Of Books and Crime
Summary: Romania is an eccentric new student eager to make friends. Bulgaria is the school delinquent who hangs out with the wrong people. Against all odds they form a friendship which transforms into something more.
Then there are Alin's new friends – an adorable Italian and a stoic German; Alfred, Arthur and Francis who seem to be tangled in some sort of a love triangle. Of course there is Ivan too, who's there to make everything all the more complicated.
Warning: Coarse language, underage drinking, some violence in later chapters but nothing overly graphic
Author's Note: Another story about Bulgaria and Romania being classmates because it's just so fun to write about them in a school environment. However, it is going to be different from most I've read. Bulgaria won't be the usual straight A student and Romania is going to have some trouble. I hope you enjoy the different approach.
Human names used: Alin Popescu – Romania
Nikolai Ivanov – Bulgaria
Chapter 1: Alin the New Student
Just like any other teenager to have ever lived, Alin Popescu hates new schools.
He is currently clutching his school bag as all the other students in the hallway stare at him, curiosity written over their faces. He feels as though he is part of those cheaply made high school romance comedies that are filled with clichés.
"Come on, we'll be late!" Feliciano declares excitedly, tugging on his hand.
Feliciano is a guy he met five minutes ago (when the short Italian crashed into him while babbling on the phone about pasta of all things). As it turns out they have classes together and after a brief talk the stranger already regards to him as a friend.
It makes Alin smile, after all he isn't used to having many friends. Or better yet, any friends. A few bad memories from his last school, back in Romania, flood his mind but he pushes them away and focuses on the friendly rambling of the brunette in front of him and the brightly lid American school hall.
"You're going to like it here soo much, I swear!" Feliciano declares, enthusiasm sipping through the lightly accented words.
Alin raises an eyebrow – who in their right mind likes high school anyway? But the other seems friendly enough and he has no other choice but to follow him as he has no idea where his classroom is.
"Everyone is so nice! I'm sure you'll love the guys! Alfred and Francis and even Arthur!" Feliciano rambles on and Alin can only guess those are his friends he's referring to, "Oh, and Ludwig. You'll especially like Ludwig, he's so cool!"
"You sound as if you have a huge crush on this guy Ludwig." Alin smirks to himself but doesn't say anything as he's intent on keeping the only friend he's made so far.
When they finally enter the classroom, period has already started and his new Chemistry teacher, who looks an awful lot like a modern day reincarnation of a hippie minus the happiness, sends them an evil glare.
"Feliciano, you wouldn't be you if you weren't late." The teacher sighs melodramatically but the Italian boy just offers her a bright grin in response as he heads for his desk.
He sits sits between a girl who looks like she could be related to him and a tall blonde guy with a serious expression over his face.
Alin walks to the only empty seat in the entire classroom while his classmates watch his every move intently.
The Romanian blushes as he hugs his bag tight to his chest and tries to avoid their intent gazes and this is exactly why he hates new schools.
Fortunately the teacher, Miss I-Already-Forgot-Her-Name, is too bored to make him present himself before the class. He sits down, bumping into the desk and nearly falling over which causes a few teens to snicker.
In the end he settles down and does his best not to draw any more attention to himself. He flips his brand new notebook open and starts taking notes.
xxx
Twenty minute into the period, Alin finds it hard to keep awake even though he normally enjoys the subject.
Twenty five minutes into the period, the door creeks open and a teen he hasn't seen till then strolls in, not bothering to greet or excuse himself for being so late.
The guy is taller than him and athletic. He is wearing some worn out jeans and cheap snickers. A navy blue T-shirt showcases his muscles and contrasts against very pale skin.
His features are handsome and Alin tries to catch his eyes but the other boy doesn't pay attention to him or anyone else for that matter.
He doesn't so much as glance at the teacher either who just sighs and shakes her head in a disappointed manner upon looking at him. He strides into the classroom, briefly searching for a free seat.
The only one is next to Alin (no surprise there since he is the new guy – of course he doesn't have a partner).
The stranger sits next to him, throwing his backpack on the ground casually. Apparently he has no interest in the subject whatsoever as he doesn't even take out a notebook or a pen. Alin is starting to think maybe he has no notebook at all and that probably isn't far from the truth.
The guy screams school delinquent and he has a very bad experience with teens like him but still he there is something inherently strange about the guy and if there is one thing in the world Alin loves more than spooky stories about vampires, it's all things branded mystery.
The interest however is not mutual as the other doesn't even look in his direction, opting instead to flick leisurely through his Facebook timeline.
Alin struggles between ignoring the guy or introducing himself, deciding in the end, saying hi probably wouldn't be that bad of an idea. He musters up the courage to smile broadly at the stranger and stretches his hand for a handshake.
"Hi! My name is Alin!" he greets enthusiastically but his hand hangs awkwardly in the air as the gesture is left with no response.
The stranger's eyes widen in surprise, as if it's a rare occurrence for anyone to talk to him.
Alin has the time to take a closer look at him. His eyes are a unique shade of green, something he has rarely seen. A mixture of forest green with tiny flecks of turquoise here and there. He has short brown hair and his skin is pale. He can't help but admit that the boy has nice features.
He does have, however, asshole written all over them.
Finally he responds, returning the handshake.
"Николай Иванов." he states, voice low and sipped through very heavy Russian – like accent.
Alin mentally goes "Ugh-oh". Terror slowly sleeps in his mind as he remembers the countless times he's been in trouble with bullies at home. He remembers distinctly a Russian tourist beating him up for no other reason than being a weirdo and "looking gay", as if that is some sort of existential sin.
"Are you Russian?" Alin asks sheepishly, voice a little uncertain as he struggles to keep the smile. His mother has always taught him to smile no matter what, in vain hope the bullies would magically vanish if they saw him being happy.
The other boy glares at him with a look that is borderline murderous.
"Не." he answers sternly in his mother tongue, as if to showcase the great insult, "I am Bulgarian."
Alin sighs with relief. He is still mad at himself for being so awkward but at least the other is from Bulgaria which a good thing, he hopes. He has visited the country and people there are hospitable and extroverted. Well, most people anyway.
"Really !? I've been to Bulgaria!" he exclaims, "It's really nice there and the seaside is so beautiful in the summer!"
Nikolai doesn't seem very flattered by the praise and only offers him a look of indifference.
"I know that." he says nonchantly while still staring at his mobile screen.
"Yeah…I guess you do. I mean of course you're from there so …yeah." Alin mutters, mentally face-palming at how stupid he must sound.
He decides against talking to the stranger again even though he can't keep his interest at bay.
Nikolai seems like the most interesting thing he's seen in America in his brief three month stay and he can't help the urge to get to know him even if he can't pin point reason why. Out of everyone so far this boy seems to be the only who makes a lasting impression on him. Perhaps part of that comes from his effortless good looks but it's not just that.
Alin studies him cautiously, hoping the other won't notice.
There is no doubt now Nikolai is a delinquent. His entire arms are covered in tattoos in Cyrillic which is illegal since they are underage. Alin can't understand what the tattoos say but he has a feeling it really can't be something nice.
Furthermore, the entire way the other carries himself just screams trouble.
Alin knows he should stay away but can't – he's always been intrigued by people who stand out, perhaps because he himself had always failed to fit in.
"Will you stop fucking staring at me?" the stern voice suddenly breaks him away from his thoughts and he looks up only to meet a pair of green orbs, flashing with anger.
"Hey, I wasn't staring!" Alin defends himself, voice a little harsher than intended.
"Yeah you were, you're so weird." Nikolai says none too quietly but before Alin can respond the teacher is already glaring at them.
"Mr. Ivanov, could you please tell me what is so important to talk about that you're not listening to me?"
Nikolai lowers his eyes, glaring at her.
"Иванов. Not Aivanov. Learn to pronounce my name at least, if you're gonna stand there all high and mighty." he grunts and by now the entire class is staring at them, hoping for some drama.
Apparently on top of everything else Nikolai is a trash talker. Alin wishes there was pop corn and from the look Feliciano gives him, he's not the only one.
"Okay, Mr. Ivanov" the teacher corrects herself "Will you grace me with an answer to the chemical equation?"
The Bulgarian looks up at the white board, eyeing the scribbled words as if they can give him an answer if he just stares at them long enough. The equation is simple and Alin knows the answer by heart but doesn't plan on telling him, not after the way the other has treated him.
"No." he says curtly, "I don't know it."
Nikolai is acting like the personification of arrogance but Alin doesn't miss the way his hands are slightly trembling. He has the feeling the other is embarrassed which seems in stark contrast with the delinquent attitude.
"Oh, so you can't answer – not that I am surprised." the teacher snorts, voice venomous, "You can't answer, you don't take notes and of course you stroll in late like some sort of celebrity on the red carpet!" she taunts, making fun of him.
Alin doesn't like this new teacher – sure Nikolai is obviously a horrible student but there is no need for immature taunts, especially not coming from a teacher.
"Well, you should be glad I even came to your class!" the Bulgarian shrugs her off and the class erupts into laughter.
The Chemistry teacher is red in the face with anger as Nikolai wins their little round of banter with ease. The bell rings before she can respond and the Bulgarian leaps to his feet, grabbing his beaten backpack before darting off for the door.
Alin can't help but smile after the guy – it has been a very long time since he has met anyone to spark his interest so fast.
Too bad he is apparently king of the assholes.
xxx
During lunch time Feliciano invites him over to what Alin can only presume is the cool kids table. He shrugs and accepts the offer – the Italian does seem very nice after all.
His friends are the typical high school bunch – loud and obnoxious but obviously having a good time at all times.
The current topic they are discussing is the infamous Nikolai Ivanov as his little stunt during Chemistry has garnered attention.
"Dude, you've got stay away from him!" a tall, muscular guy named Alfred with thick glasses that look awfully good on him explains over excitedly, using his hands to wave around as if stress his point.
The American is apparently an extroverted, open minded and last but not least a very loud person. Alin forces a small smile over his lips once he realizes the other is the apparent leader around. He knows he should get along with the guy but still feels like asking some questions about the apparent public enemy Nikolai.
"He doesn't seem that bad?" he shrugs naively but all the others shake their heads in disagreement.
"You're only saying that cause you don't know him, mon cher." Francis points out, offering him a flirty smile that makes the Romanian blush to his neck. For whatever reason everything the other says seems to have that effect.
Francis is a tall teen from France with long hair dyed blonde and a mischievous look behind his eyes that makes everyone around him a little uncomfortable, regardless of age or gender.
"Dude, I'm serious, this guy means trouble." Alfred adds and Alin doesn't like the sound of it. Judging by his looks the American might be friendly on the surface but seems like the guy to put up one hell of a fight if the occasion calls for it.
"What kind of trouble?" he presses on as he really wants to know more about the mysterious Bulgarian.
"Russian mob kind of trouble." a third voice comes in and Alin looks up to see a tall, dark skinned teen with black hair.
He hasn't met the boy until then and wonders if he hangs out with Feliciano, Alfred and the others.
"This is Sadiq from Turkey!" the Italian explains helpfully, presenting the stranger to him, "Sadiq, this is Alin, he's a new student from Romania."
"Who has a really fucked up interest in Nikolai, as I'm sure you heard." Arthur grunts, while stabbing a piece of meat with his fork as if that was the Bulgarian's neck.
Arthur is a short Brit with unruly blonde hair and some peculiar black eyebrows which have a temper of their own. He doesn't look all that friendly in his opinion but Alfred seems to think otherwise.
Alin is starting to understand that the guys really, really don't like Nikolai.
"Sadiq is not a fan of Nikolai, either." Alfred adds as Sadiq doesn't appear like a guy who talks much.
"He's not even that much of a problem, in comparison to the people he hangs out with." the Turk points out, voice low.
Alin looks up in his direction and takes a minute to study the Turk. Warm dark brown eyes meet his gaze and Sadiq offers a miniscule smile. Somehow the personality of the teen seems mismatched with his appearance. Sadiq is tall and muscular with chiseled features and a black goatee.
(Alin has to admit the teen is attractive, just not his type. His type looks a lot like the Bulgarian in question on the other hand)
"I swear, that Radko guy… I'm going to murder him if he does something like that again." Sadiq says and Alin can hear the evident threat in his voice.
He is startled by his serious tone as he starts to realize that whatever this is, it's not some ordinary seventeen-year-old drama. The entire atmosphere is tense all of a sudden and as the Romanian looks up he notices everyone is staring blankly at their plates, desperately searching for a change of topic.
Alfred seems to see where the conversation is going so he waves a hand dismissively, apparently not a fan of anything remotely serious.
"Hey, don't worry I'll make sure he won't be pulling anything like that again." he says although he seems uncertain in his own words.
Ludwig shakes his head and Alin can tell that whatever this Radko persona did – it must be serious.
"And if he does some shit again, dude, you know I'm gonna kick his ass!" Alfred declares triumphantly (with a fork in one hand and a knife in the other) in the end, dissipating all the tension in the group.
Even Sadiq chuckles lightly at the self-proclaimed heroic declaration. Arthur can't help but roll his eyes, amused at his best friend's actions.
"No, don't laugh! When I'm done with that Radko-mega-douche and Nikolai-the-drunk Ivan is gonna come beg me for mercy!" the American proclaims and something in his manners really reminds Alin of a Marvel superhero movie.
Soon enough the group falls into a discussion of mundane things – teachers, gossip, movies and video games – overall the usual things one would expect from a bunch of seventeen year olds.
Arthur and Francis get into a ridiculous fight out of nowhere, going as far threatening to murder each other. Alin is worried for a second there but then Feliciano nudges him in the ribs with a conspiring look on his face.
"Relax!" he exclaims, "In a week their fights are going to seem like background music here. These guys aaalways fight."
Ludwig gives a solemn nod in agreement and Alin can't help but chuckle at how serious the German is about everything. Still, he notices the way his blue eyes linger over Feliciano and this gives him an idea so he smiles to himself knowingly.
Overall, the guys seem nice. He smiles – it's a good day. For now, he is glad he has stayed out of trouble and managed to make some friends which is an all-time high for him.
xxx
After the last school bell rings Alin is in a great mood so he leaps off his chair and dashes to the school hallway, not having a care in the world. He lives far away from the school but the weather is nice and the prospect of a nice, long walk makes a smile tug at his lips.
He is so busy being happy about not getting into trouble he doesn't even notice the man he bumps into. Only problem is the other does, and by the pissed off look on his face, he definitely notices the cola Alin has just spilled all over his white T-shirt.
The Romanian looks up only to see one extremely angry teen.
He hasn't seen the other before and spends a few seconds taking in his looks– the boy has dark brown skin and long hair which is put into dreads and tied into a pony tail. Oh, and then there is the murderous look behind his black eyes.
"Watch the fuck where you're going!" he shouts at him and Alin already knows this isn't ending well. He wants to slap himself from making such a stupid mistake to piss off somebody.
"Aren't you going to apologize, you little piece of shit!?" the teen demands while Alin is frozen and can't really think of a way out of this.
"I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to." he mutters, raising his hands defensively.
It seems so dumb and cliché – getting beaten up next to the school lockers and not even for some legitimate reason but simply for bumping into someone.
Then apparently this is the everyday school life.
"Oh, you didn't mean to ? You fucking freak! What the fuck is up with the dyed hair and the weird clothes?" the other mocks him and Alin is already getting pissed off himself.
He knows he doesn't stand a chance against the guy who is once again much taller, muscular and looks like someone who could put a fight even against Alfred (seriously why is the look so popular in this school he has to wonder). But if he's getting beaten he might as well give the other a reason so it won't be in vain at least.
"And the way you act – you think you're some sort of seventeen century Romanian vampire or some shit?" by this point the boy is laughing his ass off and some other (presumably his friends if an asshole like him has any) have joined in.
"Yes." Alin answers in a stern voice, causing the others to abruptly stop laughing and look at him "I'm totally a seventeen century Romanian vampire and if you don't stop laughing I'm going to come to your room and drink all your blood this night."
He knows he's so getting his ass kicked after this and before he can even say anything else, the other guy's fist collides with his jaw. The hit isn't that strong as apparently he is just getting started.
"The fuck did you just say to me? You high or some shit?"
Alin closes his eyes, mentally preparing for another blow.
But the blow never comes and he hears a third voice coming in out of nowhere.
"What's the matter – you're too scared to fight someone who actually can fight so you've started picking up on some pussies?" the voice says and it actually sounds very familiar to him.
Alin opens his eyes only to see his favourite new classmate before him. The Bulgarian has a look on his face which indicates he might as well kill the other. And although Alin is glad he is pretty much saved after this he can't help but feel extremely ashamed that he is in need of saving in the first place.
By an arrogant Bulgarian no less.
"Why the fuck do you care, Ivanov? Shouldn't you be busy beating people up because Braginski told you so and you're his little bitch?" the bully asks in a mocking voice as he squints his eyes at the newcomer.
"You can't just go around beating people up who can't even fucking defend themselves." Nikolai deadpans, "That's fucking disgusting."
Alin wants to protest and say he can fight (which is kinda-sorta-but-not-really true) but keeps quiet, lest he accidentally pisses off his Bulgarian savior.
Juan chuckles, apparently amused.
"Always the idealist." he mocks, "I wonder how you justify the shit you do all day then. Oh, don't give me that look – everyone with a brain in this school knows what you've gotten yourself into."
Nikolai doesn't respond but doesn't deny whatever the other is referring to which alarms Alin right away.
"Well, I'm gonna let you go on this one, but only cause I get along with Braginski. Next time though, I'm gonna kick your ass, you Eastern European trash." upon saying this Juan looks at Alin as well, indicating his shirt (which is drained in cola) isn't forgotten.
"Looking forward to that." Ivanov grunts and then simply turns to walk away.
Alin stares after him, rubbing his sore jaw. He then darts off into a sprint to catch up with his apparent savior.
"Hey, wait up, damn it!" he demands, tugging on the other's cheaply made T-shirt.
"I believe the words you're searching for are Thank You." the Bulgarian says in a sarcastic manner, not even bothering to turn around and look at him.
"Thank you." Alin responds automatically and the words are genuine, despite having not only his jaw but even more so his ego bruised.
He doesn't know what to say exactly, being social has never been his strong suit.
"You…didn't have to do that. I mean, we barely know each other and you obviously don't like me so…" Alin is hoping for the other to disagree and say he does like him but it doesn't happen.
Nikolai is silent (something he apparently is a lot of the time) before letting a melodramatic sigh slip.
"Well, no I don't like you. I hate weak people. But I hate it even more so when weak people get their asses kicked for no fucking reason other than some asshole's inferiority complex and their anger issues."
Alin has to stop in his tracks and stare at the other in disbelief. Upon first glance Nikolai does not seem like a guy to say such things, let alone say them in such an articulate manner. True, his Slavic accent is so strong he can barely understand some of the words but he is still taken aback by how intelligently the other can express himself.
Nikolai seems to guess what he was thinking by his expression.
"Oh, what, you didn't think someone like me was capable of saying shit like this? Maybe I should switch to swearing or beat you up while we're at it?"
Alin is worried for a second that the other is serious and that Nikolai only saved him so that he could kick ass himself but then the other offers him a small smile.
It suits him, the Romanian thinks absentmindedly. The small smile makes Ivanov's face all the more handsome in his opinion as it softens his pale features and adds life to his green eyes.
"Relax, dude, I'm just joking. I'm not gonna hurt you. I mean that would be like beating up a girl." Nikolai adds, wiggling his eyebrows and Alin has to wonder if the other is teasing him as it looks.
The idea seems ridiculous but then again the Bulgarian seems like such a polar person, that he wouldn't put it pass him.
They fall into an awkward silence as they both seem to go in the same direction.
"Maybe we can go home together? Weather's really nice today!" Alin exclaims, a little over-excitedly, already back to his cheerful disposition as if nothing has happened.
That's the way he deals with stuff – he doesn't.
Nikolai gives him another glance that looks an awful lot like "are you fucking kidding me". This apparently is some sort of trademark of his.
"Aren't we doing this already?" the taller teen questions, as if the answer is the most obvious thing in the world
Alin is slightly annoyed by the whole "better than thou attitude" but the other still saved his ass so he might as well give him a second chance. Or more like a third one by this time.
"You don't catch the bus?" he asks and hopes for a normal answer instead of a witty remark or an insult.
None of that happens and Nikolai simply grins at him, flashing pearly white smile. For a second Alin remarks to himself how easily he could get used to that smile but he quickly scorns himself for thinking this and pushes that idea into the very far away corners of his conscious where hopefully it will remain buried.
"With what money?"
The Romanian wants to slap himself for not knowing better because Nikolai is obviously very poor, judging by the torn jeans (which don't look like this just for the sake of fashion or the rebel look every other teen is opting for) or the worn out backpack.
"Well, I really like walking so maybe we can go home together?" he suggests sheepishly, offering his classmate a pearly smile of his own.
"Maybe." Nikolai grunts, trying to look as nonchalant as possible, almost as if acting nice might lead to him getting hurt by the other.
Once again they fall into silence and Alin finally gives up – he can't think of another topic and doesn't even feel like trying. He knows this by heart – he tries to be friends with people who think he is weird and shortly after his attempts are being ridiculed.
He knows better this time so he just shuts up. It's a shame though since is interested in the Bulgarian even if he realized the other is apparently synonymous with trouble.
"By the way what's up with the weird clothes?" as if on cue Nikolai asks, giving him a puzzled look.
Alin sighs, "Here we go again."
"I just like them. Why? You've got a problem?" he demands, perhaps a little harsher than intended.
For someone who can't fight he sure as hell knows how to talk as his grandfather would tell him back in Romania.
His classmate scoffs, then breaks into laughter at his antics.
"Ooh, please don't give me that "rebel - you've got a problem" tone!" he says, apparently finding him funny.
Alin wants to protest but even he realizes how immature that's going to look.
"Whatever." he mutters instead and whatever good mood he was in is gone by this time. He really doesn't want to get into another fight, especially with someone like the other.
After a few steps he hears Nikolai sigh and turns to look at him. The other is staring at his phone which is ringing. He looks like whoever the dialer is he really doesn't want to pick up.
The dialer reads "Ivan Braginski".
In the end however he does. What surprises Alin is that he speaks in Bulgarian, exclaiming something in a loud voice and using a lot of gestures. Whatever this is, it doesn't look good.
Nikolai hangs up with another melodramatic sigh (for such a rough-around-the-edges kind of guy he does sigh and roll his eyes a lots Alin thinks, bemused).
"I gotta go. I have work to do." the Bulgarian says simply and turns to leave, no goodbye, no nothing.
Alin frowns – apparently the other isn't even capable of having decent manners.
But then Nikolai turns around with a strange look on his face. It's a mixture of uncertainty and amusement and there is something else, lingering behind his adorably crooked smirk but Alin doesn't know him well enough to decipher it. Yet.
"Your clothes aren't that bad. And I'm only saying this cause I don't want you to go back and cry yourself to sleep." he says sarcastically, a hint of mischief behind his absurdly green eyes.
His lips stretch into a devious smile and the Romanian can't help but admit he finds the sight quite charming.
He wants to protest because he feels as if he's being mocked again but in the end the other has saved his ass so he just rolls his eyes.
"Hey, you need me to help you out with that work you've got to do?" he offers before he can stops himself, hoping that maybe if he could return the favour he would be able to stop giving the other chances.
"You help me? Haha, sorry kiddo but what I'm doing…nah you definitely can't help with it."
With that Nikolai jolts into a sprint in the other direction and Alin is left staring at the small figure in the distance, puzzled.
He is equal parts angry, bewildered and interested in the Bulgarian. And the worst thing is – he can't stop thinking about him.
Author's Note: So, yay, first chapter is over! How do you like the story so far?
As mentioned Bulgaria won't be the usual straight A student he is in most stories. I might be the only one but I don't think that fits with him.
But don't worry he will have his reasons to act the way he does and Romania well help him reform. As for the side characters – there will be a FrUk and UsUk as well as GerIta and SpaMano because these are so fun to write.
* About Cuba's name – he has no confirmed one but in a 2010 blog post, Himaruya listed his possible names as Máximo, Juan, Ericemdo, and Carlos Machado.
Please, if you liked the story or if you didn't share your opinion.
What did you think of Alin and Nikolai's "meet cute"? And the gang being gossipy over break?
I know not many people are interested in this couple, so if you are please review!
Your feedback serves as a huge motivation!