Alfred walked up the steps with an arm full of fire logs as Kiku did the same but with a smaller amount. It was still chilly in the room so the American got the implication that the Brit hadn't fixed the generator yet.

"What the fuck is taking Arthur and Francis so long?" He questioned a bit irritably. Kiku had set his fire logs in the fireplace by now, attempting to strike a match to light it up.

"Maybe there were some complications. You know how old the generator is. No one's used it in a year so it's bound to have some issues." The Japanese male informed. A bright fire soon erupted within the fireplace, illuminating a faint amber in Alfred and Kiku's eyes. It wasn't that strong but it'll have to do.

The two men always have been friends. Their friendship branched out even to the late stages of elementary school. They would eat lunch together, play at each other's houses, mess around with people, and just have a blast as kids. Surprisingly, they remained best friends even through middle school and high school. Both were in their senior year at the moment, striving to finish off the year strong.

However, their intentions of 'finishing off the year strong' varied between them both.

Kiku wanted to get straight A's and get scholarships. His older brother, Yao, always pestered him to do well in school. Using words from his brother, 'grades are the most important thing in the world. If you have bad grades, you're going to have a bad life.' Kiku obviously listened to his older brother since the man was usually right. Besides, Yao was a professor at Stanford so of course his advice should be taken seriously.

Alfred, on the other hand, was looking for ways to have the most fun in senior year. He could care less about grades and getting scholarships like Kiku. Even if he did care, it wouldn't last long since the weight of all his C's and B's in his previous three years always killed that idea. So, he strived to join countless clubs and perform little pranks against the school teachers and certain students. Kiku thought his childish behavior was because of the fact his and Matthew's parents didn't really care much for their academic well being and since they were never around. Although, he had no say on Alfred's actions.

Ding

A quick light flashed in Alfred's pocket as a text tone went off. Taking out his phone, Alfred looked at the message he just received.

[ Francdick ]
"Arthur and I are going to the tool shed to fix the generator. We'll be back soon."

"Who was that?" Kiku asked, peering over to take a look at Alfred's phone.

Alfred let out a little laugh as he put his phone away without even replying.

"Francis and Arthur have to go to that old tool shed to try and fix the generator." He responded, smirking just a tad. "Ha. Maybe they'll get scared and pee their pants. That'll be a hoot, right?"

Kiku shrugged, going to sit down on the couch near the fireplace. He shivered as he did so, always despising the cold.

"I suppose... But, Alfred, how come you don't like Arthur? I thought you two were great friends. We used to hang out a lot in middle school, remember?"

It was true. Middle school was when Arthur and Alfred first met. They were paired up as a lab partners in science when they had to dissect a frog. At first, they didn't get along and only threw insults at each other, but that soon melted away into a friendship when they worked past their differences. Kiku, Alfred, and Arthur became a trio. They hung out every day, ate lunch together, were inseperable.

It wasn't until high school did things begin to change. Alfred and Arthur grew closer and soon developed feelings that were way out of the boundaries of a mere friendship. That led them to pursue a relationship. Their romantic life spread about the school like wildfire. Nearly everyone knew about it, and that wasn't something they were worried about. They were madly in love. However, it wasn't until that madness turned more towards the dark than the light.

It started with little disagreements like who chose what to do that night. Those disagreements flourished into arguments. Those arguments led to shouts and one or the other storming out of the room. Alfred argued Arthur was too possessive and didn't give him any freedom in the relationship. Arthur retorted that Alfred didn't take the relationship maturely and was too childish. The lists of arguments could go on and on. They broke up, not to anyone's surprise, and were never the same. Those two middle school boys who had such a unique friendship were no more.

Alfred and Kiku remained best friends as Arthur trailed off to hang with their other friends. The Brit found himself growing close to a certain Frenchman. The two became best friends which led to, well, that was something easy to figure out.

"Yeah, I remember." The American grumbled, frowning in thought. "Hard to forget such a bitchy time."

Kiku sighed, leaning back in his seat as Alfred went to sit beside him. Personally, he missed the days the three of them would hang out. It was so one of the most cherished moments he had in middle school. The three of them at the park: Alfred trying to get them to run around and play, Arthur scoffing and saying he'd rather play around with the creatures in the bushes, Kiku observing the two and making discussion. Those were the good times it was sad to see them come to an end.

"Won't you guys ever fully make up?" The Japanese man questioned. "You two were such great friends-"

"And now we aren't. Get over it, Kiku. Arthur and I aren't the same nor will we ever be."

...

Feliciano remained in the bathtub as he waited for Gilbert to come in. He was too afraid to move from where he sat in the now cold water. It chilled his bones but the eeriness of the room chilled him even more. That voice... Was it real? Was he going mad? Whatever it was, it freaked him out.

"Feli? Is everything okay?" Gilbert's concerned voice suddenly echoed about the walls as the albino entered. The Italian suddenly turned to him, peering over the rim of the tub to make sure it was really him. It was.

"Si, everything is okay." Feliciano responded as the Prussian walked over to sit on the edge of the tub. "I just... I got scared. I thought I heard something and, um, this place... It's unsettling."

Gilbert nodded, staring at the other. He stared at the worried younger male in tub shivering in the water. If anyone were to walk in, they would get the immature thought of Gilbert staring at Feliciano's naked body like some pervert. However, that wasn't so. The albino wasn't staring at the Italian for lust, which was a surprise since he usually was all for that. The meaning to all this was because of their special relationship.

The two were the closest friends could get, yet they were not a romantic couple. Romance did not suit them nor was it desired between them. They were in a relationship, yes, but a platonic one. They cared about each other very much but it was simply emotional. Gilbert cared for Feliciano like he was responsible for his well being. Feliciano looked up to Gilbert and saw him as a role model.

As the silence between the two stretched on, Feliciano felt the weight of his thoughts push him down even more. His face fell into a frown as despair coated his empty gaze. It was a mistake to come back. He should've just stayed-

"Come on," Gilbert broke the silence, extending his hand to the brunette, "you'll catch a cold. You'll feel better if you get out of the water."

Feliciano nodded slightly, taking the other's pale hand. He stood up and stepped out of the tub, sending harsh ripples through the used-to-be still water. Its splashes filled his ears as the cold air pricked at his wet body. Cringing at the feel, he watched Gilbert begin to unfold a towel. As he did so, Feliciano couldn't help himself anymore.

A cry erupted within in the room, causing Gilbert to jump. Before he knew it, Feliciano fell to his knees as his shoulders shook with his sobs.

"H-Hey, it's okay, Feli." He said softly, pulling the trembling man into his arms. Feliciano leaned into the embrace, muffling his bawls into the other's shoulder. Gilbert continued to hold onto the other, not even carrying that his clothes had begun to dampen with both tears and bath water.

"I-I shouldn't of come here. I shouldn't of come here. I shouldn't of come here." Those words repeated over and over between the cries coming from distressed other. It was painful to hear such things come from him. Gilbert thought he was doing better.

Gently, The Prussian raised his hand and gently stroked Feliciano's dripping hair. "Sh.. it's okay. Calm down." His voice was soft and coated with as much care as he could manage. "You should've came; we all are so happy to have you here."

Feliciano shook his head, his cries only growing. "N-No! It's not okay! I keep thinking of him! I-I keep thinking he'll be here but he isn't! They b-both aren't! They never w-will be..." Words transitioned into whimpers as he broke down once more.

There were nights where Feliciano woke up in a cold sweat and tears because of the loss of his brother and great friend. Their faces would show up everywhere he looked in the dream, their yells and screams deafening. He would reach out to try and grab them but he would always fall short. He would never be enough to save them.

"Do you remember Ludwig?" Gilbert's question stifled his cries. Ludwig. They never spoke about him.

Slowly, Feliciano nodded but remained silent.

Ludwig was Gilbert's late younger brother. He died when he was 8 years old; Gilbert was 16 at the time. The two were exploring in the park near their house, climbing up the tall trees. While they were climbing, Ludwig lost grip at the very top and fell to his death. He broke his neck and skull on a rock below, killing him instantly. Gilbert fell as well when he tried to save him but only suffered a broken leg and rib.

Gilbert continued. "Remember how I was when he died? I was devastated. I never left my house. You and Francis had to drag me out by my feet after my second week absent from school." A bittersweet chuckle escaped his lips. "I never thought life would ever be the same. I thought it would never be okay. But... Life goes on. It continues to drag you whether you like it or not. You just have to stand up and run along side it. It may seem hopeless now, but trust me, you'll be able to get through this. You have friends who are here for you. I'm here for you. I... I understand what you're going through."

Feliciano's cries died down as he listened, gradually understanding where the other was coming from. Right. He knew Gilbert spoke the truth. He knew what the other was saying was right.

"Th-Thank you." He choked out quietly, pulling back from the hug a bit.

Gilbert smiled, pleased to see his words of comfort actually did what he intended to do.

"It's no problem. Now, how about you get dried up so we can head downstairs."

Feliciano nodded, slowly getting back to his feet to dry off properly and slip into some clothes.

Just learn to let go. That's what was needed. But, how could you let go of something when you never even had a grasp upon it in the first place?

...

Matthew trudged back into the parlor when he heard Alfred's and Kiku's voices. A faint warmth consumed him when he walked into the room, seeing a bright fire flicker by the couches.

"Yo, Mattie!" Alfred greeted, pleased to have something to drive the previous conversation away from Arthur.

"Hey, Al." The Canadian replied softly, taking a seat in a chair a few spots away from them.

Kiku looked over at Matthew, raising a brow. "Where did Gilbert go? I saw him running up the stairs but wouldn't tell us what happened."

Matthew shifted awkwardly where he sat, giving a tiny shrug in response. Then, he elaborated, "I don't know... Something about Feliciano."

That conjured a soft 'ah' from the two boys. It wasn't a surprise, even though they both had no idea what was happening with Feliciano. Everyone in the group was concerned with the Italian coming back. They knew how rough he took the disappearance of Antonio and Romano. However, as a group, they concluded that maybe the way to make him feel better was to invite him back up; to give him a little sense of 'it's time to move on'.

Tough love, yes. But, they all tried so many things to help the other and this was the last thing on the list.

"I feel bad for the little dude." Alfred said, looking over at Kiku as he spoke. "I mean, it must be hard coming back here, y'know. I know it's hard for us all but him especially."

"I know." Kiku added on. "I couldn't imagine losing one of my siblings here then bringing myself to come back."

They spoke softly to one another, keeping the conversation between them two. This excluded Matthew from it but no one in the room seemed to care. It was a normal occurrence; nothing that was pondered on for even a second.

However, something about this 'normal' event quickly changed when an abnormality came into play.

Crash

A picture above the fireplace suddenly fell off the ledge it was on, shattering the frame it was kept in. Alfred and Kiku both jumped in shock as Matthew trembled where he sat, petrified.

"Wh-What the fuck?!" Alfred exclaimed, voicing the thoughts of everyone in the room. He got up and cautiously walked over to the picture. Picking the corners with his index finger and thumb, he held up the photo to reveal a picture taken a few years back with his parents and Matthew. It was of their ski trip out in Canada.

Matthew gulped, hands shaking in his pockets as he saw something red written behind the picture Alfred was holding.

Turning it over, the American squinted at the words upon the back, feeling his blood turn cold.

"American blood spills more violently than others. It certainly is the most fun to play around with. Care to play around with me? Give me a chance to play. I beg of you all."

Alfred screamed, immediately throwing the picture back down onto the glass shards. His pale face concerned both Kiku and Matthew when he stumbled backwards, falling at their feet.

"Wh-Who.. What.. I don't.." A jumble of words spilt from his mouth, not one of them making sense.

This was something you'd find in a horror movie, not you friends' hang out! Sure, Alfred played loads of horror games and seen countless movies, but to actually see something from one of them in real life was totally bizarre and freaky. It didn't make sense. Not at all.

"Alfred?.. What's wrong?.." Matthew questioned, getting to his feet. He walked over to his brother who remained staring wide eyed on the floor.

"Th-The photo..! On the b-back.."

Carefully, the Canadian leaned down to grab the photo his brother dropped. Turning it over, he squinted at the back of the photo to read what was written.

There was nothing there.

"There's nothing here, Al." Matthew informed, handing back the photo to his brother.

Alfred stared up in disbelief, snatching the photo from his hands.

"Wh-What?! But there was writing! I-It said it wanted American blood! It wanted t-to play! It said-!"

He flinched when a hand was put upon his shoulder, stifling his incomprehensible stutters. Kiku knelt beside him with the tiniest smile upon his face.

"You've been playing too many horror games." The Japanese man sighed, going down to clean the broken photo frame. "The wind probably knocked it over. There's a cold breeze coming from somewhere in here so that explains why it fell." He wasn't fazed by the little, sudden disturbance that occurred. It was as if he expected something like this to happen. "You probably just imagined it." Logical thinking always came from the other; usually always soothing Alfred's fears.

However, that didn't work now. Alfred knew what he saw and he was puzzled as to why it disappeared. It was there, he knew it. Whatever the writing was, it existed and it was written right there on the photo.

As Kiku continued to talk about how it was just the wind, a low laugh softly echoed from the walls. Alfred gasped, looking around in horror. No one was there who laughed.

Kiku was too busy talking to notice. Matthew didn't seem to acknowledge it, but simply watched Kiku clean up.

Something wasn't right... Alfred thought, I think there's someone else on the mountain. Someone who wasn't even invited.

...

The tool shed was a quarter of a mile away from the lodge. It was near the sections Mr. and Mrs. Jones instructed the friends to not venture out in, but there was no choice. There was no way they would want to last the night with lit candles and silence. So, Francis and Arthur walked on towards the tool shed to gather the things they needed to fix the generator.

As they walked, Arthur shoved his hands into his jacket pocket and stayed very close to Francis.

Around them tall pine trees towered in the sky; their pine needles sprinkling the soft, white ground before them. Tiny flakes of snow floated down from the skies, carefully settling in on the two's bare heads. Birds chirped quietly around them, complimenting to the gentle breeze that rustled the trees together. It was a truly beautiful setting to be engulfed in. However, its extravagant beauty almost seemed too good to be true. Its aesthetically pleasing view has shadows; shadows that taint the awe of its beholders.

"Arthur, wait." Francis halted in their walk towards the tool shed to stop and stare at the scenery. They were on a small bridge now. It looked out on the world below and the tips of the mountains around.

"What is it?" The Briton inquired, staring at the Frenchman rather than the scenery the other was focusing on.

"It's so beautiful... The world." Francis breathed, reaching over to take Arthur's hand from his pocket so he could hold it. Arthur allowed him to, his cheeks burning a dark crimson as he did so. "Just look, Arthur. Isn't it beautiful? You can perfectly see the stars above the mountains. They're ever so softly illuminating the white mountain tops. You can just barely see past the peaks to where more of the world rests. To think: just below us is wildlife. Countless deer and birds live below this mountain; even on this mountain. Up here, we can view it all."

Arthur looked out to where Francis's attention was directed. It was common to hear his boyfriend speak in such a descriptive tongue. He always pondered upon the many beauties in life. Whether it be people, places, random things, sayings, etc. He always found the beauty in everything. Arthur, on the other hand, never cared to focus on things. If anything, he always saw the negativity in everything. Such a contrast between the two lovers. However, surprisingly, their differences are what brought them together.

Francis teaches Arthur how beautiful the world is; Arthur shows Francis the logical truths and thinking that make up the world.

"I see dirt. Can we go now?" Arthur observed, pulling Francis away from the sight. "The longer we stay out here the colder it gets. I just want to get back to the lodge with everyone else."

That wasn't happening.

"You need to learn how to cherish the beauties in life, mon amour." Francis followed along, now wrapping his arm around the other as they walked. "It's comforting to acknowledge the world you live in. I don't see how anyone could live such a life without even being aware of what a wonderful place they live in."

A light laugh escaped Arthur's lips at that. "I don't need to observe the world to find its beauty. All of that is seen within you, Francis. Your eyes alone captivate the physicality and aesthetic of the Earth. You're my world and all my acknowledgement on 'beauty' goes to you. Nothing is as beautiful as you; and I don't want to waste any attention on secondhand beauty."

"Arthur!" Francis exclaimed with a huge smile. He leaned down and planted a kiss upon the other's already red cheeks. "You never say such loving words! Tonight must really be a special night, non? You, pouring your heart out to me in pure romantic words. Tu me rends fou! Mon chéri, je ne peux pas vivre sans toi*!"

Laughter mixed in with flustered stutters as the two continued to walk down the pathway.

"Q-Quit it! I tell you loving things all the time!" Arthur grumbled but grinning ever so slightly.

"My dear, calling me a 'wanker' and saying I look like a slimy amphibian are not loving things." He snickered, tightening their little embrace as their journey continued. This earned him a scoff and a light jab to the ribs.

They were always the bickering two were always arguing in their group of friends. When Arthur was still close to Alfred and Kiku, him and Francis were practically enemies. They couldn't stand each other and never past by each other without throwing an insult. That all changed when things between Alfred and Arthur began to stir and break, leaving Arthur drifting apart from the American. Francis was there, despite disliking him at the time, to help him through his break up. That's when the two began to grow closer to one another. Which then led to them become fond of one another and onto them developing a romance.

Crack

A branch snapped before their pathway, causing the two men to jump.

"Francis-" Arthur whispered but was shushed when he felt the other's fingers pressed against his lips. Francis looked around them, intently listening.

Suddenly, a loud hiss mixed in with some incomprehensible sound pierced through the air, draining all the color in their faces.

"Arthur run... Run!" Francis said urgently. Before Arthur could process anything that was said, he was being dragged down the pathway, going on a different route from the tool shed.

What was that? Where did the hiss come from? What made the branch fall? What was going on? All these questions piled up in Arthur's brain as trees blurred past him as he ran beside Francis. The hisses grew louder now as the cracking of more branches were heard. As they ran, Francis's eyes darted left and right to any place they could hide in. They didn't get a glimpse at what was chasing them, but what they did know is that they needed to get away as fast as they could.

Behind them, whatever it was gradually faded away. Arthur swore he heard a roar and felt a sudden impact of warmth but he didn't look to confirm anything. Instead, he just followed Francis through trees and over fallen wooden fences. Soon, the only sounds heard were the two's panting and hurried feet. The monstrous noises were no where to be heard.

"There!" Arthur whispered loudly. A small cabin could be seen just beyond a couple of trees. Without thinking twice about it, Francis dashed over to the cabin. There were no lights on nor any sign of life inside. No one was inside which granted the two men a comfort in going out to hide there.

Reaching the porch, Francis pushed the door open and shoved Arthur inside. He followed behind quickly, slamming the door close behind him. They both collapsed to the floor, struggling to breathe through their panting. No words were exchanged for a while due to both trying to figure out for themselves what just happened.

"What..." Francis breathed.

Arthur blinked, staring wide eyed at the door. "What the bloody hell was that?!"

"I have no idea..." Francis mumbled, trying to steady his breath. "It sounded.. like a wild animal or something."

That was the end of their brief conversation on what happened outside for they retired back into their own blank minds, processing what events just occurred. Outside was as still as it was before, the only movements coming from the falling snow from the sky above. The sudden silence was chilling. It was as if the event that just occurred out there was normal and the forest was used it. It was as if it was already forgotten.

"Bloody hell..." Arthur groaned, pushing himself off the floor. His brows furrowed in irritation as a sudden thought popped into his mind. "If that bloody thing is out there, that means we're trapped in here! Which means we're stuck until who knows when!" He crossed his arms and let out an angry sigh.

Francis stood up as well. "Don't worry... It's better to be safe than sorry, right? Besides, we'll be safe in here."

"Oh, yes! Safe in this bloody cabin! But have you forgotten, we are suppose to be with the others and not stuck here! What are we even going to do?! All our stuff is up there and there's nothing here that could at least be of interest." He huffed, staring over at Francis.

It was true. There was not much here to do or use for both time passing and safety. However, that wasn't so for Francis.

"Well... You know..." The Frenchman said, running his hands down Arthur's arms and placing them on the other's hips. "We could always keep each other warm. You were complaining about the cold... I could keep warm you up in the meantime, my love."

Arthur felt his face flush with color, getting what the other was implying. It seemed absurd to think that right now they both thought of doing the same thing, but what else was there to do. Besides... Gotta make the best out of this situation, right? With a soft chuckle he let the smallest smirk play across his lips.

"We are alone here with nothing to do. Might as well."

...

How are you enjoying this so far? Are you pleased with how things are going? Your plan is in motion. The anticipation of hearing your friends scream in terror is eating at your heart. Are you excited to see the rest of your morbid prank unfold?

A/N:

Yeah, next chapter will have an NSFW scene involving sex. Don't worry, I'm not writing it for pleasure, it will have an actual meaning to it. It is significant to the story and a certain character's development.

Also, explaining Feli and Gilbert cause I know I'll get those people pointing out he's naked and all- I purposefully made it so Feliciano was naked throughout all that while Gilbert hugged him and comforted him. It was to show how just because someone is nude doesn't mean there has to be anything sexual or romantic involved with it. Gilbert didn't think of it like that nor did Feliciano. They were simply two great friends talking whilst one tried to comfort the other. I wanted to bring awareness to that fact since today someone being in the nude (male or female) is seen as lustful and romantic no matter what.

||
Translation:

Tu me rends fou! Mon chéri, je ne peux pas vivre sans toi

You drive me crazy! Honey, I can't live without you.
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Anyways, please leave your feedback in the comments/reviews! I love to hear from you guys. :)