Chapter IX – C for Clan
The drive was quiet and Feliciano felt the electrical tension between the two brothers. The driver, an Indian looking man was smiling pleasantly as if nothing was wrong in the world. If Feliciano wasn't so sure that Arthur is an Omega, he would have mistaken this for a prelude to a dominance fight between Alfas.
Ve! Arthur's brother is scary!
Alistair Kirkland glared at his blonde brother's reflection through his window. After what had happened the last time, he thought Arthur would be wise enough not to go around flirting with bloody Alfas! Okay, this one is a wimp but he could still be a potential danger for his wee baby brother! Why can't Arthur see that?! There is no way in Hell that Alistair is allowing some random Alfa to befriend his brother!
The car stopped suddenly in front of an average house in an average neighbourhood. Feliciano blinked in surprise. He thought Arthur's family, being so important and all, would be living in the high bourgeois areas of town, like himself. He imagined a grand mansion suited for Arthur's social class. But no. It's just a normal house. In fact, it would seem almost small for the number of people it contained.
Although it seems small from the outside …
Feliciano was dragged unceremoniously towards the house by a very irritated Alistair. As they were about to walk inside the house, the door flew open and a man walked out, bumping into the red head.
"Al! Hey! I was looking for you! Where've you been, man?"
"In town." Alistair grunted, not in the mood to be nice with anyone right now, not even his best friend.
Matthias Kohler laughed at how pissed his friend was then he noticed the odd Italian the red head Kirkland was dragging and behind him … Matthias' smile widened even more, almost reaching his ears as he noticed the blonde Kirkland.
"Arty! You're here too! Having a brother bonding time with Alistair?"
"Do you want to be buried or incinerated?" Both Arthur and Alistair spoke in synch, deadly threat in their green eyes that made Feliciano pray he could vanish from existence. But Matthias only chuckled.
"Well seeing how you guys are still on the same wave-length, I don't think you need bonding moments! So how've you been Arty? How's your new school? Made any awesome friends? Got into fights lately? Oh, do you need me to help tutor you or something?"
"Matthias … if you don't stop leeching over my brother, I will personally dig your grave." Alistair threatened and walked inside the house, feeling that his friend would not risk his bluff. Because it wasn't a bluff.
Matthias sighed in resignation but kept smiling to the younger teen. Of course, he had known Arthur and his Clan his whole life. But since a year ago, he started to notice how cute Arthur was. Until now, he had always been protective of Arthur and considered him as a younger brother like Lukas. As a Kohler and the future head of the Kohler clan, Matthias had been separated from his own siblings at the age of ten. Now, they got back together but the gap of losing them for so long had been strain full on him. For ten years he had been forbidden to approach his family back in Sweden and stayed in Denmark with his father. Well, he'd often go on monthly trips to Britain to see the Kirklands and that's how he became best friends with Alistair (as they both are of the same age: 20) and he loved to take care of Arthur. It was a way for him to not feel too heavily the loss of his younger brothers. Frankly, even now, he feels like a complete stranger with his brothers. Lukas is so cold and won't even talk to him, and Berwald is plainly ignoring him or arguing with him. They do not get along at all. Even little Emile is shy around him and doesn't trust him. So Arthur had been like a little brother to replace the ones he had lost.
Until a year ago.
A year ago is when he started to realise that Arthur smelled really nice. That Arthur looked really cute especially when wearing his older brothers' clothes that are slightly too big for him. That Arthur's voice is really soft and music to listen to. That his lips look so delicious that Matthias wished he could taste them. And then, he realised that he felt more than just brotherly love towards his best friend's brother. Problem is … his best friend is an extremely over-protective older brother. There is no way Alistair will let anybody date Arthur. Not just Alistair. Most of Arthur's older brothers would kill anyone who dares to make a move on the blonde. Because not only is Arthur their little brother but he's also the only blood Omega of the Kirkland Clan. Something unheard of. And his clan is especially protective of him.
Even someone from the Kohler family, the only family having a partnership with the Kirklands, is not getting a free pass to them. Matthias could only watch over Arthur but never lay hands on him. It was painful but that's the rules you need to follow if you want to stay friends with the Kirklands. So all he could do was smile and try to get closer to Arthur little by little.
"Matthias, stop bothering Arthur, we're leaving." Came the cold serious voice of Berwald.
Arthur looked up at the two Northern brothers as they glared hatefully at each other. Honestly, it was sad that they got separated when they were young … he was lucky to have been surrounded by his siblings …
"Oi! Brat! Are you waiting for Christmas or what? Get inside!" Alistair's voice boomed across the house, making Arthur cringe.
Scratch that. Living with his siblings is hell!
"Coming." Arthur mumbled as he walked passed Matthias and Berwald.
The two blonde watched his back for a while before they both left the house, still glaring at one another. The Kohlers often visit the Kirklands and their families are really close but if the Kirklands chose to live in the not-so-praised area of town, the Kohler were back at the high rich end of town. Like every other big family. Berwald and Lukas even go to the same school as Arthur. And it won't be long before Emile goes there too. For the Kirklands, only Arthur is in High School and his younger sister still in middle school like Emile.
Alistair dropped the shivering Italian in a seat in the living room before he shouted across the house:
"CLAN MEETING! LIVING ROOM! NOW!"
It took a few minutes, some complaints and grumbles but soon enough most of the Kirklands had been gathered in the living room. The big living room. The really big living room.
In that really small house.
Under the many watchful pairs of emeralds Feliciano could only mutter in a confused breath:
"Ve … it's … bigger on the inside."
It was. The house is much bigger on the inside than it seems from the outside. It needs to be considering how many people live in it:
A short man who looked younger than he is (he's in his 70s but looks in his early 50s) with bloody crimson hair like Alistair and a thick beard, the same thick eyebrows and emerald eyes as everyone here, with a bulky body covered in cuts and scars that made Feliciano wonder how he got them, spoke first, seated in the odd green chair of the room where most of the decoration was in red tones and gold. The man was missing an eye and his black eye-patch reminded Feliciano of a pirate … or was it his creepy cruel grin?
"What have you brought us here, lad? You didn't summon a meeting for that! Who is he anyway?" The man drew out a glass and bottle of rum from nowhere and started drinking it like water.
"Arthur's Alfa friend." Alistair spat angrily and the room fell silent, all eyes darted towards Arthur.
The blonde rolled his eyes in irritation. The stench of dominance would make any normal person faint. Normal, considering how many Alfas were gathered together and how furious they all were now. An Omega like himself would not even be conscious anymore, let alone glare at them challengingly!
"I know what you're all thinking! Hell, I hate Alfas usually! So don't start lecturing me! Feliciano is my friend and if you've got a problem with that, then go ahead and stop me!"
Nobody dared.
Not because they couldn't. It's because they wouldn't. If most families submit their Omegas and force them to obedience, the Kirklands have a different policy. For them, the Omegas are to be treated with care and never be forced to anything. Now usually, Omegas don't ask for much and try not to trouble their Alfas, so that works fine. It's harder when your Omega has a hot-temper, talks back, and acts even more Alfa than them! And that is Arthur.
A short woman with blazing fiery long hair braided beautifully and reaching to her ankles, wearing black leather all over and looking more like she was about to jump on a bike and rob a bank, with a beauty that was breath-taking and the same emerald eyes as everyone, spoke as she approached the blonde. She circled her slender arms around his waist (he's taller than her) and caressed his cheeks tenderly, a worried frown on her face, her eyebrows were tick too but more feminine and less impressive than the males. She had gorgeous curves making her body extremely desiring. And her scent was definitely one of an Alfa.
"Sweetie … are you sure this person won't hurt you? I won't judge but I only want to know you'll be safe." She spoke so kindly and with a beautiful singing voice. Feliciano now knew where Arthur got his good looks from, this must be his mother.
"Yes mum, I know. Don't worry. I trust him! And you know …" Arthur shot a hesitant glance at his friend, almost seeking his permission to talk. Feliciano blinked, not understanding.
"He's not like other Alfas."
Eh?
Oh!
It's true! Alistair earlier hadn't seemed angry because he was weak and pathetic. He had growled in anger because Arthur had been friends with an Alfa. They were actually taking him for one of those scary Alfas?
"Ve! I … I … I'm a freak Alfa!" Feliciano babbled, and Arthur face-palmed.
Everyone else turned to the Italian, as if they suddenly remembered his existence. Two men approached him threateningly with a strong dominant aura that made the Italian sob and coward away, surprising everyone. His Omega-like reaction was … shocking to say the least.
One of the two men was really short but bulky and strong with a broad body. He had ginger hair like the mother and emerald eyes like all. A scar ran down the left side of his face, next to his eyes, and he wore casual jeans and T-shirt. He looked about 23. The other one, younger, looked like he just came out of school so maybe 18 or 19. He had brown hair with copperish highlights in them. Very fluffy and long that they fell in his eyes slightly and reminded Feliciano of a sheep's wool. He wore a thick black jumper with a red dragon on it. He was taller than the ginger but not as tall at Alistair and he was less aggressive. He seemed more layback and calm, his scent was not as overwhelming but Feliciano sensed that it was only because he was holding back.
Then there was the young girl who looked just like her mother only in a younger version and with her hair shorter. She was standing proudly next to another teen with blond fluffy hair. She looked like she was 14 or 15, and was glaring holes in the Italian. She's definitely an Alfa too. Finally the 14 year old looking blonde was similar to the brown haired but with shorter hair, and a kinder calmer expression compared to all the angry Alfas. He was the only none Alfa except for Arthur. He was too far for Feliciano to distinguish his scent, especially among all the overwhelming Alfa scents around.
"What do you mean, boy?" The old man drinking suddenly asked and Feliciano noticed his dominance was the strongest. He is probably the head-Alfa.
Bowing his head in submission instantly, the Italian stuttered his answer, shaking in fear.
"I-I am an Alfa b-but e-everyone s-says I behave l-like an O-O-Omega, S-sir!"
The man watched him, his smirk curled up, making him even scarier.
"Oh I see! So you're like our little Arty! I understand now! But you still can't be friends with him!" His voice was not scolding or even angry but it felt like Feliciano had been stabbed. Was it because of his aura? No … it was due to his words: He can't be friends with his Arthur.
He can't be friends …
"PLEASE!" The Italian cried out suddenly and even Arthur watched him in surprise. The blonde was going to challenge his grandfather but the Italian had suddenly spoken up, all fear vanishing from his voice and for the first time, Arthur felt like he was looking at an Alfa-like Feliciano.
And it didn't scare him. Or make him feel threatened. Or angry.
He felt simply … safe? This is odd.
The grandfather's gaze narrowed warningly on the bowing Italian, but now, Feliciano suddenly dropped to his knees. Such a pathetic position for an Alfa … that boy is one of his kind indeed. But he is not suited for Arthur. Not at all.
"PLEASE SIR! I WANT TO STAY FRIENDS WITH ARTHUR! PLEASE!" Feliciano felt tears roll down his cheeks, luckily he had his forehead against the floor and nobody could see. Even if they could, he didn't care. He just could not lose Arthur! His first real friend! The only person who made him feel that being an Alfa was not something he should feel ashamed of! That it was ok to be different! That he had the right to live however he wished! He needed Arthur! He couldn't imagine never seeing him again! His chest hurt just thinking about it!
"Raise your head, boy. In this house, Alfas only bow to their mate and nobody else."
"SI!" Feliciano jumped to his feet and stood up straight almost in a military fashion (maybe the training with Gilbert and Ludwig had not been complete waste? Or maybe he's just scared!).
The grandfather chuckled in amusement and extended his hand to the Italian, confusing the other.
"I'm the Head Alfa of the Kirkland Clan, Merwin Arthur Kirkland. You can call me Merwin. What is your name boy?"
"V-ve … F-Feliciano … V-V- Vargas …" The Italian barely whispered in family name but it was enough for everyone to hear and stare with shocked wide eyes. Soon enough the attention switched back to Arthur, who was again face-palming. Now, he's in trouble!
"… You've got high-class taste, Arty, I'll give you that." Merwin chuckled.
"He's a freaking Vargas?!" Alistair bellowed though he wasn't that much angry but just very very concerned for his brother.
"So what if he is? It's not like you can choose your family!" Arthur snapped back acidly.
Feliciano jumped at the words. Sometimes he had wished he would have been born in a different family. People always looked down on him because he was not a good Alfa … no, not a good Vargas. It's not like he chose to be a freak! It's not like he chose to be born a Vargas! It's not like he had wished for any of this!
"True. Arthur's right. No matter where he comes from, what really counts is who he is." Merwin nodded, speaking just as conversional as before, barely disturbed.
"Now tell me Arthur … how's school?" The grandfather suddenly changed topic.
"Uh … pretty good, I guess."
Merwin smiled and kept asking odd questions.
"How many more friends do you have?"
"Aside from Feliciano … there's this Japanese guy called Kiku … actually I met him through Feliciano."
"And your grades?"
"Top in most. Crap in cooking. But Feliciano really helps me out in this."
"How's sport with the Alfas?"
"Easy. They're all just a bunch of arrogant wankers. They think I'm an Alfa. I'm partnered with Feliciano so that he doesn't get troubled by the other Alfas."
"And your teachers?"
"Just teachers. Cooking teacher's an idiot since he let Francis be our tutor and him and Feliciano are making me crazy in the kitchen!"
"Ve! But Arturo, you kept burning everything!"
"I know! Why can't I just give up cooking?!"
"Ve! Ve! But your cake was really good that last time! It was actually edible!"
"I'm not sure that's a real compliment." Arthur sighed and suddenly remembered that he was being interrogated by his grandfather before going on a tangent with his friend.
Merwin was watching the two with gleaming emerald eyes and a malicious smile. He clapped his hands, meaning he had come to a decision. As Head-Alfa, his word is law and nobody will go against it.
Usually.
Maybe.
"Alright. I'm satisfied. Arthur you can befriend this little Vargas but on the condition that you match all your classes to his. That way you'll have an Alfa around you in every class!"
Everybody stared at the grinning man as if he had grown an extra-head for what seems like hours.
As Head-Alfa, his word is law and others will abide by it.
Usually.
Potentially.
When in a good mood.
Actually, not really.
Mostly not.
Not at all.
"YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING ME?!" All three of Arthur's older brothers roared in fury at their grandfather. And thus started the real Clan meeting! The one with the arguing, fighting, disagreeing, punching, kicking, and plain stubbornness.
Lovely family!