Francis didn't realize it but his parents had adopted a cat shortly before they arrived. The cat, Pepe, was an instant celebrity among both his sons. However, while as Matthew knew how to treat a cat, Alfred kept trying to grab his tail and throw him in the air. Alfred wasn't used to having an animal in the house, so Francis could understand. Though he did keep telling Alfred not to do that.

It was Matthew's reaction that surprised everyone. He was more upset with Alfred's treatment of Pepe than Arthur. Their grandparents were more worried about Pepe scratching their grandsons than anything else. Matthew was now steaming in front of everyone and no one knew how to handle it. Francis had never seen Matthew so enraged. Alfred was mostly shocked but there was also a tinge of fear in his eyes.

"Don't treat Pepe like that! You'll hurt him."

Arthur's jaw dropped. That was exactly what he was going to say. Matthew held Pepe protectively. At first, Alfred's lip wobbled and his eyes moistened, but he straightened himself at the last minute.

"I'm sorry. I'll be nicer."

There it was, just as Francis predicted. Guilt was all over Matthew's face. Grandma Ada decided to step in.

"Now boys, it's alright. Alfred knows better now. No harm done. Would you two like to bake with me?"

"I'm going to go play with the fashion set," Alfred announced.

Matthew watched him go. Pepe purred and snuggled up to his savior. Matthew felt like a bully for yelling at Alfred. Arthur leaned over with an apologetic smile.

"He was asking for it, poppet. Please don't feel so guilty. He'll be fine. I'm very proud of you."

Francis added, "Why don't you go bake with Mama now?"

Seeing as he had no other choice, Matthew did what was advise, guilt wallowing in his heart. He managed to keep his composure and even forced a smile while Grandma Ada taught him the art of macaroons.

"Grandma?" Matthew asked.

The elderly woman turned to him with a smile.

"Yes, dear?"

"Can I take a biscuit to Alfred?"

She patted his head and handed him two macaroons.

"Of course. Be careful. They're a little hot."

Matthew walked to the guest room that they shared, where his brother was dressing a male doll in a dress. He was laughing.

"Ahahaha! Taking away manliness is funny!" he exclaimed. He noticed Matthew and his face crashed into a frown.

Matthew stopped short. He hesitantly held out one of the biscuits.

"Would you like one?"

Alfred made no move to get it. He just stared with a sad expression.

"I'm sorry," Matthew cried, "I'm very sorry. I was mean. I-"

"You don't get it," Alfred said, "I'm not sad because you got mad. I'm sad because you always feel bad about yourself afterwards."

Matthew's eyes widened as he heard words he never imagined would be uttered by his brother. Alfred could be very wise when he wanted to be. Matthew had seen this side to him before. The side that proved Alfred was a protective older brother.

"I want you to be mad at me sometimes. Without feeling guilty," Alfred admitted, "I would've hurt Pepe if you didn't say anything. You get mad sometimes, you're not perfect! I wish you wouldn't…"

He trailed off. Then with a smile, he took the biscuit and munched on it. Matthew hugged him. The words, I'm sorry, threatened to spill from his mouth but he stopped them just in time.

Instead, he uttered, "I love you."

Alfred laughed.

"Love you too, bro. But be careful not to say that too much or your manliness will disappear," he laughed at his own joke.

A while later, Alfred was treating the cat with much more respect. At night, Pepe cuddled up to Matthew on his bed as a silent thank you.

Yes. A bit too serious, perhaps. I'll try to make a funnier chapter next time.