Cooking & the Language of Love

~Chapter One~

Simple Steps

By: Ghost-girl-writes

"So, you really leaving?" The voice behind him asked. The young blonde turned around and stood up, brushing his hands on his jeans that were a bit dirty. For the last hour now he had been packing his things into cardboard boxes and helping the movers load his things into the giant truck that awaited outside. Running a hand through those tousled locks of hair he nodded his head.

"Yeah, I am, but hey...don't worry about it. It's not like we'll never talk or anything ever again. I just have to be there for my mother." He explained and the other male sighing. Sad, red eyes looked into purple ones that were hiding behind a pair of black, thin framed glasses. The young German male placed both of his hands on his hips as he stared at the slightly shorter male.

"Well, it's going to suck not having you around when I throw my awesome parties. You and that crazy Scotsman are the only two who can rival me in a game of battle-shots." Gilbert said with a small smile, remembering the look on everyone's faces as the thin, quiet Canadian went toe to toe with him in downing the shots. The quiet Canadian standing next to him laughed as well.

He walked over to the last cardboard box and placed it on his old bed. "Just think, now that I'm not here, you and Roderich don't have to sneak around late at night, trying to not wake me up while you guys have some fun." He told him with a sly smirk.

Gilbert blushed ever so slightly and rubbed the back on his neck. "Heh, sorry about that, guess you know how Roddy is." He said to him.

The two old roommates laughed together and Gilbert was able to convince Matthew to have one last beer with him before he left for his flight. They said their goodbyes and hugged each other on the sidewalk near their old shared apartment. Gilbert tried to tell Matthew that he wasn't crying, when he heard him sniffling. Matthew told Gilbert that he'd call him when he'd settled down and to not worry about him. Though, Gilbert complained about being too lonely in the apartment, he told him that he'd get over it and just bug him with calling him constantly. With that, Matthew got into his car, a standard black, four door car and followed behind the moving truck.

He was really going to miss Gilbert and living together with him. The place had been a peaceful place for them to unwind after a long day of work, or a place to throw awesome parties. Matthew had loved the thought of living together with someone, though of all people he would have never thought for two long years he'd room with Gilbert.

The two of them had first met each other through some friends and hit it off amazingly well, despite the two of them being so different. Though, they made it clear that they weren't interested in each other in a romantic way, it was simply a 'bro-kinda-love-thing', as Gilbert would put it whenever the question was brought up. Things worked out great for them, Matthew helped Gilbert cook and made the meals, while Gilbert helped Matthew with learning German.

It took him about an hour to get to the airport and find where he was suppose to park his car to be sent over with him as well. Once he was finally in the airport lobby he got his ticket and waited by his gate until his plane was ready for take off. Matthew pulled open his carry-on bag and got his laptop out. There weren't too many people at the gate and hoped for a peaceful flight as he turned on his laptop to check some emails. He scrolled down the list of already read emails and clicked on one of them. A letter from Washington State hospital had contacted him. At first he was a bit confused as to why Washington State hospital would be contacted, but realized it only a few words in. His mother had become deathly ill and wasn't given a lot of time. So, Matthew had made the decision to move back home with his mother for her final days. He thought it would be best and to pick up a job over there as well, and eventually settle down in the area. As he read the letter over again, he started to remember his younger days when he lived in that old Victorian styled house with his older brother Alfred. He remembered their wonderful times together, even in those times when they fought over things and their mother had to break them up and put them in a time out. Matthew even remembered the tiny door frame in the kitchen where his mother would mark how tall they've grown. It made the blonde male smile to himself while looking at the screen. He was so lost in the world of the past, he barely noticed the announcement that his plane was boarding.

Standing up, he placed his laptop back in his bag and got in line. He showed the woman at the desk his ticket before wishing him to have a good flight. Once on and in his seat he relaxed until they were safely up in the air. A few minutes later he was back on his laptop scrolling through some messages. To keep himself busy, Matthew slipped on some headphones and played some calming music for himself. It was calming and it made him smile in his seat. It would take a few hours to get him from Germany to the west coast of the United States, so young Matthew happily drifted to sleep in his seat.

Hours later the pilot came on the overhead speakers to turn off all electronics and that they would be landing shortly. Matthew stretched his arms over his head and yawned before turning his laptop off and placing it back in his bag. Once back on the ground he waited to fetch his car and was informed that his things would be coming in an hour and told the man in charge his address and thanked him. Back in his car, he started it up and pulled out of the airport and onto the highway. Looking at the clock in the car, he saw that it was getting pretty late in the evening and sighed. It would take him about an hour to get to his mother's house from here, but kept on driving.

Halfway to the house, his phone started buzzing in his pocket and glanced down to see it was Alfred, of all people calling him. Matthew pressed down on the answer option and brought the device up to his ear.

"Hey, Alfie, long time no see." Matthew said as he took a turn down one of the side streets. "Hey Mattie, it's good to hear your voice again. You still coming in today?" His brother asked.

"Yeah, I'm heading over to mom's place right now...how you holding up?" Matthew asked as he left the busy town and headed down the back roads. He heard Alfred sigh over the phone before speaking. "Doin' as best i can in the situation I guess." He said.

Matthew hummed softly in response. Alfred had always stayed pretty close to home, even when he moved to go to college. His mother and him had always thought that Alfred would end up as a lawyer, always loving the way cases were argued over and people having justice served. It surprised the both of them when he changed his mind and became a football coach instead at a nearby high school. Alfred said that he loved it and loved seeing the kids bond over the sport and had a fun time making up game plays and such. Sometimes, Matthew wished that he had done the same. Simply stayed close to home and got a well paying job, settle down and be done with it, but then again, his passion had brought him to places he'd never thought he would ever visit in his life.

Ever since he could walk and talk his mother had told him of how he loved being in the kitchen, or loved watching her cook dinner for them. Then, once he was old enough, he had claimed the kitchen as his domain. Trying out new recipes every week, cooking and baking all different kinds of sweets and dishes, which Alfred always gladly help eat. His mother, being the wonderful woman that she is, signed Matthew up for some cooking classes in town. He absolutely loved it, and wanted to go everyday if he could. Eventually, after a few classes, the instructor noticed Matthew's passion for cooking and how amazing he was at it. Impressed by his talent, and at such a young age, his teacher and mother both agreed to put his name into the running at a local food festival that was held every year. Of course, Matthew was nervous, being around all these different kinds of people and so many different foods and sweets, he couldn't help but a little discouraged.

Matthew felt his nerves running rampage through his body when the judges came by and decided to taste what he had cooked up. He watched with his mother's hand resting on his shoulder as the judges discussed something quietly with each other before writing something down on their clipboards and walking away. When the judging was done and the winner ready to be announced, Matthew was visibly shaking and felt like he might faint from anxiety. Third and second placed were called up onto the tiny stage and given little trophies as rewards. One of the judges then turned towards the crowd and called out Matthew's name for first prize. His mother and teacher were so happy for him and both cheered for him as he got up on stage and received a cash prize of $500 dollars. Impressed and amazed by his talent his teacher signed him up for more advanced cooking festivals and competitions.

The blonde's passion for cooking still lasted even throughout highschool and was always thinking of way to improve dishes and to cook and bake amazing dishes for people. In fact, his passion was so recognized, he was invited to attend a culinary college in France with a full scholarship. Matthew was of course overwhelmed by the that letter he had gotten in the mail, and actually did faint. His mother and Alfred were so proud of him and he couldn't wait to go and learn more and the culinary arts. Of course, his mother was crying when she sent him off to go halfway around the world for college, but kept telling Matthew not to let her hold him back.

Once he was at the college in France and had settled down in his dorm room, he dove into his studies. He even saved up enough money to buy a small oven and stove set for the dorm room so he could practice when he wasn't in class. Though, the other building in hall didn't mind since Matthew normally asked some of them to try out his food and see how it was, which he normally got a good response. The blonde still had some tough times though, and at one point had almost convinced himself to go back home and give up his dream of being a grand chef.

But, with determination, anything is of course, possible. Matthew graduated and made a name for himself while studying in France. Many famous people scout young and fresh talent to be chefs for dinner parties, events and the like, paying big money. He was invited to conduct grand events and help with serving and catering operation. It was nice to finally have some extra money and even sent some of it home to his mother.

Being the son of a single mother, he knew things were not always sugar and gumdrops in life. His mother refused it many of times, but Matthew could be stubborn at times and insisted on her taking it. He still remembered how happy she looked sending him off that day, and realized how long it had been since he had come home and saw his mother. Matthew didn't want it to be because she was so sick, and now wished that he had come to visit her more often.

Matthew told Alfred that he was almost home and that he would see him soon. He then hung up and tossed his phone on to the seat next to him.

Sighing to himself he kept on driving through the now thick and wooded area of the town. Miles of trees surrounded him on each side of the unevenly paved road. With his headlights on he made his way down a bit further and pulled up to the white Victorian styled house. The blonde couldn't help but smile to himself seeing his home once again. He turned the car off and shoved the keys into his pocket and reached over for his bag and opened up the car door. The young male got out with a yawn and leaned back against the door, closing it. Walking over to the front door, he noticed the living room lights on.

Taking his keys back out, he quietly opened the door and stepped inside. He heard the TV on in the living room and closed the door as to not to disturb whoever was in there at the moment. Matthew placed his bag down and slipped his shoes off, placing them to the side and stood up, stretching his arms out. His jet lag was getting to him and didn't know how much longer he could keep himself awake.

Just as he was about to bend back down and pick his bag back up, he heard someone walk into the hallway. Looking up he saw Alfred standing there, looking at him with a glass of ice water in his hand. "Holy shit Mattie!" Alfred said, but not too loud as to disturb their mother. He came over to him and gave him a bone-crushing hug, which had Matthew tapping his shoulder in a matter of seconds. Once he was able to breath again, he was able to get a look at his older brother.

Alfred had gotten an inch or two taller the last time he saw him, and his skin had a nice tan to it, probably from being out in the sun practicing football all day. Though then again, Alfred had always been bigger than Matthew, and stronger. Sometimes, when Matthew was younger, he swore he thought Alfred was a superhero or something. By now, he knew not to tell his brother that, or else he's never hear the end of it.

"It's nice to see you again, Alfie." Matthew said and smiled up at him, bending down to pick his bag up. Standing back up, he looked at the ice water in his hand before looking back up at Alfred.

"How is she?" He asked softly and saw Alfred's smile melt from his face. Matthew saw the older blonde cast his gaze slightly downwards and a sad look entered his eyes. Alfred just shook his head side to side before looking back up and handing the ice water to Matthew. "You give it to her...she'll wanna see you too." He told him.

Nodding his head, Matthew took the cold glass and slowly walked into the living tv on the wall was playing the news station and the couch had been moved slightly more towards it. Swallowing the slowly form lump in his throat he placed his bag down beside the couch and looked at the fragile woman sitting on it. She was wrapped up in a white shawl and a long, soft, blue floral dress with tiny fuzzy slippers on her feet. His mother still hadn't looked away from the TV yet, and Matthew was a bit thankful for that, since it gave him a chance to swipe the tears that had formed around the corners of his eyes. He cleared his throat softly and tried not to think about how she looked like when she was sending him off to college. Matthew's mother was always a lively person, and was always smiling. He didn't recognize the person sitting down next to him. She looked very old, and tried; wearing thick framed glasses that made her blue eyes look hazy.

"Mom?"

Matthew called out to her and moved a bit closer hoping to get her attention. He watched her turned from the tv to him and blink her owlish eyes. "Alfred? Oh...water thank you...I've wanted a glass." She spoke, her voice seemed like static and it made Matthew's heart flinch.

"No, mom...it's me, Matthew. Alfred is over there." Matthew said and pointed to Alfred you was hanging out near the windows that viewed the front lawn. His mother looked between the two of them for a moment and then nodded her head. "Matthew...oh Matthew…" She said and saw a tiny trace of a smile. It made him smile sadly but nodded his head.

"Yeah, I'm here mom." He told her and slowly handed her the glass of water. Matthew watched as she tried to take a sip of it, most of the water spilling down her chin. Quickly, Matthew looked for a napkin or something to wipe the mess, and saw Alfred hold out a handkerchief and gave it to Matthew, whispering a soft 'thank you' to him. Turning back around he gently daped the cloth against her chin, and wondered for a moment if she knew what was going on. She was holding the glass of water in her lap now staring at the tv once again.

Matthew cleared his throat once again and placed one of his hands gently on her shoulder. "Mom, mom it's Matthew...your son? Remember I went away to France to study? I'm home now." He said slowly in chances that she would understand him.

Matthew's mother slowly turned and nodded her head, and gave him a blissful smile. "Alfred, could you be a dear...and get me a glass of water?" She said and turned away, humming to herself softly.

It took Matthew by surprise and didn't know what to do at the moment. He was thankful for his brother to could him and hold his arm, helping him stand up from the couch. Alfred brought him into the kitchen and helped his younger brother sit himself at the wooden table and he crumble in his seat. The taller male didn't have to turn around to tell he was crying silently. Matthew never once liked to cry out loudly and simply let the tears fall down his face. Even when they were first trying for sports and Matthew broke his wrist playing hockey he didn't wail or scream, but just let his eyes fill up with tears.

Even now, as Alfred filled another glass of water and turned to look at him, he saw that his elbows were on the table and his hands buried in his blonde hair. His glasses sat next to him on the table as his bangs swept over his eyes, hiding them from Alfred's sight. He settled the glass in front of his brother and gave him a worried look when he didn't pick his head up.

"She doesn't remember me…"

"No, Mattie, it's not that she doesn't remember you, she's just really sick and everything okay? She just needs some time for herself to put the pieces together, her mind isn't as sharp as it use to be." He told him and rested his hand on his brother's back.

"Don't be too hard on yourself Mattie. It's not your fault that you followed your dream and everything...Remember how happy she was to hear that you were going to be a great chef? She was crying, she was so happy for you." He said.

"You've had a long day, go get some rest, I'll put mom to bed and see you in the morning, okay?" He told him and patted his pack and walked back into the living room with his mother and sat down with her.

Matthew wiped his face of the salty tears and straighten up his back, placing his glasses back on his head. He stood up and took the water, downing it in one go, and walked over to the sink to rinse the glass out. He rolled up his sleeves a bit as he started with some of the other dishes in the basin and placed them in the drying rack. As he did so he remembered that Alfred would have to leave tomorrow, since he had his own job to attend to and all. That meant Matthew would be watching over his mother mostly, besides the nurses that would come by every week to check up on her and everything.

The blonde was about done with washing the dishes as his eyes flickered upwards to the little window that looked into the dark road and the forest beyond it. On the little window sill was a taped photo of Alfred, his mother and him when they first went fishing. For a moment, he let himself smile and peeled the tape off of it so he could see it better. He saw Alfred hold the fishing rod with a little fish on the hook and how proud he looked. His mother was wearing a white sun dress with a sun hat holding him in her arms. Matthew could see that he was reaching to try and get the fish off of the hook.

It took Matthew to realize that Alfred had stepped back into the dimly lit kitchen and stood beside him. "You know, I always thought that I caught the biggest fish in that lake. Nowadays they're just little bite sized babies, no fun." Alfred said with a smile.

"Yeah, yeah and I'm sure you've caught bigger?" Matthew teased him.

"Bigger than you ever have Mattie." He told him and the both of them started laughing at each other.

When their laughter had died down, they looked at each other for a few moments before Alfred broke the silence. "I've really missed you Matthew." He said softly.

"And I've missed you...the both of you."

"Ya'know, once you get everything settled in, I hooked you up with a job interview at one of the local high schools. They're looking for a new cooking instructor person so, I thought it would help you out, now that you're staying here and all. It probably doesn't pay as much as those fancy restaurants you worked for in Paris and all, but it's pretty good." Alfred said.

Matthew shook his head. "You didn't have to do that Alfred, really I could've found one on my own, but I guess a good pay wouldn't help." He said with a small smile. "But thanks."

Alfred gave his brother a crooked smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, about that…" he cleared his throat, "it's ahh, a …." Alfred muttered.

"What? I didn't catch that?"

"I said it's a cat….school…"

"A cat school?"

"A catholic school!" Alfred raised his voice a bit and immediately saw his brother's face drop.

"Alfred…" His brother said his name in a disappointed tone of voice.

"I know you don't like them-"

"I'd rather never cook again than step a foot inside a church again." Matthew cut in.

Alfred sighed. "It's not a church, I mean they have mass in the morning on some days but other than that it's a normal looking high school." He tried to explain to him.

Matthew chewed at his cheek a bit as he stared at Alfred with crossed arms. "I'll think about it." He told him and wished him a good night.

"Night Mattie."

"G'Night Alfie."

A/N:

Hello everyone! I'm glad you decided to read my story today! This will end up being a France x Canada fanfiction, so if you like that you've come to the right place, if not, sorry! Hopefully I'll publish some stories that are to your interest as well! For now, thank you for reading and please comment/review! I love to know what others think and it'll help me improve!