Chapter 15: Foresight

It was nearing July and that meant only a few days until Alfred and Matthew's birthday party was to take place. The firework stands had already been laid out in various locations around the city. Kiku didn't like them much because of how loud they were, but he did enjoy it when they finally exploded in willows of color. After work the three of them were to go buy decorations since Emily was busy. What was even busier than the woman was the mall. Summer was in full throttle, and it was packed with people.

"This is always the hardest part of the job," Kiku said as he watched the clock ticking, hoping it would pace faster so he could leave and spend the rest of the day with the Jones twins. "The summer season. With school out, the mall has a lot of customers every day, even if only for the air conditioning."

He went back to his post at the register, adjusting the name tag on his shirt. "Hello welcome to—Heracles-san?"

"Oh, hello Kiku. I didn't know you worked here."

"Y-Yes, I do. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Well, we were going to go to the movies on the second level, but we wanted to eat first."

"We?"

"Oh, yeah, Navah and I, I mean. But she's in the restroom, so I'm going to order for her."

"Well, what would you like to order, Heracles-san?"

"I'm not that hungry so…maybe a thirteen combo, and a Caesar Salad for Navah."

Kiku punched in the order on the register. "Is that all?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then." The price showed on the register and Heracles paid. He smiled at him as he gave his change back. "There you go. Have a nice outing with Navah-chan, Heracles-san."

He smiled back. "I will."

The Japanese teen was sure he'd be jealous because he had liked Heracles for so long, but his heart didn't race or skip a beat at all. He deduced he was over him, which was a relief, especially since there were insinuations that he and Navah were beginning to date. Kiku was happiest about that since now he and Alfred could possibly—no, what? He shook his head a bit, rubbing his eyes.

"I need more sleep," he told himself. He watched as Navah joined the Grecian at a small table, smiling at him as she set her purse down. Staring harder, Kiku felt satisfied that things ended up like this. "Although…" he said to himself as he took out the salad from the fridge. "…if that truly is the case, I'm afraid of how Alfred-san will feel." He called their order as he placed it on the counter.

Navah came up to receive it, smiling at Kiku with surprise on her face. Just like the next person in his school, they didn't expect to see the lithe boy working at a fast food restaurant of all places. It dawned on him that the second location the couple would go to would be the movie theater on the upper floor.

"That is where Alfred-san works, at the concession stand…" He suddenly grew concerned. "He likes Navah-san a lot, and he's not stupid, so he will surely figure out the relationship between them… But there is nothing I can do…" He sighed, as he took other orders. "Why am I feeling guilty?" He straightened his posture. "This is not my fault. I have done nothing to jeopardize anyone's happiness. All of this transpired naturally. Yes, yes that's right Kiku."

"Talking to yourself again, Honda?"

"Thompson-san! You startled me. Uh, no I was just thinking out loud. I apologize."

"Don't sweat it son. Your shift is over anyway."

"It is?"

"Yes. It's one in the afternoon and I made sure Charlie didn't fake another sick day. You're free to go home now."

"Oh, right, it is. Thank you Thompsan-san." He bowed and then went to the break room, grabbing the bag that was stashed in a corner. Inside were day clothes since he didn't like walking around in his work uniform. Changing quickly before anyone come in, he headed outside to the parking lot to put away the uniform and grab his wallet from Alfred's car.

"It's very convenient that the three of us have similar work hours." They had agreed they would leave belongings in the car, Kiku being the first one to get the keys since he got out earliest. Matthew would have them next, and finally Alfred. It was a system that worked well for the trio.

He went back inside, riding the escalator to the second floor. He found the bookstore in the middle of the right level. Matthew was toward the back working on a shelf.

"Hello, Matthew-san."

"Oh, good afternoon Kiku," he said with a warm smile. "Are you off of work already?"

"Yes. I requested that the next few days I come in at six in the morning so that I may get out in the early afternoon. I want to assist you and Alfred-san with the planning for your party."

"Aww, thanks Kiku! That's very thoughtful."

"So what are you doing?"

"Well we got some new books in stock so I'm putting them away. Today I'm not working the register."

"I see." He looked at the books on the adjacent shelf as Matthew continued to organize the titles. "Matthew-san?"

"Yes?"

"Would you happen to have any books on psychology?"

"Oh, of course. We have a pretty decent collection. I'm almost finished here. Just let me put these three away and then I'll take you to the aisle."

"Okay."

Kiku glanced around the store. It was a big space in the mall, the store even having two floors. Well, it's good to know people are still reading. I would be devastated if this place were to go out of business.

"Alright Kiku, let me take you to the second floor." He followed Matthew and watched as the younger twin scurried about, looking for the psychology aisle. "Ah, here it is." Kiku began to look at the spine of the books, reading the titles.

"What exactly is here? I mean, in terms of subject matter in psychology."

"Different things really. We have some on child development, phobias…" He browsed through the shelf, his finger tipping the spines to see the front covers. "…psychological disorders, sexual disorders, general psychology books—"

"Do you happen to have any on criminal psychology?"

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Why the sudden interest? First you were buried in animal biology books, and now you're curious about what makes a criminal?"

"I am…trying to be a well-rounded academic mind, is all." Hey, it wasn't a total lie.

He laughed a bit. "Well okay. I can't say that's a bad thing. What kind of criminal psychology are you looking for? We have books on the general one that covers a wide variety of different criminal types, like psychopaths and manipulators, and then we have books on specific criminal activity, like robbery, murder, homicide, kidnapping, pedophiles, rape—"

"Uh, the last one, m-more specifically."

Matthew looked at Kiku curiously, not sure why he'd want to read about such a depressing topic. "Well, I haven't read any of these, but my best bet would be…" He browsed through a small section. "…this one." He pulled it out and handed it to Kiku. It was a semi-thick book titled, Criminal Intent: From Arsonist to Organized Crime. He looked at the back of the book, reading the summary aloud. "'What makes an arsonist? Can people be born psychopathic? What causes a person to commit murder? Are traumatic experiences in childhood the reason for pedophiles? These and many more questions are answered in detail for the layman to recognize the telltale signs of a criminal or potential law offender, and to not sympathize with, but understand why a criminal commits such heinous acts.'"

He stared at it for a bit, flipping the pages. "Well, the information is organized, and each type of criminal seems to have quite a bit of detail to them. Ah, they even have information about common effects left on the victims." He winced a bit at the price. Matthew chuckled.

"I knew I'd see that reaction from you. The price is a bit intimidating, but it's a good read. I have a coworker who is a declared criminal justice major at her college, and this is one of her most favorite books. She often tells me about her findings, so I think this will help you, whatever it is you're looking for."

"Thank you Matthew-san. I think I shall buy this one then. It's much more difficult to find specifics on the internet because the information isn't always reliable, or it's too little for me to fully comprehend…"

"What made you take the sudden interest in criminal psychology?"

"Oh, uhm…" He wondered if he should tell Matthew about Manuel's odd behavior at the zoo a few days ago. He had kept it to himself, investigating alone, but the second Jones twin was reliable and could be trusted. Besides, he has been the Mexican boy's friend for a much longer amount of time than Kiku has been, and after that outburst on the camping trip, well…he definitely needed to know at this point. "Uh…well, uhm…"

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"No, I feel like I should, because you are his friend too, and neighbor—"

"Wait, you're reading all of this because of what Manuel told us in April?"

"Y-Yes… But it's because I have grown extremely concerned—" He began to tell Matthew about the zoo trip, making sure to defend his reasoning with the odd behavior in the Hispanic teen. "…and that is why I haven't stopped thinking about it since."

Matthew didn't know how to reply for a good minute. "…have you told Manuel that you've noticed?"

"No. I fear if I tell him, he will get upset, especially since I'm researching the topic. But I just want to help… Alfred-san noticed he was acting different that day, but I don't know if he's come to a similar hypothesis." He sighed heavily and began to walk to the register. "Manuel-san hates talking about it, but the longer he tries to ignore it or forget it ever happened, the worse it'll be when he experiences a trigger. That's why he tends to get angry easily, and why he doesn't like to be touched without permission. It all makes sense…" He groaned. "I worry too much about many things I can't control, and another has just piled onto my shoulders. Now I'm afraid for Alfred-san…"

"Why are you afraid for him?"

"…because I think Heracles-san and Navah-chan are dating, and he doesn't know."

That stopped Matthew for a few seconds. "…what made you come to that assumption?"

"They were together in the food court at the McDonald's I work at, and unless I am more naïve in the field of romance than I had initially thought, they were too close to be 'just friends.' Alfred-san really likes her, but…well I just don't ever want to see him sad! He's always so happy and optimistic, and encourages others to be the best they can be! He is a noble person with a big heart and I just…!"

He calmed down when he got to the register. "I just don't want to see him with a frown. He told me that people feign happiness with a smile and get into the habit of acting like nothing is wrong, but deep down, that is very much false. It's beginning to show with Manuel-san, and if Alfred-san is the same way…then I just don't know what I'm going to do…"

Kiku paid for the book, Matthew ringing it up for him personally on a vacant register. He was careful to examine his facial features. He looked dejected as he spaced out, staring at the wooden countertop. He handed Kiku the bag and said, "It's wonderful that you think about your friends so much and want to help with their well-being, but sometimes Kiku…the only thing you can do is support them when things go down the toilet. It's not in the best of times that shows a person's true colors, but instead it's the worst of times that reveals their character."

"Perhaps you are right, Matthew-san. I guess I'm so worried because your brother is such a good person and has been a wonderful friend to me that I don't want to see him in pain."

"Believe me Kiku, I'm the first person to stand in line for that."

"As twins, do you two feel the same when the other is having an intense emotion, such as sadness or happiness?"

"Well, happiness, yes, but neither of us have been sad to the point of depression. I think it would be devastating to us both though."

"I see…" He looked up at the blonde. "Thank you for helping me find a book, Matthew-san."

"You're welcome Kiku. Anytime."

"When are you on break?"

"Well today it's not as busy as usual, and we have more employees here, so I can leave a little early. Did you want to do something?"

"I just have a lot of spare time since Alfred-san doesn't get out of work for another hour."

"Okay, well, there's a party store on the first level. I just have to go to the back to check inventory, and then I'll meet you. You can sit on one of the chairs if you want to start reading the book."

"Alright, I shall do that."

Lovino poked at his food, waiting for Antonio to return from the restroom. They were at a restaurant in the mall having lunch. He didn't want to come here because he knew a lot of his classmates frequented the place, but it had a movie theater and good stores to browse in, so he would just have to endure it. Besides, he always enjoyed himself when he and the Spaniard would go on a date.

Date. Wow, he still had trouble saying it, even in his head. It had been about a month and a half that the two started dating. He was nervous to confess, but the longer he waited, the higher the chances somebody else would take Antonio, and he wasn't going to have any of that jealousy crap. Not anymore.

He blushed, remembering when he finally told him after school one day. He was expecting rejection from the pause Antonio took, but he heard nothing other than, "I like you too Lovi, a lot actually." He smiled at the Italian and even gave a nervous chuckle, his own cheeks becoming rosy. "If you really want to try, we can—"

"Y-Yeah, I'd like that," he replied with a sheepish smile. He could've sworn his heart exploded when Antonio gave him a chaste kiss on the lips, the other laughing as Lovino's face grew redder every passing second. It was easier to display affection in private than in public. A lot of people still didn't know they were dating, at least, that's what the Italian hoped. Knowing Antonio's blabber mouth though, Gilbert and Francis probably already knew.

"Why if it isn't Antonio's adorable little lover ~"

Speak of the devil, and he shall come.

"Oh God you work here?" Lovino asked Francis, hiding his face in his hand. The Frenchman chuckled in response.

"Don't get so red! I'm your waiter for the remainder of your meal. My coworker is on break."

"Figures…"

"Oh, come on Lovino." He sat in the booth across from him. "Why are you so embarrassed? Antonio adores you and is euphoric that you're together!"

"I'm just as happy as he is but I don't want the entire world to know our business!"

"Ah, so you are making amour already. That was quick." Francis couldn't help but laugh as Lovino's face caught fire, his eyes filled with rage.

"That is none of your concern!" he said between clenched teeth.

Holding up his hands in defense, he continued to chuckle. "I get it, I get it. But really Lovino, it's wonderful that you two are an item now. I was wondering when one of you would finally confess."

"…so, he did like me…for a while?"

"Of course! He doesn't stop talking about you and all your cute habits!"

He felt happy at that, but he wasn't going to let Francis know it.

"And you probably don't want to hear this, but your brother and Gilbert aren't the only ones who know either."

Shit.

"…?!" He couldn't get any words out of his mouth as his jaw hung open.

"Oh mon cher… Are you that oblivious to your surroundings? All of our friends have caught on."

When Lovino buried his head in his folded arms on the table, Francis simply patted his shoulder as he stood up. "They were going to find out sooner or later. You and Antonio try so hard to hide it, when actually, you're just making it more obvious."

"…everybody knows, like, everyone?" he said slowly.

"Yes? I just said that. Why? Is there somebody you don't want to—" A light bulb went off in his head. "Oh." He suddenly looked concerned. "Oh." He shifted the menus in his arms and gave a sad sigh. "Unfortunately, love is a gamble, and it will forever stay that way. With your romantic endeavors, you may lose friends and family, and hurt people you never wanted to."

Lovino saw Francis look at the entrance of the restaurant, his expression becoming a bit cold. "Well then, I better get back to work. If you need anything, flag me down and I will get it for you. Enjoy the rest of your lunch with Antonio." He smiled at waved at him, heading off to check on other customers.

The Italian looked back at the front of the eatery and saw Arthur being escorted to a lone table with a menu. He noticed the Briton glancing at Francis who was doing a fabulous job at ignoring him and pretending he didn't even exist. Lovino had never seen the cranky young man with such a worrisome expression before.

"They haven't talked in a while," he said to himself. "I wonder what happened? Is that what Francis meant by the gamble? Maybe." He gave a heavy sigh. "Ugh, but I know I'm just trying to make excuses so I don't think about my own selfish actions… But then, how can it be selfish? I mean, pfft, I don't even know if he likes him! Yeah, I shouldn't care! Why am I feeling guilty?" He crossed his arms and smiled proudly, but it was wiped off his face as fast as it had gotten there. "But I'm not stupid either and the signs were becoming more obvious…and if he knows…" He laid his head on the table and clenched his hair in his fists. "Friendship is fucking hard."

"Lovi, what's wrong?" Antonio came back and sat in his seat.

"It's nothing." He sat back up.

"Mi amor, you can tell me anything."

He gave him a reassuring smile. "Really, it's nothing, 'Tonio."

"Okay, if you say so cariño." He smiled and looked at the dessert menu. "Aaah ~ Do you want ice cream?"

"Sure. Oh, yeah, Francis is our waiter for the rest of the meal."

"Okay." He called his friend from the aisle who walked over and greeted them happily. The Italian glanced at Arthur who was eyeing them, but trying to look preoccupied with his menu when he caught Lovino peering at him. Whatever happened between them, Arthur's too proud to say anything, and Francis is stubborn. Maybe Antonio knows… I'll ask him later.

"So Lovi, do you wanna go see a movie?"

"Oh, yeah, sure. What's out?"

"I dunno. We'll just check the time listings. Maybe Alfred can give us discounts."

He gave a short laugh. "I'll be crossing my fingers."

"Thanks! Enjoy your movie!" He recognized the next customers in line. "Ah! Toni, Lovi! What can I get you guys today?"

"Alfred, I thought you worked at the ticket booth!" cried Antonio, Lovino glaring at him from the side.

"No? I told you guys I work at the concession stand." He laughed when he realized what the whole fuss was about. "Aww, you guys were hoping for discounted tickets, weren't you?"

"Yes," Lovino said sharply as he continued to glare at Antonio. "But maybe next time you should staple a note to Antonio's forehead to remind him!"

"I'm sorry Lovi! Look, I'm the one paying for this date any—"

"AHEM." Lovino cleared his throat loudly, drowning out the other's voice.

Alfred couldn't help but laugh. "Oh c'mon Lovi, it's not like everyone doesn't know." He simply pouted and crossed his arms, the blonde shaking his head. "So what can I get you two?"

"Popcorn and some drinks. Lovi, what do you want?"

"I really don't care." He began to walk away. "I'll get the napkins and shit. Just look for me in the theater fuckass."

"He is such a grump," Alfred said as he began to ring up the food. "But then again, so is Manny. It's a big surprise you can handle being around two foul-mouthed and bad-tempered guys!" He grabbed a bag of popcorn and set it on the counter while Antonio took out his wallet. "You two make a good couple."

"Yeah, we do."

He was a little too quiet for Alfred's comfort. "So…Lovi and Manny are getting along well, huh?"

"Yeah." Antonio gave a small smile. "They are, and I'm happy about it."

"I think we all are. They argue a lot less." He put the popcorn and sodas in a cardboard container. "Here you go Toni."

"Gracias." He handed him the money. "Uh, keep the change."

"Man, really? Thanks! Enjoy your movie! Or, y'know smoochin' if that's what you two decide to do."

Antonio chuckled and then waved him goodbye. He watched as the Spanish teen walked into the theater with the snacks. Alfred sighed. "Speaking of Manny, I haven't spoken to him ever since we came back from the zoo, and he hasn't called or anything. It's starting to worry me. I only get to talk with him when I—oh!"

Said person happened to walk up next at his register. He seems fine, Alfred thought as Manuel looked up at the menu. He smiled. "Hiya Manny."

"¡Hola Alfredo! So, I'll have some popcorn and a soda."

"Comin' right up!" He served him shortly, taking the money and handing him the change. "So what movie are you gonna see?"

"That one about the aliens."

"Ah, I saw it. It's pretty good! I think you'll like it."

He gave a chuckle. "You like everything with aliens though, so I can't really rely on that recommendation."

"Hey, don't judge it until you've tried it. I haven't seen you the past few days. What were you doing?"

"Uh, just, y'know, stuff."

"Like what kind of stuff?"

"Running, and…doing errands, helping my mom with the garden. Things like that."

"Oh, okay. Well you're coming to my party, right?"

"'Course! You know I wouldn't pass up a chance to tell embarrassing childhood stories."

"You still suck so much Manny. Why I'm even your friend I'll never know."

He laughed as he walked away. "Because you can't live without me Alfredo!"

"Hmm…the opposite side of where Toni and Lovi are. Well, guess that's a good thing." He looked at his cell phone. "Almost off of work. Almost… Then, I can start buying party supplies with Matt and Kiku!"

"Hey Alfred."

He put his phone away and was greeted by a familiar face. "Herc! Hey! What can I get for you today?"

"Well I don't want anything. I already ate. Uh, but maybe a small bag of popcorn and a water."

"Okay, comin' right up! Just grab a water bottle in the fridge over there." He scooped some popcorn into a bag and then walked back to the register. His face became red in an instant when he saw Navah walking up to Heracles.

"Alfred, I didn't know you worked here!"

"Y-Y-Yeah I do!" He handed the Grecian the popcorn. "Uh, s-so would you like anything?"

"Hmm? Oh no, I'm just going to share with Heracles."

"Here you go, Alfred."

"A-Ah, thanks." He opened the register and handed him some change. "There you go. S-So, you guys are at the movies together? Like on a date?" he joked.

Navah blushed a bit and said, "I-I'm going to go get some napkins."

"Okay, I'll join you after." He looked back at Alfred. "Well, we only recently started dating. This is our fifth."

"Oh, I-I see. Well, enjoy your movie!"

"Thanks. Your party is in two days, right?"

"Yup! You guys are gonna make it?"

He nodded. "Have a good day Alfred."

"You too Herc!"

He looked at his cellphone again. "Five minutes until my shift is over. I can leave a little early…yeah…" His eyes stared at the digital clock as he walked to the break room and sat down. He began to text Matthew that he was out.

Alfred walked out of the movie theater with a frown.

"Al!" Matthew said cheerfully. When he saw his twin, he walked up to him and caught the fraction of a second of melancholy on Alfred's expression. He quickly looked up at his twin and grinned. "Matt!"

"Ready to go shopping?"

"Yup!" His face lit up. "Kiku!"

"Good afternoon, Alfred-san." He blushed the instant Alfred gave him a bear hug, Matthew trying not to laugh. "U-Uhm," he simply patted his back with a hand. "H-How was w-work?"

"Good, good! I saw Toni and Lovi. Man even though they're together they're still the same as when they were friends. Oh, yeah I also saw Manny."

"Manuel-san? Oh, how is he?"

"Uh, good I guess. He didn't really want to talk, but he spoke to me like everything was fine so…" Kiku noticed the slight worry in his expression, but then he said, "And I also saw Herc and Nav."

That made his heart sink. "Ah, they were going to the movies?"

"Yeah. They're on a date. Man Herc's so lucky!" he laughed.

"You are not…sad?"

"Nah. I mean, bummed yeah, but not sad. It's okay though. She was just a crush. It's not like I'm in love with her or something like Matt is with Kat."

"I AM NOT!"

"Damn Mattie! Don't shout!" He chortled. "Your face is so red!"

He is picking at Matthew-san's infatuation and acting slightly obnoxious. It's definitely bothering him, Kiku thought to himself. "Well, shall we begin shopping for supplies?"

The trio walked to the party store on the first level. Walking to the themed aisles there was a lot of tropical decorum for the season, but Alfred and Matthew went to the Fourth of July section. "Okay, so what do we need…" he said as he began browsing.

Matthew took out a list from his pocket. "Well, basically everyone we invited is coming with their parents so…just get a lot of plates and napkins."

"Crap we're gonna need a cart."

"I shall go retrieve it," Kiku said. He grabbed a cart and pushed it to the aisle. "Might we also need some streamers and balloons?"

"Oh hell yeah. But we're gonna have to rent a helium tank. We'll do that last though."

"So are all of our friends attending?"

"Yup. And our cousins."

"You…invited your cousins, Alfred-san, Matthew-san?"

"Yeah, only some of them though 'cause our family is fucking huge," he ended with a laugh. "Okay, well, hopefully this quantity will be enough."

Kiku pushed the cart as the brothers gathered the supplies for the party that was to happen in two days' time. He was getting a bit excited himself, having never met the Jones's extended family.

He jumped when Matthew shrieked and Alfred yelled out "shit!" as a torrent of balloon bags fell on them. Employees rushed to their rescue, the twins surprised to find it was Tino and Berwald. Kiku giggled a bit and glanced to the side. He blinked as a small glass vase in the wedding section next to him cracked a bit. Silently he stared at it, feeling a little nervous.

"No, I am being foolish. There are no such things as bad omens…"

A/N: This chapter was actually supposed to be much, much longer, but then it got too long to be put into a single chapter. It's a shame really, since I'm half-way done with it too. I thought I wouldn't have enough content to make the second half its own chapter, but man did I prove myself wrong. Anyway, the next installment will be filled with a lot of drama...I guess...and it's probably the biggest plot point to date. Kiku's book is fictional, but it's based off of one I'm currently reading. It's about character traits for writers. It goes into the psychology of actual human beings so a writer can create more believable characters, and the chapter I'm going to start next, chapter five, is about different types of criminals. It actually works quite nicely with the timing of this plot.

Uh, I don't know how long this story will be, but it will definitely exceed twenty five chapters so...it'll still be in-progress for some time. Originally, Alfred was supposed to be the main character, but I think I got carried away somewhere in the middle and unintentionally made Kiku the main protagonist... Which isn't bad because Ameripan is the central pairing, but I just didn't think it'd turn out this way. I do enjoy writing from Kiku's perspective though. I was being bad and worked on this next chapter for you guys instead of making a short story for my creative writing class. Ah and it's due Tuesday and I still have all this drawing homework I need to do for art class... I am the queen of procrastination, and that's actually something I should be ashamed of. orz But I will manage my time somehow!

I know this chapter was short, but I'm hoping the next one will make up for it. I'll probably update again in late April or the beginning of May, as much as I wanted to wait until July to post it, but oh well. I'm impatient. Until the next chapter!