Hey! Short-ish chapter, but leads up to stuff that is extremely important, since this story's coming to a close, soon.

Enjoy!

Brittany picked Truth because so far, it was the most interesting thing going on in this game, and she didn't want to miss out. Plus, she felt less guilty by allowing Simon to participate in payback. Not that she felt that guilty.

Simon still felt awkward; not because everyone was looking at him, but because they were looking at him differently, and he wasn't one hundred percent sure he wanted to admit what he did. He was about half sure when he said it, and he pushed to seventy-five percent when Alvin showed he was supporting him, but he still didn't like to think of what everyone thought of him. Most of all Cruise and Jeanette.

So he had an even harder time than usual to pick a question for Brittany. She was waiting with an amused smile and she looked delighted with the evening's events, and Simon had no clue what he could ask her. He wanted for her to subtly admit she liked Cruise, and asking her outright was just plain conspicuous and interfering.

His eyes lit up and he smiled as a question popped up. 'So, Brittany, how come you're over Alvin so fast?' he mused. Brittany's smile fell a little, and Alvin blushed, sending Simon a "why?" look.

'O-oh, I – what?' She stammered, her crystal blue eyes showed that she was unprepared for that. 'I... well, I just am.' She finished.

Simon smiled, happy that he was now the one amused at her. 'Come on, Brit, there's got to be a reason.' He pressed.

She looked straight up and smirked at Simon. 'Well, Alvin's unavailable, isn't he?' She retorted, Simon frowned at that. 'And I don't want to be interested in him anymore.' She folded her arms. 'There are other perfectly fine boys in this street.' She chuckled a bit. 'But now that you're unavailable –'

'Brit.' Alvin chided.

'So you two were an item?' Cruise asked, a little confused. Simon had told him it was an act.

Brittany shook her head. 'There was a long time we both wanted to be. Then that stopped, and then there was... a couple of weeks ago, but we never formally became a couple.'

Alvin blushed at "formally", remembering his claiming duty, and he felt himself guiltily staring at his hands for those weeks ago. Simon had been so mad at him for that.

'So have you found a new interest, or something?' Eleanor put in, knowing very well. Brittany blushed, officially defeated. They were all waiting for it. Most of them knew.

'C-Cruise, I like you.' She stated. 'A lot.' She didn't look at him and kept her blush as hidden as possible.

Cruise was shocked to hear it. Sure, he'd been hoping, and he'd imagined her saying it – but this was just it. She really did like him.

'T-that's why I'm over Alvin.' Brittany continued. She finally looked up and she smiled, looking into his blue eyes. 'And I know... I know you like me too,' she admitted, 'and I'd be... absolutely willing if you... asked me out...'

Cruise grinned, processing everything Brittany just said and his smile grew wider. He took the initiative and leaned into Brittany, catching her lips on his and kissing her lightly.

'That was risky.' Alvin whispered to Simon. Simon smiled.

'Was it?' He asked.

'Brittany could have easily blamed it on us being together.' Alvin pointed out. 'And then we'd have to admit that. And then all hell would break lose.'

Simon chuckled. 'Brittany likes to tease us, apparently, but I don't think she'd ever actually say it.'

'A lot to gamble on an "I think".' Alvin scolded playfully.

'Well, I'm pretty daring.' Simon replied sarcastically. Alvin laughed quietly. They stopped conversing as Cruise and Brittany parted from each other.

'I'm sorry if that w-was too soon,' Cruise apologised nervously. Brittany shook her head.

'It was perfect.' She promised, pecking him on the lips and holding his hand. Brittany then turned her head to Jeanette. 'So, Jenny, Truth or Dare?'

Jeanette looked slightly terrified at the prospect of spilling her secrets, but she knew that a dare would be just as bad. 'T-truth.' She chose unsteadily.

'Where have you been going all the time?' Brittany asked eagerly. 'You boys probably haven't noticed,' she spoke to the confused faces of the four boys, 'but Jenny's been going out of the house for a long time for, well, no apparent reason.' She looked at her younger sister.

Jeanette blushed. 'Well, I got a part-time desk job at the library...' she admitted.

'What? Since when?' Eleanor asked.

Jeanette shrugged. 'Before this season started.' She told them. 'I wanted to make an income.' She blushed. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you.'

'Surely you don't need to be there for six hours.' Brittany asked sceptically. 'Why are you there all the time?'

'I like the library.' Jeanette insisted. 'I'm researching... things...'

Brittany frowned. 'Jeanette, what "things"?'

The brunette shook her head. 'Brittany, I can't say. If I do, I'm spilling other's secrets as well as my own, and I just can't do that.' Jeanette looked down.

Simon looked at her curiously. What's going on, Jeanette? He thought.

Brittany huffed. 'Fine then.' She gave up. 'Tell me later.'

Jeanette just nodded slowly.

'Desert's ready!' Dave called the seven chipmunks into the kitchen and it struck Simon terribly if Dave had heard his little proclamation. And I'm back down to sixty percent sure. He thought savagely, avoiding everyone but Alvin's gaze during the whole meal. He didn't know what Dave would do.

Alvin bracingly joined his hand with Simon's under the table, like he had done to him. But Simon smiled at him gratefully. He was so happy to have someone completely okay with it supporting him. Brittany was, in her own way, but having Alvin was a relief.

"""

After desert they all went quietly back to the living room, taking in turns to get changed and not really speaking. Alvin was with Simon all through, letting him know he would be there for him. Cruise hadn't said much on the topic, which Alvin savagely thought was very cruel, but then again, he just got himself a new girlfriend.

It was a plus that Cruise wouldn't be talking with Simon all the time anymore.

But just before they were about to get to bed, Cruise knew he needed to talk to Simon. He whispered to him "Can we talk somewhere?" to which Simon nodded and they ventured out of the room together, and Simon led them to the landing of the basement, having the door slightly open.

He didn't maintain eye contact with Cruise, since he knew what they would be talking about and he didn't know how his friend would take it.

'So... so you're –'

'Gay.' Simon finished, wanting to say it himself once more, trying to prove it was okay.

'How long?' Cruise was anxious about this question. It would tell him he might have little to worry about, or a whole lot.

Simon blew out a breath. 'A couple of months? A year?' He shook his head. 'I'm not sure anymore. A while.'

'B-before I came?' Cruise asked, feeling guilty for asking this. Simon looked at Cruise, now, slightly offended and a little defensive.

'Yes, Cruise. Well before I knew you.' He answered honestly, with force. 'And no, I'm not interested in you like that.' He folded his arms. 'You're the second person who's accused me of that.'

Cruise blushed and nodded. 'I'm sorry, I had to ask.' He looked down himself. 'Someone else asked you that?' He picked up on that bit of information.

Simon nodded, folding his arms. 'Yeah, Alvin.' He admitted. 'He was just making sure, too.' He still couldn't decide if Cruise was okay with this or not. He certainly seemed to find it harder to maintain eye contact.

'Oh.' Cruise looked up. 'Alvin seemed so shocked, though. I thought he mustn't know.'

'He knew, he just didn't expect me to admit it,' Simon nodded. 'Neither did I.' Cruise still looked a little uncomfortable. Simon sighed and unfolded his arms. 'I can understand if you want to rearrange the sleeping arrangements.' He insisted.

Cruise shook his head quickly. 'No! No, don't worry, I'm not... I'm okay with it, just...' he bit his lip, 'I mean, is there even a possibility you're interested in me?'

Simon mentally rolled his eyes. 'No, Cruise. I have a boyfriend, and he's amazing.' He replied. 'He made me like this, and I've never been interested in another boy.'

'O-oh...' Cruise smiled in relief, 'I'm glad you've got someone.'

Simon shook his head, smiling, too. 'I'm glad you got someone tonight.' He rebounded.

Cruise grinned at Simon. 'I know,' he agreed, 'I don't know what happened, it all went so quickly, and I just... I don't know why, but I kissed her. I couldn't control myself.'

Simon, for once, let himself ponder that knowledge. Urges? Obviously from spring. He got no pain, but he had urges. Lustful urges. Not unlike Simon.

Simon realised with his smile dropping: that meant Cruise was second born. Which meant he had a family somewhere; he had an older sibling. An older brother, since girls never got those pains.

'Simon, you don't look happy anymore.' Cruise noticed with a frown. 'Are you okay?'

'Cruise...' he murmured, 'd-do you remember having an older brother?' He bit his lip, knowing he was touching a tender subject.

'Not that I remember, but it's possible.' Cruise said slowly. 'Why?'

Simon shook his head. 'I'll tell you later. It takes too long to explain.' He smiled. 'You want to go see your girlfriend again?'

Cruise blushed a little. 'Simon, who is it? Who are you dating, now?' He mused.

Simon didn't expect that. He blushed. Why would Cruise ask him that? He didn't know anyone here, anyway. 'U-uhm, I...' Simon didn't know what to say. He couldn't lie to Cruise, but he couldn't tell him. Not his soon, not after the shock of his friend being gay. Being incest, too? Would Cruise cope? 'I... he's...' Simon sighed. 'I can't tell you.' He admitted. 'I'm sorry, but, not yet...'

'Why? Are you... I dunno, ashamed of him or something?' Cruise was even more curious now.

'No,' Simon chuckled. 'No, no, he's the best thing that ever happened to me.' He locked his gaze with Cruise. 'I just don't want to tell you yet. Let me still be a little of a mystery.'

They exited the basement landing and were met with Alvin, a smug smile on his lips.

Cruise blushed and walked away, wondering if Alvin thought anything suspicious about he and Simon in the basement together.

'So,' Alvin began, walking along side Simon, 'that amazing boyfriend's the best thing that ever happened to you, huh?' He smirked. Simon stopped them and he kissed Alvin lightly.

'You bet.' He agreed and continued walking. Alvin's smile widened in content and he followed his brother upstairs to gather his pyjamas. Alvin was already dressed in his and he waited while Simon got undressed and redressed, not bothering to look away.

'Watch out, Alvin, you might get excited.' Simon stated as he fitted on his long-sleeved pj's top and pulled up the long blue pants. Alvin shrugged.

'Maybe I want to get excited.' He countered. 'Do you think we could get away with "falling asleep" up here by "accident"?'

Simon chuckled. 'You can no longer deal with company.' He noticed. Alvin frowned.

'Fine.' He said, walking up to Simon. He smiled and helped him button up the shirt. Simon rolled his eyes.

'You're hoping I'll have to deal with your "excitement".' He figured. Alvin bit his lip.

'Maybe...' he said softly, leaving the last button undone suggestively. Simon laughed lightly and pushed Alvin away, completing the dressing process.

'Come on,' Simon stated, 'let's go sleep together.'

Alvin scowled playfully. 'Ha ha, Simon, very funny.' He smirked. 'Good to know you'll be with "the best thing that ever happened to you".' He pointed out. Simon smiled.

'That's right.' He agreed, starting to walk downstairs again, Alvin right beside him Simon frowned suddenly. 'Alvin, I found out Cruise is second-born.' He remembered. Alvin looked up at him.

'How?' He mused.

'He gets lustful urges, like me,' Simon explained passively. Alvin smirked.

'Oh, do you now?' He teased. Simon sent him a bored look.

'Not now, okay?' He smiled at Alvin's pout. 'Alvin, that means that he has a family somewhere. He at least has a big brother.'

Alvin looked down. 'How'd he take that?' He asked softly.

'I didn't tell him exactly...' Simon admitted. 'I didn't feel like explaining all about spring to him... and if I did... he might know about... about us.' Simon closed his eyes. 'Alvin, is that wrong?' He asked.

'What?' Alvin replied curiously.

'Not telling him he has a brother.' Simon sighed. 'I only won't tell him because of our own secret. Is that wrong? It seems so selfish...'

Alvin was taken aback. 'Simon! You're not selfish! Bury the thought!' He exclaimed. 'You'll tell him eventually. Or get Brittany to do it. Don't think that, please...' Alvin quietened when they reached the living room. Before they went inside, Alvin stopped Simon. 'By the way,' he began, 'I think you're incredibly brave to tell everyone what you did.' Alvin looked down, blushing. 'I don't know if I'd have the guts to do that. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated it.' He gave Simon a chaste kiss. 'I love you.'

Simon gave him a grateful smile and they both entered the living room, helping set up the room and mattresses. Eleanor claimed the couch, Jeanette and Brittany would have their own mattress, as well as Theo, and Simon joined up the remaining two firmly, so he wouldn't fall down the middle.

They all gathered blankets and pillows and finally, the lights went out, they slid themselves under their covers and it was quiet. Quieter than usual, for a sleepover. Then again, the day's events were hardly usual, and most of them were tired.

Cruise did no whisperings to Simon during the night, and he fell asleep quickly, his heavy breathing along with Eleanor and Theodore set up a mental checklist in Simon's mind.

Three down... two to go... he faced Alvin as soon as Cruise fell asleep, and the eldest smiled fondly at him, Simon returned the smile and mouthed for him to stay awake. Alvin nodded silently.

They waited and finally, steady light breathing told them Jeanette was asleep. The brother's waited patiently for Brittany, and finally she fell asleep after a few minutes.

'So.' Alvin whispered. Simon smiled amusedly.

'So.' He echoed. 'Did you enjoy today?'

Alvin shrugged. 'I guess.' He shook his head smiling. 'It was very eventful.' He then looked at Simon curiously. 'How did Cruise take you being..?' Alvin was disappointed he couldn't say it. He took a deep breath and spat it out. 'being gay?'

'He asked me if I had a crush on him.' Simon replied. Alvin frowned.

'That's a little rude.' He defended. Simon chuckled.

'You accused me, too.' He pointed out. Alvin rolled his eyes.

'Yeah, well I'm your brother and your boyfriend,' Alvin stated, 'I'm allowed to make these accusations In case you're leaving me. He was just worrying for his own benefit.'

'How sweet of you.' Simon smiled. Alvin pouted. 'Alvin, how many times do I have to tell you I wouldn't leave you?'

Alvin averted his gaze. 'I believe you, Si.' He promised. 'I just can't help but worry...' Alvin looked back at Simon, 'why are we together, Simon? Why do you love me? I mean, I'm not the ideal boyfriend... protective, assuming –'

'Kind of a jerk, yeah.' Simon finished. He shuffled closer to Alvin. 'But we've been through so much together, and I know you. Deep down, Alvin, you're a perfect match for me. And I can see that, where maybe others can't. That's why people won't understand, if we tell them.'

'W-when we become Mates, w-will we tell Dave and Theo..?' Alvin asked curiously, feeling a little dazed from Simon's heart-warming speech.

Simon looked down and sighed. 'We'll have to consider it more seriously, yes.' He agreed. 'Because, we'll be inseparable once we're Mates.' He smiled. 'Which means, subconsciously, I won't like talking with Cruise for too long. Or, I won't like sleeping so far away from you at night. I won't like that we don't do intimate things regularly. Alvin, a claim is a serious thing. And I know now that I am completely sure I want it. With you.' He locked their gaze. 'Are you still certain you want me to be yours?'

Alvin nodded. 'I'd want no one else, Simon.' He promised. 'I love you.'

Simon smiled gratefully. 'I love you, too.' He replied honestly. He bit his lip and, after a slight pause, spoke up suddenly. 'Uh, Alvin, I'm not doing this on purpose... but I'm kind of falling down the middle here...' he indicated the mattress and let Alvin figure it out. Alvin's blue eyes lit up with excitement.

'You want to sleep with me?' He offered. Simon nodded slightly.

'Only because this is uncomfortable and I don't exactly want to spoon Cruise.' He then frowned. 'Not that we'll be spooning. Right, Alvin?'

Alvin shrugged. 'Come on, I wouldn't do anything if you weren't willing.' He insisted. Simon nodded and he shuffled onto Alvin's mattress completely. He smiled at how the close proximity made Alvin blush and he caught Alvin's lips with his, letting their kiss linger for a moment before he pulled back.

'Do you think Cruise will figure us out?' Alvin mused.

Simon chuckled. 'Well, he's smart, but he didn't figure out I was gay. But now he knows it...' he shook his head, smiling still, 'he probably won't guess it. No one did.'

'So maybe he'll catch us.' Alvin suggested.

Simon nodded. 'I think we agreed that we're not careful.' He smirked. 'He could be up right now listening in...' he whispered dramatically. Alvin sniggered.

'So why are we laughing?' He enquired with a smile. Simon shrugged slightly and they both became quiet.

Eventually, they fell asleep, closing their eyes heavily and smiling as they enjoyed being close to each other; as if they belonged there.

Just kind of about Cruise's feelings, some little cute bits and the entry to Jeanette's big role in this story later. She's been very busy.

Like I said, this story's over soon, I don't know how many more chapters I've got in for this, but I'll predict five and see how that goes :D just forewarning, it's a pretty big cliffhanger and it opens up the third one nicely, in my opinion, anyway – you guys are the judges of that – so thanks for the reviews and tell me what you thought!