Finally could spare some time to write again ^_^ It's waaaaaaay past midnight now, but I really wanted to finish this. Was a busy week with homework and studying. Got a 15 in the Japanese test at least (which is the best grade). Lol, I actually wanted to write this afternoon but was too tired to get a single coherent sentence written. So I napped a little and now worked on it in the middle of the night. Hope the quality didn't suffer. ;o;
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Special thanks to: a guest, hexa, Awesome Empress, Dreiks, tee, paula, El Tord, mochiusagi and xMatildax
who have left such lovely reviews on chapter two. And since I didn't do that in the previous chapters thanks again to: sweet ayako15, The Wayward Orphans, hexa, Q3APo, Oost Indie, another Guest, Laruna SilverFox and AkaiShinda. You're all awesome!
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Disclaimer: Hetalia Axis Powers and its characters do not belong to me. They belong to Hidekaz Himaruya and Gentosha Comics.
Chapter Three - Offer
"Eh? What are you all excited about?" asked Matthew as he spotted the wide, somewhat devious smile on his brother's face. "Care to enlighten me?"
No response. The idiot seemed to have drifted off into an entire different universe. Usually bright and vivid eyes appeared to be completely unaware of their surroundings, staring absently into the distance. Right through him. Being ignored had always irked him.
When snapping his fingers in front of Alfred's face turned out to be a fruitless attempt to bring him back to the real world he grinned wickedly before pinching his brother viciously into his side. Instantly the man in question snapped back to consciousness.
"Ow, fuck," he shouted in surprise, louder than he had wanted to, and rubbed his sore side. Several other guests occupying tables nearby turned their heads at the sudden commotion. "Man, what was that for?"
As the others' averted their gazes, once again minding their own businesses, he replied. "You were ignoring me." He shrugged. "You know I don't like that. On top of that you looked like you were concocting some mischievous plan. So tell me, what are you plotting right now?"
"Ahh, well–," he began, unsure where to start. Couldn't hurt telling him at least part of the truth. "I was thinking about about employing him. Arthur I mean. I'm in need of a secretary and he really caught my eye. With that sexy accent of his and all." He gave his brother a smirk, hopeful his explanation was believable enough.
Matthew wasn't convinced yet he didn't let it show. He would find out soon with his twin's talkative character. He never could keep anything to himself for a very long time.
"No way, dude. I'm paying like any other customer." Alfred flashed Matthew one of his trademark smiles and turned back to the waiter who had watched the argument impatiently. Matthew had insisted that the anything he got here was on the house, him being his twin brother. Alfred though didn't want to be treated differently to everyone else. Finally, Jones pulled out his wallet, handing him a fifty dollar bill, admittedly the smallest he possessed at the moment.
"No change, please," he said cheerfully, stopping Arthur counting the change he'd intended to give him. Trying not to snicker at the incredulous stares he was receiving from both his brother and the blonde waiter he shrugged in a nonchalant manner. "It's not a problem, seriously. Consider it as a very generous tip."
The Omega spluttered and attempted to mask the thankful expression stealing its way on his face with a scowl. There surely was a catch to the gracious attitude of his former opponent that he was missing. "Excuse me, sir. But I cannot accept that."
At that the Alpha smiled smugly. "Oh, why so formal, Artie? We're not in court any longer," he chirped, putting extra emphasis on the nickname just to see if it had the desired effect.
To his disappointment, however, Arthur got a hold of his horrible temper in the last second, remembering his employer who was still present and silently watching the scene unfolding in front of him with a slightly bemused expression. He might be a kind and soft spoken man but it might be a wise choice not to draw too much attention of other customers by raging at some self-satisfied Alpha trying to mess with him. It wasn't worth it.
Inwardly, though, he was cursing his own bad luck. I knew that he would remember me, too.
With the looming sense of authority he knew it was futile arguing with the Alpha. He would only wound up making a fool of himself. Sighing he stacked the money neatly into his wallet mumbling his thanks reluctantly. "Alas, I hope you enjoyed your meal. Have a nice day." The line was accompanied by a polite smile and well-rehearsed after several months of working routine. He cleared the empty plates and cups off the table and gave the two blondes a court nod before heading to the kitchen once more.
As soon as the Brit was out of hearing distance Matthew leaned in, his violet irises sparkling with curiosity. "Now you ought to tell me everything. Knew you were leaving out some crucial details."
"Well, Arthur and I sort of know each other." Knowing he wouldn't get away without giving him any answers he took a deep breath, thinking back to the trial with a gloomy expression before further elaborating on his and Arthur's shared history, how his company had been sued and the trial had dragged on. Of course, Alfred had tried to use his charms on the stuck up Brit – even if they had barely any effect on Betas in general – wanting him to lose his composure in court and somehow avert the unpreventable outcome. He didn't have to mention that his attempts had failed comically and irritated the prosecutor even further.
"Any why, pray tell, would you give the same person towards whom you hold such resentment a tip of forty two dollars?" No matter how he looked at the situation it didn't make any sense to him.
It took Alfred a few moments to process the question in his head. Yes, why exactly had he done it? Arthur certainly didn't deserve it. And he himself had never been a person to throw his money around like that. He didn't comprehend it himself to full extend. Most likely he pitied the man, even after all the ill-feeling the trial had caused between them.
"He's already gotten millions out of me. Fifty bucks more or less won't hurt in that case, I guess. And I'm still hoping he'll accept the job offer I am going to make him." The devious smile on his face had returned. "He actually might be fun, now he's an Omega and all. Always was like some unapproachable mystery, all guarded behind professionalism and such when he was taking those pills."
Matthews face darkened. "Alfred Jones, I'll warn you just this once," he threatened, "if you hurt him in any way you will face my wrath. Do you understand?" Obviously he had grown a soft spot for the still struggling Omega. He'd been so grateful when Matthew had been willing to employ him and by now, they had become friends in some kind of way.
"Jeez, I told you I was looking for a secretary or someone to assist me with some of the crap at the company." Hands held up in defence he continued: "Hey, I just want to find out more about him. He's intriguing. That's all."
Matthew wasn't buying it at all. He knew his brother too well. And although he was a kind and caring person at heart, his pride took over sometimes and he'd end up taking advantage of his superiority. He said nothing, however. Arthur would most likely decline anyway.
With that the American left him to catch Arthur who had just served breakfast to an older couple. Matthew recognised them as regular customers.
Pointedly ignoring the boisterous American pest following him like a lost puppy Arthur briskly walked to the kitchen. Though right before he had reached his personal sanctuary a broad hand caught hold of his shoulder gently albeit firmly.
"What are you up to, Jones?" he barked, tone perhaps a bit ruder than he had intended to. He didn't pride himself with gentlemanly manners for nothing. But in all honesty, he dreaded the thought of dealing with anyone he knew from his old life. Be it on bad terms or good ones. As long as he didn't have to confront anyone face to face he could flee reality easily and pretend that no one was aware of his exposure, or his past to begin with. Sometimes he wished that his ascend on the career ladder had been less rapid and he'd been less famed by the time his cover had been blown off.
"There is something I need to discuss with you," the Alpha replied tersely. "In private."
Matthew stood behind the counter making drinks when the small bells above the entrance door jingled softly, announcing a new customer. As Matthew turned around to see who it was he wasn't sure whether to smile or to groan in frustration. A familiar man with light blue eyes and wavy blonde hair had entered the café at the same time as usual. Nine-thirty read the clock above the counter. The uncommonly flirtatious Beta had been coming to this place on a daily for the last couple of weeks, always ordering the same thing – coffee, black, with two sugars "to add some sweetness to the bitter taste of life" –, barely missing a chance to fluster the Omega.
Before he turned to prepare his coffee, though, he would go through the usual procedure, greeting him like any other customer – much to the Frenchman's disappointment – and asking him for his wishes. He wouldn't drop his disciplined attitude to his work falter because of a costumer trying to woo him.
"You know you are the only one my heart will ever desire, mon cher," he twittered playfully with a wink. "But in that case, I'll have a coffee, black, with two sugars as usual."
Feeling his face darkening Matthew was glad to turn his back to the man in front of the counter who rested his chin on his hand and leaned closer, observing his every move. He tried to ignore the eyes boring themselves into his back – or somewhere farther south – when the Frenchman spoke up again.
"You know, I've been thinking about that for a while now." Suddenly his voice was more serious and lacked its usual confidence. He waited until the half-Canadian was facing him again, looking at him expectantly. "Would you mind if I took you out to dinner this week?"
Even if he had expected it sooner or later it still took him off guard when the other asked him so blatantly. "No, I don't mind I suppose. When?" He smiled shyly, a pleasantly warm feeling spreading in his chest.
The Beta was visibly relieved at his reply as if he'd been genuinely scared of rejection. Eyes now sparkling with mirth he asked: "You free on Friday, cheri?"
"Ehh, I think Friday would be fine."
"Friday it is then. I'll pick you up. Send me a message with your address, all right?"
"Will do." He handed him the steaming beverage, watching him with a smile as he left, the feeling of joy lingering for the rest of the day.
"No? What do you mean by that?" The American gave the shorter male a dumbstruck look.
Sighing Arthur held his gaze, his arms crossed in front of his chest protectively. The Omega felt visibly uncomfortable in the Alpha's presence. "It means," he spoke patiently, as if talking to a child, "that I have no interest in working for you. Now if you'd please excuse me – "
Before he could squeeze past Alfred and hurry out of the restroom a strong arm caught him around the waist. His body tensed up immediately.
"Hey," Alfred complained, "where are you going? Hear me out first."
And so Arthur settled for listening to the idiot as it was impossible to wrench himself free from his iron grip. All in all, the work didn't even seem that unattractive. Even his knowledge and experience might be of use which would be a nice change after all those intellectually undemanding occupations he'd worked in for the last couple of months. Still he couldn't accept the offer. For once he couldn't return to an area where many people would only recognise him as the "Omega in disguise" and not as the brilliant attorney they had once respected greatly.
Society was blissfully ignorant to its own cruel and unjust way of judging people. Apparently countless criminals going to jail meant nothing when it was initiated by an Omega who dared to break with long since outdated values and take suppressants to pursue his dreams. That he wouldn't tell Alfred, though. It was a far too sensitive subject to him and the other had no right to pry into his private issues.
Secondly, he couldn't exactly trust Alfred Jones. He had brought his company nearly to ruins. Who knew what emotions were masked behind bright smiles and exuberant promises? Such a generous job offer could be as far as he knew a malicious trap to humiliate him further.
"I'll pay you double of your salary right now." The taller man started to sound desperate.
Dammit. Don't make this any more appealing to me. I can't go back there.
So he went for scowling and concentrated on his suspicions. "Why are you so adamant on me working for you? If this is some kind of sick plan of yours to mess with me cut it out. I'm not up for it. My situation is complicated enough as it is," he spat, panting heavily, fiery green eyes fixating Alfred's blue ones all the while. "And I certainly don't need some Alpha interfering with my life. Do you really think I am naive enough to fall for that trap? Then you're even stupider than I first thought."
When he finished his little rant and the man before him grew awfully still, Arthur realised he might have committed a grave mistake. The taller blonde's eyes had hardened to icy rounds behind his spectacles, his aura grown eerily cold. Unsure of what to do the Omega eyed the other warily contemplating possible reactions and his own chances to make it to the door without being caught.
"No one," Alfred disrupted his train of thoughts, voice devoid of any warmth or emotion, "no one is talking to me like that. Especially not an Omega. You will apologise right now, is that clear?"
Arthur opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, anything, but nothing came out. Fear had constricted his throat with a cold and unyielding grip. All he could think of was getting away. From here, from the man in front of him. Slowly he registered his feet taking a few shaky steps back until his back was pressed firmly against cool, white bathroom tiles.
"I said apologise." The order now had a more feral, predatory ring to it. The Omega almost flinched, desperately biting back a whimper.
When Alfred moved forward, though, his willpower wilted like flowers under the blazing sun in the desert. "Okay, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it to sound so harsh. I-" His voice broke halfway through his apology. In the next moment he felt two large, warm hands on his shoulders rubbing them soothingly.
"See? That wasn't so bad now, was it?" The Alpha's voice was soft and comforting again. When Arthur's breathing had calmed he pulled away to offer the shorter male a warm smile.
"Look, just think about my offer. I'm not seeking revenge here." He retrieved a small, rectangular card from his pocket and handed it to Arthur. "Contact me."
The green-eyed man took it numbly, slid down the wall and sat there in paralysis watching the other leave. What the bloody hell had just happened?
Letting your Alpha pride interfere might not have been the wisest idea, Alfred. We'll see, maybe something brings Arthur to his office after all~
Yay for the chapter being longer than the previous ones! :D And I'm actually quite satisfied with it. I sincerely hope it was worth the wait. Can't give any predictions when I'm updating again, but hopefully before Connichi next weekend. Anyone reading this going there? XD (as unlikely as it is)
As for side pairings. They won't be given too much spotlight in this. I also don't know if there's going to be Franada in the end or not. Maybe Matt ends up with someone else after all. Either way, it won't be very relevant to the main plot I suppose. If you're not interested in reading that you may skip those parts.
Let me know what you think. :)
