Aren't you getting sick of me apologizing?

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I'm sorry I haven't been updating very well! I'm in my senior year of high school and I have to prepare for college and such. It's a stressful time for me right now and I just don't have the time to update as frequently! Please be patient with me! (I'm also sorry this chapter isn't as long as I was hoping for.)

Anyway, this chapter has the bonus for Francis' previous life.

Enjoy! Remember, all your reviews are highly loved and appreciated!

"Alright sit down," Francis huffed as he pulled the young boy inside. Alfred nearly stumbled over his own feet in the process. Once he was inside he heard the door snap shut behind him.

"But what about-"

"He needs some time alone to think." Francis cut him off as he took a seat at the kitchen table. Now that he could get a clear look of the kitchen he let his eyes trail over it. There was an assortment of colorful treats such as cupcakes, chocolate, and lollipops scattered around on the counter. The oven looked like one of those toys he saw the girls in his previous neighborhood play with, except much bigger. The room had a great big window behind the kitchen sink, but it was covered with light blue curtains. To the side of the sink was a large set of kitchen knives that seemed much bigger than necessary. His eyes circled back to Francis and he decided to take a seat. Across from the table stood a vase with a mixture of red and sunshine looking flowers. A few candles filled the room with a calming aroma.

"Okay look, let's talk." Francis placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand. He looked like he hadn't shaved in awhile, or even bathed for that matter. There were dark circles under his eyes that made him look all the more intimidating. What did he want to talk about? "I guess it's only fair to tell you about this place. But if you tell Matthew like a little punk, I will punish you. Matthew's too innocent to understand yet. You on the other hand, you've seen some shit."

He certainly didn't care for swearing in front of a child, did he? What did he mean about Matthew being innocent still, and not him? Alfred swallowed thickly and nodded to show he understood the other man. Francis kept his eyes on the boy for another minute before dropping his gaze and letting out a heavy sigh.

"Alright kid, I'm going to tell you what I know. Whether you choose to believe it or not is entirely up to you. Honestly, I don't believe it myself. It does make some sense though." He rambled on, mostly to himself. He stopped for a moment to glance at Alfred before continuing. "This is how it goes. Have you ever wondered why your life is such a mess?"

Alfred blinked in confusion and tilted his head to the side just slightly. His life? He never really stopped to think about his life other than how much he would have loved a new one. Then again, not many six year olds had to. If he did though, then it was obvious that his previous life was indeed horrible. He responded with another nod as he waited for the blond to continue.

"Alright, well from what I hear the reason for that is because we got the wrong side of the deal. Know what that means?" Alfred shook his head slowly. "Look at it like this. You have one clump of clay, right? Imagine splitting that clay into two pieces. Now vision one of those pieces getting placed into a nice spot to be made into some artistic shit later. Meanwhile, the other piece of clay gets labeled as useless and gets thrown in the trash. We're that trash, Alfred."

Alfred simply stared blankly at the other. It wasn't that he wasn't listening, but he sure as heck didn't know what in the world Francis was talking about. Maybe he was on his happy juice and just having a moment. It was nice that the other was taking the time out of his day to actually talk to him though. Maybe Francis wasn't as bad as he thought.

"Are you getting any of what I'm saying, kid?"

Alfred shook his head once again and Francis released a loud groan. "Damn it, I knew this was pointless. Whatever, I did what I had to do. I'm done here. I'm going out for a smoke. You should go tell Olly to get his ass back inside now." With that Francis abruptly stood up and walked out of the kitchen.

Alfred remained still for a moment before pushing himself off the chair. Francis was such an odd man.

"Francis? Wake up, mon amour." An angelic voice flowed into his ears and past his unconscious mind. He didn't want to wake up yet. He didn't feel well. "It's time to get up, cher. Remember, we promised Matthieu that we would take him to the park."

Francis tried to block out the gorgeous voice, but it was too beautiful to ignore. So instead his eyes slowly opened and he allowed the stunning image of the angel speaking to fill his sight. She had short light blond hair and piercing blue eyes. She was currently in a pure white night gown as she gazed back at him. He felt the corner of his lips tug up into a smile as he reached out and caressed the young woman's cheek.

She leaned into his touch with a tender look and even let out the tiniest, but cutest of giggles. "Good morning, Francis."

"Good morning, Joan." He retreated his hand in order to stretch his arms out. He covered his mouth as he released a monstrous yawn before leaning over to kiss his lover's cheek. "Do we have to take Matthieu to the park? It's such nice cuddling weather outside." He chuckled as Joan lightly smacked his arm.

"You know we do! He's been asking us all week. Besides, he starts school soon and I thought we should let him have a little fun before then." Joan traced her slender fingers along her husband's muscles with a warm smile. Her eyes stared into his as Francis could feel his heart melting.

"Alright, alright. Maybe we can all go out for ice cream afterwards too." He propped himself up onto his elbow in order to slip an arm around Joan's waist. He pressed his forehead to her's as his smile grew.

She laughed and tried to push him away, but with no real effort. "I love your enthusiasm, but you still need to brush your teeth!" Francis rolled his eyes and pulled away from the other. He rolled out of bed and crossed his arms over his chest with a pout.

"And I'm guessing you already did?" He arched a brow. She winked at him in response, resting her head on her pillow with a grin. He dropped his arms to the side and chuckled. "I'll go get ready. You think you can handle the boy?" He reached up to scratch his chin. He needed to shave.

"I will try, captain!" Joan sat up and saluted to the other as they both smiled and laughed.

"Je t'aime," He whispered to her.

"I love you too," she softly responded.

It was an hour later when Francis, Joan, and their son Matthew were walking out of their house.

"Papa! Will you go on the slide wif me?" Young Matthew sat on his father's shoulders as he tugged on the other's hair. Francis grunted, but chuckled.

"Oui, if that is what you want." Francis reached up to pat his son's thigh as Matthew squealed and wrapped his arms around his head. "Hey, I can't see!"

"You hafta use your ears to keep on!" Matthew giggled loudly and Joan had to cover her mouth to prevent her own laughter as well.

"That is hardly fair. How about this instead? After the park we go get ice cream. That sound better?"

"Matthew's eyes widened as he beamed with joy. He retreated both his hands as Francis shook his head with a soft smile. He had such an amazing family.

"Papa, I wanna walk!"

Francis paused in place and tilted his head upward. "Is that so? You think you're a big boy?"

"Yeah! I'm a big boy!" Matthew replied as he clapped his hands together. Joan sighed to herself as she reached up and pulled her son off her husband's shoulders. As soon as she lowered him he began to run ahead.

"Hey! Matthieu, slow down!" Francis laughed at the child's excitement and began to walk at a faster pace in order to catch up. He glanced to the side to make sure Joan was there, and she was. She only looked more beautiful with the sun gleaming down onto her.

"Look how fast I can go!" Matthew began to run as fast as his little legs could take him. Francis and Joan continue to laugh and speed walk behind him.

It wasn't until the screeching car reached his ears that Francis realized it was too late. He didn't see it coming at all, so he assumed it must have been speeding. At that moment he didn't really care though. It went by in such a huge flash that he had no time to react. Joan did however.

Francis had been focusing on Matthew with small chuckles until he caught the sight of Joan running ahead of him. His laughs quickly turned into dreadful silence when the car stopped in front of a limp body. The air would have remained silent if it had not been for the masculine screaming that shattered his own ear drums. Who was screaming?

He dropped to his knees and stared at the body of his motionless wife in the middle of the street. This wasn't the place to rest. She should get up before something horrible happens, right? He wanted to reach out and pick up her fragile body, but something prevented him from doing so. The screams were making his head pound and he quickly grew a headache. Seriously, who was releasing such loud noise?

"Maman! Maman, wake up!" Francis wasn't sure if he moved his eyes or if he could just sense it, but Matthew was lightly shaking the body in front of him. "Maman!" His son began to cry, and he wasn't sure why. Joan just collapsed from the blaring sun heat. The ice cream would make her feel much better. Now if only she would get up. "Maman, s'il vous plaît! Papa, why isn't Maman opening her eyes?" Matthew had tears streaming down his cheeks.

Francis didn't answer him. His gaze was fixed on his wife's body.

"Papa! Papa, stop screaming!"

Mon amour- My love.

Cher- Dear.

Je t'aime-I love you.

Oui- Yes.

S'il vous plaît- Please.