Here's the long awaited chapter 2! Thanks so much for the support :D

Chapter 2 – Not so pleasant an encounter

He swore, he wasn't spying, he swore to God!

Arthur Kirkland was only on his way to look for Mr. Haines, one of the science teachers, when he noticed a lone figure in the supposedly empty lab. He only took a peek, just a peek, really. He had never seen this side of Alfred before, looking so serious and concentrated. He was still staring when Alfred stiffened and ran out of the room, and knocked him down before he had any time to hide.

"Good grief! What the hell are you rushing about for?" Arthur couldn't help exclaim when he recovered from getting the wind knocked out of him, pushing himself up to his elbows. He was thinner and not as well built as Alfred, and had taken the brunt of the impact himself. He sure wasn't interested in lying on the hospital bed due to broken ribs – and he had a play to perform in less than two months!

He was answered by a girlish scream, and he looked up in surprise to see Alfred, cowering in a corner with both hands covering his face and trembling in … fear? He wasn't sure whether he should find that scene funny or pitiful coming from Alfred, but if he wasn't watching it with his own eyes, he'd have found it impossible.

Arthur cleared his throat loudly to get his attention. Alfred peeked through his fingers and only lowered his hands after a moment had passed. He breathed a long sigh of relief. Then he gave Arthur a hard stare and pointed at him as he got to his feet.

"What are you doing here? No one's ever here around this time! And you're not even a Science student," Alfred said, irritated. He crossed his arms, tapping one foot impatiently.

Arthur gave a startled blink from the floor. Well! That was rude of him. "The school does not belong to you, you know, I can be anywhere I want without your consent." He was also feeling annoyed at Alfred for being impolite, and lost his private affections for the boy for a moment as he got to his feet while straightening his clothes and scowling in disapproval.

Alfred must not have expected that kind of answer, because he gave several blinks before rolling his eyes and then looking away sheepishly. Arthur's heart softened at the sight of that without his permission, and he answered the rude questions anyway. "I was on the way to look for Mr. Haines and I kind of got lost." Well, that last part wasn't true, of course. "Look, I am sorry if I interrupted you, I'll just go and keep looking."

Alfred shrugged. Arthur was just about to leave when Alfred exclaimed, "Hey, aren't you that gay from the Drama club? What's your name again? Kirky something?"

Arthur turned around, offended and hurt at the way Alfred drew out the word gay. He must have noticed him with his ex-boyfriend somewhere in the school ground! But then, his interest wasn't exactly a secret. Although the way Alfred said it made it sounds like being homosexual was a sin. Sure enough, Alfred's face was screwed up in distaste.

"You are, aren't you." It didn't sound like a question, but more like an accusation to Arthur's ear. He didn't believe he had done anything to deserve such discrimination.

Arthur's nose flared in defense. Yes, he was not straight, but he didn't have to sound so disgusted by the fact. "So? What is wrong with that? Do you have anything against homosexuals?"

"Nothing. Just that I hate gays. Disgusting group of peeps, if you ask me." With that, Alfred stomped off, leaving a dumbfounded Arthur behind.

Of all the nerve! He would not fall for him even if he was the last guy on earth!

It started a month ago, when Arthur was on his way home.

Alfred was very popular in school, being a star player in their basketball team. Now, one might wonder how was it that Arthur, who spent most of him time in the library or with the drama club, would ever be interested in basketball. To be frank, he wasn't. His walk home took him past the basketball arena, and one day, he couldn't help but be attracted to the wild cheers coming from the direction of the open doors. He only went in there out of curiosity.

What he saw took his breath away.

His school's number fifty was running fast, dribbling circles around the other team. There was firm determination in his eyes, whenever he came close enough to Arthur's corner of the court that he could see them, and yet a joyful, insatiable smile. Fifty chucked the ball, aiming at the basket that was more than half a court away in a last ditch long shot. The aim was true. There was a deafening cheer from the audience, just as the referee blew his whistle and the game ended. Arthur did not know much about basketball, but it wasn't hard to figure out that his school had just won.

But all the while, his eyes never left number fifty. He was tall and well built, with blond hair, matted with sweat. A pair of glasses that rested on the bridge of his nose that slipped downwards a bit, probably due to sweat. Arthur didn't know who he was, had never seen him around school, but he heard the loud chant of "Jones! Jones! Jones! Alfred Jones!" afterward and got a name for his new favorite number.

The player laughed, cheered along with his teammates. Arthur's heart skipped a beat as he stared on.

That was Arthur's first impression of Alfred.

Ever since then, Arthur's heart would skip a little whenever he saw Alfred on the school ground – and now that he'd caught his first glimpse, Alfred always seemed to be around. It'd only skip a little, just a little, and he tried to push the sensation and the signals it broadcasted away. Under normal circumstances, Arthur might be glad to be able to talk to him. But he didn't feel any joy now.

Apparently, he isn't so friendly around guys who are not straight, Arthur thought glumly.

Eww! What's up with that guy! Why does he smell of roses? That was just not normal! Alfred thought in disgust. Urgh! Gay! Really! What's wrong with these gays? Can't they see what they are missing? How can they prefer flat chest to those wonderful boobs?

The more he thought about it, the sicker he felt. He could feel the first wave of nausea hit him like seasickness. He covered his mouth and stifled the urge to throw up. The thought of a guy touching him with a not-so-pure intention creeped him out further, dredging up unpleasant distant memories he'd rather not relive. He shook his head, and the memories retreated. He didn't want to be reminded of that – not now, not ever.

He wondered whether he was being overly rude just now. He did see the pain flickering in Arthur's eyes, but he didn't care and continued on. He couldn't help it. He really, really hated gays!

Arthur was actually pleasant looking, with light blond hair and emerald green eyes. It was no wonder that he was the prince of the Drama club, being lead in all the plays, and, he had to admit, a good actor as well. Arthur was just a little shorter and thinner that he was – he'd been surprised that his eyes leveled with the top of Arthur's head when he stood up just now. His slender build had made him look smaller, somehow.

The child inside Alfred sprang out, and he thought of something he might do to Arthur, if he was to see him again.

He smirked.

It was a few days later when Arthur saw him again. He was unprepared.