A few days later –

The school was abuzz with talk and gossip. Their first homecoming was going to be sooner than what it usually was. Girls were thrilled and going dress shopping while the football team was staying after every day and practicing until five. Anyone would have been worn down to the point of being overly fatigued. But Alfred seemed to have enough energy to power New York City for a life time. It wasn't human. Yet, it was interesting to watch. Arthur would watch with a cig in his mouth. And Alfred would take it and put it out with his shoe.

Today at practice was no different. "I really hate, hate, hate smoking. It makes your dick smaller," He said. Today Arthur dropped the cigarette, well, more like it slipped from his lips.

"You lie!" Arthur growled. The football team was watching them again. They all would stop what they were doing just to watch the two. Alfred was to stupid to notice but Arthur hated how they would just look at them.

"I don't! It's true. Your dick gets smaller!" He said, his voice totally serious. Arthur pulled out the whole pack. His face was disgusted by the newly learned fact. Alfred took the pack and broke each cigarette in half. The both smiled and walked away together. The football team wrinkled their noses as they disappeared for their rides home.

"So, Al, have you asked anyone to the dance yet?" Arthur asked as he tried to stick his hands into his pockets of his torn up skinny jeans. Alfred shook his head. Arthur shivered from the cold chill in the air and gave up on putting his hands into his pockets. "Why not?" He asked, shivering once again. Alfred pulled off his jacket and draped it over Arthur's shoulders.

"I just haven't really seen any girls I like," He said. Arthur nodded but didn't really understand. The school had lots of pretty girls in all grades. "What about you Artie? Why haven't you asked anyone? I think Kiku might have a little crush on ya," Alfred smiled and Arthur shook his head, holding the jacket close.

"Kiku is already in a love triangle with the new Greek boy and the Turkish junior. And I think he's going to ask one of them out. I bet it'll be the Turkish one."

"No way, he's a creeper! He'll ask out the Greek, I bet you!" Alfred smiled and pulled out five dollars. He waved the money with a grin. Arthur smiled while shaking his head.

"Don't make bets you can't win Al," He said. And so a playful bet was made between them. Alfred laughed to himself.

"Well, looks like Kiku is out of the picture for ya. What bout his older cousin, Yao. From what I heard, he's single and loves Hello Kitty," Alfred said, playfully elbowing Arthur's arm. He smiled but once again Arthur shook his head. Alfred pouted childishly and crossed his arms.

"Enough trying to hook me up, what about you? That girl from Mexico looks like she really likes you, oh, and the girl from Ireland is always checking you out. And then there is the whole cheer-leading team and the dance team, and the girls track team," He said loudly, pulling the jacket closer to his chest. Alfred laughed.

"There is no way the list is that long," Alfred sad as they reached his house. He turned to the Brit and grabbed the front of the hood before getting close to Arthur's face. That smile became real playful. Arthur blushed and felt his heart skip a beat. Closing his eyes he waited. He was going mad. Alfred the whispered, "Don't forget to return the jacket," then walked away. Arthur opened his eyes, feeling like an idiot. Walking down the sidewalk he cursed loudly.

"He's straight you idiot! Of course he wasn't going to kiss you, idiot. He must think you're so stupid," Arthur said to himself, mimicking the voice of his father. Somewhat of a habit he had after doing something stupid. He rubbed his forehead. "I can't believe I actually thought he was… I'm a stupid bloody wanker. He would never kiss me," He said to himself with his head down.

Matthew covered his nose with his blanket, the strong smell of body odor made him very much aware of the fact that Alfred was home. The smell was worst than the smell of dead animals. He pitied Arthur from having to walk from the school to their house. But he was sure Arthur had lost his ability to smell.

He gagged and ran for the trash can where he was able to take a second look at his dinner. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand he muttered, "Damn you Gilbert, this is your entire fault." Gilbert had kissed him while he had some kind of nasty stomach bug, which in doing so, passed it on to Matthew. Matthew puked and laid down next to the can. Alfred came into the room and looked down at his brother.

"Damn bro, are you alright?" Alfred asked, grabbing a pair of PJ pants. Matthew glared at him before returning to the trashcan. Alfred wrinkled his nose and left the room. Matthew pulled the blanket from his bed and moaned.

"Damn it Gilbert! I hate you," He growled.

"Are you sure about that?" Gilbert asked, poking his head into the room from the open window. Matthew puked again into the trashcan. Gilbert crawled into the room and sat down next to him. He gently petted the wavy blond hair. "Sorry kid." He kissed the top of the head. Matthew glared at Gilbert but he couldn't find the energy to stay mad at him.

"Gilbert…" The door knob turned and Matthew shoved him under the bed. Alfred walked in wearing his PJ's.

"Hey Matthew… your alright, right?" Alfred asked, daring to go no further than his own bed. He crawled under his blankets and peeked over at his brother.

"I'm fine Al, just go to sleep," He said with Gilbert smiling at him from under the bed. The albino waited until he heard snoring before crawling out. "Please go home Gilbert. Before he wakes up," Matthew begged. Gilbert kissed his forehead and left out the window. Matthew closed his eyes and went t sleep next to the trashcan.

By the next day he was sore all over, feeling much better however. He crawled off the floor with a moan. Alfred stared at him. "What's with the look?" Matthew growled, his mood less than pleased. The thought of his date with Gilbert didn't help to improve it. Alfred backed off and left his brother alone in their bedroom. "Damn weekends," He hissed, knowing that he couldn't stand Gilbert up.

The albino would just crawl to his window. So, with a sigh, he got dressed in his favorite red hockey jersey and baggy blue jeans. Matthew walked out past his twin and noticed he wasn't dressed in his weekend outfit. In other words he was out of his Pj's before noon. "Where are you going?" He grumbled, rubbing the dry drool from his chin.

"Out with Arthur, you?"

"Out with… out with a friend of mine," Matthew blushed and rushed down the steps.