Chapter Twenty Six – a Nightmare of a misunderstanding

The whole school was in joyous uproar. The following Monday, the Headmasters of both Goverek and Coverack held another joint assembly, informing the students that, as of the beginning of the summer holidays (a joyous beam of light that was only a month away) they would be resigning their positions as head teacher. They made it quite clear that it was only because, in their old age they found teaching a little too stressful – but every single living being in the assembly hall knew very well that the teachers were leaving because not only were they intimidated by their own students and colleagues – they were ashamed of themselves.

"See? I told you!" Miss Héderváry grinned, walking slowly back to her classroom behind Gilbert, who was once again on his own, "So glad they're finally going."

Gilbert grinned, "I know! It's brilliant – by the way, did Alfred have a word with you?"

"Ah, that boy… indeed he did!" she chuckled, "You know, you boys all make a big deal out of nothing! You think it's the end of the world because someone ignored a text, or doesn't want to hug you – you're only just beginning to see the world as it really is; you don't have to start worrying about all of this stuff! All of you are very handsome young men, and you'll get a very suitable bride or groom waiting for you on the isle."

"Nah – we're all just mature for our years, miss! Besides, everyone's hormones are wild and we can't help it! But finally Toni said he had a free day, so I'm going to catch up with him – talk to you later, miss!" Gilbert ran off, a sparkle in his eye, waving as he ran.

Miss Héderváry smiled kindly, waving him off and turning down the corridor leading to her classroom where the students from her form were all trekking back to happily. The day had been written off for teaching, as most of the teachers had to prepare for interviews on becoming the next heads. As Miss Héderváry was quite happy staying a humble technology teacher, she'd called her form class back to the classroom to have a 'chat' with them.

Once all of her beloved little students were seated, she stood at the front of the class, a familiar little smile plastered onto her face. The class half-heartedly watched her, absorbed in their own conversations but still keeping an ear out for other's conversations, in case they heard anything interesting. Oh how nostalgic it was to be a teenager, Miss Héderváry smiled to herself.

"Right class! As the head has just informed you, he's leaving his post – isn't that great?" She grinned, loving the reactions she got – some whole-heartedly agreed – the more honest of her bunch, like Feliciano, Owain and Alfred, while others watched her with a suspicious look, trying to work out if she was using failed sarcasm – that was Ludwig, Alastair and Arthur. A few looked completely poker-faced like Kiku, but hey, she could never get an expression out of him.

"Well, at least some of you agree with me. Now opinions about our past heads behind us, the teachers have come to an agreement that seeing as you were all offended by Mr Alden's terrible attitude, you get a say on who the new head will be. Of course, you won't have the final say, but we will take your opinions into account. So, within the next week, I'd like you all to tell me which teacher you'd like to see as the next head by whatever means you feel happiest; by note, whisper it to me – you can even Facebook me! Just as long as you all say who you want to run your school."

There was an outbreak of muttering at this – the pupils discussing who they'd like to see in the headmaster's office. There were a lot of mentions of Mr. Belischmidt, Mr. Vargas and now and then even mutterings of Miss Héderváry herself – that did make her blush! Though the job really wasn't for her…

"Now! We don't have to decide now, so don't fret too much – you can discuss it afterwards, okay?" Miss Héderváry clapped her hands, making sure she was the centre of everyone's attention again, "That's not the only news I have for you all… I figured that since you are my little nest of chicks – the kids I've brought up since year seven (with the exception of Alfred, of course) that you should know that I am…" She paused a moment, heart fluttering, "I am engaged to Mr. Edelstein!"

The class stared blankly at her for a moment, not entirely sure what she was saying – before the meaning of her words sunk into their thick skulls, and they all jumped up at the same time, mixed expressions of congratulations, joy and shock on each of their faces.

"Really? Congratulations!"

"Engaged! I didn't even know you were dating!"

"How could you not know they're dating! They're practically undressing each other with their eyes whenever they pass in the corridors!"

"When's the wedding! Can we all come!"

"Will there be pasta?"

Each student had their own personal reaction, and of course some were more pleased than others about the news as, although Miss Héderváry was quite old, she was a flower in a stench of teenagers, and it wasn't like she wasn't attractive – she'd been the victim of many crushes over the years, not just Gilbert's.

"Now, now, calm down!" She chuckled, "I have no idea when the wedding will be, if that's what you want to know – we're both pretty strapped for cash at the moment, and the rescission isn't helping. But yes, whenever we have the wedding, you will all be invited – isn't that nice? And, yes, Feliciano there will be pasta."

At the Italian's whoop of bliss, Miss Héderváry sat herself down on her desk chair, smiling to herself – her work here was done, "Just one last thing to tell you!" The class settled a moment to listen, "This isn't really an announcement, more advice from me. Now y'know that saying girls and boys have? Like chicks before dicks, and bros before hoes? Apply that to your situation, kay? Try thinking of bros before dicks, if that makes sense? And remember – I'm always here for help if you need it." She made sure to lock gazes with Arthur, Alfred, Owain and Matthew in turn, "Remember, no matter how lonely you are – you're not alone, you just have to reach out your hand for help."

A few of the students looked at each other in confinement, not entirely sure what their crazy teacher was on about, but the ones who the message was meant for (Arthur and Alfred and co.) all looked down at the floor, knowing guilt in their eyes. Each of them had thought about turning to a teacher for advice, but all had chickened out at the last moment, worried the teachers would judge them, or think of them as strange.

Arthur was particularly troubled at the present moment. He'd given Alfred the clock yesterday, pretty pleased with his symbolic metaphors, and hoped Alfred would work it out. He'd cancelled the plans he had with Owain to clean up the music room so he could stay home. He wasn't expecting Alfred… of course not! And he most defiantly not wasn't anticipating his arrival, and wasn't in the slightest bit disappointed when he didn't even get a glimpse of the beautiful blue eyes, or the silky dirty blonde hair.

He knew Alfred hadn't deserted him completely – after all, Arthur had received the tiny, neatly printed little note (and his heart skipped a beat when he noticed the tiny little hearts and kisses) and was satisfied that Alfred still wanted to be friends. It did hurt though, to be friends and only friends while he could do whatever he wished. Arthur was tied around Alfred's little finger – Alfred could kiss him whenever he felt like him, and run and hide whenever he wished to.

Hang on.

Alfred was playing with him, Arthur realised with a jolt. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but it was playing all the same. Whenever Alfred felt 'in the mood', or rather flirtatious, he could turn to Arthur, knowing full well that he would surrender to Alfred's lips and give him back whatever he felt like at the time – but whenever Alfred came to face the consequences of his actions, he just ran away, hiding behind the excuse of time, knowing Arthur had no choice but to forgive him.

Well, that little bastard! Arthur thought angrily.

Of course, it wasn't like that really – Arthur had simply jumped to angry conclusions. Alfred, although may have appeared to be 'playing' with Arthur was simply trying to give his best friend what he really wanted. Alfred did enjoy the kisses, admitted, but he always, always, always felt guilty right after giving them to Arthur, hoping that his friend wouldn't expect more for the time being. He simply wanted to help Arthur's waiting – to make it as painless as possible, but little did he know he was doing the complete opposite.

Arthur however was not in the mood for tracking through the situation logically. A little part of him knew that Alfred would never really use him like his brain was telling he was. But Arthur was feeling sorry for himself – he wanted someone to notice his bleeding heart, and he wanted to somehow get revenge on Alfred. The question was, of course, how?

Before Arthur had any more time to consider the matter, the bell had been rung; signalling students that they could return back to their dorms for the remaining period of the day. Everyone trooped out, all wishing Miss Héderváry congratulations on the way out, discussing how they should spend the rest of the day.

Arthur followed behind Kiku, Ludwig and Feliciano, the three he'd been spending most time with as of recent – though Kiku mainly. Said Japanese boy was being even quieter than usual, however, and it was worrying Arthur, especially the rather melancholic expression plastered all over his pale face.

"Kiku? Are you okay? You seem to be spacing out a little bit…" Arthur worried, lightly resting a hand on the boy's shoulder. Kiku straightened up, flinching at the touch and apologetically smiling at his new friend.

"Hai, I am fine, thank you for your concern, Arthur-san." Kiku bowed his head a little, avoiding Arthur's piercing gaze.

"Seriously, Kiku, you're a terrible actor. I can tell something's wrong – you're acting exactly like me! Head in the clouds, complaining and frowning all the time! You don't want to turn into someone as stupid and love-struck as me do you?" Arthur chuckled, attempting to cheer Kiku up.

The attempt kind of worked, as Kiku's lips did turn up a little at Arthur's words, "Arthur-san, you're a lot better than you make out, you know. You are a wonderful person. But you are right – I'm a terrible actor, aren't I? You're right, I'm not okay…" He sighed, dropping his gaze to the floor, "I think Heracles and I may have broken up last night…"

Arthur blinked a few times, very surprised, "What? You're kidding? You and Heracles are bloody perfect together – he's so sweet! What happened between the two of you?"

"I agree with you when you say Heracles is very sweet… It's just he is an awful lot older than me, and his mind is on… other things. I have only just wrapped my head around physical contact in public – and the idea of… well kissing still makes my insides squirm a little. But… now he wants more than that – I told him I wasn't ready – that I didn't want to ruin our relationship… but now I fear that he may have taken my rejection in the wrong way. He was really upset whenever I said I didn't want to – I think he thinks that I don't have any feelings for him if we don't do this. Of course that's not true! But… Oh I don't know…" Kiku sighed, giving up.

Awkwardly, Arthur attempted to comfort Kiku by patting his back, "Ah… I see… That must be a little hard to take… but don't worry Kiku – you're not in the wrong with this! Neither of you are; you can hardly blame Heracles for wanting more than just kissing, after all he's almost four years older than you, but you also can't dive into stuff you don't want to do, right? It's just a misunderstanding, I'm sure it'll sort it's self out, okay?"

Kiku nodded, smiling, "Thank you, Arthur-san – I appreciate your advice."

The two continued in their small-talk on their way back to the dorm, avoiding the subject of Heracles as both knew it was a sensitive one. Both Alfred and Heracles managed to stay out of the subject of their conversations almost all the way back until they reached the dorm. 'Almost' being the operative word.

Just as the two turned down the corridor to their room, they were greeted with a pair of people they never thought they'd see. Kiku practically keeled over upon seeing just who was blocking their path.

Before them were the towering structures of two year elevens – these two precise upperclassmen being Heracles and none other than Sadik Adnan, a Turkish boy who was famed for his odd behaviour and not-so-healthy rivalry over Heracles. Rumour had it that both Sadik and Heracles had been fighting over Kiku, but Kiku had felt very intimidated by Sadik and had accepted Heracles' date over Sadik's, and ever since then Sadik hated Heracles even more than he had before – and that was something no one thought possible.

But the position they were in now most defiantly did not look like one of hatred. On the contrary, it was an embrace they were entwined in – their lips connected in a very heated, rather intimidating and mature kiss – biting at each other's lips and pretty much snarling through their teeth. Sadik and Heracles kissing. What was the world coming to?

"H-Heracles…?" Kiku questioned, shaking slightly as he very bravely looked up to try and meet Heracles' eyes.

"Kiku." Heracles parted from Sadik, nodding in greeting, "You know Sadik, don't you?"

Kiku didn't attempt to reply and just stared at Heracles, completely speechless. Arthur decided Kiku needed someone to do the talking for him, "You bastard! What are you – a fucking whore! You broke up with Kiku, what, last night and now you're off kissing someone else! Unless this is some twisted Greek tradition, I suggest you get your act together!" Arthur snarled.

"Puny kid. You don't even know what a whore is. You're what, ten? Go grow up and then we'll talk to you." Sadik spat, looking down at Arthur's rather puny structure.

Arthur decided it was a lost case to try and shout over to Sadik that he was in fact thirteen, and settled for a dirty glare at the pre-adult. Arthur wasn't stupid – he knew year eights would be pulverised if they started a fight with a year eleven, but still it didn't stop him wanting to scream at the two of them. Luckily he managed to hold his tongue.

"Arthur-san, don't worry – let us just get back to the dorm. Quickly, if we can, please." Kiku still sounded a little breathless, and was staring at the floor, studying the gaps in between the patterned tiles, "Please." He repeated again, pulling on Arthur's blazer sleeve.

"Okay then, Honda, you just run away, that's fine, isn't it? You're not the one with a broken heart! You may be a young, stupid, runt of a kid, but you sure know how to crush hearts! I hope you're pleased with yourself – so why don't you go off and break Kirkland's heart, now? Then maybe that Jones kid? What about one of the Vargas'? You're a slut and you enjoy it." Sadik spat at the pair of them as they managed to wrestle their way past the two.

"And since when did you care about Heracles, Adnan? Last time I checked you were on the phone to your parents for some explosives to try and blow him up!" Arthur growled, though it was in vain as Sadik just laughed nastily, really not caring if Arthur was insulting him.

"Arthur-san. Please." Kiku pulled a little harder this time, and Arthur finally spun around, quite happily running along with Kiku and slamming the door behind them once they were safely inside their dorm. Sighing with relief, Arthur sank to the floor, growling and muttering about if he were taller he's have pounded both Sadik and Heracles into the ground.

Kiku quickly went about making a cup of green tea for the two of them – Arthur had become quite fond of the oriental tea since rooming with Kiku – and hurriedly took a seat at the kotatsu his parents had kindly shipped in for his last birthday, "I-I'm sorry for being so impolite with you before, Arthur-san, it's just I found the whole situation somewhat… overwhelming…"

Arthur took a seat under the odd floor-table thing, smiling reassuringly, "Not at all, Kiku – your behaviour was quite normal, I believe. It's only natural to react like that."

There was silence for a moment, the two of them just sipping their tea, before Kiku hastily whispered, "Do you think what Sadik-san said was true…? Am I really… like that?"

"Kiku Honda! You are nothing like that – you're kind, and sweet, and you never intended to break wither of their hearts – Sadik should get over being rejected by you, and Heracles should just stop being such a hormone-crazed idiot and realise that because you rejected him like that it doesn't mean you don't love him. They're the ones in the wrong, Kiku – not you."

"Are you sure?"

"As sure as sure can be, Kiku." Arthur replied, sounding very sure, "And I think we could perhaps use this to our advantage… Both of us are somewhat annoyed by the ones that have stolen our heart, and do you not agree that they both need to be taught a lesson?"

Kiku hesitated for a moment, "W-well I agree that showing them what they've done is wrong would be beneficial – but I wouldn't want to do anything to hurt them."

Shaking his head, Arthur smiled deviously, "Not hurt them, per say. Rather… show them how much they really love us, and how we can get them back."

Pausing to chew over the meaning of Arthur's diplomatically rephrased words, Kiku smiled, nodding, "I see what you are saying – how do you suppose we do take revenge then, Arthur-san?"

Arthur smiled, holding his hand out to Kiku, "How would you fancy coming out on a date with me this afternoon, Kiku?"

Knowing just where the Brit was heading with the situation, Kiku smiled equally confidently, and took Arthur's hand, "That would please me very much, Arthur-san. Thank you for being so kind."

"It's my pleasure." Arthur smiled. Now was their chance to finally get revenge on Heracles and Alfred and their stupid, lusty actions. Good job both Arthur and Kiku knew how to make people jealous.

Alfred felt like a complete idiot.

He'd agreed to spend the rest of the day with Matthew, Carlos and Jett watching movies. Matthew had warned him that the certificates for the films were older than their ages really were – but Alfred had thought that he meant sort of blowing up, violent, swearing and sexy-lady type films. Not horror films!

But still, he was an idiot, because whenever the titles began rolling and Alfred had realised that the genre was very much in the horror area, he still sat there, trying to prove to himself that he could sit through a scary movie without screaming.

It was indeed a very scary movie, and Alfred had managed to sit through it and a number of other, evil, gory ghost-movies without screaming. But it was the after-effects he was now concerned about. He couldn't sit still! Everything was setting him edge, even Matthew's little pattering about in the kitchen. There was the occasional bang or two when he shut a cupboard or dropped something, and Alfred was very sure that he was beginning to feeling his sweat seep through his shirt. As disgusting as it sounded, Alfred had no choice but to sit and sweat, as whenever he'd tried to have a shower, he suddenly remembered about how one of the protagonists of the many movies had very nearly been killed in their shower – Alfred would learn from their mistakes, and was not going to step a foot closer than necessary to a bathroom if he could help it.

The movies had taken up a great proportion of the afternoon, and it was now nearing nine o'clock ish. It was still light outside, and knowing that Matthew was still there to protect him in case any ghosts were to attack him in the night set Alfred's mind at least a little at ease. He decided that if he was going to get to sleep, now would be the most likely time, so he slipped into the bathroom, and very swiftly changed, and remembered to keep the door unlocked for a quick escape and never let his eyes leave the shower, just in case something were to attack him, and bid goodnight to Matthew.

Alfred actually did manage to get some sleep, to Matthew's surprise, and an awful lot quicker than he thought it'd take too. Within five minutes of the American laying down his head on the pillow, he was out like a light and off, floating in the dream (or most probably nightmare) world.

Alfred's slumber didn't last him all the way through the night, however. In the middle of the night, at just past two in the morning, the American woke with a muffled scream into his pillow, the memory of his terrible nightmare still burning in his mind's eye. Taking a deep breath, Alfred tried to calm himself down, convincing himself that the nightmare was indeed only a nightmare. However, his mind was not at ease, and insisted on feeling terrified – the scenes of the horror movie replaying in his mind over and over again. Alfred swirled around in his covers, limbs getting tangled, and loosing all sense of what way was left and what was right – where was up and where was down.

He needed to hug someone – to get them to tell him it'd be okay! Alfred jumped out of bed, grabbing the torch he always kept by his side in case of un-expected ghost attacks like this one. Forgetting completely about the fact Matthew was in the same room as him, Alfred headed out of the room, watching behind him in case any ghost was stalking him, and headed right for Arthur's room. Arthur would understand – he'd tell Alfred to stop being silly, and hold his hand, making him feel peaceful and happy again.

It was then Alfred realised – he wanted Arthur. Not Arthur's comforting aura or his kind words – just Arthur full stop. Remembering what Gilbert had said about imagining the hand-holding scene, Alfred did exactly that. He closed his eyes tight, forgetting about his ghost issues and the fact he was in a random corridor in his pyjamas, and imagined what it would be like to hold Arthur's hand – to be connected and happy together, not caring what others thought. He was expecting the little squirm of discomfort in his stomach to come, but it didn't. Rather, butterflies, and quite pleasant butterflies replaced the usual knot-like twist.

Did that mean that he was ready?
Alfred paused, thinking deeply. He wanted Arthur right now – he wanted the Brit's arms around his own, and their lips connected. He wanted Arthur to love him. So surely that would mean…

… He was in love with Arthur?

Well, maybe not in love but defiantly had feelings for. That would make sense…

Grinning, Alfred was pleased with how easy it had been to figure out – he could finally get his heart and his brain to work in unison! Arthur's gift of time had been used well – and now he was ready to give something back!

Suddenly remembering about the pursuit of ghosts that were meant to be stalking him, Alfred squeaked, fumbling with his torch and quickly made his way to Arthur's room. He reached under the potted plant just outside the door, knowing full-well that Arthur kept a spare key there 'for emergencies'. Well, this was an emergency, and sure enough the key was there. Alfred clicked the lock open, creeping inside, and over to Arthur's bedside.

"Arthur! Arthur! Ghosts!" Alfred whispered harshly, not wanting to wake Kiku up, "Arthur – please, I've realised something – I need to talk to you!"

There was no waking the Brit, Alfred decided, so sighing; he decided that it'd be best to wait for Arthur to wake up. There was no way he'd be able to walk all the way back to the dorms after this – it was just too scary! For all he knew, the ghosts could be waiting outside the door for him to come out, and then they'd attack him. It was a trap!

He had no choice but to sleep back in his old room. Alfred smiled at the nostalgic room, and pulled back the blankets to climb into bed beside Arthur – it'd be a nice surprise, wouldn't it? Arthur would wake up, and Alfred could finally accept him – they would hug and kiss, and pretend to be ill, and take a day off from school. That would be nice… right?

It was a good plan, but it was all shattered whenever Alfred was about to climb under the covers.

There, taking Alfred's spot was none other than a little Japanese boy, curled up, and clinging to Arthur's pyjama sleeve, deep in a sleep.

Why the hell was Kiku in Arthur's bed?

Alfred tried to calm himself down; there was probably a reasonable explanation. Surely there'd be a reasonable explanation? He didn't have time to think – all thoughts of ghosts now replaced with thoughts of betrayal and confusion, Alfred quickly ran out of the room, heart stuck in his throat, and sprinted down the corridors until he was back at his own door. His didn't stop running until he was safely under his covers.

Who cared about fictional nightmares? This one was real. Alfred sighed – would it ever run smoothly?

A/N

No, Alfred, it will never run smoothly X'D

Hello everyone ^^ I hope this chapter was a little better than the last one ^^" the last one really did kinda suck XD but do not worry, everyone! Arthur and Alfred will be together… eventually XD 'eventually' being the operative word, no?

Thank you if you plan on/have reviewed ^^ it's much appreciated! I love you all :')

Oh, and I'm sorry that they're acting out of age ^^" when I started this I really didn't have a plan going, and I didn't really intend for a bunch of thirteen year olds to do all this stuff XD but I've had an idea to fix it! But you'll have to wait a while for it ^^" It will get more realistic :D
Thank you once again, lovelies!

There might be a chapter tomorrow, but if not then I'm very sorry but you'll have to wait until next Monday ^^"
Byebye! If I don't update until I get home, then I hope you have a pleasant week ^^