A/N: Hey guys! My apologies for the long updates, but as most of you know, I do have quite a bit of stories to rotate through. I'm working to finish off a few, so updates between this story and others will be much faster.

Okay, so awks. I have no recommendations this time since no one sent me any :( Which is actually kind of surprising? As such, I've begun recommending blogs and fic writers on my tumblr, which has like 4x the amount of followers since last time (omg). Anyways, if you guys do decide to drop a fic rec, this time, please make sure they're decent length. School is crazy, so I'm VERY busy.

Thanks again, take care, and enjoy~!

-Ella

Valentine's Day Event:

Lovino's POV:

The first part of second semester always goes by in a blur. Students come back from a month of relaxing and partying, only to be thrust right back into the swing of syllabus week, midterms, and constant evaluations.

The holidays were wonderful to spend with Antonio, even if Feliciano had ruined the end of it by showing Nonno a picture of him. Now Nonno wouldn't shut up about meeting Antonio, and Antonio wouldn't either about meeting Nonno.

I swear, sometimes I wonder if I was secretly on a reality show.

Anyways, mid-terms had just ended for me, so thankfully I didn't have to worry about homework once I got home from this event. Just like at Christmas, the café was hosting a Valentine's day party. This time, however, Liza really went all out.

Us male employees were decked out in black tuxes save for Feliks, while the ladies were wearing fishnets, heels of their choice, and a red one-piece playboy corset – bunny ears and tail accessories included.

Things were a little different than before, though.

First, Vlad didn't bother to compete against us this time, as he realized that he had actually lost money going through with that route. The Romanian had overspent by gearing up for customers that never came.

Second, Roderich was here. Although I don't see why he wouldn't be on such a special day, considering he was fucking engaged to the person organizing this whole thing.

Third, and perhaps the saddest difference of all, was that the puppies weren't here. They were close to five months old now and were in their teething stage. Having this many people around them would make them extremely hyper and overwhelmed, so they were only here to serve their guard function on normal, less busier days. As of now, Jowltito was at home, likely curled up on top of the many socks he had stolen from me… that not-so-little-anymore fucker…

If possible, this event was even bigger than the last one. This was likely because of the café's infamous reputation for promoting love of all shapes and forms.

Anticipating this ahead of time, I had celebrated Valentine's day with Antonio yesterday. It was really silly and stupid – we had spent the night like best friends, drinking wine, and holding the flowers we had given to each other close to our chests. It wasn't overly romantic, but it was still very much enjoyable. I was used to Antonio spoiling me with affection all the time, so there really wasn't a need for either of us to go over the top in our celebration of the special holiday.

I think the real celebration was the fact that Antonio was officially the longest relationship I've ever been in. I wasn't used to having someone care about me so deeply, nor was I used to reciprocating this sentiment. Still, it was nice not to be only sought after for my physical appearance. Antonio wanted me for me, sour attitude and all.

Before, I was pursued for my looks, and was later ignored for my personality. Now, I had every detail of myself under constant and irrational positive scrutiny, annoying as it could be sometimes. More than that, I wasn't leading on people either.

A healthy relationship with someone could do wonders for your self-esteem; it affects everything you do: how you interact with others, how you treat them, and how you trust them.

Lesson is, don't give up on finding the right person. It'll happen eventually. I just so happened to be 20 when I found mine.

Now, if only I could find him in this chaos.

People were drinking heavily, shouting, kissing, and snapping photos. Around every corner, there was a bright flash of a camera going off – Kiku really did have ninja-like reflexes if he was able to rush around the café this fast without bumping into anyone.

There were several stations for couples to participate in games, such as a bobbin' for heart apples, pin the tail on your OTP, water shooting competitions, and skee ball.

Sailing above the excited chatter, Roderich played piano in a remote corner. He was only heard thanks to Gilbert's AV skills. Liza was happily sitting next to her fiancé on the piano bench. Her eyes were dreamy and affectionately glazed over as she watched Roderich's long fingers stroke a soft, comforting melody.

"Darling," Roderich chided, halting his playing as Liza rested her head against his shoulder. "You know I can't play when you're this close to me."

"Oh, and why not?" Liza mused, batting her lashes.

"I am unable to think straight," Roderich blushed. "Your beauty has a habit of overwhelming my muse. It is and will always be my only focus from now on. I simply cannot look away and neglect you; I've learned from my past mistakes, and don't intend to make them again," he said and reached out to fondly caress Liza's beer-flushed cheek.

"You're so silly," Liza laughed. "I know better now. You have no problem playing when I'm around at home. Why now?"

"We're in front of people, darling," Roderich replied with ease. "When I see you now, looking so positively stunning, it takes a lot of restraint not to hold you even closer. Besides," he purred. "You have many things to do, and I also wouldn't mind having a better look at that outfit you're wearing. You know how much I love to be teased... leave me something to look forward to, don't give it all at once or I just may be ungrateful when I really do get to have you all to myself."

Liza took the hint. She cocked her head and kissed Roderich, a slow and sensual contact of the lips. "That I can do," she hummed, grinning devilishly.

The kiss was interrupted when the event's co-caterer cleared her throat impatiently. "Liz, I'm going to need your help running this event, you know. As nice as it is to have a boytoy to coddle, money isn't going to make itself."

Bella, one of Liza's good friends, clicked a sharp heel against the ground, waiting for the Hungarian to acknowledge her presence. She had short blonde hair that was styled in a bob, lime-green eyes, a strange cat-like smile, and was slender and short despite having a fairly large upper chest.

The Belgian was in her fourth and final year of the business school, running a chocolate shop just down the street. The two friends often worked together; Liza sold many of Bella's sweets here at the café.

Today, Bella was providing most of the sweets, ingredients, and machinery for Feliciano and Ludwig to experiment more in the kitchen. As such, the two would be splitting the profits for the night. Like Liza, Bella also had a stingy funder/investor for her business, that being her older brother.

I had known Bella for a while now, but it still struck me as odd how I hadn't met Antonio until this year, as the Spaniard and Belgian were good friends. I suppose it had a lot to do with the fact that Antonio was also in his final year of university– he wasn't partying as much, and came to the café more to do his homework.

Liza looked at Bella's shrewd expression and sighed. "Yes, Bels. I'm coming, hun," she replied politely, albeit rolling her eyes.

Roderich went back to playing his piano, stiffer in his posture than usual. He was unnerved by being referred to as a boytoy.

Bella and Liza began hauling boxes filled with sweets and ingredients into the kitchen. Before I could offer my help, Alfred had already stepped in, flashing them with his award-winning smile.

"Need some help, ladies?" Alfred hummed, accepting a box from a very grateful Bella. "Can't have you gals doing all the work, especially when you're wearing heels! It just ain't right!"

"Aren't you supposed to be in the kitchen, Al?" Liza smirked.

"Yeah, but you try getting anything done when your two other co-workers are too busy fawning over each other," Alfred groaned, bashfully rubbing at his neck. "Say, how about you two go back to worrying about running the events, and I'll carry the rest myself? I need something to do without staying in the kitchen too long anyway. Yeesh, talk about awkward."

Liza glanced back at the large pile of boxes sitting in a stalled cart at the front of the restaurant. The event was only just starting, so we weren't even at full capacity yet. "I don't know," she paused. "I wouldn't want you to strain your back. I could get in a lot of trouble with the board of advisers if something happened to you."

Bella glared at Liza, urging her to take the hint. Both girls were small in stature. Still, Liza was probably the strongest person I knew.

"Nah, it's fine," Alfred waved a hand. "Ivan will help me, right?"

Ivan poked his head out of a nearby booth. He was sitting with Toris and Natalia, and despite the cozy black turtle neck he was wearing, he couldn't have looked any more uncomfortable. "What is it now, Fedya?" he asked.

"These ladies could use some help carrying these boxes into the kitchen. I was wondering if you would like to help?" Alfred winked. He was always happy to put on his self-proclaimed hero façade.

"Okay!" Ivan exclaimed, happy to get away from the sharp, gruelling atmosphere of sitting so close to his sister. "I'd love to."

Natalia and Alfred exchanged looks, nodding in approval unbeknownst to everyone around them.

Bella smiled and shook hands with Ivan before handing over several boxes to him. "Aren't you just the cutest thing ever?" she gushed. She had to glance up several heads to smile at the Russian. "Thank you so much, sweetie. The help is so very appreciated. The name's Bella, nice to meet you!"

"I-Ivan," Ivan stammered, blushing from the praise. "It is… always a pleasure to help."

"Such a gentleman," Bella cooed before hooking her arm around Liza's. "I'll make sure to catch up with you later. The sweets are on the house! Come, Liz, we still have a lot to do."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Liza deadpanned. "I'm on it."

Ivan's eyes widened. "S-spasibo!" he stuttered. When Bella was out of hearing range, he let out a deep breath and then turned to Alfred in question. "Are people here always this nice?"

Alfred furrowed his brows. "Dude, you practically come here every day, and you're telling me you haven't had one nice encounter? Like, I know we argue a lot, but we still have good times together…right?"

"I suppose," Ivan shrugged and followed after Alfred as they head towards kitchen. "It's just, most people here are faking niceness to get tips. They're scared of who I am. That girl was the first person who genuinely smiled at me. She wasn't intimidated by my height, it's very strange," he remarked.

"That's cuz she has a brute of an older brother," Alfred reassured Ivan. "And I'm sure you're just exaggerating. Feliks likes ya, doesn't he?"

"He likes Toris, who sits next to me," Ivan corrected.

"Whatevs man, same thing. You're overthinking things again."

I was standing by the front counter, watching this encounter with pursed lips.

"Perhaps," Ivan sighed. He bent over to place the boxes at the foot of the kitchen door. No one dared to enter the kitchen, mainly because Feliciano and Ludwig were likely drunk and all over each other.

"Come, dude, let's get wasted," Alfred proposed. He draped a friendly arm over Ivan's shoulder despite being the shorter of the two.

"Da, that sounds good," Ivan agreed. He politely shrugged out of Alfred's grip; it was fast enough for it to be suspicious and seen as jittery. "I just have to go to the washroom first," he blurted out. "Excuse me."

"What did I do wrong?" Alfred muttered to himself as he walked back into the main area of the café. "Ah, well, I'll find us a good table. He just needs to unwind a little. Yeah, that's probably it…"

Confused but not wanting to pry, I resumed making coffee art. Feliciano was too busy in the kitchen, – in more ways than one – so I was the only one somewhat capable of replacing his position. I was nowhere near as good as he was, but I had had enough practice. Besides, I was mostly just drawing hearts today; nothing too complicated.

Customers were just starting to pour in faster, so I had to work quickly. Bella and Liza were running all over the place, checking in with each station/ activity and their respective manned employee.

Unfortunately, the Belgian had lost her footing on an uneven roll in the carpet and stumbled forward.

I cried out in alarm. Thankfully Natalia of all people was there to catch Bella – I'm guessing she had been walking around the café looking for Ivan. Either way, she was in the right place at the right time.

Natalia straightened Bella as she still had stable grip around the latter's waist.

"Are you all right?" Natalia asked Bella. Her much longer blonde hair tickled and dangled over the Belgian's face. "You almost took a serious fall. It's those heels you're wearing, dangerous, pesky little things. They're useless if you ask me."

My jaw dropped. Was Natalia…nervous?

"O-oui, I'm fine, thanks to you," Bella said, wide-eyed and panting. She visibly relaxed, which prompted Natalia to let go of her. "Thank you, again. Mon dieu, you really saved me," she giggled. "I agree, these things are pure torture, but that's the dress code for tonight, so what can you do? The name's Bella, and you are?"

"Natalia, ah, but you may call me Nat if you wish," Natalia said, looking at Bella's forehead rather than her eyes. "W-well I must get going. I seemed to have lost my brother…"

"Oh, I thought you looked familiar. You're Ivan's sister, aren't you? You guys have the same eyes; a beautiful blue-violet. I've never seen anything like it before!" Bella complimented.

Natalia fidgeted with her hands. "D-da, I am."

Bella wasn't fazed by Natalia's shyness towards her compliment. "Well, if you're looking for him, I think I saw him head over to the restroom."

Natalia blushed. "Spasibo," she muttered. She meekly ducked her head and abruptly walked away.

Bella gave me a puzzled look. I shrugged as if to say 'what-can-you-do?'

Natalia sure was a strange woman. Turns out she wasn't as crazy as she had led other people to believe. Alfred had actually told me this. Apparently, she acted this way to try and provoke some reaction out of her brother – she's been doing this ever since last year. It's true, though. I distinctly remember Ivan being a lot more jovial and social than what he was now.

My only complaint is that I wish Natalia hadn't gone as far as she had with her psycho role. I mean, do you know how many countless hours I've spent wiping her fingerprints off the windows? It was only until recently that Liza's let her back into the café again too...

Oh well.

I didn't have much time to think about this.

Feliciano poked out his head through the kitchen doors. "Fratello, your orders are ready!" he informed me.

"Got it," I said, putting down the steam wand in my hand. "I'll be right there. You two better be decent."

"We are~!" Feliciano giggled. "We're doing our jobs, just like you, promise!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Another hour and a half passed until the real party began. Everyone was drunk off their minds, so there wasn't much orders going around.

I finally had a chance to sit down and enjoy myself. Many of the other employees were doing the same thing. Most events went like this; the first part was working, then later in the night we usually resorted to playing board games or charades.

Exhausted, I walked over to the biggest commotion in the room. Three booths had been shoved together so that it formed an open circle. I found a seat next to Antonio, who immediately began to rattle off about how cute I was.

"My handsome tomatito has finally arrived," Antonio slurred. Thankfully, he wasn't drunk, but only tipsy. A drunk Antonio was not someone you wanted to be around. He became violent and aggressive, both in words and actions. New Year's Eve was spent avoiding him; he became even needier than usual.

"I mean, look at him. Isn't he cute? Tell me he's cute. I want to pinch his cheeks and never let go," Antonio sang.

I sighed and let him drape an arm over my shoulders. "Shut it, grandma. I think they get the point," I snapped, eliciting the group gathered around us to laugh.

Matthew and Gilbert were also sharing the cushioned booth Antonio and I were sitting on. Alfred, Ivan, Natalia, and Bella were sitting on the booth closest to the window; Arthur and Francis were sitting on the booth parallel to us; and Liza, Roderich, Mei, and Kiku were sitting at the table in the middle of the artificial circle.

Meanwhile, others stood near the open booth area, eagerly watching the game that was about to unfold. Vlad and Boris were there, likely taking notes on how to entertain their customers properly, ahem.

"All right, how about we play a game of Truth or Kiss?" Liza proposed, narrowing her eyes evilly at the prospect of victims before her. Even odder than this statement was that she had her fiancé's head resting in her lap. After having several beers, he had passed out, and wasn't about to move any time soon. To protect him from view, Liza had placed a newspaper over his head. I don't know why. I had learned better than to ask questions here.

"Sounds like a plan!" Mei squealed, cupping a hand over her nose. You know exactly fucking why.

Kiku prepared his camera.

No one argued with Liza. She already had an empty beer bottle lying on the table she was sitting at.

"Buckle up, my lovely lovers, because things are about to get even hotter!" Liza cackled as she gave the bottle a good spin. "We can't have an event without drama, now can we?"

The bottle stopped at Arthur, who was more than drunk. He was completely wasted; shit-faced. His tie was hanging the wrong way from his blouse, and his messy tufts of blond hair made him look like a baby bird. The fact that he was hugging Francis's waist didn't exactly erase this disturbing image from my mind either.

Francis, stunned by Arthur's unusual behavior (even if they were dating now), was clutching onto a wine glass for dear life. He was taking large gulps to hide the embarrassed expression on his face.

"Arthur!" Liza bellowed. "Truth or Kiss."

"Kiss!" Arthur huffed with a confidence I had never seen in him before. "You don't scare me, ha! I've dealt with you shipping harpies before."

"Oh boo, you're no fun. Fine, make out with Francis," Liza said dismissively.

Arthur didn't make-out with Francis. He tackled the French, which caused the latter to spill wine over both of their blouses.

Francis didn't even have time to let out a mournful wail for his ruined shirt, as Arthur was occupied with attacking his face. "A-angleterre!" he stammered. "At least let me sit upright!"

"No, you're mine, you hear me? I'm done with having harlots flirt with you left and right. I want the entire world to know that you belong to me, and that I belong to you!" Arthur growled and furiously grabbed Francis by the collar of his shirt.

Antonio nudged my ribcage, blowing hot air into my ear just to bug me since I had been ignoring his earlier advances. "Arthur caught a woman flirting with Francis in France," he explained. "Francis didn't think anything of it, and Arthur pretended that it didn't bother him either, but I guess it really did. He's been a lot more possessive lately."

"Ah," I nodded in understanding. "That would explain a lot."

It's bizarre how I had normalized this craziness as part of my daily routine.

"You were hit on too, you imbecile! Ah!" Francis whined as he struggled to compose himself. "I knew I shouldn't have let you have that extra beer."

"Shut up, will you?" Arthur snarled. He was mad that Francis was pulling away from him.

Francis, resigned to his fate, sat in between Arthur's legs. He let the Brit hug him from behind, but only after patting down the stains from their shirts.

"None of you twats are to touch this masterpiece," Arthur warned the crowd.

"You're so needy," Francis, the masterpiece, deadpanned.

"You know you love me."

"I do, but this is too much. You don't have to feel so insecure all the time. I wouldn't be with you, if I didn't think you were attractive. I can't count how many times I've told you that it doesn't matter who flirts with me; if I'm with you, then I'm truly with you," Francis chided, brushing his thumb over the back of Arthur's hand.

"Fine," Arthur pouted, resting his head on Francis's shoulders. "I'm still mad, though."

"When aren't you?" Francis sighed.

Liza clapped her hands together, satisfied with the photos Kiku had taken of the moment. "Next!" she declared.

The bottle stopped at Gilbert.

"Ohhhh, how very interesting," Liza's voice cracked, her tone taking on a hint of rivalry. She was still a bit salty about Gilbert flirting with Roderich from time to time, even if it meant nothing to him. "Truth or Kiss, Gilbert. Actually, you know what? Since you still owe me money like the total bum you are, I'll pick. Truth!"

Gilbert shrugged and unconsciously leaned against Matthew for support. He was a bit sluggish from the alcohol, but still nonetheless had an infuriating shit-eating grin on his face. "Bring it, Lizbitch," he taunted.

"Fine, if you're going to be an ass, then I'm afraid I'll spare you no mercy," Liza straightened. "Are you in love with Matthew. Yes or no?"

Silence.

Matthew tensed under Gilbert's shoulder, afraid of what he would say. Gilbert was his first real boyfriend, whereas Matthew was Gilbert's first real relationship as opposed to a non-committal fling.

Damn.

Liza was not backing out on her savagery tonight.

Was it weird that I admired her for this?

"That's easy," Gilbert chuckled. "Of course I love him. Gilbird loves him, which is a first. Why wouldn't I? He's awesome."

Silence.

"But," Gilbert added, acknowledging the incredulous stares he was receiving. Matthew was shaking like a leaf under him, refusing to establish eye-contact. Alfred was full-on glaring at Gilbert, daring the pale German to say something wrong, wanting an excuse to tear right into him.

"That's not all," Gilbert continued. "I love him because he's sweet, and caring, and just really adorable, ya know? I can be a total idiot in front of him, and even better, he joins me. Isn't that right, liebling? We like binging on our own dorkiness, ja?"

Gilbert bent down to press a kiss on top of Matthew's head.

"Yes, you silly oaf," Matthew sighed, his anxiety long-diminished. "I want to grow old and die with you. I need a healthy does of daily reference-making, and I think I've already found my cure," he purred and reached up to kiss Gilbert's jawline.

"Awwwwwwwwwwwww."

Alfred didn't take part in this group aw, growling despite Ivan's attempts to cheer him.

The Russian ended up patting Alfred's back just a bit too hard. and Alfred choked because of it.

"Why can't we do that in front of people?" Antonio whispered to me, jealous at this open display of affection.

"We can, but I know that if I do, you're just going to get impatient," I lectured and then promptly turned my head away from him.

When Liza spun the bottle again, much to everyone's mild horror, it landed on Natalia.

"N-Natalia!" Liza smiled nervously. Kiku swiftly put his camera away.

"Da, what is it. Truth or Kiss?" Natalia said, bored as she cupped her face with one hand, ankles stiffly crossed.

"Relax, Nat," Bella chided from beside the Belarusian. "It's just a game. Have fun, unwind a little."

Natalia blushed in response.

"Um, how about truth?" Liza proposed, going for the safe option, even if what Natalia decided to reveal would likely be super weird and creepy.

"Don't be a pussy," Natalia snarled in warning. "I don't want to be pitied just because I'm alone and barely have any friends. Give me what you'd give to everyone else."

So she was self-aware…

Liza's fake smile faded. "Okay… then kiss?"

"So you're saying you don't want to know any of my dirty secrets?" Natalia retorted.

"My God, just pick something already!" a random male voice in the crowd shouted.

"Who ever said that, I'll cut off your dick if I ever find out who you are," Natalia threatened with a hiss. "Anyway, I pick neither. I'll hold hands with someone instead. My family believes in courtship, not this horny, fanservice lovefest that was likely inspired by the ideas of a lonely fangirl who knows nothing about love and hides in her basement all the time…"

"Uh, okay girl, you do you," Liza squeaked.

Clearing her throat, Natalia turned to look at Bella. "May I hold your hand?" she asked the Belgian. "It would be an honour to protect you from all the single male pigs in this room."

Bella shrugged. "Sure, why not?" she chimed. "If it's any consolation, my brother would totally approve of you as a potential spouse," she blurted out, likely from the effects of all the wine she had been drinking. "He doesn't usually like the guys I bring home, but never has a problem with the girls. You protecting me tonight would, ah, definitely put you on his good side…" she flushed.

"You drank too much," Natalia chided. She gently reached over to grab Bella's hand. "Here, rest your head on my shoulder. It'll make you feel less dizzy."

"Y-you're so nice," Bella admitted, doing what the Belarusian had instructed her to. "What's that smell on you? It's nice."

"My brother's cologne."

Ivan yelped.

"Ah…"

Natalia snapped her fingers impatiently. "Someone get a water for this girl."

Toris scurried off in the blink of an eye.

In utter disbelief, I turned to Antonio, who didn't look worried at all about his friend sitting so close to Natalia.

Indifferent to the situation, I let myself relax as well. If anything, Bella was probably safest with Natalia, judging by how much the Belarusian had taken to her. I mean, they were cute (?) together, but it was still very odd seeing this side of Natalia.

What the fuck ever. It was none of my business anyway.

"Alfred!" Liza declared when the bottle stopped before him.

"TRUTH!" Alfred bellowed without giving Liza a chance to choose for him.

"Lame," everyone booed.

"Diabetic git," Arthur muttered. "His blood sugar must have spiked again."

"Hmmm," Liza pondered. "Do you have a recent crush? It's been a while since I've last seen you with anyone."

Alfred chuckled nervously, avoiding the smug glares of everyone in the room. Last year, he had dated a Vietnamese girl on and off before she had finally broken up with him. They just didn't click. There was no good or bad guy over their relationship's end; it simply just wasn't meant to be. From what I knew, they were still great friends, actually.

"Ah, well…" Aflred faltered before biting his lip, determined to give a straight answer. "Actually, I do."

"I need a hint! Give us a hint, damn it!" Liza exploded, revving up the crowd as she deviously rubbed her hands together.

Double double toil and trouble, love prevails, let the homo bubble.

"Um, he's super kind and fun to be around, he just doesn't realize it. Perhaps he's a bit too strong for his own good too. Oh! He has this totally soft side of him that not a lot of people get to see. I just think it's precious, even if he does get on my nerves most of the time."

"My God," Matthew whispered to Gilbert. "He's finally realized it. Took him long enough."

Everyone knew who Alfred was talking about.

It was likely that said person did too, but they didn't acknowledge it.

To make up for the awkward silence that followed, Liza moved on.

Meanwhile, Ivan got up from his seat and said his goodbyes.

"I'm tired, and it's getting late. Natya, am I walking you home too, or are you all right?" Ivan asked Natalia.

Natalia didn't even look at him as she replied. She was more focused on stroking Bella's hair. "Nyet. I will stay here. When I get home, I'll make sure to call you."

Ivan nodded his head. He turned and left the booth area shrugging on his favourite tan trench coat. Before he could, Alfred grabbed his wrist, perhaps a bit harder than he intended because the Russian winced from the contact.

"Sorry!" Alfred bluntly apologized. "Going home so soon? That's not like you, dude. Usually you stay until the party's over."

"I'm not feeling well," Ivan replied, indeed looking pale. "Good night, Alfred. I'll see you later."

"Yeah man, sure. Take care I guess…"

Alfred pouted, reseating himself and stuffing his face with truffles while the game of Truth or Kiss resumed.

Vlad, and Boris left after Ivan, followed by Mei and Kiku – Kiku had insisted on getting Mei home so that she could get enough rest to begin preparing for her mid-term on Monday.

As it got later, the crowd standing by the booths dispersed, so it was only our friend group who had stayed back.

The event was over, but the party sure wasn't.

Meanwhile, Feliciano and Ludwig had yet to leave the kitchen…ew…

It was a miracle that the bottle hadn't landed on either Antonio or myself.

That is, until now. I should have kept my fat inner-dialogue shut.

"Lovino!" Liza grinned with triumph.

"Kiss, please, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss," Antonio begged, making me wonder just how tipsy he was. Again, he wasn't drunk. It took him a while before he got to that point.

Liza's facial expression lifted. "Do whatever you want with him."

I didn't even have time to protest, let alone squeak as Antonio crashed shoulders with me, emitting the strength of a full-grown bull.

Next thing I knew, I was thrown over his shoulders and we were heading towards the back room. Our friends erupted in obnoxious cheers and catcalls.

"JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, YOU CAN AT LEAST PUT ME DOWN!" I scolded. "I WOULD HAVE GONE WITH YOU ANYWAY."

"Fusososo! But it's not nearly as much fun that way," Antonio countered.

In response, I grabbed a good section of his hair and pulled. "Fucker."

"Watch yourself. I'll pull that curl of yours if you're not good," Antonio smirked.

I yelped when Antonio smacked my butt instead. I would have reprimanded him for it, but my head was starting to feel heavy from having too much to drink – hanging upside down didn't exactly help.

"Ugh, at least tell me where we're going."

Antonio answered me by recklessly kicking open the door to the backroom, only to back away just as fast when he found Feliciano straddling Ludwig on a leather swivel chair.

"Oh for the love of fuck, I didn't need to see that!" I wailed and began to sob. Okay, I was definitely drunk.

"Shhh! It's just a minor setback!" Antonio panted. He began to jog to god knows where.

Okay, maybe I had been eating too much bread and pasta lately too...

SLAM!

"Could you stop kicking doors open?!" I screeched as Antonio…kicked open a bathroom stall.

"I said shhh! Let me be the sexy one this time!"

"You always were the sexy one! I'm the emotionally unstable love interest!"

Blood rushed to my head as Antonio placed me back on my feet. The next moment was hot and delirious, a mess of limbs, teeth, and hands raking through hair.

Well, it was hot until this happened.

Antonio pulled away from me. His eyes were unnaturally wide.

I heaved a large breath. "Ah… are you all right there, bastard?"

We were both intoxicated, making out in a bathroom stall while our friends screamed at the top of their lungs outside. Nothing was all right.

"Si…I think so…ay! Never mind!" Antonio pushed me to the side.

While he bent over and hurled out the contents of his stomach, I pinched the bridge of my nose and held back his hair with my free hand.

I wouldn't have had to hold back his hair if he had just listened to me for once and agreed to cut it.

Regardless, the mood was ruined.

It was a good thing we had celebrated Valentine's day beforehand.

…

The next morning…

I woke up, groggy and grumpy as I had to be up before ten to clean up the café along with the rest of the employees. Antonio, the lucky fucker, got to sleep in. Dragging myself out of bed was hard, especially since he sleep-gripped. Si, he literally refused to let me leave the bed, conscious or unconscious.

It was a struggle all right.

Two coffees later and I was still a hungover mess.

I grumpily trudged through the empty campus, hardly spotting anyone. Jowltito was trotting alongside me, wearing little booties since his pads were sensitive to the salt and snow on the ground. In one hand, I held his leash, and in the other, I was working on my third cup of coffee.

It was still relatively early. I thought I would get to work before everyone else. That way I could leave sooner. The café wouldn't be opening today; it was just a simple clean up from last night's event.

As I approached the café, Jowltito stiffened, the shackles on his back raising. "Tito?" I sleepily questioned. "What's wrong, vita mia?"

I followed Jowltito's gaze, accidentally dropping my coffee from the shock of the sight lying before me.

Someone had vandalized the café's front windows with bright red spray paint.

Worst of all was what it said:

Go to hell where you all belong

...

To be continued...