For Mattie

Chapter Six

×Chapter Six×
×One More Chance×

The beeping of the heart monitor reassured Matthew's family and friends as they watched him sleep peacefully. The bruises faded a few days ago and Arthur was grateful the doctor didn't question them. His heart hurt as he tried remembering a nice memory of him and Matthew, only to come up with faint flashbacks of hurting his youngest son. He wanted to die, to just disappear. But how would Matthew know that he is truly loved? Years of neglection and abuse by his own family. How has his little poppet survive the beatings and harsh words? It doesn't matter now, because his baby was a survivor. And he was the monster. They all had to change, for Matthew.

Standing up abruptly, Arthur put his gaze on Francis and Alfred, who seemed to understamd since they followed him out of the room. They all looked disheveled, hair messy, dark bags under their eyes, skin paler. They, including Matthew's little harem as it seems, haven't left the hodpital, returning to the waiting room and findings spots to sleep. No one questioned or asked them to leave. They understood, after all, the ones who were there knew the problem.

Leading the other two trialing behind him to the men's restroom, Arthur made sure no one was in the stalls before turning his attention to Alfred amd Francis.

"What is it Iggy?" Alfred whispered, his usual cocky demeanour gone. He had bags under his eyes and his hair was messy, pointing in different directions. Francis didn't look better. The Frenchman's usual perfect blonde hair was now knotted and dark bags made his eyes look so dull and lifeless. He knew he didn't look nice either but looks weren't important at the moment.

"We...we have to be there for Matthew from now on. We have to change for Matthew. No more drinking, smoking, late nights, or beatings. Alright?" Arthur says strictly. Francis glared at him and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh yes, just list those little rules. And the beatings, hm? To who? Matthew?" Francis snapped, eyes hard. Alfred sighed and watched as his parents fought. Arthur's eyes shined and his lips wavered. This was what broke their family apart. The arguments, yelling, hating each other. And Alfred knew so clearly how much Mattie opposed violence in any sort of way.

"Fighting" was all he growled out. Both fighting occupants stopped and stared at him in confusion. It only fuelled his rage.

"Fighting! We always fucking fight! And I'm sure Mattie is sick and tired of all this crap we put him through! He's still young! Innocent! And we forget about him. We yell at him. We abuse him! God, you two are so lucky I haven't told the police about the shit you put him through. We're all at fault. I was supposed to be his hero! I...I promised him..." Alfred was full on sobbing, his knees giving up on him as he fell to the ground. He rocked his curled up body back and forth, hating himself. Before Arthur or Francis can say anything, the restroom door was opened to reveal Gilbert. Hair messy, eyes watery yet emotionless, skin paler, body shaking yet muscles tensed. He was the worst out of eveyone.

"Gilbert, is mon petit awake yet?" Francis asked his friend. Gilbert looked up at him and nodded, letting out an awkward cough.

"Yeah...yeah Birdie is awake. He uh...he wants to see you three..." Gilbert left before the three can thank him for everything. When they stepped out of the restroom, Lars and Ivan were chatting with Gilbert, who was slumped in one of the uncomfortable hospital chairs. They sent a death glare towards them before returning their attention to the unofficial leader.

Walking in the pure white hospital room was something the three didn't think they can do for a situatiom like this. Matthew sat on the uncomfortable bed, shifting around slowly and eyes cautious. When he heard their footsteps, fear replaced the cautiousness and you can tell tears welled up.

"Papa...father...Alfie, I'm so sorry! I won't do....won't do it a-again!" He hiccuped, tears rolling down his porcelain cheeks. So white, like he's seen a ghost. Alfred broke at that sentence, filled with fear and regret. He quickly threw himself at his baby brother, sobbing and holding onto Matthew tightly. Scared that if he let go, Mattie would disappear and be on the rocky bottom of that bridge, not breathing.

"Oh Mattie, I'm a horrible brother! I fucking love you, Mattie, I love you so much! Please hate me, never forgive me, please Mattie, please!" Alfred wailed. Matthew froze but hugged his brother back, sobbing quietly. Arthur knew the guilt was eating him alive, so with careful steps, he rested a hand on Matthew's shoulder. The boy flinched and looked up at him, worry evident in his eyes. Francis walked over and hugged Matthew, humming a French song in his ear.

"I'm so sorry, poppet. I'm a horrible father...I understand if you can not forgive me" Arthur whispered, about to remove hid hand but was embraced by hesitate and surprisingly warm arms. Matthew managed to throw Francis and Alfred off him to hug Arthur, who quickly hugged back.

"It wasn't your fault, father. I forgive you. I love you" Tears welled up and fell from the Englishman's eyes as he hugged Matthew tighter but at a gentle touch. He hoped his plan worked, becauss he desperately wanted to fix his relationship with Matthew.

Matthew was released on his third day, doctors and psychologists claiming he would be fine and the parents were given a therapists' card in case Mattie needed someone to talk to. The drive home was filled with friendly conversation and Matthew didn't feel right. Were they acting like this before hurting him? Is this a one time thing and tomorrow they go back to their usual selves?

"What do you want for lunch, Matthieu? Papa knows that disgusting hospital food will never fill your stomach like mon food does" Francis questions, holding back a harsh remark towards Arthur and his food. Said man was glad and agreed with his husband.

"I-I don't k-know...whatever you guys w-want" The Canadian mumbled, sparing a glance at Alfred who was attempting to play with his hair. With a sigh, Matthew let his brother play with his hair, smiling to himself. He felt bad for taking this rare opportunity as an advantage but can you blame him? His family noticed him, were caring for him. Something they hardly done through his 14 years of life.

"You sure, Mattie?" Alfred says, voice laced with seriousness. It surprised the younger blonde but his day seemed to brighten at that single sentence. Usually Alfred would scream 'McDonald's!' repeatedly until Arthur growled and told Francis to go to the said fast food place.

"Y-yeah. Um...where's my phone?" Matthew mumbled, barely recognizing he didn't have his small device. Arthur quickly perked up and dug around his book bag that he used as, quote from Alfred, "a man purse". The messy blonde haired man turned around in his seat and in his hand was a new phone. Eyes widening in uncertainty, Matthew looked up at his father.

"Dad...what is this?" Matthew whispered, shrinking back into himself when Arthur's expression changed from proud to...confusion.

"A new phone. Yours...broke from impact when you fell back from the railing and onto the street. Even if it wasn't high, I'm guessing it broke as you fell, then Alfrd being a wanker and shaking you, being put on a stretcher and-" "Thank you, daddy. I love it" Matthew cut off his blabbering and clearly traumatic father, who's eyes seemed to be somewhere else. The air became tense but lessened when Matthew finally spoke. Smiling sadly, Arthur kissed Matthew's cheek and the two chatted.

"Gilbert can wait another hour..."

Preview For Next Chapter

Matthew looked up at Gilbert, who caressed his cheek softly. The albino leaned down, eyes closed. Fluttering his eyes closed, Matthew leaned up only for them to fly open when his door slammed open.

"Oh~ mon petit~....MON DIEU!"