Gilbert was nearly pushed off his bed a couple of hours later.

"Hey!"

Ivan was on the other side, trying to hide his laughs behind his hand.

"Rise and shine!" His cheeky smile afterward only proved to make Gilbert ready for the day ahead.

Today was sparring day.

As soon as Ivan left the room, Gilbert threw on his outfit and nearly ran to the training section of the castle. He caught up quickly with Ivan and they raced the rest of the way to the sparring center.

The sparring center consisted of grey, brick walls with the occasional hanging banner of the castle crest. Other than that, the floor held a general mat so that anyone who fell wouldn't fall onto the hard floor and possibly injure themselves even more.

The drew their swords, fake for the use of sparring, and went to a free spot in the already fairly full room.

Gilbert cackled and Ivan let out an unearthly laugh. Most of the others stopped to watch the two in their match as it could become increasingly impressive as the two fought.

Ivan, in a short time, had become general. He was the first general so young but held his status with authority, making sure no one thought he wasn't suitable for the job because of his age.

Now having plenty of room, Gilbert announced the beginnings of their fight with an annoying prompt that none of the other guards would throw at Ivan unless they had a death wish that involved torture.

Ivan lunged at him, knowing the comment was meant to arouse anger and trying to keep calm. He found himself failing in the first moments of the fight before collecting himself and blocking a well-aimed blow for his abdomen.

No one in the room doubted the two could fight well. In fact, anyone who went against either one found that they were easily beaten within the first thirty seconds. When the two faced each other, the soldiers said it depended on the day.

Today, was not Gilbert's day. After getting a bad bout of sleep due to his restlessness towards the upcoming ball, the thoughts of uncertainty that his new found love would come were still implanted in his mind.

After five minutes of their swords clashing together, his thoughts returned to him, causing him to falter. A soft touch connected with his neck and Ivan, who usually held a smile when he won, looked at him strangely.

"Your head is in the clouds, I see."

"I believe your head has been in the clouds since your growth spurt three years ago."

Ivan rolled his eyes as they stepped out of the room, being greeted by two men holding towels which each of them took with a nod and wiped their face. The two went back over to the corner where another man was standing with more towels for whoever came out of the room next.

"Da. Whatever you wish to say to make you feel better about your own hight."

A jab was sent into Ivan's ribs. Sure, it hurt, but it was more friendly than painful so he let it off with a push of his own.

This resulted in a laugh from both Gilbert and Ivan. Both laughs turned strained.

"You're nervous." There was no question in his voice. "There is no need for nervousness. He will come. And if he doesn't, we will find him."

"Just how are we supposed to do that?"

"Simple. There can only be a few houses near that clearing right. He didn't seem to be prepared for a long ride considering the bare-back horse."

Gilbert nodded. "Why not just get him now then?"

"Let us see if he comes to you first. I believe he will. Besides, showing up may seem creepy to him."

Gilbert paused for a moment.

"What about the old man? You know he won't have me marry anyone but royalty."

Ivan shrugged, seemingly deciding that it wasn't that big of a deal. "Maybe he'll change his mind."

Gilbert nodded again, a thoughtful look on his face.

"He seemed hurt when I first saw him."

"It could have just been from the horse."

"There was a bruise though. Bruises don't just appear."

"Hopefully nothing serious then."

"Hopefully."

Matthew woke up surprisingly early the next morning.

He was tired but found it impossible to sleep with the pain that his sides felt. He stood, shakily at first, but then grounded himself as he set to work on his daily activities.

By the time the boys woke up, he was reminded of his main task for today and the next couple days: buying and sewing suits.

His papa had taught him a long time ago, and even now, Matthew made his own clothes. When his father died and funds grew low, Reagan found this skill helpful and made full use of it.

Matthew didn't mind it because of the wonderful memories it brought back to him.

He always dreaded buying the fabrics, although he would be glad when it was finally out of the way.

He stretched, trying to wake himself up before preparing lunch. He let his hands fall into place and start cooking. The boys had nearly ripped his hair out that morning. He had been placed in the middle of one of their fights while the two were trying to battle it out using him at the rope in a strange game of tug-a-war.

He felt exhausted already and he was certainly dreading the day that was to be spent with them. Getting back to cooking, he realized his left hand had been situated on the pot to hold it in place and he held in his scream as he quickly pulled back his hand, submerging it in the lukewarm water he had left in the basin last night.

He was losing his head. The many sleepless nights that resulted from "not enough work being done" caused him to make multiple silly errors through the day. He had never thought something this stupid would result from it.

Matthew realized he couldn't let his hand soak forever so he went back to making lunch, trying to ignore the pain.

He set the table before they came in, optimistic that he could hide his hand until it healed. Calling them down to eat, he ran off to another part of the house, looking to get work done.

About an hour later, he was called on to leave the house with the brothers. He tactfully hid the palm of his hand. He hooked Kuma to the carriage and took them into town.

The whole way there, he listened to them fight in the carriage. They nearly tumbled over themselves getting out when they finally reached their destination. Matthew stifled his laughter but many others did not.

The brothers didn't notice anyway as they were still too busy arguing.

Matthew led them to the fabric store that he was able to leave the carriage somewhat close to.

The boys ran through the door as soon as they saw the fabric. Matthew sighed and watched them from outside. He decided it would be ten times better to wait and let the store clerk manage them until it was time to carry the fabric back to the cart.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around.

"Matteo! I thought that was you! What are you doing back in town so soon?"

Matthew simply gestured over his shoulder at the boys who were easily heard from the outside.

Unfortunately, Matthew had used his left hand to gesture which was now being held in the hands of a worried and frantically talking restaurant owner.

"It's fine. I just accidentally left it on a pot is all."

"Give him his hand back!"

Matthew sighed. Lovino to the rescue.

He hid his hand as soon as the other brother let go. If Lovino found out, he was sure nothing would calm the anger before Matthew explained what actually happened.

"Thanks, but I really am doing well."

"What did they say about the ball?"

"Matteo! We're going too! Won't that be fun!"

"I'll try to make it," Matthew smiled at them.

They continued to talk in front of the store until Matthew was called on by an ungodly screech.

The twins looked at him with pity before they said their goodbyes and he headed to the storefront, only to have fabric shoved into his arms.

The next two weeks consisted of constant sewing and several all-nighters in order to finish the requests on time along with his other chores.

He resisted aiding his hand as the pain eventually numbed. His hands become bruised and slightly bloody due to accidentally pricking his fingers. He would always take extra precaution to keep the outfits clean.

Near the end, Matthew found he had enough time to fix something up for himself. He dug through some of his papa's boxes that had been put in the attic some time ago.

He found a double-breasted, light blue coat with back trousers.

Matthew tried it on, finding that it fit well. He'd only need to adjust some of it to make it a little more form-fitting.

The day of the ball came. Matthew had worked well into that morning. He was very tired, but his excitement for the night pushed him through the day.

Around three o'clock, he helped Reagan get dressed first. His hand felt much better and he was able to use it well although there was still a bit painful if he moved it the wrong way.

After he was finished, he watched Reagan examine the clothing. He supposed he deemed it fit to wear because nothing was said until Matthew was dismissed.

Next, he helped dress the boys.

The boys were, to say the least, excited. Anytime Matthew was with one, the other was acting as if they were talking to the prince in the mirror, practicing expressions, or commenting on what Matthew could have done differently with the clothes.

"We must compete for the prince's hand," Calvin stated with a smirk.

"But we must not harbor ill feelings towards each other," Emery replied with a devious smirk of his own. "Lest I bash your head into the concrete when we arrive."

"Or I pushing you out of the moving carriage."

This went on for a while. Each brother explaining in more and more excruciating detail how he would kill the other before their meeting with the prince later that night.

It finally ended when Emery said, "But we are brothers after all."

Calvin finished for him. "And blood is thicker than water."

The two laughed at each other.

"Grass-ew!" Calvin yelled despite the close distance as Matthew was trying to fix the collar of his shirt.

"Yes."

"I bet you have never spoken to any man who has stepped foot inside the palace."

Matthew knew this was another way to poke fun at him. He didn't care though. This was just another opportunity to talk about Gilbert.

"Actually, I have once."

"Some menial, no doubt. Some apprentice."

Matthew nodded. "Actually he was."

"How just like you."

The two continued to talk for a while before breaking out into another argument.

Matthew found himself in a daze, being reminded of the man he was to meet again tonight.

He walked out of the room, knowing he should complete some more housework before it was time to leave.

When the time came, and the carriage arrived, Matthew walked downstairs towards his step-family.

His brothers were being complimented on how well they looked.

Walking in, time seemed to slow as Matthew looked at them.

Reagan was wearing a green suit made out of reflective material. Matthew was very proud of the design given he had to add yellow and orange feathers to it somewhere.

Calvin was in orange and Emery in yellow. Matthew made them similar suits and added glitter and reflective beads as per their request.

Everything shown brightly as the light from the fixture hit them. One could only say that their clothes represented them: loud.

Their smiles turned to frowns as Matthew came into sight. He couldn't help but feel bad for ruining the mood.

Reagan looked the most disgusted. "What are you doing in that?"

"It was my papa's. It didn't cost you anything."

The boys laughed.

"Grass-ew at the ball!"

"What a silly notion!"

Matthew defended himself. "I just want to see a friend. I don't want to ruin anything."

"You won't get the chance," Reagan retorted. "I don't even want my boys to be associated with the likes of you." He stepped closer to Matthew. "And did anyone ever tell you, your papa's taste was questionable. Besides, it's practically falling to pieces."

With that, Reagan took the sleeve and ripped it off. It revealed some nasty bruises left on his arm. They didn't seem to care as the boys also decided to rip a few things off of the suit as well.

After that, Matthew was brutally reprimanded and left on the ground again. As soon as the door shut, he started to cry.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Matthew dusted himself off, wiping tears from his eyes, and answered it.

An old man, bent over, asked for a drink. Matthew invited him in and went to the kitchen to get some bread and water.

"Here, monsieur." The man took the bread and water and practically inhaled it. The stranger burped. Matthew laughed. "Do you need more?"

"Why were you crying?" It was almost out of nowhere.

"It's nothing to worry about."

"Nothing? Nothing is nothing, especially with you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Mattie, you have this weird amount of kindness that makes nothing everything. Giving me a piece of bread and some water. Help someone who is starving. Give your father dried roses before every trip. Not many people would. But you would and you did. As cheesy as it sounds, kindness is everything."

Matthew paused. "How did you know that?"

"I've been watching you! I'm your fairy god-brother!"

"What?"

"Hold on a sec, bro."

The man stood and Matthew had to cover his eyes as a bright light encased the room. When it had finally dimmed, his hands went to his sides and his jaw dropped.

Replacing the old man in a dirty cloak, a man around his age stood. He wore a white suit and little wings stuck out that looked odd on the muscular physique.

"That's a million times better. That monkey suit is super uncomfortable."

"Wait, what?" Matthew was still confused.

"Simple. I am your twin brother, Alfred, obviously." Not obviously, Matthew thought. "Mom's pretty happy I was assigned to you. Me too though. This is so cool! By the way, your life sucks."

Matthew shook his head and stared flabbergasted at Alfred.

"Anyway, we have to get you to a ball. You still take care of that rose bush, right?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"We'll turn it into a cabriolet."

"A what?"

"A carriage that holds just you. You might want to get Kumajiro now."

Matthew nodded and ran to get the horse, still very confused. He figured taking the help was better than not so he ran out to the end of the driveway were the roses sat. Alfred was already there.

"Perfect. Watch this!"

Alfred had already placed a rose on the ground. It began to grow larger. Vines twisted around it and Matthew partially feared for himself. The rose grew bigger, one of the petals making a bench, another growing over the top to create a hood. The rest of the petals turned into the bottom of the carriage. The vines became wheels and connected themselves to Kuma softly.

"And now your clothes!"

"Can you just mend them? They were my papa's. It's kind of my way of taking him to the dance with me."

Alfred nodded. "Of course. Can I change the color? You'd look great in red."

It was Matthew's turn to nod as he laughed a bit.

He could feel the clothes on him changing. The blue changed to a brilliant red and the previously torn garment fixed itself.

"Now, about your bruises…" Alfred looked thoughtfully at him.

Matthew knew that there were probably some already starting to show on his face. His burnt hand absentmindedly went to touch them.

"I can make the bruises that they gave you go away and the pain will subside, but your hands. You did that to yourself, even if it wasn't your fault. I won't be able to make those injuries disappear."

Matthew shook his head. "It's perfect. You've done so much already."

A pair of embroidered gloves were held out to Matthew. "They were our father's. Passed down to him. Take him with you as well."

Tears gathered in Matthew's eyes. "I can't thank you enough."

"You don't have to Mattie. I am the hero, after all." Those words sounded strangely right in his mind. Almost as if he had heard them a thousand or so times before, but he knew the phrase had never been muttered.

Strong arms engulfed him and Matthew's arms wrapped themselves around his brother's waist.

"I'm so sorry, Alfred."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. Mom and Dad are really proud of you either way."

Matthew was guided into the carriage and sat so he could get one last look at his brother.

"Oh!" Alfred pointed to the moon that turned a to hold a slight hint of blue. "When the moon turns completely white, the magic will wear off. You'll be left in the torn outfit."

"What about my step-family? What if they see me?"

"They won't recognize you."

Matthew nodded. "Thanks, Al."

"No problem, Mattie. Have a nice life. I love you."

"I love you too." It didn't feel weird to say that he loved this stranger. Not after knowing it was his brother and especially not after all he had done for him.

It took Matthew a grand total of twenty minutes to reach the castle. It seemed as if he was the last one to arrive.

Running in, he took note of the vastness of the castle. Two men stood on either side of large golden doors. Matthew could only guess that was where he was to enter.

The doors began to open, and Matthew was nearly blinded by the light.

"If he comes tonight, you may have further correspondence with him."

Gilbert turned to the old man sitting in the chair next to him.

"You have Elizaveta to thank. She convinced me."

A smile graced his faces as his eyes went back to the doors.

Gilbert watched multiple people come through the doors. Roderich was calling out names at the middle their of the entrance staircase. So far, none of them fit the man he had seen in the forest.

He looked towards his grandfather who looked back at him.

"I hope he shows up." The surprised Gilbert. It was strange to hear such words uttered from that mouth but he was glad. No matter what he said, Gilbert did love his grandfather and wished for his support.

As the night went on, he felt a squeeze on his shoulder.

"I believe that's everyone." He looked back to see Ludwig's face and nodded as they both went to the dance floor.

To say Gilbert was severely disappointed and upset was an understatement, but he didn't let it show. Instead, a bright smile graced his face as he focused all his energy on being princely for the evening.

That is, until, the doors opened once more.

Hi!

I hope you enjoyed the story so far! Please let me know if I have done okay with some of the characters. I only really feel confident with my portrayal of Matthew. Gilbert seems so hard for me so I am trying my best to write him correctly.

I also decided to give him and Ivan and little bit of a playful friendship. Let me know what you think.

Sorry, it got a bit long.

Thank you so much for reading! I really do appreciate the time you all take out of your days to read this.

Have a wonderful rest of the day!