Chapter 20

Hi all, I'm back from Florida. New chapter for you- I'm also thinking of creating a new story- any requests?

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Arthur paced the length of the library slowly, deep in thought. In his left hand he held a black envelope with green lettering covering the front. Matt watched him in silence, the letter had found Arthur- even here in their pocket dimension, so whoever sent it was extremely powerful. He was too afraid to ask who, he had never seen Arthur behave like this before. Sure, he hadn't known him very long, around six months, but even so. Matt just didn't know what to do. Alfred wasn't in their home, he was off getting supplies. They hadn't realised how long they would be using the room, Arthur offered to expand it- but Matt was reluctant for him to use his magic just for him. It didn't feel right as a familiar for his Master to obey his every whim. He worried that a witch as powerful as Arthur could grow resentful, feel used for his magic. He was certain it had happened before, causing the blonde to close himself off to others. Well, it didn't really matter all that much, Alfred had been excited by the idea of witnessing Arthur's magic, so he may just be being silly. Plus, watching someone perform magic is an intimate thing for a familiar, in the old days people used familiars to spy on other families to steal their secrets. It may have been Alfred's best idea ever, completely ingenius actually. The idea of someone willingly displaying their deepest secrets gave him a heady feeling, the amount of trust it required was extreme. Matt fell in love with Arthur even more in that moment. He was also aroused, but the pacing killed any chance of him making a move.

"Hey Artie, whatcha got there?" Alfred's booming voice sounded from the doorway. His brother was home, and he had just poked the elephant in the room. Matt glared at him severely, Alfred WAS an idiot after all. His brother dropped the groceries on a counter, Arthur had added a fridge which made Matt feel so guilty for abusing his powers. God, he had to get over this- he wasn't serving a traditional master this time, this master was different. Young, modern, absolutely mouth watering. Bad Matthieu, not now, his rational brain was needed to navigate this.

"I received a letter of confirmation. I...I don't want to open it." Replied Arthur. His voice was ever so quiet, it made Matt melt, his heart breaking for his usually confident Master to be so- so unnerved. He yearned to reach out to him, surely Arthur would appreciate the comfort- but Alfred got there first, much to his disappointment.

"Well, then I'll do it for you." Alfred replied, he really didn't see what the problem was. he walked over, removing the envelope from his hands. Alfred shuddered intensely when their skin collided, electricity passing between them. Matt growled low in his throat and Alfred backed away quickly. He got the message- not now.

"Here we go... Sir Arthur of the Majestic Clan of Kirkland, congratulations; you are now officially a candidate for the Magic Mastery Cup. Henceforth, you shall report to the Clerk of your house and record the details of your education, magic abilities and familiars. Sincerely, the Headmistress of the English Branch of the School of Magic."

Arthur stumbled slightly, Matt immediately grabbed him and Alfred moved an armchair within reach. They shifted him onto the plush chair and waited for him to recover.

"Arthur, Arthur, sweetheart are you alright?" Matthieu cupped his beloveds face in his hands, watching in fascination as various emotions flew through him. He could feel his elation and anxiety and pride and- then Alfred was gently removing his hands. The way their minds brushed was pure bliss. He wanted. Wanted wanted wanted wanted. Not now though- he couldn't just sink into him while he was like this, it wouldn't be right, wouldn't be official. Damnit.

"I'm fine, better than fine actually. I need to contact my sister immediately, then reach out to Dylan. He's the Clerk in training- there's so much to do." Arthur was babbling, which was absolutely adorable. The way he was trying to leave wasn't. His hand involuntarily closed around Arthur's wrist. All of Alfred's instincts directed him to keep Arthur exactly where he was. Where another familiar couldn't steal him before the twins could cement their bond, their claim. Familiars fight over witches constantly- even bonded, other familiars who weren't were a threat. He just couldn't allow Arthur to go in his current state. His hand involuntarily snatched Arthur's arm.

"Arthur, are you registering us as your familiars?" Matthew kept his voice gentle, growling low in his throat, a low rumble to reassure his brother and his lovely master. He knew exactly why his brother had an iron-clad grip on their Arthur's arm. Alfred was actually very insecure, a master had abandoned them before, Matt hadn't cared, he hadn't liked him anyways- but Alfie had gotten far too attached extremely fast. The man was looong dead, but Alfred was always one to cling to the past. For Matt, each Master was a fresh start- they had only served one master long term, back when it was law that they had to, back when there weren't liberated familiars or a high density population of them. There had been a culling by hunters who sought to make their masters weak. Matt would never allow anyone to harm Arthur like that, ever.

"Of course I am, who else would I register?" Arthur was baffled by their behaviour, then he realised how Alfred must've felt when he started to leave after talking about having to document a familiar.

"Oh. Alfred, I'm sorry, I just got a bit over excited. Now love, can you let go of my arm please?" Arthur's warm voice and tender caress of his cheek had Alfred releasing his grasp, reluctantly. Arthur pulled him into his embrace, Alfred's head buried in his shoulder, the scent of the sweater and Arthur's warmth soothing him. Matt finally relaxed, relieved that his brother hadn't done anything drastic. Alfred let out a deep shaky breath. Everything would be fine now.

"What's going on Arthur?"

"I have been accepted as a candidate, so I will be participating in the cup. It's an honour and a privilege- every member of my immediate family has won before, excluding Dylan who doesn't qualify as he isn't a normal witch- hes a clerk. A record keeper, he's not to supposed to learn any physical magic and commune with nature- the only thing the council approves of is his dragon wrangling. I need to go to him, as soon as possible so I can record my powers and they can rank me. This could allow me to enter any of the magic universities, and then gain a seat as a justice like my sister. This is what I've been training for, for my entire life. Thanks to you two I am finally able to compete."

Matthieu silently processed the information he had been offered and something stuck out to him-

"Have you been searching for a familiar? There are a few I know personally who would love for you to join with them- why weren't you displaying any signs?"

"I was going to wait until I turned 20- it's what my sister did. She always says we should always build up achievements separate from the competition as it isn't ever certain a Kirkland will be chosen, we have the unfair advantage of an incredible magic reserve after all- it's part of our training."

"Then..." Matt's voice faltered.

"Then this was an incredible event. I never thought that I would find a familiar this soon, you entered my life at a time when I thought I would never find one that I clicked with, then I found you." Arthur sighed, he hadn't meant for this to turn emotional.

"Oh Arthur" Matt sniffled, and Alfred was definitely sobbing. Arthur pulled them both into a hug. Arthur knew he was bad at expressing himself, but he would try, for them. He feared that he would probably do anything for them.

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