Of Books and Crime
Summary: Romania is an eccentric new student eager to make friends. Bulgaria is the school delinquent who hangs out with the wrong people. Against all odds they form a friendship which transforms into something more. Bulgaria x Romania
Chapter 8: New to the Story
Days fly by and the majority of the time Alin finds himself with the most sheepish smile dancing over his lips. He blames none other than Nikolai Ivanov for that.
Feliciano has caught up as well and sends him mischievous winks daily, already having given up on warning him about the Bulgarian since it's evident Alin isn't one to listen.
(That or the Italian is too busy living his own fairy tale with Ludwig to have time to elaborate on other people's lives. If only more people were that way the world would be a better place he thinks).
Mostly it's a good time for Alin even if the Bulgarian continues with his relentless teasing and lack of concrete actions. The Romanian is always wanting more but uncertain of actually asking for it as his old insecurity and protective walls occasionally come up once again and leave him hesitant.
Then there are times when Nikolai just disappears all together and he has no idea where he is for days.
Needless to say Alin's imagination runs wild and fills him in on the details in gruesome dark shades while the other always downplays the dangers with a smirk or a roll of his eyes.
"Don't worry, everything's fine," is all but his motto at this point.
At best the Bulgarian sends in lazy texts or links to crude, sexual humour which the Romanian only chuckles to. Still, he figures even the weird kinda humour is perhaps a part of his charm.
The random disappearances though certainly are not.
He doesn't want to think about what the other's doing when he's away but the suspicions still invade his mind and it's not pretty. He hears the rumours too, as much as he tries to ignore them. Alfred appears to be worried about him, warning him about Nikolai's activities in between all the jokes and the usual chants about how great he is.
Despite that tone the American's tone is mostly light hearted and he insists on being the hero in the situation his sky blue eyes still speak of concern.
"My dad's a cop and he has some pretty bad info about Ivan and his pals. Niko included," that Alfred tells him one day and although Alin tries to laugh it off his heart still slams against his chest.
Arthur is worse as he outright glares at him, having changed his attitude. The Romanian no longer likes him but still tries to be friendly, he's terrified of bullying which always seems only a step away.
He closes his eyes, wishing Nikolai was with him. They haven't done anything since the accidental cuddling session and strangely enough Alin is glad he's even had that. He wants everything and more with the other but even if he never gets it, he's content with friendship.
(And then there are the times when he's close to tears because the other's like a drug to him and he's not doing well with abstinence).
xxx
Alin hasn't seen him in four days and he's starting to get worried.
He bites his lip, glaring at the home screen of his cellphone which has a wallpaper of the two of them on it. The Romanian likes to reassure himself that at least Nikolai made the picture his wallpaper as well (despite the teasing and the playful roll of his eyes).
He notices the last ten calls he's made to the other which have went without an answer and frowns as his imagination begins to stray in the wrong direction.
"Earth to Alin, focus!"
He snaps in the direction of the voice as he meets Elizaveta's cold green eyes.
They're currently having a study session at his house for whatever latest bizarre project their Biology teacher has come up with. And naturally since Nikolai hasn't shown up he just had to be paired with the person he liked least out of the entire class.
Elizaveta probably isn't all that bad, it's just that Alin can't stand her for some reason he can't quite explain.
She's towering a few inches above him, hands locked over her hips as she gives him a poignant glare. She flips back a lock of fluffy, wavy brown hair that smells deliciously like almond conditioner and sighs, exasperated.
"I swear, you're the worst partner in the universe."
Alin opens his mouth to shoot something back but he can't really argue with that, after all his mind is elsewhere. Still, he's starting to dislike Elisaveta's more and more by the minute.
He's familiar with the idiotic rivalry and hatred between Romania and Hungary. Never has he imagined however being part of it. And yet here they are, living up to the stereotype. It leaves a bitter taste in his mouth, he's not a fan of confrontation.
Roderich, her Austrian boyfriend who seems to have a lot of patience when it comes to her, puts a small hand over her shoulder.
"Relax, my love. There will always be stupid people."
Alin rolls his eyes; he really wishes Nikolai was here.
When he does appear though, he's in for a lecture.
xxx
After two hours of searching over Google for answers and an equal amount of listening to Elisaveta's critique and Roderich's complaining Alin is sure he knows hell on Earth.
He's blaming Nikolai for all this. It would have been a hundred times better if they'd teamed up instead of having to listen to all this. Now granted the Bulgarian isn't one to study much but at the very least he'd be good company.
Just as Alin's all but given up on the project and is starting to consider ways on how to pass the make-up text, he hears a ring on the door and leaps in its direction, hoping for a miracle.
Elizaveta protests after him but he promptly pretends not to hear her, dashing for the door as Roderich mumbles something in Austrian. Talk about being saved by the bell.
When he opens the door he's in for a surprise and his dark brown eyes widen to nearly comic proportions.
Before him stands none other than Nikolai in all his glory: ruffle short brown hair, pale face with reddened cheeks, large green eyes bloodshot and lips locked into a crooked smile.
Alin takes a step back as he notices his disheveled appearance. Somehow he still manages to appear hot and the Romanian has no idea how he's capable of that, must be some sort of magic trick he has up his sleeve.
Ivanov's supporting himself on the door frame, features locked in the most idiotic grin he's ever seen. He holds a vodka bottle and Alin doesn't have to think twice to realize that's the reason for his behaviour.
His clothes, a crumpled white T-shirt and baggy grey sweatpants stink of alcohol and what he can only assume is weed.
"Aren't you gonna give me a hug?" the Bulgarian slurs as he takes a shaky step in his direction and the shorter teen nearly stumbles back as he wraps both hands around his neck.
Alin can feel his hot breath over the exposed strip of skin on his neck and it gives him goose bumps. Still the other reeks of alcohol and he's none too happy about it.
He knows the other, like most Bulgarians, has an absurd alcohol tolerance, so he has to wonder – how the hell did he get this drunk? Alin realizes Niko loves drinking and lots of it but he's never seen him in such a state.
Then again…how much does he really know about his friend?
Is it possible there's an entire side of him that he's turned a blind eye to, too infatuated with the other to take into account his real nature?
"Not happy to see me?" Ivanov asks as he pulls back, raising an eyebrow. Alin doesn't miss the hurt that flashes through his blood shot green eyes.
"I'm not happy you're swimming in alcohol," the Romanian deadpans, he utterly and completely hates alcoholics with a passion.
"Pff, I'm just a little tipsy," Nikolai laughs, his laughter loud and out of place, belonging only to drunks and madmen.
Alin furrows his brows, this isn't good. The Bulgarian's life choices seem all the more terrifying now that he sees the direct consequences of them. Still, leaving him has never been an option.
"Come inside," he orders and the boy for once obeys, wrapping a hand his shoulders and leaning in.
"Alin, did I ever tell you smell so fucking good, man!" Niko exclaims over enthusiastically as he snuggles closer to him and then breaks into yet another bout of laughter.
"Can't say the same about you right now." The shorter boy grumbles under his breath.
It's weird to walk like this, the other towering over him and waving his hands frantically. Alin doesn't even want to think how ridiculous they look and how much fun Elisaveta's going to have with it. He takes another step, struggling under their combined weight but then stops dead in his tracks as he hears a loud gasp.
He raises his head only to meet Elizaveta and Roderich's combined outraged glare.
"What is this?" the girl demands while the Austrian seems so shocked he finds it hard to speak for a good minute or so.
"Hey, Elizavetaaa!" Nikolai shouts, sending her a wave and a flirtatious kiss.
It makes Alin's blood boil while the Hungarian goes red in the face.
"Don't you dare talk to her like that!" Roderich demands, jumping before her as if she's been landed some great insult.
"Or what you'll fucking play me an angry piano song!?" Nikolai breaks into loud, booming laughter and tears slide down his pale face.
"I only did that like one time when we were in fifth grade." The Austrian mumbles under his breath in defense.
The Bulgarian merely huffs at his words mumbling something about "real men" and "trading blows".
"Aren't you going to kick this savage out, Alin?" Roderich presses on, pointing in the direction of the taller boy.
The Romanian glares at his classmates, heart slamming against his chest,
"He's my friend, he's not going anywhere." He replies, voice law and flat. He's surprised at his own display of character.
"You hear that, fancy pants?" Niko jokes and sticks his tongue out as Alin drags him further. The other's swaying badly and his words are barely comprehensive. Not good.
"He's drunk out of his mind," Elizaveta points out and the Romanian is so surprised by the tiny flecks of care behind her voice that he almost questions if he perhaps imagined them,
"We should put him under the shower."
Alin finds himself agreeing with her for the first time since he met her. Before he can respond though the Bulgarian all but collapses and he has to struggle to keep them up.
"A little help here?"
"I'm not touching it." Roderich sneers, glaring daggers at Nikolai. The Bulgarian struggles to come up with some sort of comeback but seems too drunk to do it.
Then to Alin's surprise Elizaveta steps up and offers a helping hand. The Romanian stares at her, expecting an explanation but she remains silent.
Roderich sighs melodramatically before joining them, "I'll burn my clothes after this to get rid of the smell of vodka."
Alin frowns, he can forgive a person who fucks up like Nikolai but he can't forgive people who won't help.
He knows better than anyone how much people need help at times.
xxx
It is only through their combined efforts that they drag Nikolai to the bathroom.
"Run the water cold," Elizaveta orders them around but Alin for once isn't about to complain for her taking charge. He just has to wonder – how does she know any of this and more importantly – why does she care?
"We should strip him so he doesn't get his clothes wet," she adds, sending a calculating look in the direction of her classmate.
"I can't believe I have to watch this." Roderich grumbles, averting his gaze, "This is worse than Gilbert getting stupid drunk on the twins' birthday."
"Mmm, don't know about it, that was pretty bad too," Elizaveta chuckles under her breath and Alin is surprised to find out she actually has a sense of humour, especially in the time of a crisis.
Perhaps she really isn't that bad, just not his type of a person.
She then steps in closer, ready to take off the other's clothes and he changes his mind once again. Something in him snaps, he can't stand the sight of her touching Niko.
A tiny voice in his head argues that's what's called jealousy but he silences it and focuses on the current situation.
"Maybe I should do it," he blurts out before he can stop himself and is met by the bewildered looks of his classmates.
"Why are you his boyfriend or something?"
"Yeah, as if Nikolai would ever be gay. He's more likely to beat up a guy for being gay, alongside with Ivan and that brute Radko. Just look at what happened to Feliks and Toris "
The words make Alin shudder, he hates that prospect. But he shakes his head, there are more pressing matters than wallowing in self-pity about his hopeless crush.
Without an explanation he steps in closer and undresses the other, being met with the canvas of his smooth, pale torso. Alin has to take a deep breath to not be turned on by the sight of his well-defined muscles.
Roderich is glaring and he can sense the air of jealousy. After all the Austrian does look out of shape.
He doesn't waste any time and quickly pulls the head of the shower closer, setting the water on cold and all but bathing the other.
"This is pathetic." Roderich grumbles, swiftly turning on his heel and leaving.
Elizaveta's gaze lingers over the pale Bulgarian before she turns to follow,
"I'll go get some towels."
Alin doesn't even register her words although later he has to admit he's surprised at her for finding the spare towels that quickly.
Now though he's left alone with a half-naked, drunk out of his mind Niko and that's all but a recipe for disaster.
Alin can't stop himself from gently running his fingers down his face and then lower, over his clavicle and chest. He shudders at the touch, admiring the smooth pale canvas before him.
He feels guilty for doing it, after all Ivanov is out of it. Still, a tiny part of him hopes that maybe he wouldn't mind it too much and he clings onto that part.
It's then that Nikolai choses to open his eyes and it nearly makes him jump back and hit his head in the wall.
"Alin," the Bulgarian mumbles, eyes out of focus. He takes a good few moments to look around, "You taking care of me or some shit?"
"Yeah, something like that."
Nikolai's lips stretch into a smile and it almost knocks the breath out of Alin's lungs, that's how pretty a sight it is.
"You're the best man." Ivanov adds and then raises a hand, tracing his face and unintentionally copying his own actions mere moments ago.
The Romanian freezes at the touch, the other's fingers are icy cold and wet but the movement is electrifying.
They stare at each other for what seems like eternity and Alin lets himself get lost in the depth of the green eyes opposite him.
Forest green, flecks of gold and turquoise dance before him and suddenly it's all he sees. The dim light of the bathroom lamp dims them a little but he still loves the colour, it's vivid and unique and something that's become synonymous with the other for him.
He sees the sadness and misunderstanding in the other's eyes, the abandonment that mirrors his own. But he sees something else too, he sees embers of hope and a want to belong, to be close.
Before Alin knows what's going on Nikolai props himself on his elbows and leans in.
Their lips lock together and it's nothing like in the movies.
It's not passionate or hot. No, it's slow and gentle and it screams of both insecurity and a wordless need to belong, to explore, to caress.
Nikolai's lips are icy cold, chapped and they taste like a mix of vodka and no filter cigarettes. It's not the best taste in the world, not even close, but for now it's all Alin wants.
The other licks his bottom lip, as if asking for an entrance. There is something strangely endearing in how gentle the stoic, violent Bulgarian is.
Something almost enchanting in his own insecurity, masterfully hidden behind a rough around the edges persona he's carefully built for himself.
Alin feels clumsy and awkward against the kiss, it's nothing like in the books or movies or even the corny Fanfiction he reads on his phone at night. There is no dramatic pop song in the background and it's not raining.
(Doesn't it always rain when two characters kiss?)
But no, this is real life, and it's just the two of them on the bathroom floor and Alin is pretty sure his pants are already wet and he's freezing his ass off.
To top it all off Nikolai is drunk out of his mind and the kiss is sloppy and beyond awkward and yet…For one short moment Alin feels like this is Heaven on Earth.
Then he hears a gasp and his head snaps for the door, Elizaveta is standing at the threshold, holding onto the prized towels. She looks as if she might drop them any second as the expression painted on her face is one of utter shock.
Alin pulls away while Niko is too out of it to realize what's going on and soon goes back to heavily leaning against the wall, slurring something in his drunkenness.
The girl steps closer and hands him the towels in a sort of stiff, diplomatic manner as she pretends she hasn't seen anything.
Alin opens his mouth to offer an explanation of sorts but no words come out, his heart slamming against his chest as if it wants to get out.
What is there to say?
What she's seen, the way they acted speaks volumes for itself.
It's then that once again the doorbell rings and as if on instinct he jumps for it while the Hungarian steps in closer to their classmate.
Alin has no idea what's going on, his brain barely able to register the fact he's just had his first kiss.
xxx
His thoughts are hazy, running in all directions and slamming against each other. His heart rate is of the charts, pure adrenaline rushing through his veins. He awaits impatiently to wake up and realize this was all a dream but it never happens.
Alin heads for the door in large, quick steps and he's so preoccupied with what has just happened that he doesn't even have the time to ponder about who his mystery guest is.
He opens the door only to freeze at the sight. A familiar face, one he hasn't met but he's seen on photos from Nikolai's phone.
A tall man greets him with the most terrifying smile he's ever seen to date:
"I'm Ivan Braginski…and you have something of mine."
Author's Note: How did you enjoy Niko and Alin kissing? Was it awkward or cute or both?
Did it surprise you? Heh, hopefully I did.
Thanks to: GarGoyl, Hollywoodling for being kind and providing feedback!
GarGoyl, hehe Niko is very unpredictable and to be honest it won't be all that easy for Alin but it will be worth it! Plus there will be times when Alin will be difficult too.
Hollywoodling So Niko did make the first move now the question is what's going to be his next one? xD
Now, about Hungary – I actually love this country, it's so badass and also very unique and different from the rest of Europe! That's why if Elizaveta came as a baddie in this it's only because the story if set from Alin's p.o.v and we all know Hungary and Romania still have some issues. (Though I hope them to be resolved!)
And btw yes there will definitely be A LOT of backstory with Niko and Elizaveta as you probably figure it out xD
Aaand last but not least – Russia is here! What are your thoughts on that?
Please, review!