Chapter One: Hard Times

It was nearly dawn when Francis finally finished his packing for Mathew. He had made sure to include everything his son would need for the trip, from clothing to food. The only thing he was unsure of was whether or not to take a little nap before dropping him off.

"Papa! I-is it time to go yet?"

Francis smiled then picked up his son. "I don't think zey would mind us a bit early."

The young boy giggled then ran outside while Francis followed after him with a bag full of his things. The two walked down the street until they reached Arthur's house. Francis knocked warily on the door only to be met by a man who wasn't Arthur.

"Hel- heyy, the Englishman didn't tell me you would be here!"

"Oh Gilbert, nice to see you as always, mes ami."

"Whatever, mein little bruder is going to be here too so I have to help watch him while Arthur is out."

"Fine by me." Francis stepped inside the house, watching Mathew as he ran towards young Alfred and Ludwig. He set the bags aside by the door and sat down casually at the kitchen table, then noticed the Prussian taking a seat next to him.

"Hey Francis, rumor has it you still have feelings towards ze Englishman is zis true?" said the smirking Prussian, putting his elbows on the table.

It amazed Francis on how he could be so rude and childish, after all Arthur and him had gotten divorced a few months ago, the only reason they were still seeing each other was for the sake of the children. He glared at Gilbert then softened, allowing a smug look of his own to illustrate.

"Non, zis is simply for le children I have no interest in L'Angleterre." He paused for a brief moment to pour a glass of wine and after taking a sip he lowered his voice. "What's your opinion on ze flowers at Elizaveta and Roderich's wedding? I arranged them myself to reflect the beauty in Mrs. Edelstein's eyes."

Francis regretted what he had said the moment it left his mouth, the look in Gilbert's eyes was one of a man who had lost everything, much like the feeling in his heart as Arthur threatened to leave him and take Mathew away. "I'm sorry mes ami, you're right I do still have feelings towards him."

"Eh, it's fine, I was too awesome for her anyway. I can easily get another girlfriend if I wanted to."

"Or boyfriend." He winked then poured another glass of wine for himself and beer for Gilbert.

"Are you making an offer? Kesesese, I know you must be enchanted by how intimidating and awesome I am, but I suggest you not get yourself into things you couldn't possibly handle.

"Oui? I think I can handle you, and anything else you decide to throw at moi. Even your 'legendary' five meters."

"Hahaha! I doubt it!" He wiped the beer off his mouth with his sleeve before continuing on. "Mein five meters is ze most awesome, most deadly five meters in ze entire world. Your wimpy French body couldn't possibly handle it!"

"Honhonhon, jour just dying to prove it, non?"

"Well now zat you mention it-"

Gilbert was cut off by the sound of a slamming door, which could only mean Arthur was home now. He'd been so moody lately and he'd probably kick Gilbert out if he caught the two flirting, still even after the divorce he was as jealous as ever.

"Oh, 'ello there Frog, Prussian." He nodded to both of them and took a seat. "I see Mathew's been doing well, despite being in your care." He pointed an accusing glare towards Francis, it made him cringe a bit from both anger and discomfort.

As Gilbert took a sip of his beer, Francis took an extra big sip of his wine to calm his nerves before getting up. "And I see Alfred's been eating well, besides your horrible cooking."

Arthur slammed his fist on the table and bent forward. "Now see here-"

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Normally I wouldn't care about your squabbling but mien little bruder is in ze other room so shut up!" Francis sat down, embarrassed while Gilbert left the room. Arthur however, completely un-phased stirred his tea cup like nothing had happened.

"Oh by the way frog," he took a sip of tea before continuing on "I've been seeing someone."