Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Amalia Sheran Sharm is who every teenage girl wanted to be. Her near perfect body features, her glowing skin the color of milk chocolate, her long, wavy, green hair and her amazing taste in chic fashion. Her father, Oliver, was also the CEO of a huge, world-wide company and is in a year-long relationship with the hottest guy in school. She was given the title of School Princess.
As Amalia walked through the hallways of Rose Red High, the 'wanna be' girls glared at her with utmost jealousy, whereas all the boys goggled. She couldn’t help but let the sides of her mouth twitch into a small smirk. It's almost a routine. Her best friend, Evangalene, strode beside her completely oblivious to the long stares. Eva was known as the hot-sporty chick. She exceeded in all sports, especially Cross-Country and Netball and adored by all her coaches and teammates. The perfect duo.
Eventually, the two girls arrived at their lockers. Amalia swung hers open and was greeted with mess. Textbooks were all stacked on-top of each other on the only shelf, underneath was a variety of extra make-up cases (In case of emergencies), a half-eaten bag of salt-chips and a small bit of space that she swung her pastel pink Chanel bag in. The inside of the door was filled with photos, mostly with friends. Her favorite was last year’s Grade 10 prom. Eva had her arms wrapped around her shoulders the skin-tight, sequined green dress shimmering from the disco lights, while she was grinning wildly. Amalia was laughing, raspberry punch in hand. Her own scarlet dress was only up to the former 16-year old's knees.
“Honestly, you need to get that locker of yours cleaned out.” Amalia whisked around, snapped out of her dreary thoughts to see Eva leaning on her own locker, a smile playing on her lips.
“My locker’s fine. It’s just…. Decorative.” She scowled.
“You keep telling yourself that.”
Amalia was taken by surprise as two arms wrapped around her waist. Oropo kissed her cheek, his brown hair slicked back, with gel that smelled like lemongrass. She laughed by the fact how clingy the male was even this early in the morning.
“Morning.”
Eva rolled her eyes, making Amalia glare back at her.
“Oh please. It’s not like you and Percedal don’t do the same thing around me.”
Oropo laughed, his voice ringing across the narrow hall. Eva chuckled along with him.
“I suppose I can’t really argue with that.” As soon Eva started speaking again, the bell rand and students began shuffling to their classes.
“Want to skip with me?” Oropo lifted himself off Amalia, leaning against a locker.
“No, sorry Babe. If my dad finds out, I’m dead.”
He sighed, frowning. “Fine then. But who said he had to know?”
She only gave him a weak smile. He grumbled and strode off, not saying another word. As he stormed off, Amalia turned around to Eva, but the blonde had already left for class. She scowled and grabbed the appliances she needed for the next few classes before merging with the crowd again.

The school’s cafeteria echoed with numerous voices, almost every single table full of Grade 11s and 12s. The 10s usually sat outside. Amalia sat down at the usual table, right in the middle of the cafeteria itself. Eva was on her left. On her right, was Oropo who was talking to Remington (mostly known as Remi). Dally was on the other side of the table in front of Eva, who decided building a tower of piping-hot chips was a great idea.
“Amalia, can you spare those?” Dally asks, grinning as he pointed at her own chips across her tray. His matted, orange hair had been tied up in a messy ponytail at the back of his head, to stop it from sticking up (the boy guy was nick-named 'the orange tree' by how tall it stuck up). He was known to be the class clown, but also the Rugby team’s star player. And at every lunch time, he came up with ridiculous things to make out of everyone’s lunch. Last week he made 'the great wall of juice bottles' the original 'Great Wall of China' completely his inspiration.
“Uh… yeah no.” The green-head rolled her eyes. Dally shrugged, and stole around half of Eva’s chips, which made the blonde shoot him a dirty look, only making his smirk grow.
“Are you coming over this afternoon?” Oropo asked Amalia, making her flinch. She nodded before turning to face him.
“Of course, if you want me to.” He smiled in response before turning back to Remi.
Lunch break continued to drag on, before a loud 'clash' echoed throughout the loud hall, making the students drop dead silent. Everyone at their table to see Adamai, one of the school’s ‘nerds’ sprawled on the floor, lunch food everywhere. Remi and Oropo were snickering making Amalia's heart sink slightly. Oropo’s leg was sticking out, making it clear he was the one who tripped Adamai over.
Amalia felt guilt stab her. Although she was dating Oropo, that doesn’t mean she didn’t hate it when he picked on others. Adamai glared at the two boys, before he collected himself and stood up, grabbing the food that remained untouched and walked off to his table, sitting next to the only other person there, his twin brother, Yugo.
The cafeteria slowly went back to chatter, and Amalia turned to her friends. Dally and Eva were chatting away, like nothing happened at all. Anger bubbled inside her stomach, but she pushed it away, convincing herself that Oropo’s antics were an everyday, normal thing. It wasn’t a complete lie. Whoever wasn’t good enough to be even average, he made sure they knew it.
For the rest of lunch break, Amalia played with her food, staring grimly at her plate. The others tried to make conversation, but she only kept her sentences short and dull. Eventually, lunch ended, and she headed to her next class, without saying another word to her friends.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

The shrill bell rang for the end of school, and Amalia slipped her English Textbook into her bag. The green-head began to follow the crowd before a voice called out to her. She turned around to see Mr. Joris, the English teacher, leaning on his desk despite his height, arms crossed. Amalia nodded and walked back inside the classroom.
“Is everything alright sir?” She smiled.
“Let me brief with you,” He sighed, rubbing his forehead, “Your grades are not doing well. In fact, you’ve failed almost every assignment and quiz, in all classes.”
Amalia rubbed her thumbs together uncomfortable, dreading what was next.
“I’ve spoken with your father. He agreed to sign you up for a tutoring program. A student to student one.”
Her stomach dropped and her smiled disappeared, “A tutoring program?”
“Exactly. It’s different from other tutoring programs. Instead of one of us teachers helping you, one of our top students will.” He explained,
She had to swallow down a laugh, “Are you kidding me?”
“I’m not joking at all Miss Sheran Sharm. I’m sure you’ll get along fine and perhaps make a new friend. One with better influences perhaps.” His tone hardened at the last part of his sentence.
“Don’t I get a say in this?” She frowned.
“I’m afraid not. Your father has already signed the paperwork.”
Amalia clenched her fists, to the point her knuckles turned pale cream. Typical, her father was always setting things up for her and never let her have a word in any part.
“Your tutor will be Yugo Mayor. Now I assume you will treat him with respect, as he is going to be your mentor. You two will work together on all assignments and study for every exam. Your choice when or where you would like to do it, but at least three times a week.” Mr. Joris stood up and started to pack his own things, “The both of you will start tomorrow at break, so be prepared. And heed this as a warning, I'll keep track of what you're doing. Don't think you can find a way to slip out of this one.”
Amalia gritted her teeth but forced herself to nod.
“Now scram, I need to head home.”
With that Amalia left on her heels, glowering. On the walk through the school hallways, she scowled down at the tiled floors. Sure, she felt bad about Oropo’s usual harsh banter, but that doesn’t mean she wanted to spend time with one of them. She barely knew anything about Yugo, other than he’s way shorter than the average male of their age, Adamai’s twin brother, Oropo's cousin and was the top of all his classes. Nothing else.
When Amalia finally arrived home, she kicked off her shoes and threw her bag down before collapsing on her bed, hiding under the duvet. A ping came from her phone making the screen light up. She grabbed it, and saw it was a text from Oropo.

Oropo: I thought you were coming over this arvo?

She had completely forgotten about that. After a moment she eventually replied,

Sorry, I don’t feel well. Maybe tomorrow.

The message showed read, but no reply. Amalia sighed and tossed her phone and hid under the duvet again. He would be over it by tomorrow.
For the rest of the evening, she thought about what tomorrow could possibly bring, and she eventually drifted off to sleep not caring about dinner or that she was still in her uniform.

Chapter Text

The next day drawled on to Amalia's irritation; the first four periods felt like seconds. At break Oropo continued to ignore he despite her numerous attempts to make conversation. So she chose to pretend like nothing happened in the slightest, despite the fact that Evangalene kept giving her long side-eyes. But she no reason to worry, since her next class was her favorite, Art.
Amalia almost sprinted to the classroom, desperately wanting to get away from Oropo’s hasty ignorance and Eva’s side-eyes as soon as possible. By the time she entered, not a single soul was there, but Mrs. Akane, the art teacher.
Out of all the people of the world, Mrs. Akane was someone Amalia idolized greatly. Most of the school-clowns ended up in Art since all the other classes was too hard and they were too lazy to put in enough effort, so they did horrible things to the poor teacher, but Mrs. Akane held her ground. In fact, Amalia has never seen her angry out of all the years she had known her.
“Ah- Ms. Amalia. Not like you to be early.” The young woman turned to her with a smile, bright green eyes sparkling and long black hair flowing behind. There was always paint smudged on her face, and this time it was emerald green just like her eyes.
“I wanted to finish my assignment by lunch so next week I can draw what I want.” She gave the teacher a weak smile.
Mrs. Akane’s gaze softened, and she hummed, “I know that look. If you ever want to talk I’m available most of the time, and I’m sure there is plenty of others who are happy to help you out as well.”
“I doubt that- about the others I mean. But I’m fine, really. Just a difficult day.”
“If you say so, but keeping things bottled up doesn’t help, keep that in mind.”
“I think you're meant to be a psychologist but missed your calling.”
Mrs. Akane chuckled, “Perhaps so.”
At that, the bell rang signaling for the end of break and students started piling into class. Before she turned to address them, she gave her a wink. Amalia sat down at the very back of the classroom, and briefly listened to what Mrs. Akane was saying, too distracted by the pencil sketch in front of her. It was a bouquet of Lantana, her mother’s favorite before she passed. The assignment was to draw something that connected to her, with pencil and if wanted to, could use one color. And Lantana’s are what she chose.
Her mother has a flower shop, that everyone knew. Malia’s father strived for the big money with his business, where her mother preferred something more subtle, and she expressed it in her little flower shop. Unfortunately, when she died, it had to close down and the building was now an ice-cream shop and was always crowded by some little kids. It broke Amalia’s heart every time she looked at it. Not even ice-cream could beat what it was before.
She pulled out an orange posca pen from her pencil case and started to outline the flowers themselves with the fluorescent orange. Eventually the double-period class came to an end, and Amalia was forced to go to the thing she was dreading the most, tutoring with the nerd.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

The library was pin-drop quiet, an atmosphere of dust, knowledge and Nerds. The last thing Amalia wanted to do was to be tutored by one. The smell of books and paper filled her senses, and she took a long breath before striding over to the table where the short nerd, now her tutor sat.
Amalia stood beside the table and watched him as he sorted through different books, hidden slightly by his hair were earphones playing who-knows-what. She started to wonder what genre of music nerds listened to, but she shook the thought away as quick as it came. Not noticing her at all, Yugo continued to shuffle through the books until Amalia decided to sit down a few seats away from him, and that was when he noticed her.
“Oh, I didn’t see you there, Amalia, right? My name’s Yugo, although Mr. Joris probably already told you.” He took out the wire-less headphones and stuck out a hand grinning. Amalia slowly took the handshake, not bothering to smile back.
“So… what are we going to do?” She sunk into the cold plastic chair, looking away.
“That should be my question to you. What sort of tests or assignments do you have coming up?” He continued to smile.
“We’re the same grade, aren’t we working on the same thing? So why don’t you tell me?” She snapped, crossing her arms as she sank into the horrible chair further.
Yugo didn’t flinch, but laughed instead, “I suppose you’re right. ” He grabbed a note-dairy from his pale-blue strap bag on the floor and flipped through before looked back up at her.
“The Geography test in Science is next week on Volcanic Minerals, how about we focus on that for now?”
“Fine, whatever.” She grumbled. Yugo continued to smile, not caring one bit about her attitude towards him, and started to explain that he should test her himself to see where she needs help in. Fortunately, it took the most of lunch.
“Well, when do you want to meet up next?” He asked and started to slip his notebooks back into its bag.
Amalia frowned, and looked away again, “I don’t care.”
“Then how about at my house, tomorrow? Lunch and break is too short to really get anything done, so why don’t we after school?” He swung the bag of his shoulder and smiled at her again. She bit her tongue, annoyed that what he was saying was the truth if she ever did want to get her grades higher. Eventually, Amalia agreed.
“Alrighty then, can I have your number so I can message you when?”
Amalia was close to say no, but she didn’t want to be caught talking to him about ‘when she could come over’ so eventually Amalia nodded, not looking him in the eyes.
Once Yugo had her number placed in and saved, he waved goodbye and walked out of the large room full of books, leaving her almost dazed. Well, she had expected something worse than that.

Chapter Text

Yugo drew a long, hitching breath as he hurried out of the library. Away from ‘little Miss Perfect’, in fact he doesn’t remember why he agreed to tutor Amalia in the first place, and he regret it as soon as she sat down, the impertinent aura wafting over him.
Mr. Joris had called him back after class and asked if he could do it. And to his now horror, he blindly said yes without thinking it through or even having second thoughts. And here he was now, loathing himself for being so stupid.
Yugo surprised himself how he managed to not lose his temper but keep a smile the whole time. The short twenty minute lunch seemed to drag on endlessly. Well, at least it was over and he could dread the next afternoon while moping for the rest of the day, and maybe even complain to Adamai until then (If his brother would allow such a thing. He would either not want here a word or endlessly tease him for agreeing in the first place). Yugo scowled at his feet, biting the tip of his tongue until he could taste the bitter-sweet blood enveloping his mouth.
The shrill ring of the bell filled the hallways of the school, and he hurried to Chemistry. Adamai sat in his usual place, at the back of the class in the left corner. Yugo sat down beside the much taller male, and pulled out the first notebook he could find, laying a pen on top of the book and waited for the teacher to address the class.
“How was ‘Little Miss Perfect’? As horrible and unruly as I imagined?” Adamai nudged Yugo’s side with his elbow.
He was eagerly tempted to say, ‘Worse than horrible’ but bit his tongue and chose to glare at the blank page in front of him instead.
“That bad?” He hummed to himself, smirking, “This is what happens when you say yes to everything, people-pleaser.”
Yugo muttered a “Shut up” under his breath as the teacher started to boast loudly at how the test would be the easiest for this semester, but it didn’t stop the class from groaning.
Fortunately, Adamai fell silent until the very end of class, as they were starting to pack the beakers into their shelves after mixing Sulfuric Acid and Sugar together, which ended up being pretty boring and made the dirty-blonde haired boy wonder if the teachers could come with anything more interesting.
“So… when are you seeing her next?”
Yugo snorted, “Why do you want to know?”
“No reason… just curious.”
Yugo bit his tongue for what felt like the 20th time that day. Surely Adamai didn’t have feelings for her? That would be absurd. Amalia was a brat, only caring about herself and her looks. And she dated their cousin, Oropo, who made a living ruining their social lives.
That afternoon, Adamai and Yugo walked home bickering whether bubble-gum ice-cream was the most disgusting flavour in the world, every now and then kicking rocks off the pathway. When the two arrived at the lovely and oversized cottage they call home, they were greeted by the 8 year old pair, Chibi and Grougal, the youngest of their extensive family.
Yugo noted that Qilby, the eldest, lied on the couch clearly staying for dinner. Everyone out of the twelve siblings had moved out except for Yugo, Adamai, Chibi and Grougal since they were still too young. But every now and then they come around for dinner.
“Oh, look who it is. Lovely to see you little brothers.” Qilby’s face twisted into a mocking smirk, his abnormally sharp teeth reminding Yugo of a piranha.
Yugo rolled his eyes, “Great, you’re here.”
He fiend hurt, placing a hand on his chest, “Wow, I feel so loved.”
“As if anyone would love you.” Adamai snickered. The eldest looked like he wanted throw something at his head, but he had a point. Quilby was famous in the family for being single, he hadn’t even had his first kiss at 28 yet.
“Quilby can you please get your shoes off the couch- oh Yugo, Adamai. Your home.” The mother of the large crowd, Elia, walked in from the kitchen a dimpled grin plastered on her face. Her long wavy hair was in a messy bun, and what looked like- or hoped to be- pasta sauce smeared on her face.
“Hey Mama. Pasta for dinner?”
She hummed, and softly thwacked Quilby on the head when he still didn’t take his shoes off.
“Nora and Shinonome will be here around five as well, so make sure you set the table for nine.” Elia pinched Quilby’s cheeks, chuckling as he grumbled.
Yugo slowly nodded, giving the Chibi and Grougal a quick hug before running up the stairs to the room he and Adamai shared.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

The dining room bustled with chatter. Shinonome had insisted on sitting next to Chibi and Grougal (Much to Quilby’s demise) hence she loved making talk with the youngest of the huge family. Of course, Elia and Alibert sat next to each other, chatting with sweet smiles. Alibert, the father of the group, owned a restaurant downtown, so every member in the family knew how to cook at least over five meals. Although, Elia always made dinner, no matter if all twelve siblings were present or not.
Yugo gloomily stared down at his plate, aborting to listen to everyone else’s talk for entertainment. As the sunset had disappeared from the window’s view, leaving the sprinkle of stars in its wake, everyone had finished eating. As Shinonome, Nora and Quilby said there goodbyes, Yugo offered to help his mother clean up.
Elia washed the epic amount of dishes as Yugo dried them and placed everything in its usual homes. Silence had fallen, since Chibi and Grougal were already in bed, Alibert was taking a shower and Adamai was finishing off some homework. It was rare, but when it did happen, you were thankful.
"You seem awfully quiet today. Did something happen at school again?" Elia broke the silence, not looking up from the current plate she was wiping.
He took a moment to reply, "No, not really."
She hummed, raising an eyebrow. Yugo looked away, knowing his mother could see right through the lie.
"Well, I was given the task to tutor a student at school."
"Oh, that's so lovely of you. So, what's the pout for then?"
"The girl I'm tutoring is definitely not getting an award for 'her kindness'."
"Oh dear, how come?"
"She's part of the group that bullies me and Ad. You might know her, she Oropo’s girlfriend."
Elia finally looked up from the sink and gave him a weak smile, "I'm sure she was just shy. I find that when people spend time with the 'popular groups' and act all mighty, but it’s really all for show. I'm sure deep down, she's a sweet one."
Yugo stared at her, unsure. "I don't know about that... I wouldn't call her 'sweet'. With Oropo by her side, it’s never going to end well. We all know the influence he can make."
Her gaze went back to the sink, "Just give her time, I'm certain she'll start to open up."
He nodded in response, silence starting to fill again. Yugo suppose he could give this princess a try.

Chapter Text

The afternoon sun filtered through the foggy bathroom window. Yugo heard a knock on the door just as he emptied some shampoo into his palms.
“Hurry up bro. Stop taking your time, it’s painful.” Adamai glowered at the door making Yugo laugh.
“Alright, alright. I’ll be out soon.”
“You better, otherwise I’ll drag you out myself.” Was all that came. He finished his long shower, got changed and stepped out of the bathroom and into the bedroom he and Ad shared. Adamai had set up Monopoly on the floor and grinned at him when he entered.
“A game before your student arrives?”
“A quick one.” Yugo chuckled and sat on the opposite side of the board. Twenty-five minutes passed like a blur, as Ad’s competitive spirit thrashed Yugo’s already small ego throughout the game.
“You cheated! You rolled four! Not a six!” He bellowed, making Yugo shrink.
“You saw it was a six.”
“I saw a four! Go back two places!”
He rolled his eyes, “You need to go to anger management before I play another board game with you.”
Ad looked like he was going to throw something- perhaps the board itself- at Yugo’s head.
“Why you-” Elia’s voice flowed up the stairs,
“Yugo! The girl is here!”
At that, he stood up and grabbed his science notebook. Before he closed the door, he stuck his tongue out at Adamai and closed the door before he threw who-knows-what at the door. As Yugo climbed down the stairs, he saw his mother talking to Amalia at the front door. To his surprise, Amalia had a smile on her face.
“I knew your mother, and you really look just like her.” Elia led her inside, and she gratefully accepted the offer, “And that hair of yours, I wish I had enough time to take care of mine to be as beautiful as yours.”
She laughed softly, “Thank you so much. Yours is gorgeous as well, its’s so long.” Elia’s face grew even brighter,
“That’s so lovely of you, I haven’t been complimented like that since my twenties.”
They would’ve continued to chat, if Yugo didn’t interrupt by coughing, still on the staircase.
“Hey Amalia.” He smiled at her before turning to his mother, “Can we work on the kitchen counter?”
Elia hummed in response, “I suppose I should leave you two be. I’ll be in the back-garden if you need me.” With that, she left the two teenagers by themselves in the lounge. He turned to her,
“Well, let’s start shall we?”
Her smile vanished, her features turning grim, but she nodded and walked behind him towards the kitchen. Perhaps being nice to his mother was just for show. Yugo pulled two stools up against the counter and let her sit down before sitting down himself.
Amalia mumbled a ‘thanks’ as she took the seat and opened the white Shein bag pulling out her science notebook.
“Alright then, before you read your notes, let me test your memory of what you know.” Yugo opened his own notebook, angling it where she couldn’t see its content. Amalia nodded once more, turning to face him. At least she would look at him today. He looked down on the current pages and started,
“What are igneous rocks?”
“Uh- Something to do with a… Volcano?”
“Close enough. Igneous rocks are formed by magma or in most cases, lava, when it cools and solidifies. Now, what are Intrusive Igneous rocks?”
“Uh…” She looked away, dazed.
Yugo held in a sigh. These were the easiest questions; she wouldn’t survive the test at this point.
“Intrusive rocks are made from magma exactly from inside the volcano and are known to have larger crystals since it takes longer to cool. Whereas Extrusive rocks are from lava and have smaller crystals since it cools quicker. You do know the difference from magma and lava, right?”
“Uh- Magma is inside the volcano, and when it flows out of the volcano but it becomes lava?”
He nodded, smiling. There was a little bit of hope, a little.
“Your Mum’s really nice.” She spoke softly out of the blue, looking away.
“Yeah she is. You should stay for dinner one time, she’s the best cook- other than my dad of course. Is your mum a good cook too?”
Her gaze saddened, “No not really. Her speciality was flowers. She even owned a flower shop, not far from here.”
He took notice of the ‘past’ terms. “Oh-oh, sorry I-I didn’t meant to-”
“Don’t worry about it. It was a long time ago.” She shrugged nonchalantly, like it didn’t matter. Yugo looked away, wondering how it didn’t matter to her. If his own mother died, he’d be broken.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

An hour went by faster than expected, and the late spring sun had already begun to set. In the time Yugo had managed to test Amalia of what was to be expected in the test, as well as looking through her notebook to see if she had all the notes written down and made her write the parts she didn’t have from his own notes.
“Even an hour can go by fast, huh?” He smiled at her. To his surprise she smiled back.
“It does. I should go, when do you want to meet next?”
Yugo blinked for a second but said, “Next Tuesday? Here again?”
“Sounds good to me.” She stuffed her notebook into the bag and hopped off the stool.
Chibi and Grougal made a big performance entering the house from the background. When Chibi saw Amalia, his face lit up,
“Yugo’s got a girlfriend!”
Yugo’s face flushed,
“N-no Chibs, I’m just tutoring her.”
“Awe, shucks.” Was his answer. Amalia looked away, her expression cold again.
As Yugo opened the door and she stepped out, he apologized,
“Sorry about that, he doesn’t know any better.” He gave her a lazy grin.
Amalia gave him a small smile before waving goodbye and making her way down the street.
When he closed the heavy wooden door, Yugo ran up the stairs and threw himself onto his bed, stuffing his face into the pillows.
“Was it that bad?” He felt the mattress tilt as Adamai sat on the edge of the bed.
“No, but Chibi just had to call her my girlfriend as she was leaving.”
“How did she react?” His voice dulled, making Yugo’s stomach drop. Did he seriously like her? And why not tell him? Yugo was his biggest supporter.
“She looked uncomfortable. She really ran out of the house after that.”
“Oh.” He seemed to cheer up at that, and he couldn’t tell whether to classify that as a good or bad thing. The bed tilted further as Adamai laid down beside him.
“Cheer up bro. She’ll forget about it tomorrow.” Ad chirped, flicking him on the forehead only making Yugo grumble.

Chapter Text

A month passed, and things were doing pretty well considering for Amalia. Oropo had stopped his hissy fit after a week, Eva and her Netball team had one more game to determine whether they will make it to finals, and tutoring with Yugo wasn’t entirely that bad.
In fact, you could say she’s even started to look forward to for their sessions, but she had too much pride to admit it. Elia’s cooking helps, she always baked some sort of new treat each day which meant both Yugo and Amalia got to ‘taste-test’ them all. That evening though, she was stuck at home with her older brother, Armand.
She was watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ on Disney+ at that current moment, while her brother was in the kitchen leaning on the counter behind her. Amalia stuffed chips into her mouth feeling gloomy, the grey-leather couch she rested on picking up the crumbs. She became very interested in the fact one of the characters was having twins.
“Can you stop chewing so loudly? It’s irritating my ears.” Armand stood up straight, frowning at the packet of chips in her hand.
“In my defence, your presence is irritating my ears.” She snapped back, making him sigh.
“Can you stop being such a baby. Grow up.” His frown shifted into a scowl,
“I’m sorry, but maybe I should say the same thing about you. What is it… the fifth time you got kicked out of a college, all because of these ‘fights’?” Amalia didn’t turn her head to look at him,
“That, is none of your business.”
“By the way, you talk really loudly on the phone.” She grabbed more chips and chewed on them slowly.
“Alright, now you’re trying to piss me off.” He hissed; hands clenched at his sides.
“Good, does it look like I care?”
“Stop acting like a child!” He raised his voice, making her turn around to glare at him,
“Says the one who gets kicked out of college!”
“And I said that was none of your business!”
“Well too late, it is now!”
“Your nothing but a nosy snob!”
“Nosy snob? How am I a nosy snob!?”
Armand was furious by now, knuckles turning white, “You haven’t forgotten the time you told Dad about Aurora, huh?”
“Oh- the fact that you were sneaking your girlfriend into your room each night to have sex, while our rooms are right next to each other? I don’t think I ever could!”
“What you could’ve done is keep that little mouth shut!”
“Oh no- did I poke the bear? All because he got caught?”
“You little dipshit!”
“Oh wow- are you really going to swear at me now, huh?” Amalia had lifted herself off the couch by now, forgetting about her bag of chips.
“Is the baby going to run off to her mummy, because she’s a mommy’s girl? Oh right- she’s dead!” He sneered, making Amalia freeze, eyes widening.
“You take that back.” Dropping her tone to dead cold, giving him an icy look.
“No.” He smiled, satisfied with the fact he got under her skin,
“YOUR NOTHING BUT AN ASSHOLE ARMAND.” Amalia stormed off leaving the tv and bag of chips with her brother, sprinting upstairs.
“THEN LEARN TO GROW UP.” Amalia could barely hear what he was saying as she slammed her bedroom door, diving into her queen-sized bed and hiding under the covers. Amalia felt the tears stream down her face as she hugged her knees, choking on sobs. She wished she had enough confidence to run back down there and give him a good yelling at for being so arrogant and full of himself saying things like that, but she’d have to stick to crying until the covers had a wet patch from her tears.
Amalia doesn’t remember how long she was crying for, but the time she checked her phone, it was ten-thirty and her face achingly swollen. She peeled herself off the very wet pillow and rubbed her eyes before deciding that grabbing those chips was a good idea. As she walked down the stairs, Amalia heard the soft snores from Armand’s room and once she made it down, the so called ‘perfect girl’ with the current tear face resumed her position on the couch from hours earlier flicking the TV on.
Time slipped away, and she somehow got through six packets of original chips before aborting to the onion and sour cream pringles and it eventually reached six am, and Amalia hadn’t gotten a blink of sleep. Not that she cared.
She continued to watch whatever pleased her, not even noticing her brother when he left for work and giving her the cold shoulder. Two more hours passed and it was already eight, and at that Oropo started spam texting her ordering an explanation of why she wasn’t there. Amalia couldn’t help but draw a long sigh, and decided she should get ready.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

The Autunm leaves drifted to the ground as Amalia took a bite of her apple, watching the world go by out the window. The sounds of Grade Sevens and Eights filled the cafeteria as well as Eva’s voice scolding Percedal.
“I need to ask you something.” Oropo’s harsh words made her jump and she whisked around to face him.
“Oh, and what’s that?” She mumbled, maintaining her composure. After not sleeping at all the night before, Amalia felt more drained than she’d ever been in her life.
“I’ve heard about this… tutoring.” His face was cold, making shivers run down her spine.
“O-oh? Yes, I’ve been doing tutoring. How did you find out?”
“Yugo’s my cousin. It’s common sense really.” He looked away, still with a icy glare.
“Right, of course. My bad-”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Oh well-”
“Is there something going on between you two?”
“No! Why-”
“Then why wouldn’t you tell me!”
“I must’ve forgotten to-”
“Forgotten? This has been going on for a whole month!”
“You know I don’t have the best of memories-”
“Forget it.” With that, he stood up and left the table leaving Amalia gaping. The whole cafeteria had gone dead silence watching him as he stormed out of the large room. After a minute, mumbles started before the it became a roar again. Her mouth was still open, and she felt tears spring to her eyes.
“Yugo tutors you?” Eva asked, looking dumbfounded. Amalia couldn’t even answer her, dipping her head so her fringe covered the tear-filled eyes on her face. And with that, stood up and walked off herself, hiding herself in the nearest bathroom cubicle.
Once she made sure there was no one in there, she let the tears stream down her face. Choking on those tears, she wrapped herself up into an ‘Amalia-ball’ bringing her knees up to her chest.
What was everything collapsing in the past twenty-four hours? Whatever God there was, clearly hated her. Amalia only just heard the shrill bell and looked at the bathroom ceiling. Surely, her father wouldn’t hear about her wagging once, right?

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

Yugo gave her a side-eye when she glared at her English Notebook, like she wanted to set it on fire. She really did.
“Are you okay? You haven’t said a word to me since you’ve gotten here.”
She looked at him coldly, “That’s none of your business.”
He went silent for a moment, “It’s about Oropo, isn’t it? I hear what happened today. Sorry, that’s my fault-”
“No, it’s not, don’t apologize. Oropo is very… protective of things.”
Yugo looked away, “Yeah, I think I know that be now.” He opened his mouth again, before shutting it and looked at his hands.
“What?” She raised an eyebrow,
“What, what?”
“You were going to say something else-”
“It’s nothing-”
“Don’t ‘it’s nothing’ me! Spill it!” She scowled at him, making the short 16-year-old shrink back. After a moment he caved,
“You shouldn’t be a ‘thing’ to him. He doesn’t own you. Nobody does.” Yugo looked away enough that Amalia couldn’t see his face at all.
“It-It’s not like that. I worded it wrong; I meant he’s protective of the people he loves.” She became defensive.
He only sighed in response to her words, “You keep telling yourself that.”
She pouted and looked away herself, “Anyways- I said it’s none of your business.”
He ignored the snarky comment and started to write in his own notebook again. Great, first it was Armand, then Oropo and now Yugo. The world is seriously against her. No that she cared, Yugo was the least of her problems, but the small bicker still stung.
Amalia put her head in her arms biting her lip until she tasted the bitter iron of blood, not caring of what he thought.

Chapter Text

The green-head groaned, her head throbbing. Amalia lifted her hands up to her face and rubbed it aggressively, feeling dazed. She doesn’t remember heading to bed. In fact, she doesn’t remember heading home at all.
She opened her eyes to find herself in a bedroom she doesn’t recognize. Crisp white walls and a baby blue ceiling. The bed she was currently lying in was matching the ceiling. Silence rang in her ears as she slipped out of the bed and headed to the window, seeing what was before sunset, now ink black sprinkled with stars.
Slipping out of the bed, Amalia headed towards the door and stepped out, only to be greeted by the same hallway she walked before; that meant she was still in Yugo’s house. She took slow steps to the kitchen to find it an empty space, and her heart stated to beat faster. How on earth did she get from the kitchen table to a bedroom? In fact, who’s bedroom was it? Amalia looked at the clock and it pointed eight-thirty. An hour, she had slept for an hour. She honestly expected worse.
“Oh sweetie, you’re awake.” Amalia twisted around to see Elia holding a basket of washing, “I was hoping to wake you for dinner, I wouldn’t want you to go hungry, but you were out cold, I just couldn’t. I saved a bowl for you though; it’s Cream Chicken with some roasted vegetables.”
The sleep-deprived teenager couldn’t help but feel a pang in her chest. When was the last time someone thought about her like that?
“Wow- Thank you.” Amalia smiled, feeling awfully jealous of Yugo. She couldn’t believe she was jealous of him, but Elia made her feel loved, the sort of parental love that she hasn’t felt in years. Something she dearly missed. Her father tried his best, but he was away on business matters far too often.
“Of course, dear. I can’t leave you starving.” Elia placed the basket down and opened the fridge pulling out a bowl with a fork, “Do you want me to warm it up?”
“No, I don’t mind it cold.” Amalia took the bowl and smiled at her again, “Thankyou Elia, for taking care of me.”
“Oh, you don’t need to say thank you. It’s my instinct to take care of you kids really.”
She looked down at her food and took a seat at the table, starting to eat. Elia left to the laundry, leaving her to chew her food slowly. Time continued to slip by until Adamai and entered the room and stood dead-still when he saw her.
“Oh, your awake.” He spoke blandly, making a shiver run down her spine.
“Yes, I fell asleep-”
“Yes. I heard all about it.” He stepped over to the pantry, pulling out a bag of chips before facing her again, “Look- I know I can’t stop this tutoring thing going on, but other than that, stay away from my brother. You’ll only drag him into drama he doesn’t need.”
Amalia gapped at him for a moment and couldn’t say a word. Who does he think he is to speak to her like this? It’s not like she wanted to be Yugo’s friend anyways. He left a second later, heading up the stairs the same time the short boy they were previously talking about was coming down.
“Amalia, you’re awake! I’m glad you rested you seemed exhausted earlier-” He frowned at her face once he entered the kitchen, “Are you alright? Did Adamai say something to you?”
She shook he head, but was still glaring up the stairs, “No. It’s fine.”
Amalia could tell he would’ve pressed on, but kept his mouth shut and sat beside her instead, “Well, I’m glad your awake now. Speaking of it, you should probably head home, It’s late.”
She looked down at the now empty bowl, frowning. She didn’t want to go home, her brother was sure to be there, and if some miracle he wasn’t, she would see him in the morning. After the argument the night before, she didn’t want to face him yet.
“Can I stay here tonight?”
For the first time, Yugo showed a reaction that wasn’t forced. Well, that’s what she thought. He took a moment before answering,
“Can I know why?” His expression grew soft, looking at her solemnly.
“Oh- nothing important really. Just a silly argument I had with my brother. If it’s alright with you and Elia, I could sleep in the one I was in before.” Amalia would have to make sure Oropo didn’t hear about this, otherwise he’d have another meltdown.
“I’m fine with it, you can stay as long as you want sweetheart.” Both Yugo and Amalia turned toward the back-garden door to see Elia, disposed of the basket she had before, “Sorry to eavesdrop, but as long as you are comfortable, I’m fine with you saying over.”
She gratefully nodded at the middle-aged woman before turning to Yugo. He only shrugged, “Why ask me? I would’ve said yes either way.” He smiled at her, and in response to that her heart did this disgusting double-beat thing. Amalia thought she as going to die, her heat has never done that before. She hated it.
Amalia looked at them both with a smile, leaving the ‘mini heart-attack’ in the past. “Thank you both so much.”
“Any time. You can wear a clean pair of pyjama’s that Nora left in her old room; they should fit. I’ll start the bath so it’s ready for you.”

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

Sun filtered through the curtains, making Amalia stir. She slowly sat up as the past events came back to her and she couldn’t help but smile. She sat there for a moment before the ‘ding’ of her phone snapped her into reality again.
Eva: Netball finals this afternoon. Are you and Oropo coming?
She stared at her phone, thinking it over. She highly doubted Oropo would go to the game with her let alone even talk to her. A knock on the door lifted her gaze,
“Come in.”
Elia’s head poked in, and she smiled softly, “Oh good, I was worried I woke you up. Breakfast is ready if you want to come down. Quilby my eldest son came earlier this morning, and he insisted on Waffles with syrup.”
Waffles. Now she could definitely have some of those. Amalia nodded and practically leaped out of the bed, running to the door.
“Noted; You sure do like waffles.” Elia chuckled at her enthusiasm.
The two came back into the kitchen and was surprised to be greeted what felt like his whole family, though she knew it was only half. Who she assumed was Alibert, sat at the end where who she also assumed was ‘Quilby’ sat on his right. Both Yugo and Adamai sat on his left. Elia sat next to Quilby, leaving the last seat at the other end of the table. Amalia heard Chibi and Grougal bickering upstairs, probably already inhaled their breakfast and were getting ready.
“So, you’re the girl?”
She turned to Quilby, who was blandly eating the waffles at the same time as giving her [As twelve-year-olds would say] a ‘bombastic side-eye’.
“Uh- If you mean Yugo’s tutor student, yes?”
“Huh.” He gave her another side-eye before turning to his plate again. Amalia took the chance to start digging into the waffles after mumbling a good morning to Yugo.
She listened to the conversations around the table and she began settle into the feeling that this what a real family was like. Sitting around the table eating together, not briefly saying ‘good morning’ or ‘good night’ and barely seeing her dad for around a month. He only came home on weekends and even then, he’s always locked up in his office working.
Eventually everyone had finished and the scholars went back to their rooms to get ready. Lucky for Amalia, Elia had washed her original clothes the night before, so she had something to wear the next day. Yugo came out first and told her that Adamai wasn’t going to school today due to a sudden flu. She bit back the urge to mention he seemed fine earlier this morning.
“Do you want to walk to school together? I prefer it over the bus or cars.” Yugo slipped his bag over his shoulders before looking up at her.
Amalia thought for a moment before agreeing. Although everyone now knew they were doing tutoring together so it didn’t really matter, it was too early for that many students to arrive and it was usually the people who’s parents worked really early.
“Alright, let’s go then. Again, thanks for letting me stay over, Yugo. And for the food, I was starving.” She swung her own bag over her shoulders, smiling at the short boy.
He shrugged smiling himself, “What are friends for?”
Amalia froze at being called that. She wanted to remark that they were not friends, not even close but for some reason, a part of her willed not to. Perhaps being friends with him wouldn’t be so bad, although it would most likely crush her ego more. The young girl couldn’t care less though, Yugo and his family were the ones had been kind to her the last twenty-four hours.
“Right.” She returned the smile, and they started to walk down the street.
To her surprise, the walk was enjoyable. The cold breeze rustled the Autunm leaves which were a golden-red. Yugo ended up chatting to her throughout until her phone pinged and Amalia had no choice but to answer it. It was Eva again pestering if she was coming to the game or not. She didn’t want to go alone but she doubted Oropo was willing to go anywhere with her at this point. An idea came to her head.
“Hey, do you want to go to my friends Netball game this evening? It starts at five.”
Yugo skidded to a stop and stared at her in blank surprise, “You want to go with me?”
She hummed in response, “That’s what I said.”
He looked around as if she was asking someone else but they were the only ones outside at this time of morning, “Are you sure? I mean- Won’t Oropo get upset?”
She took a long while to answer, so long that they were already at the school entrance by the time she replied.
“He isn’t really talking to me at this point- not that I blame him, I did lie for a while. Do you accept or not?”
“Of course, if you really want me to.”
Amalia turned her head and smiled at him as she started walking again, “Sweet. See you then.” With that, she walked off towards her locker leaving Yugo there blinking and bewildered.

Chapter Text

The hazel leaves left a satisfying crunch as Yugo walked on the concrete path. The boy was making his way to the Netball courts, at the current four-thirty pm after being asked by Amalia earlier that day. Was he excited to watch a Netball game? Not in the slightest. Yugo preferred basketball if he had to choose a sport. What he was excited about was to spend time with Amalia that didn’t involve schoolwork.
He stuffed his hands into the navy hoodie he was wearing and made sure the neon blue beanie on his head was covering his ears. Autunm was coming close to an end and Winter was settling in. It scared Yugo to think that he would be leaving school in a year and a half, and still had no idea what he wanted to pursue.
He perked up despite the chilly weather when he saw Amalia waving him over by one of the seats. Amalia herself was wearing warm clothes, a pale cream cardigan and a matching beret alongside a plain white shirt, jeans and converses. Leave it to the School Princess to come to a freezing Netball game in style even if it was more laid back than what she usually wore.
“I was starting to think you wouldn’t come.” She grinned at him, making his stomach twist into a knot that he felt was cursed. Although, he loved it when she smiled naturally, instead of the ‘I’m smiling for your benefit, I don’t actually find it funny’ grin. Unfortunately, she did it a lot but when Amalia did purely smile, It made her eyes sparkle like a galaxy of stars had burst inside them. Wasn’t he a victim when it comes to her?
Yugo shrugged, like it was nothing. He was going to completely ignore the fact that this meant the world to him. His first friend other than his own siblings during high school life and it was Amalia of all people. Spending time with her was definitely something.
“The game is going to start in five, I saved you a seat.” She led him to a row in the middle of the huge bleachers that looked out to the courts. She sat down next to Percedal, which Yugo knew as Eva’s boyfriend. As he approached, Dally gave him a huge, lopsided grin.
“Yo, midget! Can I call you midget?” Dally asked, raising his voice over the loud crowd as Yugo sat down beside Amalia. Yugo nodded smiling, but an uneasy feeling stirred in his stomach. Sure, he never did anything himself but that’s also the point. Whenever Oropo had picked on him and Adamai, he stood there like nothing was happening and occasionally snickering.
“Great! Welcome to the Netball games my dude, well at least in this small town’s district.” He continued waffling on and passing chips around the trio until the game started.
Time flew by and the first two quarters was long gone since the game started. Chesters, the opposite team was ahead by five points but their opponents weren’t down at all, if anything they were more hyped up. Yugo really felt the different atmosphere here, like the crowd felt the same as the teams. So, this is what a sport event is like.
“You look like your enjoying yourself.” He snapped his attention to Amalia who was currently smiling beside him.
“Yeah, it’ a lot different then what I expected.” He started laughing so hard tears formed in his eyes, making her look both concerned, dazed and confused, “Sorry- but never did I think I’d be watching a Netball game with you and Percedal of all people. No offense, but I’m too used to my small life.”
“None taken! It helps to get out sometimes.”
“Any time midget!” Dally leaned over to look at him with a mouthful stuffed with chips, so it sounded more like: ‘A-ee ime Iget!’ causing both Yugo and Amalia to laugh.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

“Thanks so much for coming Yugo.” Eva smiled at him as she swung her bag over her shoulder. The Chesters did win in the end by only one point but she said although they were disappointed, there was always next year.
“Thanks for the experience. It was awesome.” He smiled back at her and to his surprise Amalia put her hands on his shoulders from behind. Yugo make a little shriek at the sudden touch.
“Nice reaction.” She snickered making him blush. Her standing so close was making his stomach twist again making him uneasy. Whatever these feelings were, they didn’t bring anything good with them. Eva and Dally laughed heartly at Amalia’s snicker making him feel better. These guys aren’t half as bad as he thought, it’s just Oropo. If he was around it was a different story.
The other two left, waving goodbye as Amalia and Yugo headed down the same path themselves. Funny enough, Yugo only lived two minutes away from hers so they were headed in the same direction. After a few minutes of walking in blissful silence, Yugo spoke up.
“Thanks for inviting me. It was more fun than I’ve had in a long time.” He looked away and for some oblivious reason, his cheeks grew pink. Hopefully she didn’t see in the dim lighting of night.
“Anytime. I really should hang out with you more so I’m not third wheeling those two.” She looked away herself watching the dark and silent street.
“When Oropo’s not around?” He felt like slapping himself. Why would he ask that?
Amalia only sighed before answering his question, “I suppose you could say that.”
“Sorry- forget I asked that-”
“Nah. It’s fine. He can really be a pain in the rear at times.”
“Oh- alright…”
They went back to silence but it was no longer comfortable. A while later, they arrived at Yugo’s entrance.
“I should go home tonight, before my dad notices and I really need to change clothes.” She laughed at the last bit but was looking down the street.
He nodded smiling, “Sorry for ruining the walk. See you on Monday.”
“You didn’t ruin it, I did really. Anyways, see you then.” She smiled back at him before walking off. Yugo really wanted to watch her until he couldn’t see no more but thought that would be weird so he headed inside.
“Where were you?” Yugo looked up to see Adamai on the couch when he turned on the hallway light. He froze.
“Out?”
“Where?”
“Eva’s Netball game…”
“Why the hell where you at Eva’s Netball game?”
“Amalia invited me.”
“She invited you?”
“Yeah?”
Adamai looked away, scowling.
“Am I not allowed to go out without your permission?” Yugo grinned trying to bring some sort of humour to the tension filled room.
Ad jumped off the couch, and stormed past him up the stairs making it clear to Yugo that he wasn’t going to talk to him for the rest of the night. He bit his bottom lip before following his brother into their room, finding Ad had shoved himself under the covers of his bed.
“Goodnight.” He smiled at his brother, but didn’t get an answer.
Yugo sighed before heading into the bathroom for a shower. Surely he’ll be blown off by the morning.
Seems like he was wrong. Ad refused to speak to him no matter what he said. The short teen was fed up with his brother’s ignorance by the end of breakfast and decided to confront him. Just as Adamai was about to leave for a walk, Yugo grabbed his wrist.
“Ad please talk to me. If I did something wrong, please tell me so I can make it up to you.” He begged, keeping his grip as tight as his hands could muster so Ad couldn’t squirm away.
“Nothing!”
“Well, it obviously can’t be nothing, you haven’t spoken a single syllable to me this morning!”
Adamai easily moved away from his shorter brother, despite his efforts, “If you really cared, you would already know!”
Yugo frowned and ran a hand threw the messy dirty-blonde locks he still hasn’t brushed that morning, “Please Ad, just tell me. You know I’m as oblivious as you can get when it comes to these types of situations.” Something clicked in Yugo’s head,
“Your jealous of me aren’t you? You like Amalia but she’s been spending time with me. Oh Ad, you can always come along but I hate to break it to you, Oropo’s got her wrapped his finger-”
“What are you going on about? Of course not, I think she’s disgusting. What I’m worried about is how she’s got you wrapped around her finger!”
“What? You don’t? And what do you mean me?”
“Oh please, the way you look at her. Your smitten brother. But she’s using you, at some point she’s going to drop you, you’re just a fiend in her little game.”
“I don’t like her! And she’s not playing any sort of game, if you would just get to know her-”
“Unlike you, I’m not stupid enough to! Your walking right into her trap like some dumbass.”
“Well- I make my own choices! If I make a mistake, that’s my problem! Not yours!” Yugo scowled at his brother starting to feel heat rise to his cheeks, ashamed at the thought of liking Amalia in that sort of way.
“Great! Good for you! But don’t come crying to me when she hurts you.” With that, Adamai slammed the door shut in his brother’s face leaving him bewildered, hurt and angry all at the same time at Ad’s outburst. His mouth gaped open and tears welled in his eyes.
“This was bound to happen at some point.” Yugo heard his mother sigh from behind him and he turned around to face her, “I believe Amalia’s a sweet girl, though what he said is a possibility. But really, Adamai is probably jealous at the thought of you hanging out with someone other than him as well.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you two always had each other’s backs. But since you and Amalia started to spend time together he’s been feeling left out. Don’t forget, you’re his only friend.” Elia walked over to her son and wrapped her arms around him tucking a strand of his hair behind an ear, “He’ll cool off eventually. All siblings get into fights sweetie.”
Yugo leaned into his mother’s embrace and let a single tear drop fall down his face. No, he wasn’t going to cry over something as silly as this.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

That weekend Adamai avoided Yugo at all costs. Even on Monday morning, they didn’t speak a word and it made him feel sick not being able to talk to his brother, his best friend. Instead of walking to school together, Ad had hitched a ride with Quilby and Shinonome before Yugo had left, so he had to walk through the rain to school with a dainty umbrella.
The musty-earthy smell of fresh rain filled his senses as he slowly walked long, a withering hole in his stomach starting to form. Surely Ad wouldn’t stay miffed at him forever? He was probably jealous of the fact that he was spending time with someone other than Adamai. But Yugo meant what he said, it was his choice to make. And Amalia was just starting to warm up to him, he couldn’t drop her now. Not with the tutoring.
School dragged on longer than it ever had for most of the day. Mostly a blur. By the time it was lunch Yugo was silently praying that Adamai would still sit with him, he’d never sit by himself before. Not ever. He’d always had his brother. What had he gotten himself into?
As he sat down on he usual bench, at the very corner of the large cafeteria and started to chew on his egg and ham sandwich. Time past until eventually, Adamai finally entered. Hope lifted Yugo’s heart as his brother walked to the table but just as he was going to greet him, he passed without even looking in his direction and finally stopped at Oropo’s table.
What was Adamai doing? Instead of giving his cousin a snarky comment, Oropo patted the empty seat beside him and he willingly took it, grinning. Yugo swore felt his drop to the table. Amalia looked surprised and looked in his direction, raising an eyebrow. But nothing came to his mind, other than the pain in his stomach that was even more excruciating then before.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since Adamai first started to join them. First it was every lunch, then he even started to come on outings. Of course, Adamai could hang out with whoever he wanted to so Amalia tried ignoring the side-long glares he gave her when he thought she wasn’t looking. But the hardest part to ignore was the look of heartbreak on Yugo’s face. Especially the first time he sat down with them.
She had managed to dig what happened from Yugo, and the guilt was eating her alive. If she wasn’t spending time with him, his relationship with his brother would be perfectly fine.
“Fall Guy or Despicable Me 4?” Yugo asked her through a mouth full of Honey-Soy Chicken chips.
Over the past week, she had made it her mission to spend time with the short boy besides tutoring since he no longer had his brother to spend time with. They were currently at her house; on the couch flicking through Netflix. Armand had gone camping with some friends for the weekend so that counted as a score. It was Yugo’s first time coming to her house and, although he was doing a pretty good job so far, trying to hide the fact of how amazed he was with the size of the house.
Amalia shrugged, “You choose.”
He shook his head, “No way. I don’t want force you into watching a movie you won’t enjoy.”
“Stop being a people-pleaser.” She scowled in a teasing way, snatching the remote from his hands, “But if you insist, Fall Guy. I don’t want to watch a children’s movie.”
He rolled his eyes, before throwing a cream blanket on top of himself, and melting into the couch. Amalia stayed where she was on the floor, legs crossed. By the time the movie was over, the two were fast asleep.
The next day, at lunch Oropo and Remi were muttering something to each other under their breaths while Eva, Dally and Adamai were lost in a deep conversation. Yugo was no where to be seen in the cafeteria of course, he didn’t want to sit by himself in front of most of the school. He told her he was eating in the library. Although she really wanted to sit with him, Oropo would not say nothing.
She didn’t want to argue with him, he just settled down about spending time with Yugo outside school. Amalia snapped out of her thoughts as Oropo climbed on top of the table, stood up and cupped his hands over his mouth,
“Party at mine tomorrow, starting at 7! If I like you, you’ll get my address. If you want to come but I don’t like you, grow some guts and ask someone.”
That explains what Oropo and Remi were whispering about. A party would be fun for a change. Maybe she could convince Yugo to come.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*
“No way. I’m not coming to that- that… hell hole. I’ve heard rumours that drinks get spiked and people end up waking up in someone else’s bed. Yeah, I’ll pass.” Yugo frowned as he scribbled something down in his notes.
The two were currently working on the coming History assignment, which was a written analytic essay about the Industrial Revolution. Elia had set up a bowl of various fruits, on top of the bench they were currently working on.
“Awe, come on! That’s just something parents spread around to keep their kids at home.”
He raised an eyebrow, although his eyes were still fixated on his notebook.
“Alright, fine. Maybe it does happen, but who said that’s a bad thing? It might be a fun experience.” Amalia grimaced at her last words.
Yugo snorted, “Fun?”
“Oh, please? I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Nope. Not happening.”
She groaned flicking a grape at him, which he dodged with ease despite still not looking at anything else other than his notebook, “What if I do something for you in return.”
He finally looked up at her, “Why do you want me to come so badly?”
She shrugged making Yugo roll his eyes.
“Fine then. On the conditions you make sure my drink doesn’t get spiked and you have to watch at least the first episode of Oshi No Ko with me.”
“The first one I can accept. But no way am I being forced into watching an anime.”
“You want me to come or not?”
She pouted, taking a moment in consideration, before nodding, “Alright, it’s a deal.”
He smirked before flicking a grape at her, which she did not dodge as easily and ended up hitting her on the forehead.
“You’re a brat, you know that? A short, stupid brat.” Amalia scowled at him, rubbing her head.
“If I was stupid, I wouldn’t be tutoring you.” His smirk only growing wider.
“Fine then. Just a short brat.”

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

The sunset’s blistering warmth made Amalia want to run home and have an icy cold shower, instead of being stuck in the park where Oropo insisted she meet him on that Friday evening, two hours before the house party. He scowled down at her, making her shrink underneath his cold gaze, “You invited my cousin?”
She shrugged like she didn’t care what he thought. He ran a hand through his hair, making it stick out of it’s place where it’s been slicked back to.
“I assume Adamai is coming, so why can’t he?”
His eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth, but before he could say anything his phone vibrated and Oropo reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone and checked whatever the problem was.
“Leave.” His tone icy. She blinked at him,
“What?”
“I said leave. I need to see someone.” He looked around the clearing, mouth forming into a straight line. Besides wanting to object, she did what he said and started to walk off. What was with him? And who was he meeting with?
Amalia decided to head home and get ready. Afterwards, around half-an-hour before the party, she headed towards Yugo’s deciding it would be best if she took him herself, since it was his first house party. Elia seemed so pleased at the fact that her son was finally joining a social gathering you could say she kicked him out the door.
“You look nice.” He nodded as they slowly walked down the road, despite Mina offering to drive them there.
“Oh thanks. You too.” Amalia had slipped on a hot pink dress, a pastel pink sweater on top with heeled black boots. Her long wavy hair was tied back into a braid for the evening. It was a lot duller than what she would usually wear, and although she would never say this, Yugo’s outfit did make her feel better about her own. Only a white shirt with jeans. She was taking him on a shopping trip the first chance she got.
They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence, before stopping in front of a house that had music playing inside, the bass shaking the ground. Rainbow lights shone through the windows illuminating the figures of many people inside. Amalia grabbed his hand,
“You ready?” She smiled down at him. She could tell he was swallowing down his fear so she squeezed his hand lightly before dragging him up the driveway and into the house. Bodies filled every inch of the lower floor, making Amalia tighten her grip on Yugo’s hand as they weaved through the crowd before finally finding the table with drinks and food.
Finally letting go of his hand, she poured a cup of punch before bringing it up to her lips,
“Yup. The punch is spiked already, best avoid that. The lemonade should be alright.” He took her advice and poured the lemonade into another cup before taking a really long sip himself.
“Are they always like this?”
“House parties? Pretty much. Unless parents are around.”
“Right. Mum told me Aunt and Uncle are on a work trip this weekend.” He looked at the cup of spiked punch she was holding and raised an eyebrow, “Are you going to continue drinking that?”
Amalia shrugged, “I’ve had alcohol before.”
A hand wrapped around her waist and she whipped around to see Oropo giving her a drunken grin, “Hey love, took your time to get here. Come, the others are waiting in the kitchen.”
She looked back at Yugo. How did he get waisted this quickly? It was only an thirty minutes into the party, “I-I-”
“Go.” Yugo gave his taller cousin a fearful glance before looking back at her, “I’ll manage.”
“Are you sure?”
“Amalia doesn’t need your permission, Yugo.” Oropo hissed at his cousin. Before he could do anything stupid, Amalia dragged him away and into the kitchen. She prayed to whatever God was out there that Yugo would be okay.

Chapter Text

Amalia took a long sip of the punch as she looked warily at Adamai. Would he care if his brother is here? Speaking of it, was Yugo still where she left him? Or did he head home?

“Amalia, do you wanna bet how many more drinks I can chug than you?” Dally dragged his words out, clearly heavily drunk like Oropo. He was leaning against the kitchen counter, while Eva was scrolling on her phone. Percedal pulled out three bottles of champagne,

“Stole them from my parent’s collection. Pricey they seem to be.”

“I don’t have time for that sort of nonsense.” She needed to stay sober for Yugo, if he was still even here. Although she recognised the bottles, and they were indeed expensive.

“Awe, but Amaliaaaa- it would be fun!”

“Go on, babe. Do it.” Oropo gave her a smile, but his words made her feel sick to her stomach. Especially the ‘babe’ part. Was she losing feelings for him? Surely not. But the two men expectantly staring, made her cave. Even not sober, they would sense something is off and bribe it out of her, which will only piss Oropo off.

“Alright- alright.”

And they were off, and like every other time, Amalia was ahead of the ginger nutcase by at least ten cups. Until he gained speed. By what she thought was fifteen cups and Dally at eighteen, her head felt light, and she was fighting back the urge to throw up.

“Al- *hiccup* -right, you win. I ne- *hiccup* -ed the bathroom.” She choked out without spewing all over the place. As he pumped his fists in the air as victory, Eva looked up from her phone,

“I’ll come.” That was their usual routine, when Amalia and Dally drank, her and Eva headed to the bathroom afterwards. Eva would hold her hair as she emptied her insides into the toilet. What was she thinking agreeing to this? Was Yugo, okay? God- she couldn’t stop thinking about him. How she wanted kiss his little face all over.

Amalia felt herself tip over as they made their way to the bathroom through the crowded hallway, but Eva caught her just in time. Wait- what was she just thinking about? Something about Yugo?

Her eyes were a blur, only seeing flashing colours. The bass music was drumming in her ears it was the only thing she could hear. The only thing she felt was Eva’s hand dragging her along. She could only smell alcohol and sweat until finally the music quietened down, and she smelt the cool tile.

Someone pushed her over to the toilet bowl, and she took that as an offer to finally let out what was brewing in her throat. Amalia had no clue how much time passed but the next thing she remembered is lying on the floor, cheek pressed into the cold floor and her head throbbing. What the hell happened?

Oh right, Percedal happened. And Yugo, where was he?

Amalia started to lift herself off the tile, when Eva stopped her, “Where do you think you’re going? You’ve been throwing up for an hour and you want to go out there.”

“Yugo… I need to find Yugo…” She croaked; voice hoarse in pain.

“The nerd? He’s here? Why does it matter to you?”

“I need to make sure he’s okay…”

She nodded, well Amalia thought she did, and helped lift her off the floor, leading them both back into the crowded area. But nobody was dancing and laughing anymore, even the music wasn’t playing. Everyone was staring at something in the lounge, and it wasn’t long before the shouts of anger.

“Wha- What did you just call me?” Amalia recognized the voice to be Adamai’s.

“You heard me. Do you think I wanted to spend time with you? You're a freak!” Even through his drunken voice, she could tell it was Oropo.

“What in the world is going...” She muttered to herself and pushed through the crowd to see what was going on, Eva at her heels to catch her if she fell. The stingy smell of alcohol sent her head reeling, but her fear of what might be happening pushed her onwards. Whatever this was, Amalia desperately wanted Yugo out of it.

Well, that just couldn’t happen, could it? On the left side of the room, Adamai had Yugo’s jacket collar scrunched up in a fist, lifting the short boy up enough that only his toes of his shoes were touching the ground. But he wasn’t Adamai’s focus. He was looking at Oropo, flustered, who was on the other side of the room.

Murmurs started to ripple through the large crowd and Amalia caught snippets.

“Adamai’s gay?”

“Why would Oropo turn him like that?”

Wait, what? Amalia looked at Yugo who looked like he was on the verge of tears. She wanted to lunge at Adamai, grab his hand and drag them where no one could find them. But all she could do was stand there, feet glued to the wooden tiled flooring.

Yugo caught her eye, and they stared at each other for a few seconds, and the world stopped for a moment. His eyes were pleading, desperately in need of help, but her body wouldn’t move no matter how she pleaded it to. Her stomach started to feel queasy again, and Amalia clasped her hands over her mouth.

Adamai dropped Yugo on the floor and ran out of the house, face red. His flee only made Oropo smirk and everyone seemed to shrink at his features. Yugo gave one more desperate glance at her before running after his brother. Amalia couldn’t hold the acidy bile in any longer and threw up all over the floor in front of everyone else.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

[Yugo’s POV – Before the argument ✿]

Yugo heart thrummed in his chest as the sound of people’s shrill laughter, the bass ridden music and the thump of dancing on the wooden floors. He felt a wearing hole start to form in the pit of his stomach.

Maybe he should go, but Amalia might come back to find him later. So, he stayed where he was, sipping the lemonade, it’s sour-sweet taste making his taste buds tingle. If he stayed where he was at the table, he should be fine.

He watched the people he’d usually see in school laugh giddily, clearly waisted. He felt so suffocated in the crowded space. He needed somewhere to breath but people were still partying at both the front and the back of the house, so he decided on the bathroom, he started to walk past the large crowd, up the stairs. Yugo opened doors trying to find that bathroom but ended up walking into a bedroom where a couple was doing something he swear they were too young for, so he slowly closed the door, grimacing.

Yugo hoped they didn’t notice him. He looked into almost every room on the second story before he finally found the bathroom, crept inside and locked the door. The sound of music and dancing still echoes into the bathroom, but it was better. Much better.

Yugo sunk to the floor and brought his legs up to his knees and drew in a large breath, just to sigh it out. The dirty-blonde boy felt tears spring to his eyes but blinked a numerous amount of times to air the water buds out. No, not here of all places.

He had to get out of here. He couldn’t stand this place anymore. Amalia would understand, wouldn’t she?

Yugo gathered up the courage and stepped back into the chaos after taking another minute or two to try some deep breathing methods. He was going consideringly well, but by the time he was half-way through the lounge, someone grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. Yugo met Adamai’s eyes and not a single hint of mercy shone in them.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He snapped at his shorter twin.

“I-I… Amalia-” He stuttered, his mouth had decided to stop working at that moment. He didn’t like his brother acting this way. He was becoming one of Oropo’s goons.

“Amalia this- Amalia that,” He Yugo mocked in a high-pitch voice, “Get over yourself. You don’t have a chance with her.” Adamai grabbed Yugo’s collar and lifted him off the ground with ease.

“Wha- What!? I don’t have any interest in her-“ He didn’t, right? But the heat rising to his cheeks told them both otherwise. People had started to form a crowd, watching the two’s argument. Even Oropo was watching from the crowd.

“Yeah right. Get lost Yugo. Don’t make me give you something to really cry about.” Adamai dropped his voice low enough only the two of them could hear, “And don’t you dare tell mum or dad. Or anyone about this.”

Yugo couldn’t help but nod, he didn’t want to start anything, especially not now. By this time, everyone had joined the crowd and the music was paused. Oropo started to walk over, tripping every step.

“Yeah, freak. Get lost-”

“Stay out of this Oropo.” Adamai snapped at their cousin, who retaliated at the sudden words and blinked. A few snickers formed in the crowd, which made heat rise to Oropo’s own face.

“Says you Gay freak.” The world seemed to turn still. The crowd, Yugo and even Adamai himself. A smirk formed on Oropo’s face, he hit the jackpot. But Yugo couldn’t believe what he heard, this whole time, his brother was Gay? Why didn’t he tell him? Whispers started to ripple through the crowd.

“Wha- What did you just call me?” Adamai tripped over his words, his face turning pale.

“You heard me. Do you think I wanted to spend time with you? You're a freak!” Oropo’s smirk was only growing wider. Yugo swear he saw tears form in his brother’s eyes. That’s when he say Amalia in the crowd her expression unreadable, he tried to send a silent plea but she just stood there, watching him.

Before anyone could say another word, Adamai dropped Yugo and bolted out of the house. The boy gave Amalia a sad look before he ran after his brother.

Heart in his throat, Yugo sprinted down the road chasing after Ad who was a few blocks ahead. Adamai eventually led them back home. The house was silent, all the lights off, but that didn’t matter to the taller twin as he slammed the door open and ran up the stairs.

Yugo came to a stop by the front door and bent over, breathing in rasps and at the same time hoping that his parents or his brothers would hear them. He gently closed the door, walked up the stairs, and entered their room to find Adamai hiding under his covers.

He sighed and walked over to his brother’s bed and placed a hand on the large lump. Whatever cold stance Adamai had before melted away.

“Ad, it’s alright I’m here.”

“Go away.” He croaked.

Yugo took a long breath before continuing, “Ad you could’ve told me. You know I wouldn’t think of you any different. You’re my brother and I love you.”

There was a moment of silence before he answered, “Really?”

He nodded his head and hummed.

“But what about how I’ve treated you the last fortnight. I was horrible to you.”

“Of course not. All is forgiven.”

Adamai lifted the covers off himself and sat up, looking Yugo in the eyes. He wasn’t scowling but he wasn’t smiling either, “I’m sorry. I was being stupid. I left you alone.”

Yugo shrugged like it was no big deal, “I’m sorry too.” He smiled even though he had no dia what he was apologizing about.

“Alright then. Drop Amalia.”

“Wait- What? I can’t do that!”

“Please Yugo,” Adamai’s gaze became desperate, “I saw her in the crowd too. She had a chance to help you, but she didn’t. She’s no better than the others.”

Yugo looked away before nodding, “Alright. I will.” He couldn’t risk losing his brother again.

The two stayed silent for a minute before Adamai spoke up again.

“I never want to see those people again. It’s too humiliating, they’ll make fun of me worse than before. I want to move schools. In fact, moving states would be even better.” He looked down as Yugo blinked at him.

He took a moment to think about what he said and came up with a idea.

“I’ll go with you. Moving states is a bit extreme, but there is the private school across town, Crescent High. It has better reviews and opportunities anyway We could ask Mama and Papa would they think. I can afford it for both of us.” Yugo moved to sit beside his brother on the bed and rested his head on his shoulder.

“Okay… could we move in with Uncle Toross? He’s closer to that school anyway.”

“If Mama, Papa and Uncle are okay with it, I don’t find it a problem.”

“Okay… sounds good.”

The twin brothers sat in a comfortable silence for a long while, but the whole time Yugo couldn’t stop thinking about Amalia. He really didn’t want to ghost her, but for the sake of his relationship with Adamai, he had too.

Chapter Text

Iridescent sunlight lit up Amalia’s bedroom as she stirred, her head throbbing. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hands, wincing. What had happened last night? Oh, right.
She reached for her phone on the bedside table, to find hundreds of texts, voicemails and missed calls from Oropo. As soon as Yugo left she tried to run after him but Oropo had held her back with a certain look on his face like he had one a big trophy. She pushed him away and ran after Yugo but by the time she was down the driveway, both Yugo and Adamai were out of sight.
Amalia had decided it was best to leave it until the morning. She was waisted and running around looking for the twin brothers late at night was not a good idea. So, she head home and went right to sleep, not bothering to have a shower or get changed.
Amalia sighed running a hand through her hair before opening a voicemail.
“Amalia where the hell are you? I swear if you are with my cousins-” She turned it off and threw her phone across the room before snuggling under the covers once more, water pricking her eyes. She didn’t care if the phone broke, too tired, sore and upset to care.
She should get up and check on Yugo soon. Did he make it back home okay? Did he sort things out with Adamai? Or were things worse than before? More thoughts travelled through her mind eventually drifting her to sleep.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

It was mid-noon when she finally head to his house, having woken up at midday. After eating brunch, having an extensively long shower, she threw on a pair of skinny jeans, a simple white tee and converses before heading out the door, ignoring Armand’s questions of how late she stayed up the night before.
As Amalia walked up the front door, she neatened her hair and rang the doorbell. Within seconds, Elia answered. At first her face lit up, but then it grew solemn.
“Amalia, love. Is there something you need?” She smiled softly,
“No not really, sorry for turning up uninvited. Um- I just wanted to check on Yugo and Adamai, last night was a bit… chaotic.” She asked, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
Her question only made Elia’s face grow sadder, “Oh- I’m sorry, Hun. They’re both out this afternoon, but they are both doing fine.”
“That’s fine, I’m glad they’re feeling better. A-are they getting along again?”
“Yes they are, thankfully. I knew they wouldn’t stay that way forever, they’re too close.” Elia looked inside before turning back to her, “I’m just about to leave for work, but if you want to talk I’m here, alright?”
“The gesture was completely random but appreciated, Yes I will. I’ll leave you be then.” Amalia waved her goodbye before heading away. She’ll see them tomorrow hopefully, and if not, on Monday.
Amalia spent the rest of the evening scrolling through Instagram in her room. It was past sunset when she decided to leave Yugo a message to let him know she was coming over tomorrow, but when she opened the app, it gave her a notification.
Yugo had blocked her number.

*★,°*:.☆:*.°★*

2 weeks had passed since the party and life had gone downhill in every way possible for Amalia. Oropo was barely speaking to her, her brother’s attitude had grown worse ever since he got a new girlfriend but the worst part is she had seen neither Yugo nor Adamai in that time.
Halfway through the second week she asked Mr. Joris why they weren’t present, to find out they moved schools. And every single time she went over to they’re house; Elia had some kind of reason that they were busy.
The only thing that was lifting her spirits were her grades. In the time Yugo tutored her, she had grown fond high grades and knew several ways of studying. Amalia was furious with the fact Yugo ghosted her and was wanting to prove (mostly to herself) she’d be fine without the shorter boy’s help. But deep down, Amalia missed the friendship they had started to form.
“Do you want your latte with cream or without?” Eva asked her for the tenth time. The two were at the local café on a late Saturday arvo sitting opposite of each other on cushioned stools, but Amalia’s mind was somewhere else, or rather, thinking of someone else.
“Oi!” Evangaline wacked Amalia’s nose with the menu, “If you don’t answer I’ll get you a black coffee.”
Amalia finally looked up at her wrinkling her nose, “Ew- They’re too bitter.”
“That’s what I thought. So, answer me, with cream or without?” The blonde girl stood up, placing the menu back on the table.
“Ice-cream.”
“This early in the morning?”
“It’s almost twelve.”
“Fine, fine. Suit yourself.”
Eva left her to daydream while she ordered the drinks. Amalia thought back to Yugo’s face when she brought him over to her house for the first time.
“Sorry, sorry. Am I being rude?” He had asked when he noticed her watching his face.
She smiled shaking her head, “No. Everyone makes that face when they come.”
“Humble much?” He raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Oh, be quiet.”
“Amalia!” Eva hissed at her, snapping the green-head out of her thoughts.
“What? Is your card not working, you can use mine-”
“No! Keep your voice down- you need to see something.”
Amalia turned her head to where she was pointing and her blood ran cold. There was Oropo, with another girl with long black hair and sharp features. He was tucking a strand of hair behind her left ear making Amalia’s taste buds sour.
Evangaline without hesitation grabbed Amalia’s arm, pulled her out of the chair and dragged her over to the table.
“Hello Oropo. Mind explaining who this friend is?”
As he noticed the two girls his face went pale, “Sh-she’s an old friend from-”
“An old friend? Love, what do you mean?” The girl with the black hair asked him, frowning.
“Love? I’m sorry, uh…” Eva began,
“Echo.”
“I’m sorry Echo, but your ‘love’ is dating my best friend, Amalia, here.”
Her eyes widened and filled with hurt as she acknowledged Evangaline’s words before turning back to Oropo, “What?”
“She’s lying! I would never-”
“We’re done.” Amalia finally mustered the courage to say something before leaving the three behind and out the door.
“If you know what’s good for you, I suggest leaving this asshole.” Eva said to Echo before turning on her heel after her friend. Whatever drinks were ordered, are long forgotten now.
As Evangaline caught up to her best friend she started to speak.
“Am- I’m so sorry. But letting him go was the right thing to do-”
“Go.” She muttered taking long strides,
“What?”
“Go!” Amalia turned to face her, “Leave me like everyone else has! You probably will in the future anyways!”
“Oh Am, I would never-”
“Go!” She raised her voice, “I don’t need you!”
Eva was taken aback by her words. Frowning she said, “I’m trying to help-”
“I don’t need your help! Leave me alone!”
She clenched her fists, “Fine! Be alone! If that’s what you want.” And with that, Evangaline walked off without turning back.
Amalia felt her heart break, but didn’t call out to her. Instead, she ran the whole way back home, tears forming in her eyes.