• In their teens... •

As a few years passed, the twins slowly started to drift apart.

Matthew started to hang out with Máximo more often.

===

"Matthew, sweetie, prepare your nicest clothes, we're going to a party ton-"

"E-Eh, sorry, mom. But I'm going to the arcade for some fun time with Máximo."

===

"Hey, Mattie! Wanna go out and-"

"Sorry, Al. Not today. Màx and I made plans to watch the new movie coming out today."

Alfred was confused. "Wh-What? But isn't today only the screening of the movie? The actual showing doesn't come out until tomorrow..."

"He won two tickets for the screening through a radio talkshow and asked me if I wanted to watch with him. Can you believe it?" Matthew let out a soft and short laugh and opened the door. "Well, I'll be back in about 2 and a half hours. See you then!"

He then shut the door behind him, not noticing the look of hurt on his twin's face.

"But, we've been planning this together... for months..."

===

"Mom, dad, Al, I'll be out for a while. Máximo and I are attending a party."

"A party? Alfred, did you know about this?" Arthur asked Alfred.

Alfred shook his head and whispered to his left. "Trust me, Artie. If I was ever invited to one of those things, you'd be the first to know about it."

Cheveyo put down his newspaper harshly. "A party? Matthew, it's Thursday- a school night."

Ayiana sighed. "Matthew, sweetie, your father's right." She shook her head. "Matthew, I'm sorry, but you know the rules-"

"But... I've been behaving well and getting good grades lately. Don't you guys think I deserve a little break?"

"Of course, sweetie." Ayiana smiled. "I just think that... well, that's why we have weekends, right?"

===

Matthew slammed his hands on the table, startling his mother. "DON'T you DARE COMPARE ME to that... that... FREAK AND HIS TULPA!"

"Matthew, that is no way to speak about your brother!"

Cheveyo put his newspaper down and stood up. "At least Arthur seems to be a positive influence on Alfred-"

"AT LEAST MÁXIMO'S REAL!" Matthew screamed with tears threatening to fall from his lavender orbs.

Cheveyo went to follow Matthew."Matthew... Matthew! Damnit boy, don't you talk and raise your voice like that to your parents!"

Though shaken herself, Ayiana went after her husband and son.

Little did the three know, that just in the hallway, Alfred was in the hallway, leaning against the wall, listening to the whole thing. And now with them outside, he let out a shaky breath and silently released all the guilt he held in for the past few minutes with some tears.

'And all I wanted was to eat some dinner...'

He looked at Arthur and instantly pulled him into a tight hug. "Why, damnit, why?! Why can't they see you? Why don't they understand?!"

Arthur didn't know what else he could do to comfort him, but return his hug and gently rub circles on his back. He knew that Alfred always found this comforting since he was a small boy.

But even as a guardian angel, he can only do so much...

"How... can I... explain myself... to them?..." Alfred's voice only got softer and softer.

Holding back tears, Arthur looked closed his eyes. "Oh heavens, I was sent to this Earth to protect this poor boy. But why does it seem like my presence only makes Alfred's life more miserable?"

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