Oh, Won't You Be More Than A Neighbor

Chp 1- It's Going To Take Time

I thought to myself, "Great, we were off to a great start till I find that he's French. I guess all things must come at a price."

"Ah no," I began, "I do not require any assistance, but you're welcome to come in if you'd like."

"If it is not much of a bother," He said.

I looked down; behind Francis was a nervous little boy. He looked just like Alfred.

"Oh, hello, little one, my name is Arthur; what might yours be?" I asked the little boy.

He clung to Francis's leg, hiding his face."My apologies Arthur, my son can be a bit shy around strangers." He stated.

"Go on; you can tell him your name."

The little boy let go of his father's leg, "M-my name i-is MaMathew," he stammered.

He had medium lengths hair, much like his father's. Although the boy had a different eye color - correction he had two different colored eyes- one blue, the other purple.

"Well, hello, Mathew," I said, "This may come as a shock, but you look very similar to my son," I stated.

Both Mathew and his father looked confused at this, "Alfred," I called, "I'd like you to meet someone."

"Who is it pops?" Alfred asked as he ran down the stairs.

When he finally got down the stairs, his smile fell, Mathew and Alfred stared at each other. They began to walk closer to each other as if they were two magnets of opposite charge. Once they got close enough, they began to circle each other; their face showed no emotion.

"Y-you look j-just like m-me." Mathew finally said. I noted that he also had a bit of an accent. Although, it wasn't exactly French.

"Yeah," Alfred began, "I'm Alfred; what's your name?" Alfred asked.

"I'm Mathew."

"Hey Mathew, do you like birds?" Alfred asked.

Mathew was slightly confused by the sudden questioning, "Y-yes." He finally stammered.

Alfred's face glowed up, "Awesome, cause I have a picture book about birds in my room." Alfred stated as he dragged Mathew by the hand, pulling him to the stairs before stopping.

"Oh, I almost forgot, "Hey dad, can me and Mathew go play?" He asked.

I stood slightly shocked before looking over at Francis, who gave a slight nod.

"Yes dear, oh and you have to say 'Mathew and me.' It's more polite." I lectured.

"Okay, pops," Alfred said with a smile as he ran up the stairs, Mathew at his heels.

"It seems like our sons get along," Francis noted.

"Yes, I said, "Do you want some tea?" I asked.

"If it isn't much of a hassle."

"Not at all," I said.

~~~

"Oh, and another thing about Ludwig; he and his assistant Feliciano are lovers. It's impossible not to see it; it's right there for everyone to see." Francis stated.

I nodded, listening attentively to Francis gossiping about the people he works with. Better said, we work with; we had discovered that we work at the same place. Although; Francis and I only share two hours, he works the night shift because his wife works during the day.

In our chat, I had discovered quite a bit about everyone; how one of the ladies down the street often steals other people's garden gnomes. Two of our neighbors often get into arguments about who can save the most money; I'd rather not witness that. Much gossip was disused in the short hour Francis had stayed.

"Oh, Arthur, as much as I'd like to stay and chat, I must be leaving by now; my wife will be arriving soon, and I must get dinner ready. Perhaps we can meet another day so our boys can play together once more." Francis stated.

"That sounds wonderful; let me call the boys down. Alfred, It's time to say goodbye to your new friend."

I heard a whine from the top of the stairs, "Come now, Alfred, you can play with Mathew another day, but he must be leaving now."

"Okay, dad," Alfred said as he glumly walked down the flights of stairs, Mathew once again at his heels. "Bye Mathew, bye Mr. Bone-foy," Alfred said.

"Bye Alfred, em, w-would y-you like me to b-bring a book next t-time we meet?" Mathew asked.

Alfred's face lit up, "Yeah." He said as he nodded.

"Okay," Mathew said as he waved shyly.

I closed the door behind them. "Now Alfred, I think it's time we have dinner. it's almost time for you to go to bed."

"But I don't want to go to bed," Alfred complained.

"Come now, Alfred, you want to grow up big and strong, don't you? You must sleep and eat properly to do so."

"Mkay pops, oh, can I ask you something?"

"You already did," I stated. Alfred chuckled, "Can I asked you a million questions?"

"Yes, you may, Alfred."

"Is Mathew my brother?" He asked.

"Heavens Alfred, where did you get that idea?"

Alfred looked at me sheepishly, "Well, I mean, we look alike; doesn't that mean we're brothers?"

I shook my head, "No, you're not brothers."

"Aww, why can't we be brothers; I like him," Alfred stated.

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Alfred."

He pouted slightly, "Now, my boy, don't put that face; you can pretend you're brothers."

"Okay, dad, I'll do that."

"Good boy, now let's eat."

~END chapter 1~