Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia, Fall Out Boy, Victoria's Secret, Hot Topic, or frozen yogurt.
Chapter 9: Dance, Dance
An unsettling feeling boiled within him. He hadn't felt that sensation in a long while. (Since he was 6 years old to be exact) The adrenaline rush when you were doing something your mother certainly would not approve of. The sinking feeling when you dreaded the moment you would get caught.
"We shouldn't be doing this."
He had finally said it. He looked straight into amber eyes as he did this to show that he was being serious.
"Chigi! Shut up and go faster. No one asked for your opinion."
A head of blonde rested on Romano Vargas's shoulder.
"What if Antonio finds us?"
"Who cares? Crap, now it's all over the place! Suck it off!"
Arthur eyed the ice-cream on Romano's finger warily.
"You can do that yourself."
The Italian groaned, falling onto the floor with a huff. He flailed for a minute or two, knocking himself into empty cartons of the frozen dessert.
"I'm full. Finish it SB. It'll put some fat on your bones."
Arthur frowned, nauseated, as he looked over the carton of rocky road and questioned why they decided to wake up early to eat the monstrosity.
It was all Romano's fault really. His endless kicks to Arthur's legs finally caused the Brit to snap and push him off the bed. Pissed off, the Italian proceeded to curse him out using every vulgar word in the book. Arthur, naturally, cursed right back. This infuriated the Italian even further which made him jump on the Brit, wrestling with skinny, bony limbs. The two only stopped when Elizaveta threatened to stir. When Arthur complained about his wounds opening and burning like hell, Romano had the bright idea of pressing frozen ice cream boxes on his friend's wounds.
This bright idea somehow led to the two of them stripping down to their boxes, lying in a bed of frozen ice cream, and munching to their heart's content. The American dream.
"Why the bloody hell does he have so much ice cream anyway?"
Romano belched, scratching his slightly bulbous stomach.
"Did you see those kids? This is the only way he gets them to shut up."
"Then we really shouldn't be doing this." Romano looked around the room.
"We left them half a carton." He stated, waving the concern off. "Hell, we're doing them a favor. Child obesity is on the rise in America. The boys will probably be able to be fine with it but the girls will be insecure fucks by the time they hit 16."
Arthur punched the Italian's arm.
"That's stereotypical. Not all girls care that much about their body."
"If one of them doesn't have an eating disorder, or she overcomes one, then I will give that chick a pat on the pack and a gold star. Strong girls that bitch-slap their issues are my favorite."
"Ooh, you have a type now. What's your favorite type of lad then?"
The Italian gave him a long look, then smirked.
"I love heavy European accents," He purred, leaning near Arthur's ear. "And blondes. Especially smart blondes that take AP classes."
"So...Ludwig?"
Romano choked. "Damn you!"
He grinned cheekily as the teen turned a bright red.
"I don't think Feliciano would approve of that Romano. I mean Ludwig is his boy-."
"Don't. Just don't."
Something about his comrade's tone struck Arthur as odd. His amusement died down as Romano averted his eyes and scowled. Something in his chest felt like it was deflating. Was that his heart softening? Or was he about to die from ice cream overdose? If he were about to kick the bucket, then Romano should probably be comforted. Just so he could focus on Arthur's deceased state instead of his own problems. It's not like Arthur felt the responsibility to make him feel better or anything! He just needed someone to call the mortician! He didn't care about the Italian's frown!
...He did damn it.
"Romano, I-."
"Shut up cow! If you fucking ruin this for me I swear I'll-! Crap, they beat us!"
In walked the one and only Gilbert Beilschmidt, dressed similarly to Arthur and Romano, wearing only his black Hanes boxers. His ruby red eyes scrutinized the scene, taking in the damage.
"Great minds think alike," he concluded. He snapped his bandaged fingers and pointed at Arthur.
"Hand me a spoon and that ice cream. I need at least five scoops to be satisfied."
"What about Elizaveta albino bastard? She won't have any to eat because you decided you would pig out."
The girl stepped forward in a pair of sweatpants, Uggs, and a hoodie. Her brown locks were held up in a messy bun, sticking out at odd angles. Staring at the dark rims under her green eyes, Arthur questioned whether she slept at all.
"I don't need any," she said. Her low, tired tone confirmed Arthur's theory. "I'll just grab a bite to eat later. Get showered and dressed Artie. We need to buy concealer for that thing."
The Brit stood, stretched, and cautiously enveloped his best female friend in an embrace.
"You ought to stay and rest love. You look bloody knackered."
"I don't even know what you just said." She deadpanned. "I'm leaving in ten minutes Artie. If I buy the wrong shade of concealer, you'll look like you spray tanned one eye."
His nose crinkled. "Eww."
"Yeah. Now go put on some clothes."
He didn't release her, instead staring deep into her lethargic green irises. Boldly, he pressed a swift peck to her cheek and let her go.
"Make sure she gets some sleep Gilbert. Slip some ten minute sleeping pills into her ice cream or something. And clean up this mess. You should feel ashamed of yourself."
The albino gave him a salute, pushing whatever was left of the ice cream to the girl, encouraging her to eat and choke. The Brit hesitated for a second, lingering to stare at the kitchen scene.
Romano got out of his own mini-depression to help Elizaveta get to sleep. Wasn't that what they all did? Whenever one of them was distressed, they instinctively went into a familial state and assisted to the best of their ability.
For some reason, pride bloomed in his chest. He was part of that group. He was part of that family of friends.
-S.S.C.O.T.Y-
They ended leaving 20 minutes later, around 9 AM. Gilbert and Romano decided at the last minute that they too wished to join them and weren't able to stop fussing with their look.
"You look fine." Arthur assured when Romano wouldn't stop adjusting his leather jacket.
"This is expensive Italian leather! Not making it look hot is disrespect!"
"To who?" The Brit asked exasperatedly. He winced as the cold morning air hit his sore eye.
"Jesus."
"What?"
"I kid. It has to look good though."
"Let me guess, you want to catch the attention of a smart blonde that takes AP classes with an alluring, thick German accent."
Gilbert guffawed while Elizaveta choked. Arthur laughed as Romano turned into an interesting shade of red.
"B-But that means you like Lu-!"
"Chigi! Shut the hell up! I don't damn it! It was a damn joke! Hurry up bastards! Before we miss the fucking bus!"
The blonde grinned as the Italian sped up, Gil close behind. The albino continued to pester the brunette about Ludwig, causing Romano to yell and rant. As always, seeing Romano flustered was amusing.
When he risked a side glance at Elizaveta, his pleasure faded.
"Are you alright lass? You seem tense."
"Have you ever noticed that you use British slang when you're worried. It's cute. Keep that habit."
"Don't try and change the subject."
She didn't reply. Arthur was almost okay with this. She would speak eventually. If he were a good friend, he would wait for her and listen when she finally felt comfortable with talking. But Arthur considered her as a best friend, and best friends go above and beyond.
If she didn't talk by tomorrow, he'd force it out of her and destroy whatever caused her to lose sleep.
The sound of his phone interrupted his musings. With a grimace, he read the caller I.D.
I could not pick up, but then she may get angrier.
With dread deep in his heart, he picked up the phone to talk with his mumsy.
"Good Morning Mum...Yes. Yes, I know...I'm going to the Luxia actually...What?...Bloody hell, I forgot! Sorry Mum. Can we...Can we do it tomorrow? Please? I've got to run. Love you Mumsy. Goodbye."
Crap. He was supposed to visit his father's grave!
"What was that about?"
"She just wanted to remind me of my obligations."
Elizaveta nodded. "Okay then. Oh, hey, put these on."
She handed him a pair of sunglasses.
"For the eye."
"I know."
Frowning at his tone, she continued.
"Lina's going to meet us on the bus guys. Be an insensitive ass and I will kill you. I'm looking at you Mr. Vargas."
Romano scowled, planting his feet into the ground. They all watched the cars pass by the curb, wrapped in their thoughts.
He wanted to talk to Alfred. Desperately. It was amazing how he could suddenly realize something important. He had to clarify what the entire fight was about. After the movie, he thought he and Al could...But, that wasn't possible. He'd talk to the blonde just to clarify what happened and leave it at that.
His place was with the Sophomore Slumps. That was for sure. It may take him a while to get close to all of them, but it would be worth it. He'd know all of them like the back of his hand by the end of his Sophomore year.
"SB! God damn watch out!"
A hand shoved Arthur forward, shocking him out of his state. They had crossed the street? Since when? A red car honked, expressing it's rage. Shortly after, the driver flipped them the bird, which they all responded to with the two fingered salute.
"Watch where you're going dumbass! God, I almost had a fucking heart attack." Romano said, breathless. Arthur, a bit windless himself, patted his freshman on the shoulder. The Italian found away to crawl onto the Brit's back, commanding the blonde to give him a piggyback ride.
"Gay!"
Once again, the two fingered salute was tossed toward a total stranger.
-S.S.C.O.T.Y-
They all stuck out like a sore thumb on the bus. Elizaveta was in her corner of the bus looking a stoned University student, chilling in her sweats and burying her face in her knees to avoid any unnecessary attention. Romano shone in his skin tight clothes, looking like some self-assured famous actor, and the way he was beaming and winking at the girls was certainly flirtatious. He might as well have tattooed 'I'm rich, Italian, and a great kisser' on his forehead. Gilbert had one side of his headphones on, music blaring out of the device. He rested his boot-clad feet by Arthur's thigh, poking the blonde every so often. The rips and safety pins in his own jacket were strategically placed. Add a wicked smirk to the mix, and you had the intimidating, yet attractive bad boy that every one stared at when they thought he wasn't looking. Arthur had at least tried to look normal, but red skinny jeans, a checkered belt and a G-Star jacket didn't really blend in. Not to mention his and Gil's wounds.
Even Lina looked slightly out of place in her gray winter dress and black stockings. Like some poor, British orphan kicked out onto the streets and forced to fight with terrifying canines for the food in the only dumpster unoccupied in London, beside a restaurant well known for providing great scraps.
The pitying look she gave him only made it worse.
"I can't believe someone did that to you. That's so cruel."
"Do you have any idea who did it blondie? It'll help us out alot."
She briefly pondered over Gil's question, staring down at her Uggs.
"No. The girls usually stick with gossip and the boys usually make sure that they're leading the pack when they get into fights."
"I didn't recognize any of them though."
The girl shrugged. "I suppose they could have been sent. Who do you think sent them?"
"Alfred." Gilbert said when Arthur hesitated. To their surprise, the girl chuckled.
"Mr. Jones is much too proud to send people to do his dirty work. He believes in nobility and honor. If someone has an issue with him, and they can't settle it through negotiation, he'll fight his battle by himself. He only fights in groups when someone is getting bullied. All of the athletes are ready to follow his commands though, so he is an option. I sincerely doubt it though."
"So there's no one else?"
"Well, if Mr. Kirk-, I mean Arthur, only had an issue with Mr. Jones, then maybe someone that cares deeply for him sent them out. Since Mr. Jones wouldn't do anything to you, they took it upon themselves to punish you. From what I know, you have to be at least a Duke or Duchess to send anyone to fulfill a task. So that narrows it down a bit."
"What is Tino?" Arthur questioned.
"Court Jester."
"Ah, I see."
She gave him that pitying look again.
"Everyone in the Monarchy cares for Prince Alfred. He's the crowned prince, soon to be the King when Sadiq graduates. The girls want to be with him so they can be queen and the boys want to be best friends with him to be the next famous prince."
"But that's not caring for him at all!" Arthur objected, a protective anger rising in him. "They're using him!"
"He knows this, and trusts few. Ever since you left, he's been hanging around Tino, Sadiq and the Duchesses alot. He seems to truly like them, and they share the feeling."
That was exactly what he didn't want to hear. Frowning, Arthur took up the same position Elizaveta had and sat through the rest of the ride in silence.
Damn, their school was fucked up.
-S.S.C.O.T.Y-
The Luxia was busy with teenagers and adults alike. With Thanksgiving in two days, last minute food and dress shopping to impress the family was being held. The youths escaped this to meet up with their friends before their parents locked them inside the house with numerous relatives.
"We're only here for concealer guys. We'll be in and out, and maybe we'll catch a movie."
"Mein Gott! The Academy Store has a new collection of crayons! 100 crayons Lizzy! So many colors! Like a motherfucking rainbow!"
"I'll throw bitches out of the way to get to that Armani Exchange sale, I swear. I bet they're not even Italian."
Elizaveta shared a look with Lina, and sighed.
"Or we could go where you guys want to go, and then buy the concealer."
That was how they ended up spending the better part of an hour subject to Gil's fancy for colored wax and Romano's picky choice in clothing. The only way they managed to get the Italian away from fighting with a ginger over a jacket was by pointing out how Elizaveta's mood was steadily getting worse.
"I'm Italian damn it. I should get dibs on Italian clothes first. Not some Weasley child."
"You'll get over it soon enough." Arthur assured. The group stopped at the door of Victoria's Secret. Elizaveta and Arthur kept walking, as if it were nothing, but Romano and Gil stayed back.
"What's wrong with you two?" Lina asked, slightly concerned.
"As a bisexual virgin with a boyfriend, I don't think being in that store with do my hormones any good."
"As a sexually confused virgin, I don't think my eyes are ready to see such sights."
The girl kept a hand before her mouth, passing off her laughter as a cough. With a twinkle in her eye, she waved to signal her departure.
"She's nice."
"Yeah, for a member of The Monarchy." Romano criticized.
"Well, we took Arthur from The Monarchy too dude, and he's almost as awesome as me."
"Yeah but the French Bastard knew he was different from the rest of them. Even he's skeptical of her."
"The cow trusts her."
"Do you know why?"
Gilbert stared down at the freshman, stuffing his hands in his pockets to keep them warm.
"Something happened the day Arthur got into a fight in the girl's bathroom. I don't know what, but Elizaveta trusts her because of that.
"If she makes a single mistake, she's on my hit list."
"Give her a chance. She could be a pretty awesome chick and-. Holy shit!"
The albino jumped a foot into the air, getting paler by the second. He grabbed Romano's hand and rushed him inside the store they had feared before. The two crouched by a plastic model.
"What is it potato head? Let go of me you bastard!"
Romano ripped his wrist away. Gil kept tapping his shoulder to get his attention, and pointed across the way at...Build A Bear Workshop?
"What the hell am I looking at?"
"Preppers man! Preppers!"
"What?"
The freshman squinted, leering at the Workshop with all his might. That's when he saw him.
"Oh my god...Is that Zwingli?"
"Yeah. That's Vash."
"Is he...He's holding a pink teddy bear!"
"Yeah. A 16 inch Pink Cuddly Hearts Bear."
Romano didn't question how Gil knew that.
"He's...Crap! He saw us! He's coming this way!"
The two got up and bolted, searching frantically for their companions. They found the three at the cash register, finishing their purchase. Gil grabbed Arthur, rushing him away.
"We've gotta go!"
"Wait! Gil, Elizaveta hasn't finished paying!"
"Is there a back exit or something? We need to get out of here damn it!"
By now, people were staring. Elizaveta, with a fierce blush, asked,
"What in the world is wrong with you two?"
Wild-eyed, Gilbert tried to tug her away from the cash register.
"Vash is coming!"
At that, she threw down the money and ran with the rest of them.
"Keep the change!" She yelled back at the confused clerk. There was in fact, a back exit of Victoria's Secret, leading them into a tea cafe. The scent of herbs and baked goods attacked Arthur's nose, enticing him to stay longer. He was ready to sit down and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere when they were approached.
"You kids aren't supposed to be back here aru!"
They all, almost fearfully, looked up into the face of the owner. He frowned disapprovingly, dark brown eyes squinting down at them. His hair was tied back in a long ponytail. He seemed to be hard at work, judging by the stains on his white apron.
"Sorry Yao," Ah, so he was Chinese. "We needed to make a quick getaway." Elizaveta explained, gesturing for her friends to continue running.
"So you came from the sex shop to come hide in my honorable restaurant! I think not Elizaveta! You and I are old friends, but I must ask you to leave! Do not return until you have purged out all of dishonor that place has planted in you aru!"
"Yes sir! Run guys!"
And so they did. However, as soon as they exited the store...
"Hey! You guys!"
Arthur didn't need to be told to run as fast as he could. He did so naturally. He could spy the other blonde merely steps behind them.
"Split up," he whispered into Romano's ear. The Italian nodded and grabbed Lina's arm, veering off to the left. Gilbert kept running, while Elizaveta followed Arthur.
"Let's head to Leah's. She should be able to hide us."
The two ran until they mixed in with a large crowd. Arthur grabbed Elizaveta's hand. He didn't want to lose her. Warily, he glanced around. There was no sign of the blonde male anywhere. That was good. If the hall monitor saw their injuries and reported them, they were doomed. He didn't even want to think about what would happen when he found out that they had his little sister.
They eased themselves out of the crowd as they approached the hairdresser's salon.
"Lizzyveta!"
"Lilo-Leah!"
The two embraced.
"What's up babydoll?"
"Yao kicked us out of his place, so we came to hide here. We're avoiding this guy named Vash. Cute guy, nice, not over the top muscles, shoulder length blonde hair, and green eyes. Oh, he has the flag of Switzerland embroidered into his jacket. Tell us if you see him 'kay?"
"Roger that." Leah said with a wink.
The hairdresser looked as fresh as ever in her artist jeans and off-the shoulder shirt. Her brown eyes still contained a bright light when she looked upon Arthur, matching her smile. She and Elizaveta thought alike that morning, both deciding to walk around with their hair in a messy bun.
"Artie, let's see that hair of yours." He complied and bent his head forward, letting her rake her hands through his locks.
"Your highlights look fine. Your normal color is starting to overpower it though. It's been two weeks right? Come back in another two if you want me to redo it."
"Actually, I'm considering dying my tips."
"What? You never told me about this!"
The Brit shrugged. "I didn't think I'd be visiting Leah's for a while. It was only a thought even. I thought Avril Lavigne looked good with her new green streak, so I was considering dying my tips green... or violet. Maybe both if I want to dip dye it."
To his surprise, Elizaveta punched him.
"How dare you think about punking it out without my consent!" He rubbed his arm, bewildered as she proceeded to hug him.
"Do you really want to? I'm proud that you're making your own choices, but I don't want you to rush into anything."
He returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "I'm pretty positive that I want to dye it. It'll look good with my clothes. Besides, if I end up loathing it, I can always cut it can't I? Unlike girls, most guys don't need long hair."
"I'm willing to do it Liz. I've been dreaming of the day I can work with another crazy dye job. The fact that he's a boy and blonde only makes it better."
"Not today though. Oh, hey, there's a concert coming up that I wanted us to go to! We could get it done a few days before that!"
"Who's playing?" Leah asked, as she moved a customer from the dryer.
"All Time Low. Paramore is opening for them."
"Paramore? I don't think I'm familiar with them."
The girl brought him over to a chair and took a magazine from the rack.
"Romano, Francis and I like them. Antonio's impartial, but he likes All Time Low. Gil hates them, but he's willing to go. Then Matt adores them. We're all different. No one is going to judge you for whether you like or dislike them. Oh, the latest edition of Ink Magazine!"
Arthur looked over her shoulder at the different body artworks, impressed.
"Gil could probably get in this."
"Heh. He won't send anything in. He likes to think his art isn't good enough."
"Our Gil? His Awesomeness?"
"Somewhere in his subconscious, he knows that he is good enough. But until we convince him to send his art in, he's going to keep everything in his sketchbook."
Knock-Knock.
They both turned away from the magazine, wincing when they saw a male teen with a blonde bob cut. Thankfully, Leah quickly blocked them from his view, talking loudly all the while.
"Good Afternoon sir! Name please! Vash Zwingli? I'm afraid I don't have you down as an appointment! Your sister? What's her name? Lina? I haven't seen her today. Are you sure you have-? People kidnapped her and brought her here? What an imagination you have! What are these people's names? Yeah, I know an Elizaveta. Yeah, she came over today with a blonde with green eyes, but he was a boy...They should be long gone by now."
"Let's go." Eliza whispered. The two held a magazine in front of their faces, walking out the door as fast as they could.
"Send Romano and Gil a text that they should meet us in Hot Topic. Zane can hide us in the back."
Quickly, they climbed aboard the escalator. Risking a peek back, Arthur spied Vash walking out of the salon, glancing about warily.
"How does he know that you're close with Leah?"
"That's what I'm worried about. You don't think...Never mind."
The girl turned away, ending her part in the conversation. But Arthur could tell that there was much more that she wanted to say.
"If you have a theory, I won't laugh at it. Come on lass, you can tell me anything."
She sighed. "I guess I'm just really paranoid, but what if there are people following us? Like the guys from yesterday? What if they somehow knew that we're here and are just waiting for us to leave so that they can-?"
"Then I'll protect you." He said firmly, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She smiled weakly, murmuring a soft thanks.
Zane was glad to see them. His blue eyes stared at Arthur with what was identified as humor.
"Hey Eliza Thornberry. What's up Spike?"
"Spike?"
Zane gestured toward the blonde's hair the pointed at a glass window. Embarrassed, Arthur tried to flatten down the messy spikes that he somehow managed to form while he was running.
"Leave them alone. I think they look sexy."
"Like he wants to hear that from you Zane."
The teen raised a brow, smirking. "Do you want me to hide you or not?"
And so they were crammed into the backroom, which contained all sorts of crazy merchandise. When Romano and Gilbert arrived with Lina, they scoured the racks, trying various items on and fooling around in general.
"I never knew you had pierced ears." Arthur said when Gilbert tried on a black stud.
"I have three on my right and one on my left. The cow has a nose piercing. We got them done at the same place as my tattoo... Yeah Romano work that pleated skirt!"
The Italian shook his arse teasingly before taking up a pair of jeans.
"Invader Zim!" Lina exclaimed. The girl hugged the shirts and necklace to herself, squealing all the while.
"I used to watch this show while doing my sewing. Brother used to come and watch with me. He didn't like Gir that much though."
They spent about two hours in that back room. It was around 6 p.m when they decided they could safely exit the store. Zane looked from them, to the merchandise in their hand, and back up again.
"You gonna pay for all that?"
"YES SIR!" Elizaveta, Gilbert and Romano chorused. Lina laughed sheepishly and Arthur drooped, putting stuff back where they belonged. When he came back out of the warehouse, however, Lina was still hugging all of her merchandise.
"How did she-?"
"I gave her a discount. I give all pretty girls discounts." Zane leaned forward, staring at the girl with half-lidded eyes. Lina blushed, sight down-turned.
"I paid for it after he gave her a discount. I pay whenever a pretty girl is in need." Romano said, hooking his arm around the girl's waist.
"I thought you were sexually confused." Arthur deadpanned.
"I had a revelation in that closet room and believe that I may be gay. Allow me a day of being straight just so I can be sure that I'm not actually bisexual."
"We could go to Victoria's Secret to check on that."
With a wicked grin, the Sophomore drove his friend out of the store, relishing his friend's kicking and screaming the entire time. The others followed, stuck in their own conversation. It was all laughs and yelps, along with that high feeling Arthur got whenever he was with his companions. He loved the way it made him feel lighter. Unearthly. As if he belonged.
"Ah! Is that you Arthur?" Until that feeling came crashing down.
He flinched. The Brit could recognize that smug voice anywhere. Arthur's shoulder slumped dejectedly as he adjusted his glasses. Slowly, he turned.
"What do you want Vainamoinen?"
The blonde smiled confidently, hands in his white short-sleeve hoodie. A hat similar to Finn's from the cartoon Adventure Time protected his ears from the cool air. He wore white leggings under his black shorts, making him seem younger, girly or fitting the stereotype of a male homosexual amazingly well.
As much as Arthur hated admitting it, the short and leggings combo did look good on the teen.
"I just wanna talk to you," He said cheerfully. "Perhaps over dinner?"
"No." Romano answered before Arthur could. Tino's smile faltered for a second, turning into an inquisitive frown.
"Why not?"
"I'm not willing to let him take that kind of risk. He's my SB. I don't want you or your jackass friends fucking around with him anymore. Screw off Vainamoinen. If you wanna fight, wait until I feel like beating the shit out of you. I'm too hungry now."
The blonde's eyebrow furrowed. Tino waved his hands in front of himself defensively as Romano took a step forward.
"Mitä? I…don't understand. Who is fighting? I just wanted to talk to Arthur! I haven't seen him in a while so I thought-!"
"Is it not strange for you to be asking Arthur out to dinner when you are dating Mr. Jones-? I mean, Alfred?"
Romano patted Lina's shoulder out of approval, making the girl blush. The Finnish youth shook his head furiously.
"T-That is not the case! Don't you guys invite each other over to eat all the time? I mean, you invited Arthur to sleep in your house while you were dating Matthew Gilbert!"
The albino's eyes narrowed.
"How did you know that? Only our group knows about that. Hell, even our parents don't know that."
The Finnish teen paled, biting his lower lip. Elizaveta sighed.
"Look guys, quit picking on him. It'll reduce you to Monarchy level. And I know you are all better than that." She glared when Gil opened his mouth. "If he wants to talk to Arthur over dinner, I say we let him. But it has to be in a public place. That way if there is some fight planned, there will be witnesses to tell the cops exactly what happened."
"And people to call an ambulance when I screw up your face." Romano snarled at Tino. The teen seemed unconcerned by the threat, but instead confused.
"Why in the world are you all talking about fighting?"
"As if you don't know!"
Arthur wisely chose to remain quiet during the conversation. If there was anything he learned to do well, it was how to listen, read the atmosphere and study body reactions. (Which balanced Alfred's obliviousness out)
Either Tino was an amazing actor, or he was sincerely bewildered about what they were spouting. The way his eyebrows furrowed, the lost look in his violet eyes, the way he was wringing his palms. All of the symptoms of a puzzled simpleton.
"I'll go. Not for a full dinner though. I'm stone-broke." He said, surprising even himself.
Tino gave him a smile. "Great. Wanna grab some frozen yogurt instead then?"
"I'm fine with that. My friends do have to come along though. Just in case."
"But then how do I know you guys won't beat me up?"
"Why you little-!" Elizaveta dragged Romano back by the collar, shaking her head.
"Romano, take Lina home for me please. Only you know the shortcuts around this city. Get there before Vash does."
Amber eyes met with green. Arthur nodded, imploring the freshman to go.
"Gil, go with Arthur. I need to talk with Zane for a few minutes."
The girl shot the albino a warning glance as she turned away, hands stuffed in her pockets. Gil didn't react. His face was emotionless as he stared straight ahead, keeping himself at Arthur's side. Tino remained smiling, singing a song in Swedish to himself.
Arthur looked between the two and inwardly groaned. It was going to be a long night.
-S.S.C.O.T.Y-
The frozen yogurt shop was for the most part completely empty. Only a few stragglers remained, some typing furiously on their laptops and others enjoying the quiet, alone with their thoughts. There was a happy couple in the back, eating out of the same bowl and giggling. Or at least the guy was. The female had a bright blush on her face, wearing a deep scowl. She said something that made the man cover his mouth to block his amusement from becoming vocal.
When he suddenly swooped in to catch her lips was when Arthur turned away. Stupid young couples and their PDA.
"What did you intend to discuss? Uh, can I have New York Cheesecake flavored? Two scoops."
"German Chocolate Cake for the Awesome Me. Kesesese!"
"I just wanted to check how you were doing. Five scoops of Candy Cane please."
Gil nudged Arthur, drawing him to away to a table.
"He's not normal! Who eats candy cane flavored frozen yogurt?"
"Santa Claus does! Now belt up! You're being rude!"
"His friends beat the shit out of you!"
"We have to at least be civil to those we don't like."
"I love frozen yogurt! And ice-cream! And cake! I like sweets in generally!" Tino practically sang, stuffing his spoon in his mouth. Gilbert and Arthur watched in horrified amazement as the teen wolfed the bowl down in under two minutes. Disappointed, violet eyes sadly stared down at the empty bowl.
"Be right back guys. I need to get some more."
"I can see why he's dating the jock."
"Dear Lord, did you just see that? It's like God's hand took up the entire bowl and stuffed it down Tino's black-hole."
"I've never tried Red Velvet flavored before. Have you guys?"
"I must say that I enjoy the cupcake, but I have never tried it in yogurt form."
Cautiously, Tino took a spoonful, then grinned.
"I like it!"
"When did Alfred ask you out?" Arthur blurted, before Tino could really start eating.
"After the Homecoming Game. You know, the one where he-."
"Made 5 touchdowns and broke record. Yes, I know."
If Tino were put off by his tone, he didn't show it. "It was so romantic. He even took me out for dinner. Suprisingly, it wasn't McDonald's but-."
"Shocks, his favorite restaurant. He goes there because he likes the fancy glasses and the fact that they make Sprite look like White Wine. He also likes the steak, but believes that the portions are too small but his portions aren't that of a normal person so many would beg to differ."
Tino nodded, still grinning. "You know him well."
"I am his best friend."
"What of Gilbert over there?"
"He's my older brother. There's a difference."
If Arthur craned his neck just a little bit, he would see Gilbert's face explode in a fiery blush and a wide grin spread across his face. The mouth twitched as he held in remarks. He settled for squeezing Arthur's hand in gratitude.
"What about Francis?"
"He's my Uncle. The one you go to when you've got problems at home."
Gilbert squeezed his hand again.
"Romano Vargas? You two seem pretty close."
"He is The Godfather and my twin. The one I'll endlessly tease as long as he'll tease me back.
"Elizaveta? Matthew? Roderich? Even with all of them, you still consider Alfred your best friend?"
"Elizaveta is my caring mother. Roderich is my stern father that knows what's best for me. Matthew is my younger brother. The one that you can't help but feel protective over, even if you know he can take care of himself."
Arthur's hand was threatening to loose circulation, but he smiled anyway. Yeah, he definitely belong with the Sophomore Slumps.
"If you had to chose," Tino glanced up from his food. "Between them and Alfred. Who would you choose?"
Arthur paused. He loved his 'family'. There was no doubt in his mind about that. But with Alfred, there came so much confusion and heartbreak and he honestly did not enjoy dealing with that. But Alfred was Alfred. He could never hate the guy. He still cared. The athlete had been his best friend for most of his life.
"I..." he trailed off. Who would he choose? Better yet, why would he choose them?
"As Al would say, 'Bros before hoes. I would make Alfred part of 'them' and then choose 'them'."
"Aren't you clever?" Tino's smile seemed to be a bit forced now.
"Thank you. Now, if you don't mind, I would like for you to answer some of my questions."
The Finnish teen fiddled with his frozen yogurt. "Ask away." He said shortly.
"Who sent a bunch of brainless Neanderthals to come after me?"
"I don't under-."
Arthur took off the sunglasses, flashing his black eye briefly. Tino gasped, reaching out to touch the wound as Arthur put the glasses back
"Don't touch it. It still hurts. I got it only yesterday. You'll have to take my word for it when I say that it isn't some makeup effect."
"Who did that to you?"
"Athletes. The only one I remember was this beady eyed, black haired Junior with rancid breath."
"Viktor Magnolia." The boy breathed. He was shocked. Not even an accomplished actor could make it look that realistic.
"I've...I've got to go." He picked up his jacket and sped out of the confectionery shop. Gilbert and Arthur shared bewildered looks and finished their yogurt in silence before they too decided to part ways.
As Arthur walked down the streets toward his house, he couldn't help but notice that Tino's shock suprised even him. If Al knew about the attack, he would have told Tino right? If Tino didn't know, then either Al held information from his boyfriend or even he didn't know about the bathroom fiasco.
How peculiar.
-S.S.C.O.T.Y-
1OO FRICKEN REVIEWS! I honestly thought I was going to be professional about this and ignore this fact but I have to express how grateful I am to all of you dear reviewers and followers. Seriously, this story wouldn't be the way it is if it weren't for you. You guys rock and I really want to make this story the best it can be.
Which is why I'm going to take a while to edit these past chapters instead of writing a new one.
Don't get all mad yet! I am going to post next Friday! Only the chapter won't be centered on Arthur. It'll have Elizaveta as it's main character. You guys have to see what's going on behind the scenes with her if you want the full SSCOTY experience. *Insert dramatic gestures here* Of course, you also have the option of ignoring this chapter and passing it off as filler.
It won't be too long. About 3k at the very most. But too make up for it, I'll post the real next chapter as soon as it's ready instead of waiting until the 24th.
Once again, thanks to all of you lovely, amazing people. Especially those who critique, or make it their duty to post a review every chapter. This story isn't just for me anymore. It's for all of you.
Preview for Elizaveta's Shipped Gold Standard: She couldn't believe she was doing it. Helping some guy win Arthur's heart? What would the Brit say? Oh Lord, everything had better work out well. Her Dad's credit card had spent alot of money on that piercing.
Preview for Next Chapter: Arthur goes with his mother to visit his father's grave. Surprisingly, he finds a friend in the very same cemetery. He listens to this friend's story and finds out what the Sophomore Slumps are really all about. Enlightened, he feels grateful to have a friend to tell him such a heartbreaking story. But when they find out that they had an eavesdropper, they are worried about what'll happen when they return to school. Could an impromptu visit from Gilbert and his Uncle Father Fritz save the day?