Lovino sat on the couch, crossed legged, typing up his lessons plans while Matthew read next to him, the only sound breaking the silence was the clicking of the keyboard. Lovino had a day off work for a bad weather make up day, so he was able to stay in with Matthew. He hated that he had to work on a day off, but such was the life of a teacher. At least this way he got to lean against his lover.

Matthew's phone broke their silence when his phone rang. Lovino moved slight before going back to typing, so that Matthew could get his phone from where it was sitting on the counter charging. Lovino glanced up at Matthew as the room was filled with French signaling that it was the man's mother. Lovino half listened, enjoying the musical rhythm of the language. Matthew set the phone down and walked over closing the laptop on Lovino's hands.

"What the hell?" Lovino snapped.

"We have to go to my parents' house. It's a whole family thing. Your brother and grandfather are even going to be there. Apparently Alfred coming home for the first time since Christmas break is worth celebrating," Matthew said rolling his eyes as he straightened up.

"When do we have to go?" Lovino asked, going to back to his lesson plan.

"They want us there in an hour."

"Okay. Go get yourself ready. I'm okay. I just need to change out of my pajamas," Lovino murmured as he typed.

"Don't you think you should take a shower? I mean you did give me some attention this morning," Matthew giggled as he hugged Lovino's shoulders from behind and kissing his cheek.

Lovino didn't look up as his fingers flew across the keys. He was starting to get frustrated. He was so behind and he knew that Matthew was trying to get him in the shower for other reasons that getting clean. He didn't have time to waste. He had to turn these into the principal on Monday. He was already planning on going to his brother's senior art exhibit at the university tomorrow night with his grandfather while Matthew worked. Besides that he hated working on weekends.

"I brushed my teeth, and washed my face and hands. I'm okay. I'm clean enough. It doesn't make me sweaty like it does you."

"Lovi, please," Matthew begged, nibbling his ear.

"No. What is with you? Do you need another one?"

"I just want you to be presentable," Matthew said.

"I am perfect," Lovino smirked. "It's just our families. Your family's known me for almost nine years. I don't need to impress them."

"Whatever," Matthew muttered, storming out of the room.

"I just have to finish my work!" Lovino called after him.

"I said whatever!" Matthew snapped back.

Lovino sighed and shook his head. Matthew was getting more and more handsy these days. He wasn't quite sure why. He seemed to be up to something. His eyes would flash sometimes with a coy smile. He would mention odd things. It was all very confusing.

Lovino picked up his papers and books with laptop before going to his room. Matthew was already in the shower. He changed into a pair of dark jeans and a black button down shirt. He rolled his sleeves to elbow and checked himself in the mirror to make sure it looked nice before going back to writing lesson plans. Matthew emerged right as Lovino was finishing up.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you, Lovino. I've just been in such a romantic mood lately, you know. I was also stressed about my parents and their stupid favoritism. You understand that."

"It's okay, Matt," Lovino smiled.

"It's just like why does Alfred get a celebration every time he comes home from college? I got dragged to all his high school games. That's been my life since he was like five. I don't like sports! Sue me! He's good at everything athletic like that. I'm not. I don't really even know what I'm good at. It's not my fault!"

Lovino sat down and rested his head in his hands. When Matthew got on his rants, it would last a while. He and Matt used to complain about their little brothers when they were teenagers, though now Lovino didn't complain quite as much as he used to about Feliciano. He was actually quite proud of how hard his brother had been working on his art and how much he had accomplished on his own without the support of their grandfather who didn't view art and music as a career, rather than a hobby.

"...If I have to hear about his his full ride football scholarship one more time, I am going to snap, Lovino! I swear to god, it's always what a huge sports hero he is. Who gives a fuck? When has he accomplished more than throwing and catching and chasing a ball? It's fucking ridiculous!" Matthew pulled a pair of boxers on.

"Yeah, if he doesn't make it to the professional league, what is he going to do?" Lovino said in a supportive manner.

"Right? That's what I've been saying! He's nineteen and he thinks that football is going to be his career. He thinks that just because he wore a letter jacket and that he is a starter as a freshman, he's got his future set. What if something happens? Do our parents prepare him for something to fall back on? Of course not! No, Alfie's going to be a big star! Give me a break. Remember when I graduated valedictorian in high school? Dad didn't come because Alfred had a tryouts. My mom comes to everything and she does dote on me, you know. I just...I wish it was like it used to be before Alfred was born when I was five. Mom did so much with me. We were always enjoying our time. Dad took me to the park and the library. Then that little asshole is born and everything goes to shit!" Matthew threw his hands up.

"Yeah, having a baby changes things."

"It's like, I guess I've always known that Dad would always do more for Alfred. He's his real son after all. Mom gives him more attention because he was a love child and I was the result of a one night stand turned boyfriend with an asshole that walked out a month before I was born. Do you know how that feels, Lovi? My mother was like twenty-two years old and she got knocked up. Then she meets Dad when I'm a year old. I don't have any memories without him. Like he's always been there for me. He's always been my dad. But he missed so many things that were important to me because his biological son had something better to do. I hate being the fucking accident. Nobody likes the accident," Matthew hissed, glaring at the wall.

"I do. I love you. Your parents love you too. You're just quieter and more well mannered than your brother. He demands attention and you just passively look for it. Besides Feliciano was an accident and everyone prefers him to me," Lovino cooed and wrapped his arms around Matthew's waist, kissing him softly.

"Really?" Matthew asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah. My parents only wanted one kid. I don't remember life without him. He's only a year younger than I am."

"Oh...well...Alfred's an ass."

"He is," Lovino purred kissing him again.

"I can't stand him," Matthew muttered.

"Who can? He's one of those people only parents can love," Lovino humored.

"I do feel sorry for him," the Canadian laughed, shaking his head.

"He's quite pathetic, really."

"It's true. It just pisses me off that they hold him on a pedestal. My whole life I was pushed aside because Alfie wanted to do something. I couldn't go to science camp in middle school because he had little league and soccer. Whatever though, I'm not ignored with you."

"I'd never ignore you," Lovino smiled sweetly.

Matthew let Lovino hold him for a moment. Lovino wished that Matthew would learn to let go of the jealousy he held for his brother. Alfred really wasn't that bad of a person. He never meant to be rude or obnoxious. Lovino didn't really know if the kid could help it. He was always smiling and wanting to help, but mostly for his own benefit. He was rather self centered.

"Thank you, Lovi. You really helped. You know what? I'm not going to take it anymore! I'm going to tell Alfred exactly where he can shove those trophies. He'll know how I really feel! I'll tell my mom I'm sick of being pushed aside. You know what? My dad needs to learn that I'm still his son even if it's not by blood. You don't raise a kid and push him aside when a biological child comes along. I'm doing it, Lovino. I'm ready for it. Let's go!"

The men headed out, dancing to the radio in the car, singing on the way. Lovino would never admit how much he loved to sing to boy bands to anyone other than Matthew. NSYNC would forever be one of his favorite bands to dance to. Not even Feliciano knew that. He shared his deepest secrets with this man.

They arrived at Matthew's parent's home and were greeted by his overly affectionate mother. She threw her arms around Matthew and kissed his cheeks. Before doing the same to Lovino.

"Mon amours! I hope everything is okay. I'm sorry for it being last minute. We didn't realize Alfred would be home so soon. He kind of surprised us," Marianne laughed.

"It's okay. Lovi finished his work, so we're not rushed," Matthew smiled.

The two entered the house to be greeted by Arthur who was standing in the kitchen talking with the younger boy. Alfred was throwing a ball between his hands as he laughed energetically. His high school letter jacket had been replaced with one for his university. His blue eyes twinkled as he spoke.

"Mattie!" Alfred grabbed his older brother in a tight hug, after Arthur had smiled a polite hello.

Lovino watched as the overly tight hug crushed Matthew's ribs. He winced a little and managed to pat him on the back gently.

"Hey, baby bro. How's college? I bet you're having fun!"

"Oh yeah, dude! It's totally awesome!"

"You passive aggressive bastard. You really let him have it," Lovino whispered.

"Shut up!" Matthew hissed back.

Lovino rolled his eyes. Matthew never went through with his plans. He shook his head and walked into the living after hearing the sound over Feliciano's voice. He decided to go see what his little brother was up to. He walked in the room to find his Feliciano with Roma talking excitedly about tomorrow night.

"Lovi!" Feliciano jumped up and pounce hugged his brother.

"Don't touch me," Lovino protested weakly as he hugged the younger man.

"Mio nipote! How have you been? How's teaching?" Roma asked energetically hugging his grandson.

"I've been good. Work is great. I feel like I'm doing so much for my students. It's so rewarding. I honestly love going every day," Lovino smiled.

They exchange pleasantries before Roma excused himself to go help out with the preparations and see Matthew, leaving the boys alone. His brother kept rubbing his thighs. He winced a little. Lovino nudged Feliciano with his foot.

"Why do you look like you're in pain?" Lovino asked, his arms crossed across his chest.

"Oh, what? Huh? I'm not. I was just thinking," Feliciano smiled, his face lighting up with enthusiasm.

"How's the potato? Not that I care or anything. I'm just being polite since you seem to like him."

"Ludwig is good! He's been hired to work at GE Healthcare as a mechanical engineer! It's really great. We're so happy," Feliciano crossed his legs and faced his brother on the couch.

Feliciano moved his arms to rest on the back of the couch and placed his head on his hand. With his other hand, his brushed his hair back. Lovino's eyes widened when he saw the red marks on his wrists. Lovino grabbed his free hand hand and examined the mark. They seemed to be rope burns. Lovino narrowed his eyes.

"Why do you have rope burns on your wrists?"

"Ve…" Feliciano's eyes widened and he pulled his sleeves down, his cheeks going a bit flushed as he looked everywhere except his brother. He smiled suddenly and laughed.

"Oh, uh, you know, I was walking Ludwig's, um, um, his puppies, yeah, puppies, last night. Luna is a German shepard and Hans is a bull mastiff, so they're big dogs. Anyway, I, um, I had the, uh, leashes, um, um, around my, uh, wrists and they saw a, um, um, a kitty and chased it and, um, um, they were so, uh, strong, yeah, strong that it pulled me and um, it, uh, it left these marks. They'll be gone by the end of the day," Feli explained with smile as he fidgeted, refusing eye contact.

"You're a terrible fucking liar," Lovino glared.

"It's true! Luna and Hans are big dogs that are strong and chase kitties!" Feliciano insisted.

"Yeah, I fucking know that! I don't buy your stupid story though!"

"It's none of your business," Feliciano said weakly, paling a bit.

"Excuse me?"

"What I do with, I am an adult and it's not your business," Feliciano huffed, crossing his arms.

"You mean...oh god, ew! What the fuck Feliciano!" Lovino shook his head feeling sick. "It's that...no, I don't want to know."

Lovino knew enough to connect the dots. It made him sick what was going on with his brother and his potato excuse of a boyfriend, but now this? He couldn't get the image out of his mind, not that he had meant to put it there. It just happened. He had to leave the room. He didn't want to know the extent of his brother's bedroom activities.

"Lovi, wait!" Feliciano grabbed him. "It's fun. I like it. He doesn't hurt me too badly. Just enough that it feels good. It's not bad or anything and we have a word so if it gets too painful-"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Lovino shouted covering his ears.

"I just don't want you mad at Luddy! You're always mad at him for something and I want you two to be friends," Feli pleaded, throwing Lovino puppy dog eyes.

"Maybe the fact that he's doing disgusting things to you is a damn start, huh! That is sick. Nope. No, thank you," Lovino shook his head and walked out of the room in search of Matthew.

He found him sitting at the table drinking tea with Arthur while Alfred sipped a bottle of coke. Lovino could never figure out how an athlete could drink so many soft drinks and eat the diet of the American and not be malnourished. The boy practically lived off cheeseburgers and hot dogs. He gave Matthew a look letting him know he needed to talk in private. Matthew nodded, excusing himself.

"Feliciano is being forced into that kinky BDSM shit with his meathead boyfriend," Lovino splurted out as soon as Matthew closed the door to his old bedroom. Matthew looked shocked.

"Forced?" Matthew asked, his brow wrinkling.

"Well I don't know if it's forced, but if my brother is really into that shit, we have another problem. I just...he's Feliciano! He's so innocent and stupid. I know it was that fucking potato bastard's fault!" Lovino snapped.

"Look, Lovi, how do you know?"

"He has damn marks on his wrist and he gave me some bullshit lie then when I didn't believe him, he fucking told me about it! As if that asshole defiling my brother isn't enough, he has to tie him up and inflict pain on him too! It's disgusting!" Lovino shuddered.

"Lovi, he's twenty-three. He can make his own decisions. If he likes it-"

"No! No! Fucking no! I don't...no, no, no, no. Nope. No. I can't get that image out of my head, Mattie! He put it in there and I just...oh fuck...no...shit. I'm going to be sick, Matthew."

"We can cuddle for ten minutes. That always clears your mind. Do you think you can do that? Ten minutes." Matthew rubbed his arms gently.

Lovino nodded. He let Matthew take him to the bed and hold him as the images escaped his mind. Nothing else existed other than Matthew and himself. There wasn't a house full of people downstairs. Ludwig didn't exist. Feliciano was still innocent. Everything was okay. He didn't feel about to vomit, nor did he feel the urge to kill the man he deemed to be defiling his brother. He concentrated on the feel of Matthew's body against his, the steady breathing and heartbeat. It was soothing. They laid like that until Matthew's alarm went off and Lovino was led down to socialize.

The rest of the night went by fairly uneventful. They participated in the family conversation and watched as Marianne made a fuss over entertaining. She and Arthur got in a few tiffs, but other than that the evening was calm. They listened to Alfred talk about college and football. As Matthew had informed Lovino, he had no back up plan. It was rather childish in Lovino's point of view. Even Feliciano had a back up if art didn't work out...and that was saying a lot considering how irresponsible the younger brother had always been.

The dinner was fantastic. Lovino rarely tried new things, but Matthew's mother always was able to get him to try whatever dish she concocted since she was such an artist when it came to cooking. He wanted her to just teach him everything. There were weekends when Matthew was at work that he would come over and learn how to cook new dishes to surprise his boyfriend with. He'd learned how to make Matthew's favorite meals from this woman, of course it was to be expected as she did raise the man.

The family filed into the living room for a movie. Lovino excused himself to go to the bathroom and when he returned, the room grew strangely quiet. Everyone was staring at him. Roma was beaming. Feliciano was giggling. Marianne had tears in her eyes as she smiled. Alfred was grinning that signature million dollar, all American boy smile. Arthur was staring into his cup uncomfortably. Lovino looked to Matthew who just had the same comforting smile he always had. He calmed down slightly and walked over to sit next to Matthew.

"Whats going on?" he asked. "I'm sorry if I took too long. I wanted to wash my face…"

"No, we weren't kept waiting," Matthew assured him.

Feliciano hugged his arm and rested his chin on his shoulder as he grinned at him. How was he so damn adorable when he was twenty-three? Lovino could never figure out how his little brother had stayed cute past the age of eight. The younger Italian refused to speak when Lovino demanded to know why he was acting this way. He didn't like being touched in the first place, especially not now that Feli was with that German, especially not when everyone kept looking at him.

He managed to untangle himself from his brother to watch the movie in peace. He felt himself growing tired after a while and snuggled against Matthew. He wasn't one to show affection around so many people, but this was his family. He'd known them all for so long that he felt safe enough to fall asleep on Matthew. It beat sleeping against Feliciano, that was for sure, which had been his go to prior to developing that comfort level in their relationship. He felt himself drift off to sleep, Matthew's arm hugging him, his feet curled up next to him just barely touching Feli.


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