Chapter Text
Alfred made the decision to go to the military years ago. It was the only option left. Growing up, his father doused him in military action movies like top gun and transformers, so he always glorified the army. He dreamed of becoming a war hero and kicking terrorists in the face. Now, as recently official adult, he finally decided to enlist. Not for the same heroic reasons from when he was younger though. He filled out all the paper work in secret, and made sure to check the mail repeatedly and sneak anything relating the army into the house so his mother would see. He finally got his official army license. He was said to leave for official training in two weeks. He took a deep breath as his hands shook around the paper. His father won't see him as a fag anymore. His mom will have one less mouth to constantly feed. But first he needs to actually tell his family. He supposed that also meant Arthur, his first cousin from England, but he would stick with his intermediate relatives first.
At dinner was the best time, he decided. His family would be together in a not-aggressive setting for once, so it would be the perfect time to reveal is decision.
“Mom. Dad. Matt-Madeline.” He spoke up. He cringed at having to deadname his brother, but if he wanted this conversation to go well, he needed to make some concessions. He was sure Matt would understand. He continue.
"I’m joining the army." He watched his families’ faces contort. His dad’s eyes widen in surprise. His mom raised a hand to cover her gasp. Matthew’s eyes looked terrified before he looked away, staring at his full plate.
“I already sent in my enlistment, all the paperwork… and I-I’m set to begin training in two weeks, up at West Point, New York. I-I know this is sudden, but I hope you understand.” Alfred’s voice wavered a bit.
"So what? You’re just gonna… gonna leave?Finish up training and go straight to war?…”Matthew questioned, his voice cracking from the tears that threatened to fall. He didn't want to lose Alfred. Who was gonna protect him and Mom from Dad? Or be there to cheer him up when his depression gets worse?
"Madeline, don’t discourage your brother." His father glared at him before turning to pat Alfred’s shoulder “Turns out you really are my son after all. I was starting to worry you would end up a faggot!”His father beamed at Alfred, speaking proudly. Matthew just looked down. Alfred knew he should have said something, but he knew it would be a losing battle anyway. His mom just watched. He couldn’t tell if she was scared or proud. Probably neither. With her husband, Alfred couldn’t blame her for being numb.
Matthew huffed before standing up and storming off to his room.
'Ignore your sister, Alfred. She's just being a bitch again."
Alfred responded quickly “I'm just gonna go check on her… make sure I don’t leave with hi-her waiting for me." His father nodded and let Alfred make his way upstairs. He stopped just outside Matthew's door.
"Mattie? Let me in. I'm sorry about just springing this on you guys." Alfred knocked softly on the door. Matthew didn't speak as he opened it. He just stared at Alfred before speaking.
"Why do you have to leave me alone here?”
"Dude…" He walked over to sit on the edge of his brothers bed. “I’ll get free ride to college after this bullshit… it pays well so you guys don’t struggle as much… and it’s my only way out of this place. You gotta understand, Matt, this was my only option.”Alfred fidgeted for his sleeve. He truly did not want to go, but he had to. For Matt.
"I guess I understand.. But I'm still scared" Matthew's voice was soft. He didn't want to lose his brother. He didn't want to feel alone again. Alfred hugged him.
"I know. But I'll write whenever I can. And I won't let myself die. Don’t worry. It takes more than a terrorist to knock me down…" he chuckled, trying to cheer Matthew up.
“You know the truth Alfred.” Matt had a point. If Alfred took off the rose-tinted lenses of patriotism, he knew the people he would be fighting were doing this because of what America has done. Iraq didn’t even have anything to do with 9/11. But hey, military service is service.
“Yeah. I know. Listen, I’m going to go tell Arthur. Then, we are going to spend all of these two weeks together before I’m off, okay?” Alfred offered, to which Matt nodded to.
He walked to his room and shut the door, dialing in Arthur’s number. After a few rings, the Englishman picked up.
“‘Ello? Alfred?”
"Arthur. I uh.. I'm joining the military." Alfred spoke with fear in his voice. Was Arthur gonna get mad at him for becoming a war-pig?
"Oh. With your father, I’m not surprised. Just shocked it’s the army and not the Air Force, as you always wanted.”Arthur was calm. He was worried for the little lad, but if this helped him out of his current situation, so be it.
“Yeah… you know I can’t afford flying lessons. Maybe after I serve a tour, I can try.” Alfred chuckled nostalgically. When he was younger he would always dress up like a pilot and run around the house with toy airplanes. He loved the sky and always dreamed of joking the Air Force. Unfortunately, as he grew older, the dream dimmed when he realized he could never afford the necessary training needed to enlist in that branch at this time. Maybe someday.
“Yeah, well, stay safe. I want you in one piece, alright?” Arthur’s tinny voice emanated from his flip phone. “Yeah, talk to you later geezer. I’ll send letters.” Alfred hung up.
Sigh. Time to start packing.