Lost Souls

Chapter Four

Francis stayed in his own room that night, pacing back and forth and wondering why Matthew would keep something like this from him.
He could hear Arthur wandering the hallways, chattering up the imaginary friends that had accompanied him since he was young and Alfred pulling an all-nighter in front of his xbox but he did not move.
He waited until he heard Matthew shuffle out of his room until he floated out, following his little brother down the stairs to the kitchen.
He watched as Matthew retrieved all the ingredients for pancakes from the cupboards, setting them out and starting to prepare them.
He was right around the mixing step when Gilbert shuffled in, rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"Mornin'." He mumbled. Matthew nodded toward him.
Gilbert hugged the blond from behind, kissing his cheek and swaying back and forth. He had to get up on the tips of his toes to do it, but he managed quite well, as if he had done it a few times before.
Francis wondered about all the times Matthew went out for walks and didn't come back until dark. Had they been canoodling at Gil's place? They hadn't slept together the night before, but Gilbert did snore. That didn't rule out them getting freaky a time or two.
Matthew set the bowl down and turned, crossing his arms over Gilbert's shoulders, kissing his lips gently.
Francis felt steam pouring out of his ears.
"Mattie, ya got somezhing on your cheek."
"Huh? Where?!" Matthew stepped back, wiping off both of his cheeks.
"Nein! Right here!" Gilbert dunked his finger in the pancake mix and flicked it onto Matthew's face. The Canadian blinked a few times before giggling and flicking more at the albino.
Francis let his tension mellow. This was the first time he had seen Matthew smiling like this since his death.
Gilbert and Matthew may have been hiding their relationship for a while, but they were supporting each other. Francis wouldn't be able to help Matthew through this. Gilbert could take up the torch.
"What the hell is going on in here?" Arthur wandered by, a wired Alfred cruising along. The American boy dropped down in front of the kitchen island, looking at Gilbert and Matthew in utter confusion.
"So....what're ya guys doing?"
Matthew yelped, jumping away from Gilbert and turning back to the mixing bowl. He stirred  violently, tilting his blushing face down.
"Haha vhat are Jou talking about? Ve're just making pancakes. Yum yum."
"Whatever. I haven't eaten in years. Please hurry it up." Alfred went facedown, passing out.
Gilbert snatched a sharpie from the top of the fridge and snuck in the slumbering blond's direction.
"Gil, no." Matthew scolded. Gilbert chuckled but set the marker down.
Matthew quickly finished making the breakfast. He set a plate down for Alfred before taking the rest away for him and Gil to eat in the living room.
Francis decided not to follow. He didn't want to interrupt the couple despite them not knowing he was there.
"So...Gilbert and Matthew?" Arthur scratched his head.
"Apparently..." Francis nodded, trying to act nonchalant.
But deep down he was excited. At least he would get to witness Matthew's first romance whenever he wanted...