Chapter 3: An Ominous Conversation

Alfred had always loved to play characters, always being one up for putting on a show, and made a very conscious effort to stay in character at almost all times. In fact, often times if he received compliments on the party he responded with, "Well I am the king of the host club, I would hope that means I can host a good party." Followed by a wink that made girls and guys alike swoon at the very purposeful and (less purposefully) cringy pun. He spent his time doting on girls, some of the cuter gay and bi guys, and Kiku alike, Kiku not minding as he knew Alfred was very faithful to him and him alone, while unknowingly crushing Arthur's heart that the American didn't realize he held as he never came over to talk to Arthur, even in character. Arthur was cute, right? Even as a ghost? Arthur sunk back into his chair, wanting to just curl up and cry.

Arthur only started feeling worse as the night went on, jealous of all the cute couple dancing, kissing, feeding each other, and even making out along the walls of the room and on the dance floor. Everyone was having a good time, meanwhile Arthur sat in his chair in the corner, feeling like someone was ripping his heart out of his chest.

Alfred began talking to someone at the nearby snacks table, the seemingly very serious conversation drawing Arthur's attention.

"I don't see what you're waiting for Alfred, you've been dating each other for two years now, isn't that enough time?" the guy asked.

"I guess, but it just feels so early. We're still in college and that kinda stuff is expensive, you know?"

"Yeah, but the earlier you do it and ask, the more time you guys have to save up together. All you have to do is get the ring and pop the question. If Kiku says yes you can save up together if he says no... well, then you're saving yourself some time and can move on."

Arthur's eyes widened at that last part, Alfred's friend confirming his suspicions about the ominous conversation. Arthur was in shock for a moment before everything hit him at once. His eyes began to water as he felt himself beginning to break down. Arthur got up and began looking for a spare bedroom, feeling exhausted as his world came crashing down around him for the second time that night. If Alfred married Kiku it'd all be over. Any hopes and dreams of a relationship between him and Alfred would be absolutely crushed... Just the thought of it made him feel so sick he had a feeling he might not live to see the ceremony.

Arthur made his way into a spare bedroom, changing the sign to do not disturb before going in. He locked the door just in case some drunk couple looking for a place to hook up didn't read the sign and went to lay on the queen-size bed in the middle of the room. Arthur sent Francis a text saying where he was, that he was going to take a nap, and to either get him up when he wanted to leave or ask Alfred for the key to stay the night there in the room with him. He wasn't worried about sleeping in the same room or even same bed as Francis since one, Francis had a boyfriend, two, they'd slept in the same bed before since childhood without a problem, and three, Francis would never touch anyone without their consent, especially while asleep.

Arthur put his phone down and got under the covers, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Arthur woke up sooner than expected, but not where he expected. Arthur sat up and looked around. He'd woken up in a bedroom that could only be described as a pastel goth paradise.

When Arthur looked back to see the bed he was lying in he was greeted with the sight of male that looked to be about his age and... almost exactly like him. The stranger had pink hair, freckles, wore all pastel and black, had crystal blue eyes with swirls of pink in them, and just all together reminded Arthur of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. Arthur knew he should be alarmed at being in a different place with a stranger he'd never seen before, but for some reason, he felt strangely calm. "Who are you?" He asked the stranger.

≈ 760 words, comments and votes are always appreciated and thanks for reading. X3