OMG YOU GUYS SO ROCK. :D Seriously, the response to this story was better than I expected. Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and alerts. So here's the next chapter~ Please enjoy!
Warnings: language, OOCness, AU, slash, potential fail
Pairing: eventual Arthur/Matthew
For not the first (and most likely not the last), Matthew wondered just what the hell he had gotten himself into.
"You're half French, bro. This should be like…second nature." Alfred scolded. "And you're not completely fugly."
"Thanks, Al."
"I just don't understand. Your milkshake should bring all the boys to the yard. Its impossible for you to just be a plain Jane."
"My self-confidence is absolutely soaring right now, Alfred."
"…I mean your mom is a total knock-out. Your dad is pretty hot for a dude—no homo. But you…" Alfred gestured helplessly at Matthew who was currently standing in the center of his room, clad in only a pair of maple leaf boxers with his arms crossed somewhat defensively across his pale chest with an irritated scowl. "…You're a scientific anomaly. Hot parents but homely kid? At least you've got the entire Great White North in your drawls—"
"Don't call it that!" Matthew snapped, before adding. "Please."
Alfred sighed. "Okay, okay—but its really, really big—I'll lay off. After all, you don't have to go through with this." He fixed his best friend with a stern look. "Seriously, Dr. Edelstein says I shouldn't strong-arm you into helping me commit unethical acts because that'd be taking advantage of our friendship and I'd never force you into doing anything you don't want to do—but if you love me and value your sanity you will—so you can step out anytime you want and we'll go get shakes and laugh this entire thing off."
Matthew blinked, slowly digesting that entire sentence. Once he managed to sort through the rushed words, he managed a small grin at the other blond. "Yeah, yeah, I know, Al. I…I would like to at least try." He admitted, rubbing his arms nervously.
He knew this entire plan was wrong and so many things could go wrong (it was, after all, Alfred's idea). But, as he consoled himself, the worst that could happen was that he'd prove to be an annoyance to Arthur and knock him off his game a little bit. No one would end up hurt and Alfred's band might get that little extra "oomph" to victory.
The only problem was how to exactly go about with this supposed seduction. Perhaps he could get close to Arthur, which wouldn't be too hard considering the fact that they were both on the Student Council (Matthew, though only a junior, won Treasurer because he was responsible with money and because Yao had graduated and because he was apparently well liked—which was strange since he was practically invisible at school) and that Arthur didn't really know him (he never seemed to notice Matthew standing with Alfred but that might have more to do with the painfully obvious animosity between the two.).
"So, back to this seducing thing." Alfred began, stroking his chin (on purpose to look more intellectual) as he made thoughtful hums every so often. "I know Iggy bats for both teams—"
"…How?" The violet-eyed teen asked hesitantly.
Alfred grinned, a bit evilly then. "He and Francis had a little fling the last year of middle school. Followed by a messy break-up."
"…Francis never mentioned that." Matthew raised an eyebrow. Normally his cousin loudly and happily reminisced on his dalliances.
"Shame, mostly." The American shrugged. "He'll deny it if you ask. And, he won't care if you make the moves on Arthur. Seriously, I think he'd buy you condoms and say 'bone chance'."
"Bonne chance." Matthew corrected gently, earning a "meh" and half-hearted shrug.
And Francis would probably buy him lube too. Just saying.
"Anyways!" Alfred started circling around him before stopping inches away from his face. The blond leaned closer until his and Matthew's nose were touching and his bright eyes bore deeply into his friend's.
Matthew, who was too used to this sort of behavior, merely stood and sighed. However, by lowering his guard, he wasn't able to stop Alfred when the other blond neatly snatched his steel-rimmed glasses and dashed back out of reach.
"Alfred!" Matthew shouted, trying (and failing) to grab his friend. "I need those, you hoser!"
"Matt. I think we've found it." Alfred announced, a pleased grin on his face. "Your eyes."
"What about them?" the other grumbled, feeling incredibly naked without his glasses.
"They're pretty." The blue-eyed teen stated. "Really, really pretty. In fact, you're really pretty when you aren't wearing these things." He scrutinized his friend with sharp eyes. "Did you know you look like your mom?"
"Yes, I did know." Matthew snapped, finally snatching back his glasses and shoving them on only to see Alfred's pout. "That's why I wear them."
"…You don't actually need them?"
Matthew shifted guiltily. "Well, I can go without them but then my head starts to hurt later and I just really prefer wearing them." Alfred looked unconvinced. "And I don't like being mistaken for a girl when I go out." The Canadian huffed, angrily shoving a curly strand of hair behind his ear.
"Fine!" Alfred sighed. "I guess we can work on that later."
"Or never."
"I'm gonna dig through your clothes and take out anything not cool." Alfred continued, breezing by as though Matthew hadn't even spoken.
"Story of my life." The Canadian thought to himself, not at all bitter. But still he sat back and watched, somewhat amused, as Alfred began to rummage through his closet and throw out random things and Matthew wondered when he should remind Alfred that they wore uniforms.
In the end, Alfred got tired and decided that Matthew should just start wearing the proper uniform.
"Like your tie and even this stupid blazer." The blond smirked, tossing said items onto the bed. "Arthur—the stupid hypocrite—is a stickler for the rules at school. He probably gets off on Windsor knots and clean fingernails."
"…My fingernails are clean."
"Well, you're already halfway into his pants." Alfred teased.
Matthew laughed and idly studied his long-forgotten blazer. Despite the dress code, few students followed it to a tee. Arthur was one of those few.
Matthew and Alfred, on the other hand, got by even though they missed a few pieces here and there. For example, Alfred would wear the blazer and tie sans sweater vest and Converse instead of loafers. Or Matthew would wear a sweater vest and loafers and no blazer or tie. However, the blue plaid pants had to stay but that was okay because those were bitchin'.
"You know what, Mattie?" Alfred began, waiting until Matthew glanced at him. "I think we've got this." He said excitedly, raising a fist. "Brofist!"
The other blond rolled his eyes but humored the other teenager by bumping his fist against Alfred's.
"You look different." Gilbert said suspiciously chin resting on his palm as he leaned further onto the desk, weight supported by his elbow. "Haircut?"
Matthew, already fidgeting under the other's scrutiny, crossed his arms and stared steadfast at the chalkboard, urging class to start already.
The albino next to him frowned and continued staring. "Nose job?"
"N-no!"
"Hey, hey, it was a guess." The other said easily with an innocent grin. "Just teasin', Mattie. Geez."
Matthew glared at him. "Nothing is different, Gilbert. And I hope you're not planning on skipping practice again.
"Pfft! I'm too awesome for that crap!" The other said dismissively. The, crimson eyes narrowed as Gilbert leaned forward before realization dawned on his sharp features and he began to chortle. "Kesesese. You're dressed like our goody-two-shoes President!"
Matthew flushed, lips already twisting into a pout. "I'm just trying to set a good example for students like you." He snapped.
"Suuure." Gilbert drawled with a smug look. He gestured at his outfit, everything but the blazer, tie, and loafers. "No one does. Not even Franny goes the whole chalupa and he's the VP."
"…I think you mean enchilada."
"And I think you're turning into a priss."
"Hey Gilbert." Matthew was pretty much done with his friend's antics. Usually he'd have much more patience but he was feeling uncomfortably warm under all his layers and he hadn't properly broken in the loafers and it wasn't even 9 o'clock. "Actually, don't come to practice unless you want to die."
The silver-haired boy just chuckled, although it was a little more subdued, and scooted back over his side of the desk.
"Jones! What the bloody fuck have I told you about interrupting council meetings you wanker?" Arthur bellowed as soon as Matthew dashed into the room, apologies already spilling from his lips.
The junior stopped and stared at the Student Council President, wondering why, oh why, they had to go through this nearly every meeting.
"That is not Alfred. Clearly you must trim those ghastly things since they are affecting your eyesight, cher." Francis said boredly, examining his recently manicured nails. "That is Mathieu and he shall be sitting next to me." And with that, Francis smiled charmingly at the wavy-haired blond and pulled out the seat next to him with a not-so-subtle wink.
Arthur's eye twitched, already foreseeing a potential sexual harassment suit and, worse, a derailed meeting. "Not on my watch, frog." He snarled, cheeks a little pink at having realized that it was not Alfred in the doorway but Matthew Williams (who's only fault was being Alfred's best friend and Francis's cousin).
(To be honest, though, in Arthur's book, those were some pretty big faults.)
"Have a seat. Right here, Matthew." The sandy-haired teen demanded, before catching himself and adding in a kinder voice. "If you would." He gestured at the open seat next to him, trying to smile encouragingly.
Matthew shot an apologetic look at Francis and quickly made his way to Arthur, sitting down and pulling out his report on the month's funds and scribbled ideas for fundraisers.
"It is alright, mon chaton." Francis said dramatically, hand slapping the table as he stared at Matthew who (very reluctantly) made eye contact with the older blond. "We shall always have Montreal." He waggled his eyebrows for effect.
The junior's indigo eyes widened as a dark blush painted his cheeks scarlet. Torn between anger and embarrassment, Matthew didn't know whether to throw his book bag at his cousin or just jump out the window.
Francis knew better than to mention the Montreal Incident. Of course, the blond still didn't think he did anything wrong.
Matthew begged to differ and still had to remind the amorous teenager that "we're cousins and I don't care how beautiful it was and will be, please burn the pictures and find a new obsession".
"Enough!" Ludwig snapped from his end of the table. The Secretary (and the unlucky person in charge of keeping everyone on task), glared at the entire group with annoyed pale blue eyes. "We should've started this meeting exactly five minutes ago." He stared pointedly at Matthew.
"Sorry." The blond mumbled, ducking his head a bit and looking contrite.
Ludwig's face softened minutely and he coughed a bit to cover his slip. "Yes, well, I believe we can now start. Arthur, you have forty-five seconds to officially call this meeting to order, followed by five minutes in which you must give us the details of your most recent meeting with the Headmaster. Then, Matthew, you have seven minutes in which you will present your report. Finally, Francis you have three minutes in which you are allowed to speak and then Arthur you are allotted another five minutes for any additional announcements. Finally, we shall have—"
"Lets just get on with it." Arthur snapped, green eyes daring Ludwig to argue.
The blond student, though displeased at being disrupted, nodded curtly and readied himself to start writing the meeting minutes.
"About bloody time." The green-eyed teen muttered, earning a quiet giggle from Matthew that didn't go unheard.
With a raised, thick eyebrow and a sidelong look at Matthew, the Brit then turned back to his notes. "I now call this meeting to order."
Finally, the meeting ended with no more interruptions. As Francis and Arthur exchanged a few, customary parting insults ("Rosbif" "Git"), Matthew wasted no time exiting after Ludwig in order to make it to practice on time. As he hurried down the hallway, a voice called out after him.
"Matthew! A word, please."
Skidding to a halt, Matthew looked back questioningly as Arthur briskly walked towards him.
"Yes, Arthur?" He asked, ever polite even when rushed.
"I'd like to…apologize for earlier." The older teen said, a little haltingly, as though uncomfortable. "You and Jo-Alfred share a resemblance. It's quite uncanny. But, that's no excuse for my behavior. I—"
Matthew, feeling that Arthur would probably ramble on, quickly interrupted. "Its okay. It happens." He laughed a bit, inwardly wondering if this would be a good time to start flirting.
He looked at Arthur, feeling his confidence slowly drip away as the other seemed to stare into his soul with those sharp green eyes. "Um…so I have prac—"
"You have a bit of fluff here." Arthur picked off some lint from Matthew's lapel and then quickly straightened his tie and collar. "You look quite smart today." And with that he began to walk away.
Matthew stared blankly at the other's retreating back and, before he could censor himself, he shouted, "So do you!" and then promptly winced at how loud (and totally not smooth) he sounded.
Arthur paused, shoulders shaking slightly and when he spoke, there was a bit of a laugh in his tone. "Cheerio, mate."
Matthew refrained from slamming his head against the nearest locker.
Seriously, just what the hell did he get himself into?
Ahaha, okay guys. You all pointed out some great things in the reviews and I will do my best to make this work/not fail! Seriously, though I was gonna incorporate cross-dressing but then I was like "...dude...for what purpose?" ...So maybe another time? -puts away a frilly dress for Matthew to wear- Lol.
And, yeah, this whole thing is a double-edged sword. And it'll be cliched and fun and teenage-movie-ish and lets hope I don't screw up. But your guys' support and interest really inspires me and makes me feel like maybe, just maybe, I won't drop the ball.
So...wanna see another chapter?