Alvin let out a low sigh and he attempted to walk quietly into the room in the temple. He glanced around for a moment and noticed Rowen was gone… Probably off thinking about the conversation with Wingul. He thought. He let out a soft sigh again and glanced at Jude. His eyes softened slightly and he shook his head before walking over and sitting on the edge of his own bed.

Jude rolled over, glancing at Alvin's back, "You wonder off again?"

Alvin tensed slightly, "… Sorry to wake you kid."

"You didn't… I can't sleep." Jude sighed softly and sat up, leaning back against the bed frame and resting a hand on his knee as he glanced at Alvin, "So… What happened with you today?"

Jude could practically feel the tension growing at Alvin all but growled at him while pulling his gloves off and throwing them onto the nightstand, "What's with the sudden interrogation?"

Jude slowly got to his feet and crossed his arms, surprised that Alvin hadn't noticed yet, "You just have me worried, is all… Do you still want to go back home to Elympios?"

Alvin let out a growl this time and stood up, slamming his fist rather hard against the wall, still not looking at Jude.

Jude's eyes widened slightly, "… Alvin?"

"Worry about your own problems kid. You want to protect Milla right?"

"She can protect herself. Stop changing the subject Alvin."

Jude started to walk over to him, but froze when Alvin shot him a glare, "You really don't wanna come towards me right now, kid."

Although he paused, he let out a sigh and gave a slight smile, "I'm not afraid of you Alvin."

Jude wasn't expecting what came next. A strong hand grabbed his upper arm and practically threw him back against the wall, pinning him down by grabbing both of his arms. Jude's eyes widened and he felt his heart rate speed up, but he didn't struggle.

"Damnit." Alvin cursed under his breath as he loosened his grip and leaned forward, resting his forehead against the wall next to Jude's head. Their bodies were close, but not enough to be touching, which Alvin was slightly thankful for, afraid that Jude might notice how much he was shaking, "Why aren't you afraid of me? Why don't you hate for betraying you?" He practically whispered, not expecting answers.

Jude turned his eyes slightly to glance at Alvin as best he could and stayed silent for what seemed like an eternity. Jude let out a sigh and closed his eyes, "Despite everything you've done, Alvin, you haven't actually tried to kill us… You just wanted to go home with your mother… But we're your friends too you know. Did you ever think of how sad we'd be if you actually left for—"

Jude's eyes widened as his felt a tear fall onto his shoulder, "… Alvin?"

Another tear followed. And another. Alvin stayed silent and didn't move, however Jude did finally notice that he was shaking and the words finally came in all but a whisper, "My mother's dead."

Jude lifted a hand hesitantly and glanced back at Alvin, unsure of what to do, his own eyes softening, "Alvin…" He let out a hesitant sigh before slipping both his arms under Alvin's coat.

Alvin instantly responded, trying to pull away and his eyes widened, "Jude, what—"

Jude didn't let him pull away, and instead, pulled the older man closer and rested his head against his chest, "I'm sorry, Alvin."

Alvin's eyes widened more as the tears slowly stopped. He was still tense and he glanced down at the kid, unsure of what to do. He'd betrayed him so many times, and the younger male still believed in him… Still considered him a friend. As hard as Alvin had tried to push him away in the past, Jude just pulled him right back with little effort.

Alvin's eyes softened a little and he hesitantly wrapped his arms around the raven haired kid, "Thanks… Jude."

Jude's eyes widened slightly. Not only had Alvin actually called him by his name instead of 'kid', but the tone of voice he used was one he'd only ever heard in Leticia's house.

Jude pulled back slightly, but just enough to look Alvin in the eye with a questioning stare, unsure of how to respond.

Alvin glanced down at him and held his gaze briefly before actually blushing a little and pushing the kid away with little effort, "O-okay well. Now that that's out of the way… We should probably get some sleep." He hesitantly glanced towards the door, thankful that Rowen hadn't walked in yet.

Jude blushed slightly as well and scratched his head, "R-right… Well. Uh… Hey Alvin?" Alvin glanced back, locking eyes again, "… If you ever need to talk… I'm here okay?" Jude smiled very slightly up at the older man.

Alvin's eyes widened, and he lost his control. His eyes softened slightly and he pushed Jude back towards the wall, although Jude didn't fight him either.

"Alvin, what—"

Jude's eyes widened as Alvin lightly grabbed his chin and tilted his head up, while placing his other hand against the wall for balance. He leaned in quickly and pressed his lips to Jude's, causing the boys eyes to widen further, but he still didn't fight back.

Alvin stayed there. He made no effort to deepen the kiss or to pull away, but Jude could still feel him shaking. After what seemed like an eternity, Alvin pulled back enough just to lock eyes with the kid. They both stared at each other until Alvin finally whispered, "Thanks kid." And gave a slight genuine smile.

Jude froze, his jaw dropping slightly as he stared at Alvin. Even if he was confused about what just happened, the smile officially caught him off guard. It wasn't Alvin's trademark smirk. It didn't come with any cocky remarks. It was genuine. Truth. Real. Exposed. Everything Jude was sure up until that point didn't even exist in Alvin's body.

Alvin seemed to get a little nervous since the kid wasn't responding and let out a small chuckle and he pushed his weight off the wall and scratched his head, "Ah… Sorry." That smirk returned, "Couldn't help it… Well. I guess I should get some sl—"

This time, Alvin's eyes widened as Jude grabbed hold of Alvin's scarf and pulled him back in and kissed him. Alvin let out a low groan as Jude pulled back.

Jude was flushed and a little out of breath, but his eyes narrowed at Alvin, "Don't apologize for something you meant to do."

Alvin hadn't even blinked yet, he was so surprised. He stared at the kid before letting out a sigh and taking in a deep breath, "Alright. But. As I was saying." He grinned a little as he leaned over Jude, causing the younger male to tense this time, "We should probably get some sleep."

Jude's face reddened slightly, "R-right…" He scratched his head and glanced away.

Alvin chuckled softly as he shrugged his coat off and let it hit the floor before sitting on the edge of the bed and shrugging his boots off.

Jude glanced at him briefly, blushing a little more before hesitating and walking over to the space between their beds, about to climb into his own.

"Hey."

Jude blinked and turned, glancing at Alvin, who was already laying down with his hands behind his head and completely shirtless, causing the reddness to return to Jude's cheeks. Alvin grinned slightly and held out his hand to him, causing Jude to blink, "… What?"

"Come on. I won't bite." He smirked a little, "Well. Maybe a little."

Jude's eyes widened as he turned even more shades of red, "Alvin! You're insane—" Jude yelped slightly as Alvin managed to grab his wrist and pull him close. "A-Alvin!"

Jude tensed as Alvin pulled Jude's back close to his chest. Alvin let his eyes close and he actually seemed to relax, causing Jude to blink and hesitantly glance over his shoulder, "… Alvin?" He said softly.

"Just one night… okay, Jude?" Jude's eyes softened and he relaxed. It was that voice again. And at that moment, Jude knew he couldn't say no.