Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Hetalia nor do I own the songs from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Ludwig stood outside, conversing with Lars and Toris while waiting for his husband to come out of their home. He had been pleasantly surprised that his mother's old house was still in pristine condition, though he suspected that it had something to do with the handsome payments his mother would send Sebastian. She had given him the key as a wedding gift a few years ago, much to his delight. It had taken a lot of coaxing to get Feli to live with him but in the end they settled on a compromise. They'd live here as long as Feli was allowed to spend a week out of the month in the Court of Miracles to interact with his people outside of business. Ludwig happily agreed to those terms as long as he and Fabrezaio were allowed to go too, but really, was them not going even an option?

Upstairs, Emma fidgeted under her prince's stare. Feli sat across from her with a leg over the other and his fingers tapping gently on his knee. "Ve~"

"I know. I know. I have to tell him, don't I?

"Mhmm."

"But how? He's going to be so mad…"

"Your brother or Mathias?"

"Both I guess. You see, Lars has gotten along perfectly with Willem and Willem really loves him too. I don't think it's fair for my brother for me to just abandon him after he's dedicated all these years in helping me raise him."

Feli sighed and uncrossed his legs, "Yes, but it's like you said, he's your brother. He's not the boy's father; Mathias is and he should get the chance to meet him. Willem should also have the opportunity to interact with his papa." Emma smiled softly. Papa Mathias. She liked how that sounded but wondered if her ex-lover would. And Lars? Would he mind terribly to just be plain Uncle Lars instead of Uncle-Papa-Lars? The poor girl was so submerged in these thoughts that she didn't realize that Feli was now tugging her down stairs and out the door.

"Ah, it's about time, Schätzchen. Gilbert and Feliks have arrived." Ludwig pulled his husband's hand into his while Lars looped his sister's arm around his. Emma gushed at how adorable Feliks looked in his skirt while the man held on to a blushing Toris.

The gypsy prince looked over his husband's apparel and nodded approvingly at his white peasant shirt tucked behind a black doublet that hugged his body nicely. Their son, dressed in a simple tan tunic and pants, jumped in between them and hugged his Vati. His little arms reached out for Ludwig to pick him up, only to climb over and onto Gilbert's back.

"You look very handsome, Angelo," commented Feli while the group made their way to the circus.

Feliks spoke up, "Like thanks, you should have seen what he was going to wear before I totally stepped in and helped him."

Gilbert blushed at that, "Feliks!"

The blond laughed at his friend's embarrassment, "No need to be shy about it. It's perfectly normal to be nervous before going to meet your crush." This caught the group's interest and after a few moments of prodding Gilbert told them about Matthew.

By the time they arrived at the circus grounds, Rodrich and his family, along with the Nordic family, was waiting just outside of the entrance. They split off into groups and entered the fair with their respected families. Elizabeta winked at her daughter, "Don't worry dear. You'll get to be with Emil after the show." Lilly smiled at this and held her little brother's hand. Lovino and Antonio lead their son towards a game while the Nordics went ahead to get some snacks.

Ludwig took in his surroundings with a small frown. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that Heracles held the same frown. He noticed Ezio scramble down from his brother's back and tugged excitedly at the albino's hand, leading them away from himself and Feli. "Stay close, Ezio. I don't want to lose you." He sighed in relief when Gilbert picked up the boy and put him over his shoulders again. "I don't trust these people," he muttered to Feli.

The prince slowed down his pace and looked around him with confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I don't know, something just seems off; don't you find it odd that they're always moving around? Always traveling from town to town like-"

"Gypsies," said Feli bluntly, his amber eyes narrowed in annoyance.

"Yes!" Ludwig sent his husband a smile before realizing what he said. "Oh, wait no! I didn't…I don't mean…uh." Oh jeez. The blond cast a glance at his dog but the beast shook his head and walked ahead with Pookie lounging on his head. Feeling uncomfortable under Feli's intense gaze, Ludwig awkwardly walked over to Gilbert and changed the subject, "S-so how where's this Matthew you were talking about?"

Gilbert's eyes lit up and he cast a glance over to a poster featuring the cute blond and Sadiq, "I don't know but I'm sure we'll see him soon."


Matthew shifted uneasily, alternating from petting Mr. Kumajirou and pressing him against his chest. Sadiq was not amused, "What do you mean you won't go through with the plan?" Cyprus gave Matthew a sympathetic look but continued in prepping the Turkish man for the show. Sadiq stretched out his arms for his servant to continue dressing him.

The blond looked up with horror, "You don't understand; you didn't see him, sir. I-I don't think I can go through with this."

"Yes, well, you should have thought of that before you stole from me."

"It was only a loaf of bread and a single sausage link! I'd lost everything and I was hungry and I had Mr. Kumajirou to feed and-"

"And I could've handed you over to Wolfgang. At the time, I'm sure he would've had more than plenty of uses for you to deal with his…frustrations. Don't think I don't know why he was so hell bent on going after the prince. It's part of the reason why I left the city." Well, that and the un-pleasantries with a certain Greek. Shaking his head he placed his mask over his face, as Cypress ran a brush through his brown hair.

Matthew felt tears sting at his eyes, "I made a mistake, sir. Haven't I done enough to make up for it?" The little bear in his hands wailed softly from the pressure his master was applying around it, the blond loosened his grip and instead buried his face in the bear's white fur.

"You did but look at it this way, my trinket. If I let you go now where will you live?"

"I-"

"What will you do to survive?"

"Well I-"

"More importantly who will help you? After all a fragile ornament such as you can't make it alone. You've experienced that already and look what happened." Sadiq was met with silence. "Look, Matthew, I'm really the only friend you've got aside from that ball of fluff in your arms. And let's face it, kid, you can't and will not do better." Matthew nodded sadly and looked up at his caretaker. Sadiq patted his golden locks, "I'm not asking for much. All you have to do is look pretty for the bell ringer. It shouldn't be that hard for you to do. Smile at the man and he'll tell you what I need to know." The blond let a few more tears fall from his eyes, much to his bear's annoyance as it fell onto his fur.

Satisfied that he had Matthew back in his rightful place, Sadiq motioned to Cypress for a mirror. The shorter man scurried forth with a full bodied mirror for his boss. Nodding in approval, Sadiq blew a kiss to his reflection, "Kiku, my old friend, prepare to eat your heart out." Cypress put the mirror away and dusted off Sadiq's shoulders of non-existent dust. "Oh and trinket?"

Matthew looked up in time to catch his outfit for the night. He paled, "Um, Mr. Sadiq?"

"What?"

"Th-this…This is a dress."

"Indeed."

"But I'm a-"

"Just wear it. Really, it shouldn't be that hard for given your circumstances."

Matthew flushed red, watching as his caretaker exited the room along with Cypress. He regretted ever letting Sadiq know that. It was bad enough that he had allowed himself to be subjected to seducing unsuspecting men in order to rob them blind but now…A dress? Carefully, Matthew lowered his bear onto the ground and faced the mirror, bringing the sleeveless dress up to his body. He had the face for it he supposed…and the body. He slipped out of his clothing and pulled the red dress over his body, reveling at how soft it was. Hmm. It was roomy too. Looking at his reflection he tried to smile. "Maybe this is why, he doesn't want me doing the tight rope or anything dangerous, eh? Maybe he doesn't want me get all muscular and robust." He desperately tried to imagine himself with a more muscular build but found that he simply couldn't. He couldn't be like the captain of the guard. Hell, he was sure that even the gypsy prince had some muscle underneath his slim body, though judging by his chest, Matthew was sure that it was bit more than some. With a sigh, he slid on his black flats and walked out of the room.


"Like, I said I'm sorry Toris," muttered Feliks walking towards the growing crowd before the stage. Emma cast a side glance over to her friend as he bickered with his lover. Her brother was too busy keeping his nephew entertained to notice that Mathias was trying to get their attention.

"I don't need you, to be sorry Fe. I just wish that you wouldn't dress like that so often."

"And what exactly is wrong with the way I dress?"

"Do I really need to tell you?!"

"It's never bothered you before!"

"And it still doesn't!" Toris brought his index finger and thumb the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I just hate it when other men look at you, can you imagine how I felt when that guy touched your…your um…rear?" Felik's expression softened when Toris cupped his cheek, "You're mine and I think it's time for everyone to see that." His blue eyes lowered to the necklace tucked away behind Felik's shirt. Carefully, he brought it out of its hiding place and let it sit proudly for all to see on his love's chest.

"I am sorry, Tor-Tor. I, like, don't do it for the attention other's give me. I do it because I like wearing things like this and…well, because I, like, want to look pretty for you and junk." Feliks blushed at his confession and looked at his fiancé shyly through his lashes.

Toris smiled and blushed himself, "You always look pretty, Fe. You're beautiful no matter what you wear. I love you."

"Pants and skirts and all?"

"Pants and skirts and all." Elizabeta was close enough to hear the exchange and turned to Kiku with a squeal. The little Japanese man smiled and worked diligently at his sketch book, looking up every now and again to capture the moment.

Emma, too, smiled at the scene. 'I wish that I had the chance to talk things over with Mathias. Maybe then I could be as happy as they are." She sighed sadly and looked over the Dane. Her eyes widened and she brought a hand to cover her mouth, sealing it shut before a giggle came out. Mathias was waving his arms in an exaggerated manner to get their attention. His expression was just too adorable. He gave her a smile and motioned her over. Her body instinctively moved towards him, only to be stopped by her son, "Mama, can I have a candied apple?" Her son stuck out his lip cutely. 'Just like his father,' she mused.

Lars motioned to a leather pouch attached to his belt, "There's some money in there or if you want I can go get it and you stay here with Willem."

"No, I'll go."

"No, need." The small family looked up to see Lovino with a box filled with candied apples. "What kind of king would I be if I denied my people the sweetest of treats?" Willem smiled shyly at his king and accepted the candied apple.

"Thank you, sir." Lovi smiled kindly at him and ruffled his blond hair. Emma took one as well, offering it to her brother before she took a bite from it. Lovi went around and offered some apples to Feliks and Toris before heading to Rodrich and his family. He stopped in front of Ludwig and begrudgingly handed him the last one. Ludwig blinked once before slowly accepting it.

Feli took a bite first and smiled up at his brother, "Grazie, fratello."

"Prego." Lovino sat the box down for his son to stand on. Antonio lowered the boy onto it before both jumped up and down with excitement. Lovi rolled his eyes but smiled fondly at his husband's behavior. After he had his sight restored, the Spaniard had taken in every sight he could get his hands on and treasured. He shouldn't be surprised really, it was just one of the things he loved about his husband. He placed a hand on his shoulder and watched as the circus performers paraded past them.

"Oh boy, that looks so cool! Right Uncle-Papa-Lars," shouted Willem, grasping onto his uncle's golden locks. Tino and Berwald exchanged glances at that before looking over to Mathias who was just as engrossed with the bears walking on large balls and juggling torches as the boy on Lars's shoulders.

Ezio bounced excitedly on his own uncle's shoulders when Sadiq made his way onto the stage in a burst of golden smoke. "Welcome, everyone, to the Cirque de Sadiq!" Cheers from the audience erupted without the assistance of Cypress's cue cards. Heracles rolled his eyes when he heard women from the crowd whistle at him and decided to take a nap, leaning on Kiku for balance. Sadiq pulled out three small marbled balls from his pocket and juggled them, "Here you will experience a treat for your senses." Sadiq met Ezio's eyes and tossed the balls to him, "A delight for your souls!" Ludwig felt his own interest spark at the enthusiasm of his son. Peeking over to his husband, he tested the waters with him by holding his hand. He grinned to himself when Feli gave his large hand a gentle squeeze. He turned his attention back to the show.

"If I may, I will now introduce my lovely assistant, Monsieur Matthew!" Sadiq swiveled his cape and in a burst of red smoke, Matthew appeared beside him. He gave a delighted smirk when he saw that the young man had done what he said and wore the dress.

Gilbert's jaw dropped, much to his brother's amusement, at the sight before him. Matthew sported a lovely, red, sleeveless dress that stopped just at his calves. The albino felt himself blush as he took it all in. The high neck made up for his lack of assets but that didn't stop him from looking amazing. He looked over to his brother when Ludwig nudged his rib playfully with a grin. Gilbert returned it and looked back at Matthew, blocking out whatever Sadiq was saying.

"And now, I will astound you with my superior magic," Sadiq said with exaggerated movements, making the audience 'oooh' at him. He motioned for his clowns to bring in his prop, "If you will, please. Bring me La Petit." Everyone gasped and gaped when they saw that his prop was a giant elephant. Bless those men that had to bring her in on a pedestal. Matthew skipped down the steps and gently coaxed the animal on stage by its trunk. "Ladies and gentlemen, I ask, that you do not look away from the beast, for I shall make it vanish before you're very eyes." Matthew kept everyone's attention on him by making careful movements with his arms towards La Petit meanwhile Sadiq chanted his magical words.

So enthralled was the audience, that they didn't notice the jesters stalk behind them, grabbing at the citizens possessions. Tino brought his hand over his face and sneezed before they were able to take his golden bracelet. Elizabeta was just as lucky, her earrings being spared when she leaned over to her husband to whisper something. Tip toeing carefully, a jester reached around Felix and took his necklace. Another crept silently under Lars and cut through his pouch, taking all his money along with Berwald. The intimidating Nordic shifted at the feel of something touching him but before he could place a closer inspection he wife…husband gasped in amazement and clutched his arm tightly. Looking at where Tino was pointing, he raised his eyebrows in awe. Sadiq had managed to make the elephant disappear after all.

Cheers erupted from the audience, Lovino himself clapping in amazement, and they tossed roses and coins onto the stage. Ludwig grimaced when he saw a pair of underwear tossed up there as well but chuckled at his family's enthusiasm. Even Fabian, who he knew to be a lot calmer than his fathers, was smiling broadly. Ezio was beyond excited, "That was so awesome! Right Uncle Gilbert?! Wasn't that awesome? Maybe I could join the circus too." The boy rubbed his chin in thought, like he'd seen his Vati do, and smiled happily at remembering something. He was a gypsy too! And not just any gypsy, but son of the gypsy prince, he really could join the circus. At this realization he tried to get his uncles attention. "Did you hear me Uncle Gil? I said-uh…Uncle?" He looked down at his uncle and noticed that his eyes were glazed over, a fond smile played at his lips as he watched Matthew pick up all the roses on the stage. "Uncle Gil?" He followed the direction the red eyes were in and frowned. "Uncle, why are you staring?" When he got no reaction he sighed and hopped down, deciding for going for the big gun. "Uncle Awesome!"

Gilbert shook free from his stupor, "Huh?"

The little boy looked at him in exasperation. His curl drooping in annoyance, "I asked you why are you staring at your boyfriend?"

"M-my boyfriend? Who said he- He's not my…" Looking down at his nephew he smiled, "You silly boy, come on." Giving a final look at Matthew, took ahold of the boy's small tanned hand and tugged him to the carnival. Ludwig wrapped an arm around Feli, both smiling at the duo before making their way to the carnival as well to do their own thing.

Matthew picked up the roses and trinkets as slowly as he could, trying to stall for the inevitable. When the curtains drew over the stage, the flowers were roughly plucked from his hands. Sadiq removed his mask and glared at him. "Well don't just stand there, trinket, get to work." Matthew sighed and went to his tent to change. If he was going to do this, then he'd at least do it with some dignity.

The crowd had dispersed into the carnival; everyone was eager to try their luck for the prizes while others chose to indulge in the food. Lovino and Antonio bid the others good bye and took their drowsy Fabian back to the Court of Miracles. Tino and Berwald left as well shortly afterwards but not before forcing Lukas to stay away from Emil. "Leave the boy, alone for goodness sakes," snapped Tino at his younger brother. "Let him have this night to have fun with Lilly. Peter be good, son. I want you back before midnight."

Peter nodded and ran off with Raivis. Toris and Feliks opted to return to the court as well for a late dinner with Eduard. Meanwhile across from them Rodrich was halfheartedly handing over his only daughter to an eager Emil. Elizabeta rolled her eyes and smacked his arm, "Oh good grief, dear, it's a date not a marriage." She shook her head and ran over to Kiku when she spotted the Asian man. She had business to discuss with him.

Rodrich's eyes widened. Marriage? He hadn't thought of that. If this date went well then that would only lead to more dates. He watched Lilly's retreating back and felt his heart clench when Emil boldly took ahold of her hand. More dates could lead to marriage. After all that's how it worked for him and Elizabeta. Oh no. That isn't going to happen. 'No man is going to take my baby girl as long as I have a say.' With that thought he looked over to his oldest. Vash was sending a heated glare to Emil as if he could vaporize him with his vision alone. Rodrich nodded in approval, 'At least I have the boy on my side.' He placed a heavy hand of Vash's shoulder, "For the love of god, do not let your sister out of your sight." Henry looked at his father and brother in confusion as they both shared a moment of mutual agreement. The little boy draped himself over his brother's head sadly and watched his sister giggle at something her friend said. Was she going to replace him and big brother with Emil?

Vash noticed this as he stealthily followed behind his sister and her date, making sure not to get spotted by either. "Is something wrong, little brother?" Henry shrugged and played with Vash's locks. Vash sighed and looked over to his sister, "Is it because of what dad asked? If you want we can find mom and you can go with her while I watch over Lilly."

"No!" Vash choked and nearly fell into the cage where they obviously kept the animals used in the circus. "I don't want you to leave me too."

"What are you going on about? I'm not going to leave you."

Henry looked over at his brother upside down, "Really?"

"Of course not, silly. I l-...I love you too much." Vash reddened as he said this. Being vocal about his feelings wasn't his strongest suit but if it meant making his brother happy again he'd give it a shot. After all, this sort of thing always worked with Lilly. Speaking of which where did she go?

At another part of the carnival Lars looked everywhere for Emma. Willem was content sitting on his uncle's shoulders to really care but upon seeing his mother with another man his giggles ceased. Lars tightened his grip slightly on his nephew's legs at the sight of Emma with Mathias. So the Danish bastard found her. He made a move towards the pair but stopped when he saw that his sister was laughing. Really laughing. Not the kind of laughter she shared with them but the kind she graced the world with when she was dating him. Mathias grinned at his short companion and Lars couldn't help but feel…what did he feel? The blond couldn't deny that his idiot best friend had something in his eyes that was oh so similar to how…to how the couples that surrounded him had when they gazed at their respective lovers or spouses. 'The idiot does love Em, doesn't he. And she l-loves him back.' Before he could process how he felt about that, he heard a sniffle. Rolling his eyes upward he raised his shoulders to get Willem's attention. "What's wrong, kiddo?"

Willem rubbed his little nose on a sleeve a little too long on his short arms and looked down. Lars felt the corner of his lips twitch upward at how pitifully cute his nephew was. Though at the same time he felt his heart break. Willem played with the hem of his shirt and looked towards his mom, "Is…is momma going to abandon us?"

"Oh. Oh no. No, no, no." The older blond plucked his nephew from his perch and brought him close in a hug, "Of course not, Will. That's just an old friend of ours. Your mom loves you too much to just up and leave without ya." Apparently this was the wrong thing to say to the poor boy for he started to sob even more. Alarmed at such a sudden change in mood, Lars walked over to an empty bench and sat down with his nephew on his lap.

The boy clung to his uncle's neck when the latter tried to pull him away to make him look at him, "But if she leaves and takes me with her then what am I going to do without you, Uncle-Papa Lars?"

Lars blinked at that. So that was it. He felt himself blush faintly. A part of him was happy that the boy thought so highly as to call him papa but…that would change wouldn't it; if Emma got back together with Mathias. He still didn't know how to feel about that. Perhaps he would have to talk to his sister about it…but first his nephew. "I'm not going anywhere…son."

Willem gasped and looked up at his uncle. "S-son? You've never called me that before!" He broke out into a huge smile, his eyes lighting up. Lars gulped silently, what had he done? He didn't think too much about it, though, as it did have the desired effect. The boy in his arms was now radiating with joy. "Can I call you Papa Lars now?"

"I'd rather you didn't."

"Oh."

"You can still call me Uncle-Papa though…I don't mind that." Willem smiled again and hugged him tightly. "You know, Willem, I will always be here for you no matter what happens." Lars felt that he had to let his nephew know that. He'd probably have to seek out Ludwig for some advice. Working with the blond captain had led to a friendship he valued deeply. Almost as much as the friendship he had once with a certain idiotic Dane. Mathias…perhaps he'd have to speak with him as well.

"Uncle-Papa?"

"Hmm?"

"We'll always be together right?"

Lars smiled, bringing out a handkerchief, a gift from Feliks, he wiped the last tears from Willem's face. "Of course, kid. Now what say you we go enjoy the rest of this carnival, yeah?"

Matthew carried Mr. Kumajirou with him out of his tent. He changed out of his outfit and into something more comfortable for him. A white tunic was a little too big on him, he had to keep pulling up his sleeve to cover up his shoulder, and a pair of pale blue pants along with his customary flats. "Maple. I hope he tells me where the bell is fast so that I don't have to do this much longer," he muttered to his bear. Mr. Kumajirou looked up at him with a lazy expression.

"Uncle Gilbert, I thought you forgot about me." Matthew froze. Gilbert. Gilbert was near! He rushed behind a tree and watched as the albino walked past him with a boy clinging onto his hand. The stopped in front of his hiding spot and Matthew held his breath.

"Forget you?" Gilbert lowered himself so that he could be at eye level with his nephew. "That would never happen, Ezio. I'd never forget someone as awesome as you."

"You wouldn't?" Matthew peaked from the side and gasped. Gilbert looked different. Ezio grinned sheepishly at his uncle, "You mean if ever I'm in any kind of great big mess or trouble…"

Gilbert nodded and picked him up, "I'd be right there, we'll be a pair." Ezio giggled and hugged his uncle's head. The sight made Matthew's heart melt, 'Maple.'

The three sets duos walked around blissfully, one unaware that they were being stalked by a man and his bear while one was doing the stalking themselves.

Lars and Willem were in line for a game when Pookie and Aster strolled by, the large dog stopping briefly to have his ears scratched by his master's friend. Willem looked up at his uncle and cocked his head, "You mean you'll never leave me all alone? We'll always be a double, we two?"

The tall blond ran a hand through his hair with a grin, "That's the arithmetic. I'd stick with you."

Vash and Henry casually played with a rabbit at the petting zoo while the older, watched as his sister was giggling at Emil when he ran and hid behind her when a llama tried to get a little too friendly with him. Henry looked up from the rabbit, "Just say we're hanging by a rope above an evil witch's brew pot. It's bubbling blue with sticky goo. Our rope gives way and then we crash and make a splash inside her stew pot of glue."

The older brother tore his gaze from his sister to look back at his brother. He smirked, "Even if you're sticky slick I'd stick with you."

Gilbert grinned and tickled his nephew, "I'm sticking with you." He stole a bite of a sweet bread making Matthew giggle from his hiding spot.

Ezio pouted, "Hey, no fair!"

"Can't help that, we're awesomely stuck together," he pulled up his nephew and cradled him in his arms. The boy was showing signs of drowsiness and he cuddled him close. Matthew blushed and smiled softly to himself, doing the same with his own drowsy bundle.

"Best friends," murmured Ezio and Willem sleepily in their uncle's arms.

"Best brothers," whispered Henry, leaning on his brother's head. Vash saw that Lilly and Emil were being escorted back home by Peter and Raivis and decided that it was ok to stop following them.

Looking up and his sleeping brother he whispered back, "...And we always will be...always."

Lars cradled his nephew's head, "Through all the thin and thick. Closer than frack and frick."

Gilbert brought his sash to wrap around Ezio to keep the cold at bay. "We two will do the trick, I'd stick with you."

Vash held snugly onto his brother's legs as he too made his way home, "Fast as the clock can tick. I'd be there just as quick."

All three smiled at the little ones dear to their hearts, "No one I'd rather pick. I'd stick with you."

Matthew brought a hand over his heart at how endearing the bell ringer was. "I'm ashamed at myself," he whispered to a sleeping Kumajirou. "I shouldn't have ran away like that." He peaked over again and watched as the albino handed the sleeping child over to the gypsy prince. Feli cooed at his son gently while Ludwig ran a hand through the boy's hair. The small family bid their farewell to the albino and he took this chance to make his presence known.

"You have a way with kids," he murmured.

Gilbert felt his cheeks flush at the soft voice and he turned to me kind indigo eyes, "Hi, M-Matthew." He wanted badly to shy away behind his cloak only to realize that he didn't have one. Feliks probably did it on purpose seeing as though he knew most of the albino's nervous habits. He settled for nervously running his hands through his hair as Matthew shyly made his way closer to him.

The blond took his hand gently in his, "He's lucky to have a friend like you."

Gilbert simply smiled and puffed his chest out in pride, "Of course he is. Only, I'm luckier to have such an awesome nephew as Ezio."

Matthew hid his face in his bear, however, the warm fur did nothing to cool his flushing cheeks. How could he not have seen it? In his moment of blindness, how could he not see that there was more to this man before him? Peeking shyly from the white fur took a good look at the albino. The blue really made his skin pop but in a good way, "You're skin…" He could feel Gilbert tense and rapidly put up walls so he did what he could. Gently putting his bear on short stoned wall behind him, he reached up and cupped Gilbert's face, "You're skin is like what the clouds look like in the sky with the blue shirt you're wearing."

If one could die from over exposure to red, Gilbert was sure he would've. The shorter man before him had turned an unhealthy shade as soon as those words left his mouth. He was sure that his own face was suffering from the same thing. He'd never had his skin described as such. Ghostly. Snowy even. But clouds? He thought about it. Had this been another one of Feliks's reasons in dressing him up in this blue? If so he'd have to make him something special for giving him this gift. Taking Matthew's hand in his own so that he wouldn't let go he opened his mouth to speak, "Thank you. No one's ever told me that before."

The blond sputtered out an apology. "I'm sorry, I can be really stupid. I'm sorry!"

"Don't say that. You're not stupid."

"But-"

"No buts." Matthew smiled up and ran the pad of his thumb across Gilbert's skin. It was smooth. Gilbert tried his hardest to keep the blush at bay. This was going really well. "Um…You were really awesome tonight."

Matthew pulled away and sat on the wall next to his bear, "Really? Thanks. I don't really do much though. Just stand there and look cute…Argh, today was really embarrassing. Sadiq made me where that silly dress."

"I think you looked beautiful."

The blond blinked in surprise. "Oh," he sighed happily before frowning sadly, "I'm sorry about running away."

Gilbert's smile became strained, "It's ok. I-I'm sorta used to have people react that way at first. It doesn't happen all too often anymore so that's good." They stood awkwardly for a few minutes before Gilbert asked for conversation sake, "Are you new to the city?"

"Hmm? Ah, no not really. I use to live here a few years ago but I didn't really get out much. A lot of it seems so different to me now that I think about it."

"W-would you like to go sightseeing with me tomorrow?"

Matthew looked up startled. Was he asking him out on a date? He smiled warmly and nodded, "I'd really like that, eh."

Gilbert released a sigh of relief and grinned, "Ok. Awesome! I'll come and get you after I ring the bells for morning mass. We can stop by the bakery for breakfast, I'm sure my brother won't mind. Then maybe Feli will let us see some of his paintings!" Matthew couldn't help but giggle at the albino's excitement. Nor could he stop himself from reaching up on his toes to peck him on the cheek.

"That sounds wonderful. Good night, Gilbert. I'll see you tomorrow." Carefully, picking up Mr. Kumajirou he walked back to his tent. His heart fluttering with excitement and…was that happiness?

Gilbert walked slowly back to Notre Dame, not really paying attention as Lars handed over a sleeping Willem to Emma and then taking Mathias's wrist in his hand before dragging of the tall Dane to a pub. Kiku placed a comforting hand on her, "Don't worry, Em-chan. He won't cause him harm." She nodded. Really, she seriously doubted that. Heracles led them back to the Court of Miracles.


Mathias watched as his friend drowned another pint of beer. "Um, does this mean we're good now?" Lars grunted and popped a few peanuts into his mouth. God he wished he still had his pipe. Stupid Mathias. The Dane smiled happily and slapped his friend on the back. "Good! Cause I've been meaning to talk with ya... Being away from Em has been a nightmare. I know I've been a jerk for not coming down and visit but you have to believe me when I say that I really wanted to. Like bad. It all started-"

Lars nodded every now and again to show that he was listening. He had missed this. Just going out for drinks like this with his pal. He hadn't had much time for it as of late, with the exceptions of the few times he'd gone out with Ludwig, Gilbert, and Rodrich. The latter two went mostly just to make sure that the two blonds didn't overdo it so that wasn't so much fun. Though, he did suppose that it would suck if Willem ever caught him as drunk as he used to get when he would go out with Mathias. Willem. The thought of his little nephew brought a fond smile on his lips. 'How could I've ever been so angry at the thought of my sister being pregnant?' Mathias punched him playfully on the arm making him spill some on his shirt. 'Right. That's why.'

"Em, it's not that I'm pissed that you're pregnant," said Lars, careful not to shout, lest he scare his very hormonal sister. "I knew it would happen. Someday."

"Then? You don't have to stick around you know. It's not like you're the father!" Despite the heat in her words, Emma was sobbing into a handkerchief, a hand on her swollen abdomen.

"Emma," exclaimed the oldest, "Do you honestly believe that I would just abandon my only family like that? Leave the only person I love the most just cause she pissed me off." She stubbornly looked away from him making him sigh in annoyance. "You're stupid, Em, if you really thought I'd let you take care of the kid alone."

"You're not the father."

"Yeah, no shit I'm not. But I am the squirt's uncle." He ran a hand over his un-spiked hair. "Listen, if and when Mathias comes back, I won't interfere." Emma let out a sharp gasp. "What? Did you think I would stand in the way of your happiness, little sis?"

She let out an uncomfortable moan and smiled, "No, it's not that. It kicked me." She smiled and raised her hand out in encouragement for her brother to get closer. Lars did so hesitantly. He yelped suddenly when Emma pulled him down to her level and forced his hand onto her belly. His eyes widened comically when he felt the baby give a little kick against his hand. When it stopped moving he frowned and pressed his cheek where his hand had been. Emma smiled and ran a hand through his hair. He grunted when the baby swiftly kicked him hard.

"Wow, the little guy's got strength in him, huh Em?" He rubbed at his cheek and stared at her belly in wonder.

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Can't wait to teach him how to kick a ball around when he's older though." She smiled again and rubbed her baby bump. It wasn't till they were eating supper that she brought up Mathias again. "Are you sure, Em?"

"Yeah, I think it's best if he doesn't know. If he really loved me like he said he did, he wouldn't have left me alone."

Lars groaned in annoyance when Mathias shook him awake, "Wah-what?"

"Dude, I think we should call it a night. Y-you," he burst into giggles making Lars raise an eyebrow. "You're drunk."

"So are you."

Mathias shamelessly nodded in agreement, "Let's just pay up and head on home. Thanks again."

"For what?"

"Treating me to all the sweet beer of course!"

Rolling his eyes, Lars reached for his pouch of money…His pouch of money. Sobering a bit he looked into his leather pouch. The hell? "Sorry, but I think you're getting the tab tonight, Matt."

"Huh? No way, man. I'm broke as hell. Emil cleaned me out when he asked for some extra coin for his little date."

Lars let his head drop onto the counter. Verdomme!


Verdomme means : Damn it in dutch.

Thank you guys for favoriting and following this story it means a lot ^_^. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The scene where the three pairs sing together was my favorite.

zoewinter1: lol Feliks is so cute =p

spiritualnekohime4: I'm glad it did. Thank you ^_^

The Egoist's Girlfriend: Here ya go! =3

Skysword: Thank you! You're words always motivate me and it means a lot that you enjoy the chapters =3

VivaAmerica: I'm sorry T_T I totally understand about school, I started too. I hope that it's going well! Thank you so much for your support *hugs*

akanobara: *blush* No, but thank you for your kind words! ^_^