i hate my neighbors and how loud they are and how they won't answer their door when i knock and i haven't slept in 72 hours so here's a really early morning update.

The Five Fabulous Suspects
Waltz

"So, Kiet and Erikur…"

"Yup."

"That must be who he has a crush on."

"Yup."

"I bet Mathilde helped that situation."

"Yup."

Svea turned to Timo as he pulled into a parking space in front of the nursing home. "Is that all you can say?" Timo smirked, turning to face Svea as she rolled her eyes. "I swear to God, do not say it."

"Yeah."

"Unbelievable," Svea shouted. "Remind me why I'm here with you."

"Because you owe me a dance," Timo responded. "It's ballroom dancing night. The old people really like it. And I do too." Svea frowned, huffing quietly as she crossed her arms. "What?"

"I'm not kidding. I'm really bad at dancing."

Timo smiled as he unbuckled his seatbelt. "I'll help. The instructors are great, and I've done it enough I like to consider myself a ballroom master." Svea rolled her eyes, unbuckling herself as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me."

Svea shook her head and opened the door, sliding out of the vehicle. Timo's smile faded as he followed her. Timo picked up his pace to keep up with her long strides, approaching the automatic doors as they slid open. "I'll sign us in," Timo said, walking over to the nurse's station and grabbing a pen. Svea inhaled sharply as many residents made their way to the dining and social area down the hall, chattering quietly amongst themselves.

Timo walked over and held out his hand. "Alright, Princess, let's go."

The two made their way into the dining area and Timo smirked, turning to Svea as he held out his hand.

"So, I'll lead."

Timo placed his hand on the small of Svea's back, smiling down at her as she quirked an eyebrow. "I'd rather not make a fool of myself."

"Calm down," he joked, poking her back as she huffed. "Nobody's going to care. In fact, I'm sure these lowly peasants are glad the Princess took time out of her schedule to grace them with her royal presence."

"You know, I still don't like when you call me that."

Timo smirked. "You never protest."

"You are a royal pain," Svea shot back, fighting the smile that threatened to light up her whole face. Timo laughed and smiled. "Okay, start leading then."

"So bossy," Timo sneered. "Okay, so, you can count to three, right?" Svea nodded. "Great. So, we can start with a simple box step. Just follow my lead. You can't possibly fuck up. So, I'm gonna step forward with my left foot… you step back with your right."

"Okay."

"And then after we do this…" The movements were stiff and Svea looked unsure, glancing at her feet. "Step diagonal with your right foot. Then come together."

Svea blinked, mumbling, "So, just… back, side, together?"

"Yeah," Timo confirmed. "And then, step forward, side, close…"

They stumbled around, making awkward boxes as Svea took cautious steps. The room was lively as the residents were being corrected by the instructors, moving at their own pace as the lesson was closing up. The dancing part would start soon, leading to a mixer or whatever it was. Svea huffed as they came to a stop.

"There, now, was that so bad?"

Svea sighed, looking up at Timo as laughed, winking at her. Svea smiled, gently stepping on his foot with her on. "Watch it, Timo," she warned. "You don't want to upset royalty."

"Well, with that in mind," Timo said, "I think we can try to get a little crazy with these steps…"

"Oh God," Svea mumbled. "You know, let's just stick with the basics. At least for now. This is the first time I've waltzed, you know." Timo smiled and the music started up. "Okay, lead."

"Bossy." Timo stuck out his tongue and mouthed one, two, three before taking the first step. Svea stumbled, stepping with the right foot, which caused Timo to smirk at her. "Left for you. Mirror me."

"I'm trying!" she snapped. "Okay, so, like this?"

Timo smiled and nodded as they moved with a bit more ease and grace. "Yeah. Looking good, Princess." She smirked and they moved across the floor, trying to avoid running into other couples as the music played quietly. "You'll be prom ready in no time."

"Oh, joy, I'm so thankful. You never know when they'll play a waltz during prom." Svea rolled her eyes and smiled. Timo flushed, the idea of them waltzing to some pop song at prom oddly appealing.

The song came to an end and the instructors clapped their hands. Timo released Svea and took a step back.

The idea of going to prom with her was oddly appealing.

x x x

"That's Alfred's car."

Timo pulled up next to Svea's car as she turned around, peering out the back window as Alfred sat on the hood of his car. "What's he doing here so late?" Timo asked. Svea shrugged, unbuckling her seatbelt.

"Wait here." She opened her door and got out, slamming it shut. She inhaled, walking across the parking lot to approach Alfred's car. She smiled, crossing her arms as she stood before him. "It's a bit late. Practice ended an hour ago."

"What are you doing with Timo?" Alfred sneered. "And mind your own fucking business."

Svea frowned. "Mind your own then. I don't have to tell you what Timo and I were doing."

"I thought we agreed to be exclusive, in a way?" Alfred's eyes narrowed. "But let me guess, your little boyfriend and you are so happy…"

"Alfred, just stop." Svea tightened her grip on her own arms. "You can't keep playing hot and cold. You throw a fit when I ignore you, but I'm allowed to have other male friends. You and I aren't dating, we're just…"

"I'm just someone who pays you for sex. Basically, you're a whore and I'm the client."

Svea's eyes narrowed. "That's not fucking fair! You can't sit there and call me a whore, then expect me to continue with this charade…"

"The only charade you want to continue with," Alfred said, raising his voice. "Is this charade that you're some rich bitch when in reality, you're dirt poor and you work a night shift at some fucking waffle diner and fuck guys in your free time for extra cash to help make ends meet."

"That's not fair!"

"Look, why don't you and lover boy go off by yourselves?" Alfred asked, rolling his eyes as he slid off his car, grabbing his bag. "I've gotta meet with some people. Besides, wouldn't want to ruin your date."

Alfred began to walk towards the direction of the school and Svea's eyes watered. She stood there in shock as she watched him disappear into the school. A gentle hand rested on her shoulder as she turned and faced Timo.

She finally let out a sob and latched on, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug.

x x x

"So like, I don't know what Alfred said to you, but I think it was shitty of him."

Svea frowned as she looked down at her hands. Timo crossed his arms, adding, "I also still don't trust him. Like, what was he doing? Who was he meeting? If you ask me, he's the biggest sleaze ball I have ever met. Like, you could do so much better."

Svea laughed, although it was shallow. Timo frowned as he looked over at the sun setting over the parking lot. "I mean, if it's any consolation to you… you're not shallow and I only call you Princess because it's kind of like our inside joke now, you know? I'm not doing it to be mean."

Svea forced a smile. "And well, Alfred doesn't know what he's missing. Like I said, there's a better option elsewhere. Also… Eduard texted me finally about the fucking license plates!"

Svea's head snapped towards Timo so fast, he swore he heard it crack. She gaped, finally forcing out a loud, "What?" He nodded, opening the text on his phone. "That's great, Ti! Who is it?"

"Well… you won't believe this…"

Timo frowned. "What?" Svea repeated, nudging him. "Who is it? We're so close to figuring this out. You have to tell me. You have to tell me and the others!"

"The first car was Yao Wang's. The second one isn't on school record."