Of Kings and Queens

To Court A Queen

"This isn't creepy, is it?" Alfred asked, tightening his bandanna around his head.

Matthew shook his head and looked at the battle map laid out before them. "Nah, it doesn't count as stalking unless follow the person around town." Matthew paused. "Well I think so anyway, and that's gotta count for something."

Alfred nodded and passed the tube of face paint to his twin. "Here, we can have matching war paint!"

Matthew took the bottle and squeezed the red paint onto his hand, smearing it on his face. "So I printed a map of the city out and taped it to the table."

Alfred patted Matthew on the back. "Now to map out Arthur's daily routine!...Matthew this feels just a bit too creepy."

"Oh hush, do you want your husbando or not?"

"Never say that again." Alfred deadpanned.

Matthew rolled his eyes and marked a spot on the map. "So this is where Arthur picks up his adopted son, Leon Wang, everyday at 3:55 precisely. Here is where he shops to cook dinner, usually around 6 in the mornings, and here is where he drinks tea every day exactly at 12. I think it's a British thing."

Alfred decided it was best that he didn't ask how Matthew retained all this information. His brother had friends in hidden places. Sometimes it honestly scared the hell out of Alfred, but of course he would do anything for just a shot, a single shot at winning Arthur's heart back.

Now it was simply a matter of placing Alfred at the right place, at the right time and with the right excuse. It all somehow reminded Alfred of how he used to play Sims as a kid, and how he got his character Tony to land a girlfriend.

Alfred missed those childhood days.

"Alfred! Are you listening to me?" Matthew snapped, breaking Alfred out of his string of thoughts.

"Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about um, aliens. Thanks for helping me with this bro. I know you're still mad and helping me rubs salt in the wound." Alfred scratched his head. "With Arthur being part of the 'Scandal' and all."

Matthew laughed good naturedly and hugged his brother. "Oh, Al. I haven't had this much fun in years. Your like the crazy ex-boyfriend. I mean you did just move here, slept with Arthur and now your stalking him."

Alfred blushed and threw a couch pillow at Matthew. "Shut up! You know it's not like--Oh whatever just tell me what to do."

Matthew smirked and held up Alfred's cars keys. "You know, I'm a bit thirsty. You'll just have to go buy some tea for me, as I am your guest."

~~~~

So maybe this was a bad idea, Alfred thought as he combed the shelves of the nearest Wallmart. Maple flavoured tea? Are you serious? Alfred didn't even know that there were other flavours than sweet and unsweet.

Alfred was starting to seriously regret his decision, especially because Matthew actually wanted him to get tea. Maybe this was going just a tad too far...

"Alfred?" Arthur asked, his hands gripping the shopping cart. "What are you doing here?"

"Uh, shopping?" Alfred answered the obvious question and gestured to his own cart.

"At 6 in the morning?"

"Yes at six in the morning! Why are you here?" Alfred acted surprised. Sometimes, Alfred thought, acting was always a bit too easy.

"Shopping, duh." Arthur smiled and crossed his arms, leaning against the cart. "Tea huh?I thought the famous Alfred F. Jones was strictly a coffee person."