Chapter Text
“Lud-chan, how did I do?” Feliciano edged towards Ludwig, who sat across the table from him.
Kiku suggested that they go to his house to study, since they had been chastised in the library so many times due to Feliciano’s volume.
Ludwig scratched his head nervously as he looked down at the paper. “Uh, well, you got the first step right.”
“But, the first step was just writing it down,” he pouted. “I don’t get what I’m doing wrong.”
Kiku looked over at Feliciano’s work. “Hm, you’re making a very simple mistake actually. You’re using the wrong formula.” His tone was neither patronizing nor teasing.
Feliciano looked over at Kiku with desperate eyes. “You mean, there is more than one formula for that? Then when do you know which one to use? I’m so confused.” Feliciano laid his head on the table as if he were giving up on exams already.
Kiku felt bad for the boy, who definitely struggled with math even before exams. Kiku brought out a sheet of paper from his notebook and began to scribble down some notes. He made sure to draw some pictures to keep the other boy’s attention.
Ludwig could only watch as Kiku explained to Feliciano exactly what he was missing in the first place. Feliciano had picked up his head from the table and straightened up as Kiku spoke to him. When he finished Feliciano nodded.
“Now, try the question again and show it to me.” Kiku smiled as one would smile at a small child.
“You’re really good at that, Honda-san.”
Kiku blushed. “Oh, no, Feliciano is just easy to teach.”
Feliciano’s (who was hunched over his work) finally popped up his head. “I finished!” He gave the paper excitedly to Kiku.
Kiku scanned over the work, smiling to himself when he finished. “Good job, Feli-kun.”
Feliciano clapped his hands together and looked over at Ludwig. “Did you see that, Lud-chan? Kiku-chan is such a great teacher.” He then turned his head to Kiku, who was once again sent into a slightly flustered state. “Thank you so much!”
“Y-you’re welcome.”
The silence that slowly built amongst them as they went to work studying was quickly broken by the sound of Kiku’s phone ringing. “Sorry, I forgot to silence it.”
“Who is it?” Feliciano asked as Ludwig stared daggers at him for his rudeness.
Kiku looked at the screen and back at his friends. “Uh…it’s my penpal from America calling.”
“Ooooh, answer it, answer it! I’m sure Lud-chan won’t mind.”
Ludwig shook his head. “I don’t mind.”
Kiku had downloaded the app at the behest of Alfred as he thought it would just be a lot more convenient for the two of them. Usually Alfred would ask before calling, so this was…different.
Kiku answered and after a few minutes of unclear static between the two, they could finally see and hear one another. Feliciano briskly made his way to Kiku’s side and he beckoned Ludwig to join them.
“Hey, Keeks!” Alfred waved at the camera with a wide smile.
He waved back. “H-hey, Alfred.” Kiku was a lot more self-conscious of his accent with his friend’s around. Not so much anymore with Alfred because whenever he apologized for him not understanding he would blame it on other things like their connection or anything else, really. “These are my friends, Feliciano and Ludwig.”
Feliciano waved enthusiastically at the screen of his phone. Ludwig gave a curt nod with a small smile.
“Nice to meet you!” Feliciano said in English. Once he was done he looked satisfied with himself. “My brother taught me that,” he whispered in Japanese to his friends.
“I’m pretty sure we also learned that in English class, Feli-kun.”
Feliciano shrugged.
“It’s so cool when you guys speak Japanese! Hearing other languages is always so strange, in a cool way.” Alfred spoke after observing them.
Kiku smiled. “I could teach you a few words if you want—anyway, you did not tell me before you called, are you okay?”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot. I just really wanted to talk to you. I’m sorry if I inconvenienced—or made it hard—for you.” The poor quality of his camera hid the blush forming on his tan skin.
Kiku also found himself turning red. “O-oh, it’s fine, we were just studying.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay, talk to you tomorrow, Alfred.”
“Text me!” Alfred said, inching his face so close to the camera that it made Kiku giggle.
“I will,” he replied, trying not to laugh further.
“Alright, bye guys, it was nice meeting you all!”
“Nice to meet you!” Feliciano shouted over everyone else as he waved goodbye.
When the call was ended, Feliciano looked over at Kiku, who was smiling to himself. “Wow, Kiku-chan, he’s cute and he makes you laugh! Do you like him? You look like you do!”
“Feliciano! You can’t just ask those things!” Ludwig looked over at the now very red Kiku. “Sorry, Kiku,” he bowed. “I’ll walk him home, he’s too excited today. I guess foreigners excite him.”
Kiku shook his head. “I-it’s fine! I just—“ He could barely manage words in his extremely flustered state. He watched as Ludwig packed up their things and left dragging Feliciano behind him.
Once the front door shut and Kiku was left alone with his thoughts, he left to the bathroom to wash his face. He had no doubt in his mind that he found Alfred attractive, but he just thought most of his appeal was because he was foreign and said so many bold things without much thought.
Kiku sighed as he looked into the mirror at his reflection. If he did, it didn’t matter right now, right? He had other things to worry about, like exams and the rest of his future.
He couldn’t possibly worry about that right now.
Alfred had been avoiding Arthur for weeks.
By skillfully timing his coming and goings, Alfred managed to slip around, avoiding conversation at all costs. It almost seemed as if Arthur avoided him as well, he didn’t make eye contact with him while he taught and he certainly did not make an effort to speak to him.
Alfred was happy for him—before Francis, he had to admit he was worried that he would end up dying alone (although—even if Alfred would hate to admit it—he’d never leave Arthur to die alone).
It was one day when he was returning from staying at Toris’ house (which he had been doing a lot more frequently as of late), that he encountered Arthur waiting for him at the doorway.
Alfred was startled by the other man’s presence; Arthur was usually out at the local tea shop or running errands at this time.
“Alfred,” Arthur called. Alfred could detect the shakiness behind his words. “Please, sit down for a moment.”
Alfred settled the bag he carried against the wall of the entrance and shook off the purple parka he wore. “Uh…okay.” He said as he hung his coat on the coat hanger. He avoided Arthur’s piercing green eyes as they followed him while he went to take a seat at the empty dinner table.
A million thoughts raced through his mind. Was this going to be about Francis? That was the last thing he wanted; he would get used to it on his own, it’s was just…hard to digest and understand.
He couldn’t help but feel highly immature when Arthur took a seat across from him. He felt like a petulant child with a twisted Oedipus complex (or whatever—he remembered the term only vaguely from his English course). He was nothing of the sort. He regretted avoiding him for so long and only this conversation further.
Arthur cleared his throat and Alfred was snapped out of his thoughts and held Arthur’s gaze for a moment.
“Ah….” Alfred opened his mouth and then closed it. Was he supposed to start this or…?
“So, you know of my brother, Peter by now?”
Alfred nodded. When he read the similar name in the letter, he begged Arthur to tell him what he could about their relation. It turns out Peter was yet another member of Arthur’s estranged family.
“I don’t have anything against Peter, per se. He’s a tad bit annoying, but we mostly didn’t talk because he was conditioned to think I was a bad person. The only reason why we talked in the first place is because of that damned Frenchman.” Arthur muttered as he washed the dishes. “He’s always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Alfred leaned against the counter. He never knew why Arthur never talked to his family—Arthur said it was over something stupid and Alfred believed him. If they’re related to Arthur, it was probably for a dumb reason.
“Well, it doesn’t matter now. We connected and caught up. He’s teaching English in Japan right now and thus this entire exchanged started.”
That conversation was a long time ago, Arthur didn’t talk that much about it afterwards. He probably didn’t want to admit that Francis did something right in getting them to speak to one another. “Well, Peter will actually be staying with us over winter break. I just…wanted to warn you, is all.”
Alfred’s shoulders visibly sagged in relief. “That’s cool. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Arthur stood up and stretched. “You’ll regret saying that.” Arthur looked into the kitchen and back at Alfred. “Say…did you have anything to eat, are you hungry?”
“I am, actually, why?”
“Well, uh, I was planning on going out to dinner with…erm…Francis, but I was thinking maybe you and Matthew could tag along as well.”
Alfred smiled. That wasn’t as awkward as he thought it would be nor did it seem any different from what they “used” to do. (In his avoidance of Arthur, Alfred had also been skipping their family dinners.) “Sure, that sounds great.”
For the first time in a while, Arthur smiled.
“This won’t do…” Alfred said as he appraised the mug he held in his hand. He shook his head as he placed the mug back down on the shelf.
Gilbert grimaced as he watched his friend. “You know, I’m pretty sure Arthur and Mattie will be happy with whatever you give them, unlike Francis. Mattie told me he’s really picky and hard to buy for.”
Alfred nodded. “I just bought him this cologne he was gawking at when we went out to dinner once.”
The two of them continued on, passing things until finally exiting the store empty handed. The streets were filled with people bustling about with bags in their hands. The aggregation of their voices all mixing together to form one large mumbling crescendo. When they passed a KFC, Alfred was struck by an idea.
“Ooh,” Alfred pointed at the restaurant with excitement shinnying in his blue eyes. “Kiku says that Japanese people eat KFC on Christmas!”
Gilbert nodded. “My brother told me.”
Alfred was surprised to know that the man he spoke to over Skype was Gilbert’s brother who was studying in Japan. Alfred was even more surprised when he found out Gilbert was the older sibling. Ludwig seemed very anal-retentive in comparison.
“That reminds me…” Alfred started. “I have to get Kiku something, so Peter can take it back with him.”
“Peter, Arthur’s brother?”
Alfred perked up. “Yeah, that’s him. I can’t wait to meet him. That reminds me again. I have to buy him a present too.”
Gilbert groaned. “You’re killing me, man.”
“Arthur stop fussing around and have a seat.” Francis chided, laying a hand on Arthur’s chest.
Arthur huffed, his eyebrows set into a scowl. “I’m not fussing.”
“You are.” Francis countered. “Just relax, everything is cleaned and ready.”
“Are you sure the bookshelves don’t need another dusting?”
Francis chuckled. “I’m quite sure, mon cher.”
As much as the scene made Alfred want to vomit, he was glad to see they weren’t arguing. They had been doing that less lately ever since they told everyone about the two of them.
Peter was to come any minute now, which had Arthur pacing around like a madman trying to straighten up all that he could despite having them all come over to clean early this morning. Francis had made a nice lunch for them all to enjoy, Alfred helped mostly so Francis would let him try everything.
Alfred had to admit—he was a little nervous to meet Arthur’s brother. From what he could surmise, Peter seemed the more outgoing and friendly of the two, while Arthur was, well, Arthur.
When the doorbell rang a moment of silence passed between them and they all exchanged nervous glances with one another.
“Well, I’ll go get the door.” Arthur said awkwardly, leaving the living room in stiff, rigid motions.
Francis followed not a second after with a concerned look on his face.
It was so odd to see Arthur behave this way. No matter how much he claimed he didn’t really care for his younger brother visiting, Arthur clearly felt the complete opposite.
Matthew and Alfred stared at one another from the seats on the couch. Matthew looked less than thrilled to be at a family gathering, then again, he had seemed that way ever since he started dating Gilbert. They didn’t really like to talk about their relationship. Alfred thought it was a little weird that his brother and one of his best friends were dating—and that Mattie had managed to find himself in a relationship before Alfred did. Most would think Alfred would have found someone, as he was the more outgoing of the two, albeit, a little nerdier perhaps.
There was an exchange of muffled conversation at the door. Francis’ voice being the more boisterous of the three. Alfred could vaguely make out Peter’s voice—it was a higher pitch than Arthur’s, but about the same accent.
It wasn’t long before the trio stepped into the living room. Alfred and Matthew stood up simultaneously to greet their guests. Peter was a darker blonde than Arthur’s, but they shared the same bushy eyebrows. His eyes were a deep blue color rather than Arthur’s deep green. They were about the same height, but one could tell Peter was about an inch taller when they stood beside each other.
Peter’s eyes lit up when he saw the two of them. “Wow, twins!” He exclaimed before rushing from his brother’s side to hug Alfred, then Matthew. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’m Peter, by the way. Arthur’s little brother.”
Alfred stifled a laugh when he saw Arthur’s reaction to Peter’s words. He outwardly looked vaguely annoyed by his presence, but he could tell he was overjoyed to see his little brother.
“I’m Alfred,” he said, pointing at himself. “That’s Mattie,” he pointed at his brother, who politely smiled.
Peter mumbled their names to himself as if he were trying to keep track.
“Now,” Francis clapped both of his hands together. “Why don’t you get settled in your room while we set up for lunch? You must be famished. Arthur, will you help him with his things? Boys, come with me.”
Alfred could see what Francis was trying to do and nodded right away, trailing after him with Matthew in tow.
Lunch had gone smoothly, Peter told them all about his adventures in Japan and even a few stories he remembered from his childhood with Arthur. Arthur would sometimes interrupt him when he did this, telling him when he believed Peter was too “facetious” with the details. Peter would then mutter in Japanese to himself and Arthur would scowl, knowing he was probably saying something unpleasant.
Christmas came a few days after, Alfred awoke to the smell of Francis’ food which promptly got him out of his bed. Matthew yelped as Alfred woke him up with a start.
“Merry Christmas, Mattie,” he said excitedly.
Matthew glared at him, covering his eyes from the light pouring in through the window. “Merry Christmas,” he mumbled before falling back asleep.
Alfred took his time getting ready, taking about ten minutes just to pick out his favorite ugly sweater and freshen up.
The first person he saw downstairs was Arthur, who was watching as Francis made breakfast in the kitchen. He was wearing a cream colored cardigan with black reindeer dancing across. In his hand he nestled a mug of tea. “Merry Christmas, Arthur.” He thought of giving Arthur a hug, but thought against it, due to his fear of being burned by the steaming drink. Alfred rarely thought of being affectionate towards Arthur, though Christmas was technically a rare occurrence for them.
“Merry Christmas to you too, Alfred.” Arthur smiled. He had been in higher spirits ever since his brother came to visit, rather than his typical grumpy self. Whenever Peter was around he would pretend to be annoyed, but slowly it was slipping and anyone could see that Arthur was absolutely overjoyed.
The two of them set the table, Alfred complained that Francis never tried with his Christmas attire. He had decided that wearing a red sweater constituted as “celebrating the holidays” though Alfred just called it being plain lazy.
Matthew didn’t join them until a little later. He was borrowing one of Alfred’s ugly sweaters which was a little too big for him. It was one of Alfred’s favorites, green with a bell that would occasionally light up. He looked as if he had a rough night sleeping in Alfred’s bed as his eyes were bloodshot red.
It wasn’t soon after until Peter came down as well, his smile fading as he looked at everyone around the room. “I didn’t take Arthur for the festive type. Had I known, I would’ve worn something uglier.” He pinched the plain blue tee he wore.
“You could always wear one of mine,” Alfred chimed.
“With what body mass?” Arthur remarked dryly before taking a sip of his tea.
“Ha. Ha. Very funny, Arthur.” Peter replied playfully. He turned his eyes on Alfred. “Thank you, but I’ll be fine. Oh—and Merry Christmas to you all.”
A “Merry Christmas” resounded around the room and they all got ready to eat. It was tradition to eat breakfast then open gifts, Alfred was excited to see the looks on everyone’s faces when he saw what he got them. He also had to admit he was a little excited to see what Arthur got him. He had been hinting at it all week and Alfred just wanted to know already.
Francis had made an array of different foods. Placed in front of them were omelets, crepes, bacon, fresh bread, fruits, and waffles (as per Alfred’s request). There was scarce conversation between them all; Francis did most of the talking, mostly commenting on the lack of snow this Christmas and how he and Matthew had to leave to France for a few days so they could visit some of Francis’ family. Usually Alfred and Arthur would go to Europe as well (though, Arthur never visited his “family” just friends who were like family). This year Arthur was uncharacteristically quiet about it and Alfred thought it was maybe because of his sibling’s visit.
After the meal, it was time to exchange gifts. They gathered on the plush seats surrounding the tree in the living room. Alfred dug out all of his presents from the amply decorated tree. They were poorly wrapped, except for the ones Toris helped him with.
They all shared a laugh when Francis opened his presents just to find that they were all the same perfume, varying in size from the full sized bottle, to the travel sized, and the roll on. They all laughed about it, though Alfred could pick out the strain in Arthur’s. He (of course) felt bad despite Francis’ joy.
Alfred had gotten both Arthur and Peter imported teas from Japan that Kiku had recommended to him (the shipping was hell to pay, but both of the Englishmen were excited to try them it made it worth it) and he got Mattie a jersey of his favorite hockey player.
In return, Alfred was given a set of hard to find Batman comics from Francis and a gift certificate to the game store Alfred frequented by Mattie. Arthur cleared his throat when it was his turn, gesturing to pass on his turn.
Peter looked at his brother with furrowed brows. “You’re giving me the honors?”
“I don’t see why not,” Arthur answered. He looked pleased with himself, as if he knew Alfred was going to love his gift already.
“Alrighty then,” Peter started. He had an envelope clutched behind him. “Well, I see that you’ve become close one of my students in the past year and Arthur and I thought it would be a great gift to let you spend spring break in Japan. You’ll be staying with me, of course, but I’m sure Kiku will be very excited to meet you.”
Alfred looked between the two of them excitedly before pulling them into a long, drawn out hug. “Thanks so much!” He kept repeating it quickly over and over again.
Arthur chuckled. “You’re quite welcome, Alfred.”
He was going to Japan. He was going to meet Kiku in person.
“I’ve got to call him now,” Alfred relinquished them from the hug and pulled out his phone, busting with the need to tell his friend.
Kiku spent Christmas alone. In past years after his mother died, he had spent time with Heracles, but he returned home for therapy after his injuries. Feliciano and Ludwig had both returned home for the holidays as well (though, they did offer to stay for his sake). Yao’s flight was delayed and he wouldn’t be coming in for another two days, which left Kiku all alone despite all the decorating and preparing he did.
He tried not to let it get to him. At the baseline, he was used to being alone, it shouldn’t hurt. But for some reason it did.
Kiku tried to distract himself the entire day by watching videos (which was hard, Christmas was everywhere—even in the cute cat videos) and doodling out a simple manga. He rarely got time to draw so everything looked rough and uneven.
He almost jumped out of his seat when he heard his Skype notification. Alfred was calling during what should have been Christmas morning for him. Kiku wondered why he would call him when he was supposed to be spending time with his family.
Kiku accepted the call either way, Alfred’s figure was blurry as if he were moving around too much and so fast despite the fact that their connection was not fully established. He kept waving this red envelope at the screen, prompting Kiku to look away from the screen momentarily.
“—tickets to Japan!” Was the first thing that Kiku heard from his mouth.
“Excuse me?” Kiku said.
“I got tickets to Japan, man! I’m coming to see you over Spring Break!”
Kiku couldn’t help smile. “That’s wonderful, Alfred! I can’t wait to meet with you and show you around Japan,” he replied.
“Now you have to teach me some cool Japanese phrases! You could be like my Japanese tutor or something,” Alfred spoke so fast that it was hard for Kiku to keep up, but he tried his best.
“Y-Yeah, I would love to.”
Alfred’s excitement made Kiku’s stomach catch this unfamiliar feeling. Mr. Kirkland had joined in from behind where Alfred was sitting on the floor and waved excitedly to the camera.
“Hello, Kiku,” he said with a pleasant smile. “How’s your holiday?”
“Oh, hello Mr. Kirkland. My holiday is going well. I’m happy to see you arrived safely.” The teacher had told him he was going to visit America—more specifically his pen pal.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“I’m glad to hear that too,” he replied, only realizing how stupid it was a moment too late. Mr. Kirkland nodded to him and left as he was being called by another person in the background.
Alfred chuckled a bit at his answer. “What did you do today?” Alfred asked.
Kiku thought for moment. The truth was lame, but he couldn’t think of a good enough lie either.
“Not much,” Kiku said in an attempt to play it off.
“Did you spend any time with family or friends?”
Kiku shook his head. “They were stuck at the airport and won’t be able to make it in for a few days. Anyway, did you receive—“
Alfred frowned. “Kiku, that’s terrible! Are you okay by yourself?”
The worry in his voice made Kiku laugh. “Sorry, it’s just—your concern is…how would you put it… ‘refreshing’ maybe?”
“I’m pretty sure you should go more for ‘adorable’ but that’s just thought.” Alfred playfully winked at the screen.
Kiku turned bright red, remembering Feliciano’s words.
“I love it when you do that.” Alfred blurted out. He hadn’t meant to say it, from the wide eyed look he had on his face.
“W-when I do—?”
“When you get all flustered, it’s cute,” he carried along like it was casual conversation.
“So you do this on purpose?”
Alfred smirked. “Maybe.”
“You’re unfathomable.”
“I think you’re looking for ‘unbelievable’.” Alfred corrected him not unkindly.
Kiku cleared his throat, his face still burning. “Anyway, have you received my Christmas gift yet?”
Alfred shook his head. “How about you? Did you get mine?”
Kiku shook his head as well. “I hope you get it soon.”
“Me too. I can’t wait to see your face when you open mine.” They had promised to call one another when they received the other’s gift.
“Well, I don’t want to keep you too long. I’m sure you have people who want to spend time with you today.”
Alfred smiled. “Alright, just send me messages, okay? You don’t have to spend Christmas alone, you’ve got me!”
Even though Christmas was almost over where he was, it still warmed his heart to hear Alfred say that.
“I will,” he smiled in return.
“Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas,” he replied before ending the call. He didn’t feel so alone now.
“So, you and Kiku get along pretty well I see.” Alfred blushed and he wondered how much Peter had heard of their conversation.
“You could say that,” he remarked.
“Yes, I could.” Peter sat down beside Alfred on the floor. He sighed before continuing. “I’m glad you two get along so well. He’s such a busy kid with so many responsibilities. I can’t imagine what his social life must be like.” He put a hand on Alfred’s shoulder. “I’m glad he has a friend like you.”
Alfred’s lips twitched upwards almost shyly. “I’m glad I met him. He’s pretty sweet.”
“And cute from what I’ve heard.” Peter teased Alfred before getting up and leaving again; probably to help Arthur clean up. That reminded Alfred that he had to help Francis and Mattie prepare dinner. Francis said something about having a traditional French meal, which according to Alfred’s French textbook, consists of multiple courses. The thought excited him enough to send him almost flying to the kitchen to join in on the cooking.
He made sure to occasionally respond to Kiku’s messages, hoping that in some way that simple act would cheer him up.
-blep
Alfred’s gift arrived the morning of New Year’s Eve. Kiku rushed to call him, though he still had some reservations about calling him without asking whether or not he was busy. Despite this, Alfred picked up almost immediately and after the initial static between them cleared, Kiku began to speak.
“Alfred, I got it!” He said more enthusiastically then he usually sounded. Kiku held up the package to his face. It was about the size his head and was tightly packed.
Alfred grinned. “Open it!”
“Okay,” Kiku said, grabbing his box cutter and carefully slicing the box open. It was stuffed to the brim with cushioning, both newspaper and “packing peanuts” (as Alfred called them). Kiku carefully navigated to the center of the box, not wanting to create a mess as he had just finally finished his cleaning for the New Year.
In the box lay a lone snow globe. The base was a flashy silver and it had “the Brooklyn Bridge” (not that Kiku knew what it was, he just appreciated it as a nicely built bridge) etched into it. Amidst all the fluffy white plastic, several recognizable New York landmarks were all set to the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
“Make sure to check the bottom!”
Kiku flipped it over, sending the snow to the top and spotted the winding key. He began to twist it and was surprised when it played a very classic tune that even he knew from watching American films. Frank Sintra’s “New York, New York” echoed through his room, catching the attention of his uncle from the kitchen. Yao didn’t say anything as he looked back at him, he only smiled.
“Thank you, Alfred. It’s beautiful. I’ve never received one from another country before.”
“You should! I love buying them when I visit other countries and states.” Alfred looked pleased with himself.
Kiku gingerly set down the snow globe on his computer desk and pulled out the messily decorated envelope that rested at the bottom of the box. It had a plethora of decorations—which definitely seemed like Alfred’s style. It was covered in small doodles of both Kiku and himself as well Christmas themed stickers. It was also covered in glitter and thus got glitter all over himself and his clothes, but he was still grateful nonetheless.
It was a very simple homemade card, not as extravagantly decorated as the envelope, just a green piece of colored paper folded into a card with a big “Merry Christmas” on the front. In the inside is where the real gift lies, many messages of well-wishes and introductions came from the friends and family of Alfred. Alfred had his own, scribbled messily in his typical handwriting:
Hope you have the best year ever!!! Also a Merry Christmas!!! Stay warm!!
Alfred F. Jones
Kiku ignored the little heart he drew next to his name, though he thought it was really cute.
“Thanks again.”
Alfred waved him off. “It was no problem! I love sending gifts, it’s what I live for—especially during the holidays.” Alfred then continued to give Kiku the low down on what he received and what he gave. Kiku laughed upon hearing the situation with Francis and the perfume and smiled when Alfred thanked him for the tea suggestions.
“I hope my gift comes for you soon.” Kiku finally said.
“The tracking number you gave me told me it should be here by tomorrow, so the 31st for me, probably the 1st for you.” Alfred mentioned.
“Well, I’m sure you’re probably tired. I should let you go.” With that Kiku ended the call and left to go help Yao in the kitchen.
After eating some soba noodles and catching up, Kiku and Yao walked to the temple. They stuck close to one another in an attempt to not get lost in the crowds of people all heading towards the temple as well. They abandoned wearing their traditional wear, since Yao has lost his luggage on the plane. Kiku remembered how upset was when he first arrived from the airport—Kiku had to make him some chamomile to calm down (though now he was complaining about how tired he was).
Kiku had planned to leave his phone at home, like he did every year. If his father really wanted to talk to him, he would visit, or call, or just make an attempt to communicate with him. He had forgotten to though, the weight of the phone seemed to drag down his pocket like an anchor. He didn’t want to feel even guiltier than he usually did.
The bells had just finished their tolling and everyone was making their way to the shrines. It was a New Year, filled with opportunities and decision.
Kiku could feel his phone vibrating in his pocket. He chewed his lower lip as he thought of his father. He really didn’t want to talk to him right now.
Despite this, he dug into his pocket, albeit against his will. He couldn’t take Yao’s side glance.
He was pleasantly surprised when he realized it was Alfred calling. They rarely liked calling each other over the phone (due to the extra costs), but for once, Kiku really didn’t care.
Kiku answered as if it were an instant reflex, putting his phone to his ear with a small smile on his lips.
“Happy New Year!” Alfred shouted into the phone, momentarily distorting his hearing.
“Isn’t it only 11 in the morning in America?” Kiku answered with a small laugh, looking around at the crowd around him. He felt a little self-conscious.
“I know, but it’s past midnight in Japan, right?”
Kiku put two and two together, understanding Alfred’s intentions with a nod. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want to hold you up for too, long, but this is going to be the best year of our lives, okay?” For once, Alfred was serious. His sincerity filled him with warmth.
“You got it.” After that they told each other their goodbyes and Kiku continued his walk to the shrine, feeling a bit more optimistic than when he left his house.
He obviously had to return the favor.