A/n: This is kind of boring in the beginning. It will (hopefully) be better by the end. Feel free to skim the first few paragraphs, until after Matthew does his homework. That's where it should start to pick up.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Carnations are white,

Just like you

When the holidays came to an end, Matthew had to return to school. He was tired, so very tired when waking Monday morning. His head throbbed for whatever reason, and he practically had to sling himself out of his warm bed just to get up. The chill January airs hit his face hard as he stepped out the door. He shivered, but continued walking through the traces of snow still left, scattered around the ground.

Upon his arrival to the school, most students looked like he; tired, grumpy, and not in the mood to be at school after their two week break. Matthew groaned as he entered the math classroom. How he hated math. But then again, most students hated math, even more so when your teacher was a complete jerk and obsessive about everything you did right or wrong. Still, he had to go anyway, because Matthew honestly wasn't in the mood to skip, or worse, somehow fail the class altogether. He plopped down in his hard, cold seat, and averted his eyes to the chalkboard, where the teacher stood up to begin.

The classes were long, so very long. All any teacher did was review, review, review. Matthew knew why though. Most of the information they'd learned before the break was pretty much dormant or gone in the students' heads, including himself. Everything was kind of a blur, in which he felt like he knew the format and the problems, but when he was given assignments to complete, his mind drew a blank. Sighing, he gripped the pencil in his hand and began to attempt the problem that faced him.

When the bell rung after fourth period, Matthew headed down to the cafeteria. He waited for about five minutes before he actually got his lunch. He sighed again, heavier than the last, and sat down. He began to eat when another tray was plopped down in the seat in front of him. His violet eyes looked up.

"Ve~ I'm sooo tired…" it was Feliciano.

"Che, shut up. I'm tired too," and there was Romano, on his left side.

"Ah~ Lovi, it's not so bad…" Antonio decided to join him on his right side.

Matthew looked up, staring at them strangely. Feliciano beamed as he sat.

"Hi Mattie! We're going to sit here okay?"

The Canadian smiled warmly, "That's fine…"

Romano sat down without a word, as did Antonio.

"So, how was everyone's winter break?" Antonio began softly.

Matthew didn't say anything and neither did the Italian brothers. The Spanish boy sighed.

"Mine was good! I made snowmen and my parents actually came home for once! I was so happy!" he began, cheerfully.

"I ate lots of pasta and cookies that mama made! And I got lots of presents from nonno and nonna!" Feliciano entered joyfully.

"Che…same. Except for eating all pasta and shit. I mostly slept in. I'm so used to waking up late that when here woke me, up I almost smacked him for waking me up so early!" Romano groaned.

"Matthew laughed, "Oh, I didn't do anything spectacular. I just spent some time relaxing and having quality time with Gilbert, being new lovers and all."

Three pairs of eyes fell to him. Realization of the fact that no one had told the trio that he and Gilbert were officially dating hit him hard.

"Um..." he started, unsure.

"Aww! That's so cute!" Feliciano clapped and cooed with joy.

"Uh, what would posses you to date him of all people?" Romano spat.

"Ah! Gilbert never tells me anything anymore! That's so great!" Antonio said cheerfully.

"It's nothing really..." Matthew began again, feeling his cheeks heat up.

"When did you to start dating hm?" the younger Italian blurted.

"Oh...the Halloween party..."

They gawked at him.

"Seriously? That long and you didn't tell us?" Antonio said with shock.

"Well...to be honest I figured Gil would leak it out eventually. But I guess...well...he didn't have to..."

Feliciano shook his head, "Gilbert with Matteo...I would have never guessed! I was sure after Lizzy..." he stopped.

"Lizzy? Who's Lizzy?" Matthew asked.

"Oooh..." Feliciano suddenly said.

"Nice one Feli, now you have to explain," Romano scoffed.

"Who's Lizzy?"

"Ve...well...Gilbert had a girlfriend named Elizaveta...we called her Lizzy for short…"

"And…?"

"And it's time to go to our next class!" Antonio interjected quickly.

Matthew didn't even get a chance to ask.

The next classes went by rather fast, from gym class to theatre. It was all a blur. He remembers doing relays, and reciting lines, but his mind was captured in a web. Who was Lizzy? The question irritated him. An old girlfriend Feliciano says? What happened? Did Gilbert still love her? Was she still alive? All questions he didn't have answers to. He tried his best to push it from his mind, but it still lurked for the remainder of the day.

After school, he trudged home. Matthew pulled out his key, and unlocked the door. He sighed at the dimly lit living room. For some reason, the blond hated being the first one home. Most teenagers loved to be home before their parents because they could pretty much do whatever they want. Not Matthew. The silence always tore at him, and the feeling he hated so much would return, the feeling of being alone. But thinking back, he hadn't felt that way in forever. Maybe it was Gilbert? Or maybe it was his newfound friends? Yet again, no answer. All he knew was he liked it when his heart was full of love instead of sadness.

The Canadian turned on the lamp and sat down at the kitchen table. He pulled out a folder from his backpack and pulled a worksheet from it. The blond scribbled the numbers onto the paper. There were only a few review problems, so they were completed rather quickly. He slipped the piece back inside and pulled out another one with a reading passage and discussion questions. The passage was about a little boy who was orphaned. No one wanted to adopt him. He spent his whole childhood inside the orphanage and when he went out into the world, he was all alone. Then, when all hope for him seemed lost, he met a little girl who brightened up his life and they became best friends. Matthew couldn't shake the eerie connection he felt with that story. It was almost like his life.

Matthew began to answer the questions one by one until he reached one.

Do you think that the boy's life would have been different if hadn't met the girl?

The blond stared at the words for a long time. For some reason, it stumped him on just how he wanted to answer it. Finally, his pencil flew across the paper.

Yes, by far. If he had never met her then he would have had an even harsher life. The little girl was his saving grace; she reminded him that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Who's to say that the little boy wouldn't have killed himself if she hadn't been there to stop him? If he'd never met her then his life wouldn't have been worth living in his eyes.

Setting the writing utensil down, Matthew reread what he wrote and nodded. After finishing the following questions, he slipped the piece of paper back into the folder and replaced it inside his bag. He sighed softly, and stood up, causing the chair behind him to make a rather loud screech. He turned, and walked up the stairs. The blond switched on the light, illuminating the room. His room has always been rather plain, with a few photos of his whole family on his desk and picture of Francis and himself strewn about the walls. His gaze fell to the little white bear on his pillow.

Walking over, Matthew picked up the little bear under its front arms and held it up as if it were a child. He fell backwards onto his bed, sighing.

As he lay there, he closed his eyes. He set the bear down on his chest, and smiled as he remembered the memories of the playful little dog. It really was a sweet little animal. Too bad it had to be hit by that truck. It had a whole life ahead of it.

As moments of the past wisped around his mind, he heard the door open. At first, his natural reaction was to think it was Alfred, coming home from his job. Yet, he was wrong.

Matthew sat up and walked down the stairs.

"Welcome home Alf-"

But Alfred wasn't standing there. It was Arthur.

"D-dad?" he sputtered.

Arthur looked up at him and smiled warmly.

"Hello Matthew…"

"I…I didn't know you were coming home…" the Canadian began.

"That's because I wanted to keep it a secret love," the Brit chuckled lightly.

Matthew gave him a quizzical look.

"Why?" he asked blatantly.

Arthur stepped forward and put his hand on Matthew's shoulder.

"Just to surprise you, and your brother."

Matthew shook his head, but smiled also, "Love you too Dad."

Without another word, the Brit walked upstairs. The Canadian didn't pay it anymore mind. He grinned softly to himself; he couldn't wait to see how Alfred would react.

Upon Alfred's arrival home, he wasn't all that amused to be honest. He just shrugged it off like nobody's business. Matthew could only guess he was still a bit pissed for him missing Christmas.

The Canadian was in his room typing an essay when the phone rang. He looked at the number and grinned.

"Hello?" he said sweetly.

"Sup Birdie."

"Hey Gil, what's up?"

"Nothin' much. How 'bout you?"

"I'm fine. Typing an essay."

"I see. Anyway, you free this Saturday?"

"Um…let me check."

The blond got out of his chair and looked to the calendar. Various reminders were strewn about the week, but nothing was written on Saturday.

"Nope, I'm all clear. Why?"

"Well ya see, my birthday is January 18th, and well, I'm having this totally awesome party for it. I want you to come."

Matthew blushed a bit, but smiled softly, "I'd love to go."

"Awesome! It's this Saturday from 4:30 to 11:00 tomorrow, I'm having you and Toni stay the night; if you want of course."

"That sounds like a lot of fun. Any theme or anything I should bring?"

"Nope, nothin' but you and your cute ass."

The Canadian's blush deepened.

"Stop that, you're embarrassing me…"

"What? It's only true, kesesesese~"

The couple began to chat away at various things; how old Gilbert was going to be, who all was going to be there and so forth. Matthew realized the time, and hurried Gilbert off the phone.

"I'm sorry, I've got to go. I really have to get this paper done and dinner is almost ready. See you Saturday then?"

"Ah, it's cool. And totally. I can't wait~! Love ya! See you there!"

Then the phone went dead. The blond sighed. Why were their conversations always so…unfulfilling? He didn't know.

Dinner was silent; no one spoke a word. Alfred was indifferent; Matthew was being himself, and Arthur…well…no one could really say. To say the least, it grew awkward, so Matthew decided to ask about Gilbert's party.

"So…Dad, Al? Well…I was wondering, you guys don't have anything planned for this Saturday right?" the Canadian started softly.

"Not that I can think of, why?" Alfred replied, staring.

Matthew set his fork down and placed his hands in his lap, squeezing them together a bit nervously.

"Well…Gilbert is having a birthday party this weekend…" he saw his brother tense, "…and he invited me to come…"

"Is Gilbert a friend of yours?" Arthur asked.

"Ah…yes. We met in school. He's graduated now. Maybe you remember him? The albino at the graduation ceremony?"

At Arthur's betraying blank face, Matthew continued.

"Anyway…I wanted to know if it was alright for me to leave and go. It's from four-thirty Saturday and eleven, tomorrow morning. I'll be spending the night there."

"You're going to spend the night at Gilbert's?" Alfred demanded, trying his hardest to keep his voice in check.

"Yes, does that bother you Al?"

"Quite frankly, yes it does. That guy's a…" he bit his tongue.

"He's a what? Go on, say it," Matthew responded coldly.

"Never mind…"

There was a brief pause.

"I don't see the harm in it, enjoy yourself. However, you know the rules, no drinking if they offer," Arthur said, breaking the silence. Matthew smiled, but thought bitterly.

'Yeah, after what I said to him on the phone, it figures he's trying to stay on my good side.'

The Canadian retired early that night, hopeful, and pleased. Nothing could ruin his bliss. That was, until Alfred came in. Though, it wasn't as bad as he expected.

"Matt, you awake?"

The younger brother didn't answer, waiting.

"Matt?"

He kept his mouth shut. He kept his eyes closed.

Alfred approached the bed and sat on the edge.

"I guess this'll be easier…" he took a breath.

"Matt…I'm sorry. I'm just…scared. I don't feel like I can trust Dad anymore…I'm loosing you to…Gilbert. But I guess it's partly my fault. I haven't been a very good big brother to you have I? Makes sense…" Alfred paused, sighing.

Matthew listened calmly, unable to believe what he was hearing.

"It's like…ever since papa died, you've grown so distant…like, you don't want to be with or near us anymore. Can't say I blame you. Dad always did love me more didn't he? Again, I guess I just kind of…well…pushed you out of the spotlight didn't I? I'm sorry for that too," Alfred paused again, "Our family is being torn apart. First papa, then Dad, and now it seems like you too. It's as if we're in family picture, and the frame is cracked, with a person being torn out each time something goes wrong. That's why I'm so scared to let you see him. He's the one tearing you out of the picture. I don't want to be alone…"

The Canadian brother had to choke back a sob. He didn't want his brother to hear that he was awake.

"So…please…forgive me. If there were one thing I'd love to do again, it would be being your big brother again. I can still see you as the little boy who almost never spoke and followed me around like a lost duckling. You've grown up so much," he began to laugh, "I feel like I'm your mom ranting about you before you get married."

Matthew smiled gently.

"I love you little brother, and I always will. I just want you to be happy. And hopefully, someday, I can tell you this when you're awake. It's just…seeing you with him…it makes me want to just…make him go away. I'll see you later. Sweet dreams."

And without another word, he was gone.

After making sure he was not in earshot, Matthew sat up.

"You don't have to…I heard everything," he whispered.

Friday came and went in the blink of an eye. Nothing happened, it was just a normal school day.

Eagerness had taken over. His mind was set on seeing Gilbert. He hadn't seen him since a week before school was back in. Matthew smiled. It was still hard for him to grasp he was in a relationship. But then again, even though they were together, it was…awkward for them. There were quick pecks on the cheek, but after the Halloween party, nothing was really flaunting their couple.

The morning of the party, Matthew made breakfast for everyone. They chatted, but nothing much happened. After they ate and cleaned up, the Canadian retreated to his room to pack his things for his overnight trip.

When everything was together, he had about an hour to kill. He spent it playing a video game of some sort with Alfred.

By the time 4:30 came, Matthew was out the door. With his coat on, he said his goodbyes, grabbed his pack, and left. The drive to Gilbert's house was short, surprisingly. He lived so close.

He knocked on the door. After a moment, he knocked again, this time louder. Finally, Gilbert appeared at the door.

"Birdie! There you are! I thought you'd ditched me!" he exclaimed, nearly sloshing the contents of the can he was holding all over him.

"Hey Gil. Nope, didn't bail."

"Awesome. Come on in, it fucking cold out there."

Upon entry, the place looked…well…Gilbert. There was really no other word for it. Decorations were hung up; rather loud music was being played in the background, and Antonio, Feliciano, Romano, Kiku (?), and lots of faces Matthew didn't know. To be honest, he felt a bit…out of place. But he smiled as the albino put his arm around him.

While there, the Canadian caught a brief glimpse of Ludwig, standing with Feliciano. The Italian ran his mouth wildly, and stopped only shortly to wave, and kept on talking. Ludwig looked at him with a look of pure helplessness, knowing there was no stopping him. He chuckled lightly.

"So Birdie! You enjoying yourself at my awesome party?"

Matthew turned and smiled warmly at the comment.

"Yes, I'm having a wonderful time. Thank you very much for inviting me."

"It's no problem, after all, I love ya," he said, grinning his same grin.

The blond nodded. There was a small moment where they just stared at each other. It was uncomfortable, as if neither knew what to say.

"Hey, Mattie? Come outside with me will you?" Gilbert began.

"Sure, okay," he responded, pulling on his coat.

The couple proceeded outside as the winter chill hit their faces with a shrill breeze. The albino headed towards a tree and looked up at its snow-covered branches. He held his fingers to it, and turned back.

"This, Matthew, is my awesome tree. I claimed it the day we moved here. It's been through a lot with me."

Matthew looked up at it. It was tall, and dark colored, with lean but sturdy branches.

"It looks really cool. I've never really seen a tree like it," he complimented, "…but what does this have to do with me?"

"Dunno. Just felt like I should share it with you. It's like, amazing," he grinned.

He walked closer, his face nearly touching Matthew's. He wrapped his arms around him.

"You know, you're a lot cuter up close," Gilbert murmured, a hint of mischief lined his voice

"T-thank you?"

Gilbert's grinned widened, as he leaned in. Matthew closed his eyes, ready for it, but suddenly, he stopped. The German's hold loosened, and a thud was heard. Reopening his eyes, the Canadian stared confused, but soon, realization dawned on him as he stared at the fallen Gilbert. His raspy breathing, his sudden collapse. He ran inside.

"Someone come quick! Gilbert is having another asthma attack!"

A/n: OH GOSH THIS WAS SO HARD TO TYPE OUT FFFFFFF I'M SO SORRY FOR THE LATENESS.

Did I ruin anyone's day? Hopefully not. So there it is, the big *gasp* moment. Yeah. That was planned all along. I'm so mean.

I briefly mention Elizaveta if you caught that. We'll maybe talk about that later. That's not the point right now. And Alfred, well, even he has his moments. :)

So? What's going to happen next? You'll have to wait! Thank you so much everyone who is still around! I love all of you!

There is a question mark next to Kiku's name because Matthew isn't sure if it's him.

I don't think I've got any translations, so without further ado, over and out!

-IchigoMelon