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Chapter 21: Mère et Père
"Do you think I did the right thing?" Matthew asked as he paced back and forth.
"Don't worry everything is going to go fine tonight." Alfred said.
How could he possibly be calm right now? Tonight he was going to introduce Gilbert to his family. His parents. Parents that disproved of him even speaking Gilbert's name. How could he stop himself from worrying? He felt like he was going crazy. Instead of telling his parents the truth he had told them that he wanted them home early for a special family dinner. He should've told the truth,but how could he? They would've refused to come. Or worse kick Gilbert out the moment they saw him.
"You seriously need to calm down." Alfred said looking up from his phone.
"How are you so calm?"
"A hero like me doesn't worry." Alfred said puffing out his chest.
Sometimes he wished that he could be like Alfred, without the hero complex of course. Matthew truly envied how everything came so easy to Alfred. How he was easily accepted as being gay. How easy it was to find a boyfriend that his parents approved of. It was unfair just how easy Alfred's life was. Or how it was in the surface. He wasn't completely blind to the hardships Arthur and him were currently facing.
"I wish Arthur was here." He whispered.
Arthur was better at giving advice.
"Look. Should you have told mom and dad the truth? Yes. But you can't change that now. Arthur and I will be there to back you up. If you say Gilbert is a good guy that treats you right then I'll back that up a hundred percent! You can't let our parent's knowledge of his so-called reputation to shadow the fact that you're in love with him. As long as you show them how much you two are in love everything will turn out fine. They just want what's best for you."
He loved it when Alfred actually acted like his big brother. They were technically step brothers,but through the years their bond had grown strong. They accepted one another, Alfred being far more accepting then he originally thought. Wasn't step family suppose to be evil? When he had first heard of getting a step brother and a step mother he felt like Cinderella. He feared that this new step family would be worse thing to happen to him. Even worse than causing his parent's divorce. Expected horrible people with false smiles. Wondered if his new step brother would think the same way towards him. Yet they didn't see each other this way when they finally did meet. Didn't see each other as evil or below them. The same blood didn't run through their veins,but who said that was necessary for them to be brothers?
"Thank you. I honestly couldn't have done most of the things I do without you." He said giving Alfred a quick hug.
"Us brothers got to stick together. You better hurry or you'll be late for work. Wouldn't want you to keep your man waiting."
Glancing at his watch he noticed that Alfred was right. He couldn't be late. Not today. Giving one more hug he left.
To say that Matthew was disappointed would've been an understatement. A very big understatement. Instead of working with Gilbert like he normally did he had to fill in for someone who called in sick. It wouldn't have been to bad if he didn't have to work on the opposite side of the building. As he worked he could feel himself overflowing with nerves. Time seemed to move like a slug today.
"Why did I have to get this job? It was because I didn't say anything again. I should've spoke up and said I didn't want to do it. If I wasn't so damn shy I would be with Gilbert right now." He thought as he glanced at his watch hoping the clock on the wall was slow.
He wanted to see Gilbert so desperately. Wanted to stare into those ruby eyes. Wanted to hold his strong hand. Wanted to kiss his lips. Wanted to hear that laugh. See that smile. Being alone to deal with his nerves was torture.
"Is Gilbert feeling the same way?"
"Are you ready for our date?" Gilbert asked as he exited the building.
This is what he been waiting for all day. Excitement and nervousness fought for dominance within him. Nervousness appeared to be winning at the thought of this being their first date. His first date ever.
"I guess so."
"I'm the one who should be nervous." Gilbert said taking hold of Matthew's hand.
As Gilbert took hold of his hand a wave of guilt hit him. Before they could do anything he had to tell him the truth about his parents.
"Gilbert."
"Don't be embarrassed."
"It's not that. I need to tell you something."
"Tell me something?"
"Well it's more of a warning. My parents aren't so happy about you and I spending time together."
"Do they know we're dating?"
"No not really."
In reality he never broached the subject with his parents at all. They knew he was gay and that he had a crush on Gilbert, thanks to Alfred's big mouth. His parents had been on his case about Gilbert ever since. And once they heard of Gilbert's reputation at school they didn't wait to put their two cents about the matter, which was way more than two cents. They hated Gilbert, but how could you hate someone you never met?
"You're doing a lousy job of keeping me from freaking out." He half joked.
"My parent's think you're a bad influence."
"Well all I have to do is make them see what a good influence I am."Gilbert said placing a chaste kiss on Matthew's cheek. "Let's not worry too much about it. For the next few hours let's just enjoy each other's company."
"Okay." He said blushing.
Gilbert was right. As long as he didn't do anything to upset his parents things would work out. Or so he hoped. For now he wanted to enjoy his first date with the man he loved.
"So where are we going?" He asked as they walked.
"I thought we could catch a movie."
"Sounds good. I..."
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot my jacket back at the Humane Society. I took it off when I went to feed the cats."
"We aren't that far away I could run and get it."
"You wouldn't know where it is. I'll go get it."
"I'll be waiting right here for you." Gilbert said with a smile.
"I'm so sorry about this."
"It's alright."
"Je suis un idiot!"He thought as he ran.
He noticed Gilbert on the phone when he ran back.
"You found your jacket." Gilbert said.
"It was right where I left were you talking to?"
"My bruder."
"Oh. Is everything is going okay between the two of you now?"
"It's back to normal. I asked if he wanted to join us at the family dinner tonight ,but he said that he wasn't ready for it. West has been going through some personal things lately so I didn't want to pressure him into 's alright I have Gilbird for moral support."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"No. It's just something he needs to work through on his own. It's a beautiful day we should take a shortcut through the park."
"That sounds nice."
They kept talking as they strolled through the felt wonderful to be out twith Gilbert like this. Not ashamed to hold each other's hand as they walked. This was something he dreamed of. Longed for since meeting he only saw between Arthur and his brother. Now that they were finally comfortable he wouldn't let anyone break them apart. Not even his parents. If only he had the strenght to back up this self promise.
"Je t'aime."
"Ich liebe dich."Gilbert repeated as he ran his thumb over Matthew's.
As he stared into those ruby colored eyes he had the overwhelming desire to kiss couldn't give in to this desire. They were in public and he still wasn't too sure about public displays of affection. He knew very how much negativity Arthur and Alfred faced because they weren't ashamed of public displays of affection. Even though they tried to hide this from him he knew they were constantly harassed and bullied. You can only fall down so many times. Each time he saw a new bruise or black eye Alfred would make it seem like it was an accident. Unlike his parents he knew that Alfred was not accident prone. Alfred probably did it to not discourage him from going out with Gilbert. So he pretended to go with whatever crazy story Alfred told him.
"Are you alright?"Gilbert asked.
"I'm fine." He said, embarrassed for zoning out.
Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a familiar looking tall blond.
"Gilbert isn't that your brother?"
"I don't think so. He's not really the park type. Must be someone else." Gilbert said walking in front of him.
He wasn't convinced at all. The tightness of Gilbert's voice told him that he was lying. But why?
"I'm going to say hello." He said walking around Gilbert.
"Matthew I don't think that's a really good idea." Gilbert said grabbing his hand.
"Okay now I'm really curious." He thought. "Gil I don't want to be a stranger to your brother. And I would hate it if we got off on the wrong foot."
He didn't know where this was coming from. Normally he would remain meek and let Gilbert lead him away. Curiosity and slight anger was driving him now. If Gilbert was keeping him away from Ludwig he wanted to know why. Tonight he was going to let Gilbert into his family and if Gilbert wasn't going to do the same he feared that perhaps his parents were right.
"I..Go ahead. I'll be right behind you. Beten, dass mein Bruder mich nicht umbringt."
This was the right thing to do. If he wanted his relationship with Gilbert to grow strong he had to at least attempt to have a relationship with Ludwig,Arthur had taught him that. Ludwig's scary exterior and strong aura kept him from starting one. But if he didn't brave up soon things would get awkward.
"Hello." He said meekly as he approached the stern blond.
"Hello Matthew."
"What are you doing here?"
As Gilbert said Ludwig didn't look like the type of guy who usually just hanged out in the park. It was then that he noticed the red-head sitting on the same bench sketching. Curiosity began to spread again.
"Who is this?"He asked.
"I just came here to enjoy the beautiful day with..."
Ludwig's pause lingered in the air. It was as if he didn't know what to call the person he was sharing the bench with. This silence ensured him that it was a lie. Why would Ludwig have to lie about coming to the park? Why did it seem like Gilbert was trying to keep him from seeing his brother here? The Beilschmidt's were hiding something.
"Just who is this person?" He thought staring at the sketching redhead.
As if he heard his thought the man closed his sketchbook and said something he never thought he would've heard.
"Hi I'm Ludwig's boyfriend."
"Boyfriend? How was it possible that Ludwig has a boyfriend?" He thought.
Hadn't Ludwig nearly stopped talking to Gilbert because he hadn't told him about being gay? Gilbert never said anything about Ludwig dating or having a boyfriend, not that it really was his , he figured Gilbert would've said something. Looking at both Ludwig and Gilbert's faces it was just as much as a shock for them as him.
"Freund seit wann?"
"Halt den Mund!"
The two brothers went off into their own conversation. Leaving him to deal with this stranger.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Matthew Gilbert's boyfriend." He said turning his attention to the smiling man.
"It's nice to finally meet you. Gilbert talks about you a lot."
"Really?"
"Well recently."
"I'm sorry ,but what is your name?"
"Glück!" Ludwig said in a commanding tone.
"Glück? Isn't that your dog's name?" He asked looking at Gilbert.
"It is." Gilbert said nervously.
"Ludwig is probably just worried about Glück . We left him at home. My name is Feliciano." The stranger said with a smile.
The Beilschmidt brothers went back to their conversation.
"Feliciano."He said ,trying to see if it rang any bells. " I like that name."
"Grazie."Feliciano said with a smile.
"How long have you known Ludwig?"
"Two months."
"Two months? That's really fast to get into a relationship." He thought.
Slightly envious of how fast their relationship had moved ,while it took years for him to get to where he was with Gilbert.
"Feliciano Ludwig wants to talk to you." Gilbert said.
"Okay." Feliciano said skipping off.
He watched as Feliciano's smile brightened as he neared the blond. It reminded him of how he would smile each time he saw Gilbert. Even Ludwig's mouth lifted into a small smile. Obvious there was feelings between the two. Yet it didn't seem like the they were dating. Ludwig was too awkward around Feliciano for them to be boyfriends.
"Something wrong?" Gilbert asked.
"They're not really boyfriends are they?"
It was more of a statement than a question.
"No...It's complicated."
"This is the personal thing he's going through isn't it?"
"How come I never realized how sharp you were before?"
"I just notice things." He said staring at the fake couple.
"My bruder is unsure about his sexual orientation."
"Then why did Feliciano say that he was Ludwig's boyfriend?"
"I knew Feliciano had feelings towards Ludwig so I guess he's taking matters into his own hands. I would've done the same."
"It's too bad that they aren't really a couple. They look good together."
"I agree. It really is plain as day except to them. But I think they don't look as good together as us." Gilbert said placing a kiss on Matthew's cheek.
"Gilbert! Your brother is here." He said, blushing.
"It's alright." Gilbert said kissing him once again, this time on the lips.
A mixture of embarrassment and happiness filled him as their lips met. They shouldn't be doing this. It just felt so good. So right. Each time they kissed the rest of the world would disappear. Trapping them in euphoria as their kiss deepened. A harsh throat clearing brought them back to reality.
"I think I should take Feliciano home." Ludwig said.
"Actually.. I was thinking it would be nice if you two joined us." He said meekly.
"Awesome! We could double date! Then we can go to Matthew's dinner all together." Gilbert said.
"I'm not sure." Ludwig said looking at Feliciano.
"It does sound fun." Feliciano said with pleading eyes.
Matthew really hoped they would say yes. Gilbert would feel better if he had Ludwig with him. And a double date would help him keep his own nerves down. It could also help convince his parents that Gilbert wasn't a bad person.
"Fine." Ludwig said.
"Grazie! Grazie!" Feliciano said jumping up and down.
He couldn't help but laugh at the excited redhead.
"You're the best." Gilbert whispered into his ear.
"So where are we going?" Feliciano asked excitedly.
"We were going to the movies." He said with a smile.
Along the way to the movies Feliciano happily chatted with everyone. He was really happy that he had invited the happy Italian. If it had been just Gilbert and him he would've been too nervous to speak. This felt much more comfortable. And as Feliciano kept talking he could've sworn that he heard his voice somewhere before.
"We're here." Gilbert said when they approached the old cinema.
"What are we going to see?" Ludwig asked, looking at the movie posters displayed.
"Only the most romantic movie ever." Gilbert joked.
Matthew wanted to burst out in laughter when Ludwig gave Gilbert a strange look. They had decided to see an action movie prior to running into Ludwig and Feliciano.
"I was only joking." Gilbert said leading the group into the theatre.
AS Gilbert paid for the tickets he noticed that it was nearly packed. It had been a good idea to come early. Feliciano looked to be stunned, eyes moving from one thing to the if he hadn't seen a movie theatre before. Ludwig on the other hand looked disinterested, then again when didn't he.
"We should get into line for the concession stand."
"West do you mind getting the snacks while Matthew and I grab some seats?"
"I don't mind. What do you want?"
"A medium popcorn and a large Fruit punch. That's what you like right?" Gilbert asked Matthew.
"Yes."
It was amazing how Gilbert knew what he wanted without saying a word. They had only begun to date and Gilbert was already doing things couples did after being together for a long time. He probably only told Gilbert his favorite drink once before.
"Text me if you need help carrying the snacks." Gilbert said before leading Matthew into the screening room.
Inside the dark room it wasn't too crowded. Most of the back seats were taken. The last thing he wanted to do was sit in the front row, having to risk breaking his neck to have a good view of the there was room in the middle.
"How are you feeling?" He asked as they sat down.
"I feel much better now that Ludwig is with us. The only bad thing about that is I can't senselessly kiss you once those lights dim." Gilbert said with a smirk.
Heat spread across his face. He wondered if Gilbert would've really done that if Ludwig wasn't into those ruby eyes he doubted he would've mind if that was the case.
"Look at all the stuff we got!" Feliciano said.
Quickly they both turned their attention to the smiling Italian holding a mountain of candy. Looking at the amount in his hands it was a mystery how he stayed so thin.
"What did you do let him buy the whole concession stand?" Gilbert asked.
"He nearly did." Ludwig said handing him the bag of popcorn and large drink.
"They all looked so pretty. See." Feliciano said waving around a box of colorful circular candies. "We didn't have any of these back at home."
"Just don't eat all of them or you'll spoil your dinner." Ludwig warned.
"I won't. I want to save some for fratello."
Just as Feliciano sat down the lights began to dim.
"What's going on?" Feliciano yelped.
"The movie is starting. You need to be quiet." Ludwig whispered.
"Mi dispiace."
"It's his first time to the movies." Gilbert whispered to Matthew.
Something was strange about Feliciano. It was like he was living under a rock this whole time. Matthew hadn't seen him around before. He would've remembered seeing someone like Feliciano and not only because he had a photographic memory. And how was it possible that Feliciano to never gone to the movies before or seen candy? It was strange even if Feliciano was a sheltered child.
"Are you alright?" Gilbert whispered.
"Hu? Oh sorry I was just thinking."
"Relax. Lets enjoy this time before you have to introduce me to your parents."
"Okay." He said turning his attention to the screen.
The action displayed didn't matter. His mind was still on Feliciano. He did seem like a good guy and he really would like to be friends, but there was something hidden. Feliciano was hiding something and the Beilschmidt's were helping to keep it either of them decided to let him in on it he would pretend to have no clue about it. He was good at that.
"That was an awesome movie wasn't it?" Gilbert said as they walked out if the theatre.
"It was pretty good." He said.
"Only good? What did you guys think?"
"It was scary and I didn't understand why they were did all those people have to die?" Feliciano asked with sad eyes.
"It was just pretend. No one really died." Ludwig explained.
"You guys have no taste in movies. Right Gilbird?"
"Chirp. Chirp."
"You're only saying that because your favorite actor was in it." Ludwig said.
"It's not my fault he's a good sexy actor. Though he's not as sexy as you Matthew."
Gilbert was just trying to avoid getting hit. He wouldn't hit Gilbert, but he was slightly upset about being compared to a famous movie star. The actor was sexy he had to admit it. Which is why it hurt for Gilbert to say that about another guy.
"You're just saying that."
"If it wasn't true I wouldn't be holding you like this." Gilbert said wrapping an arm around Matthew's waist.
"Gilbert! We're not alone!"
"They're a couple too. Right Feliciano?"
"Right." Feliciano said hugging onto Ludwig's arm.
"Gilbert really wants them to be do look good together." He thought. " We still have time before dinner we could go to an arcade."
"That's an awesome idea. What do you think?"
"What's an arcade?"
"You don't know what an arcade is either?" He asked.
"He was very sheltered as a child." Ludwig said.
"I only recently came here so there's many things that I don't know." Feliciano added.
"When we get there we should challenge each other to air hockey." Gilbert suggested.
"I have to warn you I'm good."
"We'll just see how good you are."
When they arrived he headed straight for the air hockey table as Gilbert and Ludwig went to get tokens. Feliciano once again was moving from one game to another.
"This is amazing! Look at all the lights.: Feliciano said as he made his way to the hockey table. "what is this?"
"This is an air hockey table. You put in tokens and a puck will come out on either side and the air will turn on. The object of the game is to hit the puck with the paddle into the slot on the opposite side." He said pointing to each object. "First one to seven wins."
"Sounds fun."
"It's not as good as real hockey, but it is easier."
"Who's challenging first?" Gilbert asked carrying a small bag of tokens.
"I'll challenge you." Matthew said.
"Loser switches out." Gilbert said as he pushed the tokens in.
Once the puck hit the fake ice rink all his attention focused on it. Right off the bat he scored.
"Didn't I tell you that I was good at this game?" He said, smiling at Gilbert's shocked face.
"It's on!" Gilbert said hitting the puck forcefully.
He blocked it easily. When it came to hockey he was a pro. Back when his parents were together they would take him to every hockey game. And when they couldn't make a game they played air hockey. This was a game he loved with all his heart. And that love cemented into competitiveness. It didn't matter who he was playing. He wouldn't hold back.
"And that's game." He said triumphantly.
"You creamed me." Gilbert said shocked at the final score. "I didn't even get to score. Who's next to get their butt handed to him?"
"I want to try." Feliciano said.
"You sure about that?" Ludwig asked.
"I've never played before, but it does look fun."
He smiled at his new competition. Feliciano might be new to this game ,however he wouldn't let himself go easy on him. His father never went easy on him and that's what led him to be a great air hockey and hockey player.
"Are you ready?' He asked as he pushed the tokens in.
"I think so." Feliciano said as he fiddled with the paddle.
Awkwardly Feliciano hit the puck causing it to go all over the rink. It was moving to willy nilly for him to hit it and it landed right into his goal.
"I did it! I scored!"
"I can't believe he scored." He thought as he placed the puck back.
Getting into the zone he forcefully hit the puck. Frantically Feliciano moved his paddle back and forth causing the puck to once again land in Matthew's goal.
"I'm losing my touch." He thought as he hit the puck again.
This time he managed to block when Feliciano excitedly moved his paddle around. For a few minutes they went like this. Feliciano sporadically hitting the puck while he focused on blocking. The two brothers kept cheering them on, Gilbert more than Ludwig. He couldn't keep up with Feliciano's movements. He would be so focused on Feliciano's own movements that he would allow himself to have a huge weak spot. By the time he noticed this the game had ended and he had lost by four points.
"Good game." He said extending his hand.
"You too." Feliciano said shaking his hand. "Your turn Ludi."
As he switched places with Ludwig he felt slightly disappointed and glad. Disappointed that he had been beaten at his favorite game. Yet he was glad that he could watch with Gilbert.
"You did well." Gilbert said.
"Thanks. I completely underestimated him. He was a good opponent." He said, looking as Ludwig scored a goal.
"You should give me some pointers so the next time I can be more of a challenge."
"I don't know if I should give away my secrets."
"I know how to get those secrets out of you." Gilbert said placing his hands around Matthew's waist and pulling him in close.
There went the world again, drifting into nothingness as Gilbert held him. He couldn't do this again. Even if he was supposed to be playing along with Ludwig and Feliciano dating he didn't like being so forward with Gilbert.
"Okay I'll give you some pointers." He said looking away from those captivating eyes.
"And that's game." He said as he scored the final goal.
"I was so close this time." Gilbert said.
They had been playing for a good hour and a half. Now they were out of tokens and time.
"Do we really need to go?" Feliciano complained.
"Matthew's dinner is at seven if we don't leave now we won't make it." Ludwig said.
"We could all come back another time." He suggested.
"Already planning our second date?"
"Well...I meant...We should go."He said, cheeks a bright pink color.
All the nerves and doubt were returning now. The date had calmed him down ,but without the distractions it was beginning to get hard to breath. Home wasn't far and he would beat his parents ,which was good thing. Parents. That's where all the trouble was. Taking a deep breath he forced these insecurities down. As long as everyone behaved they could have a nice dinner.
"My house is this way." He said as he turned down his street.
Thankfully he didn't live in a neighborhood with nosy neighbors. The last thing he needed was someone telling his parents about him bringing in strangers. As he lead them up the cobble stone pathway to his front door a new thought occurred to him. A new fear. Was his house to small? Too dirty? Should he have spent more time cleaning it? There was no time for these stupid worries. He couldn't tell them to wait outside while he ran trough tidying up the it wasn't as if Gilbert was some rich snob. The appearance of his house probably didn't matter to him.
"Your house is pretty." Feliciano said.
"Thank You." He said nervously as he opened the door.
"Welcome back home Matthew." Arthur said as he set the table.
"Hello Arthur."
"I see we have more people than just our guest of honor."
"Sorry about that."
"Hold on I'll call Alfred." Arthur said quickly walking into the kitchen.
"Your home!" Alfred said tackling him.
"Brother we have company."
"Sorry dude."
"Really where are your manners?" Arthur asked.
"Manners matter I know." Alfred said making a goofy face.
"Matthew would you please introduce us?"
Okay.. um.. well.. everyone this is my brother Alfred and his boyfriend Arthur. And this is..."
He froze as he stared at Gilbert.
"Hello. I'm Gilbert Beilschmidt. This is my bruder Ludwig and his date for the evening Feliciano."
"Yo."
"What my boyfriend meant to say was nice to meet you. Dinner will be done shortly."
"Do you need help? I'm pretty good in the kitchen." Gilbert said.
"Actually yeah. I love Arthur ,but he's hopeless in the cooking department."
"How many times do I have to say that I was sorry for giving you food poisoning?"
"Relax I told you I forgive you. Not everyone can cook. You were very helpful cleaning up."
"Dinner better be amazing not that I doubt your cooking skills." Arthur said placing a kiss on Alfred's forehead before letting him go back into the kitchen.
Embarrassment Flooded him. Sometimes Arthur and his brother were way too comfortable with showing affection. There were people around. Namely Ludwig and his fake boyfriend.
"Sorry about that."He said to the two.
"It's not a problem. I think it's cute don't you?" Feliciano asked.
"I...guess so." Ludwig said staring back into Feliciano's face.
He suddenly felt alone as the two stared into one another's eyes for a while. It really was sad how they weren't actually together. Their eyes told a different story then their body language. It was as if they were fighting between friendship and something was no wonder why Gilbert was pushing the two together. He wanted to help ,but like Gilbert said this was something Ludwig had to do on his was better suited for women like Elizabeta.
"Do you need help with something else?" Ludwig asked suddenly,startling him.
"I don't know. Arthur do you need help?"
"We are about all setup. I just need two more chairs."
"Ludwig would you mind coming with me? We have extra chairs in the basement."
"Ja."
"I'm going to stay up here. The basement sounds scary." Feliciano said.
" That's fine. Don't break anything."Ludwig warned.
"I won't."
Matthew thought it slightly strange how Ludwig would sometimes command Feliciano as if he were a dog. He figured it was all in his head. No matter how tough Ludwig looked he doubted Ludwig was the type to have a master and servant type of relationship.
"The basement is this way." He said shaking the thought out of his head,
The dark basement was something he had avoided for years. Today was the day for conquering he conquered this his parents would be a walk in the park.
"Could you turn on the light? I'm too short to reach the switch." He said pointing to the dangling chain.
Instantly the basement light up leaving only a few places in darkness. The extra chairs were only a few feet away. The basement still looked Erie with various boxes and items covered in plastic.
"Are those the chairs?"Ludwig asked.
"Yes." He said as he slowly crept down the stairs.
"If you're scared you can wait up stairs while I grab the chairs."
"No. I need to face my fears." He said ,moving a little faster.
Once he had a hold of one of the chairs he had to stop himself from making a break for it.
"I did it."He thought as he went up the stairs two at a time.
"Congrats on conquering your fear."
He nearly dropped his chair. With his mind solely set on fear mode he forgot Ludwig was right behind him.
"Thanks. We should hurry back. My parents will be here any moment."
"May I ask why you are suddenly so nervous?"
"Vous souhaitez être nerveux aussi, si vos parents détestent votre ami."
"Excuse me?"
"Arthur where would you like these chairs?" He asked ignoring Ludwig.
"One on each side."
"Foods ready." Gilbert said walking in with a large salad bowl.
"Salad can go here and the main course here."Arthur directed.
The feast that covered nearly the entire table reminded him of the first Thanksgiving with Alfred. Hopefully this dinner would go as smoothly as that one.
"the food looks fantastico!"
"Lets hope that it taste as good as it looks."Alfred said.
"Mom and dad should be here any minute."
The giggle of the front door knob caused silence to ensue them.
"Man vom Teufel spricht." Gilbert said.
"We're home so what's the special occasion?"His mother asked.
"Yes what...Who are these people? Hello Arthur."
"Good evening Mr. and . "
"Matthew, Alfred who are these people?"
Before either of them could answer Gilbert approached the couple.
"You have a lovely home. This is Feliciano, my brother Ludwig and I'm Gilbert Beilschmidt."
At the sound of Gilbert's name his parent's faces morphed from confusion to disgust.
"Gilbert Beilschmidt? The hooligan that attends your school?"His mother asked.
"You brought him here? Honestly do you want to get caught up in his business?!" His father asked.
"Business?" Gilbert asked.
"We know fully well who you are. How you and your gangs starts fights as well as other things."
"What do you want with us?" His father demanded.
"Matthew invited us."
"He invited you? Didn't your father and I say that we didn't want you to have anything to do with him?!"
"Mother.."
"You stay out of this Alfred. Was this your idea? Letting a punk into our home!"
He could see the anger in Ludwig's face. He prayed that he wouldn't do anything. Feliciano looked frightened whereas Gilbert kept a calm face.
"With all due respect I'm not a punk and neither is the people I associated myself with. I didn't come here to be verbally assaulted and if you let me i would like to explain myself over dinner."Gilbert said calmly.
"Could you please just hear him out?"He pleaded.
Nervously he watched as his parents had a silent conversation.
"We'll listen,but only because we had a long day and deserve to have a nice family dinner." His mother said with cold eyes.
He hated it when his mother played up to the stepmother they took their carefully chose a seat opposite of Gilbert. Sitting by him would only agitate his parents further.
"Thank you for the food Alfred."
"Gilbert helped out."
"Great now I have to worry about him poisoning our meal." His mother said poking around her plate.
"I wouldn't do such a thing madam."
"And how would we know that?"
"I couldn't have done that sir."
"I was in the kitchen with him."Alfred added.
"Alfred dear you aren't the most attentive person. He could've easily slipped something in while you weren't looking." His mother said glaring at Gilbert.
He hated all of this. It was unfair for his parents to be giving Gilbert the third degree.
"Actually he kept an eye on me the whole time."
"Gilbert is one of the nicest guys I know."Feliciano jumped in.
"And who are you?One of Gilbert's friends who thinks fighting and vandalizing is fun."
"Actually he's My boyfriend and i don't appreciate you talking to him that way."Ludwig said holding onto Feliciano protectively.
"Ah yes the younger brother. I hope you think twice about following in your brother's footsteps. Then again, you're probably already involved in illegal activities,"
Things were escalating so fast he couldn't say anything. Even Arthur and Alfred looked looked to be tongue tied. Where was that bravery they once had?Why were they unable to stop this tirade?
"I can handle you insulting and making false accusations towards me,but I will not sit here and let you insult my bruder and his boyfriend!" Gilbert said,clam gone from his voice.
"We are merely saying that it's hard for a sibling to not fall into the other's bad habits."
"My wife is right. you already have your trio to help cause trouble."
"That's what this is about? The trio aren't a gang and My bruder wouldn't fight senselessly."
"Talk is 've witnessed these alleged fights at school."
"Sie sind genau wie der Rest. Why doesn't anyone ever ask why we fight?"
"Very well, why did you fight?"
"When I was a kid I saw someone getting picked on by some older kids. My friends and I rushed to help. That kid was lucky. If it weren't for us who knows how badly things would escalate. Since then I formed a trio with my to best friends and we made it our mission to fight off bullies. I didn't want to live in a world that we don't have to worry getting bullied everyday. I didn't want my bruder to be subjected to that. And I didn't want that stranger to have to gi through that again."
Matthew couldn't believe his ears. Gilbert was talking about the first time they met.
"It's up too you what you want to belive in. Like other mindless people you can belive the false reputation that was plastered in my friends and I. Or you can act like the single-minded individual I know you are and come up with your own belief. I came here not only because Matthew invited me ,but because I wanted to ak for your permission."
"Permission?"Both parents asked in unison.
"I've known Matthew a long time through school and 's the kindest, thoughtful, sharpest, handsomest man I met. And one heck of an air hockey player. Which is why I wanted to ask you both for your permission to continue dating your son."
"Continue dating?When was this?"His father asked.
"He asked me to be his boyfriend on Valentines day and we had our first date today." He said blushing furiously.
"You two knew about this?"
"We did and we support Matthew's decision."
"And how does your parents feel about this? I would like to have a talk with them."
Gilbert turned didn't talk about his parents at all. And he never asked since it seemed like a touchy situation. It was possible that his parents were homophobic and didn't know about them going out.
"Our parents...Our parents are dead." Ludwig said.
"Dead?" Everyone besides Gilbert and Feliciano asked.
He felt his heart sink painfully as the Beilschmid's nodded. Why didn't Gilbert tell him?
"That doesn't change anything. I don't want my sn dating someone with a horrible reputation."
"He already told you that reputation is fake and I wouldn't be with him if I thought differently. I'm not an idiot and I'm no longer a child. I love Gilbert and if you can't accept that then...then.."
"Matthew."Alfred said,placing a hand on his shoulder."I believe in Gilbert and Ludwig as much as my and I wouldn't have pushed him to go for the man he loved if we thought he was true to his reputation. This world isn't 's people out there that beat others for no reason."
"People that think being different is wrong. That being gay is wrong. And we know more than anyone about this."Arthur said holding onto Alfred's hand. "You don't know how many people out there live in fear because of ignorant punks. Gilbert and his friends help fight off the gits that think it's right to treat people like punching bags."
"You two really think Gilbert is good for Matthew?"
"We know he is." They said in unison.
There was a long silence before anyone spoke.
"We will allow you to date,but we'll be keeping a close eye on you and those you surround yourself with."His mother said.
"Really? Merci! Thank you." He said.
"I'm going to tell you this once. If you do anything to hurt my son I won't hesitate to kill you."His father warned Gilbert.
"You have nothing to worry about. If I did something to hurt Matthew I would kill myself before you had a chance to."
When saturday morning rolled around Francis was ready for his Saturday routine visit to the since he saved Roderich he felt like someone was following him. At first he thought it was some punk looking for a when no one jumped him he thought it was simply a wouldn't be the first time. It wasn't until he saw a familiar cowlick did he know who his stalker was. For whatever reason away Roderich was stalking hom he wasn't going tl deter from his routine. Or so that was the plan up until he saw him in the café where Elizabeta worked. Personally he wasn't a coffee guy,but how could he pass up a chance to mess with his stalker?
"He'll have the same as me." He said as he entered the café.
"Francis what are you doing here? I thought you weren't a coffee person."
"I'm not ,but Antonio told me that the pretzels here are delicious. I had to try one for myself. And what brings you here Roderich?"
"I came for a change of pace."
He was about to comment when a cheerful voice rang out.
" ¡Buenos días!Elizabeta...Francis? Roderich? Was there a group meeting that I didn't know about?"
"Hey Antonio I was just talking about you. No there's no group meeting unless Gilbert and Ludwig suddenly show up." He joked.
"We all came here coincidentally." Roderich explained.
"So what brings you here Antonio?'" He asked.
"I always pick up something for Lovino and I."Antonio said, light blush on his cheeks.
"Oh really? Where is he now?" Francis asked.
Antonio was saved by Elizabeta complaining about them loitering,which they weren't doing...yet. He didn't listen to her. The whole Lovino business was still bothering had been two months since Antonio met Lovino and still the only thing they knew about him was his name. Antonio wouldn't even let him see what Lovino looked like.
"Honestly it's not like its top secret information. I just want to know what Lovino looks like so of I see him I can say hello."
"If you did that he would kick your ass." Antonio said.
"And what if I said I was your friend?"
"He would kick your ass then mine."
"Come on man. You said that if I ran into you guys I could say hello,but running into you is impossible."
"I have to go. Don't want to get a tongue lashing from Lovino."
"Yeah because you rather have Lovino do other things with that tongue."
"And you wonder why I don't want you to meet him."Antonio said standing up and grabbing Lovino's order.
"I'm sorry that was uncalled for."
"I seriously have to go."Antonio said running out.
"I guess it's just you and me."
"I have to be going as well."Roderich said leaving.
"Don't know where you are going? You'll be following me in a few minutes."He thought.
"Wow Francis you sure know how to clear a room." Elizabeta commented as she cleaned the tables.
"What can I say it's a gift."
"That's not really something to be proud of."
After a few more snide comments he decided he had kept Roderich waiting long enough. As he headed down to the flower shop he made sure a certain Austrian was closely behind.
"Good morning Sue."He said when he entered the flower shop.
"Good morning. Off to visit your mother again?"
"You know it."
"I wish that you didn't have to come here so often for that reason. It would be nice to see you buy flowers for a special someone."
"When that day comes I will stop by. Your flowers are the loveliest in all of town." He said smelling the flowers.
"You're just saying that."
"I'm not. Your flowers are beautiful,but they can't compare to your own beauty."
"Francis. If I were a few years younger...How is it possible that you're still single?"
He knew very well why. And truthfully he didn't care.
"Perhaps every other woman knows that they can't achieve your level of beauty." He said placing a kiss on her hand.
He didn't enjoy flirting like this. Especially since he knew Sue for a long time, then again that was probably the reason he wasn't getting bitch slapped. Sue was a friend of his mother. They had worked in this flower shop for a long time until her ...accident. Normally he would greet Sue, get the flowers and leave. Today he wanted to put on a show for his Austrian stalker.
"Wait until he gets a load of the truth." He thought as he bid Sue a farewell.
The hospital was like a second home to him. A home that was better than the first. If he could have it his way he wouldn't wish for this to be his second home. A part of him hoped that Roderich would turn back while another wanted to share this with someone.
"What took you so long?" He asked, standing besides the entrance. "I know you've been following me. I want to know why."
"I wasn't following you."
"Lying isn't your thing. You were curious about where I was going right? Let me indulge you. Come." He said as he walked towards the elevators.
"Why are you here?"
"I come for a very special woman." He said as he walked out onto the new floor. "I'll introduce you to her."
He didn't know why he was doing this. Perhaps it was because he was tired of hiding this secret. However, was it the right thing to do?
"Bonjour mère. " He said as they walked in. "Mom this is Roderich."
"Her hand just twitched." Roderich yelped.
"It happens from time to time. It's how I know she's listening to me." Francis said as he placed the bouquet into the vase.
"Do you come here a lot?"
"That's a really stupid question."
"This is where all the bouquets you buy end up."
"Yup. All of them. I visit her everyday."
Saying it out loud it was almost sad how many times he had done the same he had sat in the same seat. Watched the same monitor that showed the same thing. Brought the same flowers. Read the same out of date magazines when he ran out of things to in the same chair when he didn't want to go home.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"I had to keep up my fake reputation."He said with a smile.
"Fake?"
The question made him want to walk out. If Roderich believed such rubbish that gossiping idiots said about him; how could he expect anyone to think otherwise? He started to tell Roderich the truth behind the trio. The truth they had kept to themselves for so long. One of the truths he was hiding.
"If that's what people think that about us they can go right and reputations don't matter to us. We do things like pretending to be self-centered, dumb, or a huge flirt just to fuck with everyone. We wear that stupid name with pride because we know who we really are. We know that a reputation can't define us. If people knew the truth about us they would lose their minds."
"Still. Why play up to the reputation?"
"Sometimes it's easier to let people think they know everything."
Nothing would really change if people did know the truth. They would dismiss it as nothing. People were stubborn that way. Only wanting to believe one thing. Listening to one side of the story. You can't change someone's mind. Reputation kept people away and that was alright. If anyone was right for him they would love him no matter what reputation claimed ownership to his very being. Like Gilbert and Matthew.
"You know that's stupid. Utterly ridiculous. You're using the reputation as a security blanket. You say you don't care, but you do. If you didn't you wouldn't be placing such a stupid title on yourself."
"You caught me." He joked as he put his hands up as if he was about to get handcuffed.
"You know what? You're a hypocrite." Roderich said suddenly.
"Ouch that hurt." He said placing his hand on his heart.
"It's the truth. You get upset at me for not telling anyone about getting bullied and yer you keep this secret."
"Getting bullied and visiting your mother in a hospital are two completely different things. But yes I am hypocritical. Most people are."
"I can't believe that I came all this way and.."
"Why did you came all this way?"
"I wanted to find out the truth."
"And are you satisfied? Are you glad that you know now?"
"I...I am just...Urgh! If there was a piano here it would make this easier."
"Make what easier? Hitting me?"
"No. Telling you what I want to say."
"What do you mean?"
"Sometimes it's hard for me to express things correctly. Music helps me get it out."
"I didn't know that.I thought you just played for fun."
"Now you know." Roderich said looking down.
"When did this become a sharing circle?" He joked.
" I should go. I have piano practice."
"Roderich."
"Yes?"
"If you want to continue our sharing circle I'll be here tomorrow."
"Maybe I'll stop by." Roderich said before closing the door behind him.
"What do you think mom will he come back?"
His mother's hand twitched.
"You're right. He will come."He said with a smile.
Several hours later he decided that it was about time to go home.
"Bye mom. I gotta go . You know how that bastard hates me staying out for too long. I'll see you tomorrow." He said placing a kiss onto her forehead.
He wished that he could stay here. He knew that the longer he avoided home the worst it was going to be.
"Where the f..f..fuck have you been?" A man asked as he entered the house.
"Great he's already drunk." He thought. " I was out with my friends."
"Don't fucking lie to me! You were out visiting that Bitch!"
He hated this man to the core. This man was the source of all his troubles. The title of father didn't belong on this monster.
"You mean your wife?"
"Wife? She was a fucking bitch who got what was coming to her."
"You take that back!"
"What did you say?"
"I said take it back!"
A loud sound bounced off the empty house walls as he was smacked across the face.
"Shit that hurt." He thought as he glared into the man's eyes.
"You act tough but you're a priss and a weakling like your bitch of a mother."
"I'm more of a man then you'll ever be."
A sharp pain in his abdomen spread as the man's fists connected.
"You're a son of a bitch and you know it. You think you're hot shit, but you're not. You're nothing. You're only good for getting me booze and money to buy more." The man said as he once again punched him.
He toppled over in pain. Clutching his stomach for some relief. It was no use.
"Now go get me another beer you worthless piece of shit."
"Go get it yourself."He said in a harsh whisper.
"What did you say? I don't think I heard you correctly."
"I said go get it your fucking.."
A harsh kick to the head stopped him from finishing his sentence. Through his hazy vision he watched as another kick connected with his stomach again.
"If you won't use your hands to get me beer then maybe you shouldn't use your hands at all."The man said as he brought down his large onto Francis's hand.
That was it. That was the last thing he saw. The last thing he thought he would see. The world was plunged into darkness.
"Honey hush."
"Mother?"
"Hush honey it's okay." His mother said as she ran her hands through his hair.
"It's not alright."
"Hush. Hush. Everything is going to be alright."
"How can you say that?You were in the hospital. That bastard he.."
"That's enough. I'm here."
"How?"
"I've been here the whole time, Listening to your stories, smelling the flowers you brought me."She said with a smile.
"Mom I miss you so much."
"I miss you too."
"Why did it have to be like this?"
"Hush honey. Hush."
Slowly his mother began to disappear. Light spreading through the darkness. Blinking his eyes he made out the image of his living room floor. Pain surged through his body. If the man found out he was awake he would begin to beat him heavy sound of snoring gave him a sense of relief. Then man was a sleep. He was safe..for now. He forced himself up and ran out the door. His legs felt heavy ,but he kept running. Running to the place he knew would be safe. The one place that the man wouldn't dare go.
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Author notes:
And done. What did you guys think? It wasn't really up to my standards for this chapter,but I hope you guys still liked it. Quick thing about the title. I originally wanted to call this chapter parents but as it turns out parents is parents in French. So I had to change it or else you would think it was a UkUs chapter.
More personal stories? Yes. I know you guys probably hate when I go off about my life. I'm sorry. This week I've been cleaning out my room and it's so strange that things we once spent so much money on become meaningless to us and we sale them without a second glance. I just wanted to say that. College is so going to be strange. The closer I get to the end of this story the closer I am to heading off into the real world. Attending Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont California will definitely be a change from where I currently live.
Anyway, Thank you so much for all your reviews and following and reading and everything else you guys do! Only five more chapters! It makes me happy and sad at the same time.
Translation time!
Translations:
French:
mère et père- mother and father
Je suis un idiot!- i'm such an idiot
Je t'aime-i love you
Vous souhaitez être nerveux aussi, si vos parents détestent votre ami.- You would be nervous too if your parents hate your boyfriend.
merci- thank you
mère-mother
German:
Ich liebe dich- i love you
Beten, dass mein Bruder mich nicht umbringt.- praying that my brother doesn't kill me
Freund seit wann?- boyfriend since when
Halt den Mund!-shut up
Man vom Teufel spricht.-speak of the devil
Sie sind genau wie der Rest.- you're just like the rest