"Come on boys! File in." Francis called, opening the front door for his children. First, though, the Beilschmidts left. "We shall see you at the church, oui?" Francis asked the tallest of the trio who nodded stiffly before exiting the house. Gilbert followed, staring at the ground with Feli's arm slung over his shoulder, holding him close. The Italian was whispering comforting words to his ear as they left.

It didn't seem to be working.

Matthew watched them go, biting his lip in worry. He wanted to be the one holding Gilbert. He wanted to be the one comforting him. Damn it. Alfred was suppose to be the oblivious one, the one who never thought of others feelings. But here he had done the exact same thing.

"Come on Matthieu!" Francis called already having seated himself in the passenger seat of Arthur's car, bringing him back to reality. Alfred and Ivan were also already sitting in the back, staring at him. He quickly scurried over to the vehicle before his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Am I driving, Papa?" He asked, peering at the empty drivers seat. Normally, Papa would always drive them to church...

"Non, just sit in the back. Your father will be here soon." The Frenchman said dismissively and Matthew nodded. He opened the door, sliding in next to his brother who was sitting in the middle.

It took the pair another few seconds to digest that fact.

"Dad's coming to church!" They both asked in disbelieved, leaning forward in their seats. Francis let out a chuckle, twisting around in his seat to face his precious boys.

"I was just as surprised." He told them, "But yes, he is coming."

"That's so weird..." Alfred breathed out, leaning back in his seat again. Dad never came to church.

"That is, I think he's coming. But if he does not get in the car soon we may leave him behind." The elder blond mused, peering at his watch. The Beilshmidts had already left, and if they didn't follow soon they wouldn't get a seat. Christmas Eve service was usually packed.

A few seconds later and Arthur stumbled out of the house, quickly hurrying over to the car and stepping in. "For a moment I thought you got cold feet." Francis teased, smirking at his husband as he buckled up.

"Oh, belt up Frog. I'm here, aren't I?" The other snapped back, backing out of the drive way before heading off. "The old church right?" Francis nodded, looking up at the rear view mirror to watch his sons. Matthew looked so terribly sad.

"Ah, mon pauvre petit. Comme tu suffres a cause de l'amour." (Oh, my poor little boy. How you suffer because of love) Francis sighed in an exaggerated manner. He watched as Matthew blushed from the comment, looking away into the window instead of addressing him. Ivan nudged at Alfred to ask him what he had said but Alfred only shrugged. If only the boy had taken French like his Papa wanted him to instead of Spanish.

"Leave him alone, Francis." Arthur scolded, the only other person to have understood the comment. "I hate when you speak that horrible language." He spat as an after thought.

"Oh? Then why did you start learning it when we were dating? And why did you continue even after we broke up? Hmm?" The Frenchman goaded with a smug little smirk. He had been so touched when he had found out that his boyfriend had been secretly learning the language of love. He had made love to him right there on the floor of the hall when he had told him. He just couldn't contain himself when the Brit stumbled over the words, his face a tomato red and eyes trained on the ground. Absolutely delicious.

The Englishman reddened slightly, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. "Do you really want to bring that up?" He threatened and Francis pouted. No, he didn't want to bring up their nasty little breakup. It had just slipped out.

"But you've forgiven me haven't you? I went two whole months without!" The Frenchman insisted, feeling the old churning f guilt at the pits of his stomach as he recalled it.

"That isn't extraordinary! You know, before I met you I went without for much longer than that!" Arthur snapped, making a sharp turn.

"And what a horrid life it was without me in it." Francis murmured, hoping to lighten the mood. He certainly didn't want to dwell on his past mistakes.

Arthur snorted, taking a left at the intersection, "If you wish to believe that nonsense then so be it."

"Oh, how you wound me Arthur!" Francis sighed melodramatically, placing a hand on his heart for added effect.

In the back seat, Ivan nudged at his boyfriend, a look of confusion painted on his pale face, "I do not understand. What are your English and French fathers speaking of?"

Alfred sat up a little, flicking a bored gaze at his bickering parents, "They're talking about back when they were dating. At some point Papa cheated on Dad after some fight and they broke up for like two months. I try to block out there stories. There way too graphic."

"What do you mean too graphic?" His Papa asked indignantly, wheeling around to face his elder son, "I merely recount the tale in vivid detail, so that you may picture it yourself."

"I don't want to picture it, Papa! Nobody does but you." Alfred whined, pressing his hands to his face.

"So, you are saying you have forgotten the story of that horrid time when your father left me? Alone, by myself to never be pleasured again?" Francis continued, his tone getting higher as he spoke.

"You cheated on me, you wino!" Arthur snarled.

"Yes, and I am sorry about that. But it was honest mistake."

"Honest mistake? As if you thought it was me you were shagging? It was dark haired woman for god sakes." He spat in distaste. No, he did not want that image to resurface in his mind again. It was over. It was more than ten years ago.

"Was it? I can't even recall which shows how much it actually mattered to me. What I meant was the fact that you had broken up with me that afternoon. I thought I had freedom." He defended himself.

"Back then we broke up every day. It didn't mean you could shag anyone!" Arthur reminded angrily.

"I didn't know the rules of monogamy all that well!" Francis crossed his arms. He hadn't had a stable relationship since high school, how was he suppose to recall every single detail. Plus, that fight had really seemed like the end and that broad was just a way to forget. Anyway, when he woke up to find Arthur screaming at him with tears in his eyes he'd felt worse than he'd ever felt in his life. Surely he'd paid for his mistakes by now?

"Don't remind me. It sickens me how much you slept around." Arthur grimaced.

"Oh, it is nothing to be sickened of. And that ended right after that lady. You know that." Francis reminded, and it was true. He had only ever shared his bed with his Englishman ever since that night.

"Yes yes, now shut the bloody hell up because we're here." Arthur pulled into the crowded parking lot, stopping the car and getting out quickly. His husband could be so infuriating.

"Thank the Lord." Alfred sighed, pushing his brother out of the car so he could get away from his parents. Really, they were horribly embarrassing.

"Now, we must find Ludwig and the others before Matthieu gets a heart attack." Francis commented, limping out of the car. Matthew reddened once more, his mouth pouting. He was worried and he had every right to be!

"They're probably already inside, it's freezing out here." Arthur complained, heading briskly for the entrance. Francis followed after him at a more leisurely place, taking the time to appreciate the Brit's ass. Yes, he had made the right choice.

"Ivan, you coming?" Alfred called, his boyfriend had yet to get out of the car. His father was right, it was fucking freezing out here and he'd much rather be inside. Why was the Russian being so slow, anyway?

The taller teen hesitated, stepping out of the car and looking over at the small building. "Am I allowed?" Alfred tilted his head in confusion. What kind of question was that? "I do not know if I am welcomed in a supposedly sacred place..." Blue eyes widened and quickly grabbed at his hand. He sent him a stern look, tugging him toward where the rest of his family had gone.

"You're always welcome. K? Now come one. I want to say hi to the sisters before Mass starts, I haven't seen them since like Easter."

Ivan nodded slowly, allowing himself to be dragged into the church.

"Good evening, Sister Helen." Francis greeted warmly. The elder woman smiled at him in return.

"Oh good evening, Francis. It's so good to see you! And where are the boys?" She asked politely, looking over his shoulder.

"Sister Helen!" Alfred called, running over to hug her. She chuckled lightly, patting his arm. She still remembered when they were the tiniest of things.

"Its nice to see you too Alfred. You grow an inch taller every time I see you. Now, have you been behaving?" She asked with a raised brow. Alfred looked up to the ceiling and she rolled her eyes. "I don't know how you handle them so well, Francis. They were always getting into so much trouble."

"Still do, I'm afraid." Arthur sighed, stepping forward. "Its been a while, Sister Helen."

"Why Arthur, I haven't seen you in ages." She smiled at him, "Are you coming back?"

"Afraid not."

"Ah, well I tried." She sighed before remembering she wasn't finished with all her greetings, "Ah, where is little Matthew?"

"Here." Matthew spoke up quietly, having been right there the entire time. She smiled at him, giving him a small hug.

"Are you alright dear?" He nodded, slightly confused at the question directed to him. Was it really that obvious how worried he was? "Well, mass will be starting any minute. I shouldn't keep you any longer." The party nodded stepping off towards the doors.

"Oh my! Francis whatever happened to your leg?" She asked worriedly, spotting the boot hidden beneath his pant leg and his slight limp. He'd been able to have the cast removed in favor of a boot but it was still terribly annoying to deal with.

"Oh, it is nothing. Do not worry about it." He called to her as he went into the room. It didn't stop her from doing a quick sign of the cross before following after them. The room was packed, and she didn't want to take up any room left in the pews so she settled for leaning against one of the back walls near the doors.

The Bonnefoy family (plus one) on the other hand, spotted an abnormal head of white and headed over to the pew. Feliciano waved at them, motioning them over to sit with them as they had saved them a few seats. Matthew hurried over, plopping down right beside Gilbert who looked slightly better. Only slightly.

"Gilbert, are you alright?" Matthew asked quietly, looking into those unique red eyes he adored so much.

"Of course I'm fine! I'm totally awesome." Gilbert assured with a wide grin. It looked so horribly fake. He hated it.

"Gilbert."

The grin quickly fell (thank God) and the albino turned away slightly, "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Gil-"

"Please, Matt. I can't right now."

Matthew hesitated but finally nodded, sitting back beside him. He scooted in closer, so their bodies pressed together slightly. He slipped his hand into the others paler one, lacing their fingers together and giving the albino a comforting squeeze. All the while, he leaned his head onto his shoulder. Gilbert tilted his head as well, partially leaning it on the younger twin's golden locks.

Ivan sat beside Matthew, looking at the couple from the corner of his eye. They seemed so peaceful together, so relaxed and comfortable. He wanted that. He turned his head to look at Alfred, sitting next to him with a slightly bored look on his face. The Russian, moved his hand closer to the American only to have it nudged away.

"I said no touching." Alfred reminded with a halfhearted glare. Seriously, the other better behave or he was going to get a stern talking to.

"I was not going to touch you. I merely wished to hold your hand."

"Why?" Alfred asked, his eyebrow raised skeptically. After the Russian's earlier performance he was still unsure on what to expect from him. He seemed to be abandoning his timid facade for something bolder, rougher (hotter).

"Because I enjoy holding your hand." Ivan replied simply.

Ah, there was the blush he loved so very much. Alfred looked so much cuter when he wore it on his face. It made his brilliant blue eyes stand out all the more.

"Fine." Alfred muttered, grabbing the others hand and looking away a little. Ivan let out a quiet giggle at the behavior. Alfred could be so very adorable!

Mass was only ten minutes in and Arthur was already fidgeting in his seat. Francis kept sending him glances, raising a perfectly manicured eyebrow at him in question.

"Arthur, if you wish to go. You can go." Francis sighed into his ear.

"I need to use the restroom. Is all." He quickly excused himself, ignoring his husband when he rolled his eyes and turned back to the ceremony. Arthur stepped out into the aisle, trying to make it to the exit without being noticed.

"Arthur?"

Blast all. He looked up, seeing the sister from earlier peering at him curiously. He smiled politely at her, moving toward her direction.

"Hello, Sister Helen." He greeted softly, hoping not to disturb the ceremony.

"It's been very nice seeing you." She stated and he nodded slightly awkwardly. "You know, you've done a wonderful job..." The blond man tilted his head in slight confusion at the sudden compliment.

"With the twins...They have grown into such amazing young men. It was very nice to keep in touch with them. The orphanage became so very quiet without them." She continued in a quiet whisper, so as not to disturb the others attending the mass.

Arthur let out a small smile, looking at his sons proudly. He flicked his emerald gaze back at the religious woman beside him, "Thank you...and thank you for giving us a chance." He decided to add.

She smiled, "I'm glad too." She fiddled with the cross around her neck slightly, looking over to the family. "You really do love him..." She sighed.

Arthur knew exactly who she was referring to, his green eyes looking at the familiar wavy blond hair fondly. "Unfortunately, I do."

She chuckled, straightening herself up, "Well, I have to go help collect money. It was nice speaking with you Arthur, I rarely get the chance."

"Yes yes, I should come to church more often." He teased lightly.

"I see I'm still going to have to pray for you." She replied back with a small smile, walking off. Arthur stayed back for a moment, his eyes returning to those wavy locks he adored so very much (though he would deny ever thinking such a thought later). His green gaze continued, resting on the slightly darker and much shorter hair of his dear Alfred. His dear little trouble making Alfred. And they continued on, past the tall teen until reaching wavier hair of the same shade and landing on Matthew. Sweet, quiet Matthew.

He loved those three more than the entire world.

His view of them was blocked as they sat back down and he decided to turn away and leave. He entered the main room, wondering what he would do now. It was past midnight and he needed to be here to drive his family home...

His eyes caught on another room, the door invitingly open. He took a few steps toward it, discovering that it was a tiny little chapel, empty. Curiously, he stepped inside. It was a pretty little room, he had to admit. He looked up to find Jesus staring at him and almost jumped out of his skins. Except it was only a carving of him on the cross.

"I don't believe in God." He said suddenly, looking into the figure. He wasn't particularly sure why he had just blurted out that fact, "At least, not anymore. But, I know my family does. So, if you are there, watch over them." He snorted to himself. "Why am I talking to myself? You know..." He slid down into one of the pews, looking around the tiny chapel to make sure nobody was actually around. He could still hear dimly the mass proceeding in the neighboring room.

"When I was young I used to talk to myself all the time. Well, not to myself, but to all my friends. Well, not friends per-say. I didn't have many real friends at all. But, my little creature friends, like my unicorn, my flying mint bunny. Oh and the faeries. Oh how miss all the faeries" He smiled down at his lap, "They don't visit me much anymore." He sighed sadly, "Well, I suppose I'm not very lonely anymore."

He glanced back up at the cross and chuckled, "What am I doing? I don't normally enjoy hearing myself speak. That's more in the line of what Francis or Alfred would do... Alfred, oh Alfred." His voiced lowered slightly into a murmur.

"I worry for him constantly." The Brit confessed, wringing his hands in his lap. "I just want what's best for him...But that only makes him hate me..." His voice was barely a whisper by then. He stared at the floor, at his shoes before abruptly standing up. What was he doing? He was acting foolish. He quickly left the room, resisting the urge of saying goodbye as he did so. There was no one to say goodbye to anyway. No one.

He'd just have to find some other way to pass the time until the mass ended.

"Gilbert, do you want to sleep over at Francis'?" Feliciano asked softly.

"Yeah... That would be awesome." He mumbled, before his eyes widened. "But it's Christmas morning!"

"Just come home early, we don't want you miserable." Ludwig sighed and Gilbert gave him a tired grin.

"It is fine with me." Francis agreed, squeezing the young boy's shoulder. My, he was as tall as him if not taller. They grow up so fast... He still remembered the little second grader who would track mud into his home, fight with Alfred and most importantly, constantly attempt to coax shy quiet Matthew out of his shell. "It seems like Ivan is sleeping over, anyway."

They found Arthur in the main room, waiting for them before they all ventured out toward their cars. Ludwig, with the bubbly Italian wrapped around his arms, waved at them. A slight flicker of concern appeared in his normally serious eyes as his gaze lingered on the albino. It was brief though as he quickly turned away. Snapping at Feliciano to not hang on him so much. His only response was a whine, a complaint that he was tired and cold.

Gilbert smiled as he watched them go, wrapping his arms slightly tighter around his boyfriends waist. He just wanted to snuggle up with his Matt and never have to worry about anything ever again. It would be totally awesome.

"All right, lets try to squeeze everyone in." Arthur sighed, stepping into the drivers seat. Somehow, they managed and before long they had arrived at the home. Thankfully it wasn't that long of a trip because neither Arthur nor Alfred liked the fact that the American was forced to sit on Ivan's lap.

"All right. Bed time, for the lot of you." The Brit reminded, shooing the four boys up the stairs once they had gotten home. He himself only wanted to fall into bed and sleep forever but he couldn't. There were still a few presents to wrap and everything had to be placed under the tree.

"Hmm." Francis hummed tiredly, wrapping his arms around his husband and holding him close. "Lets go to bed too, Arthur."

"We have to finish the gifts." Arthur reminded, trying to pull away.

Francis let out a slight whine, burying his face into the other neck. Oh how he loved the way his Englishman shivered when he did that. Such a sensitive area, his neck was. He pressed a soft kiss to the smooth skin, delighting in the small tremor the others body made.

"I am very sorry. I hope you know that." he whispered softly, genuinly. He was still a bit hurt over the previous argument. Arthur softened, pressing a quick kiss to the others lips.

"Yes, yes I know." He assured, as the elder smiled at him and gave him a kiss as well. Except this one was much more passionate. "Francis stop it. Gifts now." Arthur hissed, breaking away from the kiss that left him breathless.

"Oui, Je sais." He sighed, stepping away. "And I know, no sex."

"The only night of the year where you actually say that and mean it." Arthur teased dryly, moving toward the hallway closet to grab some wrapping paper. Francis rolled his eyes, tip toeing up the stairs to retrieve the presents, hidden away in their walk in closet. It was the only area the twins never dared to venture in.

Gilbert flopped down on the bed, exhausted. Gott, he needed some sleep and he needed it now. He buried his face in one of the pillows, inhaling the wonderful aroma of maple that was Matthew. Why did the other always same so good?

"Gil?" Matthew nudged as he climbed onto the bed as well. He remained seated, with his legs crossed as he looked down at his boyfriend. "Will you tell me now?"

The albino stiffened slightly, moving the pillow to hold it against his chest, "There's nothing to tell." He denied.

"Gil."

The self proclaimed Prussian turned over so he faced the other direction. "I'm tired Matt. Not now."

"You know...my mother didn't want me either." Matthew tried to coax the other softly. He used his hand to thread through the others choppy white locks in a hopefully soothing manner.

"Being put up for adoption isn't the same as almost aborting me." The albino hissed out defensively.

"Well, at least your father wanted you. Mine didn't, he just left." Matthew continued.

"Yeah, and then you got adopted by awesome people and lived happily ever after. You didn't have to deal with not seeing your father at all for weeks at a time because he was dealing with a fucking divorce that left him depressed and angry all the time. You didn't have to feel like your babysitter was more of your family then your own dad!" Hell, for the first few years Feli seemed like more of parent than his own Dad, and that was before they were even dating.

"Gil. Not everything was so peachy for me either!" Matthew snapped, his hand pulling away.

"Oh yeah? How!" The German wheeled around to face the taller teen.

Matthew fell silent, wrapping an arm around his legs to draw them closer to himself. "I... When Papa and Dad took us to our first school, I was bullied a lot."

"What for? Because you were quiet?" He asked a little self consciously, his voice dropping its anger. Who dared bully his Matt?

"No... See it was the neighborhood's public school. And well, the neighborhood didn't like us." The blond confessed, looking down at his sheets.

"Why? You're the awesomest person I know." Matthew let out a little snort at that.

"They didn't like that Papa and Dad are gay. And they especially didn't like that they now had kids." He explained with a shrug. He didn't really want to talk about it...

"What the fuck? That's no reason to bully some kid." Gilbert growled, protectively. When he and Matt had babies he would totally kick whoever's ass if they tried to bully them. Especially if it was over something that fucking stupid.

"Yeah, well it was reason enough."

"Alfred." Ivan prodded, nudging at the half asleep boy's shoulder. "Alfred."

"What?" The blond whined, trying to pull the covers up and over his head. He had collapsed into his bed, thoroughly tired out from the days events.

"You were going to tell me of your old neighborhood." Ivan reminded with a slight pout. He had behaved at church and then when they had returned. He earned it.

"Not now. It's late, I'm tired. I'll tell you tomorrow." Alfred mumbled, burying his head into his pillow. Hopefully, the Russian would get a clue and go to sleep.

"You keep saying such things and it never happens. Tell me." Ivan continued stubbornly.

"Ugh, fuck, fine." He snapped, sitting up quickly. He grabbed his glasses that he had put on the night stand and glared at his boyfriend. "I'll tell you the fucking story. It's no where near as bad as yours so don't get your hopes up. I mean its still bad though."

"Da, just tell me." Ivan nodded, getting himself comfortable beside the American.

"Alright, I'll start from the beginning. Papa and Dad had finally adopted us after a couple of months of being screened and interrogated by some nuns. But, finally, they got us and we moved into their little townhouse."

"Woah! We get this whole room? Its huge!" Alfred shouted excitedly, running into the once guest bedroom now renovated into their bedroom. It sported two twin beds, walls painted a pale blue and had a trunk for toys to be held in. Matthew quickly ran in after his brother, a big smile on his face.

"I'm glad you like it. What would you like for lunch?" Arthur asked softly as the two boys turned their attention to him.

"We get to choose!" Alfred exclaimed, eyes shining bright as he ran toward the taller blond. He grabbed his hand, tugging at it impatiently. "PB&J. Pwease?" He asked, his speech slipping slightly in his excitement. Arthur laughed lightly and nodded.

"Whatever you want." The man assured.

"Come on Mattie! Lets go!" Alfred urged on and the younger quickly obeyed, scurrying over to his brother.

"Matthew, do you want anything different?" Arthur asked, hopefully. The boy simply shook his head. Arthur nodded and inwardly sighed. He had yet to hear the boy speak and it worried him. The nuns had assured him he was just shy. Still, he had visited the twins constantly over the past few months and yet had heard not a single word. Apparently, he talked to Alfred though.

At the table, the twins ate their snacks which thankfully didn't require any toasting or else they would have been burnt by Arthur's touch. Well, Alfred was making more of a mess than actually eating it and Matthew took it upon himself to constantly wipe at his brother's face with a napkin.

"Oh, Matthew you don't have to do that. I will." Arthur shooed the hand away, taking another napkin to wipe at the child's face. Alfred seemed unfazed as he continued blabbering on about whatever.

"So, we should call you Dad, now right?" Alfred asked suddenly. Arthur felt his face heat up slightly as he fidgeted a little.

"Well, err I suppose so. But it isn't necessary, i-if you do not wish to..." Dad? He'd always wanted to be a dad...

The young blue eyed boy tilted his head sightly, "Huh? But your our Dad now right?"

"I...Yes, I suppose..." He must be right? It felt so surreal.

"Okay! And what about Other Dad? Do we call him Other Dad?" Alfred continued, growing more excited as he practically bounced in his seat.

Arthur laughed ruffling those blond locks and enjoying how the child's smile grew. "Oh, I don't think he'd like that. Call him Papa. He'd like that."

"I do not see what is so traumatizing about this. In fact, it seems ideal." Ivan interrupted with a bored expression on his face. Alfred shot him a glare. Their positions had changed because Alfred complained that he was uncomfortable and tired. So, Ivan pushed him down until he was laying down, his head resting in his lap and looking up at him. Alfred had blushed but decided not to move.

"Shut up. This isn't the bad part. This is the good part. I was setting up a comparison! Geez! No more interruptions alright!" The American sputtered, crossing his arms.

"Fine." Ivan agreed, returning to petting the soft blond hair. He wondered if sunflower petals were as soft as Alfred's hair. He doubted it.

The story really begins a week before school started.

I am such a tease. Next chapter we finally find out more about Alfie and Mattie's old school.
Lots of FrUK and PruCan in this chapter...
I still have no idea how to work that thing but I'm figuring it out so bear with me.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you make my heart sing with your love.

And I'm greedy for more. lol. I will see you next Sunday!