Hello all! You've probably noticed I don't do many author's notes on here, but I just wanted to let you all know that if you'd like to continue reading this, there are more chapters seen on archive of our own. But I'll still be uploading here, and I hope you continue to enjoy.

Sometimes, Camilla's behavior is embarrassing and over-the-top. Today, however, I am thankful for her overprotective big sister ways. Knowing she gave Azama a bashing was something I couldn't ever hope more for. For what he did… For what he said… It was unnecessary.

And Takumi being there for me made it all better.

I'm not one to let my emotions get the better of me. I'm the type to get embarrassed of them, sure, but unlike Takumi, I typically keep my head. But this time, I'm overwhelmed with something I haven't felt before. To give it a name would be an insult to it, for it is more than the name could give it.

I also don't want to admit it for what it is, so ignoring the name will keep it from taking over.

I arrive home, or at least that's what Camilla's apartment is right now, and go directly to my room, ignoring anything Camilla or Elise might say. Corrin is still here, sitting at the table on her laptop, doing school work I assume. She goes to say something, probably asking for me to tutor her, but one look from my still red eyes tells her all she needs to know, and she looks at me with sad eyes as I shut the door, a little too firmly.

I collapse on my bed, willing myself not to cry. I'm afraid the class knows. I'm afraid this will end in a bullying situation that not even Camilla can help me with. To fight it off would only make things worse. The only thing I know I can do is to lay low and hope nothing happens as a consequence of Azama's words. I'd ask what Camilla told him, but I know better. It's best to let Camilla keep her secrets. Her dark thoughts would frighten even a serial killer.

I turn over on my back, staring at the ceiling. I don't want to do homework. I don't want to eat dinner. I don't want to shower. I don't want to do anything. I want to lay down and never wake up. I think about how that would upset my family and even Takumi and his friends, and I throw those ideations aside. Wanting death is a little overdramatic.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket to see a text from Takumi.

I need to ask you something.

I ask him what, no question mark which shows how disenchanted I am, and he responds quickly.

Hinata and Oboro asked if we wanted to come to the football game this Friday. I know you're upset right now, but they think it would make you feel better, to be around friends. They asked what happened but I didn't tell them, jsyk.

I sigh. I want to say "HELL NO" but I know this feeling I have is only due to a bad day. However, I know agreeing to go to something I normally don't find an interest in may be just as problematic.

Give me a day. I'm too upset to make a rational choice right now.

He tells me ok and that's the last I hear from him. I want to call him and cry and have him calm me down, but I don't want to come off as needy. We might be more than friends, but I think to have a breakdown over the phone is a little much for a first time relationship.

That's what I'm calling it now. We can deny it all we want, but it's clear we like each other and to ignore the implications of this arrangement we have is naïve. I may not want to admit my real feelings, but I can tell when I have a boyfriend.

Even if it's secret…

There's a soft knock on my door. I bid them to enter and it's Corrin.

"Camilla is making beef stew," she says quietly. "I thought you'd like to know."

Despite how I feel right now, I feel my stomach gurgle and I know I should eat. "That sounds lovely." It doesn't help that Camilla is making beef stew, my favorite dish. It's clear she wants me to cheer up.

I'm lucky to have such caring family (ignoring my father), and I get up before Corrin closes the door. "Did you want me to help you with your work?"

She smiles brightly. "If you feel up to it!"

"Of course. I'm starting to calm down now. Let's begin." I let her bring the work to my room, and we sit on the bed together, and I show her how to solve limits and graph parabolas, something not too difficult, but something that isn't very easy.

We finish the homework once we go over it a few times, and she seems to have caught on quickly. "Thank you, Leo. I feel more confident now."

"I'm glad." We hear Camilla call out that dinner is ready and we both get up. Corrin takes her work with her to put away in her room, and Elise is seen setting the table, smiling at me as she does so.

"I hope this makes you feel better," she chirps. "We love you, Leo."

"I love you guys too," I return.

I have never been to a high school football game before, but Takumi, Oboro, and Hinata seem to be very familiar with the scene. It's loud, the band is playing the fight song, there are people everywhere, and the bleachers are metal and cold in the autumn weather, the twilight is picturesque as the AstroTurf glistens under the stars as the players are warming up. The smell of concessions permeates the air, and it's here that I realize I'm hungry. I don't say anything, but a loud rumble from Hinata tells me I'm not the only one.

"Man, let's grab some food!" He goes to leave the bench, but Takumi stops him.

"No worries, pal. My treat. Tell me what you want."

Hinata asks for nachos, Oboro would like some of the sour candy, and Takumi says he'll get drinks and popcorn too. It all sounds deliciously unhealthy, and Takumi asks me to follow him as Oboro and Hinata save the seats. He tells me to follow him under the pretense "you need the full high school football game experience." I know he had other reasons, but I don't show my knowing that.

We descend the bleachers and head to the concessions stand behind them, and it's here that I witness couples under the bleachers making out. I feel uncomfortable and jealous: straight couples can do this with no stigma attached, adults simply saying they're misbehaving, but a gay couple? Suddenly it's the end of the world.

"You want to make out, don't you?" Takumi says on the sly. No one hears him.

"More than you know. I'm jealous."

"Me too." He looks at me with his sorrowful brown eyes, almost a sienna brown. I sigh, and we get in line.

"Is there anything you want in particular?" He asks as we get closer to the front, attempting to keep things casual, though we both know we want to do what the straight couples are doing.

"Would you believe me if I said I've never had a hot dog before?"

He stares at me, dumbfounded. "How?"

"I grew up rich and was always told hot dogs and burgers were peasant food. I had steak tartar before, which I've heard is really just a fancy hamburger, but I am none the wiser."

"Well, I'm getting you at least ten hot dogs. They're surprisingly good."

"But aren't they filled with preservatives and not actual beef? Aren't they a cluster of many meats?"

"Who knows? I just know they're good. We even use the wieners in Hoshidan cuisine." He explains how they are cut up to look like tiny octopi and we reach the front.

"What would you guys like?" asks the concessions girl, thin with long sky blue hair.

"Hey, Azura, let me tell you what we need. It's kind of a lot." She gives him a complacent smile and listens to his order, writing it down quickly yet assuredly. It seems the pressure of customer service doesn't faze her.

"So let me get this right: an order of nachos, sour candy, popcorn, two hot dogs, and four sodas, two of which are cola, one lemon-lime, and the other a diet cola."

"Yep!" Takumi replies.

"Wonderful. That's going to be… 21 gold please."

I'm surprised at how expensive concessions are, and I go to voice so. Azura keeps her smile, but Takumi says the concessions benefit the school, so they are a little pricey. I just shrug, and hand him some cash.

"Let me pay half." I place the cash on the counter. He goes to argue but I shake my head. "There's no time for arguing when there's a line of hungry people behind us." He grumbles and places the other half on the counter. Azura collects it and goes to get what we need. She brings us a cardboard drink carrier with the drinks, and uses another one to balance the hot dogs, candy, and the nachos. I carry the popcorn and drinks while Takumi handles the food.

We leave, and the smell of the food is driving me wild. Despite being used to fresh food made of quality ingredients, these unhealthy snacks entice me. We ascend the stairs and sit next to Oboro and Hinata, and we hand them what they wanted. We all dig in. Takumi managed to grab some ketchup and mustard, and asks if I want some on my hot dog. I put a little on it, and my whole world seems to change.

I've never eaten something so delicious.

I practically scarf it down, and Takumi, Hinata, and Oboro stare. I finish, wiping my mouth and sigh contentedly. "That was the best thing I've ever eaten."

"Dude, it's just a hot dog," Hinata says, flabbergasted. "Like, how hungry were you?"

"He's never eaten one before. That's why he's so enthusiastic," Takumi teases me. I grumble and elbow him. He just laughs and finishes his own.

Hinata chuckles with some far off look in his eye, and I realize he must think Takumi and I are a couple. For me to deny it would only further prove him right, so I don't say anything and focus on the game. I was never one for sports, but football was easy enough to follow.

Takumi and Hinata explain anything I don't understand, and conversation is mingled in here and there, things like "wow Leo I can't believe you don't know football" on Hinata's part and "Gods Leo how did you get so far in life without knowing football?" Takumi would tease. I would groan and they would laugh. That's how our friendship is, I suppose.

When the game ends, I'm a little disappointed. I actually enjoyed being here, and spending time with my friends. I wonder how Niles and Odin are doing… In a way, I feel as if I've abandoned them, but that will have to change soon.

Camilla had driven us to the game, claiming she was going out anyway so she might as well take us, and Takumi and I both found it odd that Hinoka joined her when we went to Takumi's to pick him up. I gave my sister a questioning look to which she just giggled. So I was right all along. My sister is gay.

Hinoka is there again, in the passenger seat, smiling at Camilla while also looking very flustered. Takumi and I clamber into the backseat and we catch the tail end of their conversation.

"Camilla, you can't keep saying things like that," Hinoka whines.

"Oh, well now I must stop." Camilla pouts. "Oh, little brothers spoil all the fun." She winks at us in the rearview mirror. "So how was the game?"

"It was fine," Takumi answers dutifully. I simply nod in response.

"No making out under the bleachers?" We look at her horrified. "Oh come now! It's a tradition! I know I did it in my day." She giggles again and Hinoka this time is much more flustered.

"Sister, you know we can't," I tell Camilla. For the most part, Camilla knows something is there between me and Takumi. She wanted to invite him over immediately and make a giant dinner to celebrate our coupling, but I told her it wasn't quite like that and still isn't…at least, not yet.

It's confusing. We're together, but not.

"I know. The world is so cruel to my baby brother and my future baby brother-in-law." Takumi nearly chokes at that and I just laugh nervously. Camilla knows how to make things awkward.

The drive is silent after that, though Camilla and Hinoka have a quiet conversation I can't exactly hear, though I catch some pieces like "oh I really had a good time" from Hinoka and "it will be much better next time" Camilla insinuates. I've never seen my sister so content before. The looks she gives Hinoka… I think my sister is actually in love.

"Well, your darling little house is far too close. I wanted to spend more time with all of us together," Camilla sighs as she pulls up to their house. "But for now, we must part." She opens the door and rushes to Hinoka's side to open her door. Hinoka mumbles a flustered thank you and they shut it. Takumi and I get out of the same door and walk up the front steps, ignoring the fact that my sister is making out with his sister.

We stand by his front door awkwardly, and I'm not really sure what to say or do. "I had a lot of fun tonight," I simply say. "I didn't think it would be so much fun, but it was."

"I'm glad, Leo," he responds. "Maybe we can go to another one?"

"I'd like that." Under the porch light I can see a mild blush on his face. I feel heat on mine so I know I must also be blushing.

"Well-" We both say at the same time.

"You first," Takumi says.

"No, you."

"Ummm…" He gives a quick look to his left to see that Camilla and Hinoka are still preoccupied. Quickly, he gives me a peck on the lips, on his tip toes. It's here that I notice I'm taller.

"I look forward to another Friday night." He goes to open the door but I stop him. I grasp his chin and lift it and I move my face closer to his, eyes fluttering shut.

As our lips meet, I hear my sister cheering. I pull away, embarrassed again.

One day, I won't be.

Knowing what I know, doing what I do, I understand that to stay in secret forever is no longer a viable option, at least where my friends and family are concerned. Camilla, Corrin, and Elise know something is going on, Camilla more than the others, and now… It's time for me to come out to my friends.

"Niles, there's something I have to say." Niles is one of my best friends, and knowing him, I realize he must be the first because he'll understand better than Odin. More than likely at least. It's even more important than ever especially since I have a thing with another guy. It's wrong of me to keep this sort of thing secret from my two closest friends. They deserve to know, and should be the first to know.

"Mmm, I love juicy secrets, Leo. What, pray tell, is this thing you must say?"

"You can't laugh."

"I wouldn't dream of it," he says, which means I know he'll laugh.

"Niles, it's a big deal. No joking around."

"Leo, I know you're gay if that's what you're hiding."

I don't immediately answer.

"Cat got your tongue? Or something else?" He implies. I imagine him lying on his bed, twirling the phone cord coyly between his fingers.

"That's what I was going to tell you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"You don't need to apologize, my friend. It's not easy to come to terms with. Well, in your case, it isn't." Niles knows about my family legacy. He'd go to the grave before he'd tell the secret, as well as Odin. They're loyal and I don't know why I'm just now coming out with this.

"Was that all?" He asks when my silence gives him nothing.

"Yeah. I still need to tell Odin, but I know he's been busy."

"Worry not. He'll come around."

"Thanks, Niles, for understanding."

"What's to understand? You're a guy who likes guys. I'm a guy who likes guys as well, though the charms of a woman do catch me off guard from time to time…" he chuckles. "But I'm glad you're coming to terms with it. If you need anything, let me know. I've been around the block." I certainly know he has.

"Of course. I'll talk to you soon. Bye."

We used to have giant Halloween parties when we were younger and Father wasn't devoted to his cult-like religion, but in the past few years we hadn't even acknowledged the holiday's existence. So when Takumi asked me what I was doing for Halloween, I was confused.

At the time, I simply said "nothing." I wouldn't go into why, but Takumi seemed surprised. He let it go though, and said that every year he has a small get-together at his place, inviting close friends and relatives. It was always fun, there were games and good food, and I was more than welcome to stay the night, as it was on a weekend this year, which meant things could be more wild than usual.

"This year Hinoka is making Halloween themed drinks. I figured your sister would like that, seeing as she's dating my sister."

"I'm still in disbelief over that," I told him. "That's utter insanity and irony, seeing as we're…"

"Are we though?" He had asked. "It feels weird to say it."

"Well, we're definitely something."

That was two days ago. Now, I'm currently wondering what exactly I'm going to wear to this Halloween shindig.

Granted Halloween is in a week, so I have some time to think of something, but Camilla and Elise are ready. Camilla found a…sexy vampire costume at a lingerie store, and sexy doesn't even remotely describe it. It's a red, skin-tight, negligee sort of thing, leaving nothing to the imagination, with thigh high red boots, and a tiny capelet. She found a small black crown from a past Halloween and when she tried the costume on and showed it off, I felt like an overprotective parent.

"Camilla, there is no way you're wearing that."

"Oh, Leo, you're never any fun. I'm a mistress of the night. This suits me well." She poses in front of her floor length mirror in her room. Elise and I are sitting on her bed, and Elise actually encourages Camilla to flaunt her good stuff, because only Camilla could pull it off. I feel like the odd man out, and finally give my permission. Camilla jokes that I have no power in what she can and cannot do, and all I can do now is just roll my eyes and leave. She calls after me stating she already found mine and wants me to check it out at the store to see if I'll like it, but I tell her it doesn't matter, she can go ahead and get it, but she says she doesn't know my size and begs for me to accompany her later. I decide I'll humor her.

"What about you, Elise?" I ask as we get in the car and head to the nearest costume store. "What are your plans?"

"I ordered mine a while ago, so it should be coming in soon." She smiles broadly. "Sakura and I are gonna be magical girls!"

"…what?"

"It's a genre of anime. You wouldn't understand." She shrugs. "I'm excited. I look just like my character and Sakura looks like hers! I bought hers too, and she's really embarrassed about it, but I told her we have to match and that I was happy to help her! She's gonna be so cute! I can't wait!"

Somehow, shortly after Takumi and I became friends, Elise and Sakura had become friends as well, best friends in fact. Apparently, Sakura was so shy that she only ever had Hana and Subaki, the former being in the same grade, and the latter being an upperclassmen. They met at one of the festivals at the elementary school when they were all small children, and they had been fast friends ever since. For Elise to get into Sakura's good graces so fast… I'm not entirely too surprised. Elise has a way to make everyone like her. It's a power that, if she were to abuse it, would make her unstoppable.

We arrive at the store and Camilla knows just where to go. We go to what looks like a traditional Halloween section, and she pulls off the rack a traditional vampire outfit, complete with fake teeth.

"I think you'd make a dashing vampire," she says, very seriously. "And you can carry a tomato around and squeeze it to simulate blood."

"That would be messy, Camilla, but thank you for the idea," I say sarcastically. "It's fine. I wear a medium, I think."

"Well, sometimes these things run small, so I'd like for you to try it on." She indicates a fitting room not too far away. "I'll grab a large too, just in case."

So I go to try it on and the medium does in fact fit, so Camilla buys that one. Elise gets a notification on her phone that her costume arrived to its destination. She gets all too excited and we rush home to find the package at the front desk of Camilla's apartment.

"I'm gonna try it on immediately. Sakura's must be at her house too. I'll text her." Elise texts as she gets on the elevator and Camilla and I follow suit. I can't believe it. I'm dressing up as a vampire for Halloween, and I'm going to a party. These are things I didn't expect to happen to me, but I'm not bothered by them.

For the first time in a long time, I'm finally happy.

Takumi asked us if we could come early to help prepare, which I found odd because we're guests after all. But since he's my 'boyfriend' of sorts, I thought perhaps that was the motivation.

Camilla is giddy at seeing her girlfriend. She had finally revealed it to us, even though we all knew. Still, she can't contain her joy. She goes on and on about how wonderful Hinoka is. I suppose she's happy that she can finally be open about it, now that it's 'official.' She won't stop pestering me about Takumi, but I stay firm. That's between Takumi and me only, and if he's willing, and if I'm willing, we'll let the world know. But for now, it's merely an experiment. Or so we keep saying.

Camilla speeds over, excited beyond all belief. This is a side of Camilla we don't see often, and Elise and I are slightly put off by it. Still, it's good to see my sister is happy.

I didn't show up in costume, rather taking it in a bag that also houses my sleeping clothes and toiletries. Takumi insisted I stay over, and since Father went away again (to cause mayhem probably), Camilla felt it was safe to do so. She's staying over as well, as is Elise, and we even brought Corrin along, who begged Father to let her stay so she could spend the holiday with her siblings. Surprisingly, he granted her permission.

We all are in street clothes when we enter the house. I knocked and Sakura told us to come in. I smell the scent of pies being baked and I see Sakura poring over little snacks to make them look like eye balls. The snacks that have so far been laid out are grotesque in appearance; no doubt they are actually delicious.

Sakura sees us, and her face lights up when she sees Elise. "M-my costume is so p-p-pretty," she stutters. "Thank you, Elise."

"Of course! I'm so excited to see you in it! The photos you texted me were so cute." Elise bounds over and hugs Sakura. Sakura looks a little shocked, but the smile on her face tells me she is ecstatic to have a friend as kind as Elise.

"Hurry up and finish! I want to change!" Elise begs. Sakura says good food takes time, and besides, she's almost done. She finishes up quickly, and Elise grabs her hand and Sakura leads her to the stairs where her room is.

"Where's everyone else?" Corrin asks. "I've yet to meet these people."

"Probably changing," I say, putting my things down and sitting on the couch. "The only thing we can do is wait."

The wait isn't long though, because Takumi descends wearing a costume that is beyond frightening. Mine is campy and hokey at best, but Takumi went the scary route.

The first thing I notice is his hair. It is not in its normal ponytail, something I have never seen before. It's long and silky and reaches past his waist, ghoulish and ethereal. He is wearing white clothes, torn, with blood stains, and he is barefoot. His face is made up to be pale with dark circles under his eyes and a little fake blood is around the corners of his mouth. He looks like he came out of a horror movie, one of those really disturbing Hoshidan ones with girls who come out of TVs and boys who meow like cats.

"Damn, Leo, you nearly scared me!" He yelps. "You could have called."

"I felt there was no need to. I knocked on the door like a normal person and Sakura let us in."

"I thought I heard Elise," he mutters. "Well, I guess you guys can change. I know Hinoka is."

Camilla looks devious at that remark and goes upstairs to find her love. Takumi calls out that she shares a room with Sakura, so no funny business, and the dramatic sigh Camilla lets out brings a laugh to the rest of us. Then, Takumi takes note of Corrin.

"And you are…?"

"I'm Corrin, Leo's other older sister," she answers politely. He nods.

"I'm Takumi. He's mentioned you. I've just never seen you before. You're homeschooled right?"

"Yes, which is honestly unbearable. I'm trying to convince our father to let me go to public school, but I haven't had any luck." She shrugs. "I'm almost done anyway, so I guess there's no point."

"Hmm, well, you're not missing too much, just typical drama. But anyway, the bathroom is over there," he points to the kitchen where the bathroom and Ryoma's room was in the back, "so feel free to change there when you're ready."

"Thank you," Corrin returns and she goes to change. Takumi stays a moment, staring at me.

"Come with me," he purrs, and he grabs my hand. Like a lovestruck fool, I follow him, grabbing my things.

We go into his room, and he shuts the door, and I hear the lock click. Before I can ask what's going on, he pounces on me, hungrily, and kisses my face with such vigor I'm taken aback. He pushes me onto his seat by the desk and he straddles me, biting at my neck.

"No marks, please," I gasp. Though the idea of being marked by him is incredibly enticing, I know better. I don't want to deal with the looks and stares from Takumi's friends and family, and I especially don't want to deal with Camilla.

He stops the biting and continues kissing me, his lips on my throat, the hollow of my neck, my clavicle… His mouth is everywhere, and I can feel the heat flowing through my body. I want him now, but with a party starting soon, I know it isn't a good idea.

I gently push him off, and he pouts. "I've been waiting all day for you."

"Hmmm, I suppose you'll have to wait some more," I purr. "The teasing will make it all the better."

His face flushes and he grabs my shoulders. "I'm holding you to that."

"I'm sure there are other things you can hold," I whisper in his ear.

We pause for a moment. "Is this happening?" He asks.

"Is what happening?"

"Like, are we really doing this, teasing each other and flirting openly? I didn't expect it from you."

"Well, we've been 'dating' long enough that I guess it was going to happen. I'm comfortable with you." It's been about a month at this point, so I suppose the juvenile hand holding and the gentle kissing are fading into passionate embraces and perhaps more.

He bites his lip, ruminating on that. "Do your friends know?"

"…not if you don't want them to know. I told Niles I'm gay, and he is over the moon about it, but I haven't told Odin yet since he's been busy with a play. But he's coming tonight so I can probably let him know then." Takumi and his family allowed us to invite our other friends. Niles and Odin are coming together (Niles has no means of transport beside the bus and Odin is too kind), and Selena and Beruka will be here as well (much to my chagrin).

He sighs. "It's okay if you want to tell them about us when you're ready. I was wondering if I could tell Oboro and Hinata. I don't want to out you obviously, but when you're ready, I want us to confess together."

"Of course," I agree. I lean up to him and to peck his lips. "I'm looking forward to the party."

"Really? It isn't anything special…" He looks away, embarrassed by my sweet touches to his thighs and hips.

"You said good food, games, and all those things. I might not be one for parties, but it sounds fun. And I like your family and friends." I squeeze his hips and he jumps.

He laughs in a weary way and gets off me. "Get dressed then." He leaves me, for what, I don't know. Perhaps I flustered him too much.

I do as he says and change into my costume. I feel silly at first but then I realize everyone will be dressed up. I use my phone camera to check my face to see if Takumi left any makeup residue (there is some) and I wipe it off, surprised that I let him do what he did to me.

I don't regret it. I've just never done that before. That's obvious. And it almost went further.

I can't wait for tonight.

The party is in full swing, people munching on snacks, sipping drinks, playing Halloween games, and Elise, dressed as a character called 'Sailor Moon', is making Sakura, in a cosplay of 'Madoka Magica' (two magical girl anime shows I'm not too familiar with, but know of now) do the Monster Mash with her. Sakura is embarrassed of course, but she also has a smile on her face, so I think she's enjoying herself.

Takumi hasn't left my side and naturally Niles, who is dressed up as a 'sexy zombie' (only he would do that), gives me the eye, wondering and curious. He simply smirks and turns to tell Odin something, who is in full character as his wizard persona, dressed in the traditional robes with moons and stars and the pointy hat and beard. He's beseeching Selena, a classic vampire, and his attention is detoured as Niles pulls on his sleeve roughly. I look away, not wanting to be a spy. I'm sure Niles is going to point out how my once-nemesis is suddenly buddy-buddy with me. He'll approach me later tonight, if I know him at all.

I turn to see Camilla feeding Hinoka, in a kappa costume, a candied apple, the former grinning seductively and the latter anxious. I roll my eyes at their shenanigans and in comes Oboro and Hinata, late as Takumi told me they would be.

Oboro and Hinata match every year, or so Takumi told me, and this year they went for little goblins, with striped socks, knee shorts, and suspenders and button downs, all with an orange and black motif. They even had pointed ears and attempted to paint their faces green, but the paint is streaky. Still, it works for them.

"Sorry we're late!" Hinata apologizes, light hearted. "You know how it is."

"Don't worry about it. It's your tradition after all," Takumi jokes. "Snacks are over there," he points to the kitchen, "and don't touch the punch that's on the counter. It's alcoholic."

"No fun," Hinata whines. Oboro elbows him.

They go to eat, staring at Camilla, whom they had never met before, and look at me. I mouth 'sister' and they nod mutely, shocked that I have such a sister. Camilla turns heads no matter where she goes.

Other people from school, Hana as a princess and Subaki as a knight, are here, as well as my favorite teachers, Orochi, a classic witch and Azama, who came as some great Hoshidan philosopher. His taste is eclectic as ever. Ryoma has friends over too, though they're in a corner conversing over music. He's in a samurai outfit, and his friends Kagero and Saizo are dressed as ninja. Their costumes look genuine though, not the department store knock offs.

Then there's Corrin, who dressed as a queen, ornate cape and dress, and glittery crown. Ironically, Kamui, Takumi's other brother, dressed as a king, nearly matching Corrin. Both were in a silvery white, tiny details on the clothing itself, embroidery that you wouldn't find on a cheap costume, and the crowns were a light blue, glimmering in the low light. Corrin, upon meeting Kamui, was delighted. She loved that she matched him. They took to each other quite fast, and Takumi and I noticed how eerie it was that not only did they match, but the two could be twins, with their silver hair and red eyes. Corrin was adopted, as was Kamui to my knowledge, and frankly, knowing this, I wouldn't be surprised if they were related.

That's problematic though, as Corrin being even remotely Hoshidan couldn't have pleased Father. But maybe that was his plan all along; have a Hoshidan kill other Hoshidans. I can't describe Father's thought process. It seems erratic at times.

Another young man took to Corrin, a man named Kaze as he introduced himself. He was Saizo's twin, fraternal, and his green hair, dreamy lavender eyes, and solemn expression clearly made him a hit with the ladies. I noticed even Camilla stopped to stare, which Hinoka certainly took notice of. However, Kaze is a bit older than us, apparently taking classes at the community college, so he's in a weird age gap limbo, too old for Corrin but too young for Camilla. Not that Camilla would cheat on Hinoka, but it's just a thought.

The music changes to something from a 90s stop motion musical I was fond of when I was a child, and Elise looks bored, not familiar with the song. Takumi and I sing it , quietly at first, but as the rest of the guests get into it, we sing at the top of our lungs, enjoying each other's company, and we link arms, raising our cups to a fun night. Niles and Odin join us in song and even Corrin, Kaze, and Kamui pipe up, and the seven of us sing together as the adults continue getting drunker and drunker, and the younger decide to dance their hearts out.

Naturally, being that there was alcohol available and frankly unguarded, Takumi may have sneaked a cup or two here and there. We drank, our faces turning red, and it wasn't long for Camilla to notice, which then prompted her to tell Ryoma, who took the alcohol away. Not that there was much left. Orochi and Azama had quite a bit.

But that was two hours ago, and now it's past 02:00, and mostly everyone has gone home. Kaze had wanted to stay to talk to Corrin (under the pretense that he felt it would be a bad idea to leave while so exhausted), but Saizo pulled him away, and his doleful eyes bespoke his true feelings. He was taken with my sister, and the thought made me chuckle.

Kamui and Corrin are on the sofa, having quiet conversation. The music is off, and Elise and Sakura went to bed an hour ago, as did Camilla and Hinoka, but not before my older sister commanded I keep my innocence. I found the notion vulgar. It's not that I am forever holding onto my 'innocence', but the idea of it being tonight, though I wanted it today, is tiresome. I'm far too exhausted to do anything with anyone.

Ryoma is in the kitchen cleaning up, glad that the party was a success.

Now it's just me, Takumi, Niles, and Odin, and we go to the front of the house to the bottom steps and sit together, ready to confess. I managed to sober up enough to be clear-headed, but Takumi is still babbling and giggling as drunkards do.

"So as Niles knows, there's something I must tell you Odin." I begin.

"Ah, my good friend, but Niles here has suggested as such and I for one am ecstatic to see such a coupling! Foes turned friends turned lovers! How joyous! We must rejoice!" One would think Odin too had a little too much to drink, but I know Odin and this isn't him drunk. He is sober as can be, just eccentric.

"I never told Niles about me and Takumi, just that I'm gay."

"I have a sharp eye," Niles jokes. He only has one eye, the other lost from some incident he won't tell us about. "It was very obvious, especially after you snuck drinks."

"Huh? What're you talking about?" Takumi slurs. He had more than I did.

"You get quite handsy, Takumi. I thought only I was so blatant about affection in public, but you certainly gave me a run for my money."

Takumi leans his head on my shoulder, tired and inebriated. "I can't help that he's such a cute vampire." He kisses my cheek. I thank the gods it's only us four outside.

I breathe in sharply through my nose as his hand sneaks its way to my hips, a little too low and a little too behind. He gives me a squeeze and I jump. Niles laughs but Odin is oblivious.

"See what I mean?" Niles gets up and reaches for Odin. He helps Odin up and turns to us. "Time for us to leave then. I can see Takumi wants to get frisky tonight."

I get up, Takumi's hand still firmly on my butt as he too gets up, and I bid Niles and Odin farewell. They leave and I'm stuck with a very drunk Takumi who wants to get in my pants now.

He's grabbing at me, pulling me to his level, sloppy kisses and all. I let him do so for a moment, but then pull his hands away. "Time to go to bed."

"But I don't wanna sleep," he murmurs. "I wanna get with you."

"I never said we had to sleep. We just need to go to your room," I hint. He perks up and stumbles up the steps, leading me.

"Love, let me help you." I realize it's the first time I have used a pet name. I pick him up, manage to open the door and then close it, and I head towards the stairs. Ryoma stares, but then understands as he hears Takumi giggle incoherently. Ryoma takes notice of us, and goes to help. "Let him sleep on the sofa. I don't want him drunk in his loft bed. He might fall."

"Of course," I respond, and we gently place him on the sofa. Takumi is mumbling, saying he wants to go to his room because he can't do the things he wants to do to me (I'm paraphrasing. He said much more vulgar things) in the living room. Ryoma just stares at me as my eyes widen and my face flushes in embarrassment.

"Don't listen to him Ryoma. We've never…"

He chuckles. "I know. Trust me. He's just drunk." He sighs. "Blankets are in the linen closet by the stairs. I need to finish up with cleaning."

He leaves us be, and I just stare at a drunk Takumi. Corrin and Kamui have disappeared at this point and I wonder where they went off too, but my current concern is my drunken boyfriend. He pulls me onto his lap and his hands wander up my legs, aiming for the prize, and but I pull away, barely. He's strong when he wants to be.

"Leo, please."

"We can't, Takumi. You're drunk. I don't want our first time to be like this," I whisper. The last thing I want is for Ryoma to overhear this.

"But you're so hot…" he laments. I place my hand over his mouth.

"Don't be so loud." I take my hand away and leave him to find blankets and he whimpers and begs for my return. I find the blankets and throw them at him.

"You need to sleep," I demand. I go to the kitchen to ask Ryoma where is a bucket that I may place near Takumi in case he needs to expel his stomach's contents. It's in the pantry, he indicates, and I grab it and a pitcher of water so that Takumi can hydrate himself, as I know the alcohol dehydrated him. I know a thing or two when it comes to social situations like this. Sometimes, being a loner, I'm a little too thorough in my 'research' of trying to understand social gatherings. You pick up things that you know will be useful later.

I put these things near him, and he's passed out. I sigh, thankfully, and find more blankets. I fall asleep in one of the comfy chairs in the living room, a little disappointed Takumi and I couldn't go through with our initial plans for tonight, but thankful that he still desires me.

Something in the air has changed. I'm not ashamed of who I am anymore. I'm excited for the things to come.

I've come to terms with the fact that I do indeed have a boyfriend.