House of Jones - M - USUK - Chapter 4: Dinner
Title: House of Jones/Chapter 4: Dinner
Category: Axis Powers Hetalia
Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Drama
Character/Pairing: USUK, others to be decided
Word Count:
Warnings: Cross-dressing, theme, mistakes
A/N: Alright the reason for taking so long in writing this was Christmas exchanges were weighing me down for the entire month of December and then drama in my life. Not excuses just reasons if anyone cares. Hopefully the next chapter won’t take as long, or be painful to write like this one was. It gave me so MUCH trouble.
Summary: Maid!AU Arthur is a high end maid looking for a new patron. What he finds instead is an obnoxious and infuriatingly handsome idiot who is hot one minute and cold the next. Arthur doesn't care until he begins to fall for him. What's a maid to do?
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3
----------
Arthur fiddled with the napkin in his lap taking a tentative glance at Alfred who was reading a paper filled with some sort of business item. Arthur didn’t want to bother him since his job was to make his life easier, but nothing had been said in quite some time now. He had not been clear on if this was a social dinner or if he was merely there for quiet company. He refused to think of afterwards for the moment. He had arrived there when he was told to, after having spent some time in his room(which was lavishly wonderful) only to find that Alfred was already seated. The room was quaint and had the look of a place that had been built with privacy in mind. It had red hues with dim lighting. There was a window where the two sat now that had a view of another part, or maybe an entirely different, garden. Alfred had greeted Arthur with what was becoming his trademark grin and even pulled out his chair, which had the Englishman blushing and exclaiming that he was not a woman and could bloody well pull out his own chair. This had earned a chuckle from Alfred and a reply to simply indulge him. Arthur did note that it was quite a gentlemanly thing of him to do regardless. After a moment Matthew had walked in and offered a tray to Alfred which held the paper that he was now reading. Arthur decided it was time to speak up just as Alfred set the paper down and took a sip of his drink beating him to it.
“So Arthur what do you think of my humble abode so far?” He asked in between sips giving Arthur his full attention. “Isn’t it awesome?” Arthur had just been about to compliment him, but those words stopped him in his tracks. He wasn’t sure what it was about the American but he just couldn’t give him any leverage on anything. It seemed it was always one step forward and two steps back.
“It’s alright. Similar to what I’m used to.” The last part was a lie, but Alfred didn’t know that. Alfred’s expression soured and Arthur couldn’t help but smile in response to his small victory before Alfred set his glass down looking mischievous.
“Oh yeah really? I don’t remember Francis having an indoor pool.” He smirked at Arthur who slightly blanched in response. He had forgotten that Alfred was acquaintances with his former patron. He cursed Francis’ name before attempting a reply.
“I meant my patrons before the frog.” Arthur found his displeasure seeping into his words despite his resolve to not be emotional.
“Hmm.” Alfred’s expression changed again surprising Arthur. He took another sip seeming to take his time and took a quick glance out the window. Arthur realized that he had not taken a sip of anything himself and took the moment to wet his parched throat. “I had forgotten about how many you had.” Alfred finally commented still not looking at Arthur and it was more like he was talking to himself than Arthur. Alfred seemed displeased somehow and Arthur felt a bit of dread fill him up. He didn’t want Alfred to think he was some sort of fickle thing, even though he wasn’t sure why the thought that he might bothered him so.
“It really isn’t that many.” He mumbled in response. Alfred didn’t appear to hear him although his expression mellowed out. In either case Arthur didn’t get another chance to say anything because Matthew entered again.
“Mr. Jones are you ready to order?”
“Yes. I’ll have a steak with a side of potatoes and those little cheese things you make.” He grinned at Matthew in a close and familiar way making something in Arthur’s stomach squirm. He didn’t know what it was but decided it must be his hunger.
“Certainly,” Matthew grinned back and then faced Arthur, “and what would you like Arthur?” He wasn’t sure what he wanted really, but he knew he didn’t want to be a bother.
“The same would be fine, only in a smaller portion, please.” He was sure that Alfred was the type to have a giant appetite and he didn’t want to lose the figure he had in one meal. Matthew nodded and turned to Alfred once again.
“What would you like to drink tonight?” Alfred thought about this for a moment.
“I think I’ll just have a cup of coffee since I have a lot of papers to sort through later. Arthur would you like some wine? I could take a glass if you’d like.” Arthur took a moment longer than necessary to answer distracted by the statement before the question. He didn’t understand why he felt disappointment of all things. In fact he felt himself blush at his own idiocy. A part of him had assumed that he would be accompanying Alfred during this night and had been worrying over it. However another part of him, no matter how much he had been wanting to deny it, had been curious about it and that was embarrassing.
“No, that’s f-fine I’ll just have some tea, earl gray if you have it.” Alfred smiled at that but didn’t say anything.
“Of course I’ll have that right out.” Matthew left without another word. Arthur found his hands fiddling with the end of his skirt this time his eyes never quite looking at Alfred directly. At least he didn’t have that to think on it anymore. It was a relief in the end.
“You look a bit weird Arthur are you uncomfortable?” Alfred asked after a moment more of silence. Arthur had no choice but to look up now. He did so with grace.
“No I’m fine just a bit hungry.” Alfred’s face lit up.
“Oh don’t worry about that, you’re about to be in for a treat. Matt is the best cook you could ask for!”
“Yes, you’ve said that.”
“Well I just want you to have a good time, you know? I feel bad about not picking you up earlier so I want to make it up like I told you.” He smiled again. Arthur was caught a bit off guard. So that’s what this dinner was about then. He felt odd about that.
“I-it’s fine. You had a good reason after all.” He responded gently.
“Yeah but I really should have came. Oh look here comes Matt!” Matthew had walked in and promptly set a teacup in front of Arthur and a mug for Alfred which read on the side, that he could see ‘# 1 HERO!’ The mug was nothing special and looked a bit childishly made but it was still endearing, Arthur smiled slightly. Matthew left quickly and noises could be heard as he entered the kitchen once again. Arthur wondered just who was in there.
Alfred took a large sip of his coffee appreciating the taste. Arthur watched slightly disgusted, he had never had a taste for the beverage. Alfred merely grinned at him.
“Do all british people hate coffee or is that just your special quirk?” He set the mug down.
“What? I never said I hated it.” Arthur was a bit surprised at the question.
“You didn’t have to your face said it all when I asked for some and now it looks like you want to throw it out.” He smiled again.
“Oh well, no it’s just not my taste is all.” Arthur suddenly found the tablecloth very interesting. He was making such a horrid impression. He didn’t know what it was about Alfred, but he could never completely relax. He always seemed to be on alert.
“That's fine Arthur, it's very...hmm, british?” You could even hear the smile in his voice. That was certainly a talent. Arthur wasn't sure how to take the comment so he just decided to be neutral about it.
“I suppose.”
“I'll have to get you to give it another chance sometime.” Arthur chanced a glance higher to look towards his neck, he didn't want to appear rude.
“I don't hate it per say. If you'd like for me to have some then I will.” Arthur responding hoping to please him. He looked up this time. Alfred looked a bit puzzled but didn't say anymore because Matthew was walking back in handling two plates expertly. He set down Alfred’s and then Arthur’s much smaller plate. He had been right about ordering small as Alfred’s plate was huge in comparison. He wondered if it was possible to eat that much food in one sitting. Still he had to note that it did look delicious.
“Oh man Matt this looks awesome.”
“Thank-you sir.” Matthew smiled before exiting once again.
Watching Alfred eat was certainly something to behold. He held nothing back and went at his food in an almost attacking mode. He quickly set and cut everything in large pieces before taking several at once and smothering it in the sauce. He seemed to want to eat everything at once. Arthur could only gap not touching any of the food himself. The rich had always been rather refined in this sort of thing, refusing to eat anything larger than a dime at one time and taking careful time to chew. It was a startling sight. He hadn't realized just how long he had been staring until Alfred set his fork down and looked at him.
“Aren't you going to eat?” He asked thankfully without any food in his mouth. Arthur turned to his plate too surprised to be embarrassed.
“Oh, yes of course.” He quickly set to cutting his pieces into bite sized portions before taking one small piece and having a bite. As it melted in his mouth he realized why Alfred was inhaling the food. It was rather delicious. His previous households had had lovely food as well but it was all high class this reminded him more of home style with flair than anything else. It was nice. He tried the sauce next and fell in love with it.
“It's good right?” It was less a question than a statement. Arthur could only nod. He took a sip of his tea. “I told you it was awesome. You're going to love his food.”
“It's a lot homier than I'm used to.” Responded Arthur honestly.
“Oh is it? I guess so. I mean it's not snails or anything. I'm not sure if that's the type of food you prefer. I mean I eat that stuff too when it's offered because it's rude not to and mom always taught me to eat whatever was put before you or starve. In my own home this is what I prefer. Feel free to order whatever though Matt is very versatile.”
“I'm not fond of snails either. This is more my taste, though I'm sure it's a bit too high in fat for my diet.”
“Oh yeah, don't worry I'll take you out so you can work it off. That's what I do, I'm very outdoorsy I guess that's why I don't look like what I eat.” He began chuckling causing Arthur to smile slightly in response. It also reminded him of how fit Alfred really was which caused him to cough a bit. “Arthur, are you okay?” Alfred's eyes looked on worriedly.
“Y-yes I'm fine, just a bit too much tea at once.” He felt himself blush again feeling the fool.
“I guess you don't like the outdoors much?” Alfred asked grinning again and taking a sip of his drink.
“Umm well it's more like the outdoors don't like me.” Arthur replied having recovered from his slip.
“Don't worry I will change that.” Arthur wasn't sure if he should take that as a threat but it was something he did not look forward to having to do. Arthur happened to like the indoors a rather lot because it did not have things like rodents or untidy aspects that were rather glaring outside. Nor did it get his clothes dirty or trip him on roots. He had never been very sporty it was one of the reasons that he liked this job so much, having it take the majority of unclean things out. “Although it might be a while as these papers don't seem to end at the moment.” Arthur took note of his tired voice and jumped at the chance to be of use.
“Isn't there someone who could take on some of those responsibilities, lighten your load a bit?”
“Hmm? Well that would be nice but I'm a bit of a control freak. I mean I certainly don't like doing paperwork, but I'd rather do it than risk someone doing it wrong. I'm no stranger to hard work, it's not how I was taught.” Arthur wanted to know more. Especially since he seemed so different from anything he had experienced before. He supposed that would have to wait however as the table was beginning to be cleared by the staff.
“It seems you were raised well then.” Arthur responded after they left genuinely meaning it, Alfred smiled in response.
“Yes, my mother was a kind but stern woman. Raised me to be a good ole' southern gentleman.” Alfred grinned imitating a tip of his hat as he said the words a twinge of accent coming through causing a tingly feeling to start in Arthur. Something about that accent hit the right buttons in him. It was certainly foreign, but nice. He didn't get a chance to analyze however as Alfred was already standing. “And now I'm afraid I've taken an awful lot of your time. I'm sure you must be tired. I hope you like what you've seen so far though. I'm sure it will take some more time to get adjusted but I think you'll fit in perfectly Arthur.” Arthur stood as well doing his best to seem gracious.
“Thank-you I rather like it here so far.” Alfred smiled pushing his chair in and leading him outside. They walked down the hall in a comfortable silence. Alfred began looking over his papers while they walked and Arthur wondered how much work he had and that maybe he would be up all night. That wouldn’t be very good for his health and then he wondered on why he was thinking about this in the first place. This certainly wasn’t part of his job but he shook it off as it was natural for him to worry like this, he always had. When they reached his room he stopped. He realized he had gotten there faster than Alfred because he was reading. Arthur wasn’t sure exactly how to go about parting and so he stood there feeling stupid. Alfred arrived holding his papers in one of his hands and flipping through them before stopping in front of Arthur.
“Did you enjoy dinner?” He asked a grin on his face as if they had been talking the whole way.
“Yes, it was lovely, thank-you.”
“Well, sleep well Arthur.” Alfred worked quickly, he surprised Arthur by taking his hand and giving it a peck before giving a wave as he moved into his study. Arthur was left standing there, certainly not flushing, at the contact. It seemed that was all he was going to get. Not that he had wanted any more! Certainly not. With this thought in mind he headed towards his room re-playing the events. Everything was quite normal, yet it had felt completely different. He opened his door and went to sit on his bed. He found it was as comfortable as it looked, although it was far too large for someone like him. That bothered him, somehow made him feel a bit lonely. He shook the feeling away instead busying himself with removing his shoes. He stretched his limbs out and then let himself fall back hitting the comforter.
He shut his eyes momentarily relaxing. He hadn’t realized how tense he had been all day. He would have to make sure to relax more. As he felt himself drifting off he remembered that he wasn’t in his night clothes. Groaning slightly he got up and headed towards his closet. When he opened it he was surprised to find that everything was already put away. It was a bit odd, but they hadn’t touched the bag he marked personal so he didn’t mind, plus it made it easier for him to take out his pajamas. He quickly changed and slipped into bed, immediately falling into slumber already thinking of the next day.
----------
I hate this chapter. It gave me such a headache to write and I feel like it’s so BLAH. Still I am tired of re-writing/looking at it, so I’m posting it. Hopefully the next one will be better. Argh.
Category: Axis Powers Hetalia
Rating: M
Genre: Romance/Drama
Character/Pairing: USUK, others to be decided
Word Count:
Warnings: Cross-dressing, theme, mistakes
A/N: Alright the reason for taking so long in writing this was Christmas exchanges were weighing me down for the entire month of December and then drama in my life. Not excuses just reasons if anyone cares. Hopefully the next chapter won’t take as long, or be painful to write like this one was. It gave me so MUCH trouble.
Summary: Maid!AU Arthur is a high end maid looking for a new patron. What he finds instead is an obnoxious and infuriatingly handsome idiot who is hot one minute and cold the next. Arthur doesn't care until he begins to fall for him. What's a maid to do?
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3
----------
Arthur fiddled with the napkin in his lap taking a tentative glance at Alfred who was reading a paper filled with some sort of business item. Arthur didn’t want to bother him since his job was to make his life easier, but nothing had been said in quite some time now. He had not been clear on if this was a social dinner or if he was merely there for quiet company. He refused to think of afterwards for the moment. He had arrived there when he was told to, after having spent some time in his room(which was lavishly wonderful) only to find that Alfred was already seated. The room was quaint and had the look of a place that had been built with privacy in mind. It had red hues with dim lighting. There was a window where the two sat now that had a view of another part, or maybe an entirely different, garden. Alfred had greeted Arthur with what was becoming his trademark grin and even pulled out his chair, which had the Englishman blushing and exclaiming that he was not a woman and could bloody well pull out his own chair. This had earned a chuckle from Alfred and a reply to simply indulge him. Arthur did note that it was quite a gentlemanly thing of him to do regardless. After a moment Matthew had walked in and offered a tray to Alfred which held the paper that he was now reading. Arthur decided it was time to speak up just as Alfred set the paper down and took a sip of his drink beating him to it.
“So Arthur what do you think of my humble abode so far?” He asked in between sips giving Arthur his full attention. “Isn’t it awesome?” Arthur had just been about to compliment him, but those words stopped him in his tracks. He wasn’t sure what it was about the American but he just couldn’t give him any leverage on anything. It seemed it was always one step forward and two steps back.
“It’s alright. Similar to what I’m used to.” The last part was a lie, but Alfred didn’t know that. Alfred’s expression soured and Arthur couldn’t help but smile in response to his small victory before Alfred set his glass down looking mischievous.
“Oh yeah really? I don’t remember Francis having an indoor pool.” He smirked at Arthur who slightly blanched in response. He had forgotten that Alfred was acquaintances with his former patron. He cursed Francis’ name before attempting a reply.
“I meant my patrons before the frog.” Arthur found his displeasure seeping into his words despite his resolve to not be emotional.
“Hmm.” Alfred’s expression changed again surprising Arthur. He took another sip seeming to take his time and took a quick glance out the window. Arthur realized that he had not taken a sip of anything himself and took the moment to wet his parched throat. “I had forgotten about how many you had.” Alfred finally commented still not looking at Arthur and it was more like he was talking to himself than Arthur. Alfred seemed displeased somehow and Arthur felt a bit of dread fill him up. He didn’t want Alfred to think he was some sort of fickle thing, even though he wasn’t sure why the thought that he might bothered him so.
“It really isn’t that many.” He mumbled in response. Alfred didn’t appear to hear him although his expression mellowed out. In either case Arthur didn’t get another chance to say anything because Matthew entered again.
“Mr. Jones are you ready to order?”
“Yes. I’ll have a steak with a side of potatoes and those little cheese things you make.” He grinned at Matthew in a close and familiar way making something in Arthur’s stomach squirm. He didn’t know what it was but decided it must be his hunger.
“Certainly,” Matthew grinned back and then faced Arthur, “and what would you like Arthur?” He wasn’t sure what he wanted really, but he knew he didn’t want to be a bother.
“The same would be fine, only in a smaller portion, please.” He was sure that Alfred was the type to have a giant appetite and he didn’t want to lose the figure he had in one meal. Matthew nodded and turned to Alfred once again.
“What would you like to drink tonight?” Alfred thought about this for a moment.
“I think I’ll just have a cup of coffee since I have a lot of papers to sort through later. Arthur would you like some wine? I could take a glass if you’d like.” Arthur took a moment longer than necessary to answer distracted by the statement before the question. He didn’t understand why he felt disappointment of all things. In fact he felt himself blush at his own idiocy. A part of him had assumed that he would be accompanying Alfred during this night and had been worrying over it. However another part of him, no matter how much he had been wanting to deny it, had been curious about it and that was embarrassing.
“No, that’s f-fine I’ll just have some tea, earl gray if you have it.” Alfred smiled at that but didn’t say anything.
“Of course I’ll have that right out.” Matthew left without another word. Arthur found his hands fiddling with the end of his skirt this time his eyes never quite looking at Alfred directly. At least he didn’t have that to think on it anymore. It was a relief in the end.
“You look a bit weird Arthur are you uncomfortable?” Alfred asked after a moment more of silence. Arthur had no choice but to look up now. He did so with grace.
“No I’m fine just a bit hungry.” Alfred’s face lit up.
“Oh don’t worry about that, you’re about to be in for a treat. Matt is the best cook you could ask for!”
“Yes, you’ve said that.”
“Well I just want you to have a good time, you know? I feel bad about not picking you up earlier so I want to make it up like I told you.” He smiled again. Arthur was caught a bit off guard. So that’s what this dinner was about then. He felt odd about that.
“I-it’s fine. You had a good reason after all.” He responded gently.
“Yeah but I really should have came. Oh look here comes Matt!” Matthew had walked in and promptly set a teacup in front of Arthur and a mug for Alfred which read on the side, that he could see ‘# 1 HERO!’ The mug was nothing special and looked a bit childishly made but it was still endearing, Arthur smiled slightly. Matthew left quickly and noises could be heard as he entered the kitchen once again. Arthur wondered just who was in there.
Alfred took a large sip of his coffee appreciating the taste. Arthur watched slightly disgusted, he had never had a taste for the beverage. Alfred merely grinned at him.
“Do all british people hate coffee or is that just your special quirk?” He set the mug down.
“What? I never said I hated it.” Arthur was a bit surprised at the question.
“You didn’t have to your face said it all when I asked for some and now it looks like you want to throw it out.” He smiled again.
“Oh well, no it’s just not my taste is all.” Arthur suddenly found the tablecloth very interesting. He was making such a horrid impression. He didn’t know what it was about Alfred, but he could never completely relax. He always seemed to be on alert.
“That's fine Arthur, it's very...hmm, british?” You could even hear the smile in his voice. That was certainly a talent. Arthur wasn't sure how to take the comment so he just decided to be neutral about it.
“I suppose.”
“I'll have to get you to give it another chance sometime.” Arthur chanced a glance higher to look towards his neck, he didn't want to appear rude.
“I don't hate it per say. If you'd like for me to have some then I will.” Arthur responding hoping to please him. He looked up this time. Alfred looked a bit puzzled but didn't say anymore because Matthew was walking back in handling two plates expertly. He set down Alfred’s and then Arthur’s much smaller plate. He had been right about ordering small as Alfred’s plate was huge in comparison. He wondered if it was possible to eat that much food in one sitting. Still he had to note that it did look delicious.
“Oh man Matt this looks awesome.”
“Thank-you sir.” Matthew smiled before exiting once again.
Watching Alfred eat was certainly something to behold. He held nothing back and went at his food in an almost attacking mode. He quickly set and cut everything in large pieces before taking several at once and smothering it in the sauce. He seemed to want to eat everything at once. Arthur could only gap not touching any of the food himself. The rich had always been rather refined in this sort of thing, refusing to eat anything larger than a dime at one time and taking careful time to chew. It was a startling sight. He hadn't realized just how long he had been staring until Alfred set his fork down and looked at him.
“Aren't you going to eat?” He asked thankfully without any food in his mouth. Arthur turned to his plate too surprised to be embarrassed.
“Oh, yes of course.” He quickly set to cutting his pieces into bite sized portions before taking one small piece and having a bite. As it melted in his mouth he realized why Alfred was inhaling the food. It was rather delicious. His previous households had had lovely food as well but it was all high class this reminded him more of home style with flair than anything else. It was nice. He tried the sauce next and fell in love with it.
“It's good right?” It was less a question than a statement. Arthur could only nod. He took a sip of his tea. “I told you it was awesome. You're going to love his food.”
“It's a lot homier than I'm used to.” Responded Arthur honestly.
“Oh is it? I guess so. I mean it's not snails or anything. I'm not sure if that's the type of food you prefer. I mean I eat that stuff too when it's offered because it's rude not to and mom always taught me to eat whatever was put before you or starve. In my own home this is what I prefer. Feel free to order whatever though Matt is very versatile.”
“I'm not fond of snails either. This is more my taste, though I'm sure it's a bit too high in fat for my diet.”
“Oh yeah, don't worry I'll take you out so you can work it off. That's what I do, I'm very outdoorsy I guess that's why I don't look like what I eat.” He began chuckling causing Arthur to smile slightly in response. It also reminded him of how fit Alfred really was which caused him to cough a bit. “Arthur, are you okay?” Alfred's eyes looked on worriedly.
“Y-yes I'm fine, just a bit too much tea at once.” He felt himself blush again feeling the fool.
“I guess you don't like the outdoors much?” Alfred asked grinning again and taking a sip of his drink.
“Umm well it's more like the outdoors don't like me.” Arthur replied having recovered from his slip.
“Don't worry I will change that.” Arthur wasn't sure if he should take that as a threat but it was something he did not look forward to having to do. Arthur happened to like the indoors a rather lot because it did not have things like rodents or untidy aspects that were rather glaring outside. Nor did it get his clothes dirty or trip him on roots. He had never been very sporty it was one of the reasons that he liked this job so much, having it take the majority of unclean things out. “Although it might be a while as these papers don't seem to end at the moment.” Arthur took note of his tired voice and jumped at the chance to be of use.
“Isn't there someone who could take on some of those responsibilities, lighten your load a bit?”
“Hmm? Well that would be nice but I'm a bit of a control freak. I mean I certainly don't like doing paperwork, but I'd rather do it than risk someone doing it wrong. I'm no stranger to hard work, it's not how I was taught.” Arthur wanted to know more. Especially since he seemed so different from anything he had experienced before. He supposed that would have to wait however as the table was beginning to be cleared by the staff.
“It seems you were raised well then.” Arthur responded after they left genuinely meaning it, Alfred smiled in response.
“Yes, my mother was a kind but stern woman. Raised me to be a good ole' southern gentleman.” Alfred grinned imitating a tip of his hat as he said the words a twinge of accent coming through causing a tingly feeling to start in Arthur. Something about that accent hit the right buttons in him. It was certainly foreign, but nice. He didn't get a chance to analyze however as Alfred was already standing. “And now I'm afraid I've taken an awful lot of your time. I'm sure you must be tired. I hope you like what you've seen so far though. I'm sure it will take some more time to get adjusted but I think you'll fit in perfectly Arthur.” Arthur stood as well doing his best to seem gracious.
“Thank-you I rather like it here so far.” Alfred smiled pushing his chair in and leading him outside. They walked down the hall in a comfortable silence. Alfred began looking over his papers while they walked and Arthur wondered how much work he had and that maybe he would be up all night. That wouldn’t be very good for his health and then he wondered on why he was thinking about this in the first place. This certainly wasn’t part of his job but he shook it off as it was natural for him to worry like this, he always had. When they reached his room he stopped. He realized he had gotten there faster than Alfred because he was reading. Arthur wasn’t sure exactly how to go about parting and so he stood there feeling stupid. Alfred arrived holding his papers in one of his hands and flipping through them before stopping in front of Arthur.
“Did you enjoy dinner?” He asked a grin on his face as if they had been talking the whole way.
“Yes, it was lovely, thank-you.”
“Well, sleep well Arthur.” Alfred worked quickly, he surprised Arthur by taking his hand and giving it a peck before giving a wave as he moved into his study. Arthur was left standing there, certainly not flushing, at the contact. It seemed that was all he was going to get. Not that he had wanted any more! Certainly not. With this thought in mind he headed towards his room re-playing the events. Everything was quite normal, yet it had felt completely different. He opened his door and went to sit on his bed. He found it was as comfortable as it looked, although it was far too large for someone like him. That bothered him, somehow made him feel a bit lonely. He shook the feeling away instead busying himself with removing his shoes. He stretched his limbs out and then let himself fall back hitting the comforter.
He shut his eyes momentarily relaxing. He hadn’t realized how tense he had been all day. He would have to make sure to relax more. As he felt himself drifting off he remembered that he wasn’t in his night clothes. Groaning slightly he got up and headed towards his closet. When he opened it he was surprised to find that everything was already put away. It was a bit odd, but they hadn’t touched the bag he marked personal so he didn’t mind, plus it made it easier for him to take out his pajamas. He quickly changed and slipped into bed, immediately falling into slumber already thinking of the next day.
----------
I hate this chapter. It gave me such a headache to write and I feel like it’s so BLAH. Still I am tired of re-writing/looking at it, so I’m posting it. Hopefully the next one will be better. Argh.