A/N at bottom

Chapter 22

1763

Ludwig and Romano hadn't talked as much as they'd like to since Matthew left. It wasn't that they didn't like each other. No, they considered each other to be close friends. It just... wasn't the same.

See, Matthew often acted as a bridge, connecting people through conversation. He could get along with anybody, so Romano and Ludwig never had a problem when he was around.

But now, it was kind of awkward.

"So... how have you been?" questioned Ludwig, kicking himself for asking such a lame question.

"Fine. How are you?" Romano looked down at his shirt and started picking at the fuzz.

"Fine."

"Well, that's good."

"Yep."

As you can see, their conversations didn't go very far. Ludwig tried to change the subject.

"I wonder how Matthew is?"

"Who cares."

"What?"

"It's not like he cares about us."

"What do you mean? Of course he does."

"Ludwig, think about it. He's been gone for two months, and he hasn't written to us a single time."

"Well, I'm sure he's very busy."

"Oh, of course, he's busy. He couldn't take ten minutes out of his valuable day to send us a letter. Who knows!? Maybe he's dead!"

"Romano, don't be ridiculous. I'm sure he's fine."

"Well, wouldn't it be nice if we had a letter confirming that?"

Damn, Romano's antics were a lot to handle without Matthew there to calm him down.

"You know that mail takes a while to get here. I'm sure he'll send one soon."

"Whatever. Figures you wouldn't care."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing! I just think you should me more upset than you are."

"I'm upset!"

"No you're not! You have that look on your face."

"What look?"

"That look you always have on! Like you don't care about anything! Matthew's gone, and you don't even care!"

"You know that's not true."

"Really? Because I'm not sure what's true anymore."

"What are you even talking about?"

"Whatever, Ludwig. Just show some emotion once in a while, you're creeping me out."

"Look, maybe he's busy!"

"Or he doesn't care about us anymore? Have you thought of that!? He moved on! Everybody does!"

"Romano..."

"No. Don't bother. I'll get over it. Just... open your eyes Ludwig. Fave the truth."

"Shut up! Stop talking!"

"Oh, you know it's true. It doesn't matter who you hear it from. Don't come crying back to me when you realize that one of your only friends cut you off."

Ouch.

With that, Romano turned and walked away.

They had never fought like that. In fact, this wouldn't have happened if Matthew hadn't left.

Ludwig didn't want to blame Romano. He was an emotional guy, whether he cared to admit it or not.

Ludwig was upset too. It was completely unlike Matthew to not talk to his friends like this. Maybe this English guy had brainwashed him, or he was hurt...

Or he didn't care about Romano and Ludwig anymore.

Still, Romano didn't need to be such a dick about it.

A/N

And that's the chapter! It was kind of short since I'm updating my other story today as well. As always, criticisms are greatly appreciated! The next chapter goes up next Friday!

Also, I have another story if anyone is interested. It's basically about Canada, ghosts, and history. It's called:

The 5 Ghosts Canada Met Throughout His Life (And One Bonus)