☆ [Hetalia]: Time of Your Life - Ch 8
Title: Time of Your Life [FF.net]
Author: Jubilee
Characters/Pairings: In this chapter: America, Japan, Canada, Spain, China, fanon!Mexico, fem!America, and a few other fanon characters and gender-bends.
Rating: T
Genre: Romance + Friendship + Family + Drama
Warnings/Notes: AU - High school.
Summary: A bond broken all because of a stupid fight, and then renewed with a simple "sorry". Now bffs, Alfred enjoys Kiku's company, and the latter realizes that his friendship is much more than he could ever ask for. To Kiku, he was a hero.
Chapter List
-----
It felt warm in the room when Kiku woke up. The blinds were closed and he heard pitter-patter from outside. He sat up and crawled over to the window. It was raining. "What time is it?" He went to the nightstand and looked at his cell. It was 9:30am at the moment.
"Jones-san must have the heater turned on," he said to himself. "That's probably why I don't feel cold."
Kiku stood up and made the bed since he was a guest and it was routine for him anyway. He left his cell phone on the nightstand and walked into the hallway. The house was a little dark since it was heavily cloudy outside, but there was enough light to see. He walked downstairs and noticed that the kitchen was illuminated. Curious, he stepped inside.
Emily was sitting on one of the stools of the island, drinking coffee while reading a newspaper. She flipped to the next page and took a sip from her cup. Kiku wondered if she was cold because she was wearing a nightgown, though he figured probably not since it looked like it was made of cotton and it had long sleeves. The blonde woman noticed him standing sheepishly in the entranceway.
"Oh good morning Kiku!" she said with a cheerful smile.
"G-Good morning Jones-san."
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I was very comfortable."
"Oh that's good." She looked at the kitchen clock and folded her newspaper. "Well I better get started on breakfast! I'm sure the boys are hungry." She downed her coffee and then put the cup in the sink, getting out cooking utensils shortly afterward. "I'm sure you're hungry too!"
"Uhm…a little. Is Matthew-san or Alfred-san awake yet?"
"Well, Al's a heavy sleeper and doesn't wake up until he smells me cooking breakfast in the kitchen, but Mattie is outside feeding the dogs."
"But it's raining."
"Ha ha! There's a covering over the door that leads to the backyard, so that's where we feed them on days like these."
"Oh, I see. I think I shall go and help him."
"Okay then! I'll be in here."
Kiku walked over to the backyard door and saw Matthew pouring dry food into Hero's bowl. He noticed Kiku and smiled. "Good morning Kiku."
"Good morning Matthew-san. Uhm, do you need any help?"
"No, I think I've got it. Hero is nearly finished with his food. He eats a lot, just like Al."
Kiku gave a chuckle. "Yes, I have noticed that your brother does eat a lot."
"Is he awake yet?"
"I'm not sure. I didn't see him in the kitchen."
"He's probably still asleep then. He's so lazy when it's cold out…" Matthew finished pouring the food into Maple's bowl and then set the large bag off to the side. "Well let's go back inside. It's cold out here."
Kiku returned into the house followed by Matthew who gently shut the glass door. They walked over to the living room where Alfred was still asleep, his glasses on the coffee table. His position looked rather hilarious since he was lying on his back, an arm and a leg on the headrest and his other arm hanging off the couch, his mouth open into a goofy smile and Kiku could've sworn that was saliva at the corner.
"What do you think he's dreaming about?" he asked Matthew.
"Probably about giant burgers or scoops of ice cream. He has a lot of food-related dreams. Ha ha."
Matthew continued off into the kitchen to help his mother with breakfast while Kiku just looked at Alfred sleeping in his amusing pose. He smiled lightly and picked up the corner of his shirt since it was slipping further down his shoulder. I must be really small for a male if Alfred-san's clothes don't even fit me…
He joined Matthew and Emily in the kitchen, wondering what he should do. "Oh Kiku," began the woman. "Why don't you sit down?" She motioned her hand to the stool on the island.
"Well, I wanted to know if you needed any help."
"Oh no, it's fine! We've got it covered here. Do you like omelets?"
"Uhm…yes, I suppose so."
"Great 'cause that's what's on the breakfast menu today, along with pancakes, toast, waffles, and hash browns!"
Kiku's eyes widened at the large list. "That is a lot of food Jones-san."
"Oh Alfred eats a lot and I like to get seconds, so that's why I cook so much. Is he still asleep?"
"Last time I checked, he was."
"He should be waking up in just a few moments then. We're almost done here. Nothing can wake that boy up, even earthquakes."
"Isn't that…dangerous?"
"Ha ha, yeah it is, but luckily we haven't had one in a while or when he's sleeping!"
Meanwhile, the scent of food drifted into the living room and reached the nostrils of the blonde still asleep on the couch. As soon as he got a whiff of it, he yawned and sat up, stretching and scratching his side. He put his glasses on and smelled the air again. "Mm, breakfast!"
He hopped off the couch and walked into the kitchen. "Good morniiiing ~ !" he said to everyone present.
"Finally you're up," Matthew said with a smile. Emily only chuckled and Kiku waved.
"Ah, good morning Alfred-san."
"Mornin' Kiku! Did you sleep well? I'm sure you did 'cause my bed is awesome and comfy."
He chuckled. "Yes, I slept pleasantly."
"That's good. So mom, what're we having for breakfast?"
"Oh Alfred, just set the table and you'll find out!"
He pouted but listened to his mother anyway and set the table. Kiku decided to help him which made Alfred happy even though the workload was small. Emily and Matthew put the cooked food on the table and then everyone sat down. The woman smacked her son's hand before he could reach for the plate of pancakes and said, "Not yet Al. You know we always pray first."
"No we don't."
She glared at him. "Yes, we do." They didn't, but she wanted to make a good impression on Kiku.
"Agh…okay…"
After a quick prayer from Emily, the four began to eat. "Mm, yummy as ever mom!"
"Thanks Al. I'm glad you like it!" She took a bite of her omelet and then looked at Kiku. "How are you enjoying the food?"
"It is very delicious Jones-san. I've never had a breakfast like this before. We don't usually eat this in the morning at my aunt's house."
"Oh really? Well you're going to have nice and warm breakfasts while you're here!"
He smiled and nodded. "Thank you Jones-san."
---
Emily left about an hour later to meet up with Arthur's mother, Alice. Matthew asked her why since it was Saturday, and she said she wanted to go shopping with her, something the younger twin felt was suspicious since Alice hated going on shopping sprees.
"Hey Kiku," Matthew said to him. "My mom wanted us to go to your house to pick up your belongings."
"Really?
"Yes, and she said Yao called earlier and wanted you to come over."
"Oh…" He stood quiet. "Will my uncle be there?"
"Yao said that his mother and father left to go run some errands, so it not likely he's there right now."
"I see. Well…then I guess I should go…"
"Al, are you gonna come?"
"Sure thing! But it's raining outside and mom took the car."
"I thought you had two cars Alfred-san."
"Well the one that belongs to Matt and me is at the shop."
"Why?"
"…no reason."
Matthew shook his head. He didn't want to tell Kiku that Alfred was irresponsible and forgot to take the car in for an oil check and that he also forgot to pick it up when it was finished.
"Oh, well, then how are we going to get to Yao-san's? I mean, we can always walk but it's raining outside."
"Matt, is he out there?"
The twin walked to the window and looked outside. "Yeah he is. He's just sitting there listening to the radio or something it looks like it."
"Great!"
"Huh?" Kiku was mildly confused. "I'm sorry. I got lost…"
Matthew chuckled. "When we don't have the car available to us, Manuel usually drives us around."
"Manuel-san? He lives around here?"
Alfred nodded. "Yep, he's just next door! Been our neighbor for years!"
"I did not know this…"
Alfred laughed. "Yeah, Manny's always bugging us--"
"No he doesn't." Matthew was ignored.
"-so in return he has to drive us around when we don't have our car."
"Oh…well doesn't he mind?"
"Nah, especially if Toni is visiting, which is like every other day." He got up from the couch and said, "Well we better get ready!"
"Alfred-san, the only outfit I have is the one I wore yesterday."
"That's okay. Who's gonna know but us?"
---
There was a light drizzle when the three walked out of the house. Alfred locked the door and Matthew opened up the large umbrella. Kiku had to borrow clothes yet again, so he was now wearing a jacket for the rain, though that too was rather big on him.
The trio walked a few steps toward Manny's driveway where they saw an SUV parked in front of the garage door. Alfred walked up to the window and knocked. Manny noticed and turned the music to a lower level, rolling the window down in addition.
"Hey Alfredo and Matthew, buenos dias!" He noticed Kiku standing next to them. "Oh! Buenos dias to you too Kiku!"
"Morning Manny."
"Good morning."
"H-Hello Manuel-san."
"Came by to hang out with me?"
"Actually we need you to drive us around."
"Again? Why?"
"We need to get to Yao's house."
"I don't even know where that is!"
"Geez it's not that far from here!"
"Then walk."
"It's raining."
"Correction: it's drizzling."
Alfred stared at the Mexican boy with narrowed eyes. Manny laughed. "Okay okay, I'll take you there. Just hop on in, but you're gonna have to sit in the back 'cause my sisters are coming with."
"Why?"
"Eh, they wanna go to get their nails done or something, and since I'm the big brother…I have to take them…and stay with them until they're done…" He sighed. "I hate my life."
"I hate your life too."
"Just get in the damn car Alfred…"
The American boy laughed and ushered his twin and Kiku into the back of the car. Not too long after, Alicia and Eva walked out of the house and toward the car. Alicia got in the passenger seat and Eva sat in the middle row, who did not notice the other three in the back.
"Damn what took you two so long?"
"We were doing our hair," Alicia replied.
"Why? It's fricken raining outside. Your hair is gonna get messed up anyway. I don't even know why I gotta drive you guys around…"
"Manny, don't be like that," Eva said. "You need to be nice to your sisters and be the chauffeur."
"Whatever. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Alfred and two more are behind you."
Eva shrieked when she turned around and saw Alfred with his brother there. She blushed on eye contact.
"Hey Eva!"
"Good morning Eva."
"Manuel!" she shouted. "Why didn't you tell me they were coming?!" She didn't want them to be there with her brother watching her get her nails and toes done.
The boy cracked up. "They're not coming with us Eva! They just need a ride somewhere."
"Oh, well whatever. Next time, tell me if you're gonna bring them with you!" She had seemed to not notice that Kiku was also there.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" Manny asked as he turned the key in its socket.
"¡Si señor!"
Manny froze. He turned around. Antonio was smiling and sitting in the seat behind his. "¡Hola primo!"
"¡Mierda!" shouted Manuel. "Antonio, how'd you get in the car?!"
"Oh I was here when your sisters got in here!"
"I would have noticed you!"
"I didn't wanna startle you 'cause then you'd leave!"
Manny banged his head on the steering wheel. "Hijo de puta como me caí gordo…"
"Manny!" Antonio whined. "Don't use that language! There are ladies here! Oh, and Kiku!" Alicia and Eva looked behind them and saw Kiku there, obviously shocked at his presence. He smiled shyly.
The Mexican teen groaned and started the car. "Antonio you are the bane of my existence."
"Why don't you love me Manuel?!"
"SHUT UP!"
Alfred laughed obnoxiously.
---
After he dropped off the three at Yao's house, Manny said goodbye and dreaded the drive to the nearest plaza since he'd have to listen to Antonio's jabbering on the way there because Alicia decided to switch seats with him.
"Alfred-san, why does Manuel-san hate Antonio-san so much?"
"He doesn't. He just pretends he does. Deep down he holds affection for him, but he doesn't like to show it in public."
"Oh, I see."
"You know, I've never been to your house," Alfred said as they walked up to the door.
As Kiku rang the doorbell, he said, "Well technically, it's no longer my house…" but neither twin heard him say that.
Yao opened the door and beamed, hugging Kiku immediately. "Kiku! You're back! Come, come inside!" He looked at Alfred and Matthew. "And you guys too! I don't want you to get all wet and catch a cold."
The Chinese boy told them to leave their boots at the door since they were wet and he didn't want it to get dirty inside. The twins and Kiku hung their coats on the coat rack near the entrance.
"Where are your parents?" asked Kiku.
"They went to the mall. They said they were going to meet somebody there, but they didn't tell me who."
"Really?" asked Matthew.
"Yes, but it's fine. We've been alone at home countless times. So thanks for bringing Kiku back!"
"Yao-san, I am not here to stay."
"Huh? Why?"
"I am…here to collect my things…"
Yao stood quiet for a few seconds as he looked at Kiku. "But…I thought you came back because you were going to stay?"
"Your father, my uncle, made it apparent that he no longer wants me here now that he knows I am the kind of child he never desired."
"B-But Kiku…where will you go?"
He gave a sideways glance at the twins who were looking at the family photos in the living room. He guessed they must have gotten bored. Then he looked back at Yao and said, "I will stay in the Jones residence until everything settles down."
"You're going to stay at Alfred's house?"
"Yes. His mother told me that it's perfectly fine if I need a place to stay."
"But Kiku--"
"Yao-san, I don't like that I have to be kept away from you and your family, but I feel that there is no reason for me to stay if I am not even welcome in the place that I used to call my home." He walked toward the stairs and said, "I'm going to collect my essentials for right now. Later on…I'll come back for the rest. Alfred-san and Matthew-san already know my decision." He didn't look back as he climbed the steps.
Yao stared at the staircase in disbelief. He didn't know how to respond or what to feel when Kiku told him he didn't want to stay in the house anymore.
"Hey Yao."
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Alfred. "Yes?"
"Are you okay? You spaced out. Where's Kiku?"
"I'm…fine, and Kiku is upstairs. His room is the last one down the hallway."
"Oh, okay." Alfred climbed the stairs to go and assist Kiku. Matthew on the other hand looked worriedly at Yao.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine…"
"You don't look very fine to me…"
The boy gave in and said, "I don't understand my father. He shouldn't have said what he did to Kiku. I worry about Kiku so much and he's never gotten along well with a lot of people because he's so timid and it's difficult for him to open up to others quickly… He rarely smiles anymore and…I don't know… I feel like if I'm not there with him, something bad could happen to him…"
Matthew put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Yao. Al and I will make sure Kiku stays safe, okay? We won't let anything bad happen to him."
Yao looked at Matthew with a worried face. "But what about when he's at work? There are a lot of people at the mall every day. Something can happen…"
"I understand how you feel, but…you have to learn that you can't be with Kiku every second of the day. Yao, I know you care a lot about him, but you have to let him do things on his own. Even though now you won't be close to him since he's no longer going to stay here, you can always visit him, and we promise that we'll take good care of him, okay?"
The Chinese boy looked at the ground and hesitated in responding to Matthew. Then after a sigh, he said, "Okay. I understand. Maybe…you're right Matthew. I just need to give Kiku some space. Though Alfred is irresponsible and childish, I still trust that Kiku will be taken care of in your household." He looked at the twin and said, "Thank you for taking him in. I hope that you and your family will be able to make him smile again."
Matthew nodded and gave a smile. "You're welcome. And hey, if there's anybody who can make others smile, it's Alfred, and I know that sooner or later, Kiku will start smiling genuinely again."
"Hmm," Yao said with a sad smile. "I suppose you're right. Alfred's cheerful disposition is enough to make anyone feel more welcome."
---
"Your room is so organized!" Alfred said to Kiku. "Wow, my room doesn't look like this. And you have so much anime stuff! That's awesome!"
Kiku continued packing more of his things inside his old suitcase he had used from when he emigrated from Japan. "I am a collector of…anime merchandise."
"Oh really? Then hey, one day we should go to Little Tokyo!"
"Where is that?"
"It's in Los Angeles. I've been there lotsa times! I'm sure you'll love it! Hey, you can bring your cousins too, 'cause there's also a China Town and Korea Town nearby! Oh oh! I think there are other Asian towns too!"
A small chuckle escaped Kiku. He was amused at Alfred's enthusiasm. "Well yes, maybe one day we can all go and explore those areas."
"Yeah! It'll be awesome!" He grinned but got distracted when something caught his eye. "Oh, this is a cute rabbit!" He picked up a photo. "Whose is it?"
"That rabbit was mine and very special to me. I…uhm…I love animals…especially the small and cute ones…because they're soft and nice to hug…"
"Aww, that's so cute Kiku!"
The small teen blushed. Alfred looked at the photo and asked, "So where is your rabbit?"
"She died about two years ago."
"Oh… Uhm, I'm sorry…"
"It's alright. You didn't know." He took the photo gently from Alfred's hands. "There's no use looking back at the past. This thing should be left here." He put the photo in a drawer and closed it. It was then Alfred noticed how sad Kiku looked, and it made him sad just thinking about it. Maybe that rabbit was like Kiku's best friend or something, just like Hero is mine… Wow, I don't know what I'd do if Hero died. Poor guy…
"Hey uh, do you need help with anything Kiku?"
"No, I mostly have everything."
"But there's so much stuff left here."
"Well for right now, I'm just grabbing the essentials. All this merchandise I can come back for later anyway, plus I don't know where I'll be sleeping at your house, so only the bare necessities must be taken. Thanks for asking though Alfred-san."
"Oh, no problem." A thought occurred to the blonde just then. "Hey, we have another bedroom you know."
"Huh?"
"At my house, there are four bedrooms. Matt and I have our own, and so does our mom, but we have one more. It hasn't been used in years as a bedroom though. Right now a lot of junk and crap is in there, but I can ask my mom about it, to see if you can stay in there."
"Oh no, I don't want to burden you!"
"What's the burden? We need to clean out that room anyway! Ha! Though we can't do it today since it's raining and all…but I'm sure we can do it sometime soon! March is coming up real fast, and it usually gets warmer outside. It doesn't rain in April that much anymore…so spring here in California is usually moderately warm." He began to continue rambling about nothing, but stopped when Matthew knocked on the door frame.
"Are you ready to go Kiku?"
"Oh! Y-Yes I am Matthew-san. Uhm, I have everything packed, at least for now."
"Alright. We can come back at another time to get the rest of your stuff if you'd like."
"No…I'm fine for now."
"Okay then. Well we should get going."
"How are we going to get home though? Your house is a few blocks from this place."
"Ha ha, Alfred is already on it." He pointed a thumb to the hallway where Alfred was talking loudly into his cell phone.
"C'mon Manny, we don't wanna walk in the rain!"
"I told you, I'm busy! I can't leave my sisters here!"
"But Toni is with you."
"I know."
"He can stay with them. Besides, don't you wanna get away from him?"
"I guess…"
"Then?"
"You're the only one who doesn't wanna walk Alfred! I'm sure Matthew and Kiku wouldn't mind!"
"Manny pleeeease?"
"No. I'm not your slave."
"Porfavoooor?"
"Augh… Okay fine, I'll go pick you up, but only because I don't want you butchering the Spanish language with your horrible pronunciations. You already seem to do it when you speak in English, and I'm the one who was born in another country..."
Alfred laughed. "Nah, this is just American English. British English, like the one Arthur uses, is for stuck up people."
"Okay…yeah…"
"Thanks Manny!"
"Eh… Por nada…" He hung up the phone and Alfred chuckled. "Matt, Manny said he'll be here soon."
"You didn't upset him did you?"
"Nope."
"I mean, it seems like we're bugging him. I'm sure Yao would have driven us back home Al."
"Nah, Manny doesn't mind!"
"Sure Alfred…"
---
"Hey Yao, where are your siblings anyway?" asked Alfred as he was putting on his coat.
"Well, Yong Soo is in his room playing video games with Li, and Mei is probably instant messaging on her laptop."
"Then what do you do?"
"I read."
"Read? Why?"
"There isn't really anything for me to do while it's raining outside Alfred. Otherwise, I would have gone to the park."
"Why do you act so educated Yao?"
He couldn't help but crack a smile. "Because I am educated Alfred! Maybe if you read more novels instead of comic books, you'd be as 'educated' as I am!"
"Conceited."
Yao laughed. He noticed through the living room window that a car pulled up in front. "Who is that?"
"Oh that's Manny."
"Manuel? From our homeroom?"
"Yeah, he dropped us off here earlier. I told him to come and get us."
"I could have driven you back home you know. It seems like you're inconveniencing him by the look on his face. I can see it from here."
Matthew narrowed his eyes at Alfred and mouthed the words, "I told you." Of course, his twin gave him an innocent face that read, "I would have never guessed!"
Alfred and Matthew helped Kiku with the luggage while Yao went to the closet to get his younger cousin an umbrella. "Here," he said. "You're going to need it whenever it's raining."
"Thank you Yao-san."
The two stood quiet, but then Yao said, "Have…fun at Alfred's house."
Kiku nodded. "Maybe some time, I'll come and visit you."
"Okay. I'll make sure Yong Soo doesn't go into your room or anything since I know you hate it when people go through your stuff."
"Thanks Yao-san."
"No problem."
"Okay Kiku, let's go!" Alfred shouted from the car. The Japanese boy waved at his cousin and hurriedly walked to the car. Yao watched him leave even after the car was far away from his house.
"Please take care of my cousin you two. I love him just as a big brother would love his younger one…"
---
"So, run me through this again Alfred," Manny began as he drove. "Kiku's uncle kicked him out of the house because he found out he was gay? Really?"
"Yeah, but don't go tellin' people Manny."
"I won't. But really man, that sucks. If Kiku lived in my family, the situation would be a lot worse, so I understand. My family is like practically hardcore Catholic… It's nice your mom is letting him stay at your house."
"Yes, I am very grateful that the Jones family is letting me stay with them," Kiku said timidly.
"Ha ha, well señora Emily is very kind. She helped my mom find a job when she first came here. I was only four so I don't remember, but yeah. I think that's why we're neighbors now. Really, mamá always gives thanks that she became friends with her. My papá too. Although…" He glanced at Alfred. "Not sure if I like living next door where the son is kinda obnoxious and bugs me for everything."
"Hey, you're the one who always comes to my house without knocking. You scare the shit outta me when I come home and the TV is on and you pop out from the kitchen with 'Hola Alfredo!' like every day."
Manny laughed. "Don't listen to him Kiku. He dramatizes everything!"
"He sure does."
"Matt! You're supposed to be on my side!"
Matthew joined Manny in laughter as Alfred pouted and crossed his arms, slumping in the passenger seat. Kiku gave a small smile and wondered if he'd get to enjoy more moments like these in the future.
---
"Why you dragged me along I'll never know," Alice complained as she and Emily waited at a table in one of the restaurants the mall had to offer.
"You know why. You're a lawyer! I need somebody like you at my disposal."
"Yes, make it sound like I am a tool why don't you?"
"Pssh, you take things so seriously Alice." She blinked when the mother noticed a couple walking towards them.
"Oh here they come!" Emily got up and walked over to Chun-Yan and hugged her. "Hello! Good afternoon!"
"Hello Emily. So sorry we're late, but you know how people drive in the rain."
"Yeah, it's a real pain. Come on sit down!" She ushered them to the table where Alice was sitting.
"Hello Alice," greeted Chun-Yan. Her husband just nodded.
"Good day Mr. and Mrs. Wang. Please, have a seat."
"Are you hungry Chun?" asked Emily. "They have some awesome appetizers here."
"Actually, we ate breakfast before coming here, so we're fine."
"Oh okay then." Emily tapped her fingers on the table nervously, chipping the paint off of her nails ever so slightly every time she did so.
Emily cleared her throat and Alice looked at her. The British woman pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and folded her hands together neatly on the table. "Mr. and Mrs. Wang, there is a reason I am here."
"Oh? You don't like hanging out with Emily just to hang out?"
"My God no. I have better things to do then waste my precious time doing frivolous activities with this woman."
Emily stuck out her tongue at Alice, but it was ignored. "This however is a very important matter. It concerns your nephew, and seeing as how he is a friend of my son's, I'd do anything for my precious Arthur."
"What are you talking about?" asked Mr. Wang.
"You see, it has come to my attention that Kiku Honda is without a home, and he had to stay with the Jones last night after he was…dismissed from his then current residence."
Mr. Wang stood quiet but Chun-Yan seemed a bit more concerned. "What are you trying to say Alice?"
"Well, I think Kiku needs to be in an environment where…his sexual preference is more accepted and there isn't so much tension in the air."
Chun-Yan continued to look at Alice carefully, and then she looked at Emily. "You didn't just call us here to have lunch did you Emily?"
"No…I didn't Chun-Yan. I mean, we still can if you want, but something important needs to be figured out first."
"Alice," Chun-Yan said in a more serious tone. "I think I know where this is going, but I'm not so very sure…"
"I understand how you're feeling Mrs. Wang, but believe me, this is for the best."
"What exactly is happening?" asked Mr. Wang in a frustrated tone. "You all seem to know something I don't."
Alice was going to respond, but Emily placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll say it."
"Very well then. Remember to choose your words carefully Emily."
The woman bit her lip but decided to take it slowly. "Uhm, Mr. and Mrs. Wang, though we've known each other for a considerable amount of time, I know that it's not enough to fully trust me. I know that…I have struggled in my life trying to keep my sons in a healthy environment, not just physically but mentally, and I know that I'm a single parent but… I've been able to manage all these years and put myself in a stable situation, both emotionally and financially. You see, I've always had this dream of having a child that was something other than…well, having something other than Anglo blood in their veins, and I think I may have found that child, even if said child is a bit too old at this point. I've taken into consideration both the pros and cons when I finally decided early this morning, and so…I'm sure of myself and what I chose. I promise I won't let you down."
"Emily," said Mr. Wang. "This is going nowhere. Just tell us what you have to say."
She took a deep breath and sighed, her expression stern and her posture perfect. She focused her gaze at the Chinese couple and Alice waited for her to make her decision known to the two people across from them.
"I want to adopt your nephew Kiku."
-----
A/N: I'm so glad I got another chapter in. I really do hope this fanfiction is updated more frequently than my other ones, but we'll see how much I can get done for this one since college is very stressful... Ha ha, but my beta has given me deadlines, so now I must keep up with them! I feel like an actual author! Lawl x'D
Hmm, great, now I've tortured myself since I have to research on adoption in a situation like this... If not, I can always dodge it with blocks of text instead of an actual scene...
Oh yeah, here are the translations ~
Buenos dias = Good morning
¡Si señor! = Yes sir!
¡Hola primo! = Hello cousin!
¡Mierda! = Shit!
Hijo de puta como me caí gordo… = Son of a bitch how you get on my nerves...
Por nada = You're welcome or No problem; it can be used either way I believe.
señora = Ms. or Mrs.; used to address somebody older than the speaker.
mamá = Mother
papá = Father
Please don't bite my head off if some of these translations or words are wrong, because I'm sure I missed an accent mark somewhere... I can just feel it... Darn you accent marks! *shakes fist*
In case you didn't notice, I changed the summary to this story because the old one sucked a lot. Lol This one sounds much more appealing, and it seems to work since over at Fanfiction.net, I've gotten more readers! So keep that in mind: a kick-ass summary is sure to draw in people to read your stuff.
Anyway, thanks you guys for your support. :D I really enjoy reading your comments to this story, and they always bring a smile to my face. ;w; If I don't update again this month, then I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And if you don't celebrate it, well Happy Holidays anyway!
Author: Jubilee
Characters/Pairings: In this chapter: America, Japan, Canada, Spain, China, fanon!Mexico, fem!America, and a few other fanon characters and gender-bends.
Rating: T
Genre: Romance + Friendship + Family + Drama
Warnings/Notes: AU - High school.
Summary: A bond broken all because of a stupid fight, and then renewed with a simple "sorry". Now bffs, Alfred enjoys Kiku's company, and the latter realizes that his friendship is much more than he could ever ask for. To Kiku, he was a hero.
Chapter List
-----
It felt warm in the room when Kiku woke up. The blinds were closed and he heard pitter-patter from outside. He sat up and crawled over to the window. It was raining. "What time is it?" He went to the nightstand and looked at his cell. It was 9:30am at the moment.
"Jones-san must have the heater turned on," he said to himself. "That's probably why I don't feel cold."
Kiku stood up and made the bed since he was a guest and it was routine for him anyway. He left his cell phone on the nightstand and walked into the hallway. The house was a little dark since it was heavily cloudy outside, but there was enough light to see. He walked downstairs and noticed that the kitchen was illuminated. Curious, he stepped inside.
Emily was sitting on one of the stools of the island, drinking coffee while reading a newspaper. She flipped to the next page and took a sip from her cup. Kiku wondered if she was cold because she was wearing a nightgown, though he figured probably not since it looked like it was made of cotton and it had long sleeves. The blonde woman noticed him standing sheepishly in the entranceway.
"Oh good morning Kiku!" she said with a cheerful smile.
"G-Good morning Jones-san."
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I was very comfortable."
"Oh that's good." She looked at the kitchen clock and folded her newspaper. "Well I better get started on breakfast! I'm sure the boys are hungry." She downed her coffee and then put the cup in the sink, getting out cooking utensils shortly afterward. "I'm sure you're hungry too!"
"Uhm…a little. Is Matthew-san or Alfred-san awake yet?"
"Well, Al's a heavy sleeper and doesn't wake up until he smells me cooking breakfast in the kitchen, but Mattie is outside feeding the dogs."
"But it's raining."
"Ha ha! There's a covering over the door that leads to the backyard, so that's where we feed them on days like these."
"Oh, I see. I think I shall go and help him."
"Okay then! I'll be in here."
Kiku walked over to the backyard door and saw Matthew pouring dry food into Hero's bowl. He noticed Kiku and smiled. "Good morning Kiku."
"Good morning Matthew-san. Uhm, do you need any help?"
"No, I think I've got it. Hero is nearly finished with his food. He eats a lot, just like Al."
Kiku gave a chuckle. "Yes, I have noticed that your brother does eat a lot."
"Is he awake yet?"
"I'm not sure. I didn't see him in the kitchen."
"He's probably still asleep then. He's so lazy when it's cold out…" Matthew finished pouring the food into Maple's bowl and then set the large bag off to the side. "Well let's go back inside. It's cold out here."
Kiku returned into the house followed by Matthew who gently shut the glass door. They walked over to the living room where Alfred was still asleep, his glasses on the coffee table. His position looked rather hilarious since he was lying on his back, an arm and a leg on the headrest and his other arm hanging off the couch, his mouth open into a goofy smile and Kiku could've sworn that was saliva at the corner.
"What do you think he's dreaming about?" he asked Matthew.
"Probably about giant burgers or scoops of ice cream. He has a lot of food-related dreams. Ha ha."
Matthew continued off into the kitchen to help his mother with breakfast while Kiku just looked at Alfred sleeping in his amusing pose. He smiled lightly and picked up the corner of his shirt since it was slipping further down his shoulder. I must be really small for a male if Alfred-san's clothes don't even fit me…
He joined Matthew and Emily in the kitchen, wondering what he should do. "Oh Kiku," began the woman. "Why don't you sit down?" She motioned her hand to the stool on the island.
"Well, I wanted to know if you needed any help."
"Oh no, it's fine! We've got it covered here. Do you like omelets?"
"Uhm…yes, I suppose so."
"Great 'cause that's what's on the breakfast menu today, along with pancakes, toast, waffles, and hash browns!"
Kiku's eyes widened at the large list. "That is a lot of food Jones-san."
"Oh Alfred eats a lot and I like to get seconds, so that's why I cook so much. Is he still asleep?"
"Last time I checked, he was."
"He should be waking up in just a few moments then. We're almost done here. Nothing can wake that boy up, even earthquakes."
"Isn't that…dangerous?"
"Ha ha, yeah it is, but luckily we haven't had one in a while or when he's sleeping!"
Meanwhile, the scent of food drifted into the living room and reached the nostrils of the blonde still asleep on the couch. As soon as he got a whiff of it, he yawned and sat up, stretching and scratching his side. He put his glasses on and smelled the air again. "Mm, breakfast!"
He hopped off the couch and walked into the kitchen. "Good morniiiing ~ !" he said to everyone present.
"Finally you're up," Matthew said with a smile. Emily only chuckled and Kiku waved.
"Ah, good morning Alfred-san."
"Mornin' Kiku! Did you sleep well? I'm sure you did 'cause my bed is awesome and comfy."
He chuckled. "Yes, I slept pleasantly."
"That's good. So mom, what're we having for breakfast?"
"Oh Alfred, just set the table and you'll find out!"
He pouted but listened to his mother anyway and set the table. Kiku decided to help him which made Alfred happy even though the workload was small. Emily and Matthew put the cooked food on the table and then everyone sat down. The woman smacked her son's hand before he could reach for the plate of pancakes and said, "Not yet Al. You know we always pray first."
"No we don't."
She glared at him. "Yes, we do." They didn't, but she wanted to make a good impression on Kiku.
"Agh…okay…"
After a quick prayer from Emily, the four began to eat. "Mm, yummy as ever mom!"
"Thanks Al. I'm glad you like it!" She took a bite of her omelet and then looked at Kiku. "How are you enjoying the food?"
"It is very delicious Jones-san. I've never had a breakfast like this before. We don't usually eat this in the morning at my aunt's house."
"Oh really? Well you're going to have nice and warm breakfasts while you're here!"
He smiled and nodded. "Thank you Jones-san."
---
Emily left about an hour later to meet up with Arthur's mother, Alice. Matthew asked her why since it was Saturday, and she said she wanted to go shopping with her, something the younger twin felt was suspicious since Alice hated going on shopping sprees.
"Hey Kiku," Matthew said to him. "My mom wanted us to go to your house to pick up your belongings."
"Really?
"Yes, and she said Yao called earlier and wanted you to come over."
"Oh…" He stood quiet. "Will my uncle be there?"
"Yao said that his mother and father left to go run some errands, so it not likely he's there right now."
"I see. Well…then I guess I should go…"
"Al, are you gonna come?"
"Sure thing! But it's raining outside and mom took the car."
"I thought you had two cars Alfred-san."
"Well the one that belongs to Matt and me is at the shop."
"Why?"
"…no reason."
Matthew shook his head. He didn't want to tell Kiku that Alfred was irresponsible and forgot to take the car in for an oil check and that he also forgot to pick it up when it was finished.
"Oh, well, then how are we going to get to Yao-san's? I mean, we can always walk but it's raining outside."
"Matt, is he out there?"
The twin walked to the window and looked outside. "Yeah he is. He's just sitting there listening to the radio or something it looks like it."
"Great!"
"Huh?" Kiku was mildly confused. "I'm sorry. I got lost…"
Matthew chuckled. "When we don't have the car available to us, Manuel usually drives us around."
"Manuel-san? He lives around here?"
Alfred nodded. "Yep, he's just next door! Been our neighbor for years!"
"I did not know this…"
Alfred laughed. "Yeah, Manny's always bugging us--"
"No he doesn't." Matthew was ignored.
"-so in return he has to drive us around when we don't have our car."
"Oh…well doesn't he mind?"
"Nah, especially if Toni is visiting, which is like every other day." He got up from the couch and said, "Well we better get ready!"
"Alfred-san, the only outfit I have is the one I wore yesterday."
"That's okay. Who's gonna know but us?"
---
There was a light drizzle when the three walked out of the house. Alfred locked the door and Matthew opened up the large umbrella. Kiku had to borrow clothes yet again, so he was now wearing a jacket for the rain, though that too was rather big on him.
The trio walked a few steps toward Manny's driveway where they saw an SUV parked in front of the garage door. Alfred walked up to the window and knocked. Manny noticed and turned the music to a lower level, rolling the window down in addition.
"Hey Alfredo and Matthew, buenos dias!" He noticed Kiku standing next to them. "Oh! Buenos dias to you too Kiku!"
"Morning Manny."
"Good morning."
"H-Hello Manuel-san."
"Came by to hang out with me?"
"Actually we need you to drive us around."
"Again? Why?"
"We need to get to Yao's house."
"I don't even know where that is!"
"Geez it's not that far from here!"
"Then walk."
"It's raining."
"Correction: it's drizzling."
Alfred stared at the Mexican boy with narrowed eyes. Manny laughed. "Okay okay, I'll take you there. Just hop on in, but you're gonna have to sit in the back 'cause my sisters are coming with."
"Why?"
"Eh, they wanna go to get their nails done or something, and since I'm the big brother…I have to take them…and stay with them until they're done…" He sighed. "I hate my life."
"I hate your life too."
"Just get in the damn car Alfred…"
The American boy laughed and ushered his twin and Kiku into the back of the car. Not too long after, Alicia and Eva walked out of the house and toward the car. Alicia got in the passenger seat and Eva sat in the middle row, who did not notice the other three in the back.
"Damn what took you two so long?"
"We were doing our hair," Alicia replied.
"Why? It's fricken raining outside. Your hair is gonna get messed up anyway. I don't even know why I gotta drive you guys around…"
"Manny, don't be like that," Eva said. "You need to be nice to your sisters and be the chauffeur."
"Whatever. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Alfred and two more are behind you."
Eva shrieked when she turned around and saw Alfred with his brother there. She blushed on eye contact.
"Hey Eva!"
"Good morning Eva."
"Manuel!" she shouted. "Why didn't you tell me they were coming?!" She didn't want them to be there with her brother watching her get her nails and toes done.
The boy cracked up. "They're not coming with us Eva! They just need a ride somewhere."
"Oh, well whatever. Next time, tell me if you're gonna bring them with you!" She had seemed to not notice that Kiku was also there.
"Alright, is everyone ready?" Manny asked as he turned the key in its socket.
"¡Si señor!"
Manny froze. He turned around. Antonio was smiling and sitting in the seat behind his. "¡Hola primo!"
"¡Mierda!" shouted Manuel. "Antonio, how'd you get in the car?!"
"Oh I was here when your sisters got in here!"
"I would have noticed you!"
"I didn't wanna startle you 'cause then you'd leave!"
Manny banged his head on the steering wheel. "Hijo de puta como me caí gordo…"
"Manny!" Antonio whined. "Don't use that language! There are ladies here! Oh, and Kiku!" Alicia and Eva looked behind them and saw Kiku there, obviously shocked at his presence. He smiled shyly.
The Mexican teen groaned and started the car. "Antonio you are the bane of my existence."
"Why don't you love me Manuel?!"
"SHUT UP!"
Alfred laughed obnoxiously.
---
After he dropped off the three at Yao's house, Manny said goodbye and dreaded the drive to the nearest plaza since he'd have to listen to Antonio's jabbering on the way there because Alicia decided to switch seats with him.
"Alfred-san, why does Manuel-san hate Antonio-san so much?"
"He doesn't. He just pretends he does. Deep down he holds affection for him, but he doesn't like to show it in public."
"Oh, I see."
"You know, I've never been to your house," Alfred said as they walked up to the door.
As Kiku rang the doorbell, he said, "Well technically, it's no longer my house…" but neither twin heard him say that.
Yao opened the door and beamed, hugging Kiku immediately. "Kiku! You're back! Come, come inside!" He looked at Alfred and Matthew. "And you guys too! I don't want you to get all wet and catch a cold."
The Chinese boy told them to leave their boots at the door since they were wet and he didn't want it to get dirty inside. The twins and Kiku hung their coats on the coat rack near the entrance.
"Where are your parents?" asked Kiku.
"They went to the mall. They said they were going to meet somebody there, but they didn't tell me who."
"Really?" asked Matthew.
"Yes, but it's fine. We've been alone at home countless times. So thanks for bringing Kiku back!"
"Yao-san, I am not here to stay."
"Huh? Why?"
"I am…here to collect my things…"
Yao stood quiet for a few seconds as he looked at Kiku. "But…I thought you came back because you were going to stay?"
"Your father, my uncle, made it apparent that he no longer wants me here now that he knows I am the kind of child he never desired."
"B-But Kiku…where will you go?"
He gave a sideways glance at the twins who were looking at the family photos in the living room. He guessed they must have gotten bored. Then he looked back at Yao and said, "I will stay in the Jones residence until everything settles down."
"You're going to stay at Alfred's house?"
"Yes. His mother told me that it's perfectly fine if I need a place to stay."
"But Kiku--"
"Yao-san, I don't like that I have to be kept away from you and your family, but I feel that there is no reason for me to stay if I am not even welcome in the place that I used to call my home." He walked toward the stairs and said, "I'm going to collect my essentials for right now. Later on…I'll come back for the rest. Alfred-san and Matthew-san already know my decision." He didn't look back as he climbed the steps.
Yao stared at the staircase in disbelief. He didn't know how to respond or what to feel when Kiku told him he didn't want to stay in the house anymore.
"Hey Yao."
He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Alfred. "Yes?"
"Are you okay? You spaced out. Where's Kiku?"
"I'm…fine, and Kiku is upstairs. His room is the last one down the hallway."
"Oh, okay." Alfred climbed the stairs to go and assist Kiku. Matthew on the other hand looked worriedly at Yao.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine…"
"You don't look very fine to me…"
The boy gave in and said, "I don't understand my father. He shouldn't have said what he did to Kiku. I worry about Kiku so much and he's never gotten along well with a lot of people because he's so timid and it's difficult for him to open up to others quickly… He rarely smiles anymore and…I don't know… I feel like if I'm not there with him, something bad could happen to him…"
Matthew put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Yao. Al and I will make sure Kiku stays safe, okay? We won't let anything bad happen to him."
Yao looked at Matthew with a worried face. "But what about when he's at work? There are a lot of people at the mall every day. Something can happen…"
"I understand how you feel, but…you have to learn that you can't be with Kiku every second of the day. Yao, I know you care a lot about him, but you have to let him do things on his own. Even though now you won't be close to him since he's no longer going to stay here, you can always visit him, and we promise that we'll take good care of him, okay?"
The Chinese boy looked at the ground and hesitated in responding to Matthew. Then after a sigh, he said, "Okay. I understand. Maybe…you're right Matthew. I just need to give Kiku some space. Though Alfred is irresponsible and childish, I still trust that Kiku will be taken care of in your household." He looked at the twin and said, "Thank you for taking him in. I hope that you and your family will be able to make him smile again."
Matthew nodded and gave a smile. "You're welcome. And hey, if there's anybody who can make others smile, it's Alfred, and I know that sooner or later, Kiku will start smiling genuinely again."
"Hmm," Yao said with a sad smile. "I suppose you're right. Alfred's cheerful disposition is enough to make anyone feel more welcome."
---
"Your room is so organized!" Alfred said to Kiku. "Wow, my room doesn't look like this. And you have so much anime stuff! That's awesome!"
Kiku continued packing more of his things inside his old suitcase he had used from when he emigrated from Japan. "I am a collector of…anime merchandise."
"Oh really? Then hey, one day we should go to Little Tokyo!"
"Where is that?"
"It's in Los Angeles. I've been there lotsa times! I'm sure you'll love it! Hey, you can bring your cousins too, 'cause there's also a China Town and Korea Town nearby! Oh oh! I think there are other Asian towns too!"
A small chuckle escaped Kiku. He was amused at Alfred's enthusiasm. "Well yes, maybe one day we can all go and explore those areas."
"Yeah! It'll be awesome!" He grinned but got distracted when something caught his eye. "Oh, this is a cute rabbit!" He picked up a photo. "Whose is it?"
"That rabbit was mine and very special to me. I…uhm…I love animals…especially the small and cute ones…because they're soft and nice to hug…"
"Aww, that's so cute Kiku!"
The small teen blushed. Alfred looked at the photo and asked, "So where is your rabbit?"
"She died about two years ago."
"Oh… Uhm, I'm sorry…"
"It's alright. You didn't know." He took the photo gently from Alfred's hands. "There's no use looking back at the past. This thing should be left here." He put the photo in a drawer and closed it. It was then Alfred noticed how sad Kiku looked, and it made him sad just thinking about it. Maybe that rabbit was like Kiku's best friend or something, just like Hero is mine… Wow, I don't know what I'd do if Hero died. Poor guy…
"Hey uh, do you need help with anything Kiku?"
"No, I mostly have everything."
"But there's so much stuff left here."
"Well for right now, I'm just grabbing the essentials. All this merchandise I can come back for later anyway, plus I don't know where I'll be sleeping at your house, so only the bare necessities must be taken. Thanks for asking though Alfred-san."
"Oh, no problem." A thought occurred to the blonde just then. "Hey, we have another bedroom you know."
"Huh?"
"At my house, there are four bedrooms. Matt and I have our own, and so does our mom, but we have one more. It hasn't been used in years as a bedroom though. Right now a lot of junk and crap is in there, but I can ask my mom about it, to see if you can stay in there."
"Oh no, I don't want to burden you!"
"What's the burden? We need to clean out that room anyway! Ha! Though we can't do it today since it's raining and all…but I'm sure we can do it sometime soon! March is coming up real fast, and it usually gets warmer outside. It doesn't rain in April that much anymore…so spring here in California is usually moderately warm." He began to continue rambling about nothing, but stopped when Matthew knocked on the door frame.
"Are you ready to go Kiku?"
"Oh! Y-Yes I am Matthew-san. Uhm, I have everything packed, at least for now."
"Alright. We can come back at another time to get the rest of your stuff if you'd like."
"No…I'm fine for now."
"Okay then. Well we should get going."
"How are we going to get home though? Your house is a few blocks from this place."
"Ha ha, Alfred is already on it." He pointed a thumb to the hallway where Alfred was talking loudly into his cell phone.
"C'mon Manny, we don't wanna walk in the rain!"
"I told you, I'm busy! I can't leave my sisters here!"
"But Toni is with you."
"I know."
"He can stay with them. Besides, don't you wanna get away from him?"
"I guess…"
"Then?"
"You're the only one who doesn't wanna walk Alfred! I'm sure Matthew and Kiku wouldn't mind!"
"Manny pleeeease?"
"No. I'm not your slave."
"Porfavoooor?"
"Augh… Okay fine, I'll go pick you up, but only because I don't want you butchering the Spanish language with your horrible pronunciations. You already seem to do it when you speak in English, and I'm the one who was born in another country..."
Alfred laughed. "Nah, this is just American English. British English, like the one Arthur uses, is for stuck up people."
"Okay…yeah…"
"Thanks Manny!"
"Eh… Por nada…" He hung up the phone and Alfred chuckled. "Matt, Manny said he'll be here soon."
"You didn't upset him did you?"
"Nope."
"I mean, it seems like we're bugging him. I'm sure Yao would have driven us back home Al."
"Nah, Manny doesn't mind!"
"Sure Alfred…"
---
"Hey Yao, where are your siblings anyway?" asked Alfred as he was putting on his coat.
"Well, Yong Soo is in his room playing video games with Li, and Mei is probably instant messaging on her laptop."
"Then what do you do?"
"I read."
"Read? Why?"
"There isn't really anything for me to do while it's raining outside Alfred. Otherwise, I would have gone to the park."
"Why do you act so educated Yao?"
He couldn't help but crack a smile. "Because I am educated Alfred! Maybe if you read more novels instead of comic books, you'd be as 'educated' as I am!"
"Conceited."
Yao laughed. He noticed through the living room window that a car pulled up in front. "Who is that?"
"Oh that's Manny."
"Manuel? From our homeroom?"
"Yeah, he dropped us off here earlier. I told him to come and get us."
"I could have driven you back home you know. It seems like you're inconveniencing him by the look on his face. I can see it from here."
Matthew narrowed his eyes at Alfred and mouthed the words, "I told you." Of course, his twin gave him an innocent face that read, "I would have never guessed!"
Alfred and Matthew helped Kiku with the luggage while Yao went to the closet to get his younger cousin an umbrella. "Here," he said. "You're going to need it whenever it's raining."
"Thank you Yao-san."
The two stood quiet, but then Yao said, "Have…fun at Alfred's house."
Kiku nodded. "Maybe some time, I'll come and visit you."
"Okay. I'll make sure Yong Soo doesn't go into your room or anything since I know you hate it when people go through your stuff."
"Thanks Yao-san."
"No problem."
"Okay Kiku, let's go!" Alfred shouted from the car. The Japanese boy waved at his cousin and hurriedly walked to the car. Yao watched him leave even after the car was far away from his house.
"Please take care of my cousin you two. I love him just as a big brother would love his younger one…"
---
"So, run me through this again Alfred," Manny began as he drove. "Kiku's uncle kicked him out of the house because he found out he was gay? Really?"
"Yeah, but don't go tellin' people Manny."
"I won't. But really man, that sucks. If Kiku lived in my family, the situation would be a lot worse, so I understand. My family is like practically hardcore Catholic… It's nice your mom is letting him stay at your house."
"Yes, I am very grateful that the Jones family is letting me stay with them," Kiku said timidly.
"Ha ha, well señora Emily is very kind. She helped my mom find a job when she first came here. I was only four so I don't remember, but yeah. I think that's why we're neighbors now. Really, mamá always gives thanks that she became friends with her. My papá too. Although…" He glanced at Alfred. "Not sure if I like living next door where the son is kinda obnoxious and bugs me for everything."
"Hey, you're the one who always comes to my house without knocking. You scare the shit outta me when I come home and the TV is on and you pop out from the kitchen with 'Hola Alfredo!' like every day."
Manny laughed. "Don't listen to him Kiku. He dramatizes everything!"
"He sure does."
"Matt! You're supposed to be on my side!"
Matthew joined Manny in laughter as Alfred pouted and crossed his arms, slumping in the passenger seat. Kiku gave a small smile and wondered if he'd get to enjoy more moments like these in the future.
---
"Why you dragged me along I'll never know," Alice complained as she and Emily waited at a table in one of the restaurants the mall had to offer.
"You know why. You're a lawyer! I need somebody like you at my disposal."
"Yes, make it sound like I am a tool why don't you?"
"Pssh, you take things so seriously Alice." She blinked when the mother noticed a couple walking towards them.
"Oh here they come!" Emily got up and walked over to Chun-Yan and hugged her. "Hello! Good afternoon!"
"Hello Emily. So sorry we're late, but you know how people drive in the rain."
"Yeah, it's a real pain. Come on sit down!" She ushered them to the table where Alice was sitting.
"Hello Alice," greeted Chun-Yan. Her husband just nodded.
"Good day Mr. and Mrs. Wang. Please, have a seat."
"Are you hungry Chun?" asked Emily. "They have some awesome appetizers here."
"Actually, we ate breakfast before coming here, so we're fine."
"Oh okay then." Emily tapped her fingers on the table nervously, chipping the paint off of her nails ever so slightly every time she did so.
Emily cleared her throat and Alice looked at her. The British woman pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and folded her hands together neatly on the table. "Mr. and Mrs. Wang, there is a reason I am here."
"Oh? You don't like hanging out with Emily just to hang out?"
"My God no. I have better things to do then waste my precious time doing frivolous activities with this woman."
Emily stuck out her tongue at Alice, but it was ignored. "This however is a very important matter. It concerns your nephew, and seeing as how he is a friend of my son's, I'd do anything for my precious Arthur."
"What are you talking about?" asked Mr. Wang.
"You see, it has come to my attention that Kiku Honda is without a home, and he had to stay with the Jones last night after he was…dismissed from his then current residence."
Mr. Wang stood quiet but Chun-Yan seemed a bit more concerned. "What are you trying to say Alice?"
"Well, I think Kiku needs to be in an environment where…his sexual preference is more accepted and there isn't so much tension in the air."
Chun-Yan continued to look at Alice carefully, and then she looked at Emily. "You didn't just call us here to have lunch did you Emily?"
"No…I didn't Chun-Yan. I mean, we still can if you want, but something important needs to be figured out first."
"Alice," Chun-Yan said in a more serious tone. "I think I know where this is going, but I'm not so very sure…"
"I understand how you're feeling Mrs. Wang, but believe me, this is for the best."
"What exactly is happening?" asked Mr. Wang in a frustrated tone. "You all seem to know something I don't."
Alice was going to respond, but Emily placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll say it."
"Very well then. Remember to choose your words carefully Emily."
The woman bit her lip but decided to take it slowly. "Uhm, Mr. and Mrs. Wang, though we've known each other for a considerable amount of time, I know that it's not enough to fully trust me. I know that…I have struggled in my life trying to keep my sons in a healthy environment, not just physically but mentally, and I know that I'm a single parent but… I've been able to manage all these years and put myself in a stable situation, both emotionally and financially. You see, I've always had this dream of having a child that was something other than…well, having something other than Anglo blood in their veins, and I think I may have found that child, even if said child is a bit too old at this point. I've taken into consideration both the pros and cons when I finally decided early this morning, and so…I'm sure of myself and what I chose. I promise I won't let you down."
"Emily," said Mr. Wang. "This is going nowhere. Just tell us what you have to say."
She took a deep breath and sighed, her expression stern and her posture perfect. She focused her gaze at the Chinese couple and Alice waited for her to make her decision known to the two people across from them.
"I want to adopt your nephew Kiku."
-----
A/N: I'm so glad I got another chapter in. I really do hope this fanfiction is updated more frequently than my other ones, but we'll see how much I can get done for this one since college is very stressful... Ha ha, but my beta has given me deadlines, so now I must keep up with them! I feel like an actual author! Lawl x'D
Hmm, great, now I've tortured myself since I have to research on adoption in a situation like this... If not, I can always dodge it with blocks of text instead of an actual scene...
Oh yeah, here are the translations ~
Buenos dias = Good morning
¡Si señor! = Yes sir!
¡Hola primo! = Hello cousin!
¡Mierda! = Shit!
Hijo de puta como me caí gordo… = Son of a bitch how you get on my nerves...
Por nada = You're welcome or No problem; it can be used either way I believe.
señora = Ms. or Mrs.; used to address somebody older than the speaker.
mamá = Mother
papá = Father
Please don't bite my head off if some of these translations or words are wrong, because I'm sure I missed an accent mark somewhere... I can just feel it... Darn you accent marks! *shakes fist*
In case you didn't notice, I changed the summary to this story because the old one sucked a lot. Lol This one sounds much more appealing, and it seems to work since over at Fanfiction.net, I've gotten more readers! So keep that in mind: a kick-ass summary is sure to draw in people to read your stuff.
Anyway, thanks you guys for your support. :D I really enjoy reading your comments to this story, and they always bring a smile to my face. ;w; If I don't update again this month, then I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And if you don't celebrate it, well Happy Holidays anyway!