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Post by Matthew Williams on Feb 1, 2011 15:35:27 GMT -5
Together Again
Alfred and Matthew
When Matthew saw the list this morning, he couldn't believe his eyes. It was impossible, right? In the book on the desk, which carried the names of all the students in the dorm; was the last name Matt ever expected to see:
Alfred Jones
"...Alfred." he thought out loud, trying to somehow sink in the fact that his brother would be coming. And to this dorm no less.
Matthew heaved a long, drawn out sigh and made his way to the kitchen. If Alfred was coming, he knew that his brother would probably be complaining about food before long. Might as well save the whining and just skip to making him happy.
It may have only been a few months, but he would still beat himself up for his stupidity in leaving that day. Matt would say 'it was for the best' and 'it'll be fine' but in truth, he just felt down-right bad for leaving his family behind.
Despite the shock of the surprise, the Canadian smiled to himself. He'd have to ask why and how Alfred got in, but it would be nice to see him again...
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Feb 13, 2011 12:54:34 GMT -5
Alfred pursed his lips upon his arrival. He looked down to his directions, the ones he was able to make thanks to the aid of Google Maps.
Howdy, you hero, you! So you get on that one train, then get on that other train, then when you get off of that train, you get on that train that seriously looks more like a beaten down school bus than a train, but whatever. Then you get off that train and you go down a few streets, hopefully not runnin' into any hobos that might take your pants (just like near the Mexican border, but we're not gonna' flashback to that), 'til you see this shady lookin' dorm.
Yeah, he thought, narrowing his eyes. I'm definitely at the right stop.
The blond tucked the worn piece of notebook paper back into his pocket and surveyed his surroundings. The station was near desolate. Aside from the few emerging from the train after him, there were hardly any people around. It was almost midnight, so Alfred expected this, but it was still eerie. He never liked being out at night all that much, especially alone. He wouldn't actually admit that to anyone, though.
Frowning, the American adjusted his backpack, grabbed a hold of his suitcases and proceeded to make his way onto the sidewalk, for once minding his footing. It was dark, after all, and walking into his new dorm with a bloody nose or worse wouldn't be the best first impression. Walking in to his brother that way probably wouldn't be the best idea, either. His brother worried easily, especially on his account, and he didn't want to do that to him the second he stepped through the doorway. After all, he was here to try and take care of him, not the other way around.
Upon rounding the third corner, he found himself feeling somewhat dizzy. He simply shook his head, took a deep breath and passed it off as all the traveling he'd done in the past day. It was difficult to do that a second time, however, as his vision sharpened and he caught sight of how sickeningly green the sky looked all of the sudden. At this, he could only gape, and it would have looked nothing short of comical had the situation been different.
".. Y-Yikes, I need sleep, or something!" Alfred assured himself, laughing nervously. He began walking again, this time almost at a jogger's pace. "Yeah, sleep. Maybe a snack, too! This is prolly' just jet lag, or whatever that thing's called! Yup!"
Now, in front of what he hoped was the right dorm, he made his way up the few steps leading to the doorway, careful not to trip over what he assumed were empty beer bottles and soda cans. Upon opening the door, he peeked his head in.
"Uh.. h-hello? Anybody home?" He called out into the seemingly empty dorm lounge, still somewhat shaken.
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Post by Matthew Williams on Feb 17, 2011 16:47:07 GMT -5
He had been busy with making a 'small' welcome dinner for his brother when all the lights suddenly went out. The once brightly illuminated room now an eerie green. Matthew stiffened, despite having experienced the Dark Hour a few times prior. The shock just never seemed to wear away.
Worriedly, he looked at the clock on the wall. It's hands frozen on midnight.
It wasn't like Matt didn't know that when the power went out the Dark Hour started. It was more of an instinct, reassuring that it was in fact the hidden hour.
'H-He's late, I hope he didn't get caught up in anything bad.. [/color]' Matthew wasn't liking the fact that Alfred had yet to arrive, thinking back to his first time encountering the Dark Hour. Quickly, he decided that he should get ready; should anything happen. The Canadian started making his way up the stairs when he heard a familiar voice. " Uh.. h-hello? Anybody home?" ' I..it was true, he really was staying here.' Matthew slowly inched back down the stairs and noticed a head popping out of the door. " A..Alfred?" his breath hitched slightly, completely forgetting the fact that the Dark Hour was taking place. He was frozen there at the end of the staircase, still letting the fact sink in that his brother was actually here.[/size][/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Feb 19, 2011 12:35:29 GMT -5
"M-Matty!" Alfred practically squealed.
Without a second though, he burst through the doorway, not even bothering to set his luggage down more or less neatly and darting for his brother, pulling him into a tight hug the moment they came into contact.
"Oh my God, bro, there's crazy stuff goin' down out there! It's all greenish and I think somebody spilled tomato soup or something all over the sidewalks and that's all probably some psychotic, sleep deprivation induced hallucination but I'm so glad to see you!" He pulled away, but kept his hold on his brother, swaying him back and forth in his excitement. "But how are you? Whatcha' been up to? It's been so long! I've missed you like crazy!"
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Post by Matthew Williams on Feb 23, 2011 20:41:43 GMT -5
Matthew smiled brightly as soon as his brother pulled him into a hug. Hugging him just as tight for a moment before being pulled out and swayed, causing him to get dizzy.
"A-Alfred, I missed you too. B-but, please...stop doing that!" it was lighthearted with no anger or irritation. But, Matthew really did want him to stop. "What are you doing here, Alfred?"
Quickly, he squirmed his way out and ran to the door; shutting and locking it to keep whatever might come in, out. Letting out a sigh in relief before turning back to his brother, a small smile plastered on his face.
"I'm glad you're well, how have you been?" [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Feb 25, 2011 19:36:59 GMT -5
Alfred watched with curious eyes as his brother hastily moved to shut the door. He figured it was because it was late at night and cold out and didn't bother questioning him on it. Instead, he moved over to him again, taking his hands and swinging them back and forth, much like the motion he'd greet his brother with when they were just kids.
"What do you think I'm doin' here, silly?" He laughed. "Here to chill with you! I'm great, but I wanna' hear 'bout you! Tell me more 'bout how you are, bro!"
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Post by Matthew Williams on Feb 28, 2011 14:47:53 GMT -5
He wanted so badly to tell Alfred to stop acting like a four-year old. But, it was such a familiar gesture; something familiar in this unfamiliar setting.
Matthew had been adjusting fairly well to his new surroundings considering all that had happened in the short time he'd been at the dorms. But, it was nice to have something from home to cling back to.
A tiny smile appeared on his face, "T-that's not what I meant, Alfred. It's great to see you, a-and I'm sort of glad you are here. But, how did you get in? What about dad? Is he okay with this and how is he doing?"
In truth, he was more interested in hearing about home and how things were going. There had been a lack of communication between them since Matt left, and it had made him a bit homesick. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Mar 1, 2011 13:10:23 GMT -5
"Sort of?" Alfred repeated, feigning hurt and pushing out his lower lip in a pout, a habit of his he never really realized he had, and when he was accused of having it, he wholesomely denied it. As quickly as his ever glowing grin disappeared, it appeared again, and he laughed heartily. "Glad to know you missed me as much as I've missed you, bro!"
The blond released his firm, yet gentle hold on his brother's hands and nodded, trotting back over to the suitcases. When he reached them, he dropped down on one knee, rummaging through one of the larger ones.
"I got accepted in, too. I didn't tell you 'cause I wasn't planning on going through with it, but in the end, it seemed like a good idea. After all, you came too." He shrugged, trying to keep his tone indifferent.
Brothers gotta' stick together, he added without actually verbalizing it, memories of the person who told him that spinning around in the back of his mind. That's right, he promised. He promised himself. He promised mom. He promised he'd always take care of his brother. He wasn't going to let distance prevent him from keeping that promise, so..
His eyes suddenly lit up when he finally hooked his fingers around something soft and puffy that took up the majority of the bottom. Careful not to show his brother what he was pulling out, he put his back to the suitcase, smiling coyly and holding the object behind him as he made his way back over to his brother.
"Dad's great! He told me the same thing he told you, to expect letters and phone calls constantly. You know how he is. He's such a worrywart sometimes. Oh, but.. he reminded me to bring.. drum roll, please.. this!" He announced, holding out a large polar bear plush.
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 2, 2011 14:02:54 GMT -5
"I-Is that so?"
Matthew watched his brother the whole time, still not quite believing that Alfred was actually here at the dorm. Almost surreal, Matthew had thought he would not see any of his family again until summer, or possibly graduation rolled around. Mentally, he had prepared himself for if that was the case and now it seemed that it had been for naught.
He chuckled at the thought of dad, worrying his head off for a moment. They always did seem to worry him in some way, but it was never intentional. "Y-yeah, I know what you mean..." a small smile played on his features, the memory being a fond one.
The Canadian had been so caught up in his memories that he didn't even realize what Alfred was doing, until he pulled out an old friend.
"Kumajiro!" Matthew let out excitedly, he quickly ran over and almost literally tore the bear out of Alfred's arms; hugging it as tight as he could. Out of all the things he left behind, Kumajiro was the one thing he had never intended on leaving. It just sort of happened, and Matthew was more than ecstatic to have his friend back.
"I-I can't believe I left him behind..." he said sadly, getting a little teary, "T-thank you so much, Alfred." Matthew gave the bear another tight hug before loosening his grip on the bear slightly.
Out of all his possessions, Kumajiro was the most precious to Matthew. The cream-colored polar bear had been his constant companion and reminder of his mother. While he would get laughed at school for having a teddy bear at his age, it never really got to him. It was that last bit of his mother, aside from memories, that he had.
Quickly, Matthew ran up and hugged Alfred lightly, teary-faced but with a bright smile on his features. "T-thank you so much, Alfred."
And just as quick as the hug, Matthew quickly got embarrassed. He released the hold on his brother and took a step back, hiding his face in Kumajiro's soft fur. "S-sorry..." he didn't remove his face, but continued to talk anyway.
"A-are you hungry, Alfred? The power is out right now, b-but, I managed to make something before that happened." [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Mar 2, 2011 18:50:19 GMT -5
Alfred couldn't help the instant smile that tugged at his lips, seeing his brother so overjoyed. This was exactly what he came here for, after all.
"Haha, dad and I couldn't believe it either!" The blond laughed in agreement, patting the bear on its head. "It's not like you to forget stuff like that, y' know? He missed you like crazy. Oh, but no worries, 'cause Tony and I kept him company! And you have him back now." He continued on, teasing, but sincere all the same. "It was no problem, all in a day's work for a hero."
In all honesty, Alfred expected his twin to shower him with more gratitude, because he knew all too well that he was the type to continue thanking someone long after they've done something for him, no matter how simple. Not that he had all that much of an issue with it, since he loved praise like nothing else, but that aside, he definitely didn't expect expect him to go right out and hug him.
Usually he was the one who initiated the hugs with his brother, and after much cuddling, usually the one who had to be pried off. Matt was never one to be touchy-feely, after all.
In reality, he knew Matt didn't mind it all that much when he hugged him, he was just easily embarrassed with things like that, especially around other people. Aside from the occasional holding hands, which he sometimes said they were too old for, but never really acted on it, his twin got pretty flustered with public displays of affection, and of course, when he teased him. Alfred, always finding some way to dote on him, thought it was adorable anyway, and just wrote it off as one of his many cute quirks.
Alfred was still smiling when he pulled away, and couldn't really stifle his laughter when Matt hid his probably red face with Kumajiro, something he used to do back at home.
He felt at home.
"Food sounds awesome!" He practically cheered. Food sounded amazing to him, considering he hadn't had anything in about two hours. Heck, one hour was a stretch, two was just madness. His stomach had been crying out for food the whole night.
This time, he took it upon himself to wrap his arms around the other.
"Whaddaya' have made, bro?"
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 7, 2011 15:01:37 GMT -5
"S-seriously, can't thank you enough, Alfred."
Matthew pried his face away from the plush bear, holding it at arms length to get a good look at him. Kumajiro was just the way he had left him back home; still that cream color and those beady black eyes.
He chuckled to himself, "I'm sure that he enjoyed the company." responding sincerely before hugging the bear tight again. Looking at the boy, you probably would have never guessed his age. Kumajiro was a sort of attachment, making the blond seem younger than what he actually was.
When Alfred placed his arms around him, Matthew didn't so much as flinch. He was just too caught up in the moment of being reunited with two of his most cherished things in this world: Alfred and his bear.
And, in all honesty, he probably wouldn't have minded either way. Alfred being within arms length, aside from a train ride away, was like a small hidden dream come true.
Matthew flashed a small embarrassed smile to his brother before answering, "M-made some hamburgers, mashed potatoes, and green beans." It wasn't anything fancy, but he knew how much his brother enjoyed hamburgers. And they were a tad healthier when homemade, and even thought Alfred might have put up a fight about the veggies, they were necessary for a proper diet.
"Want some?" he inquired before making his way to the kitchen, despite the arms around him. "T-that means you have to eat the vegetables too, Alfred." Matthew added quickly. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Mar 10, 2011 19:09:36 GMT -5
Alfred, upon hearing the word 'hamburgers', perked up considerably, looking even more thrilled than he was before, if possible. All of this excitement went right down the drain, however, when his brother mentioned green beans.
Vegetables, the bane of his existence.
"Aww, Maaaatt!" The blond whined. "The potatoes I don't really mind so much, but green beans?" He went on, his tone disgusted, as if they were discussing something as repulsive as blood and guts. Even as the other started walking away, he kept his hold on him, waddling along a bit awkwardly because of the angle. "Can't I just eat the burgers?"
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 12, 2011 19:10:18 GMT -5
Matthew was waddling with his brother, trying to keep moving with his brother attached.
He couldn't help but smile and find it hard to suppress his laughter at Alfred's antics. Matt knew very well what kind of reaction this would elicit out of his sibling. But, he meant what he had told him. "Yes, Alfred. Y-you do have to eat them. It's healthy."
Oh, how he wanted to laugh. It felt like he hadn't left home at all, that he was still home and cooking dinner. Listening to Alfred complain about certain things that he didn't want to eat and dad telling him to eat everything on the plate. The thought leaving a small sad smile on his face.
Matthew stopped his very ungraceful walk to the kitchen to turn his head and look at Alfred, "No, you can't just eat the burgers." his tone strict, "Y-you have to eat at least one scoop of the green beans." his mouth fell into a frown.
When it came to eating, Matthew always tried to encourage healthy habits on Alfred. He knew very well the strict junk-food diet that he adopted at times and did not like it one bit. In this sense, he took on his mother's role and tried to keep him as healthy as humanely possible.
...Not that that was possible.
"Seriously, what have you b-been eating since I left? Dad couldn't have let you just eat the burgers at dinner." he inquired. Though, he somehow had the feeling that he already knew the answer. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Mar 19, 2011 9:40:48 GMT -5
Alfred couldn't help but feel nostalgic over how familiar this scene was to him, remembering how many times these kinds of conversations were spoken, debated about, repeated and argued over in what now seemed to him like the very distant past.
It was comforting, in a way. This was charted territory. It was like nothing had changed between them.
He smiled a quiet smile against his sweatshirt, one Matt obviously didn't see.
"But they're gross!" The older twin went on complaining, pulling Matthew back and forth in a swaying sort of motion as he did so. "I eat fine, anyhow." He then defended, puffing out his cheeks. This was true, after all. He made sure to have tomatoes and lettuce on his burgers every so often, and even go so far as to switch up the places he'd buy them from so he wouldn't get bored. Not that he actually would've gotten bored, It was just fun to mix things up. "I always have, man. And.. since you left?"
He seemed as if he was pondering this, looking up to the ceiling for a few brief moment before directing his full attention back to his brother, a wide, shameless grin appearing on his features. "Mostly microwavable pizza! Oh, and gummy bears. Seriously, you'd be surprised how many days you can last off of those."
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 24, 2011 12:31:41 GMT -5
Matthew stood still, anymore walking being swayed would just end in him face-planting on the ground. He sighed a little bit irritably, but really...Matt didn't mind it one bit. He was still too absorbed in the mere presence of his brother being here. "Even if you think they are gross, they are still good for you." his tone a bit strict, but not scolding.
He watched on as his brother had to think about the question he had laid down on him earlier. What he said in response made Matthew's stomach flip and he had a right to smack Alfred upside the head with some pizza and gummy bears. Instead, he just stood there and crossed his arms, looking at the American with a displeased and disappointed look.
Smacking him or punching him would just be enforcing playful behavior. So, Matthew chose the more parental way of dealing with matters. Disappointment. He'd make sure to have a long talk with their father later, too.
"I should give you a salad instead of hamburgers." his face never changed and he just continued to stare at him with disapproval. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Mar 27, 2011 18:25:05 GMT -5
“And even if they’re good for me, they’re still totally gross!” Alfred asserted in retaliation, giggling lightheartedly and wavering his brother more persistently when he suddenly stilled.
Overseeing the Canadian’s amusing reaction as he mulled over the not quite welcome information he’d just supplied him with, he rested his chin on his shoulder and cocked his head to the side, feigning innocence with a small smile. As Matt’s face began to twist with disappointment, he reached around and playfully poked at his cheek, instantly regretting not mentioning the other bountiful amounts of junk food he’d gorged himself with. He opened his mouth to go on, but..
"I should give you a salad instead of hamburgers."
When he suddenly said that, the blond gaped disbelievingly—Oh, hell no—spluttering helplessly for a brief moment before gripping him by his arms. He was not eating salad after that long train ride, not after being promised burgers. That was like giving a baby a brand new rattle, a really awesome one with little space ships and tacos painted on it, then just yanking it away.
“M-Matt, don’t even joke like that! That’s crazy talk!” He practically shrieked, shaking him frantically. “Salad is like.. lettuce, or something, and an itty bitty bit of fruit! I-I can’t even..”
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 28, 2011 18:14:12 GMT -5
It didn't matter what Alfred did. No matter how cute or innocent he acted, this was a serious issue! Health was not something to take lightly, and he wished that Alfred would come to realize that. Though, Matthew was just as bad in some aspects (especially with his tiny pancake obsession.)
So, he just stood there completely still, not showing any other expression besides disappointed. Only wavering slightly when Alfred's mood suddenly dropped. He smiled, despite the situation and tried to suppress a laugh.
"I-I didn't mean it, Alfred." he said, before stopping and looking at the ceiling to think. "Okay, maybe I did."
Matthew returned his attention back to his brother, motioning towards the kitchen, "Salad is good for you, and yes there is lettuce on it. B-but, you mentioned you get lettuce on your burger sometimes! How is that any different?" he inquired.
Even though he asked, Matthew somehow thought that he knew the answer. In his mind, he imagined Alfred saying that it was because it was a burger! Everything tastes better on burgers!
The Canadian face-palmed mentally, and decided to continue to the kitchen, with or without his brother behind him. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Apr 2, 2011 10:05:52 GMT -5
Alfred could only pout as his brother merely smiled in response to his despair, then went on to argue his point.
“Yeah, but that's 'cause it's a burger, Matt! Everything tastes better on burgers!” He warranted, rather predictably. He knew even though he pointed this more than valid fact out, Matt still wouldn’t get it. His twin simply couldn’t appreciate the magic and condensed awesomeness that was a burger, the very magic and condensed awesomeness the American had grown to love, whilst he preferred the slightly less condensed awesomeness that was a pancake.
Not that Alfred himself didn’t like pancakes. He’d fallen for pancakes just as hard, in fact, all because of their mother’s beyond delicious breakfasts way back when. He simply fell for burgers a bit harder.
“C’mon, Matt!” He pleaded more insistently, trudging along behind the Canadian as he continued on his way. “Telling me not to eat burgers is like me telling you not to eat pancakes!”
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Post by Matthew Williams on Apr 7, 2011 16:47:29 GMT -5
Matthew chuckled, Alfred was just as predictable as usual.
However, that didn't change the fact that his lack of nutrition was unsettling. How their father would allow for such a diet was beyond him. And really, Matt did wonder why Alfred was looking a little more...pudgy than usual.
The American did have a point, of course. Asking the other to stop eating burgers was next to impossible. And Matthew was very fond of his pancakes. Okay, he just couldn't live without those fluffy and delicious pancakes! With maple syrup and sometimes with blue berries and...alright, stopping now.
"Y-you could probably d-do without them, Alfred." he turned around and gestured to his whole body. "H-Have you gained weight?" Matthew inquired. [/blockquote]
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Post by Alfred F. Jones on Apr 10, 2011 21:00:53 GMT -5
Alfred huffed, cheeks flaring brightly in response to Matt’s more than ludicrous suggestion. “D-Dude, I haven’t gained any weight! I have a perfectly sculpted body, like always! Your glasses must be smudged, or something!”
In all seriousness, the American had a high metabolism that, if presented, doctors, scientists, dietitians and nutritionists wouldn’t believe. His weight was never something that he, or maybe his brother, for whatever reason, had to worry about. It was the least of his worries. In fact, his only main concerns of usual were eating, goofing off, watching the newest episodes of his favorite cartoons, and last but certainly not least, putting his school work off until a later date. There was no room for him to be freaking out over how his eating habits didn’t even effect his body, as far as he was concerned.
That aside, Alfred had always gone by the idea that you’re happier and better off if you eat what you want to eat. It wasn’t like he never ate healthy foods, either. After all, he could never keep away from strawberries if they were in the fridge.
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