Hey everybody! Thanks sooooo much for reviews (I worship them as gods) and watches and favorites and other things that make me feel loved! Just to let you know we're gettin' bumped up to "T" for SOME PEOPLE'S dirty mouths. ;D Other than that lots of sticky sweet fluffy fluff!
"The Zoo?" Matthew said, looking over at the man next to him, clearly confused.
"Oui. I have a friend…well perhaps more of an acquaintance, who I am quite sure will be able to get those terrible things off of you, pigeon." Matthew blushed at the nickname that seemed to have stuck to him, but nodded.
"Will we be able to get in?" He asked, noticing the policeman by the gate.
"But of course." Francis said, with a smirk picking up a good sized stone and tossing it into the air a couple times. "We just have to wait for the right-oh, well look what we have now…" he said, spotting an older gentleman who was walking out, reading a book. "Lay low." He whispered to Matthew before throwing the stone with surprising force and accuracy and hitting the policeman square in the back of the head. Whipping around he saw no one but the reading gentleman.
"Hey you!"
Turning the man blinked. "I beg your pardon, where you addressing me?"
"What's the big idea?" The police officer growled.
"I'm sure I don't know what you could mean-"
"Oh, wise guy, eh? I suppose you'll be tellin' me that rock threw itself!"
"I-I certainly don't know"
"Oh, I'm a liar now, am I?"
"Well you listen to me-!" The man said, starting to look angry, advancing on the policeman.
"Aha! Resistin' an officer of the law!" The man in the blue uniform cried "You're gunna pay!" As they started to scuffle, curses flying everywhere, Francis took Matthew's hand, leading him quickly through the gates.
"Come on, Pige. The place belongs to us now." He said once they were inside, giving a winning smile. The younger gave a small smile back.
"When I get my c-c-…when I get these things off, could we perhaps look at the animals? I-I always used to love coming here.. when I was little.." Francis was silent for a moment before he spoke up.
"But of course." He said softly. It had been a long time since he was with someone who could appreciate simple pleasures like looking at the exotic animals housed here. "But for now come this way." He said, grasping the violet-eyed boy's wrists and gently leading him to the back of the zoo.
When they arrived at their destination Matthew was pretty sure he realized why Francis had been so sure that they would be able to get the metal clasped around his wrists off.
"Ah yes. There he is." Francis said with a smile, looking at the blond man who appeared to be building a new enclosure for the animals. He was tall, with bright blue eyes, slicked back shockingly blond hair, strong Germanic features and an incredibly muscular body. If anyone could break something for them it seemed it would be him.
"Ludwig!" The Frenchman called, causing the man to snap his head up from his work. A look of shock and recognition crossed his face instantly. Francis walked closer, bringing the boy with him.
"Vat in the world are you doing here?" The man Francis called Ludwig said gruffly, looking neither pleased nor angry.
"I am here because Mathieu is in need of your help."
"Matthew?" Ludwig said looking over at the boy he hadn't met before. "Vat is wrong with him?" Moving over Francis revealed slender pair of wrists bound in metal. Ludwig frowned deeply.
"So will you help him? He is my new friend after all." Ludwig gave Francis a look before his eyes briefly moved to Matthew. In them there was a strange mix of emotions, still slight surprise along with the feeling he was being sized up, and most disconcerting of all was the spark of pity. He quickly looked away.
"Ja. I vill help him." He said, picking up a small saw. Approaching a now very nervous Matthew he gripped the blond's arms, studying them.
"You must hold very still, understand?" He said, gently slipping the saw in between the cool metal and the skin of his wrists. Matthew nodded, but found it hard because he had begun to tremble slightly. After a few minutes of unsuccessful sawing a smooth voice brushed against his ear.
"It's alright Mathieu," The boy's name seemed to flow with the French accent on it "I trust our German friend completely with this. Besides, I would never let anything happen to this petit lapin." Matthew looked up into his smiling blue eyes, feeling himself relax. Several more minutes went by like this before with a small 'snap!' the metal around one wrist gave way completely. Matthew gave a small cry of surprise and happiness, lifting up his newly freed arm. It was only a matter of minutes before the other was off as well.
"O-oh, oh thank you!" He said, beaming up at the German who had freed him. He got a quick nod in return.
"Bitte. But I really must go back to work."
"But of course ami. I am in your debt." Francis said with a smirk, beckoning Matthew to follow him.
"Vait!" The German said quickly. "One more thing. Tell everyone I am doing vell, and I vish them all the best."
"I will." The Frenchman replied, giving a wave behind him. When they were out of earshot he muttered. "Poor man had decided to go legitimate…I suppose it is his choice though.." Matthew looked up, confused to what that could mean. Francis gave him a glance.
"Is something wrong Pige?" He asked.
"What do you mean by legitimate?" Francis gave a little chuckle.
"Do not let it worry you cher. Now come, tell me all that has happened that has made it so we were able to meet again.."
"But when she put those horrible handcuffs on me.."
"Say no more Pigeon. I get the whole picture. Aunts, cousins then cuffs. That is what comes of tying yourself down to one family." Francis said with a smirk.
"Haven't you a family?" Matthew said, looking shocked.
"One for every day of the week. The point is, none of them have me." He responded with a wink.
"I'm afraid I don't understand.."
"Come, I will show you what I mean." Francis said, walking up to an old house, it was dark now, making them inconspicuous. "For instance the Schultzs here. I often make this my Monday home."
"Monday home?" Matthew said with concern.
"Oui, that is when Mama Schultz makes Wiener Schnitzel. And I help her, play with the children, etcetera, and of course reap the rewards of a home cooked meal. And the O'Brians over there," he said pointing across the street a distance. "Is where I go Tuesday, for corned beef. Not the delicacy of France, non, but I appreciate good food no matter where its, unfortunate, origins are." Matthew stared at him in awe.
"You're happy like that?" he asked quietly.
"But of course. You see, when you're footloose and license free, you take nothing but the best." They're conversation was suddenly interrupted by the sound of singing floating down the streets accompanied by…..an accordion?
"Oh, it is the Vargas Brother's! But of course, the very place for a very special occasion." He said with a beam, taking Matthew's wrist and gently leading him across the street to a restaurant. The bespectacled boy couldn't help but feel his cheeks heat up ever so slightly. Arriving across the street he tried to head for the front door, but felt a gentle tug on his wrist. "This way. I have my own private entrance." Francis said with a wink, leading him around to the back. "Stay here for a moment." He said leaving the boy in the shadows and walking up to the door. He rapped his knuckles on the door quickly, and instantly a voice came bursting through.
"Who the hell is it Goddamnit!" Matthew recoiled as an angry slightly accented voice rang in the air, its owner quickly appearing in the doorway. He looked just as angry as he sounded, with dark brown hair and narrowed olive eyes. "Oh, great, it's the pervy French bastard." He growled.
"It is good to see you as well." Francis said with a smile.
"Don't give me that crap. You better just be here for food or I swear to God I'll rip your di-"
"Who's there Romano?" Another man said, suddenly appearing. He looked almost exactly the same as the other, but with lighter hair and chocolate eyes. And happy. "Oh, Caoi Francis! What brings you by again?" He said beaming while what seemed to be his brother grumbled.
"Why, what else but your merveilleuse food-
"Feli! Go get the sunofabitch some garlic bread so he'll leave!" Romano snapped. The other brother quickly obeyed, running back away from the door.
"But dear Romano, it is a special occasion." Francis all but purred.
"What's that supposed to mean, bastard?" the Italian said, raising his eyebrow in a scoff. Feeling this was his time to appear Matthew stepped shyly out of the shadows. Romano's eyes widened slightly.
"Huh? What the hell's this? You have a new girlfriend? Or boyfriend? I can never tell with you."
"This is Mathieu." Francis said with what looked like a proud smile.
"H-Hello.." Matthew practically whispered. He was bright red at being called the Frenchman's boyfriend, but didn't seem to have the courage to correct it. Francis seemed to also have decided to say nothing. Romano swung the door open suddenly, coming up uncomfortably close to Matthew and examining him closely. The blond stood perfectly still, very afraid of incurring the Italian's wrath. When he was done the brunette turned and spoke to Francis in a low murmur, glancing back to make sure Matthew couldn't hear.
"How did you get a class act like this one, bastard?" He asked.
"He is not just a trophy you know, ami." Romano snorted.
"Whatever. But he's pretty, seems like a sweet kiddo. Take my advice and settle down with this one, you perverted little shit." Francis seemed amused both by Romano giving romantic advice, and the way he did it.
"This one?" Francis' smile faded instantly as Matthew's voice floated between them. He was looking between them, looking very confused biting his lip.
"You must have misheard pigeon." Francis said quickly "Do not worry about it."
"Here's the garlic bread, Lovi!" Feliciano said bouncing back outside.
"Garlic bread!" the other Italian practically screamed. "What's the matter with you, I'll break your face!" Feliciano cowered, though not nearly enough in Matthew's opinion.
"But Loviiii…"
"Tonight this bastard gets the best in the house, he's got a date, stupid!"
"Okay Romano, you're the boss." The other said, regaining his goofy grin. Quickly setting up a table his brother grabbed a menu, showing it to the guests.
"Now whaddya want? A la carte? Dinner?"
"Why, how could I resist your spaghetti especiale? Heavy on the meat balls of course." Francis said, giving Matthew a look that promised that he would love it. Romano rolled his eyes.
"Did you hear that Feli?"
"Yep!" The brunette said, skipping out of the kitchen with a huge plate of spaghetti. Placing it in front of the pair he backed up, looking at them expectantly. Francis took his fork and twirled the pasta perfectly, raising a large bit to his mouth. He chewed it, almost elegantly if it were possible.
"Ah, Feliciano, Romano, it is parfaite." He said with a winning grin. Turning to his guest who was still staring at the food shyly his face softened. "Mathieu, you must really try this wonderful food. It is here for you." Twirling another forkful he lifted it up to the boy's mouth. Blushing furiously at the gesture, but not wanting to be rude Matthew took it, enjoying the sweet tangy and savory flavor. It truly was delicious food. Picking up his own fork he began to eat with relish, realizing how hungry he had been. Francis watched with a smile, eating more slowly. Suddenly a noise floated by the young man was not expecting. It seemed the happier brother had started singing, bringing out a stringed instrument that Matthew didn't recognize.
"Oh this is the night,
it's a beautiful night…"
He looked up in the sky, realizing how beautiful a night it really was. A cool breeze blew softly, and the heavens were full of stars. He didn't want to stop looking at them, and realized that it had been a long time since he had enjoyed simply stargazing without and worries. He barely noticed that the spaghetti strand in his mouth seemed to be guiding his face in a strange direction. He was snapped out of his thoughts when something warm pressed lightly against his lips. He stared into the equally surprised, though much calmer, blue eyes that belonged to the other mouth now against his for a short second before turning away quickly, blushing heavily. However he couldn't help the smile that spread on his face. A tap on the shoulder brought his attention back to the man he was sitting with, who gave him a smile before comically slurping up a noodle. Matthew smiled in return, trying the same only to be hit in the nose by the pasta. They both started laughing as Francis gently wiped the sauce off the boy's nose.
"The night will weave its magic spell,
When the one you love is near…"
Spearing the last meatball Francis again lifted his fork to Matthew's mouth. He took the food without hesitation this time, gazing up at the older man shyly. Francis smiled admiringly down at him, turning to get his final bite when the boy was done.
"And the heavens are right…"
Matthew gazed up at the beautiful full moon that was pouring moonlight into the streets. A warm and fuzzy feeling seemed to be blooming in his chest, and the only thing he knew was that he didn't think he ever wanted this evening to end.
"On this lovely belle notte…"
After they had finished the wonderful meal and bid farewell to the Vargas brothers, the couple found themselves in a beautiful park. They walked silently, enjoying the night and each other's presence. As they passed a cherub fountain finger's brushed, and Francis took the opportunity to slip the younger's finger's gently between his own. There was a moment before the soft delicate hand squeezed slightly, and two pairs of eyes locked. Up ahead a sign read "wet cement", but there were already clear areas where shapes and names had been carved in it. Kneeling down Francis looked at a large heart that had been drawn in the still wet mixture. A spark of an idea hit him and he firmly pressed the palm of his hand inside of the heart. He then took Matthew, who had been watching curiously, and gently guided his hand down pressing it next to his handprint. He grinned at the boy who looked back with perhaps the sweetest smile he had ever seen. They stood silently and continued on, coming up to a bridge, where a pair of swans could be seen swimming in unison. There they shared their second, and first intentional, kiss. It was warm and soft and made Matthew feel like he was absolutely melting. In the end they wound up at the top of a hill, overlooking the whole of the town. They sat there, bathed in moonlight, Matthew shyly leaning his head on the Frenchman's shoulder. Here at this moment everything seemed right with the world, and a spectacular wave of contentment wrapped itself around him like a blanket, as the moon and the summer breeze and the soft warm breaths of the person next to him lulled him to sleep.