Chapter Rating: K+
Arthur stared down at the flyer in his hand. The entire paper was an atrocity; from the tacky blue and red border, the 'Mu Alpha Nu' lettering scattered about, the pictures of fraternity boys shirtless and flexing, some even holding beer cans. And then of course, there was the content in the center of the flyer:
Wanna run with the cool crowd on campus?
See if you have what it takes to be a M.A.N.
Come to our informational Open House this Saturday!
Arthur could practically picture the kind of person who put the leaflet together, clearly someone with the attention span of a six-year old and devotes 14 hours per day in the gym.
There was only one way for the gentlemanly Arthur Kirkland to be initiated into this monstrosity of an organization. He would have to update his wardrobe, that would be the first step. What did these frat boys wear? Polo shirts and khakis? Arthur shuddered with trepidation; it was a stark difference from his usual outfit comprising of sweater vests and clean slacks.
Sacrifices, constant sacrifices.
Besides the wardrobe change, he also had to work on his attitude. How should he act? Like a moronic girl-obsessed knucklehead American arsehole? Yes…that might work.
It might be difficult for him to fake an interest in boobs though, he had accepted his homosexuality from an early age. Being the 20-year old man that he was, he definitely had a bit of a perverted streak and had his occasional (usual) night filled with watching gay porn videos, not that he dared let anyone know that.
And unfortunately for him and his kinky libido, had been so long since he actually had sexual intercourse with another man, most blokes he met at the pub tended to find his brash, no-nonsense personality unappealing after 10 minutes. It was quite maddening, he could only do so much with his own hands, after all. And lord knows he didn't want to bed an American prick; even though he was surrounded by them anywhere he went on campus. Meathead was most definitely not his type.
Nevertheless, now was no time to grovel in his lack of sex as of late. He was a man on a mission. Two days to prepare himself for the fraternity's Open House.
When had this happened to him, he thought. When had he become so obsessed with this whole fraternity situation that he had stopped caring about what he was supposed to focus on while attending uni? Such as his boring course schedule, eating the shitty dining hall food (one could argue it was worse than his own cooking), and he couldn't forget attempting to make a good impression on his stoic German roommate. Although he probably nipped that one in the bud as soon his roommate spotted him unpacking his unicorn figurines and embroidery kit. Arthur had received quite a disgusted look from that. Perhaps he should have kept those stowed away to save face, but his pride reminded him to not stoop so low as to change his mannerisms to match the societal expectations. He could still be himself and succeed here. Right?
Oh, that's right. He couldn't act himself if he wanted to join Mu Alpha Nu. God, this was so insufferable. Surely they would take away his dignity and worth by the end of it, wringing out every last drop of his pride until there was nothing left. Sigh.
Arthur was so lost in his thoughts that he startled when he heard the sound of his door being unlocked and saw his roommate step into the room. His name was Ludwig, and although they two didn't talk much, at least the German kept the room tidy and neat.
"Guten tag", Ludwig murmured in greeting as he briskly walked past Arthur to his side of the room. He spared a quick glance at the paper in Arthur's hand and his eyes widened a bit. "You are interested in joining Mu Alpha Nu?" The shock was evident in his voice.
Arthur nodded briefly.
"Hm." Ludwig looked thoughtful for a moment, "I didn't think you would be the type to join a fraternity."
Arthur narrowed his eyes, slightly offended at his roommate's judgments. "Yes well. There's obviously a lot you don't know about me, then."
The taller blond ignored Arthur's hostile tone. "I'm actually going to that Open House as well. Perhaps we can go together."
Now Arthur was shocked. "Wait…YOU are trying to join the same frat? And you said I don't look the type?"
At this, Ludwig allowed a tight grimace to tug his lips downward. "Mein bruder…I mean…my brother is actually a dedicated member of the organization. And he is more or less forcing me to join as well. He said I would have no issues getting inducted since he is on the Executive Board. It may be nice though, being part of a close group, going to events, meeting people at parties, yes, all of those reasons…"
With his downtrodden speech, it almost sounded like Ludwig was trying to convince himself that there would be at least some benefits. Hmm, if well if Ludwig had qualms about this as well, maybe the two could get along after all? At least Arthur knew they had one thing in common now.
"I'm sure it will be fine. Your brother is apart of it so it can't be all that bad." Arthur said, "Are you two similar?"
The German laughed, short and amused. Arthur had never heard him laugh before. "Nein, not at all. We are completely opposite in fact. He is much more…ah how do I put it? Untamed."
Well that didn't make Arthur feel any better. "Oh…well then. Since I'm also being forced by a family member to join, it would be nice to go with a familiar face."
"You're feeling the family pressure too hm? I guess that's common. Ja, we can go to the Open House together and I can introduce you to my brother, if you'd like. You can see for yourself what he is like. I assure that you won't be disappointed."
Arthur smiled, it seemed that he had made an acquaintance of his roommate after all. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad.
A/N: Alfred will be coming soon, don't you worry ;)