The rest of the week flew by, uneventful besides the initial fight. It had seemed, though, that everyone in the school had been taking sides over who would have won between Allen and Alfred. The energy of the school had not been good. Arguments had even broken out several times over the 'stronger side'.

As fast as Monday went, Friday came, and since Allen was working after school, you had to ask Alfred for a ride home. You had been extremely nervous about how he was going to react to the fact that you had been getting rides from Allen for the past couple of days (at Allen's request, of course). In fact, you hadn't even spoken to Alfred since the day he had almost gotten into a fight with Allen. You could tell that he was still harboring feelings over the fact that you had chosen to go with Allen that day instead of the him. In the end, however, to your great surprise, he agreed to drive you home without the slightest hint of hesitation.

The ride to your house was painful to say the least.

He hadn't said a word to you besides the half-hearted "Hey" as you hopped into the passenger seat. Every once in a while, he would turn his head as if he were about to speak, but eventually, he'd turn away again. He had something on his mind and from the looks of it, he had no idea whether or not he should share. God this is awkward...

Sighing, you sifted in the passenger seat, cracking your back comfortably in the process. You didn't miss how Alfred flinched at the noise. You turned to look at him, "Al... is something bothering you?" His hands tightened on the steering wheel as his eyes changed from cerulean to a stormy shade of blue. "No." You hesitated, "Alfred-" "I said NO, why don't you just drop it, alright?!" You pressed back further into your seat slightly, not wanting to be close to him when he was so obviously angry. You inhaled slightly, letting your eyes focus on your bag clenched tightly in your lap. What's wrong with me? I've never been afraid of Alfred before... "Sorry," you whispered, a slight tremor in your voice as you spoke.

-Alfred-

Blinking in shock, he let his eyes settle on you uncertainly. She sounds... scared. But I would never hurt her! She can't be afraid of me... can she? Doesn't she know that she can trust me? I'm just pissed at how things turned out the other day, I'm not angry at her... Besides, it was Allen who started all this!

Alfred scowled darkly. I bet she's upset that I was arguing with him... Ugh, God Damnit! That wasn't even my fault! HE should have stood up for her! HE should have PROTECTED her!

Alfred jerked his eyes back to the road angrily. There is no reason for her to be afraid or frustrated with me, after all, she chose to be on Allen's side anyway...

The anger, frustration, and insecurity rolled around painfully in Alfred's chest as he shifted the car into park and rolled to a stop in front of (Y/N)'s house. He sighed as she quickly gathered her things before reaching out to gently touch her arm to stop her from sliding out of the truck. "Hey-" His teeth gritted harshly as she jerked away, fear flashing through her eyes. He pulled his hand back. "O-oh, I'm sorry. What is it, Alfred?"

Breath hissed through his nose in a deep exhale as he studied (Y/n) carefully. Should I still tell her about the party? She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. Finally, Alfred opened his mouth.

"Nothing. It's not important."

-You-

You took a step back, feeling confused as a stony eyed Alfred pulled the passenger door shut. "I'll see you Monday, (Y/n)." You managed to stutter out a quick goodbye before Alfred drove away. "Y-yeah, I'll see you, Alfred."

You stared at the back of his truck, until it disappeared behind the corner of your street, feeling slightly offended. Why is he so angry? Huffing and shoving the hurt feelings to the back of your mind, you turned and walked into your house.

After grabbing a pack of fruit snacks from the kitchen and hauling your heavy bag upstairs, you flopped unceremoniously down onto your bed. Bzzzzzzz. You sighed as your phone rang and dragged yourself halfway off the bed to snatch it up. Turning the screen on, your eyebrows raised in surprise. hey (y/n) its the awesome Gilbert asking you what time you want me to pick u up tonite.

Gilbert? Why is Gilbert texting me? You typed your reply quickly before sending it along. What's happening tonight? Munching happily on fruit snacks, you waited for him to respond. Bzzzzzz. what? Alfred didnt tell u about the party? You frowned this time as you texted back. No. Honestly though, I didn't think he was that type of person... You waited. Bzzzzzzz.

Kesesesesese! He USED to be one of the biggest partiers around, until he decided that his rental's "love" and college were more important. But this'll be good for him after what happened on Monday, he needs a break ;) You sat up on the bed, staring intently at your phone. But... if Alfred goes to this and his parents find out... You waited. Bzzzzzzz. ooohhh... yeah- they'd be pretty pissed. Kesesese! might even kick him out. but it's not like you'd be the one to tell on him, right?

You sat frozen for several moments, stunned. Bzzzzzzz. ...(Y/n)? You took a deep breath. No. No I won't tell. What time did you want to pick me up?

-Alfred-

Whipping down the back allyway on the way to Antonio's house, Alfred pulled his phone from his back pocket and dialed the number of the only person he knew who could make this now ridiculous party tonight worthwhile.

Rinnggg. Rinnggg. Rinnggg. Alfred glanced around quickly as he slowed down at a stop sign before gunning his truck across the road and into the far lane HOOONNKK! Alfred chuckled as the car hit 60 and leveled out. Rinnggg. Rinngg- "Hallo?" Alfred felt himself smiling humorlessly. "Hey Lars, what are you doing tonight?"

Writer's Note: Hey guys, sorry it's so short! *drops to knees and begs for forgiveness* Just one more week of school before I'm FREE! (Until next year... *sigh*) I have the rest of this story planned so I'm just working on getting it written down. Stayed tuned, the end is coming... maybe. Thanks for reading! Peace-Berries and Beans