Hey! I just want to say thanks to all the people who reviewed right here because I didn't have time to email each of you :P So thank you! It's great to see that despite the long wait, you guys are still into the story :)

My writers-block has been cured, now :D This chap's kinda short, but I really wanted to get to the next one.

Enjoy!

About an hour later, Dave was home. Oblivious, of course, to what took place upstairs little over an hour ago. He took off his jacket and put it in their small coat cupboard next to the front door before he made his way upstairs.

'Fellas, I'm home!' He called.

Alvin and Simon heard the call and blushed. They were already, slowly, getting dressed, and sped up the process considerably when they realized Dave was coming up the stairs.

Simon, who was ready first, straightened up his shirt before he went out to the hall. 'Hey, Dave.' He greeted. 'Theodore's with Eleanor, so it's just me and Alvin.' He smiled. Dave raised a brow, but didn't evaluate on any nagging thoughts.

'So, where's Alvin?' Dave asked.

'Here!' Alvin said, just emerging from the bedroom. Simon felt a jolt of nerves from seeing Alvin's flushed face and ruffled hair; hoping to high heavens that Dave wouldn't suspect anything. Alvin approached the other two with a smile. 'I'm just about to take a shower, actually.' He informed them. At Dave's inquisitive look, Alvin replied; 'I was out playing basketball.' The eldest lied convincingly. He held up some clothes. 'Just needed to get some spare clothes so I can get dressed in the bathroom.' He smiled once more and retreated to the bathroom.

'You were playing basketball, too, Simon?' Dave mused. Simon looked up at him and nodded. 'How come Alvin's more flushed?'

'You know how he likes to exaggerate everything he does.' Simon shrugged, turning away from Dave and meandering into the bedroom, praying that he was convincing enough to make Dave drop it. Apparently so, since Dave made his way back downstairs. Simon sighed. Close… he thought, setting himself down on his bed.

A smile crept slowly over his lips at what today marked: he and Alvin were mates. Mates! Forever! They were under ten meters away, and Simon still missed Alvin as though he were a hundred miles away. The bespectacled boy hugged his knees to his chest, still smiling as he waited for Alvin to return.

I hope he realizes how much I love him. He thought with a glimmer of elation in his heart and eyes. He knew without a doubt, that the same spark would show in Alvin's eyes. And it wouldn't leave for a long time.

That night, at dinner, Dave and Theodore were starting to suspect something going on between Alvin and Simon. For one thing, they kept blushing whenever they accidentally touched, or locked eyes with each other. Another was that their conversations with each other were much too polite to be normal.

'Are you boys feeling okay?' Dave asked. Alvin and Simon blushed.

'Of course, Dave.' Alvin insisted first. 'Why wouldn't we be?' He looked down at his dinner as he said it.

'I don't know…' Theodore agreed with Dave.

'Maybe you guys should head up to bed early.' Dave suggested.

Alvin's eyes shot to Simon for a millisecond before they got back to Dave. 'Sure.' He nodded.

'I'm sure we'll find something to do.' Simon agreed.

'Yeah.' Alvin put in unnecessarily.

Theodore sent a confused look to Dave.

"

Once in their room, Simon rounded on Alvin and kissed him heatedly, fumbling to close the door. The eldest almost desperately hung on to Simon – if not for his smile – and let Simon lead their entwined bodies to a bed; not caring which.

'If I didn't know better, I'd say you're going to mate with me again.' Alvin commented as Simon parted with him.

'If Dave and Theodore weren't here, you wouldn't know better,' Simon smirked, catching Alvin's lips again. He pulled back. 'And by now I think it's fair that we can stop calling it mating?'

Alvin nodded. 'I'd like that.' He agreed with half a smirk.

'Alvin? Simon?' Theodore called from outside the door. 'Can I come in?'

'Uh…' Simon quickly got himself away from Alvin, who could then get off what was evidently Theodore's bed. 'Of course, Theo.'

The green-clad boy entered the room with a sigh. Simon picked up on it.

'What's wrong, Theo?' He asked.

Theodore shrugged. 'I don't know, really…' he admitted. 'I think I want to see Eleanor; but I've already seen her today. I don't get why I want to see her so much.'

Alvin gave Simon a look that plainly said "keep to the basics". Simon nodded. 'Well, Theo,' he started, 'Eleanor's a great girl. I don't blame you for wanting to be with her.' He backed up to his bed and took a seat. 'I'm sure it's normal to miss your girlfriend.'

Theodore blushed a bit. 'G-girlfriend?' He asked. Simon smiled kindly.

'Well, yeah,' Alvin put in, 'You two act like a couple.'

'Act like a couple?' Theodore repeated, unsure.

'Yeah, you always want to be with her,' Simon began, 'you go on outings and you love spending time with her.' He had to hold his tongue from revealing that he knew that Theodore and Eleanor had kissed. 'A couple should be together lots. And you and Ellie are.'

'Well,' Theodore began softly, 'you and Alvin do those things, too.' His uncomfort was evident.

'Yeah, I guess so.' Simon agreed, not evaluating.

'A-are you two a couple?' Theodore finished for them both.

Simon shared a small nervous look with Alvin before he answered; knowing the truth would be inevitable. 'Alvin and I…' he began, but he no longer wanted to play on his words. 'Yes.' He answered. 'We are.'

'But you've got to keep it a secret,' Alvin put in.

Theodore nodded slowly, unsure of how to feel about this information. 'O-okay…' he promised, then didn't continue on the subject. 'Do you think I should ask her?' He asked eagerly, referring to Eleanor.

'To be your girlfriend?' Alvin mused, smiling. 'Absolutely!' He insisted, swiftly making his way toward Theodore. 'You gotta take her some place nice, Theo,' he began, 'dress up a little so she knows you're putting effort into being with her; get her something nice that she'll remember –'

'Like a rose.' Simon put in non-committaly. Alvin glanced at Simon for a moment before turning back to Theodore.

'And ask her just before the end of the date, so it's not awkward.' Alvin finished proudly. Theodore grinned at Alvin.

'Thanks, Alvin.' Theodore said happily. 'And you, Simon.' He bit his lip and turned to leave. Maybe Alvin and Simon together isn't so bad… they definitely seem happier… and they're still helpful… he thought this with a satisfied smile as he exited the room to think about what he was going to do for Eleanor.

""""

Four days later, since the concert was coming up, Dave insisted that the boys help with the preparations. Alvin immediately suggested he and Simon go to the mall to get things that they might need, like clothes or decorations that weren't already being provided. Dave agreed, but they'd be taking Theodore with them.

And on this particular hour, they were doing just that.

Theodore went over to the food court bakery, insisting they'd need food for their breaks, and for the celebration after (though Alvin and Simon were certain that this "celebration" would be a new idea to Dave, as it was to them).

Alvin made Simon come with him to a clothing store, and they scoped it for the right clothing. Simon wasn't convinced they needed more clothes, and no one would notice if they wore older ones, but Alvin wouldn't give in.

About two hours later, they emerged from the shop with three shopping bags; and they made their way back.

As they were alone, Alvin held Simon's hand as they walked through the centre, aiming for that food court and their little brother's approval on the outfits.

Theodore was waiting on a bench for his brothers. He remembered being told that staying put was the best way to be found, and he didn't want to lose his brother's. He'd put in the orders for the food, and also bought a couple of snacks while he waited. He spotted Alvin, first, of course: that true red outfit stood out against the crowd, paling the other colors in comparison. Simon was beside him, holding one bag while Alvin held two.

Theodore smiled brightly in greeting, but the smile dropped a little on seeing their joined hands. This would take some getting used to, that was for sure.

With really nothing to do, the three boys roamed around the shopping centre, occasionally stopping to look for décor or food. But, eventually, the work got quite dull and they left; taking a public bus home, much to Simon's protests ("It's unsanitary!"), and all of their uncomfort due to the load of people surrounding them.

As soon as they got home, Alvin went to drag Simon upstairs while Theodore put away the food, but Dave called the second-born back. Simon sent Alvin a confused look before complying to Dave's request. Alvin frowned for a moment, but he saw that Dave clearly didn't want him there, and he went alone up the stairs and to their bedroom.

'What is it, Dave?' Simon mused. Dave indicated the couch and Simon took a seat, inwardly nervous.

'I know I should have said something when I heard it,' Dave began, 'but, Simon… I-I know about your statement at the sleepover.'

Simon's heartbeat increased. 'O-oh.' He said, trying not to sound terrified.

'Is it true?' Dave asked. 'You're –'

Simon tentatively nodded. 'Y-yes…' he confirmed slowly.

Dave let out a sigh. 'When did this happen?' He asked.

Simon bit his lip and looked to the side. 'Last year, maybe… I'm not entirely sure…' he looked back up at Dave, knowing he needed to place his words carefully and let Dave know he was still unsure about being so public. 'You're not mad, are you?' He inquired.

Dave smiled a little. 'No, of course not.' He insisted. 'I just want to make sure you'll be careful. But, I know you. You're a clever boy, Simon, and I trust you to make the right decisions.'

Simon just nodded, blushing.

'You can go, Simon.'

Simon gratefully stood and left upstairs. When he entered the bedroom, he found Alvin lying on his red-covered bed; his eyes closed and looking peaceful.

'You asleep?' Simon mused, smiling despite himself.

Alvin's blue eyes fluttered open and he smiled fondly as he saw Simon. 'Of course not.' He insisted. 'So, what'd you get in trouble for?' He queried.

'Being gay.' Simon answered with a small smile. 'Dave heard me say it.'

Alvin sat up, a worried look in his eyes. 'Are you okay?' He asked. Simon nodded. He gave Alvin a soft kiss in thanks.

'Shouldn't you be asking something like: 'does he know we're together?'' Simon suggested.

Alvin smiled. 'I was going to…' he said, 'so does he?'

Simon shook his head, no. 'Not as far as I know.' He replied, smiling at Alvin's relieved expression. 'So we're safe for now.' The bespectacled boy concluded.

""""

Two days later, Dave invited the Chipettes and Cruise over for a Friday brunch; much to Theodore's pleasure and Alvin and Simon's repent. The twins were unsure what exactly it would be like when they saw Brittany again; much less Brittany with Cruise.

But, eventually the four chipmunks arrived.

Without so much as a word, Brittany strutted to the table and took a seat next to Cruise, who had arrived slightly earlier. Jeanette did so as well, though much more calmly. In fact, on the whole, she seemed in a better mood than at the sleepover.

Of course, Eleanor was perfectly comfortable being with the boys, and Cruise was no different.

Dave insisted he would be eating in the lounge room so that the kids could talk, and once he was gone it got rather awkward for Alvin and Simon. They realized that everyone at the table knew about them at least being together, and they weren't entirely sure that was such a good thing.

Once, to break the tension, Cruise asked if he could get a photo with all of them. They agreed and joked that this was becoming a regular thing, since every visit, Cruise had gotten a picture. It began at the sleepover, just before everyone left. He used a large old camera he said that his father had left behind. It was the kind which printed out photos when they were taken.

After this they all settled down for lunch. Their conversations were light, and usually started by Cruise or Eleanor about their interests and what they wanted to be when they grew up.

'How about you, Alvin?' Eleanor asked to get someone else to speak.

Alvin smiled. 'Already living the dream, Ellie.' He decreed. Brittany scoffed and Alvin went to retort, but he saw Eleanor's shake of the head and decided it was best to ignore her. He sent a smile to Simon, who returned it softly.

'I can agree with that.' Simon nodded.

'I can't say I can,' Cruise put in with a smile. 'If anything I'm living the nightmare.'

'What happened?' Theodore asked, curious.

Eleanor bumped his shoulder with hers. 'Nothing, Theo, his family's always a nightmare.' She replied.

Cruise chuckled. 'True,' he agreed, 'but Hailey's treating me really bad for some reason.' He shook his head. 'I think Chris might have told her something bad about me..? I don't know.' He shook his head. 'I was so glad when I got invited here.'

'Well, I'm sure you're welcome any time.' Simon insisted.

Brittany laughed derisively once. 'Says the gay one.' She commented.

Simon controlled a blush and Alvin glared at her, but it was Eleanor who spoke. 'Watch it, Brittany.' She warned with a knowing look.

'What?' Brittany mused. 'It's true, isn't it? I mean, why deny it?' She sent Simon a cruel smile. 'Sorry if it offends you.'

'No, it doesn't.' Simon replied blankly. 'But it's good to know you care.'

Brittany's eyes narrowed, but she couldn't find anything to say to him after that. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked at Cruise, who was looking at her worriedly. Brittany just smiled a little and looked back down at her food. She knew that for Cruise's sake, she should be dropping this. He'd explained and apologized, after all, and she understood that neither Alvin nor Simon were really to blame for anything; but she still couldn't get over Simon taking Cruise away from her.

After another slightly silent half an hour, each chipmunk was finished. Jeanette announced delightedly that she was going home to work on a project. After this announcement of movement, everyone migrated outside, save for Theodore and Alvin, who were washing up.

Brittany decided to make another rebuking remark at Simon regarding Alvin not being there, and Eleanor told her off again. 'Brit, I thought you were over this whole thing.' She said once the four remaining kids made themselves comfortable on the lawn.

Brittany shrugged. 'I can be careful if I want.' She retorted, speaking down to the grass. 'Better to be safe than sorry.'

'You said you'd be more tolerant.' Eleanor reminded.

Brittany smiled a little. 'Oh, I am.' She insisted. 'Trust me, I could say way worse, and not just to you, Simon.' She nodded to him.

'Brit.' Cruise said shortly.

Brittany eyed Simon curiously, trying to gather his reaction. He spotted her gaze and shrugged. 'If it helps: I had sex with him almost a week ago.' He deadpanned.

The other three blushed at the short statement.

'Oh god, that was unnecessary.' Eleanor said with a hand over her mouth.

'Wait, Alvin?' Cruise asked, simply to clarify. Simon nodded. 'I don't get it, how was that supposed to help?' Cruise glanced at Brittany, who was sharing a knowing look with Simon.

'As strange as it sounds, Cruise,' Brittany began, 'it helps.' Because, of course, she knew about the whole mating thing. 'Congrats, Simon.' She looked away from him.

'Thanks.'

And then appeared the two missing brothers. 'What are we talking about?' Alvin said, oblivious, as he and Theodore rejoined the group. The four kept silent, each almost amused at the irony.

'Well, you're forgiven.' Brittany replied. 'And I'm sorry.'

Alvin stopped short and eyed her suspiciously. 'I want to believe it…' he said slowly. Brittany laughed.

'Believe it.' She instructed. 'So! How's the concert coming along?'

Weird place to end a short chapter, I know, but hey. I was struggling to get through the events in this one, because all the good stuff happens next, and I just really needed to get through this one :)

School back on proves either difficult or easy to update :/ I'm still uncertain whether writing is easier with school because it's a good relief. Anyway.

Update shall be updated shortly.