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Hi guys! Sorry this took so long, I promise to try and get the next one out sooner. I always really look forward to posting these because, and I mean this in the least vain way possible, you guys always do amazing with supporting the series and I know you'll do the same for this chapter, so thank you. Please enjoy.
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You were awoken by a tuneful humming, and honestly, even in your groggy state it was quite a pleasant thing to be woken up by.

Squinting your eyes open so they could adjust to the sunlight seeping into the room, you wondered what time it was, if it was already light. You wouldn't have been surprised if it was afternoon and you'd slept in, since you'd had an awful sleep the previous night. That persistent, yet always chilling both during and when recalling it nightmare had awoken you in the middle of the night, and you'd struggled to get back to sleep.

Sitting up in bed, you rubbed the sleep out of your tired eyes, and spotted Toni, rummaging in his wardrobe. He stopped upon hearing your movement and turned around, flashing you an apologetic smile.

“Buenos dias, chica! Sorry, did I wake you?”

Shaking your head, you yawned loudly. “What time is it? Have I slept in?”

“Nope, it's only eleven or so. By the way, it was nice hearing you snore.” The Spaniard chuckled, and you felt yourself turning crimson as your cheeks burned.

“I snored?!”

“Si! But it was really cute.” Toni cooed, as the door suddenly swung open, revealing Lovino. He walked in without hesitation, slapping Toni upside the head. “Ow!”

Lovi gave him an annoyed stare. “Stop harassing her, bastard.” He grumbled, then turned to you, letting Toni's pained whinging go ignored. “You-a might want to-a get dressed, ragazza. The-a new bastards will be-a here soon, and you look-a sloppy.”

“I do not look sloppy!” You protested, irritated by his remark, and practically jumping out of bed. But when you saw your reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall and looked over yourself, you began to doubt your own words. Sitting scruffy across your head, tangled and knotted was your hair, messy, desperately in need of combing. Highly sloppy, you were wearing a comfortable pair of blue sweatpants and a baggy black shirt. “O-oh...” You stuttered.

“So get dressed.” Lovi deadpanned, not saying another word before he swiftly left the room.

“Don't mind him, he's always especially cranky when new kids are coming.” Toni told you, returning to his wardrobe to pick out an outfit for himself. He was still in his pj's too, a navy shirt and pants, with tomatoes all over them. He looked so adorable and baby like in them.

You did the same, getting out a casual purple dress, your hairbrush, and then heading to the bathroom to get a shower, afterward drying then combing your hair, and changing clothes. Once you were done, it was around twelve o'clock.

Going downstairs, you found Al couldn't contain himself. He was so impatient, bouncing at the windows, constantly asking Blue when they'd arrive, to which she'd answer with a tolerant tone: 'When they get here'.

Arthur was the first to lose his temper with the hyperactive American. “Bloody hell, calm down!” He yelled, shaking his head and glaring.

“I can't help it, dude!” Al argued, sitting himself on the window sill.

“A watched kettle never boils.” Arthur tutted, “I thought you learned that on the day ____ arrived!”

You raised your head at the mention of your name, and glanced towards Matthew with an eyebrow raised in confusion. “He was like this when I arrived?” You murmured as Al and Arthur started to argue, throwing insults back and forth.

“Yeah, it happens every time someone new is arriving.” Matty softly whispered.

”Of course you can't calm down after all the sugar you eat, fatass!”

“Oh. Somehow I'm not surprised.” You replied.

”At least I'm not a- a puberty hesitant brony! Go play tea party with moonlight twinkle bum or whatever!”

“Nobody is, eh?” Matthew muttered as he watched the argument continue with a mixture of exasperation and amusement swirling in his violet orbs.

“It's Twilight Sparkle!” Arthur yelled, looking extremely offended. However he was ignored by Al, who's eyes were no longer on the Brit, but rather looking outside the window.

“They're here!”

The American had the attention of everybody in the room as he pressed his finger to the window where a car could be seen pulling up in front of the house. Al darted from the window and out of the sitting room. You heard him open the front door, and shout to anyone who wasn't aware: “The new kids are here!”

Moments later you heard Blue scold him, as she let the new kids in.

You felt slightly confused as nobody moved to go and see them, as you'd expected. You thought everyone would rush to the door as Al did, or at least Gil and maybe Feli. But instead the people in the room just listened. Yao, noticing your bewilderment, filled you in.

“Blue doesn't like us to overwhelm new people, if you remember when you arrived. Usually they won't really feel like meeting everyone straight away, and we'll get to meet them at dinner or lunch.” He told you, as Al returned.

“Dudes, there were two dudes!” He beamed.

“No girls?” You asked, feeling a little disappointed. It would have been nice to have another girl in the house, it seemed like all the friends you'd made (Blue excluded) since moving to the Earth Orphanage were boys. Even at school you'd only really made friends with Toris and Feliks.

“Jealous, frau?” Gil teased.

Scoffing, you shook your head. “Don't be ridiculous, I just thought it would be nice to have another girl.”

“Nope, no dudettes. And no young people either.” Al said.

“Why would it matter if there were young people?” You inquired.

“'Cause then you wouldn't be the youngest any more!” Al laughed.

“I'm the youngest?!” You asked, shocked. Surely you couldn't be, you must have been older than Feli...although that would mean you were older than Lovi, and you doubted that. But perhaps you were older than Kiku?

“Well, how old are you, love?” Arthur softly asked.

“Fourteen!”

“Zhen jou're zhe youngest!” Gil burst out, quickly running over to pat you on the head as you pouted, scowling at him.

“Wait, wait, wait! So, who is the second youngest?” You asked, still not believing you were youngest.

“Feli and Lovi, though Feli is the younger twin.” Al informed you.

“So, how old are they?”

“Fifteen.” Matthew told you, “Most of us are, I thought you knew.”

“I've just been guessing.” You muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed. So you were the youngest. Even so, you were still more mature than most of the people here...

“Lunch is ready!” Blue called from the dining room, and so everyone headed there. She'd made a tray of sandwiches, and as everyone ate, they waited excitedly for the new kids to come to eat. They didn't.

Eventually, Blue gave up, admitting they weren't going to come, and put some sandwiches onto two plates, and passing them to you. “Could you please go upstairs and give this to them? They're in your old room.” She said, and you nodded, going up to your old room. Tentatively, you knocked on the door, as a male voice with an accent you couldn't quite recognize.

Entering the room, your jaw dropped in an instant mixture of horror and alarm. A chill ran down your spine, and you felt the hair on your neck stand on end. Two boys were sat on the bed in the room. One stranger to you, the other not. Matthias. He seemed just as shocked to see you, his icy blue eyes wide, eyebrows raised.

The other boy, whom you'd never seen before, had light blonde hair, with a cross pin holding his fringe in place. His eyes were a darker blue than those of Matthias, and strangely dull, and somewhat cunning.

Getting over the shock, you quickly composed yourself, handing each a plate.

“Thank you.” The one you didn't know said, voice almost devoid of emotion.

“Thanks, _____.” Matthias reluctantly added, then clasping a hand over his mouth as if he hadn't meant to say your name.

“You know each other?” The blonde asked, raising an eyebrow. He looked to you for an answer, as if he didn't want to hear Matthias'. Your gaze flickered between the boy and Matthias, who had a pleading look on his face. Some part of you sympathized him, and you gave your answer. “We're classmates. I'm ____, and you are...?”

“Lukas, the dumb Dane is my brother.” Lukas stated flatly, and your lips curled upwards slightly to hear Matthias being called a 'dumb Dane'.

“I see. Well, I'll be going now...” With a last cautious glance at Matthias, you hastily left the room, now allowing yourself to panic.

Why the hell did Matthias have to be here? Would he...do anything bad? Crap! How would Feli feel?... How would Lovi feel? And how were you supposed to tell them that Matthias now lived with them?!

As you headed downstairs, you, without realizing it, just worked yourself up more until you got to the dining room.

“Did you give them their lunches?” Blue's voice pulled you out of your thoughts, and, as a habit, you put on a false smile, hiding your concerns.

“Y-Yeah, they seem nice.” The final word came out through gritted teeth, and you inwardly cringed.

“Good!” Blue grinned, oblivious as ever as she pranced away. Letting out a sigh, you joined everyone else eating lunch.

They were all excited to get more information on the new arrivals, Gil, Al and Feli in particular asked a lot of questions. In an effort to act natural and calm, you answered their questions with a false, deceiving zeal in your voice. However you made sure to leave names out, saying you had forgotten them. As everyone finished with lunch, Al decided to play football (or for Americans, soccer) outside, and all the boys decided to join him. Ivan threatened that if any of them messed up his sunflower garden, he'd kill them. As everyone left, you found it was just you and Lovino left at the table, the Italian staring at you intently.

“So, whats-a wrong with you?” He asked bluntly, eying you as he waited for an answer. You were caught of guard by his straight forwardness, and hesitated. “I can-a tell something is up, don't try to deny it ragazza.”

“H-How?” You stuttered.

“Well..” Lovi looked confused, eyes distant, in deep thought, “It's-a like...er, a weird feeling that..Oh I don't fucking know, just answer the damn question!” He exclaimed with frustration, raising his voice.

You flinched, and nodded, deciding to tell Lovi the truth. He'd find out soon enough anyway. “The new kids,” You confessed.

“Did they fucking do something to you, because if they did I-a swear-”

“No, they didn't, don't be drastic.”

“Then what?”

“One of them was Matthias.”

There was a pregnant silence, the whole time Lovi staring at you as if to say 'Are you kidding me?'. Carrying on to break the silence, you stressed your concern.

“I wonder if he'll say anything. He accidentally said my name so I had to explain to the other boy, Lukas I think, that we know eachother from school.”

Lovino locked his eyes with yours, “So, what did-a 'Lukas' say when he-a found out what that bastard did to mio fratello?”

“I... didn't tell him.” You whispered, feeling guilty. Was it wrong to not tell him? God, you couldn't tell...

“Why?” Lovino demanded.

“I don't know! Matthias was giving me this look and... I don't know, I just didn't!” You said, raising your voice but not shouting. Inhaling deeply, you calmed yourself down.

“What are we-a gonna do?” Lovi eventually asked you, leaning back against the wall.

Shaking you head, you sighed. “I have no idea. Should we tell Feli?”

Lovino shrugged. “I have...no idea.”

Before your discussion could progress any further, Feli ran into the room, a goofy grin on his face. “Fratello, bella, everyone is-a outside, not in-a here!” He chirped. “Come-a on!” He grabbed both you and Lovi's hands, and dragged you outside, where a game of football (soccer) was in progress.

“Dudette, you gonna play?” Al called, waving you over. Giving Lovi one, last, quick glance, you joined Al.

“I'm not really good at sport,” You mumbled doubtfully, but Al just flashed you a grin.

“You don't have to be! You can be on the Heroes team, that's me, obviously, Artie, Yao, Francis, Ivan and Matty!”

“O-Okay.” You agreed. It looked like the other team was made up of Lud, Kiku, Gil, Feli, Lovi, and Toni.

Al controlled the ball skilfully, dribbling it up to the other end of the garden, but Gil was hot on his feet, watching his every movement, waiting for the perfect opportunity. As soon as it came, he tackled Al stealing the ball as booting it across the garden to where Lud was waiting by the goal. Ludwig dribbled the ball closer to the goal where Matty was waiting to block the ball. Arthur and Francis were approaching Lud, ready to steal the ball back. But before they could, Lud passed the ball to Feli. As soon as Feli had the ball, everyone looked at him, and the people on your team started closing in on him, except for you. Feli, in his panic, passed the ball to you.

“____!” He cried as he did so, and you stopped the ball with your foot.

“Idiota fratello!” Lovi shouted.

“Feli I'm on the other team!” You yelled, not noticing Gil, Lovi, Lud and Toni running towards you.

“_____, love, don't just stand there!” Arthur said.

“Run, aru!” Yao advised, as you noticed the other team coming for you.

Frantically, you kicked the ball to the other teams goal, surprised by yourself. Reaching the goal where Kiku waited, you didn't hesitate in randomly shooting. Kiku dived to save it, but, luckily for you, missed, and the ball hit the back of the net.

“Score for the heroes team!” Al yelled victoriously, giving Arthur a high five, then jogging over to you. “Dudette, I thought you said you aren't good at sport!”

“I'm not!” You laughed.

“That was bloody great!” Arthur smiled.

“Thanks,” You said, “But it was probably just beginners luck.”

It was. For the rest of the game, despite your efforts, you didn't score again, though you still had a lot of fun. Since most of the boys were very competitive, Al, Gil, Artie and Lovi in particular, a considerable amount of time was spent with them arguing about what was foul and whatnot. But the atmosphere stayed light hearted. You almost forgot about the entire problem with Matthias, yet it still lingered at the back of your mind, a sense of dread you couldn't shake off.

Eventually, when everyone was finally tired out, you went back inside, to your bedroom. On your way to your room, you almost ran into Matthias.

“Watch where you're going!” He snapped at you, but stopped when he saw it was you. “O-Oh.”

“N-no, sorry, I should have looked...” You mumbled, hanging your head and avoiding eye contact. Hurriedly, you tried to get away, but to your apprehensive worry and alarm, he called after you.

“I, um, thanks for not mentioning the stuff that went on in school to my brother.” He said, and you turned to face him with a look of disbelief upon your face.

“N-no problem.” You began nervously, but then sighed, meeting his gaze. “Can I ask you something?”

Matthias nodded.

“Well...” Taking a quick glance around yourself, you grabbed the Dane's hand, pulling him into your room with you. Here, you knew you were less likely to be interrupted during your conversation, since people were always walking aabout the hallway.

Giving Matthias a stern look, you folded your arms. “Can you please tell me why on earth you'd do...what you did to Feli?”

Shifting uncomfortably, Matthias avoided your gaze like the plague, turning his head away. For some time he remained silence.

“Why?” You repeated, more forcefully this time, though, tone demanding and unwavering.

“It...helped.” Came the almost unaudible reply.

“Helped?” You echoed.

“Yes! It's hard to explain but it made me feel... in control.” Matthias said, clenching his fists tightly.

“I'm sorry, I don't understand.” You sighed.

“Then I'll tell you from the beginning.”
__

It had started on Emil's fourteenth birthday.

Matthias, Berwald, Tino and Lukas had been well prepared to the make the day the best they could for their little brother. They had the entire day planned out, presents ready, a puffin cake. Matthias was probably more excited than Emil himself.

But not everything went as planned.

It was the early hours of the morning, around six o'clock when Matthias awoke. He was hyper, physically jumping out of bed and running of to Lukas' bed, waking him with a harsh shake, which earned himself a punch in the stomach. He then moved on to awake Berwald. No way was he going to wake up Tino, his little brother was cranky when awoken, and when he was cranky...Matthias shivered. He'd let Ber wake up Tino. Lastly, before awaking Emil, he had to wake up his mother, so everyone could be with Emil as he opened his presents. Oh boy, Matthias couldn't wait to see his face!

The Dane crept out of his room, and into his mothers room. It was dark, and he could barely see where he was going, but he navigated his way to her bed and gently shook her. She moaned sleepily, before her eyes fluttered open revealing her brilliant icy blue irises.

“Matthias, hun, what time is it?” She asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“I dunno!” Matthias beamed, “It's Emil's birthday, we're giving him his presents now! Get yours and...” He trailed off, sensing something was wrong. His mother had visibly tensed up and was frowning.

“T-Today can't be Emil's birthday. How could I forget that? Shit! I- I have plans too, and-” She mumbled to herself, but Mathias was hardly listening. He was stunned.

“You...forgot?”

“I'm sorry...dammit. I'll just...” The woman scrambled to her feet and sorted through her bedside drawer, pulling out a five pound note (If your American, five dollars). “Give him this!”

“O-okay.” Matthias didn't know how to react. He was appalled with him mother, forgetting her sons birthday. Even worse thinking she could just pull out some money and that would be fine. He slipped out of her room and back into he and his brothers shared room. Of course, he didn't forget to plaster a big, goofy grin to his face.

He remembered something his drama teacher had once told him. 'Keep smiling and the audience will never know if something goes wrong.' Surely that could apply to real life too.

All four of his brothers were now awake, and he swung an arm around Emil's shoulders, “Happy birthday!” He practically yelled.

“It's too early for your voice.” Lukas muttered, turning away. Their mother then trailed into the room sluggishly, with a wry smile.

“Happy birthday, Emmy.” She yawned, handing him the fiver (five dollars) lazily.

Emil stared at it, with a look of confusion and disappointment, but still took it, mumbling “Thanks.” Matthias could feel the mood darkening already.

Their mother left without another word, leaving the brothers in shocked silence. Quickly lightening the atmosphere, Matthias got the gift he, Tino, Ber and Lukas had got for their brother together.

“Here!” The Dane handed Emil a card with a big '14' on it. Emil opened it, and looked over it for a few seconds before giving them all a small smile, putting it aside. Then Ber handed him the gift, wrapped in lilac paper.

Emil opened it slowly, carefully, and his eyes lit up. “A mini fridge.” He exclaimed, possibly the most enthusiastic Matthias had ever seen him.

“W' g't 't fr'm Ikea. (We got it from Ikea).” Ber informed him, with a tiny smile.

“Thank you,” Emil said, giving them an even bigger smile.

The rest of the day went downhill fast.

Their moth spent most of the day getting ready for some date, or something she had said, leaving around lunchtime with some man none of the brothers had ever seen who picked their mother up in a fancy sports car. By then, Ber and Lukas were now aware something was very wrong, and if Tino was aware too, he didn't show it. However, as big brothers, it was their job to make sure Emil still had an amazing day. So they carried on with the happy façade all day, until it was late. When Emil, Tino and Lukas had gone to bed, Matthias and Ber stayed awake, awaiting the return of their mother.

She didn't return until midnight. Not to mention, she was drunk. For Matthias, that was the last straw. He got angry...no, and more accurate word would be livid. He lashed out at her, shouting at her with all his fury. She shouted back, words slurred as she staggered on the spot. Ber watched, not saying anything, but ready to do something if the situation got too heated. However, he wasn't quite quick enough when his mother slapped Matthias, both stunning and silencing him. Though Ber's face remained stoic as ever, one look into the Swede’s eyes would have gave away how horrified he was.

Their mother stared at the hand she'd slapped her son with, then stormed out of the room without a word.

Matthias touched his cheek, wincing as it still hurt.

“Ar' you 'k'y?” (Are you okay?)” Ber asked, and Matthias shakily nodded, still dazed.

“Y-Yeah. Lets go to bed.”

The two headed to their room, seeing only two of the five beds were occupied. Lukas had climbed into Emil's bed with him, and was cuddling him protectively. Tino was alone in his bed, but he could be heard crying quietly into his pillow. So, Ber crawled in with Tino to comfort him. Matthias sighed, getting into his own bed. It killed him seeing his brothers like this.

His mind swirled with questions. Why had his mother forgot Emil's birthday, and treated it like trash? Why had she slapped him? Most importantly... What was he going to do? As the oldest brother, it was his job to protect his younger siblings...right?

Needless to say, he didn't sleep that night.

Over the next few months, things only got worse. Matthias' mother never hit him again, or speak of the time she did, but the man who'd picked her up on Emil's birthday just kept coming back.

They learned his name was Gary, although they rarely spoke to him. The few occasions Matthias had made it clear that he did not like children. And his influences seemed to rub off on his mother, because she spent less and less time with Matthias and his brothers, until she was barely ever at home.

Matthias was forced to become more responsible, running the house, buying the groceries, cleaning the house. Undoubtedly, it was a lot of pressure for the seventeen year old.

And that lead him to do something... Something he knew with every fibre of his being was wrong. He couldn't explain why he had done it, but he'd beaten up a kid a school. It was some Italian boy, with ginger locks and a constant dopey smile. Matthias barely knew him, however it had been a particularly bad day for the Dane. He was now failing both maths and science, since there was never any time to study anymore. So, when he saw the Italian boy, standing alone by the lockers, humming to himself, something inside him just...snapped. He unleashed all the frustration and rage that had been building up inside him for months onot the innocent Italian.

Instantaneously, he regretted it. But he still did it again the next day. And the next day. It became a regular thing, to take all his anger out on the Italian. Sometimes he wouldn't beat him, or physically hurt him, instead he'd just steal his money.

Matthias couldn't stop himself. It gave him the feeling of control he'd been lacking- needing- for so long now. Even if he knew it was despicable, wicked, unjust, he had no power to stop himself. Until that day.

It was the same as any other day, and the Dane was on his way to the exact location he knew he'd find the Italian: The Art corridor. As usual, he found him pretty easily, starting off with name calling, then threatening him to make him give up his lunch money. Nothing was different to any other day.. So why when he went to punch the Italian did he find his fist wouldn't move forward, and felt a strong pain course through his jaw?

Because a girl had stopped him, grabbing his fist and then punching him in the mouth.

Matthias was stunned. For a girl, she could pack quite a punch, also, she had seemingly come from nowhere. By the time Matthias realized what had happened, the girl and the Italian were already running away. He didn't even bother chase them, they were already long gone.

The Dane couldn't bring himself to confront the Italian, or the girl, again. He was held back by himself. So he just watched from afar. Over the space of a month, he learnt her name was ____. She was new to the school, and her closest friends were Toris, Feliks, the Italian, and his brother. Oh how he loathed her. No... he envied her.

She had no problems. She had friends, good grades, presumably a nice home, with a loving mother and father...

The Danes own situation at home was not improving. His mother had started barely paying any attention to her children. She'd only even be home on weekdays, and then, Gary would usually be with her.

Even so, Matthias couldn't have anticipated what happened next even in his wildest nightmares.

He'd come home from school late, since he had to pick up some groceries on the way home.

As soon as he stepped into the house, he immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere, and a feeling of unease welled up inside him.

“G-Guys?” He called into the house, waiting for a reply. His heart pounded aggressively in his chest as he waited, and he held his breath.

“We're in the bedroom.” Tino finally called from upstairs, voice echoing through the house.

Matthias breathed a sigh of relief, dropping the bags he held and running to the bedroom. All four of his brothers were sat together on the floor, their faces portraying deep worry and stress, eyes downcast. The Dane couldn't bare see them like this.

“What's wrong?” He asked, but frowned when his own voice reached his ears. He sounded so... serious. Like the answer to his question was undeniably going to be bad. There was no point in thinking that way, he knew. All it would do is make everyone miserable.

'Keep smiling and the audience will never know if something goes wrong.'

Forcing a grin onto his face, he gave an obnoxious laugh. “You've turned the bedroom into an emo corner, saddos!”

Tino stared at him, some of the concern from his eyes vanishing. “We have, haven't we?” He tried to laugh, but it came out chocked and thick.

Lukas gave Matthias a stern gaze. “Mum isn't home.” The Dane felt his heart sink. Usually their mother wasn't home, but they were used to this by now. For them to make a big deal out of it such as this meant something had changed.

“S-so? She usually isn't, she'll be out with Gary.” Ge chuckled, silently cursing himself for stuttering. But he didn't regret the obvious venom in his voice as he spoke that mans name.

“'ll 'f h'r st'ff 's g'ne. (All of her stuff is gone).” Ber said dully.

“Everything from her room, it's gone.” Emil added gravely.

“I'm sure she has her reasons, guys!” Matthias scoffed, skilfully hiding the fear in his gut. “She'll be home soon, now lets go downstairs, I brought ice cream!” He demanded cheerfully, herding his brothers out of the room.

For the rest of the night, Matthias pretended he wasn't worried in the slightest, that everything was absolutely fine. Of course, it wasn't.

After his brothers finally went to sleep, Matthias went to theirs mothers room, to see for himself. He was horrified.

As his siblings said, everything was gone. All that remained was the furniture, but all her possessions were gone, vanished without a trace. Including her suitcase. Even so, Matthias couldn't believe she'd left them. She wouldn't...

So, the five brothers waited for their mother to come back. One day passed, then two, then three...

She never came home.
__

“Do you know how embarrassing it is having to tell the police your own mother abandoned you?!” Matthias spat, but the loathing in his voice wasn't aimed at you. His icy eyes burned with pain, anger, betrayal, his fists balled, knuckles white from the tremendous strength he squeezed them with. Breathing heavily, he glanced at you, before inhaling deeply. Visibly, he calmed down. “Well, now you know everything.” He whispered.

It still took you a moment to take it all in. He'd bullied Feli to release frustrations from home problems... And his mother had abandoned him and his brothers. The first thing you managed to day was “What about your other brothers?”

A look of sadness passed Matthias' features, and he put his head down. “Tino and Ber were sent together to some other Orphanage. And Emil went to stay with his Dad.”

“Isn't he your Dad too?”

“No, Lukas and Emil have a different father from me, Ber and Tino.”

“Then why isn't Lukas with his dad?”

“He isn't really on good terms with his Dad, they sorta hate eachother...” Matthias explained.

“Oh,” You uttered. “Look, Matthias... I'm sorry you had to go through all that, I really am. And I'm not saying that makes what you did to Feli okay but...” You stepped closer to him, and gave him a hard stare. The hatred once in them had melted away, making room to show the gleaming pure blue crystals that had been hidden. “Matthias, I can tell you're a good person.”

His breath hitched in surprise as the words left your mouth, and he wasn't aware of the tears gathering in his eyes until he felt one roll down his cheek. When you saw this, you rushed forward and hugged him tight, in an effort to comfort him. You wondered how long he'd been keeping his emotions locked inside. Feeling his arms wrap around you, you heard him sniffle.

“I can't speak for Lovi and Feli, but lets put the past behind us and be friends, 'kay?” You whispered into his chest, and felt him nod as he pulled away.

“Thanks, ____.”

“No problem.”

You didn't get the chance to say anymore, since Al's voice boomed throughout the house.

“Dinners ready, dudes!”

Although you didn't hear her, you could imagine Blue was scolding him for shouting.

“You better freshen up for dinner.” You suggested to Matthias, eyeing his now messy, unruly hair, and swollen eyes.

“Good idea,” He said, rushing out of the room without another word. Heading to the dining room, you were stopped right outside your room by Lukas.

“He needed that, thanks.” He said, with only a hint of gratitude in his voice.

“Y-You were listening in?” You asked, and he nodded.

“By the way...If you go telling anyone about what happened with our mother-”

“I won't.” You said firmly, “I promise.”

Lukas didn't look like he believed you, glaring as if deciding weather to risk trusting you, but in the end, nodded, “Good.”

“So, are you coming to dinner?” You asked, and he nodded, going downstairs with you.

Jeez, he was so hard to read, you wondered what he was thinking...

Taking our place at the table besides Feli, Lukas sat on your other side. You felt bad for him, not knowing anyone. But he didn't seem to bothered, chatting with Arthur after a while.

Al started serving up hamburgers, and everyone ate up.

You talked to Feli and Lovi whilst eating, mainly about school, upcoming projects, etc. You were mid-sentence when you saw Feli's face turn sheet white. Following his gaze, you saw Matthias entering the room, staring right back at you.

“Where do I sit?” He asked, and Gil pulled out the seat next to himself and Alfred.

“Here.”

Matthias did so, and began chatting with Al and Gil, the trio getting along right away, like old friends.

“W-Why is he-a here?” Feli asked, voice shaky.

“Feli, you need to calm down. I promise you, he isn't gonna hurt you.” You quietly said, reaching for his hand under the table. You held it gently, feeling he was trembling, palms clammy. You gave the Italian a small smile, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

He looked at you through scared honeycomb eyes. “Are you-a sure?”

“Positive.” You smiled.

“Ragazza.” Lovino was giving you a stern look from where he sat next to Feli, having heard your conversation.

“I'm certain.” You said flatly, as he held you gaze for a while before nodding.

“Fine.”

Once dinner was over, you were pulled aside by Ludwig. He discretely asked for a private word, his face portraying concern. Of course, you accepted, and went to his room with him.

It wasn't the first time you'd been in there, since Gil once decided it was absolutely necessary for you to see his 'awesome room', and he shared rooms with Ludwig. The room itself had black walls, and a white carpet. Both siblings were very careful about cleanliness, so the carpet had no stains, and remained a perfect white, as if it was new. The two beds had duvets like the German flag.

Taking a seat on Gil's bed as Ludwig sat on his own, you looked up at him. “So, what's up?”

“I vas vondering vhat's wrong vith Feliciano.” He said in an inquiring, yet demanding tone. “He vas acting very strange at dinner.”

“Yeah, he's...” You wondered weather to tell Ludwig the truth, but decided against it. You had told Feli you wouldn't tell anyone, and you intended to stay true to your word. “Fine.”

“Really?” Ludwig pressed, with a disbelieving tone.

Silently, you wishes you wouldn't have to lie anymore, but you knew you would. Opening your mouth to answer, instead, a surprised yelp came out of your mouth as someone barreled into you. In your shock, you'd habitually closed your eyes, and when you opened them, you saw Feli.

“Ciao bella!” He said, then his face fell as he remembered why he'd come in here. “Fratello's mad at me!” He cried, tearing himself from you and latching himself onto Ludwig.

An aggressive knocking on the door caught your attention.

“Fratello, I-a know you're in here, come out! I'm-a not coming in, it-a stinks of potatoes and bastards!” Lovino shouted through the door, and you sighed, picking yourself up off of the bed and marching to the door. You opened it, meeting the Italians glare, but when he saw you, his eyes widened. “Ragazza?”

“Yes.” You said, raising an eyebrow and stepping out of the room with him, making sure to close the door behind you. “What did Feli do to make you angry?”

Lovi blushed, snapping his head away from you. “Nothing!”

“O...kay?” You uncertainly said, then yawned.

“_____?”

“Huh?!”

Startled by his sudden serious tone, change in attitude, and the fact he'd used your name, something rare since he usually just used 'ragazza', you found yourself speechless. Even stranger, without warning, he quickly, yet gently, cupped both of your cheeks, forcing you to face him as he leaned in closer staring into your eyes with an alarmingly serious intensity. It was like he was boring into your soul, making you feel exposed under his eyes.

Your breath hitched and your cheeks reddened. Was he going to...? No, that was a stupid thought. As if! But damn, your faces were so close you could feel his soft breaths...

“Have you-a been sleeping?” He eventually asked.

“Y-Yeah,” You said, trying to hide your embarrassment as he let go of you.

“Lair,” He stated plainly. “No offense, but you-a have bags under your eyes. Bad ones. And in general, you just-a always seem slightly tired.” He explained. “You should-a get an early night.”

“Yeah, you're probably right.” You sighed, “Actually, I might as well go to bed now.”

“Si. Buonanotte, ragazza.”

“Night, Lovi.”

“My-a names is not 'Lovi'!”

Smiling, you nodded, waving him off as you went to your room. Getting into bed, you easily fell asleep...

You eyes flew open, meeting the dark surrounding of your room. Damn, that nightmare...

Your thought were quickly taken elsewhere when you noticed Feli creep into the room out of the corner of your eye. “Feli?” You groaned sleepily.

“Bella, can I-a sleep with you tonight? I-a had a nightmare about Matthias...” He whimpered, but staying quiet, mindful that Toni was still asleep.

“Sure,” You said, moving over to make room for him as he crawled in next to you. Closing your eyes once more, you tried to get to sleep again, though your mind was restless.

'Mom...Dad... I have a feeling it's gonna be a long week...'