Chapter XI – S for Stalker

After meeting Arthur's clan, Feliciano got invited over for dinner more than once to the Kirkland household. Today was no exception.

"Feli-dear! Lovely to see you! Come in! Come in! Honey! Arthur and Feliciano are here!"

Feliciano was literally dragged by the brute force of Bridget Kirkland. She may be in her late 40s but she had the look and energy of a woman in her 20s. Plus the strength of a Hulk. Basically pretty much like most of the Kirkland Alfas … meaning almost everyone in the house.

Merwin Arthur Kirkland is the head Alfa and the "Old man" of the family. He drinks too much since the death of his wife, and his looks remind Feliciano of a pirate of old times … like in Peter Pan.

Bridget Rose Kirkland is Merwin's oldest daughter (one of his three daughters and he also has two sons). She's the scariest Alfa in the household (even her father doesn't talk back to her when she's pissed). And is the mother of (in birth order) Patrick Ryan Kirkland, Alistair Scott Kirkland, William Connor Kirkland, Arthur Elisabeth Kirkland (as the only Omega, his parents thought it better to give him a feminine middle name which happens to also be Merwin's deceased wife's name – Arthur is named after both his grandparents – Bridget wanted a girl and to name her Elisabeth but she got Arthur), Fiona Marjory Kirkland, and lastly Peter Pan Kirkland (yeah, they really called him that … Peter hates his name – even though it is actually based on the Pagan god Pan). On a visit from Australia and living with them for a year is James Dean Kirkland, Arthur's Australian cousin from Sydney. James also has an older brother Jack who occasionally comes to visit.

"Feliciano, welcome back! Thank you for accepting our invitation!" A tall man (because most Kirkland are not tall but the reason why Arthur and Alistair are taller than their siblings is because of this man's blood in their veins) with dark brown hair, a thick beard, and peaceful ocean blue eyes walked out of the kitchen holding a pot of soup.

Feliciano beamed brightly at the unusually calm man. His peaceful aura had already settled down the over-active temper of Mrs Kirkland.

"Buon giorno Mr Kirkland! I love coming when you cook!"

Edward Wallace Kirkland smiled. As a Beta marrying into the Kirkland clan, Edward was forced to take on Bridget, his wife's family name. He didn't mind. And ironically enough, his word is the ruling one in this household since Bridget, as an Alfa would never force her will on her partner. In Kirkland tradition, Alfas are to protect and respect their mates. Betas and especially Omegas are highly well treated in the clan, unlike in other families where people ignore them or assume they are just inferior people. The curse of only having Alfas does make one reflect on the importance of other races.

"Dad, I got another one …" Arthur sighed as he followed suite inside the living room where everyone was already gathered.

Edward turned to his son just in time to see Arthur get tackled by … a mini-Arthur. Feliciano was always in awe when he saw Peter, Arthur's 10 year old little brother. He was so cute! Exactly like a younger version of his friend! With the same blonde hair, the same eyebrows, the same cute pout and scolding frown … the only difference would be their eyes. If Arthur had the same emerald eyes as most Kirklands, Peter had inherited his father's ocean blue eyes. And just like everyone else, Peter is an Alfa. Because he's so young, he still can't impose his dominance yet on others but he often tries to gain Arthur's attention by surprising him, jumping on him and playing pranks on him.

"Jerk! You promised you'd help me with homework!"

"Peter! Get off me, I'm talking to dad! I'll help you later, just give me a break, brat!"

Peter pouted and huffed but let go of his older sibling. Just like other Alfas in the clan, he knew the rules that he should be careful with Omegas. But he's too young to fully understand the implications of this and really only does what Arthur tells him because … he's his older brother.

That's another thing Feliciano noticed: Family here actually does have a meaning. They may be called a clan, but their family bonds are much stronger than his or other families. Race means nothing. It's really as if they all were just equal human beings. Arguing all the time, but that's what families do, right? They piss you off!

"Fine! I'll go and play with Feli! Feli! Feli! You brought me another manga?"

"Ve! Yes! My friend Kiku just gave me that one that recently came out in Japan and he translated it for me!"

"Let's read! I want to read it now!"

"But we were going to have dinner …" Feliciano interrupted himself and frowned as he noticed Arthur talking with a very serious face to his father. But what worried him was Merwin and Alistair's presence listening to them.

Arthur's emerald eyes flicked to the side and he briefly crossed eyes with the chocolate orbs of the Italian. Smiling at his friend, it seemed like Arthur was trying to reassure him. Edward nodded and suddenly called everyone for dinner. Soon, this little anomaly would escape Feliciano's mind as he got distracted by little Peter seeking his attention.

Two weeks later …

"… Yeah. Another one." Arthur sighed heavily and absently listened to the furious rant of Alistair over his mobile. In his free hand, he kept turning around and looking at the sunflower that some mysterious bastard thought clever to leave on his desk.

A stalker at school. Terrific.

It had been going on for nearly a month now and at first it was just random notes that Arthur would ignore. Of course he had to report to Alistair and Merwin, but aside from his brother's exaggerated paranoia, nothing to worry. Until he started getting presents: Chocolates, little soft toys, flowers. Mostly flowers. And always the same for some reason: a sunflower.

Arthur likes flowers and gardening but even he got crept out by this weird obsession. With a sigh, he threw the flower in a nearby bin and waited at the gate for Feliciano to finish changing from sport so they could walk home together. He wasn't scared of some random stalker or secret admirer. He's confident he can deal with anything … except maybe his wanker of a brother. But anything outside of his family, he is confident that nothing can bother him or threaten him. But as a habit, he walks Feliciano back to his home in case the Italian gets attacked like last time. He didn't know why but when Arthur had seen Feliciano's beaten up body, he had been so afraid it was almost irrational. He knew the Italian wouldn't be seriously injured for something like that, he is an Alfa after all. His body should naturally be able to endure much heavier injuries. And his brother had been with him. But still, Arthur felt shivers of anxiousness run down him every time he remembers this.

Is this normal? Sure, he should be concerned for his friend but … that much?

Arthur shook his head. It's probably due to the fact that Feliciano is such a dependant person and constantly gets in trouble that he feels so strongly concerned and protective of him. It must be that. What else could it be?

Feliciano jumped out of the shower and hurriedly got dressed. He didn't want to make Arthur wait for too long. The blonde had found another one of those weird flowers on his desk once again. Of course, Feliciano had been told by Arthur about this when they both walked in the class to find a bouquet of sunflowers. And the next day a box of chocolates. And the next a bottle of vodka. Vodka? Really? I mean, wine, maybe, but vodka? Is that even romantic in any way? If it were him, Feliciano could think of so many romantic things he would do for Arthur … The Italian froze as he was about to pull on a shirt.

Romantic.

Why would he want to be romantic with Arthur? What's with those weird thoughts he's been having lately? It's infuriating! He can't even change at the same time as Arthur anymore because he feels weird in the way he often stares at the blonde's body. Arthur has a nice body. It's normal to stare at it.

If he were an Alfa thinking about his Omega.

Feliciano ran frustrated hands through his hair and jumped straight back in the shower, running icy cold water over himself to cool down his confused mind. Why was this happening? It's become more and more frequent recently. Feliciano was afraid of his change in behaviour towards his friend. Arthur is his best friend! He couldn't, shouldn't be having such thoughts! Besides, even if he were to feel … hypothetically, if he were to feel more than just friendship … which he doesn't! But if he were … there is no guaranty that Arthur would reciprocate the feelings. It's a wild goose chase doomed to fail! He shouldn't even feel this or think this! What is wrong with him?!

Walking out of the shower, Feliciano dully walked back to his clothes and pulled on his wrinkled shirt, not bothering to dry himself and not having realised that he had showered (2nd shower) with his trousers still on. He was soaked. But his mind didn't register much aside from the disastrous situation he was dragging himself into.

And now, Arthur has some weird guy sending him presents! And it made him angry. Why did it make him angry? Feliciano never gets angry. So why did he want to burn those flowers? Why did he want to yell at the whole school to stay the hell away from his friend? Why did he hate the fact that someone was watching at his Arthur with such impure thoughts in mind?

By now, Feliciano had given up in stopping to think "his Arthur". So long as he doesn't say it out loud, he should be fine. Reading minds is not possible, right? He hoped so! The Italian finished packing his stuff, he was alone in the changing rooms so he didn't need to worry about others after him, and was about to walk out and lock the door but instead, he felt someone push him back inside and shut the door lock.

Shit … and his phone battery had just run out … how is he going to tell Arthur?

Arthur shuffled his feet, listening to very loud rock music through his earphones, ignoring the many stares he was receiving from other students leaving school. Fact is: Now, everyone knew he was an Omega and most people didn't care. Other Omegas and Betas would constantly eye him with blushing faces and envious stares. Arthur hated it so much he just plainly ignored them all. He is not interested in other Omegas! Fuck those wankers! But he's not interested in Alfas either. He hates Alfas (except Feliciano). Mainly because he hates the way they treat Omegas and even more so the way they treat him! Just because he's different, Alfas feel threatened by him and try to impose their dominance. In fact, every Alfa would dream to force a Kirkland to submission. Well, too bad, this ain't going to happen!

Alfas are arrogant gits. That's the conclusion Arthur came to after being surrounded by Alfas his whole life (and he's not talking about his family, even though they are gits too).

"Feliciano is taking his time … maybe I should go check on him." The blonde mumbled, glancing at his watch. He didn't have time to reach the sport's changing room than he was accosted by a tall silver haired Alfa wearing a freaking winter coat like he was going to the North Pole for Christmas, with deep purple eyes and an odd childish smile that sent shivers of unsettlement down Arthur's spine.

"You're Arthur, da? I've been meaning to talk to you for a long time. Did you like my sunflowers?"

He really hates Alfas.

Feliciano caught his breath painfully as he got slammed into a wall and pinned by his neck. Electric blue eyes glared at him behind squared glasses. Behind Alfred, Feliciano noticed Ludwig, Antonio, Gilbert and even his own brother. Although Lovino was not glaring, he didn't look like he would stop his friends from doing whatever they wanted to Feliciano.

"Who is it?" Alfred hissed threateningly.

Feliciano coughed and felt he would soon run out of air. He tried answering but a weak whisper was all he could manage.

"Who … what …?"

"Arthur's lover?! Who the fuck is it?"

Feliciano's mind went blank. Arthur's … lover? Did Arthur have something like that? But the last time he asked, Arthur had told him that he wasn't interested in anyone.

"Arthur … doesn't have …"

"Do NOT lie to me!" Alfred growled, slamming Feliciano harder against the wall then sending him flying across the room, where the Italian hit his head against the shower's edge. At least now he could breathe but his head was aching like someone was hitting it with a bat and he felt blood seep out the back of his head, mixing with the water of his wet hair.

"We know about the flowers, the notes, the gifts. So you better spill it out and we won't have to beat it out of you." Antonio spoke with his usual smiling face and terrified the Italian.

Whimpering, Feliciano backed up against the wall, holding his arms up in an attempt to shield himself from Alfred's kicks.

"B-But that's not … his lover … Arturo doesn't have a lover!"

"Who the fuck said you could call him Arturo?!" Antonio growled in irritation and jealousy and joined Alfred in the beating, followed by Gilbert.

"If not his mate, then who the fuck sent him those?" The albino seethed through gritted teeth. He could feel his blood pump in rage through his body and beating up Feliciano was not helping in calming him down.

"W-We don't know! Arturo-Arthur has been having a stalker for nearly a month now …" Feliciano whispered the words.

He didn't realise the beating had stopped.

"I don't know … who he is …" He kept muttering.

He didn't realise the way the other Alfas suddenly silenced.

"I don't know … I don't know … but he can't …"

He didn't realise the shocked disbelieving stares he received nor his brother walking hesitantly closer to him.

"He can't … I don't …"

"O-Oi … Stupido?" Lovino had never seen his brother like this before and as he reached to shake Feliciano's shoulder, the younger Italian lifted his head up, bruised and bloodied face, but glaring and with an odd shine in his chocolate eyes … or were they red?

"He can't have Arthur!" Feliciano stood up suddenly and charged passed the other Alfas and out of the building.

He couldn't let some random bastard get their hands on Arthur! If that happens, Feliciano knew that Arthur's brothers would be blaming him for it and would make him pay. After all, he is an Alfa. An Alfa's role is to protect the Omega. Always. Besides … right now, messed up as he is with his feelings, Feliciano could not accept anyone laying hands on his friend. At least not until he knows for sure what is going on in his own head. No … maybe it's because of his messed up head that he can't bear the thought of someone else walking hand-in-hand with his Arthur. Maybe he really was crazy enough to be falling in love with his best friend. Maybe … maybe he didn't care.

Arthur blinked twice and was considering blinking a third time.

Did he hear right?

"I'm sorry … could you repeat this please?"

"Da! I like you very much! I want you to be my mate! Become one with me?"

Ok, so he really doesn't have a hearing problem. It's just the wanker here that has a mental problem.

"Ivan, was it?"

"Da! Ivan Braginski! I'm a first year too but not in the same class."

"Right … well, I don't think you understand my situation very well …"

"I do. Your name is Arthur Kirkland. You are an Omega. I'm an Alfa. And I like you."

Arthur didn't know if he should laugh or run away. This sounded like a very bad comedy show.

"Do you have any idea of what kind of Omega I am?"

"Da! A really cute one!"

This is not working. Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking of how he could:

One- get rid of Ivan

Two- Make him clearly understand the situation

Three- Possibly do the above without hurting his feelings too much … but let's just stick to the first two points then we'll see about that!

"Ivan … I'm flattered by your offer and your … gifts. But I am forced to decline."

"Why?" Ivan's face fell as it painted itself of confusion and deep pain.

"I'm sorry but I am not a suitable Omega for you. I'm not submissive, I don't cook, I don't obey, and I hate Alfas generally except the ones I'm forced to love because we're genetically related." Arthur explained calmly, his emerald eyes as cold as ever and his aura merciless.

"… Why does that make you unsuitable?" Ivan frowned, confused.

He already knew that Arthur was not a normal Omega. That's why he liked him. Ivan doesn't like submissive Omegas. He wants someone who can snap back at him and make his life more interesting. He doesn't want to hurt Arthur like he does to other Omegas because Arthur is strong and fights back. Ivan respects that. No, he adores that. He adores his cute little monster Omega!

"It's ok if you can't cook! I think it's cute! I have a chef at home anyway so you don't need to cook!"

Arthur face-palmed. Did the idiot only get that point across from what Arthur previously said?

"Do you even know what kind of family I have? They'll murder you …"

"Da! I know! Everyone knows the Kirkland Clan. You have someone called Merwin Kirkland who works in a high position at the International Law Order, da?"

Arthur's eyes widened suddenly and he stared at Ivan in disbelief. How did he know that? How the bloody hell does he know that his grandfather works for the World's Order. Merwin is in fact in charge of secret services of the International League that manage the world. The purpose of the International Law Order is to prevent another catastrophe like the Great War and they work to stop the current wars happening across the globe. His grandfather is a key figure in this system but … but he doesn't exist on any records. Nobody knows about the shadow group of agents working for the ILO. How the bloody hell does this guy know?!

"Oh! Sorry! It's a secret, da? My father works there too. He said your grandfather is scary." Ivan chuckled childishly, not taking noticed of the paling face of Arthur nor the growing dark aura around the blonde.

"So? Do you want to become one, now?" Ivan asked again with eager purple eyes that frightened Arthur in their randomness. This guy can be dangerous. It's as if he acts on whims and instincts. He could be an amazing agent but Arthur would definitely not risk him as a mate. Ever.

"No." Arthur blurted out, not even apologising or making himself sound like he cared. He didn't and just wanted to get out of this situation and find Feliciano.

Why on earth is he thinking about Feliciano at a time like this?!