I'm happy with the chapter length on this one :P

I figured at least once in this story, I should relive the past and make up some more facts XD but actually, I've been wanting to write this in for ages, but now it's got something to go with it and not make it some weird little scene. So, a little forsight :D

Enjoy!

'Hey, Simon! Look at this!' Alvin called over the sofa to his brother the next morning. Dave and Theodore were out shopping for groceries since the Chipettes and Cruise would be coming over and Theodore wanted to prepare something special. Alvin was watching the T.V while Simon was just out of the shower and getting breakfast.

Simon made himself comfortable next to Alvin, hovering his breakfast carefully and then setting it down on the coffee table.

Alvin smiled fondly at Simon and pointed at the T.V. 'This documentary just came on.' He indicated the screen with a tilt of his head. 'And it's about chipmunks.'

Simon pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, slightly interested. 'Anything on mates?' He asked.

Nodding, Alvin replied. 'I swear it's all they've been talking about.' He smirked. 'Look;' he watched the screen.

Simon sat forward. 'They're boys.' He noticed. Alvin nodded.

"While it's illegal in some countries, chipmunks have no problem mating with the same sex."

Simon chuckled. 'That's scarily relevant.' He stated, taking a mouthful of cereal.

"In a way, chipmunks are almost cruel. They need only claim a mate and the recipient would have no choice but to fall victim and let them."

'They make it sound heartless.' Alvin commented, frowning. Simon swallowed and looked at Alvin seriously.

'It is heartless. In the wild, that's how it happens.' He explained. 'Mind you, claiming isn't always one-sided. There are two types: formal and forced.' He indicated the T.V with his spoon. 'They're talking about forced claiming.'

'Since when are there two types?' Alvin queried.

Simon shrugged. 'I never told you this because claiming seemed so far away.' He smiled slyly. 'But now it looks much closer.'

'So this "forced" claiming is more popular?' Alvin guessed.

'Unfortunately.' Simon agreed, 'But I think you'll agree that formal is better.' He took another spoonful. Alvin absently watched him.

'What's the diff –?' He cut short as the commentary continued.

"This particular couple on the screen are a brother and sister about to mate. Again, although this type of behaviour is wrong by human law, chipmunks have no problem mating with a relation."

Alvin pouted at Simon. 'Hear that? "No problem"!' He pointed at the screen. Simon smirked as the brother and sister started mating. Alvin looked over, too, rolled his eyes and turned it off. 'So it was alright all along?' He demanded.

Simon shrugged. 'Calm down, Alvin, I never said it was wrong.' He smiled. 'But we are in the human's world and we're supposed to act like it.' He leaned forward and ate again.

Alvin folded his arms. 'At least now I can kiss you without a guilty conscience.' He stated.

'You had a guilty conscience?' Simon asked, amused and about to swallow.

Alvin nodded. 'But I loved you anyway.' He pointed out. He looked down at his hands in his lap. 'Si, when the time comes... you don't want to be claimed by force, do you?' He bit his lip, thinking of the sentence; "the recipient would have no choice but to fall victim...". He didn't think he'd be able to live with the fact that Simon didn't have a proper choice.

Simon blushed, sat back and cupped Alvin's cheek to look at him, then let go. 'If it were up to me, Alvin, I'd rather you claimed formally. But it is your choice.'

'Not that I'm complaining, but why am I the one claiming?' Alvin questioned.

Simon shrugged. 'I just thought it seemed right; you're the eldest.'

'Does that matter?' Alvin asked.

'Not unless it's a formal claim.' Simon replied.

Alvin rolled his eyes. 'You still haven't told me what a "formal" claim is exactly.' He chided. Simon smiled.

'Well, it's a lot like marriage, I guess.' He began. 'A forced claim is where a chipmunk either states out loud that the other is going to be their mate, or just has sex to claim.' He blushed as soon as the word "sex" came out. 'A formal claim is where... well, if it were you and me, you'd ask me if I wanted to be your mate. If I wanted to say yes, I'd then ask you one thing.' He looked down. 'I don't need to ask you anything, but the claim would be much stronger. Anyway, and then you'd ask me one question, and if both of us have responded correctly, then we'd formally be mates. And if the older one begins the claim, then it's usually stronger, but I'm not sure why. It's also usually preferred for us to mate after, again strengthening the claim.' He ended his explanation blushing crimson.

Alvin grinned. 'I like that one better.' He admitted. 'So now I have to stand the wait for us to have a private hour.' He stood.

'You do.' Simon noticed. 'And it won't be today, since everyone's going to be here.'

'Maybe tomorrow when they're all gone, then?' Alvin offered. Simon chuckled.

'We'll see.' He nodded. Alvin left to their bedroom, his heart beating faster: he and Simon would be fully mates soon... he was sure he wanted this. He'd never been so sure about anything in his life.

About half an hour later, Dave returned with Theodore and they both packed the groceries in the fridge and Theodore set to work on cooking. Dave proceeded to clean up the house, vacuuming downstairs.

He stopped when he heard a thud coming from his boys' bedroom, and his thoughts processed slowly;

It's not Theodore, he's in the kitchen. I hope Alvin's not fighting with Simon again. Wait. A thud? Bedroom? Alvin and Simon? His brown eyes narrowed slightly as he continued fearing the worst. Alvin's pain isn't due yet. He finalised, turning off the vacuum and heading upstairs.

'– so sorry...' Alvin's concerned voice met Dave's ears first.

'That's okay... it didn't really hurt that much.' Simon replied.

'Still...'

'What happened here?' Dave announced himself, entering the room. He found the twins sitting on Alvin's bed, the red-clad boy had Simon's shirt lifted slightly over his white pants so as to reveal skin on the younger brother's hip. Alvin had his hand pressed there and was looking apologetically at Simon. His expression changed to a startled one when he noticed Dave.

'I accidentally threw my tennis ball at Simon, and he fell over...' Alvin replied. Dave eyed the shirt, Alvin noticed his suspicion and explained. 'I hit him on the hip, I was checking for a bruise.' He smiled sheepishly at Simon, who shook his head, smiling.

'I'm fine, Alvin.' He insisted.

Dave blew out a relieved breath: nothing what he thought. 'Alvin, he said he's okay. You can stop touching him.'

Alvin blushed a bit and removed his hand. 'Y-yeah.' He cleared his throat. 'We were getting the air mattresses,' he stood and walked over to the cupboard, Simon following suit soon after. Dave nodded and left the room. He chided himself for being paranoid about his boys' behaviour, knowing neither of them would actually be attracted to one another.

Meanwhile, Alvin took charge in hoisting the mattresses out of the closet in their room. Simon watched with folded arms.

'Alvin. I can help, you know.' He reminded.

Alvin shook his head. 'No. You're injured.' He insisted.

Simon chuckled. 'I love you,' he told Alvin, 'but I promise you I'm fine.' He helped fish out a red one with Alvin, regardless of the reluctant looks Alvin showed.

When they were done Simon planted a small kiss on Alvin's lips, when they parted he raised a brow. 'How do you "accidentally" hit me with a tennis ball?' He suddenly frowned.

Alvin averted his gaze. 'I wasn't aiming for you. I was trying to get your attention by hitting the door beside you, but...'

'I stepped in the way?' Simon finished.

Alvin's eyes widened. 'I'm in no way blaming you, Si! I was being an idiot and I never should have –'

'Alvin, it's just a little accident.' Simon smiled fondly. 'Don't lose sleep over it, okay?'

Alvin smiled and bit his lip. 'I'm really sorry.' He finalised.

'I know, I know...' Simon chuckled. 'You are very protective.'

Alvin blushed. 'I don't want you to get hurt.' He explained. 'Especially because of me.'

Simon nodded and kissed Alvin on the cheek. 'I'm not being sarcastic when I say that it's good to know you're looking out for me.' He smiled and Alvin returned it.

There was a relatively long pause during which the boys simply stood and gazed at one another, then finally Simon spoke up again.

'The girls will be here soon.' He reminded.

Alvin nodded, snapping out of his fond thoughts of Simon and putting on a determined face. 'Let's get these mattresses downstairs.' He announced, carrying one and heading for the door. Simon smiled and shook his head, also grabbing one and following his brother.

The aroma of home-made lasagne greeted the twins as they approached the landing of the stairs and both couldn't help but smile. This was the third time Theodore had made lasagne by himself and they got better every time. This one wasn't even in the oven yet. Theodore always said that if it tasted good before it's cooked, then it'll taste even better after.

The living room was clean and Alvin and Simon placed the mattresses down slightly in front of the T.V. Since they weren't inflated, they'd brought two each and lifted the cap of both, watching them inflate.

Alvin noticed the problem. 'We've only got five of these, remember?' He pointed out. 'Usually one of us sleeps on the sofa. Cruise is coming.' A smile fluttered across his lips. 'You think we can get away with sleeping with each other?'

Simon chuckled. 'Alvin, everyone but Cruise and Theodore knows we're actually involved.' He chided playfully. 'I don't think I want to risk the looks they'd give us.' He thought a moment. 'If we joined two of the mattresses up, though...' He frowned, 'there wouldn't be a problem. I could sleep in the middle of you and Cruise... and then no one would really be suspicious...'

'But then Cruise is with us.' Alvin stated with a hint of a groan.

'Think of it this way, Alvin,' Simon started, 'this way, you're with me all night, he can still talk to me but he doesn't have to take me away. And when everyone's asleep we can sneak some kisses.' He smirked. 'Besides, if we don't want to make people feel awkward, we'd probably end up not talking to each other too often anyways.'

'Okay.' Alvin huffed, giving in. 'But at least try to get away from Cruise every once in a while.' He blushed. ''Cause I know I'll miss talking to you.' Simon nodded in confirmation.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Dave yelled out "Coming!" and came down the stairs and headed for the door.

'Someone's early.' Alvin noticed.

'Or three someone's.' Simon put in. They both reached the front hall just as Dave opened the door.

'Hi, I'm Cruise Williams. You must be Mr. Seville.' Cruise shook Dave's hand politely.

'No, it's your stalker friend.' Alvin smiled. Simon hit him lightly on the shoulder.

'He's not a stalker. I enjoy talking to him.' Simon insisted. He waved and smiled to Cruise as he entered the house. Cruise did the same and met them, smiling and carrying a bag and a pillow. The picture was comical in Alvin's mind, until he noticed Cruise was wearing a white cap that said "motor sports" on it in gold writing. Just as he noticed it, Cruise took it off. Alvin remembered him wearing it at the beach, too, but he never really paid attention then. But now it annoyed him.

Seriously..? He thought, staring at it, he has to wear a cap, like I do? Alvin resisted the urge to glare and resided to folding his arms. Cruise noticed Alvin's behaviour curiously, but he decided to ask later.

'Hey, Cruise.' Simon greeted, oblivious.

'Simon. Alvin.' Cruise nodded to each of them.

Alvin made a non-committal shrug and said "hi". He was not looking forward to the time he'd have to be away from Simon. Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he smiled.

'Si,' he turned to him. Simon nodded for him to continue, 'you know that problem that keeps happening to me?' He let himself blush a little just so Simon could catch on better. 'Well, that's due today again...'

Simon had a small look of realisation. 'Right. T-tell me when it's coming.' He instructed in a determined voice. Alvin nodded and kept on a small smile, satisfied that he would be spending time with Simon sometime today, and that it would be an intimate meeting.

'I guess it's something private..?' Cruise spoke up, not sure if he should even be in the conversation. Alvin gave him a look that read "back off" in the nicest possible way, and Cruise looked down. Simon noticed the look exchanged and gave Alvin a warning glare.

But then Simon got curious. He'd learnt that Cruise didn't know his family, and that he was orphaned then taken in by the Williams family, so, if he was the eldest, or an only child, he'd get the same as Alvin.

So Simon responded. 'It's not that private. Do you ever get stomach pains?' He asked Cruise, amused more than guilty to know that this would irritate Alvin.

Cruise shrugged. 'I guess. Once in a while, I suppose.' He replied. Simon nodded and then Cruise turned to Alvin. 'I could help you with that, you know. I've studied all of these remedies for anything like that.'

Simon couldn't help but silently laugh at the look on Alvin's face at the suggestion of "help" from Cruise.

'Simon's doing pretty well himself.' Alvin insisted, still a little shocked. 'But thanks for the offer.'

Cruise simply nodded. Inwardly, he was confused at the reaction that got, and a little curious.

'Uh, you can bring your things in here,' Simon said, still smiling, and led Cruise into the living room. Cruise took in the surroundings and dropped his things by a sofa.

'Your house is beautiful.' He praised. Alvin couldn't help but feel a little better about Cruise for complimenting the house.

So then there was the wait for the Chipettes to arrive. Cruise and Simon went into the kitchen together and Alvin was left with himself, his liking for Cruise dwindling.

He didn't know what to do with himself. He put his hands in his pockets and paced a little.

Cruise is such a copy of me. He thought savagely. Maybe... maybe he's got a crush on Simon! Alvin looked up in realisation. That could be true... he spends enough time with him... and covers it up with talk of how much he likes Brittany... who would like Brittany willingly anyway? Alvin dropped onto the sofa, miserable. Maybe Simon's going to be stolen from me... and I could never do anything about it, because Simon won't think it's happening...

'So, Alvin,' Alvin jumped up at Simon's voice. Simon was standing over him, smirking a little.

'Oh, Simon...' Alvin blew out a breath, 'you startled me.'

'Right.' Simon set himself beside Alvin. 'What were you so deep in thought about?'

Alvin folded his arms. 'Cruise...' he muttered. Simon chuckled.

'I left him in the kitchen with Theodore.' Simon promised. 'So, you know you can tell me about it.'

Alvin sighed. 'Simon, do you realise how much Cruise is like... like...'

'You?' Simon finished. Alvin nodded. 'Of course I do.' He narrowed his eyes. 'Alvin, we went through this: I don't have a crush on Cruise.'

Alvin shook his head. 'I don't mean that. I'm just worried he might have a crush on you... and since we're so close, he might be copying me to get to you...' Alvin blushed. It all sounded so childish now that he'd said it. 'I'm just worried...' he finalised.

'Alvin, that's not worry; that's paranoid.' Simon smiled a little. 'So you're saying that he stalked you before coming to this town so he could get in shape and be fit like you; he magically got your eyes just by wanting to be like you and he studied your wardrobe?' Simon bit his lip.

Alvin groaned. 'I'm just saying that his looks are a factor you are attracted to, and he might have realised that, and he might manipulate you!'

'Alvin.' Simon moved Alvin's chin to face him. 'You're going too far, and Cruise is a good friend. Don't worry about anything like that; do you really think I'd leave you?'

Alvin just looked down again. 'I've hurt you enough by accusing you of things.' He noticed. Simon nodded.

'You have.' He agreed modestly. 'But I've moved past those: please just move past Cruise's accidental likeness.' Alvin looked up and caught Simon's soft pleading look. He smiled and nodded.

'I promise you I'll try.' He insisted. Simon smiled gratefully and softly kissed Alvin.

As their lips parted the doorbell rang and Alvin groaned.

'I bet you Brittany's taken back her acceptance of me...' Alvin spoke his worry aloud. Simon laid his palm on Alvin's cheek.

'Come on, Alvin.' He encouraged. 'Be positive.' He smirked and stood, walking back to the kitchen to tell Cruise his crush was here.

Ha! Fun chapter to write :D I really wanted to establish Alvin's over-protectiveness of Simon because of Cruise, and the little theories running around as to who likes who, but there'll be more on that in the next chapter, which will be up soon!

Thanks for the support; all the reviews really help me to get going and update XD