a crushing squeeze, more for his lack of enthusiasm than anything else. Alfred grinned and let go of the young man who was looking less than happy.
"My, you are too strong." He complained making Hugh smile.
Alfred winked at him and then looked at Peter, "Your turn." He beamed.
Little Peter practically glomped Alfred with a large smile, but it was more than amusing since he only just reached above Alfred's waist line. The boy was short but he kept saying he would grow soon.
Alfred smiled and hugged the boy back. "I will write to you real soon, I promise." He couldn't believe that this was it and that he was really going to replace these people with bullets and death. Alfred knew though, that he was going out there to protect them and that made fighting worth it. He had to protect Mrs. Kirkland, Peter, Einar, and Arthur, even if it was putting his own life on the line.
"What about you Artie?" Hugh asked turning to Arthur who just smiled back.
"We're going to see each other tomorrow so I don't need to say goodbye yet." Arthur replied. Peter, finally satisfied, moved away now it was Mrs Kirkland's turn to say goodbye. She walked over to Alfred and kissed the boy on the cheek.
"Look after yourself young man." She said gently.
"I will Ma'am." Alfred said with a smile and a nod. While it was noble, it was also a terrible thought to die for these people. He also knew they would be better off if he was alive and fighting, than dead and defeated. The American was not about to take stupid risks.
"Good" She said and put her hand on Alfred's shoulder for another moment before stepping back.
Arthur got up "...Do you want to walk or should I call you a cab?" he asked Alfred. Arthur realised just how quiet he had remained the whole evening but... he really found it extremely difficult to actually remain composed for the whole day. The entire week seemed like a massive emotional rollercoaster where Arthur tried to keep telling himself that it would be just a while and Alfred was going to make it back safely. On the other hand, he knew the other man's ridiculous heroic needs and... Arthur just really couldn't be sure that Alfred will be sensible enough. He kept worrying and, by Jove, was it difficult to hide.
"I will walk. Mrs. Kirkland, this evening was wonderful and I really enjoyed it." He had wanted to be able to enjoy this last really peaceful evening outside, without the worries of bullets and mines and Mrs. Kirkland did a wonderful job making that happen.
"I guess I will see you tomorrow Alfred... unless..."
"...Walk 'im to the base!" Hugh said firmly, interrupting Arthur.
The younger Kirkland nodded. "...If Alfred is alright with that?" He looked at the American.
Alfred smiled, "Of course!" Hugh didn't know about them, but he was wonderful about giving them time together. He went to get his shoes and jacket on. Einar followed and got ready to leave as well. It was time for him to go home as well.
"...Einar, you're going to leave too? Well I'm joining you guys!" Hugh declared quickly as he was getting ready in the now crowded hall.
Arthur just rolled his eyes. "We'll be back soon mum" he called out to Mrs Kirkland who just smiled.
"I know, I know." she nodded patiently.
Einar probably would have left a little later to allow the American and Brit some more time alone, but he lived in the opposite direction of the base, so Hugh and him would not be taking their alone time away. Alfred smiled and with one last wave to Mrs. Kirkland and Peter, was out the door with Arthur, Hugh and Einar. Peter was still on the doorsteps for another few moments, waving.
They walked together to the main street and at that point Arthur knew they were about to part ways. Hugh turned to Alfred and once again shook the American's hand.
"...See you soon mate." He said with a nod and warm smile.
Einar nodded, "Be sure to write."
Alfred beamed at both of them, "Of course! Good bye you two!"
Einar smiled again and then walked away with Hugh, Alfred watched their retreating backs for a couple moments before he smiled sadly, "I will miss those two."
Arthur looked up at Alfred for a moment. "...I'm sure they're going to miss you as well... and Einar helped us so much." he added quieter, as the two were now much further away.
Alfred nodded, "We were lucky he figured us out." He turned and started walking, thinking about the time he has spent with those two. They had spent plenty of nights in the pub, getting drunk and laughing a lot. He had taken Hugh out on several more baseball games and it was always fun. Then Einar was always a good companion, especially when Hugh and Arthur started talking about family things.
Arthur couldn't help but smile slightly. "...Very lucky indeed... Alfred... what time do you want to meet tomorrow? And... You know... I apologise for being so quiet and grumpy today." he added. It was difficult to admit but Arthur really didn't want for Alfred to misunderstand.
"As early as possible, so how about after Church?" Alfred may have been a homosexual defying what the bible says about homosexuality, but he still went to church, it would have looked odd not to. "And don't worry about it Arthur, I....I understand." He really did, he was in a bad mood at just the thought of leaving Arthur as well.
"After Church is fine with me" Arthur nodded. He did not attend church much anymore but it was no surprise with how his family was hardly religious. Of course they would call themselves Christians, but Arthur personally thought that there was too much corruption in religion to really support it. "...I'm not sure where we should go tomorrow though. I... would really like some peace and quiet, alone if at all possible."
Alfred nodded, "Well, if you want, we can go to my room. It isn't the most private place, but I will just lock the door and they'll know that I am busy with private things or wish to be left alone. It's normal for fellas to wish that when they are heading back out there."
"That would be... really 'swell' Alfred" the man replied with a small smile hoping this one it didn't turn out too fake. "You know I would bring you home, but with Peter around there would be no way we would get any privacy. Are you fine with meeting at St James's Park tomorrow morning then? We can walk to the base from there."
Alfred nodded, "That's fine by me." They arrived at the base, but there were still a lot of people milling about since it was a Saturday night. "Well I guess I will see you tomorrow." The American said with a smile at Arthur.
"...See you tomorrow Alfred." Arthur replied hoping that the smile hadn't faded away yet. The Brit turned around on the heel of his shoe and started to walk away, knowing that his steps were somewhat too fast to be normal but his heart began racing again and he didn't want to think that tomorrow, when the time comes he'll no longer be able to say the simple words 'see you tomorrow'.
Alfred watched after Arthur's retreating back sadly. He sighed and went inside. The smile had been fake and it pained Alfred to know he was hurting Arthur.