Chapter twelve – Goodbyes

Arthur and Alfred were indeed throwing dragons at each other, to Owain's dismay.

"You're so frustrating! I came here to apologise and you completely blank me!" Alfred shouted, lobbing a red ball of fluff, bouncing off Arthur head.

Arthur picked up a bigger dragon, tossing it at Alfred's torso, "I didn't realise that prats like you had 'apologise' in their vocabulary! You can't blame me for thinking you were picking a fight! You walked in here and started complaining about what a mess the place was! I'm pretty sure that's not an apology!"

"I was only saying it's not like you to live in a messy place!"

"Well I learnt how to live in a messy place in our dorm – you never put anything away!" more fluffy dragons were fulfilling their dreams and soaring through the air.

"You sound like a middle aged woman!" Alfred shouted, glaring.

"Oh, there you go again with your feminine accusations! So much for your apology!" Arthur grabbed pillows this time, three hitting Alfred square on the nose.

Straightening his glasses and throwing the pillows right back, along with a few dragons for good measure, Alfred sighed impatiently, "You know what I mean! I wasn't actually accusing you of being a woman!"

"Well it bloody well sounded like it!"

"Stop it, the pair of you!" Owain yelled at the top of his lungs, finally his trance of fear snapped, and he ran in between the pair of them, who were staring at him like he was a real life dragon.

Owain took his chance at their ceasefire, and went around swiping up all his beloved dragons. Soon, he had a large pile of the red and green plushies in his arms, and yanked the one Arthur had in his hand away, "Right. Thank you. Carry on – I'm off to fuck Francis."

With that, Owain ran back out the door, nothing more said.

Alfred and Arthur, both wondering if what they'd just witnessed had been real, turned to stare at each other, and for a moment or two, the pair had an urge to burst out laughing, like they would've done in the past. But both kept their expressions hard, waiting for the other to crack. Neither did, so the glares remained.

"You're impossible," Alfred shook his head tiredly as he picked up the pillows on the floor and threw them lazily on the bed.

He turned to leave, but walked right into the torso of Alastair, who did not look happy.

"You know, I've only just realised…" Alastair muttered darkly, smiling dangerously at Alfred, "I never did get to punch you, did I? But not only have you insulted my brother, you've also insulted my dorm. I think that gives me more than enough reason to punch you, don't you?"

Alfred blinked a few times, damn it, he remembered, I'm still owed a punch of the twins too…

Bracing himself, Alfred glared right back at Alastair, "Go on then. I guess it's only fair."

Alastair raised an eyebrow at Alfred's 'noble' attitude, but, shrugging, he wound up his right arm, looking extremely menacing. Alfred squeezed his eyes tightly shut, suddenly wishing he'd had the brains to remove his glasses.

But the punch never came.

He looked up, confused, to see an equally confused looking Alastair. Little did Alfred know, Alastair had caught Arthur eye just as his fist was about to come into satisfying contact with Alfred's nose. Much to Alastair's surprise, Arthur was shaking his head frantically, signalling for Alastair to stop.

As annoying as it was, Alastair obeyed his brother's wish. He also had the brains not to tell Alfred it was Arthur that had saved him – he didn't want to damage his brothers pride, so, in answer to Alfred's confused gaze, Alastair just glared back, muttering something about it being 'against his morals to hit little kids'.

Alfred didn't really care just as long as he wasn't getting a broken nose. Shrugging he took a final gaze – well, glare – at Arthur, and ran out into the corridor, frowning at Francis and Owain as he passed them back on his way to his dorm. They didn't see him – they were too busy with their tongues down each other's throats.

Back in his room, Arthur began clearing up some of the mess, "Sorry about that, Alastair."

"S'no problem, little brother," Alastair smiled, ruffling his hair fondly.

"You've been an awful lot nicer to me recently. What happened? Are you talking to Owain again?" Arthur grinned.

Alastair frowned half-seriously, "Hey, I'm in a good mood, so don't go putting me in a bad one again."

"But seriously, how're things with you two?"

"Fine, I guess."

"Alastair."

"We're talking, but I'll tell you the truth, it's not like we used to be…" Alastair paused, "I guess that's for the better though. Look, I'm going out. You can stay here with Gilbert tonight, if you want," (Gilbert had just moved into Alastair's dorm) "I'm sure you don't want to go near Owain and Francis when they're 'in the mood'." He scowled mockingly out of the door.

"Where're you going?"

"Stress relief. I won't be back tonight, probably. See you tomorrow, Artie," Alastair held up his hand in an almost-wave – a far too friendly notion for his brother, Arthur decided – and, slinging a messenger bag over his shoulder and lighting a cigarette, headed out the door.

Well, Arthur thought, I have no idea where Gilbert's got to, but apparently we're sharing a room tonight.

Gilbert was out trying to find Matthew.

Matthew, as Gilbert had heard from Antonio and Lovino, had gone in the direction of the outside grounds of the school. Fat load of help that was, though, as the school grounds had to be at least the size of ten football-pitches.

The search was on, then, Gilbert told himself.

Gilbert did have a pretty valid reason to want to go and see Matthew. Despite the fact that he was his boyfriend, and shouldn't really need an excuse to see his so called lover.

That was the very reason the albino was so very desperate to see Matthew. To discuss their practically non-existent relationship. Today would be the day that their relationship was either spectacularly revived by some sort of magical, love-spell, or, most likely the day where their relationship would be put out of its misery and quickly killed. Gilbert, naturally, was hoping for the amazing revision, but, like most good ideas, it probably was too good to expect.

So, his uniform pockets secretly stuffed with tissues, and his emotions as ready as he could make them for an inevitable break-up, Gilbert had decided to sought out the boy who'd been crushing his heart the past few weeks, and demand to know exactly why Matthew had been so distant.

Of course, Gilbert knew exactly why – Alastair had told him. Matthew was flirting with Francis and kissing Owain. He knew that ages ago. But Gilbert wanted to see if Matthew would tell him or not, to see if Matthew trusted him.

And, Gilbert decided, he would be the one to end it. He wouldn't come across as desperate and beg Matthew to stay with him. If Matthew wanted to stay together and try and revive their relationship, then so be it. But if not, then Gilbert would be walking away single due to his own choices.

It didn't take him too long to find Matthew. The Canadian was under a large tree, one that Gilbert had seen him sitting under a lot recently.

"Hey," Gilbert called, making Matthew jump in shock.

"Jesus you scared me…" Matthew held a hand over his heart, "Hi."

Awkward silence.

"Eh… yes?" Matthew asked.

"How's life?" Gilbert asked, deciding not to jump into the deep end too early on. He sat down on the soft grass beside Matthew.

"S'good."

Liar, Gilbert thought, you're obviously upset about something, "Good, good."

"You?"

"Same."

Silence again.

"You know, I shouldn't have to ask you that," Gilbert looked at Matthew, frowning, "I should know how you are. I should know what's new with you. I shouldn't have to wonder over awkwardly and ask you."

"What're you getting at?" Matthew said.

"You know what I'm getting at," Gilbert kept his tone calm, "Me and you. We're meant to be dating. We're definitely not acting like it."

Matthew stayed quiet for a moment, and then said, "I know. I'm sorry… I've had a lot on my mind."

Yeah, like other guys, Gilbert thought with a frown, "It's fine, but I do have a reason to be here… I want…" he took a deep breath, "I think we should stop dating."

"You're breaking up with me?" Matthew looked up at the albino, "Figures," he chuckled hollowly.

That annoyed Gilbert, "No, now don't go thinking you're the victim here! You can't drown yourself in self-pity and make me feel bad! You made this happen! You never see me. I've tried to meet up with you, take you on dates, but no! You always come up with pathetic excuses! Last week I asked you out on a date and you said you couldn't go because you had to clean out the fish tank! You don't even have a fish tank! You're avoiding me, Matthew. That's why I'm ending it between us. Because you don't value me at all. You take me completely for granted, and I'm not having it. I still love you, Matthew, but I need to end this relationship for my own sake."

Matthew stared at Gilbert. Gilbert had never really anticipated this – he never thought Matthew would be looking up at him with big, glossy eyes, looking hurt beyond repair, "Gilbert… I never… I didn't mean to…!"

"Well you did. We're done."

Gilbert got up to leave, but stopped himself, remembering that he'd forgotten something, "One thing. Why did you forget about me? Why did you avoid me?"

Matthew stayed silent.

Gilbert sighed internally, I knew he wouldn't tell me… "Thanks, Matthew. Have fun in life."

"Wait."

Gilbert turned, frowning, "What?"

"I avoided you… because…" Matthew hesitated, not meeting Gilbert's eyes, "Because…"

Was he really going to admit it to Gilbert?"

"Because I thought you didn't love me."

What a load of bullshit.

Laughing a little hysterically, Gilbert turned fully, "That is not why you were avoiding me! Don't even try to play that card, you lying bitch!"

Matthew flinched a little, "What…?"

"I know exactly why you were avoiding me, Matthew. I just didn't want to say it. I wanted you to come to me. I've told you that I'd never get angry or annoyed at you if you came to tell me something that you'd done wrong. But I never said I wouldn't get angry at something you didn't tell me. I wanted to see if you trusted me, like I trusted you. Apparently it was too much of me to assume that our feelings of trust were mutual."

"Gilbert I… I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Are you still playing dumb? Matthew I know you were flirting with Francis, and I know you kissed Owain! And I heard a rumour going round that you and Alfred had it on, too, but I have no proof of that. You're a lying, backstabbing slut."

Maybe he'd gone a little too far.

Matthew stared at Gilbert completely speechless. Of everyone he knew, he'd never have expected Gilbert to say that to him. It seemed that both boys were as shocked as each other, as Gilbert stood there for a minute, seeming to be wondering if he should apologise. But, the albino did nothing, he just shook his head, and turned, walking away slowly.

Staring at him like it was a dream, Matthew found himself calling to Gilbert very softly.

"Gilbert, Gilbert, wait… Please… Please come back…!"

Gilbert either didn't hear him or just plain ignored him, and just carried on walking.

With a sigh, Matthew buried his face in his hands. He'd messed up. He'd made an enemy out of Owain, made Francis want to drown in his own guilt, and fucked up his relationship with Alfred. But worst of all, he'd ruined his relationship with Gilbert, shattering the boy's heart.

Knock, knock, knock.

Alastair hated knocking. It felt like such a waste of time.

He stood outside the door he'd just knocked on, waiting for the owner of the room to show their face.

"Who is it at this time?" he heard one voice through the door.

"Dunno. Whoever it is, try soaking them with water to teach them a lesson!"

Alastair frowned. He didn't particularly want to be soaked. Maybe he should take a leaf from Owain's book and always carry an umbrella with him.

Luckily the door opened and no water was there to greet him. Alastair smirked at the opener – just the person he was looking for.

Elizabeth.

"Hello there, my dear, fancy a fuck? Stress is building up, and I really could do with a big of pleasure, if you know what I mean…" Alastair drawled, leaning against the doorframe. Maybe he should've brought a rose to stick in his teeth.

Oh God. He'd been around Francis too much.

"No, thanks."

Alastair stared down at her, eyes widening. It was a fundamental rule of the universe that Elizabeth never said 'no'! She never turned him down! What was this trickery? Who'd captured the real Elizabeth? Was she hurt? Maybe she was being probed by aliens. Alastair didn't really care what happened to Elizabeth herself, he was more bothered by the fact that he might not have a 'fuck-buddy' anymore, as Francis had taken to calling her.

"What?"

"I said no thanks," she frowned, "Bye."

Just as she was about to close the door, Alastair stuck his foot in between the gap, keeping it open, "Why?"

"I'm…" she hesitated, looking doubtful for the first time, "Busy."

"With what!? Nothing's more important than this!" Alastair was now coming close to shouting with frustration.

"With me…" a new voice drawled, and Alastair looked up to meet the hypnotic blue eyes of Francesca. Though her eyes weren't exactly what he was focused on…

More the fact that she was entirely naked.

Trying to stop himself from blushing lamely at her level of exposure, Alastair replaced his discomfort with a huge grin, "Great! We can have a threesome!"

The girls narrowed their eyes at him, "Fuck off, Alastair. I'm done with you and your stupid one-night sessions! I'm over you. We can't have sex again."

"What, ever?" Alastair said, sounding like a whining little puppy. Yeah, he didn't want to spend time with Elizabeth, but she was an easy road to pleasure! He couldn't not have Elizabeth, "Why!?"

"Because…" Elizabeth paused, blushing a little, "Because… Just because!"

Francesca smirked, walking over to Elizabeth and Alastair, stepping up behind Elizabeth, wrapping her arms around the English girl, hands resting on her chest and lower stomach, and lifted her left leg up a little, pressing into the back of Elizabeth.

"Because, mon cher," Francesca drawled confidently, "She isn't… pleasured by the likes of you and your inferior gender."

Alastair paused, trying to translate what she said into simple English. Then it clicked, "Elizabeth? You're a lesbian?"

"Shh! Not so loud, freak!"

Alastair couldn't stop the immature blush spreading from his head to his toe, "Fuck, that's hot. Well… good on you for coming out, I guess."

"T-Thanks…" Elizabeth muttered, hastily shoving Francesca off her and demanding for the girl to go and put some clothes on. Grudgingly, the French girl retreated back into the room, saying she'd be waiting on the bed, leaving Alastair and Elizabeth in a bit of an awkward silence.

"It's gunna be weird… Knowing you're not available for a bit of stress relief…" Alastair frowned, realising for the first time that this meant he'd have to actually put some effort into charming girls to his bed. Well, he could always cross over to the other side, so to speak… Gilbert looked up for a little 'stress relief'.

"Well you hardly valued me. I loved you too much," Elizabeth frowned, "You might not believe me, but I really did love you. Or for a time I did. That's why I never said no to you. Even though nothing would come of it, I still got to be close to you for a night."

Alastair stood there for a moment. Then he did something he never thought he'd do. He didn't really know what'd come over him to do it.

Gently, he lifted up Elizabeth's hand, holding it like a gentleman from the 1800's might. He raised it up, lowering his lips to the soft skin, kissing it gently. Nothing special, just an honest, chaste kiss. Never once leaving her alarmed gaze, Alastair smiled, placing her hand back at her side, "Thank you."

Elizabeth shook her head, "Thank you for finally thanking me."

A silence.

Alastair looked at her, smile growing, "Part as friends?" he held out his hand.

"Part as friends," Elizabeth matched his grin, grabbing his hand, squeezing it.

"Well…" Alastair broke their now slightly awkward near hand-holding moment, "I'll let you get back to your…" he hesitated, "… Girlfriend."

Elizabeth stuck her bottom lip out in thought, "I never really thought of it that way… Thank, Alastair. Good luck with wherever you're going or doing."

"You too."

"See you."

"Bye."

The door shut.

Well, that was a waste of time… Alastair thought to himself, though he couldn't deny that his stomach was feeling a little lighter than it had before – his feeling of lust replaced with a happy, bubbly feeling, that, if in a physical form would probably resemble candyfloss and little balls of purple fluff.

Jesus, maybe I should just write off all girls and just declare myself a gay man… Alastair joked with himself. Who joked with themselves?

Just as he was leaving, a little something caught his eye. A door opening to his left.

Out of it stepped a girl Alastair seemed to remember being called Emily Jones, and alongside her a small, very cute Asian girl who Alastair had never seen before. Both looked quite distressed; Emily biting her lip and staring worriedly at her phone, while the Asian tried to comfort her.

"Ladies? Everything okay?" Alastair sauntered over. Yes, his horniness may have been replaced by gay fluffy, happy feelings, but hell, why give up when there are two cute, vulnerable-looking girls standing right in front of you?

"Kirkland. How'd you get in here? If anyone sees you, you're screwed," Emily frowned.

"Thank you for informing me, Jones," Alastair decided to copy her last-name basis. He didn't want to sound too desperate, "And who's your friend here?"

"Sakura Honda. I wouldn't get too close if I were you," Emily warned.

Honda… sounds familiar… Alastair commented mentally, before leaning down to grin at Sakura, "Don't worry, I won't bite…"

"That's not what I'm worried about, see—"

Slap.

"She does…" Emily finished, looking up to see Alastair a few feet away from where he was originally standing, looking shell-shocked, and a huge red mark now on his cheek. Sakura, who was standing calmly, staring at him like he were a deadly animal let her arm fall back to her side, smiling, satisfied.

"Sorry, she's been taught by her father to do that to suspicious-looking strangers that come sauntering up to her," Emily explained, holding back a giggle.

"'Suspicious looking'!? And I don't saunter," Alastair frowned, and then saw the way Emily looked at him, "Okay, so maybe I'm a bit suspicious. It's no need to slap me!"

"Oh just go away, will ya? There's serious stuff going on over here…" Emily muttered, Sakura nodding with her.

"Why? What's happening? Anything I can assist you with?" Alastair still wasn't quite sure his motivation for offering his aid.

"No, just fuck off home will you?"

"Oh come on! Just tell me!"

"Fine. Gilbert broke up with Matthew. He, that being Matthew, text me five minutes ago, asking me to call him. We were about to, but someone got in the way." Emily frowned.

Alastair raised an eyebrow. Why hadn't he heard anything about this? Flirting with girls could wait – he wanted the low-down on Gilbert and Matthew, "Seriously? Man… So… you want to talk to him?"

"Yeah, something like that. I want to know what's been going on with him recently. He's been… different." Emily narrowed her eyes.

"You're right… Look, I'll get you into the school if you want?" Alastair offered.

"What? You help us? What will you gain?"

"I wouldn't mind getting to hear the conversation…" Alastair suggested.

Chewing on her lip, Emily nodded, "Fine. Lead the way."

Alastair grinned, "Right this way."

Fuck, he suddenly thought, maybe I am gay. I just turned down sex for gossip.

Jesus.

A/N

Not much to say here guys, just thanks for your support, and reviews are love! :D thanks!