CHAPTER 4: Hot Librarian(s)

Alfred woke up to the smell of pancakes. 'God bless the Canadians' he thought. Looking over at his alarm clock it read 8:56am. His tired mind begged him to roll over and sleep for another two hours; but his stomach told him otherwise. Fighting the urge to fall back asleep, he climbed out of bed, reached for the shirt nearest to him and hastily shoved it over his head. Grabbing his glasses from the bedside table, he carefully slipped them on then walked to the kitchen.

Matthew was humming while flipping some pancakes at the stove. Alfred noticed his dressed up attire. His brother was dressed in dark grey dress pants and a light purple shirt that brought out the deepest parts of his violet eyes. His hair was tamed except for the single curl that never behaved. Alfred had the same in his hair, but it was more noticeable in the form of a cowlick. "Where are you going?" He asked, taking a plate from the cupboard.

"I have a job interview at 9:30." Matthew slid a stack of pancakes onto Alfred's plate. "It's this little cafe a couple blocks away." Leaning up against the counter, Alfred slathered his breakfast in butter and syrup. "Someone has to make sure we can live here." Alfred hummed through his mouthful of pancakes. 'I swear I'm going to weigh 300 pounds by January.' Matthew always made the best food. So he isn't surprised by the thought of Mattie working in a cafe.

"Whuf's th place kald?" He asked, speaking through a mouthful of pancake.

After the glare Matthew gave him for talking with his mouth full he answered, "It's called Café de Plaisir, if I remember right."

Alfred practically choked on his breakfast. "Cafe of pleaSURE?! WHAT KIND OF PLACE ARE YOU APPLYING TO WORK AT MATTIE?"

Matthew kept a blank face throughout Alfred's spaz. "Al. It's just called that because of how good the food is… or so I've heard." He added the last part under his breath. That seemed to calm his brother for the most part. He was more surprised that Alfred knew what the french words meant. "Anyway, I don't know what time I'll be back, so you'll probably have to feed yourself." Alfred pouted and sighed while Matthew rolled his eyes. "I should probably go now, I have to walk there."

"Aight' bro. Don't get like- hit by a car or anything." Alfred shoveled another forkful of pancake into his mouth.

"I'll try not to. Since I made breakfast you can go right ahead and do the dishes." He smiled sweetly and grabbed his wallet and house keys from the counter. Hearing the high pitched whine from his brother, he smirked then walked out the door.

Mumbling about how he thinks that his brother purposely dirties more dishes just so Alfred has to clean them, he finished his breakfast. He glared at the pile of dishes that he had collected and deposited in the sink. Waving his hand at them he decided to do them later.

His plan for the day was to get back into the swing of things. London has changed quite a bit since he's left and he wanted to explore it a bit. Quickly changing into fresh pair of faded blue jeans and a shirt that didn't smell like ass, he grabbed a few other items with a jacket and was out the door in no time.

Today was typical, the sky shown a dull grey. Sometimes the sun would shine through the breaks in the mucky clouds and cast its bright light down. Alfred looked from building to building, analyzing if anything had possibly changed. Some stores were replaced totally and others just looked a tad different.

The people were the same too. Some smiled at Alfred as he passed, while others didn't even meet his curious glance. While walking along he saw a couple of motorcycles past, and that only reminded him of Arthur. 'How was he supposed to ask Arthur out if he didn't even know how to get in touch with him?' The thought pierced through his mind for the hundredth time since last night.

He needed to think.

Alfred slowed his walk to see that he had no clue how he ended up on this side of town. Looking around he saw a small library. It looked quiet enough for him to ponder his gay thoughts. The bricks surrounding the single door entrance were a dark brown and looked fragile. A little 'OPEN' sign on the door gave Alfred the all clear to enter.

Jaywalking across the street and getting honked at once, he trotted to the opposite side. Pulling the door open and having his eyes adjust to the darkness he felt the comfortable atmosphere wash over him. Dark mahogany bookshelves stretched along the floor and plush chairs and coffee tables were scattered everywhere.

Alfred walked through the long rows of books and looked around in awe at the sheer number of them. The soft noise of classical music was so soft, that the sound of a fly could've covered it up. The sudden noise of books tumbling behind Alfred snapped him out of his trance. "Voi ei."

Turning around he noticed a small man on his knees collecting books. Joining him and helping, the man noticed and laughed nervously. "Sorry, I'm just so clumsy." His Finnish accent clung to his words. He had a small, silver name tag on his shirt that read Tino.

"It's no problem, I'm the same." Alfred smiled at him. Tino returned the smile and continued to stack the books. Tino had light blond hair and a young face. His Christmas sweater vest (It's August?) and black dress pants made him look even younger.

Taking a stack of the books, Alfred stood up. Tino looked up at him and gathered his own stack into his arms. "You don't need to help."

"Well if you dropped them in the first place then I don't want you to drop them again. Especially if I can help." Alfred gave a polite smile that made Tino blush.

"Okay then. Follow me." Tino turned to his left and Alfred followed. They walked along a back aisle that seemed to wrap around the perimeter of the library. This building was definitely bigger on the inside (if you catch my drift). "You can set them down here." Tino gestured to a table that was surrounded by chairs.

Alfred nodded and did as he was told. Looking around he noticed some desks paired with computers along the east wall of the library. This section of the library seemed reserved for studying. Large couches and tables set up for study groups littered the carpeted floor.

"Thank you so much! I never introduced myself, I'm Tino!" Tino held his hand out for Alfred as soon as he set his books next to Alfred's.

"I know, I read your name tag. I'm Alfred." He shook his hand and Tino's blush returned.

"Of course… I must seem so silly to you!" The Finnish man smiled again. "I think I'm going to go get something for you, stay here." He dropped his hand and suddenly disappeared behind a door before Alfred could refuse.

Alfred stood there, observing some more. There were two students with college textbooks in their grasp by a table in a corner. They seemed to be doing some early studying. 'Nerds.' Abstract art was on display on the brown walls and Alfred made a mental note to bring Mattie in here some day.

A shuffle of feet behind him drew him from his thoughts and suddenly someone was tripping on a chair leg. On instinct Alfred reached out and caught them in his arms before they could hit the floor. What was even more of a surprise then someone falling into his arms, was that this wasn't just anyone. "Arthur?"

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Arthur was at the library today. He had to check out the same textbooks as some of the students he was going to tutor this semester. "Arthur-san." Behind him Kiku was helping him collect books onto a small cart.

"Yes, Kiku?" Arthur asked, a bit confused. Kiku only used san with him when he was trying to get his attention or being very serious. Kiku was probably one of Arthur's oldest friends. He was probably the one who got him through Alfred leaving him. They were there to lean on each other. Kiku helped Arthur out at the library when he wasn't tutoring his own students.

"Isn't that Alfred Jones? From primary school?" Arthur's heart jumped into his throat and turned his head. Standing in the doorway of the library was the ridiculously hot American. Alfred's torn blue jeans hung loosely on his slim hips and his hair seemed wind swept. His racer jacket was zipped up half way revealing a gray tee shirt that stretched for this wide shoulders.

Grabbing a fist full of Kiku, Arthur drug him behind a shelf full of books. "Holy shit." Arthur crouched down and removed a few books from a low shelf and peeked through the hole. He watched Alfred look around the tranquil library and then disappear into the wooden shelves.

"Arthur, why are we hiding?" Kiku asked, intrigued.

Arthur placed the books back and looked over at his Japanese friend. "Alfred. That's why."

"Annnnnd why is that?" Arthur slumped down so he was sitting on his butt. He leaned his head against the books behind him and sighed. Alfred hadn't left his thoughts since the incident back at his parents house. The American was all he thought about. Pouring his tea this morning he thought back to when he made Alfred try some for the first time and how he almost threw it up. Walking down to the library Arthur could've sworn he saw Alfred inside of a restaurant, having breakfast. Moment after moment the American plagued his mind.

"Because when your best friend comes back after ten years of abandonment and he's hotter than Zac Efron it's quite hard to face him without becoming immediately aroused."

"Oh."

Arthur mentally cursed himself. He finally admitted that Alfred was attractive out loud. If anything he should be denying it so he could move on from this and just be friends with Alfred again. Nothing more. Nothing less. He doesn't even know if Alfred would ever be interested in him. Even if it was in that way or just getting to know each other again. He had no clue. Somehow Kiku heard his thoughts.

"Hiding isn't going to do anything, Arthur. Come on. Let's finish our work." Kiku drew Arthur to stand on his slightly shaky legs. He pushed the metal cart down the back aisle and Arthur walked ahead of him. His fingers tugged on the hem of his shirt, nervously. For the library he dresses a bit more appropriately. Black skinny jeans with no holes, a plain black tee, and a Union Jack scarf wrapped around his neck.

For the record, Arthur's mind wasn't 100% in that moment as he walked past shelf after shelf. He just kept thinking about what he was going to say as soon as he grew the balls to talk to Alfred. Turning a corner to head to the Student Section he didn't see the misplaced chair in his path. Tripping on the chair he was doomed to fall face first onto the floor. But a pair of strong arms saved him. They wrapped around his waist and brought him near inches to the ground. Staring up into his savior's eyes he found a familiar sea of blue. "Arthur?" Alfred asked. "A- are you okay?"

Arthur couldn't breathe. Electricity flowed from Alfred's arms and down Arthur's spine, leaving goosebumps dancing on his skin. The American's arms were tight around Arthur's waist and he felt safe in them. His own arms landed wrapped around Alfred's neck, clutching the back of his jacket. A sudden heat overwhelmed them into one giant bubble of arousement. "Um… I- I can stand u- up now." He sputtered out, feeling his ears turn pink.

"OH." Alfred leaned them both back up and they each pulled their arms away. Arthur turned a blind eye to the fact that Alfred's fingertips brushed against his bare skin where his tee shirt had ridden up. 'His hands are so soft, fuck.' He thought. Looking back up at Alfred's face he saw a dark red blush splayed across his cheeks.

"This is interesting." A Finnish accent broke the intense silence. Tino stood near by with a red sucker in his hands. Arthur turned away from the bright smile the Finn was sporting. "Here you go Alfred, for helping me." He handed over the candy.

"Th- thanks." Alfred's face was almost as red as the sweet (Arthur assumed the same could go for him.) Tino suppressed a giggle but it was quite obvious as he walked away. Somewhere in the process Kiku had also bailed, so it was just the two of them. "So… what brings you here?" Alfred placed the sucker in his jacket pocket.

Arthur cursed himself once again. 'He spoke first while I just stared. God. I'm such whimp.' "I tutor here actually."

Alfred's eyes lit up. "Really? Cool. What for? I mean. I heard you already have your bachelors. How's that possible anyway? We're practically the same age and I'm just a freshman. You're mom told me by the way. About your bachelors. I haven't been like, stalking you since yesterday to find out more about you. I mean. I did want to find you eventually and talk, but I had no clue you'd be here-"

Arthur's blushing face disappeared and a grinning one took it's place. He choked back a chuckle as he listened to Alfred babble on. Once Alfred saw Arthur's smiling face he fell silent, then he could tell that Alfred's brain kicked in and he figured out why Arthur was beaming at him.

"S- sorry. I do that sometimes when I'm nervous." He scratched the back of his neck.

Arthur decided to test his luck. "Do I make you nervous, Alfred?" He prompted and he watched as Alfred's face grew even redder. Mission accomplished. "I'm just kidding. How about we talk over a coffee at my place?" The words tumbled from his mouth before his mind could process what he just said. 'What if Alfred didn't exactly swing that way? And if he did would he ever be interested in someone like me? God, I'm just a big pile of self-doubt today.'

But when Alfred's face changed from embarrassed to almost gleeful Arthur had to refrain from jumping with joy. "Sure, I'd like that."

'Did I just ask Alfred out for coffee? Did he just agree? Holy fuck-buckets.' Arthur smiled up at that dork-face and gestured him to follow. They walked to the front desk and Arthur signed out in a little book. "Ciao! Are you leaving Artie? Should I file your books for you and Kiku?" A cheerful Italian asked from behind the desk. His hair was ginger and it had a single curl cascading down from the side, and his eyes were wide with happiness.

"That'd be great Feliciano. Thank you." Feliciano responded with a smile that squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. Arthur turned to Alfred, "Come on." He grabbed his black leather jacket from a coat rack by the door and pushed it on. He also grabbed his helmet from the bottom of the rack and gripped it tightly in his maybe-sweaty-hands. The weather wasn't any better than earlier this morning.

"Is it always like this now?" Alfred asked.

"What?"

"The weather."

Arthur snorted. "You're asking about the weather? In London?" Alfred shrugged. "Well, I suppose the climate did change a bit since you've been absent. Sometimes it's beautiful. Sunny skies. Birds chirping. But… about five out of the seven days of the week it's like this. Grey sky. Brisk wind. Sometimes a light drizzle." Alfred nodded and looked down at his sneakers as they walked.

The silence was comfortable, surprisingly. More than a few times Arthur had to step slightly to his left to let a stranger pass by, which caused him to brush shoulders with the American more than once. Each time Arthur mumbled out an apology that was quieter than the last. Trying to keep his gaze off of Alfred became increasingly more and more difficult, because each time he would glance up at him... he'd always find Alfred looking right back (which caused the hue on each of their faces to intensify as the each realized what the other was doing.) 'Was he looking at my lips? I could've sworn he was... does that mean... no. He was probably just looking at my piercings. I do have quite a few.'

They continued to walk down the street to where Arthur's bike was parked, then Arthur remembered. "Shit."

"Hmm?" Alfred hummed, observing the Englishman's face.

"I just forgot. My roommate is interviewing someone today, and he usually takes a while to get... acquainted with them." Third time today Arthur cursed himself. At this rate he's going to not want to get out of bed in the morning for fear of what he might do. First he had to practically throwing himself into Alfred's arms at the library, and now not being able to go where Arthur had offered to take him. 'Jesus Hell. Help me.'

"No problem, man. We can go to my place." Alfred smiled.

"Really? Are you sure it's no trouble? We could reschedule." Arthur was giving Alfred an out incase he was just being polite.

"None at all. But, it's kinda a far walk." Alfred looked around to see where they are.

"Where's your apartment exactly?" Alfred gave him the street address and number. "I know where that is." Thankfully a friend of Arthur's lived in the same apartment building. The Brit took a few steps towards his bike and took out an extra helmet from the back case he kept on his seat. He held it out for Alfred who frowned slightly and started to shuffle his feet. "Something the matter?"

"No. I just… I've never ridden on of these before." He gestured the vehicle. Arthur could read the uncertainty on (his best friend's?) Alfred's face. His blue eyes seemed to find the sidewalk very interesting. Arthur dropped his extended arm down to his side, still holding the helmet.

"Remember when we used to ride our bikes to Grovelands Park?"

Alfred's head lifted and their eyes met as he laughed though his nose. "You remember that?" For once Arthur couldn't read the expression Alfred's face. It was a cross between disbelief and something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Of course I do, you twit." The old nickname slipped out of his lips before he realized that Alfred might take offense to it now. "Well it's kinda like that, but faster… and your legs don't get tired." He held the extra helmet out once again and Alfred took it in his hands. Arthur smiled and pulled on his own helmet. While Arthur zipped up his jacket Alfred was struggling with the helmet. Arthur's own helmet covered up his laugh but he walked over to Alfred to assist. He raised his visor. "I see you're still on the struggle bus. Let me help you."

Alfred let his arms hang limp by his sides and Arthur laughed again. It seems as if Alfred hadn't lost all of his childish traits. Arthur first untangled the head strap and the properly buckled it. His fingers came into contact with Alfred's neck and he saw the other physically shiver. 'Maybe it was just from the cold.' He thought to himself.

Forcefully slapping Alfred's visor down he laughed to himself once again as he watched him jump in surprise. Straddling the bike he turned it on (A/N: It wasn't the only thing that he turned on heheheh... I'm in the fifth grade omf help) and patted the seat behind him. Alfred slowly got on behind him and Arthur could see the mental struggle as he tried to decide where to put his arms.

Arthur reached behind him and brought Alfred arms around him (he hoped that he couldn't feel his pounding heart though his jacket.) "Hold on." Arthur heard Alfred mutter something back but he just closed his own visor and kicked the bike into gear. The rumble of the engine became louder as Arthur pulled out into the road.

He felt Alfred's arms tighten around him as he accelerated. Smirking under the helmet he made quick turns around the city and passed every car that had suddenly became too low for Arthur's liking. Alfred pointing somewhere finally came into Arthur's view and he knew what he meant.

Arthur pulled to the side of the road. They both dismounted and Arthur took Alfred's helmet from him as soon as he got it off. "You're insane."

"Hmm. Just a bit." Arthur smiled cheekily.

Alfred shook his head but smiled. Arthur followed Alfred into the apartment building and up several flights of stairs. Digging a key from his blue jeans Alfred unlocked the flat he shared with his brother. There were boxes everywhere, and they seemed empty for the most part. The walls were a light yellow and seemed to glow with happiness in the rare sun that was shining through the windows. Alfred offered tea and Arthur gladly accepted. Leaving Arthur Alfred walked into the apartment and (what Arthur assumed was) the kitchen. Not deciding to follow him Alfred called from the kitchen saying he was free to wander around if he'd like.

Already letting his curiosity get a hold of him he slowly made his way around the small apartment. Their living room was nicely furnished (for college students.) A large sofa sat opposite of a television with an xbox and a mountain of games nestled beneath it. A coffee table was set between the tv and the sofa and had boxes that were still taped shut on top. Walking past the sofa Arthur followed a long hallway that had a total of four doors (two on each side.) Not wanting to be snoopy Arthur decided to backtrack and return to the kitchen/dining room.

They sat at the kitchen counter on stools and snacked on leftover pancakes that Matthew had apparently made that morning. "So..." Alfred began. "Through all of my rambling did you catch any of my questions?" Arthur chuckled and took a sip of his hot tea before answering, wanting to let the warm liquid calm him down before he answered. But then the beverage did the exact opposite and Arthur froze as soon as he swallowed. '… lemon? He... he remembered how I liked my tea?' Just as his senses were shutting down he felt something warm on his arm. Looking down he saw Alfred's hand gently squeezing his bicep. "... Are you alright?"

Nodding quickly Arthur answered, "Y-yes just... good tea." Alfred made an 'o' with his mouth and was about to reply when Arthur jumped right over his words. "Well I tutor at the library for lit students and I got my bachelors early on because I accelerated in school quite fast, so they put me in this special program that placed me in college early." The words flowed from his mouth without pause and somewhere mid-explanation Alfred's hand slipped from his body.

"Gee, you must be pretty smart then. I wish I could've do that." Alfred rested his head in his hand.

Arthur smiled and a light blush dusted his face. "I wouldn't say that. But…" He trailed off into his thoughts. Arthur remembered his sixth form and college days. He accelerated so fast because he barely had any friends. Besides Kiku there was really nobody. He spent days in his college dorm studying or sleeping. Then one day he met Gilbert and his world has upside down ever since.

Arthur looked down and searched for something to do with his hands. "So I finished college about a year before our class even started." He grabbed the now empty plate that held the pancakes and brought it to the sink. He stared at the pile of dishes then turned back around. "Don't you do your dishes?"

Alfred laughed and it was the sweetest music Arthur had ever heard in his life. He wanted to record it and study it so he could replicate the sound into notes so the whole world could hear it. The American scratched his nape. "Well, Mattie always makes breakfast and he leaves me with the dishes- what are you doing?" He asked as he watch Arthur take off his jacket and scarf and lay them over a box that was sitting on the counter.

"We're going to do dishes. I can't stand to look at dirty plates knowing that they could easily be washed." Turning back to the sink he twisted the faucet and waited for the water to get hot. Not hearing a response he turned to Alfred. He was beaming at him. "What?"

"Somethings never change, I see." He laughed and walked up beside Arthur. "How about you wash and I'll rinse and dry?"

"Sounds good." Once the water was warm he plugged the drain and added some dish soap that was close by. Once satisfied with the first pan he handed it over and Alfred started speaking again.

"So you play guitar." Arthur paused and thought. How Alfred posed the sentence wasn't in a question form, he was just stating it. Then he remembered about yesterday and how he almost ran over him and his brother.

"... Yes. I do. And sorry about yesterday. With my bike. I... I didn't realized it was you two." Alfred shrugged and rinsed the pan.

"It's no problem. And hey," Arthur turned his head at his pause to find Alfred's face very close to his all of a sudden. And the bloody American wasn't even pulling back! "maybe you could teach me sometime." The look in his eye was anything but innocent when he pulled back and turned back to the dishes in front of him.

'What just happened. Was he flirting. Does he normally act like that. Jesus, I feel like my face is on fire oh my god... well. Two can play that game.' After another plate and watching Alfred smirk like a total twat, Arthur bumped his hip into Alfred's and maybe ground a little as he felt the other's hip bone and sighed. "Well I am a great teacher." His words had a sultry aftertaste in his mouth and the way Alfred's eyes went wide he'd say he won this little game.

Somehow the noise of the running water and clanking pans was enough for them after Arthur's remark. The silence wasn't awkward… but it was filled with something else. Their innocent little flirting match awakened something in both of them. Every time their hands would casually brush against each other one or the other would gasp. Arthur felt the electricity he felt back in the library and it sent tingles up his spine.

He suddenly craved it. He needed it.

Arthur handed over one of the last plates and Alfred took it from him, their fingers overlapping. They locked eyes. They held their breath. And without Arthur noticing, Alfred slipped his hand into the sink with suds and gathered some in his hand.

"Boop." Alfred pushed some of the soapy suds onto Arthur's nose.

Arthur's mouth hung open as Alfred started laughing, uncontrollably and dropped the spare plate back in the sink. "Oh no you didn't…" Arthur took some of the suds and flicked them in Alfred's face. It made him look like he had a mustache. As soon as Alfred's laughter stopped Arthur's began. Soon they were at war. It was like they were six again. Maybe they can make up for the moments they missed together with... now. But Arthur's uncertainty about Alfred wanting to be friends again stood in his way of fully showing himself so to speak.

About ten minutes of playful bubble war and five minutes of cleaning it all up, Arthur noticed the time. "Shit shit shit." He ran over to the counter where his jacket and scarf were.

"What's the matter?" Alfred's eyes were worried.

"Nothing, I just have to be somewhere. Sorry. I have to go." His band had a show tonight and it was also Friday, which equaled a long and busy night. He still had to go home and change and shower. "I had a great time with you today Alfred, even if it was unexpected." As soon as his jacket was on and scarf tied around his neck he walked up to the American.

Looking into his baby blue eyes that had slight disappointment made his heart squeeze. Arthur stood on his toes to wrap his arms around Alfred and embrace him in a hug. He felt Alfred snake his arms around his waist and they both shivered at the contact. He wished he could stay like that forever, wrapped in Alfred's arms. He felt so secure and warm. But the thought of Gilbert chewing his ass out was enough motivation to separate. Pulling away his brain calculated all of the events that happened in the past 3 hours and he decided to take the risk. He pecked Alfred's cheek quickly and turned on his heel, practically running for the door.

Closing it behind himself he was able to breathe again. He stood still on the other side of the door. "Oh my god…" Arthur rested the back of his head on the wood to catch his breath. Adrenaline was pumping through his veins.

He just made either the best or worst decision of his life.

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Alfred's fingertips brushed his cheek where only moments ago Arthur's lips were. He watched as he disappeared from his vision. Jogging to the door, he tried to catch it before it closed but he was too late. Arthur was gone.

"Oh my god..." Alfred leaned his forehead against the grain of the door. His heart was pounding like it's never have before. He was scared that it might stop. Arthur Kirkland just kissed him. Sure it was just a little peck on the cheek but... that wasn't something ex-best friends do when they're trying to start their friendship over. That was something someone did to start a new... relationship. And did Alfred want that? He got his answer as soon as he heard the sound of Arthur's motorcycle. 'Fuck.' He flung open the door and ran down the stairs. Just catching the motorcycle's exhaust, he watched as Arthur's bike rode off into the distance.

Alfred swore through his pants. "What was that now?" He turned around to see Matthew standing with another man who he did not know. He had longish blond hair and a bit of chin hair. Matthew's hands were stuffed in his dress pants and his eyes glowed.

"matTIE." Alfred's voice unexpectedly jumped three octaves. "Who's that?"

"Je m'appelle Francis Bonnefoy. I am Matthieu's new boss." The man's French accent was thick, but not enough to not understand the english.

"yoU GOT thE jOB!"

"Yeah, I did. And Francis is offering to take us out for drinks tonight. I expect that it'll be quite fun." Matthew smiled at his brother and his lips fell ever so slightly. "What's wrong with you?"

"mE? Oh… n- nothing."

All three of them walked back to their apartment and Mattie changed his clothes while Francis and Alfred chatted. By the time Mattie was ready Alfred already accepted Francis for being an okay guy. But he wasn't exactly jumping at the opportunity to be the guy's friend. They locked up their flat and walked down the street to a pub named Antonio's. "I am friends with the owner, and there's a band that plays regularly. Their lead singer is also a friend, all three of us were buddies in school." Francis explained.

There was noise coming from outside of Antonio's and Alfred assumed that was the band. As they walked in and they had apparently just finished a song. Alfred saw a flash of a stage just as the lights in the place turned off. People cheered and waited for more.

Only moments later the fast cords of an electric guitar played Green Day's, American Idiot. The lights flashed on again and it took a few seconds for Alfred's eyes to adjust. There were five band members and his eyes drew towards the one playing the electric guitar.

It was Arthur.

"Don't wanna be an American Idiot!"