Roanoke

Choice

Alfred woke with a whimper, immediately soothes by Matthew. A kiss landed on his head and he giggled as he looked up at his older brother.
"Hello, sleepy head! Ready to get something to eat?" Matthew smiled at the boy completely dwarfed in his bomber jacket, cheeks too hallow for a healthy child and much to small for a six year old. He knew that he needed to take Alfred to Yao for a checkup. Alfred shook his head, blushing as his stomach grumbled.
"I ain't hungry." Alfred didn't look at Matthew as he spoke.
"Alfred, you need to eat something before we get clothes that fit. Is there a reason why you don't want to eat?" Matthew thought he knew what the answer was and he didn't want to be right. It was obvious that Alfred was neglected by Arthur.
"I don't wanna be a burden." Alfred's whisper broke Matthew's heart. He could see tears in Arthur's eyes.
"Lad, you're not a burden. You are a joy and precious, puppet." Arthur's voice caused Alfred to jump a bit. Alfred started to cry when he heard those words. Not loud tears but the silent ones that caused tears to fall from Arthur's eyes. Matthew stood, Alfred encased in his arms and started to walk to a quiet restaurant, Arthur following. Alfred calmed and started to suck his finger as he was getting sleepy.
"Alfred, buddy, can you answer a question for me before you take a nap?" Matthew gently asked. Alfred gave a small sleepy noise for a yes. "Do you want to stay with me or with Arthur?" Matthew whispered the question. Alfred muttered his answer around the thumb in his mouth.
"You." Arthur nodded in acceptance as they sat in a booth in the restaurant. Alfred slept until Matthew woke him enough to feed him a little bit as Arthur and Matthew talked about business and how Alfred was raised.