Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia~

Chapter 11

Michelle was unaware of the unscheduled guests, and made her way up to Francis' room in the morning to wake him. She knocked lightly on the door, her rhythmic, cheerful knock, but there was no answer. She assumed Francis was just having a good dream or something, and opened the door to indeed see her brother, but what she had not expected was that he would have another man in his bed. She blinked a moment, having not seen her brother in a relationship since her sister-in-law had passed, but seeing the peaceful smile on his features and the way he embraced the man she did not know, made her retreat and close the door again softly, not wanting to disturb his happiness.

Instead, she crept down the corridor, peering into Matthew's room and seeing another boy as well, and a million questions and scenarios played out in her mind as she skipped downstairs to make breakfast for five. She knew it was uncharacteristic of her brother to have fleeting relationships or 'one night stands', and she was pleased that he was finally making himself available again. She was undeniably a little put-out that Francis hadn't mentioned anything to her, but she guessed it hadn't been a planned encounter.

"Love is never planned, silly~" Michelle said aloud, smiling to herself as she made the breakfast, and soon the familiar, delicious smell of pancakes drifted upstairs.

XxX

Arthur dragged open his eyes wearily, taking a moment to look around his unfamiliar surroundings, becoming aware of a warm embrace and the feel of a strong chest supporting his head. He looked up, seeing Francis' defined jawline and hint of stubble, his gaze lingering on the Frenchman's peaceful expression that was still in slumber. A headache was threatening to make itself known to Arthur, and he began to piece together what had happened the night before. He remembered drinking some wine, and he assumed he must have lost track of how much…

Arthur's eyes widened and he pulled back so much that he almost fell out of the bed, jerking Francis' arm with his movement. The Frenchman frowned a little as he began to stir, disturbed by Arthur's jolt. The Englishman didn't want to wake him, afraid that he would find out what had happened if Francis woke up.

Arthur hadn't been with anyone since his wife left him, and now he was beginning to reel at the thought that he might have slept with someone whom he liked but still wasn't sure about. It was all beginning to spiral out of control and Arthur could just imagine something going wrong if they chose to progress with…whatever their relationship was now. Overcome with a panic that he just had to get away from the situation, he sprang out of bed, now jolting Francis awake.

Francis reluctantly opened his eyes, but once he saw Arthur making towards the door, he sat up quickly. "Arthur?"

The other man froze, and Francis could see how tense and jumpy he was. Francis threw back the covers, standing with the intent of going over to ask what was wrong, but Arthur had a firm hand on the door handle by then.

"Arthur, mon cher…" he began, but was cut off by Arthur's frantic voice.

"Don't call me that!" His words stunned both of them, as Arthur hadn't meant too sound so harsh and angry, and Francis quietened, fearing that he had done something to upset Arthur.

The Englishman turned around to face Francis, and when he did, he saw surprise and confusion in Francis' expression, which wrenched his heart. Francis wanted an explanation, and he didn't have one to give him.

"I just…I need to go." He stated, pulling the door open but not getting far as he felt a gentle touch on his arm. He reluctantly turned back to Francis, who was now much closer, and it made it more difficult for Arthur to think clearly.

God, why is this so bloody hard? I just need to think…

"I'm sorry if I have done something to upset you, mon – Arthur…" the Frenchman's voice was so gentle, as if he were afraid Arthur might break if he spoke too loudly. At this, Arthur wavered, averting his eyes so he wouldn't see Francis' overly caring expression.

"You…you haven't done anything wrong…" he admitted after a few moments, looking back to Francis and reluctantly shifting so Francis was no longer touching his arm. "I just…need some time…"

Francis gave a small nod and looked down at the floor, as if thinking that Arthur actually didn't want to be with him anymore, and was just being nice. This pained Arthur too much, and he gently reached up and cupped Francis' face, coaxing him to meet his gaze. Cerulean met emerald as Arthur kissed Francis softly, knowing words wouldn't be able to explain how he felt. He was conflicted, and afraid that Francis might hurt him like his wife had. No matter how much he knew Francis would never do such a thing, he couldn't risk having his heart smashed into pieces again. Pulling back, he saw Francis open his eyes, but turned away before anything more could be said between them.

Francis didn't try to stop him as Arthur left the room this time, and the Englishman walked briskly down the corridor, encountering the two sleepy children just wandering out of their room, enticed by the aroma of pancakes. Arthur didn't pay any mind to the smell, or that there must be someone else in the house, touching his son's shoulder.

"Get dressed and make sure you have everything ready. We're leaving soon, okay?" he tried to make his tone nice enough, but Alfred frowned at his words.

"What? But I don't want to leave yet!" he shrugged away from Arthur's hand, going on the defensive as he had done so much to Arthur after his mother had left.

"This is not a debate." Arthur stated, not in the mood for Alfred's stubbornness now. "Get dressed now."

Alfred glared at him, resembling his mother when he did. Francis had appeared behind Arthur quietly, not interfering, which made Alfred angry at him as well.

"Papa…" Matthew was becoming upset by the fact that Alfred had to leave so soon. "Why does Alfred have to leave?"

Francis forced a smile, unaware of how easily his son could see through it by now. "His father has things to do today, so they have to go home…" Matthew didn't seem satisfied with this answer but went quiet again, feeling afraid as Arthur had started yelling.

"Alfred Jones get dressed right now!" Arthur's voice was thunderous and even Alfred faltered, as Arthur had never been so angry with him before. Everyone went silent, and Arthur realised that he had let his emotions about Francis slip, and he spoke again, this time more quietly. "I'll wait for you downstairs." With that, he walked past the children and down the stairs, not looking back.

Francis felt his heart wrench as he was still struggling to keep his emotions in check, though he had no idea if he was ever going to see Arthur again. Alfred stormed into Matthew's room to change out of the pyjamas Matthew had lent him, slamming the door behind him. Matthew was overwhelmed by all that had happened, still waking up, and he began to cry, upset by all the loud sounds and the angry voices. Francis comforted him as best he could, but inside, he wanted to cry too.

XxX

Arthur and Alfred left once the boy was ready, and Michelle, who had heard all the commotion, peered from the kitchen doorway as Francis and Matthew trailed downstairs. Matthew had since stopped crying, and the three of them sat at the table, with five places laid for breakfast but only three taken. They ate quietly, but Francis only picked at his pancakes, mumbling thanks to his sister for making them breakfast.

Once they were done, Matthew went off to play quietly in his room, and Michelle shifted seats so she sat next to her brother.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, her tone kind and concerned, seeing the tears forming in Francis' eyes. Her brother nodded, but his expression crumpled and he began to cry, as he knew that he loved Arthur, but he didn't know if he would have another chance to even see him. Michelle hugged him, knowing how sensitive her brother was, especially after all that had happened to him.

Francis hugged her back, unable to stop crying as it hurt to lose someone else in his life.

A/N: Crappy ending to the chapter I know…but yay! I updated! And hopefully soon I will have more time to update this story~

Thank you for your patience and as always I would love it if you reviewed~