Hi guys! Sorry for not updating for umm, what a month or two? Well, you see, I'm just a semester away from graduating so... yeah, sched's kinda hectic and all...

no worries! I'm still writing when I can! I'm trying my hardest to finish this story!
Thanks to everyone who reviews/favorite/follows this story! I'm not really that great of a writer but I do try!
This story has angst... YES... a wee bit of humour... (though I have a dry sense of humour).

Anyway, on with the story, my lovelies!

Fate is such a cliché writer. To meet, to love and be loved, to leave and to be left behind, and to be found and reunited just to part once again. An agonizing and never-ending cycle in life. It's just a matter of chance to determine how it will continue.

"Are you serious?" Alfred exclaimed in shock, earning a stern look from Ms. Sullivan and a baffled expression from Arthur. Surely, he had always been the type to overreact at the wrong time.

Ms. Sullivan nodded and narrowed her eyes at Alfred. She stood beside Arthur and put her hand over her precious student's shoulder, "I'm quite certain about this, Mr. Jones. Jugging from your reaction, you seem to know Mr. Kirkland well." she paused and smiled, "I do mean, he is the outstanding Student Council President and I believe he will be uptight concerning your current predicament with catching up for the next test."

Alfred felt his mouth agape, "But...I-"

"Ms. Sullivan, you must be mistaken. I do not know this boy personally. I do hear about him from the students, being the super rookie when we were in our first year. Isn't that right, Mr. Jones? " Arthur interrupted and forced a chuckle. He appeared to be telling the truth, but the absence of life his eyes, proved him otherwise. Politeness could save him from the teacher but not from Alfred.

The bespectacled athlete felt a short pang in his chest with such denial. Well, it was partially true, considering the six whole years without talking or sparing a glance at the other. They might as well consider each other as strangers now.

"He's right, Ms. Sullivan. We're both complete strangers so it would be awkward to study together all of a sudden, right?" Alfred added, avoiding the stare he received from the other blonde.

'Two can play that game, Arthur'

Alfred stood up from his seat, "Ms. Sullivan, ma'am, I can just ask my friend Kiku to study with me." he suggested and turned to Arthur, flashing him a thousand watt smile. "And I don't wanna bother Mr. President, here. I know he's busy and all..."

Arthur's breath hitched and he hastily looked away from the other. Alfred couldn't tell whether it was arrogance, reluctance or sadness that he saw in those once vibrant green eyes. In any case, he didn't care, did he? Whatever bond they formed in the past was already broken, forgotten, gone.

'Absolutely, there was something between these two' Ms. Sullivan mused, it was not her business to pry deeper but her business was Mr. Jones' performance in her class. She truly believed that Arthur would be the most appropriate solution to this problem.

She cleared her throat and sighed, "I'm afraid I cannot grant your request, Mr. Jones. If you will be tutored by a friend, there's a possibility that you will not take this seriously as observed in the past. So, whether you like it or not, my dear Arthur is very responsible and he is the only I can entrust you with." the teacher reasoned and smiled at the Brit. "So, Mr. Kirkland, I pray you will help him improve his communication skills..."

The sandy blonde student looked at his teacher, then to Alfred. His eyes closed for a moment as he sighed, "Yes, I believe I can... Thank you for your belief in me." Arthur spoke, almost whispering.

Ms. Sullivan smiled, "Alright, you two may go. Mr. Jones, do not fail this time. I will let you attend practice but if I find out that you are skipping your tutorials. You will be band from the National Tournament until further notice. Do I make myself clear?"

Alfred nodded weakly, "Yes, Ms. Sullivan."

The two students left the faculty in silence, not even sparing a glance at one another. As soon as they stepped out and closed the door behind them, Arthur turned his back from the other, "I have other things to take care of, just leave a message to my secretary."

"I know that you don't want to do this..." Alfred spoke firmly, staring at the other's well-held figure. The Arthur he knew before was less cold and could stare back straight at him, like a true English gentleman, in the eyes when he spoke. But, this Arthur, this stranger, avoided him like plague. Six years could do so much to a person, like what happened to him. He became the star athlete and gained more friends, he became more confident of himself. He became a better person... right?

"Look at me when I talk to you, Kirkland." he growled. It sounded so foreign to Alfred. He never liked Last Name basis.

Arthur stopped yet he did not look back, "Isn't that just rich coming from you?" he scoffed. "The famous jock not getting what he wants... such pity." The Brit looked back at the American, olive green eyes sharp, prominent brows furrowed and a scowl on his lips. "The world doesn't revolve around only you, Jones." he gritted his teeth and faced forward, walking towards the West Wing of the school.

"So if you do wish to end this unwanted acquaintance, I do suggest that you fix your atrocious language you claim to be American." Arthur added and disappeared on the first turn of the hall. Alfred, on the other hand, went to his next class. He was still frustrated with Arthur's indifferent attitude towards him and barely had a decent lunch. They weren't exactly random acquaintances nor were they friends neither. It wasn't his fault that they drifted apart six years ago; Arthur just started to avoid him. The star athlete could recall that he tried to make up and apologize for whatever he did wrong, yet the Brit refused to talk.

'I got angry and spat my own angry words... After that, I don't recall anything anymore' Alfred thought as he entered the Physics lab. He went to his and Kiku's table and sat down with a groan.

"How did the talk go, Alfred-san?" Kiku asked as he continued to check his notes from last meeting.

"Well, the old lady didn't ban me from practice yet, but threatens to kick me off the team if I don't pass her test..." Alfred mumbled as he slumped on the table. Luckily, they haven't set up any equipment yet.

Kiku gave out a small polite smile, "That's not so bad, Alfred-san".

The other sat up and shook his head with a pained smile on his lips, "That's not all, Kiku. There's a catch" he chuckled, earning a confused look from his friend.

"She got me a tutor/watchdog and it's none than that Evil SC President," he laughed sardonically.

"Arthur-san?" Kiku's eyes widened and looked worried for a reason that Alfred has no knowledge of.

"Yeah... kinda weird isn't it? The guy who will help me practically hates my guts. I swear I'm a goner,"

"What did Arthur-san say?"

"I dunno. He kinda agreed and stuff but, I think he won't help me. He hates me for God knows what reason which I don't really know..." Alfred frowned and ran a hand through his hair.

Kiku pressed his lips, forming a thin line, as his brows furrowed. He patted the other on the shoulder and shook his head, "Don't assume the worst, Alfred-san. Arthur-san will never mix school with his personal feelings."

"You two were friends, so, please don't say those kinds of things"

Alfred let out a small laugh, "Friends, huh?"

"WAIT A MINUTE! You two still talk to each other?" the blonde asked in shock. He did feel somewhat hurt. Kiku was hiding such thing? Why? Alfred eyed his friend, waiting for an explanation.

The Japanese paused and took a moment to think. He slightly shook his head and waved both of his hands, "No... Not like before but we are civil to each other".

"Oh..." was all Alfred could say as he stood up from his seat as he saw his Physics teacher walk in.

'So he can talk easily to Kiku but not me... What's wrong with you, Arthur?'

'What did I do to make you hate me?'

Afterschool practice went well like usual. Alfred would have gone home already but he still needed to attend something. A meeting with Arthur Kirkland. As he made his way through the halls, he came across a female student with twin ponytails and well-tanned skin. She was carrying a box with a stack of papers on top.

"I swear that eyebrows is not a gentleman!" she grumbled. "I'm his secretary not his errand girl!"

Alfred approached the other and smiled, "Excuse me, Miss! D'ya know where the SC is?" he asked.

Michelle stopped and turned around, almost tripping over nothing. Luckily, the jock caught her and took the box from her, "Lemme help ya with that..."

"Thanks... Well, the SC is on the end of this hall. If you would be so kind, please bring those there. I really need to go home early," Michelle pleaded.

Alfred nodded, "No prob! I'm goin there anyway!"

"THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" the tanned girl grinned and left.

'Another one saved by the resident hero!' Alfred smiled to himself and headed off to the Student Council room.

Arthur was checking the plans for the school trips scheduled for next month. So far, the suggestions of the students were the beaches of Miami, Disneyland and other 'vacation getaway'. Only one paper dubbed Museum. He expected this but at least, a single educational spot would be helpful.

'Brats...'

Silence was broken once the door opened with a small creaking noise. Arthur sighed and put the papers down, "Michelle, you can put the papers beside the couch and you can go..." he ordered and looked up, meeting those blue eyes behind red framed glasses. His eyes widened in surprise. The student council president was thinking about the kind of approach that he would do when he faced the American but he did not expect that the blonde would go to him directly after school.

'You can do this Arthur... Just keep calm and carry on.'

Alfred, on the other hand, felt awkward. He didn't know what to do just to be civil with Arthur. No matter what Kiku said, he still felt that Arthur did not trust him at all, nor he to the other. They were like oil and water now. Never mixing, always apart and now was the time that chance granted to oppose that theory.

'You just have to get to his good side again! You've done it before. You can do it again' the jock thought and coughed.

"Ya know, you shouldn't let a girl carry those heavy things..." he started and felt Arthur glare at him.

"That was her job. Only a few number of people exert an effort for this council, so we tend to do more than we are capable of. We, student council members, don't get enough helping hands here because most of the students tend to fawn over jocks, whom seem to be all muscle..." Arthur scoffed and collected the papers from Alfred and put it on his table. After adding a paper weight, he turned to his old friend.

A rare frown was on the blue eyed athlete, "Arthur, I-"

"It's Kirkland to you, Jones..." Arthur corrected instantly, his stoic facade not fading.

Alfred's frown deepened as he felt his heart squeeze as well. He wanted to mend their lost friendship but it looked like Arthur wished the opposite. "Fine, Kirkland. Look, let's just get this over with. You help me pass that stupid exam and we can go back ignoring each other again." Alfred grumbled, words slipping through like venom yet leaving a bitter aftertaste in his mouth.

For a moment, he thought he saw Arthur's eyes saddened. The sandy blonde teen turned around, "Of course. It's better if we keep this acquaintance brief. As you can see, I have more things to do than tutor some random jock who's failing at his own language and I'm sure you're busy as well with your games." Arthur replied as he fixed his belongings.

"Well, where do you plan to study, Jones? The library's closing and there is no chance that I will let you go to my house or-"

"My house..." Alfred answered.

"I'm sorry but that's not an option either,"

"What? But I don't know another place, dude! And I bet you don't want anyone to see us together, right?"

Arthur blinked and bit his lower lip, "O-Of course but- Fine. But be prepared, I'm strict in tutoring so be ready for some Spartan education." he mumbled and gathered his belongings. Alfred hummed in agreement.

The two left the school together, walking side by side yet distanced themselves as much as possible. For Alfred, it was like a spell of nostalgia to walk home with Arthur again, minus the talk, laughs and teasing back when they were kids. He would always rush off ahead and kept Arthur panting in exhaustion. The Brit had never had good stamina. He would always get mad at Alfred for it but they would always reconcile before they get home. The jock smiled at the memory. It was silly but it was still precious.

"Jones…"

"Huh?"Alfred cocked a brow.

"Isn't your house that way?" Arthur asked, pointing at the previous intersection.

Alfred blinked and realized that he was spacing out. He chuckled at his mistake and went back, "Sorry… I was just thinking something…"

Arthur eyed the other and sighed, "Stop being an airhead and let's get going. I have to get back before supper,"

"Hey! No need to insult me, dude."

"Shut up…" Arthur mumbled and went ahead.

Alfred couldn't help but smirk. He sped up and caught on the Brit, "Ya know, it's kinda weird that you still know the way to my house…" he commented.

Arthur stopped on his tracks and looked at the other. His expression was of shock and turned into frustration. He scowled at Alfred as his grip on the strap of his satchel tightened. His mouth opened for a sec but closed again. No words escaped his lips yet his eyes spoke volumes.

Alfred looked at him in worry. Did the past really bother the Brit? He couldn't fathom why but every time he tried to lighten the mood and speak of their past, Arthur would suddenly hide himself. It was only a day! It was just today that they got to talk to each other but many things started to stir up.

"Let's just go…" Alfred retracted and went ahead, with Arthur reluctantly following behind.

Do review~ It keeps me going if there are still people who reads my stories XP

ShizukaUsami89 out~