Another fairly short chapter, but don't worry, homecoming will be a very nice long chapter. Expect an update on, or a bit before, the 29th.

September 18th, 2012

Somehow, Antonio had been successful. When Gilbert walked to lunch the cheerful Spaniard ran up to him grinning and crying out: "Success, mi amigo!"

"Yes!" Gilbert yelled jumping up and giving Antonio a high five and a pat on the back. "Ludwig said he'd go too, and I'm positive Feliciano will go with him and Lovino."

Francis walked up at this point laughing and said "I assume you have succeeded, non?" Gilbert and Antonio responded by hugging him tightly, laughing and cheering happily.

"This is working out great so far, but the tricky part comes next," Gilbert said. "I have to convince Matthew to go to the dance."

"Do not worry, you can use your 'awesome' persuasive skills on him like you did with us," Antonio said, putting air quotes around awesome.

"True that!" Gilbert said, nodding. "By the way, are you guys going to dress for the theme days next week?"

"I think so. Anything to get out of wearing this uniform for a day," Francis sighed. It was a well known fact that, except for spirit days, uniforms had to be worn at all times. This led to a rather large number of students who participated in the dress-up days.

"What's Monday's theme again?" asked Antonio.

"'Freshmen find their funk in the seventies'," Gilbert read off a nearby poster. "Tuesday is 'Sophomores shimmy in the swanky twenties', Wednesday is 'Juniors jam in the crazy eighties', and Thursday is 'Seniors swing in wartime forties'. Friday is school pride day, so back to uniforms I guess."

"Cool themes," Francis said nodding. "Although the twenties might be tricky to dress for, I'm going to have to ask mon père if he has anything I can borrow."

"I'm all set! We have so many old clothes in the attic at my house," Gilbert said.

"Me too! It's like they never get rid of anything at my place," Antonio agreed.

"I think I have some old flare pants in my closet," Francis mused thoughtfully.

"At least you won't have to worry about a wig. Kesesese~"

"You are just jealous of my gorgeous locks, non?"

"Keep it up and you're going to sound like Feliks," Antonio said laughing. The trio laughed their way into the halls and were soon joined by an ever-scowling Lovino.

"There you are, bastard. I've been looking for you."

"Aww did my Lovi miss me~?" Antonio said leaping forward, arms outstretched to hug the Italian.

"No you idiot! Get off me! I was looking to ask if Feliciano could come to the game too," he replied.

Antonio exchanged a knowing glance with his companions before nodding at Lovino. Gilbert quickly added: "He can hang out with my brother."

Lovino nodded to say he understood before turning and heading off to find his brother. Antonio said good-bye to his friends and went with him, leaving Gilbert and Francis together.

"So what's your plan again?" Francis prompted Gilbert.

"I ask Matthew if he wants to go to the dance because it's going to be awesome," was the albino's quick response. "And if he's unsure I use my persuasive skills to get him to go."

"Perfect. Don't worry, everything will work out. Just use that wonderful charm of yours and he won't be able to resist," Francis said with a wink.

Not much later the bell signaled the end of lunch, and Gilbert made his way towards his Trig class. Once more taking his seat next to Matthew who was already there, Gilbert turned, smiled and said: "So Matthew, are you going to be dressing up in theme next week?"

"Most likely. I won't go all-out, but I might wear a headband or something," the Canadian replied quietly.

"That's cool. What about the dance?" Gilbert said, edging his way towards the question he desperately wanted to ask.

"Uh, I don't think so," Matthew said turning bright red. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"Aw, but it's going to be so much fun. Practically the whole school goes, and no one I know has ever had a bad time," Gilbert urged.

"But I can't dance," Matthew restated.

"I can teach you."

Matthew looked up surprised, and Gilbert's eyes widened. Had he really just said that? It was now the albino's turn to become as red as his eyes.

"I mean if you want to..." he mumbled quietly. "You don't have to, it was a suggestion and-"

"Gilbert," Matthew said interrupting and causing the German to look up at the Canadian, "That sounds wonderful."

A huge smile broke out onto Gilbert's face. "That's great! We are going to have so much fun, you just wait!" And for the rest of the day, nothing could wipe the huge smile off the triumphant Albino's face.