Hey guys

sorry for the wait, but school started so :P

Anyway i'm sorry this isn't the date chapter, but next chapter it will be!

-hope you enjoy!

Rainy days were his favorite type of days. Well it was his second favorite type of weather after snow, but that's why rain was so wonderful. It was the closest thing to snow that autumn could muster up with gray clouds and cozy days.

Matthew took advantage of the view from the glass balcony doors to watch the small droplets pour down. Instead of reading a chapter from his self-help book, the rain provided a comfort that the book could never provide, no matter how many therapists approved of it.

He sighed, a blissful smile curved around the edges of his coffee mug and swallowed the warm, sugary drink. A wonderful morning to start an incongruity of a day, not to say he would feel it would be a bad one, but it definitely was out of the ordinary for him.

As much as he loved the rain, driving in it was a huge chore. He thanked his wit that persuaded him to leave the apartment twenty minutes earlier than usual. The traffic was much longer than any other normal workday.

He leaned further back into his seat, better get comfortable with the looks of things. The cars' horns melded with the soft voice on the radio. He wondered lazily what he would wear to the dinner tonight. Should he be casual? Or would he be too underdressed…is it worst to be underdressed or overdressed?

The Canadian groaned, he didn't even want to go! He grumbled to himself about 'damn Italians with adorable faces'. He wasn't prepared for this date, he cant even choose what to wear! Maybe he could still back out…

But Feliciano was his only friend, he didn't want to ruin his chances with Ludwig...He wondered what Gilbert would think of him, going out with another man named Gilbert. He would probably say something like 'There is no other Gilbert more awesome than me!' and laugh.

Matthew smiled as he lifted his foot off the break to roll the car forward; he wished that he could skip out on tonight. It wasn't like he wanted to meet new people, its just he would rather know what he's getting himself into.

Plus there was an overwhelming discomfort somewhere deep in his chest, a pain akin to betrayal.

Would Gilbert think he was weird or awkward for not wanting to go? He seemed like the type of person who likes spontaneous things like blind dates. What would Gilbert do if he knew about the date? Knowing his own luck, Gilbert would gladly want Matthew to go. He probably wouldn't even care and then Matthew would just sound like some whiney girl with dating problems. His chest twisted and with a saddened frown he parked his car into his reserved space.

Gilbert only likes him because he listens to him, he might even be laughing at Matthew behind his back. He probably thinks the Canadian is pathetic, spending his time trying to help people when he can't even help himself...

"Mattie Mattie Mattie!" A far-too-excited Italian bounced in front of him as he set his bag down next to his station. "Are you excited for tonight?"

Matthew forced a modest smile and nodded stiffly, "Yeah, at Morton's right?"

Feliciano nodded in clarification, "Si!" He grabbed onto the blonde's hands, "I can't thank you enough for doing this and I promise you wont regret it!"

Without waiting for a response, his best friend had skipped back to his own station. He wondered how the brunette could even be so cheerful after working such a heart-wrenching job. Sometimes Matthew can't get to sleep because of what he does.

Calls had poured in like the rain outside, it was a much more busy time when it rained, which made Matthew think; would people be this sad by the rain if they looked at it like the way he does? If people found the comfort that rain gave him, he bet they wouldn't be sad by it, but in fact welcome it.

After a few hours, Gilbert's call had been transferred to his own line.

"Hey birdy." The man said with a casual sigh. "Shitty weather today, huh?"

Matthew pursed his lips, "Actually I love the rain. Its cozy and relaxing."

Gilbert's cackle brought an unnoticed smile to his face, "I should have thought you would say something like that. 'S cute."

Red flared on Matthew's cheeks, he nearly started to choke, but calmed himself with a few breaths. "I am not cute!" He huffed, "I am a-a…uh, manly…bear wrestling...man!" He cursed the high girly pitch in his voice.

He could feel the amusement emanating from the other line, "Uh huh…You wrestle bears?"

"In fact I do! Not just any bears, polar bears!" He exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Gilbert's laugh resonated through his ears and into his heart, warming it with a certain fondness. "Well that explains why they're endangered. This just in, the great Matthew wrestles polar bears into extinction!"

They both fell into a chorus of laughter, feeling delighted by each other's company. Matthew was comfortable; he had no lonesome thoughts clouding his mind while he spoke with Gilbert. He felt like a pristine soul, rid of its dirt and grime. He felt new and happy.

His life revolved around negativity, his job relied on negativity and trying to cope with it. It wasn't as though he didn't choose this path, but he didn't exactly expect his own life to be in a dreary state as well.

He didn't know he was the one crying for help until it came in the form of a baritone voice and an unknown face. Then it came to him, the familiar pain in his chest...it was for Gilbert.

He liked Gilbert, he didn't want to meet anyone else. Gilbert was what he needed and what he wanted. He wanted to go on that date with his Gilbert, not the one that he was set up with. But who is to say that Gilbert likes him back? He doubted the man even wanted to meet him let alone date him...

After fifteen minutes in to their conversation, Matthew finally worked up the courage to admit to his plans for the evening. This was his key to finding out if he was doing the right thing. He had to do this.

"Gil," He breathed, "I-I'm going on a-a date with some…guy I don't know tonight…" His body went tense while he held his breath for a reaction.

"…I," He could hear Gilbert breath out, "I understand." He ended.

Matthew's eyebrows furrowed as confusion played though his mind. "But-but I don't think I even want to go!" He hurriedly sputtered out.

"Go." Gilbert said harshly. Not even a moment passed before he continued, but with a softer tone, "You should be happy with other people. People you can meet and get to know face to face. You should take any opportunity for happiness Birdy." His voice trailed into that heart breaking small voice.

Matthew's mouth hung open, "But I li-"

"Matthew Williams!" His Austrian boss spat grimly behind his chair.

His heart fell to his feet, this couldn't be happening now! He bit his lip, "Hold on Gil," He tapped the button on the desk to put the call on hold. With only the squeak of his chair turning, he looked up at his disapproving boss. The aristocratic man had his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed angrily. "Yes Mr. Edelstein?"

"Tell me Williams, is it not improper to speak to friends while on the job?" His hips cocked to one side and he cradled his cheek in the palm of his hand.

Matthew's eyes widened, "No, but sir, he-"

"This is your first and last warning Williams. If I catch you again, you are done. Got it?" The Austrian threatened with a sharp tongue.

He wanted to speak up, to explain to the Austrian that Gilbert wasn't his friend…but he knew that he was caught. Matthew's shoulders fell in defeat and he nodded, "Got it." He whispered back to himself.

Roderick huffed and mumbled, "Get back to work." Matthew looked at the man until he past a corner into his own office. Once the sight was clear, he twirled back around.

He took the call off of hold, "Gilbert? Are you still there?"

Blank static poured into his ears. No voice, small or outstanding, answered back.

After reaffirming the date with Feliciano at the end of the day, Matthew set back home to choose a casual outfit. The rain had stopped some time ago, leaving only grey clouds and distant sounds of thunder.