Chapter XXV – E for Emotions

Peter was not completely aware of everything and nobody ever bothered explaining him anything. But even he could feel the tensed atmosphere floating in the living room. By now, it had reverted back to the size of a normal living room but nobody cared to notice. He heard the door slam and his mother charged back in after throwing out the latest people who had gotten on her nerves. And with that, only a few people remained:

His mother, his father, his siblings, Uncle Henry and Aunt Joy, his Australian cousins Jack, James and Kaitlin, the Kohlers, and among Arthur's unexpected friends: Alfred (who was strangely quiet), Lovino, Francis, Kiku, Yao and his brother Leon, and Antonio (currently in a glaring contest with Matthias). Everyone else got thrown out the door (or the window, whichever way Bridget found first).

They all waited in a tensed silence, all lost in their own thoughts.

Peter knew that his brother had collapsed and was deeply concerned for him. But he also remembered the scary image of his enraged furious red-head brother going all out in his anger, crushing everyone under his Alfa pressure, making no distinction between friends and foes in his blind rage. Peter had never seen Alistair in such a state. For the first time, he was scared of his brother. Terrified. But what scared him more was that Arthur's friend, Feliciano, had barely reacted to Alistair's fury. Others didn't notice, too concerned by Alistair's pressure over them, but Peter remembers the way Alistair threw Feliciano around, punching him and slamming him in walls, but the Italian never even seemed to realise that he was being beaten up. The look in Feliciano's eyes when he turned to Alistair, Peter was sure that he saw evil red in those eyes.

It was terrifying.

With monsters like that around Arthur … was his brother safe? Peter frowned in confusion and concern. He never once thought that his brother would ever be able to break down and get harmed. As far as he can remember, Arthur had always been a model of strength and confidence to him. Even if he was an Omega … no, maybe because he was an Omega, Peter was in absolute admiration of his blonde brother, more so than any other of his siblings. But to see Arthur's limp body lying unconscious on the ground … For the first time in his life, Peter felt the desire to harm and kill. And he is certain that whoever caused his dear brother to collapse, the young Kirkland will deeply enjoy making him suffer. For laying a single finger on his brother, Peter will bring them Hell on a silver plate.

Alfred hadn't spoken a word. His brother had already left, feeling he was overstepping with his presence. Despite Matthew's insistence, Alfred had made it a point to remain here. He knew his brother would be getting home safely since the Germans had agreed to escort him back (mainly because Gilbert got kicked out in the lot). Holding his head in his large hands, head low, the American was trying to calm his racing pulse. It was not only due to Alistair's display of power, nor to Arthur's sudden collapse. Alfred's racing heart was panicking because he felt the situation get out of control. He had no grasp on anything and felt utterly powerless. For an Alfa, there is nothing more terrifying than the feeling of being powerless.

He is weak.

Alfred had always refused to admit this but ever since meeting Arthur, the nagging words constantly twirled in his mind. He is weak. He is constantly getting scolded and told off by an Omega when just last year he would never had taken this crap. But because it's Arthur, Alfred can do nothing but take it. He can't even get the blonde to like him. Arthur barely tolerated his presence out of courtesy but he knew that the Briton was still acting distant with him. He can't even begin to seduce Arthur since the Omega thinks of him as a joke! Hell, Feliciano has more chances than him! And that is what really pisses him off!

He hates Feliciano.

He always hated him. The guy is an Alfa but he's too weak and pathetic! How can he be Lovino's brother? How can he become such close friends with Arthur? How can Arthur actually like that pathetic shit of an Alfa?! How can he, Alfred F. Jones, lose to freaky Feliciano V. Vargas?! It makes no sense!

He is weak.

And he hates it.

Fury flashed in Alfred's cold blue eyes. His pulse ringing in his ears, adrenaline pumping through his system.

He is weak.

He can't protect Arthur. He can't beat Feliciano. He can't stop from cowering in fear at the memory of Alistair's rampage. He can't even begin to understand what he's doing here, when he should be beating to a bloody pulp the bastard that had harmed Arthur!

But he just sat there and waited.

Because … he's weak.

Yao tapped his finger nervously against his knee. Aside from that slight tic, nothing showed through his perfectly calm façade. But Leon knew better. Being so very good at keeping up appearances, the young Chinese had long figured out his brother's tics. And from the cold shine in Yao's golden eyes, Leon could tell his brother was barely holding back his desire to spring to Arthur's side. No matter how much the Chinese denied it, it was obvious that his feelings for the Omega were growing every day.

But … is this a bad thing?

Leon really liked Arthur, like a brother you could say. He admired the blonde boy and was already starting to copy his style more and more. He often texted with Arthur and they had a relationship that Leon never had with anyone from his family. His friends were all after his money so they didn't count. His parents were all over Yao. In fact, everything in the Wang family was about Yao. Yao. Yao. Yao.

Only Yao.

Nobody notices Leon. Mei is only by his side because it's her duty. Kiku barely recognises his existence because he must. They are all robots among his family. And nothing matters more than his annoying older brother. For that reason, when Leon heard of Yao finding a sudden interest in an Omega, more so an Omega who blatantly turned the Wang Heir down and put him back in his place, Leon had desired to meet that said Omega. No matter what prior expectations he had … he was not expecting to meet someone like Arthur. Someone as strong as he is kind.

Arthur is strange. He is strong and even Alfas respect and fear him. But he hangs out with Feliciano (a failure Alfa weaker than an Omega), Kiku (who shows less emotion than a cardboard box) and some other weird guys who looked like the freaks of the school had all gathered around the Kirkland Omega. Leon didn't get it. He didn't understand how such a character had been able to seduce his older brother. But the more Leon approached the blonde and got to know him, the more he found himself getting fond of Arthur. Arthur never judges people based on their background or their social status, or even their race. Arthur never ignores Leon in favour for his brother (quite the opposite). Arthur never tells Leon not to go around playing pranks and in fact, often gives him new ideas on how to piss off Yao. Arthur always answers his calls when Leon has a problem. Arthur often comes over to Kiku's house where he would tutor Leon in his schoolwork. Arthur was … the brother Leon wished he was born with.

Because he cares so much for Arthur, Leon is always excited in helping him out. He already noticed the growing link between Arthur and Feliciano. In fact, he and Kiku have discussed this a few times, though not at length and it was awkward more than anything. And Leon could not wish Arthur to end up with his brother Yao whom he hates with a passion.

But … if they did end up together … if Yao truly is sincere and serious about this relationship … if by some miracle Arthur started to see Yao in a new light …

… …

… Leon wouldn't mind. It would simply officialise his brotherhood to Arthur.

…

… …

But if that doesn't happen, it won't change anything either.

Leon smiles in satisfaction as he looked up at the brunet walking silently back in the room along with Merwin. Everyone looked up either in curiosity, concern or plain suspicious hate towards the Italian. Feliciano didn't seem to pay anyone any attention, his eyes searching for the familiar face of his beloved. Leon noticed his brother's body tense up and Yao's golden eyes grew into a cold glare narrowed on the brunet. No matter what happens, Leon is satisfied as things are. In fact, he's enjoying things more than he should. He won't interfere in Arthur's choice but he will never let anyone break the blonde's heart or make him cry. Not even his own brother.

Smirking maliciously, Leon never noticed the watchful green stare of a ginger haired girl narrowing suspiciously on him. Nor the worried light purple eyes watching in fright between the girl and the Asian boy. Nobody noticed anything.

Because in that moment, all the attention shifted towards the two Kirklands walking back into the room. From their blank expressions, nobody could tell what had happened but one thing is certain:

Someone is going to die.

"Arturo!"

The room temperature dropped several degrees the moment Feliciano's call snapped the air. Arthur and Alistair walked back in, both wearing an unreadable expression on their faces but from the looks in their eyes, there is no clearer image to the words: Murder in the Air. The trickling of Arthur and Alistair's auras seemed to melt and clash with each other at the same time. You could almost see their auras taking shapes of angry beasts raging and battling each other, when at the same time, the two brothers walked in side by side as if nothing was wrong.

Merwin scratched his beard with a sigh. Someone please give him a manual on how to manage hormonal dysfunctional teenagers! He's too old for shite like that! Feels like reliving his entire parenthood again! Being a grandfather is tough …

"Feliciano …" Arthur seemed to slowly blink out of his dark brooding as he looked up at the Italian.

Instantly, the mood cleared up and Arthur's expression brightened up, to the irritation of almost everyone in the room (whether related or not to Arthur by blood). Feliciano was about to hug his friend, concern painting his face but he hesitated. Unsure how to react around Arthur since Merwin's scolding. In fact, he wasn't even sure if Arthur was feeling better or if he would collapse again. His concerns must have shown since the blonde Omega smiled reassuringly his softest smile yet. Even Arthur's family could only stare, like hypnotised, by the soft glowing Omega aura the blonde emanated.

"I'm not going to break if you touch me, silly. And I wouldn't mind one you your hugs to cheer me up." Arthur spoke in a low voice, blushing slightly at the words he was speaking.

Glancing hesitantly towards Feliciano to watch his friend's reaction, Arthur barely had time to see a flash of brown before he got tackled by a sobbing crying Italian and both fell to the ground. Alistair rolled his eyes with a grunt and walked to take a seat while ignoring the two friends' antics.

Arthur felt his heart beat too fast and too loud in his chest. But this time, he wasn't afraid of it. He wasn't afraid if his face was flushed red or if his palms became all sweaty. He wasn't concerned either by the murderous glares of his Alfa acquaintances narrowed dangerously on Feliciano. One thing at a time, he'll deal with the others later. Before that, he also needs to make sure Feliciano doesn't get lynched by his family. What a long list he has!

Smiling softly, Arthur chuckled as he ruffled Feliciano's brown hair, making the other pull himself up and off him. Their eyes met and Arthur stopped breathing for second at the closeness between them. Looking into Feliciano's eyes at such a close distance … it was amazing how Arthur hadn't noticed the soft amber glow of the chocolate eyes, nor the freckles of gold and red mixing in. Feliciano had really warm comforting eyes … so kind and gentle … so warm … very warm … uh … was the red getting … redder? Almost as deep as the colour of blood … … … Blood?!

Arthur snapped back to reality and forcefully pulled Feliciano's hand to examine it. He sighed in relief as he noticed it had already been bandaged and taken care. Relief … or maybe it was disappointment?

"Alright, that's enough touching for now!" Patrick hissed as he pulled the two of them apart and dragged Arthur away from the clutches of the Italian.

The ginger shot a dark glare at his scarlet brother, everyone also seemed at lost by Alistair's casual and relaxed behaviour. Normally, he would be the first to keep at bay anyone getting too close to Arthur. Especially when it was so obvious. Arthur suddenly remembered that he and Feliciano were not alone in the room and his face grew redder than Alistair's hair. For all that mattered, the Future Heir of the Kirkland Clan lit up a cigarette well deserved and well needed, blowing a cloud of smoke as he thought his words carefully. Everyone pending at his lips. Feliciano was taking place by his brother's side, trying not to get anywhere near Antonio or Alfred who were emanating murderous vibs towards him. Arthur smiled at Kiku and Leon as he joined them but, almost to irritated the Chinese, Fiona went to drop herself on her brother's lap and completely force his attention on her solely rather than Leon. Peter quickly latched himself onto his older brother too, glaring daggers at everyone, especially Arthur's friends who were staring too much and for too long at his big brother. The middle school teens glared heatedly at each in a glaring battle, Peter was getting softly told off by Arthur, family and friends entered a state of mental battle as everyone tried to impose their will on the other using their auras. All the while Kiku was taking mental notes of everyone's feelings changing radically.

This was getting interesting~!

"In short … Agon is in town." Alistair declared darkly before quickly covering his ears as he anticipated everyone's reaction. He was not disappointed.

Chaos is so noisy.