Chapter 9

OPERATION

Inthroughthewindow

"Day's dawning, skins crawling"

-Pure Morning, Placebo

"Stop being so anal about it, Art!" That, is Alfred trying to convince the Student Council Pres to tutor him in English.

"Maybe if you actually paid attention yesterday in class instead of poking me with your pencil the entire duration of it, we wouldn't be having this conversation!" The shorter blonde snarls while stomping his way through the hallway.

"Oh, c'mon, Artie, don't be mean!" The taller whines as he followes his friend. "You know I get bored by her constant 'blah-blah-blah'!"

"Not my problem."

"I thought we were friends!" Alfred protests, stopping suddenly.

Arthur probably senses that and turns to face him. "I'm not your tool, Jones. We are friends, but I said I am busy this week. Find someone else to babysit your arse!" And he stomps in the opposite direction, leaving a baffled crowd behind and a sad-eyed American behind.

I approach him and pat his shoulder lightly. "I can help you if you want. I might not be as good as him, but I think we can make it work."

His gaze turns on me and he offers me a weak smile. "Thanks, buddy!"

"No problem. So, are Tuesdays and Wednesdays ok? Mine or yours?" We start walking to class.

"Yep. And where do you live?" He enquires.

"Private District."

He pushes the classroom door. "Wow, that's far. I live 10 minutes from the hill so let's go to mine."

I nod. "It's a deal. 6 pm, tomorrow, your place," I say as I make my way to my seat.

"Aww, man. Cheating on me already? So not cool," Gilbert pouts from atop of my desk.

I roll my eyes. "Oh, shut it, princess. No one's cheating on anyone here."

"That's not what I heard!" Francis pops in out of nowhere, causing me to raise an eyebrow. "I heard this little Japanese guy is being caught in some sort of weird...square? with these three beaus," the Frenchman wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

"Do I even want to know what kind of freaky porn you've been reading last night?" I ask and receive a hurt expression from him.

"You're being mean, mon amie!" He pouts and I almost feel bad for my comment. "It was a high quality romance novel!" Almost.

"Uhuh." Gilbert pats his shoulder and leans in closer to him. "You should totally let me borrow it," he whispers but not low enough for me not to hear.

"Please tell me it wasn't that crap with the abusive douchebag and the stupid girl," I plead and everyone turns to give me questioning looks. "Fifty shades of I suck at writing smut," I supply and some scoff while others nod and chuckle. "I hated it."

"You read it?" Gilbert asks surprised and I nod and make gag noises. "Damn, I knew you were naughty, but wow."

"Oh shut it, snowflake."

"Ooooh. He's got a backbone, amigo," Antonio pats his back sympathetically.

And suddenly the bell rings and announces the third period, causing our group to disipate. I have biology right now and it is highly probable that we'll have a test. Before leaving, Gilbert leans in and kisses my forehead lightly.

"Good luck, birdie!" He whispers and I smile at him before he leaves.

Today I am sitting next to Matthew. He is quietly doodling on his notepad a fluffy white bear. I must admit, he's quite talented.

"That's so cute!" I tell him and he looks up with a small smile on his lips.

"Thanks. His name's Kuma," he informs and I nod. "So, you and Gilbert, huh?"

My throat dries. What if Matthew hates me now? "Not really." Even to me I sound nervous. Shit. "I mean, we get along well and he's really nice and I..."

Matthew puts his pencil down and turns to grab my shoulders. "Vlad, calm down. I don't mind."

I eye him suspiciously. "You don't?"

Chuckling lightly, he removes his hands from my shoulders and smiles kindly. "You seem happy. And I always thought Gilbert wasn't as tough and bad boy as he wanted to seem."

"But he's a guy!" I protest which causes him to frown.

"And?"

"I'm a guy too!" I flail my arms in the air desperately.

In return, Matthew just gives me one of those strange looks. Like he knows something I don't. "Look. I think he's good for you. If you like whatever you two have, don't end it. So what if he's a guy? It's the feelings that matter, not his willy."

I gasp. "You did not just say willy." Matthew rolls his eyes obviously not amused by my words.

"I live in England, sue me," he answers in sassy voice and I raise my eyebrows at him.

"Oh, boy, you can sass! I'm impressed!" I tease.

"Please. I'm brothers with Alfred."

"Well that's pretty self-explanatory."

He scoffs. "Tell me about it." It seems that he wants to ask me something, but he doesn't get to because next thing we kmow the door flies open, revealing our sour biology teacher. Goodness gracious, will this hour suck...!

Of course she had to actually test us. And also, there's a high chance I won't pass.

"Don't be upsetti, have some spaghetti!" Feliciano cheers.

I chuckle. "You just did not say that!"

"Well, it got you to cheer up, so mission accomplished!"

The cafeteria is packed. My biology classmates all look grim. I wonder why. Pfft. I'm sitting next to Feliciano and his brother, who's occasionally glaring daggers at me and Antonio, who doesn't seem to mind. Also, there's Francis who is having a whispered conversation with Matthew in a corner of the long green table. Alfred and Arthur are just ignoring one another and Gilbert's nowhere to be found.

Suddenly, Feliciano leans in. "I heard you and Gilbert are dating," he says but honestly, it sounds more like a question than anything.

Chewing on my lip as if searching for answers there, I finally say. "I don't know, really. I mean he is all sweet and we, uh, kissed a couple of times, but we haven't talked about it," I explain as hushed as possible.

To my surprise, he nods understanding my situation. "Gilbert's not a bad guy, but he can be weird. More importantly..." now his voice is really conspiratorial, "do you like him? Like like him?"

It's really rare to see Feliciano have such a serious expression, so it takes me a while to gather my thoughts and formulate an answer. "Yeah, I think I do. But I don't know..." I manage.

He offers me an understanding smile. "It's fine. You should talk to him. See what he thinks too. If you two like each other, you should go for it."

"I see." I take in a deep breath. "Still, I'm so confused. It seems right, you know," he nods, "and it feels right, but...I don't get it. I thought I was straight. Completely. But now I suddenly find out I am not. What if my mum finds out? What if she'll hate me? Or worse, my father finds out!" I can already feel the knot in my throat. Oh boy.

Feliciano too grabs my shoulders. "Vladimiro, calm down. It's going to be fine. If they don't accept you, I'll let you crush at my place. Nono would be delighted to have someone to nag other than my fratello and I," he says jokingly. "I mean it. If anything happens, you can count on me."

"Thank you, Feli!"

"Come on, smile! Everything will be fine. It's highly unlikely that would happen anyway."

I nod not wanting to think about it any further.

School passed, at last, and now I'm dragging my feet down the hill. May I know who was the genius that thought it would be a great idea to make kids carry a bajilion books?!

Suddenly, another figure is walking next to me and naturally, like any other normal human being, I turn my head to investigate it.

"Oh, it's you." I can practically hear the drops of venom dripping from my words.

"Don't think I'm too delighted to see you, Lupei."

"I don't know. You look like a stalker to me," I explain.

Balakov just rolls his eyes. "What in the world makes you think I'd stalk someone as stupid as you?!"

"Oh, don't try to sound so offended and innocent. I know you want this booty," I lightly pat my ass and Balakov makes the most mortified face I've ever had the pleasure to see.

"I'm not some fag!"

I don't think he could yell higher. "Oh shut it, Scrooge McDenial! You so want me," I tease and wiggle my eyebrows.

"Oh, God, no. Take your ugly face away from me. Can't I just walk home without you bothering me?" He actually sounds desperate.

I chuckle devilishly. "No way. You secretly enjoy it anyway."

Silence.

"So whatcha doing tonight?" Am I pushing my luck? Hell yes!

"Will you ever shut up?!"

I frown. "Why would I?"

He suddenly stops and I do too. "You know what? I don't care anymore. You win. Just leave me alone!" He says strangely calm and stop at the bus station.

"Is this about last night? Does this have anything to do with Gilbert?" Frankly, I don't know what's gotten into me. For some reason, I feel a strong urge to rub this guy the wrong way. Maybe I'm a sadist?

"What?! No! I don't care about your stupid dog," he spits.

"Clearly," I mumble, causing Balakov to throw me the glare of the year. "What's the deal with you two anyway? Did he steal your panties or something?"

The brunette grimaces. "Very funny, Lupei." There's a pause before he continues. "He's not who you think he is. You're a fool if you continue your association with him."

Crossing my arms, I frown. "Why don't you enlighten me then, oh ye' wise one?" I mock.

"It's not my story to tell." And with that, he takes the bus and leaves me alone in the deserted street.

With a final glance at the cloudy sky and possible upcoming storm, I fix my backpack on my shoulders and start walking.

"I don't like this."

"You're being awfully quiet tonight. Has something happened?" My mum asks and I shake my head in disapproval.

"Nope. Just thinking." I stuff my face with a big slice of pizza with pepperoni and sweet corn.

But I think she doesn't buy it apparently. "You know you can tell me everything, right?"

"Of course. I'm fine really," I insist.

"Alright." I don't think she believes me, but I don't say it out loud. "Gilbert seems to be a very polite young man. Don't you think so?" Oh boy. Please don't interrogate me about Gilbert! I nod. "Was it his place the party was held at?" I nod again. "I think you should invite him over for dinner." I almost choke on my pizza.

"I'll ask him."

"Great," standing up she takes her plate and drops it in the sink. "I'm going to watch Sex and the city, wanna join?"

"I'll pass, thanks."

"Ok. Goodnight then!"

"Goodnight!"

Having arrived in my room, I immediately lie down on my bed and roll in the blankets until I become a blanket burrito. I'll have you know it's very satisfying.

This is also the very moment my phone starts buzzing. For God's sake! Can't a guy just sleep nowadays? With an irritated growl, I push myself up from my comfy cocoon and grab my phone from the nightstand.

A message.

Hiya there mein bird. Can you open your windows pretty please with a cherry on top? *puppy eyes*

I frown. What is he planning this time? Anyway, I comply and go open the windows.

Sehr gut. Now step aside.

What the hell?! I do it in the end, albeit reluctantly. And then something swishes, the dying rusty leaves of the trees around the house do. That's also when I spot a mop of white hair and a pair of lips morphed in a stupid grin.

"Are you out of your mind?!" I yell in a hush tone. He doesn't seem to mind and jumps from the branch to my room.

Unconsciously, my body immediately hurries next to his side although he looks spectacularly alright- just a few scratches here and there.

"You stupid fool!" I lightly hit his chest. "Never scare me like that!"

His lean, but strong arms pull me closer to his chest and with a short-lived sigh, I let him. "Sorry, Vlad, I didn't mean to scare you." His voice is soft and it sounds genuine so I give in and wrap my hand around his waist lightly.

The musky scent combined with that hint of cinnamon and fresh oceanic notes of hair product hit me pleasantly and I inhale silently, not wanting to seem like a creeper.

"I need to talk to you," confesses he after a while.

I breathe, almost shakily, but don't protest and let go of him to go sit on my bed. He follows my example and sits in front of me.

"Ok. What is it?" It's so hard to sounds relaxed and casual in situations like these.

"I know it's gonna sound dumb, but I kind of really like you." Oh boy, can I faint? Can I? Pretty please? "So...do you want to be my boyfriend?" By now, Gilbert's usual boisterous voice is just a shy whisper.

My grin can't get any wider than this, I mean it. But I don't answer him with words and just press my mouth on his and he responds.

At some point between gasps and mild pants, I manage to whisper hotly on his lips: "thought you'd never ask." And apparently that ignited something in him, for he abruptly pushes me against the soft mattress and climbs on top of me, his weight shamelessly crushing my body and I can't help but tangle my fingers in his white locks.

It's intense and his tongue caresses mine and his hands roam on my clothed back and suddenly it gets hard to breathe, so I gasp for air, but a moan shamelessly escapes my lips as his lips touch the skin of my neck.

In response, a low possessive groan boils in his throat and damn, is that sexy!

"We should stop," says he breathlessly, between kisses on my neck and jaw and clavicle. I only manage to hum in agreement. "We should take it slow, Vlad." I hum again.

"Ok, ok," I say giving in.

He sits up and I inhale, finally being able to breathe properly, although I must admit his weight on me was hella delicious. Yum!

"Wanna spend the night?" I ask all of sudden and his eyes widen in surprise.

"You trust me that much?" He almost sounds shocked, therefore I can't help but frown at his words.

"Some say you're dangerous, to be frank with you. Many told me not to even talk to you sometime ago, but you're sweet. Maybe you have your secrets, we all do, but you wouldn't hurt me. No one can act all the time, no one could fake certain stuff I've seen in you." Somehow this conversation got serious very fast so I crack a smile and pat the spot next to me. "So stay, please?" I plead pulling off one of my best pair of puppy eyes.

I can literally see the gears changing in his brain and soon we're both under the blanket eyes on the ceiling.

"Have you eaten anything?" I happen to ask at some point. I see him shake his head in disapproval with the corner of my eye. "Want me to sneak a snack from the kitchen? I think we have some pizza leftovers from tonight's dinner," I offer scratching my chin thoughtfully trying to rake my brain for other edible things I could fetch him.

"You sure this is ok?" He asks reluctantly and I wave a hand dismissively.

"I wouldn't offer if it wasn't. Plus, I can't have my now-boyfriend starve in my house."

Pale lips curl in a grin. "You seem rather satisfied by the recent events, mein klein birdie," he tries and I soon have a smirk of my own.

"As if you don't, doofus!" I stick my tongue out as I put my slippers on. "Be back in a mo'. Don't go through my stuff and absolutely do not go out of this room, k?"

He nods. "Sir, yes, sir!"

Rolling my eyes, I open the door and leave, closing it behind me. Downstairs, my mum is watching her soap operas undisturbed and unsuspecting of my latest secret guest. Should she know about whatever transpired between said guest and her son under her roof, she'd probably kill us both and hide the bodies in some ingenious way not even Sherlock would find them. Damn.

"You still awake, honey?" She asks at some point while I'm trying to silently search the fridge for food.

"Uh, yeah?"

"Something the matter?" She enquires, suddenly standing in the doorstep, all worried and tired.

"Nope. Just hungry."

She nods. "Want me to make something?"

"Nah, I'll manage." She narrows her eyes. "I can cook if I really need to."

Shrugging, she turns and goes back to the sofa. "Alright. Just don't forget to put back whatever you don't need." And with that her attention's back to the tv.

Brilliant!

"Well that was fast!" He says jumping up and down on my bed.

Frowning, I place the food on the nightstand. "What the devil are you doing?" I demand.

Only that Gilbert doesn't seem too alarmed by it. "Oh c'mon. Let's jump together!"

I eye him suspiciously before shrugging and finally joining him. "To hell with it!" Jump- jump. "You know, if my mum catches us, it's totally your fault!" I say grinning.

"So be it, princess!"

Sticking my tongue out at him, I say: "Bite me!"

Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt.

"Oh, make it go away!" I groan as I blindly search for the phone to make it stop ringing like hell bells, but I fail.

Luckily, someone else does the job so I roll on the other side, pleased to have some peace at last. Or not. Because Gilbert, who else, decides to suddenly be a dick and tickle me to the unpleasant state of wakefulness. Curse him and his stupid dimples and stupid behavior.

"If you don't move your ass, your mum might come after you and we both know that wouldn't be cute," he chirps near my ear and with a final groan I manage to sit up.

Trying to blink away my sleepiness, I strech my back as well before saying: "I hate you."

Gilbert, however, doesn't buy it so he gives me one of his cheeky smiles before planting a sweet peck on one of my cheeks. "No, you don't."

I grimace. "You seem so confident."

"Oh, but how can I not? I mean, I'm too loveable and badass and nice not be liked," he states proudly.

I roll my eyes and proceed to make my bed (for once). "And humble too."

Smiling sheepishly or trying to seem like that at least, he says: "You know it."

After being done arranging my sheets and blanket so it wouldn't look like a troll slept over and had a pillow fight with an orc, I sigh and rest my hands on my naked hips.

I feel strangely fresh for how little sleep I got last night. Don't make that face, apart from kisses nothing happened. But we talked. A lot. Like half of the night. He's told me tales of his nightly drunk escapades and dubious characters he'd met along the years. It was hard not to wake up the entire neighbourhood with mad laughter.

At some point, my mum came up upstairs to the bathroom and we nearly had a heart attack at the sound of her feet padding along the hallway. Gilbert actually hid under my bed. It would've been hilarious, was it not for my mum being dangerously close to my room.

I still took a pic of that. Gilbert pouted for more than ten long minutes. He was cute and very teaseable, or so to speak.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. You and your clever self should think of a solution for your grand exit. My mum would deep fry us alive if she ever were to even suspect something," I say hugging myself.

"Oh come on, she doesn't seem that bad!" He protests.

Giving him a mortified look, I start flailing my arms in the air. "You nuts? I have no idea how she'd react. She's a mother. They're always dramatic."

He shrugs. "Just kidding, kiddo. I will go just as I came. In-through-the window." He raises his fist in the air and mimics a hero flying.

I can't help but facepalm. "That's so not a solution."

"Are you going to completely ignore my pun and also Doctor Who reference?! I'm hurt." He places his hand over his heart and fakes a hurt face.

"Yes, you dork. Now be serious, what're we gonna do?" I nearly panic.

"Relax, I'm actually serious!"

"That's so not comforting!" I nearly shout.

Gilbert rolls his eyes, totally not impressed. "Calm your tits. I've done this plenty o' times. The worst I got was a sprained ankle. I'll be fine."

I frown. "If you dare to fucking get a single scratch, I'll personally murder you," I warn.

"Sir, yes, sir!" He salutes and goes near the window.

I follow him and after he opens the window, he turns and places a sweet gentle kiss on my lips.

"Take care, idiot," I say and with a grin he jumps on the fucking branch and actually manages it. What the actual hell?!

Then, there's a knock at the door and I quickly go and draw the curtains before turning to face it.

"Hey, Vlad! You ok?" My mother asks a bit concerned and I try not to smile nervously. I so hope I managed it.

"Yep."

"If you say so. You should hurry up, it's really late."

To be continued...

A.N. Alright, people. Don't kill me yet. Soon, very soon things will change. And I'll have you know there is an actual reason as to why Vlad is currently sucking faces with Gil, so patience, dear followers, I'll soon start explaining things.

Cheers

Eris