A/N: Hey, everyone! I've had a pretty quiet week. I've just been reading for my essay, which is due Wednesday! I'm going to start writing it today and, based on my previous writing speed, I think I'll definitely have it done by tomorrow, which will give me two whole days of checking through it. If I finish it today, I'll even have impressed myself.

A quick note, but I've been planning out a really, big project, something that I'm quite proud of so far. We're talking quite long, as in, I'm around 50 chapters through, and would say I'm still only a third through it. Naturally, I wanted the people's opinions on how I should go about posting this story. I can either:

post it as one, massive piece

OR

post it in three sections (as it's roughly divided in plot to work out as a potential trilogy).

Posting it as one story would mean I'd be working on it for a prolonged amount of time. Obviously, if people like the story, that would go down really well, but it would probably mean I wouldn't be posting anything else, as two stories running at the same time would be quite a lot of work. Alternatively, I'd be posting the story every week, without interruptions, so there would be agonising waits or cliff hangers. Moreover, the number of chapters would make it look pretty impressive, like one of those old age epics, minus to the poetic structure.

On the other hand, posting it in three sections would mean I take breaks per section. As in, I would post the first third, for example, and then leave it on a cliff hanger whilst I work on a different story (of which I have many planned). That might mean long waits between, say, the first third, and the second third. However, it does mean that, if people are getting a bit tired of reading about the same characters, they can always take a breather and switch to a different Fic.

I just wanted to ask your opinions on it, since I feel it's best to listen to the readers. If you have a particular preference, just leave your comment in the review section, or PM me. I'll make a record of the votes, and let you all know at a later date of what's been decided. Obviously, if I don't get a whole load back, I'll instead just stick to my original plan and post it as one, massive Fic, and see how it goes from there. I honestly don't mind how I lay it out; for me, at the end of the day, a story is a story. All of it will be written by me regardless, and the layout won't change the plot in the slightest, rest assured. I just want to know what readers find easier to stick to.

Basically, depending on what you want, you can keep it short and sweet with just saying "one" or "trilogy".

You decide! And without further ado, the next chapter of Gakutalia.

Chapter 36

A.J.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," he confessed, staring up at the venue, with Natalya beside him.

"I don't know, either," she grumbled. "All I know is, I'm freezing, and if you wanted to stargaze, you should give me your coat."

He shrugged it off sheepishly and handed it to her. "But, seriously, Ivan will be there."

"This is a decision we made knowing the full consequences," Natalya pulled his coat on and folded her arms. "Besides, I don't want my brother telling me who to date- no thank you. I'd much rather have some choice, please."

He dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Still. I'm worried of what he might do."

"There'll be a lot of people in there, by now," she said. "With any luck, he won't even see us."

"Ah, of course," he glanced at her, and took hold of her hand. "You look nice, by the way."

Suddenly her cheeks flamed and she looked away. She wore a short, midnight purple dress that flared out around her thighs. It was a cute party dress, easy to move around in and, in Alfred's opinion, a little sexy, too. In contrast, her silvery blonde hair floated around to her waist, a bow tied in.

"You're going to have to use some better synonyms before you really start impressing me," she huffed.

"There's a lot of words in my head, but some of them you won't want to hear," he began guiding her towards the venue.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she glanced at him, alarmed.

Alfred laughed. "It's all positive, you needn't worry."

"I thought you were scared seconds ago," she complained. "Now, you're practically running in there?"

"Facing the worst in the only way to deal with it," he proclaimed, before adding uncomfortably, "Not that your brother is 'the worst'."

"He can be in the morning," she said, and it was the smallest things that made Alfred laugh, sometimes.

They entered the venue and were met with a busy scene. It seemed that students would take any offer to have a party. There were people from his year whom he recognised, but also plus ones that had been specifically requested, just like Natalya. He couldn't see any of his friends from where he stood. He couldn't see Ivan, either… Pink and white balloons bobbed around every table, all of which were decorated with a pure white tablecloth with a gold lining, and a small bouquet of brilliant pink roses in the centre of each. Music and a sweet smell drifted through the air, and Natalya's grip on his hand tightened. Was she… nervous? He was a little, too. This was, technically, the first time he had publicly gone anywhere with Natalya.

"Oh, hey, Alfred," Feliks breezed over. "You have a date?"

The way he said it… was almost surprised. Alfred chose to be pleasant instead, though, because there was no point in causing a scene because of this.

"Yeah," he grinned. "Natalya, from the year below."

"Ivan's sister," Feliks added, with the slightest of smiles. "Well, have a good night."

He walked off, and Alfred knew it wouldn't take long before the entire year was aware of his arrival here with Natalya.

"I don't know why people are so fascinated with me," she scowled. "Am I really that amazing?"

"You needn't worry…" he said. "I think it's more the idea of me having someone to come with that surprises everyone."

"That's very telling about you," she purred, and let him guide her closer to the champagne table.

As he got closer, he caught sight of Arthur and Francis. Grabbing a glass, and letting go of Natalya's hand so she could take one, too, he walked towards his friends. Francis spotted him first and developed a pleasant smile.

"Yo, dudes," he grinned, and Arthur turned to look at him.

"Oh, wow, you look strange with a suit on," Arthur admitted.

"You needn't worry," he said. "This is one of the rare times I'll wear this."

"I meant 'strange' as a positive thing," Arthur continued. "You actually look intelligent wearing that."

"Thanks, Arty," he pursed his lips.

"Natalya, you look trés belle," Francis said, peering past Alfred to get a better sight of her.

"Thank you, Francis," she cast a look at Alfred. "It would seem somebody understands the true meaning of a compliment."

Alfred was glad to see she got on well with his friends. It was always difficult in a relationship when friends didn't bond with the girlfriend.

"That dress is so nice," Elizabeta hounded on her suddenly. "It really suits you."

Natalya self-consciously tugged at the hem. "You look amazing."

The girls lapsed into conversation, finding strength in numbers, and Alfred looked towards his friends.

"Well, here we are," Francis raised his glass. "Halfway through the year, really. Here's to a long-lasting friendship."

"And a lot of drink," Arthur raised his, too.

Alfred held his glass up and clinked it with the other two.

F.V.

The pair of them finally arrived, and although the warmth of the venue indicated it had perhaps been too cold to walk, Emma looked joyful to have spent more time with him. He had never dreamed that he would attend the Charity Ball with someone. It had been the New Year when he had flipped his coin into the fountain. Fel had never believed in all of that in the past, but it seemed that… his wish truly had come true. He was amazed, really and truly, that Emma, of all people, would be the manifestation of the coin's wishes. He was glad that she was.

"Wow, it looks so lovely in here," she commented, eyes shining as she gazed around.

It seemed Ludwig had done a good job. People were chatting and there were all sorts of suits and brightly coloured dresses. Emma had preferred green today, and Fel just hoped he looked up to scratch, even if the sleeves were a little short.

"Don't you think?" she looked at him.

"I think it's very good," he said. "You know, Ludwig helped organise this?"

"He's always doing things like that," she laughed. "He needs to take a step back for once and just enjoy himself."

"You know Ludwig, he can't help it," Fel smiled. "He needs to be in control- that, or the event has to run on such a smooth time that nothing can possibly go wrong. He's much happier when he knows what's in the agenda."

"My brother's very similar," she said. "You know, I want you to meet him one day. He's very nice."

Fel was a little anxious about meeting Emma's family, especially as it meant he'd be obliged to introduce her to his lot. Lovino wasn't exactly guest-trained and his father… Fel vowed to never let that man anywhere near to Emma or Michelle, even if it meant putting himself in danger's path.

"I'd very much like to meet him," he replied pleasantly.

"They have drinks on offer," she guided him along brightly. "I'll bet everyone else is over there."

He desperately wanted to speak to Ludwig. Fel, in truth, wanted to apologise in advance. He had never elaborated to his friends that he wasn't bringing Michelle to the Charity Ball, and he knew they'd disapprove. However, he couldn't let Emma know the truth. That would be the end of everything. He would have to take the time to explain to them both that this was a problem he'd have to encounter, and therefore something they shouldn't be involved with. He'd have to make that very clear.

"You really are very quiet tonight," Emma noticed.

Fel, it seemed, was a terrible actor. How was he supposed to play the Fool for 'King Lear' later in the year? Or, perhaps, he was just a terrible liar. His guilt threatened to swallow him entirely, but he refused to let that happen just yet. This was meant to be a night where he could enjoy himself.

"I'm fine," he insisted.

They slipped past the throngs of students milling around, until they reached the front where the champagne glasses were. He could see Ludwig's tall, robust figure in the distance, but wanted to take his sweet time. He knew his friend would cast him a disapproving stare.

"They've really decided to treat us, tonight," Emma commented, glancing at him, wanting his opinion.

He nodded weakly. His stomach was beginning to churn. Fel took a glass of champagne anyway.

"That's Ludwig over there," Emma added, spotting the German student. "Let's say hi."

"Of course," he swallowed, and followed her.

He shouldn't have been worried about seeing his friends. This was supposed to be a good night. Yet, as each minute passed by, Fel began to realise he had been an utter fool. He could never truly enjoy this night with the information he had stored in the back of his mind. He had made many mistakes, but believing this could be a good night had been a big error.

They reached the others, and he saw confusion cross Tino's face. One by one, the others turned round, noticing a presence, which included Ludwig. Kiku wasn't present. He watched the ice blue eyes of his best friend flit from both him and Emma, attached to each other by the arm. And Fel knew Ludwig had realised, that he had made the connections. In fact, Tino, Matthias and possibly Berwald had made the link as well. Lukas hadn't been present when he'd gushed about his relationship with Michelle, but the others had been, and he could see it in their eyes. They knew of his ways, of what he was.

"Hey, there," Emma beamed, oblivious to their concerns.

Fel was a cheater.

I.B.

Mei had insisted they stop at a fast food place so she could panic gorge on some fries. That was why they'd somehow been some of the last to arrive. Ivan had been increasingly anxious the entire time, and Mei had worriedly confessed she felt nauseous. He desperately hoped she'd be fine, but also that Yao was an understanding man. Ivan had realised a confrontation was going to happen. At this stage, it was naturally unavoidable, and Ivan could see why Yao would be so upset. The scene appeared as if he had lied and chosen the same woman as Yao, fully knowing his feelings. He wished Yao would believe that he and Mei had come just as friends.

Really and truly, he wished he had come clean and just told Yao that Mei liked Kiku. That way, this could have been easily avoided, and the truth wouldn't appear as a lie. Ivan had been an idiot, and this was the price he had to pay.

"Oh, hey, Ivan," Heracles, for some reason, had arrived just as late as they had. "There's a lot of cars here. Are we late?"

"A little," Ivan shrugged. "But not really. Why?"

"Well, I was wondering whether I should just give this night a miss, because I felt really tired," Heracles said. "Also, one of my cats was being particularly friendly, and I wanted to make the most of it, and ended up cuddling her for nearly twenty minutes. She was very soft. So, it led me to the consideration that perhaps this night would be better spent with my cats instead of my classmates, but then I considered otherwise. Not only that, but my mum told me to get out of the house and have some fresh air."

"Nice," Ivan said, before looking at Mei. "Shall we go in?"

"I'm so nervous," she worried. "Kiku will be there."

"Probably," Ivan frowned. So will Yao.

"This is my best opportunity to talk to him," she breathed in. "If I don't do it tonight, I'll never do it, and your efforts would be wasted."

He couldn't agree more, but said nothing.

"OK, we're going in," she said, suddenly determined once more. "Let's go, Ivan."

He nodded, and walked towards the venue with Mei, and Heracles joined his other side.

A/N: A tense moment in Gakutalia! I hope everyone had a great Halloween, and I look forward to posting the next chapter next week! Until then, vote away on what you think I should do with the other story! See you next week!