Sooo... I have exams coming up soon. While this is out pretty early for me I won't post next week (and possible the week after *cries*) because this is my last year at school and I really need to concentrate on my studies.

Thanks to my reviewers again: atramentaceous, Randomanime456, Phamenia, mya3dan, ZemyxDexion, Hikaritears, DDR, ChocolateFTW and m201012.
You guys make my day :)

Alfred woke at about two in the morning when he realised that it was virtually impossible to breathe under the blanket and was forced to discard it and face any monsters that may come to eat him. His face was close to the Brit's who was eerily quiet while he slept. He barely moved as he breathed and his chalk fair skin gave him a deathly appearance. The younger teen was able to see him despite the dark and his pathetic vision. He lifted a hand and stroked his skin as if needing to feel the warmth to be assured that there was life remaining in his still frame.

It struck him that he felt at peace in this position and had to banish all thoughts of being too comfortable. He wondered vaguely what it would be like to really kiss him and have it not be an accident. In his vulnerable state no one would ever know so long as he didn't wake up. He could feel his warm breath caress his neck as his lips were parted and he breathed through his mouth. Alfred leaned closer so that their foreheads bumped together and admired Arthur's long lashes. Everything about him was so elegant and perfect (save for the caterpillars he called eyebrows) and it drove him insane. No matter how he tried to banish any feelings and focus on the people who were meant to be most important to him he was unable to shift his new friend from his mind.

And yet it had only been a week.

Arthur woke first the next morning as to be expected and immediately sat up from the awkward position they had slept in. It was a rather uncomfortable embrace which not only was too close for comfort but made the Brit feel small in the athlete's arms. He combed his fingers through his hair and checked for sleep in his eyes then woke up the American who seemed unusually groggy. "Funny, I rather assumed you were a morning person." He stated while picking up his neatly folded clothing and heading for the door.

"Why would you think that? I don't even wake up in the morning on the weekend." He yawned.

"I think it's a waste to sleep the day away."

"Guess that's the difference between you and me then."

"One of the many." He smiled as he left to change in the bathroom. It was his intention to hide the tattoo on his back although Alfred misinterpreted it as him being a self-proclaimed 'gentleman'.

After getting changed he ventured downstairs so that Alfred could have a shower, informing him that he would have one at his own house. Mathew was busy in the kitchen stirring a bowl of batter and hadn't noticed his guest enter. There were two metal canes next to him that Arthur observed he used in order to stand and reach the vanilla essence oil. He hummed happily while remaining oblivious until the Brit discretely cleared his throat and walked to greet him. "Good morning."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't notice you." The twin said while turning cherry red. "Good morning Arthur, do you want some pancakes?"

"If it's not any trouble. Do you need a hand at all?" He asked slightly concerned about the paraplegic boy using the stove. He was honestly surprised to find that he could stand so easily as he was positive that he had never witnessed him do so at school even with aid.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind a bit of help… could you cook them? It's always difficult for me."

"Of course! Yes, no problem!" He rushed out eager to assist Mathew if he needed it.

"Sorry, it doesn't seem right for a guest to cook their own breakfast."

"Really, it's alright Mathew."

He suddenly smiled while looking up at the Brit, contrasting the usual down cast glances he gave. "I didn't think you knew my name…"

"I-well, Alfred talks about you an awful lot."

"Ah…" Was all the response he got before shyly handing him the bowl to stir.

"We don't get to talk a lot at school." Arthur observed while pouring batter into a frying pan.

"Well, Alfred generally draws attention away from me." He smiled. "I like it that way though, there's no pressure for me to make conversation."

"Are you good friends with Francis? You talk to him an awful lot." He flipped the pancakes over and avoided looking at Mathew in case he thought he was staring.

"I guess, he's been Alfred's friend for longer though. He helped him through some rough patches." He explained. "What classes are you taking?" The two were able to talk easily and found each other quite likeable. After a few minutes Arthur found himself unbearably curious. "Is it alright if I ask why you're in a wheel chair?" His heart rate increased as he was unsure of how to phrase the question.

"You haven't asked Al yet?" Mathew sounded surprised. "Oh, well, it was an accident. I fell from a third story apartment block and fractured my T4, 5 and 6 bones. The swelling damaged my spine but the doctors think I'll be able to walk again without aid."

"I'm sorry," Arthur said genuinely. The shy boy waved a hand and smiled. "It's good that this isn't permanent but that's really unfortunate."

"It was upsetting at first, but I'm making progress. It's a shame I have to give up ice hockey though. That's a great sport." At that moment Al decided to walk in with a loud and unnecessary laugh.

"That's my girls! Making the hero breakfast." His voice was dripping with sweetness that was taunting in an unsubtle way.

"The hero's going to starve if he isn't careful." Arthur stated unaffected.

Unfortunately for Mathew the Brit was no master in the culinary arts and somehow managed to burn the insides of the hot cakes while leaving the inside raw. Al was unfazed and drowned the unpleasant disaster in syrup. Arthur was used to his cooking and stomached it easily but the quiet twin politely informed them that he liked his own cooked 'differently' and wisely declined any other help he was offered.

As promised the Brit was collected at eight that morning by Scott who was always cheerful. Diana invited him in for coffee which he declined, claiming that he was needed in work today and that he had to take Arthur home quickly.

"See ya Arthur." Alfred said walking him to the door.

"I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Bye…"

"It was good seeing you Mathew."

"But you know it was more awesome seeing me."

"As always." He said flatly and the American laughed, pulling him into a familiar hug. Arthur fit so perfectly in his arms, like matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. They completed each other and this was unable to escape either of their notice.

The younger twin frowned at the lingering hug, sensing their connection until the Brit pulled away, smiled at him again and left. Once gone Al looked back, making guilty eye contact with his brother who seemed unimpressed then said. "I'll call Tilly," and left.

Yao had yet to so much as hint that he thought Kiku should leave the sanctuary that was his house. Every day he had walked Yao to the door when he left for school and greeted him when he came home. His grandmother had little concern for what he did as long as his grades remained in the A range which they had never fallen from. His mother was delighted to have Kiku back in their life as he was her favourite friend of her son's.

He helped with the house work and talked to her a lot, opening up to the woman about his problems. Mei was a young mum, married when she was seventeen and had four children with Yao being the oldest. She spoke perfect English having been brought up in a wealthy Chinese house hold and had a very liberal view on life. She didn't criticise Kiku's relationship but gave him sympathy and advice.

"I'm going to get you moved from his math class, you can be sure of that," she said sternly and Kiku blushed.

"Please don't… it will look suspicious if you do since I'm not sure if Adnan sensei has told the principal or if he even knows for that matter." He said as they folded the washing. Mei gave him a concerned look then continued to work. Although she was not stunningly beautiful there was elegance in her symmetrical features and full lips. She was short but proportionate and wore young, floral clothing that gave her a youthful air.

"You'll need to go back eventually." She told him with a stern tone.

The Japanese boy's posture slumped and he nodded. "Yes, thank you for having me for this long."

"You don't have to leave if you don't want to. You're always welcome here Kiku, I just mean you need attend school so you don't fall behind." She gave him an affectionate smile which he returned.

"You are too kind to me."

"Well, you're just too sweet." She lifted the folded clothing and went to put the sheets away. "Yao should be home soon, Ivan and Vash may stay for dinner tonight." She told him and his throat immediately dried out.

Vash and Kiku were on fair terms. They could speak to each other easily but because of the Asian boy's dislike of Ivan they could be no more than class mates. "I'm afraid that may be awkward for me." He said although he hadn't intended for Mei to hear him. She didn't.

"Kiku." She said emerging from her room with a glow around her. "I'm so glad you and Yao are friends again."

"I am too, but…" Mei noted his habit of leaving sentenced unfinished still hung and he needed to prompt him.

"But, what?"

"I'm afraid that it may not last. When I go back to school we won't talk anymore… He's friends with Ivan and…"

"And?"

"Do you who Alfred Jones is?" Kiku lifted his head to meet her eyes and Mei shrugged with a pout.

"He's not exactly friends with Ivan and he's my close friend."

She rolled her eyes. "This sounds like tribal wars to me." The woman laughed. "Ivan's the first boyfriend Yao has had. I'm willing to look past his faults for now so that my son can be happy."

Kiku smiled but it was short lived when the sound of a knob turning and door hitting the plastered walls echoed through the house. The Japanese boy went to the door as usual, his heart racing and his fingers crossed childishly. Unfortunately for him his fears met reality and both Ivan and Vash were at the door. The Russian was smiling a sickeningly sweet smile while Vash adorned his usual disapproving scowl which lightened slightly upon seeing Kiku.

"Welcome back." He said as was customary in his culture.

"Thank you." Ivan said as if it were him that the Asian boy was addressing. Yao said nothing, feeling the air around them tense drastically.

"Do you guys want a drink?" The Chinese teen asked, turning to his friends and ignoring Kiku for the time being.

"Vodka would be nice."

"We don't have vodka-aru." He stated plainly.

"Water is fine." Vash walked past the two and over to greet the other teen.

"You look well," he commented. "I figured you were sick with all the time you spent away from school. It's pretty rare for you to miss a day."

Kiku looked surprised at being addressed but also at the fact that Yao hadn't told them the reason he was living with him. The three of them were always together and he was sure they must have shared everything. "You didn't tell them?" He asked over Vash's shoulder.

"I didn't think it was necessary-aru." Yao shut the door and crossed his arms, his tone suddenly becoming much harsher in the Russian's presence. "Kiku's been sick and since his grandmother isn't always able to take care of him I said he could stay here."

"Ah, well it's good to see he is better." Ivan asked in a mockingly sugar coated voice. "I guess that means he will be going home soon, da?" He looked at Yao who tensed and nodded twice then glanced at Kiku apologetically.

Please don't look at me like that.

"We're back."

"huān yíng huí jiā*," was the quick response and Mei rushed out to greet them. "Hello Ivan, Vash, dinner will be ready in half an hour, so make yourselves at home."

"Always nice to see you Mei." Ivan smiled.

"I hope we aren't intruding." The blonde stated in a flat voice.

"No, no, I'll be here if you need me." She motioned to the kitchen.

Kiku opened his mouth to volunteer to help with dinner but Ivan cut across him. "If you get drinks we can be waiting in your room." He said in slightly broken English.

Yao's gaze flashed over to the Japanese boy whose eyes were pleading for him not to leave him alone with Ivan and Vash. "He only has two hands, I'll help him." Vash volunteered without any expression.

"Great." Ivan brushed past the Asian boy who shuddered involuntarily. "You are cold? Maybe you are not feeling better just yet." He said placing a large hand on his shoulder. "Let us go to Yao's room, da?"

"Ha- ah, yes." He almost slipped into his first language. His head was buzzing and he was pushed from his friend. Internally he was screaming, begging Yao to help him but he didn't so much as open his mouth to stop the situation. The only apology he received was a look of inner conflict then he turned his back to Kiku and went to fetch the drinks.

"It is good to be seeing you are friends again with Yao."

"Yes…"

"Friends are very important."

"I agree."

"But of course, the most important person is your partner right? They are the person you love above all else." He added with a wide smile. A torturous smile. He was taunting him, measuring their worth and telling Kiku that he wasn't as highly valued. "You agree, da?"

"I-I don't know." Ivan lay down on Yao's bed, sprawling across it as if he owned the furniture and did this on a daily basis without invitation.

"You know, you are very cute. Your hair is almost like a girl." He sat up, reaching his hand out and attempting to touch the boy's cheek who flinched away at the gesture. "You aren't afraid of me, are you Kiku?" He asked in mock hurt.

"No." His voice was small. "And I don't look like a girl either, so please don't say something so untrue."

Ivan's smile twitched but grew as he chuckled. "I didn't say you looked like a girl, I was complimenting your hair. Please don't be angry with me. I don't like angry people."

He was an instigator, always trying to wind people up so they would snap and make the first move. Kiku said nothing and sat down on his mattress on the floor. "I disagree but I apologise if I seemed angry with you. That was not my intention."

"Apology accepted." He laughed as if it were a simple misunderstanding. "You seem like a nice guy, I hope that we can be friends."

"I'm sorry but I feel that would make Alfred angry." He was shaking in terror and repressed hatred. Maybe Ivan would lose his cool and abuse him for declining the invitation but he couldn't accept it on good conscience no matter how forgiving his nature allowed him to be.

"How is Alfred? He doesn't talk to me anymore."

Of course he doesn't. There's a reason for that and you know it! "He's fine."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Silence.

"And Mathew?"

Kiku's head snapped up so that their eyes met and he grit his teeth. "Fine also."

"I see, you blame me for the accident? I wonder what Alfred has told you."

"Can we change the subject?"

"Oh, but why? You don't think Jones is innocent in this do you?" He taunted him with that smirk and kind eyes that masked cruelty. How dare he try to turn him from his friend? What was he trying to accomplish? What good would it do to turn him?

Kiku was silent in resentment until Yao came into the room, followed soon after by Vash. The moment the Chinese teen sat next to Ivan he was pulled into his lap and blushed as his neck was abused. Kiku turned his head away from it knowing that Ivan was provoking him to snap while the Swiss boy made no move to stop them, clearly used to the affections. "Later-aru?" He begged but the fair haired boy was distracted with marking his property. "Ivan, later, please?"

It appeared that this time his plea did not go unrecognised as he was released by his lover whose lips where slightly pink. "Will you be at school Monday?" Vash asked and Kiku nodded, sparing a glance at Yao who looked miserable.

"I intend to be."

"Good, because I need help with our new topic."

"What is it?" He asked, suddenly engaged by the conversation.

"Parabolas."

"You are very good at teaching maths, da? Perhaps you could be helping me later on." Ivan said in an almost shy voice.

"Ah, we shall see…" Was the vague response.

"I have to hand it to you, you're a much better teacher than Karpusi is." There was hinted amusement in the blonde's voice as he said this and Kiku flushed and looked down so his bangs fell over his eyes.

"Thank you."

"Why so shy?" Ivan asked. "Your grades are outstanding in all of your classes, aren't they?"

"No, they're average." He lied having aced most of his exams.

"You're too modest." Vash said in a way that sounded as though he was genuinely criticising the boy.

"Excuse me." He stood up without lifting his head and left. His heart was pounding from being complimented by people he was meant to hate. He should hate them. He was Alfred's friend. They must have been mocking him just then. And Yao had said nothing the entire time to him. He was ashamed of their friendship. He had gone no further than the bathroom which was next door and had neglected to close the door or give himself any privacy.

Kiku leaned his head on the tiled wall and breathed deeply allowing condensation to form on the white of the walls. They had seemed almost normal, like any average group of friends just chatting but they were bad news. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Vash with an impatient scowl. "Yao's worried."

"Then he should have come."

"Ivan asked him to stay."

"He should have come."

"Ivan told him to stay." At this Kiku pressed his lips into a thin line and removed his forehead from the wall. "I know you aren't sick and I'm not stupid enough to even bother asking what happened since we aren't friends and I don't expect you to tell me anything." The Swiss teen relaxed slightly as if trying to seem neutral and not let pent up anger control what he said next. "But if you need something then I'm here for you, since you helped me with my math homework so many times. It… just seems right." He reasoned to himself

"Vash-san… thank you."

The blonde turned an unusual shade of red, having not heard the Japanese boy say his name before nor being thanked so genuinely by him. "Errr, you're welcome." He stepped forward and for some unfathomable reason gave the teen a hug. He stiffened then relaxed, not used to being shown such affections.

"You said we weren't friends… but… I do trust you."

The blonde boy pulled away rather quickly and stuttered. "W-well, good, I guess… because you can."

"I'm glad." Vash turned back, silent for a moment which made Kiku feel rather uncomfortable then he did something completely unexpected. He bent down and kissed him on the lips. At first the Japanese teen didn't know how to react, he was shocked but not entirely disgusted. He missed the feeling of having lips brush against his own and subconsciously opened himself to the kiss, lacing his arms around Vash's shoulders and drawing him in.

He was tired of feeling unwanted by the people he cared most about and even if this was on the rebound at that moment it felt right. They were interrupted however when Yao came in to check on the two. He was naturally shocked by what he saw and looked pained for a moment, staring at Kiku then Vash with a look of betrayal then said. "If you two are done, we have dinner now-aru."

*According to google this is 'welcome home' in Chinese… Yikes, I don't trust translators and avoid them at all costs. I probably wrote something super offensive there.

Just so you guys know... I seriously didn't intend for Japan and Switzerland to have any connections but their characters seemed to just fit in this... and they had a moment and... well... Yeah. It just happened. Since I don't intend to take their relationship anywhere this is not technically a pairing. Kiku's just on the rebound.

QUESTION: who do you guys want Japan to end up with? Because I'm a huge fan of GreecexJapan but he's been kind of a jerk... I also like ChinaxJapan so that's an option. But I'd like to know who you guys want and if possible why... Thank you for any feed back on this.

Review please!