Lucien and Lyman stared at the television in shock, and in Lucien's case, hurt. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and they were eating breakfast, cereal today, when they were shocked by an urgent breaking news update. There was another missing person report, but this one struck the Lucario personally, because it was a familiar little Togepi from the time Monty accompanied him to the supermarket in the city. It'd been about 6 weeks since then, and there had been a string of disappearances of both city residents and AU students. It was unnerving for everyone, but Saiko of the Student Council assured that everyone would be found, and stated that he was working with the Police Units from the city to investigate. Lyman watched as tears formed in the Lucario's ears, and stayed silent, wishing he knew how to comfort him.

Things had gone smoothly between the two since Lucien offered to teach Lyman how to cook. The Lucario was a natural teacher, and Lyman enjoyed learning everything he could from him. Lyman realized one day, that he wanted to be closer to the Lucario, and didn't understand why. It was so sudden, that he couldn't remember when it started. He found himself waiting for the Lucario in between classes, offering to walk with him more often, and even going shopping whenever the Lucario asked him. He couldn't explain it, so he confided in Lucy, much to his embarrassment.

Me: Hey Lucy. Are you free? I have something I need to get off my chest.

His phone rang, with the caller ID being Lucy herself. He declined it and texted her again.

Me: I'd actually rather we not talk about aloud. Sorry.

Luc: It's fine. What's on your mind?

Me: Well. I've been having some strange emotions around you know who. I can't explain it, but my heart starts beating really fast, and I find myself wanting to be around him more, and enjoy being around him? It's not what I think it might be is it?

Luc: AWWWWWWWWWW! You have a crush! I never imagined it'd be with Lucien, but that's exactly what it sounds like!

Me: Shut up! Don't make it sound like I'm head over heels. Besides it might not even be that. I might just be feeling weird cause we live together, and I'm not reacting normally. You know I've never done this stuff before, having friends and all.

Luc: Yeah yeah whatever straight man. If you keep trying to deny the feeling, you'll only hurt yourself. I'll give you more time to think, but make sure you tell me if anything else happens!

After that conversation, he stopped walking with him in between classes, and went shopping with him less often. The Lucario didn't question it, and often went with Monty instead.

Lyman would be lying if he didn't find something very suspicious about the Torracat. He always had his eyes on Lucien, and was constantly eerily close to him on occasion. He was always looking around, and seemed defensive when it wasn't necessary. And on top of all that, he always appeared randomly whenever he and Lucien were walking. A few times at the supermarket in the city, and almost always when they were doing something with Lucy and Cyrus. Lucien always greeted him excitedly, and engaged in conversation with the Torracat, thinking nothing of his recent amount of appearances, but Lyman knew something was off about him. He tried telling himself that he was just reacting differently because he didn't know him well, and really did try to get along with the the feline. He could've very easily been overreacting, after all he was a part of their friend group, so it made sense he'd be present a lot of the times they hung out. He just couldn't escape the odd vibes he was getting from him, but stifled them out of respect for his "friend".

He growled when he thought about how close he'd gotten to Lucien. They studied together often, and he was over for dinner a little more frequently than he'd like. He tried to tell himself it wasn't jealousy, and still found something to like about the Torracat, despite being wary of him.

Lyman shook himself out his thoughts, and pat Lucien on the shoulder.

"I'm sure she's gonna be okay."

Lucien kept his paws over his face, and wiped his tears, sniffling lightly. Lyman inwardly growled, thinking that whoever was doing this was some sort of sick bastard to harm a young child. He smiled wholeheartedly at the Lucario next to him, and blushed lightly, and put on arm around the Lucario's shoulder, making sure not to get too close.

"Hey, we should do something to take your mind off of this. How about we go pick out our outfits for the Halloween Masquerade Party tomorrow?"

Lucien looked up at him in confusion.

"Halloween Masquerade Party?"

Lyman nodded.

"You haven't heard? It's a party held every year on the Halloween night for the students. Everyone gets together to celebrate. I know it's not exactly a major holiday, but this place likes to go all out for things for things like this. You wanna go?"

Lucien wiped away the last of his tears, and smiled softly.

"That sounds fun. I'd love to!"

Lyman smiled back happily, and pat his roommate on the head.

...

A bit later they found themselves at the department store in the shopping district. It was the biggest building in the area, with 10 floors of merchandise. They were on the 6th floor, looking over costumes to pick out. This was the perfect thing to help distract Lucien, as he was excitedly looking for an outfit. His eyes sparkled as he found a white Kitsune mask that fit over his face perfectly. He also found a white dress shirt with a red collar and red cuffs, as well as black dress pants to go with it. He held them up in front of Lyman, who smiled inwardly at how excited the Lucario was.

"Do you think this is too informal for a Masquerade party?"

Lyman dismissed that thought with a wave.

"Nah. They call it a Masquerade but it's really just a costume party. I told you the school likes to go all out. You should be fine with that."

The Lucario squealed in excitement.

"Okay! I'm gonna go try it on. I'll be right back!"

The Lucario ran toward the dressing rooms, leaving Lyman to his own devices. With that, he decided he might as well try to find something for himself to wear. It would take him a bit, since he had zero fashion sense, which didn't pair well with him having no idea of what he wanted to wear. Part of the reason he wanted the Lucario there was to help him pick something. He knew the Lucario liked clothes shopping after overhearing some surprisingly intense conversations he had with Lucy about fashion. Last year Lucy picked out something for him, so he figured Lucien would be a fine substitute.

He decided he might as well look until he came back. He started searching through the various articles of clothing, and was doing so when he heard a familiar voice yelling his name.

"LYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN"

And in a flash a large orange body and glomped him, causing both of them to fall to the ground. He growled and pushed his assailant off of him, and stood up, filled with rage.

"WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBL- Alex?"

He looked down at the orange Dusk Lycanroc wearing a red and black hoodie with the letters 'SS' in bold print on the front, grinning up at him. He laughed and waved as he stood up.

"Hey Lyman, long time no see!"

He jumped up and held the the still shocked Midnight Lycanroc in a tight hug, lifting him off the ground. It was nothing unusual, but it looked hilarious because Lyman was fairly larger than him, yet Alex was still capable of lifting him up for hugs. Lyman finally got himself together and pushed the the other Lycan away, but smiled at him.

"That's for sure! I haven't seen you in ages! How've you been?"

Alex beamed at him, reasonably excited to see his friend again.

"I've been great! I've managed to keep myself together and you know, stay alive."

Lyman snickered at that last comment, knowing full well how much trouble his klutzy friend was always getting himself into.

"And this whole fraternity thing is still new to me and all. I've had like zero time to myself lately, being their errand boy and all. I'm not gonna lie all this running around sucks major ass, but I enjoy the kinship I have with my frat bros."

Right then, Lucien returned with their Torracat companion, who was sporting a red and black letter jacket that also had 'SS' on the front. He walked alongside the Lucario, sporting his signature smirk, and waved at the two as he walked over, before patting Alex on the shoulder, making him flinch slightly. Lyman noticed this, as well as how Alex's cheery disposition evaporated the instant Monty showed up. Lyman looked at him suspiciously before forcing himself to ignore the sudden change in mood. Monty smirked at Lyman.

"Hey Lyman. I ran into Lucien at the checkout counters and figured I'd come say what's up."

He pat Alex's shoulder again, who in turn gave him a slight smile.

"My underling and I are trying to find some last minute costumes ourselves."

He chuckled and shook Alex lightly, and the Dusk Lycan laughed along with him, but it didn't have the same energy as his laugh from before.

"I already found mine, but doofus here is still looking."

Lucien giggled lightly before speaking up.

"Did you find yours Lyman? I already paid for mine, so we can go if you're ready!"

Lyman smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

"Uhhh hehe no. I have no idea what to wear."

Monty smirked and looked over at Alex, who had gone quiet.

"You two really are cut from the same cloth."

Upon acknowledging the other Lycan, Lucien smiled at him.

"Hi! You must be Alex! I've heard a lot about you from Lucy and Lyman! It's nice to meet you!"

Alex gave him a half smile and shook his paw. It was then that Lyman noticed an odd worrisome look in the other's green eyes.

"I've heard about you too Lucien! Lucy won't shut up about you. She thinks you're adorable!"

The Lucario blushed and smiled.

"I swear...she's too much."

Alex gave Lyman a knowing smirk, and continued.

"She told me someone else thinks so too! One of our friends has been having some feelings he can't explain, and she had to tell him to-"

He was cut off by a blushing Lyman, who was holding his muzzle shut, and struggling to keep it closed. Alex struggled to get him off while muffled sounds of resistance were heard. The exchange caused the Lucario to look at the two with confusion, and giggle as the struggle turned into a light tussle with a comical cloud of smoke surrounding them. Unbeknownst to them, the Torracat was watching with a hidden glare.

He straightened out his face, and reached into the cloud, pulling out the orange Lycan by his hood.

"Come ooon. Let's go before we get banned or something."

Said Lycan had a satisfied grin on his face, and the other had a fully red face. Monty pulled Alex by his hood as they walked away. Alex waved as his feet dragged across the floor, a huge smile on his scuffed face.

"See you guys! We'll see you at the party! Don't forget to use protecti-"

He was stopped by a hanger being thrown at him, knocking him out, causing the stereotypical swirl eyes to be displayed on his face as he was dragged away by the Torracat.

The sight made Lucien laugh hysterically, and wave at the two as they got in the elevator, the last thing seen being was Alex's toothy grin. Lyman held his temple, his face still red.

"tch. That guy."

He avoided making eye contact with Lucien, trying to hide his blush. The Lucario just giggled more.

"Oh stop. I know you guys must be good friends, I could tell you were happy to see him, considering you rarely ever smile at anyone."

The Lycan couldn't help but smile.

"Whatever. Are you gonna help me find my outfit or not?"

Lucien looked at him, wide eyed.

"Oh yeah! Come on! I saw something perfect for you!"

The Lycan growled at what the Lucario considered perfect for him. He was in the dressing room, wearing a tight black thief's outfit. It came with a black eye mask that he had to tie around his head, a black hat, a cape, and a plastic rapier coupled with a matching black baldric and sheath. He looked himself in the mirror, wondering why the world Lucien would pick something like this out for him. He heard the aforementioned Lucario call out to him from outside his dressing room.

"Hey! Are you finished yet? I wanna seeeeeee!"

Lyman 'tch'd' and walked out, face almost completely red.

"Well? The hat won't fit cause of my hair..."

The Lucario went starry eyed.

"See I was right! You look very handsome in that!"

Lyman blushed more, and smiled sheepishly, looking up.

"Y-You think so?"

Lucien nodded, and held the cape open.

"Uh huh! You don't really need the hat, you honestly look fine without it."

Lyman nodded in acknowledgement before heading back into the dressing room. After quickly putting on his normal attire, he gestured the Lucario to follow him.

"Let's go pay. I'm starving."

His roommate caught up to him and walked alongside him, smiling the whole way.

...

Later that night, Lyman and Lucien were walking to the party venue. They came across a large building with a glass roof, and Lyman smirked seeing his roommate gawking at the party lights that escaped. As they got closer, they noticed their friend group in costume waiting outside for them.

Cyrus was wearing a dark suit, a black facemask, which covered only his eyes, and was holding a fake cigar. Lucy was wearing a periwinkle and white super herione costume, the cape was short, and her fluffy long tail escaped through a section of her dress. Alex was dressed as a wrestler, with a red and blue head mask, one red glove and a mismatched blue glove, and the same case going for his shoes. He had on blue tight shorts with a red rim, and a half blue half red cape. Monty was dressed as a vampire, with a traditional masquerade mask. His costume fit perfectly because his fangs were always protruding from his mouth.

Lucy ran over and hugged Lucien, while Monty and Cyrus walked over behind her.

"Wow! You look so cute!"

Lyman knew that the Lucario was blushing under his mask as he hugged her back.

"Hehe...thanks Lucy. Your costume looks great too!"

Lyman was glomped by Alex for the second time that day, who whooped as he sat on his shoulders, much to the dismay of the Lycan, who failed to swat him down.

"Hey LyLy. Your costume looks awesome. What are you supposed to be? A thief? I bet it's cause you wanna steal someone's hear-"

He laughed as Lyman had thrown him off before he could finish, but sprung right up and put an elbow on Lucien's shoulder.

"Oi Lucien. I bet you picked out that costume for him. This sorry specimen couldn't dress to impress if his life depended on it."

Lyman growled at him as the Lucario giggled lightly. Cyrus took his place next to Lucy and put an arm around her.

"How about we head inside?"

The group made their way inside, and the loud thumping from the music finally hit them full force. Inside was a large hall, decorated with black, red, and purple balloons. The tables followed that theme, as each one had a tablecloth on it in either of the three colors. The walls were decorated with streamers and bat and pumpkin cutouts. Passed the table section there was a large dance floor, already filled with students dancing their hearts out. Beyond that, was the DJ booth, with 2 Loudred wearing blade shades were handling the music. Next to them was a section to take pictures with a Trevenant working the camera, and on the other side was a giant balloon shaped like a Gourgeist.

They found a table to put all their things, and separated. Cyrus, Alex, Monty, and Lucy all went to get some food together, while Lucien went to meet some classmates he'd spotted on the dance floor.

Lyman spent time roaming the party, as he wasn't much of a dancer, and found himself easily drained by large groups of people. He occasionally chatted with some of his own classmates, and randomly drinking punch, and snacking as he walked around.

After about an hour, he made his way back to their table to find Lucy and Cyrus, who were talking about they were gonna do during Winter break, which was still a few months away. Lyman was barely listening in, occasionally adding his input when he was asked for it. He wasn't really listening, too lost in his own thoughts. Eventually his eyes spotted his roommate in the midst of a large group on the dance floor, and a smile crossed his face.

He couldn't help but stare at the beautiful Lucario, and was enveloped in a warm feeling, which only made his smile brighter. He was captivated by his dancing, and how much fun he looked like he was having. The Lucario looked like he was having the time of his life, and Lyman watched him wishing he could be apart of it.

He hadn't realized that his best friend was watching him with a smug look, and didn't notice until Cyrus had left the table. He looked over and blushed at being caught, snarling lightly.

"What?"

Lucy rested her elbows on the table and her tail wagged as she smirked at the blushing and frustrated Lycan.

"I can see you staring Lyman."

He scoffed.

"So what?"

Lucy swirled her finger around her drinking glass.

"Well. Considering I've known you all my life, I can say with confidence that I've never seen you stare at anyone like that. Not with that much focus and and not that lovingly."

Lyman glared at her, and looked down, frowning.

"It's not like that! I was just...I was just..."

It was Lucy's turn to scoff.

"You were just what? Studying the crowd? I saw where you were looking."

Lyman just stared down at the table as Lucy continued to hit him with the truth.

"You don't have to be honest with me Lyman. I know you. You should at least be honest with yourself, and then you have to be honest with him. Because if you don't, someone is gonna take him from you."

She pointed at the Lucario, who had moved from dancing with his classmates, to dancing super intimately with Monty, who Lyman could see was giving him a predatory look. It almost opposed the look of bliss Lucien was exhibiting, as if he was having too much fun to notice it. Lyman's eyes widened and his heart dropped as he looked down in sadness. Lucy only huffed and gave him a look of sympathy.

"You should tell him how you feel, you can't hide from your feelings forever."

She left to join Cyrus and Alex at the snack bar, leaving the Lycan to sulk.

Hmph, what does she know? I'm not hiding from anything.

But then after looking over at the feline rubbing himself against the Lucario, and the latter not seeming to care at all, he felt his heart sink more and he crossed his arms on the table, and rested his chin on them, looking straight ahead in an attempt to ignore the growing pain in his chest. Suddenly the party didn't seem that fun anymore.

I really hope you guys are enjoying reading this as much as I am writing it. I haven't had this much motivation to write in a long long time, not since Ostracized. I hope it's not too rushed, but I still have a lot planned for this, so don't think it's over just yet. See you all next time!