Wherever

School and Shops

"I kinda hoped we would be back in America before this happened..." Alfred trailed off as he stared at the school in front of him. Matthew frowned and looked at him.

"You still want to go back to America?" Matthew asked. Alfred's eyes widened as he realized the implications of his statement, he shook his head quickly.

"No, no, no! That's not what I meant. I mean America will always be like my... home? But here too." Alfred shook his head again. "I mean, I just thought that our plan would work... but we'd be living in America in the end. I don't want to go back to America... even with you because... well Ivan's here and I really like the forest of maple trees." Matthew laughed at his brother.

"It's hard to sleep without the smell of Maple Syrup now, isn't it?" Matthew teased.

"Oh god." Alfred groaned. "At the hotel! I swear I felt so off going to bed without the smell. I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. I finally caught on after Gilbert said something." Matthew laughed again but sobered up when he saw Alfred's face.

"What's really wrong?" He asked.

"I'm worried." Alfred admitted, not looking at his brother, but instead of the large building in front of him. Matthew continued to stare at his twin.

"For?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"I don't know what it's like here. I feel like I'll stick out- or maybe just not make any friends. I don't know, I'm just... anxious I guess." Alfred sighed. Matthew slung his arm over Alfred's shoulder and laughed.

"You got me. And Ivan wherever the hell he is. And I'm like 99% sure you'll fit right in with my friend group." Alfred laughed and the two walked into the school.

Arthur's eyes burned. He hated this. He hated every minute of this. He hadn't slept, actually slept in weeks. Sure he took maybe hour long naps (if he was lucky) every now and then but this was insane. He didn't realize how much work this would be. He couldn't shut down his business until this was all over, so he had been designing wedding attire all this time. While trying to gain Canadian citizenship for himself and his son. Oh and enrolling his son into high school.

Now, he had to find a new store. Preferably a bigger one, the last one was kind of small. Homey but not the place for a growing business. Especially not one that was starting to become international.

The computer screen in front of him seemed to mock him with it's dim glow. It hurt to look at, but then again it hurt to close his eyes when he blinked. He took a deep breath. He had three in person visits to possible locations today. It was so close to being over. He was so close to making everything final. After choosing a place, all he'd need to do is get the stuff in New York here and everything would be perfect. He could sleep. That sounded nice.

Arthur stood, his back cracking and sighed. Almost over, almost over. Walking out of his office, or what was now his office, Arthur went to make himself a coffee. Maybe make it an irish coffee if he could find some whiskey.

As much as Arthur would've preferred the taste of tea, he learned early on after having Alfred alone that it just wasn't strong enough for him. There wasn't enough caffeine in it to keep him going. He needed more. So much more.

Why did he have kids again?

Sadly he could not find any whiskey, suspecting Francis hid it, but he did find Francis himself in the kitchen. He nodded to him as a greeting, not having the energy to say anything. After all he was going to be socializing with the sellers and he needed to make sure not to over use his social battery.