Royal Hearts Chapter 9: Teaching and Learning, an alvin and the chipmunks fanfic

Author's Note: Has it really been 3 years? Life man, it gets in the way so many things have happened. I know that's no excuse but I try really hard to write except its usually papers or updating my portfolio. In any case, here is chapter 9. I plan on editing this story next weekend because my younger self obviously sucked at proofreading and editing. As for the story, I tried to make it as accurate as possible most of my research was done online with links provided at the end of the chapter.

Summary/Recap: Alvin has been diagnosed with diabetes. This brings Alvin and Brittany closer together as he learns how to deal with the disease. Meanwhile, a trip to Brittany's past to plan for their future allows for Alvin take his own trip down memory lane.

Royal Hearts

Chapter 9:

Teaching and Learning

"Dave, before you leave, I have a favor to ask of you."

The young man paused and turned around. He watched Theodore pick berries and Simon follow gazing thoughtfully at the plants and animals living amongst the berries that Theodore loved. Alvin, of course, was nowhere to be found. He knelt down to the female chipmunk as she twisted her loose apron strings around her fingers.

"I need you to bring my boys back to me for a least a month every summer." She looked at his confused face. "Now, I've accepted that these boys are yours now but I would like to see them every once in a while. There are things that I as mother and a chipmunk that I can teach them…that you can't."

"I know but…"

"Dave, as much they act like it, they are not human and I sent them away before they could fully develop as chipmunks. I want them to learn how to survive in case something should happen. Human beings are notoriously fickle."

"I would never put the boys in harms way."

"I learned a long time ago that some things are not up to you."

He remembers those summers fondly. His mother had encouraged them to explore and Alvin, well, he was born for that. He climbed trees and burrowed deeply into the ground. Simon often joined him on these trips which lasted well until the sun went down but he knew Simon went for his own purposes. Simon saw things from a critical scientific eye while Alvin loved to use his wits and senses. Silently, they benefited from each other's strength. He wanted to teach Brittany some of that while they were here.

The sun was still easing its way through the sky. He had been for a quite sometime waiting for Brittany to stir in her sleep. A few minutes earlier, he went out into the woods and tried to find those berries Theodore loved to hunt for when they spent summers at their mother's. This place reminded him of her. He wondered why she didn't live here amongst these people but he supposed this was not the only place like this of its kind. Not to mention, she always seemed to be a solitary person. She was always quietly humming in the kitchen, thinking of something or another.

"What are you doing up so early?"

Alvin smiled as Brittany's arms encircled him from behind. She took some berries that were nestled in his lap and sat in front of him. "I want to take you for a walk. Don't take this the wrong way but there are some things I want to teach you."

Brittany opened her mouth to retort but his face was serious so instead she said, "Did you go out for these? Daphne has food. She said we could help ourselves."

"And risk touching something that belongs to that meanie Lindsay? No, thank you!"

"Meanie?" She laughed at his indignant face. "You're still sitting on her couch."

He sobered up a bit, "It reminds me of the one my mother had at her place."

Brittany cuddled up close to him, "You know, Alvin Seville, you're a real romantic."

Alvin laughed and kissed her on the cheek. "I know but don't tell anyone honey. I have a reputation to maintain." He kissed her again, this time on her lips. "Now go put on some comfy clothes. There are some things I want to show you."

Brittany was tired. It was well after noon before Alvin listened to her complaints and decided to take her home. Honestly, she had learned a lot but she was still nowhere near the level that Alvin or the rest of the animals were. Yes, living in the human world had spoiled her but she knew that she would have to continue her training if she had any intention of living her later in her life. Alvin was walking ahead of her, tossing those endless berries into the air and catching them in his mouth.

"What kinds of berries are those anyway?"

"Juniper." He slowed down a bit so she could catch up. "Theodore used to search all day for these and make the best meals ever. I never eat them when I am at home."

"You could put them into your contract if you miss them that much."

He shrugged. "It's not the same."

She watched him tense up for a minute. "Have you been taking your shots?"

He nodded. "But I do have to take one when I get home before lunch."

"Then what is it?"

"Nothing. Let's get back to Daphne's."

Alvin had no idea what Brittany was saying. Daphne and Brittany were not home when they finally reached their house but Alvin and Brittany took quick showers. He then took his insulin shots and they silently walked toward Mrs. Fairweather's house. She fed them roasted seeds and pine nuts while Brittany chatted endlessly about the American Teens tour. Mrs. Fairweather's house, while warm and inviting, was very different than he expected. There was a small computer in the corner of her living room and a satellite dish perched at the very top of the tree. He briefly wondered how she got those things out here but Brittany's happy chatter disrupted his thoughts.

"Yes, I have been following your progress, dear." Mrs. Fairweather said softly. "It's not often animals make it in the human world. My son tried and died by one of those humans practicing pest control."

Alvin finally looked at the older woman. She was staring at him quietly. "I knew your mother. Wonderful woman. You were lucky your mother placed you on Mr. Seville's doorstep."

"Were you following us earlier?"

She smiled. "Yes."

"You seemed surprised I noticed."

"City-bred animals tend to lose their animal instincts." She said this without malice or criticism. "You seem a lot different face to face than the self-confident chipmunk I see on TV."

Brittany chuckled. "You are witnessing a side of him that I only have privy too."

"What about your brothers?"

Alvin grinned. "I have a reputation to maintain but I'm sure they know too."

"Why are they not here?"

"I brought him here on a whim."

Mrs. Fairweather nodded slowly. "Will you be returning soon?"

Alvin grinned. His face now had that gleam. The boy had a plan. "We will."

"So we're leaving now because we took off without our family knowing." Alvin leaned across the table. "Ready, Lindsay?"

"For what?"

"Well, if you pack now, we can still make the hour walk to the car before the sun goes down. Then we have an hour drive back to our place."

"Alvin!"

He walked over to Brittany who had a scowl on her pretty face. "Come on, she can spend the night at your place. Play makeover with her. Then she can join us at practice for our music video."

Lindsay narrowed her eyes. "Daphne, you in?"

The squirrel laughed. "Oh no, this is between you and him. I'm fine right here."

"Fine. I'm in. Let me just pack a bag."

Alvin stepped forward and grabbed her hand. "Don't worry about any of that. We'll take care of your every need. We're pampered remembered?" He turned to Daphne. "Thank you for your hospitality Daphne. I'll see you in a day or two."

Author's Note: Short? I know. Next chapter will be long and fluffy. Don't worry, I have not forgotten about the things I set up here but I've been a bit heavy handed with the drama and I like my characters to have a little bit of fun. I know how I want to end this story so expect three more chapters before I end this story. Hopefully, I will have the next one up next weekend along with a better edited Royal Hearts. Enjoy!