Chapter II

So, to sum up what happened to me, I fell asleep on that idiot Alfred's back, he carried me to my house, lied me down on my bed and went on his merry way to do God-knows-what he does after school. Don't think I forgot his punishment, though. It is reserved to be discussed later on. And also, for some reasons, a voice in my head told me to call him, so I did (damn it, voice). I do not quite like texting because if I ever say something embarrassing the recipient would have a copy of it and that would be even more embarrassing. Anyways, our phone call went a little something like this:

"Hey, Artie! I figured you would call. Being carried ain't enough? You were kinda heavy, you know? My back ached afterwards," I can practically hear his pout over here (if that's possible).

"Speak for yourself, you glutton. If we were to swap places there, I would've died or left you on the sidewalk," I retorted back.

"Heh, whatever. Anyways, you wanna hangout tomorrow? It will be like paying your debt to me. I carried you home, you know."

What?! Now, I'm the one in debt to him?! "For your information, you should be the one paying debts to me. You are the one who made me chase you and offered to carry me in the first place! You deserve punishment!"

"Okay, okay. You know what, I'll give you one favour in exchange for my supposed to be punishment. One favour, anytime, anywhere. Deal?"

Well, now that I think about it, the favour could come in handy in the future. I could probably use it against him someday. It's a deal. "Ugh. Fine, I'm just going to write it down so that you don't forget. You do that all the time."

I heard a sigh of relief from the opposite line, "So, now that the topic's all cleared up, do you still agree on the plan for tomorrow? I hope you do. Ain't got anything better to do tomorrow."

Let's go over my schedule. Ludwig won't need my help until the last part of the preparations so that's out of the list. Home works; we actually have an algebra worksheet to be passed on Monday but I'm going to answer it later. Next, none.

"Arthur, are you still there?"

"Wha- Yes, I just spaced out for a bit. I accept your offer but It's not like I want to spend time with you or anything! I just had nothing else to do tomorrow," Dammit, brain. What a good way to function.

Alfred's voice had an obvious change of tone. "Great! I'll pick you up tomorrow at nine. Be ready 'cause we'll be visiting some old places! And McDonalds! I think I heard Mattie call me downstairs. I'll hang up now, okay? You know him when he gets pissed. Good night, Artie!" And the line went off.

The screen turned back to normal and showed my wallpaper. Fun fact, Alfred and I have the same wallpaper; a picture of both of us with him doing a peace sign and his other arm's on my shoulders. He was giving his trademark Alfred smile while I was looking sideways, obviously avoiding the camera. Another fun fact: I absolutely, fucking hate cameras and also people taking pictures of me. I just think I look strange on photos and proceed to hate it. This picture was no exception. Kiku, being the humble friend he was, took the photo for us.

I turned off my phone before I could waste my battery by staring at my wallpaper, to be specific, Alfred. How did I even met him you ask? It's actually really simple but one of the best things that happened in my life.

I was in the library (probably the only place I this school that I like), reading 'The Fault In Our Stars' to spend the rest of my lunch break. I should be chatting along with my lunch acquaintances (technically speaking, people I eat lunch with and proceed to our own group of friends) right now but I left earlier than them because I was feeling out of place already. I tried to put up with their conversations but it feels like they already know each other and that made me feel like I don't belong with them. I couldn't stand it so, what better way to kill time that to read a book. Escape the bitter reality without moving in your place.

A few minutes later, a blond boy from my class approached me with an amazed look.

"You know 'TFIOS' too?"

I was at awe because nowadays, I couldn't find people my age who like to read. Everybody seemed to be immersed with gadgets and social media and does not appreciate a good book and a cup of tea.

I then learned that his name is Alfred and he's from New York City. Despite his love of books, he also plays video games and loves photography. Our conversation dragged on and it seems like time was flying and it's already time to go to class. We parted ways and I continued to think about him and how he made me fit in and how it was comfortable to talk to him and how we could've just sat there for hours and chat. He had this effect on me that no one else had and that made me add him to the list of the little friends I had.

So, that's about it and i's just to put it out of the way.

Back to reality, so, he'll fetch me here and we'll visit some places and eat and then do more stuff. Why the hell does it sounds like a date? Well, for all I know, it's not and stupid thoughts, please do not pester my mind with your presence. Ugh, let's just get back to business, okay?

Well, I need to do the home work first but let's time skip over that because fuck, I can't think of anything but Alfred so just imagine me solving equations for half an hour while randomly face palming myself or hitting myself with a pillow. Sounds crazy, huh. Being friends with a git side effect.

After a half an hour of (pure torture) math, I went on to the journey of searching for what to wear. I open my closet and started digging for a decent attire.

At first, I didn't notice the ever-growing pile of clothes beside me. And when I finally did, I looked at it with disbelief and shoved it all back in the closet. Why did I have suddenly nothing to wear? Fuck, now I sound like a girl right out from Kiku's shoujo mangas. It's just a hangout; why do I have to stress myself over such petty thing?

I finally gave up on the clothes. I threw myself on the bed and groaned in frustration. Why does everything that Alfred says have to be a big deal to me? We'll just go to random places and eat (I keep repeating it for emphasis). Nothing special. It's what normal friends do and it's most certainly not a date! Why did my brain even landed on that conclusion?

I decided that it's best that I sleep early so I have time to clear my head. I'm not really hungry or in the mood to see my brothers so, screw dinner.

A/N: If you are still here, may Alfred bless you wih his piggybacks. So, here it is and it's slightly long than the last chapter. Yey. All the USUK action is gonna happen in the next chapter where they go on a 'totally-not-a-date-it's-just-a-hangout-session'. It's like two in the morning here in my place so I'm just going to leave it here. Reviews are appreciated (and it makes me silently scream and roll on the floor, overwhelmed).