(a/n: Warning! the following chapter mentions some sensitive subjects such as depression and rape, viewer descresion is advised.


It had officially been a week, since Alfred had first entered the crazy and dysfunctional school, known as 'rock bottom lane'.
Since arriving, the American's life had changed drastically, and he was still struggling to adapt to the unpredictable school environment.
Alfred had luckily made some friends, like Kiku, Arthur, and what's-his-name..? Matthew! However he also now had an enemy; Ivan, and a bad reputation for being a coward.

Alfred was currently minding his own businesslike, walking down the packed school corridors- seriously the hallways were super narrow and when the bell went the area became so packed, it wasn't uncommon for someone to faint, yet another thing the American had to get used to, luckily his strength came in handy during hose situations..

" Jones, hey! Alfred!" A Distinctly British voice called out, Alfred turned to see Arthur standing at the other end of the corridor, at the entrance of one of the classrooms. " Are you going to write a letter home or what!? times almost up!"

Ah! how could Alfred forget? each Saturday students were permitted to write and receive letters from their family's- and time to do it was almost up! Without a thought for the consequences, the American charged through the corridor knocking people over as he went and earning himself a few glares.

" 'Scuse me! Coming through. Watch it, dude!" Alfred was eager to finally be aloud to write home.. although he was on bad terms with his parents, he still missed them.

Finally he made it to the 'school post office' where Arthur was standing, waiting impatiently with the seemingly-permanent frown on his face. "Someones eager" The Brit remarked.

" Whatever dude, thanks for reminding me" Alfred grinned, and gave the Englishman a high-five. Arthur almost immediately let out a hiss of pain, and clutched his bandaged hand.

" Careful, idiot, this is where I got caned." The punk growled, although his words lacked venom.

" Heh, sorry dude." Alfred apologized, as he walked into the 'post office', and grabbed some paper. he couldn't help but feel concerned, should Arthur's wound still hurt after a week? surely that wasn't normal.. Snapping himself out of his daydream, and facing reality, Alfred realised something.

"Artie, I have no idea what to write!" Alfred exclaimed " I can't tell my Mom about getting into fights with a Russian.. Or not doing anything in class- she'll have a fit!"
Arthur shrugged, uncaring " That your problem, mate, your problem."

The American frowned Arthur wasn't being very helpful " What are you putting in the letter to your family, Artie?" He asked.

" None of your business, you prat."Arthur said, irritably " And it's Arthur! not Artie, at least get my name right."

" Hey, Arthur?" Alfred asked, catching the punks attention, as he actually did use his proper name for once. " What's the situation.. you know with your family?"

To be honest, Alfred had wanted to ask Arthur that for a while, seeing as how the Brit knew all about his family; From his overbearing mother, to his always-away-from-home father. However, Arthur had never once mentioned his relatives, or even anything about his life before 'rock bottom lane'.

The question took Arthur of guard, he regarded Alfred for a moment, unsure of what to say, there was a pregnant silence, in which the punk seemed to show a rare flicker of genuine regret in his eyes. Alfred waited tensely for the answer, he had a horrible feeling that his friend was just going to yell at him for 'being nosey'.

".. I'm not even sure who to call my family any more.." Arthur said, a lost look upon his face, which was quickly replaced by a look of anger " And why are you asking anyway! Stop being so bloody nosey!"

Alfred chuckled a little at Arthur's Anger, he knew he'd react in that way But he couldn't help but feel intrigued by the punks initail reaction to the question and it made the American want to know more about Arthur's past, but for now the American decided he needed to focus on his own problems. " I'll be as nosey as I like and- I still don't know wht to write!"
The punk chuckled, the sombre mood from earlier had already gone.. " Jut leave out the bad stuff- Like Ivan, and that." The blonde instructed.
The American nodded a little uncertainly, and got to work on his letter.

-^J^-


Matthew hurried to the dorm feeling distraught and empty, he thought he'd finally made a friend but now he was just being forgotten again. Throughout the week, Alfred had forgotten about him, or over-looked him time and time again. The Canadian acknowledged that he still remembered him more than most, but it hurt feeling invisible to someone you called a friend.. The final blow had been when Matthew was talking to Alfred in the corridor earlier, and then when that stupidArthur called him over, he just ran of and left the Canadian alone and forgotten.

Matthew didn't care that he probably looked ridicules, storming through the corridors with tears in his eyes like some angst ridden teen-age girl because it wasn't like anyone would notice him anyway. The Canadian sighed and attempted to calm himself down, he had no idea why he was getting so worked up over this he should just confront Alfred and be assertive..damn my passive aggressiveness.. Matthew thought. Although he guessed he should be long used to being forgotten.. his parents would never remember to pick him up from places, they even forgot his birthday once or twice! Matthew's therapist ( who often forgot his name) had suggested that may be the cause of his deppresion. Yes, Matthew had depression, it wasn't so bad at least at the moment but there where days were he could just lie in bed and feel like there was no point in anything, and there where other times when he felt just so.. Angry, guilty even suicidal and a whole host of other emotions that he'd bottled up over the years. But for now at least Matthew was stable, he didn't have any desires to hurt himself or end his life. he just felt sad.

Upon entering the Dorm, Matthew was a little suprised to see it wasn't completely, lounging across one of the beds, was none other than Francis Bonnefey. The Canadian honestly thought the place would be empty seeing as how most students would be having supper, or writing their letters. Since he wasn't exactly feeling sociable at the moment, he decided just to walk past the French-boy so he wouldn't notice him, should be easy, right?. apparently not.

" Ah~ Matthiue what are you doing here?" Francis asked, with his exaggerated French accent, without waiting for an answer he continued. " Here, Come sit with me, I need someone to talk to, si vous plait."

Reluctantly, Matthew complied, and sat at the Foot of the French-boy's bed, the Canadian wasn't one to disagree or argue.. sometimes it felt like he physically couldn't.

" I-is something wrong, Francis eh?" Matthew asked nervously, noticing the older boy's forlorn expression, and the obviously regretful tone in his voice.

" Oui, I was just reflecting, and.." Francis said, sitting up, so he was next to Matthew. ".. Merde.. How did my life come to this I used to go to 'fond rocheux' the most prestigious boarding school in the whole of France. Now they shipped me of to this- this hell-hole, all because of a Bitch, a putain ."
Francis' usually flamboyant expression turned dark, his eyes held an icy glare the types of which Matthew had never seen before. The Canadian felt a shiver go down his spine- the result of Francis' current demur. Matthew's mouth went dry, and he was unable to say a single word- what was there to say? so instead he let the blonde before him continue.

" Matthew, do you know why they sent me here?" The Frenchman asked, his sapphire blue eyes boring into Matthew's timid indigo ones.

" no..why?" The younger teen said, genuinely curious to find out the reason, he had no idea what it was, similarly to how he had no idea Francis was suddenly opening up his heart to him- the two barley spoke!

" Rape." Francis spat, his eyes glowering in the most out-of-character fashion. A unhidden venom was in his voice.

Matthew's eyes widened in horror, he knew the French boy could be a bit promiscuous .. But rape! He didn't think he was capable of that. That was- disgusting.

" Non..! non! you misunderstand." Francis said hurriedly " I was accused of rape but- I never did it. I never would forcing love on others that's just.. Vile."

Matthew relaxed a little " But then.. Why where you accused?"

" In my old school, I was known as being a bit of a -what do they call it?- Player.. similar to how I am here." Francis said calmly, but when he began with the next part of his speech his eyes were icy once again. " There was a girl who fully conceited to have l'amour with me. But the school they found out the punishment for sex on campus is expulsion, oui? So she told them.. She told them I forced myself upon her. I got sent here, for a vile crime I didn't commit."

Matthew blinked in suprise, not sure what to say. He had never expected the notorious school flirt to have such a cold yet regretful side. The Canadien's expression softened, as he gazed at Francis " It's okay I believe you.. And I'm sure anyone else will once you explain to them what happened." Finally Francis' expression turned back into a smile- not his usual perverted smirk- but a genuine grin.

" Thank you for your time, mon cher, you are a bon listener."

For the first time in a long while, Matthew felt useful. And it felt good.


Gilbert Beillschmidt gritted his teeth in frustration ' How was he suppose to be his awesome self, when he had an un-awesome dilemma on his hands? it had all started six days ago, when he came across the incriminating photographs of various students in the headmasters 'private collection', and the Headmaster had threatened him with jail if he ever told. Since then he had no idea what to do with the information he had, there was no way he was going to risk jail! But still was it really right that he should turn a blind eye to what That Old creep was doing. But on that note was the Bastard even doing anything? For all The Prussian knew he could have the pictures for a perfectly acceptable reason- although the chances of that where thin based on the nature of the Photographs. One thing was for sure, the Head-Teacher caning Kids seemed a lot less innocent now, to the Albino, (Although to be honest, when does caning kids ever seem innocent?)

Luckily Gilbert had a correspondent he could tell all his worries to- A Childhood friend by the name of Elizaveta Héderváry who attended the 'rough' girls school not far from 'Rock bottom lane' the two would often exchange letters via Gilbird The Prussian's (Cleverly named) Pet Bird. As Soon as The Albino had a dilemma, that his self-proclaimed awesome self couldn't solve, Elizaveta was his wail wall, and currently, Gilbert was impatiently awaiting the return of is letter featuring his 'discovery' about the Headteacher.

After what seemed like an eternity, a familiar 'squauck' was heard, and Gilbert grinned, seeing Gilbert fly through the air, letter strapped to his leg, after his week-long journey. " heh! Awesome Birdy you're awesome!" Gilbert said, quickly feeding the poor exhausted bird some bird seed. Eyes glinting with anticipation, the Prussian hastily undid the ribbon on The Bird's leg, and freed the letter, without waiting a second longer, he folded it open and began reading.

Halló Gilbert..

Let me Start by saying you really should start using the mailing system instead of Gilbird.. I know you can only use it on a Saturday but the poor Birdy's getting worn out!
Anyway about your.. problem. First of, theres no way you're getting yourself in jail! you know the headmaster can do that! and you may be a right Bastard but I'm not letting that happen, so sorry Gil, Looks like you can't tell anyone authorotiv that Monster of a head teacher of yours has enough power to get you blamed for something bad. But Just because you can't tell the people in charge doesn't mean you can't tell anyone. Warn the other students, not all of them or it'll spread round, but tell the peopleyou trust. And maybe tell that Arthur kid. Yes! I know you hate him ( You've told me multiple times!) But the Headmaster seems to have a particular interest in him, according to your letters, so he should be warned. Stay out of trouble, and away from lighters!

viszlat~ from Elizaveta.

Gilbert scanned through the letter once again well he asked for adivce now he had it He decided since he himself had no awesome ideas, He might as well do what Elizaveta said..

-^J^_


Elsewhere, Alfred was just finishing of his letter home in the end he just opted to write about his new friends, Matthew, Arthur and Kiku(Even though Alfred hadn't spoken to him much..). The entire time, something was bugging the nosey American- what had Arthur wrote, and who was it to? Alfred looked at the letter, trying to somehow decipher what it said.. unfortunately the American lacked x-ray vision, so his efforts where in vain..

"Oi! Git! is there something on my shirt? stop staring." Arthur said suddenly, snapping lAfred out of his day dream, the American flushed a little, cursing his own awkwardness. " Anyway, let's hurry up and mail these things- You took bloody ages on yours!"

The taller of the blondes grinned as he put the letter into the box "A Hero always get things done at the last minute!" He declared, Arthur scoffed.

The two walked out of the 'post office' after spending nearly an hour in there, joking around and writing the letter. To the two blondes surprise waiting outside was none other than Gilbert Beillschmidt.

" Hey, Kirkland- I'm gonna grace you with my awesome presence for for a few moments, I need to talk ." The Albino said, looking the blonde square in the eyes.

" What do you want, you damn albino?" Arthur asked, his previously relaxed expression turning sour. " I'm not in the mood for a fight, Aright?"

Gilbert narrowed his eyes " I didn't say fight, listen Dummkopf!" The elder of the Boys hissed, squaring up to Arthur, who did the same, both glaring at each other fiercely.
Now was about the time Alfred decided to intervener- Hero's don't let people get into stupid fights, right? Alfred stepped in between the two glaring teens " Aright guys, brake it up! lets not have a fight here.. come on!" The American said in the most authoritative voice he could possibly muster. Gilbert and Arthur gave each other one last final snarl, before stepping away. The Prussian cursed under his breath in German ' He comes here, to warn that stuck up English Brat and this is the thanks he gets, hmph!'

" Ja, I really do need to talk vith you, eyebrows." Gilbert said, his usual smirk back in place. " Or are you too frightened of being alone with me? need your boy friend to hold your hand."
The two blondes both flushed, " Alfred isn't my boyfriend and- I'm not bloody afraid of anything!" Arthur shouted while blushing. " Fine! I'll hear you out you bloody prat, this better not be a waste of my time"
Alfred sighed 'You can tell these too really hate eachother, when they can't even exchange without it turning into a full-blown argument..' To the American, Arthur always seemed so temperamental- his mood changes were unpredictable, he could go from caring to violent in seconds- in a scary kind of way it made him more.. exciting.

" Finally! you're such a brat" Gilbert exclaimed. " Hey, Yank clear off a second it's private talk, yeah?"

Alfred took a second to realise Gilbert was referring to him " Sure, I'll wait by the stairs, Artie " He said, without protesting like he'd usually do- He just had no desire to start an argument with the snappy and wild Albino who claimed to have burned down his own school-..not that he was afraid or anything! Hero's don't get afraid!
Arthur gritted his teeth as he watched him go, he really hated Gilbert talking to his friend like that.. He hated Gilbert full stop. But as he previously stated he didn't want to start a fight so he just bit down on his tongue and scowled.

" So, what do you so desperately need to talk about?" Arthur questioned once Alfred was safely out of hearing range, The Brit's voice practically dripped with sarcasm.
Gilbert faltered.. now that now that he thought about it how was he suppose to explain the situation to the younger one. For possibly the first time in his entire life, Gilbert Beilldshmidt was lost for words.
" I haven't got all day, you know" The Blonde said, tapping is foot impatiently, Gilbert scowled.

" Y'know.. that bastard of a headmaster we have." The Prussian started, Arthur nodded irritabley. " I saw some fucking creepy things- well they might just a coincidence but, Elizaveta said that I should tell you, about it, It's not like I always do what she says but- me and her go waaay back like you and Francis.. Anyway I'm getting of subject point is don't trust the Headmaster, I mean I don't think you trust him anyway but who does? he's an un-awesome old stooge but just.. trust him less, 'cause there's possibly some creepy things going on here. "

Arthur deadpanned. " Gilbert, that made not an ounce of sense." The punk said spitefully.

" Oi! Let me finish first, you damn ungratefull Brit!" The Albino yelled angrilly. " Anyway, as I vas saying before I vas un-awesomely interrupted I'm gonna warn you about- well you know the way he likes to hit kids with a cain"

" Yes, I noticed." Arthur replied testily, indicating to his injured hand. " Because of that incident last week, he hit me so bloody hard he splintered the Cain into my hand.

Gilbert winced a little at the thought of that. " Vell, vhen I vent into his office I saw something that-"

" Hey! Aruto, you mess with my amigo, you mess with me!" A thick Spanish accented voice called out, The two teens turned to see Antonio alongside Lovino walking towards them. Apparently the naturally dozy Spaniard had misunderstood the situation- not that difficult seeing as how Gilbert and Arthur- two enemies- were shouting at each other.

The Punk face-palmed and glared at Antonio, then Gilbert. " This is bloody ridicules, I honestly don't care what you have to say- I'm going back to the dorm." With that, Arthur stormed of back to the stairs were Alfred was waiting.

"Aw look, you scared him of" Gilbert commented huffily to Antoino, who just smiled and shrugged. " Damn pissy Brit, thinks he can just walk of on me like that."

" Hey, Tomato-Bastard, Potato-Bastard you can stand there gassing all day, But I'm going back to the dorm, I need a nap." Lovino huffed, turning to walk away.

" Oh~ Wait for me, Lovi!" Antonio called skipping after him, Gilbert sighed and followed also, finding himself feeling pissed of with everyone in general.

-^J^-


Back at the dorm, The pupils came in thick and fast, since tea was over and all. Among them was Arthur and Alfred, the former of the two scowling fiercely, the latter just trying to calm the other one down.

" Stupid Gilbert, wasting my time.." the Punk muttered to Alfred just as the said time-waster entered the room.

"Oi! Kirkland- why the hell did you run of like that, eh? Thought you were meant to be some sort of gentleman, you Bratty Brit!" The Albino shouted, gaining the attention of half the occupants in the room.

" I just really could not be arsed wasting my time with the likes of you." Arthur replied, glaring at his enemy.

" You do not have the right to talk about 'im like that, you filthy lowlife." It was not Gilbert who had spoken, but Francis. The French boy was glaring at Arthur, with such hate the Punk was taken aback. Matthew whimpered he'd never seen the older boy like this.. Only now did the Canadian realise how dangerous Francis in a bad mood could be. " Francis.. Please let's not cause a fight." Matthew whined. Nobody listened.

" What did you just call me, Frog-face!?" Arthur demanded his Acid green eyes boring into the others now cold sapphire blue ones.

" You heard." The taller blonde spat back. " You're a filthy low-life you always have been, you always will be- You're a thief! a beggar! and just generally a bad person you don;t have the right to speak about mon ami Gilbert that way."

To say Alfred was surprised when Arthur didn't retort was an understatment. The American turned to see the Brit Glaring at the French boy (if looks could kill) but no words came out the punks mouth- he was utterly speechless due to the older one's insults. Alfred frowned- he wasn't used to seeing Arthur lost for words and for some reason it didn't sit right with him, so he did something he swore he'd never do; Get involved with the Argument between Arthur and the bad friends trio.

" That's not true! Arthur's a good person so back of- yeah." Alfred shouted his voice sounded louder than he had intended earning himself the attention of most of the people in the felt a strange feeling in his chest, he so unused to people defending him, he blushed a little feeling endeared, yet his naturally independent nature stopped him from smiling. For a few moments the pupils were quiet, nobody spoke a word the American briefly hoped that it had worked- people had took him seriously and his message got across. What Alfred din't expect is for the room to erupt into laughter, and it wasn't good humoured chuckles either- it was a kind of a cruel sniggering that reminded the American of the bullies back in his old school. Alfred felt his face flush at the sudden negative attention- what had he done!?

" Heh, so you need the coward to stick up for you now, bastard!?" Lovino called out, Arthur glared at him. Alfred finally understood what was going on- he was known as a coward thanks to that unfortunate run in with that Braginsky fact he was standing up to the bad touch trio was laughable. The american involuntarily felt the anger rise up inside him- how dare the treat him like some sort of coward- they would of done the same. An angry Alfred, is an unpredictable one, when in one of his worst rages the American had been known to get into wild fights..well that is how he ended up being sent to this school, after all.

" Listen up! ya' bunch of idiots!" Alfred yelled. " I'm not a coward! I'm not afraid of any damn Russians I'll proove it!" without a thought for Toris's words earlier that week the American stormed through the crowd of boys over to Ivan who was sat on his own bed smiling his usual creepy smile.

" Da, Is there a problem?" Ivan asked inoccently.

" Yeah theres a problem!" The enraged American said. " From now on! between me and you it's war! you might've won the first fight, but I'll show you I'm not afraid of you!"

The entire room watched in awe, they were shocked, nobody had challenged Ivan Braginsk before!? was this American suicidal?. Arthur was horrified even I'm afraid of the Russian he thought.

" Sounds fun, da?" Was Ivan's simple response, he was seemingly unaffected by the sudden tense atmosphere in the room or rather- he was the one causing it.

" Alfred! don't be an idiot!" Arthur shouted without even thinking about it. wait? what am I doing? I don't care if he gets himself in trouble.. not in the slightest! he thought.

" Don't worry Artie, I can handle myself against this bastard." Alfred replied, the anger still clouding his judgement. He didn't noticed the flicker of rage that entered the Russian's Violette eyes when he called him 'bastard'.

"I'm not worrying.." Arthur insisted in return, feeling awkward as the attention of the students were now drawn to him, there eyes were like those of hungry wolves and all of them were eager to see a fight.

" Aright, Braginsky! Tomorrow at 15:08 you and me are gonna settle this!" Alfred yelled at Ivan who nodded in response. The crowd looked visibly disappointed the fight wasn't going to happen right here right now.

" Ha! I bet you'll just back out again, Yank." Gilbert interjected, a cruel smirk cast upon his face. but deep down the Prussian wanted Alfred to win.. purely because he really didn't like Ivan..

" Shut up! You damn albino!" Alfred retorted, glaring. " it's war on you too then! And your little friends.. "

"Three against one. give it up." The Prussian spat back. Arthur watched the scene before him unfold he'd never seen Alfred like this.. the boy was usually so happy and care-free.. this enraged and spontaneous lad before him almost seemed like a different person, it sent shivers down Arthur's spine.

" It's not three against one! I'll bloody fight youse as well" Arthur said, defiantly. there were a lot of reasons he was joining Alfred one of them was just plainly because he hated the bad touch trio and he was caught up in the heat of the moment, another was that he felt slightly indebted to the American for sticking up for him, However the one reason he chose not to acknowledge was he didn't want Alfred facing them on his own.

" 'Ave it your way then- we'll have this is war." Francis purred back arrogantly, before he turned to walk back to his bed. " But believe me you'll regret it."

The crowd gradually backed down, seeing the conflict was over, Alfred began to calm, already regretting his actions- it was only the fist week and he'd planned a fight, and declared war on the most infamous gangs in the school. What did 'war' even mean in this context!? well.. he'd be dammed if he was going to back down.

".. Wait why did I get roped into this!?" Antonio whined to Lovino as he watched the scene unfold sometimes being friends with Gilbert and Francis was hard work- he always got dragged into their fight.. but what are friends for?.

Lovino just shrugged. " Good luck with the war, tomato bastard." the Italian said.


( A/N: Sorry for how long it took to make this chapter! Its the summer holidays so I'm out a lot, and I've been away with the family..

Anyway thank-you for taking the time to read this, I hope this chapter isn't too.. Continues and pointless..

Thanks To everyone who has favourited, followed or reviewed this story so far, if you're reading this then.. PLEASE REVIEW! it means a lot, and it helps me write! be an awesome ninja and review, please!

I find Dark!Francis so cool btw! (srry it had to be siad!)