Chapter Six
Faint Recognization

"There, there, baby
It's just text book stuff
It's in the ABC of growing up
Now, now, darlin'
Oh don't lose your head
'Cause none of us were angels
And you know I love you, yeah"
Lyrics from Imogen Heap's 'Speeding Cars'

Arthur sat peacefully at his desk reading. If it weren't for the discomfort in his knee it'd be any other day. He sighed and rubbed his cast longingly.
"Arthur!" came a voice from behind him. He turned his head and saw Alfred charging at him at full speed.
"A-Alfr-" he started. Alfred hugged him from behind him, squeezing him a bit too tight.
"OhmygoshArthuryourleg!" Alfred squeaked into Arthur's neck.
"I-It's all right-" Arthur was again interrupted.
"No it's not. I'm so sorry." Alfred gave Arthur a reassuring squeeze. Arthur gulped.
"W-Well I'll be fine, really." he told Alfred. It didn't work. Arthur released him and went to his own desk, to the left of Arthur's.
"Yeah, you'll be okay." Alfred said, surprising Arthur.
"Juuust as soon as I recognise your leg." he finished with a giggle. Arthur rolled his eyes.

Later that day, Arthur did his best to lift himself up from his desk. He required help from his crutches, and by the time he finished he remembered he needed his book and his backpack. He reached for his book and was unsuccessful. He let out a whimper in frustration.
Then his book was carefully lifted off his desk. Not by himself, of course. By Alfred. Arthur almost smiled.
"Thank you." he said sheepishly. Alfred giggled.
They both made their way to their cubbies, Arthur a little behind. Alfred stuffed Arthur's book into Arthur's backpack, putting it on his back. He put his own backpack around his front. Arthur blushed, what with being treated like a girl.
They carefully made it out the crowded school, Alfred reminding some kids to be cautious. Alfred helped Arthur make it down the stairs. Luckily no one fell.
"T-Thank you." Arthur said. Alfred looked at him.
"You don't need to say that." he replied. Arthur started walking home, and Alfred followed. A minute of silence.
"I hope it feels better soon," Alfred said. Arthur remained quiet.
"I love you," Alfred continued. Arthur's face felt hot. He couldn't think of a reply.
"'cus we're friends. And friends do that," Alfred went on. He seemed pretty happy talking to himself, he had a silly grin on his face. Arthur said nothing.
"You know, when we're older, we should get married." Alfred blabbered on.
….
Wait, get married? Arthur almost tripped.
"R-Really? What? B-But I'm a guy!" Arthur argued.
"So?" Alfred asked.
"Guys can't marry guys!" Arthur told him. Alfred looked hurt. He was looking away with his mouth slightly agape.
"Y-Yeah they can." Alfred claimed while twiddling his thumbs.
"How do you know anyway!?" Arthur asked in a huff. He knew he shouldn't be angry, Alfred was carrying his stuff. But what if he didn't want to get married? Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't.
Okay he didn't know.
"Well, I've got two dads." Alfred admitted quietly. Arthur watched his feet instead of Alfred's eyes.
"...Really?" he asked. Alfred coughed.
"Yeah," he answered.
"We're at your house." Arthur looked up and Alfred was right. About the house, that is.
"A-All right." Arthur replied. Alfred helped him up the stairs. Again by some miracle no one fell. Alfred opened the door and put Arthur's backpack on the floor. Arthur followed.
"Bye!" Alfred cheered and ran away.
"It's 'goodbye', git." Arthur mumbled once Alfred was gone. He sat down by his backpack. A minute of silence.
"I love you too." he whispered. If only he could admit it when he wasn't alone.