Chapter 3

Dmitri woke up the next morning and rubbed his eyes. 'What the hell happened to me last night?' He sat up in bed and held his head in his palms. 'I'll never drink that much again in one setting.' Dmitri reached over and scooped his cellphone up from his night stand. "Let's see who else had a wild night last night.." he exhaled as he began to scroll through Instagram.

"Hmm.. Viktor and Yuri are in Barcelona again for their anniversary, A selfie of Michele, Sara and Emil… Oh? JJ the King posting angst?" Dmitri clicked onto JJ's profile and began to scan through his pictures. "Poor guy." He scoffed as he scrolled through. "He needs to get laid." He tossed his phone aside and looked over towards the door. "I should probably do the same, to be honest. Maybe that will take away the edge of stress." he exhaled as he walked over to the door. He walked out of his room and walked towards Serena's.

With a quick tap on her door, he opened it and noticed that Sara was still curled up on the floor, asleep. Serena was also asleep, turned over as soon as he walked in. "Hey. Come on. It's time to get up. We have a lot to do today."

Serena groaned and placed her pillow over her head. "No."

"Come on, Serena."

"Just 10 more minutes."

"Now.." He sighed as he walked over to her bed and ripped the pillow away from her hands and head.

"Alright, alright." She sat up and rubbed her eyes. "No need to be a jerk.."

"I'm not. You are the one who wants this. You need my help."

"Mmm do I need to get up, too? Is Mickey awake?" Sara sat up and yawned.

"No. You can sleep a little more. We're going to make breakfast for everyone." Serena stood up from her bed and walked out of the room with her brother. She shut her door and looked up at Dmitri. "So, how are you feeling?"

"I feel awful, duh. But I can't let that hinder me from helping you out. I need to practice as well." He walked downstairs and into the kitchen.

"So, what should I fix for breakfast?"

"Breakfast Paninos. Do we have the ingredients to make them?"

"Unless you want just egg and the bread.."

"Nevermind. Did mom and dad leave ANYTHING for us to eat?"

"Looks like.." Serena opened the cupboard and smiled back at Dmitri. "Nope! But there's a package of unopened amaretto biscotti. We can have these and coffee. Sound okay to you, Principe?"

"Fine. We're breaking into the restaurant rainy day fund since our parents didn't leave us any money for food. They were in too much of a hurry."

"That's for necessary repairs! You can't just do that, Dmitri." Serenity scolded her brother as he began to brew himself a cup of coffee. He poured the black liquid into the mug and stirred in 3 sugar cubes and acted as if nothing was going on.

"Relax. They can replace what we use when they get home. Besides, it's not like we are taking thousands. Just enough to help us survive for the next few days until they get home." He pushed himself off the counter and grabbed his finish cup of brewed coffee. "I'm going to run upstairs and get ready to go practice. I'll be down in a little bit."

"Don't you want breakfast?"

"I'll grab two of them when I come back for my second cup of coffee. But, thank you." He grinned and caressed her cheek. "You're such an awesome sibling, always taking care of me."

"Well, you take care of me. So, we're even."

"Right. Gotcha." He smirked and walked towards the staircase. "You should get ready soon, too. We have practicing to do."

"Yeah yeah." She opened the package of biscotti and poured herself a cup of coffee. Moments later, she heard footsteps coming downstairs. 'Jeez.. is he already ready to go? I haven't even started to drink my coffee..' Serena took a sip and looked up from her mug to see Emil walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning." Emil grinned at Serena and grabbed an empty mug from the cabinet before pouring himself a cup of coffee. He sat down next to her and looked her in the eyes. "Hey, about what happened last night.. thanks."

"Thanks?"

"Yeah. You took care of me. You helped me upstairs to the bathroom and cleaned me up when I got sick."

"Oh, you remember that part, huh?" Serena grinned as she grabbed a biscotti from the package.

"Yeah.. I…" His voice began to trail off "Remember more than that. Serena, I'm so sorry I did that to you. You must have wanted to kill me right then and there. I want you to know, that I never meant to upset you in any way."

"Emil, relax." Serena let out a soft laugh and dipped her biscotti into her coffee before taking a small bite. "I understand what alcohol can do to a person. We've all been drunk before. We do stupid stuff-"

"I was drunk, but I've been wanting to do that for quite some time. But, we were alone and away from your brother and-"

"Emil, relax. You're getting really worked up right now."

"You know I've liked you since I first met you back at camp. And, even though I know I never have a chance with you, I wanted to try. Drunk or not. But, I got what I wanted… and it didn't feel right."

"I'm sorry, Emil. Please understand that I am not upset with you at all. I care for you greatly. You're one of my best friends."

"I've been drinking for a lot of reasons."

"Emil, please don't drink because of me!"

"I don't."

"Then why do you get so drunk that you get sick? You could have died if you drank too much more."

"It's so difficult to talk about." He cupped his mug and looked down into his beverage.

"Emil, this isn't about what happened last night, is it?"

Emil shook his head and looked back up at her. "I mean, I wanted to apologize, but I think I need to explain to someone how I'm feeling. You must promise to not say anything. I trust you more than anyone else in this house."

"Of course, but I don't understand why this is so severe-"

"I'm in love with Mickey."

Serena covered her mouth and let out a small gasp. "So THAT'S what you meant last night when I tucked you in…"

"Meant what? What did I say?!" Emil began to blush as he looked away from Serena.

"You asked me if Mickey would ever return the feelings that you have for him. I didn't know what to think of it. I assumed that it was because you were drunk."

"Oh God. Please tell me you didn't say anything to your brother, Sara or Mickey.."

"Never! That isn't my place to say anything. However, I DO think you need to sit down and speak with him." Serena took his hand into both of hers. "I see how much you care for him. I never thought it was love, but I knew it was strong. And to think, you both compete against each other, but you cheer each other on. There is no ill will rivalry."

"Thanks. But, I don't stand a chance with him."

"Why would you say that?" Serena frowned.

"He's wrapped around Sara's little finger, that's why. Don't get me wrong, Sara is a very good friend of mine, and I wish nothing but good things for her. But, I honestly think Mickey needs to move on and live his own life. He doesn't have to cut ties with her. I'd never ask him to do that."

"I know you wouldn't. I hate to say it, being a twin myself, but you're right. Everyone needs to live their own lives at some point, and live for what THEY want, and not what anyone else wants. Not cutting ties, but moving on and starting a family with someone you really care about."

"That's your dream, isn't it?"

"Huh?!" Serena snapped her hands back and grabbed her cup of coffee and took a quick sip. "I don't know what you're talking about. I want this restaurant and this house in my name. You KNOW I only focus on one goal at a time. There's no use in having millions of dreams. They won't ALL come true."

"Oh come on. There's nothing wrong with wanting to find your other half and settle down with them." Emil grinned widely. "You're so talented, and you have a wonderful personality. You have a great heart, and you're gorgeous. You'll have no problem making that dream a reality. I promise you that."

"I have no doubt about that. One day, it will happen. And I will be ecstatic. But right now, I need to win. I'm so focused on winning, and I haven't even had a whole day to wrap my head around what's in store for me."

"Serena, you'll do great. No matter where you go or what you do, you'll always have us cheering you on."

"Thank you, Emil. I'll always cherish our friendship and take it with me everywhere I go." Serena dipped her biscotti once more and took a bite. "However, we were talking about you, not me. So, let's get back to that."

"I don't stand a chance?" He raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his coffee.

"Ah, yeah! That. Listen, you're a very handsome guy. You care about your friends before yourself, and even though you should focus on your life, you need to set out on what makes you happy. If that's being with Mickey, then do just that. What's the worst that could happen?"

"He could say no."

"Exactly."

"And never speak with me again."

"He wouldn't do that! He was asking where you were last night-"

"He what?! You didn't tell me that! I mean, I know I shared a bed with him.. I woke up in the middle of the night to him wrapping his arms around me. I didn't say anything, because I didn't want it to end. He actually let go about 30 minutes ago, and I laid there afterwards and told myself how lucky I was."

"That's so sweet, Emil. I really think you should speak to him. It looks like he has some hidden feelings that he needs help to reveal."

"That, or he just did it without knowing."

"Emil.. don't think that way."

"Don't think what way?" Dmitri walked back into the kitchen wearing black sweatpants with a navy blue tank top and a tan jacket.

"Nothing! Why are you dressed like that? You're going to freeze."

"Not a chance. You know I get hot."

"And I freeze." Serena watched Emil stand up and smile softly at her. "Thanks for talking. We'll talk more later. I've got some things to think about." He walked out of the kitchen and ran up the steps. Dmitri gave Serena a cold stare as he poured his second cup of coffee. He pulled up before the hot liquid poured over the edge.

"What is he talking about?"

"Dmitri, relax. It's nothing serious."

He cleared his throat and took a sip of his coffee before grabbing a biscotti and snapping it in half without struggle. "If you say so."

"I do. It isn't about me. I can't tell you what's going on because that's his business and he trusts me not to say anything, but I can assure you that it has nothing to do with me. Relax."

"Okay." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm trying-"

"Not hard enough. I know you're scared to lose me. You won't."

"You're damn right." He smirked at her and tossed one of the halves of biscotti into his coffee and pushed it around with a tea spoon. "You're my baby sister. I'm allowed to protect you."

"But.. it's true that you and I must part at some point. Not forever, but to build onto our own lives. It scares me to think about it, but it has to happen."

"I'm aware of that. But, that doesn't mean that I won't always protect my sister." He sipped his coffee and fished the piece of biscotti out with his spoon. He slurped the softened half into his mouth and began to chew. When he swallowed, he took another sip and began to speak again. "I want you to succeed. And you know you can't do it without me."

"Yeah.. I know.." Serena stood up and walked towards the doorway.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going upstairs to get ready for practice. I'll be down in a bit."

'I told someone. Now, it shouldn't be hard to tell Mickey..' Emil stared into the bathroom mirror and planted his palms firmly onto the marble countertop. He took a deep breath and reached for the small bottle of mouth wash that he used earlier. 'I can do this. No.. I must do this. Serena's right. It's not healthy to drink my feelings away. Hopefully he thinks the same way I do.'

Emil swished a small amount of minty liquid in his mouth before spitting it into the sink. He looked into the mirror once more before turning away and walking towards the guest bedroom. He took a deep breath and slowly turned the doorknob before opening the door. He looked in and saw that Mickey was sitting up in bed, running his fingers through his hair. It appeared that he had just awaken. He turned his head towards the door as soon as he heard Emil step in.

"Hey, good morning."

"Good morning." Emil grinned and walked in. "So, how did you sleep?"

"I slept pretty good. I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night to check up on you."

Emil's heart skipped a beat. "Y-you didn't have to do that, Mickey."

"But I had to. Serena told me what you did. I wish you'd take better care of yourself."

"I'm sorry, Mickey. I really am. I promise, I'll take better care of myself and stop drinking as much."

"Good. And if you don't, I'll kick your ass." He smirked at Emil and noticed a deep blush form across his friend's cheeks. He raised an eyebrow and sat back against the headboard. "What's wrong? Are you hung over? Your cheeks are really red suddenly."

"Mickey, I need to talk to you."

"What's going on? You've been acting strange lately, but you're acting really strange right now."

"I'm sorry. I just need to tell you what's on my mind and my heart."

"All right, well, I'm listening."

"I like you, Mikey. No. I love you. I have for a while. It's a strong feeling. I drink because I'm afraid that you don't feel the same."

Mickey lunged forward and embraced Emil in a tight hug. "You idiot! Don't ever drink your feelings away for me!"

"I'm sorry. It's the only thing that takes my mind off everything that I feel."

"It isn't bad to feel love for someone. You're going with your heart, right?" He pulled away and stared into Emil's eyes.

"Of course. But, I'm afraid of a broken heart."

"I'm not letting that happen." He cupped Emil's jaw in his hand and leaned closer. "I love my sister, and I care for her, but I have feelings for someone else. I hope she understands that everything I have wanted for the past few years has finally been lifted off my shoulders."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm in love with you too, you fool." He embraced him in a kiss and laid him back onto the plush bed. He parted the kiss and ran his fingers through Emil's hair. "I know that I always talk about Sara, but aren't my signs of affection clear to you?"

Emil shook his head nervously. "Not.. really.."

"Well, now you know. So, there's no more heavy drinking for you, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good." Mickey pinned his wrists to the bed and pressed his lips against Emil's, letting his tongue slide in between his friend's soft lips. He pulled away moments later and noticed that Emil's face was covered in a deep blush.

"Please tell me this isn't a dream."

"It's not." Mickey pulled away and stared down at Emil. "It's a dream come true, huh?"

"It really is, Mickey." Emil wiped his eyes quickly and began to laugh nervously. "I'm sorry I'm crying, I have just always cared so much about you, and hearing that you care about me just as much, it's so overwhelming."

"Don't cry." Mickey wiped his tears away with his thumbs and helped Emil sit up. "We need to keep this to ourselves for just a little bit. Everyone will find out eventually, but I need to find a way to break it to my parents and Sara."

"Sara would never be upset with you."

"But I don't know about my parents." He reached over and tasseled Emil's hair. "If Sara finds out, she finds out. But right now, I'm not worried about making our relationship publicly known."

"Our relationship?"

"Yeah. I want to date you. Got a problem? Is this not what you want"

"N-No! I want to date you, too! I wouldn't have confessed my feelings if I didn't want to."

"Great. Then it's settled. Tonight, we can properly spend time with each other without you getting drunk."

Emil rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously. "Of course."

~*Author's note*~

Thank you again for all of the favorites and the follows! I never expected to have any readers, and it really makes me feel good that I have people that support my work! With all of your dedication, I feel like I can write happily each day. And for that, thank you 3