CHAPTER TEN

An arm slung over his shoulder sent a thrill through his chest for the umpteenth time today, and his brother's adoring laughter chimed in Matthew's ears. He hadn't decided if he really liked the way his heart drummed at the touches quite yet, but at the very least, he'd gotten used to Alfred's antics over the past few days.

Too bad the meetings were over.

That same arm slid down his back and found itself a home in the oh so slight curve of a slim waist. Matthew felt the familiar pressure that came from the kiss planted in his hair. Warmth spread quickly in the time it took from the kiss to end, to having whispers reach his ears.

"I'm gonna miss you Mattie..." Heh. The smile that had crept on his face wavered. Oh yeah. They didn't have long until their cars got here, and then they'd be separated and the prank would be over. They were even back in their respective hoodies. It was pretty sad, now that he'd let himself get attached. Matt took the moment he had to soak it all in, even if it was fake, it felt real enough by now. He tried his best to block out the hungry eyes watching them from where the others stood waiting on their own drivers and focus only on Alfred.

It wasn't too hard, with the way Al shined like the Sun in everything he did. The spark in those blue eyes that could drive anyone to insanity, the reverberation of his voice, though the words seemed more childish than they should be half the time, it all made him so toxic. How could you help hovering until you were radiating as bad as any nuclear reactor?

"You won't have time to visit, eh?" Of course he could make the time, but this was the end of the prank, the perfect situation for a conclusion. Matt kept the gentle smile up for the bystanders.

"Probably not. They got mad at me for spending so much time on you lately." He grinned, "Which was totally worth it."

And Matt had to grin along as he was tugged farther into the side he fit so perfectly to. Geography, and all that. Alfred's grin ebbed into a smile as his car pulled up. He was itching to leave as he pulled away, bothering to keep a hand for the crowds -a thoughtful gesture for him.

"Bye Al-"

A hand slid under his chin, tilting it perfectly in time to the lips that came to meet his. It was brief, but his gut twisted and his eyes flew open. There wasn't even time to react before they were broken by the grin stretching into the kiss. Alfred's lips had disappeared and Matt -red faced and stuttering- was left fidgeting with the red fabric on his stomach, watching with an uncontainable smile as Al turned around completely in his seat to wave out the back window.

"See ya soon baby!"

Level: Boss.

Setback: Mastered.

Goal: Achieved.

Status: Cloud Fucking Nine.

Al managed to collect himself before his dear first lady took his maturity into her own hands and buckled himself in for the ride to the airport. He couldn't focus, and no one tried to make him. He'd just kissed Matt and gotten away with it. The plan was working. Now, the next phase can begin.

Now, the real wooing starts. A smile played out on his lips with every inch he moved away from Matt. The thought made his chest ache, but his grin grew.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

A/N: Transitional chapter. Very short. Expect a real plot soon and enjoy some change in dynamic.

Sorry they're so spaced out, school's trying to kill me, I swear.

Now, I'm going to bed.

-RHT.