Feliciano went to practice that Monday with a lighter heart than he had felt in a long time. With Lovi sorted, he felt like a weight he hadn't even know he had been bearing had been lifted from his shoulders. If he was honest with himself, he knew that it was partly due to a sense of guilt, blaming himself for not knowing how his brother was feeling, how far his behaviour had gone. He couldn't help blaming himself being so blind, for only being concerned with himself, his team, his friends, and forgetting about his brother. He was determined to change that, however, and had resolved to try and pay more attention to Lovino from now on.
To that end, he had sneaked into his brother's room this morning, the notes from the classes they shared clutched in his hand. He knew that Lovino's pride would never unbend enough to allow him to ask Feliciano for the help. He could do nothing about the classes Lovino had separately from him, however. He hoped he would be able to ask someone, but doubted it. Oh well. If not, he would ask Antonio for help. Discreetly, of course. Lovino would be furious if he found out.
Giggling, he went into the changing rooms, for once one of the first ones there. He had not forgotten Ludwig's warning to be on time, after all. He looked around the room. It was almost empty, Alfred, Matthew and the two pale-haired brothers the only others there. Alfred yelled a greeting across the room when Feliciano entered, making Matthew flinch and hit his arm.
"Shut up, Al! Do you even understand the concept of an indoor voice?" he snapped. Alfred's eyes widened in surprise, then he laughed.
"Jeez, Mattie, what's up with you? 'Sides, its Feli! YO, dude, how's it going?"
Feliciano giggled again, shutting his locker and walking over to the pair.
"Everything's great! It's all good now!" he chirped.
Alfred grinned. "Cool!" Matthew smiled as well. "So I take it the meeting went well, then?" he asked. Feliciano nodded. "Yup! Lovi was done when I got there, so Grandpa took us out for lunch!"
He gasped as he remembered something. "Oh yeah, and get this! Lovi got bored so Grandpa said he could go outside, and when we went out to find him, he was talking to this weird guy with white hair who said he's coach's older brother! How amazing is that?!" he giggled.
Matthew and Alfred looked at each other, surprised. "Coach Beilshmidt has a brother?" Matthew said quietly. His face turned pensive. "I wonder what he's like?"
Alfred laughed in his usual loud manner. "I bet he's crazy strict, same as coach. I mean, he's gotta be, if their brothers. Brothers are all the same, am I right?"
Matthew hit him.
Feliciano giggled again. "You're silly, Al. come on, lets get outside. If we go now, we can be first ones out, then coach won't be mad at us!" The other two nodded, then followed him outside.
As usual, Ludwig was standing out on the field, clipboard in hand. He was obviously working something out, as they heard him muttering about positions and players, looking from the clipboard to the field with a focussed frown. He didn't seem to hear the three approach, still engrossed in his plans.
"Hello coach Beilschmidt!" Feliciano called. Matthew put a hand over his face. For someone in his second to last year of high school, the Italian could be remarkably childish sometimes. Then he looked over at his friend, seeing the faint flush on Feliciano's cheeks, and smiled softly. Ah. So that's it. He sauntered over to where the practice balls were kept, and took one out, then began practicing strikes.
Matthew was actually a remarkably good striker, able to use his ability to blend into the background to his advantage. Often, the goalie failed to even notice his presence until it was too late, the ball sailing into the goal unimpeded. Of course, it depended on whether his teammates actually remembered to pass to him, but during the course of the year they seemed to realise what an amazing asset he was to the team, and he was now something of a mascot.
Back at the entrance, Feliciano took the chance to pass on Gilbert's message. He approach the tall German nervously, unsure how to broach the subject. He decided to go with boldness.
"Um, coach. I have something to tell you."
Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Ja? What would that be?"
Feliciano tilted his head. "Um, see, we went out for lunch on Saturday, 'cause Lovi's meeting had finished and it all went really good, but then he got bored and went out and when we found him he was talking to this guy and he said he was your brother and he told me to tell you hi and he wants to meet up with you sometime".
Ludwig absorbed this news in silence. After a while, he simply said "Oh."
Feliciano took a step back. "Uh, was it not him? He said his surname was Beilshmidt, so I asked if he was related to you, 'cause its not a very common name, and he said yes. Then he said to tell you hi and he said he wanted to see you. it was him, wasn't it? He had white hair, and his eyes were a pretty sort of violet colour, I remembered 'cause it looked odd. But really nice." He faltered, worrying that he had said something wrong.
"It's contacts" Ludwig murmured.
"huh?"
Ludwig shook his head, then sighed and straightened up, staring down at Feliciano.
"Sorry. Yes, that sounds like Gilbert. He's several years older than me, so we don't have very much in common. I'm not surprised your brother seemed to like him, from what you've told me they sound like they would have a lot in common. His eyes appear violet because he wears blue contact lenses. They aren't just for show, he needs them to protect his eyes from ultraviolet rays. His condition makes them sensitive." He stopped abruptly, realising he had said far more detail than necessary.
Feliciano didn't seem bothered, though. "Cool! So it's like wearing sunglasses all the time! Well, he seemed really cool. Lovi was smiling after we left, and he never does that when he meets someone new, so he must have really liked him."
Ludwig looked down at him, an inscrutable expression on his face. Feliciano tilted his head again, questioning.
"Coach? Do you not want to see him? He sounded kind of sad. I think he misses you."
Ludwig looked vaguely uncomfortable. He looked away. After a few moments, he sighed.
"We have…different lifestyles. We do not get on very well."
"oh." Was all Feliciano said. He knew he and Lovino didn't always see eye to eye, (more like rarely, if ever) but he couldn't imagine them falling out to the point of refusing contact with each other.
Ludwig realised the younger teen seemed upset, and quirked a smile. "Well, if he seemed so set on it, I suppose I can give him a call. Did he say what time would be suitable for him?"
Feliciano shook his head. "nuh-uh. Just that he's working most days, so you can find him at his job. He works at the pizza place outside town."
Ludwig nodded. "Ja. Good to know. Thank you, Vargas, for telling me."
"No problem, coach!" Feliciano turned, then walked off to join Matthew and Alfred. The rest of the team had joined them now. Ludwig let them practice on their own for a while, then blew the whistle, signalling the start of the practice.
The rest of the week went well. His soccer practice went brilliantly now that he could concentrate fully on the game, and by the next Saturday, Ludwig was sufficiently pleased with their progress to congratulate them all. The praise, of course, spurred them all on, fuelled with the prospect of winning their first game, which had been decided on as to take place the following week.
Feliciano took detailed notes in all of his classes, and spent every night copying them out to leave in Lovino's room. He had no idea whether his brother was actually looking at them, but a hurried conversation with Roma while Lovino was in the bathroom one evening revealed that he seemed to be taking the suspension seriously enough. His grandfather explained that for the first few days Lovino had treated his time off as nothing more than a holiday, after which point Roma threatened to call Antonio and tell him exactly what his soon-to-be student was doing. That appeared to be enough of a threat to force the teen into reluctant action, and he had spent the rest of the week in (semi) diligent study.
Things came to a head, however, when he heard a muffled yell coming from Lovino's bedroom. Rushing upstairs in a worried hurry, the two found Lovino close to tearing his hair out from trying to puzzle out quadratic equations. Thereafter, Roma had spent what time he could helping Lovino out during the day, and Feliciano did what he could (or rather, as much as Lovino would let him) with anything else. The end result was that Lovino was, if not quite ready to become a perfect student, at least had some form of evidence to show Antonio his intent to redeem himself and his studies when he returned to school.
Of course, nothing could ever stay so perfect for long. The bump in the road showed itself after the practise game. Matthew had come into school that Saturday with a distinctly troubled expression, and spent most of the morning looking alternately worried, frightened and almost angry. When Feliciano asked him if he was alright, he merely got "We'll see" in response. Alfred seemed equally upset, but in an uncharacteristically quiet tone told Feliciano that it wasn't his place to say what was wrong.
They managed to win the game, however, but even that didn't seem to cheer the two up. Feliciano noticed that Matthew hung back after the game had ended. He watched as the taller boy went up to Ludwig, obviously asking to speak with him. The two went into his office, and returned some fifteen minutes later. Ludwig clapped a hand on Matthew's shoulder, and Feliciano caught the words "..can't be helped. It's very inconsiderate of him, but family is important. Don't worry about it. We'll sort something out. It won't be for long, ja?"
Matthew nodded. Feliciano strained to hear his response, and made out "..should just be a couple of weeks, a month at the most. I'm not sure." He didn't look particularly happy.
He walked into the changing room to find all eyes on him. Ludwig stood behind him, and placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.
"Listen up, everyone."
The room quietened immediately. Ludwig continued. "Matthew will be leaving our team for a while. Don't worry, it isn't forever, but we will need to find a substitute scorer for the next few games. This won't be a problem, but I don't want it to affect the team." The boys nodded. Matthew turned to look up at Ludwig, who nodded.
Matthew sighed. "So, I don't know if Al has told you guys this yet' his brother shook his head, his face serious for once 'but something's come up, and I'm gonna be away for about a month. Maybe longer. I'll, uh, I'll miss you guys." He blushed, uncomfortable with being in the spotlight. Ludwig cleared his throat.
"Well, that was all I needed to say. I'll see you all at practice on Monday. Have a safe journey, Williams." He went out of the room, going back to his office.
A hush fell over the room. The little blond, Feliks, was the first to speak.
"So, you're gonna be, like, away? When are you leaving? You're, like, the best striker we have. Come back soon, ok? We're gonna, like, miss you so much." He made as if to go up and hug Matthew. He was pulled back by Toris, his not-quite-official boyfriend. "Feliks is right, Matthew. You're one of our best players. I'll look forward to you coming back. I hope everything goes well for you while you're away."
"Um, thanks guys. My flight's tomorrow, so I'll be leaving for the airport then. I'm not really sure when I'll be back, but it'll be about a month or so."
José, the Brazilian transfer student, went up to Matthew and clapped him on the shoulder, then gave him a one-armed hug.
"Have a safe trip, yeah? The team will be fine, don't worry. We'll win for you, won't we guys?" Matthew laughed. "Thanks, José. I know you guys will win."
"We will." The blond-haired boy, Vash, crossed his arms. "Have a safe trip. We will make sure to uphold the standard of the team. The absence of one member should not affect the rest of the players."
Matthew blinked, unsure what to say to that. "um, thank you, Vash. That's, um, good to know."
"Hmph. Now, if you don't mind, I need to go. My little sister is waiting for me to pick her up from her dance class. Goodbye." He walked out of the room.
The two pale-haired boys, Lukas and Emil, seemed unconcerned with the news. Eventually, Lukas, the elder, stepped forward. He, too, shook Matthew's hand. "Have a safe trip." He said, quietly. Matthew nodded. "Thanks."
Lukas stepped back. His phone buzzed, and he picked it up from the bench. He glared at the screen. Grabbing his bag, he motioned for his brother to follow him. "I'm sorry, Matthew. My idiot boyfriend is waiting for us, so we have to go. Bye."
"uh, no problem. See you guys."
If anyone was surprised by that revelation, they didn't show it. Kiku spoke up, quietly.
"I hope your trip goes well, Matthew-kun. Please give my regards to your family."
Matthew smiled. "I will, Kiku. Thank you." The smaller boy smiled awkwardly. His phone chimed softly. "Oh, I am sorry. My guardian is calling me. We will have to go now. Yong-Soo, Leon."
His cousins waved at Matthew. "So~rry! Yao gets real mad when we're late. Gotta bust it! I'm gonna miss you, so have a safe trip or whatever and we'll totally see you when you get back!" Yong-Soo and Leon high-fived him, each saying "see ya!" then followed Kiku out of the room, Yong-Soo chattering animatedly.
That just left Feliciano. The three stood in silence for a moment, then Matthew slumped to the bench, exhausted from being the centre of attention. He sat with his hands in his lap, frowning.
Feliciano waited a moment, then went over to him and hugged him tightly. Matthew flinched, then clutched Feliciano's arms. He drew away after a while, Feliciano shocked to see tears on his face.
"Mattie? What's wrong?!"
Matthew sniffled and laughed softly. "Nothing. I'm just not sure how I feel about leaving, that's all."
Feliciano looked at him worriedly. "But you're only going to be away for a month! That's nothing! I can take notes for you. So will Al. You won't be behind, if that's what you're worried about. You're really smart." He stopped.
"Wait. How come both of you aren't going?" he asked, confusion written on his face.
Matthew and Alfred shared a look. Al shrugged, leaning against the wall. He looked at his brother with a soft expression. "It's up to you, bro. You tell him if you want."
Matthew's gaze hardened, then turned serious. "Alright. Feli, listen."
Feliciano looked worried, but sat next to Matthew. "Si?"
"This is kind of weird to say. Um. I haven't really told anyone else this, but a while ago me and Al found out we're not really brothers."
Feliciano drew back in shock slightly, but didn't say anything. Matthew continued. "So, it turns out my mother died when I was about a year old. I was adopted by my aunt, my mother's sister. She already had a son of her own, the same age as me, so she agreed to raise us as brothers. So me and Al are still related, but we're cousins, not twins." His face twisted, mouth hardening.
"My father, apparently, had left when my mother died, I guess because he couldn't deal with caring for a baby on his own. It turns out I'm actually Canadian, at least by birth, which I suppose explains the accent. But my father is French. He went back to France after my mother died, and has lived there ever since. The reason why I'm leaving is because he contacted me for the first time. Apparently his mother, my paternal grandmother, is very ill, and she has asked to meet me, before, well.." he trailed off.
"So you're going to France to see your family?" Feliciano asked quietly. Matthew nodded. "And you didn't tell the others where you were going 'cause you didn't want to tell them all this as well?"
Matthew smiled softly. "You know, you're a lot smarter than people take you for, Feli."
Feliciano grinned. He sat up and hugged Matthew again. "But you'll be ok, right? And you'll get to see your father, won't you? Are you excited?"
Matthew twisted his mouth again. "I'm not entirely sure" he said finally. "It's a lot to take in all at once. But, I suppose it's good to know the truth." He looked up at Alfred. "But I understand why everyone chose not to tell me until now. I probably wouldn't have understood it when I was little. But mostly I'm just glad that Al's still my brother, even if he is an annoying jerk at times."
Alfred stood away from the wall. He hugged Matthew tightly. "I love you too, bro." he drew away.
"But I am not annoying! I mean, sure, I get a little loud at times, but it's just 'cause you're so quiet! I'm, like, loud for both of us!" he looked proud of himself with his logic.
Matthew smiled at him. "yeah, whatever." His face turned thoughtful.
"You know, me going away could actually be very good timing."
"Huh?" Feliciano and Alfred said together. Matthew giggled. "Well, with me gone, you'll need a new player, right?"
The two nodded, unsure where Matthew was headed. The blond continued. "And playing a sport is a really good way to make friends and learn teamwork, right?"
Neither of the two seemed to realise what he meant. Matthew cursed inwardly that his brother and friend, brilliant people that they were, could be incredibly dense.
"SO, it just so happens that we all know someone who could really benefit from chance to be part of team. Show willing, inclusion in student activities, eh?"
The penny still didn't drop. He sighed.
"Dude, just tell us already." Alfred said, getting annoyed. Feliciano nodded. "Si, what do you mean, Mattie?"
Matthew sighed again. "What I mean is that Lovino would be the perfect replacement for me."
He cringed as the other two immediately shouted their refusals.
"Dude, no way! You saw how he played before! He nearly broke my arm tackling me! Sorry Feli, dude, but it's true. Your brother is a menace on the pitch."
Feliciano nodded. "Si, Mattie, Al's right. I love Lovi, but he wasn't a very good player. Coach said that."
Matthew sighed again. "No, Feli. Lovino was actually a very good player. I expected you two to object though. But hear me out."
The two looked at him with disbelieving faces, but let him continue.
"From what you said, Feli, Lovino's first meeting with the counsellor went well, yes?"
Feliciano nodded. "Si, Toni said he expected him to yell way more and he didn't, but-"
Matthew cut him off. "So, as well as improving his studies, which from the sound of it he is working well towards, being a member of a club would be greatly beneficial. As well as the simple fact that being in an extra-curricular club of any sort is highly desired for your school record and CV, being part of a sports team in particular would be a great way for him to show his willingness to change. Think about it. Lovino has experience with soccer. Even coach Beilshmidt said he had no fault with his playing, it's simply his attitude. If we can convince the counsellor that being on the team again will help Lovino, I'm sure we can get him to talk to the coach for him. Just think about it." He stopped, breathing hard from speaking so much at once.
To their credit, Feliciano and Alfred did appear to be thinking about it. Eventually, Felicano spoke.
"I guess it could work. I didn't think Lovi would ever agree to the terms in the first place, so I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask him about it. I can get grandfather to talk to Toni, at least."
Matthew nodded. "Well, it was just a thought. Al?"
Alfred didn't look particularly happy about it, but he nodded. Sighing, he said "I guess it's Feli's choice, not mine. I doubt coach'll agree though."
"Agree to what, exactly?"
They all jumped. Ludwig stood in the doorway, one arm leaning on the jamb. He looked down at his watch.
"you three seem to have a habit of staying long after practice has finished. What is it that you want me to agree to?"
Matthew gulped nervously. The plan suddenly didn't seem like such a good idea now that Ludwig was in front of them.
To his surprise, it was Feliciano that answered.
"Mattie was wondering if Lovi could be his replacement while he's gone, coach" he chirped.
Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Your brother?" Feliciano nodded. "I seem to remember already dismissing him once. Now you want me to reinstate him as a player?" he turned to Matthew.
"May I ask why you want me to consider this?"
Matthew swallowed. "Well, um, I just thought." He twisted his hands together. He looked up at Ludwig, his face suddenly serious.
"I thought that it would be a good chance for Lovino to prove to the school that he is truly willing to change his behaviour. As a student having undergone a period of suspension, as well as having to attend sessions with a school counsellor, he is entitled to make up for his actions by taking part in extra-curricular activities. As he already has experience with soccer, I thought that this would be a good way for him to prove to the school that he is thinking for himself in terms of ways to improve his image as a student. I believe that if you were to attest to his skill and agree to this, then you could discuss it with both the headmaster and the counsellor. Of course, Lovino himself would have to agree to this." He stared up at Ludwig, forcing himself not to take a step back.
Ludwig considered the boys words. He raised a hand to his jaw, thinking. He opened his mouth to speak, and matthew flinched, waiting for the refusal Ludwig would surely give.
The reply shocked them all. "You're a very good speaker, Willliams."
Matthew looked up in surprise. "I- what?" Ludwig smiled softly. "You have a very good persuasive ability. You should think about going into law. I think you would be very good at it."
Matthew brightened at the praise. "Th-thank you, coach."
"However."
The three cringed again.
Ludwig's voice was stern. "You cannot make choices for another student without their knowledge or consent." They looked up at him. "That said, your argument is perfectly valid. I would have no problem with Lovino taking your place until you return, provided, (they all leaned forward, unconsciously hanging on his words) you actually ask him. Do that, get his consent, then I will talk to the headmaster and counsellor on his behalf. I trust you can handle that, Vargas? He is your brother, after all."
Feliciano flushed deep red, straightening up. "Yes coach! Don't worry, I'll make Lovi say yes! You can count on me!"
Ludwig smiled tersely. "Well, good." He looked at the three. "Now, if you are all finished, I suggest you think about leaving. I'm sure you have people waiting for you."
"Yes coach!"
"good. See you both on Monday, Jones, Vargas. Williams, have a safe flight. I'm sure these two will keep you updated with the team. In the meantime, don't worry about the team. I'll see you when you get back. If you don't mind the saying, enjoy your trip."
Matthew nodded. "Thank you, coach Beilshmidt. I will."
"Right." For the second time, Ludwig turned and went back to his office. They heard him shut the door, and turned back.
They stood in silence for a moment.
"Well, he didn't say no, right?" Feliciano said. They all laughed. Al shoved his shoulder, gently. "Now it's up to you to convince him. Good luck, dude!" they laughed again, collecting their bags and heading out.
They stopped at the school gate.
"Mattie, I forgot!" Feliciano yelled as he remembered something.
"hmm?"
"What time is your flight? I need to come see you off!"
Matthew relaxed. "Oh, I forgot to say, didn't I? it's a morning flight, so it leaves at 9. Don't worry if you can't make it, it's fine."
"No! I'll be there."
"ok". Matthew laughed. "Oh, dad's here. Gotta go. See ya tomorrow, Feli!" Alfred yelled. They walked over to their car, where Arthur was evidently listening to the radio, judging by the music coming out of the windows. "Eww, his music is totally lame." He heard Alfred joke to his brother, making Matthew laugh.
Feliciano smiled. He took out his phone to call home, seeing that he had a few missed calls from Roma, evidently wondering why he was late. He rang back, telling him he would walk home. He took his time, thinking. Now he just had to convince Lovino to agree to another idea. Hopefully he wouldn't have to resort to a punch this time.