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Here's a long butt chapter to make up for my lack of uploads! 

     Whereas their intimate kisses were perfect, the relationship itself wasn't exactly.

     See, it so happened that Veronique didn't forget the bullying he received when younger. Dimitri and his friends' words were like a piece of rag stitched to the fine fabric that was his pride.

     Their bullying had consisted of picking out his feminine features and throwing them in his face, and so Veronique could only end up being insecure about it. Openly having a relationship with a man would most certainly not help his case, he deduced, and therefore refused any public display affection.

     It wasn't that Matthews minded, he understood his case and eventually stopped attempting to talk him out of it. What bothered him was that his friend wasn't content enough with keeping it a secret, but was going out of his way to do so.

     Keeping a distance half an arm too big between them, looking both ways before offering a hug, avoiding eye contact- hell, at times he would go as far as avoiding Matthews himself. And all that because of some mean words thrown here and there all those years ago.

     All those years ago, when Veronique was still a child, his consciousness fragile and manipulative.

     With a sigh, Matt let his pencil drop from his hand and watched as it rolled down the scribbles only himself would manage to read. After running his hands up and down his face, he let his head rest on them and slumped.

     "What seems to be the problem, Matthews?"

     The man in question looked up at his computer science professor and shook his head. "Nothing, sorry."

     The expert let it at that and returned his attention to the blackboard, on which a student was writing a program. Matt absent-mindedly followed his gaze and blinked curiously a couple times. As if a sign from the Universe, there was written the solution to his problems.

     return 0;

     Perhaps that was what he had to do. Return their relationship to the zero that was just friendship? Zero was always better than negative one...

     Matt shook his head again. He wouldn't brush off all those years he had been waiting because of a couple bad days. Veronique needed time to find comfort in his skin and courage to face the ones that wouldn't let him do so. And Matt needed to be patient and supportive.

     After nodding his head in agreement and receiving unwanted attention for all the random movements of his head, Matthews decided to postpone the entire matter yet again and hope for the best.

     And, as if on cue, his wish was just then offered the possibility to happen.

     The speaker at the top right corner of the classroom emanated a static sound, letting the orphans know an announcement was to be made.

     "Good morning, everyone! This is Mister Quin speaking," -he mentioned, as if the orphans couldn't tell the difference between Quin's calm, soothing voice and Grimerson's strict, monotonous one- "and I bring you an announcement certainly brighter than the last one." he joked.

     "It has, in fact, something to do with the previous happening... I would like to apologize in my and Mr. Grimerson's name on behalf of the rather rough emergency exercise." Matthews and the other students suppressed scoffs at that. Bogeyman wasn't sorry in the least, it all went according to his plan, and the man therefore regretted nothing.

     "And in order to make it up to you, we organized a dance party! It will be held, as always, in the ballroom. The doors will be open at half past eight in the evening."

     The orphans kept themselves from cheering- it would be disrespectful of the professor-, but it didn't keep them from grinning from ear to ear, much less in Matthews's case. He just had a feeling deep inside his guts that tonight would change everything.

     Hopefully, it would be for the best.

------

     As he made his way down the hall, Matthews curiously looked around at the orphans. Specifically, at the few men asking other men to ball. The way their eyes were glued to their lover and their lover only, uncaring of what the others thought, and the way they were gleaming in confidence, aware of the positive answer their invitation was to gain.

     Matt didn't benefit of a situation as such.

     Upon meeting Veronique just as he walked out of class, the teenager moved his gaze to the ground, offering Matthews no possibility of eye contact. Matt wasn't gleaming in confidence but in hope as he leaned down to attempt catching his friend's gaze, to no avail.

     Matt's optimism was leaking more and more with each nervous rub of Veronique's toes, every  drop of hope turning into disappointment as it landed in the puddle that was rejection. It most certainly didn't help when Veronique merely offered an apologetic look and turned around, then walked away.

     Matthews watched him go, scratching frustrated at the pages of the notebook he was holding. He wasn't one to loose his composure, but there is that one moment when one just gives up.

     And that's what he did. After a few steps Veronique's way, he simply gave up and leaned against a wall. It was better to be rejected like that- quick and silent rather than having to see the sorry and longing behind those turquoise eyes.

     With a last gaze towards Veronique's retreating form, Matthews slid down against the wall, uncaring of the attention he attracted. If he felt like slumping down the wall over-dramatically, he was going to slump down the wall over-dramatically. To his realization, the carpeted floor was cozy.

     Leaning against the wooden panel behind him, he stretched his long legs to their full glory, secretly wishing for those happy couples passing by to just stumble on them and fall to their deaths.

     "Hmm."

     Raising his gaze, Matthews watched as his friend looked down the hallway thoughtfully, eyes set on Veronique.

     "Considering the announcement that had just been made, the situation of you two's relationship and the fact that Veronique's head is as lowered as your ego is, I will assume you attempted inviting him to the ball only to be rejected because of our fellow friend's insecurity."

     That would be William for you... Matthews couldn't even recall having told Will of their relationships, but the lad just... knew. The very same way he just knew what happened a few moments ago by merely taking the time to deduce.

     Matt sighed for what felt like the nth time that day and invitingly patted the spot next to him on the floor, at which Will shook his head disapprovingly.

     "I would rather help you back on your feet than lower to your level." he spoke, both literally and figuratively, as he offered his hand.

     With a scoff, Matthews accepted it and pulled himself on his feet, patting his bottom despite the floor being impressively tidy. Starting a slow pace, Matt placed an arm around Will's shoulder and leaned his head on his.

     "I reckon there's better luck concerning you and Oliver?" he asked casually.

     At that, William tsked in irritation and pressed a thumbnail to his front teeth. "What makes you believe there's a 'me and Oliver'?"

     "Well, I don't know... when one sees two men furiously consuming each other's mouths, one tends to believe they feel for one another."

     Will scoffed, keeping his expression indifferent despite the hint of blush at his neck. As if to hide it, he pulled his scarf upper. "Don't just throw words as such around. It was the panic of the moment, nothing else. Not a single person was acting rationally in that near-death situation, it merely happened."

     "As you say, buddy. As you say." Matt patted his shoulder. In turn, his friend pushed him away in irritation, at which the taller man could only chuckle.

     Upon reaching at the end of the hall, they started walking up the stairs towards their room, their steps matching.

     "Leaving nonsense aside- I assume you have no other partner in mind for the ball tonight?" William swiftly changed the subject, offering one of his rare grins.

     "Those dimples... You and Oliver could fill one another's dimples in with your-"

     "I withdraw my invitation." William deadpanned, turning to the second row of stairs and stomping away.

     Matthews followed, all laughter. It was amazing how close friends could lift your mood by merely being there, he mentally noted, fond of the grin on his lips.

     Upon eventually catching up with him at the top of the stairs, he blocked his way, then jokingly bowed and extended his hand, looking up with a charming expression.

     "Would you care to join me at the ball tonight?"

     Why not? Merely because Veronique wouldn't bring himself to do as little as openly dance with Matthews didn't mean Matt would have to pass the rare occasion of a ball.

     Will shook his head and ever so gingerly placed his hand on top of his friend's, then moved a leg behind the other and bowed in a feminine fashion, going as far as tilting his head and hip to do the trick, which didn't exactly match the nonchalant, monotonous expression he was wearing.

     "I would be most pleased to, milord."

 

     Matthews knocked on the door of Veronique's room five times, then looked around casually as he waited. There were a few hours to go until the ball would start, and Matt simply wanted to see Veronique before it did.

     Throughout the day, orphans didn't usually remain in their rooms, seeing as there were far more entertaining places to be in, such as the games room (supplied with chessboards, cards, table/board games, and more), the library, movie room, parlours, and such. Therefore, Matt and Veronique would take the chance to intimately hang out in one of their rooms.

     Just as the door opened, before he got to as much as offer a smile, arms wrapped themselves around his neck, pulling him in the room.

     With a scoff, Matt used his leg to close the door behind them and hugged back slowly, as for his arms to savour the feeling of Veronique's slim waist between them.

     "Please know that I'm sorry, I want to go at the ball as much as you do, believe me- even more! I just- just-"

     Matthews hushed him with a pat on the back. "I understand, Veronique."

     Then, he led him backwards to the bed. When Matt's knees hit the bunk, he slumped down the mattress- uncaring it wasn't Veronique's-, which in turn caused his friend to land on his lap against his will.

     The taller man sighed blissfully at the awaited moment and ran a finger along Veronique's jaw, leading his head closer ever so slowly, until he planted a ghostly peck on his lips.

     That.

     That drunkening act. The mere ability to hear his lover as he breaths, to feel the finest curves of his body, to provoke those clumsy lips into their two left feet dance...

     That, was worth the wait and secrecy.

     Speaking of which...

     "Mattie ..." Veronique murmured. "Someone might come in..."

     And with that, Matt gently pushed Veronique off of him and stood up.

     "Mattie, don't go! I didn't mean it like that..." he huffed irritated, watching helplessly as the man made his way towards the door.

     However, it turned out, he was planning the opposite of leaving, if what he was doing was anything to go by.

     Matt pulled the big drawer away from the wall, then walked to the other side to start pushing it in front of the door. Veronique watched in awe as the man moved the thing easily, his muscles tensing and his expression determined.

     Then, as it dawned on Veronique that no one could possibly come in, an overwhelming feeling that could only be described as 'sexcitement' flowed up his body, forcing his legs to move him closer to what he craved.

     Yet...

     "This is not decent of us, I don't own this room..." he murmured.

     Matthews pointedly ignored him and, against his friend's struggles, lifted him by the armpits and placed him on the dresser. Veronique started flailing his legs and arms around, but eventually stopped all movement when his lips had been stolen one again.

     If he was to be honest to himself, Veronique quite enjoyed being handled like that. Unable to have a saying in how or where his body goes...

     Matthews knew surrender when he felt it, and the way his friend's legs wrapped themselves around his waist and his hands clung to his chest was undoubtedly a white flag. With that in mind, he went ahead and claimed his tongue, keeping himself from grinning at how his friend squirmed.

     It was as if two hands just weren't enough, he realized as he tried giving each inch of skin its deserved attention. But the moment a hand reached Veronique's thigh, trailing down towards the stocking, his friend swatted it away.

     Pulling back, Matthews eyed him stubbornly. He had waited a decade to see the skin beneath those stripes.

     His friend seemed to always wear them, day and night, and whenever laundry days came, he would wear some pair of plain stockings until the striped ones would dry. Matthews had been curious about it since he can remember, but didn't request seeing his legs since it would be indecent of him as a mere friend.

     Now, though, considering he finally achieved their status as a couple, he would expect for his barriers to extend concerning access of his friend's body.

     So, with a tilt of the head and a hum, he sneaked a hand to his strap and touched the clip but Veronique repeated his gesture.

     "Never."

     Matthews blinked.

     "Never?"

     He was officially worried, that much Veronique could tell by the blank look in his face that was bound to follow a determined scowl. Which it did, the scowl aimed at the stockings he was trying to pull.

     Desperately, Veronique searched his brain for a way to put a stop to all of the man's actions that instant, and...

     And that's how his hand found itself in Matthews's briefs.

     And that's how Matthews found himself unable to breathe.

     He was seriously trying his hardest to react one way or another, but all he managed to do was gasp and prop himself on the drawer, arms around his friend as he stared at him in shock and lust.

     Veronique's expression made it clear he had no idea what he was doing, his bright eyes widen and his eyebrows raised as if he was just as shocked. Which he truly was, seeing as he and Matt just reached a whole new level of intimacy.

     After the shock got to fade, embarrassment replaced it instantly, causing Veronique to blush and place his head on his friend's shoulder as to hide his expression. Closing his eyes and hugging his shoulders with an arm, Veronique tentatively moved his other hand.

     Matthews shuddered violently and, with a growl, gripped the teenager's wrist to pull it away. After turning around and leaning on the drawer, next to Veronique, he pressed a palm against his face and his own wrist against his groin, breathing in and out to calm himself.

     "Do not start what you can't finish."

     With a blush hotter than his skin could bear, Veronique placed his hands on his lap and watched smugly as Matt fought for composure.

     After managing to tame the beast in his pants, the young adult sighed deeply and ran the hand pressed against his face through his hair, ruffling the dark mess as if that would help its case.

     With a scowl darted Veronique's way, the man then proceeded to sneak a hand down his friend's hoody, letting his hand quickly lower down his torso and watching with a grin as he shivered violently.

     He then retrieved the watch Veronique forever kept at his neck and flipped it open, watching the rusty pointers behind the scratched glass. The younger man glared at him, the least amused at the way his own body had betrayed him.

     "I am afraid we now must part." Matt murmured, closing the watch and letting it fall back to its place in Veronique's hoody.

     "Why?" his friend asked dumbfounded, eyes wide and lips promising a pout.

     "I have to dress up for the ball, of course."

     If the youngster looked disappointed at knowing they wouldn't spend the evening together, he now appeared devastated. "You're going? Why? Whom with?"

     "You didn't expect me to pass the occasion, did you?"

     "I thought you'd spend the night with me..." he murmured, shoulders slumping.

     "So you worry not about people seeing us share bed, but you worry about them seeing us dance?"

     "My roommates are used to us sharing. But at the ball there will be the bullies and the principal and..."

     Matt threw his arms around helplessly and walked to the side of the drawer, getting on pushing it back in its place, Veronique's weight insignificant. "Nobody cares of our relationship, Veronique." he huffed, straightening up. "The bullies never picked on you for having feminine features, they picked on you because you're insecure about them. And about Bogeyman, he stopped minding our closeness after that incident in his office, didn't he?"

     The teenager didn't respond, instead moving his gaze on the ground, the way he did too often.

     Matthews nodded once and opened the door, about to step out before a second thought crossed his mind. Turning back to look at his friend, he added:

     "I'm going with William."

     And then Veronique's head snapped up, his eyebrows lowering, pupils shrinking, jaw clenching, in that very same childish jealousy he would always aim at Will back when they were little.

     Blowing a kiss, Matthews left with a confident grin.

 

     "So you made him jealous in hopes he'd show up." William deduced with a faint grin, spinning the wine in his glass.

     Matthews moved his gaze up from the man's suit, a rather eye-catching one. He was wearing a white shirt with large sleeves underneath a dark red dress vest with black thin stripes. His scarf was made into a nice, loose bow (Matthews tied it for him) and he had on a pair of tight black pants. To match the vest, on his head stood a red tiny hat, going well with his dark hair.

     "I'm sorry to have used you like that, it was rather rude of me." Matt agreed.

     "No, I understand." Will shrugged with an easy smile.

     "Jealousy brings the best kind of worst in people." he added with a mischievous grin, bringing a finger to his mouth.

     However, he was wearing a soft pair of black gloves, and he therefore only placed his thumb on his lip instead of nibbling it as he was used to do. Matthews squinted skeptically at his mischievous words and posture, but decided to brush it off for the moment, as Mr. Grimerson appeared at the table.

     He was looking mighty fine in his dark purple vest suit, with a green shirt and the striped tie. His expression was the usual strict, now with a topping of annoyance. Matthews offered a smile and said:

     "You could use a drink, sir."

     The principal didn't look at him but nodded in approval, grabbing a glass and eyeing the wine bottles. "I agree, though I can't say the same thing for Mr. Quin." he murmured, darting a glance the man's way before turning to pour himself a drink.

     The other principal was laughing louder than would be considered sober with some of the adult orphans, seemingly enjoying himself as much as they were. The only reason Grimerson was bothered by the scene was the subject his partner was speaking of- that being Mr. Grimerson's child self.

     "And then he said- cousin Quin, may I be your king?" the man giggled amusedly, at which the other men joined good-heartedly.

     "I will take that as my cue." Mister Grimerson murmured, and walked away towards the group to save whatever was left of his dignity.

     The partners watched him go with a chuckle of each own. William then turned back to Matthews, eyes trailing down to the stuffed mushroom he was holding. 

     "I must say, Veronique won't get jealous at me for having the privilege to watch you eat." he said suggestively.

     Matt chuckled, taking that as his chance to invite him to dance, and placed the empty plate on the table. Straightening up, he smoothed his suit, which matched William's as they were partners for the evening. He had on a tie of the same model as Will's vest, dark red with black thin stripes. His shirt was grey underneath a black tailcoat with matching pants and shoes, his footwear far more modest than Will's heeled boots, reaching to his knees. (A/N: manly men heeled boots, not female ones).

     Yes, they were in year 1996 and all of the orphans' fashion sense belonged to the 1880s, but no one could bring themselves to wear what the ones down there did, the airship had standards higher than that and preferred to remain untouched by the downstairs world's trends.

     Matthews extended a red gloved hand and placed his other one behind his waist. "May I have this dance?"

     "I have nothing better to do, so I suppose you may." Will cheekily replied, accepting his hand and following him to the dance floor, where Matt took a swift turn and got in the dance position.

     A hand resting on Will's sharp hip and the other one holding his, Matthews started a rhythmic waltz pace, move-step-spin, move-step-spin, slaloming between the pompous dresses of the girls. William moved easily along, but that would be expected of him- quite the perfectionist.

     It wasn't until William moved closer, the hand on Matt's shoulder sneaking downwards and his nose about to touch his chin, that the young adult's skepticism got back at him. With a thoughtful hum and a tilt of the head, Matthews voiced it.

     "What is it you're plotting?"

     His friend looked up casually, as if that didn't cause them to basically breathe the other's air. "I don't know what you're talking about."

     "I see, I see. So the glimpses you discreetly steal of Oliver and the way you grind on me have nothing to do with another?"

     At that, William grinned guiltily and hid it by burying his head in Matt's neck. "Jealousy brings the best kind of worst in people, remember?"

     "William, Oliver is a close friend of mine, I can't take part in this game of yours."

     "Matthews, Veronique is a close friend of mine, yet here I am. We're equally nasty for what we're doing." he shrugged.

     Of course he would wave it off like that, the lad was used to toying around with people. The only reason he's never had a relationship before is the way he likes to mentally play with anyone seeking to approach instead of straight up rejecting or accepting them. He was just a loner like that, more fond of a book's page than a man's caress.

     Matt never did agree with his ways, but remained silent and thankful he wouldn't be part of his games- that was until now, when he found himself as William's pawn.

     "William..." he warned as the man approached, his pale eyes glancing away for the briefest second before returning their intense gaze on him.

     "Just a peck, we've had those before." he promised, the swing of his hips slowing down and his nose travelling up Matthew's chin.

     With a hum, the young adult parted his lips and slightly leaned in, their front teeth briefly touching. Sighing through his nose, Matt closed his eyes and moved his hand towards his friend's hair, only for it to be grasped by another.

     "May I steal your partner." deadpanned Oliver, blue eyes matching his suit blankly glaring at Matthews.

     "Yes you ma-"

     "No you may not." interrupted William with a grin, parting from his friends, turning around and striding away.

     The blond watched him go with his jaw clenched, shaking his head. "He will be the death of me, I swear." he murmured, then moved his gaze back on Matt.

     "What's the meaning of this? I kiss you into the world of men, and you in turn kiss my crush?"

     Raising his hands innocently, the man in question bit his lip. "It's William we're talking about, you can tell I've had little saying in the matter. Now, if you want my advice, don't give up on him. He's never been so devoted on making someone suffer. He is truly into it."

     Oliver's face dropped. "And that's a bloody good thing, mate?!"

     "In his case, yes."

 

     Matthews entered the balcony, taking a fresh gulp of air, and approached the railing to look down at the city. The airship was floating low enough for him to make out the people wandering the streets, some of them stopping to gaze at the airship in awe the way Matt was gazing at the town, with all its dull streetlights, fancy cars and beautiful architecture.

     Then, he noticed a small shape waving at him from beneath a streetlight, and he waved back, smiling as he heard a girly giggle echo its way to him. Then, a taller shape appeared, took the little girl by the hand and looked up curiously. With a shake of the head, the mother pulled her daughter away, and by the sounds of it started scolding her.

     Matthews scoffed at what jealousy could make of people and resumed admiring the view, until he heard the double doors behind him open and soft steps approaching. Considering there was no tap of shoes, he automatically deduced who it was and smiled.

     "How did you know I was here?" he asked, turning around and leaning against the railing.

     His lover was looking exquisite in a dark green coat with eight golden buttons and a black bow at his neck. His pants were of the same forest green and barely covered half of his thigh, from there starting his striped stockings all the way to his toes, revealed as he wasn't wearing shoes- he never did.

     The watch he would wear at his neck was now in his chest pocket, its thin chain hanging by the clock and one of his buttons. Truly attractive, enough for Matt to have troubles keeping his hands behind his back. (A/N: I did a drawing of Veronique's casual and formal wear, it's to the right of the page)

     "I asked around." Veronique murmured. "And have been answered more than I wished to know."

     "You have been answered shenanigans." Matt said, opening his arms invitingly.

     "Did you plan to kiss him?" his friend asked monotonously, crossing his arms.

     "He was the plotter."

     "Did your lips touch?"

     "Not in the slightest."

     "Did you wish for them to?"

     "I love you."

     Turquoise eyes widened at that, his arms limply falling at his sharp sides and his head tilting helplessly, in the finest impression of a marionette. It was obvious he couldn't regain his anger, or his thought process for that matter, so Matt helped him by motioning him over.

     Veronique mindlessly obeyed, walking up to him and sinking into his embrace.

     Slowly, Matthews started a small waltz pace on the melody that could be faintly heard from the inside, uncaring of how their position wasn't that of a dance but a mere hug. The occasional bird would fly by with a flow of leaves on its trail, the wind barely a whisper and the lights of the town surrounding them in a pale Autumn atmosphere.

     "I love you too." Veronique eventually murmured. "And we've loved each other since ever, but voicing it is so much better..."

     Matt chuckled at that and sighed contently.

     "Want to go inside and show off?" Veronique continued confidently, looking up at him.

     The young adult smiled widely at that, a flow of glee numbing his senses for a moment as it seemed that everything would be good between them considering Veronique would no longer avoid public display at all cost. Pinning his lover's head back to his chest, Matthews placed his head on top of his and shrugged.

     "Neh, I like my privacy."

 

No one won the contest thing (I asked you to guess what would happened between Will and Matt, the answer being 'dance')

Then again, my hint wasn't too obvious. I assumed there must have been someone knowing how to run a C++ program, which would have displayed 'Victim chapter 8', from which you could deduce they would dance :D Oh well.

I'm sorry for not having uploaded, but please let me know how many of you remained interested in this book by commenting :) 

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