(Alfred's POV)
Alfred sighed as he flopped onto the bed in the dorm room he was staying in. His roommate Kiku Honda, who came from Japan a couple years ago, wasn't there at the moment and Alfred could only figure that he was still in a class.
Alfred couldn't stop thinking about Arthur, he was the only thing on the American's mind these days.
When Alfred told his brother and his parents that he was finally in love, they were so excited. When Alfred told them that he was in love with a guy, his dad didn't necessarily like that.
When Alfred was younger, that's when he first came out to his parents, and his father didn't take kindly to that information. Alfred wasn't yet eighteen when he told his parents that he was gay, so his father didn't kick him out just yet.
When Alfred was sixteen, Mathew and their mom came back to America to live with Alfred and their father. Alfred was happy to finally have his brother with him after everything he went through.
When Alfred finally turned eighteen, Mathew was seventeen. They got themselves their own apartment so that they didn't have to stay at home. Once Mathew finally graduated high school, their parents paid for them to go to school in London. It was the last thing their father ever paid for for Alfred.
Once they were in England, Alfred immediately found a job so he could pay for himself. Their father still paid for Mathew since he wasn't, "A disgrace to the Jones name." as his father so kindly described him. Alfred didn't care, but since he didn't want their mother to pay for him, he said he would find himself a job, and Alfred wasn't the kind of guy to go back on his word even in the least.
So after finding the job, he was happily paying for himself and anything else he and Mathew might need. Mathew didn't want to be fully dependent on his family so he tried to find himself a job too. He found one, it just didn't pay as much as Alfred's did, and they were both still okay with that. As long as they were together, they were fine.
Of course, that's what Alfred thought, till he met Arthur. He still wanted to be with Mathew as much as he could, and he was happy with any time he could spend with Mathew, he just wanted to be with Arthur just as much...he was greedy with the people he loved, okay?!
Mathew always supported Alfred, no matter how stupid the idea or impossible the situation, and this time was no different. When Alfred told Mathew about Arthur, he just chuckled and rolled his eyes. He knew when Alfred had his sights set on something he wanted more than anything, he would do all he could to get it.
Mathew and him didn't share a room in the college dorms and that kind of peeved Alfred off at first but when he found out the Mathew was right next door to his and Kiku's room, he was alright.
Alfred kept trying to think of ways that him and Arthur could at least see each other without having to worry so much about Francis being behind every corner. They could barley even hold hands in public without Arthur freaking out.
And, even though Alfred could fully understand why Arthur wanted to be careful, it was still getting a little annoying. Another thing that really bothered Alfred was the fact that Arthur was so afraid that Francis would see them that each time they saw each other, that every couple seconds he would shove Alfred into God only knew where!
One time he was actually shoved into a dumpster, after that he spent the next couple days trying to get the stench out of his hair. Alfred was all for keeping them a secret so nothing would go wrong...but there was a point where Alfred would just have to call it paranoia.
Alfred sighed again and flopped onto this stomach, stuffing is face into his pillow. He wanted to, more than anything, be with Arthur, but he was getting nervous of how Arthur was feeling. He knew he wanted to be with Arthur and he was pretty sure that Arthur wanted to be with him, but he just needed to think of a way.
Alfred turned his head and looked out the window right next to his bed and saw two birds sitting on the branch near the window and just chirping to each other. Alfred smiled at the birds, till another one came and shoved its way between the other two.
Alfred sat up slightly and watched them chirping and flapping their wings at each other, Alfred found himself rooting for the two he first saw on the branch. After another minute of their fighting they all flew off, Alfred tried to see where they went but he couldn't see them anymore. Alfred sat up on his bed then held the pillow to his chest before mumbling, "Damn birds...taunting me like that..."
A moment later his roommate Kiku, walked in. "Oh, Alfred-san, I was wondering where you were. Since I didn't see you before I left, I thought you were with Arthur-san." Kiku was just one of the few people Alfred told about Arthur, he trusted him not to say anything, as he was one of the most trusting guys he knew.
Alfred groaned loudly and stuffed his face into the pillow again. Kiku looked at him curiously and asked, "What's wrong?"
Alfred peeked at him from behind the pillow and grumbled, "He couldn't meet me today because stupid Francis wanted to do something...we both know what he's gonna to to poor Artie! And I can't even do anything to help..." Alfred stuffed his face into the pillow once more and sighed.
Kiku sighed as well and put his stuff on his bed and sat down before saying, "Alfred-san, you must remember that Arthur-san is married, he can't see you whenever he wants." Alfred put his head on top of the pillow and said, "I know...I know...I just...I'm sorry that I probably talk about him a bit much but...I just love him so much."
Alfred loved Arthur and even though Arthur didn't want to hear it just yet, that didn't stop Alfred from saying it and meaning it whenever he got the chance.
Kiku, just smiled warmly at him and said, "And I'm sure he loves you too, but unless you can find a way for you two to be together, than it will never happen." Alfred pouted and said, "You're not helping..."
Kiku chuckled and at that moment someone knocked on their door. Kiku got up to answer it and smiled as he saw Mathew standing there. "Hey Kiku." Mathew said with a smile, "I heard Al from next door and figured he was going on a rant of some sort."
Alfred stuck his tongue out at his brother before tossing the pillow to his side, "I was just talking about Arthur.." "Again." Mathew responded. Alfred threw the pillow at Mathew and he just laughed as he caught it before it hit his face.
Mathew threw the pillow back at Alfred, Alfred caught it and held it to his chest again. Mathew sighed and went to sit next to his brother, and Kiku sat on the other side of Alfred. "It's alright Al, I'm sure whatever happened this time, you can come up with something that can make it better."
"Sadly, I don't think burgers can help this...plus I already had bout ten." "Jeez Al! Ten burgers and you are still feeling like crap, that's crazy." Mathew commented, Alfred just sighed and stuffed his face into the pillow again.
"I honestly don't know what to do guys. Basically the only thing that can actually get Arthur out of the marriage is if Francis cheats on him." Mathew and Kiku looked down in thought before Kiku spoke up, "Didn't you say that Francis beat him? What if he showed the judge the scars, he couldn't not believe those, right?"
Alfred sighed and looked out the window, "Artie already told me that because of the one scar from his dad they would believe that his father beat him, not Francis." Kiku looked back down feeling bad that he couldn't really help.
Alfred was still staring out the window and his mind started traveling to the first time him and Arthur met again. He loved that day so much, and to him it was the best day of his life.
The only things on his mind that day, was how he was going to present that project he was working on at that time, and suddenly the world seemed to literally stop on him when he saw Arthur. Nothing else mattered, nothing else was in his mind, except how he wanted to know who this guy was and if he felt the same way he felt at that moment.
When he saw his eyes, it was like he was seeing a pure green pasture for the first time. And when he heard him speak, it was like an angel just spoke to him. He couldn't take his eyes off of him and it seemed that it was the same for Arthur as well.
When Arthur had agreed to go to the cafe with him, he thought he was going to die of happiness. Everything that they had talked about from then till now have been engraved into his mind, and even that wasn't enough.
Alfred wanted to move all the way back to America with his gorgeous Brit, but first he needed to get him away from his French husband who was very undeserving of what he had. Alfred, from the day he found out about Francis, knew he didn't deserve Arthur. He couldn't see exactly what he had and that only saddened Alfred a little.
Because if one person can't see the wonderful things in their partner, that means someone else does, and that person was Alfred, and him and Arthur both knew it. Francis didn't deserve Arthur, not one little bit, though he had this nagging feeling that Francis still probably knew more abut Arthur than he did, but he was hoping to change that soon.
Alfred sighed again and got up to make some ramen noodles that he and Kiku had in their mini fridge. Alfred had bought the fridge for him and Kiku the second day they had he dorm, mainly because Alfred didn't want to have to walk all the way to the cafeteria just to get something to eat.
Mathew and Kiku decided that they would have some too, and while doing so they tried to make casual conversation to distract Alfred a bit. Alfred chuckled knowing full well what his brother and his close friend were trying to do, and tried to participate in the conversation enough for them.
After they all had the noodles ready they went to watch some TV. Although, no matter how hard Mathew and Kiku tried, they couldn't keep his mind off of Arthur. He just loved him so much and wanted to make him happy, like he deserved to be.
Alfred stood up and threw his soup away, and told Mathew and Kiku he was going to work on some of the work he was neglecting. Mathew and Kiku also mentioned they had work to do as well, so Mathew went back to his room and Alfred and Kiku sat on their own beds and began working.
Alfred stopped almost as quickly as he started and looked out the window once more and what he saw almost caused him to jump out the window to get a closer look. He took off his glasses rubbed his eyes and cleaned his glasses and fast as he could and put them back on just to confirm what he was looking at.
Across the street from the his dorm room he saw Francis standing there with a young women holding tightly onto his arm and him smiling happily with her. Alfred smiled manically and said, "Kiku, give me your camera, quick!"
Kiku did as he was asked and handed Alfred his camera, "What is it Alfred-san?" Alfred pointed to Francis while taking pictures and said, "That's Francis, Arthur's husband." Kiku gasped and looked again, "Well, if he's married to Arthur-san, then who is that woman?"
Alfred just kept smiling and took another picture and said, "I don't know who she is, and I have a feeling neither does Arthur."
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(Arthur's POV)
Arthur sat in the sitting room reading a random book he had gotten from the library recently. He jumped when he heard his phone go off, then calmed down before he answered it, "Hello?"
"Bonjour mon cher." Arthur groaned quietly, "Francis, I'm guessing your on your way?"
"Yes I am, but I won't be home for very long." Arthur quirked an eyebrow and asked, "Why? Where are you going?"
"I have a business meeting and I have to go to out of town, so I will be gone for about a week or two. And even though I would have brought you along, I can't." Arthur inwardly sighed of the fact that he didn't have to go and said, "Well alright, I suppose I'll go find where that spare suitcase went to."
"So eager to get rid of me?" Arthur suddenly got nervous and said, "N-no, I-I was just trying-" Arthur was interrupted by laughter on the other end as Francis said, "Don't worry about it Arthur, I'll be home in a few minutes, Au Revoir"
The call ended and Arthur stood there for a moment to try and think of what just happened. If that had happened any other day, Arthur would have probably gotten a threat for later on, but this time...he didn't.
Arthur tried to think of something that might have caused this, but nothing came to mind. So he just shook the thought out of his head and went to go look for the suitcase.
Once Francis got home, he and Arthur packed all he might need. Francis pecked Arthur on the cheek (which once he turned around Arthur wiped off) and left.
Arthur was still a little shocked by what just happened but as soon as it hit him that Francis had just left...for a week or two...Arthur smiled. He felt over-joyed and all he wanted to do was see Alfred, but he wasn't an idiot. He knew the best thing to do was to wait till he knew for sure where Francis was and just like any time that either of them had to go somewhere the one would call and tell the other.
So all Arthur had to do was wait for Francis' call to let him know.
So Arthur decided to make himself some tea while waiting for the call, and while doing that, he started thinking of what he and Alfred could do while Francis was gone. There were so many things he wanted to do with Alfred.
Arthur blushed at the thought of one thing he really wanted to do with Alfred, 'Nonononononononono no, there is no way Alfred would EVER want to do something like that with someone like me. No way!'
Arthur stared off into space while in his thoughts, 'Well...he did say that he loved me...even if I didn't want to hear it yet...that doesn't mean that he doesn't either way. If he loves me...doesn't that mean that...he..would want to-'
His thoughts were interrupted by the water announcing that it was ready, and Arthur blushed bright red at the thought that he was about to have. He turned to get the water for his tea and decided he would go to the library after work tomorrow, and he would go without fear. Arthur smiled as he went into the sitting room and sat next to the window with his cup of tea and the book he was reading previously.
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The next day Arthur went to work with a smile on his face. Felix came around the corner and noticed this: "Whoa, like, what's with the happiest attitude I have ever like, seen from you?" Arthur smiled even more and tried to keep his voice down, " Francis went out of town for about a week or so. He said it was for a business thing or whatever. Ether way, I can finally spend some time with Alfred without worry."
Felix smiled back and said, "That is like, the best news I've heard in so long from you." followed by a quick hug. "I know, I'll be going to the library right after work so I can tell him." They both smiled and talked for a bit longer before going back to work.
Throughout the whole day, Arthur kept looking at the clock, trying to wait patiently for when he can finally go see his American.
As soon as his day was over at work, he couldn't get out of that building fast enough. He headed straight for the library to see Alfred.
He got to the library and looked around a bit for Alfred. He knew Alfred was already out of classes by now. He walked over to a window that was at the end of an isle and while looking outside he let his mind wander just like the day before.
He wasn't exactly paying attention to anything around him, till two strong arms wrapped around his waist and a soft whisper in his ear, "Where have you been all my life?" Arthur chuckled and said in the same tone, "Waiting for you."
He turned around, wrapped his arms around the other man's neck and smiled at the tall American standing in front of him. Alfred smiled even more and pulled Arthur even closer. Their smiles stayed on their faces as they leaned in close and let their lips make contact.
Arthur smiled into the kiss and after they parted that smile never left. "Alfred, I need to tell you something." Alfred's smile fell for a moment, "Is it anything bad?" "No no no no no love no, its nothing bad." He said while rubbing Alfred's cheek for comfort.
Alfred smiled again and said, "Oh, okay good. And I have something to tell you too, and I personally would say that it's good." Arthur smiled and said, "Then, what did you want to say?"
Alfred shook his head, "Nope, I'll tell you it later if we have time before you have to leave. So you go first." Arthur smiled and said, "Funny that you mention me having to leave for home. I actually don't have a set time I have to leave today, or even for this and maybe next week."
Alfred looked at him curiously, "What do you mean?" Arthur smiled even more and said, "Because Francis left for a business trip and wont be back for about a week or two." Alfred smiled widely, "Are you serious?!" Arthur nodded and Alfred quickly picked him up and spun him around, all while they kissed each other.
Alfred put Arthur back down and Arthur said, "I know, this is great. So, what was the news you had?" Alfred shook his head again and said, "I said I would tell you later, and I meant it." Arthur gave a small pout and Alfred smiled and kissed the pout.
They didn't stay in the library for very long, so they decided that they could finally go for a walk without Arthur freaking out and pushing Alfred into another random bush they pass by.
They walked with their fingers tightly intertwined with each other, they smiled, they laughed, they talked, they generally enjoyed each others company. Every couple minutes or so they would cuddle and kiss, or just stop and stand to watch everything around them.
Arthur would sometimes get a little anxious, but as soon as Alfred remind him that Francis was gone, Arthur just smiled and agreed before continuing on what they were doing.
They walked near the beach and when they saw a bench sitting in a position towards the sea, they walked over and sat together. Alfred wrapped his arm around Arthur and Arthur happily leaned into the warm body next to him.
They sat there watching the sun set, Arthur sighed and said, "It's odd...being here with you...I only ever got to watch the sun set once and I never got to again after that. And I keep thinking that I have to go home soon and act like I was there the whole time."
Alfred just smiled down at him, he gently grabbed Arthur's chin and brought their lips together once more. After they parted Alfred said, "But you don't, and won't have to for about a week..or two..I'm hoping two." followed by that charming laugh of his.
Arthur smiled, "Oh right, wasn't there something that you were going to tell me?"
"Oh right!" Alfred then dug into his pocket and brought out the couple photographs he took. "Take a look at these pictures and see if there is anyone you recognize in them."
Arthur looked at Alfred curiously before taking the package of photos and taking a look at them. Arthur looked closely at each photo and his eyes widened when he saw who was in them. "This...this is Francis...but...who's...that woman?"
"I'm not sure, but I had a feeling neither did you." Arthur kept looking at the photos and he hadn't looked away from them for a moment.
Alfred looked at him worried, "Artie...are...you alright?" Arthur sniffed before he said, "Of course I'm alright...for some reason I can't stop crying..."
Alfred patted him on he back before saying, "I'm sorry Arthur...I didn't mean to make you upset, I-I just thought-"
Alfred was interrupted by Arthur's lips on his, When Arthur parted from Alfred there were tears streaming down his eyes, "You have no idea how happy this makes me." Alfred looked at him curiously, "If your happy, then why are you crying?" Alfred said while wiping some tears from Arthur's face.
"Well, these are basically just tears of joy, as I said. You made me so happy just now because you proved Francis' words wrong, and gave me something against him." Alfred continued looking at him curiously and said, "Wait, what words did I prove wrong?"
Arthur wiped more tears away before holding Alfred close, "I know it might seem stupid, especially since I didn't really see it earlier but...you proved...that some one else can indeed love me."
"Arthur, I basically fell in love with you since the day I met you...how could you not realize this till just now?" Arthur just held Alfred even closer and said, "I have no idea...I guess I just couldn't believe that any one else could ever love me...because..." Arthur sighed to try and keep more tears from coming.
"For years, Francis would always tell me that I wasn't good looking, that no one but him would ever love me...and things like that...and with years of hearing that basically everyday...you tend to believe it after a while..."
Alfred started to get annoyed with the words that Francis had told his Arthur. Alfred took Arthur's chin in his hand and kissed Arthur so sweet that when they parted, Arthur just looked at him in astonishment.
Alfred rubbed Arthur's cheek wit his thumb and said with a sweet smile, "Of course some one else can love you...you just have to give someone else a chance...well I mean only me, cause I don't really want any one else to have you, your mine now."
Arthur just chuckled and said, "Yes...I'm yours now...and I couldn't be happier." He said while he laid his head on Alfred's shoulder.
They didn't stay for much longer after noticing that the sun was almost gone. Arthur offered to take Alfred back to the dorms and Alfred agreed. They walked back to where Arthur had parked is car.
While on the way to the college, holding each others hands tightly, they talked of what they could do with the information and evidence they now had. Alfred looked at Arthur and smiled before picking up their hands to kiss the back of Arthur's.
Arthur smiled and said, "Now that we have something on Francis, I can finally leave him." Alfred smiled even more and said, "And you can finally be with me."
Arthur smiled even more, but then his smile fell. Alfred looked over at him worriedly and asked, "What's wrong babe?" Arthur kept his eyes on the road as he said, "Alfred, are you positive you want to be with someone like me? Or of my age?"
Alfred just rolled his eyes and said, "Artie, we've been over this before, of course I'm positive. I want nothing more than to be with you and live a happy life together, forever." Arthur smiled again as they arrived at the college.
Neither of them were really ready to let go of each other, "You gonna be able to handle being alone tonight?" Alfred asked, concerned for his lover. Arthur just smiled and said, "I'll be fine love, I promise you. It will be a bit odd I must admit, but I'll be able to handle it."
Alfred smiled sadly at Arthur before bring him close for another kiss. Since they weren't really willing to let each others hand so, they were even less willing to separate the kiss. When they finally did, it was only so they could catch their breath.
With heavy breathing being the only sound that could be heard in the car, they smiled at one another before connecting their lips again. Tongues danced and hands roamed, but Arthur gently stopped them from going any further. Alfred looked disappointed and gave a pout to show he was.
Arthur just chuckled and kissed the pout, "I'm sorry poppet, if you still want to when we actually get somewhere nicer, then we can, alright?" Alfred looked at him in thought, he smiled and said, "Alright, so where and when?"
Arthur smirked, "Where? How about my place. When? Whenever." Alfred smiled and went to kiss down Arthur's neck, "There anything I need to know that might help me in any way?" Arthur hummed from the kisses and said, "You will just have to figure that out on your own."
Arthur could feel the smile on Alfred's lips on his neck. After one more kiss he sat up and said, "Then it's a date. I'll plan something that will have you thinking of nothing but me the whole time."
Arthur just smirked and said, "But I already think about you, how much more thinking about you do I need to do?" Alfred shook his head, "Any thinking of me then wasn't enough, gonna need more." The both just laughed before Arthur finally said, "Alright...I suppose you should probably get going now.."
Alfred pouted again but agreed, thy gave one more long, passionate kiss before Alfred got out of the car and into the dorms. Arthur watched him go the whole time, once he was sure Alfred was fully inside he drove back to the house.
When he arrived he started at it for a moment and sighed. He got out of the car and into the house, when inside he couldn't help but notice that it was just a tad...lonely. He didn't miss Francis, he would die before he ever said something like that but...there was still another presence missing. He wanted Alfred there, but he new better than to interrupt him again..though he was sure that Alfred wouldn't mind.
Arthur started to get ready for bed, but was stopped by the phone ringing. He knew who it was and he really didn't want Francis' voice to be the last one he heard that night, he was perfectly fine with Alfred's voice being the last.
But he also knew that if he didn't, there would be trouble, of course not now, but it would all be counted by the time Francis got back, so even though he didn't want to, he answered.