A/N: Okay, last day of internet access for the weekend! You guys are lucky because I only have time to post to FF and not LJ. I need a flash drive… or internet in my apartment! No internet at night is driving me insane!

Prof. K = Greece (probably pretty obvious)

And a quick note on ages: to save my sanity and keep all the characters in a college-setting, everyone is between the ages of 20-25ish. If I were to be logical about it China would actually be a professor or something and Alfred, Matthew, the Italian twins, and Ludwig would be Freshmeat- er, Freshmen (1st year) while Ivan, Arthur, and Kiku would be sophomores/juniors (2 and 3rd year of college/university), while, say, Tino and Berwald would be seniors (4th year). That being said, there are no inappropriate age relations in this story :P

Chapter Sixteen

Matthew couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe it. He stared at Feliciano, hoping the ditzy brunette had too much wine at the party. He just jabbered on about how Matthew looked great with him, they were the cutest couple, and why didn't Matthew say anything?

Problem was, Feliciano, just like everyone else wouldn't say who HE was. It was like in Harry Potter. They were afraid if they spoke his name, Matthew's mythical boyfriend would appear out of thin air and smite them.

Matthew almost wished he would.

Feliciano's grumpy twin was rolling his eyes and tugging on his twin's shirt, "Come on, leave this loser alone. It's not any of your business, and you're being too noisy in the library."

"But Brother, don't you think they're cute together?"

Lovino eyed Matthew, and looked just behind him at where Ivan was working on his English homework, "Just precious. Now let's go."

"Good-bye Alfred!"

Matthew sighed in frustration and went back to the library table. He flipped open his calculus workbook and started grinding out the problems. He wished Alfred didn't have practice. As stupid as he was about most things, he was a whiz at math.

"Hey, Ivan?"

Ivan looked up and blinked. Matthew's head was still bent, so he didn't notice the look Ivan was giving him, but he could feel Ivan's attention on him.

"You any good at math?"

Ivan gave a brief nod, "Passable."

Matthew scooted his chair over next to Ivan, barely noticing when Ivan squirmed away a little. He shoved his book in front of the Russian, still peeved from his deadend search for the root of this unicorn of a boyfriend rumor. He reached over Ivan's arm to point out the problem. He held the touch a little longer than necessary out of reflex, missing Ivan's blush. He didn't miss it when Ivan wiggled out from under him and scraped the chair a few inches away.

What was his deal?

"Don't worry, I promise my boyfriend won't beat you up for helping me with my math homework." Matthew laughed lightly. Instead of laughing with him, Ivan just pushed the book forward and started explaining the problem in a dull voice.

Matthew tuned his explanation out.

Ivan was hiding something from him. It wasn't a feeling he was used to. Usually no one even remembered him long enough to bother to hide a secret. Yet all of a sudden he was in the middle of some strange conspiracy theory. And he had a feeling Ivan had the key.

Gritting his teeth, he snatched back his book with a clipped 'never mind' and scooted back to his side of the table. Ivan tried to talk to him a few times and he ignored him. The fifth time Ivan started to say something he reminded Ivan that some people were trying to do some work and could he please be quiet?

"Matvey…"

Matthew looked up expectantly. He hadn't expected the silent treatment to work so quickly. It took at least half a day to crack Alfred. One time Alfred had hung on for almost a week and Matthew almost started talking to him because he was afraid his brother would do something outrageous to get him to talk. Like hold up an ice cream truck with a Taser or something.

"Yes Ivan? Do you have something you want to tell me?"

Ivan looked at him then looked away.

"You need an 8 in the equation."

Matthew glared at his paper hoping it would burst into flame. Instead the math problem sat there making him feel stupid. He grudgingly put in the 8 and finished the problem. He finished up his math problems and debated between leaving Ivan to stew in his guilt or staring at him silently until he spilled the beans. Ivan, for his part, was pretending to be immersed in his English essay, painstakingly writing out every word in slow, careful loops and crosses. Matthew momentarily forgot his crossness and just sat watching the pen move gracefully.

"Why don't you just type it? I'd be faster."

Ivan finished his sentence carefully and shrugged. He started on the next one silently.

God, why was Matthew surrounded by assholes?

"The computer lab is just across the way. I know you know how to use a computer." Matthew tried again in a pleasant tone.

Ivan didn't budge.

Matthew glared. He'd admit he was being a little childish, but he wasn't the one who started all this. Well, technically he was, but he was drunk at the time, which didn't lessen his responsibility but still made him madder than hell no one was cooperating with him. And it wasn't his fault no one would tell him what happened. Did that mean something really bad happened and no one wanted to tell him because they were afraid to hurt his feelings? That just ticked him off more. He was an adult, dammit, and he wanted to know. To prove his point he crossed his arms across his chest and glared. Ivan still ignored him.

"Ah, Matthieu, you look lovely today." Francis greeted, earning a poisoned look from the librarian, although Lovino didn't say anything as he was afraid of Francis. "Do you need help with your… French? There are lots of lovely French things I could help you with."

Gilbert made a face behind him and cackled, "I don't think Matt-Man wants your Frenchie cooties. Isn't France famous for its crabs?"

Francis turned around indignantly making Gilbert laugh harder. Lovino was picking up the phone, probably to call campus security, when he was accosted by the third member of the invading force. He ended up clobbering Toni over the head with the phone instead.

"This is a library, da? Not your usual establishment; it lacks alcohol. Perhaps you should leave." Ivan said, looking up for the first time in five minutes. He gave Francis a smile and started giggling under his breath.

Gilbert frowned, "You hear that Frenchie? He thinks we're stupid."

Francis flipped his hair, unconcerned, "Ignore him, mon ami. This is a public place and we may be where we please."

Matthew once again with sidelined.

"I was merely asking Matthieu if he required some extra tutoring, since he doesn't look like he was getting what he needs from others present. I am very focused and not easily distracted by similar issues. I can easily tell the difference and know what I want. It is but a small virtue of mine." Francis purred, grabbing Matthew and pulling him into a one-sided hug. Ivan's giggling increased in volume and Matthew was wondering if there were some shrooms in the school lunch because he was seeing dark purple vibes coming off Ivan in waves.

"Chiiiggggiii!" Lovino screamed, "Hands off, perv!"

"But Lovi, you have coffee in your lap. I was trying to help you clean it up!"

He swatted off Francis' hand and grabbed his stuff off the table. He wasn't feeling generous enough to break up the impeding natural disaster. If they wanted to continue this dangerous, bizarre conversation for no reason that wasn't any of his business. He hoped all three—no, four, including Toni—got kicked off campus for a while. Then he wouldn't have to see any of them because just looking at them made him want to kick a puppy or something.

With that he stomped out of the library, swerving around Gilbert's attempt to slap his ass on the way out. Since he had fifteen minutes until his next class, he wandered outside. It was a bit chilly out and he hunkered in his hoodie as he picked a random bench to sulk on. He wasn't like his brother; he didn't believe in crazy conspiracy theories, but something was going on around him and he didn't understand anything about it except it had to do with Ivan, Francis, and the party. And probably what Matthew did at the party.

Oh my god, did Ivan see him getting it on with Francis?

Matthew flushed in mortification. That would explain soooooooooo much. Why Ivan was being so distant and Francis so possessive. It didn't explain Gilbert, but he was funny about what he got mad about anyway. Maybe he had been hoping for a threesome or something. Great, now Ivan thought he was a man-whore and was ashamed of him. And Alfred was ashamed too and that's why he wouldn't say anything. He was probably more than ashamed, he was probably disgusted too, because he'd already said what he thought about Francis. And why Arthur and Kiku looked down on him yesterday afternoon, but they were too polite to say he was a dirty slut… to his face at least.

Sinking his face in his hands he groaned and moved so he could hit his head on the bench as the hysterical giggles bubbled up his throat. In the process he managed to kick something that said 'oww.' Startled, he peered under the bench and was greeted by a pair of sleepy eyes and several pairs of angry feline ones.

"You kicked me." It wasn't an accusation or outrage, just a simple statement.

"Why are you sleeping under a bench?" was all Matthew could ask in response.

"My class doesn't start for another half hour." And that totally explained why he was outside sleeping on the grass under a bench with a bunch of cats.

"What class?" And why haven't I noticed you before, Matthew thought. The guy should have been ridiculously obvious on campus and Matthew had no idea who he was.

"Oh, I teach Classical Greek Mythology as an adjunct. I just graduated last year."

Teach? This guy was a teacher?

"You can call me Professor K, as I've found students have difficulty pronouncing my last name." The sleepy man said, holding out his hand. Matthew dumbly shook it, grateful for this off the wall distraction.

"Matthew Williams."

The sleepy man peered at him and sat up a little more, scattering the cats on his chest. He blinked slowly, as if processing something, and Matthew was strongly reminded of a sloth. A slow smile spread across his face.

"It is good to meet the person of rumors. I was wandering which student it was who was so… blessed." Professor K rumbled in an unhurried way. He paused a little at the end, clearly choosing to be diplomatic about his word choice.

WHAT? He didn't even know this guy and this guy knew all about him, including his name? Matthew was two seconds away from having a coronary, genetics and age be damned. He wondered if his health insurance covered apoplectic fits of rage.

"Yeah, everyone keeps saying… things."

Professor K eyed him, getting up on the bench next to him. His curly, messy hair was frizzing wildly with the damp day and cat hair decorated his nice jacket. He took a breath and exhaled noisily. He gave another patient breath and said, "You sound displeased. Would you like me to repeat what I've heard? I cannot say it is the original version, but perhaps you could sort out your problems if you knew."

"That would be…very nice of you." Matthew almost sobbed in relief. At least someone was willing to talk to him. Even if it was a stranger and a teacher.

He listened quietly, his horror and anger battling each other as Professor K told him what he had heard. When Professor K finished, he politely thanked him and went to class. Most of the rumors were way off base and seemed unlikely but there were several elements that were the same: Ivan kissed Alfred; Ivan nearly got in a fight with Francis and scooped up Matthew bridal style taking him to a back room; Ivan proclaimed himself Matthew's boyfriend; and Alfred kicked Ivan out of the party. He was so glad today was Monday. Because there were some people who were going to be on the wrong end of his hockey stick.

He practically hummed through the rest of his classes, plotting cheerfully.

In the locker room, he was still humming and gave his new hockey stick a mournful pat. He promised it an honorary spot next to its predecessor if something should happen to it.

On the ice he put a little more effort into practice than necessary. Even Tino was making sure to keep Berwald between the two of them. Berwald, for his part, didn't seem to notice the difference. But Søren sure did when Matthew slammed him into the rink so hard he acted like a bouncy ball between the glass and the ice.

Eventually he got to the source of his rage and injustice. Ivan was eyeing him speculating from behind his headgear. So far he had stayed out of Matthew's way, but now he found himself face-to-face. Matthew couldn't help the small smile as he closed in.

Ivan, sensing his killer intent, pulled the puck in closer and skated a little faster. It didn't do him much good when Matthew swerved in front of him, snagging the puck with his speed, and pulled up a little ways away tauntingly, daring Ivan to come and take it.

Ivan took the invitation with a second's hesitation. He lunged forward and tried to herd Matthew into the side where he'd be boxed in. Matthew easily twirled around him and looked back expectantly. Then he took off towards the goal with Ivan in hot pursuit. He wasn't sure if this would work a second time but he totally jacked Alfred's cheap cheater move.

Ivan seemed to expect it though because he barreled past in a more controlled lunge. Or it would have been if Matthew hadn't "accidentally" stuck his stick out catching Ivan's skate blades. The Russian tumbled down and Matthew shot the goal before the rest of the team mobbed him. He gave a causal circle around Ivan before squatting down at his level.

"What did you do to my brother at the party?" Matthew leaned his stick slightly against Ivan's side and looked down seriously.

"N-nothing." Ivan managed, still winded.

"Then why'd he kick you out?" Matthew pressed his stick harder as he leaned forward. Ivan didn't bother to try to get up with Matthew's skate blades just inches away from his hand and face. In fact, he almost seemed to stop breathing, although Matthew was sure it wasn't in fear. Maybe guilt? "What'd you do?"

"N-nothing." Ivan huffed again, louder.

"You kissed him." Matthew reasoned, "But then you said you were my boyfriend."

He was sure Ivan's breathing did stop that time. Ivan flopped his head the other way and clammed up.

"That's not a nice thing to do. Kissing someone and then going out with their brother." Matthew said softly. He didn't add that he didn't appreciate Ivan playing pretend about a relationship they didn't have but he wanted. Or that Alfred was covering up for him because Alfred forgave others. Alfred fought, forgave, and forgot. Matthew held grudges, a fatal flaw to be sure, but he was okay with that. He remembered all the good things people did too, so he figured it balanced out.

"This is not the place to speak of this." Ivan finally said, getting to his knees and towering over Matthew. His face was surprisingly blank. He didn't look angry or guilty or upset at all. Which meant he was probably all of the above. "I do not do anything to you or Alfred. And I am very displeased you two seem to be intent on accusing me."

"You sure as hell did something." Matthew hissed through his teeth. He knew his brother and despite the fact that Alfred ran around like a clueless idiot, he was very sensitive to rejection. And Ivan had sat there and played with Alfred's feelings, while Alfred cheerfully took the punch to the crotch and protected him. And that infuriated Matthew. No one was allowed to mess with his brother like that, not even Ivan. And the fact that Ivan tried to hide it and pretend like nothing was wrong… no, worse, tried to get Matthew on his side by being his "boyfriend" made him want to beat him to a pulp.

So he did.

The first punch flew wide and only knocked the headgear off Ivan's head. Luckily Matthew was still wearing the mitts, otherwise his hand would have been bruised and cut. The next swing clipped Ivan under the jaw snapping his head back.

"Don't fuck with my brother!" Matthew screamed as he landed the third punch on Ivan's padded chest. He struggled madly as several team members pulled him off Ivan and tried to kick the Russian as he was dragged backwards.

Ivan staggered up looking murderous. Matthew might have seen the hurt if he had been coherent, but all he saw was Ivan's giggling, gleeful face. And he wanted to punch it some more.

Alfred, who had been in the stands pestering Natalia, skidded out on the ice in his sneakers. He grabbed Matthew in a chokehold as Matthew threw his teammates off him. He shoved his way between Matthew and Ivan, glancing over his shoulder at the hulking, furious Russian.

"Shh, Mattie, hang on a minute. Mattie, Mattie, it's Al. Calm down, okay?" Alfred winced as he received an elbow to the gut. "Matthew Andrew Williams! Stop it right now."

Matthew felt the rage trickle away and sank down on the ice. He felt a collection of bruises starting to form where he had hit flesh and padding. Alfred stood over him protectively, giving Ivan a death glare. Ivan stared back coldly, his fists clenched and his face red.

"You. And You. We need to talk." Alfred said pointing to both Ivan and Matthew. "Because I'm pissed at both of you right now. And you're pissed at each other. And at me. I'm supposed to be the childish one!"

"I think that's a good idea." Tino said, looking between them, "Do you need a mediator?"

Alfred shook his head and dragged Matthew off the ice with minimal slippage. When Natalia approached he told her they had some guy stuff to take care of and charged right into the locker room. And locked the door behind him.

The three sat in an angry silence.

Alfred suddenly chuckled, "Maybe I should've wait until we all cooled down first, huh?"

Ivan and Matthew glared at him. Matthew made a point to move away from both of them to the far end of the bench.

"So, um, Ivan. I was kind of a jerk the other night and jumped to conclusions." Alfred said with an 'aww shucks I screwed up' smile. "I didn't mean it. I was just scared for Mattie."

"It did not look very good." Ivan agreed blandly, "I can see how you would believe that."

"So, uh, um, okay, are we cool now? Since you didn't, like, rape my brother while he was snonkered."

Matthew's head snapped up. WHAT! Ivan was the one Alfred thought he had slept with… unwillingly?

"And, er, if you want to date him…I'mcoolwiththattoo." Alfred blurted out looking completely embarrassed. He fidgeted and added, "But no gay buttsex at the house when I'm there, okay? That'd totally give me nightmares."

Ivan shook his head, "I said I was Matvey's boyfriend to Francis. Matvey was very drunk…"

"And it was Francis, say no more." Alfred said sagely. "I'm sure Mattie was like an innocent lamb bleating for a shearing from him."

"Does Francis sodomize sheep as well?"

They all paused to consider that thought.

"Uh… maybe?" Alfred offered with a horrified look, like he'd just eaten slugs and wanted to barf them back up. "But that's not what I meant… never mind. But he did say that you were in the bedroom about to, er, have your way with Mattie."

Matthew barely thought about the sheep at all. He was too busy realizing what an ass he had been to both Alfred and Ivan. They had almost lost their friendship because he had been a drunk wannabe striper, but they both still wanted to protect him. And he had hit Ivan and pulled Alfred's hair.

"I'm sorry." Matthew muttered out miserably. He wanted to crawl in a hole and turn into a bug or something. Again. But at least he'd deserve to be a bug for all the mean and unfair things he'd just done. "I'm so sorry. I was… I was mad about the party… and I drank too much. I didn't… think… Ivan would be coming because I didn't invite him… Because I was upset. And then, I thought… thought everyone was keeping what I'd done at the party a secret… because they were ashamed of me…"

Alfred blinked at him a few times, looking crushed. Matthew was afraid he'd hurt Alfred's feeling for not trusting him.

"You didn't like the party?" Alfred whimpered.

Ivan nodded in understanding, "I believe Francis requires some… what is it you say… whoop ass?"

Alfred snickered at Ivan's pronunciation, "Yup, he needs to be taught you can't fuck with our Mattie."

Ivan gave Alfred a fond glance then smiled at Matthew, humming in agreement. He leaned forward and said like he was laying down a business proposition, "I have an idea."

Matthew opened his mouth to protest then snapped it shut. He hoped Francis would survive.