Alfred stared at his father in shock before narrowing his eyes. He had expected Arthur to come down here and try to force him to go home but never his Papa. Still, he crossed his arms, putting up a brave front. "No."
"I am sick of this nonsense. You will come home this instance." Francis replied strictly. His voice was serious, absent of all its normal humor and softness. Alfred clenched his fists at his side, feeling his resolve begin to weaken. He really did want to go home. He missed it a lot but no. He refused! He would go when he himself wanted to!
"You can't make me! I'm staying right here." He yelled, stomping a foot for good measure. He didn't expect the response he got.
Francis grit his teeth, coming forward in a flash in order to grab his son's arm and yank him forward. Now at the same level height wise, he stared straight into his son's nervous blue eyes. "I am sick of your selfish behavior. You are coming home right now. You will talk to Arthur and settle this out and we will have a wonderful Christmas! Do you understand me!"
Alfred stared at his father with wide frightened eyes. He had never seen him so angry. He didn't know what to do.
"Do you understand me?" Francis repeated and his voice got even darker, if that were possible.
"Y-yes." Alfred finally stuttered out, nodding his head to back up his verbal claim. Francis released his hold and straightened himself up.
"Good. Get in the car." The American hesitated a moment but a firm glare had hims scurrying to the vehicle. Ivan ground his teeth. He did not like this. Alfred should be free to make his own decisions. He never felt this way towards the nicer French father.
"If he does not wish to leave then he can stay." The Russian snapped at the elder.
"Ivan. You are not a part of our family, this does not concern you." Francis retorted irritably before stalking to his car. Ivan tightened his fists, debating internally whether he could punch him without having Alfred become angry with him. The risk seemed to great and before he could decide the car had sped away.
Alfred didn't make eye contact the entire ride home. He looked out of the window, hoping to God something kept them from reach there home. He quickly regretted that wish as he caught sight of his father's cast, still wrapped around his left leg. He didn't want anything like that ever to happen again.
Maybe if he spoke and reasoned with him he wouldn't be in so much trouble? Francis was always the understanding one. He would let him off easy.
"Pap-"
"No talking. I don't want to hear it." Francis snapped, surprising Alfred. Francis always advocated for talking it out. He never told him to shut up.
Alfred fell silent, looking through the window and become progressively angrier the closer he got to his house. They were the ones that were being unfair and selfish! Not him! Arthur had hit him! He didn't want to be yelled at again. He didn't want to deal with him. He was the right one! He wanted to go back to Ivan because at least he understood and sided with him. No one ever sided with him.
The minute he got home he would just scream at Arthur and lock himself in his room. Therefore he couldn't get yelled at back. Maybe he could even climb out of the window and sneak out. He just didn't want to see Arthur's fac-
The house came into view much faster than he expected.
Francis opened the door, ushering the younger into the home with little ceremony. It looked startlingly the same as when he had left. For some reason Alfred had felt it would have changed completely after his absence.
"Arthur! Matthieu! Vien ici!" (Come here!) Francis called into the house, motioning Alfred into the family room. The American heard the tell tale sound of footsteps coming down the steps. Well here it comes. Time for the yelling. He braced himself, thinking of something angry to say that would give him enough time to storm up to his bedroom.
A moment later, Arthur stepped into the room and stared at him. Literally stared at him with wide green eyes. "Alfred?" It was said softly, almost in disbelief and all of Alfred's arguments died in his throat.
The Englishman hurried forward, stopping just in front of the younger teen. He raised his hand and Alfred flinched, causing the Brit to frown further. He didn't hit him. Instead, his hand touched the others cheek softly, apologetically.
"Are you alright?" Arthur asked softly, worry was extremely apparent in his green eyes.
Alfred blinked. He could have said no, he could have cursed him out, but he just couldn't. "Yeah, I'm ok. It doesn't hurt."
"I'm sorry, I never should have done that ever." Arthur apologized.
Alfred stared at him in disbelief. Arthur almost never apologized so readily! He couldn't stop himself from quickly assuring, "It's ok."
Arthur shook his head, taking a step back. "No, it's not."
Alfred didn't know what to say. He had expected to be yelled at, to argue all night long but he'd only been home for a minute and Arthur had already apologized.
"Arthur." Francis urged with a frown from the doorway. The matter was not done yet.
"I... I apologize for yelling at you so much. I will allow you to see Ivan if you promise to be careful." Arthur hesitantly sighed out, not looking his son in the eyes. He still didn't approve of the relationship. But, it seemed he was adamant on dating the Russian and he would rather have him live at home and not at Toris'.
"R-really?" Alfred couldn't even believe his ears. This was so amazingly awesome! He couldn't wait to tell Ivan!
"Yes." Arthur looked down at his shoes, "I-I..." He couldn't even ask the next part. It hurt too much.
Francis stepped forward, sensing his husband's pain. He pulled out the piece of paper that had crumpled in his pocket, "Is this true Alfred?" He asked, passing the page to him.
Alfred recognized it immediately and he suddenly felt like shit. He shook his head, looking to his parents and feeling even worse at how horrible his dad looked, "No! I mean, I was angry when I wrote this and-"
"Alfred. I never ever could hate you. You know that right yes?" Arthur whispered, hurt prevalent in his voice.
Alfred bit his lip, "I... It's just you're always yelling!"
"I don't mean too! It's just frustrating! But that could never make me hate you!" Arthur defended quickly.
"Then why do you treat me like I'm an idiotic screw up!" Alfred snapped, because it was true. Sometimes it did feel like his dad didn't like him.
"I never do! Sometimes it seems as if you don't apply yourself. I worry for you."
"I do try! I try all the time! I'm sorry I'm not the genius you wanted!"
"Stop saying that!" Arthur yelled. That wasn't true. How could that ever be true?
"But its true! Even if I try I still won't get As so what does it matter? All you do is yell at me for failing and if I do succeed you accuse me of cheating!"
"I-" Arthur floundered, unable to get any word in.
"You're never proud of me and it—it-it hurts." Alfred finally blurted out, because it did. It really did. He felt his eyes watering at the mere statement spoken from his lips.
"Sometimes you act irresponsible, and sometimes you frustrate me to no end," Arthur spoke quietly but carefully, looking deeply into those hurt blue eyes, "But I could never not be proud of you."
Alfred stared at him. He couldn't do anything else.
Arthur faltered at the lack of reaction, suddenly fearing he had said something wrong yet again, "I just want whats best for you Alfred. I... I don't know what I'm doing, ok? You're right, I'm not your father and I-"
"You are my Dad!" Alfred quickly shouted, surprising the Brit. "You'll always be my Dad! I didn't mean it! I'm sorry! I don't hate you ok? I was just... I was just mad and stuff!" He just couldn't bear seeing him say he wasn't his father. He just couldn't. "Sam Jones might be my biological father but he isn't my Dad and never will be. Its you. Just you. I love you Dad."
Francis gave Arthur a push and that was all the Brit needed to hug his once tiny boy tightly. His heart just surged at those words. Especially when his sons arms reciprocated the hug and almost suffocated him. He didn't mind though. "Don't you ever run off like that again." He whispered into his ear, and Alfred nodded into his shoulder.
"Hey Matt!" Gilbert greeted into his cell.
"Hey Gil—Stop it Al!" Matthew giggled into the phone, pawing at the others hand. Alfred was attempting to get the phone out of his hand, only succeeding in annoying him.
"Oh good, hes back. You sound happier." Gilbert commented. His cute little boyfriend had been so depressed when Alfred had left. That had translated into Matthew not wanting to leave the house and therefore not wanting to see him which was totally not awesome.
"Yeah."
"So, can I come over early?" Gilbert asked, rolling on his back on the couch. He was so bored. He wanted to see Matthew so badly, maybe have some fun before dinner. He had deprived for almost a week!
"I don't think you can. Al and I are hanging out and helping Dad and Papa prepare. Just come at around 6." Matthew answered, seemingly oblivious to his boyfriends eagerness to come over.
"But I haven't seen you since Tuesday!" The albino reasoned with a whine. It wasn't fair!
"Hey, Gilbo. You're gonna deal, k? Bros before hos. BTW you're the ho."Alfred had finally succeeded in stealing his brother's cell, cackling at the Prussian's misfortune before hanging up.
"Al! That was mean." Matthew scolded, though he couldn't hide his smile. He was just happy his brother was back to annoy and torment him.
"Come on, Mattie! We're suppose to be having fun!" Alfred defended with his normal carefree grin.
"No. We're suppose to be helping Papa and Dad set up." The younger corrected.
"Yeah yeah. Whatever!"
Matthew rolled his eyes but smiled none the less. He really had missed his brother terribly. The house had been so dark and lonely without his vibrant presence.
"Alfred! Matthew!" Arthur called up the stairs, "Help set the table and then you can play!"
"Alright Dad!" Alfred called back, standing up from his bed.
The pair trotted down the steps, taking in the heavenly aroma wafting from the kitchen. They spotted Arthur in the living room, tidying up the area. Their father was legally obligated to stay at least a 9 feet radius from the kitchen whenever Papa was cooking such a special dinner, less he ruin it with his British-ness. (Arthur of course had vehemently argued this fact until the Thanksgiving Dinner a few years ago when he had accidentally dumped a whole vial of salt into the stuffing and then caused a fire by turning up the oven temperature to the highest degree with his elbow while trying to dig out the aforementioned from the meal. It is unneccesary to state that the family did not have turkey that evening and that Arthur apologized by buying a new adult outfit for himself. The children didn't see much of the two for the rest of the weekend.)
"Over here!" Francis called from the kitchen, directing his boys to where he had pulled out the fancy dinner plates. The twins nodded, each taking a pile to set the table.
"Wheres Alfred?" Toris asked, coming into the house with his brothers in toe.
"He returned home." Ivan responded with a frown.
"Oh? I'm glad, I didn't know how the dinner party tonight would go if they were still having troubles..."
"Ah, right... I forgot about the dinner." That would be the perfect time to give it to him instead of coming over again on Christmas day.
Even though Ivan had been saddened at the fact that Alfred had left his home he was somewhat relieved. Alfred could get very tiring and his clingy nature kept him from wrapping up his gift. He had gotten him one the minute Alfred reminded him it was a gift giving holiday a few weeks ago. He truly hoped he would like it.
"Its not for another few hours, you do not have to worry." Toris assured, going to leave the room before pausing suddenly. "I.. Er...Your birthday is coming up... Do you have anything in mind?"
Ivan tilted his head in confusion at the question, "I do not understand."
"Like, do you want to have a party—Or I guess have Alfred over? I mean..I-"
"A party? Is that what Americans do for birthdays?" Ivan asked.
"Its what most people do..."
"Nyet, I am fine." He knew his birthday was the 30th of December but he had never really celebrated it. Katyusha would merely tell him that it was his birthday, give him an extra loving hug and kiss and that was all. But in America you were to have a party of sorts? Well, he had no interest in that, but any excuse for the American to come over was welcome.
Toris frowned but nodded, leaving the room quietly. His fingers clenched and twisted the fabric of his shirt nervously. He hoped to God she knew what she was doing.
Alfred laughed at his brother, folding a napkin to be placed on the table as he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He slipped it out, opening it without really looking at the caller.
"Hello?" He spoke into the phone, moving away from his brother who was threatening to slap him playfully for his comment about Gilbert.
"Alfred?"
Blue eyes lit up in recognition as he heard the familiar voice, "Ivan! Whats up?" Matthew rolled his eyes and Alfred waved him off with his hand while sticking his tongue out.
"You sound happy." Ivan was both happy and slightly irritated. For one, he enjoyed Alfred happy and vibrant. Yet, he wasn't the one making him happy right now and that thought made him slightly angry. He ignored it.
"Yeah, everything's cool again. Thanks for letting me stay over for so long."
"It is nothing. I wanted to ask you to come over again on the 30th."
Alfred raised an eyebrow, "Uh...Sure I guess. Any reason?" Why was Ivan being so specific?
"Nothing important. I just want to see you."
Alfred blushed slightly his smile growing even if he didn't wish it too, "You're so weird... Yeah, I'll be over. You know, you could have just asked me later tonight!"
"I felt it was important."
"Right, anyway I gotta go. Mattie's gettin' mad at me for not helping. I'll see you soon, k?"
"Da."
Alfred hung up with a smile, turning back around toward his brother who looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What?" Alfred snapped slightly defensively. Shit, he probably looked like a lovesick school girl.
"So... What did you do at Ivan's for a week?" Matthew asked, his lips tugging into a little smirk.
"Shut up. I didn't do anything like that! We just kinda hung out, watched TV, slept toget-"
"You slept together!" Matthew nearly dropped his plates, eyes wide in shock. It was a good thing that even though Matthew was yelling it was still at a low volume, or else his father might have heard him.
"No! I didn't! Not like that! I meant, we slept in the same bed but all we did was sleep!" Alfred quickly defended, a blush rising to his cheeks. "And I wore pajamas and everything! Not just boxers, except for when we played strip poker and-"
"You stripped for him!"
"No! I mean..Sort of! I didn't want to but I lost like every hand!" The elder stuttered out. He hated being on the spot.
"Alfred, are you trying to tell me that you spent and entire week with your boyfriend sleeping in his bed and stripping and didn't do anything?"
"Hey! The stripping part was just the once. I don't know... we kissed and stuff but... I don't know its just kinda complicated."
"What is?"
"Everything." He let out heavily, his hand running through his hair nervously.
"Are you still trying to deny the fact that you like him?" Matthew sighed giving him an unamused look.
"No! I like him! I like him a lot!" Alfred said almost instantly and he covered his mouth. Matthew raised his brows and smiled, happy his brother was finally being honest with himself. "Its just...I'm a little.." Scared. Even if heroes were never scared. It was just,he didn't know if he should be getting so close to Ivan, if he should still want to kiss him, to touch him after learning what he had done. Was something wrong with him?
"A little what?"
Alfred sighed, this was something he just couldn't tell his brother, and it killed him. "I can't tell you. I'm sorry, its just—never mind I'll figure it out myself."
Matthew gave him a skeptical look but didn't press. He frowned, finishing setting the table by placing the final plate. Alfred remained silent, following his brother out of the room and into the family room. His eyes caught sight of a few of the wrapped gifts, sitting beneath the decorated tree.
"Shit."
"Huh?" Matthew glanced back at him at the sound of the curse.
"I forgot. I completely forgot. Oh my God! I'm so so so sorry Mattie! I didn't get you anything! Or Dad, or Papa!"
Matthew's eyes softened, "It's ok, Al. I'm just glad your home."
Alfred bit his lip, feeling guilt pool into his stomach because of his stupid forgetfulness.
"I know," Matthew offered, hoping to ease his brothers guilt. "Promise you'll treat Gil nicer from now on. That would be a great gift."
Alfred grimaced at the thought, it left a bad taste in his mouth. Still, he didn't have much choice and sighed. "Fine." He drew the word out, showing his displeasure and Matthew rolled his eyes.
"Boys! Is the table set?" Arthur yelled from the living room, "If so go get changed!"
Alfred put on his Sunday best with no qualms (the only time of the year when he never complained about the stuffy restrictive clothing) and descended the stairs to where Arthur was fussing with the living room to pass the time.
"When are they getting here?" He asked, impatiently, coming over to his father's side.
"Soon." Arthur responded, lifting his head up from his work to take in his son's appearance. Alfred was wearing his nice black dress pants along with a light blue button down shirt that brought out his eyes brilliantly. With a critical eye Arthur smoothed down his shirt, his pants and fussed with him instead of the room. It was very annoying. He let him be though, he didn't want to fight. Not now. They were both trying to be on their best behavior. Alfred had promised not to pick fights and Arthur had promised to try not to yell so much. It was when he licked one of his fingers in a quest to calm that damnable stray hair that Alfred thought best he should stop.
"Dad, stop it." He said calmly, trying to push the hand away.
"I just wish you would let me cut that thing off, or at least gel it into place." The older man sighed, glaring at the cow lick before letting his hand drop. Alfred laughed lightly, playing with the strand with his hand. He let it go and it returned to its stubborn upright position.
"I don't know, I like it."
Arthur rolled his eyes and turned away, hiding his pleasant smile. He really had missed his son so much, stray hair and all.
The doorbell jolted the peace in the room and Arthur quickly made his way over. He had barely anytime to open it when Gilbert all but threw himself inside to find his boyfriend. Arthur ignored it and turned to the two others still waiting on the door step, seemingly oblivious to the fact the door had opened.
"I have plenty of gel, why won't you let me calm it down?" Ludwig growled, twirling the irate curl in his lover's hair. Feliciano, red in the face, tried to pull away from the touch.
"Ludwig! Stop doing that, please!" He begged in his whiny voice. The German never seemed to understand what happened when he touched the sensitive curl.
Arthur let out an awkward cough, making the pair look up quickly. Feliciano got redder, Ludwig frowned awkwardly and Alfred couldn't help but laugh loudly at the entire situation. His input didn't help very much. Feliciano quickly scurried inside, thanking Arthur excessively and handing him a wine bottle as a gift.
Arthur blinked a few times, accepting the gift awkwardly before turning to greet Ludwig into his home. By then, the bubbly Italian had attached himself to Alfred in a warm hug. The younger had laughed as Feliciano spouted compliments of how nice he looked and how much he had grown.
The attention would have gone on for much longer if a smooth French voice had not called a greeting from the kitchen. Feliciano quickly ran off to say hello to Francis, abandoning his boyfriend to awkwardly nod at Alfred before following after him.
Alfred decided to walk toward the kitchen as well, since that was where all the action was anyway. Feliciano was fluttering about the kitchen, looking at the food and asking about recipes. Francis spoke excitedly with him, telling him of new spices he'd tried. It was always funny to see them get so excited about exchanging tips and recipes for different meals.
In the dining room, Gilbert had his arms draped around Matthew, whispering something into his ear. The younger twin, who was trying to put finishing touches on the table, was getting progressively redder as he spoke.
Alfred did not like that all. But, he had promised to be nicer to the albino... Then he caught sight of a pale hand running down his brothers back side to his-.
Well, a hero couldn't just stand there and let his brother be taken advantage of, now could he?
"Hey! Gil, care to share?" He snapped crossing his arms and making his presence in the room apparent. Gilbert looked up, shit eating grin still in place. He didn't move his hand either.
"So, Alfred is back! You gonna treat us like people again instead of just ignoring our very existence?" Matthew elbowed him, giving him a scolding look.
Alfred frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly but before he could retort back the door bell rang through the home.
"That's probably Ivan." Matthew reminded, hoping Alfred would leave and go get the door so the two didn't start fighting. Could he ever have any peace?
"Yeah, you should probably go hurry over to your precious little snowflake." Gilbert cackled and Alfred made sure to send him a threatening look that promised a beating if he didn't shut his mouth.
Arthur had already answered the door, greeting Toris awkwardly after all that had happened in the recent week. Toris had already started apologizing for anything and everything when Eduard quickly tried to calm him down. Arthur shook the middle brother's hand, hoping he was doing well at his University before doing the same with the youngest boy.
He almost closed the door after him if Ivan didn't make himself apparent on his footsteps. Arthur's grip tightened on the doorknob before he opened the door wider for the teen. Ivan entered and the atmosphere seemed so much more tenser. Arthur didn't know what to say without getting Alfred angry with him again so he remained quiet.
Alfred, being the hero of course, quickly saved the situation by running over to the Russian and greeting him. Ivan bent down to give him a kiss but was merely tugged away, feeling green eyes bore into his back.
"No kiss?"
"Not in front of Dad. It makes him angry." Alfred whispered, for once not wanting to incite his father's anger.
"And that is bad why? He is always angry." The Russian tilted his head in confusion. Alfred frowned at the comment, tightening his grip on the other. His Dad wasn't always angry...
"I just want everyone to be happy tonight. Just one big happy family." That's all he ever wanted, really.
Ivan didn't argue with the quiet voice. He wanted Alfred to be happy always and if that meant not inciting anger for the night then so be it. The only problem was, he had no idea how to act as if they were 'one big happy family'. He never really had any experience.
He hoped he didn't mess anything up.
Le gasp! A new chapter! Could it be true? Is the wait finally over? Are we back on schedule?
Yes. Yes we are. Weekly updates once more! Oh I'm so happy to be back.
Now watch me not be able to update next Sunday because of some freak accident T.T
Well, hopefully were back on schedule.
Anyway, I actually don't like this chapter at all. Idk why. I just don't.
Next chapter, we have a dinner which in this story means something about someones past is revealed :o (seriously, go back dinner=exposition)
Anyway, thank you all so much for reviewing. It really does make me come back and update. And I really do want to see this to the end and your support makes it all the easier!
This AN is way too long. I'm a go now. Thanks for reading, hope you liked the family reunion and I'll see you all Sunday!
Oh, BTW: I wrote a new Chapter to Sentenced. (That story gets no love from me). Its not even a real chapter, its all smex... So if you follow that story go check it out and see how much I suck at writing lemony things.