Oliver stood behind the counter, his azure eyes staring hesitantly at the two men who he assumed were handling the register. The pink-haired male has been standing there for the past five minutes, and none of the men had taken notice of him. Or maybe they did notice him but they chose not to acknowledge him.

The pair both had blonde hair that was tied back in a ponytail, their faces holding a similar expression as their eyes focus on the magazines in their hands. The one on the left had a more strawberry blonde shade to his hair, and his eyes were a lilac color that seems to carry no life with them. The latter had a brighter shade of blonde and purple, dull eyes. Glancing at their name tags, the left one was 'James' and the one on the right was 'François'.

Both of them still haven't acknowledged the client right in front of them. They merely ignored him as they flipped through their reading as they remained silent through it all.

Oliver scanned his surroundings; he was inside a store named 'Le Chouchou', specifically a pet store that sold a variety of animals that range from puppies, kittens, gold fish, and more. He glimpsed at the different breeds of puppies collected at the left side, each living in their own little cubby. To his right were the fish tanks, dominating the entire wall. He could also see an adjacent room in the middle where he assumed where the other pets were located.

When Oliver first saw this store a few minutes ago, he didn't believe that Allen actually worked here. A store like this would never accept someone like Allen. This place required people who are gentle, kind, and patient in order to care for the little animals living here. And from what Oliver knows, gentle, kind, and patience were never part of Allen's dictionary. It was difficult for him to imagine Allen taking care of baby animals; it was unnerving.

But this was the address that Alfred had given him. He even double checked it before coming inside.

It was hard to believe that someone like Allen, who was tough and strict-looking, be accepted to work in a gentle, mundane environment. Maybe he was tasked to do labor work instead of tending to the animals? Or perhaps he organized the supplies and took inventory?

Whatever it was, Oliver wanted to know how Allen even got this job in the first place. It also made him wonder how these two, the ones sitting behind the register, landed a position in this shop. They radiated the same air as Allen; dark and menacing, but were silent and mysterious at the same time. At least they weren't in charge of the animals, but it was irritating seeing them ignore Oliver's presence. They pretended as if he wasn't even here!

"Ahem," Oliver cleared his throat to catch their attention. "Excuse me?"

François' somber eyes glanced up to look at him, his cold stare sending a chill down Oliver's spine. That was it? That was all he had to do to get them to notice him?

"Hello-"

"Are you a customer?"

"Not really…"

"Here to buy anything?"

"Er… no-"

"If you're not here to purchase anything then the exit is that way, little boy."

Oliver's cheeks flushed in anger. Now they were just plain rude. "I'm sorry, but I'm here to see someone," he grumbled.

François turned back to his magazine and barked, "Oi, Francis, bring your ass over here."

On cue, a door opened and out came a blonde man, his face awfully similar to François. Blinking, Oliver's eyes darted between the newcomer and François, concluding the two were twins. Unlike François, the other half seemed to carry an airy atmosphere around him, with a sly grin instead of a frown. His name was 'Francis', Oliver assumed. And oh- did he just wink at him?

"Hello, there," Francis says, his velvet voice coming out like a purr. His lively lilac orbs widen in interest before narrowing, eyeing Oliver up and down. "My, my, mon amie. You look familiar; have we met before?"

Oliver shook his head. "Not really. It's my first time coming here," he answered, silently glad that someone was decent around here.

Francis remained quiet as he inspects Oliver with piercing eyes, causing the latter to fidget and lean his weight from side to side. His gaze was making him uncomfortable. What was up with this place?

"Ah! Now I remember!" Francis snapped his fingers. "You are Alfred's boyfriend, yes?"

"No, no, no," Oliver shakes his head. "You've mistaken me for someone else. Arthur is Alfred's boyfriend. We are uhm, we're twins, Arthur and I. My name is Oliver."

"Eh? Arthur never mentioned that he has a twin," Francis whined, crossing his arms and pouting. "Anyway, what is it you need, Oliver?"

"I need to-"

"Wait! Let me guess!" A sinister smirk curled on Francis' lips. "You are here for Allen, are you not?"

Oliver felt his cheeks burn, but he blamed it on Francis. The Frenchman was the reason why he was blushing, not Allen!

"That's correct," Oliver stammered as he held up the paper bag. "I'm here to give him something, and I need to talk to him real quick."

Francis started chuckling, a very strange 'ohonhon' in his ears. "I see, I see. Twins dating twins, very exciting, yes? I knew that Alfred was dating Arthur, they never told me but I could see right through them. But I never see you and Allen together, and I am very upset that Allen never mentioned you!"

This time, Oliver's entire face became scarlet. "Wait! You've misunderstood!" Coming here was really a bad idea. "Allen and I aren't like that! We're just-" He stopped himself. They were what? What was he going to say after that? They were certainly not friends, they were more like enemies. But Allen doesn't see him as an enemy, he sees him as an unrequited love interest, so what was their relationship exactly?

This only caused Francis to laugh even louder. "Hah! You and your brother are alike; such sweet little things, you two. So oblivious and innocent."

"I'm telling the truth! Please don-"

"Do not be ashamed, mon amie," Francis assured, winking at him. "We are the same as you."

"Pardon?"

A fourth party came out from the door, and Oliver couldn't help but gawk as he stares at him and 'James'.

Another set of twins?!

Is everyone in this town a twin?!

"Oh, hello, there," the newcomer says. His name tag displayed 'Matthew'. And Matthew had a soft, quiet voice when he spoke. Comparing him and James, the former appeared more amiable and kind while the latter looked rough and ready to beat someone to a pulp.

Is it just him or was he beginning to see a pattern here?

"Uhm…" Oliver glanced between the pairs, and he didn't need a rocket scientist to explain to him what was going on here. "Hello?"

"He is Allen's boyfriend-"

"I am not his boyfriend!" Oliver shrieked, his hands gripping onto the paper bag tightly.

"He is very shy, just like Arthur," Francis whispered to Matthew, but Oliver had heard it nonetheless.

"Oh," the latter replied. "He's at the back, would you like me to call him?"

"No, that's fine. I'll go look for him," Oliver declined politely. He didn't want to talk to Allen in front of them; it would be too embarrassing, especially with Francis' teasing. "May I go in?"

"You may. He's all the way at the back, in the herbivore section" Matthew informed, throwing his thumb backwards to point to the adjacent room in the middle.

"Thank you," Oliver nodded his head before drifting towards the next room, his feet taking long strides to get away from their sight quickly. He passed by several types of animals on his way, meanwhile taking quick glances at the many kittens and puppies playing around in their cages. Some eyed at him and barked, their little paws scratching at the glass separating them and Oliver.

As much as he wanted to stop and ogle at the pups, he needed to complete his task as soon as possible so he could get it out of the way. Keeping an eye for the aisle names, he catches a glimpse of the herbivore section and rounded the corner. The aisle contained two separate columns of rabbit pens. While the several bunnies caught Oliver's eye, the person standing in the middle was what stole his entire attention.

At first, Oliver expected Allen to be wiping the floors with a mop or cleaning the windows, but no, he was not doing any labor work. Allen was crouching in front of the animal pens, wearing a long black apron, and on his hand was a bunny that he was petting. Oliver had thought that that was an unnerving sight, but seeing a smile on Allen's face while he did that had caused Oliver to halt his breathing. It wasn't the nasty smirk he wore everyday, it was an actual smile, warm and sincere.

Stunned by the scene in front of him, Oliver slowly stepped backwards, his heart thumping so hard he could hear it. The scene terrified him. Allen was now giving the bunny a baby carrot, in which the bunny accepted before nibbling at the offered snack. The male's hand started petting the small animal, causing Oliver to lose his senses.

This shouldn't be happening at all! How can a sweet little bunny have so much trust on Allen F. Jones? Instead of welcoming the human, that bunny should be cowering in fear or running away!

Why? How? When? Questions filled Oliver's head, each and every one unanswered. He was so occupied with his thoughts that he didn't notice the stack of empty metal cages behind him until his back collided with them. The clatter of metal against metal caught Allen's attention, prompting the brunette to glance towards Oliver's direction.

Oliver's breath had clogged at the latter's expression, an expression that he's never seen on Allen ever.

Peace.

Allen looked at peace for a mere second before his face twisted to confusion. Without breaking eye contact, Allen gently placed the bunny back on the pen and stood up slowly.

Oliver raised a pointing hand at Allen, his index finger shaking uncontrollably. "Y… you…" Oliver gulped. "Y-you… you…?"

He felt like fainting. Allen, pet store, animals, bunnies, baby carrots; it was getting too much!

Oliver's knees started shaking while his hands clutched on the paper bag in front of his chest. His back slid down against the cages, and the last thing he saw before his eyelids closed was Allen reaching an arm out for him.

And what was that on his face? He's never seen it on Allen before. What was it?

Was that a concerned look on his face?

Impossible…

x

Oliver's eyes opened slowly, but they squinted hard when the light above blinded him. He groaned quietly, lifting his right arm to shield his sensitive eyes from the white light. Nevertheless, he groaned once more when he felt a throbbing pain on his back. A pain caused by laying down on a hard, uncomfortable surface.

Sitting up slowly albeit the pain in his back, Oliver saw what he was laying down on. Three chairs had been placed side by side to create a make-shift bed. Well, at least he didn't sleep on the cold floor. And whoever put him here at least had the decency to put something soft to support his head, or else his neck would have ached as well.

The soft object appeared to be a dark brown bomber jacket that was folded to mimic a pillow. He would have disregarded it at first glance, but a familiar scent caught his attention. Oliver sniffed at the jacket, which was letting off a familiar cologne scent that took a while for his brain to register. When the owner's face appeared in his mind, Oliver's eyes widened and he realized his situation.

Cookies, pet store, puppies, kittens, bunnies, Allen.. Allen!

"You finally woke up."

Oliver's head snapped back and he gasped. Allen was just two feet away from him, sitting on the floor with his eyes staring at his phone. His face bore the usual irritating scowl, leaving Oliver to wonder if seeing Allen's tranquil expression a while ago was just him hallucinating or so.

All the events that happened prior to now resurfaced back to his mind, reminding him of his unaccomplished mission. He could feel his face heat up at the memory, and instead of replying to Allen, Oliver's stressed eyes searched for the brown paper bag. It wasn't in his hands when he woke up.

"Why are you here?" Allen asked him bitterly. "And don't you even dare utter a single word about this to anyone."

Oliver could hear the threatening tone in Allen's voice, but he was still occupied with his search. "Uh, sure," he replied blandly, eyes darting around the room. They weren't in the bunny aisle anymore, they were inside a storage room filled with opened and unopened boxes, and a small fan upholstered on the wall. It was off at the time being.

"Why are you even here? Francis told me you were looking for me. How the fuck did you even know I worked here? Did you follow me or something?" Allen accused, finally turning his phone off to look at Oliver.

"Alfred told me."

"What?!" Allen shrieked, turning his phone back on to message his brother.

While Allen was angrily texting on his phone, Oliver finally found the paper bag sitting under the plastic chairs. He took it back and placed it on his lap before glancing back to Allen. A deeper scowl was twisted across his face while his thumbs tapped aggressively on his phone screen.

While Allen's attention was on something else, Oliver took this time to contemplate on what transpired before he passed out. Allen was holding a bunny, and the bunny never ran away. What was up with that? How could animals like Allen? These little creatures should be running away for all he knows. Didn't they say that animals can sense if a person is good or not? So why would an animal, such as a cute innocent bunny, trust Allen enough to be handled by him?

Unless…

Unless Allen truly is good natured as what Arthur and Alfred claims him to be.

As a matter of fact, Oliver wasn't perturbed anymore, but astounded by the fact. Was he naturally good with animals? The bunny he was holding was so calm and peaceful in his hands. It was still shocking to see how Allen F. Jones, renowned high school bad boy that caused trouble everyday, would have a soft spot for animals.

Why was Allen hiding this from everyone?

"Hey, dollface. Will you quit staring at me like that?"

Oliver blinked. He never realized he was looking at Allen straight in the eye while he contemplated. The latter was now scowling at him, and Oliver was quickly reminded of the smile Allen wore for just a second a while ago.

So, maybe Arthur and Alfred were right. Allen was hiding his true self. Well, that's half true. They also mentioned how Allen always says the opposite of what he actually wants to say.

"Why are you here? My stupid brother won't answer his messages," Allen grumbled, jumping to his feet and crossing his arms. "Francis put me on break just so I can talk to you. So what is it? Get on with it already."

Oliver looked down and fought the blush that was trying to make itself present on his cheeks. He found himself feeling irritated by Allen, since his brut personality was showing once again, but the irritation washed away immediately. Allen likes you, he remembers. Apologize to him.

His hands held onto the paper bag, his palms sweating and his fingers shaking. Oliver's heart was pounding loudly against his chest. It was at this time did he realize that he never planned what he was going to say. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words managed to come out. He stuttered, but it sounded like gibberish even to his own ears.

Now he was just making a fool of himself.

Good job, Oliver.

Taking a deep breath, Oliver passed the paper bag over to Allen without looking at him. "This is for you," he says, but it came out like a whisper.

Since they were inside a compact room, Allen managed to make out the sentence. "Me?" He grabs the bag. "Is this from my brother? If he wanted to give me shit he should have done it on his own. What the?" The bag crumpled. "Cookies? I didn't know that bastard can bake."

"I made those," Oliver confessed, and once again, he whispered it out. He didn't have the guts to look at Allen; he was too terrified of what his expression may look like. "I didn't add any eggs or dairy milk. Your brother told me to exclude those."

Allen was silent. It was a heavy, uncomfortable silence that was eating Oliver in the inside. He still refused to look at Allen, and with the latter staying silent, no words at all, Oliver was tempted to run out of the room and exit the store.

"Why?" Allen asks.

"Alfred told me to do it…"

"Alfred? Why would he… wait a minute. Did you actually go inside the house?" Allen was laughing now. "Oh, shit, you saw them fucking, didn't you?"

Oliver's face flushed a deep crimson as his head snapped back at Allen. "Please refrain from using profanity with me, Allen! That is not appropriate!"

"Why are you so uptight?" Allen scoffs, rolling his eyes before taking a seat on one of the chairs. The one farthest from Oliver. "You want me to rephrase it?" He smirked. "You caught my brother and your brother having hot and steamy sex inside-"

"Shut up! You're making it worse!"

"Blushing virgin," Allen muttered.

"I beg your pardon?!"

Now this was one of the reasons why Oliver hated Allen, making it difficult for him to believe that Allen F. Jones is actually a 'nice and caring' individual hiding under that thick bravado of his. How was it possible for Allen to fake being rude towards Oliver but at the same time carry feelings for him? That was just messed up.

Maybe he should have added the eggs and milk in the cookies to get back at him. That should teach him a taste of his own medicine. Even though Oliver had no idea why Allen didn't like having eggs or dairy products in his cookies.

Why was Allen so strange and peculiar? He can never read his expressions.

Nevertheless, Oliver had put two and two together to create a conclusion. Allen, somehow, likes animals and he doesn't like having eggs or dairy products in his food. Which could possibly mean that,

"You're a vegetarian?"

Allen scowled at him. "I'm vegan. There's a difference. Get it right, shortcake."

Shortcake? Oliver's inside swirled in anger. If he hears one more ridiculous nickname from Allen he swears-

"Is this all you need to do? Because you can go if you have nothing else," Allen says. He opened the container lid and snatched one cookie out. He took a bite and chewed for a few seconds. "These are terrible."

Oliver could have erupted in flames and strangled the man -how dare he insult his cooking - but he held his ground and watched Allen. "But you're still eating it anyway."

Half of the cookie was gone already. "So? Not that bad, and I'm hungry anyway. And why did Alfred make you bake this?"

Now or never it seems.

After taking careful minutes to think about how and what he should say, Oliver finally speaks, "I'm here to apologize."

It came out like a whisper again.

"What?"

"You heard me," Oliver growls.

"I didn't hear it."

Yes you did, Oliver says to himself. He could see that sly smirk on his face.

"I didn't. Care to repeat that?"

Oliver wanted to jump off a cliff right now. "I said I'm sorry," he says a little louder through gritted teeth.

"Sorry for what?" Allen asks with a smirk. "I honestly don't know why you're apologizing but I like it."

Maybe a slap or two would make Oliver feel better. But he took a deep breath and remembered what he was here for. Allen's just being an idiot, that's it. A big annoying idiot. "I'm sorry for insulting you the other day," Oliver says. Despite his aggravated tone, he sounded sincere, which caused Allen to raise a brow. "A few days ago, in the hallway near the back. You remember."

Allen says nothing. He carefully stares at Oliver, his eyes trying to read the shorter male. "And why are you apologizing?"

"Because I want to!" Oliver exclaims. "Look, I take back what I said. I didn't mean them. Well, I did at that time but now I don't. And I feel bad for saying them to you. Now accept my apology or I'm taking those back!" Oliver points at the container of cookies.

Meanwhile, Allen only stares at Oliver with disbelief. "Woah, dollface, what did you eat to make you say that?" Even Allen seems to be taken aback by Oliver's sudden change of demeanor. "You're freaking me out here. A few hours ago you looked like you were about to kill me, but now you're all soft and apologetic? I don't understand you."

"And I don't understand you!" Oliver retorts, standing to his feet and glaring at Allen. He really had the audacity to act this way? What a hypocrite. "I mean, what kind of person would act so cold and impulsive towards the person they like? I don't understand you, Allen F. Jones. What game are you playing at? Am I a game to you? A toy of yours? Are you trying to send me mixed signals or something? Too bad because I don't like it! If you like me then why the bloody hell won't you say so?!"

Oliver now noticed how shocked Allen was. The latter flinched, his hands almost dropping the container of cookies to his feet. Allen, for the first time in Oliver's eyes, was looking up at him with terrified eyes, as if he was staring at his number one fear.

Allen starts shaking his head slowly. "Wha… no, no that's not… true. How… how did you-"

"My brother told me, and Alfred confirmed it. You never liked Arthur, you like me," Oliver says as smoothly as he could because he was sure his voice was shaking, but not as much as Allen's.

"What?! He's lying, why would I ever…?" Allen tries to play it off by laughing, but Oliver could see it. Allen had a dent in his armor, and it allowed Oliver to see through it.

"Allen, I'm giving you a chance to tell me everything. Everything from the beginning. You know what I'm talking about," he says, looking at Allen straight in the eye. "I can stay here with you and we can talk this out. Let me hear what you have to say and I promise that I won't interject or make fun of you. I'll listen to everything you have to say as long as you're… honest with me. Your brother says you have a hard time speaking the truth because of how nervous you get, but bare with me for now." When Allen looks away, Oliver felt hurt. "Or… if you don't want to talk at all, then I can leave, forget all of this, and turn our separate ways."

Oliver waits for Allen to speak, but the latter remained quiet. He'll never admit it, but Oliver felt his heart clench at Allen's unwillingness to cooperate. Somehow, deep within Oliver, was a small hope that there could be a chance for them. A chance for them to start over instead of ignoring each other's existence. Oliver had thought that, with how many years Allen had held feelings for him, he thought that the latter wouldn't give up so easily.

Nevertheless, after waiting for Allen to say a word or even any sign of agreement, Oliver concludes he chose to stay silent. He chose the second option.

"Alright then," Oliver whispers. He slowly rises to his feet and dusts himself off. "I'll leave you alone. I've caused you enough trouble for today. Enjoy the cookies I've made you."

The pink-haired male turns around, but he stops when he hears a quiet cry, "Wait." It was quiet, softer than Oliver anticipated. "No, come… come back."

Oliver glances over his shoulder to see Allen looking hard at the ground, but his left arm was reaching towards the shorter male, his fingers tugging at the hem of Oliver's long sleeve.

"Take a seat… please."

x

"How long have you liked me?"

They sat side by side now, their eyes refusing to look at each other. It seems the white floor was more interesting to look at.

It took a full minute for the brunette to reply. "Two years," Allen muttered.

Two years?

Oliver turns to Allen, flabbergasted by his response. Two years? How can someone hold a crush for that long? Surely it wouldn't even count as a crush anymore; a simple crush can only last four months or less. Don't people lose interest when they realize their feelings won't be returned? Holding deep emotions for someone that long wouldn't even be referred to as a 'crush' or just simply 'liking' them.

No. Carrying deep affections for an individual for that long indicates that the former is in love-

Oliver's breathing clogged in his throat.

In love? Allen in love with Oliver?

The pink-haired male felt his forehead begin to condensate, little beads of sweat forming on his temples. His heart raced at an uncomfortable rate; his own conscious was making him do this and Allen hasn't explained his perspective entirely yet!

Oliver Kirkland will be a blushing mess by the time he leaves this place.

"Two years…?" He whispered, echoing Allen's words. "Two years ago we were sophomores. That was the year when Arthur and I transferred to World Academy for the first time."

"That's right."

Allen wouldn't look at him. His face was turned the other way, concealing his expression away from Oliver.

Two years ago.

"Two years ago was when Alfred and Arthur started dating," Oliver started. He learned about the start of their relationship through Arthur while he explained it to their parents. Apparently, when Alfred first met his brother, the 'git wouldn't leave me alone everyday' and that Arthur reciprocated the feelings when he realized Alfred was courting him. Arthur Kirkland couldn't tell that those times where they 'hung out' were actually 'dates'. "And Arthur said you knew about their relationship at that time as well."

Did Alfred and Allen fall in love with them at the same time? It falls under the timeline. If Alfred and Arthur started dating, and Allen knew about it… then would that mean that…?

Oliver felt his heart ache for a second. It surprised him, and he became frustrated when he realized how he felt hurt at the realization.

"Don't tell me you only started liking me just because your brother started dating Arthur." Oh gods, they were twins. Maybe Allen only felt attracted to Oliver just because he felt envious that Alfred was dating someone.

Knowing this sent a pang of hurt in Oliver's heart. He forced himself to keep his hands from clutching it, but the foreign pain was unbearable. Is this what people considered a 'heartbreak'? If so, Oliver despised it. He hated how he was involuntarily reacting this way because he realized Allen's feelings were forced. But then again, why should he feel this way? He didn't like Allen or anything… did he?

Oliver may not notice it through his denial, but a tiny spark of him hoped that Allen might actually like him. But that spark was getting extinguished like a candle slowly losing its fire because of the cold wisps of wind.

"What? No, it wasn't like that!" Allen argued. His head angled down and didn't turn to Oliver.

A small tinge of anger pinched him. "You're lying. I told you to be more honest."

"I am being honest!"

"So why won't you look at me?"

Allen didn't say anything for a few seconds. Then he sighed, and slowly, he began to shift his head until his eyes met Oliver. The mocking crimson pair of eyes that Oliver was familiar with weren't there anymore. Allen's eyes weren't smirking at him nor were they glowing with discontent. They were clear and less foggy, and it was the first time Oliver has seen Allen's eyes look so… normal. Those eyes were more clear, resembling a pair of shiny rubies.

And they were piercing through Oliver's soul.

He bit back a shiver when Allen looked at him in such a different way. He was used to the scowls and nasty grins from Allen; seeing him like this almost felt… refreshing. It was like staring into a somebody else.

If that didn't shock Oliver, the faint tint of pink across Allen's cheeks did.

"It's not like that." Oh, he was blushing. "In fact, when I first saw you, I never knew you had a twin. And apparently, Arthur and Alfred never knew about each other's twins either. None of us knew. I didn't even have any classes with Arthur at that time, my schedule was in total sync with yours. I only found out about my brother's relationship with Arthur six months later. I caught them making out in our fucking couch one night."

That one last sentence caused Oliver to blush. But it made him realize something. Maybe that's why Arthur started becoming strange and bizarre, telling Oliver that he has 'meetings' with his club officers from time to time. And Oliver had shrugged it off because he knew how much of a worker bee Arthur was.

But no, Arthur was not meeting up with his club. He was sneaking out to meet up with Alfred. And now that the truth was revealed, all those tiny puzzle pieces began to piece each other together. The random 'night meetings', countless suspicious 'phone calls' from supposed 'advisors', and the strange fact that Arthur eats lunch at the football field. Oliver almost felt stupid for not noticing them at all. His brother was too good at keeping secrets.

"How did you even start liking me?" Oliver searched for his gallery of memories. Two years ago was nothing but a blur to him, and he was desperately trying to find out what exactly made him and Allen start a hate war.

Allen bit his lip and glanced sideways. His flushed cheeks weren't hidden anymore. "It was your first day in school. I was sitting at the back of the class and you suddenly come in, someone I've never seen before. The teacher introduced you and… I don't know, it just clicked I guess? I don't really remember how but I just recall… crushing on you on first sight. Probably because you look strange."

"PARDON?"

"Hey, hey, calm down, I didn't mean strange in a bad way," Allen assured, looking back at Oliver. "Let me rephrase it; you looked… unique? Extraordinary?" The blush on his face was getting deeper. Was this what Allen looked like when he was being honest? He looked so innocent when trying to formulate his words. "I mean… natural pink hair, English accent, and those goddamn freckles that seem to be on every inch of your skin. You have way more freckles than all the redheads in school mixed together."

Oliver finally remembered.

Oliver had disliked his freckles ever since he was a child, and he was jealous that Arthur barely had a prominent speck on his face. But he's accepted them throughout the years, until of course, Allen said a couple of embarrassing words about them.

"Don't you dare talk about my freckles," Oliver growled. "You called me blue cheese once and-" And that was why he hated his freckles again. Allen was the reason why he began hating them once more. "You told me how unsightly my face was to everyone."

Allen's face, somehow, turned two shades darker once more. "I-I thought you knew about this already? Didn't my brother tell you?"

"About what?"

"About how backwards I am?"

"Backwards? What on Earth-"

"I like your freckles."

Oliver stared at him. The latter had turned his face away completely, but it was to hide the fact that his face was entirely painted with red. Even his ears were blushing!

Backwards. Allen meant how he says the opposite of what he actually wanted to say.

And oh no, Oliver was blushing too.

"Wha…"

"I like your freckles. I don't know, but I like looking at them. They're just… I don't know, mesmerizing to look at?" Allen was stammering. Stammering.

Oliver recalled when Allen mentioned about the freckles on his shoulders. And now that Allen had mentioned his strange liking to Oliver's freckles… he remembers how in gym class they require everyone to wear shorts and tank tops for sport activities and oh my god does Allen secretly stare at him during those times?

Oliver gulped and tried his best to not feel flustered any longer. He would actually turn into a tomato since his skin was so pale.

"I like 'em so don't try hiding them now that you know," Allen demanded, whipping his head back when he knew his blush had decreased. Nope. Still as read as an apple. "Unless you want me to douse water on you everyday again."

Oliver gasped. "So that was why!" Allen truly had weird intentions to tell Oliver what he likes about him. He recalls the time when he tried covering his freckles with foundation, only to be washed away when Allen showers him with water. Where does he even get the bucket and water? "You have a strange way of telling me you like me."

"I thought you'd pick up on them sooner or later…"

He is reminded of the many feuds and trouble he gets sucked in because of Allen. Oliver eventually remembers the very first day that caused him to feel intense abhor towards a human being.

"Sooner or later? Allen, the first time we interacted you literally bashed your baseball bat against the tray of cupcakes I made for the cooking club." It was a disaster that day. Oliver was so happy that he was accepted into the club that he made a batch of cupcakes to give to his fellow club leaders and members. They agreed to meet at the canteen and as Oliver approached them with the tray in hand, Allen - someone he's never met before - suddenly whacks a bat against the tray. "I was embarrassed and petrified. It was my first week in school and you suddenly come up looking like you were about to attack me!"

Allen flinched, clearly looking guilty about what he did. "It was to get your attention! You never acknowledged my presence at all, and we were in the same classes together! It was the only way for me to get you to notice me!"

"By scaring me with a bloody bat on my first week?" Oliver asked, incredulous.

"It was my way of thinking back then!"

"That's not an excuse!"

They fell into useless bickering until Oliver stopped, causing Allen to stop as well. Their eyes glanced at each other, holding their attention for a long time. None of them uttered a word on the next two minutes, the uncomfortable silence killing them.

Finally, it was Allen who broke the ice. "Look… I'm… I'm sorry okay?" A hand brushed against his chocolate brown hair. "For all the terrible things I did and said to you. And you're right, I am a heartless asshole who only cares about himself. I acted accordingly to what I wanted and never did I consider what you'd feel about them. I'm sorry… Oliver, and you don't need to forgive me. I know just how badly I've treated you, and you never deserved those. I'm… I'm really sorry."

Oliver stares at him with a small frown. This was surprising. Allen F. Jones apologizing to the one person he'd tormented for two years. Oliver would have laughed and brushed him off knowing after all that trouble he'd caused him, nevertheless, Oliver couldn't find himself to do it. Allen was being honest for the first time and Oliver didn't have the heart to do it.

Allen was… he couldn't explain it. Allen was peculiar to say the least. He has a strange way of telling his love interest about his feelings. He carried an obnoxious bravado to cover up the fact that he was an animal lover. When he talks the opposite words would come out.

Allen F. Jones was peculiar. But Oliver doesn't mind it.

"I know you won't forgive me, but I can try and make it up to you. I won't show my face or talk to you ever again if it makes you happy. I've been an asshole to you from the past two years. I promise to leave you at peace starting now."

Oliver's heart broke. No. Allen don't say that. I… I forgive you, and yes, I am still mad but I forgive you. "Why?" Was the only word he says.

"Isn't it obvious?" Allen chuckles, but there was no humor. "I don't deserve you. I don't deserve to be in your presence."

No, Allen. Can't we just make up and start over? "Wouldn't… wouldn't that hurt you? I'm not trying to be boastful but wouldn't that hurt you?"

"Yeah… it'll hurt like hell probably."

Are you giving up already? "Oh."

Silence defeats them once again. While Allen stays quiet, Oliver's mind and heart were in a civil war with each other. His brain told him to leave Allen to mourn, to let him cry over his loss. But his heart said otherwise. It tried to make Oliver say words to assure Allen, but his brain didn't want him to.

He weighed his options, his conscious trying to mentally decide which side to pick. As he spent several minutes deciding, he finally leaned over to the option that spoke louder to him.

"I forgive you," Oliver choked, closing his eyes and swallowing hard. "You don't need to do that because I forgive you."

This caught Allen's attention. His crimson eyes widened in shock at Oliver. "What? Why?"

"Don't get me wrong, I am still angry about everything… but I forgive you. I understand why you did that, and I'll look past it."

"No," Allen says, shaking his head. "What I did to you for two years was horrible. And you can't just simply look past it, Oliver. Slap me, punch me, do whatever you want. I won't mind."

Hearing Allen call Oliver by his name had tickled his heart. It made him feel giddy and excited for some reason, and Oliver couldn't help it. It was the first time Allen called him by his name. But he somehow missed Allen calling him those strange pet nam- nicknames!

"It's fine, Allen. You apologized, that's what matters. And I forgive you." Oliver looks down shyly. Damn it all. Why do I feel so hopeless? "But do you forgive me? For what I said to you the other day."

There was a pregnant pause. "I do."

Oliver nodded. "G-good then." He braced himself for the next sentences. "You don't need to ignore me, Allen. I'll kill you if you do, I swear. What kind of person does that to someone they like?"

"What are you saying?"

The pink-haired male looked at Allen, both of their faces flushed with scarlet red. "I… I'm telling you to not ignore me. I know I may not look like it but I… I believe in second chances." Oliver felt like he wanted to faint at the sight of Allen's shocked - and hopeful - face. "I'm… I'm giving y-you a second chance, so don't you dare mess it up!"

Allen opened his mouth, and then closed it again. He kept doing that until he finally spoke out audible words. "You… are you serious?" He choked. His eyes began to shine. His pair of crystal rubies sparkled with hope.

"Yes! Take it or leave it," Oliver huffed.

"I'll- I'll take it."

Good. "But… but on one condition though..."

"Hm?"

"You have to be honest with me, like you are now. Don't set up some facade for me. I… I want to see the real you." Oliver looked away, crossing his arms to hide the fact that his face was red and his composure was deflating.

"Alright."

A warm hand brushed against Oliver's shaking arms, prompting the former to look back. His breath, as dramatic as it may sound, was taken away.

Once again, for the first time in forever,

Allen smiled.

"Thank you, Oliver."

x

"You think Allen and Oliver manage to talk things out?" Alfred asks, hugging Arthur closer to his chest.

It was a few minutes past eight and Arthur had decided to stay later in Alfred's house. Since Oliver was already aware of their relationship, there was no need to hide it from him. The couple were laying on Alfred's bed, his arms around the shorter blonde while their legs were tangled with each other. They were watching a movie in Alfred's laptop, a small thing they do to make an excuse to cuddle in bed.

"Allen texted me a few hours ago, but I ignored it. But I wonder how it went for them. Do you think they managed to reconcile?"

"Not sure," Arthur shrugged. "Oliver was really pissed today, and I thought he had more composure than me. Allen's probably in shreds right now."

"So there's no chance for them?" Alfred pouted. "Aww, man. I was hoping they'd get together. I really wanted a double wedding. Wouldn't that be cool?"

Arthur smacked Alfred's chest, earning a choked 'ack!' from the latter. "Don't say such silly things," he muttered. He felt his cheeks burn, but he was glad Alfred couldn't see. "And besides, Oliver's not into relationships."

"Hm… you said that before. You said that 'Arthur Kirkland will never involve himself in a relationship'," Alfred smirked, nuzzling his face against Arthur's golden blonde hair. "But look at you now, dating the hottest guy in school~"

"Oh, please."

They continued watching the movie, or at least they tried to. They kept playing footsies with their feet and giggling like a couple of kindergarten kids. Nevertheless, from the large window beside his bed, something appeared on the corner of Alfred's eye. At first he thought it was Allen coming home from his part-time job, and it was, but that wasn't what caught his attention.

"Uh, hey babe, I think you might be wrong."

"About?"

"About Oliver and Allen. Take a look."

Arthur first saw the wide grin on Alfred's face. Seeing that his boyfriend was looking out to the window, Arthur followed his gaze and caught of glimpse of what Alfred was looking at the entire time. It made Arthur's mouth drop as he scrambled out from Alfred's grip and then pressed himself against the window.

There, walking side by side from the street and onto the porch was Allen and Oliver. At first Arthur assumed they were just walking like any other normal people, but Oliver was wearing Allen's dark brown bomber jacket. And that clothing was the only thing that confirmed the theory in their heads.

They made up.

And it seems they'll be seeing more of Allen and Oliver together.

Both of them looked shy and reserved while they walked, but they knew they'll break the ice between them soon.

"I guess me and Allen are following you two to London, yeah?" Alfred placed his chin above Arthur's shoulder, and the latter could already feel the grin pressing against his cheek.

Too busy to correct Alfred's grammar mistakes, Arthur continues looking at Oliver. Allen had said something, and Arthur smiles when he sees his brother blushing and stuttering below. They finally made it to the porch, opened the door and walked in.

"It's going to be a full house tonight," Alfred chuckles, placing his hands on Arthur's arms before rubbing them. "Come on, babe, let's go downstairs and greet them."

Arthur nodded and followed him out of the bedroom.

x

Ten years later, the double wedding between the Jones and the Kirklands really did happen.

Finished! I'm sorry that I couldn't finish it yesterday haha. But let me know what you think of this short story! There isn't much 2P UsUk out there, so I decided to write this. I may write more 2P in the future, because I adore Allen and Oliver and I enjoy writing their characters. Thank you for reading!