Hey, sorry this took so long! I finally got the energy to write. This was going going to be much longer, but I decided to cut it half. There are a few things in this chapter that may seem random, but I assure you they're necessary for the series and later on. Bear with me. This has a bit in Matthew and Francis' point of view. Honestly I'm looking forward to Luca being born. Soooooon

Again, I'm sorry! Enjoy!

30 Weeks

Lovino winced and shifted as the cold metal slid into him and opened to allow Dr. Evans a look at his cervix. He kept his eyes fixed to the ceiling during the exam. He never got used to it. He felt so uncomfortable to have someone down there with a light shining into his insides. He knew the purpose, but it never made him not bit his lip to fight tears of embarrassment. He let out a gasp as he felt it pull out and closed his eyes as the obstetrician inserted her fingers into him and began to palpate. He was relieved when she finished the exam.

"Well everything looks good. Baby still hasn't flipped yet it seems. He's still bottom first. If he's still in that position at about thirty-five or thirty-six weeks, we'll discuss external rotation to flip him. I know you don't want a cesarean, so we'll try all we can. The good news is that you're not effaced or dilated at all. I know you were concerned, so we won't be doing another pelvic check until you're about thirty-six weeks along unless you are concerned or I think there's a concern for something, okay?" She smiled.

Lovino nodded, relieved for the news. He sat up and she allowed him to pull his underwear and jeans back on before returning with Rosa and Philippe. They entered timidly, almost holding on to each other. They gave a small smile to Lovino and apologized for being late. They took a seat next to the table and took each other's hand. Lovino offered them a small smile as he laid back to allow Dr. Evans to measure his belly. He pulled his shirt up to his chest wishing the room was just a little warmer and allowed his arms to rest on his chest.

"Dios mio!" Rosa gasped.

Lovino, Philippe and Dr. Evans glanced over at her. Her eyes were fixed to Lovino's belly. She stood up hesitantly and touched the skin and shook her head. Her eyes lit up and she smiled at Lovino.

"Sorry, I don't want to give you ojo. You're so lucky! You don't have any stretch marks! It's so nice! Most people get them by now. Your skin is so beautiful!" she gushed.

"Um, thank you?" Lovino smiled. "Yeah, I've been worried about that actually. I've been using so much cocoa butter I probably smell like a chocolate bar. Plus it itches sooooo badly if I don't," Lovino frowned.

It wasn't a lie. Lovino checked constantly for them. He wanted to get out of pregnancy unscathed. Nobody would want a guy who had stretch marks all over their body, would they? He wasn't sure. He just knew it was something he worried about. He didn't want to explain why he had them. He honestly wasn't even sure he knew how to tell someone in the future that he'd given birth. How would they view him? Would they see him as someone they could never date? Adoption eased a little of his anxieties regarding the future. He knew for a fact nobody would want to date a twenty something year old with a kid. He wasn't a girl who'd been taken advantage of. Feli told him he was being ridiculous and buying into the social construct that meant nothing, but he couldn't help it. He worried. It was easy for Feliciano to say. He didn't want to settle down with someone. That just wasn't something he desired, but Lovino wanted it desperately.

"Well there is still time," Dr. Evans warned. "I wouldn't get too excited just yet. Sometimes you don't see them while you're pregnant, but they show up after you've given birth and the skin begins to shrink. You will also have a lot of rapid growth this trimester."

Lovino bit the inside of his cheeks. He felt Rosa put her hand on his. He allowed her to hold it. She smiled at him. She was so kind, so gentle. Lovino couldn't help thinking how she reminded him of his mom. She made him feel safe. Her mere presence calmed him. Just knowing she was there. He smiled back at her and wiped the tears from his eyes.

"It will be even more beautiful if you get them, you know," she said with a wink. "It shows you've given a life. You've made our family complete. Either way, you're a beautiful soul."

Lovino's chest swelled. He smiled and nodded at her. Dr. Evans let him know he was right on target with growth and cool gel landed on his belly. He inhaled sharply as it touched his skin. He wondered why they didn't warm it beforehand. It would have just been the nicer thing to do. Rosa waved Philippe over, not once letting go of Lovino's hand. Her thumb ran over the back of it as she took her husband's hand in her free hand. Lovino felt the familiar pressure of the wand on his belly, but this time instead of his eyes being glued to the screen, they were on this couple who were getting their prayers answered.

He thought back to the first time he'd heard the heartbeat, the pure panic that ran through his body and how now it was music to his ears. Every appointment his ears strained for that undeniable sound of life. The first time he'd seen Luca, his heart skipped and he instantly fell in love. He was always so eager to see that tiny human growing in his womb. The idea of seeing that go through someone's face all at once seemed to be so beautiful. He longed to see it.

The room filled with that impossibly fast heartbeat. Rosa's face erupted into a smile and laugh as she hugged her husband. His mouth was hanging open just slightly in awe, his eyes softened just a bit. Lovino glanced at the screen for a moment making sure it was on before going back to the couple. Rosa was sucking in her lips, head still resting on Phillippe's chest. Philippe's face was set in stone as he stared. He almost seemed to be holding his breath. Lovino knew the exact moment their eyes laid about his face. Rosa pulled her hand away and clasped them both to her chest as tears sprang to her eyes as she hurriedly whispered her husband's name. Tears were in his eyes as well. He pulled his wife to him and kissed her head. They hugged each other, kissed, all while staring at the image of the baby they were going to adopt.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!" Rosa sobbed hugging Lovino and kissing his cheek. "You are an angel!"

Lovino turned to the screen. Tears filled his eyes as he stared at his baby. This time, it wasn't from happiness. He felt like his heart was being ripped out. He let the emotions wash over him. Pain, guilt, hatred, sorrow, loss…love. Most of all love. He looked to the couple who were whispering softly in Spanish. They were so happy. They would love Luca so much. They would. Lovino didn't doubt that, but a part of him didn't see how they could ever love him more than he did. He wanted to scream, but he remained silent and watched the scene with tearful eyes.

The restaurant buzzed with life around them. Lovino watched waiters and waitresses in elegant black uniforms serving fine wines to people in fancy clothing. The lights were dimmed. Soft classical music played in the background. Lovino felt extremely underdressed. He glanced down at his clothes and slouched down in his seat. He recognized nothing on the menu. He didn't even know what kind of place this was. The last time he had been somewhere this fancy, it'd been with Antonio to his five star French restaurant.

Rosa and Philippe seemed quite comfortable here. They didn't seem to be the type who had a lot of money, but then again they did own a business. And they could afford the adoption fees and lawyers and doctor's appointments with extra ultrasounds. The discussed the menu in hushed tones. Lovino looked at the menu again. Everything made him feel sick.

A waiter approached with a flashy smile, giving Lovino a once over. Lovino wanted to shrink and disappear. He didn't like having eyes run up and down his body. He didn't like being judged and he sure as hell didn't feel comfortable in such a fancy place that was so obviously for wealthy people. The waiter pulled out a pen and note pad from what seemed to be thin air and began taking their orders. Lovino had never heard of the dishes before.

"And for you, sir?" the man smirked.

"Um, I don't know what any of this is…" Lovino felt his cheeks blaze with embarrassment.

"I see," the waiter let out a soft laugh.

"Do you have a burger and fries?" Lovino asked, rubbing his belly absently.

"We do," the man glanced at Rosa and Philippe. "But I would recommend our mango duck. It's served with a side of asparagus and quinoa salad."

"I…I don't want that. I just want a burger and fries, thank you," Lovino shifted. The thought of any of that made his stomach turn. Really anything besides pizza and burgers did these days. Feli joked it was a New York diet.

"Sir, I don't think you-"

"Just get the kid a burger and fries," Philippe snapped.

"Yes, sir. Right away. How would you like that cooked?"

Lovino blinked. There was more than one way to make a burger? He didn't know. Why was this so complicated? He opened and closed his mouth unsure before glancing at the couple across from him. Philippe stepped in.

"Do medium well," he smiled and the waiter was off.

"Sorry…" Lovino murmured. "I should know more about this stuff, shouldn't I? Being Italian and having dated a chef…" Tears pricked in his eyes.

"No, it's perfectly normal to not know. This was place is a little flashy, but the food is so good. We only come for special occasions. We like to cook more at home, but we figured since we saw our son's face, we should celebrate," Rosa smiled brightly, hugging Philippe's arm.

A pang of pain shocked Lovino. He rubbed a spot on the table and nodded, trying to smile. He took a sip of his water hoping to distract himself. He noticed art hanging on the walls and noted how much his brother would love to be here. The art styles were from all over the world. He could name the artists and pick out which ones Feliciano would gush over for hours. Feli would enjoy this place. He liked to experience flashy things. Feliciano was born in the wrong economic class. The boy wanted to live fast. He wanted art and culture. He craved to travel. Lovino knew his brother had long dreamed of being a street artist in Florence.

"You're quiet. Are you usually this way or is there something wrong?" Rosa asked softly.

"Um…no, I…I don't talk much," Lovino muttered. "I'm sorry."

"That's more than alright. No need to apologize," Rosa smiled and glanced at her husband. "Are you comfortable talking about plans and getting to know each other more? After all, you're giving us your little angel. You'll forever be in our life and be our family. I think it's only right that we do."

Lovino nodded, hugging his flannel around him. He did feel more comfortable in the clothes Feli bought him, but this place…

Rosa started the conversation discussing her life growing up in Mexico. Philippe chimed in where necessary. They both grown up in similar lives, attending to the family ranch or farm with dreams of faraway places. Rosa wanted to open a restaurant. It had always been a dream of hers. Philippe wanted to go into business. Each came from rather large families, slightly well off in comparison to the others they knew. They put their applications in for immigration, fortunate enough to pay for the expenses and hire an attorney. Many they knew were not as privileged and risked their lives. They had grown up being told that the land to the north was the only way to escape poverty. It was a land of promise. Many who made it sent money home to their families. Some were sent back. Some were thrown in jail. Other died on the way. The couple recounted to Lovino the struggles of many they'd known.

"And when the violence and evil became so rampant, you feared your child would die before they reached school age, you don't have time to wait," Philippe explained.

They'd attended a university in the Southern Bend of Texas enjoying a city that was seventy-five percent Hispanic population. It had been an ease into a new culture, a new country, a new life. Philippe graduated with an MBA and Rosa got her degree in hospitality and food service management. They moved and eventually settled in an area they felt would benefit from a good restaurant. It was really a match made in heaven.

Lovino listened attentively, sipping his water every now and again. He was rather interested. He'd never met another immigrant that hadn't come as a kid besides his parents. Their lilting accents made Lovino's heart long for Antonio. Their accent was different than Antonio's, but it warmed his heart nonetheless. He didn't dare interrupt them. If he could have them speak and awake that part of him forever, he'd die happy.

"Bonjour, my name is Mathieu. I'll be your new server. My coworker had a family emergen-" Matthew gasped interrupting the introduction when he saw Lovino. "Hi, Lovino! What are you doing here? Well dinner obviously."

Matthew began to set the plates of food down as he waited for Lovino's answer. Lovino couldn't breathe. This was Antonio's restaurant. He should have known. He had only waited at the front for Matthew or Antonio save for the one date Antonio took him on. He'd fallen asleep in the car and his mind had been working over the adoption that he'd not realized it. He slid down in the booth, wanting to disappear. He wished he could leave.

"Lovino?" Rosa prodded, glancing from Lovino to Matthew and back.

"Oh, um, sorry. I'm having dinner with some family friends. This is Rosa and Philippe. This is Matthew, my best friend," Lovino introduced. "Mattie, is Antonio working today?" Lovino had to know.

Matthew's eyebrows furrowed. He glanced back at the kitchen then turned back. His face said it all. "Yeah…" he said slowly. "But he's really busy right now and he shouldn't be coming out until Francis gets here in an hour."

"Antonio? Is that your b-" Rosa started.

"Ex. Yes, he's my ex," Lovino saved. He glanced toward Matthew. "Do you swear he won't try to talk to me? I can't see him…I don't want to see him." Lovino felt himself shaking, tears threatening.

"Lovi, he's really swamped." Matthew said gently with a soft smile and rubbed his arm. "I promise he's not going to come out until Francis gets here. He's not even really talking to anyone. It's strange, but I guess because we're busier than usual."

"Okay…" Lovino took a few deep breaths and nodded. "Okay," he repeated, turning to his food.

Matthew left, squeezing Lovino shoulder as he did so. Lovino didn't dare look up. He did the ritualistic prayer and crossed himself the way he'd been taught to do since he could remember and started to eat. He had an hour…and he was starving. The moment the food touched his taste buds he wanted to smile. He'd missed Antonio's cooking. He really could make anything taste wonderful. Lovino glanced up as he felt two pairs of eyes boring into him. Rosa and Philippe had not yet touched their food. He put his burger down slowly and shifted his eyes.

"We're really sorry," Philippe started. "We had no idea…"

"So it's a bad relationship?" Rosa asked softly.

"No, no, it's…" Lovino couldn't tell them he wasn't sure if Antonio even understood that he was actually pregnant. Sure, he'd told him, but Antonio never seemed as though it stuck. He was scared of what Antonio would do if he found out now. "I just don't think I could take seeing him. It's still too painful."

"He was your first love," Rosa said the sentence more as a statement than a question. She seemed to understand.

Lovino nodded and glanced at the kitchen. Antonio was on the other side of those doors. If he wanted to he could just go in. He missed him so much. He wanted him so badly in a way that both excited and embarrassed him. Maybe if he went in, this would all be over. He wouldn't be sitting here with his heart being ripped out knowing that his Luca was not truly his. He could do it with Antonio. He was well off. He came from a wealthy family. If he could just get his legs to move…

"You've rarely mentioned him. Would it trouble you too terribly much to tell us about our son's father?" Philippe finally was cutting into his meal.

Lovino felt as though he'd been stabbed when he referred to Luca as his son. He closed his eyes and picked up a fry. This was all too hard. It hurt so much and it would only get worse. Lovino was sure of that. This isn't about you. This is about Luca. You're doing this for Luca. Lovino repeated the mantra in his head a few times.

"He made me feel like I was worth something…" Lovino whispered without realizing the words had escaped his lips.

"What was that?" Rosa strained.

"Nothing. Just…It's hard for me to talk about him right now. It's all too fresh."

The couple nodded and made small talk for the rest of the meal. Lovino tried to participate as he kept one eye on the kitchen. He was barely able to focus on the plans for the days and weeks to come. He was consumed by mixed feelings of wanting to catch a glimpse of that mop of brunette curls, or the glow of his Mediterranean skin, even a flash of those emerald eyes, and hoping and praying he wouldn't. He truly wasn't sure which one would be worse. Matthew came by a few more times. Alfred stopped by to say hello. Lovino wasn't able to relax until the check had been paid and they were walking out of the restaurant.

Antonio threw his apron off and called to his staff that he was going on break. He gave a few instructions before tossing the apron on its hook and running a hand through his hair. He hoped everything would go smoothly. He was so on edge to leave the kitchen. These were skilled chefs, were they not? But still Antonio hated to leave anyone in the kitchen alone. Outside of work, he rarely allowed another person to cook. Food was art. It was an outlet. Food was the only thing that made sense to him.

He tried to calm his nerve, failing, as he made his way to the front of the restaurant. He smiled when he saw Francis sitting in the chair of the entry way, his blonde locks cascading around his face and shoulders. He admired him for a few months, before the smile fell slowly off his face and another emotion filled him to the brim.

Francis had sent three messages since he'd had him in his vision. He kept laughing and smirking as he texted back almost fervently, checking every few seconds for a reply. Who was he texting? Why was he texting them like this? Antonio wracked his brain for some reason, some explanation. He was acting like a lovesick teenager, but the only one he should be acting that way to was watching him. Antonio's stomach knotted. He felt his jaw clenching, blood pressure rising. How dare Francis do this to him! Antonio trembled. He was trying so hard. He was so tired. He just needed a break. He needed Francis to be the sunshine in his day the way Lovino had. He needed sun to prick the storm that was brewing within him. He was terrified. He was powerless to stop it. Soon the storm would hit if he didn't have light.

"Hey." Antonio put on a fake smile as he walked toward his boyfriend. He'd gotten so good at faking a smile, at pretending to be okay. He was rather proud of himself.

"Oh, salut, Toni!" Francis smiled. He stood up and pulled Antonio into one of those sensual kisses. "How are you, mi amour?"

"Fine. How are you?" Antonio winked as he took Francis' hand and led him to the booth at the back of the restaurant.

"I'm doing well. It's been so relaxing to be off this week," Francis smiled.

He picked up his phone that buzzed on the table. Antonio watched. Francis' eyes sparkled the like Mediterranean Sea where they first met as he stared at the phone. Antonio set his jaw and clenched his fists as the knot in his stomach only grew. Francis chuckled softly and typed out a reply before silencing the phone completely and putting it in his pocket. He looked back at Antonio, his eyes still sparkling and a smile still on his lips. He propped his chin in his hands and glanced around the restaurant.

"I always feel a little closer to home when I'm in here," Francis noted.

"Yeah…" Antonio breathed. "Where have you been, Francis?"

"Huh?" Francis' face lost all hints of the joy they'd just had to confusion.

"You said you've been off all week. Where have you been?" Antonio played absently with a single thread that had come unraveled from the table cloth.

"At home?" Francis said slowly. "And occasionally out with Matthew or Gilbert or Emma. You've been at work all week."

"Yeah, but you're always leaving. Every night this week you've sprinted out the door come ten o'clock at night," Antonio lifted his gaze now.

"Antonio, it's spring break. I'm a teacher. I don't work at the school during the day, but I am still a bartender and I've been picking up extra hours this week because you know I need the money and they don't play me well when I'm actually at work, nevermind when it's a holiday," Francis smiled as though he found it amusing. It made Toni's blood boil.

"So were you texting Gilbert just now, or…?"

"No," Francis chuckled and glanced toward the wait staff. "No, I met this guy at the bar a few weeks ago. He's a writer from England and he is so fun to me-"

"How the fuck did he get your number?" Antonio all be growled.

"Oh Toni, that is a hilarious story!" Francis' eyes shone as he went on oblivious to the situation. "The poor guy comes in, doesn't say a word, right? Just demands warm beer. I oblige him of course. He looks rather haggard. You can see it in his face that he's just so upset. He needed something to take the edge off. And all night he's demanding another until I decide he was drunk and I'm going to cut him off. But the guy tries to reach across the bar and pour himself a drink! So naturally I couldn't have that. I gave him another drink and we exchanged words. He's a writer, you see."

Antonio couldn't take it anymore. He hit the table. "Francis, I didn't ask you for a story. How did he get your number?"

Francis' brow furrowed and she shook his head, the smirk appearing again. "He's new to the country. He doesn't know anyone and he's drunk, so I don't want him passed out or hurt or lost or something. I pulled out a sharpie and took his arm and wrote 'If Lost Call Francis Bonnefoy' on his arm along with my number. The next morning he was rather peeved that I did so and he called me to yell at me, but Toni, he's really amusing. Truly."

"Why are you giving random strangers you phone number?" Antonio glared.

"Excuse me? I can give my phone number to anyone I please. It's my number. It's not hurting anyone. I can talk to anyone I want," Francis snapped finally fully present in the situation.

"No, you can't. Because you're my boyfriend and you can't just go around giving your number out and flirting!"

"I'm hardly flirting!"

"Give me your phone."

"What?"

"Give. Me. Your. Phone." Antonio held his hand out.

"No!" Francis sat back, returning the glare.

"If you have nothing to hide you wouldn't care."

"No! I'm not giving you my phone because you have no right to ask for it! You are violating trust. You don't trust me and it's insulting!" Francis defended.

"You're a whore!" Antonio let out a choked laugh.

"Pot, meet kettle," Francis narrowed his eyes.

The argument went on for a few more moments before Francis practically threw his phone at Antonio. "Go ahead and look if it makes you stop acting like a crazy, jealous asshole! See for yourself! I cannot believe you! Why are you acting like this? It's disgusting behavior and I have a mind to break up with you right now!"

Antonio wasn't paying attention to his words. He was too busy reading the text messages with the man Francis had saved in his phone as Angleterre. The conversations were seemingly innocent. It was more bickering between the two. It was amusing. Knowing Francis, he had a deal of fun with this overly sensitive Englishman. Francis was the only person in the country that this man had talked outside of his work. It was not wonder they were going back and forth at this rate.

He was so embarrassed. Antonio slid the phone back to Francis as tears slipped down his cheeks. He could he ever think Francis would cheat on him? Of course why would Francis even mention who it was to him if he had been? Antonio had been irrational, something he found himself doing more and more these days. No wonder Lovino had left him.

"Franny, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! I'm such an idiot. I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry." Antonio rambled the apology unable to be satisfied with it. It sounded so petty, so senseless.

Francis was sitting next to him now, holding him, whispering words of comfort in his ear. "You're over worked. You need to sleep. This isn't like you, Antonio…"

The words made sense. This wasn't like him. But when was the last time Antonio had felt like himself? He couldn't remember. Had he ever felt okay? He hated how he felt these days, how he reacted. He wanted to scream. It was so unnerving, so terrifiying, so…Antonio took Francis and kissed him. He needed him to know how much he cared. He couldn't lose him. No, that wasn't going to work. He pulled Francis closer. Francis pulled away. Antonio kissed down his neck, suckling softly. Francis pushing at him all the while.

"Antonio, stop, this is hardly the place for this. Save it for later," Francis muttered, pushing Antonio back.

"Come on, Francis, I just want to apologize! I love you so much," Antonio smiled before going back to the man's neck.

"Toni, people are staring! I'm a teacher, stop," Francis pushed him back again, his eyes nervously scanning the restaurant.

"You know you love this," Antonio giggled.

"Toni, I'm serious. Stop."

A bang on the table snapped Antonio back to reality. He looked up to find Matthew glaring down at him. Kind, sweet, never upset Matthew. Antonio rolled his eyes. Hadn't he been this way since he and Lovino broke up? He hadn't done anything wrong to Lovino. No, Lovino had been the one to break his heart, to leave him stranded. Not the other way around and quite frankly, Matthew's uncharacteristically cold nature to him was starting to piss him off.

"He. Said. No." Matthew hissed. "What would you like to drink?" He directed the question to Francis politely with a smile. "And you?" Matthew glared at Antonio.

"Just water…" Antonio mumbled.

"And to eat?" Matthew asked Francis with a warm smile. He wrote it down and assured them he'd bring the drinks in a moment.

"Wait!" Antonio snapped. Matthew turned to face him. "You didn't get my food order."

"Oh, you're hungry? Could have fooled me. You just seemed thirsty. What will it be?"

Francis stifled a laugh in Antonio's shoulder. Antonio stared at Matthew. For a quiet, nice guy, his sass level was off the charts. Antonio muttered his order and hugged himself for a moment before glancing at Francis.

"Someone ordered a burger and fries earlier today," Antonio announced.

Francis sat up, a horrified look on his face. "But this is a French restaurant! Why would you…?"

"I don't know! Nobody orders from that section of the menu," Antonio was smiling at Francis' reaction.

"You shouldn't even have that portion of the menu! If they wanted a burger or chicken strips, they can go somewhere else," Francis shook his head.

"The waiter said the person was pregnant when we read the order. I laughed to myself about it. The rest of the kitchen staff had your reaction. And then there was Alfred, who I thought had done it, but he said he wasn't on break yet. He had no idea why we were shocked."

"Figures. That boy doesn't know fine dining despite working here. You'd think with the training they are given, he'd be a little more cultured," Francis rolled his eyes.

Antonio hugged Francis and laid his head on his shoulder. Matthew came back with their drinks, throwing Antonio another glare. It was the final straw. He didn't have the patience for this today. "What is your problem?"

"My problem?" Matthew repeated.

"Si. You've been being kind of a puta to me and I want to know why," Antonio stared at him.

"Toni, not now…" Francis muttered.

"No, I want to know. What is your deal?"

"I have a problem with what you did to Lovino. I have a problem with the state you put him in. You used him. I overlooked you getting him drunk to have sex with him because Lovino told me he was okay with it and it wasn't my business once Lovino told me it was fine. But you used him. He thought you loved him and he…do you know what you have made him go through? Do you? And the night he left, you went out and slept with someone you knew for five minutes. And that behavior never stopped. It's the reason that Emma moved out and doesn't feel comfortable. Now you're using Francis and it makes me so angry. Stop using people!" Matthew's assertion was muted by his soft, quiet demeanor, but the words raged in Antonio's head.

"I used him? Me? No, Matthew, no. He broke up with me. He broke my heart. You don't know what you're talking about. He didn't even say bye. You want to know who used him? You. You sold your best friend's virginity for a girl."

Matthew looked like he'd been slapped. He stood there, his breath shallow. Antonio smirked at him, ignoring Francis' comments. Matthew bit his lip, shaking head in disbelief before turning on his heel toward the kitchen. Antonio laughed softly as he walked away. Francis had moved to the opposite side of the table now, visibly upset. Antonio didn't care. He had finally said his piece.

Matthew stormed into the kitchen, fuming. His mind replayed the words exchanged with Antonio just moments ago. He couldn't stop it if he wanted to, and the more they ran through is head, the angrier he became. He ripped cups off the stack and all but slammed them on the counter. A gasp to his right caused him to glance over and see his surprised younger brother. He forced a smile knowing Alfred didn't respond well to people being angry. Alfred leaned against the counter, abandoning the drinks he was preparing for his own customers. Matthew mentally scolded himself for letting his anger show. Alfred had picked up on it.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Alfred nudged him.

"Huh?" Matthew jerked his head toward him, pretending that he didn't know what was going on. "No, I mean, I don't know. I just..no." Matthew shook his head and took a few breaths. He had to make Alfred think everything was okay. He tried to make his familiar smile dance on his lips. He opened his mouth and couldn't keep it in any longer. "I just…I hate the way he talks about Lovino. He says I sold Lovino's virginity to him for Emma. I didn't. I swear, Alfie. I just wanted to talk to Emma and he got weird and said he wanted to meet Lovino. It was the deal, but I never meant for any of this to happen."

Matthew didn't even know if he was sure those words were true. Of course he never meant for Lovino to get hurt, but was he really clueless about Antonio wanting to sleep with Lovino? The thought really never crossed Matthew's mind. He'd always figured Lovino wouldn't do anything he didn't want to. He felt his shoulders weighing down. Perhaps Antonio was right. Maybe this was his fault.

"So Mattie-"

"I just want to do something to get back at him," Matthew huffed. "But I need this job. You can't really piss off the owner and expect to keep your job."

"You could ask Mom and Dad for money while you look for another job," Alfred suggested filling up a cup.

"I'm twenty-four. I'm too old for that. Plus Antonio is very flexible with school and he pays well. You know that," Matthew glanced at Alfred. "I'm proposing to Emma."

"No way!" Alfred stared at his brother in awe. Matthew nodded and picked up the tray.

"Anyway, I guess I'll just have deal with it for now. Lovino understands."

Matthew sighed and picked up his tray to take out. He approached the table Antonio and Francis were sitting and began to set the food down without a word. Before he realized what had happened, his tray had flown from his hand sending food on the Spaniard. Somehow liquid covered him as well. Matthew's eyes were wide. His hand clasped over his mouth as he backed away practically falling over himself apologizing.

"Oops, sorry dude. I tripped," Alfred didn't even try to sound convincing. Matthew suddenly registered what had happened. He stood frozen as he watched the scene unfold.

Antonio stared at him, a mixture of rage and pain etched on his face. Antonio slowly stood up. Alfred swallowed and backed up. Matthew had never seen this look on Antonio's usually cheerful face. He looked as though he was out for blood. The man was shaking as he brushed his meal off the front of his white chef uniform. He took a few steps toward Alfred. The younger man glared back at him, daring him.

"Get. OUT!" Antonio shouted. "You are fired! And you're fired too!"

Matthew felt his heart sink at Antonio's words. He felt as though he were drowning. What would he do? How could he afford rent? Or food? Gas? He was certain he'd never find a job that paid nearly as good as this one. Fired. The words rang through his head.

"He didn't know I was gonna do that. You can't fire him!" Alfred glared. "He didn't do anything. You wanna fire me, cool. That was for Lovino by the way. Fuck you, dude."

Alfred threw his apron in Antonio's face and stormed off. Matthew stared at Toni. He was no longer angry. His eyes were brimming with tears. He looked at Matthew and shook his head. Francis stood up and put his arm around Antonio.

"I'm sorry," Antonio whispered before walking out, Francis at his heels.

Matthew started to clean up the mess, his cheeks burning from the scene. His heart raced and tears pricked in his eyes. People were staring, talking. He was a human being. He could hear them. He felt a hand on his shoulder and a coworker told him to go home. Matthew nodded and thanked them quietly before grabbing his things and clocking out for what was probably the last time. As he walked out the entrance, he was overcome. He'd never thought about his job before, but he as he walked into the cool air, he realized he loved it. He'd worked there two years before he even found out Antonio was his boss and another year before he found out the man owned the place. He'd had such a close friendship with him and the others he worked with. He had never dreaded going in. He looked forward to seeing friends having never been one to make friends well on his own. Rarely did anyone want to approach the quiet guy who never spoke to anyone. He was used to speaking and not a soul hearing him, but at this restaurant that had changed. All with a kind hearted Spanish chef who would smile politely and ask him to go on. Occasionally resting his chin in his hand. Antonio had never acted as though he was just being polite. He was genuinely interested in what Matthew had to say. He'd even scold people for being rude when they spoke over Matthew. Slowly people listened to him and were happy to see him. His stomach knotted at the thought of going back to being ignored.

Mist fogged his glasses. He wiped them and noticed Alfred standing a few yards ahead, his hands in his pockets as he stared up at the sky. Matthew brushed away his tears and walked toward him. Alfred began to walk causing Matthew to jog to catch up with him. Alfred must have heard his footsteps because he turned and stopped, flashing that grin that made him so popular.

"Hey," Matthew breathed and hugged his brother.

"I did it," Alfred said quietly. His smile faded, "I'm sorry I got you fired."

"No, he deserved it. I can't believe you actually did it," Matthew smiled and kept an arm around his brother. Alfred tugged on his sleeve nervously and let out a laugh.

"So what are you gonna do?" Alfred turned to him.

"I'll figure it out," Matthew smiled. "What about you? Mom and Dad are not going to be happy that you got fired. They want us to be independent, you know."

"Yeah…" Alfred rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Don't stress out too much," Matthew smiled. "You defended Lovino. God, he used to hate you. Remember?"

"Lovino never hated me," Alfred frowned. "He just didn't get me. That's okay."

The brothers walked in silence for a few blocks. It was times like these that Matthew truly appreciated his brother. He annoyed him so much of the time, but he wasn't sure where he'd be without the rambunctious kid who was the most optimistic person Matthew had ever known. He kept him sane all these years.

"Hey Mattie?" Alfred said slowly, stopping. He didn't look at him, but instead stared over the bridge into the water below.

"Yeah?"

"Do…Do you think Lovino's okay?" Alfred looked at him now. There was a look in his blue eyes Matthew had never noticed before.

"Yeah, I mean he has us and his brother. It's just hard, you know? With Feliciano being sick and his dad not speaking to him. He'll get through it. He has us. We just have to be there for him," Matthew sat on the rail of the bridge when he realized his brother wasn't moving.

"He's pregnant. I know you probably think I'm stupid, but Matthew, I know. I know it's true. I heard Antonio talking about it to his friends. He's pregnant and I don't know how, but he is." Matthew stared at his brother, his jaw hanging slightly. "Mattie, I have something to tell ya, but I have to know Lovino will be okay."

"Y-Yeah," Matthew swallowed. "I'm always there for him. That's what best friends do."

Alfred nodded fidgeting. He started pacing, refusing to look at Matthew. The older brother felt a sense of unease in the air. He slid off the rail and took his brother by the shoulders.

"It will be okay," Matthew said. "You're scaring me though. What's wrong?"

"You know that girl I'm seeing? Natalia?" Matthew nodded. "She comes from a military family. She said that's all she knows. I wanted to impress her, ya know? I've never known what to do with my life. Coaching seems fun and all, but I don't think it's gonna help people. So…" Alfred kicked at the pavement.

"Alfred?" Matthew's pulse quickened.

"Mattie, I joined the Marines. I'm dropping outta school. I gotta do this. I gotta show Natalia I'm brave and I gotta be the type of person who helps people. You know that."

"Alfred…" Matthew couldn't breathe.

"So I have to make sure that Lovino will be okay with just because the dude's seriously worrying me and it's not like I can't really plan my life anymore. They have the next fours of my life and-"

Matthew shoved him suddenly, tears filling his eyes once again. He shook as he stared at his baby brother. His baby brother, who filled his darkest times with laughter, was going to die. That's what they did. They shipped kids over there to die. Matthew shook his head.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Matthew whispered. "Who the fuck goes to war to impress a girl? You are the dumbest person, I swear to god. And what about Mom and Dad? Did you tell them? You know Mom is going to lose it. She already lost one person she loved to that. You wanna make it two? Fuck you, Alfred. Fuck you."

Matthew stormed away. He was shaking. Alfred was too innocent for that world. He was too trusting, too loyal. No. No. He couldn't deal with this. He couldn't process the words coming out of Alfred's mouth as he kept up with Matthew's pace. He didn't want to hear it. There wasn't an excuse. For the first time in months, he no longer was thinking of Lovino. Losing his job didn't matter. Nothing mattered except the fact that his brother had just signed his death sentence and acted as if were a heroic gesture.

Francis unlocked the door to the apartment and stepped aside to allow Antonio in. It killed him to see Antonio so upset. He pulled him close and held his face in his hands, studying it. Antonio's eyes were greener than usual with the redness of his eyes. He rubbed away a tear with his thumb and smiled at him.

"I'll get your clothes dirty," Antonio whispered, though he did not make an attempt to step away.

"I'm not worried about my clothes," Francis brushed his lips against Antonio's. "Now go, you need to shower. It will make you feel better. I'll get us some wine and whip up some dinner."

Francis' phone buzzed as Antonio walked toward the bathroom. Francis pulled it from his pocket, his heart leaping when he saw Arthur's number on the screen. A smile spread over his lips as he read the message. Antonio was speaking now, but his words feel on Francis' deaf ears. All he could think of right now was that posh Brit who he could listen to rant until the end of time. There was something intriguing, and yet-"

"Francis?" Antonio's words brought the Frenchman back into the present.

"Oui, mon cher?" Francis smiled, biting his cheek.

"I…I was just saying something, it's dumb. I…" Antonio fell against the wall, tears falling once more.

"Nothing you have to say is dumb," Francis pressed his lips against Antonio's.

"I just feel like something's wrong. I don't know what it is, but there is something wrong. I can't, I can't control my emotions and my head is racing constantly and I cannot for the life of me focus. Dios mio, Francis, I am so tired. I can't do this. I keep losing my temper. I never lose my temper! You know me. And it's almost constant."

Francis only half heard him. His mind was on a certain writer with sharp green eyes and a smirk to match his sarcasm. He closed his eyes and tried hard to focus on what Antonio was saying. No, this wasn't happening. Why was he constantly thinking about him? No, Antonio was upset. Antonio. His boyfriend. His best friend.

"Do you know how to help me?" Antonio asked.

Francis stared at him, his heart pounding. He couldn't very well ask him to repeat himself. Instead he kissed a tear from Toni's cheek. "Go shower. Get into some clean clothes. Then we'll eat and have some wine. You'll feel better, non?"

"Yeah…yeah, okay."

Francis watched Antonio walk to the bathroom and shut the door. He smiled at his phone upon seeing Arthur's reply. Francis set his phone down softly and prepared a quick lunch. What was going on? He finished up and walked to the bedroom to change his clothes. He sat down on the bed as his mind raced. Maybe Toni had been right. Perhaps he saw something Francis was only just realizing. He hugged himself and shut his eyes. He couldn't do this to Antonio. No. He hated this kind of thing.

Antonio came into the bedroom, silently, tears still streaming down his face. He pulled on a shirt and underwear all without Francis registering. Antonio glanced to the door, back to Francis. Francis heard his phone buzz and stood up. He took Antonio hand and led him to the kitchen. They ate quietly, the silence only broken by Antonio's sniffles and occasionally speaking. Francis didn't hear a word. He hated himself.

"Franny?" Antonio touched his arm. Francis turned to him. "Can…Can you hold me? Por favor? I'm just so sad."

"Of course," Francis took Antonio's hand and led him to the bedroom.

Antonio laid his head on Francis' chest and closed his eyes, his arms snaked around Francis' small waist. Francis ran his fingers through Antonio's hair and a hand over his back. He had to do this. He kissed Antonio's head and took a few deep breaths.

"What's wrong?" Antonio murmured.

"Antonio, I love you. I do." Francis closed his eyes. "But I realize…I realize you weren't wrong."

"What do you mean?" Antonio glanced up.

"You weren't wrong today. I…I thought you starting fights over Arthur were immature, but…Antonio, I think we should break up. I don't want to hurt you. You're my best friend. I realize that I do…have…um…feelings for Arthur."

Antonio stared up at him, his eyes dead. Francis almost gasped. Toni nodded, his eyes suddenly flashed with life. Francis took a deep breath. He'd imagined it. Toni laid his head back down on Francis' chest. Francis held his breath waiting for something.

"I know," Antonio whispered. "It's okay. Matthew…Matthew was right. I don't treat you well. But I do love you. You're my best friend. I haven't been completely truthful. I am in love with Lovino."

"I know," Francis said softly. Toni's body was suddenly wracked with sobs. "Shhh, it's okay."

"Don't let go, Franny. Please."

"Never," Francis breathed and kissed Toni's head once more. "Never."

Well there you have it. I really hope the last to POV's don't seem too out of place. They're important for later.

Anyway, please review. 3