Chapter Text
"Draw four, the color is yellow. Your turn, Líf." I said with a drawl.
I looked at Líf's hand of cards and the sheer amount of cards he had was both kinda sad and funny to see. I was sure he had at least a quarter of the deck in his hands now. Líf was getting impatient and clenching his teeth together as he laid down a yellow skip card. I honestly felt bad for him because he was losing so badly. It was my turn again since the only other person playing was Eir, who was actually very close to getting a uno. It was amusing to see Eir not only enjoy herself, but also beat me at a card game that I have been playing since I was a kid.
I put down a reverse card and the turn order went back to Eir. Eir placed a yellow draw two card in the pile and Líf was muttering what seemed to be curse words under his breath. I held my breath for a moment to stop myself from laughing at him. I knew he was irritated and laughing would make it worse but… it was funny to me because it seemed absurd for Líf to curse like that. I slowly breathed out hoping not to bring attention to myself. Lif pulled two cards out of the deck and then I placed a yellow one card into the pile. Eir then placed a blue one card, changing the color.
"Uno." She said
Lif then dropped his cards down in frustration. I looked him in the eye. His eyes were actually glowing red. I decided that now was a good time to announce a break from playing uno.
"Hey Líf. Do you need to take a break for a bit? I'm sure we can do something else for a little bit before Anna shows up."
"I just don't understand how I keep losing… Eir is probably cheating."
"I wasn't… I was playing by the rules Kiran gave us. I made a few good plays, but it was mostly luck." Eir sighed wondering what she did to incite his accusation.
"I doubt it. This is the fourth game of uno you've won already."
"Let's just let it go, Líf. It's just a game and we can do something else instead if you aren't enjoying yourself" I said
"Fine. We'll stop then."
Líf crossed his arms and if it weren't for the mask covering his mouth, I would say he was pouting. Líf may be Alfonse from a different world and a different time, but he is still the same to me mostly. He was a bit more dour, more impatient and didn't take losing too kindly. I probably should've realised this sooner but it was too late for that. I had to do damage control.
"Eir can you grab us some juice boxes from the fridge? I would be ever grateful."
"Sure. What flavor?"
"Grab me the strawberry kiwi capri-sun please. You can grab whatever you want for yourself."
"Alright, I'll be back in five minutes then" Eir then left my bedroom and went to my kitchen.
"Your world is strange…" Líf mumbled
"I suppose it would seem that way. Imagine how I felt when I finally got to sink into Zenith. It was very odd and seeing magic and swords was… eye opening? Yeah lets just go with that" I replied as I began to run my fingers through his hair. I figured that he would like that since the Alfonse of my Zenith loved it. I suppose I just wanted to treat him the same as I would with my Al. Well… I wouldn't want to partake in necrophilia, so not exactly like Al, but I figured he would react similarly to having his hair petted.
"Why are you doing that?"
"Do you not like it anymore?"
"Well.. I still do but I don't understand you. Why do you invite me to play games with you in your home? Why do you pet me still? After everything I've done to you… why?"
"Because to me, you're still Al. While you are a different person from my Alfonse… I feel as though I should treat you like a friend. What happened in Hel was because of Hel. She hurt you deeply and anyone would go mad in that situation."
"You're a fool. I don't deserve it."
"Maybe I am a fool, but you are still a guest in my home. That alone means I need to be a good host to you."
"Fine… you were always stubborn even in my world. Nothing I say will sway you will it?" He sighed
"Probably not"
"What are we doing when Anna comes here?" Eir asks as she brings out two pouches of Capri Suns and hands one to me.
"Oh. We are going to play monopoly." I said casually
Líf looked at me with a look of fear in his eyes. Eir seemed to be confused at his reaction.
"Are you insane?" Lif asked
"Nope. This time we will take her down for good!" I say cheerily.
"You don't understand Kiran! I've played monopoly in both this world and my version of your world and every time I have played against her she won. She always ends up owning half the board! The only people who can beat Anna at monopoly are other Annas. If you wont stop her for me do it for Eir!"
"Ok fine! We'll just play jenga I guess!" I sighed as I picked up my cellphone to call Anna.
"Hey Anna, we're going to have to cancel the monopoly game. We're going to play jenga instead…"
"Wait, you are doing what?"
"Shiiiiitttt…. Ok I'll see you later then"
"Crisis averted guys… she was bringing a few of her sisters with her" I announced as I hung up the phone.
"Told you so".