The blonde led Alfred through a sea on umbrellas, down busy streets overflowing with crowds and cars that left him scrambling to keep himself from slipping on the sidewalk or running into a very angry driver. He'd lived in this city nearly a month now, but only moved through alleys or sewers or subway tunnels—never on the street and especially not on ones so busy. Grimacing as yet another man nearly sent him sprawling, he jogged to catch up with the bobbing blonde, who was now stopped in front of an apartment building, waiting for Alfred. The man punched in the code and held the door open for Alfred. He looked around at the high ceilings and rather plain walls, the doorman giving him a dirty look as the floor became a sea around him. Alfred only smiled and waved. It wasn't until he was in the elevator that he realized just where he was. He bit his lip to keep the smile off his face.

"Thought you said a meal, not a night," he teased, glancing at the blonde. The man reddened and cleared his throat.

"Don't get your hopes up, you bloody yank. You'll need something dry for anyone to take us. You're lucky the doorman didn't run you out with a broom."

"Looked like he was thinkin' about it." The man chuckled as the doors opened, leading Alfred down a long corridor with a myriad of uniform doors, the only differentiating factor being the number in the middle of each. Various sounds emerged form the doors: one blasted some incoherent rock music; another filtered sounds of an argument in another language along with the sound of smashing pots and glass; music in a language Alfred didn't recognize flowed from one towards the middle; not too far off was a lovely piano; smoke emerged from underneath a door whose label was too blurred for Alfred to see clearly. Alfred looked worriedly at the blonde who didn't so much as wince at the sight.

The man finally stopped in front of the door at the end of the hall across from a door releasing a few rather embarrassing sounds. Alfred stepped inside, bothered enough by his blurry eyes to finally pull his glasses out. His wiped the lenses with his dirty fingers, only creating muddy streaks across them. Sighing in frustration, he moved to put them back in his pocket when the blonde plucked them from his grasp, cleaning them with the end of his scarf.

"This is explains a lot," he said through a smile. "You kept talking to my forehead. Thought you were bloody blind."

"Might as well be," Alfred mumbled, taking the glasses as he handed them back. He dropped them in their rightful place and looked at his savior for the first time. Damp blonde hair fell into a rather delicate face, handsome but not in a striking sort of way, his nose and cheeks painted red from the cold. His green eyes were soft and playful but with the capability of sternness. He brought his scarf away from his face, revealing soft lips pulled up in a smirk that tugged strangely at Alfred's heart. As he gazed at this beautiful man he could only think of one thing to say:

"You got some big eyebrows dude."

The blonde huffed and rolled his eyes. "Thanks. I'm aware." He stuck one hand out and placed the other on his hip. "I don't believe I've introduced myself. My name's Arthur Kirkland." Alfred met his hand and shook it. He stared at the man for a moment before realizing he was waiting for a reply.

"Oh, uh, Alfred. Alfred F. Jones."

"Well, Mr. Jones—"

"Alfred's fine."

"Alfred, then," Arthur smiled, releasing Alfred's hand. "I'll get you something dry to wear." He frowned over Alfred's head. "Trousers may be an issue. You're, uh, quite a bit taller than me." Arthur laughed shyly and stood straight, trying to appear taller. "In the meantime, help yourself to anything in the fridge. Just… try not to track water everywhere." Alfred looked down at himself, already creating a sizable puddle on the floor. The thought came to him that he could piss himself right now and Arthur would be none the wiser. He quickly pushed the thought away and nodded to Arthur. No need to soil himself and ruin this nice man's floor.

As Arthur left the room, Alfred took a good look around the room. The décor was quite nice: a beige couch with two chairs on either side pushed to the right of the room against wall length windows, a coffee table between placed between the couch and the TV. Dark hard wood floors stretched away from him and into each corner of the room. To the left was a study with a two full-length shelves holding more books than they were ever meant to. A dark wood desk held a lamp and a closed laptop, papers scattered around the desk and falling to the floor, a topple wastebasket adding to the mess with crumpled scraps. Compared to the right side of the room, which was quite organized, the left was disastrous.

Alfred looked to the kitchen, settled in the right corner of the room in what may have been a remodeled bedroom, the wall that once separated the rooms long since destroyed and smoothed over. Another growl erupted from him as he saw the fridge, a gleaming beacon of silver. He took an experimental step forward, the step sending water running down his leg and pooling on the floor. He scowled at the water as his stomach growled again. Oh, it was so close…

Alfred sighed in frustration and began removing his clothes, peeling away the layers glued to his skin. He left the sopping mess at the entryway and hurried to the fridge, stark naked. Throwing it open, he grabbed the first thing he saw: half a ham sandwich. As he took his first bite he moaned, practically melting at the taste. He'd almost forgotten the taste of meat, the juicy deliciousness that enveloped his mouth overwhelming him. He practically inhaled the rest of the sandwich, licking his fingers and reaching for the milk. Pressing the carton to his lips, he heard footsteps coming down the hall.

"These might be a little small but I think they'll…Alfred?" Arthur emerged carrying a pair of pants and a large white T-shirt and cautiously walked towards the clothes, crouching down and poking them. "Did you melt?"

Alfred wiped his mouth and laughed, making Arthur jump. "Over here," he grinned waving his arm. Arthur turned, his relieved smile quickly turning to shock as he saw Alfred. Falling back into the wet mess of clothes, Arthur stuttered as he tried to find an appropriate sentence. Eventually, he just said, "You're naked."

"Yeah!" Alfred smiled and turned back to the fridge. "You got some good stuff in here. Hey, what's—"

"You're naked," Arthur repeated, a blush slowly burning his cheeks.

Alfred looked back at Arthur and nodded. "Yes. We've established that. Seriously though what's—"

"THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Arthur screamed burying his face in his hands.

Alfred furrowed his brow. "Oh, sorry you said help yourself so I just—"

"NOT THE FOOD YOU BLOODY IDIOT YOUR CLOTHES," Arthur gestured frantically to the pile around him.

"Well, you said not to track water everywhere so—"

"YOU COULDN'T HAVE AT LEAST LEFT YOUR UNDERGARMETS ON?!"

Alfred shrugged, straightening and closing the fridge door. "They were wet too. What's wrong?" Alfred smirked, laughing as Arthur blindly stood, his hand over his eyes. "We're both guys; its not like it matters."

"IT DOES BLOODY—" Arthur pursed his lips and sighed holding out the clothes for Alfred. "Just…Just put these on. Here." He stumbled forward, waving the clothes around.

"Thanks!" Alfred took the clothes and frowned. "Uh…they got wet…"

"What?" Arthur opened his eyes and glared at the clothes, immediately turning away. "Bloody hell. I'll get you new—"

"Arthur, is everything okay? I 'eard screaming." A new voice came from the other side of the front door, accented and male but different from Arthur's. It sounded French.

Arthur spun towards the door and cursed. "Yes, yes, fine I don't need your help frog!" The knob clicked and Arthur tried the throw himself against the door, only getting smacked in the face as it opened faster than expected. The man behind it poked his head around and laughed as Arthur pressed his hands against his already red face.

"Sorry, mon ami, I did not see you!" The man was tall and well built with long blonde hair loosely pulled into a ponytail and hungry blue eyes and that set Alfred's teeth on edge. A bit of stumbled grew on his chin to frame a rather attractive face, the kind that could hold the attention of most women. He was well built but not overly so and despite his strong appearance he helped Arthur up delicately.

"I said I don't need you help!" Arthur scowled, pulling his arm away from the man.

"Oh, of course you do, why else would—what the 'ell is this?" The man lifted his foot away from Alfred's sopping clothes, looking to Arthur questionably. Before he could answer, he caught sight of Alfred, his eyes widening a bit. "Oh ho ho, I see now." The man winked and elbowed Arthur, who only blushed deeper. "You work fast mon ami. I've taught you well." The man patted Arthur on the head, Arthur swatting at him in indignation.

"It's not like that! His clothes are wet and I told him not to get water in the house and…"

Alfred quickly lost interest in the conversation and returned to the fridge, rummaging through the leftovers until he found an open pack of ham. He grinned and torn into the package, once again catching bits of conversation.

"…complicated. Can you please just leave?"

"But why? I can join you. Show you what a real—"

"NO. Please. No," Arthur scowled, grabbing the man's arm as he reached to remove the towel around his waist. "Look, I just need to clothe him."

"But why? The view is so nice."

Arthur thumped the man on the arm. "Don't stare!" he barely managed to whisper. "Do you have any pants I could borrow? I think mine are too short."

"Well what's the point if they're only going to come off lat—"

"Dammit Francis!" Arthur smacked him again scowling through his blush. "I'm serious!"

"Alright mon petit bébé just for you," the man winked again and walked out, Arthur sighing into his hand.

"He seems like fun," Alfred mumbled absently, a looked of horror spreading across Arthur's face.

"Oh, please don't say that. That thing is anything but fun," Arthur held his stomach and looked like he was going to be sick. He breathed deeply before straitening, still avoiding Alfred's eyes as he grabbed a blanket off the couch and held it out. "Please…cover yourself," he mumbled.

Alfred pursed his lips to contain a laugh as he walked to Arthur and took the blanket. "Why do you have such a problem with this?" he asked as he wrapped it around himself.

Arthur rubbed his temples, leaning against the couch with his eyes still closed as he answered. "Too many days at Francis' house."

"You've known each other a while then?"

Arthur sighed and looked up at Alfred, shrugging. "We grew up together. He's rather…well…eccentric I suppose for lack of a better word. You'll have to excuse him, he's completely void of any sense embarrassment and can be a bit…touchy," Arthur laughed and smiled awkwardly. "Just don't let him touch you and it should be fine."

Alfred was about to ask more but bit his lip instead, not wanting to pry too much. After all, he was only some homeless man in a kind stranger's house. What was his place to ask about the man's private life? He was suddenly very aware of his nakedness and felt a blush rise, looking away from Arthur. Gah, how could he be such an idiot! A complete stranger running around naked in his house it was no wonder he'd embarrassed Arthur. An honest man just trying to do a bit of charity work and he ends up with some "loon" like Alfred, stripping down and raiding his fridge. Alfred laughed softly and scratched the back of his head, looking apologetically at Arthur.

"Sorry, guess I've been kind of an idiot," he mumbled, smiling before looking to his feet. "Sometimes I uh…don't really think things through. Sorry bout this. I'll, uh…go." Alfred turned to leave but Arthur stopped him, grabbing his arm.

"What are you talking about," he mumbled, tilting his head as a look of confusion swept across his features. "I said I'd get you something to eat."

Alfred tried to shake Arthur off, but his grip was awfully strong for such a little thing. "I had some ham so…"

Arthur scowled. "That's hardly enough to sustain a toddler. You need something proper to eat."

Alfred rolled his eyes. "Alright mom." Arthur just released his arm, moving to pick up Alfred's clothes. "I'll leave these out to dry." He vanished down the hall and reappeared with a long-sleeved shirt in hand, this one black with a shield, two swords crossing behind it. "Here. It might be a little tight, but it's something."

Alfred frowned at Arthur for a moment before taking the shirt. Why was he still trying to help him? He said he'd leave. Most people would let him. Most people wouldn't have brought him here in the first place. Most people would of kept walking when they saw Alfred in the rain, assume he's dead or crazy or another pathetic fool who'd blown his money on useless possessions and idiotic deals. Then again, the last one wasn't far off…

The shirt was a bit snug, but it fit well enough. Lifting his arms exposed his stomach, but he wasn't about to complain about a gift. Instead he smiled warmly at Arthur, a small nod in thanks. Arthur simply blushed and looked away. A heavy sigh came from behind them.

"Does 'e really need a top? I thought 'e was quite nice without one. Can't say I'm a big fan of the skirt either," Francis snickered by the door.

Arthur marched over and snatched the pants from his grasp. "Like you're one to talk, frog," Arthur grumbled, gesturing to the towel still wrapped around his waist.

"Oh, I don't need this if—" Arthur spun him around and shoved him out the door as the Frenchman reached for his towel again, a laugh resounding from the other side as Arthur slammed it shut. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair and looked back at Alfred, an embarrassed smile playing at his lips. "Now, then, how bout that meal?"

Alfred practically inhaled his food, finishing before Arthur had even taken his second bite. He scowled at his empty plate, wishing they served larger portions. Arthur's laugh made him look up quizzically.

"Here, you want some of mine?" Arthur asked, handing his plate to Alfred. Alfred shook his head, his eyes wide.

"What about you? Aren't you hungry?" he asked, tilting his head. Arthur only grinned.

"I had a big lunch. Besides, I'm don't think I'm nearly as hungry as you. Go on then, eat up," he waved Alfred away as he torn into the food placed before him. Arthur only watched him with a gentle smile.

Once he'd finished Arthur called the waiter, who seemed rather impressed at how fast they'd finished their meals. Alfred stretched and leaned back in his chair, his head dropping and he saw the restaurant upside down. He tried to ignore the ache of sadness that pulled at his chest as he realized he'd have to leave. He was nice, this strange little brit, but Alfred felt bad, having burdened him. But, charity was charity and his belly was full and that made him happy. Besides the man had a life to get back to, maybe help another idiot he finds out in the rain, clothe him, feed him, keep another heart beating. Still…

"Alfred." Alfred sat up and looked back at Arthur, the world once again right side up. Arthur was slowly drumming his hands on the table with one hand, the other cradling his chin as he examined Alfred with eyes battling between tender and antagonistic. Alfred leaned across the table and extended his hand.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Thanks for the meal."

Arthur snapped out of his reverie and stared at Alfred's hand. "Oh! Yes. Well. You're very welcome," he mumbled, shaking Alfred's hand before slipping back into his mind, tapping his finger against his cheek. Alfred frowned and cleared his throat.

"I'd, uh… I better get going," he pasted on a smile as he began to get up. "Thank you, this was much appreciated and I'm sure you're a busy guy so…" Alfred pushed in his chair and Arthur met his eyes, standing so quickly he toppled his chair, grabbing Alfred's wrist.

"Wait! I…oh bloody hell," he kicked his chair, now lying on the ground, avoiding the curious gazes of surrounding guests. "You…uh…um…well…since…cuz…uh…" he balled his free fist, pursing his lips as he fought passed the blush on his face. "Why don't you…spend the night with me?" He looked back at Alfred's, an embarrassed smile on his lips. "I…I mean not like that! You know not…with me per se just…" Arthur released Alfred's wrist and pressed his palms against his eyes, taking a deep breath before looking up at Alfred again. "Everyone needs a warm place to stay every now and then and my old roommate moved out recently so I've got an extra bed. Besides your clothes are still at my place and I did take Francis' trousers…" He brushed his bangs out of his eyes and brought half his mouth up in a smile. "What do you say?"

Alfred kept his face carefully blank as his mind reeled with disbelief. Sure there was nice, there was courtesy, there was charity, but this was something else entirely. Alfred had had men offer him food from the drug store and throw a quarter or two his way, but he'd never had one offer his house for the night. Never even heard of such a thing. On top of that he'd given him clothes, and not only fed him but taken him to a restaurant…. Was he trying to make up for something? Some horrible deed that haunts his conscious? Or did he genuinely want to help Alfred?

His thoughts still spinning, Alfred realized he'd been staring silently for about five minutes, a look of worry etched across Arthur's face as he watched Alfred. Blinking back his shock, he nodded numbly. "Uh, sure, if I won't bug you…"

Arthur's face lit up as he smiled, nodding shyly and he turned away to pick his chair back up, ducking his head in a futile attempt to hide a blush. Alfred bit his lip to keep from laughing as he followed Arthur out the door. Arthur had brought an umbrella, but the rain had lightened up quite a bit; it was hardly sprinkling when they left the apartment. Now, the rain had stopped completely, the slick ground beginning to dry, the gray fog lifting, allowing the signs and upper stories of buildings to be seen. It had grown quite dark since they'd first entered the restaurant, the filtered light from the sun nearly devoured by the black of night, only a sliver of sunshine still reaching through the clouds to the west. But still, it was nice.

In fact, he could see a patch of blue through a break in the clouds.

WHEW! Speed writing! This was actually all originally going to be Chapter 1, but halfway through writing it I figured it was too long for a first chapter and cut it in two. I originally intended to post the first two chapters on the same day, but only got about half of this chapter done yesterday :(. The next chapter will (hopefully!) be up within the next few days and, unless I write a ton and split that chapters like these two, I won't be posting from day to day. I promise to work on this series as often as I can though! Thank you for your support :)