Chapter Three

Alfred was in the living room with me doing his homework when the doorbell rang. Through the frosted glass, we could see the wavy, blond hair that belonged to Francis and Alfred did not seem pleased. He seemed to know the reason for the junior's presence so he tossed me the keys to our car before opening the door.

"He was on his way," Alfred loosely leaned in the doorway and glared. "And how do you know where we live?"

Francis didn't seem fazed and laughed instead. "Well ov courze I know where Matthieu livez, 'e told me 'imself and I can find out anywayz. One ov ze many perkz ov being in ze ztudent counzil."

"Or you could be some sick stal-"

"Down boy," I interrupt him as he turns to glare at me for using such a pet game with him. When we were little we would do it all the time, but apparently Alfie didn't like it as a teen anymore. "Stop being suck a jerk. I'll be back in a bit. Mom! I'm leaving!"

Somewhere in the house her voice wished me luck and enjoyment. I tossed the keys back at my bro as I walked by, clearly not talking his offer or suggestion.

As I approach Francis's car, he opens the passenger door for me and whispers in my ear, "Your brother doez not zeem to like me. 'e probably zinkz I'll kidnap you."

As much as I tried to prevent it, I nervously chuckled. "Al's just being a dick."

"Non, 'e could be right, I may not want to return you," Francis winked as he closed the door for me.

He walked around the car, giving me enough time to dismiss the blush forming, but it was not enough. He continueed to chuckle as we drove towards Lilly's and Vash's home. It wasn't until we arrived that I remembered Arthur was supposed to pick me up, not Francis.

"Ah, 'e'll get over it," the attractive blond before me wrapped an arm around my shoulders and knocked on the door. "'e'll just be un peu jealous zat I got to you first."

The meeting began as soon as the irate junior president arrived. He smacked Francis with a lavender folder before handing it to me.

"These are the notes Elizaveta took last year. She couldn't come because she had to work overtime," Arthur had calmed down. "It'll be your responsibility to take notes about the meetings and organisation of the events so the incoming sophomores have a clue as to what they're doing and it gives them ideas as well. As a secretary, you, Elizaveta, the freshmen's, and senior's secretary will meet every now and then as to help each other out. Don't worry, it sounds a bit overwhelming, but it just seems so, it really isn't.

"Oh and I'm taking you home," he sat on the other side of me and glared at Francis. "We can't risk you being raped on the way home. Your brother didn't seem too happy about it either. He was slightly put out about it as well."

Francis laughed at his accuracy from before. "You zure I am the only one to blame?"

"What are you trying to imply, frog?" Arthur growled, ready to aim across me to get to Francis.

Before anything happened, however, Vash warned, "Do not fight at our house. Let's get down to business or we'll never get anything done."

An hour and a half later, we were finished for the night. By then, the two sophomore representatives had left so it was my job to inform them come next meeting we have. When I was completely done organising my papers into the folder Arthur had given me, I turned around to fine Francis right behind me. Swiftly, he took my hand and kissed it. He wish me goodnight with a wink as he strode out the house, but not before he turned to see my blush.

"That frog," Arthur scoffed as we got into his car. "I'd be careful if I were you, Matthew. For as long as I've known him, he's always been a flirt. Not to say he wouldn't be a faithful partner, but when he's single, his sex appeal just goes all over the place."

"Eh, so he's gay?" I silently hoped.

"Bisexual, actually," he glanced at me as he looked around at a stop light. "He's been with more girls than boys, however."

I was a little disappointed, but listened as I checked my cellphone and groaned.

Arthur chuckled as he took it differently. "You'd rather he date boys?"

"No, no, no, well," I felt like I was digging my own hole, "no, I mean I was just checking my phone. I have twenty messages, five from friends and fifteen from my brother. Two missed calls from him too."

Again he chuckled, "That's cute, he's worried about you. I wish my brothers were more caring."

I shook my head. "No, he's more like paranoid." After seeing his confused expression I explained. "Well eh, Alfred doesn't really trust you and Francis. He has no real right to since it's all based on things he's heard, but he won't listen to me."

"Ah yes, I'm pretty well known as the devil president. I don't really care, but just wait until I'm student body president!" Arthur laughed. "I understand about Francis, although. Tell him not to worry, I'll protect you from him. I won't let him rape you."

I gulped. "It's not just him..."

"Me as well? Hmm, well I'd be a little weary as well if I had such a cute little brother like you. I'll set him straight, if you like. He could even join the council if you both like so as to feel better! Ah, here we are."

He pulled into our driveway as I was trying to rack my brains for a way to ask about his sexual orientation. Unfortunately, I was too slow as he turned on off the ignition and opened his door and I got out. Right on cue, Alfred yanked the door and yelled, "Finally!"

As soon as he spotted Arthur walking towards him, his eyes narrowed. "What is he doing here? Didn't you get the text that I was going to pick you up."

"Good evening, Alfred," Arthur calmly smiled up at him. "Thank you for allowing us to borrow Matthew so we could get started on the dance. I know you're concerned, but he's perfectly in good hands. We won't do anything to him or stand to let anyone else."

"I don't trust you homos."

"ALFRED!" I yell at him horrified and with tears rapidly collecting in my eyes. "I'm gay as well! Thanks for trusting me!" Before I could stop myself, I was fully crying. It hurt to hear my brother say that, so without much thought, I ran up to my room.

I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I knew he had always been a little reluctant, but never to this extent. So I guess this is how he truly feels... God I hate him! Why couldn't he just leave me alone then! He shouldn't even bother with me! I would be so much better without having him getting my hopes up then crashing down every time I think he's come to accept who I am.

My door slammed and I tossed myself onto my bed, crying silently.

The window above my bed was open and directly above the front door, so I was able to hear what happened next.

"Let go of me," Alfred growled.

"Listen to me first," Arthur's voice was just as menacing. "I don't care what you think of me or Francis. Yes he's bisexual and I'm pansexual, but don't you dare ever hurt your brother like you just did ever again. I can imagine how hearing you say that deeply hurt him, bloody hell it hurt me, but not to the extent the way he heard his own blood say it.

"I don't know you, and I don't even want to anymore after the way you treated such a sweet boy, your own brother. I thought you were an adorably caring brother the way you kept messaging and calling him, but now I know how much of a controlling dick you are. It doesn't, nor should it, matter if he likes other guys. You better straighten up, Alfred Jones, or else he won't even love you anymore. Don't even apologize to him until you accept every little detail about him. Goodnight."

Identical slams could be heard followed by Arthur's engine. It wasn't until he left that I heard whimpers through the air shaft. Al was crying.

I fell as sleep soon after and awoke too early the next day. As I moved around, I remembered what happened yesterday too clearly, cutting me once more. Anger took disappointment's place so I called Ivan to pick me up. It may be four thirty in the morning, but I knew he would be on his way to the ice ring for some early morning practice. After I hung up, I left a note for our mother and waited outside with my bag.

On the ice, Ivan could tell something was terribly wrong the way I kept slamming into him.

"What is wrong? You're angry, da?" He took off his helmet and lowered himself so he could see into mine and find my eyes. "Tell me what the matter is. I don't like seeing you like this."

Reluctantly I remove my headgear as well and explain Alfred's cutting words. The second my eyes started to prick with tears, Ivan wrapped his arms around me.

"Oh, Matvey," he said into my hair. "Want me to get Al on the ice?"

I chuckled as I knew what he meant by that, but I didn't really want to risk losing my brother. "Thanks, I actually feel better now."

"Good," he giggled. "I don't think I could handle any more of angry Matvey's slams."

Throughout the rest of the day, I avoided Alfred and telling Juan what happened. Although he knew something was wrong, I couldn't tell him. He'd only hate Al even more and even pick a fight with him no matter what I say to try and stop him. Unlike Ivan, I think Juan would risk lose our friendship in order to avenge me. Confusing, eh?

Since I usually ended up eating alone at lunch because Juan was forced by the soccer guys for some pep meeting, I'd be too easy for Alfred to corner. Instead, I decided to hide in the student council room and found Arthur there at a desk doing either homework or paperwork. He was munching on something dark and didn't notice me until I closed the door behind me. He smiled at me, but didn't say anything about last night, thankfully. "Good afternoon, Matthew. Are you here to transfer your notes onto the computer? Aside from the note taking, usually the secretary would send the notes out in an email to the members. It's really up to you, however."

Since I already had done so in the morning, I asked if I could just hide while I ate my lunch next to him. He seemed to understand and even pushed me under the large desk to hide me when the door opened and Alfred strode in.

"Where is he?"

"I'm assuming you're asking about your brother because I doubt you'd look for Francis, Vash, Lilly, or anyone else in the council," Arthur mimicked his tone. "I have not seen him, unfortunately. Once again, I'll warn you against-"

"Yeah, yeah," he interrupted. "I know, that's what I'm trying to do. You have no idea how bad I feel."

"Do you now? The hostility you're carrying around isn't convincing me one bit." From under the desk, I could tell his posture had changed. He was leaning forward with his hands clasped together on his lips, looking up at him. Not afraid of the taller, and probably stronger, teen.

Alfred slammed his hands on the desk, startling me, but not Arthur, he remained unfazed. "Damnit, you don't know me! Tell me where my brother is or-"

"Or what, Alfred? What do you want?" I push Arthur out of the way to see how close their faces where. Al's face went from furry to worry or apologetic, I couldn't tell which, in a microsecond.

He pushed himself off the desk and walked away as he ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Shit, I was really hoping you weren't here. Anywhere, but here. Why are you running from me? Why do you have to run to him?" Al points at Arthur who was sitting with his legs and arms crossed, ready to step in if I wanted him too.

"Because Arthur doesn't hurt me," I meant for my voice to be strong, but it came out too softly for my liking.

He looked behind me to where he sat. "He doesn't hurt you? My god, you barely even know him! A-Arthur," he looked away from him with a small blush, "could you leave us alone for a moment? ... Please?"

He got up to look at me as I gave him a nod. Once outside, I could tell he kept guard outside the door, probably trying to not to listen in, but doing so in case I called out to him.

"Look, I'm sorry," Alfred started out then moved forward and hugged me, not letting go. "I know, I can be such as ass, but I don't think I can help it. I didn't mean to say it like that. Actually, didn't even mean it. It's me who I can't trust. I'm scared, Mattie. I don't know who I am anymore. If you're gay, am I? We share so much, do we share this too? I don't know what to do."

Thank you for all the reviews and alerts! They mean so much to me, especially since I have a little over a month until I'm out of school and am stressed like no other... *sigh* C'est la vie. I'll update this and other stories as soon as I stop procrastinating and actually get crap done. I also started Judo, so that takes time and mobility away from me, but I will go on! Thankies again! Tell me what you think, did wrong, advice, or whatever you deem necessary.

I have never truly own anything, so obviously Hetalia is not mine.