The alarm clock rang out as Alfred slammed it into the wall. He sighed as he would need to stop at the 24 hour store to buy another one. He didn't care, it was cheap enough. Cheap like he was. He moved to the bathroom and popped in the shower. The warm water rinsed his body, washing away the filth from the night before. It would never wash the true filth away. He closed his eyes and looked up, allowing the steaming water to run down his face and body. He felt peaceful. His body seemed so relaxed, though the day was going to be tough. A small smile formed on his lips. It was Tuesday, so he could have something to look forward to. It made him sick to feel relief that he was going to be his husband today. This man showed him the closest thing to love that he felt he would ever get.
Once out of the shower, the ever present smell of bacon filled the air. His mouth watered as he took a deep breath. It had been so long since he had any bacon. He sighed heavily as he tried to remember it's taste. As he finished dressing he grabbed his keys and headed for the kitchen. He froze, his eyes looking on his brother who was making the tasty food. He turned and smiled weakly. No doubt he would be in bed for the rest of the day. "Mattie, you should be in bed." he said softly walking to the fridge. Looked at how empty it was. Only another reason to visit the late night store.
"You honestly don't remember what to day is do you?" he asked as he slowly walked over to the table. He set the plates down and pulled out a small brightly wrapped gift box. Matthew looked at the confused look on his face.
"Today is your birthday, I didn't forget." he said pulling out a larger gift and handed it to him.
Matthew took the gift and tossed the small box to Alfred, an irritated look on his face. "Moron, it's OUR birthday. We're twins remember?" he asked shaking the box. Alfred shook his head telling him to stop. Matthew opened it slowly and looked at the white fur inside. he was confused. Alfred knew he hated fur anything, that it belonged on the animals...
Small black eyes looked up at him and smiled. The black nose touching his hand. "Hi! Who are you?" it asked. It crawled out and sat on his lap. It's paw batting at his curl.
"I-I'm Canada." he said softly, telling him the nickname Alfred gave to him.
"Ca-na-da? Hi! I'm Kumajiro!" he said hugging him. Matthew smiled and hugged the small polar bear back. His fur was soft and white. He smiled and turned to Alfred. "Thank you!" he said.
Alfred just smiled. He looked at his gift and slowly undid the bow. Inside was a hand made necklace. On the end of it was a red maple leaf charm. He smiled and put it on. "Did you make this?" he asked after his thank you. His brother nodded as he continued his game of patty cake with his new friend. He looked at the clock and sighed. "Mattie, I have some people coming over tonight to celebrate." He said standing up and taking his keys.
Excitement washed over the younger twin. "Does this mean you're going to be home early?" He asked as he rubbed the small bear's ears.
Alfred shrugged. "Don't know. it's hard to say what will happen." he walked over to his brother and kissed his forehead. "Get well soon." he whispered as he headed to the door.
"Stay safe" he replied as he watched his brother leave the house.
~§ξ§~
It was early as he sat at the front desk of the large building. His eyes scanning over the many screens that displayed images of the corporation's outer perimeter. Mathias sat next to him and smiled. "Hey, you look like hell." Alfred said handing him a clipboard with information it. Alfred's side was finished.
"Hey, just because I'm from Denmark doesn't mean you can say what you want..." he was cut off as Alfred shoved a HoHo into his mouth. The Dane smiled happily as he devoured it.
"I was talking about the fact you didn't shave very well." he pointed to the missed patch on his face. Mathias ran his fingers across the patch and laughed. He put a hand on Alfred's shoulder and shook it.
"Hey, I heard the head honcho is here today! You know, the guy who owns this place." he said holding out his hand for another HoHo. Alfred gave it to him and shrugged his shoulders.
"So."
"So don't you ever wonder who the Asian bastard is that owns half the city and pays you're sorry ass?" he asked devouring the HoHo as he did. Choking on it slightly.
Alfred sighed at his stupidity. The man who owned the company was not even close to Asian. His name was Lucas Bondevik a Norwegian man. Alfred knew this because he actually read the booklet that they had given him when he was given the job. Knowing Mathias, he probably just chucked it in the trash. "He's Norwegian."
"Who is?" Mathias asked as he took another HoHo.
"Our boss."
"So, he's still Asian." he said throwing the wrapper at Alfred.
"Are you mental? Norway is next to Denmark." He threw the plastic into the trash can and wrote down that a cat passed camera 11.
"Really? When did that happen?" Mathias took the clipboard and read what he wrote. He laughed and wrote that a dog was picking trash out of the garbage near camera 32. "I beat ya." he said.
"Nice, you spotted a dog which beats my cat." He said as he gave him another HoHo. "And it's always been like that." he said as he unlocked the door for the uniformed man to walk in. After verifying he was allowed in and signing papers, he looked over at Mathias who had a rubber band ball. He took it before the Dane could throw it and chucked it in a drawer full of them. "Do we need to relive the first day of work?" he asked sternly.
"Dude relax! They never found out who broke that vase! Besides I'm board." he complained as he tugged at Alfred's hair knowing he was being annoying.
"No, if your so board here." he turned and reached in his backpack. He shuffled things around as Mathias loomed over him barley able to contain his excitement as he wondered what sort of entertainment the younger blonde would provide him. "Here it is." he turned around and held out a book. "It's the Hunger Games." he said happily as he handed the rundown book to the clearly depressed Dane.
"A book? Really that is all you have?" he said flipping through the many pages of it. He sighed and set the book down crossing both his arms.
Alfred picked it up. "The story is about a girl who volunteers to go into a suicidal game in order to save her younger sister." He opened it up and began to read a passage. "It's not a fair comparison really. Gale and I were thrown together by a mutual need to survive. Peeta and I know the other's survival means our own death." The Dane snatched the book from his hands and turned to the first page clearly intrigued by it. Alfred laughed as he turned to the screens. It was going to be a long day.
"Oh by the way..." Mathias said as he turned the page. "Happy birthday."
~§ξ§~
Alfred and Mathias said their good-byes after nearly a half hour of arguing over Mathias taking the book with him. In the end he won and Alfred warned him about miss treating the book.
His mind was elsewhere as he walked to his second job. It wasn't too far from the first one, only a few blocks. He was thinking of what to do for his brother that Sunday when he had no work. He wondered if he should rent a movie or if he should take him from the house if he felt up to it. He sighed heavily unable to find an answer though he was leaning toward the movie idea. Last Sunday they had played a couple old board games that his friend Kiku brought over for them to play. Matthew kicked ass in Sorry, but sucked at Monopoly which Kiku was the best at, yet it was Risk that Alfred dominated in. He smiled at that. It was the one thing in his life that brought him true happiness. Being with his best friend and his beloved twin brother. It made the rest of his life wash away for just that one perfect moment.
He crossed the busy street and looked up at the building in front of him. A large sign hung above it reading "KING FRITZ" in front of the Prussian flag. he had worked there for over three years now. He was only sixteen at the time and a high school dropout.
He didn't want to dropout, he really didn't. It was around then that the orphanage that they were living at had closed down. The government had found foster homes for Matthew and himself but sadly they would be separated. Alfred couldn't bare that and neither could Matthew. They were all that the other had. So, he went to the judge and asked him how he could emancipate him. When asked why he gave his reasons. The judge was sympathetic toward him. With a kind heart he told him to find a steady job and a place to live within three months and he would grant it. Alfred wasted no time in finding a job. Yet, no one would hire a sixteen year old dropout. As time went by he was only able to secure a cheap apartment. It seemed hopeless at the end of the second month came and started the third and final month. It seemed as he would never get a job and keep them together.
It was late one night, when he was job hunting, when he stumbled upon a help wanted sign at the restaurant. There were many people there waiting to be interviewed and so Alfred sat among them. As he sat there he, as well as the others, could hear the owner yell at those who walked in the door of his office. He never let them sit down or even speak before he told them to leave. Many of them left before even entering the room and some before even getting up to be interviewed. Alfred didn't care. He was determined to get this job no matter what it took. This was the last thing in the world that would keep him and Matthew together.
"Well fuck you too you albino asshole!" one of the hopeful's yelled back as he stormed from the place.
That left only Alfred. He stood up and nervously walked to the door. He knocked and heard the cruel voice tell him to enter. With a heavy sigh he did. The man was indeed an albino. His snow white hair hung off his head in a hairstyle style that truly suited him. His ruby eyes scanning over him as an eagle scans the ground for pray.
"You're a child! I've no use for a snot nosed brat!" he hissed as he tore his resume.
Alfred was shocked. He couldn't believe the man didn't even give him a chance to explain.
"Sir, I beg you please hear me out..." he began as he closed the door behind him.
The man stood up quickly as he knocked the chair he was in over. "Listen kid, I am running a high class restaurant here, not a daycare! Now beat it before I call the police!" he howled.
Alfred stood tall and looked the man in his eyes. "No! I need this job! I beg you please at least listen to what I've to say before you judge me!" he yelled though he though it was a poor way to start.
The man seemed to respond positively to him. He walked around his desk and sat on it. "Very well, tell me what you need this for."
"I have a twin brother, we're orphans and the orphanage closed down..."
"A good start to a lie, carry on." the man said rolling his eyes.
Alfred ignored it. "They want to separate us, but if I find a job they'll emancipate me and I can stay with him. I could support him and pay his medical bills. He's very sick." Alfred said as he looked down. He gripped the left side of his chest. "I don't want us to be apart. We need each other. We're brother's, twins." he looked back up at the man.
The albino looked the boy over and smiled. "Everyone of those so called men ran out of here with their tails between their legs." He walked forward and placed his hand on Alfred's shoulder. "You got a true spirit in ya kiddo." he said ruffling Alfred's hair. "Welcome aboard the King Fritz crew!"
Alfred smiled as he walked in. It was a nice place, of course it was a five star restaurant and so why wouldn't it be? It held the colors of the Prussian flag. Crosses hung on the walls and of course there was a large Prussian flag on the back wall. He slipped into the back room and started changing into his uniform, which was that of the old Prussian army.
"It seems you've come five minuets late to day." Alfred rolled his eyes as the tall brunette haired man loomed over him. He was Austrian and a priss at that. "No today okay Roderich?" he asked as he tightened his tie thingy that was frilled. Honestly he didn't know what the hell it was called.
The priss huffed and handed him a piece of paper. "We're all meeting after work today. The boss has a very important announcement to make and he wants everyone there." he said as he brushed his hair back with his hand.
Alfred sighed and handed it back to him. He turned to walk away and ran into two breasts. He pulled back immediately and fell to the floor. He looked up at the Hungarian woman who seemed to think it was all her doing.
"I am so sorry Alfred!" she yelled as she reached her hand out to help him up. "I heard Roderich back here but I didn't see you I swear!" she nearly screamed at him.
He gave a light hearted smile to her. "Don't worry about it, Elizabeta." he brushed himself off and made his way past her. "If you want to apologize, keep old Prissy Pants away from me today." he said winking at her. Her face turned bright red as Roderich howled something at him in German which she didn't catch.
"Roderich," she began turning to him. She leaned in and hissed him on the lips effectively silencing him. "Leave him alone today. After all, the meeting is for him anyway." she said watching his turn redder then she was.
Alfred was able to get his tables done in no time. Setting the plates, preparing the silverware and placing the flowers. He stepped back to survey his work. It was just perfect. Behind him he heard a crash followed by the shattering of glass. He ran to his friend Toris who was gripping his hand. Alfred could see the blood. Without hesitation he ripped the table cloth and wrapped it around the wound tightly trying to apply the right amount of pressure. His Lithuanian friend let out a few grunts and gasps here and there but nothing more. The cut had been far too deep for him to have just cut himself. The wound was done by a knife and a sharp one at that.
"Toris, did he do this to you last night?" Alfred whispered in his ear. Toris nodded and turned to him. "He's not allowed back anymore. He couldn't pay for it this time." he said happily. Toris was another 'Grade One'. Though not the most popular of them. Alfred sighed as he helped him up just as many of the others came running over.
"Honestly Toris, this is the third plate this week." one of them cried. The others agreed as they whispered and laughed. Toris lowered his head. Just then the chattering was broken by the arrival of their boss. He looked around at the mess and sighed heavily.
"Toris, was this you again?" he asked. Alfred looked at him. He tensed up and was shaking. He knew he was going to get fired. He couldn't handle it if he did. He had his two brothers to look after, he couldn't allow them to starve because he got fired. Tears began to form in his eyes and that was when he hard Alfred begin to speak.
"No, I broke the plate. I was trying to help him get his tables done when I tripped over myself. It was Toris who was trying to help clean up the mess when he cut himself. I'll pay for the plate and table cloth." he said as he put his hand on Toris' shoulder. He looked up and into the warm smile of the blonde. He couldn't help but smile back with a thank you.
"Naw, no need." the albino said. "If you ripped it in order to stop his bleeding then I can pay for it. Besides, I make plenty of money by short changing you all anyway." he laughed. no one spoke up against him knowing he was full of it. He was always fair with the prices and payment of his staff. he turned to Toris. "We'll have you work the podium today, how about that?" he asked as he patted him on the back.
"T-Thank you sir." he replied as he turned back to Alfred. "You're a good friend." he said walking past him to the podium.
"Jones, clean this up and be careful okay?" the albino asked as he walked away to check on the rest of the place.
~§ξ§~
The day was like any other. It was busy and full of the rich and wealthy of the city. Alfred tended to both his and Toris' tables that night, since they had no back up server. Roderich played many classical songs. He would play Mozart on the violin, Beethoven on the viola, Bach on a cello and Chopin on a piano. Alfred had to say, he enjoyed listening to him play. He was a true artist and a truly gifted man.
At nine thirty, Alfred had most of his tables cleared and set up for the next day. He turned to the clock and smiled. He would have time to hit the late night store and pick up some things for the party before he had to leave for his third job. Changing quickly and heading out the door after locking out, he ran to the store and back to his apartment.
Toris walked into the dark room and flicked on the lights. "SURPRIZE!" several voices yelled as they shot confetti. Toris blinked and looked down sadly. "H-He left for his third job." They all turned to the Prussian who simply began to laugh. "I forgot all bout his third job."
Alfred flew up the stirs and into the apartment. He looked over at his surprised brother who tried to stand and greet him. "Stay seated Mattie." he said bringing the bag over too him. He ripped the plastic off of it and everyone, all four of them, looked over the ice cream cake. "I got it on sale!" he yelled excitedly.
He set it down on the coffee table and ran for a knife. He handed it to his brother and smiled happily. "It took me forever but I finally got you an ice cream cake with your name on it!" he yelled.
"I made that wish when we were eight." Mattie replied cheerful that his brother remembered something as stupid as that.
"I thought you spelled Matthew, M-A-T-T-H-E-W." Kiku asked as he grabbed the plates. "Not M-A-T-H-E-W." he set them down.
"Hey I didn't have enough for the other T." he said laughing because he did indeed tell the lady the wrong spelling in all his excitement.
Matthew closed his eyes and smiled as he made his wish. It was a simple one. One he had been whishing for years for. It's all he wanted, all he cared for. He cut the cake and handed it to his Belgian nurse. "Here you cut it for us Belle." she smiled and nodded almost blushing as Matthew smiled at her.
"I think they have a thing." Kiku whispered to him. Alfred nodded happy to see that his brother was able to find happiness with someone other then himself. He looked to the clock and sighed. It was almost eleven. He walked over and kissed his brother on the forehead. "See ya later bro!" he called as he left.
Matthew looked over at the melting ice cream cake that Alfred didn't even get a chance to bite. he sighed and stood up walking to the window. He could see his brother looking both ways before running across the street. He barely ever saw his brother anymore. And that was his wish. He wished that he would be over this sickness and be able to work as well, lighting the load his brother held on his shoulders. He coughed some and moved back to the other two whom seemed able to read his mind. "Come one Matthew, I brought over that Canadian movie you wanted to see." Kiku said as he helped him to the couch. Matthew knew Alfred wasn't going to be home until late the next morning. It was Tuesday. He stayed at work latest on Tuesdays. Doing what, Matthew had no way of guessing.
~§ξ§~
Alfred entered the second house on Pleasure street at the crossing of Cherry. It was an Asian styled brothel which held very few rooms. No one would be in the house today but him and his husband. He walked up the decorated stairs which were red with gold dragon designs. It was one of the few houses his true master splurged on to attract customers.
Sighing as he made his way to a closet filled with his own clothes that were given to him by this particular husband to wear around him. He looked through the many qipào dresses that he had. He decided upon the ocean blue one with the beautiful golden koi swimming on it. he took his hair, which had become a bit longer then he normally kept it due to his lack of time, and tied it in a pony-tail behind his back.
He jumped at the sound of the door opening. Taking a deep breath he smiled as he made his way down the stairs. His heart began to race as he realized it was not whom he had been expecting. The man who stood before him was far more fearful to him then even 'Ivan the Terrible'. He was a small man, though Alfred was smaller then him. His eyebrows were large and unkempt. His emerald eyes shooting a glance up at him. he held his hand out for Alfred to take, and out for fear he did. He stood him in the center of the hallway with a cruel smile on his face as he examined him.
"It's been a while my dear, I just came to see how you were doing." he said as he walked behind him. He looked over the beautiful robes the child wore and found them suitable for him. He reached out and gripped his ass, which made the child shutter but he dare do nothing else. "You're quite the beauty aren't you?" he said just before slamming him into the wall and pressing himself against his back. Alfred closed his eyes as he felt the man run his hands up his inner thigh as he gripped his neck. He could smell the rum rolling off of the man as he moved to Alfred's ear. "Remember our first time? Oh I've been itching to get you back in my bed." he said pulling way from him. "This Saturday don't bother with being in the auction." he said heading toward the door smiling. He turned around and blew a kiss at him. "Just pretty yourself up and be in my bed."
Alfred fought the tears that stung at his eyes. "Y-Yes, Master Kirkland." he said avoiding the man's eyes.
"I told you, only you may call me Arthur." he said as he left the house.
Alfred suddenly remembered to breath. All at once he quickly choked on the air that didn't seem to come fast enough. He fought to keep his composure as he walked back up the stairs. He hated that man. He hated seeing him, hearing his damn British accent he just over all hated him. Yet, he needed him. It was he who paid Matthew's bills and he who owned Alfred's life. Alfred walked over to the futon that was laid on the floor. He collapsed onto if and buried his head into the pillow. His heart was pounding as the man's words echoed in his head. "Remember our first time?" Alfred bit his lower lip. How could he ever forget that night? Oh how it pissed him off that the man even mentioned it to him. It was because of him that he was even doing this. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had to relax. What ever it took, he had to relax and focus on the his husband when he arrived. He just had...to...relax...