Catch the Falling Sky
Chapter 3

Alfred, for once, was not on board with the "charge-in-without-thinking" plan. It confused Arthur to no end, but it kept him more frustrated than anything else. Alfred even made a reasonable argument, saying it'd be better to get some money and save up for better gear and food. "It'd be completely useless to charge in without any supplies." he had said, especially since they had no clue what they were up against. But still. This was the destruction of their hometown for crying out loud! It deserved a little more attention that this!

"But it could have been connected! Do you honestly not care what happened?" Arthur argued, but Alfred just gave him an exasperated look.

"I do care, Arthur. You know that. I just don't think we should go running off like that." Alfred said it with an air of finality. Arthur rolled his eyes. Alfred probably just wanted to stay in town and gain the affections of more women. Arthur supposed it didn't matter. Not even he wanted to leave yet. His head was still pounding after all and even the smallest of sounds made him feel like he was splitting in two. Elizabeta appeared again, placing a plate of food in front of Alfred and a glass of yellow-ish liquid in front of Arthur, whom furrowed his thick eyebrows as he gave Elizabeta an incredulous stare. She smiled.

"It'll make you feel better."

"Your plan to make my alcohol induced headache go away is to give me more alcohol? Absolutely brilliant."

"Gilbert thought so. He drinks more than me and swears it works. And more times than not, it does." Alfred snickered through a mouthful of food at Elizabeta's comment, but said nothing. Elizabeta passed a comment, making Alfred laugh again, but Arthur wasn't paying attention long enough to catch what she said. Gilbert was currently talking very loudly with some bearded men a few seats away about women they had slept with within the past few days, causing Arthur to roll his eyes.

"Certainly an eccentric fellow." he grumbled, sipping up some of the foam that bubbled and fizzed at the top of the glass.

"An idiot too." Elizabeta agreed. Arthur stared at his drink idly before deciding to take a sip. Well if you had to drink to get rid of the killer headache, so be it. Arthur would be willing to try anything at this point. "So who's paying for the drinks you and Francis inhaled last night?"

"Who woke up first?"

"Francis."

"Him. My hangover is obviously worse. And I don't remember last night at all." Alfred scoffed and mumbled something about "Blizzard" and "couldn't get any" under his breath. It earned an arched eyebrow but nothing else.

"I'll be sure to tell him that. He's probably at work right now, so it's not like I don't know where to find him." Alfred banged on the counter loudly, causing Arthur to bolt upright and glare at him as he was obviously not finished chewing. Elizabeta casually turned to face him, unfazed by Alfred's obvious struggle to finish swallow the ungodly bite of food Alfred had stuffed into his mouth. Whatever he had to say seemed important if the way he was flailing his hand offered any clues. It was a little amusing to watch him chew feverishly and wave his arms like that. Alfred swallowed.

"Speaking of work, do you know any jobs that'll pay well? Obviously we kinda need jobs…" he finally managed to say. Elizabeta thought for a moment, touching her chin absently and sweeping her long, wavy hair behind her ear.

"You'll probably have an easier time than your friend, assuming you're as strong as you look. There's a hunting group Gilbert takes part in sometimes. They're always looking for extra men, but they have some pretty high standards." she explained. Alfred scoffed. "You should probably ask Gilbert about it. He has a good reputation with them, since his brother is actually one of the ranking officers." Gilbert seemed to have gotten bored talking with the men and moved on to do other things, involving beer and drinking it as it appeared. "You," Elizabeta tilted her head towards Arthur, "on the other hand, might have a bit more difficult time." He sent an annoyed glare in her direction, but said nothing. "I don't exactly know what you're good at though."

"He's good at magic and stuff. He can do spells and all that." Alfred offered, pushing his empty bowl to the side and leaning against the counter on his elbows, arms crossed in front of him.

"I think there're a couple magic shops looking for assistants, organizing spell books and running errands." I can write down the addresses for you if you want to check them out. I can't promise they pay as well, but it's better than nothing."

"I suppose that would be alright. I'd rather be around magic than anything else." It would be the perfect opportunity to read up on spells and practice. Maybe the Magician would be willing to teach him a few tricks to make the spell more powerful or how to better focus his energy. It was a little disappointing knowing he and Alfred wouldn't be working alongside one another anymore, but perhaps it was time for a change. Arthur continued to mull things over in his head while Alfred talked to Gilbert, whom Elizabeta had called over while she searched for paper and ink. The two other men were chatting excitedly about the job, the albino explaining how often they went out and what they brought back and the usual pay.

Elizabeta returned with a piece of paper, several addresses scribbled in neat handwriting in a nice column. "Tell them Elizabeta sent you if you think it'll help. Most of them own me a favor or two anyways."

"Right. Thanks then." Arthur mumbled, shoving the paper into his pocket. Gilbert was offering to take Alfred to meet Ludwig sometime that afternoon and Alfred agreed to do so, saying he was free whenever. Arthur wondered if that meant Alfred might have time to come with him to meet the wizards and magicians. It'd be fine if he didn't want to. He'd probably rather go off with Gilbert and stare at the beautiful women that seemed to be everywhere you looked instead of meeting people he'd have no direct association with ever anyways. Arthur breathed a sigh of annoyance. It wouldn't bother him so much if Alfred didn't seem to be so excited about being away from him. Alfred suddenly clapped Arthur on the back heavily, making the boy lurch forward violently, half surprised and half annoyed.

"…right, Arthur?" Alfred grinned. Shit. Alfred had been talking to him. Arthur hoped it wasn't important.

"Uh-sure. I guess. I mean I don't really care one way or the other." Arthur huffed, staring at the counter. Alfred eyebrows furrowed in confusion though his mouth still stayed in a smile. Arthur hoped he hadn't just agreed to something outlandish or stupid, but Alfred didn't say anything to say that he had so Arthur pushed it to the back of his mind without a second thought.

Alfred helped Arthur find a good shop to work in before he left to meet Ludwig. He still had a few hours so there was no harm in joining his friend and helping to find a reasonable place, no matter how capable the older boy was on his own. Arthur made him wait outside, saying that Alfred would probably break something fragile or knock over a bookshelf or something. Alfred didn't seem to mind in the least and patiently waited for Arthur, leaning against the wall or meandering back and forth until Arthur finished. Arthur liked all of the places so far. The wizards seemed nice enough and they all had massive collections of spell and potion books, and all of them seemed keen on having someone actually interested in magic helping out. It was better than the teenagers who wanted nothing to do with magic, only wanting coins to spend on clothes or fancy gifts for the person they fancied at the time.

"I honestly do not know how I'm going to pick just one. They all are offering a fair salary and they seem willing to teach me a few things while I'm around!" Arthur said, closing the heavy wooden door of the fourth and final magic shop Elizabeta had recommended. Alfred just shrugged in response.

"Whatever you want, I guess."

"I suppose I might go with the third place. It's closer to the inn and its downtown, where all the business happens. The guy wasn't old, but he still had a great collection and he seems like he might have more time to teach me." Arthur babbled, talking about what he hoped to learn. Alfred listened, but didn't really seem to get everything his friend was saying. "…who knows? Maybe he'll be able to teach you a simple healing spell for yourself."

"Excuse me? You say it like it'd be hard to teach me something like that."

"Harder. You focus all of your energies into physical strength and dexterity-"

"And stamina. Don't you need that for spells?"

"Well yes. But you need other things as well. Things you don't bother to deal with." Arthur explained matter-of-factly. Alfred let out an unhappy groan. Oh well. He'll get over it. Arthur thought. He was more excited about his new job. Speaking of which, "What about you? Did Gilbert tell you when he was taking you to meet his brother?"

"He just said sometime this afternoon. I guess whenever." Alfred shrugged, shoving his hands deep into his pockets as he did so.

"Seems like it'll be difficult."

"It might be. I'm sure I'll be fine. Gilbert made it sound like it'd be pretty cool anyways." The taller blond didn't seem too keen on carrying on a conversation so Arthur gave up, grabbing the strap of his leather bag with both hands and squeezing it awkwardly while they walked to the tavern. Luckily it wasn't a long walk, but Arthur wished they had finished up a little earlier so as to beat the afternoon rush. But it seemed this place was always busy anyways. Nobody appeared to be drunk yet, well except for perhaps the albino. According to Elizabeta, he was both eccentric and loud both sober and drunk so it was difficult to tell when Gilbert was or wasn't. A few men were drinking some ale, but not enough to get into a drunken stupor at all. Elizabeta noticed the blonds' return and quickly made her way towards the two, her long brown hair bouncing behind her every step of the way.

"So how did it go?" she asked, getting right to the point.

"Well enough, I hope. I think they all seem like great places to work, honestly." Arthur answered quickly. Alfred continued to walk towards the stairs, obviously not wanting to listen to Arthur talk about the wizards again. Arthur let out an annoyed sigh as he rolled his eyes. "I think I'm going to go with Grayhelm. He seemed knowledgeable but not too ancient. And he focuses more on elemental magic so I think I might understand his terminology more."

"Hm. You struck me more as a Summoner or a shadow-user. Oh well. I guess I was wrong. When do you start?"

"The day after tomorrow. I think he'll have me organizing books and ingredients. Tedious, but nothing I can't handle."

"I'm sure he'll have you dealing with customers when he teaches you more about everything. Not that you need to know all about what's in potions since you really only people buying potions as they pass through, but Grayhelm is really big on making sure his employees know how to do things. What's the point of keeping you around if you can't even make a minor healing potion anyways?"

"Confidence. That is what you're giving me right now, Elizabeta." Arthur said ironically, crossing his arms. She laughed as she pushed her hair behind her ear. Gilbert appeared behind her, mischievous smile on his pale face. He began whispering to the green-eyed girl, grin widening and reaching his red eyes. Elizabeta rolled her eyes playfully and shoved Gilbert to the side before trotting away to the bar. Gilbert watched her leave, his smile fading into a less jovial smirk before he turned to face Arthur again, rubbing the back of his neck as he did so.

"Listen Brows, tell you boyfriend to get his ass down here if he wants the job." he cackled, pointing a finger in Arthur's face. Arthur's face bloomed bright red as he slapped the hand out of his face.

"He is not my boyfriend." he huffed angrily. "And my eyebrows are not that bad!" Gilbert just smirked further, ebbed on by Arthur's response. The albino opened his mouth to speak again, but Arthur cut him off, "I think your girlfriend is trying to get your attention." the blond sputtered before quickly dodging his way into the crowd of the people, ducking and weaving his way through until he reached the spiral staircase. Arthur quickly made his ascent, grumbling to himself as he did so. Stupid Gilbert, saying stupid things. Alfred was far from being a…well…that. They were best friends for crying out loud. They did things like any two men would do with each other. Of course that's what Arthur felt. Completely. No question about it. Though Arthur guessed the rising heat in his face might contradict his firm belief. At least the quick glance Arthur stole over the banister showed Gilbert was just as shocked by the accusation Arthur had retorted with which gave the blond a slight feeling of satisfaction. He scurried up towards the landing and went towards his room.

Alfred was already inside, sprawled out on the bed, his legs dangling off the edge and feet firmly planted on the ground. He was playing with his glasses, holding one of the legs and spinning them above his face. His blue dragon egg lay in his side, nestled in the dip right before his hips. His free arm cradled the egg, hand rubbing up and down the smooth surface absently. He didn't turn his head to look at his friend, but he acknowledged Arthur with a slight pause before spinning his glasses again.

"You shouldn't do that. You'll break them." Arthur lectured. Alfred rolled his eyes and sat up, slipping the rims on his face. Arthur sighed and made his way to the corner of the room, hanging up his bag on one of the hooks, right next to Alfred's bag. "Gilbert wants you. I'm assuming you're going to meet Ludwig now."

"Oh. Thanks. I guess I'll head down then." Alfred stood up, running a hand through his honey blond hair. Arthur sighed. It was incredibly annoying when Alfred didn't talk, even more so when he talked nonstop. "I'll be back a later. From the sounds of it, I don't think Ludwig is going to be much of a conversation." Alfred's heavy footsteps sounded as he made his way to the door, which creaked as he pulled it open.

"Thanks." Arthur breathed out so quickly that he was unsure if Alfred heard him. He spun on his heel to see the blue eyed blond standing in the doorway, hand still on the handle and a confused look on his bespectacled face.

"You're welcome?" he replied slowly, "Though for what exactly?"

"Uh-" Arthur began intelligently, "For walking with me today, I suppose. I appreciate it."

"That's what best friends do, Arthur." Alfred grinned before waving a quick goodbye and closing the door. Arthur groaned and flopped onto the bed, burying his face into the quilt and pushing Alfred's dragon egg away as it had rolled to rest on his ear. It was odd that the egg wasn't cool, but in fact warm against his flesh. Maybe Alfred was right. Maybe it would be hatching soon. Arthur took a deep breath through his nose, letting the scent of the mattress and blankets fill his nose. He expected it to have mingling scents of previous occupants and perfumes, but oddly enough it only smelt only like Alfred. It was weird that it only smelled like Alfred, however faint it was. It was kind of weird that he immediately though it was Alfred since he'd spent so much time with the boy. He half wondered if he smelled like that. Maybe since they spent so much time together, it was possible. Arthur felt every muscle in his body tighten. But that was completely preposterous! You don't just smell like a person because you spend every day for eight year of your life with the same person! Why was he even thinking about something so stupid, anyways? That wasn't something you just thought about!

Arthur rolled over onto his back, large eyebrows knitted together and his gaze sour and intense. Maybe the stupid bed wouldn't smell like Alfred if he had actually bathed since they were here. The medical cleanup from Francis didn't count-or work apparently. Yes. That was the reasonable conclusion Arthur came up with and he was sticking to it. Alfred just needed a bath if his scent was so easily rubbed off onto things, honestly.

Maybe Arthur needed a bath too. After a night of drinking and then walking in the sun for a few hours, it would probably be best. He could always take one later though. He didn't really feel like getting back up when the bed was so comfortable. It wouldn't hurt to take a nap first. It had been an exhausting day after all and Alfred wouldn't be back for a while. Arthur hummed slightly and turned his head. He hadn't gotten the chance to really look at the room since the last time he was in the room he was so drunk he couldn't stand, let alone take in the room's décor.

The floors, walls, and ceiling were all a deep, rich wood; the same as in the tavern part of the inn. Most of the furniture was also wooden. One of the pieces were probably a station for daily hygienic needs, having a mirror, a small basin, towels, wash cloths, and soap on top in neat rows and a tub a few feet away. A paneled divider stood half-folded near the tub, in case the room was shared and one wanted privacy while bathing. Arthur wondered if it would get used. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen Alfred naked before and Alfred him. Not that it mattered one way or the other. Arthur preferred privacy if it was an option, but it wasn't like he was against stripping down and jumping in a lake to go swimming. A yawn began pulling at Arthur's jaw, forcing it open until he let it take over, his eyes watering slightly as he did so. It was definitely time for a nap.

Arthur woke up to a loud crashing sound followed by a short string of moans and curses. "Shit that hurt." said Alfred's voice, obviously in pain. That was followed by a, "So much for being quiet." and the sound of awkward scrambling and grunts. Arthur shifted himself to face the direction of the noise, green eyes scanning the room for Alfred, though it wasn't like he could go far. "Sorry about wakin' you up…"

"It's fine. I didn't mean to fall asleep in the first place." A lie, but Alfred didn't need to know that. Arthur sat up, groggily rubbing the sleep out of his eyes while Alfred put up his things. "So how'd it go?"

"Alright I guess. Ludwig seems like a good guy. A hard ass, but good. He seemed impressed with me though. I guess most of his team aren't as wonderfully built as me." Alfred laughed at his own joke. "Actually, I'm almost as big as he is and he's a big dude. You'd never guess him and Gilbert were brothers. They're polar opposites."

"Like you and me?" Arthur asked.

"Kind of. Only you're nowhere near as scary as Ludwig. I'd say you were harmless."

"What?" Arthur glared at Alfred's back, which was turned towards him while Alfred played with and smelled the soaps that came with the room. "Just what the hell are you-"

"I mean, I know you have your magic and stuff, but on the outside you're kinda. Hmmm…" Alfred thought about it for a few moments, "I dunno. You're just not all muscles and stuff. Though I've known you for like, half my life so I already know what sets you off and all that." There was a knock at the door and Elizabeta entered with a large bucket of something steaming. "Oh! Thanks for bringing that for me! I was just gonna do it myself."

"It's really no problem. It's what I get paid to do anyways." Elizabeta said with a warm smile, placing the bucket beside the tub. A few other girls entered with similar buckets, but poured them into the tub before exiting. "If you need anything else, just give me a yell. Afternoon then." And then she left. Arthur got up and began to inspect the tub. He guessed Alfred was getting ready to take a bath. With a glance over his shoulder, it was more than obvious that a bath was what the younger boy had planned on if the pile of clothes that was already forming on the hardwood floor was any clue to that. Quick as a flash, Alfred splashed into the tub, hissing about how hot the water was before settling in. Arthur rolled his eyes and made his way back over to the bed.

"So what exactly have you learned sets me off in these many years of knowing me, Alfred? Since you're all knowing." Arthur was simply instigating, already frustrated with his best friend for insulting him.

"Well for one you hate hearing about how tiny you are." Alfred started. He apparently moved and water began sloshing around as he situated himself. Arthur noticed the bucket of hot water, still steaming, that Elizabeta had left out for Alfred. Arthur grinned and bent over the tiny tub. "And you hate it when anybody mentions your eyebrows, even if they do work for you. You also hate it when anybody says anything about your lack of sex life." Alfred continued talking, but Arthur just tuned him out. "And you hate it when I tell you nobody likes your cooking. Or when you realize you're really only good at women's work. Not that it's a bad thing. One of us should be good at it. It'll save money. And you also hate talking about how many times I had to save your ass in the orphanage from all those bullies, especially when you didn't talk. Oh and you hate it when I talk too much." Arthur was starting to feel a little more than peeved listening to Alfred's list, which he was saying as if he'd recited it a hundred times. Alfred took a deep breath and submerged himself in the water, coming back up with a splash. His hair clung to his face and neck, save for that one oddball piece that always stuck up even when wet. "And you also hate it if I don't talk to you, which just contradicts the last thing I said."

"I get it, Alfred. You can stop…" Arthur growled.

"Oh and you hate when I tell you that you act like a girl. Especially when it's things like that."

"I said you can shut up." Arthur said more loudly.

"But, c'mon, Arthur. Even you have to realize that you act like a girl sometimes. I mean, when you're mad, you yell or you give me the silent treatment and then you say you're okay when I try to apologize when it's obvious you aren't." Alfred continued to babble, rubbing soap into his golden locks and up and down his tanned body.

"Alfred. Shut up."

"Then when I do apologize, you pretty much don't accept it! I mean, jeez! Can you get any more complicated?" Alfred laughed, grabbing the bucket.

"Right then." Arthur couldn't help but let a wide smile spread across his face.

"But I guess you probably have a load of stuff wrong with me too, huh?" Alfred tipped the bucket over his head and immediately screamed an, "OH FUCK THAT'S COLD!" before clumsily jumping out of the tub and grabbing a towel to dry himself off. Arthur probably would have said something witty if he wasn't currently on the ground gasping for air. The older boy knew he shouldn't use his Blizzard spell for something so evil, but really. Alfred kind of deserved it.

Luckily, Alfred didn't seem very bothered by his sudden cold bath at all. In fact, he actually found it quite funny and thought Arthur was rather sneaky for being able to do it without his noticing as Arthur was usually horrible at pulling pranks period. The two boys had decided to take a short walk, this time finding a nice grassy area near the edges of town by the woods instead of going through the city. It was a nice, secluded area and not many people were around save for a few kids playing with a ball, kicking it back and forth amongst themselves. Arthur and Alfred found a spot on a little hill to rest. They began talking, going on and on about random things like usual. That was another great thing: Alfred was no longer acting so reserved after the bath incident happened and was back to being a talkative, obnoxious teenage boy, which Arthur didn't exactly mind. At least that meant that Alfred was back to normal, or was at least pretending like he was back to normal. The only thing that bothered Arthur about it was this meant Alfred was back to being touchy feely again, roughly grabbing and playfully hitting him while talking or joking.

"I get to meet all of the people in the party tomorrow, which is seriously cool. I think it'll be awesome since we'll be able to talk about things like swords and stuff. It'll be nice to have a change in conversation from boring old you, anyways!" Alfred laughed, slapping Arthur on the back, causing him lurch forward.

"Will you stop doing that?" Arthur huffed with a shove back.

"Doing what?" Alfred asked. Arthur slapped his shoulder with a snarl, and Alfred shoved back in retaliation.

"That. Just stop it. You're too rough, you know!" the shorter boy crossed his arms and glared in the opposite direction of his friend. Honestly, Alfred didn't know his own strength half the time and with how rough he liked to be, well, Arthur had his share of undesirable bruises to put it simply. Alfred smirked and shoved Arthur again.

"Jee, I dunno what you're talkin' about, Arty." he pushed Arthur again, earning a shove in return.

"Alfred, I'm being serious. Cut. It. Out." Alfred was on his knees now, shoving at Arthur's shoulders and pushing him down into the grass. Arthur pushed back, using his knees and feet the best he could to try and get Alfred away from him. It wasn't exactly working. "Alfred. Stop it! I'm not in the mood for this!" Alfred just continued to push Arthur down, climbing on top of him and immobilizing his legs.

"Stop what?" Alfred grinned. Alfred let out a choked sound of protest as he tried to pull Alfred's hands off his shoulders, which Alfred wasn't going to let happen. He just shifted his weight more on his much smaller companion and Arthur found himself getting more and more flustered as the blue-eyed blond did so. He tried to lift his left shoulder only to have it pinned back down and he tried to lift his right to suffer similar results. Arthur groaned.

"Alfred! I swear to God I will freeze you so bad you won't be able to move for a week!"

"I'd like to see you try!" Alfred laughed. All of a sudden, Alfred flipped over, pulling Arthur with him so that their positions were swapped, and even though he was given the upper hand, Arthur was too surprised to react. Alfred's hands moved to Arthur's wrists, stopping any attack Arthur could dish out. He glared at the hands squeezing his wrists, struggling against them with no avail.

"Alfred! Let me go!"

"No!" Alfred's glasses were askew. Okay. More than askew. They were crooked; the lens on Arthur's right resting on Alfred's forehead and the other one just barely touching his golden eyebrow. "You're just gonna have to force me. Which won't happen any time soon." Alfred grinned wider and let go of Arthur's wrists suddenly. Arthur gracelessly fell forward, his forehead running into Alfred's nose. Alfred let out a cry of pain and wrapped his arms around Arthur. And then they were spinning, toppling over one another painfully. Alfred's laughter echoed through Arthur's head until they finally stopped moving, Alfred on top, arms still wrapped around his friend.

Arthur would have protested, but his protests would go unheard. He was practically buried underneath Alfred, his face in Alfred's shoulder, one cheek against Alfred's arm and the other against his chest. Arthur found himself overcome with the sickeningly sweet smell of Alfred that he still couldn't place, even though it was no longer just a lingering scent and in fact the real thing.

"Mrrumff mrrm mmm mmff." Arthur mumbled. Alfred got up, planting a hand on either side of Arthur's head for support.

"What did you say?" Alfred asked, still snickering. His face was red and his glasses dangled off his face, just barely staying on. Arthur was sure they would fall any moment and pushed them back into place. Alfred just laughed some more. "It'll take a week."

"Excuse me?" Well that didn't make any sense at all.

"The job. Ludwig explained it. It takes at least a week, if not more." Alfred explained. Arthur arched a large eyebrow. "I leave tomorrow actually."

"Excuse me?" Arthur repeated, shoving Alfred away so he could sit up and wonder what the hell Alfred was saying properly. Alfred looked sheepish, avoiding Arthur's gaze as if his life depended on it. "But-you haven't even-I mean. Really?"

"I know it's last-minute, but doing this is seriously a great way to prove to Ludwig-"

"What? Prove what, Alfred? What exactly are you trying to prove?" Arthur got to his feet and put his hands on his hips, staring down on Alfred with a look of pure venom.

"Ludwig has one of the best hunting parties in the entire city! It'll be easy for us if I do this!"

"I don't care if it's easy for us or not! Do you know how dangerous it is out there? You don't hunt! You…you…"

"I've been trained Arthur! What do you think I've been doing for the past five years, huh? You think I've just been playing around?"

"Well n-" Arthur began. Alfred got to his feet.

"Hmm? Answer me, Arthur! Do you think I can't handle myself out there? I'm not some little kid, Arthur!"

"I know, but you-"

"Just because you can't handle yourself doesn't mean I can't!"

"I know that, I didn't say you-"

"I haven't just been screwing around since we met, Arthur! Just because I'm not experienced doesn't mean I can't do it, okay? We've been through worse when it was just us, or don't you remember?"

"I do remember! You-"

"I just want-"

"IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU!" Arthur screamed. Alfred looked stunned by the outburst and said nothing. Arthur threw his hands in the air and stormed off, hands balled into so tight of fists that his knuckles were turning white. He spun on his heel after a few steps and immediately made his way back towards Alfred. "Do you ever think of anyone besides yourself? Because I get the feeling you don't!" He jabbed a finger in the center of the taller boy's chest, whom opened his mouth to argue, but Arthur immediately cut him off, "Shut up! You just listen for once! You're certainly acting like some little kid, Alfred! You don't have to prove anything to anyone! Just who the hell are you trying to impress, hmm?" Alfred opened his mouth to reply, "Shut up! You're just making up excuses so you can get into trouble! What happens if you get hurt, Alfred? What happens then? Everything you do has consequences! You affect more than just yourself when you do stupid things!" Again Alfred tried to argue, "Shut the hell up! Just shut up, Alfred! You want me to tell you I don't care what you do? Is that what you want? If so, then fine! Do whatever the fuck you want! I don't give a damn!" And with that, Arthur took off. And this time, he didn't turn back.

Arthur needed to vent. Not only did he need to vent, but he needed to go somewhere that Alfred wouldn't find him. Not that they had been in the city long enough that Alfred would know where to look, but they were best friends. And best friends usually knew the kinds of places you liked to go to when you were upset. The only place Arthur could think of was the last place on earth he wanted to be.

"Open the damn door!" Arthur yelled, banging on the wooden door. The door creaked open and a very annoyed Francis stood in the doorway. At least he was fully clothed. Francis looked up and down the angry blond, a smirk coming onto his face as he widened the door and leaned against the doorframe.

"Well, well. Bonjour, mon ami." Francis grinned.

"Shut the hell up and come with me." Arthur groaned. Francis arched an eyebrow.

"And just what-"

"We're going drinking. Now shut up and come with me."

"As you wish, mon ami."

Arthur probably would have asked anyone else to drink with him, but he didn't know anybody else. The only other people he actually knew were Elizabeta and Gilbert and neither of them seemed like great drinking partners. That left Francis. They'd already drunken themselves to oblivion already, so why not? It seemed like a good idea.

"So where is young Mr. Alfred, hmm?" Francis inquired.

"Shut up. I don't want to talk about him." Arthur huffed.

"Fight?"

"Yes. Now shut up."

"It wasn't about how much of a cockblock you are right?"

"No! And I am not! Will you just shut up? Your job is to just sit there and drink! No questions. No flirting. No touching." Arthur spat. Francis didn't say anything in response, just a quick "uh-huh." Good. Arthur seriously didn't want to listen to Francis' voice for too long. It was already giving him a headache. They drank for hours, Arthur easily finishing drinks within minutes of receiving them. Francis more or less nursed his drinks, patiently listening to Arthur rant about nonsense. When Arthur had finished his eighteenth drink, and began having conversations with imaginary fairies, Francis had him cut off and brought to his room.

"I take it he drank way too much again?" he asked from the bed, where a very annoyed but still worried Alfred hung upside down from. He quickly kicked his feet up and rolled backwards to his feet. He took Arthur from the doctor and sighed. "Thanks, I guess." He went to close the door, but Francis stopped him.

"Not that I wish to pry, trust me, you two are the most boring relationship I've ever seen-" Alfred's cheeks burned a light red, "-not all relationships are romantic ones, mon ami. That aside, did you two have a fight or something? He wouldn't tell me, but I'm assuming something happened."

"Yes." Alfred answered shortly. "Kind of. I can't exactly fix it now though."

"Oui. Gilbert told me about how you're joining his brother for that job. Congratulations by the way." He seemed to want to say something else, but decided not to and instead just touched his beard for a moment and gave a short look to Arthur.

"Thanks." Luckily, Francis left right after that without any more questions. Thank God he didn't try to give me any advice laced with metaphors that would be lost on the me. Alfred thought. Arthur started to mumble and laugh and the look on his face spacey and weird. "You're hopeless, you know that? More trouble than you're worth." Arthur hiccuped and slid down, not trying to fight the force of gravity at all. Why on earth did he like to drink so much that he lost himself like this? It was so annoying. Alfred dropped him on the bed carelessly, earning a whine from the drunken boy, before grabbing his bag off the hook on the wall. He had to pack.

Alfred left early the next morning without a sound and without saying goodbye. The only thing he left was his egg, which he hoped Arthur knew to take care of while he was away. Arthur didn't wake up until a good five hours afterwards, hung-over and frustrated. When he finally did roll out of bed, it took another half hour to realize Alfred was gone for a week. Or possibly more. The thought of that only upset him, not that he would admit it quite like that. And he certainly wasn't bothered by it at all.

Not one bit.

A/N

And yet another chapter! I wanted to give a birthday shout-out to simplytrop! It's almost her birthday! Chapter 3 is uploaded especially for you! I'll get your birthday picture done soon, I promise! You all should definitely go read her fics and everything. She's so amazing. ;3;

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you next chapter!