"-...So this...' God' killed the firstborn sons to make his point known?" Matthew tilted his head as he looked down at Feliciano for answers. Feliciano came through, as it seemed he knew all about this story.
"Yep! Because the pharaoh wouldn't listen! So each day the plagues got worse and worse until finally, he sent one final message." Feliciano explained as he jumped a little on Ludwig's bed in response. His green dress billowing out around him as he caught a little air.
"Please don't jump on my bed." Ludwig requested rather reasonably as he went to fix the spot where Feliciano had jumped and made it neat and orderly again.
"But the pharaoh, as you saw, was a jerk and changed his mind and sent an army after them to kill them all." Feliciano continued to explain.
"Yes... what were those... things that Moses was carrying at the end of the movie? They looked like rock?"
"Oh, I can answer that one. That's the ten commandments." Ludwig explained.
"The ten... commandments?"
"Yeah you know?... don't you?" Feliciano jumped down so he was right next to Matthew. "Love thy neighbor?"
Matthew tilted his head, now just confused. "What?"
Matthew was sure Feliciano's jaw hit the floor as he looked at Ludwig, who shrugged, and then back at Matthew. "You really know nothing about God and the bible?"
"What is a bible?"
"Okay, that's it." Feliciano's eye twitched in irritation and he turned and marched over to, what looked like, a bag on the floor. While he looked for something Ludwig came up to Matthew.
"Feli is a catholic, same with his brother. Eliza and Rodrich aren't as much, but Feli takes it very seriously as it's what his grandpa taught him." Ludwig explained to Matthew.
"I see.. what's a Catholic?"
"It's a type of religion, look I'm not about to explain every single one to you, I'd be here all day. I would suggest you'd look it up for yourself."
"Here. Maybe this will help you." Feliciano came bounding back over, a book in his hand. It was rather big and when Matthew leafed through it he saw that every page had a picture. "It's a bible, for children. My fratello gave it to me, so I expect it back and in good condition, ya hear?!" It was like a flip was switched as Feliciano's voice turned slightly deeper and his tone became threatening.
"Yes, of course, but if it means so much to you I shouldn't take it-"
"No, I want you to!" Feliciano smiled and his voice became high pitched yet again as he danced around just enough so his dress swayed with his movements.
"Hey-" the door opened and Gilbert poked his head into the room. "Dinner is ready," he announced and Feliciano clapped happily.
"Yay!"
"Burder-" And suddenly Ludwig was speaking a whole other language. That wasn't Matthew not understanding, no this was a whole new language. He had no clue what was being said, but Gilbert did as he nodded.
"Maybe tomorrow," Gilbert announced in English as he lightly ruffled Ludwig's hair in response. Ludwig made a face and fixed his hair back to the way he liked it. Then Gilbert brought a hand out for Matthew to take. Matthew did happily and Gilbert pulled him to his feet.
"Thank you, what was that by the way?"
"What was what?"
"That language you were speaking, I haven't heard anything like it," Matthew questioned as he walked beside Gilbert to the kitchen, where Máximo was already sitting at the table waiting for everyone.
"Oh." Gilbert rubbed the back of his head. "I thought it was obvious, I'm German, well, Prussian actually, but that's another conversation for another day." Gilbert then gave his head a shake.
"I see. That's so cool that you know more than one language!"
Gilbert blushed and before he could stop himself he asked the dumbest question he could ask at that moment. "Do you know any other languages?"
'Not unless you count talking to the dolphins and whales...'
"Oi." Máximo kindly reminded them of his presence as he sat at the, rather tiny looking, dining table. He impatiently tapped his fingers on the table before sighing out and speaking. "Gil, Matthew is having issues with English, let alone another language."
Matthew watched as Gilbert's blush deepened before he rubbed the back of his head dumbly. "Sorry."
"No don't be. It's alright. I'm new and still learning things." Matthew smiled as he placed a hand on the upper part of Gilbert's arm. This was the first time he's ever touched Gilbert before. He'd never let Gilbert get too close during their meetings out by the ocean so this was nice, but it didn't last as Máximo, once again, coughed.
"Not to sound mean but if you don't get over here Beilschmidt, I'm going to start eating." Máximo huffed. That did it as Gilbert quickly turned and went for his seat at the table. Matthew took a seat between Ludwig and Feliciano, across from Máximo and just to the side of Gilbert.
Now, Matthew has never had wurst before. So he was pretty excited as he watched the others grab stuff for themselves. So, he waited for a moment before grabbing a wurst and put it on his plate with some not toast. He watched as Ludwig put his wurst on the not toast and so he did the same and then looked at Feliciano who tugged on his sleeve for attention. "Yes?"
"Past the mustard, please?" Feliciano asked kindly.
'What. Is. Mustard?'
Like Máximo read his mind, he spoke. "Yellow bottle, Matt." He then took a bite of his wurst.
"Oh!" Matthew reached over and handed the bottle to Feliciano who added a small amount to his wurst before taking a nice big bite. 'Two hands.' Matthew watched Feliciano and used both of his hands before taking a bite.
Gilbert then proceeded to suddenly spit out his drink all over the table before barking out a startled laugh. "No! Nein! I did not just see that!" Gilbert slapped the table as a string of "KESESESES!" left his mouth.
"Huh?" Matthew tilted his head unsure as to why Gilbert was laughing, laughing at him of all things! He looked to Máximo, but Máximo had his face in his hands and just shook his head slowly like he was embarrassed.
"Burder." Ludwig huffed rather annoyed before he put his food down and went to Matthew. "You ate it wrong."
"...There's a wrong way to eat?"
"Ja. Here-" Ludwig then proceeded to gently grab Matthew's wurst and turned it so it faced long ways with the ends facing him, not so the middle was as he had it. "Like that."
"Oh! I can see how this is easier!"
Gilbert sniggered behind his hand and slowly shook his head.
"Yeah, a lot less messy as well." Ludwig then went back to eating his own food like nothing happened. Gilbert was still chuckling to himself but had calmed down. Matthew felt rather embarrassed but tried to continue eating. The wurst was good, the potatoes were really good, but the mood was honestly ruined for Matthew, he didn't want to show it, but he didn't appreciate Gilbert laughing. He was trying here.
Still, he kept quiet for the rest of the dinner.
Feliciano and Ludwig talked to one another, but not a word was said between the adults. Matthew did speak a little to Feliciano and Ludwig alike so as not to seem rude.
Gilbert was the first one done, and he was scrolling on his phone. Máximo finished second and sucked in a slow sighing breath. Eventually, the other three finished their food as well. Matthew wiped his mouth from the crumbs that stuck to his face and then watched as Gilbert let out a sudden and exasperated groan that echoed through the kitchen.
"What's up?" Máximo questioned as he grabbed Matthew's plate and his own to bring to the sink.
"Eliza wants to pick Feliciano up."
"Yay!" Feliciano cheered.
Gilbert blew a raspberry and leaned back into his seat so far that Matthew was worried he might fall as he started to rock the chair on two legs. "But Lovino followed her. Now they're on the beach fighting!"
Máximo put the plates in the sink. "Jesus Christ! Don't they give up?"
"No, I think she really pissed Lovino off."
"..." Máximo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Where on the beach? I'll put an end to this."
"You're off the clooooock." Gilbert all but whined as he threw his head back dramatically.
"It's fine. Seriously."
Gilbert let out another sigh. "... just a few yards away from the apartment." He caved.
"Fine. Feliciano, come on. You as well Matthew."
"I'll come as well. because..." Gilbert finally sat upright before standing and gave Feliciano the side-eye before choosing to whisper something into Maximo's ear. Who just nodded in understanding. "Ludwig? You wanna come?" Gilbert asked.
"Sure." Ludwig shrugged. Matthew was the only one not wanting to go to the beach for a very obvious reason. A reason he couldn't start to explain because Gilbert has met him in the ocean so he can't use the excuse that he couldn't swim. Matthew swallowed a hard lump down as he realized his mouth suddenly became dry.
'Just keep away from the water.' He told himself. 'far away from the water.' that wasn't reassuring, but that's just what he'll have to do. As long as his legs didn't get wet he'd be fine.
So Matthew, very reluctantly, followed the rest outside were a nice summer breeze was there to meet them once the apartment door shut. They started to walk, but immediately Matthew got distracted by a couple of pink and red flowers that looked rather familiar to him. Matthew paid the fence no mind as he reached over and touched a flower-
"Ah!" Gilbert let a noise that almost sounded like a shriek of panic. He then raced up to Matthew and put his arms around Matthew's shoulders as to bring his hands away from the flowers. "Unless you want to meet Mr. Broomstick I wouldn't suggest picking those," Gilbert explained with a worried voice as he looked over his shoulder like he expected someone to come rushing at them as they walked away.
"Mr. Broomstick? Is that your neighbor?"
"What- no. Mr. Broomstick is my neighbor's weapon of choice for those that dare pick from his garden." Gilbert explained and he quickly caught Matthew up with the others. Since the beach was so close they were walking there not driving, which was fine by Matthew. It was a lovely evening after all. The sun was starting to set and the air was becoming cooler, this was helped by the sea breeze that wafted their way.
And in all honesty, it just felt nice for Matthew because Gilbert still kept his arms around his shoulders as they walked. Gilbert stood to the side of Matthew and he was just so close, closer than ever before, to the point that Matthew could actually see Gilbert's face more clearly.
"Heh. See something you like, Birdie?" Gilbert chortled once he realized that Matthew was looking at him. Matthew felt his face turn hot and he looked away.
"Sorry, I've just never been this close to you before."
Máximo gave a grunt from ahead but said nothing, then did Gilbert let go of Matthew rather quickly and suddenly. Matthew frowned a little at this but still respected Gilbert's choice and just kept walking forward. They were getting close now, the sand right under their shoes on the pavement below, but the closer they got to the beach the sound of yelling and arguing became clearer. Gilbert's previously vacant hands became occupied. First by Feliciano and then by Ludwig.
Matthew watched them out of the corner of his eye but didn't question it as he picked up the speed so he was right next to Máximo. "Hey," Máximo spoke in a simple tone as he looked at Matthew. "This might get loud and maybe even violent, if you could stand by with Gilbert and the children away from the ruckus I would greatly appreciate it."
"Oh. Okay, no problem... but why would it get violent?"
Máximo shook his head in response. "Just... bad blood is all it is."
"Bad blood..." Matthew spoke it more to himself than to Máximo, but still it was heard.
"They have a sort of rivalry going on and it's resulting in people getting hurt."
"Oh. I know that feeling."
"Do you?"
"My dad has one of those. I never met the guy, but they don't get along and constantly start fights."
"Would this be that Marius guy you mentioned earlier?"
"..." Matthew looked away making sure to keep his mouth shut this time around. Damn him and his big mouth. He really should stop spilling family secrets.
Still, if Máximo wanted to pry, he couldn't now because they were on the beach.
Despite the otherworldly fairy-tale glow the beach had as the sun was starting to set and the sky was turning a blood orange color, there stood the same two people from the store. Once again they were screaming at each other.
Matthew couldn't even tell what was being said over them yelling over one another. He wanted to walk with Máximo, but his sleeve was grabbed by Feliciano- "Come build a sand castle with me!" Feliciano demanded as he raced down towards the shoreline and Matthew froze in place. Ludwig followed Feliciano obediently and Gilbert went to oversee the children, but stopped as it was clear that Matthew froze and was now making a worried face.
"What's wrong, Birdie?" Gilbert asked as Matthew found himself fidgeting with his own fingers in an attempt to calm down, it wasn't working and his heart was starting to pound.
Maximo's voice roared through the air stopping the fight briefly. "Alright, you two! Break it up! I swear to god, I will arrest you if needed!"
"Birdie?" Gilbert brought Matthew back.
"I-I can't be near the w-water... not now anyway." Matthew stuttered as he lied and looked down quickly.
"But you're always swimming."
"I just..." He tried to think of a good enough lie but none were coming to his mind at this moment. "Don't want to be near it, okay?" He all but whispered and moved his gaze away from Gilbert.
Gilbert let out a breathy laugh before shaking his head. "You know, you've been hiding something... and it's kind of unawesome."
"Excuse me," Matthew growled immediately as he took a startled step back and put a hand on his chest.
"Look, everyone has their secrets, I get it, but... I don't buy it. Not with you. They say your dad is this weird maniac, but yet you're able to get out and swim every night? That's weird."
"You don't know my life, Gilbert, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't pry right now."
Gilbert threw his hands up and shook his head. "I just don't get you, Birdie. I don't. I want to help, but watching you stumble and fall and lie about it all, I don't think you want the proper help."
"I-Ug-mm." Matthew clenched his fists and bit his lip. If only Gilbert knew, but Gilbert can't know! He just can't, nobody can. "I..." Matthew looked back at Gilbert, ready to respond, maybe snap, yell, but before he could something caught his eye behind Gilbert, where the children were.
Was that Liam in the water? It kinda looked like him, but... Liam would never openly show himself to humans. Matthew knew his eyes didn't work properly on the land, but the build of the person and the dark brown hair with the two curls that poked up was telling Matthew that that was his oldest brother.
So why the hell was he showing himself to humans and more importantly why was he beckoning the children!?
And it was working as Feliciano was making steps towards the water with Ludwig not far behind.
"- Hey!" All thoughts and secrets fled from Matthew's mind as he pushed past Gilbert, Gilbert obviously looked were Matthew had and went running after him towards the children.
Matthew's heart absolutely raced as he ran through the sand as fast as his newfound legs could carry him. The closer he got the better he could see and he could see that it was in fact Liam. Liam's hand was outstretched waiting for Feliciano to take it, but Matthew wasn't going to let that happen no.
Once in range he snatched Feliciano up and turned quickly before the waves could come in and take the children in their unforgiving grip. He held Feliciano on his hip for just a moment before he was sure they were safe from the waves.
"Asshole!" Gilbert snarled as he raced up towards the shoreline. Ludwig stood behind his brother and he looked completely shaken up. His was face pale and his whole frame shook from his head to his toes. "Come back here!" Gilbert raised his fist at the sea as Liam was now gone.
"What happened!?" Máximo came rushing over, Elizaveta and Lovino quickly rushed to Feliciano's side.
"Some piece of shit just tried to take the kids!" Gilbert completely raged. Elizaveta gasped and held Feliciano close to her.
"What?! Where?!" Máximo snarled as he rushed to the shoreline right beside Gilbert.
"He was in the ocean! He swam off the moment Matt and I came rushing in."
Feliciano let out a soft sob and Matthew could see that he was also very shaken up as he to shook from his head down to his feet. His eyes were fully opened showing no shortage of tears. "I-I-I don't know what happened, I just- he promised-" Feliciano tried to explain himself but was silenced.
"Easy, fratello, deep breaths," Lovino spoke in a demanding tone, but it was soft so not to startle his brother even more.
Matthew just sat there in the sand looking out at the crashing waves. He wasn't aware of it, but his breathing had turned heavy while his heart pounded at an unusually fast rate. He just couldn't believe it. He was there and he still couldn't believe it. 'Liam... what the hell happened? Since when did he start to act more like a siren?' Matthew speculated. He figured that had to be siren speak if what Feliciano had said was true. If Liam 'promised' something to him in return for him to come into the ocean.
"-It was the nice man, though!" Feliciano's cry brought Matthew back for just a moment. "I didn't think he'd do anything to harm me!" Feliciano wiped his eyes sloppily.
"The nice man? You've met him before, love?" Elizaveta raised her eyebrows in shock.
"Wait are you talking about last summer?" Gilbert questioned.
"What happened last summer?" Máximo inquired.
"He almost drowned," Lovino spoke next as he looked down at his shoes. "It was my fault I was watching him... We never told you because we figured you'd throw this back in our face." Lovino hissed at Elizaveta in particular.
"The nice man saved me! I remember him clearly!" Feliciano yelled in defense.
Matthew felt his heart just stop. Liam? Saving a human? More likely than one would think it seems.
"Feli, you said he had a fishtail when it happened, obviously nobody was going to take you seriously with that claim, so... we decided to hide it." Lovino threw his hands up in annoyance.
"We!?" Elizaveta put her hands on her hips before pushing Feliciano behind her. "Who the hell is we!? It's Antonio isn't it-"
If Lovino was drowning; he was going to make others drown with him. Matthew made his observation as he watched Lovino point directly at Gilbert. Gilbert awkwardly rubbed his knuckles. "I might...have- Unawesomely- told Lovino to keep this a secret."
Elizaveta's face turned red, her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed tightly into a thin line. "Urg!- Come on Feli!" With that bark she snatched Feliciano by the arm. "Assholes!" She shot back at the duo, this caused Gilbert to flinch greatly but Lovino looked unbothered.
Matthew raised an eyebrow at all of them before looking back out at the ocean. 'The nice man saved me...' something happened that whole day Matthew was gone, something horrible. He just knew it. There's no way Liam would just up and decide to murder children, especially if he saved them before. So now Matthew was wondering if maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him...
Or if something more nefarious was going on under the ocean's depths while he was away.