Thank you for the comments about Kiku. They have really helped me with my direction. I will try to get the next chapter out faster next time.

Thanks to all these awesome reviewers: SnowGirl999, ManiacalDolphins, ZemyxDexion, music-rox12, mudkiprox, Skadiyoko, Sha-Lin, china-aruX3, mya3dan, Randomanime456, Wolfie832 and Noelle who actually went through and commented on all my chapters!

You guys are so amazing~


Lili received a phone call from her brother that night to ensure she was feeling alright and to inform her that he would not be returning this evening. Despite being upset she put on her best front for her guardians. "Umm…" She started while fiddling with the hem of her dress and lowering her gaze to the red, carpeted floor. Everything in the house looked exceptionally well decorated save for her room and Vash's. His issues revolving around independence led to him only ever borrowing money when Lili was in need of new clothing and he was down to his last five in the bank.

The dining room where the three stood had antique but wonderfully made furniture which was ornate and added an air of wealth to the teachers' home. The walls were white and there were French styled windows that made the posh room look even more grand. Roderich sat with a newspaper in hand not even bothering to look up in fear that any emotion might accompany his words. "He's staying out again isn't he?"

"He's at Yao's." She admitted as if he were committing a crime. Which he wasn't. Tonight at least.

"That's fine by me." He stated although when he folded the newspaper he ripped it accidently.

Elizabeta hid her hurt expression and masked her face with a smile. "Oh well, Lili, I cooked up fondue because it's your favourite." She neglected to add that it was also the Swiss boy's which was the primary reason for her cooking it. "Roderich, dear, would you get the cutlery?"

"I think I'll eat in my study after all." He stood up and walked by the young girl who couldn't help but feel as if this was partially her fault.

Her mask broke and she snapped. "You will not! Sit down right now!" The Hungarian woman commanded and he stared at her.

"Don't tell me what to do, Liz." He said coolly and dangerously.

"I will Roderich and don't you dare walk away this time! I went to the trouble of cooking tonight! I want to just eat dinner together for once and not have you leave just because Vash isn't here."

"It has nothing to do with Vash."

"It has everything to do with him!" She said sharply, not yet in tears but knowing they would soon surface. "I'm tired of you moping over this, let him live his life for a while and be here for him when he returns! Until then why not pay attention to the people around you before you lose them too."

"I'm not losing anyone Liz." He stated.

"Are you so sure?" She challenged him in a poisonous tone.

"Let's not fight in front of Lili."

"Why? So we can pretend that we're functional, because clearly we aren't!" And then the tears came, pouring out after every syllable. "I can't deal with this!" She shouted walking right by Lili who looked mortified by the scene. "I'm sorry."

"Liz, wait." She was making a dash for the door but her husband got there first placing a large hand over it.

"Let me go Roderich!"

"You're being rash Liz."

"I'm being realistic! Stop ending your sentences with my name! Don't patronize me! Let me go!" She attempted to push the man when he pinned her against the wall and forcefully pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was devoid of any feeling as the two lost all intimacy soon after adopting the children. He pulled away when he felt her posture slump. "I can't do this." She gasped for breath and wiped away the fast falling tears.

Roderich hugged his wife who had settled after her episode. "We'll figure this out."

Lost in time, they held each other as they once did, desperately trying to rekindle feelings they once possessed but with no avail. The distinct sound of china hitting wood could be heard from the dining room. "I love you." She lied.

"I love you too." He lied.

This is what their happiness amounted to: a web of lies.

They walked hand in hand to the room where Lili was serving for three. The innocence that hung around her due to her actions was enough to melt Elizabeta's heart so she walked quickly to hug the girl to her chest. "Lili, you're so precious." She muttered feeling tears fall once more. Even if their life was made up of lies and deceit there were moments of indescribably happiness.


Antonio had left the mall early claiming that he had a 'make-up' tutoring session which Franics immediately took to be a 'make-out' session and of course did not keep him for less than a moment. After that he had wandered the mall for over an hour hoping to bump into a cute personality whom he could entertain himself with, since of course there was nothing else he should be doing on a Saturday afternoon. Naturally he found his target.

A petite girl with caramel coloured hair was sitting at a table alone eating what appeared to be Hawaiian pizza. Her sweet face was dolled up by unnecessary make up that gave her a much more grown up appearance than was suited to her. Still. He strutted up to her table, earning a look of surprise as her eyebrows shot up questioningly. "'ello, I am very sorry to trouble you mademoiselle, but I am new to zis country and was 'oping zat-."

"Umm…" came a voice too close to Francis's ear. He pivoted quickly to face Jean and Tilly who were looking confused. Suddenly Matilda smirked and the Frenchman's mouth closed from its gaping state. "So… Francis, this is Bella and she's from Belgium. She started here a week before Arthur."

"And we have history together." She added with a grin.

"Qu'avez-vous dit?"(What did you say?) Jean asked in French, hoping that by speaking quickly Tilly would not be able to catch her question.

"Rien, rein mon amour." (Nothing, nothing, my love)

"For the record, I can understand you both and it's pretty rude guys." The Australian said placing down her lunch next to Bella.

"Go away Francis, we are 'aving a girls day." Jean said irately ripping open the ketchup packet to accompany her fries.

The boy smiled noticing the brunette's lunch was none other than McDonalds. "I see zat Alfred 'as rubbed off on you, non?"

"Alfred didn't invent maccas* and I've always liked it." She stated defensively.

"Well, I'm just glad to see zat you are eating now."

Jean, irritated by the fact she had been ignored took a step so that her face was inches from Francis. "D'accord, ça suffit. Mainteant, arrêter." (Okay, that's enough. Now stop it.) She said in a threatening tone.

Matilda had gone uncharacteristically quiet and frowned at her food. "Wow, there are some serious tensions between you guys." Bella observed openly.

"Ahhh, zat is because both of zese girls are desperately in love wiz me but are too shy to admit it." He said with a dramatic act accompanying it, hugging himself as if to contain the passion.

"Ew!" Jean gagged.

"Keep telling yourself that, mate."

Francis just laughed off the rejection and turned to Bella with a grin. "So zen, 'ow would you like to go out with moi?"

"Yeah, okay." The peppy girl said smiling.

Jean's face fell and Matilda's eyes bulged. She said yes? Even Francis wasn't expecting this reaction but laughed none the less. They exchanged phone numbers while ignoring Tilly asking if they were rushing things. Jean had a kicked puppy expression and slumped in her chair slightly. She was nudged by her friend that gave her an apologetic look.

"Zen, I will leave you girls to your lunch."

"Great, see you 'round." Tilly said quickly.

"Salut." (bye) Jean added dismissively.

"Bye." Bella all but giggled.

Oh, the effects one boy could have on three friends.


Dinner became quickly awkward when Mei announced that she had to pick up Yao's little brother, Young, from the mall. Kiku sat next to the Swiss boy purposefully and across from his childhood friend, leaving Ivan at a diagonal.

Yao said nothing to the two he'd caught in the bathroom in favour of resting his head on his lover's shoulder and insisting he was fine when asked. "So…" Ivan started, not being one to part take in silences. "I hear Felix is having a party next Friday night, we should go, da?"

"If it's anything like last time it's bound to be good." Yao commented and the three friends laughed, excluding Kiku from the personal joke.

"You should come," Vash told the Japanese boy with a serious expression that made it hard to say no.

"I'm not really interested in parties." He admitted, looking down at his colourful plate. "But thank you for the invitation."

"Come on," Ivan agreed which in turn made Kiku's blood run cold. "It will be fun, something good always happens at Felix's parties."

"We shall see."

"Is that a yes, or a no? I can never tell with you." The Swiss boy stated almost smirking at the enigma before him.

"It means perhaps."

"Anyone ever told you you're very vague?" Vash stood, clearing everyone's plates despite Yao's protesting that he could do it.

"Why don't we be meeting at mine beforehand?" Ivan offered with a smile. "You are welcome to come too Kiku."

"Uhhhhh." Was the intelligent response and the Japanese boy flushed. "N-no, I really must decline."

"Oh, but I insist." He hummed at the challenge.

"Thank you for the offer, but no."

"Yes."

Yao suddenly gave Ivan a cold look. He was suspicious. He was always suspicious because the Russian always had ulterior motives. There was always something to gain and he always got it. The intentional repetition of 'always' is because this was a fact. Nothing ever went wrong with his plans… except for that one time… "Why does it matter so much if he goes-aru?" He suddenly snapped.

"Awww, you aren't jealous are you? I want you to come too Yao, you're my date." His voice was sugar coated but full of hidden sarcasm.

"Stop assuming things, I know what you're doing. I'm not jealous so don't go planting ideas in anyone's head-aru! This is just so typical!" He snapped and stood up to help Vash with the dishes.

Ivan was silent, feeling a slight annoyance creep through him as he hadn't intended to actually pester his boyfriend. "Um-," Kiku started although he couldn't believe he was about to encourage their relationship. "Maybe you should apologise to Yao…"

"But why? I didn't do anything." The mock innocence was far too clear.

A tense air hung around the two and the Japanese boy's eyes met those belonging to Ivan. "Are you really that naïve or is your goal to break the people you're closest to?" He suddenly asked venomously.

Ivan was startled but then looked amused. "Ouch. You hurt me, Kiku."

"Shut up!" He suddenly stood up. "I know what you did to Alfred! I know it's your fault and that he carries your guilt! If you're trying to do the same thing to Yao by pushing him away then get out of his life and away from me! I don't know what you're doing, but you insult me, patronize me and wind me up then invite me over like we're friends! We will never get along, so please just leave me alone." And with that outburst he left the dining room. Both the Chinese and Swiss boy had heard him and each volunteered to go comfort the distraught Asian teen.

Ivan sat with his fingers laced under his chin; he wasn't smiling or frowning but reflecting upon what had been said. His gaze traced up to Yao when he sat next to him awkwardly. He was reminded that of course he did hold feelings for this boy and hugged him loosely. "Мне очень жаль," (sorry) he said and he felt arms slip around him, telling him that he was forgiven.

Yao's room was dark now; the light from the moon shone through white blinds and illuminated the dancing dust in the air. It was possible now he hated Ivan Braginski more than ever. He was convinced that this person held no decency or respect for anyone and that there was nothing to redeem him. A knock on the door reminded Kiku that it was childish to mope and resulted in him sitting up. Vash entered the room and sat next to him on his fold out mat.

"He's not as bad as you think." He explained almost immediately. The two sat with their legs hugged to their chest and arms drawn around them.

"Please don't think I mean to direct any of my anger towards you, Vash-san."

"I know, but Kiku, there are two sides to every story."

"And how many of those do you know?"

"Both."

"And you still took his side?"

"…This isn't about me."

"So… who told you Alfred's side of the story?"

Vash sighed and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Gilbert was my friend in middle school. The idiot still talks to me from time to time."

Kiku had to bury his face to hide a giggling laughter, when asked what was so funny he responded. "I am sorry, but the two of you seem very different to be friends."

"Well, it was definitely one sided for a long time." He agreed, cracking a small smile which was rare and the Japanese boy realized that he liked it.

"Sometimes we get along with people that we least expect to."

"Yeah…" The two beamed slightly at each other, Vash leaned in once more, stroking Kiku's cheek and brushing any fly away hairs from his face. They were inches apart when suddenly the Asian boy pulled away blushing.

"Sorry."

"No, this is a bad idea."

"I agree…"

"If you agree then why did you go along with it?"

"…I'm not sure."

"Well, I know why." He replied after a minute earning a look of disbelief. "And I don't care if you hate Ivan because he can be a fucker when he wants to be." He added. "It's always hard when you still have feelings for a person that's changed and that bastard sure as hell loves to kick you when you're down-."

"How do you know all this?"

"Hm?" He scowled. "I saw you and Mr. Karpusi a few weeks back. Yao didn't tell me anything, you don't need to worry."

Kiku's breath hitched for a second and he shuddered while repressing a sob. "Why are you friends with Ivan?" He quickly changed the subject. "If he's such a bad person to you?"

"You can swear if you want." The Swiss boy chuckled at the reserved language. "I get along with him because it benefits me. That's how most friendships work, right?"

Silence hung between them now, Kiku buried his face in his folded arms which rested on his knees. "I disagree."


It was freaking freezing that Monday morning as Alfred jogged to his car and pulled out a set of keys. He had informed the house hold he would be leaving early to pick up his new friend, who of course remained none the wiser. He grumbled to himself when the heater blasted cold air out for a moment before warming up and he sped off towards Rosings street. He was first greeted by Scott who was hurrying out of the house with a briefcase in one hand and bagel in the other. He looked confused upon seeing the second-hand ford pull up on the curb.

"Hey." Al shouted, slamming his door with more force than necessary.

"Good morning, up a bit early aren't we? Arthur's not out of bed quite yet."

"Well, I pass by here every morning to go to school, I thought we could car pool."

"Alright, good idea." He dismissed the teen while getting into his car.

Alfred waved Scott off then hopped up the stairs with light bounces, which of course was not skipping, then let himself in. He went into the kitchen and fastened his friend a few pieces of toast and a cup of tea when he heard thumping from the room above him. "Blood hell!" The Brit shrieked, having forgotten to set his alarm clock after spending all night watching Monty Python movies.

Alfred laughed slightly when the pajama adorned teen did a double take after coming downstairs. "Good morning sunshine."

"Alfred!"

"Yes."

"What the hell are you doing in my house?"

"Well, that's a dumb question."

"Alfred!"

"You already said that. I'm here to give you a lift, alright? You'd be late if my awesome-ness hadn't come to save your ass." He held out the tea which of course had been made in a mug as opposed to a tea cup. None the less, he gratefully accepted the beverage then the toast and chose to ignore the logical sense of him that was screaming for Alfred to get out of his house.

"Thanks wanker."

"No problem darling."

Arthur narrowed his eyes at him then stood. "I'll be right back, just let me get dressed and we can go."

"You're welcome."

"Right, thank you."

Alfred smirked at the fact that Arthur's pajamas consisted of a grey tank top and boxers. It seemed rather unrefined for the gentleman who prided himself in appearance. As his friend retreated from the room he couldn't help but stare at his slender form. While obviously toned, his waist was slight and his hips were fairly predominant. A sensual desire flushed through him and left him feeling warm. It was too early in the morning for this.

He fiddled aimlessly with his 'Save Ferris'* t-shirt until his friend emerged, dressed and packed. "You didn't brush your hair." He commented earning a fierce glare.

"Yes I did."

"Oh… well that's unfortunate."

"Belt up, git!" Arthur turned and ushered the American from his house, calling up to Peter that they were leaving.

"Today's going to be a good day!"

"It always is for you."

"C'mon Arthur, you know it is."

"It's Monday morning." Was the flat and cynical response.

"Yeah, it's the first day of a new week! Doesn't get much better than that!"

"Did you do your Society and Culture homework?"

"…Shit!"

And thus began another infuriating and troublesome week which tested every nerve (and many new ones) that Arthur possessed.


*Maccas: what Aussies call McDonalds for short- I was surprised to learn that this is Australian slang.

*Ferris Bueller's day off- awesome movie which I highly recommend if you haven't seen it.


I don't think I've been this unhappy with a chapter since... maybe, chapter four or something? Man...
But it's done, that was my main concern and all of this had to happen in order for the next part to come out...

Review :)