The fire crackled and popped. Alfred stared quietly into the flames as they danced through the wood and leaves beneath. Turning once solid objects into nothing but ash. His blank face showing concentration. Had he not been breathing, he could easily be mistaken for a doll. The sun sat high in the sky, the smoke disappearing a few feet into the air.

"What are you thinking about?" Toris asked suddenly, popping up from behind him with some snacks in hand. He threw the few bag of chips onto the blanket nearby. Ash falling on the grass just inches away from it.

"A big convoluted metaphor." Alfred turned to Toris with a grin.

"Please don't tell me what it is."

"I won't." He stepped away from the other to grab one of the many camp chairs he had laying on the ground. "I wouldn't want to get philosophical right now, it's way too early for that." He continued as he set up the first chair, unfolding it into place.

"It's noon, Alfred."

"Too early, I tell you."

"Is that why you told me not to wake anyone up?"

"Yep, I want the fire to be a surprise." He set up another chair not far from the first one. "Plus they all need a break from yesterday."

"I feel like you're the one that needs more of break than them."

"I'm used to no breaks." He shrugged.

"You sure do forget to practice what you preach." Toris mumbled as he went along and helped Alfred. He grabbed about three chairs and went opposite to Alfred.

"Can't help that, you know. That's just how the people are."

"You're right." The two went silent. An understanding carried through between them. Both opting to focus on the task of setting up rather than dwelling on the idea that they couldn't entirely control their own lives. It was a philosophical topic, and as established, it was far too early for that.

They finished in a few minutes. The crackling of the fire filling the silence. Even soothing the tension. They sat down next to each other and watched the fire as it crackled and popped.

"Why does this remind me of the one cereal?"

"Probably because you're hungry."

"I mean, you're right. I'm starving." Toris smiled at Alfred's words. He stood up and walked off for a moment. He returned with a bag of chips in hand and threw it at the other. The bag managed to hit Alfred square in the face.

"Take care of yourself." He said sitting down.

"I do." Alfred protested, opening the bag.

"Liar."

"I am no liar."

"Liar." Another voice added in.

"Lovino, how dare you betray me like this?" Alfred put a hand to his heart to add some dramatic effect. "I thought we were friends."

Lovino chuckled, "You could put comedians out of work with that one."

"I'm taking that as a compliment." Alfred shoved a handful of chips into his mouth.

"So, what's with the fire?"

"Today Alfred planned an all day cookout and campfire." Toris answered, reaching over to Alfred for a handful of chips.

"I'm not surprised." Lovino smiled. "That's his tradition."

Alfred chuckled, "Didn't realize you were paying attention to the things I do."

"It's oddly fascinating." Lovino shrugged. "Like in a car crash type of way." Toris near choked on the chips in his mouth.

"You're right." Toris giggled. "It's exactly like that."

"I'm wounded." Alfred faked a pout.

"Whatever." Lovino's smirk faded. "I have a question."

"And what could that be?"

"Have you seen my brother?" Concern was written on the man's face. Toris glanced at Alfred and noticed a strange flash of something in his eyes despite his unchanging expression.

"Nope, sorry." Alfred shrugged. "He might be taking a walk, I wouldn't worry about it."

"If you say so." Lovino's expression softened. "I'll go double-check inside."

"Have fun with that." With that Lovino turned and went in. Once the door shut, Toris questioned Alfred.

"Where is he?" He asked.

"Basement."

"Why?"

"Trust me, I'm helping him."

"How?"

"Just don't worry about it."

"If you say so." Toris rolled his eyes. He looked off into the distance to distract himself. It was rather annoying that all he was able to look at was miles of trees but it was better than talking to Alfred and finding another thing to stress about.

Slowly but surely the tension eased as others came out to see what was going on. Few went back in but most stayed. Those who stayed quickly noticed the difference in Alfred and Toris' interactions-er rather-lack there of.

"Why is there a fire if it's not even cold?" Ivan asked when he came out by the fire.

"Dude, you're literally wearing a turtleneck in the middle of summer." Alfred rolled his eyes. Despite the slight hostility, Ivan smiled sweetly.

"Says the one who wears shorts in the winter."

"If you're going to kill each other, take it somewhere else please." Kiku interrupted politely. They couldn't entirely say considering that his catlike demeanor was taking full effect. After all, his sat up straight, hands politely crossed on his lap, and big eyes watching them with intent. "I'm rather enjoying the fire." They backed off and relaxed.

Francis laughed, "Do you realize how many meetings you could have saved with that trick?"

"What trick? I was just annoyed." This only made Francis laugh more.

"God, you're already drunk and it's barely noon." Arthur shook his head as he approached. Arms crossed and with a frown juxtaposed with his cargo shorts and button up that had him giving off a fatherly vibe.

"Funny coming from you." Francis smirked. Arthur opened his mouth to snap back but his eyes caught Kiku's stare. He backed off and sat in the middle of the empty chairs left. A smug look on his as if he believed he was better for being alone. Jokes on him, it only made him look like a loser. Toris his grin behind his hand. It felt a little selfish but he honestly deserved to revel in selfishness for once.

"Well," Alfred stood. "I'm going to go make dinner, you want help Toris?"

"No." Toris responded nonchalantly. I see how it is, Alfred's eyes spoke with a slight irritation.

"Alright." He nodded and went inside.

"Are you alright?" Francis had the audacity to ask after moments of nothing but sound of the flames before them.

Toris sighed, "Don't worry, I'm just as sick of him as he is of you."

"Can't blame you." Arthur chuckled. "He's a real piece of work."

"Better than you, at least." All stared in awe at his sudden passive aggression. Well, except Ivan who cocked his head in wonder.

"Is this what he has trained you to be?" Ivan asked carefully.

"He didn't train me. Ivan, if you gave a shit, you would actually know a thing or two about me." Toris frowned. Ivan stayed silent. The intensity in the atmosphere grew as they stared each other down.

That was until Toris stood up. He took a few steps to get away from the circle. He ultimately collapsed on the ground. A few behind him stood up reflexively. He gagged and the contents of his stomached spilled from his mouth to ground. The sounds of his gagging and couching filled the air for a moment. None of them quite knowing what to do. Suddenly, the sounds stopped. Toris stayed on fours on the ground, barely able to keep his weight up.

"Shit." He murmured.

"You still fear me." Ivan finally stated with certainty.

"I hate that I don't hate you." Toris replied before standing up and heading to the house. He stumbled slightly at times but still made it.

"What the hell was that?" Arthur and Francis gasped.

"This trip was to show us something we didn't understand." Kiku explained. "It is now much clearer to me what that is exactly."

"What is it then?"

"The simplest things have much greater meanings. For instance, the creak of the floor boards is unique to who might be walking on it, it is as if they are speaking through natural sounds."

"So, it's all big metaphor?"

"No, Alfred and Toris are simply telling us to pay attention."