Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia or Three Days Grace.
"Hey, Kiku? Do you think I should leave Mattie alone?" Alfred asked off-handedly as he meticulously measured hydrochloric acid into a beaker.
His lab partner glanced over at him, attention drifting away from the clipboard he held. The Japanese boy held back a sigh. He had known that at some point the blond would've brought up the object of his obsession at some point in front of him.
Almost wistfully, he took in the sight of their unfinished experiment. For the last week, Alfred had skipped out on working on it, far more interested in wooing his ex-boyfriend.
Not that Kiku was bitter. Of course not. He understood that love turned fools into even greater fools.
Ah to be young again.
"It is not my place to comment, Alfred-san." The dark-haired boy began delicately. "But perhaps you are being a bit over-zealous in your attempts?"
Alfred just stared at him, blue eyes freakishly magnified by his safety goggles. His white coat was rolled up to his elbows and there was a smudge of some precipitate on his cheek from where their last chemical reaction had literally exploded in his face.
Kiku, concerned and a little uneasy, had suggested that Alfred clean up. But the American had just laughed, waving his hand to dispel the snowy fog that had settled around him.
"…Over-zealous?" Alfred asked, voice thoughtful as though the words had never come to mind. And, really, they hadn't. But when Arthur chose potential molestation at the hands of Francis that assist him in his final plan, the American wondered briefly if maybe he was doing something wrong.
Kiku wondered if he should mention catching a glimpse of a distraught Matthew wailing into one of his hockey teammate's shoulders after the Bieber Incident.
But then he realized that Alfred would probably be more concerned about whose shoulder Matthew was wailing into.
So instead he decided to say, "Alfred-san, the beaker is overflowing."
The American blinked slowly and looked down at the solution that was dripping over his fingers before yelping loudly and jerking his hand, sending the instrument to the floor where it shattered on impact.
"Oh sweet Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" He shrieked, running over to the sink and sticking his hand under the running water.
Kiku sighed, resigned to the fact that his lab partner would be completely useless until he resolved whatever conflict he had with his former boyfriend.
Then he set about cleaning the spilled acid. "At least it was diluted." He said in an attempt to comfort the sniffling blond.
"Yeah…" Alfred mumbled. "You're…" He trailed off, gaze focused on some point outside the window in the chemistry lab.
"Alfred-san?" Kiku asked politely, eyes following Alfred's gaze.
Matthew Williams stood with Ludwig's brother, smiling a bit as the white-haired boy recounted some story, arms waving wildly in the air and a huge grin on his face.
Their laughter trickled into the lab.
Kiku looked back over in his lab partner, hoping to any god that was listening that Alfred wouldn't proceed to demolish the lab out of fury.
Instead the blond boy watched the scene quietly, something hardening in his face as a determined glint sparked in his eyes.
"Or maybe not over-zealous enough." He chortled. "Oh Matthew. You will be mine."
Matthew smiled politely, nodding his head as Gilbert continued to crow about the awesome save he made at the last soccer game.
"It was awesome!"
"I wish I could've seen it." The Canadian said quietly, wondering how he could ditch his newfound shadow.
Gilbert's face lit up even more. "I have tapes!"
Oh sweet Trudeau. Matthew bit back the urge to whimper. Even Alfred wasn't this bad after a victory.
Gilbert had transferred after Matthew moved and, as a result, the blond had no idea what the other teen was like when he sauntered up to him on the quad and struck up a conversation.
And then he never left.
"Maybe another time?" The violet-boy suggested weakly, praying that he could just get away. Gilbert was sexy, no denying. But he had no sense of when to keep quiet.
At least Alfred knew when to shut up.
No! Bad Matthew! The Canadian shook his head roughly, brow furrowing as memories of Alfred flooded his mind.
Alfred wrapping his beloved bomber jacket around Matthew's shoulders during halftime when the wind picked during his soccer game.
Alfred dragging him out of bed at midnight to watch the meteor shower at the park.
Alfred spinning him around in the puddles as the summer storm raged around them, drenching their clothes and their hair, as they laughed and tempted the rain to fall faster.
Alfred grabbing his face with sweaty palms and pressing hesitant lips against his, before pulling away, blue eyes terrified and hopeful.
Alfred staring at him mournfully, boom box in hand, as Matthew walked away from him.
Droning out Gilbert's chatter, he tried to conjure up memories of Alfred dumping him, voice cavalier and eyes flat. He tried to think of the other's retreating back, of ears deaf to his pleas and questions. He tried to recount all the dates at greasy fast food joints and all the times Alfred flirted with a pretty girl.
But instead he remembered Alfred dabbing his hamburger with a handful of napkins to soak up extra grease, a sheepish smile on his face as he darted back up to the counter to order extra fries for Matthew.
He remembered confronting Alfred mid-flirt, violet eyes enraged. Alfred had just glanced at him before glancing back at the girl before dismissing her entirely and facing Matthew. Then with a bright grin, announcing, "Yeah, you're still way hotter than any chick."
"Hey, are you listening to me, Matt?" Gilbert's voice cut in.
Maybe he should've heard Alfred out.
"Excuse me, but you're Matthew Williams, yes?"
Matthew glanced away from his book, looking up and seeing a tanned boy with a bright grin on his face. "Um, yes, I am."
The teen's grin widened and his green eyes glimmered strangely. "Good~ I finally found you." He tutted. "You're a difficult guy to find, my friend."
Matthew stared at the teen strangely before sitting up, reluctantly leaving Anders's thigh that he had been using as a pillow.
It wasn't really his choice. His teammates were very touchy-feely guys.
"Can I help you with something?" He prompted quietly, an inquisitive frown on his face.
The teenager blinked in confusion before a smile broke across his face. "Oh, right! I almost forgot." He chuckled. "I'm supposed to tell you that Alfred is on the roof and he plans to jump because you won't love him back." He pauses thoughtfully. "And…No, wait, that was all."
Matthew looked horrified.
Damn it Alfred.
Wordlessly, the blond shot to his feet and sprinted away, intent on making it to the roof and stopping this foolishness before Alfred actually jumped to his doom.
Sure he said he wanted Alfred to die and broke open his piggy bank to hire an assassin, but now that the event was becoming a terrifying reality…
He swallowed roughly, heart clenching painfully, pushing himself to run faster.
"Don'tdoitAlfredI'mnotworthit!" He shrieked, pushing through the metal door and sliding to a halt on the rooftop. He panted, searching wildly for the other blond.
And there was Alfred…nowhere near the edge of the roof.
"Hey Mattie." The other teenager smiled guiltily, toeing the roof with his sneaker bashfully.
The Canadian just stared at him dumbly, gaze sliding over to take in the tiny round table next to Alfred, laden with covered plates and bottles of Gatorade.
He was silent, brain blissfully blank. Then it all clicked. "You…tricked me?"
Instantly Alfred's expression turned fearful. "Let me explain—"
"Do you think this plan will really work?" Tino fretted, leaning back against Berwald's solid chest.
"I hope not." Gilbert said moodily. "I hope that bastard just jumps."
Ludwig sighed next to him. "Brother…"
"Matthew and I had a real connection, Luddy!"
"Even if they don't get back together, at least they'll finally be able to talk." Fridrick noted quietly.
"He doesn't deserve him." Matthias muttered, Anders nodding in agreement.
"Amen to that brother!" Gilbert shouted much to Ludwig's pain.
"Maybe they'll find some closure." Antonio added.
"And maybe we can finally get a real practice in." Lovino added with a scowl. "Without that idiot bursting into tears."
"And we won't have to coax Matthew out of the equipment room with syrup."
"'es all gr'wn 'p." Berwald added, eyes a little damp. Tino patted his hand lovingly.
"We knew this day would come." The Finn said comfortingly. "We can't protect him forever."
Anders coughed loudly, glaring pointedly at the smaller player.
"Maybe Anders can." Tino amended. "But its time for Matthew to be a grown up." His eyes became misty.
Ivan, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke up. "Surely you all realize that once little Matvey realizes he's been tricked, he's going to throw Jones off the roof himself, yes?"
Both teams quieted, exchanging nervous looks.
Then each boy shot to his feet and ran out to the front of the school.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Alfred shouted, arching his body away from the edge and pushing back against Matthew. His blue eyes were wide, focused on the distance to the ground. The wind ruffled his blond hair lovingly, inviting him to plummet to the ground.
Sure the fall wouldn't be enough to kill him—he calculated it himself and had Kiku check his math—but it would hurt like a bitch.
Matthew's face was stony, even as he continued to manhandle Alfred forwards.
"I'm so sorry Mattie! Please believe me!" Alfred pleaded, voice shrill. "But if I thought there was any other way to get you alone with me I would've done it!" He closed his eyes, heart pounding. "I don't want to hurt you anymore, please Matthew!"
Matthew's grip on him lessened before the slighter blond let go and Alfred collapsed to his knees, the adrenaline still coursing through him.
"Hehe." He grinned breathlessly. "I thought you were actually going to throw me off for a second there."
"I was." Matthew snapped, stepping away and tucking a curling strand of hair behind his ear. "I'll still do it too."
When he realized that Alfred was in no danger of jumping, his heart had nearly burst in relief.
Only to swell with rage when he realized that Alfred had no intention of ending his life.
Alfred just chuckled, looking up with soft eyes. "I am sorry, you know. For everything."
Matthew said nothing, choosing instead to look away. With a sigh, he stepped back a little, suddenly realizing that he and Alfred were one misstep from becoming splatters of teenager on the asphalt (cutting it close, again, eh Matt?).
Alfred, misunderstanding the movement, dove forward and grabbed Matthew's leg, wrapping himself around the limb desperately. "No, don't run away again!" He wailed, rubbing his face against Matthew's hip, mouth dangerously close to the other's crotch.
Matthew's face reddened. "I-I wasn't…!"
"I know I made a mistake." Alfred pleaded, arms tightening around Matthew's leg. "I've done a lot of stupid things, but that was the stupidest. And I really do regret it." The American's voice quieted. "You might not think so, but I never stopped caring."
Matthew sighed, feeling some of the residual rage he had from the other day drift away. The fact that Alfred was still trying was proof that he cared.
"I believe you, Alfred."
"Do you?" Alfred asked, looking up, sky blue eyes impossibly wide. "Because I'm willing to completely debase myself—publically, if you want—just to convince you."
Matthew blanched. "No, no. I do believe you." He was a little afraid of just how much further Alfred could and would go.
The two were silent for a moment. Alfred traced idly designs on the back of Matthew's knee as the other boy just stared off into space.
"Why'd you do it?" Matthew asked, no longer content to let the question burn in his gut.
"I thought Arthur—"
"I want to hear it from you."
Alfred sighed, hearing no room for argument in Matthew's voice. "I overheard you telling him that your parents were moving back to Canada. I thought you would leave me behind." His voice was soft, unlike the boisterous tone he usually used. "I thought you didn't like me anymore."
"Why would you think that?" Matthew asked softly.
"You started to get angry more often." Alfred shrugged. "I didn't know what else to do. I started reading those magazines for ideas. Since we both like animals, I thought you'd enjoy other things I liked. But you didn't seem to enjoy hamburgers at all. Then I thought I'd try to make you jealous so you'd realize how much I mean to you, but that made you angry too." He was silent. "In retrospect, that was pretty stupid to begin with."
Matthew felt the beginnings of guilt claw at his chest. And he thought he was completely blameless...
"I remembered reading that sometimes boyfriends just need to be reminded how much a relationship meant to them. I was afraid you'd dump me before leaving and I was desperate." He laughed lowly, self-deprecatingly. "I actually thought that you'd beg me to take you back and that you'd stay here instead of going back to Canada." He pouted then, releasing his hold on Matthew. "What's so great about that place anyways?"
Matthew felt a surge of something for Alfred, then, coupled with pity. "Oh Al…" He whispered, kneeling next to the depressed boy and wrapping his arms around his shoulders. Alfred was still for a moment before returning the gesture, pulling Matthew close.
"Pushing you away is one of my biggest regrets." The louder blond admitted.
Matthew was quiet, detaching himself from the other without saying a word. Licking his lips, he met Al's expectant gaze. "I was absolutely miserable these past two years. I was angry, at first. I hated you so much. I thought I'd be better off and I tried to get past you." He said honestly. "I dated other people. There was this one guy—Miguel, he was Cuban. And he was so sweet. He bought me ice cream and remembered to go to all my hockey games and he was an amazing kisser. Yes, even better than you." Matthew said sharply, seeing Alfred's mouth open. "Don't interrupt."
Alfred shut his mouth obediently, resembling a scolded puppy.
"And he was wonderful. But all I could think about was you." Matthew glared. "You're like a virus or bacteria-thing. You infect. And there's no cure."
Alfred smiled guiltily.
"I missed you too." Matthew said.
"There's a 'but' somewhere, I know it." Alfred groaned.
Matthew pushed the other's shoulder roughly. "But, what you did really hurt me. I was ready to just off myself at one point."
"I'm sorry."
Matthew shook his head. "I can't just forgive you and jump back into your arms."
"Why not?" Alfred actually looked insulted.
"Alfred. Even if we got back together, right this moment, we'd just break up again." Matthew said patiently.
Alfred stared at him.
"Think about it. You turned to those stupid magazines because you thought I was upset with you. You never asked me yourself. And I never told you how much your actions upset me." Matthew explained, frowning in annoyance at the other blond's blank look. "Okay, this is why no one believes me when I say you're smart."
Alfred scowled, crossing his arms. "I'm a motherfuckin' genius."
"Of course you are." Matthew said indulgently, patting the other's arm. "But Al, seriously. Our relationship lacked communication."
"Says who?"
"My mother." Matthew admitted with a blush. Yes, he had run home and told his mother the other day. "I mean, we decided to date after hooking up on your couch for the third time."
Alfred's eyes glazed over as he remembered those times. Oh, those were great times.
But, as Matthew's words hit home, Alfred couldn't help but agree. "You know, Arthur said the same thing this morning when I left him on Francis's porch."
"Oh rea—wait what?"
"Yeah, he even suggested I add the whole lunch on a rooftop thing so we could try to get to know each other better." Alfred paused. "Our likes and dislikes, not just what the insides of our mouths are like."
"Oh that's nice." Matthew added. "But why did you leave Arthur on Francis's porch."
At that a scarlet flush rose on Alfred's cheeks. ".."
Matthew stared at him incredulously. "You threatened my cousin and then left him at Francis's mercy because he refused to help you with your latest scheme?"
"Um, yes?" Alfred seemed to shrink in on himself. "Please don't kill me."
Violet eyes regarded him in anger for a moment before Matthew's face softened. "Arthur refused to help you at the risk of being raped just to keep me from being humiliated?"
"You weren't going to be humiliated." Alfred grumbled. "Stupid jerk wouldn't even listen to my plan."
The smile that crossed Matthew's face was breathtaking. "He does care." He said softly, incredibly touched by Arthur's selflessness. "Now I won't have to drown him." Then his face turned concerned. "I hope Francis is gentle with him."
Alfred said nothing, secretly hoping that Arthur wouldn't murder him later for leaving him at the mercy of Francis's perversions (again, not his best plan and maybe he wouldn't have gone through with it but Arthur seemed to be convinced that Alfred wouldn't dare.) reaching into his pocket for his iPod. "So..." He started, looking at Matthew nervously. "Is Easy Mac okay? Its kinda the height of my culinary skills."
Matthew laughed, standing up and dusting off his jeans. "It sounds great, Al."
A brilliant smile spread across Alfred's face at the familiar nickname and he subtly pressed a button on his iPod.
I always knew that you would come back to get me
And you always knew that it wouldn't be easy
Matthew shook his head, pale blond hair falling into his face as he threw an exasperated look at Alfred. "Don't push your luck, Al."
Arthur sighed, thoroughly uncomfortable and reeking of garlic. The snail shell was incredibly uncomfortable and not at all ideal to shove one's arse into.
"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day?" He asked dryly, green eyes unamused.
Francis just stared at him, azure eyes wide. The Frenchman had opened his door that morning and saw Arthur and had gleefully dragged him inside the house.
But since then, the amorous blond had just sat in a chair and stared at the tied up Brit with vague confusion in his eyes.
"Look, wanker, just go on and have your wicked way with me." Arthur snapped. "This is bloody uncomfortable."
Francis frowned, tapping his knee idly. "To be honest, cher, I'm at a bit of a loss. While I have many things I'd like to do with you, I've never actually had you completely at my mercy." He groaned, throwing a hand over his face. "I never planned this far."
Arthur just stared at him. "Bollocks."
"No, truly." Francis gestured helplessly. "This is all very new to me."
Arthur just sighed, wondering if he should be annoyed or grateful.
Oh goodness. This was becoming very long so I ended it. It was supposed to finish this chapter but there looks like there will be one more, an epilogue of sorts. Finally, Matt and Al talk it out. Heh, kudos to people who pointed out that now Matt is being a doucherocket by not listening to Alfred. And, yeah, I think you all know where this is going. But I hope that doesn't discourage or dissuade people from continuing. Thanks to everyone following this. You all rock!
Yes, back to Canadian bands. Three Days Grace. Yes, that counts right?