AN: So winter break starts which means I will be updating more for the next few weeks. I'm happy to say that tomorrow I have a few Christmas one shots going up (can't upload on Christmas but, Christmas eve is close enough).

I'm so happy that the last chapter was received well. I thought that too much dialogue might make you guys unhappy with the chapter but, I guess I was wrong. Coming up, there are a few chapters that I've been waiting to write but, I don't want to because they ummm… well they… you'll see.

Please continue to review! I love reviews and Mattie hugs you for them!

Matthew woke up the next morning, completely shocked that he had slept through the night.

When Mattie got home the day before, he had gone into the kitchen and talked to Alfred a bit. He didn't want to but, he found it necessary. He told his brother what he thought. He told his brother that he didn't want to depend on him any longer. He told his brother that the camping trip that they had planned for the weekend was still on.

After that, Matthew went upstairs and fell asleep almost immediately. He saw the fact that he had managed to avoid Francis while he was home as a complete success. He may be willing to speak to his brother but, he was not willing to speak to his father. Alfred broke the rule but Francis got back with Arthur. Which one was worse?

Mattie sighed as he rolled out of bed. He knew that he should get online and tell Gilbert that he managed to sleep and whatnot. It was strange that he was trusting Gil to this extent. He didn't trust people but, his best friend seemed to be an exception to that reality.

He logged on and was surprised to see that Gilbert was online. Did the albino ever sleep?

MWilliams: Hey Gil

TheAwesomeGil: Hey Birdie… how'd u sleep?

MWilliams: I actually slept the whole night

TheAwesomeGil: Sweet! Glad to hear it

MWilliams:

TheAwesomeGil: How r things w/ Al?

MWilliams: talked to him a bit last night… not much change… just don't want 2 b mad at him for long.

TheAwesomeGil: he deserves it

MWilliams: I know that

TheAwesomeGil: What about Francis?

MWilliams: refuse to speak to him

TheAwesomeGil: ur gonna have to at some point.

MWilliams: I know that…I guess I'll talk 2 him if I run into him today or tomorrow

TheAwesomeGil: Good… wanna hang out soon?

MWilliams: When?

TheAwesomeGil: this weekend?

MWilliams: can't

TheAwesomeGil: y?

MWilliams: goin camping w/ Al this weekend.

TheAwesomeGil: rnt u still mad?

MWilliams: Yea… still not gonna cancel annual camping trip.

TheAwesomeGil: K… Tuesday work?

MWilliams: Yea… I'm gonna get food… text u later?

TheAwesomeGil: K Birdie

Matthew logged off. It was nice to know that, after spending the weekend with Alfred, he would be able to see his best friend again. It was always fun to hang out with Gilbert. It was even better when Alfred wasn't around to bother them. He had to make sure that Alfred wouldn't be around.

Matthew walked down stairs to find food and saw his father sitting at the kitchen table.

"Mathieu! I didn't see you come in last night!" Francis exclaimed.

Matthew snorted. "Of course not."

Francis sighed. "I saw you and Al fighting… what happened Mon Cher?"

"Nothing that you need to worry about. Instead, why don't you focus on what you did."

"What do you mean?"

Matthew chuckled darkly. "You and Arthur happy now?"

Francis groaned. "Mathieu, you don't understand."

"Then explain it to me papa! Why would you go back with him? I know how much he hurt you all those years ago. Why would you trust him again? Why would you do this to me and Al? Why, Papa?" Matthew fought the tears to the best of his ability.

Francis sighed. "Do you really want the answers Mon Petite Mathieu?"

"Yes Papa, I do want the answers."

"And if you don't like the answer?"

"I'll deal with it. I've been dealing with things that I don't like for years."

"I'll tell you but, you won't like what I have to say."

"Tell me anyway."

AN: End of a short chapter. This is really just a "bridge between two important chapters" chapter. I hope I managed to at least make it somewhat interesting.

Next chapter, hear Francis' side of the story. After that, things get a bit heated and dramatic… those are the chapters that it pains me to write but, I will prevail!

Please review!