Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

July 19th, 2016

My therapist suggested that I keep a diary. So, ig I'll introduce myself. My name's Alfred F. Bonnefoy! I’m recently 18. I’m a college student (Business major). 

I live in the great U.S. of A.! But both my parents are immigrants, my papa’s from France and my dad’s from England. My papa always tried to teach me French but I never picked it up. Not like Matthew(my twin brother) or Louise (my little sister) tho, he’s fluent. I don't have a great relationship with either currently, probably because I left to live on campus as soon as I could. Matthew, stayed but we go to the same college. 

My dad's still mad at me. I guess because he's sad about his kids growing up. My parents also don't have the best relationship either. When I was 2 they got divorced and my papa slept around a lot after that and got someone pregnant, that's how I got my little sister, Louise. He didn't find out until after he and my dad got back together, tho. 

She thought my dad was her biological dad too until she was like 12 lol. Even though she has brown hair and both my parents have blonde hair. And after my parents got back together, they didn't bother getting married again because my dad thought it was “too much of a pain”. Anyways, that's enough about me. Alfred out.

September 2nd, 2016

Sorry I haven't written for a while. But something amazing happened the other day! I got asked out by this guy named Ivan. He’s super cute with almost white hair and purple eyes. He has an accent and I think he said he and his parents immigrated from Russia, when he was like 10 or something. We’re going out tonight and I'm just so excited! I'll write again tonight to tell you how it went.

September 3rd, 2016

Sorry, I didn't get home last night. Otherwise I would've updated you. But I am now. The date went great, and we went to Ivan’s house. (It was basically a mansion compared to my dorm room) When we got there he gave me some vodka, I asked him if he stole it from his parents and he said he was 23. I was NOT expecting that. I thought he was like a freshman or sophomore turns out, he doesn't even go to my school. He's in medical school and was dropping off his little sister.

We drank basically the same amount but I got wasted (not black out, but I'm sure close to it) and he seemed to be fine, maybe it was just compared to my drunkness. But anyways, we fucked. Haaaaard. It was great! I left earlier this morning and he gave me his phone number.

September 6th, 2016

I think Ivan just wants sex. I suspected as much when we fucked on the first date. And since then it's just been him texting me to meet at his place and me going. And it's nothing else. But that's fine. At least he offers me a drink every time I come. (Pun intended) He asked me to spend this month’s heat with him. I said yes because who is better than him? It's better than being miserable the whole time.

September 28th, 2016

Just finished my heat with Ivan, it was fine, ig. I don't remember most of it. Which is weird bc I usually remember my heats but it might've been all the alcohol. It was A LOT for a week. My roommate was asking where I was, he's an omega too, so he understood. Oh God, it would be awful if I had an alpha roommate. Ig I wouldn't mind if it were Ivan. He’d be a good roommate. And he always has alcohol. Mostly vodka.

October 12th, 2016

I'm thinking of breaking up with Ivan. I feel like he's just using me for sex. He doesn't really care about me. He always tells me to sneak out before he wakes up. I think he lives with someone else. He might even be dating or married to someone. Idk. I think it’d be better if we weren't together. If you can even call it that.

October 18th, 2016

I told Ivan I wanted to stop hooking up and he sounded desperate to still have me. He said we could start dating and I could even move in with him. I might take him up on that.

October 22nd, 2016

Me and Ivan are officially dating! He's actually surprisingly romantic for originally just wanting sex. He asked me to move in with him but I told him I wasn't ready. He said he understood and I could move in whenever I was ready. I asked him if he lived with anyone and he said he had a younger sister and an older sister and that their parents died a couple years ago and left them with a lot of money. I think this is the first time I've truly loved someone.

November 4th, 2016

I'm so angry rn. I can't believe he fucking did that! Ivan slapped me across the face today, so naturally, I slapped back, then he knocked me out cold. When I woke up, he was sitting beside the bed and asked if I was okay and said he was super sorry. Like I’d fucking believe that. 

I told him if he ever hits me again, I’d break up with him. He looked me dead in the eyes and smirked. And then he said “If you even try, I'll fucking kill you.” I don't think he was joking either. I'm actually scared for my life right now. I think I could put up a good fight but he might win.

November 16th, 2016

Me and Ivan keep getting into fights. Physically. He hits me, so I hit him, so then he kicks me and I punch him. I keep trying to break up with him but he keeps threatening to kill me if I leave. The other day, I got fed up with him saying it with no follow through so I said “Fine! Do it then!”

To that he replied, “I'll give you a warning this time.” He gave me the beating of my life, way worse than anything I got from my dad. Then he took me to the hospital and told them I got mugged. I just got out from the hospital with a broken leg. That's how bad he beat me.

He picked me up a couple hours ago. And he told me I was moving in with him. I'm scared of saying no because what if this time he actually kills me?

November 30th, 2016

I moved in with Ivan. I'm hiding this diary so he doesn't find it, I don't know what'll happen if he does. He didn't want to live with me and his sisters, so he bought them another house, I assume with his parents' money. I wonder how much he got from them? I also recently finished my heat with Ivan again. I didn’t remember any of it. I'm starting to think he's drugging me or something.

March 3rd, 2017

It's been a super long time, I know. I haven't been writing as much because I don't want Ivan to know I've been documenting our entire relationship. I stopped seeing my therapist because Ivan didn’t want me getting him in trouble. He also didn't want me to talk to my parents or siblings. However, it's not like we talk that much anyways. 

I've been getting super nauseous and throwing up. Guess why? If you guessed that I'm pregnant, you'd be completely right. I took a test this morning and I'm about to cry. I haven't told Ivan yet because I have no idea if he's going to be happy or not. 

Chapter Text

“What's this, Alfred?” Ivan held up a notebook.

‘Oh, I am FUCKED’ Alfred thought. “Oh, it's just a notebook for school.” He laughed nervously.

Ivan smiled, “So, you would mind me looking through it, would you?”

“You wouldn't want to, it's just boring economic stuff.” Alfred reached over to try to grab the notebook, while Ivan held it out of his grasp.

“Sit down, Alfred. I'm sure your leg is hurting”

“Ivan, I'll do anything, just please don't read that book.”

“Saying that makes me want to read it more.” He opened up the notebook and read it. He got to the last entry and dropped the book. He immediately embraced Alfred. “My love, of course I’d be happy. Is it true? Are you really pregnant?”

Alfred just nodded with tears in his eyes. “I don't know why I'm crying, it's stupid.”

“No, no.” Ivan shushed him, “I’m very happy. I just don't understand why you didn't tell me.” he held the crying Alfred close to him.

“Cause I can't keep it, dude. That's crazy, I'm 18, I'm not prepared for a child.”

“Why not? I have enough money for it. And you could even drop out of college and just be our child’s mother.”

“I mean I'm not mentally prepared. And I can't make my parents grandparents in their 40’s. They'd hate me.”

“Why do we even need-” Ivan was cut off by Alfred’s phone ringing. He picked it up, “ It's your brother.” He pressed the decline button on the phone. “No more interruptions. We need to talk about this.”

“Okay, I can’t care for a child at this age. Maybe in ten years I'll be ready.”

“So, you want to kill our child? I will not let you. If you do, I will kill you.”

“Stop saying that! One day I am going to leave you and I will survive.”

“I read your diary, I know you love me. And you're scared of me. You wouldn't dare. Would you like for me to tell you about the painful death you'd have if you killed our child?”

Alfred looked up at him and sighed, “I'll tell my family I'm having a baby. But I'm not dropping out of college.”

“Okay, good choice. And remember,” Ivan placed a hand on his stomach, “We are your family now. I don't want you talking to them for more than a few minutes.”

“I'm not gonna tell them over the phone, dude. We’re going to go to dinner with them so they can meet you.”

“Fine, whatever. Is it just going to be your parents and siblings?”

"Yeah, I don't really have any other family, except my dad's three brothers, who all live in the U.K., his mom died giving birth to him. And my papa’s estranged from his parents and little brothers, so I've never met them.”

“I see. Let's meet them this Saturday at 5.”

Alfred nodded, “Okay, I'll call them.” He went out of the room and 20 minutes later, he came back. “Alright, we're on for Saturday at 5 at their house. My papa’s cooking. He said it’d be nice to see me again and to meet you.”

“Alright.” Ivan patted the bed beside him, “Come sit. I'll rub your back. I'm sure it's been a long day for you, love.” Alfred sat next to him and leaned into the touch.

That Saturday, they were driving to the Kirkland-Bonnefoy residence. “Since you're about to meet my parents and siblings, when can I meet your sisters?” Alfred asked.

Ivan cringed at the thought, “They are a little bit… different. My older sister, Kateryna, is nice, but I'm a little scared of my little sister, Natallia.”

“If you're scared of her, I don't think I want to meet her.”

“Yeah. Remember, Alfred, if you speak a bad word about me to your parents and siblings, I don't care if you are pregnant. I will kill you.”

“Yeah, I get it.” Alfred instinctively put a hand on his stomach, Ivan noticed it and smiled.

“I don't know how you could even think of hurting your own child.”

The rest of the car ride was silent until they got to Alfred’s parents’ house. When they got there, Francis opened the door, wearing an apron, “Welcome to our humble abode, Alfred’s boyfriend.”

“Alfred didn't tell you my name?” Francis shook his head ‘no’, “I'm Ivan Braginsky. You can call me Ivan.”

“Hello, Ivan, hello, mon chéri.” Francis leaned over to kiss Alfred on the cheek. “Oh dear, what happened to your leg, Alfred?”

“Oh, I got mugged a couple months ago, but I'm fine now. Sorry, I thought I told you guys.”

Francis just gave him a sympathetic smile, “Come in, I'm just finishing up dinner. It's burgers, your favorite!”

When they walked in, they saw Matthew and Louise on the couch, watching hockey. While Francis left to go into the kitchen, Alfred sat right next to his brother and motioned for Ivan to sit next to him on the other side. Matthew turned to Ivan, “I’m Alfred’s twin brother, Matthew.”

Ivan looked at him, stunned, “When Alfred said you were twins, he didn't mention you were identical.”

“We aren't,” Alfred cut in, “We’re fraternal, we just happen to look a hell of a lot like each other.”

Just then Francis called, “Dinner!”

“Hell yeah.” Alfred said as he grabbed his crutches with help of Ivan.

Once they all sat down, Arthur spoke up, “We're all here, what did you want to tell us, Alfred?”

Alfred was already in the middle of a bite of the burger, “Oh, you want me to tell you now?”

“Finish the food in your mouth before you speak, Alfred. But yes.”

“Oh, um,” Alfred quickly swallowed and looked to Ivan and grabbed his hand before he spoke again, “Okay, here goes.” He took a deep breath and said, “Papa, Dad, Matthew, Louise. I'm pregnant.”

Once he heard that, Arthur instantly stood up. “No, you are not! You are 18! You are not allowed to have a child!”

“Yes, he is 18, which means he can make his own decisions and we can have a child.” Ivan cut in, he looked at Alfred and kissed him. “You can't do anything.”

“Who the fuck even are you?! You've known my son for what, a couple months?” Arthur sighed, “Alfred, how do you even know you want to be with him? Are you ready to be tethered to him for basically the rest of your life? Because once you have a child with someone, they don't just go away. They will stay with you. Forever.”

Alfred looked at Ivan nervously and then back to Arthur, “Yes, I do want to be with him.”

“Love, I'm sure you didn't plan this pregnancy. You don't want a child this young. Trust me I wasn't prepared at 25, you're not gonna be prepared at 18.”

“You can't do anything, dad. I want to do this.”

“Come on, Alfred, if your parents won't support us, we’ll leave.” Ivan pulled on Alfred’s hand to try to help him up, and Alfred let go.

Alfred turned to look at Francis, “Do you agree with Dad?”

Francis looked at Alfred, then Arthur. “I'm sorry, chéri. I have to agree with your father. I know you, you aren't prepared for a baby. You are still a baby.”

Alfred grabbed Ivan's hand again and pulled himself up. “Let's go, Ivan.”

They left and didn't speak the whole car ride home.

Chapter Text

April 10th, 2017

Okay, just an update. Ivan made me throw my other notebook away because he doesn't want a documentation of our relationship. So, I’m hiding this one in a place he’ll never find it. God, I feel like my dad hiding alcohol bottles. I told my parents I was pregnant and they got pissed off and I haven't talked to them since. That's really all that happened

So, I went to the doctor today and they said I was 4 months in (18 weeks). They also said I was having a girl. I went with Ivan and he  wanted to know the gender right away. I'm kinda scared of how he's gonna act with her. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made me do everything for her. I know I really didn't want a child originally (I still stand by that 18 is too young) but I’m kinda excited for her to be here. I think 5 more months is too much. I also started writing updates about her pregnancy in a cute aesthetic notebook and I'm gonna write about her childhood too until she’s 10, then I'm gonna give her the notebook to keep. I'm thinking of naming her Connie (Constance)!

April 27th, 2017

I met with Mattie today. If Ivan knew he'd be sooo pissed. I told Mattie I couldn't speak with him so he asked why. I said Ivan didn't want me to because I told him what dad used to do to me. (Hit me a lot whenever I was “bad”, (growing up, it definitely made me think omegas were stronger than they were but I learned most of them are more like Mattie)) Anyways, I thought it was best to leave out the part that Ivan does the same to me but waaaaay worse (like breaking my fucking leg).

April 30th, 2017

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK! I AM SO FUCKING UPSET AND SAD AND ANGRY AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO! Ivan found out I met with Matthew, (I don't even know how) and so he started hitting me, he hit me so fucking much that I’m still hurting really bad! He didn't break any bones this time but I started bleeding baaaad from you know where. We went to the hospital and they checked and you guessed right, I fucking miscarried. 

The fucked up thing is my whole life I never wanted kids. Ever. And I wanted to have an abortion. But now, I got attached, I wanted Connie so bad. Dad always said he never wanted kids either and then me and Mattie came along and he realized he had wanted them his whole life and he got three kids out of it. I guess the same thing happened to me except my story ends in despair.

I guess it’s for the better tho. Connie probably would've been abused by Ivan like I am. I would never want that for my child. I don't even want what dad did to me for her. I don't understand how anyone could do that to their own child. I know the whole cycle of abuse thing but I was hit by my dad when I was a kid, by my boyfriend now. And I wouldn't do that to anyone (unless they really deserve it, like Ivan.)

Ivan was there when they told me what happened, wanna know what his response was? Silence. He left the room. He didn't even ask me how I felt! He didn't come back until almost an hour later. He came back with some of my favorite snacks. Which is fine ig but I needed someone there with me at the moment, man. Tell me it's not my fault or that we’ll figure it out together or something. Just be a loving boyfriend for once, I'm not just your punching bag or incubator!

Fuck! I hope I read this in five years and realize I got out. Oh my God! I wanted my little baby girl soooooo bad. Maybe I'd be stuck in this relationship with Ivan forever. But me and Connie would be stuck together. I'd be such a good father. I’d be so chill. I’d be the person she wants to be around. Not an alcoholic or physically abusive like my dad or verbally abusive like my papa. I'm gonna stop writing now, this is just making me cry more.

July 4th, 2017

It's my 19th birthday, yay. I wanted to spend this day celebrating with my brother but unless I want to fucking die, I can't. All because of asshole Russian dude.

July 15th, 2017

FUCK! Sorry to start another journal entry like that. But it's been two and a half months. TWO AND A HALF! I got my heat a little while ago. And guess what happened? I'm fucking pregnant again. I didn't even know you could get pregnant this soon. No one (except Ivan) knows I lost Connie yet. How the FUCK could my body do this to me?! I'm still grieving for her. No matter what, she will always be my first child. Nothing will replace her. 

July 17th, 2017

I told Ivan about me being pregnant again. Guess what I got out of it? A fucking black eye! I told him and I wasn't scared this time cuz last time he took it so well. But he screamed at me and told me it was too soon. Don't you think I know that? If you didn't want a child this soon, use protection, you idiot! I hate my life. 

He came back to me a couple hours later and said he was sorry and he'll pretend I didn't fuck up and lose our first child. Like, fuck you, man. If you ever read this, Ivan, you're my least favorite person in the world out of everyone who has ever existed or will ever exist, I hate you the most.

January 19th, 2018

Five months is a long time, ik. But fuck it. I'm leaving Ivan, I don't care if he kills me and my child. I’d rather he kill both of us than just her(found out I'm having another girl a while ago). I can't stay with him forever. And if he has to live with killing his pregnant partner, I'm fine with that. I'll gladly sacrifice my life for that. Just for him to realize how despicable he truly is. I would love that.

Chapter Text

A visibly pregnant Alfred was packing his bags while Ivan was at school. Last night, Ivan hit him till he had a bunch of bruises. Thanking God he didn't miscarry (he didn't want a repeat of last time), Alfred was planning to leave and start a new life with his child. 

Earlier that morning, he called his favorite uncle, Oliver, and asked to stay with him for a while and told him everything that happened. Oliver accepted and said Alfred could live with him as long as he wanted.

Just before he got out of the house he ran right into a woman’s breasts. “I'm so sorry, are you alright?” She spoke with an accent like Ivan’s. “You must be Ivan’s boyfriend, Alfred. I am Kateryna. I was just picking up some of Ivan’s stuff he said we could have. Childhood memories and such.”

“Yeah, I am. I'm about to go on a trip to my parents’, that's why I have this bag.” Alfred laughed nervously.

Noticing that the boy in front of her was heavily pregnant and also covered in bruises, she said, “It's okay. I understand you leaving my brother. I won't tell him. Go, he'll be back soon.”

Alfred smiled at the woman, “Thank you so much.” Alfred went to the airport with his ticket to England.

He did everything right. He stole some money from Ivan for the plane ticket. He left his phone at the house. And he was going to get to live with his favorite uncle.

Meanwhile, at the house, Kateryna got a phone call from Ivan. “Hello, sister. You said you were coming back to the house. Alfred’s not answering his phone. Can you tell him to look at it?”

“Oh, I saw him leaving, he said he was going to visit his parents.”

“It says his phone is at home. And he hasn't talked to his parents in months. So, I’m guessing little Alfred ran away and left his phone so I couldn't find him. I'm sorry he lied to you. I'm almost to the house.”

“It's okay, I'm just about to be done here, so I'll probably be gone by the time you get back.” She hung up the phone, “I hope Alfred gets out okay.” she sighed to herself.

Alfred let out a big breath of air once he was finally seated on his plane to England, in just under eleven and a half hours, he got off the plane to see his uncle at the airport, ready to pick him up.

“Hello, Alfred. Your dad has been blowing up my phone since I told him you were coming. I assume your phone too but you don't have it. We can call him when we get to my car.” Oliver put an arm around Alfred's shoulder and led him out of the airport. Once they got in the car, Oliver connected his phone to it and they called Arthur and Francis.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON, ALFRED?! YOU’D BETTER HAVE A VERY GOOD EXPLANATION FOR NOT TALKING TO YOUR FAMILY FOR MONTHS THEN SUDDENLY LEAVING FOR FUCKING ENGLAND!” Arthur yelled as Alfred cringed at the loudness.

So, Alfred told them every last detail. How he wasn’t safe there at all. How Ivan kept saying he was going to kill him, and about how Ivan put him in the hospital, and he walked away with a broken leg. How he told Alfred to limit or stop him completely from speaking to basically everybody he knew. About how he miscarried, and it was all Ivan’s fault. How he was pregnant. Again. "And I suggest moving since Ivan knows where you live.”

“Oh, mon dieu. I don't even know what to say.” 

Francis was silent for a while until Arthur spoke up. “We moved months ago to a new city, Francis and I couldn't stand being in your childhood home. You would know if you called. And you should’ve left as soon as that asshole laid a finger on you.”

“It's not my fault. I thought it was normal since you always used to hit me when I was bad as a kid.”

“I'm your father, that's different, it was discipline. You don't get disciplined when you're 19 by your boyfriend, you should know that, love.”

“Well, I'm sorry it's hard to get out of an abusive relationship! I'm fucking hanging up. I should’ve known you wouldn't change, Arthur!”

“Don't call me that, I am your father! If I were there I would smack the shit out of you!”

“Wow, I wonder how I ever felt comforted in Ivan’s hits.” Alfred said monotone, “Bye Papa. Tell Mattie and Louise I miss them.” Then he hung up.

“I'm sorry my younger brother’s a dick. Let's stop by the phone store on the way. My house isn't far.” Oliver smiled at the younger man.

“Really? I don't have a lot of money after the plane ticket I bought.”

“Consider it a welcome gift. As a surgeon with no kids, I've done a lot better for myself than your parents.”

“Thank you. I promise I'll get a job to support myself and my kid, I won't rely on you the whole time I'm here.”

“Do you know the gender yet?”

“Yeah, it's gonna be a girl. Ivan wanted it to be a surprise, but I asked the nurse when he was away. It hurts a bit because I got pregnant so soon after my miscarriage.” Alfred sighed and looked out the window for a few minutes. “I want to get some kind of fighting lessons so if I ever see him again I can beat his ass. I know I'm an omega and naturally less strong than him, but I want to try at least. I'm sure if he ever finds me, he'll try to kill me again.”

“Oh, there's a good place nearby. You're already pretty fit, so it shouldn't be too hard for you to pick it up.”

“I hope so. I know it's no America, but I think I'll like it here.”

"Yeah, you’ll be alright here.”

Chapter Text

In the next few months, Alfred got a job as a retail worker while taking a year off from college. He eventually moved out into his own studio apartment (with a little monetary help from Oliver). And of course had his child.

“Oh my God,” Alfred was finally looking at his very alive daughter after hours of labor and her calming down, “She’s kinda ugly, but a cute kind of ugly.” He looked up at Matthew, who had flown in earlier that week so he could support his brother. 

“She is. What are you gonna name her?”

“Well, Ivan wanted to name her something Russian, so I'm not gonna do that. I did some research and settled on a Greek name, ‘Alyssa’, isn't that cute?” Alfred sighed. “I know I haven't talked to them lately, but I’m kinda excited for dad and papa to visit so they can meet her!”

“Um, Alfred.”

“Yeah?”

"Dad and Papa aren't actually coming this year.”

Alfred’s smile dropped. “What?”

Matthew cringed at his disappointed tone, “Dad’s really pissed off at you. He thinks none of this would've happened if you had stayed home.”

“I would've stayed home if he and Papa made that house a place I wanted to live in! You don't understand how torturous it was living there. You never got Dad’s fist or belt! You were always perfect!”

“Stop getting defensive! I'm not accusing you of anything, I'm just telling you what he said. I get it, they abused you and not me.”

“Whatever. I don't need them, I have Alyssa, and we have no one to hurt us.”

Later that week, Alfred decided to call his parents for the first time in a while. “Bonjour, Alfred! What a delight it is that you're calling!”

“I want to talk to you and Dad about something.”

Alfred heard faint talking and then a sigh from the other side of the line, “Arthur is not here right now, chéri. He's at work.”

“Bullshit! You really couldn’t think of a better lie? He never works on Wednesdays.”

“He doesn't want to talk to you, he's still mad.”

“Whatever. Why the hell aren’t you two visiting England this year!? I want you guys to meet my daughter.”

“Arthur said if you really want us to meet her, then you’d come home.”

“What?! That's crazy, dude! I don't want Ivan to find me!”

“Alfred, this is your father. Francis didn't want to say this to you so I'm going to say it myself. I hope Ivan finds you so you come home. Maybe you deserve what happened to you for abandoning your family. Twice.”

“What the fuck?! Do you even realize how fucked up it is to say that to me? I didn't abandon you, I left when I was eighteen! That's an adult!”

“I just wanted you to stay with me a little longer, you're my baby. I could've protected you.”

“You just want someone to hurt when you're drunk. Because Matthew is too nice, Louise isn’t your real child and Papa can kick your ass if he wanted. So you always picked on poor defenseless Alfred!”

Arthur was seething at this point, “I hope your daughter is as much of a pain in the ass as you were your whole life. I hope she despises you. And hates every little thing you do!”

“Well, she won't because I'm actually gonna be a good parent!” Alfred turned around to see Matthew holding his crying daughter, “I'm hanging up because I have a daughter who wants me. Unlike any of your children, Arthur!”

Alfred slammed his phone back on the table and grabbed the baby from Matthew’s arms. “Thank you, I don't know how to stop her from crying.”

“Hmm, neither do I. She's probably tired. Do you want to go to bed, Alyssa?” He walked to his room with the crib and placed her in it. Once she was lying in the crib, she settled down.

“Do you remember when Papa brought home Louise when she was a baby? He didn't even tell Dad before! The look on his face when he saw Papa holding her!” Matthew laughed at the memory.

“I thought he was gonna pass out. Dad got so mad and yelled at him, saying they had only been broken up for a couple of months.”

“I do have to say, I think the fact that Dad raised Louise as his own without many complaints is pretty cool.”

“Yeah, but he's still a dick. Did you hear what he said to me?” 

Matthew shook his head. “I only heard you yelling.”

Alfred started tearing up, “He said I deserved what Ivan did to me because I moved out. And he hopes Ivan finds me again so I can come home.”

“Oh, you didn't deserve it, Al.” Matthew turned to hug his brother.

“And Dad knows I lost my fucking baby because of that asshole! I really don't want Alyssa to be hurt by him, too. I hope I never see him again. I hate both of them! Arthur fucking Kirkland and Ivan!” 

“Yeah, they suck.” Matthew suddenly got up, “You know what? Have you had a drink since you had Alyssa?”

“No, I haven't really had time.”

“I'll be back, I'm going to the grocery store to pick up some alcohol. What do you want?”

“Anything but vodka. But something strong. Maybe bourbon?”

“You stay here with Alyssa, and I'll go get it.”

Ten minutes later, Matthew came back. “Hell yeah!” Alfred yelled not too loudly to wake up Alyssa. He opened the grocery bag, “2 bottles of Bourbon… And ibuprofen?”

“Just in case we get hungover,” Matthew said with a smile.

“Aw, Mattie, you little worrier. In good college-kid fashion, even though I don't technically go to college, we must get drunk off our asses and not worry about the consequences.”

“We probably shouldn't do that, don't you have work tomorrow?”

“Calling out sick isn't a lie if I'm throwing up from drinking too much. Hand me the bottle.” Alfred took a big swig of the bourbon. 

After taking a sip and handing the bottle back to Alfred, Matthew pulled out a blunt. “If you want to spice things up.”

“Fuck yeah, dude” Alfred grabbed the blunt right from Matthew's hands and lit it up.

After a while of drinking and smoking, They were both sitting down on the floor with Alfred’s head leaning against his brother’s shoulder. “Mattie?”

“Yeah?” At this point, they were both slurring their words.

Alfred took a deep sigh, “I kinda miss Ivan. Is that bad?”

“No, I don't think so.”

“I don't know if I actually miss him or if I just want Alyssa’s other father to be a part of her life.” He grabbed the bottle and took another drink. “She needs another parent, but I am NOT dating alphas anymore. After Ivan, I can't risk it. That's not selfish of me, is it?”

“No, you're protecting her. It's fine. Oh my God, I'm so nauseous.” Matthew ran to the bathroom.

Once Matthew came back, he saw Alfred, knife in hand, ‘writing’ something on his leg. “JESUS CHRIST! Why the hell would you do that?!” 

Alfred was crying, “I can't feel anything! I just want to feel something, Mattie!” Matthew looked over to see he wrote ‘Alyssa’ on his thigh. 

“Jesus, it's bleeding a lot!” Matthew was crying too. “Why would you do this to yourself!?”

“I feel so empty, dude! I just want to feel something!”

“I think it's time to sleep, Al. Let’s get you to bed.”

After a couple of hours of sleeping, Alfred woke up at noon to hear Alyssa crying. He went to his room and picked her up to try to calm her down. “Shh, Alyssa. It's gonna be okay. Daddy's here. Jeez, how long have you been crying?” After a couple of minutes of rocking her, she wouldn't stop crying, “Ugh. What's wrong? I wish you could talk. Not for another year? Two years? A couple months? I don't fucking know. Fuck, my head hurts. Where's the ibuprofen Mattie got?”

Chapter Text

After a couple of drinks, Alfred walked up to a man at the bar, “Hey, dude, what’s the difference between a cheeseburger and an erection? You’re not giving me a cheeseburger right now.”

The other man laughed as he blushed, “I saw you use that line on a woman who slapped you after.”

“It’s a good one, right?”

“It's a little funny.” The other man sipped his drink.

“Well, it got us talking. Name’s Alfred F. Jones.”

The other man put out his hand, “I’m Kiku Honda. Why don’t you say your middle name?”

“Cause the ‘F’ sounds cooler than my middle name, Francis, which is also my papa’s name. 

“Interesting.”

“You have a cool accent, what are you, chinese?”

“I'm Japanese.”

"That's cool. So, what're you doing here?”

“In England or this pub?”

“This pub.”

“My adopted father wanted me to meet an alpha he picked out for me to marry. I said no and we got into a big fight because I’m not attracted to alphas and he knows that, so I'm here. Why are you here?”

“To find another omega to go out with and to drink my problems away. So, why'd you come to England if you're from Japan?”

“My father moved us here after my biological mother, his wife died.”

“Did you ever know your real father?”

“I had an alpha mother. She passed before I was born and my omega mother was poor after her source of income had gone away. So she married my father shortly after I was born. Then she passed away too, fifteen years later.”

“Damn. I have a two year old daughter, I would hate to see her have to grow up without me.”

“If you have a daughter, what happened to her other parent when you're out here using pick up lines on random people? Or are you just cheating on them?”

“I would never cheat on anyone. Her alpha father was an asshole and I left him. She will never meet him.”

“Who's watching her if you're out here drinking and flirting with omegas?”

“My uncle loves to spend time with her. So, I asked him to take care of her while I find her another parent. So, wanna go out with me?”

“Okay.”

After a couple weeks of dating, Alfred decided to introduce Alyssa and Kiku to each other at his apartment. Both of the men were crouched down to her height, “Aly, this is Kiku. Can you say hi, Kiku?”

“Hi, Kiku!” Alyssa ran up and hugged him.

Kiku turned his head to Alfred as he hugged her back, “She is very cute.”

“Yeah. She’s my world. Do you want a drink?”

“Sure.” Alfred went to grab some beer from the fridge and handed one to Kiku.

“Well, do you guys wanna watch a movie?” Alfred inquired. 

“Of course.” Kiku responded and Alyssa nodded. They went to the couch to watch, Alyssa fell asleep halfway through on Alfred’s lap.

Alfred's arm was around Kiku’s shoulders pulling the two of them close. “Kiku?” Alfred looked over at the other man, who was fast asleep. “It’s alright,” he pressed a kiss to Kiku’s head, “I'll tell you later.” Alfred brought Alyssa back to her bed and Kiku back to his own bed.

Two months later, Alfred and Kiku moved in together. On Alyssa’s third birthday, the three of them celebrated by going out to a restaurant, “Aly?” Alfred, a couple of drinks in, tapped the little girl on the shoulder to get her attention, “Kiku and I have talked about this, would you like to call him Papa?”

Alyssa smiled and nodded, “Yes!” she got up to hug Kiku, “I love you, Papa.”

“I love you too, Aly.” He said as he hugged her back.

After another month, Kiku confronted Alfred, “Alfred. We need to talk.”

“Yeah?” Alfred said nervously.

“You have a problem. A drinking problem. Every time we go out or even stay in, you get drunk.”

“What? I'm fine. That's normal.”

“It's not. You're an alcoholic.”

“No, that's not true! I'm fine!”

“Please go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. There's one at the church this Thursday.”

"Okay, well, I'm not going. My dad’s an alcoholic, I know what it looks like. I would be able to notice if I were one.”

“I know what it looks like too, Alfred. My mother was one. You know how much it affects children too. Do it for Aly.”

“No, I don't want to go, I can stop anytime!”

“Please attend at least one.” He sighed, "I didn't want to do this but if you don't, I'll break up with you.”

Alfred’s face dropped, “What? No! I'm not an alcoholic!”

“Please just go, Alfred. I’m begging you. Don't you want to be your best for Aly?”

“Yes, I do.” He thought about it for a moment, “Fine. I'll go.”

Kiku hugged him, “Thank you so much.”

That Thursday, after abstaining for four days, Alfred went to the meeting and listened to the stories.

One day, the two men were having a picnic in the park with Alyssa. “Alfred?” Kiku looked at the other man, “I've been thinking about this for a while.”

Alfred started to get nervous, “Yeah?”

“You've really turned yourself around. And I wanted to do this in front of Aly.” He took a deep breath, “Alfred Jones, will you marry me?” He opened a box with a ring in it.

Alfred cut him off with a kiss, “Yes, of course!”

“I love you, Alfred.”

"I love you too, Kiku.” Alfred hugged him and Alyssa, feeling left out joined in on the hug.

“I love you as well, Aly.” Kiku said as he hugged Alyssa back. After saving up for a while, Alfred also got him a ring.

One year later, Kiku got back after visiting his dad, “Woah, Ki, you look upset? Was your father’s place that bad?” Alfred asked as he embraced Kiku. 

“I went and he immediately started introducing me to an alpha. He told me he had ‘found a suitor’. Father told me if I didn't break up with you and marry that alpha he'd cut me off completely.”

“What? He can't be serious. Your father wouldn't do that. You’re his son.”

“He's serious.”

“Okay, but even if he did, you could just get a job and I just graduated college, I could find a different job, a better one than the one I have now.”

“I can't. I have to listen to my father.”

“But why?! You love me, don't you?!”

“Of course but-”

“Then why does he control you?! Why is he more important than me and Aly?!”

“He's my father.”

Alfred started tearing up, “I don't want to lose you! Please, please, please don't do this!”

“I'm sorry Alfred.”

“No!” Alfred was sobbing, “Please! I love you! Aly loves you! You love us!”

“I’ll pick her up from school to say my goodbyes to her.”

“Don't leave! You're gonna be miserable your whole life and regret it!”

Kiku sighed, “Goodbye, Alfred. I'll drop Alyssa off here.”

“No! Kiku!” Alfred yelled as he left the apartment.

After that, Alfred stopped going to the meetings and got drunk every night. “Daddy? When’s Papa getting back?” Alyssa asked.

“Papa’s not coming back, Aly. He's gone forever.”

Ding Alfred’s phone got a notification, it was from Kiku, Keep going to the meetings for me.

Alfred started crying before he gathered up all the alcohol in his apartment and threw it all away.

Chapter Text

In the next five years, Alfred finished his bachelor’s degree in business and got a job as an accountant. He got a new two-bedroom apartment and changed both his and Alyssa’s last name to “Jones”.

“Aly, wake up. It's time for school.” The now 24-year-old Alfred began as he shook her awake.

The five-year-old got up, excited. “Yay! My first day of kindergarten! Preschool is for babies. I'm a big kid now.”

“Yes, you are, baby,” Alfred said while petting his daughter’s hair. It was painful watching her grow up. Alfred didn't like to admit it, but she looked identical to Ivan, with her long, almost white hair but green eyes like Arthur.

“Come on, we're going to be late, dude.” As soon as he opened the door to the apartment to leave, his heart dropped as he looked at the last person on earth he ever wanted to see.

“Oh, Alfred, I was just about to kno-” Ivan was cut off by the door slamming in his face and Alfred locking it.

“No, no! This can't be happening! This has to be a dream!” He started breathing heavily.

“Who’s that, daddy?” Alfred didn't notice anything. “Daddy?” After that, Alfred passed out. “Daddy?!” She tried shaking him awake.

Alyssa walked up to the door and prepared herself to open it, “I'm a big kid, I can do this.” She took a deep breath and opened the door. “Who are you?”

“Oh, hello, little one. My name is Ivan Braginsky. What's your name?”

“I’m Alyssa Francine Jones. Why is my daddy scared to see you?”

“Mm. How old are you, Alyssa?”

“I'm five.”

“That's what I thought. This might be shocking to you, but I used to be your daddy's boyfriend. I'm actually your other father.”

“You are?! Yay! I've always wanted to know who my other parent was!”

“Come along. Let's get your daddy on the couch so he's not sleeping on the hard floor.” Ivan picked Alfred up bridal style and placed him on the couch in the living room.

Close to thirty minutes later, he woke up. “Oh, thank God, it must've been a dream. Was I so tired last night that I didn't go to bed in my room?”

Ivan walked into the room, holding Aly’s hand, “Oh good. You're awake.” Ivan started.

Alyssa instantly ran up to her father, who got up and stood in a fighting position. “Why and how the fuck are you here, Ivan?”

“You wound me, Alfred. Why wouldn’t I want to see my ex-boyfriend and our long-lost daughter?”

Ivan took a step forward, “SHE’S MY DAUGHTER! DON’T COME NEAR EITHER OF US! OR I WILL BEAT YOUR ASS. I AM NOT THE SAME WEAK KID I WAS WHEN WE WERE TOGETHER!” Alfred yelled.

“I see. You do look bigger, muscles-wise. But I wish you no harm, love. I only wish to have a loving relationship with my daughter and perhaps rekindle what we lost.”

“No, I won't allow it. Leave and never even think of us ever again, Ivan.”

“You may have grown in strength, Alfred, but I will still win in a fight. I wasn’t planning on it, but if I have to fight for my daughter, I will.”

“No!” Alyssa cut in. “Don't hurt my daddy! I’ll go with you if you don't hurt him!”

“No, you won't, Aly. Go to your room and don't come out no matter what until I tell you.”

“But-”

“GO!” Alyssa nodded her head and left. Her father never yelled at her like that before.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Alfred. Truly. I've changed. I’m in a residency program for psychiatry now, and I don't want to hurt that. I just want a relationship with my daughter. I've heard of girls who don't have relationships with both parents turn out to be strippers and have sex with older men. Do you want that for her?”

“Of course not, but I don't want anyone abusing my daughter more. Especially if she learns to trust you and you betray that. Like you did to me.”

“I would never put my hands on my own daughter. I would never put my hands on you again either. You just made me so mad before. But I've learned to control it. I promise. Come back with me to America, and everything will be okay. You wouldn't even have to work again.”

“And if I don't? Are you going to kill both of us?”

“No, just you,” Ivan said with a smile.

“I knew you hadn't changed! God, come at me, man! I can take you!”

“You're sure? I won't go easy on you.” Alfred nodded, “Okay, if I win, you come back with me, and if you win, I'll leave you alone forever.”

Alfred nodded and took the first punch. They were fighting and Alfred took his next punch, right in the middle of Ivan’s face, which started bleeding profusely, “You bitch! I think you broke my nose!”

To which Ivan responded with an uppercut, knocking Alfred down. Leaning his knee onto the other’s chest, holding his arm, about to break it, Ivan said, “Yield.”

“Never, you'll have to kill me!”

“Okay, then.” Snap. Alfred was screaming. “Yield. Or else I kill you and do the same thing to Alyssa.”

In between sobs, Alfred managed to get out, “Fine, yes, I yield! Just don't hurt her! She's probably already scared with all the yelling and screaming!”

Ten minutes later, after they cleaned themselves up, Alfred started talking again, “So? What are you gonna do now?”

“I'll stay with you for a little while. Until you have no more bruises or they are less noticeable and then you both come back with me to America. Or better yet, we all live in Russia.”

“I’ll take the U.S. over that God forsaken place.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Stay here. I need to get Aly and drop her off at school.”

“Looking like that? People are going to ask questions.”

“So? What do you suggest? Call us both out of school and work forever.”

“Quit your job and take her out of that school. We’ll be gone from this country soon enough. And tell your uncle and ask your friends you're leaving to go back to America.” Ivan walked up to hug Alfred, “I promise you both will like living with me, love.”

“Don't call me that, that's what my dad calls me.”

“What name do you prefer, then?”

“Alfred.”

“Okay, love.” Ivan sighed, ignoring what he said. Alfred scoffed but was quickly cut off with a kiss, “I only say it because I love you, Alfred. I'm sure your father does too.”

“Yeah, right. Trust me, his calling me “love” is just a habit that means nothing. He says it to everyone.”

“Believe what you'd like. But I mean it.”

Chapter Text

“So, Ivan, how the hell did you even find me?” Alfred asked. They were in a car heading to the airport after a couple of weeks. In those weeks, Alred sold his car and most everything he owned. He also sold his apartment, quit his job, and took Alyssa out of her school. 

“Shh, don’t curse, there’s a child in the car.”

Alfred looked back at Alyssa, “She’s asleep, and it’s not like she hasn’t heard those words. I’m very bad at censoring myself.” Alfred took a deep sigh, “I’ll repeat myself if you won’t answer, how the fuck did you find me? I was so careful. The only people who knew where I was were my family, and they said they moved cities years ago.”

“Yeah. Remember how I mentioned I was doing my residency program?” Ivan didn’t wait for a response “Well, I was recently moved to a new hospital because I switched houses. I was working one day and called for a nurse,” 

Alfred’s eyes shot wide open, “Oh no.”

“I thought the nurse who came over looked a little familiar, but he recognized me right away, even called my name. Then I realized it, he was your father. He looked quite scared. I’m sure you told him what I did.”

“You bastard! What the hell did you do to my dad?!”

“I asked if he would tell me where you were, and he did. Almost instantly, but only if we have dinner at his house every other week. Starting the day we get back. So I thought, small price to pay to have the love of my life and my daughter back.”

Alfred started to tear up, “I am NOT the love of your life. You just enjoy someone who hits back when you hit them.”

“Believe what you like. But know it is true.”

“I can’t believe Dad would give me up so easily. He knows how miserable I was when I was with you.” At this point, Alfred was holding back sobs.

“As I told you before, he loves you. He’ll do almost anything to get you back in his life.” Ivan took Alfred’s hand into his and kissed it. “Don’t cry, love."

“He just wants to control someone! And I guess I'm the best option. You both have a fucked up view of love.” He was full-on sobbing now, “I can’t believe I’m right back to where I started. Are you going to hurt me this time?”

“We're here.” Ivan ignored Alfred as he parked the car. 

“Oh my god! You are! You can’t just deny it to give peace of mind?! Just lie to me! Whatever, fuck you, man. If you lay a hand on my daughter, I will end you.”

“Don’t worry, love. I would not do that to her. We’re here. Get Alyssa and clean up your face.” Ivan’s tone was cold, and it scared Alfred.

Alfred wiped his tears and made his way to the back to wake his daughter up, but he ultimately decided to let her sleep and just carry her in his non-broken arm while Ivan grabbed their bags.

“Let’s go,” Alfred whispered so as not to wake up Alyssa. 

The plane ride was mostly silent. After a while, they got back to the U.S. “Daddy, are we gonna live here now?” Alyssa asked as they were leaving the airport, holding Alfred’s hand.

“Yep, we’re gonna live with Mr. Ivan.”

“Alfred, I am her parent, too. Alyssa, you can call me ‘Father’.” Ivan assured with a smile.

Alyssa motioned for Alfred to lean down to her level and whispered, “Is he really my father?”

“Yes, he is your father. I know it’ll take a while to get used to. But you can meet Granddad and Grandpa, and we’ll see them pretty often. We’ll also live close to Uncle Mattie.” Alfred’s voice was louder so Ivan could hear him.

“Yay! I love him! And I really wanna meet Granddad and Grandpa!”

“And, Aly, I can homeschool you and stay with you every day. Not just weekends.”

“Really? Why didn’t we leave England sooner?”

Alfred sighed as he looked into the innocent eyes of his daughter, “It’s a long story that I’ll tell you when you’re older. But for now just focus on the present.”

Pulling into the driveway, both Alfred and Alyssa’s eyes were blown wide. “This is your house, Ivan? Seriously? How much fuckin’ money did you get from your parents?!” 

“Well, it's that combined with the money I make as a resident. And enough that you can be my house-husband for the rest of your life and never worry your pretty little head about money again.”

“It's like a billion times bigger than our apartment, Daddy!”

Ivan laughed a little. 20 minutes later, after giving the two others the tour, Alfred asked, “Aly, do you want the room next to mine?”

“Yes! I wanna be right next to you. So I can sleep in your room when I get scared.”

Alfred patted her on the head and turned to Ivan and said, “Why on earth do you need 6 bedrooms? You need 3 at most. One for Aly, one for me, and one for you.”

“You'll be staying in my room, with me. And it leaves extra space to expand our family.”

Alfred gave him a disgusted look. “No. I refuse. I am NOT spending another heat with you again. I'll lock myself in one of the spare bedrooms. I'll sleep in the same room as you, I guess, on normal occasions. But I am not doing anything with you ever again.”

“Daddy?” Alyssa cut in, “Why do you have heats?”

Alfred looked at Ivan then back to his daughter and crouched to her level, “I'll tell you when you’re older, Aly. How about you go sit in the living room and I'll put on some cartoons for you.” Alyssa nodded with a smile and Alfred left with his daughter then came back to Ivan a couple minutes later.

“I want more children, Alfred, and I assure you, you will give them to me. Even if you don't want it. I am the one in control of this relationship, not you. Understood?” Ivan held Alfred’s chin in his hand, forcing him to look up at him.

“Fuck you. I hope you die a horrible death.”

“Right back at you, love.” Ivan suddenly kissed him.

God, what has my life come to? Alfred thought as he pulled away.

“Get ready for dinner, Alfred. We're leaving in an hour.”

Chapter Text

Arthur was sitting in the living room watching TV when he heard the doorbell ring. “Finally.” He opened the door to reveal a brooding Alfred, along with Ivan and a little girl. Alfred was death staring Arthur right in the eyes, Damn, Arthur thought, Ivan must’ve told Alfred I gave him up. “What happened to your arm, love?”

Alfred cringed a little at the pet name, “Hello, Arthur, my arm’s fine.”

“I'm your father, don't call me by my name.”

Alfred took a deep sigh and through gritted teeth he said, “I will never call you ‘dad’ again.”

“Overdramatic, aren't you?”

Alfred rolled his eyes and flipped the other man off. “An asshole, aren't you?" He said under his breath.

"Well, Are you going to introduce me to this little one?”

“Aly, this is Arthur. Arthur, this is Alyssa.” He pointed behind him to Ivan. “And you already know this asshole.”

Aly walked in front of her dad and held out her hand for Arthur, who shook it, “I’m Alyssa Francine Jones! But you can call me ‘Aly’.”

“No, you can’t. You can call her Alyssa. It's her name for a reason.” Alfred cut in, still staring down Arthur.

“Okaaay, you can call me Alyssa.”

“Hello, love. I'm Arthur Kirkland. I'm your grandfather.”

Alfred turned to Alyssa, “You can call him Arthur, Aly.” He sighed again, “Can you let us inside now? It's cold as FUCK out here.”

“Alfred! Do not curse like that in front of your five-year-old daughter!”

“Whatever, she knows not to say it. Besides, words like that only have meaning if you give them meaning. Now, let us inside. Please.” 

Arthur stood out of the way so the three could go into the house. On the way in, Alyssa turned to Arthur and hugged him, “I'm so happy to finally meet you, Arthur!”

“Aly.” Alfred called, “We’re going to meet Grandpa now.”

“Yay!” Alyssa ran to join her dads in the kitchen with Francis.

“Alfred, mon ange!”

“Hi, papa!” Alfred beamed. “Papa, this is my daughter, Alyssa. Aly, this is your Grandpa, Francis.”

“Call me grandpère.” Francis crouched down to Alyssa’s height and patted her on the head.

“Granpeer?” Alyssa stumbled over the pronunciation.

“It's French. That's where Papa’s from. Like how Ivan’s from Russia.”

“Iv-Father’s from Russia? That's so cool!” She turned to Ivan, “Can we visit sometime?”

“I would love nothing more, Alyssa.”

Francis spoke up, “I am making Coq au vin.”

Alfred laughed a little, “Heh, cock. Well, I'm glad Arthur’s not cooking.”

“When in almost 25 years of being together have I ever let Arthur in the kitchen?”

“When you got divorced. Oh God, it was almost a year of flavorless, overcooked but also somehow undercooked food. It was awful.”

Francis laughed a little and sighed, “I know it's not under the best circumstances, but I'm glad you’re home, Alfred. I missed mon bébé.” He pulled Alfred into a hug and kissed him on the head, “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“What about Mattie and Louise?”

“Them too. But I'm talking about you right now. No matter what, you'll always be my son. I love you so much, Alfred."

“I love you, too, papa.” Alfred smiled and leaned into the hug. Feeling left out, Alyssa went up to them and hugged them.

“Granpeer, how long until dinner’s ready?”

“Mm, about ten minutes. Why don't you three go sit on the couch with Arthur?”

Alfred led the other two into the living room. “You're watching ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’? Seriously? Reality TV?”

“I watch it while doing needlework. I put this show on because Francis can't stand it, so he won't come into the living room to disturb me.”

The doorbell rang again. “Who else did you invite, Arthur?” Alfred asked.

Standing up to open the door, Arthur said, “I invited your brother and his boyfriend.”

Alfred went pale, “His… boyfriend? Mattie never told me he had a boyfriend. How long have they been dating?”

“He told us a couple months ago. I'm surprised he didn't tell you, with how close you two are.” Arthur made his way to the door with Alfred following him, leaving behind his daughter and boyfriend.

Arthur opened the door for Matthew and his boyfriend. Matthew noticed Alfred there too and hugged him, “I'm so glad to see you, Al.”

“You never told me you had a boyfriend.” Alfred looked at him, hurt.

The man next to Matthew had white hair and red eyes. “Hi, I'm Gilbert.”

“Gil’s a police officer, isn't that cool?” Matthew brightly stated. Alfred instantly tensed.

“Excuse us, Arthur, Gilbert. I have to talk to my brother for a second.” Alfred laughed nervously and walked with Matthew to another room. “Please, please, please, don't let Ivan know your boyfriend is a police officer.”

“I won’t. I told Gil to make up a lie if he gets asked that.”

“He looks old. How old is he?”

“He’s 32, but he’s a really good person.”

“Okay, don’t tell him about Ivan.”

“I won't.”

“Do you know how lucky I am that Ivan didn't kill me when he found me in England?”

“He wouldn't have. I assume Ivan’s name isn't on Aly’s birth certificate, so he has no legal ties to her. In the case that he killed you, he wouldn't be able to claim fathership of Aly. And she would've gone to live with our parents.”

“You're right. But I don't want her to go to Arthur and Papa. Can I change it so she lives with you if both me and Ivan die?”

“Of course, I would love to raise her. But I hope it never comes to that.” Matthew hugged his brother.

Aly ran up to the two, “Hi, Uncle Mattie! Granpeer said dinner’s ready!”

“Grandpère, Aly.”

“Woah! You said it exactly right! I can't do that.”

“You'll get it eventually, Aly. I'm fluent in French, so is Papa. If you ever want to pick it up, come to me or your Grandpère. Now let's go eat.”