I am so sorry that it took me so long to upload this chapter-I keep finding it hard to find inspiration towards what I want to write, and also finding time to write.

I would like to thank everyone who has reviewed so far; one such person has pointed out that I have neglected to inform you as to the location of our beloved characters. While I have not decided on any specific place, let us suffice it to say that they live somewhere in America-the cultural trail mix of the world. If anyone else has any other criticisms, comments, or questions, please, I beg you, ask.

I realize that there are quite a few holes in my story, so I apologize for my mediocre writing. One such hole being the languages spoken. At the very beginning, Francis was panicking because he found an unconscious boy in the middle of the woods, so without realizing it, he spoke in French (sorry for those who were confused by the location). Matthew used his translator to learn French, and though it is not mentioned, he also used it to learn English. That is why, in the first chapter, he said that he wanted to learn German the "old-fashioned" way.

I also apologize if the people seem OOC, I am very inexperienced and new when it comes to writing fanfic, so I am not yet adapt at writing already set personalities )or expressing those personalities). But I am trying-if anyone has any suggestions toward their mannerisms that they think I should take into consideration, please let me know.

In this chapter Matthew and Gilbert briefly converse in German. Since I do not speak German, nor trust Google Translate enough to not completely butcher the language, I just put it in italics. So, just a fore-warning that that is what is going on at that time.

Now, without further ado, the second chapter of Banished. Enjoy~

Matthew's POV:

School was nothing like how I expected it...I was bored. Horrendously bored. I wasn't learning anything that I didn't already know; I realized quickly that, apparently even with friends, I was the easily-ignored type-hardly anyone ever noticed my being there. It was the orphanage all over again.

Peter was really the only one I ever talked to-even at lunch when we sat with his friends. I felt completely invisible. At least history class was still fun, even though I'd learned everything a while ago; Ms. Braginskaya was easily my favorite teacher. Many times I'd find myself going to her classroom after school to discuss random things, including her country, Ukraine-I was curious to learn about it from an actual native.

One such time, I was talking with her about the Ottoman Empire-rise and fall and all that-and Francis was running a bit late.

"I wonder what could be keeping him?"
"Maybe he's having car troubles?" I shrugged at her suggestion.

"I don't know...I just hope it's nothing bad."

"Would you like to borrow my phone? Does he carry a cell?"

"Yes, he does, and I would really appreciate it...this is the latest he's ever been, it usually only takes him around thirty minutes to an hour to get here."

"That long? Does he work far away or something?"

"No," I responded, dialing his cell phone number, "he works at home."

"Then where does he go during the day that it'd take him that long to come and get you? The town isn't that big..."

"We live really deep in the forest, so it's quite a drive-approximately twenty minutes from town, thirty from school. But sometimes he forgets and it takes about an hour."

A worried expression flashed in her eyes, "Forgets you?"

I shrugged again, "I guess he still isn't used to having to care for a child."

"Hmm..." I could tell that she wasn't too enthralled with the idea of a father forgetting about his son like that, adopted or non.

"Don't worry about it," I smiled, "I don't mind; I'm just grateful that he took me out of the horrid orphanage."

"Is he picking up?" She asked, changing the subject.

"It's still ringing-wait, hello? Francis? This is Matthieu-I'm using Ms. Braginskaya's phone...I was just wondering if you were on your way...Oh, OK...yeah, I understand. I remember the way, though it's going to take a while...yeah, alright...OK, I'll see you when I get home." I hung up the phone, an obvious look of relief on my face.

"So I take it that nothing serious has happened?"

I nodded, "Yeah, he's just having some issues trying to figure out where he left the keys." I chuckled at both the situation and my needless worry. "I'll have to help him look for them when I get there."

"Seriously? How could anyone take this long to look for their keys and still not find them?"

"It's a really big house," I replied, and she just shook her head.

"So how will you be getting home?"

"I'm going to walk; I'd better head out now, though; if it takes half an hour driving, then it's going to be dark by the time I get there by foot."

"Wait," she called as I made to leave. "I don't want you walking such a distance this late...alone...it's not safe. Why don't I give you a ride?"

I blushed a little, holding up my hands, "I-I don't want to trouble you-it's probably very much out of the way from your house. I don't mind walking, really."

She looked at me sternly, "No, it's quite alright. I'm not letting you out there alone; it's a lot more different than by car. Now come on," she grabbed her jacket and purse and pulled the protesting me out of the school with her; she was stronger than she looked!

I sighed in defeat as we neared her car. "How do you get to your house?" She asked as we climbed in.

"I'm not sure about street names, but I can direct you as we go." She nodded and we pulled out of the parking lot. I guided her through all of the turns and shortcuts that Francis and I had found when he took me to explore the town. Finally we came upon the road that would take us right into the forest. "Just take a left here and it's pretty much a straight drive."

"Alright." She smiled and glanced over at me, "so how do you like your home life? Are you happy? Content?" I could tell she was still concerned about the whole 'forgetting me' issue.

"Yeah, I'm happy-happier than I've ever been before, that's for sure. I really like Francis' house, there's a lot of places I still have yet to explore, but I don't do that very often because I'm usually in the library reading."

"Oh really? I've noticed you carrying a new book around school every day, but I never get the chance to look closely at them. What kind of books do you like to read?"

I smiled, warming up to the topic. "Well, anything historical is my favorite genre, especially 'History of the World,' it's very informative about the rises, falls, and all around histories of the different countries.

"I also enjoyed a book I read on the human anatomy-I find it very interesting the way the brain works. There was a book on the different laws of science that intrigued me, but not as much as the volumes I read describing, most, if not all, of the religions in the world."

"Wow...honestly, that was last answer I was expecting." Her eyes had widened with amazement, "Have you seriously been studying all of that along with your schoolwork?"

"Sometimes instead of my work; I don't bother studying for anything for school because it's not hard to remember and it's all basically review for me. That's why I take my books to school-so that I can learn something new."

I hardly had time to register the shock on her face as we had just pulled up to the house. "Wow, it really is a big house..." Her expression intensified.

"Yeah, but it's still cozy. Would you like to come in for some tea or coffee as a thanks for the ride?"

"Well, I shouldn't stay too long, I've got siblings I look after, but I don't see any harm in a quick cup."

We both smiled, and as we were making our way up to the door, I suddenly found myself encompassed in a frantic Frenchman's arms.

"Matthieu! I am so sorry I could not pick you up!"

I carefully pried myself from my fussing guardian, "It's alright, I understand. Ms. Braginskaya was kind enough to give me a ride home, I was just inviting her in for a beverage."

Francis turned to the teacher and took her offered hand, bringing it up to his lips in a gentlemanly kiss. "Merci Mademoiselle Braginskaya, please, do come in. Matthieu has told me much about you and how he enjoys your class."

She smiled and followed us into the parlor. "He is a bright and enthusiastic student. We have many interesting discussions about random historical events."

I blushed a little at her praise, "What would you like to drink? Tea, coffee...?"

"I don't want to trouble you; water will be fine, thank you."

"Nonsense!" Francis exclaimed, "Perhaps you would like some wine instead? I assure you, it is no trouble."

"I don't think wine is a wise idea, I still have to drive home. I am fine with water. Thank you for the offer though." I left momentarily to fetch a couple glasses of water and a bottle of wine for Francis-though neither she nor I would be drinking any, that wouldn't stop him from doing so. It was his favorite beverage, after all.

I returned to the parlor to find them laughing at some comment that must have been made in my absence. "Here you are." I handed Ms. Braginskaya her cup and Francis his bottle.

"Ah, good choice Matthieu! Are you sure you do not want any?"

She shook her head no, "I'm sure, thank you. I must say, Mr. Bonnefoy, you have a lovely home."

"Francis, please." He said, taking a sip from his glass. "And thank you, it gives me wonderful inspiration for work, and before I adopted Matthieu, a peaceful solitude from a social life."

I looked at him confused, "But according to Gilbert, you used to be quite the party animal?"

"Key words being 'used to.' Due to events that I do not wish to delve into at this time, I abandoned my old lifestyle for a more...er...serene environment."

'I never knew that, I will have to inquire about that later,' I thought to myself. I could Ms. Braginskaya was intrigued as well, but kept silent to be polite.

A rather awkward quiet grew around us as we all drank slowly. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Francis cleared his throat, gaining our attention. "Matthieu? Would you mind excusing Ms. Braginskaya and I for a moment? There is something I wish to discuss with her."

I nodded and left the room, heading for the library for a much-anticipated read.

Francis' POV:

I watched as Matthieu left the room, waiting to speak until he had shut the doors.

"Katyusha."

I turned to his teacher (who was quite the beauty), surprised. "Pardon?"

"You told me to call you Francis, so please, call me Katyusha; I would have said so earlier, but I didn't want thing to get awkward for Matthew."

"All right then, Katyusha; it is a lovely name for such a lovely woman."

She laughed lightly, "Did you send the boy away so you could flirt with me?" A humorous glint in her eyes told me she was joking.

"Haha, alas, no. I had him leave because it is him I wish to discuss. You see, I am rather troubled by his progress in school."

"What do you mean? According to his other teachers, not just myself, he is the top student in all of their classes."

"That is exactly my concern; when he first started school, he was so excited-he would tell me about every class and random things that'd happened that day.

"But now, he hardly says anything about it. I asked him if something had happened, but he just looked at me with a bored expression, saying that that day was the same as all of the other days. I'm worried that he's not being challenged enough-he's never mentioned anything about something new he'd learned there, and he rarely talks about his friends anymore."

"Hmm...I understand your concern; even though he's my best student, all he ever does during class is read. His other teachers tell me that that's all he does in their classes, too."

"Well, I rather expected that, the boy is very smart for his age. What about his friends?"

"From what I've seen, he is friends with Peter Kirkland and his friends, but whenever we pass in the hall or I notice him in the cafeteria, he doesn't talk and almost seems to disappear into the background of their conversations."

"I'm not sure, but that may be a mix of his natural quietness and his lack of social experience."

"Weren't there other children at the orphanage?"
"He told me he couldn't stand it there, he avoided the others and they ignored him. I think I was the first to ever befriend him."

"But you adopted him, that doesn't exactly count as a friendship."

"In that case, Gilbert would've been the first."

"I've heard Matthew mention this Gilbert many times, may I inquire as to who he is? That I know of, we don't have any Gilberts attending the middle school or high school."

I smiled and reached for a picture that was taken the last time we went out together with Antonio. "This is Gilbert," I said, pointing to the smirking albino. "He, Antonio, and I graduated five years ago."

"I see." Katyusha looked thoughtfully at the photo for a moment before turning back to me. "I'm afraid I don't really have any ideas to help with Matthew's social behavior except either talking to him about it or having him see a therapist." I knew therapy was out of the question-there was no way that would of any help without revealing his actual past.

"However, I think we should move him up a couple grades-maybe that'll be more challenging for him?"

I nodded at her, taking back the offered picture. "Maybe. We'll have to see what he thinks first; I don't want to force him to move up if he doesn't want to."

"Shall we go ask him, then?" We both stood up and I led her to the library.

I knocked on the door, opening it as I called to him, "Matthieu?" He looked up from his book and set it aside as we sat next to him. "It is to my understanding that you get the highest grades in all of your classes, correct?"

"Oui..." he agreed, tilting his head to the side curiously.

"What do you think of your classes? Are you getting anything out of being there?"

"Not really...everyone always talks about things I've already read about; no offense Ms. Braginskaya."

She smiled, "None taken."

"What about your friends? How do you get along with them?" I asked.

He shrugged, "OK, I guess...I don't really join in on their conversations anymore, though, they never seem to hear or see me."

"What would you say if you had the opportunity to move up a grade or two to see if it's more suited to your educational needs?"

He looked at us thoughtfully for a moment, "I suppose I'd say why not. A higher grade means harder assignments and a better learning experience all-together. I think it would, indeed, be better suited for my education. Why do you ask?"

I ignored his question, "Would you be willing to leave your friends behind?"

He shrugged again, "I don't really have that strong of and attachment to them, so I wouldn't be too bothered by it, and I'm sure they wouldn't be overly troubled by it, either. Why do you ask?" He questioned again.

"Because there is a way for us to do that-if it's really what you want," Katyusha placed her hands gently on his.

His eyes lit up. "Really? That would be great! I think my only regret-or maybe I should call it a hope-is that I'll get less reading time." He chuckled and I smiled.

"Bien! I'll go to the school's office tomorrow when I drop you off."

"Alright." We talked some more about the transfer, Katyusha giving us all of the details that she could, then the clock started chiming.

"Wow, it's really late; my brother and sister must be worried sick! I'm sorry, but I've got to go."

Matthieu and I walked her to her car. "It was very nice meeting you," I said, kissing her hand.

"Same to you, Francis. I had a nice time talking with you."

"See you tomorrow Ms. Braginskaya," Matthieu smiled.

"I'll make sure your last class with me is enjoyable. Have a good night."

"You too." We waved as she drove off. "Come, Matthieu, let us have supper before going to bed. Sound good?"

"Very!"

~O0O~

The next morning, I headed for the school's office while Matthieu went to class. I walked up to the secretary, smiling at her, "Bonjour, madame, I am Matthieu Bonnefoy's father."

"Ah yes, Katyusha said you'd be coming in; she's talking with the principal now. Have a seat until they're ready for you."

"Alright, thank you." I tugged at the frilly cuffs of my coat nervously-I couldn't help but remember the times I'd been called in here, back in the days when I was a member of the "Bad Touch Trio" with Toni and Gil. We used to get in so much trouble.

I was reminiscing about one time when the three of us had pranked Roderich Edelstein (Gilbert hated him)-Toni distracted him while Gil and I sabotaged his piano-when the secretary told me the principal would see me.

"Francis Bonnefoy. Still wearing the flashy clothing I see." I couldn't believe that old croak hadn't turned into a worm buffet yet. I smiled and took the seat next to Katyusha, nodding my greeting to her.

"I have always had a taste in fashion. But we are not here to discuss me, we are here for Matthieu."

"Yes, Ms. Braginskaya tells me that you wish to move him up a grade or so; that's a little presumptuous, don't you think? What makes you believe he's good enough?" It took all of my will power to stop myself from giving him a lovely new eye color.

"He is the top student in all of his classes; all of his other teachers, along with ourselves, are concerned that he's not getting anything out of being here," Katyusha intervened, undoubtedly noticing my near-explosion. "We all feel that it's in his best interest to move him ahead. He's told us that he's willing to try it."

"Like father, like son," the principal snorted. "Alright, Mr. Bonnefoy, sign this paper and have Matthew take it in to the high school office Monday morning."

"Is that it? OK, thank you for your time." I shook his hand and Katyusha and I walked out of the office. I turned to her, "Matthieu has your class first, oui?"

"Yes, would you like me to give him the paper?"

I smiled and shook my head gently, "No thank you, I want to see him sitting at his desk! I wonder how adorable he is in his classroom~"

She chuckled, "I'm sure he's no cuter than when he's reading at home. Come, my room is this way." I followed her to her class and we walked in just as the bell rang. "Would you like to sit in for this period? I have a special activity planned."

I beamed at her, thrilled to be able to enjoy a class with my dear Matthieu. "I would love to! I'll just sit by Matthieu in this empty desk~" I practically skipped to the seat, well aware of the students' gazes.

Matthew's POV:

'Oh god, what is Francis doing?' I thought to myself, blushing and sinking down into my chair. Was he skipping? I turned to him and whispered, "What are you doing?"

"Enjoying a little blast from the past. Now be quiet and listen to your teacher." He smiled. I guess both the fact that he was still there and his good mood meant that they were successful in moving me up to the high school.

I turned to Ms. Braginskaya, who was talking about the activity she'd planned.

"Class, today is the last day for one of your fellow students. So, to make their last class here memorable, we're going to have a trip around the world!" I hadn't the slightest clue as to what she meant by that, but I cheered just as loud as the other kids, thinking that it'd be explained soon enough.

Peter raised his hand after all the "yippees" and "woo-hoos" were quieted. "Who's the one that's moving?"

Ms. Braginskaya looked to me, and I shrugged to let her know that I didn't care. "Matthew Bonnefoy." Everyone, except the three in that room who actually knew me, looked around curiously.

One girl raised her hand, "Um...teacher? Who's Matthew Bonnefoy?" Can't say I was expecting anything more than that, but much to my surprise, Peter actually defended me. I guess he does remember me from time to time.

"What are you talking about? This is Matthew!" He pulled me up from my chair as if to show off that he knew me. He turned to me after glaring at the class, "How come you're moving again? You just got here! And why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm not moving towns, I'm moving grades." I blushed as everyone gawked at me like I was a freak show (which I probably would be if they knew what I actually was). "I'll be starting high school on Monday. And I didn't tell you because I just found out for myself."

I blushed as the awkward staring intensified. Ms. Braginskaya must've noticed my uncomfortableness-that or she wanted to get on with the "trip" before class got out-and came to my rescue.

"Class, attention up here, please." I shot her a grateful glance as Peter and I sat back down. "First of all, for those of you who've either had me before or have heard of my special events from other students, who can tell me what I mean by a trip around the world? To the benefit of those who have no idea what I'm talking about." She smiled and called on some random kid who raised his hand.

"It's when you spend all class period talking about different countries, and let us sample some of their local cuisine and cultures."

"That's it exactly! Thank you Duke. Today, in honor of Matthew and his father, we're going to study France." I didn't think the smile on Francis' face could've grown bigger than it already was, it didn't seem physically possible, but it did. I hadn't seen him so excited since that first time I met Gilbert and Antonio.

"Mr. Bonnefoy, would you care to come up and share with us your homeland?"

"I would be delighted to!" Oh lord, he was skipping again. He grinned blindingly like an idiot as he addressed my classmates, "Bonjour les étudiants, my name is Francis Bonnefoy, and I was born in the city of love itself, Paris. Growing up, however, I lived throughout my beloved country, including, at one point, the historic city of Orléans-which is probably only significant to you if you've ever heard of Jeanne d'Arc..."

While Francis rambled enthusiastically about his culture, probably mentally scarring at least half of the people present for life, Ms. Braginskaya went to get the food she'd prepared.

I left with her so I could help carry stuff...and to escape the embarrassment that is my adopted father.

"Would you like me to carry that?" I asked, reaching for the heavy-looking crock pot of what smelled like bisque de crevettes.

She smiled and nodded, "I would very much appreciate that, thank you." She grabbed a couple trays of baguettes and followed me back to the room.

We'd entered just in time to hear Francis say, "And that is why, if you're a nobleman in France at the time, it was best to hide your cats." I looked at the very disturbed expressions on the kids' faces; Francis had been talking about the Reign of Terror...again.

He didn't seem to understand the concept of turning down the level of graphic description when it came to explaining wars to children. He scared some random kid we'd just met at the grocery store, literally, to tears. The poor fellow had asked Francis a question about the French Revolution for a history project (figuring he could get easy information from a Frenchman...foolish boy didn't realize that Francis didn't have a "rated-pg13-and-under" setting in his system).

Basically, Francis needed to never teach French history (or any history for that matter)-to anyone. I cleared my throat, gaining everyone's attention before he could start about Napoleon.

Ms. Braginskaya set her load on the table behind Francis, I followed suit. "Thank you, Francis, I'm sure everyone learned a great deal about France. Sadly, we don't have enough time for any more history if we are to eat..."

"It was no problem, I am always happy to share about my homeland." He resumed his seat next to mine, leaning over to whisper in my ear, "This class is very attentive, everyone was looking right at me, I didn't see any signs of texting or talking...what a well-behaved class."

I did my best to smile without grimacing (it didn't work, but thankfully his attention was back on the teacher), I got a feeling that the other students were paying him any mind because they were too shocked to say or do anything else.

I focused again on the front of the class, not wanting to be rude-especially at a 'party' set up for me. Ms. Braginskaya was talking about the different foods she'd brought-saying their names in both French and English.

She had a few students come up to pass out portions of each dish while she fetched a traditional French CD. She let us talk for the rest of class so that we could enjoy our food and music.

"She did really well on this!" Francis was delighted, to say the least.

"Yes, I'd heard rumors about her cooking, but they hardly do her justice." I hummed appreciatively at the aromatic bisque.

Suddenly, a body plopped into a chair that had been dragged over, making me jump and almost spill my soup. I looked over to see Peter.

"Hey! So I guess this is gonna be my last day to hang out with you, huh?"

"N-not necessarily, there's always after school..."

"You never hang out with anyone after school." He sounded almost bitter.

"No one ever asked if I wanted to; everyone always just left, too busy talking about what you all were going to do to notice that I'd been left behind." In the corner of my eye I could see Francis sneaking away, not wanting to intrude upon private matters.

Peter was taken aback, "I never realized...I'm sorry! I promise it won't happen again! Do you want to come over today?"

"I can't today," I smiled, "I have to make sure I have everything I need for high school." And Gilbert was coming over, but Peter didn't need to know that; I wasn't sure what he'd say about my best friend being my father's age. Not that that bothered me any, I just didn't want Peter to know about Gil...I couldn't figure out why.

"Can't you do that over the weekend? Oh, I know! Why don't we all hang out over the weekend? I can have a sleepover at my place!"

"There's a huge hockey tournament that I really don't want to miss-it's the big one to decide this year's best team." I tried to think over my options-it was a hard choice: biggest hockey event of the year, or hang out with friends for the first time...

"Well...hmm...normally I'd be upset that you'd consider a sport over your friends, but I know how much of a hockey-nut you are, so I understand."

I smiled again, apologetically, "Thanks, give me some time to think about it; maybe I can come up with a solution to make us both happy...do you get the hockey channel at your house?"

"No," he sighed, "we only have basic cable. Hey wait! Why don't we just have the sleepover at your house? None of us have been there, let alone seen it. We never even see you around town."

"Hmm, I could ask Francis, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me having company overnight. And as for seeing me or my house around town, good luck with that-I live in the woods and rarely come here outside of school.

"Cool, go ask him!" I scanned the room for my very French-enthusiastic guardian.

Spotting him chatting amicably with the teacher, I cringed at the poor woman's horror. "Damnit, not again!" I got up and hurried to her rescue.

"Hey, Francis?" He stopped mid-sentence, smiling at me. "I was wondering if I could have some friends spend the weekend at the house?"

I swear, at that moment every single light in the world couldn't compare to that blinding brilliance of his shock and happiness blended together by the rays of the sun itself. He jumped up and strangled me in tight embrace as he literally [over-dramatically] cried tears of joy.

"My petit Matthieu wants to have friends over! Oh, I am so happy-I thought this day would never come! Of course it's alright! How many will be attending?"

I smacked his arms, barely gasping out that I do, in fact, require air. He released me immediately and I smiled ruefully, "Thank you. I'm not sure who all will be coming, it depends on who's not busy." I grinned and thanked him for his permission before I sat back down next to Peter.

"So now we've just got to ask the others and see who can make it."

"Let's ask during lunch." Peter nodded and we quickly gathered our things as the bell rang.

~O0O~

Gilbert's POV:

I couldn't remember the last time I'd been so happy-Mattie had been the best thing that'd ever happened to me; aside from when West was born. Those past years after high school had been horrible! Since I never bothered with college, going strait to work instead, I hardly ever saw Frannie or Toni, let alone talked to them.

Those times I'd spent conversing with Mattie in the library brought the metaphorical sunshine back into my life. I eagerly anticipated the times I could go over and hang out with my best buddy-I don't care what you say, having a twelve-year-old for a best friend is not pathetic!

Then one day, he surprised me with something I'd never expected: he greeted me in German! And I don't mean no half-assed, poorly pronounced, sorry excuse for attempting my language. He was fluent.

I responded in German, thinking that he hadn't been taught enough yet to know how to reply to a non-typical answer. I felt like an idiot. A proud idiot for forgetting Mattie's brain. That entire visit, he and I spoke only German.

I'd never considered German to be adorable...but that was because I'd never heard Mattie speak it. I swear, if I'd have blushed any more my face would've burned off.

I couldn't wait to see if there'd be any more surprises as I pulled up to Frannie's house. I whistled to myself while I waited for someone to answer the door.

"Gilbert! Good to see you mon ami!" I returned Francis' hug as he led me inside. "Matthieu's in his typical spot. He's been so excited to tell you the good news, so I'll leave it up to him!" I knew it. I was about to ask him what kind of good news, but he'd walked off. To cook dinner probably.

I made my way to the library and immediately after I'd opened the door, I was greeted with the sight of the fidgety pre-teen. He turned his head toward me and smiled brightly.

"Hallo, Gilbert!" He stood up so I could take him into my arms-it'd been a while since I had last visited.

Pulling back, I grinned down at him, eyes of darkened water sparkled happily. "So, I heard you have news for me?"

"Damnit, Francis, I wanted it to be a surprise!" He pouted a little.

I laughed at how impossibly cute he was being. "Don't worry, I only know that there is a surprise, Francis left you to tell me."

"Still, he ruined it because now you're expecting it..."

I laughed again, "I'm sure I'll still be shocked. Now come on! I'm dying here; what is it?"

Just as Mattie was about to answer, Francis burst into the room carrying a bottle of wine and three glasses.

"Has Matthieu told you yet? Oh, isn't it fantastic? I knew it was going to happen-I just didn't figure that it'd take them this long!"

I groaned, "Seriously! He hasn't told me what it is yet! Now I have to know!"

Mattie grinned mischievously. "Oh, I don't know...I think you could stand to wait a little longer...maybe I'll tell you after dinner. What do you think Francis?"

They're so fucking evil. Francis winked, "It's up to you mon cher."

"Oh come on! That's just mean!" Matthew and Francis looked at each other for a brief moment while I fumed silently. There was a pause before the corners of my mouth started twitching, Matthew snorted a little as he tried holding back his giggling.

The whole room echoed with our mirth. Wiping a tear from my eye, I tried to control my breathing.

"Okay, joking aside, what's the good news? The awesome me doesn't have endless patience and I won't hesitate to tickle-or beat in Frannie's case-it out of you."

Sill giggling, Mattie took my hand and led me to the sofa. "Sorry, I just had to see your reaction. Anyway, what I've been dying to tell you is that I've been moved to the high school! I'll be starting the tenth grade on Monday!"

"Heilige Scheiße, Mattie! That's awesome!" I hugged him again as Francis made a show of uncorking the wine bottle. "Hey, this means you'll be going to school with West; do me a favor?"

Matthew looked at me with his adorable innocence; my heart skipped as he said, "Anything. What is it?"

"Tell me if he's as much of a stick-in-the-mud as he is at home." I laughed, trying to fight back that too-familiar rose tint that seemed to follow me every time I visited.

He chuckled. "From what I saw that first day of junior high when he showed me around, he is rather uptight. But he was really nice. He's a junior right?"

"Yep, it seems like only yesterday he was a little kid trying to follow me to school."

Francis smiled as he handed me a glass of the deep red liquid. "I remember that! You walked up to me and Toni one day with a serious-faced little blonde boy hot on your tail! It was so cute! The whole day we couldn't get him to go home, what with both of your parents being at work, so petit Ludwig got to spend the whole school day with his 'awesome' big brother."

"Yeah, and I had to keep him under constant protection from your dirty hands! I believe I gave you two black eyes and a bloody nose, correct?"

Matthew started giggling, "You two sound so old!"

Francis blanched, "You think I'm old?"

"Calm down, Frannie, you know he didn't mean it that way. There's no way we're old, you're the same age as me-younger in fact!"

"Besides, I'm a kid," Mattie said in between giggles, "so of course I'm going to call you old!"

I couldn't help but smile at his logic. "We were the same way-to us our parents were ancient!"

"Oui, I remember my papa trying out American teen lingo one time; it was horrible!"

We spent the rest of the night recalling our childhood shenanigans to Mattie, who laughed so hard tears came to his eyes. But when I looked deeper, I could see the sorrow he was so bravely trying to hide. My heart immediately went out to the pitiful boy. I couldn't even imagine what his life had been like before Francis.

I checked the time when I'd noticed Matthew start to yawn. I stretched and stood up, "Wow, time seems to go faster every time I come here! I've got to get going, got work in the morning."

Francis and I man-hugged before I turned to Mattie. He looked very tired.

"You should probably head off to bed pretty soon, you look like you've had a long day."

He yawned as he nodded his head. "Kind of. I'm having some friends over tomorrow, so it'll probably be another long day."

I smiled and hugged the boy, "Awesome! I hope you all have a good time! Well, goodnight Mattie, Frannie." I waved and walked out the door.

I sighed as I drove home, wondering if there'd ever be the day when Mattie trusted me enough to tell me his past. I certainly hoped so.

I noticed a yellow vespa parked outside of my house when I pulled up the drive. I opened the front door to see West and Feliciano asleep on the couch.

I chuckled quietly as my brother subconsciously pulled Feli closer to him. I turned off the TV and covered the two with a blanket, then headed to the phone so I could let Feli's grandfather know that he'd be staying the night.

After I got the okay from Mr. Vargas, I climbed the stairs to my room and collapsed on the bed-not bothering to remove my clothes. I laid there, slowly drifting to sleep, thinking of Mattie.

I was hoping to add the sleepover in this chapter before moving on to the next, but I figured you faithful readers have waited long enough for it. I want to start the next chapter with Mattie's first day of high school, though, so what I think I'll do is just have a short chapter dedicated to the sleepover, then the fourth chapter moving on to the high school.

Unfortunately, I do not know when I will have either of these two chapters ready or uploaded; we are being forced to hand in our school-issued laptops soon (due to the impending end of the year), and being a senior, I have to turn mine in earlier than all of the underclassmen. So I only have this computer until the 10th this month...and it sucks.

Along with that, summer is coming up and I am hoping to find a job. So that will probably also interfere with my writing time.

I will try my best in terms of uploading within reasonable time frames, but no promises. I apologize once more for all the waiting, and thank you for your patience.