Before it happened. (Fourx/ TPOT 20 fanfic. No smut.)

Chapter 1: Mistakes

Four blinked the bright sun from his eyes as he brought his hand up to shield his face from the sun. Bright. He thought as he stood and looked back, taking note that the hotel did in fact not have a shadow, looks like it's going to be a nice day- oop. Clouds? Great it's going to be rainy. Maybe a few more contestants will go missing, it'll give that pathetic excuse of a host to maybe talk to any other object besides the one they clearly are swooning over, gross. It's too early in the morning for this.

Four's arms dropped back to his side as he spun around on his heels to head back inside the hotel, a place he almost despised as much as the pillary ruins. It wasn't the annoyingly organized lobby or the low hum of objects chattering away. It was that STUPID number. The only thing keeping him there was X, but seriously what does X see in Two. Whatever. A curious twinge in his stomach, what does X see in Two that Four isn't capable of. As Four thinks he's unconsciously leaving a nasty scowl on his face as he rests on one of the lobby chairs using a hand to prop up his chin.

"Hey.."

A soft voice calls out, one that Four knows all too well. His head snaps up as his eyes land on the yellow Algebralien standing before him. X. Four's scowl almost melts off his face as it's replaced with a large smile, he feels a strange sensation burn within him but he pushes it aside. 

"X! Oh hi!"

X chuckles at Four's exasperated tone as his fond gaze meets Four's.

"What are you doing here? You're scaring all the hotel guests away silly!"

X giggled as Four glanced behind him at two of the failed debuters who awkwardly looked to the side as they shuffled away with smiles plastered on their faces. Ah, I guess his reputation had followed him.

Four's eyes softened as he leaned back in the chair to meet X's eyes.

"Nnnwhatever it builds character."Four said, shrugging off the growing sense of urgency to make things right.

"Four..."

X's voice dropped low as his expression turned to one of scolding. Great, Four was being scolded, how cute. Four sighed. "nnnFine... ill leave the lobby... sheesh.."

Four huffed as he rose to his feet but felt something warm touch his hand, and by warm he meant warm.. a soft touch very delicate. Four looked up, searching for X's eyes, Affection. Gross, warm, sticky affection, that burned through Four's resolve.

Weird.unfamiliar. exhilarating.

"You want something don't you? Is that why you're being all sappy?"

X chuckled a reply"I want to hang out with my best friend!"

Four shook his head smiling"Finnnneeee, let's head to the kitchen." A pause "and no more hand holding."

Four said pulling his hand away feeling the heat leave his hand. He'll survive.Something flickered in X's eyes that Four can't quite place but he ignores it as he steps forward to head towards the back of the hotel and into the kitchen.