Hey Guys!

So I basically realized I haven't reread my story at all and basically forget who knows what about Alfred's backstory and what I've said about each character. Embarrassing. So I'm currently going back through all my chapters and making note of how each character develops and what they say and do (and most importantly, KNOW) which is very time consuming but also extremely necessary for the next big plot! DUh Duh DUUUUhhhh.

Anyway. Here's the new chapter. Enjoy!


Arthur refused to acknowledge his brothers. Alistair especially was acting particularly odd. While the twins seemed to be having trouble meeting his eyes, mumbling to each other and looking guilty, Alistair constantly looked like he was sucking on a lemon. He'd taken to staring at Arthur with such intensity that Arthur could swear he felt the physical heat of it and kept seeming as though he was about to say something but then thought better of it and turned his unspoken words into a cough. Arthur had given up trying to figure out what had been going on with them the past few days, and was now solidly ignoring them and pretending their presence held no consequence for him. After all, he had much more important things to worry about.

Every year, Charles Kirkland threw a 3 day festival. He invited world leaders and celebrities from all over to foster diplomatic ties and support charities that combat world hunger and fund cancer research. Charles Kirkland's charity gala had something for everyone. There were football matches, concerts, a ball, and art exhibits, as well as panels by leaders of every field.

Sufficed to say, it was a big deal.

And every year, the Kirkland brothers battled amongst themselves to come up with the most promising ideas that would make the gala the best one yet. The son who had the most successful input would be accepted as their father's stand-in for all matters relating to the festival. Their father had a country to run, after all, and needed someone he could trust to do everything necessary to make this important charity event work. Alistair and Owain had been taking turns as their father's right hand for years, and the twins had even taken charge last year.

Arthur wanted desperately to prove himself and this was the perfect opportunity! He was clearlky organized and could handle working with difficult people. He was professional and respectful towards everyone. Just his work and the progress he'd made thus far as the vice president of Circle Academy's student council alone attested to his leadership skills! He could do this. It was what he was best at. And yet-

Something inside him was absolutely terrified. His brothers were finally starting to treat him like he was worthy of their attention. Things were starting to look up. And if he failed- if he didn't make this gala the best one yet- he didn't know if he could ever look any of them- let alone himself- in the eye again. Every day he lived in fear of things going back to the way they were before between him and his brothers. He just couldn't set himself up to fail and lose everything he gained.

Even if he ached to prove his worth before everyone.


Lovino swept a hand over his brow and studied the pile of boxes he'd just lugged into the room. Everything he needed was accounted for. He turned as his new roommate entered the dorm.

"It is already feeling much like home, da?"

"Hell no. That's the point of me moving in with you. This is a fresh start, and nothing like that place."

Ivan nodded solemnly, though he couldn't help but feel a little rejected. Home was where the heart was, right? Did that mean Lovino's heart was still at that old mansion he had moved in with Ivan to get away from? Ivan could somewhat relate. Hadn't he felt the same? This dorm room wasn't his home. His home was in those distant memories with his mother and sister and a father who didn't really exist anymore. Could he ever get that back? No. Of course not. That home was long gone. But that didn't mean he couldn't build a new home, this time even better than before, because now he was in control. He called the shots. He could decide who he wanted in his home and who wasn't worth it.

Still, though Ivan could admit he was more possessive than most people and had trouble sharing those he cared for, he hoped Lovino would be able to fix things with his family and still be a part of Ivan's.

"Well, what are you staring at, huh?" Lovino snapped. "You better not be second guessing, cuz I'm damn well not gonna move all these boxes out again!" Though his voice was harsh, the emotions raging in his ever-expressive eyes belied his true feelings. He was nervous about moving in with Ivan and afraid he'd screw this up. He was missing his family and yet angry at himself for it. And he was so hopeful that this would work out and simultaneously trying to lower his own expectations.

Ivan smiled.

Lovino shuddered. "Are you trying to intimidate me, cuz it won't work, you bastard."

"Nyet. I am pleased to have you here. Watch out for Natalya, though. She may try to kill you."

Lovino's response was cut off by a knock at the door.

Ivan turned to him quizzically. "Were we expecting company?"

Lovino shrugged and padded across the room and threw open the door.

Alfred stood at the door, pineapple in one hand, paper-wrapped box in another. "Happy Housewarming!" He cheered, blue eyes twinkling behind his glasses.

"What the hell. Why are you holding a pineapple?"

"Ya know. Sign of hospitality. Is that just an American thing? Whatever. It's a gift!" He concluded, brushing past Lovino and depositing the pineapple and wrapped parcel on one of the many boxes. That done, he appraised the room, admiring the pile of boxes. "Love what you've done with the place. Nice personal touch, Lovino."

"I haven't done anything yet. Don't be stupid." Lovino growled, though he had to admit he was pleasantly surprised to have his friend here. And with a pineapple of all things.

"Well I got you both housewarming gifts. Something to brighten the room a bit." He gestured to the package and Lovino took it in his hands while Ivan edged closer in curiosity. Inside were two small potted plants, one a dwarf sunflower and one a tomato plant.

"How did you find blooming plants at this time of year?" Lovino admired his tomato plant, incredulous.

"There's a novelty plant shop nearby the Kirklands' place. They have all sorts of blooming plants that should probably be dead this time of year. Just keep them warm!"

Ivan smiled and touched the soft petals. "Spasibo."

Alfred grinned. "So any other ideas you have to make it more homey?"

"I don't have that much, so not really. Most of the boxes are clothes and art supplies."

"Paints?" Ivan interjected hopefully.

"What of it?" Lovino glared. "If you're going to ban me from painting in this room I'm out right now."

"Nyet. I was hoping you would paint some things on the wall for me."

"Hey that's an awesome idea!" Alfred agreed enthusiastically. "You could paint tomatoes and sunflowers all over. But-" his face fell-"are you even allowed to paint on these walls? The school owns the dorms."

"Eh. We can pay the fines for property damage no problem." Lovino said dismissively and, ignoring Alfred's mumbled 'spoiled rich kids', turned to face Ivan. "What did you want me to paint?"

Ivan stilled for a moment, questioning his decision, but soon turned and rooted around in his drawer and pulled out a framed photo. After gazing at it for a moment, he passed it to Lovino. Alfred peered over his shoulder and inspected the painting.

It depicted a family. The parents were smiling and holding their children, a boy and a girl. They were all fair haired and beautiful and the children were holding hands as the little boy with big purple eyes gazed adoringly at his mother. Surrounding the figures were sunflowers of every shade of yellow.

Alfred didn't know what to say. Apparently Lovino was in the same predicament because he just nodded at Ivan and murmured, "I can paint this. Definitely."

The rest of the evening was spent in laughter and Alfred left cheerily, splattered in paint.

But as Ivan gazed at the freshly painted portrait above his head right next to his own painted sunflower, so meticulously perfect that the figures could have breathed, and listened to the snores and muttered Italian from his new roommate in the bunk below, he realized that maybe -just maybe- those memories weren't so distant. He could build a home with the friends he had made, and when he closed his eyes every night he could be at home again with the kind and gentle parents and the loving older sister, running through fields of undying sunflowers as bright and as beautiful as the memories he shared with them.


Angsty Angsty Angst. But also happy I guess?

Thanks so much for your reviews guys. I get so excited when I get a new one. It really cheers me. Thanks to all you guys who are still following me after 2 years and to all you who literally binge read my entire story in a couple days to get up to date! U DA REAL MVPS

Also who's loving the Olympics? I'm such a gymnastics fan. Those athletes are incredible and Simone Biles is AMAZING.

Until next time!

8i8

~sparklybutterfly42