The next morning seemed to drag on for hours on end. Matthew had woken up at about 10:30, fully rested from the exhaustion of the previous night. After breakfast, he sat on the couch flipping through the channels in pajamas until 12:00 before deciding to shower and change into the clothes he would wear to the rehearsal, deciding on a white v neck shirt, gray cardigan, and black jeans with converse. He went over his script from about 1:00 to 6:30, deciding to walk over to the auditorium a few minutes after. No one had yet arrived so Matthew sat on the edge of the stage, reading over the script again. He heard footsteps walking up to him after the door opened.

"Mattie? Hey, you're here early" Gilbert said to the other. He had a hand held up to his forehead as he groaned softly at his hangover.

Matthew glared at him angrily and then continued reading, ignoring the man.

"Mattie, I'm sorry about last night—it got out of control! If I had known those guys were gonna do that—" He stopped, realizing the uselessness of his excuses "I am sorry, Mattie. I shouldn't have been so stupid. I promise—I'll never drink again!"

"You already said that, Gilbert" Matthew reminded him. He was still very upset with the Prussian. He was definitely not in the mood for the other today. Matthew looked towards the door, wondering if Ivan might decide to show up early.

Ivan started his day at the usual time of about nine despite the lack of sleep from the night before. He ate and dressed before working a bit on forming a new story before time flew by and he decided to head out early for a good seat. He arrived at about seven, hoping that the other was already there and not too busy to chat. He walked in and quickly found him sitting on the stage, though his eyes narrowed a bit as he spied Matthew's friend chatting with him. Though, as he watched, he saw his little dove turn away from the other and smiled before starting to walk down to the stage.

Matthew turned his head in the direction that the Russian was walking in, and his face brightened up a bit more. "Ivan! You're early" he smiled at the man, hopping off of the stage to meet him near the closest set of theatre seats.

Ivan smiled and chuckled a bit, happy with the enthusiasm with which he was received. "Of course, I had hoped to see you beforehand and get a chance to talk to you a bit; as long as I'm not interrupting you of course."

"No—not at all!" Matthew shook his head.

Gilbert raised a brow at the tall stranger talking to Mattie. He looked him over, sizing him up, before he was able to pinpoint the man's intentions, from the expression on his face. He walked up to the two. "Hey, Mattie, who is your friend?"

Matthew looked at Gilbert with an unspoken warning to be nice to Ivan. "Gilbert, this is Ivan Braginsky. He has been my acting coach and critic over the last few weeks. And he drove down here last night to help me get you out of harm's way."

Gilbert stepped up to the man cautiously, giving a slight smile of one corner of his mouth turned upward and the other turned down. He extended his hand to the man, making sure to look him in his eyes "Nice to meet you, Ivan."

Ivan smiled, a calm air coming off of him as he took the kid's hand in a firm grip "A pleasure" he replied, eyes flashing in a silent threat. He could see every little nuance in the shorter man's thoughts. He was trying to come off as intimidating to scare him away from Matthew but the other had no idea what he was up against.

Gilbert subtly removed his hand from the man's tight grasp and placed his arm around Matthew, who shot him a look of confusion but then looked back at Ivan. "So, Ivan, was it? Where did you meet Mattie?" Gilbert swallowed hard still trying to look like a protective, strong figure who was much closer to Matthew than this guy could have ever hoped to be and ignore the silent threat in the piercing violet stare.

Ivan kept his gaze trained on Gilbert "I met this little star at a café we frequent and we have gotten very close since then" he said. He took in Matthew looking between the two and sent him a look to reassure him. He glanced back at Gilbert for his next move and resisted playing on the same field as he watched Gilbert pull Matthew to him. Ivan's eyes flicked over the arm holding Matthew and his own hand twitched a bit, resisting the urge to tear the arm off. He smiled again, this time, mostly because of his own thoughts.

Gilbert's brow furrowed at the sly smile he received from the mysterious man, his own half smirk fading from his face. But he decided to raise the bar a bit. "Well that's nice" he said, playing with a strand of the younger man's blond hair.

Ivan resisted laughing at the slightly uncomfortable look Matthew had gotten in response to the growing tension between the three but he couldn't resist playing along; looking to checkmate the white king. "Ah, I had almost forgotten to ask you your opinion on the shirt you were wearing. It slipped my mind last night with everything that happened. What did you think of the material?" he asked, pleased with the look he was receiving from the ruby-eyed man.

Matthew had a mortified blush in his cheeks, lavender eyes flying open wide in disbelief at Ivan's words.

Gilbert's red eyes widened as he stared at the man. How dare he say something like that? He knew Mattie, and he had never even done anything with anyone before, let alone a stranger. He moved closer toward the older man "...The fuck did you just say?" he growled as he locked eyes to show that he was not afraid of the Russian. His fists tightened but remained at his sides while Matthew just watched in discomfort.

Ivan shook his head a bit in an exaggerated way as one might to a small child who just didn't understand a simple concept "I was asking Matthew's opinion on my shirt, you jumping in is just rude" he finished staring down the fiery gaze locked with his own.

Matthew swallowed hard, deciding to interject before the situation got worse. "Ivan let me stay at his house last night after practice but it was short notice, so I had to borrow something to wear to bed from him so he gave me his shirt." He explained, looking between the two. "It was very nice..." he replied to Ivan, a slight blush in his cheeks. He shrugged Gilbert's arm off of him and stepped away from both men. "Why don't you two find some seats? The rehearsal will start soon." With that statement and request, Matthew went back up onstage behind the now closed curtain. A few people started filing in and taking up rows.

Gilbert glared at Ivan and decided to keep an eye on him. He followed to where he was sitting.

"I know you'll do well" Ivan said with a true smile to Matthew and watched him leave. He found a seat in the front row, wanting to keep Matthew as close as possible, not caring if his height hindered others. He kept an eye on the red-eyed man and saw him following.

Gilbert took the seat beside the other, still glaring at him narrowly from out of the corners of his eyes. He looked up at Matthew on the stage, hoping that he didn't anger the honey blond too much. Matthew appeared on the stage after a few minutes. Professor Bonnefoy believed there was no need for an introduction since it was simply a rehearsal. From the first word to the last, the young man's performance was entirely captivating as well as an undeniable improvement. He showed not even a trace of fear and the entire act, with the help of the other actor, was well strung together like a song in two part harmony. But Matthew was definitely the one who stole the show, and as the understudy, was even more potent and dynamic than the initial student who had been cast. The student smiled brightly as he received a standing ovation from the audience and walked down the small staircase leading to the stage and walked to where Ivan and Gilbert sat.

Ivan stood immediately and went to meet him near the stage. He grabbed him pulled him into a swinging hug, lifting his feet off of the ground a few inches as he did so "You did wonderfully, I'm so proud! You improved even more since last night" Ivan said excitedly, the energy of the situation getting the better of him in the moment.

Matthew met his eyes, smiling as Ivan pulled him into a tight hug. His surprise covered his face at being lifted and swung by the strong Russian. "Thank you…" he patted his back with both hands; that was all he could really do at the moment.

Gilbert walked up to the scene, his face and blood vessels frayed at the Russian's seemingly 'hands-on' nature. His red eyes narrowed. "Woah, careful, Ivan. Don't hurt the little starlet" he gave the man a hard slap on the back, disguised as a harmless friendly greeting.

Ivan chuckled knowingly "I may be big but I can be gentle. Right Matthew?" Ivan asked brushing a stray hair out of his face and behind his ear.

Matthew felt his face and ears prickled and reddened at the other's words. A few quick flashes of the previous night played in his mind, and he even remembered the sounds of his own moans. He covered his face in the Russian's broad shoulder "I-Ivan…"

Gilbert watched in anger, seething with jealousy at the way Mattie let the man so easily touch him without a single protest.

Ivan chuckled mentally at the venom writhing in the ruby-red eyes but he said nothing, content for the time being with the queen in his arms. He called 'Check' mentally but the 'Mate' would have to wait until Matthew made his decision. He leaned in and whispered low in Matthew's ear "Your friend is jealous" he said with a teasing tone that only Matthew could hear.

"I don't want to make him jealous, Ivan…stop it…" He didn't want to hurt Gilbert, and he could feel the Prussian's bright red eyes boring into the Russian's back. He frowned slightly, hoping that the two men could have gotten along.

"Mattie, how about I take you out to dinner tonight so we can celebrate your victory?" Gilbert suggested.

"Alright" Ivan whispered and pulled away a bit, giving Matthew his space when he saw the small ray of disappointment in his eyes. He could understand that Gilbert, as rude as he was, was a longtime friend of Matthew…still…he didn't have to be happy about it. Ivan had an idea that would hopefully make a small amends with Matthew and perhaps put him in a better light than Gilbert "How about I treat you both to the restaurant of your choosing?" he offered with a small smile geared towards Matthew.

Matthew looked back at the man, smiling at the kind gesture, while Gilbert's offer quickly evaporated. "Ivan, that's really sweet of you…" he hugged the man gently before looking behind him at Gilbert.

"Yeah…danke, Ivan" he spat sarcastically, rolling his eyes as he walked with the student and the Russian.

Ivan returned the hug and followed after Matthew. He felt he had already won for the most part so he was content to relax a bit and let Gilbert play his childish game. "What are you two in the mood for?" he asked lightly.

"Russian…" Gilbert muttered.

"What?" Matthew asked.

"I was just saying maybe Russian food" Gilbert explained to Mattie, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. He glared daggers at Ivan when the younger man turned though.

"Ivan, why don't you pick?" Matthew suggested "I don't really have a preference."

"I am fine with anything and it's supposed to be a reward for you but if you really can't think of anything, perhaps we should go with Gilbert's choice. There is a small Russian restaurant not too far from here that I've heard is quite good though I haven't been myself. How does that sound?" he asked as they walked out of the large school theatre and to Ivan's car.

Gilbert grumbled in response, opening the car door and getting in, pulling Mattie in as well.

Ah, sounds great!" Matthew said to Ivan before Gilbert shut the door.

Ivan narrowed his eyes in response to Gilbert pulling Matthew with him into the backseat before getting in himself. "Alright we have a plan" he responded a bit cryptically as he started the car and drove the few minutes it took to get to the small restaurant and parked. He got out as the other two did and they headed inside.

The waitress greeted them kindly, her soft pink eyes shining in the candlelight as she looked at them. "Welcome to Balalaika's. How many are in your party?" her soft voice held a thick Russian accent.

"Thank you, there are three and we will take a table in the back, thank you" Ivan asked, allowing his accent to come through thicker than usual. They were led to a four person table and sat down as she handed them their menus and took their drink orders with Ivan requesting a black tea.

"Da, sir, I will have it for you in a few minutes."

Matthew ordered tea with milk as he always bought in the coffee shop with Ivan, and Gilbert ordered water. The Prussian figured it was time for another go around. He glared at the Russian, "So, Ivan, what is the story behind your big car there?" Gilbert asked slyly, jerking his thumb in the direction of the park. "Compensating for something…?" he sipped his water, eyes still staring daggers at Ivan.

Ivan smiled "I'm glad you like it, Matthew certainly seemed to the first time he saw it" he retaliated. "It's something I bought to treat myself after one of my earlier books did better than expected" he answered a bit more casually reminding himself to not fall into the word play again.

Gilbert was determined to get the other to a point where he couldn't possibly save face so Mattie could see this creep's actual agenda. "Hmph…well it's a nice ride but…I think you may have missed a spot on the paint job." He was referring to the mysterious dark red streak on the side of the car. It was not easily seen, but few things got passed the skeptic Prussian, especially in a jealous rage similar to now.

Matthew kept his glass of tea mixed with milk held up to his lips even when he wasn't drinking so he would have an excuse for not taking sides with either man.

Ivan tilted his head a bit "I'm surprised you noticed though I do guarantee it's a better sight in the day. In the light, at the right angle, the car colours flip. There's a red sheen to the black normally but the black will turn a deep red and the strip of red around it now will turn black."

Gilbert nodded, thinking he had the Russian trapped but then completely lost him. He gave a confused look, wondering if he should ask Ivan to repeat himself before going over it in his mind, and then remembering seeing an advertisement for such a paint job on tv a few nights ago. "Oh, right…chameleon paint."

"Yes, it was a special mix an old friend did for me" Ivan said with a smile as he drank a bit of his tea and the waitress returned to take their meal orders. Ivan glanced at the menu and saw a dish he hadn't had in a long time. He spoke as he handed the menu to her "Pirozhki and shashlyk please."

Matthew ordered, seeing the meat filled pastry dumplings and thinking they sounded delicious. "I'll have Pelmeni with smetana, please." He said in a Russian accent tinted with French undertones. Gilbert ordered last and decided on the Maslenitsa Pancake, passing his and Mattie's menus to the waitress.

"Very good. I will be back with your orders" she smiled and walked away.

Ivan found the accent Matthew donned adorable and smiled a bit at him from across the table "Good choices, I do hope you enjoy your food."

Matthew nodded, smiling softly at the other, and Gilbert rolled his eyes, taking another sip of water. The honey blond student looked around the restaurant, taking in all the vivid details for a few minutes, and realizing that there was music playing the back ground which he immediately recognized. "Hmm, Prokofiev, isn't it?... Romeo and Juliet. Number thirteen, Dance of the Knights. It's such a beautiful piece…one of my favorites."

Gilbert found the music to be incredibly off putting. "It's very loud." Gilbert stated, just as the music quieted towards the middle of the arrangement.

He also loved the beautiful velvet peach table cloths and the arrangement of carnations on every table. There were also paintings of Russian scenery on the walls, tapestries of cityscapes in places like Moscow. The dome ceiling was decorated with cherubims and seraphims in a celestial heaven, washed with pastel colors.

Ivan tuned into the music and while he didn't recognize it he enjoyed the varying paces that kept it from being monotonous. "Perhaps the next piece will be more to your tastes" Ivan offered in response to the curt comment. He was actually very pleased with the place and made a mental note to return again in the near future, without Gilbert.

The waitress returned with their orders, placing each large white plate in front of the men. "Is there anything else I can bring for you, sir?" She asked Ivan, filling their glasses again with their selected beverages.

Ivan shook his head "Thank you for your service." He looked down at his plate and grabbed his fork, taking the first bite and swallowing, nodding his approval of the dish.

Matthew took a butter knife from the napkin beside his plate and spread the smetana over the Pelmeni and then cut into the dumpling with his fork, tasting the savory meat with the dollop of decadent and rich cream. He made casual conversation with the Russian and the Prussian about the music and the atmosphere of the restaurant between bites of food, trying to veer away from any questions or topics that might cause another disagreement or argument between the other two men. He and Gilbert finished their meals, and Matthew thanked Ivan for his benevolence. "This really is a lovely place." He stated, finishing his tea and milk.

Ivan finished not long after the other two and set his fork down on his plate. He looked over to Matthew finishing his drink and smiled "I'm glad you enjoyed it" he said before glancing at Gilbert "and I hope you enjoyed the food at least seeing as the music wasn't to your tastes. Do either of you want anything else?"

Matthew shook his head "No thank you, Ivan. I couldn't possibly…" The student found himself as full as he had been when he had dinner with Ivan the previous night.

Gilbert looked at Ivan, taking Mattie's hand and said "Would you please excuse us for a moment?" before getting up and walking to the restroom, where he could speak with the French-Canadian in private.

Ivan nodded and waited for the two to return, curious and maybe more than a little wary of Matthew being pulled out of his sight but he would wait for their return and for whatever happened afterward.

Mattie let go of Gilbert's hand, glaring, "Gil, what is this about?" he demanded, a bit embarrassed of the way the man was acting in front of their gracious host.

Gilbert sighed, running a hand through his hair "Mattie, this guy is bad news. I don't think you should go anywhere with him, I mean…he's a stranger! Y-you don't know anything about him!"

Matthew rolled his eyes at the man's antics "Gilbert, Ivan is a very kind person. He may be a bit mysterious, but…he has a very giving heart and I enjoy his company. And…" he added, "you haven't exactly been a polite person to him."

Gilbert's shoulders dropped as he felt that the man had the other under some sort of spell "I have my reasons…all I'm saying is—just please be careful." His ruby eyes begged as he pleaded with his friend. He cared for Mattie very much and would never forgive himself if anything happened to him.

Matthew sighed, "Everything is fine," he patted Gilbert's shoulder "no need for you to worry…" They started walking out of the restroom and back towards the table.

Ivan perked up as the two returned "Is everything alright?" he asked as they sat down and upon getting the affirmative he spoke again "Are you two ready to leave?" he asked noticing the calm frustration on Matthew's face and the worry on Gilbert's.

Matthew smiled weakly at the Russian "Ah, we are ready if you are."

Gilbert nodded and then turned his head from Ivan, red eyes still fixed on him for a moment before falling to the table again. Gilbert sighed, "Thank you for the dinner, Ivan. I…know we didn't get off to the best start but…" For lack of anything better to say, he put out his hand for the Russian to take, as if asking for a truce. It was as if he knew he'd lost the queen, and was coming to terms with being only a knight.

Ivan smiled a true smile and shook his hand firmly "You put up a good game" he said not sure if the other understood but accepting that, between them at least, this game was his victory. 'Now that the King has fallen, all that's left is to take the Queen' Ivan thought to himself. They stood and left together, walking to Ivan's car.

Gilbert walked behind the two, trying his best to seem defeated and forlorn. But Ivan had no idea that the game had only just begun. There was no way in hell that he was going to give up Mattie that easily, especially to someone he did not approve of. He decided that it would be best to lay low, let Mattie have his freedom, but keep a watch for any warning signs. Even if the other didn't want him as a boyfriend, he would still protect him and look after him, as he promised his brother if anything should ever happen to Alfred. And something had. He wasn't going to run away with his tail between his legs because of this Alpha's seemingly threatening bark. He got in the car, and to a bit of his surprise, Mattie followed. Perhaps he hadn't lost him completely yet.

Ivan was a bit put off by Matthew getting in the back with Gilbert but brushed it off. Though…he did think better than to ask Matthew to stay the night again "I know how to get to the school but from there you will have to lead me to the apartments where you both stay" Ivan explained as he started the car and retraced the street back to the main entrance of the school.

Matthew sat up and leaned forward a bit, directing Ivan. "Once you get to the next light on Crown Street, take a left…and then you'll see a sign that says 'Cherrywood Apartments', and you'll enter the code 32019. And we can walk up from there." Matthew explained to the other. Gilbert laid back in his seat and closed his eyes, taking a small nap. The constant competing had made him a bit tired.

Ivan drove up to the automated gate and entered the code, letting the gate open a bit before driving through but before Matthew leaned back to rouse Gilbert from his nap Ivan kissed cheek lightly "Goodnight and sleep well" he said with a smile.

Matthew touched a hand lightly to the cheek that had been kissed, and turned a light pink that spotted the light freckles over his nose. "Ah…thank you…" he whispered to the man. He gently shook Gilbert, who half-opened his eyes, looking at Mattie. "We're here." Matthew smiled before opening the door and taking off his seatbelt. "G-good night, Ivan" he replied to the Russian before stepping out. "I…hope you sleep well too…" He waited for Gilbert to get out and then the two turned to walk up the hill to the complex.

Ivan smiled and watched them go, wishing the blond was returning with him but he was happy that he was able to push the envelope a bit further without Matthew getting upset. He made sure they made it to the complex and started the drive back home, content with the day's happenings.

Matthew walked in the direction of his floor, looking back as he noticed Gilbert following. "Gil, your place is that way…" he pointed, wondering if maybe it slipped the Prussian's mind.

"I know but…I…" Gilbert looked away, as if he might find the words he meant to use somewhere.

Matthew noticed the subtle dullness in the ruby eyes and went back, putting his arm around the man.

"Come on…you can stay over tonight…and we can watch movies since tomorrow is Saturday." He smiled, leading them both up to the door. He turned the key and opened it, and when he and Gilbert were inside he closed it again. He went to the cabinet and put a bag of popcorn in the microwave, grabbing sodas from the fridge for the two. He turned on the television, settled on Kill Bill. After the popcorn finished, Matthew gave the bag to Gilbert and went to his room for pajamas, grabbing a large t shirt for his friend, which the Prussian wore with his boxers. They cuddled on the couch, falling asleep next to each other under the tv whose light lit up their faces and the apartment every few minutes.

Ivan returned to him home a while later and washed up, going over the day in his mind and remembering the little details, most notably the performance and ending the night with a kiss. He was pleased with the progress but would hold off from too much more until Matthew made himself clear and of course he would still keep an eye out for the little King; the battle of the day may be over but the war wasn't done until the Queen had decided. He finished his shower and slipped on a pair of clean boxers and slipped into bed, reading a bit of the book he had been reading the previous night before setting it down and going to sleep.

Matthew woke up to the soft sound of the rain against the window. He patted Gilbert's head, trying to wake the man. "Gil, wake up…" The other whimpered, curling up against Matthew as he slept. The honey blond smiled, deciding to just let the man sleep for a while longer. He laid his head back down and closed his eyes.

Ivan woke early and decided to get up and start his day, starting first by making a decent breakfast. Once he had eaten and cleaned the dishes he went to his study to work.

Matthew cuddled with Gilbert on the couch as the hours passed.

Sooner or later, the Prussian awoke, and seeing that Matthew was still asleep, made him some breakfast; pancakes and bacon with eggs, and orange juice. He woke the honey blond gently, smoothing his hair. "Mattie…? Here you go, time for breakfast…" Gilbert smiled and put the plate and glass on the coffee table.

Matthew stretched his arms over head and let his legs stretch out. His lavender eyes blinked up at his friend, who sat beside him and ruffled his hair. He kissed his cheek happily. "Thanks, Gil…" Matthew turned on the television and started to eat the good food. The rain picked up slightly outside, padding down on the pavement and on the roof of the building.

Ivan spent the next several hours hashing out details for a new story, a romance. He whittled away the time figuring out the details to the plot, the characters, and the setting before deciding to break and finally have lunch. He set down his notes and went to the kitchen to heat something up, deciding on the stew he had made for Matthew.

Matthew decided that he wanted to treat Gilbert for lunch since his friend had made the delicious breakfast for him. He drove to the coffee shop that he usually met Ivan at. The little shop had very good sandwiches and such as well.

As Ivan ate he thought about Matthew and he wondered what the other was doing, hoping that at least in some part the other was thinking of him too. He finished and cleaned up before going to get dressed and do some little chores around the house.

Matthew sat at the table where he and Ivan usually did. He ordered a tea with milk and a pastrami sandwich on a type of French bread he recognized from previous trips to the market for groceries.

Gilbert ordered a sandwich with sausages and cheeses on toasted bread, and a glass of water. The two students chatted lightly while they waited for their food, enjoying each other's company as the rain drizzled down outside. It wasn't long before they picked up their orders from the front counter and sat back down to enjoy their simple lunch. "That movie was pretty good last night" Gilbert said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"And how would you know?" Mattie smirked at him, drinking the beverage down to the middle of the cup. "You were watching your eyelids last night" he laughed.

Gilbert smiled, putting his food down "Heh, yeah…" He rubbed the back of his neck with his hand "I guess I was, huh? But…I still got to spend time with you." He blushed a little, looking at the honey blond beside him.

"It was nice" Matthew said to the Prussian, relaxing in his chair. He didn't feel nearly as nervous in front of Gilbert. He felt…pretty comfortable with him. Ivan was kind, but…Matthew found himself thinking so much, trying so hard to impress the man… He looked down a bit, sighing softly. Maybe…he should stop kidding himself and just be with the Prussian. 'Ivan doesn't need a shy, plain, clumsy kid like me…' he told himself. The other needed someone sophisticated and successful and beautiful, like himself… something Matthew desperately wanted and pretended to be in front of the Russian, but could never achieve.

Gilbert looked at him, cocking his head to the side like a dog when it knows someone is upset "What's wrong, Mattie?"

Matthew jumped subtly, shaking himself from his thoughts and looking up at Gil again "Huh? Oh, I ah—was just thinking…" he gave the man a weak smile.

"Matts, don't look so sad, okay? You'll make me sad…" Gilbert made an exaggerated sad expression, moving closer to him. His hands went to Mattie's most ticklish spot, just beneath his underarms on his sides, and attacked. "Come on, turn that frown upside down…" he grinned, tickling the other.

Matthew tried to keep from laughing as his sides were tickled "Haha Gil! Hee!—Ha—stop! We're in public—ahaha!"

Gilbert laughed, tickling him even more "Smile, Mattie, smi-le! Come on!"

Matthew moved all around in his chair, giggling at the tickling on his sides.

Ivan hoped that the kiss hadn't pushed Matthew away but instead made it clear that Matthew was the one he wanted. It took a couple of hours to finish cleaning most of the rooms, not touching the study of course which was better as organized chaos. He debated on calling the young man but decided against it, not wanting to come off as demanding so he would wait and hope that the other would contact him or at least that they would meet again.

Matthew's eyes widened a bit as he suddenly remembered 'Wilted Rose' was still in his bag. "Ivan!" he gasped, going into his bag to get his phone as Gilbert lowered his hands.

"What about Ivan?"

Matthew scrolled up the touch screen to the other's name and swiped the call button. He waited for a few moments, listening to the dial tone in the background. He figured he could return the book today since he no longer needed it. After all, Professor Bonnefoy had informed him yesterday by email that there was a recasting in which Matthew's role as the understudy had been reversed due to his stellar improvement.

Ivan heard his phone and smiled, taking a moment to find it and answer "Yes Matthew?" he asked, pleased that the other made a move so soon.

"Hi, Ivan" Matthew greeted the other, getting up from the table for better reception.

Gilbert sighed as his shoulders dropped and he sat back in his chair. It seemed that almost every time Mattie became somewhat interested in him, that Russian came up. He rested his cheek in his hand as his fingers tapped lightly on the table.

"Ah, I just wanted to tell you that I am finished with the book. I can return it today, if you'd like." He looked out the window, watching the raindrops fall harder as he spoke into the receiver.

'Ah' Ivan thought 'this is not quite what I wanted but it will be fine for now.' "I am happy that it was able to help and while I would be fine with you keeping, if you wanted return it I certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing you again."

Matthew's cheeks tinted a soft pink at those words. "Ah, okay, if you want I can bring it there, or I'm actually at Sophie's Cafe with Gilbert right now…I could wait for you and you could meet us here—or I could just bring it to your house—whatever you want!" Matthew added, not wanting to sound demanding to the man.

Ivan's eyes narrowed, he knew not to count the little friend out of the game completely. He kept his tone even and light as he answered, a small smirk on his face as he started his next sentence "I can meet you there, just give me some time to get dressed and I'll be there in about an hour" Ivan said; slightly frustrated about the distance he lived from the city.

Matthew grinned at the man's pleasant tone of voice, nodding "Okay, I'll just be here then…I'll see you in an hour." He bounced a bit, quite excited to tell Ivan the news of why he no longer needed the novel, wondering for a moment if he should tell the other now, trying his best to keep his effervescence contained "Bye for now."

"See you soon" Ivan said and hung up after a moments paused revealed an answering silence. He went to his room to redress in something other than the worn and faded clothes that he used for cleaning. He stripped and decided on a casual outfit, a simple beige shirt and jeans, tossing it on before heading out. He entertained the thought of getting the other something but decided against it since he didn't want to take up more time than necessary and he didn't want to embarrass the timid blond.

Matthew lowered his phone, placing it in his pocket. He walked back to the table and sat down again beside Gilbert.

The Prussian sighed "Great. I have to see that jerk again…"

Mattie looked over at him, sipping his tea with milk. He put the cup down, lavender eyes meeting red ones. "Gil…you don't have to stay" he told the man "if you want you could wait in the car; it will only take a moment after all…"

Gilbert picked up their empty plates and such, throwing them into a nearby garbage can "I don't like him. I'm sorry Mattie, I know he's supposed to be your friend and all but I don't like that guy…with his fancy car…his fancy clothes—"

"You shouldn't judge by that Gilbert," Matthew corrected him, without acknowledging the fact that he was doing the same.


As always, comments and opinions are greatly appreciated! I'd love to hear if a particular part caught your eye.

~Poison