A/N: Thank you guys so much for the review/alerts! I'M STILL HAPPY! –bawls-

Oh dear god, I got so sleepy during math today…

Btw: Previous "Adrian/Alec hotel scene" are somewhat inspired by Of Mice and Men Soundtrack – George and Lennie. Most Adrian/Alec scenes are somewhat based on Fireflies (suggested by my friend! Thanks! :D). It seems to fit. x3

And Arthur definitely has a tattoo. He totally mentioned it in his Marukaite Chikyuu.

I apologize for any grammer/spelling mistakes ahead of time. I will replace/correct this chapter once I get the time to proofreed it more. For something reason, everything looks fine on the Document Manager, and then it turns messed up when it gets published. XD

Here it is: Chapter 10! (YEAH, TEN CHAPTERS OF FUN! WOOOOOOHOOOO!)

"…I'm going to destroy him! I'm going to crack his skull, I'm going to—"

"Mom, please calm down!" Felicita and Evangeline were still holding her down on the seat, but Aloisa wasn't Ludwig's daughter for nothing. The girl had enormous strength that could probably match Adrian or Mikhail's. Alec also had to help restrain her.

"Dad! Do something!" Evangeline yelled over the racket Aloisa was making. Mikhail snapped out of his stupor and, with a single fluid motion, lifted Aloisa on his shoulder and quickly left the table. Patrons stared as Aloisa clawed Mikhail's back and tried to jump off.

"Let me go, Mikhail! I'm not going to take this one lying down! Going out with his little toy and leaving Blackie and Aster and—" Aloisa's voice faded away as Mikhail picked up his pace and practically ran away (as best as he could with a wriggling Aloisa) from the restaurant. It was weird for the people to see such a well-dressed lady behave like a maniac.

Gilbert and the blond man stared quietly before settling down on the table behind Felicita and Evangeline.

"I'll have a soda," he said to Gilbert, who walked away to the counter. Adrian watched his mom's 'twin' pick up his bear and put it on his lap. The bear's snout wrinkled and it rubbed its eyes with one furry white paw. Adrian gave a startled gasp and the bear turned to him and uttered, "Who?"

Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap. It talked. It talked. It even asked him a question. But the man holding it only shifted the bear on his lap and answered the bear exasperatedly.

"It's Matthew, your owner. Right, Kumakiru?"

Alec pushed Adrian's open jaw close with one finger and wondered why Felicita was so stiff and uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" he said.

Felicita leaned forward, slowly and rigidly. "It's Aloisa's uncle Gilbert. He's seen me before."

"The silver haired one?"

"Yeah."

"Shush, you guys," Evangeline scolded quietly. "I need to hear what's going on."

Gilbert came back with a giant cup of soda (Alec didn't know they made them that big!) and two straws. Matthew gave Gilbert a slight tired smile and accepted the straw. Gilbert slid in the seat next to Matthew; just then, Matthew's phone rang, a little jingly bell sound. He flipped it open.

"Hello?" he paused. "Al…oh, I see. Okay, alright. But—okay…I'll see you later."

With another sigh, he explained to Gilbert. "It's Al. She said she's heading to the Lincoln Memorial with Ivan. I guess we won't be seeing them today, but it sure is nice to hear her voice after this long. Glad to know that she's still doing 'awesome', you know?"

Gilbert snorted. "Yeah, and by 'awesome' I think you mean 'obnoxious.' Her levels of awesome can't compete with mine."

"If you say so, Gil. Anyways, we're still going to meet her and everyone else at the World Meeting. Apparently, Al postponed it to Wednesday. I figure that she misses D.C." Felicita and Evangeline pushed their chairs back a little bit more, straining to hear. Since the background noise was so loud, all Alec could see was Matthew's lips moving. He leaned on Adrian, not caring that he was sort of pushing his entire weight on him. Adrian was still too absorbed in Matthew to notice. "By the way, who is taking care of Ludwig's dogs?"

"Some next door lady."

"Gil, I can't believe you."

"Meh. Me coming here probably meant that I'll be shoving that damn stick up West's ass a whole lot further. But it's not like I don't usually do that already." Gilbert crossed his arms and huffed. Matthew apologetically scratched his head.

"I'm sorry, Gil. But…" Matthew started to get embarrassed and fumbled with his phone. "…I haven't seen you for a long time, eh? I maybe…sort of…miss…you…"

With each word his voice got smaller and smaller, but Gilbert's eyes lit up with delight and his mouth flipped into a knowing smirk. Gilbert lifted Matthew's chin with a single hand and pressed his lips gently to the blonde's mouth. It was Alec who gave a startled little 'eep,' as he watched that innocent little kiss become a full out tongue battle. Felicita and Evangeline didn't dare to turn around, but they tilted their chairs a little more and heard a lot of moaning.

The other people didn't even notice; they were too busy stuffing their face with oil-drenched burgers and fries to pay attention to their surroundings. Alec stared disbelieving at them. These people were hypnotized! So that's what fast food chains were for!

"Mmmhff!" Gilbert put one hand behind Matthew's hair, pulling them closer, and Matthew draped his arms around Gilbert's neck reflexively. Alec felt a slight jolt of envy: did Adrian kiss me like that? Would he? The couple didn't stop until Matthew's bear got squished between the two and sensed that he would eventually be flattened by Gilbert, to which he uttered a low, whimpering sound. Matthew quickly pushed Gilbert away.

"Ah…I'm sorry! Let's go outside, is that okay?"

Gilbert, his hair messed up and looking obviously as though he wanted more than a kiss, nodded. He picked up the soda cup and started to chug everything in a practiced gulp. Matthew wrestled the cup away from him.

"Okay, I think that's enough soda for you now…so, where to?"

Gilbert had an unreadable glint in his eyes. "My hotel."

Felicita and Evangeline tuned out of the conversation then. They didn't think they needed to hear anymore, or even want to want to. Alec and Adrian watched wide-eyed as Matthew's fake (?) bear suddenly sprang from its owner's lap and attacked Gilbert. Matthew was desperately trying to pull it off of Gilbert's shirt.

"I think we've heard enough," Evangeline decided. "Let's call mom and dad. We're going to follow them to the Lincoln Memorial." Felicita and Alec agreed, but Adrian was silent. All this time, watching the dysfunctional couple, he felt a sense of inadequacy. He was the one that decided to take Alec out, but he knew he couldn't be like those two over there right now. Sure, they weren't the most peaceful lovey-dovey couple out there, but they seemed rather happy and satisfied that way. While he…he didn't make Alec's life any easier or happier by pretending to love him. No, he shouldn't pretend to love him…

Well, he was going to change that. He effortlessly picked up Alec bridal-style and marched out the doorway. Felicita and Evangeline didn't mind them too much; it was really Aloisa who cared the most.

Alec squirmed a little in his embrace. "What are you doing?" he whispered savagely. "If, this is another joke, I swear I will tear your guts out from your—"

"Let me take you out to dinner today." Aw, damn it! It just came out! He really needed to plan his words better next time, if there was a next time.

Alec's hesitated, then resumed his glare. "Brad, don't be silly. Now put me down. People are seriously starting to look at us."

"Alec, please go on a date with me. Anywhere you want, I don't care."

Hearing his real name being used, Alec stuttered in embarrassment. "You don't—"

"I really mean it." Well, no way out of the hole now except to make the best of it and reach for his goal. He fixed a straight face at Alec and continued to carry him. Felicita and Evangeline had walked ahead and were reeling off into a cell phone.

"A-alright. If you really do mean it. But put me down! I wasn't kidding about that last part."

Alec straightened his shirt and readjusted his fedora. "B-but no funny business, I'm warning you! If I find out that this is a joke, I will—"

"I'm completely honest, Alec." He said his name again…Alec blushed. But why would he ask me out on a date now? Was he doing it for the acting, or did he sincerely mean what he said?

"O-okay…"

With an exuberant beam, Adrian put his arm back around Alec's shoulder, sauntering along happily and not caring if others stared. Alec was taken by surprise and, for the first time in his life, did not want to be seen by others. He buried his face into Adrian's shoulder, probably making the situation more embarrassing for him and the pedestrians.

They'd met up with Aloisa and Mikhail when they passed a coffee shop. They were both sitting at the counter, back facing the window pane.

"Mom!" The four of them entered the shop, expecting Aloisa to spit flames. But she turned around from her place and waved.

"Hey, baby! I'm sorry for losing my temper, but you know, haha, me and the dogs. We've been best buds for a long time. My entire life, I should think. Funny how they're not getting old and weak, but it's not like I want them to."

Mikhail had bought her lavender gelato, which had effectively calmed her down from her sudden burst of rage. He was sitting next to her, drinking his fourth cup of coffee, while Aloisa chattered happily at his side, munching the waffle biscuit that came along with her dessert. Apparently fully recovered, Evangeline gave her the details of what she heard from Gilbert.

Felicita slid into the booth next to Mikhail. "You okay, Dad? Did she…you know, go crazy?"

"Not really, no. She tried to claw my face out. She's like a little kitten." Mikhail said the last sentence sourly. Felicita inclined her head in thought.

"Must've been bad."

"That would be an extreme understatement."

Aloisa and Evangeline were working out the route to Lincoln Memorial. "I'm estimating it's about 2 miles or so from here. I think we can walk there. By the way," she added quietly to Evangeline, "what's happened with Adrian and Alec?"

She'd noticed that Adrian wasn't forcing himself on Alec, and that Alec wasn't refusing his subtle advances: touches on the shoulder, him ruffling his hair, and such. If they were faking it like they did before, Alec would've made a face when Adrian wasn't looking, and Adrian would stick his tongue out when Alec's back was turned.

"Adrian begged Alec to go to dinner with him."

"And did he agree?"

"I think so…"

The corners of Aloisa's mouth turned up and she looked at the two of them fondly, almost like a mom. Adrian was whispering in Alec's ear, making the latter turn red; the two of them didn't seem like they were pretending anymore. She knew it was a whim of hers at first, the whole 'getting them together for yaoi' thing, but now that she looked at them, they really did complement each other.

She clapped her hands to summon the group together. "Alright, people. We're going to the Lincoln Memorial, two miles or so down the road from here. We are on the lookout for our parents, especially Adrian and Mikhail's parents, because they are definitely there. And even in this disguise, I think it would be best to not let them know that we're the people on the plane. Got that? Okay, let's go!"

Mikhail hurriedly pulled his brother away from Alec for backup, just in case Aloisa decided to go in crazy mode again.

Alec was about to follow Adrian when someone grabbed his wrist and pulled on him harshly. He was about to scream when a hand clasped over his mouth and whoever was holding onto him came into sight.

"Collin, I've been looking all over D.C. for you! For us to meet again and again, it must be a sign! Where have you been all my life?"

Alec tore the hand from his mouth. "Hiding from you. Now please excuse me once again, for I need to get to someplace." He looked around for Adrian, but the group had already exited the door.

Ethan didn't relinquish the hold on Alec's wrist. "Slow down there, baby. Didn't we talk all throughout the plane ride about D.C.? You promised me that you'd go with me on a date."

Alec stopped. "I said no such thing!"

"Ohoho, but you did. I had asked you to accompany me in the airport and in the plane, and you had agreed quite happily, I might add."

Alec went red. "I said 'Excuse me' to you at the airport and 'No, I must decline' on the airplane. Sixteen times, I might add. Seriously, let go already." He shook it up and down, but Ethan's grip was strong.

"Not until you go out with me, Collin baby. I know you want to; no one has ever refused me before. And if you're good, I can show you a real good time tonight…" The hold got tighter, and Alec's arm was beginning to feel numb.

The guy was a playboy; Alec should've expected that! Shamefully, he remembered the entire plane ride and the whole conversation with Ethan, and he had such a blast talking to him too. Ethan had given him his undivided attention, but now he could plainly see that only wanted him in his bed. Merde! Where's Adrian when you need him? Hold on, did I just think Adrian? Aw, forget it, I have a pervert crawling up my ass; I'll take help from anyone at this moment!

Ethan dragged him down the hallway, where not many people could notice them unless they had to go to the restroom or something, which was right down the corner. "Let go!" Alec cried one last time before Ethan smashed his mouth on his. "Mmmmphhhfff! Lefff ggmmm!"

"Stay quiet, you little slut. Do you want people to hear?" Yes! Of course I do, you complete nincompoop! I'm in high school and you are what, thirty something? This is wrong, I'm going to get raped, I'm only in high school, I'm underage, this should be illegal! I can't push him off, hell, I can't even push Evangeline off when she tries to sock me, I'm dead, oh god, oh god—

"Hey, wanker! What the hell do you think you're doing to him?"

Ethan slowly looked up, his body still pressed against Alec to keep him from escaping. "Leave us alone, can't you see we're busy?"

The man raised his thick-ish eyebrow and prepared to turn around in distain, until Alec gasped, "Help me!" before Ethan covered his mouth angrily. The man understood the situation immediately.

"Ah, God damn it, this place is just bloody crawling with people like you." With a good, heavy punch to Ethan's face, the man quickly knocked Ethan down and aimed a heavy kick to his crotch. "You, come over with me. And you," he addressed Ethan, who was twitching on the ground and groaning in obvious pain, "…you're lucky I didn't kick too hard."

Alec slid down to the floor, his back on the wall. The man took his hand and led him out to the café again. Alec's legs were trembling, but the man pretended not to notice as he plunked him down on one of the seats.

"Lad, drink this." He pushed his cup of tea over to Alec. "That was some nasty encounter back there. I'm used to dealing with them, however." Alec stared. "It's because I'm living with one. Used to come up to me all the time, and still does. Don't know how I gave in, but I did."

With a shaky hand, Alec lifted the cup and took delicate sips, just like his mother did. He studied the man: short, spiky blond hair, eyebrows just like him, or rather, his mom, tight low-cut black jeans and a designer shirt somewhat ripped, showing a little of his belly, where a tattoo was poking out.

The man went on, "I got so wasted last night. Just got off the plane the night before, you know? Been drinking on the plane, and after I recovered from that I got hammered again in the hotel. Can't bloody remember anything from the night before or anything on the plane. That's why I came in here with this major headache, and that git over there didn't make it much better. But he won't be walking for a while. I reckon he'll be on that ground for another fifteen minutes."

Alec nodded. "Thank you, Mister."

The man waved it off. "No need for that, boy. I'm Arthur. Arthur Kirkland."

Alec sputtered in his tea, and Arthur patted him on the back. "What's the matter?"

He shook his head madly, his brain racing. My Maman's maiden name is Kirkland! Is Kirkland a common last name? He seems to be British, maybe he's related…

"Excuse me, Mr. Kirkland, but do you have any siblings?"

Arthur took on a tired expression. "Sure I have siblings. Brothers. Got one in Scotland. One in Northern Ireland, and the other in Wales. Don't meet up too often though, we're not exactly the best bunch when we get together."

So they weren't. "Oh…okay, Mr. Kirkland, thanks again for what you did back there, but I think I should leave before Ethan Cole wakes up."

"Ethan Cole, the model? I knew he was no good. I told Francis over and over again to stop putting him in the magazines—"

"Mon cher, where did you go to? I've been walking up and down the streets looking all over for you!" Alec stiffened. Shit, his dad just had to pick this time to walk in. But Francis didn't seem to recognize him as Collin Bitt, for he sauntered past Alec and gave Arthur a peck on the cheek, making Arthur blush.

"And what do we have here? Would you like to tell Big Brother Francis your name, mon chaton?" Alec wanted to both hit his forehead on the table and thank God that his dad was so stupid at times.

"Collin Bitt, sir."

"Collin Bitt…" Alec cringed, but Francis continued, "doesn't ring a bell. But that's only because Arthur here kept me up all night drinking and—"

"Shut up, frog! Keep the poor boy out of this and go jump out a window!" The man slapped Francis upside the head in clear embarrassment.

"I'm thinking of something else I can jump on—"

"Collin!" Adrian rushed back into the open door, but froze when he saw Francis. "I was looking everywhere for you!"

Alec stood up quickly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kirkland, but I have to leave now. Thank you for everything!"

"Mon cher, come back and visit!"

"Shut up! Goodbye, Collin! Don't run into that git again! Lad," he said to Adrian, "keep him safe, will you?"

Adrian was not expecting the giant hug when Alec rushed up to him. He clung on him fearfully, not daring to let go.

"What's wrong, Collin?" They walked outside, Adrian's arm around Alec's shoulder and Alec pressing against him. "Felicita noticed that you didn't follow, so—"

"Ethan tried to rape me."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Alec was in distress. "But that man, Mr. Kirkland, he saved me—no! Don't go back in!"

"I'm going to kill that motherfu—"

"No! Mr. Kirkland already beat him up enough! You'll get in trouble!"

"I don't care—"

"My dad is in there, do you want our cover to be blown all the way back to California? Ethan is probably still twitching on the ground or something, he can't even pick himself up…"

"And are you okay with that?"

"Huh?"

"Are you fine with that bastard trying to rape you?"

"Well, no, but—please don't go! Stay with me…"

Adrian stopped, and his expression softened. "Alright...But the next time I see him I swear I will beat the shit out of him."

Alec nodded, but his mind was not set on Ethan. He was thinking about Arthur Kirkland, and how much he acted like his mother. The way he conversed with Francis, and how Francis acted around him…especially that last smack on the head, his mother did that often to his dad.

Was…Francis cheating on his mother? I'd expected it, but I wasn't expecting it to be a man, or that I'd ever meet him, or that Dad's boyfriend was going to save me from a rapist. Maman is going to throw a fit.

Suddenly, he just hated his dad right there and then. He wanted to punch his lights out for being unfaithful to Elizabeth, for being a whore and ruining their family. He didn't know about Arthur Kirkland yet; he should be angry at him, but he couldn't bring himself to hate the man that had just punched Ethan Cole. Alec didn't exactly know what to do; he silently wandered to wherever Adrian was taking him, his heart getting heavier and heavier.