A/N Hey guys! So I realized the way things have been going, I will be writing this story for years, so I figured I'd speed it up a bit. I plan on writing longer chapters and speeding up time a bit. I'm skipping the American Revolution a little because if I don't, Ludwig and Romano won't be in this story for a while, so this way I can include them. Without further ado....
Chapter 29
1794
"Matthieu, is that you?"
The Canadian in question looked up from his newspaper in the cafe where he sat. He hadn't visited Paris in years, what with the American revolution. Besides, he and Francis had been at ends recently, and Francis had a revolution on his hands. He didn't come here to see him, he just waned to revisit the city that he loved so dearly. He had been Arthur's sole caretaker for the past decade, with hardly any contact from the outside world, so he decided to reward himself with a small break. Besides, Arthur insisted that he leave.
"Matthieu," another voice repeated.
"Wha-? Oh, Ludwig! Romano! How nice to see you!"
He had tried to keep in touch with his friends, but being so busy with Arthur, the time sometimes ran away from him.
"Matthieu! It's been so long!" Ludwig tried to smile.
"Yeah, TOO long..." Romano grumbled.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just with the American Revolution and all, and Francis and I haven't been talking-"
"Yeah, we haven't heard from you in a while."
"Well I've had to take care of Arthur for the past 10 years. He's so devastated about my brother-"
"Wait," Ludwig interjected. "Why is he devastated about Francis?"
"What?"
"You said he was upset about your brother."
"Oh. No, um... I mean Alfred."
"Oh. Alfred's your brother now? What about Francis? What about us!?" Romano couldn't believe what he was hearing. First Matthew couldn't stand Alfred, and now he's saying they're brothers?
"Romano, please," Ludwig tried to prevent a full on fight from breaking out in the cafe. "Matthieu, how long are you in Paris?"
"About that... this is actually my last day. Sorry, I have to go back to Arthur."
"Oh, I see how it is," Romano growled. "You don't speak to us for years because you claim your busy with your new family, and the one time we see each other in years you refuse to spend time with us because you're busy. It's like you're his slave or something!"
"No, no I'm not! It's not like that!" Matthew thought back to the many times Arthur forgot his name, or called him Alfred, and pushed the thoughts out of his mind. Desperate to hide his insecurities, he fired back.
"You know what, Romano? I think you're just jealous."
"Matthieu!" Ludwig tried to stop him from upsetting Romano.
"It's Matthew. Not Matthieu."
"...Matthieu. Please, let's just sit down and talk awhile."
"What do I have to be jealous of? At least I don't take care of somebody who doesn't give a shit about me!"
"He loves me! It's not like you would know what that feels like!"
"Matthew! How could you!?"
"No, Ludwig, it's fine. I'm out of here. Goodbye, Matthew. I hope your happy with your new life." Romano walked out of the cafe.
"... I suppose you're going to follow him too?"
"Matthew, I don't know why you're acting like this."
"I'm sorry, but he has no idea what he's talking about. I'm happy with Arthur and Alfred."
"Ok, Matthew, good for you. When you've sorted your life out and you feel like visiting, come find me. Keep on touch, I guess." Ludwig ran after Romano.
"...They'll never understand."
Matthew turned back to his newspaper.
A/N
And that's the chapter! As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. Next chapter goes up next Friday!
