Listening to: EuroVision 2013 Soundtrack
Word Count: 825
Gilbert lay sprawled across the couch, intently focused on the TV screen before him. He had spent all day trying to defeat this damn boss, and wasn't going to give up until he won.
Just as his character was about to call Odin, the Aster Protoflorian sent her flying to her death.
"Scheiße!" He yelled, throwing the controller at the TV which now displayed the GAME OVER screen. The batteries fell out as it collided with the screen, and then fell dejectedly to the floor. Gilbert glared at it.
Gilbert pulled himself off the couch and stretched, savoring the feeling. He shuffled over to where the controller now lay on the floor and threw it back onto the couch. He would fix it after he grabbed something to eat.
Gilbert's mind drifted to his boyfriend as he quickly grabbed a bag of pretzels and returned to the living room. Mathew was taking his last final for Chemistry for his senior year, and would have the whole summer off until he went to College.
Mathew had been anxious for the test, constantly studying and worrying whether he would pass or not. Gilbert had taken the class the year before, and had told him there was nothing to worry about.
Mathew had woke up early, untangling himself from Gilbert's arms. He had cast a sideways glance at him, and Mathew quickly explained he wanted to get to class early. Gilbert had pulled him down for a quick kiss before mumbling a short good bye.
Gilbert was just sitting back down when the front door opened. He heard Mathew drop his keys onto the table and shuffle into the living room.
"Hey Birdie, how'd it g-" He broke off when he saw Mathew. His glasses were crooked on his face and his hair was a mess. He was clutching a crumpled piece of paper and his eyes were red and puffy, like he had been crying.
Before he could say anything, Mathew collapsed onto Gilbert, tears streaming down his face. He buried his face into the crook of his neck, and Gilbert wrapped his arms around him, not quite sure what to do.
"Shh Birdie. It's ok."
Mathew shook his head. " No… No it's not. Everything's ruined." His fists clenched tighter around Gilbert's shirt. "I made a 33 on the final." He choked on the last words, his cries becoming harsh sobs.
Gilbert glanced at the paper that had been thrown onto the coffee table and ran his hands through Mathew's hair, trying his best to comfort him. "Can't you retake it?"
Mathew nodded. "I'll have t-to go to s-summer school for a few w-weeks though."
"See? It'll work out."
"It's just… I worked so hard. I was confident I k-knew everything."
Gilbert remained silent, choosing to brush a soft kiss on the top of Mathews head. He listened as his sobs grew softer, becoming a soft tremble instead.
Mathew gently untangled himself and curled onto the sofa on the cushion next to him. He wiped the eyes with the corner of his sleeve, drying his eyes. He sniffed and gave a small half smile when he saw Gilbert staring.
"I know, I probably look horrible right now."
Gilbert shook his head. "A little ragged maybe, but not horrible."
Mathew rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."
Gilbert smirked, not saying anything. He was glad Mathew wasn't stuttering anymore and was, somewhat, back to his old self.
"Tough boss?" Mathew asked, gesturing to the broken controller on the ground.
"Slightly."
He tilted his head slightly. "Let me try."
Gilbert gave him a sideways glance, but just grabbed the spare controller off the TV stand, handing it to Mathew. "You don't even play Xbox." He responded.
Mathew shrugged. "So? Might as well try."
Gilbert quickly connected it and explained what each button did before handing it over to Mathew. He pressed the start button, and the fight started from the beginning.
Ten minutes later, Gilbert was left staring astonished at the Victory screen, proudly displaying five stars. Mathew smirked beside him.
"That wasn't too bad." He stated simply.
"I spent five days on that boss," Gilbert started slowly, watching as it switched to the cut-scene. "And you beat it in less than ten minutes."
Mathew just shrugged, handing the controller to him. "Maybe you aren't as good a gamer as you think you are."
Gilbert punched him playfully on the arm, and Mathew laughed, the crumpled paper in front of them forgotten.
AN: Anyone know what game Gilbert was playing in the beginning? I got stuck on that same boss for so long, I was almost in tears when I finally beat it. Anywho, school is starting up soon, so I don't know if Ill have much time to write, so the update schedule will be very random. I'll try to write as much as I can in class but no promises.
