A/N at bottom

Chapter 27

1765

Arthur's favoritism towards Alfred had always been noticeable. But after recent events, it seemed like Alfred had been ignoring Matthew as well.

Not that Matthew could blame him. It had only been a month since the argument between him and Arthur, but the tensions around the house had grown.

More often than not, Alfred and Arthur always took the same side, and Matthew was left as the outsider. Clearly, Arthur portrayed the Canadian as a villain to the still impressionable American. Evidently, it was working.

"Matthew, stop lagging behind. We have to keep moving."

The trio had been visiting downtown London. It wasn't often they ventured out, as Arthur usually had work to do, but Matthew loved the city.

"Iggy, can we go see the baker?" Of course, Alfred loved food, so this is one of his favorite places in London.

"Sure Alfred, but I have some business to deal with. Just take Matthew with you."

"Matthew?"

This was something else Alfred had been doing. From time to time, he would pretend to forget Matthews name, just to make him feel bad. Or Arthur told him to. Matthew didn't really care why.

"Yes, Matthew. He's right here. Make sure you don't get lost."

"Lets go, Alfred."

Arthur walked away to do whatever it is he had to do, and the duo navigated the crowd and make their way to the baker. Alfred pressed his face against the glass, admiring the pastries on display.

"Oh, how cute! Are you two brothers?" The lady in the shop gushed.

And the moment Matthew went to say "yes", Alfred said:

"No, he's adopted."

Matthews heart sank. Alfred made his feelings quite clear, and Arthur did whatever the boy requested. It wasn't fair. How could Matthew win a 2-1 fight? Clearly, he had to win Alfred back. He could put up with Arthur disliking him, but Alfred? It depressed him.

"Hey Alfred," Matthew called out once they returned home. "Can you come in here for a second?"

Matthew stood at the stove, cooking French delicacies. His plan was fool proof. What did Alfred love more than anything? Food.

"Yeah? Whaddya want?" Alfred walked in. "Wait, are ya making something?"

"Oh, I suppose. You wouldn't want any though."

"Why not?"

"Well Alfred, I you haven't been very nice to me, so I figured you didn't want anything."

"But..."

"Although, I suppose we can work something out."

"Yeah! I'll be nice to you! Super nice! We can even be brothers!"

"Hmm..."

"Please? I promise, Mattie!"

"Fine... I guess that'll work."

"Yes! Thank you! Wanna play a game after this?"

Perfect. Alfred was easy to persuade. Talking to Arthur would be a different matter, but he had Alfred, his brother, and that was enough for now.

A/N

And that's the chapter! 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)