So I know it's been a while since I've updated. Sorry for the wait and I'm sorry this is a bit on the shorter side. I hope you like it. The only warning I'm going to give is that there is a death mentioned in the chapter. Otherwise, enjoy it.
So I've noticed a few reviews, and a few of them I couldn't personally respond to, so I'll go ahead and do it here. Heatalian4Life
MM: I'm glad you think it's sweet :D I hope you enjoy the rest of the chapters as well!
Since early in the morning, Matthew wondered if it was going to rain. The skies were muddled with grey clouds, with only the occasional sun peeking through, but as the day continued, the clouds grew darker and the wind picked up. He almost done a few pages from a report he was supposed to turn in while he was changing classes. Yet the prospect of a storm did not bother him, instead it was the strange way Gilbert was acting.
Instead of his boisterous self, Gilbert was more reserved. He kept quiet in class, and hardly sent Matthew silly texts about his day when the two weren't together. Matthew did not press the matter, figuring Gilbert would tell him in due time what was wrong. He could only hope he had not offended Gilbert by helping him get the glasses even though Gilbert had expressed how dashingly awesome he looked in the mirror when he wore them. The pair had gone to get his new glasses earlier that morning before classes. Still, Matthew worried about the sudden change. He almost texted Ludwig to see if he knew what was wrong with his brother, when he remembered Ludwig was tutoring someone today.
So when both their practices were cancelled because of the coming thunderstorm, he found himself sitting next to a fidgeting Gilbert. While the thunderstorm would not hinder hockey practice per say, there were plenty of rumours going around about how a few years ago the hockey rink had gotten struck by lightning and the power was out for days, leaving the hockey players trapped inside until someone was able to pry the automatic doors open. So when coach Braginski declared there would be no practice, Matthew had quickly gotten himself on the bus.
The two talked about their day. Thunder rumbling in the distance as the bus drove. Gilbert constantly looked out the window while they discussed various topics. At times Gilbert would forget what they were talking about, but Matthew just repeated what he said, not wanting to upset Gilbert. When they reached the apartment building, the two went their separate ways, Matthew stating he wanted to cook something for dinner before the storm settled in and perhaps watch reruns of some show. At the moment he was rather into the series Castle; Gilbert watched a few episodes, pointing out certain elements to explain to Matthew to better understand the relationship between the two main characters. Gilbert decided he would catch up on cleaning instead.
So when the first drops pattered against the window, Matthew started up the water boiler to make a steaming cup of hot chocolate and grabbed a blanket and flashlight just in case. One never knew when the power would go out. Yet just as the water boiler went out, there was a loud crack of thunder, a yelp and a loud fist slamming on his door.
"I'm coming," Matthew said as he checked to see Gilbert through the peephole, cowering in front of the door. "Gil?"
Once the door opened, Gilbert barged through the door and saw the blanket on the couch. He dove straight for crocheted blanket and huddled under it. Matthew closed the door gently behind him and looked at the shivering bundle on the couch. Shaking his head, he headed into the kitchen to make two cups of hot chocolate. Finished, he put them on the living room table and gently patted Gilbert's back.
"Are you afraid of the thunder or lighting?" Matthew asked quietly as the pitter patter of the rain filled the apartment with the occasional flash of lightning.
"B-both." Gilbert's voice was muffled by the blanket, but peaked out when Matthew rubbed circles on his back. His usual snow white hair ruffled in places where the blanket had rubbed against it. Matthew thought he looked rather adorable, but the fear in his crimson eyes made Matthew nod his head and continue the soothing motions. Why he had suddenly thought the Prussian was adorable was beyond him, but he needed to comfort his best friend first.
"Is your brother not home?"
Gilbert shook his head, the blanket falling to his shoulders.
"He's stuck on campus with Feliciano."
"All right. Well you can stay here as long as you want. I made some hot chocolate," Matthew said as he picked up one of the mugs to show Gilbert. "It should have cooled enough to sip."
"Thanks Mattie," Gilbert said as he cuddled with the blanket and took the hot chocolate.
Matthew just smiled and took up the other cup to drink. "Share the blanket. Or better yet, I have an idea. I'll be right back."
With a broad grin, Matthew dashed to his bedroom to grab the blankets and pillows from his bed. He then proceeded to do the same with Alfred's and dumped them on the couch. Prompting Gilbert to move, he slowly moved the furniture around until he nodded to himself with approval. He threw pillows and blankets on the floor making sure they were pressed up against the couches and the wall facing away from the window. A few blankets were draped over the two couches and Matthew added his stuffed polar bear into the mix for a complete blanket and pillow fortress.
It had been years since he had last made one. It had been with Alfred when he was afraid of thunderstorms as a kid. Until his mother told him it was only angels bowling up I the heavens. To this day Matthew wondered if Alfred had gotten over his fear because of that statement. Honestly, he wondered why people said that, but if it helped he guessed that was all that mattered. Sadly, he was sure that telling Gilbert this story would not help in the least bit.
"There, that should just about do it. What do you think Gil?" Matthew turned to see Gilbert stare at the fortress.
Gilbert blinked a few times; Matthew was sure the other had no idea what to make of the fort. Another crack of lightning came down, making the Prussian scrambling to his feet and dive into the fortress. His mug of hot chocolate was sitting on the table, having finished it while Matthew built the fort.
"Thanks Mattie," Gilbert said as Matthew joined him, holding the bear close to him.
"Not a problem. And see, the blankets block out most of the light, so all we have to do now is close the fort enough to where we don't see the lightening. All that's left to worry about is the thunder." Matthew sat there pondering what he could do to help with that. Normally he would have grabbed headphones, but sadly he knew none of the pairs he had would suffice in drowning out the sounds.
"Mattie, its fine. I'll be okay. It's mostly the lightening, really." Gilbert nestled into the blankets, a blush dusting his cheeks as Matthew gave a small smile and a nod.
"If you say so." Matthew got comfortable in the fort himself.
When another crack of thunder boomed overhead, Matthew felt Gilbert grasp his hand. Turning to face Gilbert, he noticed the Prussian had his eyes shut tight. Matthew gave a reassuring squeeze but did not let go.
"Do you want to tell me why you're so afraid of thunderstorms?" Matthew asked, hoping he was not pressing any buttons with Gilbert's already frayed nerves. The Prussian said nothing for a long time, making Matthew wonder if he should change the subject when suddenly in a very small voice he began his story.
"Back in Germany, when I was little and before Ludwig came along, there was a kid who used to live on our street. I never knew his name, but we played together at times. He looked a lot like Ludwig now that I think about it. I played with a lot of kids I never knew their names, but still. I wish I knew his, maybe then it wouldn't be so bad. I used to show them how to climb trees, and chase after the birds. Things like that."
Matthew could not catch Gilbert's eyes, but the Prussian scooted closer, letting their intertwined hands rest on his chest like some life line. Matthew did not pull away, but only softly carded his free hand through Gilbert's hair to give the other comfort.
"One day it started to rain. We were all climbing in the trees in the patch of woods right outside our neighbourhood. Most of our parents knew we were there so really no one was too worried about us since we knew deter than to stay out in the rain. But someone was stuck in the trees, too terrified to get back down. The kid decided he was going to climb up and get him down. Honestly he was only a few inches taller than the one stuck in the tree. I don't know what he was thinking. But before I could stop him, he was already halfway up the tree. Thankfully he reached the other kid in time and even started bringing him back."
Gilbert squeezed Matthew's hand a little tighter as his eyes screwed shut at the memory.
"There was a bolt of lightning and then thunder. I felt the boy who was stuck in the tree land on me, having been thrown off of the kid who was climbing. When I made sure he was okay, I turned to the one still in the tree. He was a little shaken up, but otherwise okay. So I told him to jump and I would catch him. He trusted me and we got him down. But when we were heading home, I had both of them in my hands. There was another flash of lightning that hit the tree both had been in only moments before. He saved the other kids life. I was the oldest. Groβvater said it wasn't my fault when the tree started falling and hit the kid who looked like West. It was terrible. We moved shortly after that and then Ludwig came along. It's one of the reasons why I dote on him so much. If something like that were ever to happen to him, I don't know what I'd do."
Towards the end, Gilbert's voice grew fainter as he spoke, barely whispering the words at the end.
"I'm so sorry Gilbert," Matthew said as he felt tears form in his eyes. "It must have been terrifying to experience all of that when you were just a kid."
"Ja, I suppose it was. Whenever there's a storm now, West usually texts me to tell me, and he doesn't go out in it," Gilbert said as he sighed. Matthew could feel the stress slowly leave the Prussian until the next wave of thunder filled the room.
"But you know it wasn't your fault right?" Matthew said as he carefully eyed Gilbert.
"I know, but it doesn't change the fact that I could have done something. I could have pushed him out of the way, I could have saved him. Instead, I was rooted at the spot with the falling tree." Gilbert took down at their clasped hands, his brows coming together in anger.
"Gil, you need to let it go. Harbouring that kind of pain is not good. You were just a little kid. No one is mad that you couldn't do any-"
"His family was mad I bet. Why couldn't someone save their kid?" Gilbert said as he sighed. "Tut mir leid."
"Gil," Matthew said before wrapping his free arm awkwardly around the Prussian to give him a hug. "You don't have to be sorry."
The two stayed safe in their little fort, talking about mundane life to try and keep Gilbert from thinking about the storm or the little boy. At some point the two had fallen asleep in the fort, only to be woken up when Alfred stepped in soaking wet.
"Finally," Alfred said as he spotted the fort. "Mattie?"
"Hey Al. Want to join us?" Matthew asked as he tossed a pillow at the still sopping wet American.
"Let me dry off and change first. But you'll need to make it a little bigger. I'll bring the other blanket out. Who's with you?" Alfred asked as he tossed his bag by the door and stepped out of his shoes.
"Gil. We were working on homework when the storm hit." Matthew said as Gilbert poked his head out to grin at Alfred uneasily and wave.
"Cool, the storm's pretty much over. Want to just spend the night and play video games Gil?" Alfred headed towards him as he let Gilbert maul over the idea. Matthew shook his head with a chuckle.
"Should have known," Matthew muttered as he shook his head. Gilbert looked at him, an eyebrow lifted in a question. "I'll tell you another day Gil. So you want to stay?"
"Sure, let me just text West then," Gil said as he pulled out his phone.
"Invite him over too! I already told Kiku he's welcome to as well. We'll just make it a big movie and video game night. I know Kiku's bringing some snacks," Alfred said rather loudly from his bedroom as he changed.
"Awesome! I'll tell West to bring some drinks, soda of course," Gilbert said with a grin.
Matthew shook his head as he stretched while standing. "Guess the fort is out of the question then."
"What? Mattie!" Alfred shouted as he appeared at his door. His face was arranged with the biggest puppy dog eyes he had yet to see on the American.
"I can't have everyone under the few blankets we have. If want a fort, they'll need to bring some blankets and pillows too. It's not that I don't want to." Matthew lifted his hands up in defeat.
"No problem!" Gilbert said as he suddenly started tapping away furiously at the keyboard.
Within the span of two hours, a good portion of the apartment complex stayed in Alfred's and Matthew's apartment in the makeshift fort. The payment for entry was either a snack, drink, pillow, or blanket. While it started with movies, by the end of the night those still awake played video games until well into the dawn. Matthew had fallen asleep on Gilbert's shoulder halfway through a video game towards four in the morning while Gilbert and Alfred continued to shoot at zombies.