Hetalia kink meme (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
hetalia_kink) wrote2011-02-26 01:33 pm
hetalia_kink) wrote2011-02-26 01:33 pm
Past Part Fills Part 2 -- CLOSED
This Past-Part Fills post is now closed to new fills.
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Shine 6a/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 08:18 am (UTC)(link)“I’m afraid I don’t know very much, Arthur-san,” Kiku replied calmly. “Matthew-san didn’t want to speak about his and his brother’s circumstances. After what happened to their parents, I can’t blame him.”
Arthur perked up at that and quirked an eyebrow. “What did happen to their parents?”
Kiku paused, looking hesitant, and then looked away as if ashamed. “I should not speak of things that do not concern me, but… It happened about two years ago and it was all over the news at the time.” He sighed and turned back to meet Arthur’s gaze. “The Jones family once lived in California, and were a very wealthy, very well known family. I do not know much beyond that, but it would seem they were a very happy family, as well-I’m sure you’ve seen how Matthew-san respects his brother. Their parents were on their way to attend Alfred-san’s graduation when they fell victim to a carjacking that turned deadly. I…imagine they both took it very hard.”
Arthur’s eyes widened with horror and he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. “I…I see,” Arthur mumbled. “I apologize for making you uncomfortable, Kiku.”
“Please do not apologize,” he replied with a short bow and pushed the neatly packed bag of groceries across the counter. “Forgive me for speaking out of line and ruining your day.”
Arthur took the bag in his arms and shook his head at Kiku. “No, thank you for telling me, Kiku. Until next time.”
Arthur numbly left the store and, needing some time to arrange his thoughts, opted to walk home instead of taking a taxi.
Was that the reason? Why Alfred felt he had to hide from the world? His parents had been on their way to his graduation when they died, would Alfred have thought it was his fault? And here he was, trying to pry into Alfred’s life and nearly trudging up memories that would cause more pain. That didn’t solve the mystery of that girl in the photo, but he couldn’t very well ask about her now. What if she had died, as well? That would be quite the tactful move.
Although Alfred couldn’t know the reason why, Arthur decided to buy him another bag of burgers and fries from McDonald’s. An apology for sticking his nose where it didn’t belong.
The apartment was quiet when he got back, and the silence struck Arthur as eerie. Normally Alfred would be there waiting, just like a puppy, for Arthur to return and, loathe to admit it though he may be, Arthur actually looked forward to having someone be happy to see him like that. A pang of guilt struck him as he thought of Alfred knowing what he’d learned from Kiku. He put the groceries away in the kitchen and set off with the McDonald’s bag to find his missing employer.
As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he could faintly hear the unmistakable twang of guitar strings, and, curiosity piqued, he followed the sound. As he got closer to the source, Alfred’s bedroom, a voice joined the guitar. Arthur quietly eased the door open to find Alfred strumming at the Rickenbacker that had been adorning his wall and singing with force and conviction.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”
Arthur had to smile slightly at the performance. Alfred wasn’t bad at all, especially not with the intensity he put into singing the song. He leaned against the doorframe and listened for awhile longer before he cleared his throat.
Alfred jumped and dropped the guitar in the process. He whipped around, face red, and laughed nervously. “A-Artie! I didn’t know you were back! …How long have you been standing there?”
“Not long,” Arthur replied with a smirk. “Nice song.”
“Mom really liked that one,” Alfred said sheepishly and reached down to pick up the dropped guitar.
Shine 6b/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 08:19 am (UTC)(link)Alfred’s eyes lit up and any lingering embarrassment faded from his expression as he snatched the bag out of Arthur’s hands and immediately tore into it. “Thanks, Artie!”
Arthur rolled his eyes at how disgusting Alfred was when he ate his favorite food, and he averted his eyes lest he gag at the display.
“Have you playing the guitar very long?” he asked, trying to make friendly conversation to take his mind off the revelation from earlier.
“Awhile, yeah,” Alfred replied mid-bite, and paused to scarf down another hamburger before he continued. “Why? Do you play, too?”
Arthur blushed and made a point of staring at the very interesting U.S. flag on the wall. It had been a few years, but there had been a time where he’d been rather heavily involved in a band as its lead guitarist. That had been during his rowdier teenage years that he liked to pretend never happened, but he could never really forget the rush he’d feel when he had that instrument in his hands. “A little, yes.”
“Awesome! Hey, let’s play a duet sometime!” Alfred exclaimed and beamed eagerly.
“I-I don’t even have a guitar here!” Arthur stammered and turned on his heel to leave the room. He had dinner to make.
Alfred followed and smiled that sunshine bright smile of his as he did so. “That’s all right! Mattie told me there’s an awesome music store around here! I’ll buy you a guitar, how about that?”
“That won’t be necessary, thank you.” Arthur stomped emphatically down the stairs, intending to end that conversation.
Alfred slid down the banister past him and grinned up at him as he reached the bottom. “No way, you have to show me your skills now that you’ve mentioned them! Unless you really sucked or something.”
Arthur gave Alfred a harsh look and folded his arms. “I’ll have you know I was one of the best!”
“So prove it!” Alfred said with a laugh.
Arthur dropped his arms and cursed his pride for getting away from him. He had no choice now. “Fine.”
The following day he set out for the “awesome music store” Alfred had spoke of with a great deal of cursing both himself and Alfred. The last thing he needed was to carry on with foolish distractions like playing a guitar, but he said he’d do it, and he still felt guilty about prying into Alfred’s past, besides. He took the scenic route through Central Park, making a mental note to himself to explore the park more in depth at a later date, and eventually stumbled across his intended destination. Edelstein’s.
When he entered the store, he was immediately accosted by the beautiful sound of a piano being masterfully played. A well dressed, refined looking man with glasses was sitting on the bench, eyes closed as his hands ran smoothly over the keys. A woman stood behind him, clearly entranced with the performance, and neither took any notice that another person had entered the store until the song was over. Not that Arthur minded, because the song was lovely, and the execution perfect.
“Ah, forgive me. I didn’t realize we had a customer,” the man said as he stood and adjusted his glasses. “Welcome, I’m the proprietor of this establishment, Roderich Edelstein. This is my wife, Elizaveta.” He motioned to the woman beside him, who nodded with a warm smile. “How may I assist you today? Perhaps I can interest you in a piano?”
“Arthur Kirkland, nice to meet you. Your performance was superb, but I’m here to purchase a guitar, actually. Alfred Jones referred me to you.”
“Oh, did he?” Elizaveta interjected before her husband could respond and eagerly stepped forward with a twinkle in her eye. “Tell me about Mr. Jones! He must be handsome!”
“My dear, this is hardly the time for this…” Roderich started, but she ignored him and continued.
Shine 6c/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 08:20 am (UTC)(link)Arthur blinked and snatched his hands back. “I’m a live in caretaker for Mr. Jones. I run errands such as this for him.”
“Oh,” she said with obvious disappointment and took a step back. “If there is any progression, you must let me know!”
Before Arthur could ask what she meant, Roderich spoke up again, clearly used to dealing with whatever his wife was talking about. “As you were saying, you were interested in a guitar?”
“Yes, and I understand you’re the man to go to.”
“It’s been the family business for generations. You’re in luck, I have just the instrument for the occasion… Vash!” Roderich turned to yell at someone in the back of the store.
Arthur’s heart raced in fear when he saw who it was. Vash Zwingli, the boy he’d angered. Vash’s scowl deepened when he saw Arthur, but he stomped over to Roderich and barked at him, “what the hell do you want?”
Roderich twitched and folded his arms. “Please bring Mr. Kirkland the guitar we received this morning, and hold the attitude.”
Vash gave Roderich, then Arthur, a dirty look, which he was tempted to return, before he slouched away to retrieve the instrument.
Elizaveta sidled over to Arthur’s side and said in a hushed tone, “don’t be fooled. They act like they hate each other, but it’s quite the opposite!”
Arthur wondered if it was possible for Vash to not dislike anyone, but he’d simply have to take her word for it. She likely knew him better than he did.
“Here you are, sir,” Vash said in a sarcastic tone as he reappeared and held out the guitar he’d gone to retrieve towards Arthur.
Arthur ignored Vash’s horrible customer service in favor of admiring the guitar he’d been offered. Acoustic, well made, and, plucking one of the strings, produced a beautiful sound.
“Yes, this will do nicely,” Arthur murmured in awe.
“Excellent,” Roderich replied with a satisfied air.
Arthur was happy to get out of the store, despite how pleasant Roderich and Elizaveta were and how nice it was to be surrounded by such finely crafted instruments, and away from Vash, who he was afraid would hurt him if he stayed any longer when Elizaveta offered to make him lunch so they could talk more. Armed with his new guitar, he made his way back to the apartment.
Arthur paused to regard Ivan when he entered the building, wondering if his theory on the man had any grounds, when Ivan spotted him and he perked up.
“Welcome back, Mr. Kirkland! Ah, you have a new guitar! You’ll play for me sometime, da?”
Arthur had to work to suppress his twitch as he shuffled onto the elevator. “Perhaps sometime, Ivan.”
Ivan beamed at him, but luckily he didn’t comment further because another person had entered the building.
“Good afternoon, Miss Zwingli!” Ivan chirped at the younger Zwingli sibling as she stepped into view.
“G-Good afternoon,” she replied and then blanched slightly as she noticed Arthur. She stepped onto the elevator regardless and clasped her hands together as the doors slid closed. There was a brief, uncomfortable silence before she spoke up. “Please forgive us for what happened that day, Mr. Kirkland. Big brother is really a very kind person.”
“I’m sure he is,” Arthur replied, although he was thinking the opposite. “There’s no need to apologize, either way. I thought we agreed to start fresh?” He smiled at her, and was relieved when she smiled in return.
“Of…of course! Um, since I didn’t get to tell you before…it’s just my brother and I here, but big brother works very hard for my sake,” she said shyly and fingered at her dress.
Arthur was struck by the girl’s words and a realization hit him at that moment. She was dressed well, while he was practically in rags. He was working a menial job where he was likely chided constantly for his poor service. They lived alone in that mysterious building. Arthur realized that underneath that rough exterior was a doting brother who was doing whatever he could to make his sister’s life easier, asking for nothing in return. He felt a slight twinge of jealousy at the thought, knowing his brothers would never offer such a thing so freely, always wanting something greater in return.
Shine 6d/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 08:21 am (UTC)(link)“Someday I’ll do my best to repay him for everything,” she said with a small, fond smile. The elevator stopped at her floor and she stepped off. She turned and bowed slightly. “Have a good afternoon, Mr. Kirkland.”
“You as well, Miss Zwingli.”
Perhaps that didn’t solve the mystery of their circumstances, but he was too afraid of Vash to try to delve into that further, especially knowing what sort of secrets he might unearth in the process. He’d simply have to push his curiosity down and just be satisfied knowing that it was a couple of siblings working hard for each others’ sake.
He was brought out of his reverie by his phone vibrating in his pocket. Thinking it might be Alfred, he quickly fished it out, only to scowl when he saw the caller ID. Kirkland. He didn’t bother to take the call, and just stared at the phone until a new voice mail message popped up. He thought of deleting it right away, but curiosity got the best of him and he decided to listen. He recognized the voice of his younger brother, Peter, right away.
“Hey, jerk Arthur! Duncan, Rhys and Owen want to know when you’re going to come crawling back!”
Arthur snorted and deleted the message. Never, of course. He wasn’t going to go back to a place where he was treated like dirt and constantly kicked around by his three older brothers. Once again, he had to feel a twinge of jealousy towards the Jones and Zwingli siblings, who were close and cared for each other.
In truth, besides Peter, he was only half brothers with his three older brothers. His father had had children with three women before he had settled on his mother. Despite how his lovely and kind mother had accepted the three boys as her own, they had always resented her, and consequently resented him. She had died giving birth to his younger brother, Peter, his only full-blooded sibling. Rather than show him the same treatment, his older brothers simply chose to ignore Peter’s existence altogether, or schemed to pawn him off on other people. He recalled the incident, shortly after their father’s death, when they nearly adopted Peter out to a rather intimidating Swede. As annoying as he found his younger brother, he had intervened before the adoption could take place.
He was rather surprised they hadn’t tried again now that he was gone, actually.
He was happy when the elevator stopped at the top and Alfred was there waiting eagerly, as it took his mind off the unpleasant thoughts of the dysfunctional family he’d left behind.
“So you really got a guitar! Fucking awesome, let’s play a duet right now!”
Arthur chose not to comment on Alfred’s poor choice of words and agreed. They made their way to Alfred’s room, where Alfred grinned as he strummed at his guitar.
“Join in if you know this one, all right?” Alfred said and then cleared his throat and started playing.
“What would you think if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?” Alfred sang, smiling all the while.
“Probably,” Arthur remarked and Alfred snorted in reply. Arthur knew the song, of course, and easily joined in the playing.
“Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song and I’ll try not to sing out of key,” Alfred continued to sing. “Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends. Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends. Mm, I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.”
Alfred really was quite good, Arthur thought as he played along. Too bad he wouldn’t be able to share his talents with anyone else.
“What do I do when my love is away?” Alfred sang on, not noticing Arthur’s impressed look.
“Does it worry you to be alone?” Arthur sang in reply, and realized perhaps that it fit the situation quite well. Did Alfred get worried when he was all alone?
“How do I feel by the end of the day?” Still oblivious to Arthur’s musings.
“Are you sad because you’re on your own?” Arthur sang, half singing the lyrics, half honestly asking the question.
Shine 6e/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 08:25 am (UTC)(link)“Do you need anybody?” Half asking the question again.
“I need somebody to love.” Still oblivious.
“Could it be anybody?” Perhaps more than half asking that time.
“I want somebody to love,” Alfred finished with a flourish and an impromptu guitar solo.
Arthur had to laugh, and then Alfred was laughing, too. Then they both broke into guitar solos, laughing and enjoying the music until Arthur abruptly stopped and froze.
What was he doing?
“What’s wrong, Artie?” Alfred asked with slight concern on his face, and Arthur swore under his breath. He hadn’t meant for Alfred to notice.
“I…need to be alone for a bit, if you don’t mind, Alfred.”
“…okay, I guess? Let’s do this again later, though!”
Arthur didn’t respond and left the guitar behind as he rushed out of the room. What had just happened? Besides him getting carried away like that. No, he didn’t want to think about it. He’d just drown in a book and forget about everything. Alfred and his mysterious past, the Zwinglis, his brothers. Everything.
He skimmed the seemingly endless shelves of books in the library, trying to find the perfect book to read when he stumbled across a rather beat up notebook of some kind. He pulled it out and realized what it was as he read a couple lines. Matthew’s journal. He slammed the book shut and was about to replace it on the shelf, but instead he brought it over to the desk and sat down.
Once again, he hesitated. He had no right to go through a journal that didn’t belong to him, but his curiosity was a heavy weight on his back that he had to get rid of somehow. There may be clues to the identity of the mystery girl, or insight on what had happened to the brothers after their parents died. He swallowed, then flipped open the pages. The first entries were primarily about Matthew’s anxieties over not being noticed by anyone, and how he was constantly overlooked in favor of his brother, and those that did notice him never remembered him later. Arthur merely skimmed those entries, not feeling right about prying into the boy’s deepest thoughts and feelings. He skimmed page after page until he finally came across an entry that caught his attention.
“Dad says that Natalia is going to be staying with us for awhile. I wish she wouldn’t. She’s so quiet and creepy, and she never smiles. I’m afraid of what she might do. Alfred seems to like her, though. He’s always smiling that smile around her (you know the one). I hope it won’t get serious, bad enough that she be here temporarily!”
Arthur’s eyes widened as he read the entry and he looked up at the photograph again. He wondered if perhaps… He swallowed and picked up the frame, turning it over to open it. Sure enough, the photo was marked with the date and location of the photo, as well as the subjects of the photo. Alfred, Matthew and Natalia.
---
Re: Shine 6e/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 11:13 am (UTC)(link)And I'm practically waiting on the edge of my seat with all these secrets yet to be uncovered! I nearly forgot that it's going to be UK/US eventually, but this chapter was a nice reminder especially since it was through a Beatles song, aah &hearts</small
OP
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 01:34 pm (UTC)(link)You've got me equal parts cheering Arthur along in his mystery hunt and yelling at him to pull back he's going to make things worse. So well done there.
Loved the glimpse into Arthur's family life. You even made me feel a bit sorry for Sealand and I never thought that was remotely possible.
Loving this something, fierce, thank you so much!
Re: Shine 6e/?
(Anonymous) 2010-01-30 07:06 pm (UTC)(link)Thanks so much for updating :) I can't wait for more!
Re: Shine 6e/?
(Anonymous) 2010-02-10 03:34 am (UTC)(link)I'm seriously intruigued though. Gotta wonder what Belarus has to do with this.
"broken idyl" says captcha, and I'm inclined to agree.
Re: Shine 6e/?
(Anonymous) 2012-10-29 12:58 am (UTC)(link)