A/N at bottom

1709

Matthieu had never considered himself to be a rule breaker. He rarely got in trouble, and he didn't often question Francis's decision making. So when Romano had suggested they play chase in Francis's house, perhaps he should have said no.

"Come on Matthieu, it's a great idea!" Romano begged.

Matthieu looked to Ludwig for help, but he offered no answers.

"I'm not sure if Francis will want us too..." Matthieu began.

"Aww, come on!" Romano whined. Ludwig, who didn't want to listen to more of Romano's pestering, finally offered his opinion.

"Just let him play. I can't listen to more of this."

"Well," muttered Matthieu. "I suppose one round won't hurt."

"Aw, yes! This is gonna be great!" Romano bounced with endless energy. "Let's go!"

Now, it can't be said for sure who crashed into the table holding a vase that, from the looks of it, appeared to be worth a significant amount of money. What can be said, however, is that Francis certainly wouldn't be happy about the accident.

"Great job, Romano..." Ludwig muttered under his breath.

"What!? You're the one who slid into the table!"

"I know for a FACT that was you!"

Matthieu, who cared more about the vase than who slid into it, wanted to focus on the more pressing issue, which was the scattered glass all over the floor.

"Guys, he's gonna be so upset..."

Ludwig and Romano looked up from their argument.

"Who?" Romano questioned.

"Francis you dummkopf! It was his vase! Don't worry Matthieu. I'm sure we can fix it."

"How?" Matthieu sounded distressed.

"We could just, like, glue it back together or something." Romano shrugged. "It can't be that difficult."

"Where does Francis keep the glue?" Ludwig questioned.

"I- I don't know. I think he keeps it in the kitchen somewhere."

This lead to a fruitless search in the kitchen. The three tore apart the drawers and cabinets, and while they found several loaves of moldy bread, they found no glue.

"I can't find it," declared Romano.

"Me neither..." sighed Ludwig.

"Oh God, what are we gonna do?" Matthieu sniffled.

"Do we have anything we can use besides glue? Something sticky?" Romano wondered aloud.

"I don't know, I have to keep looking," spoke Ludwig. "What about- wait, what's this?"

"It's syrup," Matthieu grumbled miserably. "So what?"

"So.. It's sticky, right? Like glue?"

Matthieu caught on to what Ludwig was saying.

"Oh, I get it."

"Wait," Romano whined. "I don't get it."

"Romano, the syrup is sticky, just like glue."

"So?"

"Romano," Ludwig. "We're going to use the syrup as glue."

"...Oh."

"Well, I guess this will work."

The vase has been pieced together by the trio, who substituted the glue for maple syrup. Though Matthieu had his doubts originally, he had to admit that it looked pretty good. But Francis chose that minute to walk in the door.

"What are you guys doing with that?"

The trio looked at each other wide eyed.

"Well," Francis continued. "It doesn't matter. Just put it down. That thing cost me a fortune!" Thinking it was better not to debate, Ludwig put the vase back on the desk.

"Now, you all should go home. I'm sure your brothers are looking for you."

It took Francis many years to figure out what was holding that vase together.

And that's the chapter! As always, criticisms are greatly appreciated! Next chapter next Friday!