Chapter Text
The night had barely set in, the club under the name Crimson in strong glowing lights still had a line out the door with groups of eager dolled up adults awaiting entry, but even the lively, anticipating atmosphere of the club couldn't lift Alfred's spirits. Just a few weeks ago, Kiku, his boyfriend, had broken things off two years into the relationship. They had sworn to last forever, til marriage, til the end. That nothing could knock down their secure and safe love with each other. Kiku knew it was inevitable, their final days together grew closer and closer. The love that was once there was truly fading, and in his attempts, Alfred would succeed to temporarily 'fix' things, but Kiku knew it had to end. Alfred's pale face had grown to shades of red that had never been seen, his face burned in sadness, anger, and disappointment in himself for failing. Everything seemed like it was going downhill, like nothing could help him recover.
That was it after that, he left, with all of what-once-was and walked out of the apartment. The photo frames tilted in Alfred's apartment as to say 'take us down,' but it wasn't until a week later that Alfred reluctantly took them down... and that was only because Matthew, his twin brother, visited and made sure he did exactly that. Matthew also noticed Alfred's apartment was always much colder, which Kiku hated, but lately the apartment had the AC on full blast at all times. It felt, rebellious almost.
The club's back alley was dirty, trash everywhere, condom wrappers that vary in sizes, drinks, and sometimes even rats. It wasn't a place that was visually pleasing, but after the breakup, to Alfred it became his place. He followed a strict routine on the weekends.
Saturdays:
- Wake up at whatever time (usually 12 PM)
- Drink a coffee and eat something while watching TV (probably microwaveable, around 1 PM)
- Watch show (2 PM to est. 4 PM)
- Head to Crimson (5 PM)
- Doors to Crimson (6 PM)
- Relax
- Go outside
- Relax
- Go outside
- Relax
- Go outside
- Repeat until 4 AM
- Leave. (4 AM)
This schedule had become very strict for Alfred. He believes if he messes up, or does something wrong, he won't heal from the breakup. His focus isn't on Kiku anymore, now it's 'how long can I keep my mind busy.' The drinking had become consistent as of lately, the club offers him free drinks due to his status as VIP, and as, well, America. Crimson had gotten used to the many drinks Alfred orders, his reputation had taken hits due to how many people have gone online to speak on seeing Mr. America himself out clubbing, drowning himself bottle after bottle. The funny part is, nobody would've seen him, but since Alfred's schedule consists of him leaving the club to go outside for 'air time,' the frequent clubbers started noticing him even in his lazy attire.
Alfred's eyes open as he realizes the sweet sounds next to his ear isn't Kiku asking to get back together but instead a rat gnawing at his hair. This was his cue to go back inside to the loud club full of people who think he's weird and a bad representation of the country. He walks past the crowds of people, the interesting mixture of scents like human sweat, florals, and smoke. He watches the people in front of him dance freely, with smiles from ear to ear while looking up as if to reach for the sky. He finally reaches his lounge and plops down, the next two drinks already at his table. The servers always clean up so fast it's easy to lose track of how many drinks he's had, but today felt different. Instead of immediately drinking his sorrows away, he felt, repulsed. The drink looked off, it didn't look appetizing as it had just the weekend before. I just need to get some shut eye, he thought. Alfred shut his eyes, and in seconds he slammed down on the red couch. Servers rushing to him to ensure he was fine, meanwhile Alfed's mind was troubled and full of regret.
~
The sun was brighter this morning, it pierced through Alfred's eyelids and the smell of wood scented candles had filled the room. What once was the smell of smoke and confusing fragrances, was now a soothing earthy scent that felt like the world had gotten better. And when he opened his eyes, he realized just where he was. Matthew's voice could be heard from the other room, on a call it seemed. The room Alfred was in had beautiful framed paintings of bears and classic forest landscapes that brought him ease. The mirror next to the twin bed he laid in was recently cleaned and had a change of clothes on the dresser under it with a letter that read 'please wear before you leave the room.' Thats when Alfred realized, he was naked.
Once suited up in the 'Canada's best' clothing Matthew had left for Alfred, he shyly opened the door to see his twin brother working on his laptop in the living room. Alfred felt bad, Matthew always saves him from his troubles and today felt just like that except something tells him it was worse. His chest felt sore and his eyes red of alcohol abuse and sadness.
"Mattie" Alfred's frail, unsure tone made Matthew turn towards him immediately. Their eyes met and Matthew closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
"Alfred. I'm so glad you're okay," Matthew had been working on an important financial project for his country for days now, and yesterday was the day he was meant to present his idea's, but Alfred's condition worried him. It was now Monday, meaning he slept for a whole day. Matthew walked over to Alfred and hugged him tightly, he smelt of fresh laundry and sweet cologne. Matthew's attire was lazy, comfortable. "Do you need anything?"
Alfred had been fixated on the laptop, the screen was paused on Matthew's powerpoint, and he finally understood what it was that felt 'off.'
"I'm fine, Mattie, I am. How did I... get here exactly?" Matthew's eyes widened and looked off to the side.
"Well, Alfred, you completely collapsed at Crimson. I hate to admit it, but whenever I was up late I'd check your location and I'd always see you there. I was getting worried," Matthew sat down by the dinner table, avoiding eye contact, "I had contacted the club and asked for them to keep me updated on you, since whenever I'd ask you, you'd just be vague."
Alfred's eyes fell to the ground and his new fixation was the lines on the wood panels while Matthew confessed.
"On Saturday, you collapsed, and I was immediately alerted by Crimson. I rushed over and got help from the guards to get you inside my car," he fidgeted with his bracelets, "and you didnt wake up for all of Sunday, I didn't want to leave you alone-"
"Mattie," Alfred's eyes were tearing up, he felt vulnerable and upset, upset that Matthew felt the need to get involve, "I'm an adult, I can do things on my own."
Matthew's eyes looked back up at Alfred, whose demeanor changed from shy to uncomfortable, "I love you, Mattie. But you shouldn't have missed your meeting for me. For a bum, like me." Matthew shook his head immediately, his disagreement was so strong, he stood up.
"Alfred, I thought you were going to die," his tone serious, his eyes filled with desperation, "I just care about you, is that so bad?!"
A singular tear drop fell onto the wooden panels, Alfred's mind was confused. He had been acting so horrible and yet Matthew cared more than anyone. He dropped down on his knees and sobbed. His feelings were louder now than before, Matthew held him as he rubbed his back practicing a calming motion in hopes to soothe him. All of the feelings Alfred was pushing down, and not allowing himself to feel were being unleashed. His tears that soaked Matthew's sweater tainted in despair and deep unhappiness, and the snot that dripped down to his jeans was even worse. Alfred was allowed to feel for once, and Matthew was always there for him.
That day was a reset for Alfred, the twins agreed for Alfred to stay with Matthew for a week. This allowed Alfred to be accompanied and for Matthew to be with his brother he missed. The night approached and Alfred's mind wanted to party, drink, and forget everything, but Matthew wouldn't allow it. As the sky dimmed and the two sat on the porch to watch the sunset, Matthew read from a book as Alfred sipped on a cup of soda. This time, the night felt anything but dreadful, it was soothing. Matthew had essentially saved Alfred, again.