Francis found himself making many sweets since Alfred's call. Making his usual sweets before the game was always so easy, but he wanted to bring something extra special when he went to his house for the first time. Times like this, he really did feel like such a girl. It didn't make him one just because he liked to bake and cheerlead. Honestly, he only did it to make his parents happy. He did like the gymnastics aspect of it growing up, but cheering for a team where the majority of the team hates you can be pretty taxing. But he worked hard to get the captain title, so he won't complain much further. After all, he did have Alfred and Gil to make his remaining years. So really, the sweets are just continuing to say thanks...nothing more.
Francis couldn't handle confessing what feelings he had for Alfred to him and it going downhill. Not only the rejection would hurt, but what if he told the team about it? It would be so embarrassing, news would spread everywhere that he likes a freshman. Rumors have already spread around of him being a player since Francis likes to playfully flirt with girls. They would joke about him moving to guys now and would avoid him further. He had a lot to lose, so Francis wasn't going to risk anything. He was happy with how they were now.
When the day came, Alfred started to clean his room like crazy. He had superhero posters all over his room, blue carpet, a big queen size bed that was in front of his modest flat-screen TV where he had all his games systems and movies. There was a space in between the TV and bed where he had plenty of dirty clothes and food wrappers everywhere. He managed to clean the floor and make his bed before Francis came.
Francis got a text from Alfred to walk down the alley and knock the back door instead in case he happens to be followed. Francis had a basket filled with butter, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies since they are easy to bake, and he seemed to really like his cookies. Alfred looked out the window from his room and saw him outside, running downstairs.
"Hey! You made it! Come in!" he said, opening the door wider. Francis chuckled and walked in.
"Is your family here?" he asked looking around the small, two-floor middle-upper-class house.
"Naw, my dad is out at a sales convention this weekend and my mom is at a friend's house today. My brother is also out somewhere. Probably the library." Alfred said, looking at the basket.
"You have a brother?" Francis asked.
"Oh ya. He's my twin actually. He goes to another school though. He could've gone to our academy 'cause he's super smart, but he wanted to go to a normal public school."
"How interesting. Do you look alike?" Francis asked as he sat the basket on the kitchen table.
"Sorta. When we used to go to school together, people always thought he was me. But it never happened the other way around. But we were born identical. We don't look much alike now."
"I'd love to meet him sometime," Francis said and smiled. He was a little more nervous now. They were alone at his home. It made his heart race slightly.
Alfred felt a little nervous himself, but he did his best to ignore it. "So umm… you want to study at the dining table?" There were too many distractions in his bedroom.
"Oui, that sounds fine." He nodded as Alfred guided him to the table. They both sat down and Francis started to read Alfred's rough draft of an essay he had to write for his test.
"I'd also like some help with math. I got this big test coming up. I used to be fine in math at my old school, but this place takes it to another level." Alfred explained and sighed.
Francis nodded, "Yeah, our school is known for our academics. Gil also got into our school on a football scholarship, so I've had to help him many times in a lot of subjects."
"No surprise there." Alfred jabbed. "I've never been great at English in either school. My brother usually looks over my papers, but he gives me so much crap about all the mistakes I make," Alfred said pouting.
Francis laughed, "Don't be too hard on yourself. It takes some adjusting going from public school to our academy. I'm sure you can't be worse than some of the upperclassmen players. Some players in the past really had to knuckle down and study for finals, otherwise, they can't play. Despite how desperate we are to have a good sports department, academics come first."
Francis started to look over the others' essays and mark it up. It was nice being alone like this without the worry of the blackmailer. He couldn't get out of his head those pictures Al showed him. They really didn't look that compromising. Except maybe the cheek kiss. That was the first time they really interacted like that. That's probably why we've been followed since. So nosy.
Alfred tried completing the math study guide that was supposed to help him on his test while Francis looked over his essay. Alfred couldn't get out of his head all the teasing Gil did to him about the two of them. In a perfect world, he wishes he could just ask out Francis without any repercussions. But even in that world, Francis might only think of him as a friend. Gil kept telling him otherwise, that Francis talked about him with Gil as well. But Gil always exaggerates. Francis is probably just grateful for the help he's given him. It's weird to have more social status than a junior. Francis could be with anyone he wanted. He wouldn't want to be with someone who's made school more complicated for him.
They collaborated on schoolwork for a while. Alfred would snack on Francis's sweets constantly while doing so. Francis could tell Alfred was getting worn out with all these new formulas to remember. "Let's take a break Al."
Alfred perked up hearing that. "Yeah! My eyes are hurting staring at these papers. Umm…what do you want to do?" Alfred knew he had nerdier tastes than the Frenchman.
Francis thought for a moment. "Well, do you play video games? When I hang out with my friends, they always like to play kart racing."
"Hell yeah!" Alfred cheered. "You know I got them. You should know I don't hold back when it comes to co-op games." Alfred challenged.
"Bring it. You should know I like having competition in anything I do." Francis retorted.
Alfred brought him upstairs, almost forgetting how nervous he would be being alone with Francis in his bedroom. He cleaned it up the best he could. Alfred had all the latest consoles plus some older gen ones so he could play old favorites.
While Alfred was getting things set up, Francis looked around. It definitely looked like a jock boys room. But also a nerdy one with the comic book posters. Makes sense since he would call himself a hero. Not a bad thing to aspire to. Now that he thought about it, the treatment he got from Al is probably what he would do for any good friend. Francis only got special treatment from him because of their situation on the football team. Yeah, that's it. But it didn't stop Francis completely from being attracted to him. Alfred's scent was so concentrated in his room. It made him blush faintly thinking about when Al loaned him his letterman jacket. Now the smell surrounded him. It made him feel cozy.
They started playing one match after another. They both were putting their all into it. It was cute seeing Al lean side to side when he would gang up on Francis's kart.
Alfred then remembered something. "How did things go with Gil and Liz at the dance? You said you were gonna introduce them?"
Francis took a shortcut on this track while he asked. "Oh yeah. It was a little rocky at first. But a song they both loved came on and they darted for the dance floor." Francis recalled. "I think I caught them slow dancing when a slow song came on."
"Nice. I got so caught up with this blackmail business I forgot to ask Gil about it. I need to give him the third-degree next time I talk to him."
"Likewise. I should ask Elizabeth. She said she always bickers with him and is annoyed when he talks about being 'awesome' all the time." Francis said while still playing more casually now.
"Gil won't tell me much. He just insists that he doesn't like 'that tomboy' even though he gets super flustered when she gets brought up. Speaking of…how was your time at the dance?" Alfred asked like it wasn't a big deal.
"O-Oh…" Francis said, not expecting to be asked that. "It was…fine. I mean. Nothing special. Audrey is one of my better friends on the squad and wanted a date since she got broken up. I did my best to give her a good time." Francis said this while making strict eye contact with the screen. It was too bad he couldn't interact with Alfred at the dance.
"That's nice of you," Alfred said happily. Francis is such a nice guy. He heard that he was pretty flirty with girls, and especially with the other cheerleaders. He thought he had a chick he had his eyes on he would've taken. Maybe he was more casual about relationships like people said. Gave her a good time…Alfred wondered to what extent. He also said 'nothing special.' But that could mean something different than it does for Alfred. Alfred couldn't believe the back-flips he was doing to be somewhat jealous.
"What about you Al? Gil told me you went with a Rachel?" Francis prodded. He still wanted to know what his romantic situation was. "Why…did you decide to go with her?" Francis asked.
"Right, Rachel," Alfred recalled. "Well…to be honest, I just went with her because she was the least…eager to go with me." Alfred tried to explain nicely. A bunch of girls were asking him out because of his football status. And for his looks. Alfred didn't want to lead anyone on and cause more drama than he was already in. "I sit next to her in science class."
"Do you…like her," Francis asked, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"No way. I mean. She's cool. She doesn't treat me like this super popular star player like the other girls do. But we're just friends."
"Do you like anyone? I know you said you didn't last time I asked. But. I-I could help you meet any girl you might be interested in." Francis offered. If there was someone, Francis wanted to help. The sooner Al found someone, the sooner Francis could get over his own crush.
Alfred blushed and paused the game. This could be a good time. He trusted Francis with his secret. But he was still nervous about how he would react. It could change their whole dynamic.
Francis slowly looked at Al after he paused the game. He saw Al looking down. Was this it? Is this when he finds out who he likes? He was on the edge of his seat. But also wish he hadn't offered his services. He wanted Al to be happy. He was just going to miss their time together when he found a girlfriend. Francis waited for Al to say something.
Alfred was holding his breath. Making sure he knew how to say this. He eventually breathed out, but was still looking down at his lap. "Francis…there's something really personal I want to tell you. Since we've been hanging out more and getting to know each other better. I…" Alfred paused and took another breath. "There isn't a girl I like right now. But…I don't only like girls…" Alfred was turning scarlet as he stared down and played with his hands. "I like girls…and guys." Alfred's heart was beating out of his chest. He didn't want to look at Francis till he said something back.
Francis was stunned. More stunned than he's ever been in his life. He had NO IDEA that Alfred was bi. Alfred looked like the poster boy for being straight. His mouth was open out of the shock but he also started to smile. "Wow…ummm…" Francis finally said but then collected himself. "I'm happy you told me that. And that you trust me with that information. You know, believe it or not. I also like girls and guys. Crazy right?" Francis said to lighten the mood.
It got a chuckle out of Alfred and he started to calm down himself. He looked over to him. "No way," Alfred responded jokingly.
Francis scooted a little closer to Alfred. "Your secret is safe with me. It's nice to hear that a guy like you can also like guys."
"Is it?" Alfred asked sincerely. "It doesn't make our friendship, like, weird or anything."
"Of course not," Francis said confidently. As much as this would be a good time to confess his feelings to Al right now, Al needed an ally. He must've felt so alone being on that football team and not being able to tell anyone about his sexual identity. Having to pretend he only like girls like the other meatheads on the time. "It makes sense now…" Francis muttered.
Alfred froze. Oh no. Was he found out? "I-It does?" Alfred whispered.
"Of course Al," Francis said back and put his hand on top of his. "All this drama between you and me. The blackmailer trying to spread rumors that were together. This tension with the team is hurting you more than I realized. If people knew that you were bi, not only would the school and the team give you a harder time. But the rumors about us would seem more valid."
Alfred took another deep breath out. That's what he meant. Alfred didn't move his hand away from the other. "Y-Yeah…I see what you mean. If people knew, the team would be terrified thinking I would want to get with them. Please. I may not look it, but I have higher standards."
Alfred teased. It made Francis laugh and helped release the tension in the room. "Who all else knows? If you don't mind me asking." Francis said.
"Gil knows. I needed to talk to someone about this when I joined the team, and Gil was really cool about it. He's always had my back. My brother also knows. I'm waiting to tell my parents after school, so they don't worry about me." Alfred explained.
Francis nodded. "You can always confide in me about those matters. I know very well how it feels to be a queer minority at this school. I don't mean to be rude, but I truly had NO idea." Francis was still in a somewhat state of shock. Maybe Francis did still have a chance with Al.
"I know I know, I don't 'look' gay. I sort of fell into it at an overnight football camp in middle school. At first, I just thought I really wanted to be their friend. But last year I got close to one guy who was gay. He helped me figure things out." Alfred was still slightly red and still had Francis's hand on top of his.
"I see…it probably comes as no surprise that I've always experimented after I went through puberty. It was messy. It also got me the playboy title at this school. But that's changed ever since I became cheer captain. If I wanted to date anyone, it would have to be outside of school…" Francis said and sighed. He gripped Al's hand a bit tighter. No one wanted to get bullied because they were dating Francis. Before he met Al, he would go out of town to meet with new people. Now he hasn't had much of a desire.
"That's dumb…this school is so behind the times," Alfred said sadly. They talked so long his TV auto-turned off. It was dark. He had turned his blinds closed in case the blackmailer was still hunting him down. He only saw stripes of light hitting Francis. Where the lights hit, his hair would shine. Francis is so cool. It would be a bad time to tell him about his crush on him. It would be a bad look to come out to him and then in the same breath ask him out. He didn't want Francis to think he had ulterior motives for telling him his secret. But this also meant it wouldn't be so weird if he tried to be flirty with his cheer buddy when they are alone like this.
"Hey…" Alfred said softly and scooted close enough that their hips were touching. "Our team has won like what? Two games since I first heard about that blackmailer? You know what that means." Alfred teased a bit and smiled.
Francis blushed more, realizing the context of those cheek kisses he got previously. "C-Come on Al…I know it's tradition, but…I don't know…it's such a silly tradition that was created by and meant for straight people." Francis defended, looking away.
"Hey hey, if you really don't want me to you can say so," Alfred said, assuring the Frenchman.
He didn't want to force him to. Alfred was hiding behind the excuse of tradition. But really, he just wanted an excuse to kiss Francis and be closer to him. Although he wouldn't do it if it was making him feel uncomfortable.
"Well…it's not that I don't want you to. I just…don't want you to feel obligated to. Just because I'm the cheer captain."
Alfred smiled more and placed his hand on the cheek furthest from Al to hold him steady. "Don't worry, I don't feel obligated at all. You're more to me than the cheer captain or a cheer buddy. Consider it thanks…for all the nice things you do for me…despite the trouble it causes you."
While holding the side of Francis's face, Alfred leaned down to kiss the cheek closest to him. He
held his lips there a bit longer than before. He pulled back slowly and did it again. Since the team won two games recently. He moved back and slowly pulled his hand away.
It felt like a million butterflies in Francis's stomach. No one has ever kissed his cheek this tenderly before. He still couldn't make eye contact. He didn't move when Al kissed his cheek. His hands, both the one holding Al's and the other on his lap, began to shake. As Al started to pull back, Francis slowly pulled his hand away from Al's. The room felt heavy again.
Alfred was pretty red himself. Francis knowing what he knows now, the dynamic has changed slightly. But it also meant he could be more himself with the other. "Let's finish up our schoolwork. I know, lame." Alfred said trying to change the subject. He started to stand up. "If you want me to stay on the team, you need to check my math homework." Alfred joked and held a hand out to help Francis up.
Francis calmed down and chuckled at Alfred's statement. He took his hand and stood up next to him. "Sounds good. I won't let that happen on my watch."