Penguins write

Dearest Diary,

Life hasn’t always been easy. It never really is for anyone, but it’s just a bit tougher on some people.

When I was younger I had three older brothers and another younger one on the way. And well… it wasn’t easy. My oldest brother had issues of his own that seemed to hurt me almost as much as it hurt my parents. Older brothers were supposed to be the ones who took care of the younger ones. Or at least that’s the way society and books always depicted the normal family household as. But I learned at an early age that books are an escape from reality, not reality itself.

My brother wasn’t abusive or anything, he just had demons I suppose. They haunted him, and made him do bad things like smoke and drink and have a shit ton of sex with random hussies. My parents had to watch him carefully.

The twins, my other older brothers, got into trouble in a different way. They seeked attention in ways that included breaking random things and blaming it on me or each other. Which demanded another good portion of my parents attention.

And of course, dear Peter. I despised him for a while. The only way I had gotten any real care from my parents was from being the baby. My parents of course were the best parents that they could have been. Wish they would've learned how to properly use a condom, or stop trying for a girl when they already had a few problem children. But they were parents I still wouldn't trade. Peter did nothing to deserve my years of detestation, and I realized that somewhere in my late junior high years. I wish that I had come to that conclusion faster, then maybe we could have banned together. He was the one who truly had it bad.

Yes, I had to take care of Allistor for a number of years. Grow up faster than I should have had to. But I was never alone.

My neighbor, Alfred and his younger twin brother Matthew were always there to play with me. To hang out with me whenever Allistor was acting up or the twins were being reprimanded. I always had a place to call safe and I was always surrounded by people who cared about me truly.

I wish I could have realized that I didn’t need my parents undying attention or love because I had someone else’s. I just never took the time to notice.

But poor Peter was always alone. Coddled like there was no tomorrow, but born so many years after the rest of us that he was alone in ways that didn’t necessarily mean not being surrounded by people. I should visit more often.

My childhood conclusion was that love was something to be desired, but never obtained. Because people can say that they love you, maybe even show it on certain occasions, but it’s something that was always taken back. Fleeting.

Allistor had come back heartbroken and fucked up too many times for me to not believe it. And my parents had broken too many promises for me to be skeptical of a ten year olds conclusion about one of the most powerful forces in the world. Universe.

And that was my belief on the matter for a great number of years. I saw no flaws with it.

But remember that childhood friend? My neighbor? Alfred, not Matthew (though I do care about him too). He’s weird. An anomaly in my otherwise perfect data. I thought of him as nothing but a friend for a long time, maybe because I’ve never thought that I should be liking people as something else. I was like my parents, never good with promises, so how could I promise my love to another person? I never allowed myself to think that way, maybe a passing thought if someone was particularly attractive, but I never thought that I should be someone who would be in a committed relationship.

It was just obvious to me, it was something that only truly great people were worthy of.

It’s not that I thought lowly of myself. It was more just a matter of fact for me. People who were in love or relationships we’re not people like me. Nothing in common. Simple as that.

Alfred had always been someone special to me though. My junior high self would have called it what best friends felt towards other best friends.  My last year self would have called it stupid, and just an Alfred thing. But my now self knows it’s much more than that.

As you have heard, my dear diary, there have been a number of events that have happened. Each one different and unique and leaving me feeling stranger than the last. This year was something of an adventure.

Alfred always had a way of making reality seem like a storybook.

He’s my everything now. He could have possibly been like this for me since forever ago considering the layers of denial i’ve been buried under. It’s weird for me to even say something like this in my head. It’s such a foreign concept, and I haven’t quite gotten used to it. Me, Arthur Kirkland, in a loving relationship with a wonderful person. It sounds like a lie.

He holds my hand now like he used to hold my hand back when we were kids. I was always a bit of a klutz and he would have to help me walk along the rocks whenever we played by the river. It makes me wonder if he’s always felt this way about me. And if he has, I wonder how many times he thought of just stopping.

I remember how hard junior high would’ve been without him.  He can make the rest of the world disappear without even thinking about it, and I’d only be able to focus on how much better he was than I at simple card games or drawing trees. It distracted me from Allistor's growing suspension record. The twins havok. Peter’s relentless crying. For the hours we were together it was just us two. He always distracted me from anything else going on, it was like he was magical. He is magical. The number of times I came to him crying only to leave smiling less than an hour later is too high to count. He was always there, and I took it for granted for many years without even truly knowing that I was. I wonder if he knew. I wonder if he ever was ever sick of me coming to him for help.

These past few months were something out of a hellish dream. Alfred pulled stunts that I wouldn’t have ever believed if I hadn’t lived through them. He’s brash and loud, but patient and willing to do anything for me. Which I think is the most wonderful thing in the entire universe. He never snapped at me, and I think he knew that I wasn’t going to believe that he loved me more than a friend the first time. Or the second. Or third. Or fourth. I must have been stressful and frustrating to deal with a number of times, but he never showed it. If I were to trust my heart to anyone, it would be him. I can say that now with confidence. I hate myself for making him have to prove it to me so many times. It wasn’t my intention to be this difficult. I wonder if he ever thought that I wasn’t worth all of this trouble.

I wish I could repay Alfred for not giving up on me, god knows it must have been pretty damn hard.

My life isn’t as sad as this entry makes it out to be. Reading this over, I sound like a rather depressing person with a lot of self-worth and emotional issues (not that I don’t have any). I’m actually a fairly happy person if you know me. Grumpy and annoyed sometimes, but I’m happy with how my life has turned out and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Especially now.

Alfred is going to call me from America in twenty minutes. And he’s going to make it seem as if the time and distance that has separated us is nothing more than a dream by telling me he loves me. And I’m going to say it back. And well, that’s more than I ever thought I was going to get.

Sincerely,

Arthur Kirkland

Dear Diary,

I suppose I’ve only written in you whenever something catastrophic happens or whenever I needed to let something out. And this time isn’t really different.

I don’t have a problem. Or more like, that is the problem. For the first time in my life I feel oddly… at peace. Maybe this is more of Matthias’ doing.

I was a kid who was moved around for a good portion of my life and had seen some things that kids probably weren’t supposed to. All things for my growing years were temporary.

As I have mentioned briefly before, I have two mothers. You’d think that in this day an age that wouldn’t be a problem. Tumblr would probably have a fit if they found out what my parent’s had to go through while I was growing up.

Growing up probably isn’t the right term for it, maybe until I was seven and we finally settled down in a nice town that didn’t care about us. But before then it was weird. I never really had much time to make attachments and my cold persona that I put on kept other kids from talking to me. So I guess when Matthias came up to me that time during recess I was too surprised to say anything to thwart him off. I never made new friends. After you lose the first twenty from either moving or discrimination you learn.

By the time Matthias decided he wanted to be my friend I was already quite skeptical of affection. It was a word that existed in my dictionary, but was exclusively for family. My moms taught me that love was love no matter what and that they would love me regardless of who I was. It was unconditional. It came from years of being told the opposite and I wasn’t immune to hearing what people said about them. My mom and mor are the strongest people I know, and I hope Emil never has to see them the way I have.

Broken and damaged.

I love my mothers. I never want them to cry or feel bad. But at six or seven there isn’t much you can do. Other parents would whisper and I could feel my mor’s grip on my hand tighten whenever she would come to pick me up. On days when everyone’s staring got to be too much she would cry at night. She still wore a bright smile for me though, and I even got pancakes and a sorry. But she didn’t have anything to be sorry for.  I’m highly aware that people call me antisocial and I think they think it’s because other kids bullied me into being that way. I think my parents blame themselves for how I act now, but they really shouldn’t.

It wasn’t their fault. It was everyone else’s. All the people who didn’t see that love was a natural right.

I wasn’t sure who I could trust when I was younger. Most kids didn’t understand why I had two mothers, but if I explained it to them they wouldn’t really think too much of it. That’s the thing with most kids, they’d make a face at most, maybe the mean ones would tease, but more often than not it would be like explaining why it rained to a kid. Okay now they know, still don’t really get it, but eh. Whatever lets just go back to playing tag. Kids are one thing, they didn’t know about social norms, it was their parents that I had to worry about.

I protected myself from the ones that would be ripped away from our friendship the moment that their parents found out about mine, sure. But I knew that it hurt my moms more than it hurt me. It took me awhile to notice. Why all the kids wouldn’t want to play with me anymore, and then why we had to move again. We could never find a place to call home. A place where it was safe to be us.

I started to lie. A lot. I’d tell my parents that things were fine at school and that I had a lot of friends. I don’t think I’d ever seen them so happy or relieved. But the cold truth was that I didn’t make friends. I’d distance myself from the other kids, because I knew that our friendships wouldn’t last. My friendships with other kids had only meant pain for my mom’s, and I sure as all hell didn’t want to be the reason they were sad. It’s easy to say you’re just going to ignore what everyone says, but it’s harder to do it.  

I think they thought that I was mute at one point. I talked less and less and lost that innocent smile my mom loved so much. I knew everything people said about them and I hated people for it. No one was worth smiling at, let alone my words. I wasn’t that innocent anymore since I knew how hard they had it. The metaphorical truck of how adulthood was shit hit me with its full force.

We moved again when we adopted my brother. My lies had worked and the only reason we were moving again was to get a bigger house. I had put on my whole cold and stoic, don’t talk to me attitude and marched into school.

I lied and said that I made five friends that day when the truth was that I played all alone.

The next day my lie was less of a lie. That was the day Matthias became my friend. It shocked me how much I enjoyed his company and I couldn’t let myself cut him off. It was a risk that my younger self was willing to take. And I thank god everyday that I did.

And then, as if by magic, my lie wasn’t a lie at all. I made friends with Matthias’ help, and he showed me how it’s okay to trust other people. I met Tino and Berwald and they are now two of my closest friends. I was still on edge, but it was the first time I ever considered staying friends with people.

My mom said I was smiling again, she cried when I asked if Matthias could come over.

Matthias’ parents are never home. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I trusted him. He opened up to me the second day we hung out at lunch in a very Matthias fashion. Nonchalant for a serious topic. He still had his childish innocence to break. His parents were always away and his babysitter didn’t speak much english, only danish. That day was also the day that I learned that danish wasn’t just something I got to eat when I was good.

But I think it was around that time that I found myself in a place where I didn’t have to worry. I haven’t seen my parents cry in grief since. They’re happy. They have each other and that’s all that really matters.

To be honest I think they knew I was lying before at my old schools. But with Matthias around, they didn’t have to worry about me anymore.

That isn’t to say that being friends with Matthias changed everything I thought. I was still not sure who I could trust with my feelings, who would judge me for being who I was. If humans had the capacity to make others tear themselves up over something as innocent as love then what chance did I stand? I knew in my heart that Matthias wouldn’t ever, but my brain said that logically he could.

I’m not sure how long it was before I was undeniably attached to him. I was able to make friends and function better in social situations because of him. I was able to place trust in humanity again because of him.

Love was something that everyone had a right too, but it had to be earned. You have to deserve it. To trust it.

I will probably spend my life trying to make myself worthy enough to deserve the amount of love Matthias has given me over the years. Spend my life trying to repay him for what he’s done for me and what I’ve put him through. But I know I won’t be alone.

This year was something else, with all that stuff that he pulled. He was willing to make himself look stupid for me. Willing to let others talk about him for me.

Matthias is a gift that I don’t think humanity deserves. He always sees the good in things. I hope he never changes. All his quirks are things I can’t get enough of. I love him and no amount of whisperings will ever change that fact.

~Lukas Bondevik

Dear Diary,

This is probably the fortieth time I’ve written that and I still sound like a fucking chick in a disney movie.

Did you know it’s easy to trick someone into thinking that you love them? My parents for example. My mother was left pregnant with twins, abandoned by the person that supposedly loved her. And then us, Feliciano and I, abandon by her. Then a few years later I saw that bitch again when she dropped Sebastian off and booked it the hell outta there.

My grandfather said that's part of the reason why I didn’t think loves real. Apparently children are very impressionable, because young minds are like sponges or some shit like that.

I never really thought of how my childhood affected how I thought. I suppose that in a sense I never really believed people when they said they loved me, or anything. But I thought that was normal, I mean. My biological parents loved each other one moment, then they didn’t. Who was to say that everyone wasn’t lying when they said that. We all do leave each other eventually because death is still a thing. It’s even in wedding vows, ‘till death do us part’.

Love is a lie. That was my strong belief for a while. All the examples of love that I was given had been terrible. My parents. My grandpa was divorced. My brother was coddled constantly by everyone else around us so I hated him for a while for it. Loved him like a brother was supposed to, but to me it wasn’t real love. Ergo, every time I said ‘love you Feli, night’ it was a lie. I love my brother now despite how air headed he can be, but i truly disliked him as kids.

I didn’t think that my beliefs would ever change, cause why the fuck would they? I’ve been told I’m pretty stubborn. I’m not going to say that girly shit like ‘the minute I met Antonio everything changed or the moment I realized I loved him my beliefs were #shook’ (yes Arthur, Lukas, I read what you guys wrote you pansies.) cause that would be another lie. Things started to change before I met him, it started with my brother.

My brother is a guy who can easily love, which puts my grandpa’s theory of ‘Lovino acts like that cause abandonment’ into question. As I said earlier, I hated him. But I guess over time he grew on me, in his own Feliciano way. By the time high school rolled around he, Sebastian, and grandpa were the only two people I loved with all my heart as mushy as that sounds. The whole love thing was growing on me I guess.

But love leaves. Feliciano and that stupid potato bastard are probably going to run off into a field of flowers and chocolate and then Sebastian the same with whoever he finds to love. Then it was just gonna be me and our grandfather till he kicks the bucket. Sure they’ll love me, but I’ll still be left alone.

Point being, love that doesn’t leave is a lie was my new thesis in high school. Oh hell yeah it exists, but not abandoning you? Yeah right. Maybe that old guy had some truth to his own theory.

It came to the point of how do you know someone’s not going to leave? Cause you never know, never can know for certain.

But you could trust someone not to leave.

How do you trust someone not to is the real question then I suppose. I put little faith into a lot of people. I asked people to do things, keep secrets, but not really expecting them to actually do it. Antonio was a person who wasn’t much different from the others.

Antonio’s stupid personality though. He always made me feel oddly comforted and safe, and I hated it. I started to trust him, I could feel myself starting to whenever he smiled at me and did whatever I asked. He saved my ass a bunch of times with random things, like homework excuses or late night coffee runs. I trusted him to be there when I needed him.

I still do.

Isn’t that something? I trusted him even before all the things that he did this year. This crazy fucking year. But I guess I never would have realized how much I actually did if it weren’t for all that stuff. My stupid subconscious trust.

But I don’t think that I’m going to give up that trust. Not till I join grandpa up with the angels, and then maybe not even then.

Reading this outloud to myself was painful, mostly cause this was the most I’ve ever talked about my past and all the weird feelings I get with Antonio. He’s someone I trust and its just that easy. I guess I’m going to have to live with the fact that I trust him for the rest of my life, no matter how terrifying that can be sometimes. Cause I love him.

From,

SO I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE IM GOING WITH THIS BUT YOLO AMIRITE? No but seriously, Nessa, Happy birthday and I seriously hope this is what you were looking for.

To all the readers that are reading this: I'm fairly new to this fandom and I haven't been apart for that long. That being said I tried to keep this as in character as I could but... idk. I attempt to be funny too, so warning for bad humor. This was originally just supposed to be a private one shot for my friend Nessa's birthday but it turned into something a little more when I started to think about it more. And so I wanted to share it will the community! I'm not sure when updates will come, but I'm looking forward to working on this. Im scared to call this a miraculous lady bug AU cause it really has nothing to do with that show but it has superhero concepts from the show so like... its not completely but the concepts are owned by them. So I hope you all enjoy!

Nessa requested that this fic contain: HeLL ToNS OF FlUfF, Keith interacting with kids, enough angst to make you need tissues for a year, cute oblivious boys, smartass Pidge, and like five other things. So lets see if I can make it work. Lets play the 'lets guess how many chapters long this fic will be' game.

If you wanna hmu for anything here on tumblr you can! Im currently taking prompts to distract me in between writing this when i need a break.

SO AFTER THAT WHOLE SPIEL ENJOY MY SHITTY WRITING!

Keith will kick his ass one of these days. Seriously, say he won't cause he'd absolutely attack his teammate right in the middle of this fight. He could've gotten the both of them killed!

“Red,” a hand landed itself on his heaving shoulder, “You okay?”

Keith turned to snap at the voice, ready to release his anger all over the black paladin that dared ask him if he was okay. But he didn't. He stopped halfway, because yelling at Black wouldn't do anything but get him in trouble, whether it be in general or having to face Pinks scolding later on about being nice to your fellow paladins.

All these code names were confusing as hell to Keith, but he supposed that they had to keep their identities hidden for their “loved ones” safety. Or so said Pink, aka his brothers girlfriend, ahem sorry fiancé as of last Friday, Allura. She was deemed the leader of Voltron when Coran had come to earth, crashing through the ceiling of Shiro and Alluras nice apartment, and told her that she was the long lost princess of Altea.

In the middle of taco night too.

It started off like any normal night. Keith had to attend mandatory family dinner nights at least once a month or he'd get yelled at by both Allura and Shiro. Keith didn't quite get it, since it was only the three of them that attended these dinners and he often wondered why Shiro never insisted that Lance, Hunk, and Pidge tag along as well.

Shiro probably just wanted a break from all the kids at once. And! He'd get to harass his little adopted brother as much as he pleased in this setting without having to worry about embarrassing him too much. Shiro was thoughtful like that. Call him a saint if you will.

“So,” Shiro had been sprinkling more cheese onto the meat of his Taco Bell taco, “What was Lance up to tonight?”

Normally Keith would just shrug, he would never be able to predict exactly what his roommate would spontaneously plan when he was out, but this time he had received a definite answer to his “so Lance, I'm heading over to Shiro’s tonight, what are you going to do?”

he usually just received a joking “I dunno, just go already. Your presence is making me sick.”

But Yes, Keith actually had an answer for Shiro's inevitable question this time around, “Movie night with Pidge and Hunk.”

Keith would rather be watching a movie with them than be interrogated and made fun of all night by Allura and Shiro, but it was the last day of the month and they hadn't gotten their dinner in. Allura hummed, “So how is school? Getting good grades I presume?”

“Y’know, for someone who claims to not be good with kids,” Keith shot Allura a glare, “You've been upping the mom talk lately. Is there a time constraint on this wedding that I should know about?”

“Haha Keith,” Allura rolled her eyes, “No there isn't. Can I not be concerned for the person I've known for practically all of his life?”

Keith scowled, “I met you when I was five. And you hated me back then.”

“That's because all the foster ladies thought that you were the cutest thing since puppies and gave you extra cookies,” Allura waved her fork. She always used a fork, claiming it was just unnatural to eat tacos with your hands, “Surely you can't blame me for that. I even braided your hair!”

“You are like the big sister I never asked for,” Keith mumbled into his food. His eyes only narrowed further when Allura got that weird gleam in her eyes.

“I'm going to be your actual sister soon,” Allura grasped at Shiro’s hand, “Isn't that right sweetie?”

“That's right pumpkin!” Shiro just cooed back with a sickly sweet look.

They only did this when they wanted to torture Keith. And boy did it work, “You two are the reason I don't believe in love.”

“Shouldn't that be the other way around?” Allura just smiled, head resting on her palm now.

Keith scoffed, “No couple could ever be ask cutesy as you guys. I'm calling BS on all this. It's all fake.”

He didn't like the weight of Shiro's hand on his shoulder, it was the tell tale sign of a serious dad talk, “Keith. You will find someone some day that will make you act like this.”

“Oh god I hope not,” Keith crinkled his nose, “If I ever look this dumb just… shoot me.”

“Who knows Keith,” Allura had a sing song quality to her voice that he didn't like, “Maybe you've already met that special someone. Maybe you already act this stupid with someone.”

“What are you imply-”

And that's when Coran promptly crashed through the ceiling, luckily not causing any major injuries.

Coran had been ecstatic that Allura had managed to find at least two of the paladins. Meaning him and Shiro. It had something to do with the earring and dog tag they had gotten over the years. Keith still played with the single stud in his earlobe when he was nervous. It had become a habit. But after everything that's happened recently, he almost felt like tossing it into a river and never looking back.

“Princess Allura! It is I, Coran, your faithful caretaker all the way from Altea,” Coran bowed in front of Allura, “I have dreadful news of our home planet. But that is not important right now.”

“Who… How on earth do you know my name!” Allura backed away a bit, “I demand you tell me now!”

“I've known you since you were a baby, Princess,” Coran wiped a tear, “I was just as sad as the rest of the royal family when we had to send you here.”

“Send me here?” Shiro looked at Alluras dumbfounded countenance and contemplated getting a pan to hit the guy with.

“For your protection, of course. Ah, Allura my girl! I'm so proud of you!” Coran put his hands on his hips. Keith just couldn't look away from his voluptuous mustache, “You managed to find two Paladins already!”

“Paladins?” Allura squeaked out, looking as shocked as Keith felt.

Coran just tilted his head and grinned, “Yes! And just in time too, Zarkon and a fleet of soldiers should be coming any minute to retrieve Voltron.”

“Voltron…?” Keith felt as if he had heard that name from somewhere before. Had Pidge mentioned it?

All three of them were shocked, Coran just  blinked curiously and explained for the unpteenth time that evil forces were on their way and they needed to find the other paladins. Of course none of them moved.

Except for Alluras hand, sliding over to call for 911.

To be fair, it's not everyday that someone comes crashing into an apartment ceiling, claiming that your flimsy little accessories could turn you into a badass crime fighter. Or that you were the long lost princess of a dead civilization. It was crazy and insane, but as Coran showed them how to summon their weapons and costumes from their respective jewelry pieces, it started to become a whole lot more real.

Either that or someone slipped something into their tacos. Which was possible. Keith had seen the cashier hopped up on something more than once around campus. He was more disappointed about his crushed dinner than concerned about the whole forming Voltron thing.

He had priorities bitch.

When Keith yelled out an embarrassingly cliche phrase to release his outfit, “Red Paladin! Defender of Voltron!” There was a flashing light and he was blinded for a moment. He looked sheepishly down at his armor, admiring the solid almost lightly matted red coloring. the sword was an unusual weight in his palm, he was used to a lighter fencing sword, but the cool metal that seeped through his covered fingers felt powerful.

The helmets on their heads covered their hair and the tinted visors made it hard to make out any sort of eyes. The outfit made it out so that the only feature of theirs that could be really recognizable on their faces were their mouths.  

After that initial transformation, Allura with her pink suit on, felt her necklace chime out. The sweet bells that were released when she first summoned her outfit was replaced by harsh screeching. Coran made an inhumanly high girlish squeal and led them all aboard the ship that he had used to destroy their tacos. Dinner was completely forgotten. Keith had a bad feeling about going onto a strange ship. Shiro always said not to go into strange vehicles. But then again, Shiro was also heading into this strange vehicle so...

Aboard the ship, the three of them were led to a command center of some sort, five chairs surrounding one pedestal. Shiro and Keith sat in what could have been their designated chairs, the ones glowing black and red.

“Princess,” Coran twirled the ends on his mustache, “please place your necklace in the hole!”

There was a heart shaped divot in the plain looking circuit board in front of her. She diligently removed her necklace that she had possessed since she first showed up on the foster cares doorstep and placed it in the hole, probably thinking this was still some strange dream.

The castle ship thing took off and landed somewhere in the middle of their city. Keith could feel himself pale at the sight of it, a beast robot of some sort preparing to take down building after building.

“Shiro…” he looked towards his adoptive brother, “Shiro what's happening.”

The older male just shrugged, awe struck at the sight.

“Chop chop! Let's go you two, your so called earth isn't going to defend itself!”

Coran shouted out, almost gleefully.

Shiro stood, “What? You can't be serious. We don't even know how to fight properly.”

Keith knew that Shiro did. Even just a little bit. He’s in the army, or he was at least. Deployed for only a year and a half and one missing arm to prove his time. He was a fighter, and if it wasn't for Allura, himself, and that therapists disapproval, Keith was sure that Shiro would go and sign himself up again.

“Oh don't be ridiculous! You'll be fine!” Coran started to push on their backs, “Though the ticks are ticking away!”

“Coran!” Allura lurched forward in her chair, closer to a hologram screen that popped up, “What is that?”

On the screen appeared three other figures, looking about as panicked as they all felt. But they had on outfits so similar to Keith and Shiro's that they stood out from the normal civilians, who were panicking and running away.

Coran let out a giddy noise, “Those are the other Paladins! How delightful, they're all in the same area. Good work Princess! We won't have to do any relocating!”

Keith and Shiro looked at eachother, then back at the screen. The yellow one looked like he pulled out a gun of some sort. Shocked himself by doing it too.

“Go on! Don't let all your fellow teammates do the hard work.” Coran ebbed them out of the ship.

By some movie magic bullshit they won without truly knowing what to do. Going into the details of their first uncoordinated and messy battle wouldn't be worth the effort. Just know it was bad and quite stereotypical for a first battle with a new team. The monster that these evil Galra things that Coran mentioned was one of those level one types. So it wasn't like they were smart and sent a boss to strike while the iron was hot, as Shiro put it. Which was good for them. Bad for the Galra. They all followed Shiro and Alluras careful commands to shoot here or stab there or watch out for that falling car Blue or holy shit seriously just watch out.

It was grueling. And by the end of it, Coran released some other magic bull shit, like fucking fairy dust sparkles, and the half destroyed city looked as if it had never been touched. As if a giant space alien thing hadn't just almost blown it to smithereens. As if Keith, Shiro, Allura, and these three other mystery people hadn't almost been killed.

What a day. Definitely one for the journal. And yes, it was a journal not a diary, no matter what Keith's annoying ass roommate said. Journals help keep track of events and important things while diarys were just something girls wrote in hoping they'd get taken so they could live their dreams of being in a cheesy Disney movie.

There was a difference.

“Good work team!” Shiro tried to smile as they all boarded the ship. The new guys marveled.

“Woah!” The green one’s eyes sparkled at the high tech looking castle interior, “What is this place?”

“This is the castle of lions!” Coran smiled waving his arms out, “it's our new base. Welcome paladins!”

The yellow guy tilted his head, looking impossibly innocent for someone of his stature, “b-base? You mean like, we're going to have to fight those guys again? Like. All the time?”

“Essentially yes. Until Zarkon and the Galra empire are taken down.” Coran played with his mustache.

“Sweet!” Keith flinched as the blue guy screamed in his ear, an arm nearly hitting him, “This is gonna be so cool! Imagine all the ladies that are going to be lining up to see a superhero.”

“Ah,” Allura spoke up, “That's probably something we should discuss.”

The newly found princess was startled when the blue paladin bowed and calmly spoke, “We can talk about it as long as you need your highness. Maybe somewhere private? Dinner perhaps?”

Keith figured by the way the Yellow and Green paladins shook their heads and tsked that the Blue one did that a lot. Of course there would be someone with that type of personality on the team. The type of personality that clashed with Keith's own. The type that Keith already had to deal with in his day to day life. He wasn't sure how he would cope with another guy like Lance. That sorry excuse for both a roommate and a reluctant friend.

Okay… he wasn't that bad. But Keith couldn't stand it sometimes.

“Blue’s not really my color,” Allura shook her head and laughed a bit.

“Back off blue,” Shiro’s voice held no malice, he actually smiled at the antic, “This one’s mine.”

The blue guy blushed. Or at least Keith thinks he did, it was hard to tell under the helmet and visor, “Ah sorry ‘bout that man.”

“Don't be. It's fine,” Shiro was never one to pick a fight for no valid reason.

“Idiot,” Keith whispered to himself before he could stop. He hoped that the guy hadn't heard, he didn't want to fight on the first day of making their team.

No luck. The blue ones head shot up, teeth baring slightly. Keith was sure that the guy was going to pounce on him, or yell at him or… something. But he froze for a millisecond before putting on a smile that made Keith's inside move in a funny way. Good funny or bad funny he couldn't tell.

“Well hello,” Blue grabbed his hand, placing a small kiss on it, “Do you have a name, or can I call you mine?”

Keith swiped his hand back wearing a look of shock, the blush prickling at his skin. It only deepened when Green let out a howl of laughter and was bent at the waist trying to catch their breath.

Shiro cleared his throat, clearly amused at how flustered his brother was. He could almost picture Keith glaring daggers behind his tinted visor. Laughing slightly, he tried to veer the conversation back, “We should discuss our identities.”

The blue one nodded, placing his chin in the crook between his thumb and pointer, “We have to be like Clark Kent right? And protect who we really are for the sake of our loved ones?”

Allura chuckled, probably to be polite, “Yes. Like um, Batman…?”

“Superman! How do you not know superman?” The green one exclaimed, the yellow one put a hand over its mouth to shut them up.

Shiro cleared his throat, “Okay. How about we just make this simple and go by colors. I'll be Black, the princess can be Pink, and there on.”

“What a splendid idea!” Coran seemed to brighten, “I can just go by Coran though. If you prefer.”

“Yes. Okay, then that's settled,” Allura breathed out, “We must not reveal our identities to anyone, including all of us here. The less people that know who we truly are the better. That means transforming out of sight and away from people.”

“Okay question though,” Blue interrupted, “How do we transform? Cause I kinda just tapped my ring when it started glowing and ended up like this.”

Coran smiled, “it's simple, just hold it for three seconds and say “ whatever color you are paladin! Defender of Voltron” you should be fine. Just as long as you don't let those things out of your sight.”

Coran gestured to the jewelry before twirling his moustache. Shiro coughed, “Well, then we'll just have to make sure that they're secure at all times.”

“Yes, the Lion spirits have all chosen you,” Coran leaned back on the dashboard and Keith felt like he was about to get a long lecture.

Green, who had been slumped back in their chair, hunched over to look slightly intrigued by the tale, “Lion spirits?”

“Yes! The lion spirits! Each of you has a possession that a lion has chosen specially. They were all sent to this planet with Allura when she was born and they seem to have chosen all of you,” Coran pointed his finger up towards the ceiling and smiled, “All of you must have very good souls if the lions chose you. Their original Paladins were nothing but Noble.”

“Yes but how did we not… not realize that we had their, um… spirits? Is that what you called them?” Shiro waited for Corans confirmation nod before continuing, “How did we not realize that we had them?”

Blue held out a hand too, “Yeah and how did they know that we’d buy these things?”

“Ah that is a fascinating story,” Coran pulled up a diagram in the space between them, the lights sparkling with an unreadable story, “The lions found their homes in your jewellery, as you call it, after you obtained them. They often track their potential paladins for a while before choosing and they have the ability to talk with their paladins and empathize with them. Perhaps they didn’t think that you were ready for knowledge of their existence yet.”

Keith felt a shiver run down his spine and a warming comfort pool in his stomach. Was it coming from his earring? Was that supposed to be Red? Or! Or! A better explanation for this was that Keith was currently stoned out of his mind or drugged and slumped over at Shiro’s from the obviously tainted tacos and this was all an extremely elaborate acid trip.

“Zarkon will do anything to get his hands on these spirits. Send spies or bounty hunters, or as you have seen, giant robots. The transformations should only last about four of your earth hours max before you need to reset them,” Coran nodded, before pulling what looked like a watch up to his eyes, “Which should be coming up soon. Hurry along, we wouldn't want your identities to be revealed. I’ll go over Altea’s history and the destruction next time, I’m sure you want to hear about that Princess. Your parents would've been proud of how you turned out.”

Allura just nodded, but Keith knew that she really wanted to know more than she was letting on. It was something that the both of them had wanted to know about for a long time. Back when he and Allura were both staying at the same foster home before she aged out of that particular home when Keith was nine and she was fifteen they used to sit around and talk about stuff like this. Their origins.

Keith, poor little Keith who was six years her junior was always hanging around Allura. Which was unusual for him, considering that he liked to be left alone most of the time. At first she found him annoying, Keith was almost positive of this, but she eventually warmed up to the lost child. They’d sit outside on the roof after the foster ladies would go to bed and just look at the stars and laugh about how their parents were probably somewhere in space fighting evil and just dying to come back to see them soon. It was Allura who taught Keith how much fun things like gymnastics could be, showing him how to do cartwheels and front hand springs. It was a nice way to pass those summer days at the foster home.

When she left that was the beginning of one of Keith’s dark periods. He hated describing it like that. It wasn't really all that terrible, but he supposed that there wasn't really a better name for it. He completely closed off, fearing that anyone he would get close to would have to be taken away from him again. He just… learned to adapt. It made him tougher in a way, more skeptical. His curious doe eyes didn't gleam with the same childlike wonderment. But he was still keith, and he learned how to live life. It wasn’t until the Shirogane’s adopted him that he started to feel better, he had even made a few friends at school. Lance had shouted at him and resented his “totally awesome and perfect” being at first, but once Hunk and Pidge had taken a liking towards him Lance started to warm up as well. And by the time Allura had come back into his life as his brothers fancy new girlfriend he was relatively… stable, again. Keith couldn't help but smile a bit at that thought, all the coincidences. He also couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of Allura, finally getting to see where she was from. Cause yes, Keith was at some sort of peace, and yes, he had a loving family and close friends… but that wasn't the same as knowing where you came from. Why you weren’t wanted in the first place…

“Thank you Coran,” Shiro gave a firm nod and Keith almost parroted him like a child would their parent. The man being thanked just smiled widely like he knew something they didn’t and he popped open the gate. With that they left, Coran promising to alert them via tacky jewelry when they should meet up again to train.

That was also about two weeks ago. Now Keith was about ready to kill Blue for nearly shooting him while trying to aim for a Galra. Granted it probably saved Keith a nasty blow to the head and grueling trip to those weird healing pod thingys, but Blue still could've hit him.

Slicing through a robot, Keith growled and pretended it was the other Paladin. Yellow whistled, “woah. Nice one there buddy. I think that was the last of them.”

“Alright Coran!” Blue yelled into their intercom, “Were good down here! Release the fairy dust!”

After the town magically regenerated, the paladins all marched back into the castle, Keith instantly turning to Blue, “You could've shot my head off!”

“But see, here's the thing Red,” Blue stuck up his nose, “I didn't. And I managed to save your ass. This isn't exactly the outstanding thank you that I should be getting.”

“Whatever Blue,” Keith's cheeks were hot, from anger of course, not from that confident and amused smile, “just be careful next time.”

The red paladin stomped past and into the castle before the rest of them, heading towards the main room to probably get briefed before going back to his apartment to crash. It had been a long few hours, and this stupid town was just lucky that he didn't have any homework due the next day.

“What's his deal?” He could hear Blue ask Yellow as they followed him in.

Allura was in a rush, her words jumbled as she spoke, “Alright good work today paladins! We are really bonding as a team. Some need more work than others-” she pointedly looked at Keith and Blue “-and I would love to stay and chat but this fight has taken up more time that I think any of us have anticipated. It is drawing on the fourth hour and if we do not hurry, we will transform back soon.”

With that they were all dismissed and scattered. When Keith finally made it to the apartment he didn't even have enough energy to question where Lance was or why he wasn't back. His roommate would show up eventually. Eventually.

~~~

Keith woke up to the all too chipper sound of his phone. He would have to go and get Lance out of bed soon, the guy didn't seem to wake up to his own alarms. Keiths newest task was to get him to classes on time, as strenuous and torturing it can be sometimes. And despite all those things he said, he and Lance were friends.

Ish.

They had their moments, and they lived together! That had to count for something. They also shared the same friends, and a lot of the same classes. A few were differed here and there due to time. In the slots where Keith took fencing and gymnastics classes, Lance took archery and swimming or track (depending on the season). Both majoring in astrophysics.

Keith put two toaster waffles into their little second hand toaster and wandered down the hall to their bathroom to brush his teeth. He frowned at his reflection in the small mirror above the sink, his hair was sticking up in an unattractive way. Running a comb through it and watching it pop back up, Keith huffed. It was going to be one of those days. He quickly tied as much of it up as he could, though it still looked like a mess, and left the lights on as he exited.

He decided to get dressed after eating (not wanting a repeat of the previous morning where he spilt juice all over himself and had to frantically change),  so he skipped his bedroom instead going to get Lance, yawning as he opened the door without knocking, “Lance!”

“Five more minutes,” Lance pulled the blankets over her head, tightening his grip, “The you can drag me to hell all you want.”

“I'm going to go get the water,” there was only a hint of a playful tone in his voice. Because yes, he had once thrown a bucket of water at Lance. Though, being the boy who was always oblivious to common sayings and such, he had actually thrown the bucket as well. How was he supposed to know that you were just supposed to dump the water out? No books ever specified. But regardless of Keiths slight lapse in judgement, it had made a nice bruise form on Lance’s face that stayed for a week or two.

Lance shot up not wanting a repeat, “Don't!”

“Good morning,” Keith rolled his eyes, totally not ready to deal with the image of Lance’s stupid bed head. Ya know, cause he’d just complain about it, no other reason, Keith just trying to save his ears from the barrage of complaints that his roommate would make, not cause it was endearing or any other synonym of the word, “Get up or we’ll have no time to eat.”

Once Keith was out of the room, Lance unwrapped himself from his cocoon of warmth, exposing his skin to the cold autumn air. It was way too freaking early. It was always way to freaking early.

He quickly ran into the bathroom to brushed his teeth, nearly squirting the mint toothpaste everywhere and cursing under his breath. A clean smile is a nice smile. And a nice smile woos the ladies. Pulling on a shirt and some pants that were hanging out of his closet, Lance hopped on one foot trying to get his other sock on while simultaneously exiting his room. He nearly fell over, which wasn't new. That in itself was a daily occurrence. As was Keith's side step to avoid his wobbling on his way into the kitchen. They had learned to work around each other, with each other at times as well.The toaster looked as if it had been done for a few moments before either of them had a chance to enter the kitchen, Keith ran to get plates, “Here. It's still hot be careful.”

Lance slid into the stool at the counter before he gladly stuffed some of the waffle in his mouth, but not without his usual quip, “Truly a nutritional breakfast here Keith.”

Keith  rolled his eyes and turned to pour syrup over his and Lances waffles, “Bite me. If you want something better then wake up yourself.”

“Maybe I will,” Lance took another bite, wrinkling his nose a bit at the fingers that he got sticky, “Do we grab Pidge and Hunk today?”

Keith used a fork, like a civilized person would,  “Nope. They texted earlier that they have to be there early, something about a project.”

“Perfect,” He watched as Keith shook his head at the way he licked the syrup off his fingers and waved his now cleanish hand over at the fridge, “Please?”

Keith stood again to get glasses out of the cupboard above the sink. Why couldn’t Lance just get something for himself? Why was Keith saying this in his head? “Why can’t you get your own drink ever?”

“Because I know you’ll get it for me,” Lance’s smile faltered a bit at Keith’s glare, “Keith… Buddy? Love you.”

The boy in question just rolled his eyes at the dragged out ‘you’ and poured himself a glass of orange juice and got a cup of ice for his friend, “Here.”

“What’s this?” Lance raised an eyebrow at the ice then at the sitting boy, “Ice?”

“Yep,” Keith just turned to dig around in his backpack. He made a small victory noise when he pulled out his phone.

Lance sat there for a moment, waiting to see if Keith would say anything else. But when the other boy seemed to just be mindlessly checking things on the screen, Lance poked him, “Keith I can’t drink this.”

“Wait, it’ll melt,” Keith didn’t look up still, but Lance could see the small smirk making its way to his face.

Lance sighed and forced himself to get up, “I hate you sometimes.”

“Really? I thought you hated me all the time, ” Keith started tapping at the screen, “my how far we have come.”

“Sarcasms really not appreciated,” Lance just poured the ice into a canteen and then filled his glass with Milk, “Nice hair by the way, really goes with the whole I don’t give a shit look ya got going on today.”

He could hear Keith put his phone down and when he turned Keith just had an elbow on the counter and his head in his palm. A small frown adorned his features and he sighed, “I didn’t change yet. I probably should.”

Lance watched as his roommate walked in the direction of his bedroom, leaving a quarter of his waffle untouched. Keith had been wearing a pair of grey sweats that could have honestly been Lance’s at one point, since the pant legs were too long and now had holes at the bottom from stepping on the extra fabric. It wasn’t uncommon for them to wind up with some of the others clothes since they just combined their laundry to save water, though they’d usually notice right away and return them. Usually. Keith had a problem figuring out what was his and what wasn’t since he never really paid attention to which clothes were his. Shiro was always adding hand-me-downs to his collection anyways so it was hard to keep track. Plus the clothes that Lance outgrew he would give to Keith too, if he wanted them. If not then they went to his younger siblings and Pidge to root through. But the shirt that Keith was wearing that morning had definitely been one of Lance’s, the one he had been looking for but gave up on a month ago. It was an old NASA shirt that had paint stains on it from that one time they tried to redo the living room.

Lance chuckled fondly at that memory as he reached over to eat the rest of Keith’s waffle. He had been complaining for about three months after they reluctantly moved in together about the horrible shade of red on the wall.

They had moved in together when Lance had been kicked out of student dorming back in sophomore year of highschool because some shit that his roommate did (and the both of them were blamed for) and Keith had had enough of living with Allura and Shiro. Back then they had barely known each other, having Pidge as their only mutual friend but never had they all hung out. Lance had been whining about having no place to live when he was chilling with Hunk, “Dude! I’m broke and I have nowhere to go. All my stuff is going to be put on the curb in two weeks!”

“That sucks bro,” Hunk said in a totally not sympathetic way since he was too invested in his homework and had been listening to Lance repeat the same thing for the past hour, “Good luck with that.”

Pidge was out with someone they both hadn’t caught the name of and were left in the apartment to fend for themselves. It was a Saturday, and Hunk still chose to do the extra homework that wasn’t due for another two weeks, claiming that he’d forget it by then. Honestly it was a smart idea and he probably should have followed his friend's example, but Lance just groaned again, “Hunk! How did you and Pidgey manage to get this place? It’s so cheap for like, all this room. You gotta hook a brother up.”

“Actually,” Hunk looked up from his writing, “There is this apartment upstairs that’s open for rent. The woman up there is moving to Rhode Island and had to leave almost immediately. She was so nice too, had a tiny little baby and-”

“Okay Hunk! Set it up, I wanna see it!” Lance jumped to his feet, “Imagine if we lived in the same building! All the late night movies nights that we can actually have because we won’t have to worry about student curfew!”

Hunk had just sighed, knowing Lance wouldn’t let up until he called the apartment building super and request a tour. Lance was just lucky that Hunk had fixed the guys radiator once and now they were friends.

The apartment wasn’t terribly big, but Lance was awe struck by it when Hunk unlocked the door. The foyer opened up into a decent sized living area that had two nice floor to ceiling windows. Lance was already planning everything out in his head, his TV that he got as a going away present would go right in between those windows… and the plants he had could go next to it. There was a counter connecting the kitchen area to the living room area, the place was had an open concept. Lance knew his mom would love being able to talk to him from the kitchen while he played video games with his siblings whenever they came to visit. Or if Lance ever got that special someone he had been looking for, they could talk while one of them made dinner or something.

The closet off the side of the living room had a washer and dryer in it, as well as a few shelves for soaps and things.  On the other side was a hallway. The bedrooms were adjacent from each other and the bathroom was at the end of the hall, which Lance gaped at, “Its great!”

The mirror was small but there was a lot of counter space and the tub was big and the shower head was an appropriate height. Lance practically raced into one of the bedrooms. The walls were a baby blue and the closet was a nice size. But what got Lance falling in love with it was the skylight that lined the ceiling in one nice strip in the back, “I want this room. This… is perfect.”

Hunk just rolled his eyes, “Why don't you look at the other room first.”

“Nope. This one. This one’s mine, end of story,” Lance said looking up at the sky, “I’m going to just sit here and look at the stars for hours.”

Then there was the noise. A bam! sound of some sort, like someone had bumped into something. Hunk jumped out of his skin practically, “What was that!”

“I dunno, but I take it back. I don't wanna live somewhere that's haunted,” Lance clung onto his friend, “L-let's go check it out.”

“It came from the other bed room,” Hunk pushed Lance out the door, “You go first.”

Lance rolled his eyes but there was undeniable shaking in his step as he toed the door open. He screamed.

“What! Ghosts? Lance what is it,” Hunk had clamped his eyes shut and hid behind his best friend despite being almost twice his size.

“No,” Hunk perked up curiously at Pidge’s voice, “Just us. What are you guys doing here?”

Lance just ignored the question, “Hunk it’s worse than ghosts, it’s Keith!”

“Keith?” Hunk stood up straight and tried to look past Lance’s flailing arms, “Are you sure?”

“Who are you?” Keith had eyed him, “And what are you doing in my new apartment?”

Lance stopped freaking out for a moment to glare at Keith, pointing a finger at him, “Your new apartment? I don’t think so buddy, I’m buying this place.”

“Keith, this is Lance. He was recently thrown out of student housing,” Pidge sighed, “Lance, this is Keith, his brother’s girlfriend recently moved in with him and his brother and he doesn't want to live with them.”

“I know who this is Pidge,” Lance sneered, “We’re rivals at school.”

Keith just raised an eyebrow, “Rivals? Who even are you?”

“Lance! Ya know… Lance!” He poked his finger into the other's chest harder, “You seriously can’t remember who I am?”

“Oh, you’re that kid that accidentally tripped and dropped acid all over the floor the first week of school, right?” Keith looked genuinely curious for a moment before he narrowed his eyes and swatted Lance’s hand away, “Don’t touch me.”

“Listen, you both need a place to stay,” Hunk intervened, being the voice of reason, “Why don’t you both share the apartment? I know how much you both want it. Need it even. And it’ll lower the cost even more!”

“Fine with me, I’m going to go get the forms and stuff. See you later Pidge,” Keith just waved and headed towards the door. Lance thought he was seeing red, steam coming out of his ears. How dare his rival not remember who he was? Keith had to be the most infuriating, terrible, beautifully ignorant person that he had ever met. Stopping at the door, Keith turned back to the three that were now in the hallway watching him and smirked, “Oh, and Lance was it? Rule one if we’re going to do this, don’t talk to me.”

They broke that rule within weeks of them actually moving in. Keith quickly realized that he and Lance were going to have to communicate somehow, so he went with sticky notes for the first two weeks. They were simple notes like ‘My laundry is in the washer’ or ‘were out of OJ, I’ll pick some up later’. Lance thought he was going to have to build a working friendship with a packet of post-its for the rest of his time in the apartment.To say that their first official meeting, that both of them remember that is, did not go smoothly is an understatement. It wasn’t until Allura and Shiro made a surprise house warming appearance that Keith had to say something.

“Allura, Shiro. This is my roommate Lance,” Keith shook his head at the way Lance seemed to gawk at them. It was hard not to, they were probably the most aesthetically pleasing, photographic people Keith had ever known, “Lance this is my brother, and his girlfriend.”

“You…” For a split second Keith was worried that Lance was going to hit on one of them. Pidge mentioned that he had a hard time controlling himself in front of pretty people. But instead Lance just turned to him and grinned triumphantly, “You talked to me!”

At that Shiro and Allura both gave him disappointed and confused looks, knowing that he could isolate himself it he wanted to. Thus began what Lance and Keith both hated for quite a while, their forced friendship. Shiro, Pidge, Hunk, and Allura decided that it was best for all of them to start hanging out in a group, meaning that Keith and Lance would actually have to interact. Lance, personally, had no real issue with it. He definitely didn’t want to live with a stranger, his mother would not approve, and he was open to the idea of friendship. Not necessarily a strong one, but one that was stable enough to say, “Hey Keith, is this your sock?” without the fear of getting punched. Keith didn’t seem that invested in it though.

It took a while for him to open up, the whole group thing was slowly working. Slowly being a key word. They quickly learned that they all liked hanging out together which was great because Lance didn’t have a real group of tight friends since seventh grade. And Keith didn’t have one like, ever.

Lance and Keith had gotten along better, but it wasn’t until Keith came back to the apartment to find Lance trying to pry open a paint can three months after moving in together with a chopstick that things really started to change between them. Keith dropped the groceries on the counter and stared at him, furniture moved and trash bags lining the hardwood floor, “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like Keith,” Lance grunted as he tried to wedge the stick in again, “I’m obviously trying to open this.”

It was silent for a few minutes, so Lance figured that Keith lost interest and went into his room to brood or something like that. But then a screwdriver was stuck in his face and Keith’s hand was attached to it, “Here, try this.”

“Thanks,” Lance blinked for a moment, shocked that Keith was helping him. He smiled at the other boy, “Wanna help me paint over this awful red?”

Keith looked around their living room, the paint was a deep red that he honestly kind of liked, “Why?”

“It’s terrible Keith,” Lance waved his arms around, “I went out and bought this like, weeks ago but forgot about it.”

When Lance popped open the can and mixed it, Keith was slightly mesmerized by the deep blue color. Lance just continued to pour it onto the roller pan and gestured to the roller near Keith. Keith held it up cautiously, “In there?”

“Duh Keith,” Lance responded, reaching for the remote, “Mind if we watch some TV while we work?”

Lance put on one of the Friends DVDs that he had, starting at season one. Keith smiled, “I love this show.”

“You do?” Lance snorted. Keith didn’t really seem like the type to sit around and watch sit coms. Maybe documentaries, but funny little shows like Friends? Nope, never would have guess. Though Lance learned over time that one of Keith's guilty pleasures was to curl up under a blanket and go to town on Lance’s sitcom DVD collection. He caught his roommate once at three am laughing at the TV, which made Keith stutter out an excuse with an adorable blush on that didn’t go away until Lance insisted it was fine and joined him.

Keith got changed into clothes he didn’t really care about and rejoined Lance in his painting adventure. There was only an occasional laugh from one of them for quite awhile. They both decided to start on random parts of the walls, which they later regretted since Lance hadn’t bought enough paint to cover the whole room.

“What idiot doesn’t buy enough paint to paint a room?” Keith raised an eyebrow, his expression filled with amusement instead of annoyance.

Lance just shrugged, “I dunno, what kind of Idiot has paint all over his face?”

Keiths hands flew to his face to check for wet paint, but found nothing, “What? I don't ha-”

Lance smeared what was left in the bucket on to Keith’s cheek, “You were saying?”

That seemed to be the wrong thing to do and Lance was regretting it when Keith stuck his palm in the paint then hit Keith right in the middle of his face. Keith laughed at the shell shocked expression and didn’t stop until Lance sandwiched his face in between two paint colored palms of his own.

“Lance!” Keith cried out through a fit of laughter, which was honestly one of the nicest sounds that Lance had ever heard. It sounded genuinely happy, and unbound to anything. Unrestrained, light.

Lance just smiled as he stood and held a hand out, “Yes honey dearest?”

“Are you getting hungry?” Keith got up as well and tried to wipe his hands off on his shirt. His expression was still bright and if Lance squinted enough, a bit flustered from his last comment. Lance couldn’t help but think that Keith should look like that all the time, undoubtedly and purely happy. He started to walk closer to Keith, which alarmed the other into backing up win matching steps, “Lance? Are you oka-”

Keith’s eyes widened for a moment, realizing that he hd just backed up into a wall with wet paint all over it. Lance smirked, “I’m okay. You good?”

Slamming his hand into the wet wall first, Keith pushed Lance backwards and left a handprint on his NASA shirt, “Perfect.”

“Oh, you are so getting it Kogane!” Lance swiped at the wall, “Get back here!”

Lance tried to grab at Keith, who side stepped and made Lance fall face first into an area of the wall that was still red. Keith laughed, “Too slow.”

“How’s this,” Lance turned to get as much paint all over him as he could before launching himself at his roommate, “For too slow?”

Keith’s entire body shook with laughter as he tried to roll Lance off of him, “You’re heavy. Get off!”

“I don't know,” Lance let himself melt into dead weight, “I'm pretty comfy right now.”

Keith gave one hard shove and it had lance sprawling out on the trash bag covered floor with a hard sounding thud, “mm you comfy now.”

“Jesus okay, you can push pretty hard. So chinese?” Lance sat up and Keith nodded.

When the food arrived Lance paid the guy, claiming that it was the least he could do for making Keith help him paint the walls. Sort of. As they both settled in the middle of the living room, food containers placed in places without paint, they observed their handy work. Or lack thereof.

“We really fucked up these walls didn’t we?” Lance let out a low whistle, “I think I can see an imprint of my face on that one.”

Keith shrugged, “They're one of a kind now.”

It was true. No one else in the world had walls that were painted inconsistently in both blue and red with terrible hand prints and smears everywhere. Probably.

“That’s true,” Lance nodded, “First home renovation and we can’t say that we didn’t make it special.”

Keith just hummed, “Yeah…”

Lance still didn’t know a lot about Keith at that point, and Keith probably didn’t know a lot about him either. Which was fine, they were still growing.

“So, why did you need to move out of Shiro and Allura’s?” Lance asked since he never really knew why, “I had to move because my roommate decided to pull a prank on the dean and I got blamed too. So what was it? Were they being to lovey dovey?”

Lance was worried that he over stepped somehow when Keith went quiet. Putting down the container, Keith leaned back on his palms to stare out the big windows at the stars. His reply was so quiet that Lance almost didn’t catch it, “It’s exactly because of what you just said.”

“What? They were being too coupley?” Lance copied the other's movements. The stars were so bright that night.

Keith shook his head, “No. You called it Shiro and Allura’s. It was never really my home.”

“What?” Lance raised an eyebrow, “I’m sure people called it Keith and Shiro’s before Allura moved in.”

“Not what I meant,” Keith sighed and went silent for another moment, “I never really felt at home there. Like it was mine. It was always Shiro’s place to me. And Allura fits in there now, so it was time for me to start over.”

Lance turned to face him, “So this place can be your home now.”

Lance didn’t really get it. But maybe that’s because he’s always had a place to call his home. Surrounded by people he loved and memories that were irreplaceable. A place where he knew that he could just be himself, a place where he didn’t have to worry about doing things like turning a perfectly painted room into shit and getting kicked out. And Keith… well. Lance had heard enough of his story to know that Keith probably never had any of that.

“Maybe…” Keith’s reply came after a while, his purple eyes still focused on the stars but his expression wistful.

That was about three years ago. Now they were close friends that were going to the same college that was joint with their old high school. Still living together. Still hung out with the same friends. Still had that same crappily painted living room.

Lance couldn’t help but wonder if Keith considered their apartment his home now.

“We promised Allura to stop by to help pick out flowers for the wedding,” Keith walked back in fully dress, “Are you okay? You look dazed.”

“Yeah it’s all good. Just… thinking,” Lance replied, still a bit out of it.

Keith waved a hand in front of his eyes then snapped until Lance blinked, “Don’t hurt yourself there.”

“Shut up Keith,” Lance swatted his hand away, “I’m smart.”

Keith just shrugged, “Whatever you say. Anyways, were you listening? Allura and Shiro need us after school so don’t forget.”

“As if I would forget to help them plan the most upcoming wedding of the century,” Lance tugged on his backpack, “You better not forget.”

“I won't.” Keith laughed, slipping on his shoes to run out of the door. Initiating an unspoken challenge.

Lances legs picked up speed as he chased his friend out of the two story complex and down the street, “Good!”

“Good!” Keith called out from over his shoulder.

Lance let out an aggravated howl. And by the time they entered the school grounds they were panting at Pidge and Hunks feet.

“Why the hell are you guys so sweaty? It's not even seven thirty yet!”

~~~

This paladin stuff required a lot of running since there was no other convenient mode of transportation. None of them owned a car, or rather the ones who did were not confident about not crashing in the haste. Obviously the bus was out, and Lance could pull out his bike but what would he do with it once he got to the fight? Just leave it there? Oh hell no, not after he has kept it safe all those years with his trusty bike lock.

So yes. Lance was extremely happy that his mother had forced her baby flash into running track since fourth grade. No matter how Lance looked at it, he was grateful for his mother chiding him and pushing him to run. Imagine if he didn't! Yeah he had Archery as a sport but that didn't do much for your cardiovascular health.

He remembered the first time he was called into battle. Or, rather the first time that he, Hunk, and Pidge were. They were all over for a movie night at his place, obviously since they do that every week. But this time Keith was over at Allura and Shiro’s for dinner so they were down a person for popcorn.

How awkward would that have been if Keith were there too? They'd all see their glowing jewelry shit and have to leave him there while they were pulled towards the center of town. Or maybe he'd pass out like Hunk almost did when they transformed into their armour. Whatever it was, Lance was sure that it was fate that Keith remained oblivious to the fact that he and Blue were the same person. What would he do if he found out that his friends were also members of Voltron? Probably tell Allura and Shiro… then they’d get the ‘that's dangerous be careful’ speech from their parents away from home.

And that wasn't a conversation that Lance really wanted to have. Again.

The first time he had met Black, Pink and Red, Lance was shocked for a lack of a better word. He supposed that a three man team wouldn't have been that effective against the shit they were facing, but he wasn't sure what to expect. Pink was beautiful, that much was obvious. And of course Lance could see how Black was perfect for someone like her. Only Shiro and Allura’s future children would be able to compete with Pink and Black’s in the looks department. And every other department. Lance thought it was unfair that god or some being out there made two sets of perfect beings.

After hitting on Pink and thoroughly embarrassing himself, not that he really noticed, Lance saw Red. Well, heard him. And yes, Lance had just finished being starstruck over the only female there but there was something about the tiny pout on Red’s lips that made him smile and want to tease him Using one of his classic lines, he was delighted to see a hint of pink on the little bit of skin that the helmets revealed. Lance had to grudgingly admit that Red was something of a looker, adorable even.

Not that he’d ever say anything like that aloud. Not anymore anyways. Not after he and Red developed some sort of rivalry or something.

This whole paladin stuff is fun, trust him. Lance loved being a paladin. Coran had graciously explained to them the next day how everything was supposed to go down. It sounded, for a lack of better words, dangerous. But unique and fun. Might kill them, but fun.

“You will all be responsible for saving not only this world, but many other planets as well!” Coran had smiled widely, clasping his hands together, “You will form the Voltron team! Led by Black and the Princess of course. You’ll all be heros! Defenders of the Universe!”

Lance liked the sound of that. Heros! It sounded daring and cool, like he was. He could finally show everyone that he was good for something, even if that something was putting his life on the line for everyone else.

“Do you ever think it's strange that they wait until after school?” Lance asked, running towards the center of town yet again, “I mean. Do you think maybe the evil mastermind has school too and that's why he never attacks during the day.”

“As important as an education is Blue,” Pidge was slightly behind him, “I doubt that Zarkon waits until after school hours. You probably just jinxed us.”

“Ah Black you're so lucky,” Lance waved his hand, the black paladin turning to him, “You don't have to deal with the woes of school life.”

“Wait until you join the work force,” Black smiled, if they weren't running Lance was sure that he would've crossed his arms, “You're going to beg to go back to school. Try to save up for a wedding on top of college debt too.”

“You're getting married?”

Black looked a little confused by the question. He tried to study what he could from Lance's face. Had he mentioned this before and Lance just forgot or wasn't paying attention? Black slowed down, chuckling awkwardly, “Didn't I tell you?”

“Not that I remember,” Lance blinked. Pidge looked up at him with a laugh.

“But Blue has always been a bit slow.”

“Not funny Green,” Lance squawked, “I remember plenty of things-”

“Sure you do”

“-and, as a matter of fact, I just remembered that I'm missing some wedding planning right now too.”

“You're getting married?” Pidge bit down on their bottom lip at Blacks question, hitting him in the side.

Lance swore he heard Pidge whisper, something to Black along the lines of ‘if he doesn't’

“Nah,” Lance waved his hand and shrugged, “My two friends are. This college kids still single.”

“I wonder why,” Pidges voice was dripping with sarcasm while they tried to conceal a laugh. That was always a weird saying to Lance, dripping with sarcasm. It was accurate enough cause it was as if Pidge had plunged their words into liquified sarcasm and the extra was falling off of it. But still, it was a weird image.

“Guys!” Hunk called from his spot just a few feet behind them, his voice worried, “Guys! Look at that!”

Lance's full attention was drawn to the newest robot contraption thingy. It was huge, “oh fuck.”

“Alright team!” Pink’s voice was kind of static in their helmets, “This robeast is armed!”

Hunk and Red had come up behind them, Hunk panicking, “Armed? Like, he has a gun or like, several arms? Or both, oh god don't let it be both! Princess tell me it's not both!”

“Calm down yellow,” Black commanded as firmly as he could, “We have to just take this step by step.”

The battle wasn't as long as they had anticipated from the size of the monster. It took maybe an hour at most, Red and Pidge worked to cut off its arms (“Its both Yellow. It's arms are infused with rifles of some sort”) and then Lance shot through the plate on its back and it was down.

The easiness of it all made them a little weary. But that didn't stop them from going back to the conveniently hidden spaceship to celebrate.

~~~

“She's just magnificent, isn't she?” Lance was gawking at the new student sitting across the courtyard, “Her name is Nyma, how foreign and perfect.”

Keith scoffed as he stabbed his salad with a little more force than necessary, annoyed at Lance's latest antics. Hunk whined, “Dude come on! Finish eating, we gotta get to the cafe.”

“Why?” Lance raised an eyebrow, “You wanna go see your girlfriend before her shift ends?”

“She's not my girlfriend, she just happens to be a really nice barista that I admire very much and who also happens to be in the same fine culinary arts class as me,” Hunk pointed a finger in a matter of factually way. It was true! Shay was nothing more than a friend (sadly) and he did like hanging out with her in culinary class. The girl knew how to cook, and like people always said: the way to a man’s heart is throughout his stomach. And man did Hunk love those little tartlets that Shay seemed to magically make with ease.

Pidge snickered, they knew that Hunk had somewhat connected with the part time Barista that Allura had hired at her and Shiro's cafe, “Yeah, the blush really helps your case there.”

“Shut up Pidge,” Hunk mumbled, hands hiding his face, “Just hurry up so we can go!”

“Should I go talk to her?” Lance all but ignored Hunks exasperation, “I mean, I am the smoothest, most handsome person here. I should show her around.”

“What you should do is finish eating,” this time it was Keith that glared at him. Lance looked him dead in the eyes and brought his fork full of leftover pasta to his mouth as slowly as humanly possible. Keith growled in response, “Lance!”

“Yeah cupcake?” Lance feigned innocence, batting his eyes to really sell it, “Whatever am I doing wrong?”

Pidge didn't know whether or not the pinkish color on Keith cheeks was from frustration or something else, but they knew that they had to stop Lance before everyone started screaming again, “C’mon Lance. Allura and Shiro need us to go help them deliver the invitations.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lance waved them off, finally covering the Tupperware and putting it back in his bag, “I hear you. You guys go first, I'm just going to talk to her.”

Hunk didn't need to be told twice, “Alright buddy. But don't forget to show your face since we have no more classes today, Shiro and Allura will be pretty upset if they find out you ditched for a girl.”

“Mmhm. Got it Hunk, don't piss off Shallura,” Lance waved his hand, “hurry up before you miss Shay.”

Hunk mumbled something along the lines of “for the last time we're not dating!” before Pidge presumable cut his rant off with a pull on his shirt and an annoyed sounding “shut up Romeo and let's just go!”

There was shuffling that Lance barely registered in his day dreams of sweeping Nyma off her feet. The chattering growing quieter and quieter until the faint buzzing was non existent. Lance sighed, finally alone and allowed to shamelessly look from afar for as long as he pleased. Or… so he thought. He jumped slightly when Keith's voice was directly shot into his ear, “What's a Shallura?”

“Jesus fucking Christ Keith! Give a guy some warning,” Lance turned to glare at Keith, the two jumping far apart when their noses accidentally touched. Coughing after choking on what seemed like air, Lance put his hands on his knees to catch his breath, “ how old are you exactly?”

“Nineteen,” Keith deadpanned, rubbing at his nose, “Why? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Shallura is Shiro and Allura's couple name, duh Keith,” Lance blinked. Keith did nothing but stare at him blankly. Groaning and shaking his head, Lance walked back over to sling an arm around his friend, “Y’know like… Brangelina or B-Zee.”

Keith managed to cross his arms, “Okay?”

“You're obviously not getting this,” Lance placed his chin between his fingers, “It's like… well… ours would be Leith. Or Klance. It's our names just smushed together.”

“That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard,” Keith glared, crinkling his nose in a way that was definitely not adorable, “What idiots come up with this stuff.”

It wasn't a question. But Lance treated it as if Keith was genuinely asking, “Me. I come up with this stuff. Personally I like Klance for us, it has more of my name which is obviously better. Keith is such a douchebag name.”

“It is not,” Keith huffed, “But that's fine with me. My name comes first like how I manage to beat you at everything.”

Lance sputtered a bit, “Well there's more of my name in it so… uh… there! I win.”

“That makes zero sense,” Keith just shook his head with a slightly exasperated sigh, “It's just a dumb name.”

“It is not! It's cute and creative,” Lance ran a hand through his hair, “Like me.”

“So it's extra stupid,” Lance hated the way Keith always rolled his eyes. Especially when he did it without any real annoyance, just slight amusement. Like now, why did he have to make that face. It was so… friendly? Endearing? Like he was enjoying fighting. Lance won't deny that sometimes it was fun, and more often than not now a days their arguments had more fond undertones compared to the absolute detestation they held when they first met. But that was also what annoyed him! What gave Keith the right to look like that?

“Rude Keith. I'll prove to you it's not stupid,” Lance mimicked Keith and crossed his arms.

The other didn't look too impressed, “How?”

“Um…” Lance looked around. How was he going to prove it? Ask someone? He could sense that someone was walking past them behind Lance, so he spun around quickly to get the stranger's attention, “Hey! Could you settle something for- Nyma?”

Keith let out a snort at the unnaturally high octave that Lance's voice reached. The girl that Lance had shot his arm out at blinked in surprise, “Hi? Do I know you?”

“Not yet,” Lance regained his posture and winked at her, surprised when she didn't turn away in with that unsure look that most people had, “but we could get to know each other.”

Lance was finally going to get somewhere with someone. This time he'd do everything right. He was going to pull out all of the stops, pull on every Disney movie he's ever watched. Nyma and her beautiful blonde head was going to be his. And they were going to slowly fall in love everyday and use those stupid cliche wedding vows and name their kids something along the lines of Marco and Lucille and die old together in a house on a nice hill looking over the sunset. Yes. He was certain of it.

~~~

Keith was a big enough person to admit that Lance was somewhat good looking. Okay, very good looking. With his stupid eyes and lean tall body and his broad shoulders from all that swimming and… okay off track here. Point is, he was attractive, which made it kind of confusing for Keith who didn't understand why Lance hadn't had a significant other  in a while. It wasn't like Lance didn't put himself out there. And it wasn't like there were no rumors of Sally or Jane or whatever people were named now a days having a crush on Lance.

And don't get Keith wrong. He was secretly grateful there were zero chances of him walking in on something he would want to forget. But he still had to wonder.

There was something more to Lance than just his looks though. Which, Keith figured, deterred some people. His personality was bright and excited and overall big and loud. It wasn't something everyone could handle. He was a self proclaimed flirt extraordinaire and often stated how he was the meme god's gift to the world. Whatever that meant. Some people didn't understand him or ridiculed him for his seemingly too optimistic outlook. They called him naive, claimed he would miss the really important things and do everything for show. People thought he wouldn't be able to handle a real relationship. That he was too out there for most people's taste.

But Keith just thought he was a goofball. A dork with a big mouth. There was nothing wrong with that.

Though many people didn't have to live with Lance either. Keith could sometimes see how Lance could be irresponsible, forgetful or spacey. He thought something along those lines when they first met. But he always did what he had to do and then some when it counted.

It was little things that he did. He still called his mom to say goodnight everyday at exactly nine thirty like clockwork. He looked out for that weird computer part that Pidge desperately needed to complete their super computer whenever they went out shopping. He could instantly tell when any of them needed cheering up, and would just crack a joke and smile. If it came down to it he would always shut up and be a good pair of ears to vent to.

Keith liked the small things he did around the apartment too. Like buying Keith his chunky peanut butter and eating that with Keith in order to save money even though he personally preferred the creamy kind. Or that He often draped a blanket over Keith if he found the boy snoozing on the couch, and if he was feeling adventurous and sure that Keith was in a deep enough sleep he would carry him into his room. Or that Lance had memorized his schedule down to a T and reminds him when he has to do things with a simple “oh Keith aren't you going late for that flipping or whatever practice with Allura?” Or “you have that weird English thing due tomorrow right?” They were subtle reminders that he could have bragged about remembering. Or at least he could have held it over Keith's head that he himself didn't remember some of the times. But he didn't gloat about how good of a person he was for doing these sort of things.

The little things reminded Keith that Lance wasn't actually a terrible person, and that if you got to know him he was actually nice to hang around. They reminded Keith why he shouldn't just kill Lance in his sleep with the knife under his pillow on particularly trying days when his patience was wearing thing.

Nyma was giggling into her palm, “What is it that you needed settled?”

“Oh nothing it was stupid,” Lance waved his hand, trying to play his outburst off.

Keith raised an eyebrow, “So you admit that it's stupid?”

“No,” Lance turned to shoot Keith a look, “it's not stupid, I just don't want to bother poor Nyma over here with our stupid fight that you clearly have lost.”

“Oh I wouldn't want to get in the middle of a fight between…” Nyma shifted her gaze from one boy to the other, obviously trying to find the right word to describe whatever she thought they were.

“Rivals,” Lance supplied at the same time Keith just stated, “Roommates.”

Nyma looked slightly confused, “Rival roommates?”

“Yep… roommates… who are also rivals.” Lance trailed off, “But that's not important. The names Lance, how would you feel about going to get some coffee sometime?”

Nyma eyed Keith one more time, making him squirm a little, before turning to Lance, “That would be lovely actually.”

“Really?” Lance sounded genuinely shocked.

Nyma just nodded and Lance let out a whoop. Keith tapped his foot in slight irritation as he waited for them to exchange contact information. They had to get to Allura and Shiro's okay? So of course he was a little antsy. And this girl… she didn't sit quite right with him. He was a person that followed his instincts and right now, they told him to stay away from this girl. Red flashing lights and everything going off in his mind.

“Oh what a nice ring,” Nyma commented as she handed Lance his phone back.

Lance put on what Keith thought was supposed to be a flirty smile, “Thanks. One of a kind, it's really something special.”

“I can tell,” Nyma waved, smile dazzling, “See you around Lance.”

Lance was just a stuttering mess, “Yea. You see soon. I mean! See you soon!”

Lance claimed he was in love. Keith said he was being ridiculous.

~~~

“I don't get what Keith's problem is,” Lance said as soon as he squeezed into the booth Pidge and Hunk were occupying. They had probably been at Alluras cafe for at least thirty minutes, meaning his was thirty minutes late. Pidge already had their computer out and was typing away at something again while Hunk was looking over at the counter where Shay was wiping down the espresso machine.

“What did he do this time?” Pidge didn't even look up, “you guys were pretty late.”

“Well, since you asked, he snapped at me again,” Lance glared at nothing, “He said I was being stupid when I said I was in love.”

“What?” Pidge turned to him, “You told him what?”

“I told him I was in love with Nyma,” Lance casually stated, “And then he totally flipped for no reason.”

Okay, maybe Lance was exaggerating a bit. Keith didn't scream or anything, just did that stupid pouty mumbling to himself not at all adorable thing that Lance hated. He liked it when Keith smiled at him, and couldn't Keith be happy for his friend? Maybe reward Lances efforts with at least a tiny smile. Pat him on the shoulder and say, good going dude you totally got her in the bag good luck. Except maybe say it in a more Keith way.

“Who is this girl again?” Pidge couldn't help but ask. The people that Lance claimed to love and die for were always somewhat interesting. Or more accurately it was interesting to hear about the different ways someone could be turned down. Pidge had faith in their friend though, Lance would open his eyes and see someone perfect for him one day. And if he was too stupid to use common sense, Pidge would just have to beat it into him.

“Nyma, just moved here the other day. She's breathtaking. Has the prettiest eyes too. Only the most beautiful people on this earth must have that weird purpley color. It's definitely special,” Lance looked starstruck and Pidge looked to the side of him, as if they were on the office, “she has a nice shy smile, oh god. She seems so calm and collected but she's got this fiery bold passion in her, I can tell. She and I are going to go on tons of daring adventures together.”

“Seems like you have a type,” Pidge mumbled to themselves while Lance continued to ramble on obliviously.

“And guess who has her phone number, that's right. Me! I actually got it,” lance looked like he was swooning.

“Wait what?” Pidge snorted, obviously not expecting that, “I mean. Good for you but wow.”

“Don't act so surprised pidgey, I got game,” Lance pointed two thumbs to himself, “She and I are going to live happily ever after.”

“I dunno Lance,” Hunk tore his eyes away from the counter, eyebrows scrunched together, “I kinda have a bad gut feeling about her.”

“Ugh, not you too! I've already had it up to here,” Lance raised his arm as far as it would reach, “with Keith and Red. I don't need this from you too buddy. Please!”

“What did Red do?” Lance looked at Pidge like their question had personally attacked his mother or something.

“What do you mean what did he do?” Lance waved his arms around erratically, “He's so annoying and a know it all! He practically hates me for no reason!”

“I don't see how this relates to Nyma,” Pidge just gave him a blank look, “but you did goaded him into running into a wall the first day of training and you started another stupid rivalry with him like the non-existent one you have with Keith.”

“He's still stupid,” Lance groaned and threw his head back, “Aren't you guys supposed to be on my side, you are my friends?”

“Yeah but we're also Keith's friends if you haven't noticed,” Pidge closed their laptop and scooched out of the booth, “I've just reached my Lance limit. I'll be in the back of you need me.”

~~~

Shiro wanted to shoot himself. Which, in itself, wasn't a rare passing thought (alarmingly enough). But this time it wasn't his well hidden and deeply buried emo side making a surprise appearance. No, it was Keith that was currently making Shiro wish that his brains were splattered about the table instead of inside his head.

In Shiro’s defense, Allura also looked like she was moments from strangling herself. Keith just continued to pace in front of the table, unusually talkative. But that was probably because he was ranting, “Blue is so, Agh! I already have to deal with Lance on top of it! They're like the same person Shiro, except not! How is it that I somehow am stuck with the two of the most infuriating idiots on this planet day in and day out!”

Allura and Shiro exchanged looks. Not quite sure if they should interject. Keith looked at them expectedly and Allura shrugged, “It's fate Keith, what do you want us to do about it?”

“I dunno! Something?” Keith groaned, face in his palms, “Separate us in battle? Let me come live with you guys again for a bit?”

“Keith,” Shiro sighed, he didn't like the nearly hysterical tone his brother was using, the break room in the back of their cafe wasn't the most ideal place for a freak out, “You don't hate Lance. You guys are friends, I'm sure you'll learn to get along with Blue like you have Lance. Working towards things like that will make you a better person.”

“Shiro I'm not sure how much more dumbassery I can take in a day,” Keith waved his arms, “Lance was one thing. I could… ya know, actually see his face. At least I can tell the difference between his I'm joking face and his I'm dead serious face.”

How could they not see that Keith was having a serious crisis? Lance was his friend, he wasn't a stranger. He'd like to think that he knows a lot of Lance trivia since the stupid little facts about him have reluctantly stuck with Keith over the years. The funny way he plays with his thumb and ring finger when he's nervous or how whenever he walked around he avoided cracks at all cost just to be safe. Lance was familiar and… safe.

Blue was a complete mystery. A very Lance like mystery. But still, a complete shadow in the dark. Keith was having a hard time trusting the Paladins his didn't know under the masks. How can you trust someone when you don't even know their name?

“But what do they do that makes it so unbelievably unbearable?” Allura rolled her eyes, continuing filling up sugar containers without much thought, “Sweetie pass me that one?”

Keith watched as Shiro handed over the empty and washed container before continuing his rambling, “They're both just so aggravating! I can't describe it. I thought that I'd only be able to feel this way about Lance but now Blue too. I think my tolerance for stupidity has dropped.”

“Or you are just being sensitive to his- their, taunts,” Shiro sighed, “Why don't we change the subject, why were you guys late today?”

Allura looked up at that one, raising an eyebrow and pursing her lips slightly, “Yes. We've been waiting for almost half an hour, you're lucky Shay came in late today and insisted on staying extra to fill up the time.”

“It wasn't my fault,” Keith pouted, crossing his arms and glaring at the tiles, “Lance was flirting with some girl.”

“Oh?” Allura laughed, head tilted slightly, “And pray tell, why were you there? I'm sure Lance could strike out all on his own without a wingman.”

“I was trying to get his sorry ass over here before you drop kicked him into next week.”

Allura looked like she was contemplating something for a moment, “fair enough. Continue, how did he fail miserably this time.”

“He didn't. He got her number. Nyma, like that's a real name,” Keith was slightly amused by how shocked they both seemed, “But something's off about her.”

“Well, normally i'd agree since I can't picture anyone that actually falls for Lance’s lines being exactly right in the head,” Allura sniggered, “But are you sure? She could just be that one in a million person.”

“Allura, I'm serious,” Keith shook his head, “Something's off! My instincts are telling me to avoid her and that Lance probably should too.”

Allura topped off the sugar and screwed the lid on tight. She shot Shiro the ‘this is your problem now sucker’ look before getting up, “I'm going to go relieve Shay of her duty now.”

Keith looked helplessly at Shiro, “You believe me, right?”

“Well…” Shiro scratched at the back of his head. He was luckily saved by Pidge bursting back in through the door Allura just exited.

“If I have to hear one more word outta Lance's mouth I'm going to stab him with- woah what's with the face? You look like you're also about twenty seconds from murder.”

“Nyma,” Shiro just shrugged and picked up the list of supplies that needed to be bought, “Some girl that-”

“Lance actually got the number of! Yes I've heard!” Pidge groaned and took a seat, “I'm blocking all of this out, I've heard enough about this chick to last me two years.”

Shiro started to check things off the list and there was a brief, wonderful moment of uninterrupted silence. Keith looked between his two friends incredulously, internally freaking out. He had to warn them, or at least get his point across.

“I'm telling you Shiro,” Keith shook his head as his brother did his stock orders, “Something's not right about her.”

“You know,” Pidge called out from the corner where they were huddled up. The break room was small but was the spot that had the best wifi in the cafe, “Normally I would just say that you were jealous or something but-”

“I'm not, what would I even be jealous of?” Keith looked like a strange mix between completely baffled and annoyance, “And I thought you weren't listening anymore.”

“I said but, jeez cool it there,” Pidge waved their hand, “to answer your question first, of her. Duh Keith, and secondly, as I was saying. I would normally just say you were jealous but Hunk had a weird feeling about her too…”

“Hunk?” Shiro finally looked interested, pausing his stock orders, “Why? What did he say?”

Pidge merely shrugged, “Some stuff about his gut not agreeing with her. But then again she was the reason we were late to see Shay so he could've just been upset.”

“No something is wrong,” Keith insisted, turning to Shiro, “Why do you only seem invested when Hunk says something's up?”

“Keith you… you and Lance… you're not…” Shiro seemed to struggle for a minute before he tried to switch gears, “What did she do?”

At that Keith pulled out a chair and crossed his arms, “She was just all giggly.”

“Did she say anything weird though? Or was it just the fact that she actually found Lances flirting amusing that's got you on edge?” Pidge raised an unimpressed eyebrow.

“She was all like,” Keith coughed and raised his voice to mock her. Normally he wouldn't stoop to that level of childishness, but he was only human. And he was annoyed so, “that would be lovely. What a nice ring you got there. Ohhh Lance you're amazingly cool!”

Shiro and Pidge exchanged what could've actually been a worried look before the door opened again.

“I am amazingly cool,” Lance threw his jacket onto the table, the room was growing increasingly smaller, “You finally admit it?”

“No,” Keith glared, “In what world would make you think that I-”

Pidge snickered, “He was imitating your girlfriend.”

“Nyma?” Lance looked at Keith kind of shocked, he narrowed his eyes “Good imitating or bad imitating?”

Keith must have had the oddest look on his face, but he ignored the question, “I’m heading back to the apartment. I have a lot of work to do, call me if you need anything.”

Shiro sighed, “Okay, but you have to be here for stuff tomorrow, you know how crazy all this planning is making Allura.”

“Got it.” Keith nodded on his way out, “I won’t be late tomorrow.”

Shiro nodded and Pidge waved as Keith made his way to the back exit. Lance startled them by grabbing his jacket too, “I’m just gonna head back home too. See you guys later. Hey Keith wait up!”

When the door was closed all the way Pidge mumbled, “Shiro, they are two of the dumbest people I have ever met.”

~~~

They convened in the backroom when the shop was closed. Pidge was the first to speak in an ominous voice, “Thank you all for meeting me here. We are here to-”

“Pidge cut it out, it’s creepy when you do that voice,” Hunk pulled out a chair and sat down in it, “What is this all about anyways? Where are Lance and Keith?”

“Well, if i weren’t so rudely interrupted,” Pidge shot him a glare, “You would know that we're here to talk about them.”

Shiro and Allura’s cafe was mostly dark now, the lights having been turned off to tell customers that they were no longer open. The place still smelled like freshly brewed coffee and tea though, which was calming. Allura placed a hand over Shiro’s on top of the table, “Go on Pidge.”

“Okay, firstly, we all know that we’re also those new paladins that have to save the world right?,” Pidge looked at the three others, “Right?”

Shiro blinked, “Oh… So we’re acknowledging it?”

“Yeah I thought we were just going for a ‘let’s just not get into it’ sorta thing,” Hunk added, “It took me a day to realize it. But when I did I was like ‘woahhh this is awesome. And crazy. But mostly awesome cause it’s you guys!’”

“Yeah it took us a week to figure it out,” Allura gestured to herself and Shiro.

Pidge still couldn't believe that it was true. Pidge had seen it from the moment they had all met up at the first battle. Their friend group had turned into a group of superhero fighters.

And people said that they couldn't possibly get closer.

At this point in their life, Pidge wasn't even surprised that it was them that got chosen to make up a weird ass team fighting for a weird ass cause. What Pidge was shocked about was the fact that not everyone immediately figured it out. Sure, Shiro, Hunk, and Allura didn't take that long to piece things together, but it still took a bit of time! To Pidge, the whole thing couldn't have been more obvious from the very start! Hell, Lance and Keith still had no fucking clue what was going on.

“It's literally a helmet. It's not super hard when you're not oblivious and stupid,” Shiro rolled his eyes, “these things don't even change our voices. And we're all friends, we've all basically memorized everyone's mannerisms.”

“Yep you would think that right,” Pidge deadpanned, “Now to the problem with all of this. Instead of complaining about just Keith, Lance complains about his alter ego as if they're two different people.”

“That's cause he thinks they are two different people!” Hunk cried out, “How?!”

Allura perked up, “Well if it helps, Keith still has no idea either.”

“They're just… a little… I don't know.” Shiro sighed, “Should we tell them?”

“No!” Pidge shouted, before coughing to compose themself, “This could Be fun. Don't ruin your kids fun Shiro.”

“I don't know Pidge,” the older male shook his head.

“But think about it. They should discover something like this themselves,” Pidge a smirk grew a little more, “Imagine their faces when they find out.”

“Mm,” Hunk put on a thoughtful look, “Terrified. I bet they'd be down right terrified.”

Shiro sighed, “Okay. But just because I think it'd be hilarious when they find out.”

“Oh I will be so disappointed if I miss it!” Pidge smiled, when something struck them, “That means that Lance hit on Keith technically when they first met as Red and Blue, which means that there was something that caught his eye at first glance.”

Shiro sighed and spoke quietly enough that Allura was the only one that heard, “I thought this was a meeting to talk about how oblivious they were to the whole paladins then. I didn’t know this was to address their refusal to acknowledge other things too.”

“Are you kidding me? Lance was like that when he first met Keith as Keith too,” Hunk shook his head.

Pidge and Shiro both shot him a look this time, puzzled. Pidge started to frantically wave their arms, a giant up to no good grin covering their entire face, “What! When!”

“Yeah, Keith told me that the first time Lance ever talked to him it was something about a rivalry and consisted of just screaming,” Shiro’s face was priceless, “he didn't stop complaining about it for hours!”

“Keith didn't remember it obviously since he didn't even remember Lance when they were looking at the apartment but Lance hit on him, like, the first day of school.”

“Wait seriously?”

Hunk put a finger to his chin, “Well I think it was more like Lance tried to when Keith turned around and it turned into ‘Did it hurt when- u-uh ah, y-you- pretty eyes… I mean. Hi! Hello, names Lance.’ He’ll deny it to hell and back though.”

“What did Keith say?” Pidge was up in his face now, face filled with amusement.

“He was just like,” Hunk put on the most annoyed looking face he could muster, “‘Keith.’ And then he turned back around.”

Allura smiled, “Oh i’m never letting him live this down.”

“Okay, but one more thing,” Shiro coughed, “What do we do about this… Nyma person?”

“Oh yeah, bad news,” Hunk shook his head, “Bad vibes everywhere.”

Pidge sighed, “But Lance thinks that she's his soulmate.”

“Well… I guess we're just going to have to see where it goes then,” Allura said firmly, “Give her a chance.”

~~~

Lance absentmindedly flipping through channels while Keith was on his phone. Homework was done and the clock read somewhere close to three am. He looked up when Lance snorted, “Tch. This show is so unrealistic.”

“Hm?” Keith looked at the screen, “Pokemon?”

“Yeah,” Lance pointed at the characters, “How do they not realize that’s team rocket? They see them like, every day. You’d think that they’d be able to tell.”

“Well, it is a kids show Lance,” Keith shrugged, yawning and clicking his phone off “Kids aren’t that smart, maybe they can’t tell.”

“You’d have to be a special brand of stupid to be that oblivious though,” Lance changed the channel.

“Yeah.” Came another yawn.

A few beats later Lance turned to see his friend’s sleepy looking eyes, trying to fight it. Lance smiled at the content look on Keith’s face once his eyes gave in and closed, “welcome home Keith.”

They fell asleep a little after that, curled up in blankets with the TV still on and empty takeout containers littering their botched up living room.

ech. Should I continue this or scrap it and redo it? I'm still super worried that I'm writing this completely wrong so lmk if I am lol.

Also this is only the first chapter and its like 36 pages (15,162 words) long. So I'm kinda worried about length. Future chapters will probably not be this long... eh. Probably, I have a tendency to over write things. BUT CONGRATS TO YOU, YOU MADE IT THROUGH 36 PAGES OF MY CRAP!

Antonio was looking curiously down at his phone, baffled by Alfred's strange message. He was about to reply with a question mark when Lovino slammed the door open, surprising him.

"I'll give you three seconds to explain to me what the fuck this is!" Lovino threw his phone at Antonio, who barely caught it. He skimmed what was on Lovino's screen.

Book project group

Arthur Jerkland: DON'T GO ANYWHERE NEAR THOSE THREE ARSEHOLES

Lukas Bondedick: what… why?

Arthur Jerkland: [image attachments]

Arthur Jerkland: did any of you know about this?

Lukas Bondedick: no wtf is that? Table of contents?

Arthur Jerkland: ...Look at the authors and description…

Lukas Bondedick: I'll see you both in prison.

I bet I'll beat you there: Me

Antonio was looking curiously down at his phone, baffled by Alfred's strange message. He was about to reply with a question mark when Lovino slammed the door open, surprising him.

"I'll give you three seconds to explain to me what the fuck this is!" Lovino threw his phone at Antonio, who barely caught it. He skimmed what was on Lovino's screen.

His eyes went wide when he saw the pictures that Arthur sent, blurry and shaky, as if he was in a rush and extremely upset when he took them.

Which was he probably was. Antonio could definitely see how this could all be taken the wrong way. Exploiting one's personal life for a school project wasn't always the best of things to do if you wanted to be a decent person in the world.

"Lovino…" Antonio was weakly smiling, "Don't be upset… I can explain this."

Lovino stood eerily still, "I'm waiting."

Antonio fidgeted under the harsh stare, how was he supposed to get out of this one? Well, the truth was obviously the best way to go, there was no point in lying. But how would he be able to put this delicately enough to not have Lovino either requesting a room change or killing him with a pillow case?

He moved to take the shorter boys hands, but Lovino pulled away. Sighing, Antonio shook his head, "It was just for the project Lovino."

"Oh," Lovino sneered, "So were your feelings all 'for the project' too?"

Eyes bugging out, Antonio forcibly grabbed his hands, "No! Of course not, why would you think that?"

"It's hard not to," Lovino twisted in the binding grip, but was left unable to escape. He hissed instead, "You only did all of that stuff for a stupid book!"

"How could you even think that Lovi!" Antonio's usually calm and happy face turned darker, "After all of this… we've been friends for years, do you honestly think that I would throw all of your trust away for a school project?"

Lovino shrunk at this, eyes averting to the side, "No… but… how can I believe you?"

Antonio wanted to scream. He was called dense. He was called an idiot. He was called loudly oblivious. But Lovino wasn't much better himself. How could any of his feelings be fake? He wasn't that good of an actor, despite what Feliks and Eliza say, and he wouldn't be able to keep a rouse up for this long.

"You know I can't lie that well Lovi," Antonio bumped his forehead to Lovino's, "I care about you so much, and I'm sorry that all of this hurt you. I never meant for you to think that we did this all because we needed to complete a project."

Lovino just looked down, a frown still playing at his lips.

"Lovi, please. Believe me, trust me," Antonio smiled, bringing a hand up to tilt Lovino's chin, "Doing all those things with Alfred and Matthias… they just gave me the confidence I needed to make a big fool out of myself in order to tell you how I felt."

"You could've just said something…" Lovino hated the way his mouth was twitching into a smile, "You could've just asked."

Antonio laughed, "I guess I should have…"

"Mm," Lovino finally looked up, "You could have been doing this a lot longer."

Lovino punctuated the end of his sentence with a small kiss. Chasted at best, just a small press that lingered for a second before disappearing.

"We better make up for lost time then," Antonio rubbed his nose on his companion's.

Lovino smiled, feeling warmer inside than he had in awhile.

Matthias had trapped Lukas in his own room, the place looked like a mess and Lukas' had been trying to pick up the tossed items before Matthias had forced himself into Lukas' room. Lukas didn't want to see him, obviously, and Matthias had run over right after Antonio texted them about what Arthur had sent, "Lukas please. Stop running!"

"I understand why Arthur is so upset! I'm so upset!" Matthias had never seen Lukas look so livid. So hurt. Using so many words with so much emotion… Okay not the right time for a 'lukas is totally an emotionless rock' joke, "you all used us!"

"Lukas!" Matthias tried to take hold of his hand but the shorter blond jerked away from the touch. Lukas was barely holding in tears, which was something Matthias never wanted to see. Especially if he was the reason. His chest clenched a bit, the feeling was foreign and uncomfortable and he just wanted it to go away!

Lukas pointedly shut his eyes, tilting his head down he let out a low growl, "Don't touch me. Ever again."

Matthias was at a loss. That was out of the question, extremely and definitely out. He would rather take a long walk off a short pier than never be able to give Lukas one of those breath taking kisses that he'd just gotten accustomed to. He would rather die than not be able to hold hands ever again, to hug ever again, to not be in Lukas' general area ever again... "Lukas. Listen to me, please."

Maybe it was the desperation in Matthias tone. Or maybe it was the tiny bit of hope left in his heart, but Lukas lifted his head, and allowed the other to speak to him with open ears.

"We never meant to hurt you guys." Matthias started.

Lukas immediately glared, "yea right."

"Please! Let me finish." Matthias pinned Lukas arm to the wall, leaning in to let the other know he was serious, "We really didn't."

Matthias took a breath and loosed his grip, "I was stuck. We all were."

"Stuck?"

Matthias let out a small, pitiful laugh, "Yea, I guess. To me I was stuck. That's how I felt, and I needed help. Antonio and Alfred were in similar situations."

"Yea you guys needed help coming up with a topic for your damn English assignment." The bite was the only thing prominent in his voice.

Matthias wanted to scream. After everything that has happen how could Lukas still think that this was a trick? "Lukas. I needed help. I didn't know how I was supposed to make the most beautiful person in the world look at me when he didn't even give me the time of day."

Matthias voice was starting to waver and he was scared that he was going to start sobbing, It wouldn't be shocking. He was pathetic. He was happy for his short period of bliss, but the higher beings had come back to claim the happiness, "you were so far out if my reach. You still are and I don't know what part of this craziness went right but whenever I saw you looking absolutely adorable it took everything not to scream."

"Matthias-"

"You mean more than the world to me, please," Matthias tilted Lukas head up, "You say this a lot so I know it must be true. I'm stupid. I'm stupid for going along with all those plans. I'm stupid for not realizing how hurt you would be. I'm stupid for thinking that I could ever make someone so amazing like you actually care for me too. I'm-"

Lukas cut him off with a weak kiss that was so fast Matthias thought his brain made it up. Matthias was still slack jawed, letting out only an unintelligent, "what?"

Lukas just rolled his eyes a bit, but Matthias heaved a sigh, resting his head down on Lukas shoulder. Lukas felt tear of relief wet his shirt as he dared to wrap his arms around the rather heavy torso. The stood there for a moment, the moonshine as the only source of light. Lukas allowed a silent sob of his own out when his heart started to pound and become unbearable.

Why was he crying now? Relief? The warm, gushy feeling of being cared about wholeheartedly? Matthias really did care about him. He was certain as he could be. And he was never really sure about most things. But Matthias… he could trust… had to trust. Couldn't stop himself from trusting.

Lukas' had a feeling that if Matthias told him aliens were coming to destroy all of the things colored pink in the world that he would believe it. He of course didn't want to feel this way… giving all of your trust to one person? How do you do that without feeling insecure? Yet for all of the years that Lukas' has known Matthias, he guessed that it just… happened. Trust that takes years to build can be broken within seconds, but Lukas trusted him not to take a sledgehammer to his metaphorical wall of trust. It was a wall that created a box. And in that box were three people. Lukas, his brother… and Matthias. The boy who spent years climbing it as Lukas' worked fervently but fruitlessly to make it higher.

Okay now that metaphor was getting out of hand. Point is that he trusted Matthias unconditionally, and was looking for something to doubt. But this… he supposed that this was a stupid thing to wreak all of that over. Matthias never lied about his feelings, he was just stupid with the way he presented them. Handled them.

But Matthias was never want to think things through before he acted. That was one of the things that Lukas' loved. He wasn't like that.

Feeling the body under him start to shake, Matthias shot upright, "Hey. Hey, What's wrong?"

"I,"Lukas sniffled, attempting to wipe the tears away frantically. Matthias just smiled and wrapped his arms around Lukas' shoulders, bringing the boy close to his chest, "I'm stupid too."

"What?" Matthias didn't know how the most intelligent person he knew could possibly think he was anything less that perfect, "why?"

Lukas started to cry a little harder, failing miserably to keep himself in his usual composed and collected posture. Matthias pressed his lips to the blond's forehead, smiling while waiting for him to answer, "Because. I actually fell for someone as dumb as you."

"I love you," Matthias whispered, his vision still blurry.

"I know." Lukas sniffled, "I love you too. Have for awhile."

Arthur Kirkland had been missing for four days now. His room hastily packed and all of his belongings either gone or thrown in a random area around the small room. Lukas, after him and Matthias had calmed down, tidied it up after taking before pictures of the room just incase the police had to get involved.

Of course they had asked Arthur's family, whom just offered a sympathetic smile and said that Arthur had pleaded them to not say anything to any visitors. They only told him that Arthur wasn't home for long. Even small little Peter, whose eyes shone with hurt and curiosity. He probably didn't understand the gratification of his brothers anger, only comprehending it in simple terms. Arthur was sad, and Alfred was the one to make him sad.

But if Arthur's family wasn't worried that he ran off and was possibly dead somewhere, then there was no need for them to call the cops. But Lukas, being ever so careful, took the pictures anyways. Just in case.

In the short time that it took Alfred to realize why Arthur hadn't kept his word, fleeing instead of staying put, he organized a full on search team. Arthur had seemed to have just returned to his room and tore it apart moments before Lukas' came back from his third or fourth date with Matthias. It was when Lukas was cleaning up the messy room, extremely concerned and wondering if he should wait for Arthur to return before calling the dorm advisor to report a robbery, that he got the text. And Matthias, who was half way across campus, with the biggest smile on his face, got Alfred's text and hasty explanation. He spun on his heel and went straight to Lukas' room, hoping to catch both of them if he was lucky. Somewhere in all of that, Antonio and Lovino had gotten the same texts at approximately the same time, before having their squabble.

And that was the time line so far. No one had seen Arthur leave, and no one knew where he could have possibly went.

Four days ago. Four days of searching and relentless feelings of guilt and worrying. All of their friends had pitched in, none of them liking the fact that Arthur's location was unknown any less than Alfred. Arthur was their friend too, and okay… maybe Alfred cared just a smidge more, but still. They cared about his well being.

Not to mention they hated seeing Alfred upset. If he was a mess, then they could only imagine how much worse Arthur was. They had always been routing for their friends happiness with each other. They belonged together, and everyone around them watched as they grew and started to realize what they had seen since the beginning. It couldn't just end like that. They refused to believe it.

Francis had been working with Eduard on unlocking Arthur's computer that had been left carelessly in the student council room, placing a reassuring hand on Alfred's shoulder, "We'll find him. Don't frown so much, it'll give you wrinkles, then what would he think?"

And despite all the moping that Alfred did, he seemed to always be actively doing something to try to find Arthur. Between classes he'd talk to teachers, trying to see if they had any news. Or he'd be getting status reports from all of his friends. But he was constantly moving.

After he passed out in a plate of spaghetti that Feliciano so graciously cooked for him, Matthias dragged him up to their room to sit. Have a talk. Maybe stop him from running himself into the ground and digging himself an early grave with all the worrying.

"Dude," Matthias started once he closed the door, "You need to chill for a bit."

Alfred just sat on the edge of the bed, putting his head between his hands, "I can't Matthias… I just can't!"

"None of this is going to be good in the long run," Matthias stood next to him, peering down with worry.

Alfred snapped his head up, his eyes narrow but not with anger. His lips were curled in a cruel, wobbly, and unusual smile, "You don't understand Matthias. What would you be doing if Lukas was the one to run off? Oh god! He must think that I used him or something, based on what Lovino and Lukas said. He'll never trust me again!"

"I… I don't know what I'd do…" Which was the honest truth. Matthias counted his lucky stars every day now that he had caught Lukas before he decided to follow in Arthur's foot steps. He sat on the edge of the bed next to his friend, who was all but sobbing now.

Alfred said in a tired voice, "Exactly… Matthias… I don't know what to do."

Matthias, that night as he and Lukas' settled in for a movie, wrapped his boyfriend up in a hug and wouldn't let go until the credits. Lukas didn't have to ask why, he could tell from the light kisses and the glint in Matthias' eyes what it meant. Thanks for staying.

Day six into their entire endeavor, Alfred had been fifth wheeling with the two newly made couples. Everyone was trying to act normal around Alfred now, not wanting to bring up Arthur again.

He was off campus and no where within a fifty mile radius. They were almost positive. And by that time their friends have stopped actively searching on foot, instead trying to reach Arthur through any means of contact.

They were all watching a movie, eating takeout chinese, when there was a sharp knock on the door.

When no one moved, Lukas had a strong sense of deja vu, standing up and waving his hand, "No. Let me get it, it's only your dorm."

Matthias' only reply was a "Thanks sweetie!" before his attention was drawn back to the screen.

When the door opened, Lukas was seriously starting to believe that this had happened before as Francis marched past him without so much as a greeting. Panting the frenchman tried to compose himself the best he could before smiling, "We found him."

"What?" Alfred shot up, grabbing onto Francis' shoulders with a rushed look, "Where is he?"

Francis shrugged the grip off, "First of all, don't touch. This is an expensive sweater and I don't want chinese food stains on it. Secondly, according to his online planner… at the airport."

"What?" Alfred deadpanned before breaking out into a borderline hysterical bout of laughter, "You've got to be kidding me? The air port? C'mon Francy pants. I know that all of this seems a bit nineties rom com but seriously, where is he?"

Francis scoffed, "I'm being serious. He has a flight out to London then a bus to Cambridge lined up. He has a meeting with the dean of Cambridge University a few days from now."

"You've gotta be shitting me," Lovino laughed, placing his take out container down a little harder than needed, "What are our lives?"

"I know, they're starting to sound like a teenage girl's cheesy fanfiction," Lukas rolled his eyes before tossing on a jacket.

Matthias sputtered as a coat covered his face too, "What are you doing Lukas?"

"Obviously we're all going to the airport right now," Lukas rolled his eyes, "Someone needs to distract the security guards while Alfred jumps the terminal and for some reason doesn't get shot."

Lovino stood up to get his jacket too, "You'd think that they would promote better airport security in movies nowadays."

"Wait," Alfred made them pause, "You guys don't have to do this…"

Lukas rolled his eyes, "As if we had a choice."

And less than ten minutes later Francis was wishing them all good luck as they drove off to the Airport.

They had made it as far as airport security before they were promptly told to leave or be escorted out. Matthias let out a humorless laugh, "Guess it's not as easy as it looks."

"Yeah… I'm going to go get a pretzel," Antonio stood up with a sigh, "Anyone want anyth-"

His sentence stopped abruptly and Lovino hit his hand, "Why did you-"

He followed Antonio's line of sight and saw it.

Arthur, carefully trying to balance a pretzel and book in one hand while he attempted to pull his suitcase with the other. Thank god for terrible airline food.

"Alfred!" Antonio shouted louder than necessary, gaining a few looks.

As Alfred looked up to see what had Antonio freaking out, he met Arthur's curious gaze as he looked for the source of the loud voice. And that's when Arthur started running as fast as he could with a suitcase and book. Fuck he dropped the pretzel.

But as fast of a sprinter as Arthur was, he couldn't get that far. The baggage check line was still long as fuck since it was still an airport, and he couldn't go much farther than that without having to backtrack first.

So instead of running into the line of people, he abruptly stopped and turned on his heel, "What are you doing here?"

Alfred honestly expected the hostility, but it still made him flinch, "Why did you leave?"

"That's a rather stupid question," Arthur scoffed, crossing his arms to look as intimidating as possible, "The answer should be obvious. You're really funny Alfred, but I never expected this kind of sick humor."

"Everything we did, we put every ounce of our hearts into," Alfred stood sternly, holding onto Arthur's wrist now when he turned to run again, "It wasn't a joke! Arthur, get it through your head, I actually care about you! Stop running away from it!"

"Let me go!" Arthur said in a low growl, trying not to attract that much attention.

"Arthur please! Listen to me!" Alfred gripped tightly, "What do I have to do for you to believe me?"

"Not lying in the first place would have been a good starting point," Arthur didn't turn around this time, his bangs dripping into his face, "But since you can't travel through time I believe you're all out of luck."

"I'm not sorry for what we did," Alfred felt Arthur tense, "because even if the actions were planned all of my feelings were extremely real."

Arthur bit his lip, tugging at it with his teeth, "Alfred... I..."

"Listen, you don't have to believe me," Arthur's hand hit his thigh as it was released, "But I'm telling you now Arthur. Ive cared about you since we were little kids. It just took me awhile to realize it. I don't want to see you get hurt, ever. And if staying here with me will… hurt you… then I won't force you to stay. But I just have to know, would this ever have worked? Did you honestly love me too?"

Instead of replying Arthur just shoved the book he was holding at him. Upon closer examination, Alfred recognized it as a diary of some sorts. Flipping through it, his vision blurred.

The neat cursive stood out against the white page.

September 23

He was brilliant. I never knew that a voice could hold that much power over me, and as mortifying as it was being called a woman, I think I could get used to hearing him sing.

A couple of pages later

November 3

I think I'm starting to believe that Soulmates exist. Maybe Elizabeta isn't as crazy as I originally thought….

November 17

I never knew shopping could be that fun. He somehow manages to make everything fun. Dear Diary I think I've bitten off more than I can chew.

November 18

Never mind.

November 19

How is it that I can never stay mad at him? He somehow seems to always know what to say and I'm not sure that I can handle it. My heart starts to go crazy at the simple thought of him now and I can't stop it. I must be coming down with a cold.

December 5

I seem to mess up a lot. I'm happy that he doesn't seem to care. He's still as kind and considerate, even when I'm acting like a toddler who doesn't know the difference between love and being scared. Though, I suppose that those two things go hand in hand. But since when did I use the word love in regard to anything other than a good book? Maybe it's time to start believing…

December 19

Would Prince Charming conquer his greatest fear for Cinderella?

December 27

Peter seems to love him. And I love seeing him happy… Seeing both of them happy. I wish that I were better with kids, maybe then Peter would look at me with the same adoration. And then maybe I wouldn't be as scared of the thought of having to take care of a baby, if that time ever comes. But I can definitely trust him to know what to do, or at least pretend to know what to do as a comfort. God, where are my thoughts now a days?

March 13

Can you run away from a broken heart?

As Alfred's eyes widened, he heard Arthur let out a choke, "That was our book project. A diary. Those are the more personal thoughts that I didn't add."

Alfred remembered Lukas saying something about it being about 'the mundane life of a teenager'. He thumbed parts of the pages, they were all personal thoughts about him. Tracking Arthur's emotions as he came to terms with something Alfred had known all along.

"Arthur," Alfred's hands shook a bit, "I don't like the ending."

Arthur's face twisted into something a bit more sour, "Neither do I… but that's the way it goes. Some stories don't have happy endings."

"But ours does," Alfred took a step forward, placing a hand softly on Arthurs, "I know you don't believe that it was real, but we can change that. I can change that. Arthur, please don't leave."

"What happened to not forcing me to stay?" Arthur's eyes focused on the floor.

Alfred squeezed at the hand in his, "I'm not forcing you, I'm begging you because I don't think I'd be able to live like that."

"I got accepted early into Cambridge University, I was going to tell you the day you came into the office," Arthur answered, as if they were having a casual conversation over tea.

"I know." Alfred tugged at him a little more.

"I'm going to go to Cambridge."

"I know." Arthur allowed himself to be pulled into a small embrace.

"We will be miles and miles apart." it was barely a whisper.

"I know," Alfred kissed the top of his head, "And we will stay together through all of that. Because it's simple."

"Mm," Arthur hummed again, "How is it simple?"

"Cause'" Alfred smiled, "I love you, and you love me. That's about as simple as you can get."

"But what about-"

"But nothing. Nothing will change how I feel, and I pray to God that the same goes for you," Alfred placed a small kiss to his lips, "We'll work it out. Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

Whoever made up the statistic that most long distance relationships dont work has never truly been in love. Or maybe that they didn't really believe nor trust the person they were with. Maybe they were just bitter. Alfred and Arthur talked every day, falling more into love with each moment. As if they're hearts didn't register that there was an entire ocean separating them.

Antonio sighed into Lovino's hair, almost asleep by the end of the book. They had to proofread everything before handing it in and wow. Who would've guessed that they waited until last minute to re-read and fix this monster of a tale.

Lukas was already peacefully snoring with Matthias on the beanbags on the floor by the time Arthur had read the last line. He was home for graduation and Alfred couldn't be more thrilled. Goal met. Each of their Tsundere's hearts were safely tucked in their hands for safekeeping. And they were not going to mess it up. Truth be told, they had them a long time ago, but they had been too oblivious to notice.

"I still don't like that you used our names," Arthur turned his head slightly, looking up at Alfred from his position in his lap, "Now our teacher is going to think that were over dramatic idiots."

Alfred shook his head, "Let her think what she wants to. I've got only one opinion to worry about."

Arthur smiled, leaning back and closing his eyes, "I still think you're an idiot too."

"Hey!"

"So do you like it?" Japan looked around the small conference room. He put down the book that he finally finished reading aloud after about six hours. Hungary and France were positioned on either side of him, the same anxious looks on their faces.

England was the first to clear his throat, "You three… wrote this?"

"Yes we did." Japan nodded.

"I surprised," England knocked on the hard, glossy cover, "I would have expected a few more rather… graphic, moments, knowing France."

"Why did you write a book?" Norway raised an eyebrow, "And why show it to all of us of all people?"

"Yes this is a very weird group per se," England agreed. He was seated between America and Romano. The latter did not look very amused.

"Well I liked it! Good job," Spain chirped happily.

America and Denmark nodded along. America flipped through the pages while Denmark offered his best smile, "It was cute!"

"It doesn't… remind you of anything?" Japan tried to push. Clearly they were not getting it.

England tilted his head, "No, was it supposed to?"

"The characters don't resemble anyone you know?" Hungary let out a sigh. This was going to be harder than she thought.

"Oh, Francis kinda reminds me of you France. He was all pervy and stuff," America beamed. Well they got something at least. France tried not to be too offended. Francis did help them out a bunch, but did that get recognition? No.

France looked annoyed, eyes narrowing, "Anyone else?"

Spain gasped and snapped his fingers, "Tino and Berwald are like Sweden and Finland!"

Almost there. Hungary looked towards England and Norway, hoping they could at least make it click. "Anyone else?"

"You're Elizabeta and Japan is Kiku," England sighed, "And based on the characters personalities Feliks and Toris are Poland and Lithuania."

"Russia is Ivan and China is Yao!" Denmark laughed before going quickly silent. He shuttered, "Bad mental image."

"Oh My God. Prussia is banging my brother," America's eyes went wide, "Is that why they don't care if they share a room when they come over? I'm going to have to burn that bed now…"

"Guys, but c'mon. That Germany-Italy action was so accurate." They all nodded at Spain's comment besides Romano who scowled.

"What about the couple's?" Hungary pushed, she had faith that they wouldn't be that dense. Why? She was starting to question it herself.

Denmark curiously tilted his head, "Huh? Which ones?"

"Oh you know," France smiled, "the main ones… and the others too I guess."

"I liked Tino and Berwald!" Denmark said chipperly.

"Which tsundere couple was your favorite?" Hungary clenched her fists to her heart, holding in a groan of exasperation as best as she could, "England…?"

The blonde turned his head, "Mm. I think my favorite was Matthias and Lukas. Matthias was really sweet to him and Lukas' attitude was really cute."

"Oh… really?" Japan narrowed his eyes. He wasn't expecting that. Well, to be honest he wasn't expecting any of them to be this… stupid? They basically spelled it all out. The only thing that was super different would be… NOTHING. they had the same appearances, or as close to them as the three authors could create, and the same mannerisms. They weren't even negative mannerisms most of the time, oh hell they could have added in a bunch of other annoying things that they all did, but nah they wanted a happy story that people would get annoyed with.

"Anyone else?" Kiku was close to giving up.

"Nope!" America laughed, "But Dude! If you guys are gonna write a story with everyone else in it, then at least include us too!"

Hungary, France, and Kiku let out matching groans, putting their heads down. They gave up. Officially.

Tsundere [tsɯndeɾe]: a person who is initially cold and eventually develops a soft side to their dismay.

Obviously positive idiot [ə-ˈbli-vē-əs-leeˈpäzədiv ˈidēət]: someone who is not aware of their surroundings or the situation but always has a good and cheerful outlook.

How to Win a Tsundere's Heart: You don't. If they choose you, then be grateful and show them how much you care too by never letting them go a day without knowing. They have fragile feelings and doubt easily, but it's worth it. Proceed with caution.

WARNING REALLY LONG AUTHOR THANK YOU NOTE! PLS READ!

And... thats it! Im actually really sad right now... this was so much fun to write and watch you guys respond too.

I want to thank every single one of you! You all gave me the confidence to keep writing and thanks to you guys I wrote over 300 pages of something. I never thought that I would be able to complete a story of this size but every time I thought of you all I just… I love you guys and I hope that you aren't too mad at me for the ending. I made it so that you can just forget it existed if you wanted lol. I actually had that ending typed out since last year towards the beginning of this story and I was debating so hard whether or not I should just troll everything for the longest time but I did say to myself I'd try to fit in as many AUs so like. Does that count?

Anyways. Point is I'm so happy that you guys liked it and you guys are literally the best people on earth.

Regarding future writing from me if you guys care… if not you can just skip this

I'm working on a long USUK one shot that was requested a while ago from: Anonymous_Wolf on AO3 I would have finished if sooner but my outline for it was like really long and I just haven't gotten around to working on it. It's like 3 pages only so far out of like… a hopeful 50? But it's (hopefully) super interesting I think.

Here's the summary: Closet Geek Arthur Kirkland was sent to a boarding school three years ago by his brothers shortly after losing his memories to a car accident. The young viola player and Otaku club member finds himself struggling to keep his two passions a secret after deciding that he didn't want to look like a major dork in front of the new transfer student. With the help of the ever so devious Kiku, Arthur's senior year turns into a whole new adventure of self discovery. And maybe, just maybe he'll figure out where that little tune that's been trapped in his mind comes from. USUK; hints of others

I'm not sure when it'll be out because I also have to work on something for my friend.

My lovely friend Vanessa Lace is forcing me to switch everything up and write about a different series. Idk if you guys care but imma alert you guys anyways just incase you guys can tell me if it's worth it or if I should just make her choose something else. But, anyways, Vanessa, my best friend for a long time, has just turned 16 yay! And yes, Nessa, as a gift I'm going to try to write you your thing for your sweet sixteen.

Lovely Nessa has requested that I write a Voltron fan fiction. So guess who's binge watching some Netflix (?) series over the summer! Is it worth it? I read the summary and it's like… a kids show??? Her exact words were "FOR MY BIRTHDAY. VOLTRON. MULTICHAP MAKE IT HAPPEN I WANNA GOOD LONG ASS STORY K? AND LIKE KLANCE, SHALLURA AND DHSICOJA IDFK JUST DO IT DONT LET UR DREAMS HE BE DREAKS" I don't know what half of those words mean but Nessa I'll try my best. I looked at some fanart and it looks cute, but idk man. This will go either really well or terribly bad.

Anyways, that's basically my way of saying yeah I'm still gonna write crappy fanfiction so you're welcome to come join me lol.

Anyways! If you guys ever have any questions you can hmu on my Tumblr: Penguinsockswrites or my email: mandyoakheartspkmn at gmail (Ik Ik don't judge me about it okay? I was obsessed with Pokémon) and I'd actually love to talk to any of you! If you ever have a request I can write something just message and I'll try to work something out! I love you guys so much and thanks for helping me on this wild journey. We did it!

I am so sorry for not updating in HOLY SHIT 4 MONTHS PROBABLY MORE. BUT this is the second to last chapter. I ALREADY HAVE THE LAST CHAPTER TYPED AND READY TO GO FOR THE NEXT UPDATE WHEN I THINK ITS TIME TO POST I GUESS LOL 

“Well guys,” Alfred bit on the end of his pen, “I think the book is almost done!”

Matthias peered at his computer screen, looking at about only twenty pages of notes, “well, we definitely have enough data but… how do we turn all of that into a hundred and fifty page novel?”

“Um… We embellish?” Alfred shrugged, “There are three of us, maybe we can write down what happened after each scenario.”

Matthias laughed, snapping his fingers, “That’s a good idea, we have more than enough to write about.”

“Wait,” Antonio piped up, “But, shouldn't it go out with… a… what's that thing you say Al?”

“Going out with a bang?”

“Yeah! That! Shouldn't the book end with, you know… actually getting our objects of affection?”

Alfred’s nose scrunched up, thinking about how much time they’ve spent doing dating like things with their… crushes? Ugh, was there another way to put that that didn't make it seem like they were twelve and writing on bathroom stalls? “We’ve been practically dating them for a awhile now.”

“Yeah,” Matthias clicked his tongue, “But Toni is right. Nothing's ever been official. We need one last thing.”

The three boys sat in silence for a moment, each of them trying to come up with an idea that would be the icing on the cake of this horribly amazing project.

“How about…” Alfred turns the computer towards him, tapping out a few words with his deft fingers, “how about this.”

Confession of the truth

“Ah… what do you mean by that?” Antonios eyebrows furrowed together.

Alfred shook his head, “Oh Toni. I mean let's just come right out and say it. You know the whole, ‘I like you, do you wanna be my boyfriend?’ Thing.”

Matthias offered a small smile, standing up straight, “I think that's an extremely simple and nice way to end things.”

“Great,” Alfred started to type under the first thing they ever wrote, “We better get typing so we can just knock this off our plates.”

Matthias squinted at the words appearing on the screen, “ah yes. The pick up lines thing… if my sore legs remember correctly that did not go well.”

Alfred shrugged and just continued to type, “Third person okay with you guys?”

Alfred F. Jones practically had to drag his lazy ass to class that morning. AP english was not something he was looking forward to.

_____

It had taken them almost a month of staying up until five am typing and waking up at seven just to do more of the same. But they did it. Managed it. Just barely.

They had their whole story typed out, and between the three of them it only took going through hell and back!

It was a lot longer than they had anticipated. It was the size of a very decent novel. Quality of a decent novel though? Not so much… good enough for an A on the project? Debatable. At this point they’re level of caring was at “YOLO fuck it lol XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD”

Now it was nearing the second week in February and they had yet to do anything about their grand finally. They became extremely accustomed to staying up and only getting about two hours of sleep that when they finally finished, they dropped. It took two days of sleeping for twelve hours just to feel rightish again. Ha, and those loser scientists said you couldn't catch up on sleep.

But now came the hard part. The part that was probably tougher than the grueling writing.

Despite everything they had already done, every horribly complex and embarrassing plan, this confession had to be the most nerve racking thing poor Antonio had ever faced.

Lovino was just there. Sitting. As if there weren't a care in the world. As if Antonio’s heart wasn't beating fifty thousand miles an hour. As if he weren't about to go run and request a room change this late into the year. As if he weren’t about to absolutely die.

But it had to be done. For the sake of his sanity and the ending of all the madness. An end to the book.

That brought a slightly sad thought into his mind, what would happen with Alfred and Matthias after? Of course they'd all be friends still, but they wouldn't have anything keeping them that close anymore. It had been fun hanging out with people other than Lovino, Francis and Gilbert. People who others looked at with that same little head shake when they didn't read the mood right, or were just straight up too optimistically oblivious to understand the extent of things.

He almost didn't want anything to change.

But that was probably an excuse. This was the end of an era and they would come out stronger. He just had to do it.

How though?

Lovino looked over, probably noticing how uncharacteristically quiet everything was. He put down the book he was reading, one that Arthur had recommended, and addressed the boy, “What is wrong with you?”

Antonio twittled one more time, “I have a problem.”

“Hm?” Antonio watched as Lovino dogged eared the page he was on, one in the beginning cause let's face it, when does Lovino read for enjoyment. That was more Arthur and Lukas’ thing.

Antonio carefully took the book out of Lovino’s hands and set it on the bed beside him, so he had his friends full attention, “Well, I sort of like someone.”

“Omg,” Lovino perked up like a teenage girl before he growled and narrowed his eyes, “I don’t care.”

Antonio pretended that it didn't sting a bit, “I need help. How do you suppose I…”

“You what?” Lovino raised an eyebrow. He was only slightly more invested than before. Antonio figured that he would have known that he was talking about him, but Lovino’s expression said otherwise. Lovino’s mouth was pulled into a tight frown and his eyes held a sort of betrayal.

Antonio rubbed at the back of his head, “I don’t know how to ask them out.”

“And…?” Lovino waved his hand, unimpressed.

“And I wanted your advice, since… you’re from Italy and they're good at this stuff right?” Antonio chuckled awkwardly.

Lovino shook his head, “Well, you aren’t wrong.”

Antonio smiled at Lovino’s confident smirk. Despite having dated only one person before in his life, for two weeks in the sixth grade that is, Lovino was cocky when it came to these things. It was something about his confident expression that made him glow. And Antonio couldn't help but gush at it sometimes, “So what do you suggest that I do?”

“You’re stupid, so don't do anything stupid,” Antonio was about to protest when Lovino shot out a hand as a stop, “Just tell them.”

“Tell them?”

Lovino closed his eyes and shrugged, “Yes, tell them I like you, will you go out with me. It’s simple as that.”

“Okay. Simple. I will,” Antonio nodded. They both sat there for a moment, the silence weighing down on them awkwardly. It was a silence that hadn’t bothered them for years, but now it felt unbearable and foreign.

Lovino moved to pick up his book again and resume his reading. He was about one paragraph further than he was before when Antonio’s scratching at the bedsheets became unbearable.

“What now?” Came Lovino’s flat question. Antonio took in a deep breath that puffed his chest out, as if he were preparing for a battle of some sort or something.

Without missing a beat, Antonio put on a small smile, “I like you, will you go out with me?”

Lovino’s face turned a deep shade of red, sputtering a bit. Antonio had done a lot of things, said a lot of things, but they all seemed so unreal. This confession had a different air around it. It was no nonsense and… Antonio’s face seemed so serious with the way his eyebrows were drawing closer together.

Sputtering, Lovino covered his mouth for a lack of a better thing to do, “What?”

“I like you , will you go out with me?” Antonio repeated, the words sounding even more foreign than the first time, but just as serious.

Lovino shook his head, “Antonio…”

“I like you, will you go out with me?” He was beginning to sound like a broken record. And for the first time since this whole thing started, Lovino looked him in the eyes. There was a harsh undertone of uncertainty and fear that was covered up by bright determination, “I like you, will you go out with me?”

Lovino sighed and shook his head, “If I say yes will you fucking stop?”

“I like you, will you go out with me?” Antonio’s eyes were clouded and his gaze distant, almost like he was over heating.

Lovino snapped his fingers, but there was no result.

“Antonio! Fucking, snap out of it!” Lovino sandwiched antonio’s face between his palms, “I like you too okay!”

“Really?” Antonio blinked a few time in disbelief. Sure all the signs have been there, but Antonio had never been really good at reading the mood. Or in general. It was nice to hear the statement back for once. He doesn't think that he could recall a time where Lovino actually said it back. But then again, his memory wasn't all that great either.

Jesus, what did he have going for him? What did he ever do to get Lovino to like him?

Lovino rolled his eyes, but nodded his head anyways, “Yes Antonio. Yes.”

“You want to be my…”

Lovino’s hands dropped to the back of Antonio’s neck, “Boyfriend?”

“Yeah…” Antonio wrapped his arms around the middle of Lovino’s waist, “I would like that.”

_____

Matthias had thought about how he was going to do it for hours and hours. Hours. Do you know how long an hour is? It’s a really fucking long time.

But it was worth it. It had to be. Matthias knew that this wasn't something he could just do on the fly.

Unless he could…

Maybe he was putting way too much thought into it. Maybe he should just go a simpler route. Lukas was never one for flashy performances anyways. These past few months have been full of over the top plans and performances, this could be a change.

Lukas was settled in next to him, ready for another movie night. Arthur had left an hour ago for the library or some other place, Matthias hadn't quite been paying attention due to the weird feeling of nervousness that settled in his stomach.

Lukas broke the silence, “Want to order something?”

Matthias nodded excitedly, happy that he wouldn't be stuck thinking about it anymore. Tonight was the night that he was going to ask him. He couldn't back out. He was done being a chicken and pushing it off. He was out of excuses. He had to, for Lukas. For himself.

Well, that and if he didn't then he would get a metal bat to the groin, courteous of the deal he made with Alfred.

“Chinese?” Lukas was raised an eyebrow, as if he were slightly worried about Matthias’ off behavior, “Or do you want something else?”

“Yeah sure sounds great!” Matthias smiled, “Anything you want.”

They put in the order and laid on the bed, waiting. Lukas didn’t speak anymore, probably figuring that Matthias was fine. Matthias chattered on about the laborious task of writing out the book. Of course he didn't tell Lukas what it was about, even when Lukas gave him a look that clearly asked. The only thing that he revealed was that their research had been hard and sometimes extremely stressful. The writing process hadn’t been much fun either, sometimes one of them would lose inspiration or forget exactly what happened. It only made Lukas more curious, surely he would have noticed if Matthias was researching something. Or Matthias would have let it slip by now, on accident or not. But as hard as Lukas tried to remember, he just couldn't come up with something plausible that Matthias would have been studying for months.

So in return, Lukas didn't tell Matthias what his group did.

Of course this killed Matthias, his curiosity growing to exponential heights in a matter of minutes. But he had to stay strong. Lukas would find out… eventually. Possibly. Maybe never. Would his teacher be the only one reading  the book?

Oh god. What if they had to read it to the class. All those personal thoughts!

Yes. Lukas was a beautiful person whose smile brightened up a room and could make Matthias weak in the knees. Yes, Lukas’ attitude was like no one else's and Matthias wouldn't ever trade the small bite that Lukas’ words held for anything. And yes, Matthias wants to kiss that smirk  off his face until the day he dies.

But no one else had to know all of this.

The food came and they ate in relative silence, both of them couldn’t really talk around cheeks full of lo mein. Matthias tried to say something and accidentally let a bit of noodle slip out.

And Lukas laughed.

Matthias wanted to make it his ringtone, and keep it forever going on repeat. Grabbing a sharpie and napkin off his side table, he thought impulsively.

“Lukas,” Matthias fidgeted, placing the cap back onto the marker, “Wait never mind.”

Lukas leaned back into his seat on the bed, reading the summary on the back of a DVD that Matthias had thrown his way.

“Lukas!” The boy in question looked up and Matthias felt himself blush, “Ah, never mind.”

Lukas glanced up and rolled his eyes before looking back down. Did all moviestars look that pretty without a shirt on? The picture on the case looked like one of those harlequin novel covers.

“Lukas!” Lukas could feel his headache grow, “Ah wait, ne-”

Lukas slapped a hand over Matthias’ mouth, “What the hell do you want!”

Matthias shrunk a bit, letting out a sheepish laugh. He held out his hand and waited for Lukas to take the crumpled up napkin.

“You wanted me to throw out your trash for you?” Lukas deadpanned, looking distastefully down at the slightly food stained item, “Seriously?”

“No!” Matthias threw his hands up, “I mean, no. Look uh, look a little closer.”

Lukas shook his head, and let his navy eyes roam around, trying to spot what Matthias so desperately wanted him to find. The sharpie was smudged, the oil that Matthias had dropped on it spreading. But it was still legible.

Lukas sat back down on his knees, unfolding the napkin with unusual care. He would have snorted at the crappy kissy face picture drawn on the top left of he weren’t too shocked by the actual words.

In all honesty he shouldn't have been. It was Matthias, what more should he expect?

Do you want to go out with me?

_Yes

_ no :(

Lukas didn't say anything. His blank look making Matthias nervous. He just silently motioned for the marker and Matthias obliged.

He didn't even show any emotion as he scribbled something on the yellow note. It was much more than the simple checkmark or x that Matthias was prepared to get back, no matter which line it was on.

Though as he was handed back the note, crumpled and slightly tearing from where the oil damaged its structure, Matthias wasn’t as terrified as he thought he would be. As he should be.

Lukas stared at the bed sheet, picking at it and not looking up. Matthias didn't know if he was trying to hid a blush or a look of sympathy.

He took his time straightening out the napkin against his leg, daring himself to look down.

Do you want to go out with me?

x  Yes

_ no :(

You’re really asking you idiot?

Matthias brain took a moment to process it, his vision snapping back and forth from the note to Lukas’ shrinking form.

A smile breaking out on his face, Matthias tackled Lukas down onto the mattress, “Hey! Matthias!”

Burying his nose further into Lukas’ neck, Matthias tightened his grip, “Lukas!”

“Matthias get off me!” Lukas pushed his face away with little strength behind it, “That's enough!”

“It's never going to be enough Lukas!” Matthias laughed, “Never!”

Lukas gave an endearing smile, his usually stoic expression breaking as he let out a small laugh, “Yes but that tickles, stop!”

“Yes but!” Matthias shot up and pinned Lukas’ wrist on either side of his head, “I just realized something.”

Rolling his eyes, Lukas squirmed a bit under Matthias’ hands, “What?”

“You’re my boyfriend now!” Matthias’ grin stretched across his face and Lukas just hummed in agreement, “Lukas! You have a boyfriend. Ha! Lukas has a boyfriend, Lukas has a boyfriend!”

Lukas brought his leg up and kicked Matthias in the stomach, maybe a little harder than he should have, “Yeah I do. But not for much longer.”

“What? Why?” Matthias’ expression morphed almost instantly into one that resembled a hurt puppies.

Lukas smirked, “Because, even though he’s sweet, funny, and everything I could ever want, he’s also an annoying piece of shit. And I might have to kill him.”

“I love you,” Matthias just smiled and connected their foreheads. Lukas hummed.

“Me too.”

_________

[last edit made by Alfred Jones at 5:48 am]

How to Win a Tsundere’s Heart

By Alfred F. Jones, Matthias Kohler, & Antonio Corrier

[page 2]

Want to win over your tsundere’s heart? Then read this book to find out the steps you to take in order to win over that stubborn heart. Tsundere- a person who is mean and hateful at first but eventually warms up and shows a more affectionate side.

Warning: Our test subjects are still human. Meaning that their response can be different from what you encounter. To keep it interesting, we decided to tell you guys our entire story.

[Page 3]

Table of contents

Pickup lines = pain

Gilbert’s plan

Group chats

Singing and cuddles?

Plays and Bad Auditions

pumpkin and sunshine, darlin

Halloween parties

Words, strings, and Colors

Kiss the girl

Overly cliche lines and Stars

Costco is life

Jealousy tactics

Picture perfect

Cardverse

Nights

Pottertalia

Siblings and Domestic Fluff AF

Confessions from the Heart

19.Summary of plans

[Scroll down 357 pages (A/N: HOLY SHIT THIS IS ACTUALLY HOW MANY PAGES THIS STORY IS NOT INCLUDING THIS CHAPTER)]

[Page 357]

Plan #1: Pickup lines

entered at 6:33 pm Alfred : 6 points

entered at 5:56 pm Antonio : 5 points

entered at 8:57 pm  Mathias : 4 points

Pickup lines on a Tsundere equals Pain, Do not, DO NOT, try

Plan #2: singing to them

entered at 12:47 am Alfred : 17 points

entered at 8:26 pm Antonio : 15 points

entered at 2:57 am Mathias : 10 bajillion points

Plan #3: nicknames

entered at 6:43 pm Alfred : 23 points

entered at 5:19 pm Antonio : 22 points

entered at 6:50 pm  Mathias : 19 points

Plan #4: Halloween Costumes

entered at 8:12 pm Alfred : 21 points

entered at 6:43 pm Antonio : 23 points

entered at 10:36 pm  Mathias : 23 points

Plan #5: Soul mates

entered at 4:56 pm Alfred : 23 points

entered at 5:23 pm Antonio : 22 points

entered at 4:43 pm  Mathias : 19 points

Plan #6: Supermarket fighting

entered at 6:04 pm Alfred : 17 points

entered at 7:36 pm Antonio : 13 points

entered at 8:54 pm  Mathias : 19 points

Matthias got stuck in a closet haha!~Alfred

Plan #7: Jealousy

Warning: may result in catastrophe where your friends get locked in a basement. Don't use on a Tsundere, they most likely won’t understand and it will cause confusion. Better used when they are really oblivious, but use with caution.

Alfred (entered 4:58 am) : 20 points

Matthias (entered 4:30 am) : 22 points

Antonio (entered 3:54 am) : 20 points

Plan #8: Picture Perfect

entered at 8:05 pm Alfred : 20 points

entered at 7:43 pm Antonio : 23 points

entered at 9:52 pm  Mathias : 21 points

Plan #9: Play's the thing

entered at 12:07 am Alfred : 22 points

entered at 5:32 am Antonio : 20 points

entered at 11:57 pm  Mathias : 21 points

Plan #10: Nighttime Dates

entered at 3:21 am Alfred : 21 points

entered at 1:55am Antonio : 22 points

entered at 1:23 am  Mathias : 21 points

Plan #11: Gryffindors and Slytherins

entered at 4:54 pm Alfred : 18 points

entered at 3:13pm Antonio : 18 points

entered at 5:52 pm  Mathias : 19 points

Plan #12: Domestic af/Sibling's side

entered at 7:28 am Alfred : 24 points

entered at 12:37 pm Antonio : 22 points

entered at 3:39 am  Mathias : 23 points

Plan #13: Confessions of the heart

_______

Arthur had been doing some student council work in the office. His office he would like to think. Of course it was dedicated to all members of the unit, but he was the one who was in the rather spacy room most of the time. Michelle was the only other person accompanying him then, carefully putting books away like he had asked.

“Arthur,” She whined, “This is boring.”

The boy in question rolled his eyes and shook his head, “You sound like my baby brother Michelle. The faster you put those away the closer you are to leaving. That's the last task for you today since Alfred agreed to feed Sanders for the week.”

Sanders was the student councils pet. Issued to them by the dean their first year to ensure responsibility and show commitment. Of course, the fat hamster now just lazed around and didn't really serve a purpose other than converting oxygen into carbon dioxide and being the ‘cutest pet in the history of the world!’ as Feliciano put it one day. It now lived in the science wing on the other side of the school, since the temperature in the student council room was terribly dictated by the weather. Though for some reason, they still kept the food under Arthur’s desk. So they didn’t lose it? So they didn't forget to feed him? Arthur would never know why Michelle and Francis’ insisted on keeping it not near the cage.

Michelle perked up a bit at the comment, trying to act as casually as she could as she shelved the books, “How is Alfred? Haven’t seen him drop by here in awhile.”

Alfred wasn’t what you would call a… member of the student council. But he probably spent as much time in the office as any of the other members (save arthur) just hanging around. Michelle herself found herself drawn to his presence once, feeling giddy everytime he came to visit. That is until she realized that he only had one thing that kept him coming back to the boring and dreadful room.

That thing being, Arthur.

“Good I suppose. He gave me this book actually,” Arthur’s supposed student council work was put down for a second. Michelle felt betrayed. How dare he leisurely read while she did all of this labor?

Michelle tried to keep any annoyance out of her voice as she hummed, “Oh yeah? What's it about?”

“I'm not quite sure…” Arthur was about half way through the book and he was still not absolutely sure what it was about. It had a plethora of genres packed into it, adventure, romance, action, mystery… a few others.

Michelle paused her work to walk behind him, looking over his shoulder, “You’re almost a hundred pages in! How do you not know what it’s about!”

“I just dont Michelle. It’s rather confusing,” He grit his teeth. It wasn't his fault that the book was obviously written for people with attention problems. His brain wasn't able to keep up with so many plot lines at the same time. Snorting, Michelle watched as Arthur flipped the page with a huff.

The first thing that both of them noticed was a bright neon pink post-it. Second was the scrawly handwriting on said post-it.

a. Yes

b. Hell yes

c. A and B

~Alfred

It took Arthur a moment to understand what was going on, but Michelle squealed almost immediately.

The edge of the post-it perfectly underlined a quote from the main character asking the other character, “Will you be my boyfriend?”

Of course this is when Arthur himself squeaked and dropped the book, his face feeling red. He knew he should’ve just been nice and let Michelle leave early!

“That fucking! He! He made me read almost a hundred pages of a stupid book for that! He gave this to me over a week ago!” Arthur resorted to something more familiar than the warm and bubbly feeling wanted him too. Anger. Clenched fists. Screaming.

Michelle was unphased, laughing instead, “Oh Arthur! That's too great haha!”

It was at that moment, the moment when Arthur leaped up and started to chase Michelle around his desk, that the doors flew open.

“Where is the food!? I gotta go feed my little Sanders!” Alfred cheered, throwing his open book bag on one of the long desks, he paused though, eyes widening at the pair, “Bad time?”

Michelle shook her head and skipped towards the door with the few books she had left to shelve. Placing them in Alfred’s stunned arms, she smiled, “Someone found your note! Also, shelve these for me? Thanks!”

Both were left hearts beating frantically. Both left holding in breaths. Both minds left completely blank. Both left with cheeks red as they could possibly be. Both left frozen.

Until the door shut with a reassuring slam that seemed to wake them up.

“What is the meaning of this!” Arthur shook his head, scrunching up his nose, “You… this book was bloody awful!”

Alfred laughed sheepishly, “Yeah, wasn’t my ‘cuppa tea’ either.”

“So why did you…” Arthur sighed and leaned back into his desk, which faced the door.

Alfred took a strong breath before marching forward until he was directly in front of Arthur, “What do you say?”

“I say that this book clearly doesn’t deserve the types of reviews that it got.” Arthur answered stubbornly, avoiding the topic that he knew Alfred was trying to address.

Alfred playfully rolled his eyes, finding it ironic that he was the one putting up with the childish bullshit for once, “Not what I meant Artie. And you know it.”

“Know what?”

Alfred carefully walked closer until his legs hit up against the table between Arthur’s thighs, “You’re smarter than this Arthur.”

“Of course I’m smart. I am at the top of our class for most things,” Arthur huffed, “Maths is hard.”

“Mm… sure it is Arthur,” Alfred laughed, placing a hand on top of Arthur’s on the desk, “So, can you do this simple equation? What is you plus me?”

“Back to the bad lines? I don't know Alfred, pain on your part? Suffering? A swift kick to your private area?” Arthur smirked, unsure of where his confidence was coming from considering that his head was spinning, “Again, I was always on the bottom when it came to mathematics.”

Letting out a snort, Alfred cupped his face, “Lucky for you I was always good at that class.”

“Mm,” Alfred liked the way that Arthur simply buzzed with contentment at the familiar bantering, humming nicely, “So, tell me. What’s the answer than?”

Alfred tsked, “Now that’s just cheating. I already made it multiple choice, it can’t get easier than that.”

“Okay…” Arthur turned his body slightly to reach behind him for the book and a pen, flipping through the pages, “Let’s see.”

Alfred watched, amused as Arthur dragged his pen across the post-it, “So? What’s the answer?”

“D.” Arthur handed the book back with an unreadable expression.

Alfred on the other hand was confused, “D? That wasn’t an option.”

Flipping back through the pages until he found the pink post-it.

a. Yes

b. Hell yes

c. A and B

~Alfred

d. Kiss me?

Arthur watched in amusement as Alfred’s eyes widened, “Seriously?”

Nodding was all it took for Alfred to close the distance between them.

Arthur's lips were softer than he remembered, Alfred noted out of habit. They were far more inviting than when it was a forced action on a stage in front of a theater full of people. It was sincere, private. And just screamed Arthur.

How could two people be happier? Alfred kept one hand on his cheek and the other at the small of Arthur’s back. While the smaller male wrapped his arms around Alfred’s neck so that he didn’t fall backwards onto all of the papers that still covered his desk. The moment was silent, but spoke all of the feelings that they had kept inside for a while. The true and deepest ones. The ones that could only be shown through pure action and not loud words or suspecting glares.

Breaking apart after what seemed like a blissful eternity, Arthur spoke in a breathy tone,

“Alfred, you still have to-”

Alfred dove in for another kiss and almost passed out when Arthur laughed into it.

“-to feed sanders. He needs his food or he’ll get sick.”

The American sat up, looking down at his perfectly flushed boyfriend, who was breathing hard on the edge of the desk. Ah, he could say that now. Arthur was his boyfriend, all his and no one else's! Wow. That sounds kinda possessive and creepy. But oh well, that didn't make it any less true.

“I'll feed him in the morning,” Alfred groaned, tugging Arthur closer, “His cage is all the way across campus, and I'm a bit preoccupied right now.”

Arthur rolled his eyes and pushed on Alfred's chest, “It's only a building away. He needs to be fed, it's barely a ten minute endeavor. Five if you run.”

“Yeah but five minutes away from you would be too long, I wouldn't be able to live,” Alfred thumped their foreheads together, “What am I supposed to do?”

“You will, go feed that poor hamster,” Arthur shook his head, “I'll still be here when you come back.”

“You sure?” Alfred started to get up, knowing that he wasn't going to change the brits mind, “I just got you and I don't want you disappearing on me.”

Arthur blushed a little, “I'm not leaving. Now just go you idiot! The longer you stall the longer it's going to take!”

Alfred’s eyes widened, and he nodded excitedly with a grin stretched across his face, “I'll be right back!”

When the door shut behind Alfred, Arthur finally was able to release a sigh of relief. How did he end up here?

Before he could turn into a blushing, puddle of embarrassment, Arthur sat up and smacked his hands against his cheeks. It was real. Andddd now he needed a distraction before he over thought anything before Alfred came back. He looked around, searching for something to do.

The desk that Alfred had carelessly thrown his stuff on earlier was a mess still. Maybe he could straighten it out before the he got back. Picking up and stacking the note books carefully before shoving them back into the open bag, he hummed to himself. It was just like Alfred to leave pens and various papers around to clutter his backpack up and… was his computer on?

Arthur lifted the lid from its half closed state, the screen still glowing. He squinted from the sudden brightness of the light. He was just going to turn it off and leave it alone, but then his vision became a bit clearer and the big bolded text in the center of a document caught his attention, Arthur rubbed at his eyes, “What is this? How to Win a Tsundere’s Heart?”

_______

Awesome F. Jones changed the chat name to HELP SOOS EXTREAMELY IMPORTANT

I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG. I HAD SO MUCH STUFF BUILT UP AND THEN I WAS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING... BUT I PROMISE THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY SLIGHTLY MORE WELL WRITTEN THAN THE LAST CHAPTER OF CRAP! I HOPE U LIKE IT!

New Years was approaching faster than anyone realized. Christmas was great but since everyone was always broke because of school and stuff the only gifts that were exchanged were the ones that were organized via secret santa. Of course there were a few exceptions, close friends and couples exchanged in addition to the secret santa.

New Years was exciting because they had the whole week from Christmas until the seventh of January to do whatever they wanted. And most people chose to go home since the break was so lengthy and the campus would be completely empty otherwise.

With two days left before New Year's Eve, students all over the campus were packing a small  bag to get ready for the new year. Arthur peaked under his bed, looking for a novel that he had borrowed from his mother months ago, “Lukas! Have you seen my copy of pride and prejudice?”

“Have you looked in your desk?” Lukas neatly folded a blue shirt before placing it in his bursting case, “When was the last time you even touched that thing?”

“Ah ha! Here it is,” Arthur held the book up triumphantly, “how did it get wedged between the mattresses?”

“It wasn't me,” Lukas struggled to close his suitcase, “When did they say buses were leaving?”

“Um,” the other blond pondered for a moment, “I think Mrs. Calliandra said three.”

“Yeah three o'clock sharp as the bitch put it,” a voice walked in and plopped on the bottom bunk face down, “I can't believe you losers are actually going home.”

“You've been showing up here lately,” Lukas rolled his eyes and picked up the shirt that Lovino has knocked off the bed, “why?”

“Why? Cause we're friends.” Lovino pretended to be offended by the question, “Don't friends hang out in each other's dorms?”

“We're about to leave though,” Arthur remarked, shoulders deep in the closet, “Alfred, Matthew and I are leaving at three thirty in order to make it for an early dinner.”

“You guys live like, fifteen minutes away from here. Why are you guys going to fucking early?” Lovino mumbled, his head still buried in the plush comforter.

Arthur zipped up his final bag, “Because our parents want to see us before they head out to go to Hawaii together. Alfred and Matthew should be back sometime later today, but I'm staying to watch Peter.”

“None of your brothers are coming back?” Lukas quirked an eyebrow, “Don't they usually?”

Arthur sighed, “the twins are out with college friends and Dylan can't cause a plane ride home from Cambridge would be to costly. And Allistor is spending it with his fiancé’s family, they actually might drop by but not for long.”

“I'm trapped here all break,” Lovino complained, “What about you?”

Lukas picked up his suitcase and raised the rolling handle, “I'm catching the bus back home with Matthias, Tino, and Berwald.”

“Oh, Emil must be happy that you're visiting,” Arthur smiled, finally being able to plop down next to Lovino, “does he know?”

“Yeah,” Lukas rolled his eyes, “He's so happy. The grumpy little fourth grader thinks I'll embarrass him in front of some friend he's bringing with him.”

“Oh?” Lovino peaked his head up.

Lukas started to roll his bag towards the door, the wheels making a weird noise as they dragged across the floor. They could hear his voice that was damped by distance, “He called me yesterday to beg me not to come back. Said he was bringing someone important to stay over and that i would be the death of him, I have to go. Bye.”

The door shut and Lovino turned to Arthur, “so dinner?”

“Yeah,” Arthur waved his hand, “Were going out somewhere since we’re all family friends. You're really not going to head home?”

Lovino clicked his tongue, “Sit on a train for a day and a half? That's way to fucking long. Plus my grandpa is away and Sebastian wanted to come see us at the castle or so he calls it.”

“Sebastian is your youngest brother right?” Arthur feigned any real interest. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t absolutely invested in Lovino’s story… okay it was that. But to be fair, Lovino looked bored by his own words.

Lovino nodded, “Yeah. He’s as old as Emil and he wants to come here when he’s older. He’s ridiculous, thinking that far ahead. The brat is bound to get homesick if he comes here.”

Arthur was about to reply that little Peter was only about two years younger than Sebastian and he was already talking about wanting to go to the magical looking high school. His younger brother would constantly grate on him, telling him that he would easily get into the private school if Arthur had been able to. But he was never able to express his annoyance because there was a heavy knock on the door, “Arthur! Are you ready? Mattie’s got our stuff in the car and we need your bag!”

Lovino smirked, “Go on princess. Your knight is waiting.”

“Very funny Lovino,” Arthur deadpanned, “I hope you enjoy your break in this solitude.”

Arthur left Lovino on his bed, closing the front door with a slam.

___________________

“Ah! I am so excited to see my family again!” Tino chirped in front of Lukas, “Were supposed to be eating a special dinner tonight, aren’t you excited?”

Berwald had a small smile on his face, wrapping an arm around the fin. Though his good mood was interrupted as Matthias reached over the bus chair and clapped on him on the shoulder, “Ya excited to tell your parents? Tino, what was your dad’s dating policy again?”

“Hehe…” Tino’s expression seemed to dim a bit and he turned to pat his boyfriend on the shoulder, “Good luck sweetie.”

Matthias let out a howl, “You’re gonna need it Ber!”

Lukas tsked, turning back to his book. Tino’s dad wasn't very fond of Berwald. Never was from the very beginning. Fathers intuition? Call it what you will, but no matter how pleasing or kind Berwald was to the guy, all he received in return were pointed glares.

“Don't worry,” Matthias laughed again, “You can come over to my house if it gets to be too much.”

Since Berwalds family had moved closer to the high school when Berwald was older, the swede would have to stay with one of them if he were to go back to his home town. Which was ideal since he wanted to spend a lot of time with Tino, but scary considering the boy's father was an ever looming presence. Lukas let out a huff, mumbling under his breath, “In Laws can be scary.”

To which all three of them caught, and only Matthias found terribly hilarious. Tino smiled, wishing it weren't true while Berwald seemed to sink just a little bit farther into his seat.

The rest of the three hour bus ride wasn't very exciting. They eventually ran out of ways to poke fun at Berwalds obvious issue with Tino’s dad and settled into sleeping.

Matthias stretched his arms out moments before they had to get off the bus, nearly hitting Lukas who was peacefully sleeping beside him. He had a strange crick in his neck and his legs were numb from not standing for a while, but he didn't seem to mind as he looked over at his companion.

Lukas looked smaller when he slept. Not younger though, like everyone often said, just tinier. His breathing pattern was soft and steady, his hair falling over his face and framing his naturally rosy cheeks. Lukas wasn't analyzing everything when he slept, he wasn't constantly on guard. He looked content and Matthias just couldn't find it in him to wake the guy. He chose to stare a bit longer, deciding to wait until the last possible moment.

“You should take a picture,” Tino turned around in his seat, “it’ll last longer.”

Matthias just smiled, “no picture could ever capture something as beautiful as this.”

________________

Lovino ended up taking a nap in Arthur's bed before he left the room. By the time he finally awoke he had a few missed calls from Feli and a stream of worried texts. Kicking himself off the bed, Lovino went to go find his brother before he worked himself into a panic and called the police. Feliciano was a handful sometimes, meant well, but was a handful. He was slightly glad that the worrisome guy would be out with Ludwig, and the german’s brother and boyfriend for New Year's day. Now the only ones he had to worry about were his pesky roommate and youngest brother. At least he had two days to come up with a game plan.

When he opened the door to his dorm, he wasn't expecting to see his other brother. Sebastian was fiddling on his phone not even bothering to look up when he heard the door open, “Gramps dropped me off and I think Feli is gathering a search party for you. I dunno why though, there’s no one here. Its lame.”

“You’re in fourth grade, go outside and kick a ball or something,” Lovino deadpanned, “Why did grandpa drop you off so early?”

“Because I was buggin him or something like that!” The boy giggles and puts his phone down, “Long time no see Lovi!”

“I can’t possibly see why he would think that you were annoying,” Lovino mumbled, “And don’t call me that Sebastian.”

“Awe, I know, I know,” Sebastian laughed as he attempted to throw an arm around his brothers shoulders, giving him a wink, “It’s a special name reserved for your boyfriend .”

Lovino sneered as he watched the nine year old collapse into a fit of giggles, “Shut up you fucking brat! You know thats not whats going on.”

“Lovino’s gotta boyfriend! Lovino’s got a boyfriend!” Sebastian sung as he continued to roll around on the plush bed, “Haha! You’re all red!”

Lovino was about to pounce on the guy before he heard the door open and a panicked voice call out, “Lovi! Are you here? Feliciano called and said that you were missing!”

“Well well, look what the cat dragged in, perfect timing,” Sebastian said low enough for just Lovino to hear before cupping his hands around his mouth, “Yeah he’s in here!”

Antonio beamed as he walked in and Lovino sighed. The spaniard seemed to notice the younger italian and smiled, “Sebastian! I didn’t know you were supposed to be coming, I would have gone out to find our monopoly game.”

In the past, whenever Sebastian would visit, Antonio would go and find his old monopoly game that he brought from his home. It wasn’t often that the young boy would visit, but the two of them would often spend hours playing while Lovino caught up with his grandfather. Sebastian secretly reveled in time he got to spend with his brother’s roommate. Hanging out with his brothers was fun, sure. But neither of them liked to do things that Sebastian liked to do. Antonio would take him outside to play catch, or soccer, which his brothers did indulge him in once in awhile. The two Vargas twins were on the soccer team. But most of the time they were too preoccupied with their grandfather to want to play outside. And the both of them didn’t know how to play baseball that well.

Sebastian supposed that Antonio didn’t really know how to play the game much farther than being able to catch and throw. The spaniard mentioned something about a friend named Alfred teaching a whole bunch of them in a short amount of time. Sebastian really liked the sport and played it for their town.

But other than playing sports outside with Antonio, Sebastian liked playing board games with him. When he was really young and visited when his older brothers were only freshmen, Sebastian knew that Antonio would let him cheat. Whether they were playing cards or chutes and ladders, Antonio always let him win. It was a nice gesture that he appreciated, yet when he was around seven he asked him to stop.

Sebastian remembered the face that Antonio made, like a dad finding out that his child knew all along that he was really the one putting money under his pillow when the tooth fairy visited. He let out a flustered laugh and just said, “You caught me!”

“Lovino didn’t tell you that I was coming?” Sebastian pouted, “Why didn’t you tell Toni, Lovino?”

Lovino sighed at the boys whining, “I’m a busy person Sebastian. It slipped my mind okay? I'm sorry.”

“You’re saying sorry?” Sebastian looked shocked, “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

“I’m allowed to say sorry once and awhile brat.” Lovino crossed his arms as his roommate let out another laugh.

“I’m going to go call Feliciano so he can stop freaking out,” Antonio wandered outside, “Sebastian, I’ll go find the game too!”

Lovino groaned as he watched his brother cheer and call out, “Wait for me! I wanna go too!”

____________________________

Dinner with their parents hadn't been all that exciting. It was actually more like a late lunch than anything, meaning that they were all hungry again by six o'clock. Alfred had imagined it to be a little worse than it was. His parents were open minded, so we're Arthur's, so it didn't bother them when Alfred fake gushed for his brother about Gil, cooing, “They're so cute all the time. Gil's real sweet to him, I approve.”

His little comment raised a few eyebrows. Both families knew Gilbert, it was hard to miss the kid when Alfred and him hung out almost everyday during freshman year, back when the boys were too frequently homesick to stay in the dorms. Alfred knew that his parents liked Gilbert too, he was always polite even though his shouting was a bit much at times. Matthew had just shrunk lower into his seat, both him and Arthur kicking Alfred in the shin under the table as punishment. When Alfred lurched forward with a yelp of pain, His brother smiled, “Gilbert is great though.”

“So, why didn't you bring ‘em here!” His father had laughed. The rest of dinner had been boring. It was the usual catch up chatter that occurred between people who haven't talked in awhile. It had gone smoothly without a single hitch. Which was the weird part.

Arthur knew it was too good to be true, his parents whispering to him as they hugged goodbye, getting ready to drive off to the airport, “So love, how are you doing? You'll be okay?”

He nodded, “I'll be fine. Peter probably won't cause that much trouble while you're away.”

His mother nodded and laughed, “Mm, and those two are staying to help you?”

“Ah. No I think they're going back to the academy.” Arthur didn't like the look his mother gave him when she sighed, looking years younger than she actually was and just as mischievous.

“My poor baby, won't be with his beloved boyfriend for New Year's?” She laughed as Arthur squeaked in protest, “It's okay darling, there are many couples who have to separate for holidays right?”

“I'm not dating anyone mother,” the blush crept up Arthur's neck as he clenched his fists, “you know that.”

Letting out a wistful sigh, Arthur's mother kissed him on the cheek, “Let a women dream Arthur. You and I aren't getting any younger and your brothers…”

“What? But, Allistor and his fiancé, not to mention Dylan is dating that fellow. The twins are both older too, and Peter is well...” Arthur scrambled, “Why? What's wrong with them?”

“Ah nothing,” Arthur watched as his mother's shoulders drooped, “I would just love an in law as sweet as Alfred.”

“Mum!” Arthur let out an irritated huff.

The Brit started to pinch at the bridge of his nose as his mother laughed, “I'm sorry sweetie, he's just so cute though. Watching you two grow up, ah my heart! Fiona is nice, but you know she's just not my type of person.”

“Vile and soul sucking? With a personality like that I can't possibly come up with a reason for you not to like my dear brothers fiancé.” Arthur rolled his eyes.

His mom sighed, “I just want what's best for you honey. Oh! I also promised to pass this along.”

His mother poked around her bag before producing a tiny slip of crumpled paper. Arthur took it from his mother, unfolding it, “A number?”

“A friend at bridge has a son who saw your picture-”

“You said you'd stop showing that around!”

“-and he said you were cute. Just think about it, I worry about you Arthur.”

“Moments ago you were gushing about Alfred and now you're handing me the number of a stranger.” Arthur grumbled, stuffing the paper into his pocket, “I don't understand you sometimes.”

His mom laughed as she pulled him into a hug, “call and invite the guy over one of these days! New Years is only two days away and don't you want to have someone with you when the clock strikes midnight? I love you sweetie, we'll be back next week.”

“I love you too,” Arthur hugged her back. He understood her worry for him. Honestly he did. When his brothers were his age they had already gone through a few boyfriends or girlfriends. They had always asked to either go somewhere or bring someone back home for the holidays, so Arthur's mom was a little worried when he hadn't turned out anything like them.

Even Peter claims to have a girlfriend, and he was in third grade. Weren't cooties still supposed to be a thing for kids that age?

Arthur watched as his mother and father pulled away with the mr and Mrs. William-Jones, the car bound for the airport.

Waving excitedly, Peter turned to run into the house, “Are all of you coming?”

___________________

“Emil!” Matthias yelled as he walked through the door of the Bondevik-Steilsson household, placing the hide-away key on the front table to be put back later, “Buddy?”

There was a thumping noise coming from the general direction of the stairs, “Matthias?”

“Hey!” Matthias was taking off his shoes when the little boy jumped up and wrapped his arms around his legs, “How are you doing?”

“I’m okay…” The boy backed off, a little shyer now, “Why are you here?”

Matthias laughed, “My parents said they were going out of town for a while, so I’ll be in and out of here for a few days, is that okay?”

The dane only lived a block or two away, so he was able to travel between the two houses easily. His parents also decided to go on vacation, and not tell him. Instead they left a note on the kitchen counter and a bottle of champagne for him in the fridge. Matthias loved his parents, but sometimes he wished they were a little more… parent like.

“Yeah.” Emil gave him a small smile, his eyes wide and curious.

Matthias ruffled his hair, “Where’s your brother?”

Emil turned wordlessly and ran through the house, Matthias trailing slowly behind him. Emil had ran into the kitchen, gaining his brothers attention.

“Emil? Where’s your friend?” Lukas who was cutting something up, turned around with the knife in his hand.

The knife didn’t change the fact that Lukas was absolutely adorable. The blue and brown striped apron was hanging on his frame and his hair was pinned back with a few extra clips, fuzzy and fluffy socks on his feet. A loose shirt and sweatpants hanging on his smaller frame. He looked a little surprised to see Matthias there instead of whoever Emil had over.

“Matthias?” Lukas raised an eyebrow, placing the knife down and abandoning the pepper he was cutting.

Emil rolled his eyes and pattered back up the stairs, probably back to his room where his friend still was. Matthias scratched the back of his neck, “What are you cooking? It smells good.”

“Its stew, and what are you doing here?” Lukas walked over to the stove and picked up the spoon, stirring whatever was in the pot.

“My parents went on a trip or something… left me a note. So I figured that i’d come see my best friend in the whole world!” Matthias walked up beside him, “Where are your parents?”

“Mor’s went shopping for the New Year’s party they’re going to, and mom’s still at work. She and mor are having a date night since I'm here to watch Emil, they probably won't be back until morning.” Lukas filled a spoon with the reddish looking food, placing the end on his lips own lips. After nodding to himself, Lukas held out the utensil, “Try this?”

It was more like a command than a question, but Matthias would have tried it anyways. He smiled as his mouth filled with the warm liquid and sighed in contentment. As always, Lukas was amazing at cooking. Matthias gushed, “it's really good, what's in it?”

“See I told you.” Emil’s voice cut Lukas’ Possible answer off, “Gross right? Sometimes they’re worse than my parents.”

Matthias and Lukas both turned to the two little boys now sitting at the island in the middle of the kitchen. Emil was smirking while the boy beside him smiled politely. Lukas just rolled his eyes and went back to cooking, but Matthias placed both hands down on the counter, “And who are you?”

“My name is Leon, nice to meet you sir,” the boy said with confidence.

Emil shook his head mumbling something along the lines of, “kiss up.”

“Mmhm. And Leon,” the Dane walked around to throw an arm around the tiny Asian boy, and there was some bite in his tone, “What are your intentions with my little Emil over here.”

“Matthias!” Both brothers snapped imminently. Lukas had whipped around with the spoon, nearly splattering food everywhere with a murderous look and Emil looked up at him with the biggest pout he'd ever seen. Leon seemed to be the only confused one.

Emil was sat mortified, maybe it wasn't his brother that he had to worry about being embarrassing. Sure his brother would probably try to pull out the photo albums, maybe send some glares that Leon would be oblivious to. But he never anticipated for Matthias to pull the whole overprotective, ‘daddy's little girl’ act.

Emil wasn't even a girl! He was a man. A manly man that could take care of himself. Elizabeta had taught him all he knows.

“Matthias, Emil is in fourth grade!” Lukas scolded him, he placed the spoon down on a napkin and shook his head, “They’re kids. And just friends for that matter.”

“You’re not freaking out about this? Lukas, this is Emil we’re talking about…” Matthias was shocked that the norwegian wasn’t fretting over his brother, tilting his head, he added, “I knew who I was going to be in love with forever when I was around that age. Why shouldn't I be suspicious?”

Lukas turned red and Emil started to snicker, “You two are ridiculous, C’mon Leon, I can still build a better Lego dragon than you!”

The two ran up the stairs, their playful bantering fading away as  the thumping grew louder. Emil’s door slammed with a bang.

______________________________

After a while of playing board games the three boys decided to call it a night. They had to be wide awake to stay up the next day, since it was New Years. Well they had to be able to stay up until midnight which wasn't too late. Well. For the older boys anyways.

Sebastian had thrown all the pillows and blankets onto the floor so all three of them could be together. Of course those weren’t enough though, so Antonio had to go and nab pillows from Francis’ room.

He may or may not have broken a thing or two in the process.Francis wouldn't miss that lamp right?

When Sebastian snuggled in underneath the pile of blankets in their little nest, Antonio wasted no time following. Lovino sneered at the two, shaking his head, “You two are stupid.”

“Aw come on Lovi! Join us!” Antonio wrapped his arms around Lovino's waist, dragging him down as the boy protested, “We can read that story book that we always do!”

“Ah! I have it right here!” Sebastian pulled it out from underneath his pillow, “We can all read it together this time.”

Lovino stopped fussing and slid into the spot to the left of Sebastian, peering at the beaten up cover. It was one of Lovino and Feliciano’s old picture books, the spine was worse for ware and there was some water damage on some of the pages. But the story was one that they had enjoyed, no matter how old they got.

Sebastian particularly liked it when Antonio would read though. Lovino would sometimes come back to the dorm room early enough from late night talks with his grandfather to catch the last few bits of the story that Antonio could get to before Sebastian was knocked out. It was sweet, the only source light coming from Sebastian's night light. He could hear his brother giggle happily as Antonio used a funny sounding voice for a character. Lovino would always wait until the boy was asleep though to sneak in and go to bed, not wanting to break the magic that the two had created.

So this is to say that this would be the first time that he was experiencing the story up close and personal. Like. Really though dude. He had so many opportunities to but he was more of a chicken than he let on.

Antonio settled in on the other side of Sebastian, watching as the boys little hand flipped the page. He grinned brightly as Sebastian looked up eagerly at him, looking much younger than he actually was.

“Once upon a time, in the world of outer space, great evil loomed,” Antonio read as Sebastian flipped the page, “We must defeat the star defenders! Said the evil overlord.”

Lovino couldn't help but crack a smile at the fake nasally voice. Sebastian was already reduced to a fit of laughs.

“A million light years away, in the star defenders ship, captain Uran was briefing his team,” Antonio looked over at Lovino's, nudging him on the shoulder.

Lovino rolled his eyes but spoke anyways, “Alright crew! We must defeat the menosmen bases before they can grow!but before then, no more ice cream !”

Sebastian couldn't help it. He fell over, laughing into his pillow, at his brother's attempt at a deeper and authoritative voice.

Antonio watched as Sebastian's face absolutely glowed with pure happiness. And Lovino's own wasn't that different. The Spaniard liked times like this, where the only thing they had to worry about was who was going to read what and how much their stomachs were going to ache from laughing. The ever so rare innocent smiles from Lovino were always a plus too. It was a nice break from the usual mayhem.

“But commander!” Sebastian could barely get through his line without breaking down, his voice purposely pitched high for the character, “How are we supposed to do that?”

With the dim lights and warm blankets around them, the three grew tired as they continues to flip through the pages. Their laughter died down and turned into content smiles and small chuckles at particularly funny moments. It was so warm, both from the blankets and the sweet atmosphere in the room. It was relaxing. Sebastian had stayed awake through the vast majority of the book, which he has never done before.

When Lovino was soundly asleep beside him, Sebastian figured that it would be safe to whisper to Antonio, “Toni can I ask you something?”

Antonio stopped reading, placing the book down, “of course Sebastian. Do you want a different story?”

“No it's not that,” Sebastian rolled over to face the taller boy. Placing his hands under his right ear like a pillow, Sebastian yawned, “Do you really like my brother?”

Antonio looked a little shocked, “of course I do.”

“That's good! Cause I really like you… Ludwigs a nice guy but he can be kinda scary,” Sebastian's eyes started to close, “Promise that I'll get to be the best man?”

“Hm?” Antonio smiled, “I promise. Buenos noches Sebastian.”

“You have to love him forever you know,” Sebastian was practically mumbling now, “He may be grumpy but he's my brother. And I know he needs it.”

Antonio chuckled at the small boys concern, pulling the blanket over the both of them. As he settled back in, he felt a smaller finger wrap around his pinky, “gotta promise.”

“I will definitely love him forever,” Antonio squeezed reassuringly, “I promise.”

Soon the two energetic souls were out like a light, both snoring lightly, but Lovino couldn't seem to sleep anymore. The tips of his ears a brilliant red.

______________

“Mattie tell Arthur to stop,” Alfred whined as he and Peter were shooed out of the kitchen, “he's going to poison us all.”

Peter pouted like the older male, both of them crossing their arms like petulant children. Well. One of them was a child so he had an excuse.

“Sorry Al,” Matthew shrugged, “not my house. And I'll be the one cooking so just go.”

Peter gave up, his attention span giving out, “Alfred can we just go play now?”

“Yeah,” Alfred sighed and a smile adorned his face again. He ruffled the boy’s hair, “What do you wanna do?”

“I got an idea! Follow me!” Peter tugged on his sleeve, pulling them towards the family room. The couch was big and placed across from an equally impressive tv. Peter had instructed him to sit on the sofa before he ran towards his room. Alfred could hear his footsteps on the floor and a concerning heavy thump before the frantic patterning resumed. When Peter re-emerged his tiny arms were filled with blankets and a few pillows balanced on top.

Alfred instantly got what he was going for, “Ultimate pillow fort time?”

Peter nodded excitedly and threw all the items in his arms to the ground, “we can make a big castle and play dragons!”

The two of them started to construct the pillow walls, making sure that they were sturdy enough to hold up nicely. When they started to run out of materials they ripped the couch cushions off and Peter sneaked into his siblings rooms. It wasn't like they were home anyways.

The fort was simple, it used the couch and three chairs for the back support, where they draped a nice blanket for a roof. But the majority of it has no roof, it was almost like an open courtyard. The wall wasn't that tall, but if Peter kneeled he would only be able to peer over the top of it. They decided to use Peter's Giant sea turtle plushie as a door, trying to make it seem more magical.

Peters laughter only grew as the tower of pillows Alfred had been working on toppled on top of the older boy. Alfred's stunned countenance only added onto the humor.

Alfred soon joined in, the child's laughter infectious. Both of them heaving on the ground by the time they calmed down. Peter breathlessly let out, “This is fun!”

Alfred smiled and turned to look at the happy look on Peter's face. He felt bad for the kid. All his brothers were much older than him, and he was usually trapped at home by himself. Alfred had always had Matthew growing up. His built in buddy.

“What in the world are you two doing?” Arthur was puzzled, looking down at the two figures lying on the ground.

Alfred peered up, “Pillow fort. Wanna join?”

“Um…” Arthur looked at the pillows then back down to Peter's content expression, he didn't want to ruin the fun, “I don't know if that's such a good idea.”

Peter offered an oblivious smile, “C’mon Arthur! You're always too busy to play.”

Which was true. Arthur of course never meant to be extremely busy whenever he had a chance to see his youngest brother, he just was. Peter understood to some extent, but he was still just a kid. Arthur felt guilty though.

“Okay…” He reluctantly joined them in them pillow fortress, “What are we playing?”

Alfred placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, “Lighten up dude! I think we were just about to play knights right?”

“Yeah!” Peter crawled into the hooded part of the fort, “Wait right here!”

As Peter rummaged through the tent Arthur turned, “This is… rather impressive.”

“Thanks,” Alfred had a proud smile on, “I try.”

Peter re-emerged with three different things in his hands; First was a tail that could be worn as a belt, second was a foam sword, and lastly there was a flower crown looking headpiece. It had nice ribbon intertwined with the flowers, the ribbon extending and flowing freely in the back.

Taking the sword for himself, Peter handed Alfred and tail and placed the crown on his brother's head. “I'm going to be the knight!”

Arthur reached up to touch the object that had been placed on his head while Alfred strapped the tail on. Arthur glanced around confused, “How do you play this?”

“Well, you're the princess,” Peter smiled at him, oblivious to the indignant squawk that Arthur let out. It was one thing to let Feliks embarrass him by making him play such a girly part, but his own family?

Alfred laughed, practically reading his friend's mind, “Or you can be a very pretty prince.”

“Yeah!” Peter cheered, “and I gotta rescue you from the dragon!”

“Why can't I be the dragon? Don't you want to stab me Peter?” Arthur raised an eyebrow. His brother gave him a puzzling look, obviously trying to come up with a reason.

“Because beginners aren't allowed to be something cool.” Peter settled on, crossing his arms.

Alfred nodded, “now go to the tower prince. I must keep the noble knight from getting you.”

Sighing, Arthur obeyed and sat on the staircase between the kitchen and living room. Alfred gleefully followed, standing at the base of the stairs. Alfred and Peter used to play this a lot more when they were younger. They would usually use dolls though, waiting for Arthur to stop doing whatever it was that he had to do before they did something else.

Peter began to count down from twenty. With the dampened numbers from the living room echoing around them, Alfred leaned closer to Arthur “So basically, you have to just stay here until Peter slays me.”

“It's quite self explanatory Alfred,” Arthur rolled his eyes.

Alfred huffed, “Well you were the one that wanted to know how to play before.”

And before Arthur could retort Peter came barreling in, foam sword drawn. Alfred was prepared for it though, quickly blocking it with his arm.

“Die dragon! Let the prince go!” Peter went to go slash again. Arthur let out a fond laugh at the scrunched up and fox used look on Peter’s face, the tiny kid was taking this game extremely seriously.

Alfred let out something akin to a roar and turned to face Arthur. For a split second, Arthur was able to raise an eyebrow, giving him a questioning look. But Alfred never responded, instead he just wore a devious smirk before throwing Arthur over his shoulder.

“Alfred! Put me down this instant!” Arthur wriggled as Alfred made a mad dash for the living room. Peter stood there stunned for a moment. Carrying the princess was never part of the game.

Peter tilted his head before laughing, dashing after the two, “Come back here dragon! Give back his highness!”

Surely running in circles with someone hoisted on his would tire Alfred out, but five minutes later and he was still trying to dash away from Peter. The little boy himself was giggling hysterically, trying to keep himself from toppling over with laughter. Arthur could feel Alfred’s grip on his legs tighten, the warm grip readjusting as they ran in circles around the staircase.

Under different and not so jostling circumstances, Arthur would have been embarrassed and extremely flushed. But instead he was laughing along with them. Alfred was absolutely thrilled to feel the soft vibrations coming from his friend.

Arthur could see Peters amusement from his position on Alfred's shoulder. The little boy was happier than Arthur had ever seen him, which made Arthur's smile just a little bit wider. He cared about his younger brothers happiness, and if playing these silly games with Alfred and himself would offer his brother just that, then he would gladly give his time to watch his little brothers face light up. Of course he would never say this out loud, peter would protest that it was too mushy or something.

But as they were making another lap around the staircase, the front door opened. Peter bumped into Alfred's legs and stumbled backwards as Alfred stopped moving in his tracks. Arthur tried to crane his neck to see what had made the game pause so abruptly,but he couldn't see past.

“I see you're having fun,” came the light yet gruff tone that Arthur recognized and couldn't really tell if he loved or not. His mother did mention something about Allistor coming by.

“Hi Allistor!” Peter chirped, poking his head out from behind Alfred’s leg. Alfred seemed to unfreeze and Arthur felt himself being lowered to the ground. Alfred had wrapped an arm around the shorter blonde’s waist when his feet touched the ground since he had stumbled a bit. After regaining his posture, Arthur turned to his eldest brother

“Hello Allistor, Fiona. I see that Cecillia is doing…” Arthur looked at his soon to be sister in law and her swelling stomach, “Well.”

Fiona narrowed her eyes and Alfred could feel the two youngest Kirkland brothers cower a little, Peter’s grip on Alfred’s leg tightening and Alfred’s grip on Arthur’s waist tightening as well. Fiona rubbed at her stomach, “Yes, Cecillia is doing fine. She is due in two months after all, Arthur.”

“Play nice,” Allistor hissed before clapping his hands together, “So how are my two underlings?”

Peter just nodded, still eyeing Fiona’s long and sharp nails. Arthur just sighed, “We’re good. Mum and Dad just left a little while ago and Matthew is making cookies in the kitchen.”

Allistor nodded before toeing off his shoes and wandering towards the kitchen. As Fiona trailed after the older Kirkland, the three left visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh.

“How about we just go wait in the fort for the cookies to be done!” Alfred tried to get Peter to smile again, “I bet I can beat you there!”

Peter just nodded excitedly, taking off before Alfred could even register the conformation, “Hey! That’s cheating!”

Arthur smiled warmly, walking after Alfred, who started to sprint. The tower of pillows jostled a bit as Peter and Alfred ran full force towards the canopy part of their fort, diving on the couch. Alfred pulled Arthur down by the waist underneath the blanket top once the brit wandered close enough to be snatched. Breathing hard, Peter held something in front of all of them, it was glowing weird colors.

“Look! I got this for christmas!” Peter watched amusedly as the color changed from blue to green, “Its a bright lite!”

He held the fluffy pillow close to his chest, and let Alfred wrap and arm around him as well. Held close to the warmth, Peter could feel his eyes starting to droop down and a small smile grace his lips.

“It’s great Peter,” Alfred mumbled as he and Arthur were left to watch the lights change underneath the dark tent, “It’s really cool.”

In the kitchen, Matthew was rolling out dough and using cookie cutters to make fun shaped cookies. He didn't even look up when he heard someone come into the kitchen, “Alfred! I told you they will be done in one second, I’m taking them out now! Calm your fatass!”

“Wow… I never thought that I would hear little Mattie say something like that,” Matthew lifted his head up so fast that he thought his neck snapped, “Hey.”

“Allistor! What are you doing here?” Matthew sheepishly laughed, “I mean this is your house and all but… ”

Matthew almost jumped backwards at the woman’s appearance. She was sickly thin except for her pregnant stomach, “Hi. I’m Fiona.”

What in all mighty demons hell is that-she. She's a… female. I think. Matthew forced himself to look at Allistor, “Well this batch is done.”

The piping hot chocolate chip cookies looked delicious. The three of them wanted to eat the whole tray by themselves. But they wouldn’t. They couldn't. To stop temptation they let the cookies cool and started to walk towards the living room.

“Al! Peter! The cookies are re-” Matthews voice died in his throat as he peaked into the tent.

Allistor chuckled behind him, Fiona letting out a huff, “Well I’ll be damned.”

Alfred had both of the Kirklands laying on his shoulders, a content smile on all of their faces. Peter was drooling a bit though, the glowing pillow clutched to his body for dear life, and a spot on Alfred's T-shirt darkening with the liquid.  hand was caught under Alfred’s, close to his hip and his hair messed up in a funny but cute looking way. All three looked like they had just passed out from exhaustion. Which was extremely possible.

“We should probably let them sleep,” Matthew let the flap of blanket fall from his head, “More cookies for us though!”

_______________________________

They ate dinner about three hours ago, Leon left two hours ago, and Emil was tucked into bed less than an hour ago. Matthias practically melded with the couch after popping a random movie into the dvd player. Lukas wasn’t in any better shape, looking tired as hell from making sure that the two fourth graders were entertained all day. That meant eating, some messy arts and crafts, saving a vase from breaking during an intense nerf war (That vase almost knocking over was sooooo not Matthias’ fault… it was who ever decided that it would be a good idea to place a vase in the corner of a room’s fault.), and an bedtime story that dragged on for an hour or two.

Lukas didn't even protest when Matthias threw a blanket over them and pulled him into a side hug. He greatly accepted the gesture, tiredly leaning into the touch, “Kids are hard work.”

“Yeah…” Matthias chuckled, “I don't remember ever being that accident prone. Not to mention they’re attention spans are practically non-existent.”

The dane could practically feel Lukas rolling his eyes, “You don’t remember that because you still haven’t grown out of that phase.”

“Hey!” Matthias shoved him over a little, “I’m still as adorable as a kid too.”

Lukas just hummed, “Sure.”

It was quiet for a few more milliseconds, Lukas and Matthias finally letting out the desperately needed sigh of relief. The day had turned out to be a more stressful one than either of them had anticipated,  fun, but stressful. Just as they had settled in, both their eyelids becoming heavy with sleep, there was a small tug at the blanket. Reluctantly wrenching their eyes open, Matthias and Lukas sat up.

“Emil! Whats wrong?” Lukas looked at the fidgeting boy standing in front of them, Emil’s white nightshirt and dinosaur pants were rumpled and his silky white hair was knotted, “Can’t sleep?”

Emil just shook his head and wedged his way into a spot between the the elder boys, Matthias lifted the blanket for him to crawl under. There were no more words spoken, Emil just fell back asleep after being wrapped up and surrounded by warmth. When Matthias could hear Lukas’ faint snoring he turned to look at the boys next to him. Emils head was snuggly fit in the crook of Lukas’ neck and Lukas’ head rested nicely on top of Emil’s. Matthias reached over, praying to god that he wouldn’t wake them as he placed a small peck on both of their foreheads. He sighed contently, letting himself get pulled in by sleep.

______________________________________

Lovino woke up by someone pouncing on him, laughing in his face. He tried to blink open his eyes, “Lovino! Wake up!”

Lovino’s first instinct was to panic, “What? Sebastian what happened?”

“Nothing! But today’s new year’s eve and were making churros!” Sebastians cheery voice filled the room.

Lovino’s next move was to throw the pillow back over his head, “Where is Antonio? Ask him to help you.”

“He is! We need you to come too!” Sebastian was already trying to tug him out.

Lovino sighed, knowing that it was only a matter of moments before Sebastian would start to throw a fit. But before he could feign sleeping for a few more moments, he was being lifted off the ground. An arm hooked under his legs and back. Squeaking in shock, Lovino glared at Antonio’s bright smile. It was only… what? Nine am?

Who the hell was up at nine am during a break?

“Lovi! We gotta get ready for the new year!” Antonio dropped him on the mattress, “Get dressed! Sebastian and I have already prepared the batter!”

“Lovino! Lovino! Hurry! Were going to go to the kitchen!” Lovino huffed as he removed the shirt that was thrown at him from his vision, “Antonio! I bet I can beat you there!”

“I’ll give you a head start! Count to ten,” Antonio stood, hands on his hips laughing as the boy squealed with giggles before running away, “You better run!”

Lovino rolled his eyes at their childish behavior, “You two are ridiculous.”

There was no malice behind his words, only a faint trace of fondness. Antonio smiled, wrapping him up in a hug, “Get dressed, we have a lot of things to do today!”

Antonio screamed out “Ten!” even though Sebastian was probably already half way across the campus and heading towards a home ec. Room. He ran out after them and Lovino started to get dressed a little faster. Wanting to join in their game.

__________________________

When Peter shook himself awake, he was in his bed. He didn't remember ever going up to his room, but he figured that he must have been transferred there at some point during the night. He had also been changed into Pjs. But not his cool ones, the old shark ones. Must have been his brother, Arthur still thought he was only five. He could smell something good coming from downstairs, which meant that Arthur was not cooking, which meant that Alfred or Matthew had stayed over. And his stomach growled.

Peter was hungry.

As he stumbled into the kitchen, Alfred was plating pancakes and bacon for three. He paused as he saw Peter enter, “Good morning!”

“Good morning Alfred! Happy new years eve!” Peter plopped in a seat at the island.

Alfred laughed, “It’s going to be a good new year, right? Why don’t you go into the living room, we can watch TV while we eat breakfast!”

Peter nodded, smiling wide, he loved sunday cartoons. He hadnt been able to watch them in a while, his parents hogging the TV to watch the morning news. He climbed back down the chair, and padded towards the living room. He tilted his head, confused when he saw that the castle had been dismantled, but he didnt mind. Instead, on the couch Arthur sat and the television was spewing news about the new years party in new york and whatnot.

“Here Peter,” Arthur reached over and passed him the remote, “I think Spongebob or something should be on.”

Peter gleefully took the remote, sitting down on the floor in front of the couch so he didn’t disrupt Arthur’s careful folding. Wait. What? Why was his brother folding laundry?

“What are you doing Arthur?” Peter looked up at his brother.

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows for a moment, “What does it look like I’m doing Peter? I’m folding the laundry that I did this morning.”

“Yeah… but why did you do the laundry?” Peter watched as Arthur carefully folded a pair of pants, “Aren’t those... my... clothes?”

Arthur just nodded, “When I went to go get your clothes ready for today I couldn’t find one pair of socks. Peter, tell me, where are all your socks going? You lose them almost all the time.”

“Are you harping the kid about his socks?” Alfred came in with a tray of food and plopped down next to Peter who reached for a strip of bacon, “Arthur, everyone knows that the sock monster eats them. He’s a hungry guy.”

Arthur rolled his eyes as Peter nodded along, “Yes. I bet his appetite is as large as yours right? And that’s why even after doing all of Peter’s laundry I still can’t find a single pair?”

“We can go buy him more socks when we go get the stuff for the party tonight,” Alfred waved him off before continuing to cut Peter’s extra large pancake up into triangle slices, “Easy fix.”

Arthur shook his head, starting to put all the folded clothes back into the laundry basket to be put away later, “If he keeps just getting new socks, he’s never going to take responsibility for them. And what party are you talking about?”

“He’s a fourth grader Arthur, his socks are bound to disappear,”  Alfred held out a fork with a bit of pancake on it for Arthur, “And I am talking about our party of three for New Years eve. Duh. Mattie and Gil are doing something with Feliciano and Ludwig and your brother left for Fiona’s parents house, remember?”

Arthur took the bite of pancake, carefully slipping off the couch, “What a hoot that party will be.”

Peter was absorbed in his cartoons, laughing to himself as the character did something particularly stupid. Alfred stuffed another pancake bit into the distracted boys mouth, “It’ll be the best one of the new year!”

_______________________

“Matthias! No, a little lower!” Emil watched as Matthias wobbled a bit on the chair he was standing on, “It has to be perfect!”

The dane streched as far as he could to hang up the banner, “Is that good?”

Emil made a frame with his fingers, connecting the two L’s that he made, “Just a little more to the right, no my right...Down a bit, up!”

“Desserts 's almost re-” Lukas came in, his apron dusted with flour and chocolate, “What are you doing?”

Matthias huffed and just tied the string where it was despite Emil’s glare, “Decorating!”

“Isn’t it a little late for that?” Lukas looked towards the cable box, “It's five minutes to midnight. New Year’s eve is almost over.”

“Ah is it really that late already?” Matthias hopped down from the chair that he was standing on, scooping Emil up with one arm, “Turn on the countdown! We’ll be there in a second.”

Lukas sighed as the two of them disappeared up the stairs. He went back into the kitchen to grab the ice cream and cookies they had prepared for the count down. Lukas tapped his foot as he impatiently flipped through the channels to find the one the NYC countdown would be best broadcasted. There were only a minute left and he could still hear Matthias and Emil giggling over something above him. They were going to miss it.

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

There was a distinct pop noise and Lukas was showered with Confetti. Lukas turned his head and saw his brother smiling, holding a mini confetti cannon, and when he turned the other way-

Lukas didn’t register Matthias’ lips on his own until he heard the dulled out, “Ew! That’s gross!”

Though Emil’s giggles and protests were lost once Matthias placed one hand to the back of Lukas’ head and the other on the small of his back. It was soft and light, nothing intense, but it was still just as sweet.

“Okay… You can stop now,” Emil wedged himself in between them.

Matthias laughed and Lukas just stat stunned, Emil just pouted. Hugging both of them, Matthias cheered, “Happy New Year!”

______________________________________________

“Turn the music up more!” Sebastian cupped his hands around his mouth, “There’s no one here!”

“Sebastian the countdown is going to start soon!” Antonio screamed above the music, “Were never going to be able to hear it!”

Sebastian didn’t listen, instead he wandered over to the speaker system and tapped the plus button until the music was at an ear splitting volume. He grabbed his brother’s hand and Antonio’s, moving around and swaying, “Dance!”

“Five seconds!” Lovino shouted, looking at the small Laptop screen. Sebastian was still jumping up and down as fast as his little body could.

The youngest italian smiled, “Five!”

Sebastian held on tighter to both of their hands before loosening considerably, “Four!”

“Three!” Sebastian pulled his brother’s hand and the spaniards together, linking them, “Two!”

“One!” Pushing his brother on the back, the two older boys crashed together, Lovino’s head on Antonio’s chest.

The taller male just smiled, cupping Lovino’s cheeks and leaning down. Lovino gasped a little and closed his eyes as he sunk into his New Years kiss.

“Lovino’s kissing someone! Lovino’s kissing someone!”

Lovino broke away, hugging the boy so tight that Sebastian was starting to hit his brothers arm, “Shut up you little brat.”

________________________________

“And I think that one’s the big dipper!” Alfred pointed up towards the sky, “And that one’s orion's belt.”

“What about that one?” Peter gestured to a cluster of stars.The air was cold outside, since it was January, and the grass in the Kirklands backyard wasn’t very warm. Peter didn’t mind it though, he was in his fluffiest winter coat and wedged nicely in between the two teens.

Arthur squinted at the stars, “I think thats Canis Minor.”

“Oh! Guys, I think it’s almost time!” Alfred looked at his watch, “Where’s the radio?”

Peter shuffled a little bit, producing a small device from under him, “I have it!”

Alfred took it from the younger boy, pulling out the antenna and playing with the dials until they found a channel. It started playing broadcasting some station in New York.

“Alright folks!” the radio crackled, “Let’s start our countdown into the new year! Grab that special someone and pull them close. It’s time! Five!”

Peter started to laugh and cheered, linking his arms together with his brother and Al, he started to scream along with the radio people, “Four, three, two, on-!”

The little boy stopped when he felt his brother and Alfred kiss his cheeks, pressing hard enough for Peter to have to make a fishy face. Smiling contently, Peter held onto both their hands, pressing them close to his chest.

Arthur’s face was hot and red, from the cold or embarrassment, and Alfred’s smile was brighter than the stars. They held their foreheads together, Peter still wedged in between them and cheering, “Happy New Year!”

________________________________

Domestic af/Siblings side

Alfred (entered 7:28 am) : 24 points

Matthias (entered 12:37 pm) : 22 points

Antonio (entered 3:39 am) : 23 points

_____________________________

Awesome F. Jones changed the chat name to Tsundere’s + kids = my heart is shot x3x

Awesome F Jones: So. How did the plan go for you guys?

Antomato: great! Muy bueno, Sebastian came to visit!

Awesome F Jones: Lovino’s youngest brother came???

Antomato: yeah! I had no idea! It was so fun seeing him o3o

So you got to spend time with the other one. :Me

Well, I guess you didn’t have to worry about Feliciano running off to do something else :Me

Antomato: Yeah! He ended up spending most of the break with Ludwig somewhere so I would’ve failed the plan if Sebastian didn’t show up

Awesome F. Jones: Kids are so cute

Tru o3o :Me

__________________________________

“Emil were leaving now!” Lukas called up to his brother, Matthias already pulling their suitcases out the door.

The boy thumped down the stairs, “Wait! Lukas!”

“Whats wrong?” Lukas looked a little panicked at his brothers flushed face.

Emil just smiled up at him, “Ya know Lukas… Matthias is really cool.”

“Mmhm?”

Emil just gave a smirk that made him look a lot older than he was, “He’s a great guy. And he’d make a great boyfriend~”

“Emil!” Lukas tensed, face bright red.

The younger boy just laughed, “He’s practically family already, why not just make it official?”

Lukas couldn't get his brother’s smug expression out of his head the whole way back to Hetahigh.

______________________________

Sebastian Vargas

Sebastian: Big Bro!

Sebastian: I forgot to tell u!

What is it Sebastian? Did you forget something here again?: Me

Sebastian : U no… Antonio is a very good looking person. He’s like a movie star and I think tht I overheard the lady at the park say smthing about his butt and greek gods.

Sebastian! : Me

Sebastian : Ok ok

Sebastian : Point is, he’s not going to be ‘on the market’ forever

Sebastian : I rly like him 2. I will kill u if he doesn’t come over for vacay in cali

Sebastian, California is supposed to be a family reunion: Me

Sebastian : ur point is?

Sebastian : He’s like my bro 2 its fine

Sebastian just mind your own fucking buisness: Me

Sebastian : I may b stupid sometimes, but he’s not gonna b single forever Lovi!

Sebastian : Go get em bro

SEBASTIAN!: Me

_________________________

“Alfred!” Peter whined, “You’re going to come back soon right?”

Alfred ruffled the boy’s hair, smiling, “Of course buddy! Just tell your brother when.”

And although Peter tried his best to be upbeat, as soon as Alfred went to start the car, Peter started to cry. The tears streaming down his face was a giant contrast to the happy expression he had been wearing all week, and it made Arthur’s heart break slightly.

“Peter… Why are you so upset?” Arthur knelt down to eye level with the boy, “Were going to come back soon…”

Peter furiously swipped at his eyes, “But… I don’t want you guys to leave!”

“Peter… you have to be a big boy now okay?” Arthur pulled the boy into his chest, carding his hand through the boy’s hair, “Why are you so upset?”

“Because… What if Alfred is like Alli?” Peter wiped his snot on his brothers shoulder.

It took Arthur a moment to realize what his brother was talking about. A little while ago, about seven months to be exact, Allistor was still living at home. Allistor worked only a block away, as a manager of a restaurant and it was easier for both of Arthur’s parents and him to stay in the Kirklands house to watch over Peter when he could. Though that all changed when he found out that his girlfriend, Fiona, was pregnant. Suddenly it was all proposals and moving boxes.

And Peter was left alone…

“Oh Peter…” Arthur rubbed circles on his back, “Alfred’s not going anywhere sweetie…”

The sniffles started up again, “But! But! What if he gets a benancy like Allistor! Then he’s gonna have to move away and not visit for a long time.”

“It’s a fiance honey… and that’s part of growing up. You fall in love and get married,” Arthur swallowed a lump in his throat, “But Alfred and Allistor will always love you.”

“But! I don’t want Alfred to get married! Cause then he’s not going to be around,” Peter pulled away to look into Arthur’s eyes, “You can’t let him okay!”

“What?” Arthur tilted his head.

“Promise?” Peter’s voice was hard and serious.

Arthur smiled, “I can’t guarantee that Peter. You marry who you love and you can’t stand in the way of that.”

“Then…” Peter furrowed his eyebrows and stared hard at the ground, “You marry him! Promise me that you’ll marry him! That way he’ll be my big brother too for real and… and… You guys can come visit me more. Together!”

“Peter…” Arthur’s pupils were blown wide, “I…”

The boy just stuck out his littlest finger, “Pinky promise me Arthur? You love him, don’t you?”

Arthur had to leave, he couldn’t be sure if he would be able to keep that promise but he wrapped his pinky around his brothers and kissed his forehead goodbye.

December had to have been one of Arthur’s favorite months. Not only for the cold and crisp weather that made it easy to snuggle under a warm blanket with a piping cup of tea, but also for the wonderful events that came with the cold season.

And yes. Christmas or hanukkah or any of those kinds of holidays were very special and joyful periods of time for many people. But that's not what Arthur was so elated about. It was the events that Hetahigh held during the month that made going to school a bit more bearable. Just a bit.

It was his last year too, he was going to make the best of it. From about the second week in December to Christmas Eve, hetahigh held what they would like to call “the hogwarts inception period”. The entire school would shut off its electricity and students would either hand in their phones or leave them in their dorms. Students would have to go to their respected guidance counselors to get their robes and they dusted off their old wands that they either whittled freshmen year or purchased online. The school's staff did a wonderful job of making the already castle like school look like the magical place that could only truly exist on the pages of a book.

Arthur always loved the way the paintings decorated the walls and the halls were only lit by the torches. It created an entirely different atmosphere. The school cafeteria tables were replaced with longer, wooden ones that were only used for three special occasions, the shiny lacquer still intact even after all those years. Classes were reduced to only half a day, starting at seven and ending at eleven. After that they were the “special electives”. The science teachers always banded together to create some fun experiments akin to potions and the English teachers dug up old English books to read and analyze. Oh what time it was to be alive! No seriously. It might seem like work but in all honesty it was pretty fun.

The brit of course had to re-read the books before the events began and, as tradition, he would race his room mate. He tried to finish the series first, reading and flipping through pages whenever he had free time.Though it was a real competition when it came down to it. Damn that norwegian and his super reading skills.

Arthur felt happy to get out of bed that morning, the snow that fluttered down and covered the ground in a nice, thin, white powder. He practically skipped down to his guidance counselor's office to redeem his robe for the final time, elated that he'd be able to keep it after this year. A few of the freshmen looked on in fright as their usually grumpy student body president glowed with happiness. The world must have been ending!

He was able to quickly retrieve his things for the following day, one of his favorite day's of all time. The Monday to start off the annual events that Arthur looked forward to each year. Oh what was he going to do next year? Colleges won't be as interesting as this. He supposed that he'd cross that bridge when he got to it.

Snuggled back into his dorm, he read on his bed and waited for Lukas to come back from gathering his things as well. The hot cup of tea on his bedside table was steaming, on a coaster though, he didn't want to leave any marks. But all in all, these winter days alone in his dorm with one of his favorite books and favorite drink, were some of Arthur's favorites.

He flipped the page about twenty more times before his roommate came back, carelessly (well as carelessly as Lukas can be) throwing his robe over his desk chair. Arthur didn't even look up, “I'm five pages away!”

“I finished last night,” Lukas smirked at the disbelief on Arthur's face.

Arthur gaped, “but! Just yesterday morning you were only twenty pages in!”

Lukas just shrugged, dropping down onto Arthur's bed. Arthur let out a groan, but ardently finished the rest of the book. He had just closed the book shut as they heard a knock on their door. They both looked at each other, neither expecting any sort of company on their day off. It's fucking Sunday, who would come bother them on a Sunday?

Lukas was forced off of Arthur's bed with a shove and he walked towards the door, glaring at his friend. The norwegian swung open the door, not even bothering to look through the peephole first.

“What the hell,” he let out in a flat tone. Lovino stood in front of him, a large suitcase and what looked like a sleeping bag in his arms. The Italian had his own scowl ever so present on his face.

“Let me stay here.” It was more of a command rather than a request. Lovino pushed past Lukas and wandered into the dorm room, throwing his belongings under the bunk bed. Now the room was rather spacious, but three people to a dorm room? That was going to be quite a squeeze.

Arthur watched with a questioning glare, “What are you doing?”

“Getting away from Antonio,” Lovino replied as if it were the most obvious thing.

Lukas wandered back into the room, flopping back into Arthur's bed again, “I thought you decided that you weren't going to do that anymore.”

“I wasn't. I'm still not,” Lovino shrugged, “but that doesn't change the fact that he's one of them. And I'd be caught dead rooming with one.”

Lovino watched as the two others mouths formed perfect O’s, understanding what Lovino was talking about.

So let's explain, cause if it's kinda confusing for the writer it's probably kinda confusing for you.

During the first year of high school, in the first week of December, everyone takes a test before the computers are cut off. That test acted as a sort of sorting hat, considering that the school didn't actually have a magical hat. If it did that would be cool, but sadly they could only attempt to recreate it. Total bummer. The program organized everyone into the four houses (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff) based off a hundred or so multiple choice questions and that was to be there house for the next four years. Then during that same week the students could order a robe based off their house and gather their things they needed for the remainder of the month.

Now, yes even though it's a rivalry in the books and even movies that doesn't mean that Gryffindors and Slytherins had to have this detailed rivalry in this real life sort of scenario. And to be honest, at one point it there wasn't one. But years ago, way before Arthur had started school at heta high, a snarky little Gryffindor decided to say something about being the ultimate house, especially over slytherin.

What a jackass amirite?

Anyways, that just set off a chain reaction, and even though that asshole of a kid has long since graduated, there was still a deep rooted sense of rivalry between the two houses. It was a matter of pride.

Something that Lovino had a lot of. Which is why each time December rolled around, he'd go to room with his brother and Ludwig. Though, because of recent events, recent relationshipy events, Lovino didn't want to stay with his twin. And neither of the boys could argue with that considering they didn't even want to be in the same room as the hufflepuff and other slytherin sometimes.

Lukas was about to ask why Lovino chose their residency when there was a knock on the door. When no one moved Lukas groaned sitting up again, “no. Not everyone at once. I'll get it.”

He pulled open the door and flinched as Antonio's first nearly hit him. Antonio seemed to realize that the door has opened and offered an embarrassed smile, “Ah Lukas! Lo siento, I did not realize that the door had opened. Is Lovino here by any chance?”

Lukas just rolled his eyes, nodding, “Yeah, why?”

“Could I maybe come in?” Lukas nodded and let Antonio pass him before shutting the door and following himself.

Then Lukas noticed something. Fuckin Spaniard had the audacity to wear his robe into their dorm.

If you haven't already figured it out, which would be understandable cause of this crap writing, all three of the dear Tsunderes are slytherins. And I bet you can guess who are all Gryffindors.

Antonio could tell from the slight glare he was receiving from the other three that entering the room after coming straight from getting by his stuff was probably a bad idea. He put his hands up in surrender, “Lovino just come back, please? It won't matter I promise.”

Lovino scowled, “not happening. Lukas and Arthur already agreed to let me stay.”

Arthur look at at Lukas raising and eyebrow and muttered, “we did?”

Lukas just shrugged and before Antonio could let out another plea there was another knock on the door. They all looked at him and the Norwegian glared, “you're kidding me right.”

Lukas groaned as he made his way back to the door for the third time. When he flung it open again, slightly angered, he had to dodge a frantic fist that had been insistently knocking on the door.

“Okay stop.” Ludwig caught Feliciano’s flying arm again. The shorter just smiled at Lukas who was too annoyed to return the gesture.

“Have you seen my brother?”

Lukas opened his mouth to reply but was cut off my Lovino who screamed from inside, “Go away Feli! You too bastard!”

Ludwig thought that the other twin had been referring to him until he heard a rather loud and painful moan. The two of them pushed past Lukas to see what the commotion was about only to find Antonio on the floor writhing in pain.

Lukas barely closed the door when there was another knock. He swung it open, ready to attack the next person he saw. His anger quickly dissipated though when he saw Kiku and Elizabeta, both adorning worried looks.

“Is everything okay in here?” Kiku’s eyebrows were knit together, “we heard screaming.”

Lukas never got a chance to reply because as soon as he opened his mouth Francis had appeared, slapping a hand down onto Kiku’s shoulder. The boy let out a startled yelp and the Frenchman laughed, “Are you guys having a party?”

“No we-”

“You're having a party and you didn't invite me?” Lukas flinched as Gilbert ran up to them, an apologetic Matthew in tow, “everyone knows I'm the life of the party. How could you not tell me?”

“You guys planned a party? What a nice thing to start of this years events!” Lukas heard Tinos chipper voice among the crowd of people pushing into his dorm. He groaned as he felt his headache grow immensely. He shut the door in a lame attempt to block anyone else out and regretted it because the minute he did there was another knock.

“Fucking what?” Lukas let out a deep growl.

Matthias offered a confused smile, “what's the matter Lukas? Are you okay?”

“I'm just peachy,” Lukas’ eyes narrowed, “what do you want?”

“Have you seen Toni?” Alfred inquired, “We can't find him anywhere and we need his signature to enter into the Tournament.”

“You… well...ugh, just come in.” Lukas turned on his heel and left the other two to trail after him.

As soon as Lukas was in sight, Arthur hissed, “Lukas? What is going on!”

Lukas just shrugged and shook his head and plopped down onto the bed again, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Why the fuck are you all here!” Lovino screamed over the dozens of small conversations that were taking place.

“I happen to live here,” Arthur crossed his arms, “why are you here?”

Lovino scoffed, “I already told you. But I didn't think you guys would be the type to throw dorm parties.”

“Were not!” Arthur protested, “It's because of you that all these people showed up at our dorm.”

Lovino narrowed his eyes, “how is it my fault?”

“Look,” Lukas interrupted before the quarrel could escalate any further, “The point is, why are you all here?”

Everyone sort of just sat there, not knowing what to say. To be perfectly fair, they just heard noises and decided to follow their ears. There wasn't a particular reason for all of them to be scrunched into a tiny room, a limb touching at least one other limb. They were all just extremely nosy bastards. Go figure.

Tino could see how annoyed his friends were getting, obviously they were not expecting to host this many people, “Ah, why don't we talk about the tournament? Alfred, I think I heard you mention it on your way in…?”

“Oh yeah. Matthias and I were looking for Antonio to be on our team, but we need his signature to sign up and stuff. It's been kinda hard communicating now since they took our phones already,” Alfred dug around his backpack that he had been carrying, “Hold on! I'll find it.”

They all watched as Alfred pulled out many miscellaneous items and papers, practically dumping out his entire bag to sort through everything. The sheet he was looking for had been specially requested and given to him by his guidance counselor, as any tournament sign up sheets were. Now the event that everyone keeps referring to was supposed to replicate the Triwizard tournament. Though of course this was a lot less dangerous and people still had yet to die trying to accomplish any of the three tasks given.

If you don't know what the Triwizard tournament is, it would be very beneficial to look up the quick wiki summary right now. If ya don't know what it is, then be warned, this could get confusing. Well, it's probably going to be slightly confusing either way.

Now, since no other school offered something as extravagant as the hogwarts winter time program, the board decided that the houses would compete against each other rather than having three schools fight. Only seniors were allowed to enter for a chance to be in the tournament. Since the school didn't want to limit everything to one person only, in fear of making someone more upset since it would be the last year of their high school careers, they all had to enter in teams of three. Yay.

But while multiple teams could enter from each house, only one team would be selected for each house. Still following?

For many years each house would just decide on a team and be done with the whole ordeal of having to choose names out of a hat. And this year was no exception.

“Ah! I got it!” Alfred waved a paper, “here Toni, the rest of the Gryffindors voted for us but we still need the forums filled out.”

Antonio took the paper and drew squiggles that could be equivalent to a signature. Possibly.

“Ah, the hufflepuffs almost have their minds made too!” Tino chirped, “Ivan, natalya and I are probably going to enter.”

“I think we agreed on the Belismet brothers and Elizabeta,” Arthur looked towards the girl for some sort of confirmation.

Elizabeta smiled, “Yep! Handed the forums in last week.”

Nodding, Francis added, “It was going to be Vash, Toris, and I for Ravenclaw.”

“Well then,” Arthur clapped his hands together, “this will surely be an interesting year. Happy to have talked with all of you before the competition starts and we are enemies, now if those of you who don't live here would so kindly leave, Lukas and I have quite a number of things to do.”

Everyone started to get up, realizing how late it was getting. Okay, so four o'clock wasn't really late late. But still, most of them had a good few hours of homework left to do.

Elizabeta called out with a wink before they all left, “Remember to ask that certain sometime to the ball guys!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Lovino ended up staying. Arthur and Lukas were just happy to reduce the number of the people in their dorm down to three. The had all finished their , work hours ago and now they laid still and looked up at the dark ceiling. The moon was shining bright, and it was close to one o'clock. But none of them could sleep.

Most of it was the adrenaline that coursed through their bodies, the excitement of what was to come tomorrow. The other part of their brains were still caught on what Elizabeta had said.

The Yule ball was held each year on the same night that it had taken place in the books. On Christmas Eve. The only difference was that the tournament games would be over by then and only the members from the winning team would lead the first dance. Of course that means that everyone would have to go through the torturous task of gathering up the courage to ask someone to the dance. And what if someone you didn't expect to ask, asked you? Reject them and hope and pray that the one person you wanted to ask you asks you? Or do you say yes in fear of ending up alone? Or maybe form a group…? Loneliness loves company or some shit like that.

Knowing the party planning committee this year-Elizabeta, Francis, Kiku, Ludwig, and Gilbert- everyone knew that this wasn't going to be just a ordinary school dance that you'd have in a poorly lit gym. No, it was going to be an extravagant fucking ball that would probably be pretty damn amazing.

“Can any of you sleep?” Arthur softly called out.

Lovino groaned from his spot on the floor, “trying to. And if you want to just talk about feelings or shit again, I don't do the whole fucking slumber party thing. Let me sleep.”

“Way to be an asshole,” Arthur threw his extra pillow, it landed with a splat on Lovino’s face, “I'm just… excited for tomorrow. It's our last year.”

The Italian pushed the thing off his face with a huff, “You don't need to be all

sentimental about it.”

“Do you guys think our house will win the cup this year?” Arthur asked, only half expecting a real reply, “I’m sure Eliza, Gil, and Ludwig won't go down without a fight.”

Arthur could hear Lukas shift on the bunk above him, “it's hard to tell.”

“Yeah,” Lovino shuddered, “I wouldn't want to mess with the hufflepuffs this year. Ivan and Natalya are scary by themselves, but Tino…”

Arthur and Lukas caught on and the Brit groaned into his pillow, “Tino can be a fucking psychopath.”

“But he always has a smile on,” Lukas added, pulling his blanket closer to him.

The boy on the floor yawned, “I think that just makes it worse.”

Arthur was barely able to mumble out a goodnight before he passed out.

--------

By the end of the first week everything was in full swing. The first years had gotten used to the shorten schedule and were happy with all of the extracurriculars that they had signed up for. Everyone was getting into the magical spirit.

Thursday. It was the chosen day in which all students would find out who would be representing each house to compete for the Triwizard cup… or the QuadWizard cup? It was plastic. Of course Lukas wasn't surprised when they announced the groups, each one was more of a conformation of the people they had expected to be in the competition.

The first task was set to be on Saturday, and of course it would not be as deadly as it was in the actual wizard world. There was still such things as lawsuits and the school didn't really feel like getting involved with those. But that being said, the tasks were still rather… dangerous. To put it lightly. That’s what stopped most people from entering the competition.

Lovino probably would have entered, the whole thing was definitely appealing… but that would mean that he would have to do work. And work was…. Well work. As in fuck that shit.

It was going to be a close call this year, everyone could tell already. The competitors from each of the teams were all not willing to give in to anything. The task was to remain a secret and no one would have any idea what it would be, then from there on it was up to the competitors to decipher the clues that they receive with the completion of each task.

Come Saturday no one had any idea what would become of the day. All of the seniors gathered in the courtyard, waiting for their principal to make some sort of announcements, the sun taunting them even on the chilly winter day. Lukas rubbed his hands together, standing with the rest of the seniors from his house.

“Okay, I am sure that all of you are excited to start this year off… am I right?” The principle nodded as they cheered, “But first the rules!”

The rules of the competition were simple. No cheating of any sort, no foul play, no electricity. Each student had a wand of their own, and they worked. Sort of that is… there were certain areas of the school that were speech sensitive, of course only to certain spells…. It was limited really. But they did still work in some cases! The wands were allowed to be used, though only if they were used to cast spells. What was slightly frightening was that they all had to sign a waver. The kind that could mean serious business.

“Do you think it’ll be hard?” Arthur looked over at his friend as the Principal finished up his speech, “I hope that they’ll be okay.”

“I’m sure it will be… fine.” Lukas trailed off as he watched the head of the school lead them all towards the gym. The students trailed along, gathering in the stands by their separate houses.

Each group of competitors gathered in a bunch in the middle of the gym, “Okay, are you guys ready?”

The groups cheered, moving to their respective corners of the gym. In each corner there was a vest for each of them and a gun looking device. Each person put it on, trying to figure out what the competition would be. A few of them were scared that they were actual guns, but after checking they realized quickly that it was plastic.

“Okay, does everyone have a vest and gun?” The Principal announced, standing in the bleachers with the rest of the students, “The objective is to stay alive for the next ten minutes. Each person who survives will get one clue for the next trial. This is lazer tag, but it can still get pretty dangerous. Good luck!”

Alfred let out a huff as he cocked his gun, the timer starting almost immediately after the principal started speaking. Each of their vests started to glow and he quickly aimed for the center of Francis’ vest. Easy targets first. He laughed as the Frenchman just shrugged, as if he was expecting to get out.

The american was a pretty good shot, he wasn't so sure how Antonio and Matthias were though. He quickly aimed again before ducking behind one of the rock like structures that were set up, “Hey, are you guys doing okay?”

“Yeah. I don't have great aim though,” Matthias huffed as he aimed at Elizabeth and missed, “How did you manage to kill Francis already?”

“Luck I guess,” Alfred aimed again and hit Gilbert square in the chest, he smirked, “Or maybe not.”

“Well whatever it is-” Antonio was cut off by his chest plate making a dying sound, he quickly looked around and saw Tino get up from a tough looking position, hiding his chest skillfully as he ran.

Damn it. They forgot that Tino was probably the best shooter in all of their school. He won first place in front of Alfred for the sharpshooting competition at the state fair, bullseye every time. It was quite terrifying.

“Goddamnit,” Lukas heard Lovino huff under his breath, holding on tighter to the bench he was sitting on, his knuckles turning white. If his chest was pounding, he could only imagine how it felt for everyone in the competition.

The italian looked over at his friend, who wore a smirk, “What’s wrong Lovino?” Lovino just ignored him and clenched his hand tighter. The minutes ticking away unbearably.

Matthias got up and barely dodged one of Vash’s shots, rolling onto the floor. He hissed as he pawed at the cut into his side. It wasn’t a deep gash, but he could tell that he would have to scrub at his shirt for a bit. He moved to duck behind a rock, not really feeling the need to move but at the same time he didn’t want to be out.

Alfred shot Natalya and Tino hit Toris before the time was up. Out of breath and tired, they all were shocked that it didn’t come down to a shootout between Alfred, Tino, and Vash. The principal came down from the stands and handed each of the people who were still eligible an envelope with each of their names on it.

“Those envelopes hold the hint to your next trial in two days on the nineteenth,” The principal handed Alfred his envelope and leaned in, whispering, “And don't wait to ask that someone to the ball.”

Alfred's face turned red, nodding at his superior who winked at him. Damn that old guy. He knew. Dealing with the trials on top of finding out a way to ask that someone to the Yule ball. Matthias elbowed him, chuckling at his side.

____________

“You should be like, ten times more careful. You seriously are stupid,”Alfred said as Matthias lifted his shirt over his head, the nurse’s office was cool and Matthias shivered at the cold.

The dane sneered, hungry since dinner was set to be in an hour, “Shut up. We cant all shoot shit like you.”

“How do you even do this?” Alfred held a cotton ball drenched in rubbing alcohol up to eye level, “Should I wring this out or something??

Matthias scowled as Alfred carelessly pressed the cotton to the clotting cut, “Okay stop. You suck at this.”

“I would actually have to agree with him on that one,” Arthur stood in the doorway with Lukas, “Alfred, the principal wanted to see you. And Matthias, do you want me to get the nurse? She’s currently tending to Gilbert who ended up twisting his ankle once he was shot, but I think they were finishing up.”

“Nah,” Matthias waved him off, picking up another cotton swab and wetting it, “I’ll be fine here. Meet you guys at dinner.”

He heard footsteps becoming more distant as he focussed on his cut, rubbing lightly. He flinched as it made contact with his skin, the small patch of cotton that he touched turning red with blood. It was honestly ridiculous that it was still bleeding. It wasn’t that deep.

“Here,” Matthias flinched when he felt a hand carefully take the cotton out of his grip, “Don’t rub, you’ll make it raw.”

“I didn’t know you were a medic,” Matthias smirked up at his best friend and Lukas rolled his eyes, pushing a little harder into the cut than was necessary. Matthias’ face contorted in a bit of pain, “Ow!”

“Oops. My hand slipped.” Lukas said uncaringly. He finished wiping the cut and placed the bandage on it as carefully as possible, “There. Now don't be late for dinner.”

He turned to leave but Matthias caught him by the wrist, he pulled him into a hug, Lukas’ back pressing into his chest “Thanks.”

“Mmhm. Let me go.” Lukas mumbled, but he did nothing to move. Matthias liked the way his nose fit snuggly into the crook of Lukas’ neck, and how he could still be able to gaze out of the dusty nurse’s office window at the sun that was setting. Lukas’ hair smelled nice, like sweet honey and the cheap walmart shampoo that he saved three dollars on. It was sweet and a nice pale color that reflected in the tiny bit of light still shining.

Matthias willed them to stay there until they heard Arthur and Alfred’s voices coming down the hall to fetch them for dinner.

How to ask an angle to the ball. Thats a book Matthias could really use right then and there.

___________________________

Alfred shuffled in his seat a bit. The principal gazed at him from across his desk, smiling in a way that made Alfred slightly uncomfortable. Arthur had been ushered out by the secretary and that's when Alfred had taken a sharp inhale and he had been unable to let it go since.

“So Alfred,” The blond jumped at the mention of his name, “Who are you planning to bring to the ball?”

The boy opened his mouth and closed it a few times, before uttering a small, “E-excuse me sir?”

“You know I treat my student council like children. I only want the best for my little star student president.,” The principal laughed, “Lighten up. I’m willing to allow whatever you need. Let me help. Make this as extravagant as you want… you have the world at your fingertips.”

Alfred let out his breath, “Well…”

_________________________

“Okay everyone! Are you ready? There are three separate parts of this, all of you have an hour and a half limit. All of the school is on limits, no going off campus. Ready, set, go!” The principal yelled through a megaphone.

Alfred had bolted from his spot once the timer started. He had consulted with his team for hours. Granted they weren't the brightest of minds, but they were in honors classes. So they should have had some sort of ideas right?

Alfred had only gotten that the place would be somewhere in the west wing, which narrowed it down to the west theater, the bell tower, and about five classrooms.

Darling hear me, calling out my every will

The deep and darkest parts of every thrill

Hiding in the covers, waiting for the noise to sound

I find myself and possibly you drowned

The time ticks down to twenty until you and I can no longer hear

And then will you find one of your hardest and biggest fears

The west theater was empty and the classrooms were locked, so that only left the the belltower. He was still confused about what he was supposed to be looking for when he entered the tower. It was dark. And dark wasn’t good.

Dark meant that there were monsters. Monsters like the ones that hid under his bed. Ghosts like the ones that followed him around until he let his guard down. The things that were waiting to attack, the things that were out to get him

That's why he hated the dark. It was scary. And uncertain. He quickly wiped out his wand before waving it with a shaky hand.

“L-lumos!” Alfred clenched his eyes shut and waited to see if the voice command would work. He peaked one of his lids open, but he was still only faced with darkness. He faltered, knowing that the spell wouldn't work unless he spoke clearly. He cleared his throat and spoke with what he thought was more confidence, “Lumos!”

The lights in the belltower flickered on, but only slightly. It wasn't enough for Alfred to be completely comfortable though. Maybe he should have just turned back. He couldn’t do it. He was too frightened. So he wouldn’t have an aid for the next trial, he could do without it. It wasn’t like he could just give up though. He couldn’t, could he?

He had turned around. They were clawing at him. The demons. The monsters in the dark, he could feel them tugging at his feet.

“Help! Where the bloody fuck am I?” He heard a voice echo off the bell tower walls. Alfred's eyes widened, “Help!”

“Arthur?” Alfred’s voice came out like a whimper, soft and unsure. His fists were held tight at his sides and he called out in a louder voice, “Arthur! Where are you?”

Out of all the shit that he would face, Alfred didn’t know if he could do it. He wasn't sure. Maybe he could get someone else for help?

“Alfred? Help! I’m tied up and I… I don't quite know how far the drop is but I think this knot is undoing itself!” Alfred knew that his best friend meant more to him than anything, so he closed his eyes and ran into to dim halls.

He called out, wanting to find his friend as soon as he could, “Arthur!”

They shouted back and forth, but every turn that Alfred seemed to make was the wrong one. The walls echoed too much. He couldn't find him and the fangs were closing in. The suffocating shadows.

“Alfred!” Arthur’s voice was filled with desperation. And when Alfred opened his mouth to respond, the area was plunged back into darkness, “Alfred! I think I’m slipping!”

“Arthur!” Alfred curled himself into a ball, shaking his head furiously. He frantically cried out the spell again, but the bells chose that moment to start ringing. The felt tears prick at his eyes, “Arthur!”

He heard no response. He heard nothing but the bells. They were deafening.

He had to go get his friend though. Arthur was slipping. Whatever that meant. All he knew was that he couldn’t  leave him there.

He stood up, the constant bells and whispers still following him. He screamed out even though no one could hear him, checking every corridor. He was starting to panic, hyperventilating almost. His fear of the dark sounded silly if he said it out loud, but he couldn't get over it.

“Arthur!” He could hear the sobs in his voice, “Please! Where are you!”

Alfred felt his legs burning and he clutched at his chest, trying to hear over the enormously loud bell, “Alfred...Here….by the… help!”

Alfred ran towards where ever he thought the noise was coming from, and he saw something from about five feet up, “Arthur?!”

“Alfred?” Arthur was almost close to crying himself, “Help me please!”

“Just…” Alfred stood under the dangling legs, “Drop!”

“What? No!” Arthur's voice sounded rushed and he started squirming.

Alfred huffed, willing his voice to not come out in broken sobs, “Trust me, please!”

Arthur shut his eyes, wiggling out of the rope and screaming as he fell. Alfred caught him with little grace, but held onto him as he crumpled to the floor in tears. He clutched at his friend for dear life, burying his face in his shoulder. He could feel Arthur soothingly rub at his back, “Shh. Alfred…”

“Arthur. Theyre going to get us.” Alfred cried as his friend smiled warmly.

“They can’t. We're here together, and you’re strong enough to fight them off.”

“I…” Alfred looked up, grabbing at his friends face and staring into his eyes, “You’re okay. And… I can barely hear you right now.”

Arthur just laughed and placed his hands on his friends, “I can barely hear you too."

______________________________

Antonio didn’t know where he was heading towards. Without a clue his next trial could have been anywhere in the whole fucking school. Though he did have great luck when it came to finding things.

“What the fuck!” His ears perked up as he heard something when he passed by the gym, “Why the fuck am I here?”

He opened the gym doors and his eyes didn’t know where to look first.

It wasn’t a terribly elaborate set up. It was quite simple actually. Their school had a climbing unit for gym and extra curriculars. On the ground there was a harness and next to it was a ladder leading up to a platform. On the platform there was a self belaying device which would lead him to walk on a log that was suspended from the ceiling, and on the other side was a platform with Lovino, standing in his own harness and belay device, but handcuffed to the platform.

Simple.

But Antonio was still frozen on the spot. He could feel his knees go weak as his gaze focused upward on the log that swayed slightly.

“You fucking shits let me go!” Antonio’s eyes flicked over to his friend, “I don't want to be apart of this stupid thing!”

“I…” His voice was shaky, “I’m coming!”

He quickly fastened his harness, double and even triple knotting it. His foot slipped, on the first rung of the ladder and he squeaked. He hoped that he would be able to do it as he made his way to the platform. It took what felt like twenty minutes to him, and it probably was.

“Antonio,” Lovino screamed as he saw his friend sit down on the platform and shakily try to fasten the coupling hook to his harness, “You don’t have to do this! I know you don't want to.”

Antonio snapped his attention to his friend as he finish hooking in, “But!”

“I’ll be fine you basta-” Lovino was cut off by platform below his feet started tilting forwards. He screamed and Antonio leaped up and tried to walk across the log. He couldn't look down. He could fall any minute now. Plummeting to his death.

His guts splattered on the floor is not something that he wanted. Don't look. And… he looked.

Shaking, he cried out and clutched at his head. He was going to fall. Fall a hundred feet to his death. The floor was so far away and his breath was shallow. It looked hard. Well. it was hard.

“Stop looking!” Lovino snapped  as struggled to move, “Fucking!”

Antonio closed his eyes and started to walk forwards a little bit, trying to ignore how his shivering feet were threatening to slip off the wood, “Help!”

“A little bit more,” Lovino complied, “Slower!”

The boy in front of Lovino squeezed his eyes shut even tighter.

“I… I can’t!” Antonio opened his eyes, looking straight down, “Its…”

Lovino screamed as the platform fell a little more and the handcuff dug a little farther into his skin, “Holy fuck!”

Antonio looked up a little more determined. It was five more steps, but it looked like a mile away. He knew he couldn't run. He would slip. He couldn't crawl either, it would be too slow.

He reached out as far as he could, landing only one foot on the platform before it fell forwards a little more, “Give me the goddamn key!”

Antonio’s hands shook and he nearly dropped it before Lovino grabbed it and freed himself. Antonio spasmed and couldn't stop shaking his head, “It’s. I’m.”

Lovino growled and hooked the release kappling onto both of their harnesses and dropped them both down. It wasn’t until Antonio was on the ground that he started tearing up, “Are you crying?”

“No!” Antonio cried out as Lovino patted his back.

Antonio sat tried to collect himself and as bad as he felt Lovino could only smile. He would be the only one to comfort his friend like this, ever.

___________________________

The halls, the walls are suffocating

Here in the depths of the darkness i will be waiting

Everything is close and crumpling in

The breath hurting lungs and the air paper thin

Shaking and dizzy we are down under

Leaves you thinking and places to wonder

Matthias was frantically running towards the catacombs of the school. The stairs getting thinner and thinner as he ran. He looked frantically around for something that looked like a prize or clue. His ears perked up when he heard a soft hum.

It was a song that he had heard when he was younger, “Lukas…” They both used to play in the woods a lot, getting lost often. They invented a special song that they used to sing when either of them got lost. He was certain that it was that song.

But the voice sounded shaky, but he couldn't scream out. Lukas was humming at a low volume and he knew why. The schools catacombs were dangerously fragile and any sort of loud noises could cause them to crumble.

Matthias cursed to himself as he tried to make his way towards his friend, but he found it odd. The path was getting narrower as he went on, and the walls were getting tighter. His breathing started to get heavier and he looked around. He could place both hands on the walls on either side of him. They were closing in.

He needed to be free. He needed air. He was trapped. The hall was suffocating and he could barely move. His eyes closed and he tried to quell his panic moving forward as he heard Lukas’ song become slightly more broken. He was crying somewhere in this basement and needed him to come get him.

Claustrophobia.

That's what the doctors called it when both of them had panic attacks after being trapped in a crowded elevator. They were only nine, and no one bothered to check where they were stepping, causing them to almost step on the two kids. Childhood trauma is what he called it.

He tried to keep his eyes from leaking. But he followed the path, keeping both hands onto the walls. He couldn't run until he got his friend. He couldn't crouch down and pity himself until he can find him. There were stars. Dizzing stars that made him feel light headed.Breathing was getting harder. So much harder.

It didn’t help that he was silently crying to himself.

“Matthias?” Lukas whispered in a soft sob, “Help me?”

He sounded so tiny and weak. It gave Matthias strength to undo the knots around his friends wrists.

Both of them ran as quickly as they could and only stopped when they could breath again. Collapsing on the stairwell,  Matthias pulled his friends into him and Lukas let out a tired and straggled breath, “Matthias.”

The boy in question just buried his nose into Luka's’ hair, silent tears wetting the top of his head. Matthias could feel his shirt wetting a bit and he wanted to kill whoever put his friend down there.

“Lukas,” Lukas huffed out again and looked up into the pretty ocean eyes. Matthias mumbled out something inaudible since he was breathing so hard.

“What?”

“Go with me?”

“What?”

“Go with me to the Yule Ball…”

Lukas smiled and banged his head against his friends, “Well, if you insist.”

__________________

Lovino woke up on the twentieth. The next day would be the last trial and Ravenclaw was in the lead with Gryffindor close behind. He huffed, annoyed.

And the knocking on the door wasn't helping.

Tired and disheveled, Lovino groaned, “Shut up, I’m coming.”

When he opened the door he was honestly a mess. Hair everywhere and a small trail of drool still trailing down the corner of his mouth. His T-shirt was wrinkled and his pants sagged unbelievably low.

It was a great contrast to Antonio who was dressed to the ten in a suit.

He held a bouquet of roses, on his knee, a small sign on tucked into the pedals, “Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?”

Lovino only snatched the flowers and smushed his nose in them, nodding.

______________________

“So,” Alfred sat next to Arthur's desk on his bed, “How's the tea? Almost done?”

“Alfred, you have been asking me that question for the past thirty minutes. I have one sip left, will you leave me alone after that?” Arthur huffed and downed his tea after Alfred nodded.

“So. Anything weird in the cup?” Alfred questioned when his friend just put down the mug.

Arthur narrowed his eyes, “What did you do to my tea?”

“Nothing!” Alfred shook his head and smiled when Arthur picked the mug back up.

Yule ball?

Arthur let out a tiny snort, “This is what you came up with? When I imagined you asking, it was something a bit more… big. And public.”

“Nah. The principal asked, but I know you don't like stuff like that,” Alfred smirked, “You imagined me asking you?”

“No,” Arthur snapped his attention back to the book he had open, “That would be ridiculous.”

“Okay whatever. So will you go with me?” Alfred laughed a little, “Please.”

Arthur’s ears turned red, “Only because you asked nicely.”

_______________________________

The next trial was a maze. It was about ten times easier than the first two trials and it wasn’t a surprise that gryffindor won. It wasn't that they were able to win. It was that now Arthur realized that he would have to lead off the first dance. And that he couldn't… well dance.

On the Eve of Christmas night, he held onto Alfred’s arm, because it was tradition, and gasped as they entered. The entire auditorium felt cold, and magical. It was sparkly for lack of better words. It felt bright and everything was the nice blueish hue that Arthur admired.

The dancing went over as well as he thought it would, which meant awfully. But he didn’t really care since he was laughing too much, Alfred messily guiding them. All of them drunk off life.

At midnight, Alfred twirled him around and Arthur stumbled, “Merry Christmas Al.”

“Merry Christmas Arthur,” Alfred pulled him in a little closer and both of them smiled until it hurt.

Lovino sat on the stage next to the Dj booth, sighing as he took a glass from Antonio, “Thanks.”

“Merry Christmas Lovi,” Antonio watched as his friend downed the glass.

Lovino leaned onto him, “Merry fuckin Christmas!”

Lukas stood on the patio area outside of the auditorium, sighing from relief. He smiled to himself when he felt Matthias nuzzle into his neck again, “Merry Christmas!”

“You don't have to yell,” Lukas shook his head, “Merry Christmas.”

Hai! Im super sorry for not updating... Ive had a lot going on including school, internet problems, and some of my own personal ones as well... I am trying to get this story back on track though! So don't worry! Thank you guys so much for all the support and I have some additional things to add at the end if you guys would

Lovino wasn't sure where Lukas was leading them, or even why he was following. The Italian wasn't particularly fond of the missing Brit, but he supposed that they've grown closer since the beginning of the school year. The three of them were continuously grouped together for reasons they all knew but didn't want to acknowledge. So it was natural that some sort of bond would form.

Lukas knew where he was heading. He knew where Arthur would take refuge in his confused state of mind. The place where he would be able to calm his nerves. He was secretly glad that Lovino agreed to follow him. He would need help coaxing Arthur out. Lukas wasn't sure what the Italian could do, maybe scream cuss words until Arthur's infamous temper hit its limit, but Lukas knew that it would be good to have Lovino there. They would all be able to talk about topics long overdue.

Arthur's heart was still racing as he slumped down the various bookshelves that lined the library wall. The well worn carpet scratched at his palms as he tried to lose himself in thought. He sat in the defining silence, clutching at the silky cloth on his chest, the outfit feeling all to hot. His face must have been an outstanding red, his mind trying to play catch up with everything that has happened. He just... They...what...?

Lukas found Arthur with his eyes shut tight, one hand still holding onto his shirt for dear life and the other grasping at his hair. With his feet tucked it and an absolutely confused and panicked face on, Arthur almost looked innocent.

"Arthur," Lukas crouched down next to his friend, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

The other blond seemed to flinch at the contact before clumsily regrouping, "I'm fine Lukas."

Lovino sat down to complete the little circle, cursing slightly as he crossed his legs. He narrowed his eyes, snarling a bit, "Like fucking hell you are."

Arthur looked up at the statement, letting out a breath before lightly glaring at the Italian. The silence took them over once more, the moonlight from the small library window casted a shadow. None of them turned the lights on, Arthur wanting to stay hidden in the dark and the other two had been in too big of a rush to think of something like lighting. The quiet wasn't unsettling, all of them just trying to grasp at some thoughts and words. But it was hard. Hard to think of the right thing to say. Hard to think of what was appropriate and what was not. Hard to bring themselves to talk about something they were in such denial about.

"I..." Arthur started, "I just don't understand."

Lukas turned to him, a hint of surprise glossing his features, "Understand?"

"Why..." Arthur looked up at his friend, a determine look in his eyes, "Why is it that I can't think straight?"

Lovino snorted, mumbling under his breath, "cause you're not."

The Brit turned to glare at him, but ignored the comment while Lukas just sighed and put a hand to his forehead, "Can we just focus. Arthur what's the problem?"

"It was the..." Arthur flushed again, balling his fists in frustration, "the... You know..."

"Kiss?" Lovino looked at him annoyed, "say it you wimp. Kiss."

Arthur let out a small growl at the way that Lovino dragged out the word, he grit his teeth, "Yes. That, the kiss."

"What was wrong though?" Lukas raised an eyebrow, "Alfred's a bad kisser? He doesn't seem like the type..."

"No, that wasn't the pro- what do you mean he doesn't seem like the type?" Arthur looked towards Lukas, tilting his head slightly.

Lukas in return just shrugged, "It just doesn't seem like he'd be the type to be bad at it. It doesn't go along with his demeanor."

"Alright!" Lovino interjected before either of them could speak, "For fucks sake I don't want to be here longer than I have to."

"It's not even that though," Arthur hung his head a bit, holding it between his hands in annoyance. He felt conflicted inside, he just couldn't figure it out, "Lately, I've just been feeling this way. Being around Alfred... It makes my stomach twist in knots, my heart beats a little faster, my head feels dizzy. It's almost like I'm allergic to him. Which is ridiculous! He's been one of my best friends for years, I feel like I'm betraying that somehow."

"Hm..." Lukas hummed in agreement, "I think I know how you feel."

"I doubt it. This emotion, it makes me want to just hit something," Arthur snorted, "but there would be no explanation for physical violence."

Lovino just shrugged, "then do what I do, don't have an explanation. You don't like something then you have the right to hit it. Not like you bastards haven't physically hurt someone on impulse before."

The other two looked over at Lovino, thinking over what he just said, agreeing silently. Arthur shook his head, letting out a defeated chuckle to himself, "I still don't know what good it will do to solve this problem in the long run though."

Lukas pondered for a moment, placing his chin between his fingers before sighing, "As I said before. I know how you feel. But are you sure it's an allergic reaction of some sort?"

"No! Yes? I'm... I'm not sure at this point," Arthur groaned, "I've known him almost all of my life. I've seen all of the stupid, annoying, obnoxiously...cute...amazing little quirks. And..."

"And what? Spit it out before I loose my patience and my lunch." Lovino growled, leaning closer into Arthur's personal space.

"And I've seen it all, the obscene acts, the dates, the countless heart breaks on both ends... and yet my head hurts and my chest feels tight. Maybe I should just not be around him for a while. It's like I've contracted a horrible disease," Arthur threw his head back, "Is that how you feel? This bloody awful? This damn confused?"

Lovino took a moment before he nodded, "I've... Actually considered doing the same thing."

"Hm? Really?" Arthur looked slightly shocked, "why would you want to?"

"Antonio... He's really important to me. I can't imagine things without him around. He's my...closest friend." Lovino looked towards his feet, his head was hung which was alarming enough on its own but his defeated tone made it worse, "but I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual. Maybe I should step away before he has the chance to. He's been acting insane recently!"

"Oh please! Lovino you're being utterly ridiculous," Arthur laughed slightly, "Antonio wouldn't never do that."

Lovino looked up, his eyes glassy and his voice distant, "That's what everyone says. But in the end none of it is true. They... Always like Feliciano better. He's softer and doesn't scream as much as I do, a docile little shit he is. Most people think I'd be the same but I end up letting them down."

"But you're a lot of things that Feliciano isn't," Lukas sighed, "I like you more than that pansy. No offense to Feli."

"I don't think Feli is... Afraid and shy. He's more naive if anything," Arthur reasoned, "though I agree with Lukas, you are definitely more tolerable."

Lovino snorted, "You two would be the first to think that."

"I highly doubt that," Arthur sighed, "Everyone can see that Antonio practically adores you."

Lovino threw his head back, as if the comment were a giant joke, "Yeah right!"

"You really can't trust anyone anymore," Lukas leaned back onto his palms to look up at the ceiling, "It's always a lie."

The two others looked at him, nodding along with the statement. How were they supposed to think that anything was true anymore. People walk away, desert, find something better to love and care about. It was just how everything had always been. Never good enough, never sweet enough, never the right person. People play game, use others, and throw them away when they were done or got what they want. How are you supposed to think you were worth something when all you've ever heard was that you weren't. What's worse is that it's all part of human life.

It just impacted some a little harder than others...

"At least you guys aren't know for being an emotionless prick," Lukas sighed and ran fingers through his hair.

Arthur let out a pathetic noise, "Would you rather be the residential stick up his ass."

"You're forgetting my title as the schools bastard," Lovino rolled his eyes, "People are fuckin lovely aren't they?"

They sat there for a moment, chuckling softly, not really knowing what else to do. The time was running out, Feliks probably finished delivering his speech well over five minutes ago. They would probably have to go back sooner rather than later.

"How is it that we supposedly have three of the kindest people chasing after us?" Arthur whispered as the laughter died, "I'm definitely not worth the time or effort. I don't exactly deserve it. I just could never imagine this to be true, I think everyone's lying."

Lukas stood up, holding one hand out to Lovino and one out to Arthur, "The real question is, do you want it to be true? Do you want to believe it?"

____________________________

Feliks was only slightly mad. Ok... that was a lie, he was furious. He yelled at them for running off. Feliks sighed, watching as the stage crew started taking apart the last set and setting up the very first one to use for the show the next night. The polish boy stood up on the stage in front of the cast, "Like, that was a great job guys! Even though some of you almost totally ruined it, the play was a huge success!"

"Feliks, please stop screaming," Toris looked up at him, Feliks just winked before laughing.

Alfred turned towards Matthias and Antonio, giving them a slight nod before turning back to Feliks, "To celebrate, I'm like, going to take you all out to go get dinner! I'll text all of you the address! Now go get out of these clothes and into something that won't get us kicked out of somewhere.

The group dispersed and started walking off towards the dorms, preparing for the torturous struggle of removing all of the clothing items. The night air was colder with silk clothes on, the fabric not retaining any heat and quickly cooling instead. The small chatter residing slightly as people started to smile with relief from the stress of the first play.

"Hey," Alfred strolled up from behind Arthur, "You want a ride to the place?"

Arthur jumped slightly, "I could make it there myself."

Alfred smiled, it was just like Arthur to refuse any help, "C'mon Arthur, you don't want to walk do you? And the bus is kinda dangerous at this hour."

The brit turned to glare at him, crossing his arms, "I can just go with Lukas if you're that concerned for my well being."

"I never said that I was," Alfred threw an arm around the other's shoulders, "And I think Lukas is getting his own ride there."

Arthur shrugged the limb off and continued walking back to his dorm, his best friend trailing behind him. The walk back to the dorms was a bit hard, many people caught his eyes, wondering whether or not to approach the pair and ask Arthur if he was ok. Luckily he must have been giving off a serious 'back the fuck up' vibe because no one, not even the ever concerned Kiku asked. The only noise that could be heard were the soft whispers of people unlocking their rooms and the echoing foot steps. Arthur arrived at his door, trying to jam the key into the lock but struggling to do so. He saw Alfred cover a smile out of the corner of his eye and groaned. Lukas left before him right? So he must have been back already. Rapping his knuckles on the door, he let out a noise of frustration. He turned to the snickering boy, "How do you know that Lukas is getting a ride from someone else?"

"Cause," Alfred stopped laughing, tilting his head and grinning, "I'm psychic."

Arthur let out a snort, "Even if there was such thing, I don't think you would even possess such abilities considering how well you are able to read the mood more often than not."

"It's true. I'm gifted," Alfred shrugged. He watched as the other rolled his eyes again, leaning against the door frame, face inches from the others now, "Well, whatta ya say?"

Arthur just narrowed his eyes, turning back to the door and knocking even harder, "Lukas! Open up! I know you're in there!"

"Artie!" Alfred whined, "You know you want to!"

Arthur heard Lukas groan and unlock the deadbolt, "Are you sure about that?"

"Please? I won't ask you for another favor for like, a month," Alfred pleaded. Arthur turned to him right as the door opened.

"A whole month? No homework favors, no asking to go out somewhere early, no borrowing things you will never return?" Arthur questioned, and Alfred nodded, "Fine. Be here in half an hour."

Lukas smirked and on the other side of the door Alfred did a small victory dance.

____________________________

Lovino had fallen asleep in the car as soon as Antonio pulled away from the school. It had been such a stressful day and he didn't even protest when his roommate asked if he would go with him to whatever stupid place Feliks would pick. He had no energy left to argue.

He was woken up when he heard an someone speaking, "How many?"

"Two please!" Antonio's chipper voice answered the stranger. Lovino cracked an eye open, trying to take a peek at whoever the spaniard was talking to. Though his eyes widened as he realized that they were nowhere near a fancy restaurant and instead pulling into a lot.

Lovino yawned, "Where the fuck are we?"

"A movie," Antonio answered casually as he found a nice parking spot amongst the others.

Lovino unbuckled and slumped into his seat, "Why?"

"Because," Antonio unbuckled his own belt and smiled at Lovino, "I thought you would like this a lot more than sitting with all those other people."

Lovino stared at the bright expression on his face, it made his heart beat a bit faster. He broke the eye contact and looked down at his lap instead, "What's playing?"

Antonio shrugged and offered a hand to the other boy who reluctantly took it, not wanting to hear his friend cry. He secretly liked the warmth though. The small tingly feeling that that sent pulses up his arm. They stayed connected, talking and laughing for a while about nothing of importance yet it felt like everything had fallen into place. Lovino chased the warmth that was fleeting as someone knocked on the glass window. Antonio had ordered a pizza for the two of them, fighting playfully with Lovino over the last slice before letting him have it. It was better than any sort of fancy dinner. It was better than any sort of extravagant gesture.

Because to Lovino, this was someone who cared about him, doing things that for him that he knew the italian would like.

"Why do you do this kind of stuff?" Lovino questioned, making Antonio stop mid sentence.

The spaniard cocked his head, raising an eyebrow, "What do you mean Lovi?"

"Why?" Lovino suddenly found a thread sticking out of his pant leg extremely interesting.

It was silent for a moment, Lovino started to think that he wouldn't answer. Antonio chuckled, "Why not? You deserve something like this."

Lovino's eyebrow receded into his hairline, "What? I didn't do anything special."

"Hm?" Antonio shook his head, "That's not true, you're one of the sweetest people I know."

It was Lovino's turn to let out a laugh, "Well that just not fucking true! I'm an asshole and we both know that."

Antonio shook his head harder, "No, you're not."

"That's what everyone says," Lovino crossed his arms leaning back.

Antonio uncrossed them, taking hold of both his wrists, "Lovino. I'm not like most people. I see you everyday, and they... they miss the small smiles and kind little gestures. The way that you place a blanket on me if I fall asleep at my desk, the cute little stuffed animals you talk to when you think I'm not awake. You're not who they say you are."

"You bastard." Antonio just threw an arm around him, nuzzling his hair.

Lovino leaned over, laying his head onto Antonio's shoulder, convincing himself it was just to stay warm considering the soft breeze and cooling night. He could hear Antonio laugh, feel it in the way his body vibrated with happiness as he started to hum a little. The movie played, but he paid no mind to it, instead choosing to listen to the small comments that the other made and not yell at him to shut up. Breathing becoming a little heavier, Lovino closed his eyes in contentment, snuggling a little closer into the Antonio's arm.

Peaking his eye open in one final attempt to stay awake, he looked up at the screen before slipping again, thinking to himself as the night air brushed his cheek, "Maybe..."

_________________

Lukas couldn't see, the hands over his eyes impairing his vision. He trusted Matthias to not walk him over a cliff or anything, he already knew that they weren't headed where Feliks said to meet. They had gotten out of the pick up truck in the middle of the woods and Matthias had immediately told him to close his eyes.

In all honesty, the dane could have murdered him right then and there, and no one would know. But he wouldn't do that. Would he? Nah.

"Where are you taking me?" Lukas asked the obvious question. Matthias didn't answered, choosing to walk them just a little farther.

Lukas could smell the nice outdoor air, mixed with the faintest hint of Matthias' cologne. It was a pleasant scent. A few more paces and Lukas' nose picked up on something else.

"Okay!" Matthias threw his arms up, "You can look now!"

Lukas' eyes had a bit of trouble adjusting at first, trying to focus. When they did he gasped a little, the dazzling fairy lights catching his attention. There, in a small little opening in the trees, was a round table with a pristine white table cloth. The lights strung up and glistening in the trees. Two electric candles placed in the center of the table and two plates with some spaghetti.

The norwegian walked forward, running his hand along the back of the metal chair backing. He decided to take his seat, waiting for Matthias to do the same. Matthias chuckled at the way Lukas was looking at him, waiting for him to sit down like he was the one who had planned the whole thing, "Sorry. I can't cook very well and this is all I knew how to make on short notice."

"Mm," Lukas picked up the fork and spun some of the noodles onto the fork, popping it into his mouth, "It's good."

"Really? You like it?" Matthias' face lit up as he picked up his utensil too, before shoving some of the food into his mouth.

Lukas looked at him, his eyebrows knit together slightly, "Yes. Now slow down."

Matthias complied, smiling and enjoying himself. He ate and watched Lukas elegantly twirl his fork. The gaze too heavy and filled his adoration for Lukas to ignore.

"Matthias," The norwegian broke the comfortable silence, "Why are you doing this?"

Matthias offered a confused smile, "Doing what?"

"This!" Lukas waved his arms, gesturing to the display, "Why would you do all of this? For me? For what in return? A small glimpse of a smile..."

"What?" Matthias laughed, "What do you mean?"

"I'm basically emotionless," Lukas dragged his attention down towards his lap, "What would you get out of this."

"Lukas!" Matthias' shout made him jump and his aggravated look made Lukas feel as if he had said something wrong, "You care more than anyone I know in the world. I know you appreciate everything and it makes me happy knowing that you're happy. Even if you don't show it."

"Hm..." Lukas let Matthias ramble on for the rest of dinner and even on the way back to the car. Happy to just hear the other ramble on about the stupid things he normally did. It was comfortable and normal. Something that was a constant in his life.

Matthias groaned as he helped Lukas into the back of the pickup truck, the mattress laid out cushioning the blow a bit. He laughed, "You won't believe how long it took me to convince Alfred to let me take this truck out."

The two laid down and sighed, melting into the fluffy blanket that Matthias brought along. It had been a long day.

Lukas stared up at the night above him, a delicate smile on his face. The reminiscences of laugher still clung to the air, making the atmosphere light and comfortable. Lukas turned his head slightly, tearing his eyes away from the star littered sky, and watched for a moment as Matthias excitedly regurgitated all the knowledge and facts that he knew about the constellations. His companion pointed and grinned as he spoke, though the words were going in one ear and coming out the other for Lukas. It was interesting to watch him talk, the way his mouth moved to form words. Matthias turned to face him and he looked away, because he was caught. Matthias just laughed and reached over, pulling Lukas into a tight hug, the poor blond's face smashed into the crook between the Dane's shoulder and neck.

He could hear Matthias' heartbeat. Fast with nerves despite the show that the dane was putting on. It was soothing to know that he was just as nervous and Lukas could feel himself smiling as he allowed himself to be smushed, the wind sweeping through his hair, "Maybe..."

_________________________

"Alfred what the hell," Arthur placed a shaky foot onto the floor of the canoe, "Are we allowed to do this?"

"Ah it's fine!" Alfred smiled and tried to guide Arthur's other foot onto the boat as well, "I know how much you like this boating stuff."

Arthur frowned but didn't deny it, "Feliks will be looking for us."

Alfred waited for Arthur to sit down before pushing off to float into the middle of the lake. Arthur was tempted to skim his fingers across the water but kept his hands in his lap. His head started to spin again and his heart thumped a bit faster, "C'mon. It'll be fine, they won't even notice."

"Wouldn't you want to ditch with someone else," Arthur fidgeted a little. He wanted to fully submit to the joy of being away from the large group, but he couldn't help but feel the responsibility of ditching weighing him down. That's just how he was, he didn't like coloring outside of the lines, and why would Alfred want to be with someone like that? "Someone who's more fun to be around?"

"Why would I want to do that?"Alfred started to search the canoe for something, "You're a lot of fun."

"Yeah right," Arthur let out a snort, "I'm not stupid Alfred, I hear what everyone says about me."

Alfred stiffed, pausing his movements to stare Arthur dead in the eyes. He placed a hand on both of the brits shoulders, smiling at the way that Arthur's eyes widened in shock, "They're wrong. You're one of the best people to be around."

Arthur went to open his mouth again, inevitable to deny any sort of statement, but Alfred cut him off, "You may not like breaking the rules Arthur, but that doesn't mean that you're not my favorite person to be around. It means a lot that you can be yourself and relax more around me. It's one of my favorite things about you."

"Alfred..." Arthur closed his eyes,, "I-"

"Wait!" Alfred rocked the boat a little as he triumphantly threw his hands in the air, "I have a something for you and you have to listen ok?"

Arthur just put on a small smile, and nodded. Alfred lowered his arms and Arthur saw what looked like a mini guitar. A ukelele?

"Okay. I'm not that good at this, so bear with me," Alfred looked down at his fingers and Arthur internally laughed at the way Alfred seemed so concentrated, "Ok..."

Alfred started to strum, "Alfred..."

"Sh!" Alfred looked up at him, and started to sing, "Well, you done done me and you bet I felt it. I tried to be chill, but you're so hot that I melted

I fell right through the cracks

Now I'm trying to get back Before the cool done run out

I'll be giving it my bestest

And nothing's gonna stop me but divine intervention.

I reckon, it's again my turn

To win some or learn some."

Arthur blushed as he continued, finding how Alfred had to keep checking his hand positions endearing. He felt himself relax and give into the soft voice that blew along with the wind. Alfred soaked in every small little flicker of emotion that Arthur dared to show, finding comfort in the fact that the other blond was enjoying it.

"Well, open up your mind and see like me,

Open up your plans and damn you're free.

Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours.

So please don't, please don't, please don't...

There's no need to complicate.

'Cause our time is short.

This oh, this oh, this is our fate.

I'm yours.

Oh, I'm yours

Oh, I'm yours

Oh, oh,

Baby, do you believe, I'm yours?

You best believe, you best believe, I'm yours. (A/N:I'm yours by Jason Mraz)"

"That was lovely," Arthur said genuinely before smirking, "How long did it take you to learn that."

"Ah..." Alfred rubbed at the back of his neck, "A few days... And I even shortened it!"

The brit felt the wave of relief rush over him. The familia bantering and small talk had placed him back into his comfort zone, "Well, you did a good jo-"

"Wait, I have one more surprise," Alfred put the ukelele down and grabbed Arthurs hands, guiding them to his eyes, "You can't look yet ok?"

The brit complied, rolling his eyes even though his palms covered them, he waited for Alfred to finish whatever he was doing, "I will kill you if this some trick or something"

"Nah," Arthur heard the shuffling and the small curse Alfred let out, "Ok open!"

Arthur looked a little shocked when he looked back and saw Alfred holding two lit paper lanterns and pushing one towards him, he reluctantly took it from Alfred, "Are you sure this is safe?"

"Yep! I saw this in a movie, don't worry," Alfred nodded, holding the other one with two hands, "Just gotta let them go!"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, "A movie?"

"Yes a movie," Alfred laughed at the way Arthur's nose crinkled slightly, he added, "And I checked the safety stuff cause I knew you would be overly worried. It's perfectly fine."

"I wasn't overly worried... just," Arthur huffed, staring down into the water, "...Mildly concerned."

"I know, I know,"Arthur jerked his head up when he felt something touch his hand, he just humphed and clutched at the lantern a little tighter, hoping that he wouldn't tear the delicate paper. Alfred smiled and finished lacing their fingers together while balancing the object with his other hand, "Ready?"

Arthur sighed, nodding slightly, "As I'll ever be."

"Ok... On the count of three."

"One."

"Two."

"Three!"

The two lifted their hands slightly into the air, trying their hardest to not create too much motion and get thrown off the boat. Arthur looked up at the two floating objects in amazement as they moved with the wind, dipping close to the water before catching a gust of wind upward. They chased after the starts, the softer yellow glow not as bright as the starts against the night sky but they stood out all the same. It was something out of a fairytale, playing right in front of Arthur's own two eyes. Simple yet breathtakingly beautiful.

He turned back to see Alfred's reaction to the disappearing lights only to find the other staring at him. Alfred had moved to his side of the boat, and brushed their shoulders up against each other. He didn't look away, his endearing smile only growing wider as he watched Arthur's blush grow from the knowledge that he was being watched. It was hard to look away from though, the cheery and light air around the brit was not something that he was able to see everyday. To him it was a prettier sight than the lanterns. Than anything really.

Arthur squeezed back when he felt Alfred grip a little at his hand. He turned to look back at the almost non-existent lights, smiling slightly to himself as the wind blew softly, "Maybe..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The night was clear. Calm and undisturbed. The moon was full and surrounded by billions of stars. It could not have been more peaceful.

The breeze danced across the fields and through the leaves.

.

.

.

.

.

"Maybe... this time I'll believe."

“I'm not tired!” Sealand whined as he kicked off his sheets, his little arms crossed over his chest, “I want a story!”

Finland sighed as he slumped his shoulders forward. Kids, always wanting one more tale to avoid sleeping. He knew though, that the younger boy would be asleep already if he just laid his head down, “Sweden and I already told you one.”

The tiny micronation just turned his head in defiance and scrunched his eyes up, refusing to look at his caretakers. Finland blamed England and his stupid stubbornness that Sealand must have inherited somehow. The boy who was usually good and complacent peaked one of those curious blue eyes open, daring to look over with the same little pout on, “I want a new one. I've heard all of those before.”

“Is something wrong?” The two grown nations looked towards the doorway while Sealand brightened at the new figures.

The boy waved the person over to sit with them, “Norway, Denmark! Tell me a story? All of theirs are boring and old.”

“Hey!” Finland almost snapped, “that's not nice. And don't bother them, they’re here as a guest for the day.”

Both older nations mentally cursed sleepy Iceland for sending them up to check on what was taking the other two nations so long to put Sealand down. Usually the kid would be knocked out at they would be able to continue their meetings or just plain hanging out without a problem. Norway took one look at Finland's desperate expression and begrudgingly went over to the bedside, glaring at Denmark to follow.

Finland got up to stand next to Sweden, who was leaning up against the tiny boys desk. Sealand excitedly made room for the youngest Nordic as he scooted over and allowed the others to lean against his pillow on either side of him. Norway reluctantly moved to lay next to the child and tuck .

“What kind of story do you want?” Norway looked slightly uncomfortable, “I don't know that many.”

Sealand seemed oblivious to the way the older male was struggling to come up with something, “Anything! I just want a new story.”

“How do you have this much energy?” Norway mumbled under his breath. The kid was way too hyperactive. When Iceland was this small, the older nation was almost positive that the child would want to pass out by the end of the day. Norway would tuck him in, maybe sing. Denmark occasionally rambling incoherent things next to him while petting his hair. He'd close his eyes and pass out. Though, “I have a story that I used to tell Icey when he was sick.”

The details were fuzzy, but he remembered most of Iceland's favorite childhood story. Norway or Denmark or maybe both would sit on the edge of the bed by his head and hold his hand. The cool touch would calm him as one of the two other nations rattled off the story. Sealand interrupted his reminiscing thoughts with a loud, “I want to hear it!”

The lungs on that child. My lord. Norway cringed at the voice that killed his eardrum. It was almost as loudly obnoxious as the dane’s sitting a person away from him, “Ok. But I don't know how interesting it is.”

“As long as it's not about anything scary It's fine! I just don't want nightmares, so no ghosts!” Sealand chirped, pulling his blanket up to his chin, “Go on.”

Norway sighed, “Well there were these two people.”

“They used to do everything together,” Denmark chimed in, smiling, “Matthias and Lukas, right? Bestest friends in the entire world!”

Sealand looked excitedly between his two uncles, waiting for them to continue. He was practically vibrating, that was how anxious he was. Norway made a noise of agreement, “They’ve known each other since birth and grew up as almost inseparable….

“Matthias! Stop yelling.” Lukas ran as fast as he could after the dane, “And slow down.”

The two kids were no more than thirteen, chasing each other happily through the thick blankets of snow. The white powder was still falling and covered the trudge marks, landing precariously. Lukas had a semblance of a smile on while Matthias was laughing loudly, “Catch up!”

Lukas moaned as he continued running through the large field. Hey, running through snow is no easy task. It was almost as hard as running through sand, have you even tried that shit? The snow that was getting caught on his hood was starting to melt and drip down the crevice between the fabric and his skin. Lukas could see his breath, the large puffs of white becoming larger.

His vision blurred slightly, his lungs screaming for a reprieve. Lukas found himself falling to the ground as his knees buckled… the snow, cold and rough as it became packed under the weight. But his chest sure felt a hell of a lot better as moved up and down rhythmically. The world went black, but only for a second.

He swore it was only a second anyways.

“Lukas!” Matthias’ voice was filled with fright, “C’mon Lukas. Wake up!”

Lukas could feel someone trying to pick him up and his eyes shot open, instinctively pushing the other person away. It was a slight struggle, the overly large clothes feeling all to tight against his skin, “stop it. I'm fine.”

Matthias allowed Lukas to attempt at regaining his balance. The Norwegian moved to stand,but his knees decided to give in again. Catching him at a weird angle, Matthias also fell over into the fluffy flakes.

“Lukas, are you ok?” Matthias sat up, shaking at Lukas’ shoulder, “Lukas?”

The boy let out a groan again as he held his head, scrunching his eyes, “I'm fine. Just help me get back.”

Matthias nodded even though his companion couldn't see him. As quickly as he could, Matthias adjusted their position so Lukas could comfortably rest on his back.

Now. Matthias was strong, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to hold his friend forever. He already felt like just letting his feet drag as he pulled the boy. But, if Matthias was anything, it was a good friend. Therefore he would suffer through the aching pain in his knees.

Lukas mumbled a small thank you in his ear and Matthias knew that it was worth it. The cold weather did little to damper the heat that both of them felt coursing through their bodies. Lukas snuggled a bit closer and quickly started to drift off.

“He carried him all the way home?” Sealand pondered out loud, “why would he do that if he was tired? Why wouldn't he just go get someone?”

Denmark chuckled at the question that was similar to what little Iceland asked once, “cause he didn't want to leave his friend there.”

“But wouldn't it have been easier?” Sealand chirped, sitting up more, “Matthias could have hurt himself.”

“Well,” Matthias ruffled the little boys hair, “people would do anything for someone they truly loved.”

This caught the young micronation off guard a bit while it made the other nation blush a bit and send a glare at the loud country. Sealand's eyes sparkled with a sort of new found interest, “they loved each other?”

“You really care about all the other micronation a right?” Norway cut in, “they are people that you love.”

“Yeah. That's true! But… I would probably try to think of something else first before I tried to carry one of them.” Sealand looked up in thought. Denmark tried to user the boy back into a laying position and the boy followed, “Matthias and Lukas sound more like the people in those weird films with all the roses and interrupted weddings.”

Denmark laughed at the way Norway's glare increased along with his blush. The older nation looked down at the bright expression, “I suppose you're right. They were like those movies, they were just too young to really notice.“Oh.” Sealand nodded, “that makes sense.”

Sealand didn't even notice that Denmark wasn't looking at him anymore, but instead staring at the only other person in the bed, “Though, I think even back then Matthias knew that Lukas was his one and only.”

“Denmark shut up,” Norway broke the eye contact, “finish the story.”

“Ah ok then fine. Shortly after that Lukas had to move away…

Matthias was swinging his legs over the peer, barely skimming the ocean top. Lukas sat next to him with his legs crossed to avoid any contact with the water. The Dane looked out at the sea as he spoke, “you should just stay here.”

“I can't,” Lukas was also staring out at the mixes of oranges and pinks, “you know that.”

“Yea but,” Matthias kicked a bit harsher, “it's so unfair! How…”

Lukas looked at his friend who had turned to look at him. Lukas shot him a quizzical look, “How what?”

“How am I supposed to live without you?” Matthias looked extremely serious, so serious that Lukas gasped a bit as he looked back towards the water. Matthias laughed a bit and laid down onto his back, letting out a dramatic whine, “What am I going to do? My life is over. Food won't taste the same, holidays won't feel the same, I'll forget what your voice sounds like!”

“I doubt you will forget that but I'll come back to visit,” Lukas fiddled with his hands, mumbling his words, “we can write each other all the time.”

Matthias let out a small laugh, “yeah. Best friends forever right?”

Lukas nodded along, “mm.”

And that's what they did. For four years, Lukas and Matthias never missed a day writing each other. They told each other everything. As if the ocean separating them was nothing more than a simple street.

Now seventeen, Matthias waited at the mailbox as if he were seven years old. He got nervous is the day grew longer and there was still no sign of any value. Mathias was a boy who normally overreacted, but Matthias had a right to dramatize the situation. Lukas’ letter was late. It was never late. They never skipped a day.

Matthias lived for the moments when he would fish his letter out of the mail and hurry up to his room to open it. He live for the moment when his eyes hit the page and he would be able to read the latest events in Lukas’ life. He lived for the moments where he was able to ramble on and on in a letter, being able to express himself knowing that Lukas would read it and be understanding of him.

“What's wrong with you?” A voice interrupted Matthias’ mental break down at the mailbox, “Matthias? You ok?”

“Lukas is that you?” Matthias had to do a double take. The other looked so different, so. Well. Grown up.

And damn was puberty good to Lukas.

Gawking a bit, Matthias tried to regain his composure. Lukas smiled softly at the small antics he missed since he was away. He would have stood there stunned as well, with the way his childhood friend look a lot less like a child and more like a fine young man. But Lukas had come back to his home town for a reason.

“Lukas!” Matthias wrapped two arms around his waist and the boy yelped a bit as his feet left the ground, “I'm so happy to see you!”

“Put me down.” Lukas wouldn't hug back until his feet were touching the ground again. It felt so nice to be back in his friend's arms, it felt so comfortable and made his heart race.

when they connected eyes, Matthias had a giant smile on, bigger than ever before. A look that no one had truly seen since Lukas had moved away, “hi.”

“Hi.” Lukas mumbled.

Matthias cheered, “I'm so glad you're home.”

“I'm only visiting. This isn't my home.”

“Of course it is. Home is wherever the two of us may be. As long as we're together,” Lukas felt Matthias hold onto him a bit tighter, “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too. But there's something I came here to say,” Lukas fiddled with his hands as the broke apart.

Matthias raised an eyebrow, “Of course, what is it? You can tell me, I'm your best bud.”

“yeah. I know,” Lukas scowled a bit, “it's actually about that.”

“What?” Matthias heart started to race a bit. He wondered why Lukas would want to talk about their friendship. Could it be bad news?

“Well. Someone over by where I live said something weird,” Lukas watch as Matthias bounced a little in place. A nervous habit. But he was supposed to be the nervous one! Matthias’ look begged him to continue, “They said you are the luckiest person on earth if you fall in love with your bestfriend.”

“Oh,” Matthias paused, looking a bit shocked. Lukas turned away, maybe to flee the awkward atmosphere that was beginning to settle in. His expression looked almost like pure rejection. But that's not what Matthias wanted him to feel. Matthias wanted Lukas to be as elated as he was at that moment. He brought the other back onto a hug, “then I guess I must be the luckiest guy alive.”

“But,” Lukas stuttered, “but… I… You know that that means rig-”

Matthias softly pressed a kiss to his best friend's lips, it was short but left him dazed for a long while after, “of course I do. You're so cute when you're nervous!”

“I hate you,” Lukas cursed under his breath but Matthias’ smile just grew. He knew what the other was trying to say. Wanted to say.

Matthias bumped their foreheads together, “and I love you too.”

Matthias let out a nostalgic sigh, “as time passed the two stayed together. Even adopting a cute boy like yourself, and lived happily ever after!”

Sealand was dozing off, his eyes barely open anymore. Content and happy with the story, he was out for the night. All four nations in the room kissed the sleeping boy on the head and bid him a peaceful sleep before making their way downstairs only to find Iceland passed out as well.

“I guess the meeting will have to end here,” Denmark let out a small chuckle.

“Well, both Sealand and Iceland are sleeping, should we break out the wine or something?” Finland giggled as he moved towards the kitchen, letting the noise be muffled by a hand, “Lukas and Matthias… those are names I haven’t heard in forever.”

Lukas let out an embarrassed scoff, “Shut up Tino.”