Authors Note: So once again... it took an age to update. I am so sorry! I suck at updates but I promise that this fic is being completed so just bear with me! Here is the next installment so enjoy!


Chapter Ten

The day of the dreaded party rolled around faster than anyone actually expected, much to Touya's dismay. At the breakfast table, his twin sister bared witness to his clearly uncomfortable demeanour, even though Nate had tried so valiantly hard to ease his tensions with gentle words of encouragement. As she munched absent-mindedly on a crust of toast, she thought deeply about the words Touya had spoken of.

He had cause for concern about Rosa, it was obvious- but she had yet to have a proper conversation with the younger girl about those matters. Maybe he was just being paranoid and overthinking things? But if there were any truth behind his concerns and she didn't pick up on them- well, she would hate herself for it.

So, when breakfast was finished, and Lily started to clear the plates, Touko made it her mission to find Rosa and have a word with her. Perhaps talking woman to woman would help the situation, especially if she had reservations concerning her brother. After all, Touya didn't make the best first impression when they came to live in this house, so it was to be expected that the girl didn't like him.

But the truth was important to discover right now, so she climbed the stairs, upwards to the bedroom where she had been working on homework and clearly avoiding socialising with the family. Touko knocked on the door and waited, hearing what could only be described as shuffling papers from within.

"Hello...?"

"It's me, can I come in?" She pressed, and within a few seconds, the door opened, and Rosa stood in her path, still in her pyjamas. Did she get out of bed and straight away make a start on homework? Perhaps Nate's nerdy traits were rubbing off on his twin sister? She sighed but moved to the side, allowing Touko to come in.

Her desk was littered with texts books and paper, with scribbles darted across the pages. It looked a mess, and completely disorganised.

"You're studying this early in the morning?" Rosa nodded as she quickly closed one of the books she had been reading.

"I am. Figured I'd try to at least improve my overall grades this year as Nate is putting me to shame." The older girl walked past and sat her figure down on the bed, scrutinising Rosa carefully. Even though she hadn't been particularly welcoming, Touko wasn't getting any bad vibes from her. Maybe Touya was just paranoid?

"I came here to talk to you. About the party." Rosa tensed as she tidied up her desk, not even managing to look the girl in the eyes. Was she wise to her plan? After all, she wasn't stupid by any means.

"Oh... sure, go for it."

"Do you really want us to be there? I mean, it's clear to see you do not get on with my brother after all." Rosa gritted her teeth, trying to keep composed as those words spilt out. Was she really being that obvious? Maybe she had to practice her poker face some more. Turning around, she painted on a fake smile.

"Why do you think that?" Touko sighed.

"It's pretty obvious. I just want to know the reasons to why, I mean- yeah, I get that he can be an asshole and hot-headed, but deep down he's a good person." Rosa snorted in response, and immediately the other girl noticed.

Okay, so she really didn't like him, but why? Was it merely just a clash of personalities? Or had she finally figured out the relationship between him and Nate?

"Did you forget how horrible he was to Nate when you first came here? He practically tormented him!"

"Look... I am not making any excuses here but, Touya and I had a lot going on before coming here. His mind was completely all over the place, and he was only looking out for himself. We were dragged away from our safe haven and thrust into the unknown without a choice. It's to be expected that he would be frosty initially." She rolled her eyes and folded her arms. No matter what Touko would say she wouldn't ever believe any of the poison. She could see through Touya's facade and was fully aware of his true intentions with her brother. There was no way that was happening.

"So, you don't have any issues with how he looked at Nate? It was like he was gonna eat him or something! Ugh... the thought makes me feel sick!"

"Ah, so you're concerned that there's more to it then?" Rosa's heart almost stopped in her chest. Wait, did Touko know more about this than she did? That couldn't be. There was no way her brother would confide about things like that.

"It's sick, Touko! Wrong on so many levels! I mean... what if he..." She shuddered at the thought, stopping herself. Just speaking it out loud about her twin being intimate with their step-brother made her stomach knot violently. Touko sighed, pressing a hand to her head.

"You're deluded, and not thinking straight. Why do you think that they have that type of relationship?"

"Are you actually blind?!" Her voice rose in pitch, and her body language altered to that of confrontation. Her hands clenched into fists as her eyes glared at the older girl. "...he can't keep his hands off Nate! It's disgusting!"

"And what? You really think you have any power to stop that?" Touko challenged, raising an eyebrow. "...by all means, go for it if you want your brother to hate you. If what you say is true and Nate is taken with Touya, then your actions will push them closer together, so be my guest." Rosa was fuming right now, not quite believing what she was hearing. Was Touko really okay with this? Did she see nothing wrong with this picture?

"He's fucking messed up in the head! You both are!" The older girl smirked and looked away, trying to keep composed.

"Hey, I really don't appreciate the tone you're using right now, and I especially don't like the way you're talking about my brother. I get you're upset, but watch it. If you get so blinded by your own delusions, it will become your downfall. And I will be there to watch it all unfold~"

Touko's voice took on a serious undertone, causing the younger girl to look away, feeling tense. After all this time no one had ever witnessed the older girl show much care for anything, but hearing her defend Touya in this way made the hairs on her body stand on edge.

"Ugh... I wish you guys would just disappear and we could have our old family back..." Rosa wasn't aware of it, but right now, it was as if she were mirroring Touya's intentions back then. He wanted the same thing. Anything to get out of this family and get back to normality, and now Rosa was acting in the same way. It was the pot calling the kettle black.

"We didn't want this either, but we just have to put up with the arrangement. You're a mature woman, fucking deal with it as a grown-up instead of whining like a bitch." Rosa's cheeks flushed at the profanity, and even though the anger inside of her wanted nothing more than to yell in Touko's face, she held back. She didn't have much of an issue with the older girl per se, but her brother could go to Hell.

"So, you came into my room to just swear at me? Real classy..."

"Look, I get you hate Touya, okay? I'll be honest with you, for a time he wasn't my favourite person either because of how he was behaving- but he is trying his best to make good on the bad he has done, and you need to give him some credit. Make a compromise and suck it up, 'coz otherwise, you're going to regret your actions."

Touko got to her feet, feeling as if she had antagonised the girl enough for one day, after all- the party was this afternoon, and she didn't want the atmosphere to be too frosty.

Rosa turned away, not even bothering to say anything further on the matter as the older girl moved towards the bedroom door. No matter what, she would put a stop to it, regardless of what it would take. With Hugh on her side, it made it so much easier.

Once the other girl left the bedroom, Rosa found herself slamming the door shut, and rested her back against the wooden frame.

Her body trembled with adrenaline, as her brow twitched in irritation. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she tried to compose herself. The party was bound to open everyone's eyes, and the sadistic side to her persona enjoyed the twisted thoughts that unravelled in her brain.

It would work- it just had to.

XxXx

Nate sighed softly as he felt the hot streams of water cascade down his back while he showered. It was so lovely to get lost in his thoughts in a peaceful atmosphere. The boy had spent all morning trying to soothe down Touya's anxieties about the birthday party, and he was already worn out. So, a nice hot shower was just what the doctor ordered.

As he inhaled deeply and turned off the shower, he shivered slightly at the lack of heat pressing on his naked form. A cold chill wafted through the room, and hastily he stepped out and grabbed a fluffy blue towel from the radiator. He wrapped it snugly around his waist and used another towel to dry off his messy hair. It was such a great feeling to be clean and relaxed.

He wandered into his bedroom, continuing to scrub his hair with a towel. Touya was lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, clearly lost in thought. His mind clouded with worries that refused to settle down. It made Nate frown in sadness. All he wanted was for Touya to be happy.

"You okay...?" He asked in a small voice, capturing the older boys attention. As he turned to face Nate, his expression altered to that of satisfaction. Why did the boy look so good with wet skin and only a towel concealing his prize from view?

"I am now~" He teased, sitting up. "...you know you shouldn't be wandering around like that, I might not be able to control myself~" The younger boy blushed deeply, trying to hide his face behind the fluffy towel as he continued to scrub his hair. He didn't think that his body was anything to brag about. He was very slim and athletic and only slightly toned. Touya's body, on the other hand, was another matter entirely.

"It's... not the great..." He muttered shyly, only to be shocked when the towel was pulled from his eyes, to reveal his step-brother's form standing right in front of him, looking deeply into his dark eyes. They sparkled in desire, and it made Nate swallow hard. He couldn't deny that the attraction for him was excruciating, but after the whole alcohol-induced incident, he felt as if he had to control himself somewhat.

"Don't say such things, you are gorgeous." Touya admired, gently wiping a water droplet from Nate's cheek, paying attention to just how soft his skin was beneath his touch. The boy shivered at the feeling, dropping the towel in his hands to the floor.

"Th-thank you... so are you... I-I-..." Words ceased from his mouth as Touya's lips captured his own confidently, and strong arms circled around his waist, settling on top of the towel. Deep within Nate's brain, he was melting beyond repair. Just feeling his step-brother kiss him in this way caused excitement to rush through his veins like liquid fire, setting his whole body ablaze.

Gently his hands rested against Touya's chest, taking note of how fast his heart was beating within. Ever since they had been honest with each other, and Touya finally confessed the truth behind his intentions, any moments they shared weren't animalistic or filled with lust. There was tenderness behind kisses, care heard in hushed words, and love felt in every embrace.

As the kiss broke gently, Nate's eyes opened weakly, looking deeply into Touya's sienna irises. Arceus, how he loved kissing those lips and how he so ardently desired more, but he knew deep within that they had to play the long game. If anyone caught wind of this, then it would be snatched away within seconds, and that thought in itself crucified Nate's, fragile heart.

"Nate..." Touya's voice was low, and gently he brushed his nose against the smaller boys neck, inhaling deeply.

"...you have no idea how much I just wanna be with you, Touya..." He admitted, arms tightly gripping his step-brother as if he were the only thing keeping him grounded to the Earth. Touya's lips gently brushed against warm wet skin, and he admired the freckles that marked his honey complexion as if they were constellations. The boy's body shivered in his arms, and his breaths were shallow.

"I want that too...~"

"Can we just... run away?" The idea was absurd, totally unrealistic, but when Touya moved his lips away and looked deeply into Nate's eyes, a part of his heart wondered if maybe there was a chance, a slight glimmer of hope.

"Run away?" Touya repeated, and the younger brunet nodded, fingers tugging at the edge of his jacket desperately, just needing to feel that he was real and here in the moment.

"I-I... don't wanna think of anyone trying to keep us apart. If they find out about us... they'll..."

"Hey-" Touya soothed, pressing his lips against Nate's forehead, attempting to calm down his flustered musings. Thinking negative thoughts would not benefit anyone right now. If they had to cross that bridge eventually, then they would, together. "...you know I won't let anyone hurt you."

"I don't wanna keep hiding from people, Touya. I want them to know about you, about us." A soft sigh escaped his lips, as pained hazel eyes glanced away. Even if he knew it was wrong on so many levels, he couldn't help but feel so inexplicably drawn to his older step-brother like a magnet.

"They won't understand... you know that, right?" Touya's hands gently cupped Nate's face, and affectionately brushed his thumbs over delicate freckled skin. He watched the younger boy's face intently, seeing how his irises shimmered in emotion, and how his bottom lip quivered.

"...then let's run away!" He spoke in urgency. "I don't want them to take you away from me!" Once again, his lips were captured in a kiss, allowing all protests to die in his throat. Fluttering hazel eyes closed, Nate gave in to the intoxicating feeling that consumed him.

Touya tested the waters by pushing his tongue against the other boy's lips, hearing him gasp in delight. As a soft groan escaped his throat, Nate greeted his step-brother's tongue nervously, kissing him with as much passion as his body could take.

As they embraced tightly in front of the window, kissing each other noisily, neither of them were aware of the bedroom door opening, and someone walking in, witnessing the whole sinful scene.

"O-Oh...!" The voice cried, and instantly both boys broke the kiss and stared in panic at the intruder. Oh no! Their cover was well and truly gone now, it was all over. Panic consumed Nate, and without thinking, he clung to Touya, shaking.

"T-Touko...?!" Touya's voice stammered, as she quickly closed the door, pressing her back against it, cheeks slightly pink.

"You're a fucking idiot! What are you doing?! Anyone could have walked in!"

"What are you doing in here?!" He cried as Nate continued to shyly keep his face hidden from view, scared that she would curse at them, or tell the whole family that she caught them making out in their bedroom. It was such a mess, and it was all his fault. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

"I came to check on you, to see if you were okay- but dammit Touya...! How could you be so reckless and stupid?!"

"N-no...! It was my fault!" Nate's small voice entered the fray, and as he weakly raised his head to Touko, tears shimmered in his eyes and cascaded down his cheeks. "...please... d-don't tell anyone...! I beg you...!" Her face softened at seeing how distraught the younger boy was, and her heart faltered as she witnessed her brother show gentleness behind his actions to the boy in his arms. He held him close, soothing him.

"I-I... I would never think of telling anyone." She admitted, locking eyes with her twin. "You always have my support, even if sometimes you are an idiot..." He smiled at his sister, knowing that despite everything she was trustworthy, and wouldn't dare throw him under the bus. Nate sniffled, wiping his nose on the back of his hand.

"Y-you... won't?" She shook her head.

"Why would I want to do something so hateful? Just... please be more careful! What if it was Rosa who walked in!" That thought in itself made Touya's skin practically crawl. She would definitely want to murder him if she saw him playing tonsil tennis with her twin brother.

"Touko, thank you." She flashed a pained smile at her brother.

"It's fine, but seriously- is this really happening between you two?" Nate felt the older boys arms hold him protectively against his chest and watched with bated breath as he nodded.

"Yeah... no games or schemes this time. This is very much real." She nodded, trying to understand the situation. It was pretty ironic that just moments previous she had been having a heated exchange with Rosa about Touya's intentions, and then she walked in on him devouring Nate's mouth. You couldn't make this up.

"Okay," Her eyes drifted to both of them. There was no denying that there was extreme chemistry between the two boys. It could be felt even at her distance, but if Lily or Vaughn found out, then they could kiss goodbye to their blissful relationship. "- you know that no matter what I have your back if this is truly what you want." Touya nodded.

"Thank you, Touko." She smiled a little, and finally calmed down enough after the initial shock. Even though they were technically related through marriage, they weren't connected by blood, so in her eyes even if morally it was wrong, she couldn't oppose her brother's wishes.

"...I better get going... just please try not to eat each other's face at the dinner table. I don't think my stomach can handle that." She joked, watching as Touya rolled his sienna eyes. When she moved from the door and left the room, Nate exhaled shakily, feeling his whole body tremble.

"Oh, Arceus... what are we gonna do?"

"Relax- it was Touko who caught us, so we are fine." He assured him, reaching a hand up to his face, caressing his cheek. Nate's eyes fluttered closed at the feeling.

"...are you sure she won't tell on us?" He nodded.

"Definitely sure. Touko has been aware of my situation from the get-go. She's trustworthy, so no need to panic." Now, if it had been Rosa on the other hand- well, he would have had to plan a funeral and pretty quick. Even though the sadistic part of his brain would love nothing more than to press that girls buttons, he knew better. The last thing he wanted was to put his relationship in danger.

Wow- was that really what he was calling this now?

"...will she be awkward with me now she knows?" Touya shook his head and smiled at the smaller boy.

"Don't be silly. She might not show it, but she will be happy for us. As long as I'm happy then she is. It's how we have always been." And as they both snuggled together by the window, the older brunet took a deep, shaky breath. They were playing a dangerous game now, and everything was on the line. But it was worth it. Touya knew that, and he would do anything to protect what they had. No matter who opposed them.

XxXx

After the third attempt, Hugh was losing patience with the red deflated balloon in his fingers. These things were always so difficult to blow up. Either that, or he seriously needed to work on his cardio. Over in the corner of the living room, Rosa rearranged furniture, placing glass bowls of nibbles on the coffee table.

"Do we have to have balloons?" Hugh groaned, crimson eyes glaring at her slim form. She smiled brightly.

"Of course! It isn't a proper party without balloons!" He sighed heavily. All afternoon he had spent time sitting on the sofa with a pack of multicoloured balloons and Rosa gave him the job of blowing them up, and tying them to the corners of the room. She obviously had the easier job of putting out food and drink and organising the music playlist.

She stood back admiring her handiwork. They had made a fair bit of space in the living room since they moved some of the furniture into the conservatory for the time being. It was definitely giving her party vibes.

"So, do we have enough alcohol?" She asked Hugh, who was valiantly attempting a fourth try to blow up the red balloon. After a while, the plastic form expanded wide enough for him to tie it securely.

"I think so, unless you wanna double-check?"

"Well, tell me what you got?" She watched as he stood precariously on the sofa, stretching up to the ceiling to tie the balloon to another, making sure it wouldn't fall down. His t-shirt rid up slightly, which flashed the toned skin of his stomach, causing her to momentarily become distracted. It was only when he sat back down and pulled another balloon from the packet that rational thinking returned.

"We have wine, rum, cider and vodka- oh and lots of different fruit juice for cocktails. I think I've got some energy drinks in the fridge too." She smiled.

"Ooooh~ you have all bases covered! I love it! Who doesn't support underage drinking?" He rolled his eyes at the boisterous girl.

"...my mother if she finds out."

"Well, I'm certainly not gonna tell her am I?" Hugh sighed softly and watched as Rosa left the room to go to the kitchen. He could hear her rummaging about in the fridge, collecting bottles for the party. After inhaling deeply, he valiantly puffed into the balloon, watching as it expanded.

"Arceus Hugh! We are going to be paralytic if we drink all this!" Her bright beaming face returned, arms full of various liquor bottles, and she placed them on the table.

"...you wanna get wrecked that badly?" Rosa shook her head, smirking devilishly.

"Nope. I want Touya and Nate to get wrecked." Hugh couldn't help but feel like this plan was doomed to fail. What if they drank so much they just ended up passing out? That would be more bothersome than newsworthy.

"...what time are they arriving?" Rosa's bright blue eyes stared up at the wall clock, and her lips pursed slightly.

"In around ten minutes I think! I better get the glasses!" Once again she darted into the kitchen, while Hugh finished tying the balloon in his hands, and stood on the sofa to attach it to the others. He couldn't help but feel nervous.

He and Nate hadn't spoken to each other since the whole drunken mishap, and he felt like he needed to clear the air between them. Also, Rosa still insisted that he try and play pretend which he didn't like one bit. If something was going on with him and Touya, then he didn't fancy getting a beating.

"I think we are more or less ready!" Rosa sang happily as she returned with the glasses in her hands, and started to place them down on the table. The music playlist was ready to go, she just had to click play, and the room would be surrounded in ambience.

Things were going so smoothly, it made her proud. In a matter of a few hours, the truth would be unveiled, and she could work on getting those annoying step-siblings out of their lives.

"That's enough balloons..." Hugh groaned, moving to sit back down on the sofa, huffing and running his fingers through his wild hair. "...I cannot be bothered to blow up anymore."

"...amateur." His crimson eyes flared as she sat beside him.

"I didn't see you offering to help!"

"Well cupcake, I had the more pressing issue of making sure we had enough supplies! Oh, and music for the right mood~" He sighed, looking away. She could be impossible at times, and especially now she had this devious little scheme nestled firmly in her brain.

"...so, I'm actually going to meet your step-siblings." Hugh finalised out loud. Rosa nodded, pursing her lips together.

"Unfortunately yes, I'm sure you're thrilled~!" Then the sound of the doorbell rang in their ears, and she was first to her feet.

With a bounce in her step, she rushed to the door, knowing that they were already here. It wouldn't be long until they all fell victim to her malicious little plan, and she was going to make sure to document it well. As she opened the door, Rosa ensured to flash a bright happy-go-lucky smile.

"Hello! Hello! So glad you could make it!" Nate stood in front of her, and on either side were the step-siblings. Touya's expression remained nonchalant, and Touko wearily raised a hand in greeting.

"You been drinking already?" Nate joked, moving to hug his sister. She gasped.

"How dare you think I would start without you!" After the brief embrace, she moved to the side to let everyone inside, not forgetting to scowl at Touya as he passed.

She would succeed in her plan, and he would be begging for mercy.

Hugh stood up from the sofa, feeling himself start to get nervous when the three figures walked into his living room. Nate was the first one he caught sight of, and as their eyes connected, he was forced to glance away.

Why were things still so awkward? Was it merely because of the whole drunken kiss? Then he noticed the other male in the room, the one with fluffy brown hair, and dark, mysterious eyes.

He looked similar in appearance to Nate, apart from the fact he lacked the freckles, and his jaw was more defined and angular. But, he didn't sense any negative vibes from him as he watched them. Was Rosa just being overprotective?

"Hugh...!" Nate's voice shattered his reverie, and then he felt fingers on his arm, pulling him closer to the group. So, maybe Nate was okay with him after all? "This is Touko and Touya, my step-siblings!" Crimson eyes flickered across both of them, and he smiled.

"Hey, thanks for coming."

"No worries, nice of you to invite us," Touko answered, as her brother wandered over to the wall, looking at a particular photo that hung there, not even bothering to introduce himself. It depicted Hugh, with Molly and his mother and father. They all looked so blissfully happy.

"Touya...?" Nate looked at the older brunet expectantly, noticing how his demeanour still appeared dampened.

"Oh... sorry, I was miles away." At this moment Rosa was busy making drinks by the table, and as they all conversed in small talk. Her azure eyes were darkened by chilling thoughts as she expertly mixed drinks. Smaller quantities for herself and Hugh, but for the others- she hardly used any mixer. And the drink of choice was vodka, the gateway to all reckless abandon.

"Did you need any help?" Hugh's voice entered, causing Rosa to look up. His brow was furrowed. Clearly, he was onto her game, but she remained bright and flashed a smile.

"Oh no, I've got this. Why don't you start up the playlist?" While Hugh and Rosa busied themselves with the party, this gave Touko a chance to have a quiet word with Nate and Touya. They moved further into the living room, ensuring there was enough distance so no-one could overhear.

"...Touya... please, be careful." She warned in a low voice. "... don't do anything stupid,"

"Don't worry, everything will be fine." Of course, he was fully aware that Rosa's intentions were malicious to some degree, and her little scheme probably consisted on her outing the two boys about their unusual relationship to put a stop to it.

He just needed to be one step ahead.

The evening went on, and surprisingly there had been no arguments or fights of any kind. Everyone was enjoying the upbeat tempo of the music, and the alcohol that infiltrated their systems. Hugh was currently sat lop-sided on the couch, one of his legs on the floor while the other was hanging precariously on the arm. His cheeks were a little flushed, and his eyes were glazed.

Damn, he was never good with drinking spirits- it always went straight to his head. How many had he even had? He couldn't remember. Rosa was too hyperactive, dancing around, pouring more drinks and seemingly having a great time.

Touya was on his third drink by now and had started to slowly feel the fuzzy effects from the vodka. Then, his eyes wandered to the table with all the drinks and mixers. Was it possible that Rosa was giving them more alcohol than mixer? Was this all part of her plan?

"Brooo...!" Touko sang nearby, tugging on his arm. "I love this song...! Dance with me!"

"Get off me, you idiot!" He cursed, gently prising her away. "You're wrecked."

"N-nooo... I am not!" She slurred, pouting. "...and even if I wass... why are youuu comple-...complet-... why are you fine?!" He sighed, watching Rosa's form by the table, as she continued to make more drinks. As expected, she was pouring a lot more vodka than mixer in their drinks, but for herself, there was hardly anything.

"Rosaaaa...!" Nate's sing-song voice intercepted his thoughts, and within a matter of seconds, the younger brunet had stolen the girl away from her task and was dancing around the living room with her, their gregarious laughter filling the atmosphere. Now was his chance!

With lightning precision and speed, he switched the drinks round, ensuring that the one meant for him would now be in Rosa's possession, and as he lifted the glass into his hands and sipped at the liquid, a smirk teased his lips.

So, she wanted to play dirty, did she? Well, she was against the master of deception, and well and truly out of her depth.

"Did y-you...just switch drinks?" Touko whispered into his ear, eyes wide. He nodded.

"Now, let's see how this little game unfolds...~"

Rosa continued her little scheme throughout the night, and Touya had managed to successfully switch the drinks every time. That fuzzy feeling that had once threatened to overwhelm his brain was now at a more reasonable level, while everyone in the room got more and more hammered.

He had spent the majority of the night watching the young girl get more and more progressively drunk, and seem confused by it. It made the sadistic part of his brain scream in delight. Checkmate.

"Are you okay...?" Nate asked Hugh, who was almost passed out on the sofa at this point. A pillow had been placed on his head as half of his body had ended up on the floor.

"Ugghh... everything is spinning..." He groaned, hands gripping the pillow tightly, covering his eyes from the light. "...stop the ride... I wanna get off..."

"H-How much... d-did you drink...?" Nate slurred, trying his best to keep upright. This was affecting him much differently than the cider did. It was almost as if the alcohol was altering his personality.

"...fuck if I know..."

"Oh, Huuugghhhh~" Rosa sang loudly, plopping down on the sofa, causing the blue-haired male to curse at the movement and loud noise. "Dance with meeee~."

"Get lost already!"

"Stop being a party pooper...~!" Everyone was pretty drunk at this point, the only person who seemed to be handling it better was, in fact, Touya, as not once did he sway off centre or slur his words. Rosa giggled and pulled at the pillow that rested on Hugh's face.

"Come onnnn...!"

"Dammit... Rosa...!" Nate laughed at the two of them, gripping the glass in his hands and as he went to take another sip, realisation came crashing down. It was empty. Frowning a little, the brunet went over to the table and proceeded to make another drink, as loud music buzzed in his ears.

"...are you okay?" Touya's voice entered from behind, causing the smaller brunet to spin around to face him. Arceus, he wasn't sure if it was how the vodka was affecting him but just seeing how handsome his step-brother was, and being so close to him was sending him into a frenzy. Drunkenly, Nate giggled and moved forwards, pressing his lips against Touya's cheek, causing the older male to jolt upright.

"Hey, stop that. We are in a public setting."

"...then take me somewhere private then...~" He slurred, smirking devilishly. The temptation was real, but unless everyone else started passing out real soon, then they would have to keep their hands to themselves.

"Nate... do you really want your sister to find out?" Touya whispered into his ear and watched as the younger boy tensed in realisation. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to find out about their relationship and put a stop to it. He really enjoyed being with Touya and wanted to continue doing so.

"N-no..."

"Then behave."

"B-But... I want you..." Nate whined, and instantly heat flashed across the older males cheeks. The thought of doing it in his best friend's house was definitely a thrill, but would it even be possible?

Swiftly, the older brunet moved away, sipping on his drink casually as he walked over to Touko. She was extremely drunk, swaying to the music with her eyes closed. How she was still on her feet was a miracle. Maybe she just had good balance?

"Touko..." Instantly her eyes shot open and struggled to focus on her twin's outline.

"Y-yeahh...?"

"Can you keep Quilfish boy and doughnut brain busy?" He asked, pointing to the sofa to the two entangled friends, who were struggling to hang onto consciousness. She blinked but then nodded fervently.

"I think they passed out already... but y-yeahhh... anything for youuu...!" Touya groaned as his sister's loud voice, pierced his ears, and batted her hands away from hugging him.

"Good, make sure they don't come looking for us."

"Us...?" Squinting, she looked at her brother and then at Nate's slim figure, seemingly realising before anyone answered. "O-Oh...!"

"Do what needs to be done, and make sure they do not come upstairs." His voice was stern and assertive, to which she nodded and made a thumbs-up symbol. With that settled, and excitement setting fire to his nerve endings, Touya walked over to Nate and took the drink from his hands.

"Fine, let's go."

"G-go...?" He stammered, watching as his step-brother placed the drink down on the table and was now ushering him out of the living room, towards the stairs.

"Yes Nate, let's make it a night to remember~."