A/N at bottom

Chapter 31

1825

This wasn't where Romano wanted to be. He was stuck in his bedroom while Antonio was having a meeting in the kitchen, and Romano wasn't allowed to join because of his "attitude", or whatever that meant. This is why he can't stand visiting Tony. What was the point if he was stuck here he entire time? It's not like he wanted to visit anyway, the Spaniard just guilted him... screw this. He made up his mind.

He was going to spy.

With his hear pressed against the door, he stressed to listen, but everything was muffled. He heard his brother and... someone else. With an accent he didn't quite recognize. Hmm...

"Well, Arthur, this has been productive. Matthew, are you sure you don't want to see Romano?"

Matthew!? What was he doing here!?

"No, it's fine. We should get going anyway..."

This was too much. He heard footsteps approaching.

"Alright Matthew, I'm leaving. Join me when you're ready." Arthur left the room. The footsteps moved closer.

"Adios, everyone!" Antonio opened the door Romano was leaned against, causing him to fall to the floor.

"Romano! What are you doing?"

Romano ignored him and stood up, eyes focused on Matthew.

"Hello, Matthew. Funny seeing you here."

"Romano!"

Sensing danger, Antonio tried to step in.

"Romano, please don't..."

"No, Antonio, I'm fine. I'm just glad to see my good friend Matthew. Matthew, how are you? Still with Arthur, I see. How's that going for you?"

"Romano!"

"It's been a while! What, 20 years since you decided you were too good for me?"

"Romano, please..."

Matthew was having none of it.

"Since I decided I was too good for you? Look how you're behaving! Besides, it's not like you'd want to talk to me anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean? You didn't want to talk to me!"

"No! I never said that!"

"Yeah! You were busy with Arthur you hated me! You chose him over me!"

"I.. I guess I kinda did. And that was wrong of me. I thought you didn't like me! But we're friends though!"

"That's what I thought!"

"I wanna be friends again. I miss you, Romano."

"Yeah, let's be friends you bastard!"

Antonio cleared his throat.

"Well... this is nice."

"Antonio, tell Arthur I'm gonna be a while. I'm gonna go hang out with Romano now."

In many ways, Matthew was still a child.

The pair walked for the front door.

"Bye Antonio!" Romano shouted.

They left.

Antonio smiled to himself.

"God, they never change."

And that's the chapter! As always, criticisms are greatly appreciated. I just wanted to make this one short and sweet to take up space. Next chapter next Friday!