A/N: So some things I want you all to be aware of: 1) The summary of this story won't be happening for a few chapters, as right now I'm establishing the world, characters, and giving some insight into their lives as I slip in a ton of foreshadow. This is mainly for the purpose of contrast, because people will change over the course of this fic 2) WHEN the game starts, shit will start to go down and it will go down fast, so just keep in mind that the characters will be reacting to these stressful events. I plan on making this a little bit more realistic than the original source material, but that's not saying much tbh lol.

Chapter 2: Glimpse of the Future

"Alfred, why is he here?"

The blond in question blinked at his twin, raising a perplexed brow as he idled, lounging on the bed of freshly-mowed grass. "Huh?" Looking over his shoulder toward the bleachers, he saw a very familiar Russian gazing down at him, shyly waving when they made eye contact. "Oh, uh, moral support?" Instinctively, he waved back.

"Alfred," Matthew pinched the bridge of his nose as he seated himself, legs crossed. "You don't find anything off about him? Not one thing?"

He groaned in response, not this again. "What are you talking about?"

"Let's start from the beginning when you were the only one dumb enough to approach him, all smiley and cute like you always do," Alfred's mouth dropped, offended. "No bad vibes there?"

"He's a new student, Matt. He literally has no friends, so of course he's gonna be awkward as hell."

"Al, no one looks that guilty or that defensive unless they are actually hiding something. There were people who tried to talk to him, but he would just glare at them or ignore them. It was like he didn't want to be friends with anyone, he just wanted to be left alone."

"No one wants to be alone," Alfred snapped with narrowed eyes. He knew from personal experience, and the way Ivan broke down the other day confirmed they shared that sentiment.

"The first week of class he snapped at Feliciano and said he didn't need anyone else's help. All he did was try to show him where the paints were, and that was before he attacked Kevin," was Matthew's reply, scowling.

"Um, he's never acted that way with me?"

"Because, Al, you don't pay attention to these things called social cues. You're too damn persistent for your own good when you put your mind to something," indigo eyes flickered to the bleachers anxiously before they were back on him.

"Are you done pointing out my flaws yet? Because I would really love to enjoy my snack break in peace." Hell, even pulling the grass out of the football field seemed like a more favorable way to pass the time, not that he wasn't already doing that.

"I'm being serious," Matthew frowned, eyes roaming over to their friends and other band members as they got water on the track course. He had plenty of time to keep this conversation private, but only if Alfred would shut up and listen. "Whatever you did, you broke through Ivan's wall. Congratulations, you now have a stalker!"

Alfred's tongue smacked the roof of his mouth as he made a look of disbelief, "Ivan's not my stalker. We're friends."

"You're naïveté is adorable, but no," Matthew sighed, pausing for a moment to get his bearings, bringing up the mental checklist he worked on. "The guy is obsessed with you," the younger twin rolled his eyes. "No, hear me out. He always looms over you when you're walking the halls, if anyone tries to talk to you, he grabs your attention by interrupting them. He's even glaring at me at this very moment!" Alfred turned his head and eyed Ivan skeptically, only to see the Russian smiling innocently. "Well, way to be obvious about it."

"I think you're overreacting," the tan teen stuck out his tongue "Maybe he has a crush on me."

"A possessive one? Stop thinking with your dick and focus."

Alfred scoffed. "Listen, Matt, I know you are interested in psychology and shit, but stop treating me and everyone like we're patients. It was annoying back then, it's annoying now-"

"Because I'm worried about you! Mom and I were seriously concerned you were schizophrenic-" That earned him a nasty glare which shut him up. "Sorry, back to Ivan," Alfred let out a sigh of relief. "His behavior is abnormal and I don't feel comfortable with him hanging around you. I think you should at the very least set up some boundaries."

"So...what you're saying is that Ivan to you is what Carlos is to me?" He made a shit-eating grin at Matthew's incredulous look.

"You hoser, you know that's not what I meant!"

"No, no, I think I get it now. You don't get along with him and now you don't want him anywhere near me and therefore you," he sat up enthusiastically. "Sounds pretty familiar, huh?"

"Alfred, stop twisting my words," Matthew growled sternly. "You're not dumb, I know you understand what I'm getting at."

"Fine," Alfred waved his hand dismissively. "I'll talk to him, set up boundaries and what not. Tell him how friendships work in America. Happy?" He took a big gulp of water from his bottle.

"For now," Matthew replied with a firm nod before pushing himself off the ground. "Get your section together, we're going back to zero set."

"'Kay," Alfred watched as his brother left, brows furrowing as he processed their conversation in a more serious light. Matthew just didn't understand, he wasn't there when Ivan went through a mental breakdown. No one had been, they didn't know about the other's vulnerability. For Christ's sake, he sobbed over not wanting to be perceived as a monster. It was like Beauty and the Beast, not to imply that Alfred was Belle or anything, but more so the fact that the Beast was really just a sensitive prince hidden beneath a cold exterior while those that tried to hurt him, the Gastons of the world, were the real monsters. Okay, so maybe he was Belle. There wasn't anything wrong with that, after all, she was the hero of the story, which meant it was his duty as Ivan's friend to help him reach his true potential. Alfred could already see it shining through: how sweet the Russian would be as they talked, the way he helped him in World History since he didn't know shit about European drama, or the hours they could just talk and text about anything random that came to mind as if they'd been lifelong friends.

No, the hard part would be getting everyone to disregard their preconceived notions about Ivan and see him in a new light.

.oOo.

Usually for gym, Alfred would pick flag football as his activity despite his ill-feelings toward the sport after the school's football team rejected him freshman year. It was still fun to play and he was good friends with Kyle Kirkland, the team's quarterback, who was also in his gym class and did swim with him during the winter season. However, considering the torrential downpour at the moment, his next best choice was either volleyball or weight-room, and since he was in the mood to be lazy and play on his phone, the latter option won.

Which is how he ended up on a stationary bike, 'exercising,' when really he was just updating his journal, listening to music, and texting his peers because the gym teacher that supervised the area wouldn't say anything as long as he did something. The color guard captain Emma Maes was here, so he had the option to hang out with her and her friends if he really wanted to, but he was deterred by the few familiar faces between them he preferred to avoid.

When the empty bike beside him suddenly became occupied, he turned to see who was seated beside him, smiling when it was only Ivan dressed in his long-sleeve under armour shirt that displayed his well-defined, sculpted muscles - not that Alfred ever caught himself staring at them, of course not, but he also wore that scarf he never took off. The American would be lying if he said he wasn't curious about it.

"I see you followed me here, huh?" he teased. Ivan followed him like a lost puppy in gym, picking any activity he chose. In flag football, the guy was a beast, a complete pro that should probably get recruited in the NFL as soon as he graduated. The way he charged with amazing stamina and speed, or the strength he had in in his throws, god, they were beautiful to watch. He was surprised that only Carlos approached the Russian and tried to persuade him to join the team, but then remembered a majority of the student body was too intimidated by him. It was a shame, because maybe the team would actually win a game with two competent players, and no, one of them was not his twin's asshole friend.

"Where you go, I follow," Ivan said proudly with a nod.

Nothing in the other's tone implied it was meant to be creepy. He didn't know what the hell Mattie was smoking when he said Ivan was a stalker. "Even if I'm about to jump off a cliff?"

"I would not let you do so," was the simple, but firm reply he was met with. Letting out a small chuckle, Alfred went to update his journal. "What are you doing? Texting?" A knowing smirk stretched across Ivan's lips, a fond and teasing twinkle in his violet eyes.

Averting his gaze awkwardly at the other's charming behavior, he nodded hesitantly. "Y-yeah," not really, but his diary was personal. Ivan would probably lose all respect for him if he knew the truth, that underneath all his popularity and cheerful facade was an observant, lonely guy who liked to meticulously document everything he heard or saw. If anyone saw the shit stored in there, they'd know he had an incredible supply of blackmail material, though he never intended to use it in the first place as that was not the diary's purpose. Still, people would grow suspicious of him and think he was a shitty person, he didn't need more drama in his already hectic life.

"Ah, are you thinking negatively of yourself again?" Alfred blinked in surprise, relaxing his brows and falling out of his trance as he stared at the other. How the hell did he just know? "You are not as alone as you think, I am here," Ivan smiled sweetly while the American could only feel his jaw drop as he struggled to respond. The way the Russian read him perfectly was insane, only his mother, Matthew, and Kiku could do so, and they each had known him for most of his life. It was only the very beginning of October, barely a month since school started, and somehow Ivan acted like they'd been together for a lifetime - knowing every detail of his life, memorizing every facial change...yet he didn't know anything about the other in return, despite knowing that there was clearly something problematic in his life. The guy punched a mirror, for christ's sake.

Maybe Ivan was a stalker, but maybe he was somebody who was just as lonely in the world as he was. Perhaps even more so. Matthew always thought he had everything because he was popular, 'well-liked,' but that was far from the truth. The only people that could hang around him for long periods of time were Kiku and his twin, and he knew that even they had their limits at times. His social status was high only because he was attractive, came from a good family and economic background, and starred in every extracurricular activity he partook in. Should he crumble or fall from his pedestal, who would be there for him? Middle school was the perfect reminder of who he was without his popularity and who his true friends were. To the rest of the school, he wasn't a person, he was an asset, and somehow he found himself accepting this role easily as it distracted him from his true self - the side of him that made his mother, best friend, and twin think that there was something very wrong with him. They didn't understand, no one ever would, to them he'd just been crazy and needed psychiatric help.

He looked it up, it was perfectly normal for an adult to have imaginary friends, those people were called writers. However, he also read that it was a bad thing when you couldn't discern reality from fantasy, which was where his problem lied. None of that mattered anymore though, he said his goodbyes to his fictional friends and world, and now lived in constant regret each day because of it. That's what adulthood was all about, right? Constant disappointment.

"Ivan, do you feel lonely often?" He asked seriously, voice light.

The Russian paused, legs no longer cycling as he leaned back in his seat, gaze hazy for a moment before softening, his gentle smile returning. "Nyet, never when I'm with you."

Alfred felt his heart melt and face heat up as the corner of his lip quirked coyly. They were two peas in a pod, Ivan understood him. Matthew was alone a lot, but never realized that he was the likeable one out of the two. He could make friends with anyone - real, genuine friends. That was more valuable than his title as 'Mr. Popular,' where most of his relationships were artificial, at best they were 'friends' but simply lacked any meaningful connection. Hell, the only person who knew about his journal was Kiku, and his best friend didn't even know the reason why he was so obsessed with it. It was exhausting, having to watch what he said or it'd be used against him, to do something big like come out of the closet and then be labeled an attention whore, to have people hit on him and then realize they just wanted to hook-up with a pretty face and not actually pursue anything with him because he was too annoying, or the mild version where people pretended to be his friend so they could boost their own reputation, then turn on him when they were secure. A good thing about band was that he felt comfortable with most of the kids there, and Kyle was probably the one student not a part of it that he genuinely liked to hang out with. Everyone else just couldn't be trusted in his eyes.

But now he had Ivan. And Mattie wanted Alfred to drop him, hell, most of the student body did. Whenever he enjoyed something, it was like everyone just wanted to take it away from him. His friendship with Ivan was something he couldn't afford to lose, not after what he saw. He was obligated to help the other get through whatever demons haunted him.

Alfred let out a heavy sigh. "Mattie thinks we should set up boundaries for our friendship, he thinks we're too close or something," he rolled his eyes as he checked his notifications.

"Perhaps Matvey should learn to hold his tongue, lest he lose it," blue eyes darted to the Russian, brow raised, startled by the response. It was said rather sweetly, so he wasn't sure if it was meant to be a joke or if it was actually a veiled threat.

The younger teen shrugged uncomfortably. "Okay, maybe don't say things like that? He's annoying, but I still love him," frowning, he added "He just cares about me too much for his own good, but his heart's in the right place."

Ivan hummed in response, his expression amused. "Very well, continue on."

"Well, maybe if you integrated with my group of friends, people will start seeing the side of you that I see, and then everyone will stop treating you like you have the plague," he suggested. "You could start sitting with us at lunch."

Ivan pursed his lips in thought before staring at Alfred seriously. "And this would make you happy?"

The American nodded. "Of course, I like hanging out with you."

Purple eyes brightened with mirth. "I see...then yes, I will join you at lunch tomorrow."

"Awesome!"

.oOo.

"Do you know if Francis arranged a date for our group dinner?" Matthew asked his brother, meeting him in their normal spot in front of the band room before heading down the hall and toward the cafeteria.

"With our friends at Il Veneziano?" Alfred replied before nodding. "Yeah, he and Gilbert should be free the 20th, so like two weeks."

The older twin paused thoughtfully. "Isn't that the day after our competition?"

"Yup, so it'll be a good celebration. I'm confident we'll win, we got gold when we went against those pretentious assholes at St. Mary's."

"You know mum and dad almost enrolled us there, right?" Matthew laughed with a shake of his head. "But yeah, they are pretentious, mum couldn't stand it."

"Why don't Ludwig and Feli go there?" Alfred raised an amused brow. "Feli literally lives in a manor, he'd be accepted with open arms."

"Well, for a school that isn't a vocational or private school, we have a really good ranking in the state. We've got the best equipment, we're more diverse, we have better extracurriculars, a solid alumni, we're humble, the list goes on."

"That's true-," Matthew jolted and made to grab for the hook of Alfred's arm, but was too late as the other had suddenly run into another person. Nearly falling back, large hands held onto his younger twin's upper arms and held him in place, right in very close proximity to a broad chest.

A flustered laugh escaped Alfred as he took a step back, Ivan's arms falling reluctantly when he pulled away. Matthew froze, knowing that this was the same guy who'd sent Kevin to the hospital and was now stalking his brother. Despite Alfred's claim that Ivan had been innocent in the situation, no amount of bullying warranted almost committing murder. This guy had to be seriously messed up if he could break someone's bones and then nearly crush their throat, it concerned Matthew that his brother thought there was nothing unnerving about the Russian. The way he smiled at Alfred, genuine and apologetic, a bit of blush on his cheek, definitely made him question Ivan's real motives.

"Oh, hey Ivan! You actually came!" His younger twin chirped, tone welcoming.

"Of course, Fedya!" The other's violet gaze softened. "I said I would, did I not?"

"Yeah, you can just stick by me, okay?" Matthew sent his twin a distressed look that pleaded for him to take back the offer, but was ignored.

The Russian beamed. "Always. You are happy now?"

"I am very happy," Alfred agreed with a bright smile of his own, turning to look at his brother before his eyes widened as though he forgot something. "Oh! This is my twin Matthew, in case you two haven't met yet," he gestured toward the other, who sent him an uneasy look before his eyes landed on the taller student.

There was a smile on Ivan's face, it would be almost inviting if it didn't feel so...forced. "Matvey, pleasure is mine," he regarded him with a nod, yet there was no warmth in his voice.

"L-likewise…" Matthew stammered awkwardly, hating how his brother put him on the spot like that. The one time he hadn't completely forgotten his presence...

Fortunately for him, Ivan had no interest in carrying on the conversation, his attention fixed on Alfred once again. "After you, solnyshko!" They walked into the cafeteria side-by-side, Matthew scowled as he trailed after them, not appreciating being forced as the third wheel. A part of him was tempted to bail and sit with his friend Carlos or with the guys he knew from the hockey team, even going back to the band room seemed appealing, but being the responsible sibling meant looking out for his younger brother when he felt the other was threatened.

And Ivan's friendly guise was definitely a threat in his eyes.

Ivan seated himself beside Alfred and across from Kiku while Matthew took his twin's other side. The American introduced Ivan to his friends, only for the brunet and redhead to pale when they saw the Russian, clearly uncomfortable with their newest addition. They remembered the wild expression he had as he attacked Kevin, and no amount of sweetness would erase that image from their minds.

But Ivan was impassive as he regarded them with a nod. While he ignored Kiku completely, there was a gleam of recognition in his eyes as he stared at Feliciano and Ludwig. The atmosphere chilled, his greeting to them was curt, an intense fire concealed by purple irises. The Italian teen shook behind the German, who stared at the other with a baffled expression. Matthew and Kiku exchanged a confused glance, briefly wondering if the three were familiar with one another with a dose of bad blood mixed in.

"You would not happen to be son of Romulus Vargus? The famous chef?" Ivan inquired suddenly as he leaned forward, violet eyes focused on the redhead.

Feliciano gulped, "Yes, he is mi papa." It wasn't a secret, but it also wasn't something he liked to flaunt.

"The food is good. I am glad to have tried it," at this, Feliciano blinked in surprise, finally able to meet the other's gaze.

"You-You think so?"

Ivan nodded. "Your father is very well known, starting at bottom and now on top. It makes me curious how he accomplished such a thing through hard work alone."

Flattered, the smaller male allowed himself to relax, quickly glancing at Ludwig who quirked a brow in distrust at the sudden compliment. "Thank you!"

"Would you know his secret? You see, I admire your father greatly. I too wish to live American Dream," only Matthew, Ludwig, and Kiku seemed to have caught on to the insincerity laced within his words.

"Ah! Yes, he came here as immigrant many years ago, long before I was born, but he made many friends in Italy that helped him here. He stayed with them and made more friends, and they all helped him create the restaurant!"

"Oh, friends?" The corner of the Russian's lip twitched slightly, and the three observant teens communicated with each other silently, trying to figure out what Ivan was getting at.

"Sì, having friends is very important for success," Feliciano stated matter-of-factly. "They support you when you're down, and keep you standing when you're up!" An oblivious smile stretched across his face.

"Interesting...say, Feliciano, would you say you care for your friends very much?"

"Of course! They are very important to me!" The Italian beamed as Ivan merely hummed in approval, gaze flickering to Alfred who was nodding in agreement.

"Hopefully that answer will remain the same, da?" He smiled, though once again, it lacked genuineness.

"H-huh?" Feliciano glanced at the blue-eyed German who's stern look implied they were going to have a serious talk later.

Turning a blind eye to the tension, as per usual, Alfred immediately recaptured Ivan's attention by starting a conversation with him. Matthew furrowed his brows, it was strange seeing them talk as though they'd been friends forever - the Russian just knew how to listen to the younger teen babble, nodding when appropriate, a question here and there. If the golden-blond went to talk to someone else or tried to ask questions about the Russian, he knew exactly what to say to keep his focus or maneuver the conversation into a more favorable topic. To say that last part didn't strike a red flag for the more aware twin was a lie, but it's not like Alfred would listen to him if he voiced his concern.

He shook his head, scolding himself for fretting over his brother way more than necessary. Alfred was strong enough to take care of himself, he didn't need to be fussed over like when they were children, where Matthew would attempt to be the little angel on his shoulder telling him not to do something stupid like eat dirt while his twin acted in spite and did it anyway. Actually, he took that back, things never did change...

Letting out a heavy sigh, he realized his brother really would be the death of him.

.oOo.

"You live your entire life in that phone of yours," Alfred looked up from his phone to see his mother smiling at him with an amused expression on her face as she sat behind her laptop. She adjusted her glasses before skimming through another one of her student's assignments, rubbing her chin in concentration as she stroked one of their two cats, Maple, in her lap.

"You are literally saying that to me as you work on your computer, mother," he narrowed his eyes teasingly at her, her dark blue irises shooting him a quick glance before she let out a small giggle. She leaned back in her chair, pushing her long, wavy blond hair back with her fingers.

"Your aunt Marianne wants to know how her son is doing," she commented.

"Oh, so she actually cares now?" Alfred scoffed, earning him a weak glare from his mother. "Francis is doing fine. Don't you see him at all during work? You could ask him yourself," he raised a brow, considering how the university his mother taught English and French Literature at was the same one his cousin studied the arts.

"We have busy schedules, love," his mother paused her grading to send her older half-sister a quick text. "You probably see him more at your school than I do at mine."

"You both literally live on-campus though," he countered. His mother was a very busy woman with a hectic schedule, and therefore would live in one of the Residential Halls for most of the year, as the commute proved to be too exhausting and unreliable when she first started out.

Madeline chuckled, using a hand to pick up her cup of tea and take a sip. "Actually, he's been living with Jeanne this semester in an apartment nearby her campus and your school. Remember? Also, I have my curriculum, and he has his Master's to work on. Life in the city isn't as slow as it is here, Alfie. That's why we bought this place, so I wouldn't lose my mind."

"Oh, right, I forgot he did say that," Alfred laughed. "And sure, that's the real reason why."

The Canadian woman nodded gently before her eyes focused on her eldest son who was pacing outside the dining room. "Matthew, you alright?"

"Mum, have you seen my hockey sticks? Or my skates? They weren't in the attic or garage."

"It's 'mom'..." Alfred corrected with a cheeky grin as his twin shot him an annoyed glare.

Madeline rubbed her temple. "I may have put them in the basement...Shoot, I think they're with the Christmas stuff…Sorry, honey."

Matthew let out a defeated sigh, "No, it's alright. I'll just go get dad to help me…" he turned and left, and their mother gave Alfred a toothy smile that perfectly conveyed the phrase 'whoopsie!'

They conversed for another thirty minutes or so, ample time for the teen to decide he was done digesting his pancakes before he took their dirty dishes to the kitchen and placed them into the dishwasher. When he finished, he went upstairs to his bedroom and threw himself onto the bed, ignoring his cat Hero who regarded him with a glare before leaving him alone to decide what to do for the rest of the day. Play video games? Binge-watch an entire tv series? Get his fill of some new horror movies before Halloween? But it was Sunday and his mom was using her three day weekend to catch up on work, his dad who was back home for a small break was just as bad as he was when it came to horror, and Matthew was...well, to put it lightly, he slept like a rock, usually mid-way through the movie. In the case of any ghost attack, he was certain his twin would just sleep through the whole thing as the spirits did their way with him.

He could always text Kiku, but he remembered that the teen had gone to Comic-Con with a cousin of his. Damn, he wished he'd been invited, but his friend was only going because said cousin had won exactly two tickets, and it was way too late for the American to buy any. Maybe next year. There was Feliciano and Ludwig, but at the same time not really as he didn't even know what they'd talk about or do if they came over...

With goosebumps suddenly appearing on his arm and realizing that his room was too chilly, he pushed himself off the bed to check on the thermostat in the hall. It was 75. Confused, he went back to his room to see why it was much colder that the rest of the house. This wasn't Canada! Maybe mother and his twin could tolerate the chill, but he had his father's Californian blood in him. He was made for warmer weather, not this! Nevermind the fact he lived in New York all his life. Approaching one of his windows, specifically, the one with a maple tree partially obscuring his view, he rested his hands on the sill and found himself looking out. When they first moved in, he recalled the tree being restricted to only Matthew's side of their Jack-and-Jill suite, but now it was slowly passing onto his territory. Not that he minded, there were a couple of branches that made it the perfect secret exit he always wanted if he were ever in a predicament where he had to sneak out. Feeling a cool draft and pulling away, his theory was proven to be correct.

With a scowl, he pushed the window down firmly so no more cold air could enter. Seriously? He thought he told his mother to stop opening his bedroom window to let in fresh air, and if she did, to at least make sure it was sealed tight afterwards. It was 54 degrees outside! He didn't care if she was blessed with the skin of a polar bear, he wasn't and this was his room! She hadn't even bothered to put the screen down, which meant bugs totally could've gotten in. If this ended up like last summer when he woke up to a wasp resting 3 inches away from his face, he was gonna lose his shit. He needed a sweater to deal with this nonsense, at least until the room warmed back up, though he briefly wondered where she found the time to come in when he slept comfortably all night. There wasn't any point he could recall her coming upstairs, but he did take his morning shower and then briefly went to the bathroom after breakfast, so she had her opportunities. With a low growl, he went toward his walk-in closet, hand on the doorknob-

A wave of nostalgia hit him as he imagined a valley waiting for him on the other side, a nice sun beating down on him, rows of wildflowers with bunnies hopping in between. Ever since he was four-years-old, his closet was like the rabbit hole for Alice or the wardrobe in Narnia: a gateway to another world. There had been the voice that called itself Deus, which claimed it had full control over the world. It referred to the bunnies as 'data,' said it made them that way because he knew he liked them, which was true, he did go through that phase for a while. It made him an alien friend he called Tony, a whale he named Whaley. The adventures he had in the Cathedral of Causality resulted in some of the best memories of his life, and despite it all being in his imagination, everything had felt so real the entire time.

After a bit of more thought, he remembered one rabbit in particular, the one with the thick, fluffy brows and emerald green eyes. He caught it withering in pain, being deconstructed by the voice, and he begged for Deus to spare the poor thing. In its gratitude, it talked to him, told him stories, comforted him when he was sad. They'd have tea parties and Alfred recalled how it spoke with a posh accent...unlike reality, he never felt lonely when he was in that world, but when he opened the door it was nothing but a closet filled with clothes.

"I'm sorry, but I can't come here anymore…"

That had been almost four years ago now, he thought with a shake of his head before focusing on the present. His hands brushed against the hangers, looking for a nice sweater he could use to keep warm until the temperature went back to normal. He picked out his bomber jacket and put it on, hugging himself as he got back into bed and buried himself under the covers. Bringing up his phone to update his journal, he paused when he saw a notification from Ivan, simply asking how he was. Smiling, he wondered if it was time to officially bump up their friendship to the next level and invite him over to hang out. Mattie wouldn't be pleased, but his twin sometimes invited Carlos over without his consent so this just made them even.

Alfred: You busy today?

A message popped up in a grey speech bubble below his green.

Ivan: No, why?

That was a fast response for an outdated flip phone, he noted before sending a follow-up text.

Alfred: Just bored...wanna hang out?

Ivan: Of course! I would love to! ^o^

Alfred chuckled a bit at that, almost wishing they could send each other actual emojis.

Alfred: Cool u wanna come over or I go there?

Alfred: Or we could meet up somewhere idc

Ivan: I will go there. It's better.

Alfred: Ok cool!

He sat up in his bed, excited. This was actually happening, someone other than Kiku (excluding his brother and Francis for obvious reasons) was coming over to spend time with him. Matthew always had Carlos, who hated him, and Tim Maes, who he was pretty sure was a stoner. Now he had two actual friends to hang out with too.

Ivan: See you soon!

He replied with another smiley emoticon before stuffing his phone into his pocket, rushing toward his mirror and making sure he was presentable. It wasn't like he was going out or anything, so he figured his blue, plaid sweatpants and Captain America t-shirt were good enough. The rest of the house was warm, so he took off his bomber jacket and placed it on his desk chair, figuring he would be wearing it more now that it was colder outside.

He heard the doorbell ring and his eyes widened in surprise. Already? One step into the hall and his father was already calling out his name. Hustling to the balcony, his head cocked to the side as he saw two individuals converse in the foyer down below. In a flash, he was already down the stairs, his socks gliding across the wooden floor to meet the others.

"You got here fast," he grinned at Ivan as he came to a stop. "Ya live nearby or something?"

"I was taking walk on bike path. Is very peaceful." Did he meant the one that went through the woods at the end of his yard? The very same path they walked on a few weeks ago to clean out Ivan's wounds? Peaceful? He was for sure that would've been traumatic, considering how the poor guy was bleeding all over it.

"So, Al," his father began as he propped his out-of-season sunglasses on top of his auburn hair. "Care to introduce me to your friend?" His brown eyes flickered between the two teens.

"Oh, right," he turned to his dad and gestured to Ivan. "Dad, this is Ivan. Ivan this is...uh-"

"Allen Jones," the man held out a tan arm that the taller teen grasped and shook gently. "You can just call me Allen, especially since Al is taken by this one here," his head nodded toward his son before they let go.

The blond teenager rested a hand on his hip. "You old man, no one shakes hands anymore," he shook his head in disappointment.

"Of course, silly me. How dare I be polite? I'll try not to embarrass you next time, sport."

"Alright, we're done here," he gestured for the Russian to follow him and led him to the living room, signaling for him to take a seat. "Um, you want anything to drink?"

Ivan sat himself on the comfy leather, "I am good, spasibo."

The American sat himself beside the other, propping his feet on the ottoman as he tried to think of something else to say. Normally when Kiku came over they would just play games or watch TV, but he didn't know if Ivan was interested in those things. What did the Russian even like anyway? Ivan never talked about himself, and when Alfred tried to pry, he'd always distract him...and it didn't help that last time he was here he was sobbing and bleeding after having a crisis then left on his own before they could take a breather.

THUMP.

"Fuck!" His eyes shot wide when he heard his father curse, an amused expression on his face.

"Dad! Stop trying to carry everything by yourself!"

"I got this, hold on-"

He chuckled upon seeing the Russian's concerned expression. "Mattie's trying to get his hockey stuff out of the basement," he explained, and the other nodded with a gentle smile. "So...is there anything you want to do in particular?"

Ivan paused, tapping his cheek thoughtfully as he stared at the ceiling. "Ah," his violet eyes focused on him with a strange twinkle in them. "Halloween is nearing, da? I think we should get in mood, wouldn't you agree, Fedya?"

Alfred stared at him blankly before an incredulous laugh escaped him. "Wow, it's like you've known me for a million years. You sure we're not soulmates or something?"

He cocked to his head to the side as a joyful smile stretched across his lips, his violet eyes closing by how wide it was. "Who knows? Maybe we are!"

The younger teen grinned in amusement as he pushed himself off the couch. "C'mon, I'll show you to my room. I prefer watching things in there." He liked his privacy when watching horror films, it lessened the chances of Mattie and his mother laughing at him.

"Alfie," Madeline cooed from the other room. He went back into the dining room, seeing his mother in the same spot as before while Matthew and Allen both went through a plastic tote on the table, pulling out various things like a helmet, gloves, skates…"Who's this friend your father mentioned? I want to meet him!"

Alfred was about to respond, only for Ivan to appear beside him, giving the woman a shy, but friendly wave as he introduced himself in his usual sweet tone. "Hello! My name is Ivan Braginsky, pleasure to meet you!"

"So polite," his mother commented with a smile. "Call me Madeline, if you need anything just let me know!"

Ivan nodded graciously, "Thank you."

Matthew merely stared in silent horror at the Russian student as his father waved them off.

Alfred led Ivan to his room, thankfully warm, just the way he liked it. Spreading his arms as he presented it to the other, he smirked as he watched for Ivan's reaction. "Behold, my sleeping quarters."

It was a good sized room, with three large windows that brought in a lot of natural light, his queen-sized bed tucked into a corner. Across from that was his tv stand, his movie and game collection displayed in large cabinets beside it. Nearby the doorway there was a desk and computer - a small office space with some books and notes sprawled in a messy pile. On the other wall were two other doors for his closet and shared bathroom, a bookshelf and posters...so many posters. In fact, there were clues to his interests all around the room, action figures of his favorite characters, maps of fictional worlds, a couple of cool decorations he got when pre-ordering collective editions for some games. It was a fanboy's haven.

Then Ivan's gaze went up and he flushed in embarrassment. Right. The glow-in-the-dark stars he and his dad put up when he was ten...it had been a personal project for them, a long and tedious bonding activity.

"Ah, the star-crossed lovers," Ivan smiled as he nodded toward the stars.

"Oh, Vega and Altair?" He walked into the room and plopped himself onto his bed without tearing his gaze away from the ceiling.

"I only know because a friend told me before, it is the Lyra constellation, da?" He looked around some more. "Ursa Major, the Great Bear, or for some the Big Dipper."

A friend? So Ivan wasn't a complete loner, good to know in case he had to reassure Matthew once again. "Yeah, Kiku told me all about Tanabata and stuff, he noticed it right away after I showed this to him," Alfred grinned in amusement. "I didn't know you were into astronomy."

"Is fun hobby of mine," he responded simply.

Once more that day, Alfred briefly wondered if God had personally sent Ivan down to him. He blinked in surprise as he noticed the other was still standing in the center of his room. "Oh, you can sit on my bed, I don't mind. You can also pull out that chai-" Ivan immediately seated himself beside the other as soon as the suggestion came out of his mouth, startling him for a moment by how smooth the motion was. An amused laugh escaped him when he recovered, seeing Ivan's innocent face quirk into one of confusion. He shook his head with a smile as he pushed himself off the edge of the bed toward his TV stand and began to set up for their marathon.

"Do you have a preference or…" he said aloud as he used the remote to the browse through the selection he had available for streaming.

"I do not mind. You choose."

Alfred looked through his options, deciding to go with the one that had a cover he deemed harmless enough. Past experience told him this wasn't an accurate method for determining how scary a movie would be, but whatever. Fool me a million times, right? He selected the video and crawled onto his bed to the side pressed against the wall then checked on his guest, only to see that Ivan was relaxed on the edge with his boots off, eyes focused on him with a strange gaze he couldn't place.

"Do you wanna take off your coat? You can just hang it on the post," he watched as Ivan slung it off his shoulders and followed through with his suggestion before bringing up the covers, the screen dimming as a darker mood was set.

Four movies in, Ivan was quite pleased when the American pressed his face into his shoulder, hooking their arms together as he held a pillow up as a shield. "Ahhh, tell me when it's over!" the Russian let out a laugh at that. At some point Allen had come in to give them slices of pizza for dinner and some drinks, it wasn't until then they noticed it was dark outside. They opted to watch one more movie before calling it a night, which led to the current situation at hand.

The credits were displayed on the screen after ten minutes and Alfred was finally able to drop his pillow, as well as attempt to calm his shaking hands. "I fucking hate foreign horror films! They never have a happy ending!"

"You are fond of those," Ivan agreed with a melancholic gleam in his eyes, his voice almost a whisper.

"Now, I'll never get to sleep!" Alfred let out a groan as he rested his head on the cushioning behind him.

"I believe you will manage," Ivan sent him a reassuring smile. "I best be going, da? Is late."

"Wait, it's too dangerous to go out now!" Blue eyes widened as he sat up. "It's like 9 o'clock! You should ask your parents if you can spend the night. It's Columbus day weekend, so it should be fine, right? And I have a parade tomorrow, so we can bring you back first thing in the morning if- "

"I will be fine, Fedya. But if you insist, I will send message, okay?"

"Yes, you should do that. Like right now," he stated firmly.

A sly grin on his face, Ivan pulled out his flip phone and began typing. When done, he snapped his phone shut and looked at the other sweetly. "There, I will spend night with you."

"Good," Alfred crawled over the other to get off the bed, not noticing how the Russian's breath hitched for a moment as his face went pink. "I'll go get you some clothes, dad might have something that fits you 'cause you're both got those broad shoulders. I think I have a spare toothbrush and stuff too, be right back."

"D-da…" he spluttered, attempting to keep his cool as the other hopped off the bed and left the room. After a moment, Ivan opened his phone again and began typing into a journal with a fond expression on his face, musing to himself about whether the other was aware they had more in common than he thought even now.

After all, he had a few little secrets of his own.

.oOo.

The scene was met with police cars and sirens, the flash of a red and blue lights constantly illuminating the otherwise dark alley. Leather shoes clanked against the cement beneath them, alerting the other officers of their superior's entrance.

Captain Zwingli stared at the corpse before him, a young woman in her early 20s, very beautiful, save for the ugly, vicious gash that tore through her body - flesh just hacked into like an axe would a tree. A pool of crimson surrounded her meaning that if the cut hadn't killed her, the blood loss certainly had.

"No trace of anyone, sir," one of the detectives in his division reported, and he shook his head in frustration.

"It's not like they could just disappear out of thin air," his green eyes narrowed at the other. "There's always something," he slipped on his gloves and bent under the yellow tape to approach the body, kneeling beside it and giving a few light touches to examine its state.

The death was recent, he estimated it had happened only a couple of hours prior. It was entering the phase of rigor mortis, as evident by the increasing stiffness. The blood splatters weren't clean, there was hints of a spray, which meant the person had dove their weapon right into a vital artery. Whoever did this must've had some sort of vendetta - judging by how deep the cut went, the woman would've died on impact. This wasn't a clean kill, no, this was fueled by something much more twisted.

He picked up her discarded purse, rummaging through it and taking out its contents as he searched for something of interest. His gaze gleamed when they picked up a clean, folded napkin, a number written on it with blue ink. A rare grin curved his lip as he pulled out a phone of his own.

There was his lead.

A/N: Everyone always makes Alfred part of the football team, so I decided to be different and make him a football-reject turned band geek. A star performer, nonetheless, since that's how trumpet player's are, amiright? Lol. He's still a jock though.

So yeah, Alfred is the oblivious, emotional guy whereas Matthew is more perceptive, rational and overprotective. They each have their own perspective to the Ivan situation, so neither side is entirely wrong nor entirely right...just keep reading to find out the truth.

In this fic, Allen Jones (2p!America) is half-Latino and half-German. The German is because I know it says in canon that America mingled with Germanic blood, plus he needs those recessive genes to be the blue-eyed, blond he is. The latino is because here Allen basically represents when parts of America were a part of Spain and later Mexico, so his family would've basically been there since it became a colony. Meanwhile, Madeline Williams (Nyo!Canada) is half-French and half-English, with her older half-sister Marianne Bonnefoy (Nyo!France) obviously being from, you guessed it, France.

Fun fact: The stars in Alfred's room are the night sky for July, his birthday month.

Btw, Mirai Nikki translates to Future Diary for those who don't know, so Alfred's fixation with his phone is important for those who are unaware. And the part with his imagination is CRUCIAL to this fic. I did say it was heavily inspired by the anime/manga.

And in case I need to remind people, this is a DARK fic, even though things are all happy and cheerful right now, don't let this deceive you as things only get worse from here.