Written for USUK Summer Camp 2012 nonbeta though

August 2: I'll Make a Man out of You!

I'll Make a Man out of You!

By HamburgerWithTea

/Summary/

Alfred asks Arthur to tutor him in English Literature but soon finds himself falling in love with the guy. Let's see how far he'll go to impress the other, even if it means working incredibly hard to become a proper man…

"Arthur, wait!" A loud and enthusiastic voice called after the young Briton. He never really had anyone yelling at him down the corridor –not that he didn't have friends, but his friends were usually more quiet and subtle. But aside from that, he'd most definitely not expected to be called after by Alfred F Jones. TheAlfred F Jones.

He was a well-known guy around the school, mostly for his –apparently- very good skills in sports. And yes, Alfred really did seem like the guy to be good at sports despite his looks being a bit dorky. He sure had the muscle.

"Arthur!" Alfred stopped his running right next to Arthur, bag casually slung over his right shoulder and a bit panting due to the effort he'd put into getting near the Briton.

"Alfred?" The smaller blond asked, wondering what the other wanted with him. There was no proper reason as to why one of the most popular guys of school would talk to him. He was just a normal student after all, just doing his best at trying to get good grades while not doing much special in the rest of his life.

"Wow, dude, uhm…" The other replied, figuring that Arthur wondered what made him bother with the Briton, "I wanted to ask you a favour." He said, rubbing the back of his head. Alfred tried his best not to get on Arthur's bad side; he was known for being a bit grumpy and he couldn't use that when he was trying to ask the other something important as this.

"Sure," Arthur said, becoming a bit curious, "What is it?"

"Would you mind to teach me things like English Literature and stuff?" He asked, hoping the other would agree. Alfred himself was good at sports and all scientific subjects, but he had some trouble with other important ones and he really needed to improve to pass properly and get himself into a good college or university.

Alfred had asked the teacher about it, but she'd told him she herself was too busy to take care of it, but since Arthur was honour student on that subject he would be the best to go to instead. Alfred's heart had jumped a bit in happiness as he heard it, after all he got a chance to spend time with Arthur, but also realised that he really should take this seriously.

That's why he'd approached Arthur himself. He'd always been quite fond of Arthur; his clever comments, good grades and interesting character made him wonderfully interesting in the American's opinion, but they'd never really spoken. Sure, they'd done a group project together some time but that was barely anything, and Alfred would love to get to know the other a bit better.

Arthur had been surprised to hear the question. Him? Teaching the other English Literature? Sure, no problem for him because he actually even considered a job as teacher on that subject at some point in life, but it was weird for others to ask for his help. They would usually figure Arthur didn't have much patience with them and would end up practically torturing them until they knew every single thing there was to know. That's just the image others has labelled him as.

"…Yes," Arthur said, "T-that'd be fine, I think." He wasn't certain if this might be a joke of the popular kids in school, so a bit of cautious to stay on the safe side would not hurt, yet Alfred seemed to be honest about it as he yelled out in achievement.

"Yes!" He said, "That's good, Artie, thanks!" His famous wide smile covered his face now and Arthur felt some pride start to form in his stomach. One of the popular kids actually needed his help!

"You're welcome. When can we meet? We might be able to arrange some free spaces in the library where we can sit. I don't have that much to do today, so it depends on when you have time." Arthur knew the other had also training –was it for football or basketball at this part of the year?- later today so he figured Alfred had a tight schedule in which they'd had to plan everything properly.

"Uhm," Alfred wondered as he took out his training schedule from his bag, "I can meet up before training, I'll have about one hour to study. Today's a day with the most training hours, so I won't be able to stay that long, but tomorrow I'll have more time."

"Do you have any limited amount of time you have to spend for it? Any parts you really don't understand even though they're important?" Arthur asked. It could make a great difference in how much they'd have to meet up.

"Let's see," Alfred said, thinking for a bit, "I think for now it'd be best to spend as much time as possible. I'm already behind on some stuff and it'd be really annoying if I fail the upcoming test…"

"Okay," Arthur said, "We'll meet at the library then, after school, for an hour. If you'd be kind enough to let me borrow your training schedule, I'll be able to make you a study schedule that fits with it. Is that all right with you?"

"Sure!" The American blond replied just as the bell rang, "See you then Artie, bye!" And with a quick movement Alfred handed Arthur the schedule, running of for class soon after. The first thing Arthur would make the other remember, is that his name was Arthur, not Artie.

Weeks passed and Alfred finally seemed to build some muscle, and keep his English Literature grade up as well. The last tests had gone perfectly, and though he was more focussing on the upcoming soccer match now, he still understood most of it well.

Arthur was good as explaining and helping him remember things, which made it a lot easier for Alfred. He didn't even bother to focus in class anymore, he figured Arthur would explain it better to him anyways, even though the other would scold him for not knowing anything at first.

The blond American didn't know when it happened, but at one point he found himself wanting to impress the other. Impress Arthur with being smart, being good at sports, anything…

He didn't really know where these feelings were coming from, but he found them motivating and figured it wouldn't hurt to use them as a good reason to work even harder. Alfred had even offered Arthur to help him with physics at one point.

The Briton had, after a long time if keeping it silent, admitted to Alfred that he didn't understand anything of the chapter they were working on. Normally he'd refuse to ask for help, but this time his grade was in danger and he couldn't afford to fail this test. Not knowing anyone else with good physic skills but Alfred and the teacher, he'd confronted the American with his problem. After all, the teacher had already explained it to him many times but he still didn't understand.

Alfred had made it easier for him to understand. It still took some effort and quite a few hours of studying, but if he tried hard enough he was sure he could pass the test. Alfred was just glad he could do something in return for Arthur's generous helping.

Over time they found themselves getting more used to the other and that would soon result in a more comfortable atmosphere. They would have occasional arguments, but would soon make up as they realised they really needed each other's help.

The days passed quickly and turned into weeks which became months and slowly Alfred found himself falling for the smaller blond. By now the small smiles of approval and the silly remarks about Alfred's 'stupidity' made Alfred's stomach tingle with butterflies. Arthur's green orbs seemed to absorb him, and whenever the Briton spoke to explain a problem Alfred found himself distracted.

It was difficult to concentrate on anything with Arthur around and he started to make stupid mistakes. But Alfred really couldn't help it! He didn't even understand how he'd ever come to fall for the guy, he didn't even expect himself to be gay, or at least bi.

Even worse was when he had to explain something to Arthur instead. He'd have to hover close to the other to point out some parts and sometimes make long calculations, all the time being able to smell the pleasant fragrance that belonged to the smaller man. A mixture of tea, freshly mowed grass and a small bit of rose-soap.

At some point Alfred really didn't know what to do anymore so he decided to ask someone for advice. Now there were several people who he knew were good at giving advice on romance, but he still found himself trust Kiku the best.

The small Japanese boy had always been greatly understanding and Alfred felt more comfortable asking him about the matter. Kiku, apparently, knew about Alfred's love interest even before Alfred himself did.

"I've known since the beginning," He told the American, "It's not like you're the best on hiding things, Alfred, especially not on this matter. But I am willing to help you, don't worry."

"Really?" Alfred asked, he was really glad he could trust his friend with this, "That's so awesome, Kiku, thank you so much. Damn I wish I could impress Arthur in some way, I dunno, I just want him to fall in love with me without forcing something up on him…" The American started to ponder about what things he could do in order to impress the stubborn Briton.

"Think of what he likes," Said the Japanese boy next to him, "He likes people who work hard, right? Since I'm sure you'll be able to show him that."

"But how?" Alfred's voice suddenly sound desperate. He'd never been this serious before and he really wanted this to work out, so how could he make sure Arthur would be impressed by his hard working? It's not like the other didn't already know he studied hard for his English Literature and trained hard for the school's soccer team.

"Hmm," Kiku had to think about that, "I think I can get Yao to arrange something. He's good with these things…"

And so, three days later, Alfred found himself in the gym. He'd never thought of the Chinese man to be good at sports, but apparently the other had planned something out, something which would make it visible how much the other worked and how much success it gave in just a small period of time.

"Hello," Alfred greeted a bit insecure, "I'm Alfred…"

"I know," Yao said, "And you know my name too. Now let us get on with the real business to avoid wasting any more time."

Alfred nodded. He couldn't wait to see what would happen next. He liked sport and he'd like to see how it could help him with his problems.

"I made you a schedule which includes both extra training and studying," Yao began, "This way both your body and brain will be used to show your true colours." Alfred didn't know what this had to do with anything but he figured the other knew what he did. Still he couldn't resist asking.

"So, how will that help me?" Yao just stared back at him as if he was the stupidest thing he'd ever met in life.

"It'll show how you work hard by studying more than he told you to and working even harder for your sports. I warn you it'll be tough of you, but I figured if this is really what you want, you'd do your best. Now let's get down to business; first off, name as many English-speaking poets as you can think of while doing pushups, aru."

"What?" Alfred asked, "That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard in ages!" He commented on the idea. It really was, didn't it just sound stupid?

"Now do you want to impress Arthur or not? Get to work, I promise I'll make a man out of you!"

It's been a few weeks since then, and Alfred started to feel that it indeed had a great impact on him. It made him collapse on his bed as soon as he got home, work 'till late in the night and all he hoped was just for it to work out.

It was tiresome, but most definitely worth the effort. Arthur had been so proud of him as he knew more about the English Literature every time and at one point he even proposed giving up on the teaching, but Alfred refused; he convinced Arthur he still needed it.

Also his sports had been going better. The team had improved a lot in a whole, but the coach had pointed out to Alfred as one of the most improved teammates. He'd even been elected to play for the school against other schools in order to try achieve the School-Cup. It's been a long while since their school last won it.

When Alfred had told Arthur the news, he'd acted so happy, so excited. Alfred couldn't help but just stare at the other male as she smile seemed so honest. Arthur's whole face lit up even with a small smile; his eyes almost seemed to become a shade lighter as a small shade of pink covered his cheeks in gladness.

Arthur had even gotten as far as to buy him a McDonald's burger as a reward. Alfred knew Arthur would never ever go there for normal people, so he was really happy to know he was dear enough to Arthur to receive such a special treatment.

Today Alfred was off to the gym again, where he knew Yao would be waiting. What he didn't know was that Arthur was following him. Arthur decided it wouldn't hurt to spend some time watching Alfred's training as he didn't have much else to do.

It surprised him though, that as he got at the gym, he could only see Alfred and Yao. The Chinese boy was obviously forcing Alfred into all kinds of activities while Alfred said parts of their teaching sessions out loud. The guy was both training and studying at once? No wonder the boy had improved so much despite not spending much more time at school than usual.

"Pff," Arthur heard Alfred say, "This sure is tiresome, can I get a break or something?"

"No," Yao said, "Now do you want to impress your love or not? If you do, then continiue this for the next five minutes, aru."

Alfred sighed but knew this was the best to do, he had to work hard to achieve his goals.

From the sidelines, hidden behind one of the big poles –he didn't know why but he felt the urge to hide- Arthur found himself getting fascinated by the other. The boy worked so hard to achieve all that and he still managed to have enough energy left to smile brightly at all times.

And then there were the boy, no man's muscles, moving slowly and with concentration as Alfred made his movements. It was captivating to look at and Arthur found himself shaking his head in confusion, he shouldn't be thinking this of the other, after all Yao had started about a certain 'Love'.

Did Alfred really do this much for the one he loved? If so, that person had to be damn lucky and Arthur could feel how jealousy started to boil in his stomach. He hated it, but he knew he was one to become easily jealous, especially on this type of matter.

An hour passed with Alfred working out but at one point he decided to quit, telling Yao he had to leave a bit earlier today.

"Why, may I ask?" Yao questioned him.

"Uhm, some important business to talk about with Kiku. See you later!" Alfred said, waving his hand in goodbye as he walked off.

"Good bye, aru. Tomorrow training starts after your study session with Arthur." The Chinese boy helped reminding him.

Arthur was still hiding as he noticed Alfred was walking right his way. Now it'd be really strange if the other were to find him now, after all it'd look like he'd been creeping on them and that sure would be hard to explain. Without bothering much longer, Arthur decided to find a better hiding spot and did so; hiding in the storage room.

He could hear how Alfred's footsteps left the changing room after showering and switching cloths quickly, and Arthur got out of the room. He had to hurry in order to catch Kiku in time. The Japanese boy had asked him to meet up around this time. Arthur didn't understand why, but the boy was overall vague, and since he was kind the blond figured it wouldn't be anything bad.

His interest was caught, though, as he could hear two familiar voices discuss something further down the hallway. He didn't like eavesdropping, but one of the voices sounded just like the one owned by the man he was in search for.

"Glad you could make it, Alfred! How's the training been?" A voice in a familiar Japanese accent asked, "Yao's good at things like this, I knew he'd be able to help you."

"Yeah," Alfred said, "Thanks for the advice, bro. It's tiresome but I think it works, after all Arthur seemed to notice the improvements. I mean, he even bought me a hamburger!" His voice sounded excited.

But what interested Arthur the most was the fact they were talking about him. Why would they discuss him, and why would it Kiku greet Alfred as if they'd arranged a meeting, as Arthur had obviously been invited by the boy as well?

"It's good to hear so," Kiku told the American, "I'm wondering though, if you ever get to, how would you confess to him?"

Alfred found it a bit of a weird question but figured it'd not hurt to think about this or tell the other. Maybe the other boy was even able to help him out with arranging some stuff?

"Dude, it's damn hard to find out what he likes! He's as mysterious as the dark side of the moon, or something, I dunno. I love him but he… Uhg!" He couldn't explain it properly, no matter how hard he tried. Kiku understood him well though.

"But, don't you have any small ideas that you think would impress him?" The Japanese boy tried to convince him, "Just anything could work…" And Alfred figured that yes, maybe there was something he could do.

"Man, if I could, I'd buy him a lot of roses. He smells a bit like roses and I think he told me he liked them a lot," He started, knowing he'd ramble, "I'd order a lot of roses, send them all to him, like as many as I can buy! So much it'd cover him fully and I'm sure he'd be super surprised." Alfred sounded so excited, "And I'd add sweet notes to them. I know it's girly but I'm sure Artie would love this, he's a sucker for these romance thingies!"

Was he being serious? How cold this not be a joke? Arthur could feel a small blush appear on his cheeks as he continued to listen.

"I'm not sure which colour he likes the best, though, so I guess I'll stick with a lot of different colours?" The American continued, "And then I'll walk up to him and ask him out on a date, with one of these poems he loves so much! I just really, really wish he'll say yes, god that'd be wonderful…" Alfred sounded as if he could already imagine it all.

"Aha," Kiku said, "Did you hear that, Arthur? Don't roses sound lovely?"

Both blonds went silent in shock as they could hear the Japanese boy chuckle. Had he meant for this to happen? Suddenly the kind and polite Japanese man seemed way more frightening, neither of them had ever expected this of him.

"Please," The Japanese man said, "Join us, Arthur, for I know you're near."

It took Arthur a few moments to grab himself together and make his way towards the others, face red and all he wanted to do was just melt and drop through the floor.

Alfred just gawked at him. He'd not expected this and it was downright embarrassing that he'd just confessed that plan out loud, in front of Arthur. He didn't know what to do.

"Artie, wait, wow since when…" He stumbled over his thoughts, "D-dude, sorry I mean I didn't know you were there, okay. Wow man, Kiku why did you do that? God now I look like an idiot, I'm so sorry Arthur I'll just, I dunno, leave now…" Alfred found his own face heat up as well and was ready to take his leave. This was a seriously unheroic situation and he wanted to do anything to flee from it.

But just as he was about to set off he could hear someone call after him.

"No," Arthur voice sounded almost desperate as he said it just a bit too loud, "No, Alfred, i-it's fine…" the last was whispered and made Alfred wonder. Maybe he was in luck?

"…R-really?" Alfred asked, still a bit surprised. He just really wished that whatever would happen, it'd be something good.

"Yes," Arthur said, "I-I'd love to go out with you, on a date and all, and many other dates and I'm really proud of you for working so hard and I'm terribly flattered by how much you did for me and just, just—…" His rambling was cut off though, as he could feel warm, strong arms wrap around him.

"Don't worry, Artie," Alfred said, "We'll so that, and I'll make sure to work hard so you can be even prouder!"

Kiku, who walked away from the scene quietly, knowing the others wouldn't notice. He knew they would end up well, they were just made for each other. He was glad his plan worked out and really, Alfred had become a man; both inside and outside.

/Author's Note/

Wow talk about shitty writing! Aside from me constantly writing Yaoi instead of Yao by accident. Oops.

So yey story, damn it's shit. I'm not happy with this but god I'm tired and don't get me started on my mum distracting me half way. I've been in a pissy mood all day, but this just… topped it.

Well whatever for my first world problems, sorry for the crappy writing I wish I can do better for the last two days! I'll try!

Also, I started a TIIIINYYYYY bit too very very late writing this so it's a bit rushed, hopefully someone can beta otherwise I'll just upload :I

BYE GUYS 3

I do not own Hetalia or the characters, those belong to their rightful (awesome) creator, Hidekaz Himaruya!

(08/02/12)