Matthew got to lunch late. He had to talk to a teacher after class about a worksheet he didn't get. When he got to lunch, he sat down in his usual seat next to Gilbert. The albino was talking animatedly to Antonio. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits.

"Matthew," Ludwig's deep voice spoke up to get the Canadian's attention before continuing, "You still do not get the group text, ja?"

"Yeah."

"There's a party this weekend. You can come if you want."

"A party?" Matthew hadn't gone to any actual parties since he's been in high school. Alfred tried to take him once before, but he refused. The idea of not having someone to hang out with stopped him.

"Ja. We know some people at the high school on the other side of the neighborhood that are having it." Matthew did know of that high school. A lot of the kids he played hockey with went there, which was why he could never really hang out with them. They usually stuck together anyways, and their inside jokes from school made him feel a little left out.

At that point Antonio cut in, "You are going to come with us, sí?"

Matthew answered honestly, "I don't know."

"It will be a lot of fun!" Antonio tried to convince him.

"I don't know if my parents will let me." Antonio frowned at the response.

Ludwig spoke up, "It shouldn't be anything crazy. Sounds like a small house party."

Gilbert butted in, "Tell them Ludwig is going. That usually helps."

Matthew said he'd think about it. Knowing Ludwig was going made him feel a little better. He knew all the rumors about Gilbert being an intense partier. Gilbert even referenced it once or twice. Matthew didn't know if he really wanted to do anything crazy. He knew Ludwig disapproved of some of the stuff Gilbert did, so if him and Feliciano were going, it couldn't be too bad.

Matthew muttered, "I've never been to a party before." He wanted to already hint to his friends that he might chicken out.

Lovino said, "It's not that special. Just more bastards than usual hanging out and being loud."

"Lovi, they are not bastards. They are friends," Antonio claimed.

Lovino rolled his eyes, "You have too many friends, tomato bastard."

Elizaveta turned to Matthew. "You really should come. It'll be fun. You can wear that plaid shirt you wore last week, and we'll pick you up. And I sure Gilbert will look out for you all night."

Gilbert through an arm around Matthew's shoulders and pulled him close while exclaiming, "Ain't no one going to mess with my Birdie."

Matthew laughed. "I'll ask, but no promises. My parents can be strict sometimes."

Gilbert texted more of the details straight to Matthew's phone while apologizing for not doing it earlier. Matthew really hoped his dad would say yes or that his papa could convince his dad to let him go.

Matthew kept putting off asking his parents about the party. He held the firm belief that is was all about timing. He needed to catch one of them in a good mood and phrase everything just right. He also wanted to ask Francis, since he had a feeling his papa would be more likely to let him go. He had to make sure Alfred wasn't around either when he bought it up. The last thing he needed was for Alfred to tell their parents that Gilbert had a bad reputation with partying.

The problem was that it was already Thursday night, and the party was Saturday. He was running out of time. His friends stopped asking about it today, thinking that maybe Matthew didn't want to go and was trying to be polite about it. Gilbert even offered to help Matthew sneak out, if he didn't want to ask his parents.

Matthew slowly snuck down the stairs. His family finished eating a few hours ago, but he was pretty sure his family was still awake. He could hear the sound of the TV coming from the living room. He paused once he walked into the room, noticing that just Arthur was in there. He tried to sneak back out quietly, but he was not fast enough. Arthur noticed him.

Arthur greeted, "Hello, Matthew."

"Ah, hi dad."

"Did you need something?"

Matthew decided he might as well get it over with. He couldn't afford to wait much longer. "I w-wanted your permission to do something." Matthew was fiddling with the sleeves of his hoodie.

"And what do you need permission to do?" Arthur questioned with a slight rise of both his bushy eyebrows.

Matthew took a deep breath and let it out. "I want to go to a party this Saturday."

"Whose party?"

"Some guys from the high school we were almost zoned to are hosting it. Gilbert and Ludwig know a lot of those people."

"Gilbert and Ludwig are friends with them?"

"I think everyone is, but they know more people."

"Is everyone going?"

"Yes, I think so."

Arthur paused for a moment considering. He trusted his son to make good decisions, and felt that going out could be a good experience as long as everyone was safe. Hell, Arthur did much worse when he was younger; he had no excuse to hold his son back if everyone was going to behave.

Arthur continued his questioning, "Will there be alcohol?"

Matthew decided there was no use in lying. "Yes."

"Will there be cocaine?"

Matthew stuttered, "W-what?"

Arthur gave his son a stern look and demanded, "Matthew you will not be doing any drugs at this party."

"I don't. I don't even think anyone will have anything!"

"I know how some of the kids at that school are, and drinking is fine in moderation but you can't imagine the trouble you'll be in if I find out if you even got near any other substances."

"Dad!" Matthew exclaimed, "I have no interest in illegal substances."

"Well, good then," Arthur looked back at the TV. Matthew stood awkwardly for a moment.

"Wait. So I can go?"

Arthur gave his son a smile. "Of course. Was I not clear?" Matthew shook his head and Arthur continued, "There are some stipulations though." Matthew nodded waiting to hear them. "First, I want to know you have a designated driver. I also want the phone numbers of some of your friends. I need a guarantee of someone I can call who will be sober. No one is doing any drugs." Matthew cut his dad off unknowingly when agreeing to the terms.

Arthur continued, "I am serious, Matthew. Not you. Not anyone you are with. No drugs. If you are drinking, it is happening in the house. Nothing outside where you can start disturbing neighbors and get into trouble. We are also going to give you a curfew." Arthur had no idea what a reasonable curfew would be, but he was sure him and Francis could think of something.

Arthur paused and Matthew filled it with an okay.

"If I find out you broke any of the rules, you cannot imagine how much trouble you will be in and how little you will see of these friends." Matthew nodded. His dad could be terrifying when he wanted to.

Arthur paused letting the seriousness drain away a little before continuing in a softer tone, "I know it's a lot, but you need to stay safe. Okay, lad?"

"Okay, dad, thank you."

Matthew went to walk away when he saw Francis in the doorway.

Francis addressed his husband, "And what is happing, mon cher?"

Arthur responded, "Matthew is going to a party with his friends this weekend."

Francis looked between the two family members. "Non. No party." He crossed his arms.

Arthur let out a sigh. "I already laid out the ground rules with Matthew. He will be fine."

Francis made a face that asked what the ground rules were, and Arthur began to explain them to his husband. They then launched into a heated debated. Francis was surprised Arthur was calm about Matthew going out like this and felt like the whole idea was inappropriate. Arthur thought otherwise and was determined to convince Francis that everything was fine. Matthew was surprised that Francis was the one to say no. He guessed he shouldn't have been that surprised, since Francis had always been extra protective of him. Matthew took that moment to sneak away. He caught Arthur's eyes as he walked out. Arthur gave him a small smile and Matthew mouthed a thank you.

He would be going out with his friends on Saturday, and grabbed his phone to let Gilbert know.

The next day at lunch, he filled his friends in on everything his parents said. They still had a lot to plan because they had to adhere to all of Arthur's demands. Elizaveta said she could be the sober friend. She wasn't planning on drinking much because she had things to do the next day.

"I am driving one car," Ludwig said, "So me and Gil can come get you."

Gilbert laughed and told Matthew, "Just don't let bushy brows know that West is still drinking."

They continued laying out the plans. Matthew didn't realize how many other friends everyone had until now. Most of them were getting rides from other people they knew, or just weren't too worried about being able to find someone for getting home. Matthew took note that Roderich just got his license, so at least he knew a second person with a car.

Gilbert grinned at Matthew. "You know what this means, Birdie?"

"What?"

"I get to see you drunk!"

Saturday came fast. Ludwig and Gilbert were going to pick him up on their way over. The night before, Matthew gave his dad all the information about driving, the address, and Ludwig's and Elizaveta's numbers. He stayed up late, too nervous and excited to sleep.

The idea of going out with his friends was exciting, but all the strangers and change in atmosphere got to him. They were doing something he had no experience with but something the others seemed to do all the time, especially Gilbert. Matthew wasn't sure how he would act. He was most nervous about all the people. He was comfortable about his friends but he wasn't sure how he'd feel around strangers.

What if all his friends left him along? He would be the loner at the party too afraid to talk to people. The thought made Matthew sick. He tried to distract himself from those feelings by thinking about how much fun it could be. He liked the idea of staying with Gilbert all night.

Matthew slept in late on Saturday, since he had so much trouble sleeping the night before. He was glad that he did because the idea of him having to spend all day waiting would have killed him. He took his time showering and getting ready, even taking a break to sketch for a while.

In the evening, he found himself standing in front of his closet thinking. What do you wear to something like this? He felt like his hoodie might not fly. Then, he remembered what Elizaveta said at lunch about wearing his plaid shirt. He pulled the shirt out of his closet and put it on the bed. Next, he grabbed the same jeans he wore with it last week and got dressed.

Once dressed, he stared down at himself for a few moments thinking. He supposed that he didn't look too much like a nerd. A couple people complimented his shirt last time he wore it, so it must be nice. He glanced at his closet once yearning for his hoodie or more layers. Extra layers would end up being too hot, and he knew it.

He laid down on his bed fully dressed. He still had tons of time to kill before Ludwig and Gilbert would be there, and that's if they were running on time. He grabbed his sketchpad and opened to a blank page. He thought for a moment. Then, began to draw. The best way to pass time was to draw. It was like teleporting him into the future.

Saturday dragged by slowly for Gilbert. He couldn't wait for the party. It'd been a while since he got the chance to go out and let loose, and, this time, his Birdie was going to be here. The thought made him grin. He knew that a house party was a little out of his friend's element, but he thought Matthew might end up liking it. He couldn't wait, but he had to wait, because it was still just the afternoon.

He couldn't end up finding any good distractions, so he tried to just do his weekend homework. Gilbert ended up finishing all of his weekend homework and still had time to kill. He decided it was best to just start getting ready. Normally, Gilbert didn't put much effort into how he looked for parties. He was always awesome anyways. This time was different. Matthew was going to be there, and he really wanted to keep his attention.

Gilbert showered first because he knew picking out something to wear when he was trying to look good would be a nightmare. Once getting out of the shower, he observed himself in the mirror. He thought he looked awesome, but tried combing his hair different ways to test out his options. He ended up just running his towels against his head and walking back to his room.

The clothes thing was a bit of an issue. He needed something that would make him look hot. The problem was that to him, everything looked good. He just needed to find something that looked extra good, something a certain Canadian might find attractive. It was times like this that he wished Ludwig was the type that could help him with stuff like this, but he'd be damned if he asked Ludwig for help.

He scrolled through the contacts on his phone considering texting someone just to avoid having to make a decision right away. Most people he hung out with wouldn't give good advice, didn't know Matthew, or would use it as an opportunity to mess with Gilbert. He threw his phone down and picked through his closet for a few minutes.

He ended up grabbing some skinny jeans and a fitted t-shirt that was a little nicer than what he usually wore. After putting it on he took a selfie and sent the picture to Elizaveta with the caption: This good enough for Mattie, you think?

It was always good to get a second opinion. He pocketed his phone before walking into the hallways and knocking on his brother's door.

"Hey, West, I'm going to make some hot pockets to eat before we head out. Want some?"

Ludwig opened his door half-dressed. "Yeah. Just make me whatever you're making for you."

Gilbert saluted in affirmation and bounded down the stairs. His phone buzzed after he started making the food. The message from Elizaveta read: Good choice. Gilbert smiled at the message and thought, "Fuck yeah it is."

The two brothers rushed to eat and grab their things before heading out to pick Matthew up. Gilbert messaged Matthew to let him know they were on the way. The drive was short, and soon the car was parked in Matthew's driveway. Gilbert got out to get Matthew and told Ludwig he'd be right back.

Gilbert jogged up to the front door and rang the doorbell. Francis answered the door and surveyed the teen in front of him.

"Hello, Gilbert."

"Hey, we're here to get Matthew," Gilbert said with a gesture to the car.

"Ludwig is driving, oui?" Francis leaned to look at the car. He seemed a little worried.

"Yes, sir," Gilbert said with a grin, hoping Matthew would come out soon. He could hear him running down the stairs. Before Francis could speak again, Matthew was standing next to him.

"Hey, Gil," Matthew greeted with a smile. Gilbert told him hi back. As Matthew made to walk out, Francis grabbed him.

"Matthieu, remember your father's rules."

"I will, Papa."

"Okay, have fun. And be back before the morning," Francis paused, "Don't make a lot of noise when you come home."

Matthew chuckled knowing that his parents would probably crash early and be asleep by the time he got home. They couldn't decide on a concrete curfew. Francis wanted his son home early, but Arthur kept saying that it was ridiculous to do that since the party was so late. Matthew hugged goodbye to his papa. Francis looked at Gilbert and nodded to him before closing the door.

The two teens walked to the car in silence. Gilbert made a show of opening the backdoor for Matthew with a smirk causing the Canadian to blush. Then, Gilbert jumped into the front seat. Ludwig and Matthew exchange pleasantries, and, the three were on their way.

That evening, not long after Matthew was picked up, Alfred went looking for his brother. He wanted to spend some time with him. His recent mission was to spend as much time as possible with his twin. Maybe then Matthew would listen to him. At the very least, it would be easier for him to protect Matthew if he was around more.

Alfred peaked in the empty game-room first, and, then, headed for Matthew's room. He knocked on his brother's door alternating between both hands as if drumming the door. There was no response, but that wasn't uncommon. Sometimes, Matthew had headphones in or was too invested in his art to hear his brother's pounding. Alfred opened the door and walked in already saying his brother's name preparing to ask if he wanted to play a game.

His trailed off his words after a moment. Matthew wasn't even in his room. Alfred furrowed his brow and put his hands on his hips. "What the hell?" he thought to himself. He slowly walked around the room looking around. Matthew's red sweatshirt was on the chair.

"He couldn't have gone anywhere. He never leaves without his sweatshirt."

Then, he noticed Matthew left his sketchbook open on the bed with what Alfred assumed were charcoal sticks. They could be something else. He never really understood the difference between all of Matthew's art supplies. He turned the sketchbook to look at the most resent page. On it were the beginnings of a portrait. There were lots of smudges over the page from erasing erratically as if his brother couldn't get the image right.

Alfred frowned. He thought it looked a little like Gilbert. He threw the sketchpad back on the bed with a huff. Where the fuck was Mattie?

He bounded down the stairs to see if Matthew was getting a snack or hanging out in the living room. The kitchen was empty. He walked into the living room quickly. There was some movie playing on TV. Francis sat on the couch watching it intently. Arthur leaned against the arm of the catch so that the lamp would provide light for the book he was reading. He rested his feet on Francis's lap.

Alfred interrupted their quiet moment by asking, "Where is Mattie?"

Arthur placed a bookmark in his book and closed it. He stretched his legs slightly before answering, "Matthew went to a party with his friends."

Alfred was shocked. "You let him go to a party!"

Arthur gave his son a concerning look. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"Yes!" Alfred yelled. He couldn't believe his parents were letting Matthew go out like this with someone like Gilbert. After seeing their lack of response he continued, "Those people are bad influences, and you just gave Matthew permission to do all kinds of fucked up shit with them!"

Arthur looked concerned but just muttered, "Language, Alfred."

Francis then spoke up calmly. "I think Matthew's friends are fine. They are good people."

Alfred protested, "They are not fine. One of them constantly yells at people. And Gilbert is the literal worst. Do you even know what people say about him?"

Francis continued flippantly, "People say all sorts of things about others, especially at your age."

"Matthew is vulnerable," Alfred seethed.

"Not as much as you think, Alfred."

"God! It's like you don't even care!" Alfred stormed up the stairs and slammed his door. Maybe he could find out where the party was. He didn't think anyone at school was throwing one, but he grabbed his laptop and got on Facebook to check anyways.

In the living room, Arthur put his book down on the coffee table and stood up. "I'm going to go talk to him," he told Francis. "Okay, mon lapin," Francis responded. Arthur rolled his eyes at the endearment, but still ran a gentle hand through Francis's hair as he rounded the couch and walked up the stairs.

Arthur cautiously opened the door to Alfred's room calling out, "Son?"

Alfred's bed was situated in the corner of the room, and he was leaning against the wall across from the door. He didn't look up from his laptop as he said, "What."

"I just wanted to talk for a minute," Arthur said as he sat on the bed leaning against the adjacent wall.

Alfred was silent, so Arthur began talking. "We do care about Matthew, you know?"

"Not enough apparently."

"I get wanting to look out or your brother, I really do," Alfred huffed at Arthur's words, "but you do need to let your brother make some decisions on his own."

"Dad, Mattie," Alfred paused trying to think of the words, "Mattie can be easily manipulated, and things have been strange recently. Something is not right," Alfred stated, his laptop now forgotten.

"Maybe you need to let them not be right."

Alfred gaped at his dad. "What?"

"Alfred, you need to learn to let Matthew make his own mistakes. Let him make decisions. Let him make bad decision and learn something from them."

Alfred shook his head from side to side. "I've given him space before, and, look, now he is probably getting in some mess."

Arthur sat up a little straighter while thinking about what to say next. He replied, "Lad, you give him space to make decisions and mistake, but stay around for when he needs you. That's how being a hero works."

Alfred stared at his dad for a moment digesting the words. He sighed, "I guess I can try that."

Arthur smiled, "Good."

A/N: I am so glad I wrote a shitton of chapters in the summertime and waited to upload because I am so busy this semester holy shit.

I am really excited to share the party chapters with ya'll. My favorite scene is in one of them.

See ya'll in another two weeks. Keep me updated on what you think.