Guys I am so sorry this chapter took so long to get out! I've been having writer's block and with school, DeviantArt, and everything else it's hard to get everything done. But I promise I'll try to get it done quicker!

The minute the car stopped Alfred unbuckled and slammed the door open so he could run across the driveway. Matthew looked up barely, motions delayed most likely from pain. Seeing the American his eyes filled with tears and he managed to get to his feet, keeping his balance.

Al immediately hugged Matt, sorrow filling his emotions. He held him close, not wanting to let go. His mind was full of thoughts, a majority of it bad. He had been stupid and rash he had let his brother take his punishment. Yeah, some hero he was when he couldn't even protect the Canadian.

Mattie was shocked that's for sure but he wrapped his arms around him in return to being embraced, burying his face in his shoulder. "Alfred…" he mumbled, tears pricking at the back of his eyes.

Al squeezed his brother close, that horrible feeling in his stomach once again. His voice sounded like a croak, barely audible. He was cold too and his clothes were wet from the rain. How long had he been sitting out here anyway? 2 hours? 5? The minute those bastard Germans left?

He didn't really want to have to think about it.

Finally Matthew looked up and saw Arthur locking his car and striding up the driveway, eyes glancing at his surroundings. "…who's that?" he whispered hoarsely, gripping onto his brother tighter. His violet eyes scanned the teacher with a little bit of protectiveness of the American and curiosity.

Stroking his back to calm him down, Alfred looked back at the Brit. "I think you remember me talking about Mr. Kirkland, right? Well here he is in the flesh. I present to you Arthur," he hid the blush on his face, "The best teacher in the education field."

"Inform me what other fields a teacher would serve in," the Englishman retorted but he seemed pleased with the praise, "Now I think you must be Matthew I presume? I have never seen someone look so much like Alfred after all." He examined the boy carefully and did see the resemblances. The hair color, the face shape, their body shape even, and the glasses. But Mattie had shy eyes that didn't match that fiery determination that shone in Alfred's. His gestures were definitely something different as well. He seemed tight, clenching up and messing with articles of his clothing to keep himself occupied. He was an inch shorter and instead of a cowlick a curl seemed to extend from the part in his hair.

He seemed cute and fragile while Alfred was handsome and robust.

The Canadian nodded slowly, feeling slightly embarrassed about his eye from what Al could tell.

"Y-yes… hi," he let go of his brother, "A-Alfred talks about you a lot. He can't go a day without mentioning something about you really. You really are his idol." Both men blushed violently, faces a deep cherry red. The American honestly looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock and die at that moment.

"M-Mattie you don't just go around and tell people that stuff!" Al shrieked, burying his face in his hands, "He's not my damn idol! He's just a weirdo teacher with odd tendencies and can't be normal for one moment!" Arthur hid his hurt well, but those words seemed to cut a lot deeper if someone else had said them. It made him hesitant about his decision to make a move and show his feelings. But as he replayed the reaction he found himself smiling a little, Alfred was just being an average teenage boy trying to hide the fact he liked a girl. Well, except it wasn't exactly a woman. DEFINITELY not a woman in the slightest.

But that's what made the moment sweeter.

He patted the American's shoulder gently, a smile on his lips. "Come on Mr. Um let's not get all jittery, I really don't mind. Being an idol of one of my students is rather nice actually. I feel appreciated." That actually punched Alfred in the gut. Did he really lack trying to show he appreciated the Brit helping him out? Yeesh how much of a clueless jerk was he?

"I guess you are a somewhat awesome person…" he mumbled awkwardly, fiddling with the hem of the sweatshirt. Maybe when he got used to knowing that his teacher was a psycho then he would be able to open up a little more. It was nice to know that he trusted him though, the least he could do something decent in return. That was when Matthew noticed Alfred's new attire and raised an eyebrow.

"May I ask where exactly you got those from? I mean I don't believe you ran out of the house prepared in the slightest. Not to mention you've never been anywhere near Oxford." Matt knew he hadn't even been outside for the United States for that matter.

"Oh, this?" he looked down at himself, "It belongs to Mr. Bushybrows himself. I didn't want to wear that sopping wet suit thank you very much." Scowling, Arthur chucked the plastic bag holding Alfred's wet articles of clothing at his head as hard as he could manage.

"Oh fuck off you faggot!" he huffed and crossed his arms, "If you don't appreciate my help then next time I'll ignore you all together! Leave you to pass out with a horrid cold! Instead of trying to make cruel jokes about me you'll be freezing!" Mr. Kirkland couldn't help but be somewhat offended, though he admit it wasn't the worse thing he had heard. Al couldn't help but roll his eyes as he caught the bag.

"Yeah, yeah, threaten me later would ya? I really need to check of Matthew's eye," he turned towards his younger brother, "And don't even think about trying to lie to me about how you got it. No, 'I ran into a wall' or, 'I fell down the stairs' or, 'I tripped over the vacuum and the handle hit me' shit. I hate having to deal with you not being able to tell a single damn thing that's true to me." Matt stared at him, absolutely flabbergasted beyond belief.

"One, you used proper English for once, somewhat. Two," he backed up, "What's wrong? You don't need to get mad at me and all that. What's with the sudden fatherly scolding on my 'truthfulness' towards you?" For once the Canadian was getting a little sassy even, though there was a shining of nervousness in the back of his eyes. Alfred scoffed and looked over, glaring at the cement instead of looking at anyone. He couldn't believe Matt was still trying to hide everything from him! Even after he had run away!

"I'm not stupid despite what everyone says," he snapped bitterly, "But you've probably just gone along with the rest of the crowd haven't you?" Before Matthew could defend himself, Arthur cleared his throat loudly.

"Why don't we head inside, hmm?" he took Alfred's arm to calm him down a little, "I think some people just need to cool their heads right now. How about you two can discuss everything while I have a lovely chat with your father? That alright with you two?" Matthew glanced over at his brother and nodded.

"If you don't mind sir…" he mumbled as he fiddled with his sleeve, shyly keeping his gaze on the floor for now. Mr. Kirkland gave a sharp nod and opened the unlocked door easily.

"Both of you inside then," he ordered, though he wasn't using a demanding voice, "I think we've all been out here too long. It could rain again any moment." With that he ushered the twins inside and closed the door behind him. The house honestly made him want to puke.

Beer cans covered the coffee table in the living room, the TV was still on some porn movie, the kitchen had a kettle that was slowly melting from being on the burner for too long, and the table was still littered with dishes and glasses from what Arthur assumed was the dinner last night. He wrinkled his nose in disgust before knocking on the doorframe. "Anyone home?!"

"What the hell do you want..?" someone grumbled from the back of the house, "I don't want visitors right now…" The Brit cleared his throat loudly.

"Excuse me sir but I have done the courtesy of taking your son home. He was on the sidewalk in the rain freezing to almost death, just so you know-" he started quite angrily but then Francis came into his line of sight and he choked on whatever else he was going to say. "M-Mr. Bonnefoy..?"

Alfred's father squinted his eyes and brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Do I know you?" he grumbled as he blew out a plume of smoke from his cigarette. Arthur felt like his legs were going to give out from right underneath him.

"Don't you remember me?" he smoothed his bangs back so his forehead was bare except for a white scar, "You called me 'Artie Potter' all the time..?" Francis' eyes widened as well and Alfred and Matthew just looked confused beyond all belief, not really getting what was happening.

"Arthur Kirkland," he breathed, "I can't believe my eyes. After all these years who would have known…" That's when it finally hit Al like a punch in the gut. He stared at the two in awe and pointed at his teacher.

"Don't tell me he's really-"

"I really didn't know it was him Alfred!" Mr. Kirkland had already let his hand fall to his side, "You had never told me his name!" Honestly he had forgotten entirely that Al had kept his mother's maiden name after the divorce and such. And he would have never guessed that the teacher who had landed him in mental hospitals would be his crush's son.

Mr. Bonnefoy had been the father of Alfie all this time and he didn't even know.

Alfred was starting to hyperventilate just a little as he backed up into the living room, the pieces fitting together. He knew that his father had been a teacher at one point in his career but he had been certain it was at some public school, not a fancy private one that Artie had described.

He was also scared that his teacher would have one of the two reactions.

1. Have a bias and side with his dad on everything, therefore leaving him in the dust.

2. Pound Francis into a pancake and the dance on his grave.

One was obviously better than the other, if it had been legal. But he knew neither could be chosen since it would put him in a horrible spot no matter what the outcome really. Seeing Arthur go to jail wasn't on his bucket list, despite how ironically hilarious that would truly be if it wasn't for the fact he would have absolutely zero chances of graduating.

Mr. Kirkland cleared his throat and crossed his arms. "I am your son's teacher," he gestured to Alfred, "He's told me some things about the living conditions here and I am beyond not okay with ANY of it. Just because you are his parent doesn't mean you can just hurt them without any consequences." He was using his police voice for now, eyes narrowed into a dangerous glare. Francis met his gaze evenly, eyes dull from drinking so much though so it was less impressive.

"Boys I want you both to go back to your room," he then gave this almost glower at the American, "And Alfred we're going to have a long talk about your little adventure tonight. Let's just say for now this definitely won't go without some serious consequences." Al growled and grabbed his brother's forearm before spinning around and stomping off.

"Come on Mattie!" he snapped hastily as he dragged him down the hallway. Matt let out a small squeak, struggling to keep up with Alfred's long strides. It was obvious he was still confused why he continued to be such a jerk to him.

"Alfie what's wrong with you?! Can't we at least try to just talk through all of this?!" he tried desperately, "Al why are you ignoring me?!" Finally the Canadian let out a deep noise from his throat and dug his heels into the carpet so he couldn't be moved any further. "ALFRED FOSTER JONES WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND STOP BEING SUCH A DICK TO ME FOR FUCK'S SAKE?!"

Al spun around and slammed the bedroom door behind him. "WHY CAN'T YOU TRUST ME ENOUGH TO TELL ME THAT YOU WERE BEING RAPED EVERY SINGLE DAY?!" Tears streamed down his cheeks, red with anger, as he struggled to calm his breathing. "Why didn't you come to me when that bastard blackmailed you with that picture?! Why didn't you tell someone what was going on?! Why did you lie to me ever since it started happening?! How long have you been fake Mattie, HOW LONG?!"

Staring at him with wide eyes, Matthew took a step back. "Alfred… what are you talking about-?" he was slightly I shock, not sure how to handle such a situation.

"Don't play dumb with me!" Al snapped harshly as he wiped at his eyes, "For heaven's sake I'm your big brother!"

"By six minutes!" Matt defended but the taller blonde plowed on, not wanting to stop.

"I saw you with Gilbert! I can't believe you didn't bother to try to tell me what was happening! I told you everything! And you decided to just ignore that I'm right here?! I'm your brother! Brothers are supposed to be there for their siblings and try to fix it! How am I supposed to help you and protect you if you won't just come to me and tell me that something is going on?!" Alfred looked down, ashamed of himself.

The Canadian's expression turned to shock and guilt as his brother talked and felt tears fill his own eyes. "Alfred…" he took his glasses off, "I... I never thought you would have found out honestly but…" He bit his lip and hugged Al as tight as he could manage. "I'm so sorry…"

His body trembled as he struggled to keep himself together. What was wrong with him? Ever since he had talked to Arthur he had been a complete mess when it came to stuff like this. He could hardly blame hormones but his emotions were something he couldn't control. For the first time in years he was actually crying in front of his brother. "Sorry for what?" he choked out, "Sorry for not being able to trust me?" Matt shook his head and let go of him so he could stare into his eyes.

"No, I'm sorry that I failed to tell you, I'm sorry for being too embarrassed to tell you, but I need you to acknowledge that it isn't the greatest thing to come out with." Matt stared blankly into Alfred's eyes, trying to get him to understand. "I couldn't depend on you forever Alfie. I know you want to protect me but I need to be able to stand up for myself."

The American settled himself down on the foot of his bed and rested his head in his hands. He shook his head, trying to calm himself down. He really didn't enjoy yelling at his brother, and realized this wasn't exactly Mattie's fault, either. He looked up at Matt with red eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "I'm sorry. I don't try to be a protective bastard, I just try to be your brother." He looked down into his hands again, staring at his feet. "I let mom go, and I don't want to be responsible for your death too. I want to be here for you as much as I can… I missed being here for you five years and all I manage to do is mess everything up."

"Alfred!" Matthew gripped his shoulder, "You haven't failed okay?! How many times have you defended me from dad when he was in one of his mad moods? You were the one who made sure that I wasn't crying myself to sleep every night when mom died! I knew that you were upset but you kept smiling in front of me. I know we're twins but you took charge as my big brother! Who else would have done that?" He didn't give him a chance to answer. "I know you're hard on yourself but you've got to get over it. I'm sure Mr. Kirkland has said something similar."

Al paused so he could think about his answer. He had to admit he usually was pressuring himself when it came to the wellbeing of Mattie. He always seemed to think he wasn't doing good enough no matter how hard he tried. Sure Arthur had said something about it once…

"I told you I just can't do it!" Alfred threw the pencil down and rested his forehead on the desk surface, "I don't understand any of this!" The Brit frowned and tapped his head with the ruler.

"Alfred Jones this is not the time to be having a hissy fit," he slapped it hard against the desk, "It's confusing yes but so was everything else at the beginning." They had been working on geography and he was having trouble trying to get the Asian countries right and remembering where they were. The names were weird and he just wanted to give up sorting through all of them.

"This is all stupid and you know it!" Al huffed and banged his head against the wood a few times, "Stupid." BANG. "Stupid." CLUNK. "STUPID!" Mr. Kirkland grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet.

"Now listen here Alfred Jones you need to stop complaining and being so hard on yourself," he snapped harshly, "You're shooting to graduate, correct?" He didn't even let the teen answer. "And you made a deal with me at the very beginning of the year to trust me with your education, right?" Al gave a meek nod. "Then I want you to go to that map and write the countries in. Start with the ones you're certain of and the ones you don't get we'll work on." He paused. "No one learns how to do something the minutes it's given to them Mr. Um. You need to work at it. You're not perfect and that's okay. Stop beating yourself up every time you're not what's impossible for human beings."

Alfred had to admit that had been a very interesting conversation between the two of them. Matthew was right, he needed to realize he wasn't always going to be right by his side forever. He needed to step back and while he would still help, he needed to focus on his future as well.

"I…" he sighed, "I guess I still owe you an apology. I did yell at you a lot after all." The Canadian gave a small smile and hugged him tight.

"You were just being an Alfred," he nuzzled him a little, "Don't worry about it." Al laughed and ruffled his twin's hair.

"Well how about I fix up your eye then we can talk about what we do about the situation with Gilbert, okay?" Matthew's face fell a little but he managed a small smile.

"Okay Al," he took his glasses off, "I'm glad you came back you know." The American chuckled as he got the first-aid kit down from his closet.

"I'm not a coward dude, of course I would come back." He immediately started swabbing the bruising even though there was a horrid feeling in his stomach. Sure this talk didn't go exactly horrible but he was worried about how Arthur and Francis were working things out.

He just hoped it wasn't a battle to the death just yet.

To Be Continued… Maybe…