Cliché School Romance
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.
Warning: This chapter contains homophobic language and some violence. If you're bothered by such themes please read with caution.
Chapter 12: Oh, the Drama!
Alin tries to keep an open mind, he does. He tries to ignore the sneaking suspicion that whatever Ivan and Niko are up to is no good. And so he plasters on a fake smile and says everything is fine with him and with them as he always does.
They're currently alone in the Chemistry lab where he is desperately attempting to pour some knowledge into the Bulgarian's thick head. So far without success.
"Why the fuck do I need to study this?" Niko grumbles as he glares at the textbook.
The Romanian sighs and reminds himself patience is a virtue.
"Because you need to pass." He points out matter of factly.
Nikolai looks away and something in his actions bothers him. It awakens something in Alin, some suspicion he's had for a long time.
"Niko, you do plan on graduating right?" he demands, dark eyes slightly widening as he considers for the first time the possibility the other may not.
The taller teen takes a few seconds too long to reply and in the end he shrugs.
"What's the fucking point. Not like I plan on going to college anyway."
Alin stares at him in shock. Not graduate? Is the other out of his mind?
"The point is that you need an education!" he all but screams, scooping closer to his boyfriend, "What do you plan to do with the rest of your life, huh?"
Once again the Bulgarian remains silent and he looks away, refusing to meet his gaze.
"There are other ways to live by," he mumbles in the end.
Alin isn't stupid and he quickly realizes what the other means. His mind paints the picture for him, the one where the taller teen quickly sinks into a life of crime and abuse. It infuriates him and he's certain he can't let it happen.
"I'm not letting you be a criminal of some sort!" he declares, voice ringing through the empty lab.
Nikolai only sighs, not even bothered by his words,
"Look at Ivan, he didn't graduate and he's doing fine."
"Ivan!? You're giving me him as an example? He's a criminal!"
The taller teen meets his gaze for the first time and sends him a desolate look, as if saying "And what do you think I am?"
They stand in silence as Alin's mind races and he struggles to find some words.
"Niko…where is this coming from? I thought you were doing better! Has something happened?"
The Bulgarian merely shrugs, not bothering with an answer and Alin can hardly tolerate the silence between them.
"Look at me! Please, I want to help, Niko." He's not going to cry but his voice still breaks in the middle at that startles the other.
Ivanov finally looks up, as if his sudden our burst of emotions has dragged him out of his trans. He steps in closer, pulls him towards himself.
"No, answer me!" he tries to protest but it's all in vain, his words are drawn out in the warm embrace.
Niko effectively shuts him up, cool lips over his own.
Alin tries to fight against the kiss because he wants and needs answers but fails to. He melts into the contact, responding to the kiss on autopilot.
He wraps his hands around the Bulgarian and for some time they remain like this and he lets his heartbeat calm down. The other pulls away a little, until their foreheads are touching in an unspoken form of intimacy.
It's perfect in small moments like this.
But something at the back of Alin's mind is telling him the secrets they keep will come back to haunt them.
"You should hear me out before you judge. There is more to Ivan and me and everyone else in this mess then meets the eye." Is what Niko doesn't say but he can read it in his gaze.
And when he does share about his past, Alin never interrupts.
xxx
The cold weather proves to be an issue in the winter and Nikolai finds his teeth chattering during the night, skinny fingers gripping the thin blanket but never getting enough warmth.
It's January and it's so damn cold that he can't sleep which for him is something rare. He can hear Radko turn in his bed too but that is no surprise. The Serbian is a horrible sleeper, most often than not spending the night turning around.
The majority of the time Nikolai sleeps so deep it doesn't bother him but not today. Plus, there are the nightmares.
He has them sometimes, nightmares of his father dying, of himself getting beaten up or of the other kids in the orphanage ganging up on him. Radko has them too, he knows he does and often too but apparently the Serbian has learnt to control it and not cause much noise.
Nikolai bites his lip, he can't let this continue, he needs sleep. He remembers the way he slept cuddled against his father with the cat between them during the harsh winter in Bulgaria. He sighs, he has to try this though he doubts Radko will be willing.
He tiptoes across the room, bare feet almost going numb against the cold floor. He shakes the other's arm gently but there is no need, of course Radko isn't asleep.
His plan doesn't work out and the brunette promptly kicks him out of the bed after a lengthy line of swears in Serbian.
Naturally Nikolai understands every word because unfortunately their languages are too close. He bites his lip and wishes they weren't, maybe that way he wouldn't have to deal with him in the first place.
Neither of them sleeps that night and the Bulgarian spends the next day curled in the only sun spot in the room, trying to get some sleep in the long January afternoon.
His eyes fall over the sky, it's a pristine shade of blue, no clouds. He briefly wonders what the sky looks like in Sofia that day, what the weather is.
The small country seems like a different world, a different life, different him.
Nikolai isn't sure he likes the person he's becoming.
xxx
After a week of freezing nights Nikolai is taken aback when he feels the bed shift underneath another person's weight. He turns around immediately, scared the Serb might hurt him.
They stare at each other for a moment too long in the dim room and the other doesn't seem to have much of an explanation. The Bulgarian studies him, taking into account the scars which underneath the moon light seem all the scarier.
"It's so fucking cold," Radko says in the end, words melting in the sharp, cool air in the space between them.
Nikolai offers him a small nod and then a tiny smile, "I knew you'd change your mind."
Radko rolls his one remaining eye, "Fuck you and turn around,"
The Bulgarian weighs in whether or not he should make a joke about how that sounded (they're at that age when making innuendos is the most badass thing a boy can do). In the end though he decides against it and turns around. The other climbs into bed, throwing his cover over them.
Under the two blankets Nikolai immediately feels warmer and he can sense sleep starting to wash over him. There is some sense of security, a sense of protection and he's amused at how another person's warm body and something as simple as a blanket can provide that.
He falls asleep immediately and in the morning he finds Radko's limbs tangled around him.
It makes him smile but then said smile vanishes from his pale face as he realizes that no matter what he does the Serbian hates him and there is no changing that.
xxx
They do sleep cuddled like that from then on, as if an unspoken agreement has been signed between them.
Things with other kids get worse as they grow up, taunts and hair pulling turn into brutal fights and more often than not Radko is black and blue.
Nikolai tries not to fight at first, he tries to stay away from trouble but fails miserably at it.
At some point he just gives up and he can feel how his own heart begins to lose its warmth, how his mind is morphing into something cold and slippery, how he's starting to lose hope on the world around him but most of all himself.
Things between him and Radko get worse as well, the Serbian's temper worsens by the hour and not before long they're at each other's throat all day. Sharing one room doesn't help either, if anything it only gives space for more provocation.
The only time when peace falls between them is during the night when because of the cold they sleep together, cuddled against each other. The nightmares are a routine and there seems to be a code between them to wake each other up, but never offer comfort.
Nikolai wants comfort with all his heart but he knows the Serbian is capable of none and so soon enough he gives up on that as well.
xxx
Looking back Alin realizes he should have seen it coming. He almost feels stupid that he didn't. Really, knowing more about the other's past should have only sealed in his suspicions. He should have known the shady business Ivan had would one day spill to the school and drown Niko with it.
And so when he hears screaming in the hallway he realizes it is probably something the Bulgarian would get involved in.
It's Juan that is standing in the hallway, alongside with Radko. And it's blatantly obvious that whatever their chat is about, it's not a friendly one. Alin is surprised the Serb has even bothered come to school since he hasn't seen him in more than a month.
And he doesn't look good – he's a mess more so than usual. Deep, grey circles lay on his face, his dark brown hair is a nest which sticks in all directions and he even has a slight beard going on, an addition to his unkempt appearance.
"We delivered the goods! Pay up the fucking money, man!" the Cuban demands loudly, slamming his fist into one of the lockers.
"Fuck you, I told we don't have the money for now," Radko snaps back.
Alin can feel Nikolai shake his head from next to him. He stares in horror at the Bulgarian as he realizes the other is probably about to jump into the fight any minute,
"No, please, stay out of this," he begs as he clings onto his hand.
The taller teen doesn't even look at him which makes Alin's chest constrict with disappointment and betrayal. His green eyes are instead over their two classmates who are currently shouting profanities at each other.
Naturally it's Radko who throws the first punch but the Cuban fights back and soon enough the entire hall is chanting and making bets who will win. It's a whirlwind of events that makes the Romanian feel light headed and he wants out. Too many memories from home play before his eyes and he hopes with all his heart his boyfriend would for once just walk away.
Nikolai doesn't jump right in, he stares from the sidelines for a few minutes which feel like eras to Alin.
"I thought Ivan was cool, that we could do business. Turns out he's the same fucking piece of shit like all you Eastern European garbage."
And it's then that something in the Bulgarian appears to snap.
Alin doesn't have the time to even pull him back as the other yanks away from him and marches to the Cuban. He swears at him in his mother tongue and hits so hard that Juan falls on the ground.
The entire hall goes quiet for some seconds which stretch to eternity and beyond.
"Don't you dare fucking speak poorly of Ivan ever again you fucking son of a bitch!" Nikolai screams as he pulls back away from the lying boy.
Radko though is not finished. He steps next to Cuban and kicks him even when he is down.
"I'll murder you if fucking do," he adds, pure rage written on his face.
Juan makes his way up barely, leaning heavily on the lockers.
"Go to hell," he swears, not missing a beat.
It only adds fuel to the fire and once again Radko launches at him.
It's only then that Alfred appears out of nowhere and steps in. Alin is shocked to see Ludwig taking action as well. The German holds back the Bulgarian, despite his protests while Alfred grabs on Radko in a death-grip.
"Calm the fuck down!" he demands, shocking everyone as he swears.
"Go fuck yourself!" the Serb shouts at the larger teen as he tries to wiggle out of his bound but to no success, "I swear I'll fucking kill you if you don't let me go, you fat faggot!"
The hall goes quiet once again, shocked at the slur.
"Don't bloody call him that!" Arthur demands as he too steps in but the taller blonde raises a hand for him to relax.
"Mon Dieu," Francis shakes his head as he eyes the situation.
"He is a fucking faggot, why shouldn't call him that?"
Arthur appears as though he's about to lose it when Francis steps before him, a surprising determination written on his face.
"Don't he's not worth it." He asserts, voice as firm as steel when he puts his hands on his best friend's shoulders to stop him.
"Oh, standing up for your boyfriend?" Radko sneers at the Brit, "You're all going burn in fucking hell for being gay!"
"По дяволите Радко, престани!"
Alin breaks away from his trans when he hears the Bulgarian's voice and his eyes dart in his direction.
Nikolai still looks pissed off but some of his sense has returned and that offers a tiny dose of relief to him.
"Kill yourselves," the Serb deadpans, always wanting to have the last word.
It's then that the teachers finally appear, followed by security.
xxx
Nikolai and Radko are dragged down towards the Principle's Office while Juan is taken to Med Bay.
"Please tell me how bloody nice your lad is now, Alin," Arthur hisses as he bumps into him, on his way back to the classroom.
"Enough, Arthur, he feels bad already," Alfred asserts as he pulls the other away.
Feliciano, who has fetched the teachers stays the longest with him in the emptying hall.
"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have seen this," he says in the end.
Alin meets his large brown eyes which are filled with compassion. He feels a little better with the other on his side but it still does nothing to erase the disappointment and emptiness in his chest.
"Has this happened before?" he asks in the end.
"Si," Feliciano admits, not bothering to lie to him, "What you saw…it's not even close to the worst Radko is capable of."
Alin snorts, "And Nikolai?"
The Italian keeps silent for a long time before responding,
"I don't think he's that bad…It's just that…the people you hang around you, they always have their effect. And with him coming from such a family…"
The Romanian only nods. He doesn't need to even hear someone say it, he knows it already.
They head for the principle office in silence. Alin doesn't care that he's missing Physics, that's how much Niko has an effect over him. And for the first time he thinks maybe it's not such a good effect.
"I can wait with you for him if you want to," Feliciano offers as they sit on the bench before the office.
"Thank you," Alin says sheepishly as he turns to the Italian who only nods at him and then his lips stretch into a heartwarming smile.
"Hey, what are friends for?"
The Italian says it as though it's the most natural thing in the world but to the Romanian it's everything and more. He's never had friends, he's never known the feeling of having someone care for you.
It's a warm feeling spreading through his chest like hot chocolate and right now it's the only thing keeping him crying.
Alin tries to listen to whatever is going on in the Principal Office but the only thing he can make out is Radko's booming voice and what sounds like swearing.
Then all of a sudden the door snaps open and out of it come out Niko and Radko.
The Serb all but darts off towards the exit and the Bulgarian isn't far behind. He doesn't even notice Alin, a pensive expression over his face.
"Wait up!" he demands as he takes the other's hand, yanking him to turn around.
Niko does turn but he doesn't meet his eyes. He stares at his old sneakers instead, remaining silent.
The Romanian can hear his own heart slamming against his chest, the sound is deafening.
"I'll go now," Feliciano says quietly as he walks away but then stops and turns around, "If you need anything, text me,"
"Thanks," Alin responds, trying to force a reassuring smile over his face. Both for the Italian and himself.
"What happened?" he inquires the moment he no longer hears Feliciano's retrieving footsteps.
"We're suspended. Two weeks." The Bulgarian admits, trying to keep his voice flat, nonchalant, "Principle said she was doing us a fucking favour by not expelling us."
Alin rubs his temples, weighing in the situation.
"I can tutor you in those two weeks," he points out, trying to offer some damage control, "You won't miss a thing!"
Niko snorts, a bitter and cynical laugh flying past his lips. It sounds harsh and it terrifies Alin as he realizes he may not know the other at all.
"Who says I'm even planning on coming back?"
The Romanian's jaw drops, blood rushing through his veins. For a few long moments he just stares at the other in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he's saying.
"You're thinking of dropping out?" he cries out, unbothered by the way his voice echoes through the school hall, "Where the hell is this even coming from?"
The taller teen doesn't respond, eyes on the cement floor.
"Answer me!" Alin shouts as he shakes the other's shoulder, "You were doing better damn it! What happened?!"
Niko bites his lip, looking him for the first time that afternoon. His lower lip is trembling, as if he's hesitating. The look in his green eyes is lost and it immediately makes the anger in Alin melt away, replacing it with sympathy,
"Please, whatever it is, just tell me," he urges, moving next to him, pressing himself against him, desperate for human contact.
He wants the Bulgarian to run his fingers through his hair, touch him, kiss him. Anything to make sure this is real, that what they've shared in the past months is real and not something his own demented imagination has come up with.
"Ivan has some new ideas for the bar and…" Niko shakes his head, desperation flashing through his eyes, "At least they'll pay well. He says there is no point in me and Radko going to school anymore."
Alin is so appalled by what the other has just said that he doesn't even question Ivan's new bright idea about the business. And he should have, later on he realizes he definitely should have.
"Don't you dare say such things! You need education!"
Niko snorts, indignation written on his face,
"For what? Not like people like me ever amount to anything!"
"Stop saying that!" Alin demands, taking in his hands, "Just please…think this through, you have two weeks to weigh in everything. Don't make a sudden decision."
The Bulgarian doesn't respond, though his fingers lock around his own.
"Promise me you'll at least think about it," Alin presses, words laced with pure fear, "Niko, please!"
The distress in his voice seems to make the other snap out of his own whirlwind of thoughts and meet his gaze. He squeezes his hands, as if in reassurance.
And he kisses him, again. But this time the usual precision and skill in his movements is gone, replaced by sloppiness which stems from need.
Niko's tongue explores his mouth, his hands are all over his torso, quick and desperate. Alin responds to it in a similar manner, he can feel their little world coming crashing down and the only thing he can hold onto is this contact, this small reassurance that the other is still here, that this is real.
But it too ends and the other pulls away and now it looks as if they're just two classmates, never something more.
"Alin…whatever happens I…" he bites his lip so hard it almost draws blood, "I like you so much…I'm just scared of ruining you."
The Romanian wants to laugh at his words…leaving someone because you're scared of hurting them and then hurting them even more so in the process is the oldest cliché in the book. But he can't laugh right now, he's scared out of his mind that the only person he feels close to, really close to, in the world is slowly slipping away.
"I'm not the angel you see me as," he tries to joke but the other doesn't buy it.
"Please let me help," he adds when there is no answer.
Niko meets his eyes and for a second there is a change in them, the desperation melts away and is replaced by a small flicker of hope somewhere in the depths of green.
And then,
"He doesn't need your help,"
The voice is gruff and familiar and it makes dread wash over Alin. It takes a second to tie it to his owner but when he looks up, all he sees are Ivan's sharp blue eyes.
The moment they shared is gone, washed away like a drawing on the sand. No evidence of it left. Nikolai is already on his feet and he only casts one small, apologetic glance in his direction.
It makes Alin's blood boil.
"Radko called, told me about you shenanigans. Don't worry I'll deal with Juan," the Russian explains quickly, anger poking from his words.
Alin looks at Nikolai and he can momentarily see the switch in him, how he changes around the other. His eyes are now sharper, almost empty. It's the first time the Romanian muses how cold light eyes are, despite their beauty.
"You're not hurt are you?" Ivan asks, concern in his voice as he pets the Bulgarian, as if searching for injuries.
"Не," Niko assures and he's already forcing a smile over his lips.
"Отлично! Now we should go and have a drink!" he exclaims, childish joy pouring from his voice.
The Bulgarian nods, eyes full of gratitude and respect at the sight of the Russian. Alin isn't jealous as he realizes this isn't lust. Niko isn't in love with Ivan, no they share something else. They're family.
"Oh, Alin, if you want you can come too?" Ivan offers from behind his shoulder and the Romanian doesn't miss the challenge, the mocking in his light irises.
It's as if saying he has won, Nikolai is his.
"No, thanks," he asserts, surprised at the strength behind his own voice.
"Well then, до свидания," the blonde chuckles, "I'm sure Niko can teach you a little Bulgarian and Russian some other time, isn't that right?"
Niko only nods and then flashes a tiny smile for Alin, "Bye."
xxx
The Romanian stares after him, anger mixed in with a heavy emptiness in his chest.
His mind plays on repeat what Francis muttered to him as they passed ways after the fight,
"I'm sorry…you just can't save some people."
Author's Note: If you're wonder why Niko is acting like this around Ivan, trust me he has good reason to. It will all be explained in the next portion of flashbacks. And for those wonder – no, they didn't break up.
So what did you think of the fight? Do you believe Alin and Niko will things out or our favourite trouble maker too far gone in his ways? Were you surprised at his aggression?
Also doesn't Feliciano seems like the most comforting person in the world and Ivan – the perfect cockblock for our fave couple xD?
Big thanks to the ones of who're awesome enough to review: maryranstadler1, Elizaveta Hedervary – Hungary, GarGoyl
Translations: До свидания = Goodbye, Отлично! = Excellent (Rus and Bg)
P.S: If you think this chapter was emotionally draining…man, I don't know what to tell you about the next one.
Please review and share your opinion on this chapter! ^^