Wednesday morning. It was kind of cloudy this morning. I fell asleep in my own bed this time with Repede lying on his dog cushion. He wasn't sleeping. Repede was playing with one of his chew toys. The squeaking woke me up.

"Repede…" I groaned.

I had wanted to stay asleep for a reason. Flynn and I have no food again and I am so hungry. Repede has to go to Hanks place again while we raise money for food. We don't even have dog food to give Repede.

While Flynn was still asleep next door, I took Repede out to Hanks house. He happily took my dog.

During this time in the Nobles' Quarter, the people are either sleeping or just getting off from work. Today is pay-day so that's why I'm here. I wouldn't want to have a job that lets you off at four o' clock in the morning. They wouldn't hire some kid from the Lower Quarter anyway. They find us stupid.

In middle of the rich town, I held up a sign that said "Will leave for gald." That usually works when they want a "vermin" to get out of their quarter.

Tired employees began exiting their buildings. I immediately approached them and bothered them until they filled my basket with gald. Before the sun rose up, I collected about three-hundred gald. I was hoping there would be a little more. I can only buy bread or milk with this. Prices have sky-rocketed in a very little amount of time.

Disappointed, I made my way back to the Lower Quarter. I did stop to get a loaf of bread before going home though. The shopkeeper seemed happy to get so much money for one loaf.

It's rare to see a noble coming from the Lower Quarter. We obviously don't get along. I think Flynn and I are the only ones who have nobles for friends and even they should be sleeping.

When the man got a little closer to me I realized that it was Ioder. He was wearing a black suit and for once I couldn't call him an elf prince. In a way he looked as if he came from a meeting or something important.

"Hello Ioder." I said.

"Yuri?"

"You actually look attractive wearing that." I teased. Like always, Ioder took it seriously.

"Maybe I should wear suits more often. We should also dance together again."

I laughed. Not if he's going to start groping. That will most likely happen too.

"I'm going home now. Let me know if you need anything my love."

Prince Ioder stroked my hair as he went back up to the Nobles' Quarter. I wonder what he had been doing here. No one was walking around. Both house and street lights were off. It's very suspicious but I won't say anything although I'm curious.

I got home and put some bread in the toaster. When I got inside I couldn't fall asleep so I turned on my XBOX 360. It's been a while since I've played a game and ate toast at the same time. It's the first relaxing thing I've done this week.

It hit six o' clock in a short amount of time. The only way I knew it was six in the morning is because Flynn walked in wearing his uniform. The only thing left on his list is to eat… Well toast is more like a snack but that's the best we'll get. It would be better if we had jelly though.

Before Flynn had the chance to lecture me, I turned off my console to prepare for school. My stomach was still growling. I felt nauseous from hunger. The Almighty Flynn had to be feeling the same but he has a good poker face and he doesn't let me see the real side of him that has pain. I suppose it's so I won't worry or freak out. It will not surprise me if he collapses in public or in school. One-hundred percent chance I'll be there to see it when I least expect it to happen… I probably will freak out though.

We left to school just like we normally do although something felt different about today. Nothing special was going to take place in school… well I don't think anything is.

Flynn and I didn't talk very much this morning. (Most likely because we're hungry.) I hope Repede got a good meal at least.

Students were just arriving on school grounds. Estelle and Ioder weren't here yet but I heard Estelle's voice echo onto school grounds.

She yelled "Prince Ioder! Wait!"

Ioder dashed over to me and held my hands in his. His blue eyes looked shinier than usual today. I think he wanted to cry.

"Why didn't you tell me that you had no food or money?" He cried.

Everyone started watching. I felt my face getting hot from embarrassment. The elf prince wasn't going to let go any time soon. For some reason I couldn't stop looking into his sparkling eyes. Every time I'd look away I found myself staring in his eyes again. Flynn didn't like that at all.

Mr. Scifo pulled His Highness Ioder off and stepped in front of me. "How'd you know about that?"

"Things get around my castle pretty quickly."

I sighed and prepared myself for another argument or discussion. Estelle came out of nowhere to stand beside me. She was out of breath from running to catch up with Ioder.

Estelle held onto my arm and told me "Prince Ioder is mad. You should've said something about your living condition."

Ioder did look more mature today. It must be because he's angry but why at Flynn? They both looked angry actually. What the hell is going on here?

"How could you let Yuri go hungry?" Ioder started.

"How is this any of your concern?" Flynn snapped back.

"You could've gotten a job to support each other. Then you wouldn't be in this mess."

"In case you haven't realized; it's hard to even get a part-time job when you have a history of living in the Lower Quarter. Thanks to you selfish, ignorant, judgmental people, everyone in the Lower Quarter has been suffering. Yuri and I have a better life than most where we live. Instead of yelling at me, try to understand how difficult it is to get by every day when you lack something that you need. Whether it's money to food to eviction we can't help how we are forced to live. As a person in line to the throne I'd think you'd know that but you're just as ignorant as everyone else in the Nobles' Quarter."

Ioder stayed quiet for a while but then he said something that Flynn didn't like. "I think Yuri should live with me."

"No." Flynn said immediately.

I didn't like where this was going. Flynn wanted to kick the elf prince's ass and I knew he could do it easily. I stood between them to stop this nonsense. Ioder's going to get hurt and Flynn will get arrested on the spot.

"Guys, settle this another way." I said. "Flynn, you're supposed to be the one to see ME behind bars and Ioder, you're supposed to be a good friend that doesn't stick his nose where it doesn't belong. Agreed?"

Ioder smiled mischievously at Flynn. "How about we settle this in a competition?"

My blonde lover raised an eyebrow questioning what he had in mind.

"Let's compete in winning Yuri's trust. He can trust me to provide for him and he can trust you to protect him."

"I don't think…" I said but no one was listening.

"Sounds good." Flynn responded.

They shook hands to start the competition. I'm already getting annoyed. Estelle and I are going to be best friends today. I'm also looking forward to class now since I won't be seeing them there.

The bell rang and the doors opened up. I was more than happy to get inside. Estelle followed close behind me with excitement. It seems that she wants to see what Flynn and Ioder will do for me. I'm actually scared to see what they're going to do. It's not going to turn out right and I can see myself getting mad at both of them.

"Good luck, Yuri." Estelle said before she went into first period. "It's easy to tell that they love you very much so please do not get upset with them. They only want what's best for you and so do I. At the end of the day, everything will turn out to be just fine."

Only if she knew how extreme they'll go. They are both crazy.

I sat down at my desk as soon as I got to first period. I pulled my homework out of my bag and sat it on my desk. I forgot how thick the packet was.

There was a sticky note attached to the packet that said: "Did your homework for you, love!" -Ioder

I took the note off immediately. The teacher got suspicious when he saw my hands move quickly as I stuffed the paper in my pocket. My science teacher came over to my desk and took my work. He went back to his desk to check over it. His wrinkles look so much deeper when he's angry… or is it when he sees me in class?

He's a pain in the ass. Good thing I won't have him next year.

Momentarily, the teacher came back to me and slammed the stack on my desk. I couldn't tell if he was happy or displeased.

"Everything is wrong." He said. "Stay after school to do it again."

"What!"

Without further ado, he went back to his desk.

Now I have detention for something I didn't do and who knows how long it'll take to get this done. Class hadn't even started yet. I'd call it a record but I didn't do anything wrong. If I skip detention I'll get suspended.

"Thanks a lot Ioder." I mumbled.

XXX

I only get woodshop twice a week in school and it's the only class that I do my best in since I like making things.

Everyone was assigned to make an object (out of wood of course) that was part of a modern home in the Nobles' Quarter. Making it electric was optional because of how dangerous it was. I decided to put wiring through it but I can't guarantee it'll work.

Unlike everyone else, I made a lamp. It looked appealing enough for a good grade but that's not the only quality I want it to have. I worked hard on it so it'd be nice if it actually worked.

When I entered the shop there was a sticky note in Flynn's hand writing on my project. It said: "Your lamp didn't light up so I rewired it for you. Good luck!" -Flynn
I took off the note right away. Hopefully the teacher didn't see the note before I did.

If Ioder couldn't do something right, I know Flynn can. Although I was hoping that no one messed with it since I worked hard on it.

The teacher came around to grade each student's project. She examined them closely and moved onto the next one. Hardly anyone used wiring.

Sensei finally got to me. She examined all around and felt the wood.

"Very nice, Yuri. It's been sanded nicely and it looks flawless. You've done a great job. Does it turn on?" She asked.

I flicked the switch to turn it on. It lit up brightly right away. The students stared in awe as they gathered around my project. It looked very nice. Flynn did a good job on fixing it for me until I heard a buzzing sound coming from the lamp.

Everyone screamed and backed up once it started crackling. Soon it began making popping noises. The wires sparked and it burst into flames. The wood only helped the flames spread and it travelled quickly. It fell apart onto the wooden table and the table was set on fire.

Sensei got the fire extinguisher but didn't know how to use it. I took it from her and put out the fire.

Not only is my project destroyed but the table is too. Now I have to pay to replace it with the money I don't have.

I laughed nervously. "At least it was bright."

Sensei, with her sour expression, marked an F on my performance sheet. That was the first F I've ever got in a woodshop class. There are no words to describe how pissed off I am. Trying to clear things up will only make things worse since I hadn't wired it in the first place. I'm scared for the rest of my day. What else have they done to "win" my trust?

XXX

Estelle and I sat outside for lunch. I had my head on the table and Estelle sat next to me rubbing my back. She didn't laugh when I told her about my horrible day. If she did, I'd have no one else to turn to since Duke isn't going to be here for a week.

"Maybe I should go home? So many bad things happened in just one attempt from each of them." I said.

"No. Don't do that. There may be something good out of this later besides, I'll be bored without you here."

I sighed deeply. Unfortunately Estelle is right. If I walk out during school hours the nobles' will only tell the Imperial Guards and they'll tell Alexei and then I'll get into trouble. School is the place I can be right now.

From a distance, I saw Ioder coming to the table. I didn't feel like seeing him or Flynn right now so I left to go to my next class early without eating. Estelle will most likely tell him what's going on anyway.

Flynn came walking towards me but I went right pass him without saying a word. I was too mad to even say "hi." He obviously doesn't know why I'm mad yet and if I am the one to tell him I'll explode.

He must've knew how angry I am because he didn't bother to stop me. Usually he chases after me when something goes wrong. He knows that's a mistake when he is the one I'm mad at.

The rest of the day went by without anymore "gifts" from the ones who love me. My day became peaceful after no more chaos.

My woodshop teacher must have told all of my other teachers about what happened in her class because everyone was being cautious when they approached me. There's nothing here to even set on fire and I put it out at least. I could've let them all burn but I'm not that cruel. I have a heart for the heartless.

Estelle walked with me after school. Who said a princess can't rescue a man? Estelle fixed everything that Flynn and Ioder caused. She talked to my science teacher so I wouldn't have to stay after school or redo the homework packet then she apologized to my woodshop teacher and paid for the damages the fire created. She's a miracle worker.

Flynn and Ioder were nowhere to be seen. It scares me a little to not know where they are. I'm hoping that they went home without having a conversation. It might make things worse.

"Do you want to come to the castle with me? I can give you some food and a little money when you leave. You haven't eaten all day." She asked.

"Sure if you don't mind."

The guards greeted us and opened the large doors for us. Do they love their job that much to always work at the same post? I wonder how much the royal family pays.

One of the chefs sat fresh cookies on the dining room table. I couldn't help but eat most of them. Estelle hardly had any. I felt bad even when she said she didn't mind. I'm so hungry. Cookies aren't enough to eat though.

I pulled work out of my bag from each class. Duke's substitute gave out homework to the class for some reason. No one was happy about that since we get homework from every other teacher every day.

I heard familiar voices coming from outside of the room. Due to the immense space in this place, almost all sounds echo. The voices travel farther here than on top of a mountain.

The only two blue eyed, blondes that I know came in discussing something stupid again. I love Flynn and all but it pisses me off when Ioder is here. I wish that they'd get along already or pretend like they are when I'm near them.

"Yuri!" They said in unison with excitement.

They sat down with Estelle and I uninvited. They instantly took a homework sheet from each of my classes and began doing it for me. It seemed as though they were competing to find out who could finish it faster.

"That's enough!" I shouted.

Everything grew silent. They were both surprised when I shouted. It felt good actually.

I took back my papers from them. School was hell and I don't need being at the castle hell too.

I told my blonde friends "Today had been one of the worst days I've ever had. The thing that caused it is you two. Estelle fixed all of the messes created by you both. If you're going to make my life at school hell, don't make it the same at home."

Ioder's eyes lit up and so did Estelle's.

The prince and princess said together "You called the castle home!"

Ioder's eyes were so bright it could blind someone. Maybe living here wouldn't be so bad. At least we wouldn't run out of food or hot water and I could bring food down to the Lower Quarter.

"Please consider living with us! You too Flynn!" Estelle said with excitement. "You can have your own rooms too! This is so exciting!"

"Estellise, I don't think that's a great idea." Flynn said. I noticed that his eyes travelled to Ioder.

The elf prince matured a little since last time I was alone with him. I don't think there'll be an incident like when Ioder got me out of jail and tried to have his way with me. He has power but I don't believe he'll abuse it again. (I wonder if the guards know the prince likes men.)

"We'll think about it." I said. "I'm going home now."

Estelle gathered the food and money she offered. I happily accepted it.

Flynn left with me. My screaming didn't faze Ioder at all but it hit Flynn. As we walked, I saw how gloomy he looked. His head hung slightly lower than usual and walked at a slower pace.

"If you don't hurry I'll leave you behind." I teased.

Eventually he picked up his pace. He probably never realized how childish he had been acting until now. Maybe he'll stop that behavior now that he knows. Ioder will catch on sooner or later.

We got home at sunset. Repede was still at Hanks place. I'll pick him tomorrow. I really don't feel like leaving right now.

Flynn and I put the groceries away. We almost forgot where the items go since it's been so long before we had a full stock. When we run out, we can just buy more with the money Estelle gave us. It's enough to get the same amount of food we were just given. She really is the greatest.

I sat on my bed. Suddenly the homework getting completed didn't seem important. It's because I don't want to do it.

Flynn sat on my only kitchen chair. "I'm sorry that I made you upset, Yuri. It won't happen again."

"It's alright. I've already forgiven you. I can't stay mad at you for long anyway."

"It's just that Prince Ioder makes me so jealous when he gets near you. I feel like I have no choice but to compete to keep you."

"Flynn. It's alright. I already know how many things Ioder can do for me and give me but I want you. There's no need for jealousy." I smiled at him. "I love you too much to go to someone else."

My lover smiled twice as large. "I love you too. Good-night."

He kissed my forehead and left out. Why do I always feel as though I need him around? I wonder if I love Flynn more than he loves me. Unfortunately, that's one of the many questions that shouldn't be answered in a relationship.

To be continued…