Matthew's heart was pounding underneath his heaving ribcage, and his mind was doing just about the same. The look on both Gilbert's and Alfred's faces showed horror and shock as they sprinted down the road towards god knows where. But, he was free. He was finally free. Alfred was catching up to them with Matthew's bag slumped over his shoulder, and looking over, he saw Matthew starting to laugh hysterically. It almost frightened him. "Mattie..?" Matthew covered his mouth with his free hand; the other was in Gilbert's.
"S-Sorry, it's just.. I'm out!" He shouted, a huge smile growing on his face, and Alfred couldn't help himself. He started to laugh with him, and soon Gilbert joined in. There was no true reason to be laughing, but it felt so good. "I'm finally free from that.. that bitch!"
"Hell yeah you are!" Gilbert added in, speeding up his pace and laughing with joy. Just seeing Matthew smile was enough to make both he and Alfred happy.
"Ah man Matthew," Alfred breathed, "I'm so happy you're okay. Now all we have to do is get you to Gilbert's and get you safe."
Matthew slowed down a bit, breathing heavily, but he didn't mind. "To Gilbert's?"
"Yeah.. I just don't want to make you spend money on a hotel room, and mother would find you if we took you in."
"Ah, I guess you're right.. You're okay with me staying with you, Gilbert?"
"Sure thing Mattie." The Canadian went pink. The only person who ever called him Mattie was Alfred, and hearing it in Gilbert's German accent was rather adorable. "I'm always willing to help out someone. I'm awesome like that~"
Walking quickly and quietly now, Gilbert found his small house and unlocked the front door, stepping inside the cool parlor. "Luddy?" He called out, which confused Matthew, but his puzzlement was answered by a loud:
"Ja?"
"I'm home!"
"I know that."
"I brought a few people." There was a pause, and then the sound of footsteps creaking on the wooden floor.
"Who?"
"It's a long story, but I'll explain later. Will you bring him," He pointed to Matthew, "To the guest room?"
The other German gave him an odd look. But, reluctantly, he led the Canadian up the stairs and into a small room that was barely fit for a bed. There was a small table next to it with an alarm clock, and a door that seemed to have a closet inside. "Who are you exactly?" Ludwig asked, and Matthew blinked.
"Matthew Williams."
"Okay.. And how do you know my bruder?"
Matthew opened his mouth, as if to speak, but then closed it right after. It would be terribly long to explain. "Can Gilbert and I tell you together? It would be much easier for me." Ludwig sighed and nodded, going out of the room as Matthew plopped his bed on the couch. He was happy that Gilbert took him in, but also quite nervous. What if his mother found out? What if something went wrong...?
"Mattie?" A call from downstairs brought him back to the present. It was Alfred, and quickly he ran back down the stairs.
"Yeah?"
"I'm leaving. I'll be back to check on you occasionally." He pulled Matthew in by the wrist for a hug, patting him on the back a bit too hard. "Love ya."
"Love you too."
"Stay safe, and Gilbert.. Don't touch him."
Matthew went pink and rolled his eyes, pushing his brother out the door. "Shut up and leave."
Dinner was quick and easy. There was a lot of talking from Gilbert and hardly any from Matthew or Ludwig. The blond would eye him often, but didn't say a word, which left Matthew feeling nervous.
"Luddy, stop staring at him. You're freaking him out." Damn, Gilbert could read him like an open book.
"Sorry.. I'm just still confused."
"Look, the bottom line is that he's staying here."
"Can't you just explain it to me?"
"Nein, because-" Matthew had to cut him off. Ludwig needed some explanation, mostly because he was kind enough to let him stay at his house.
"I need to get away from my abusive mother." He said bluntly, Ludwig nearly choking on his food. There was silence; the men staring at him. Matthew sunk down in his seat, a bit ashamed. Ludwig was the first to pipe up.
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, it's alright. It needed to be said.."
Gilbert dropped his fork onto his plate with a clink, getting out of his chair and washing his dishes. "I think that's cue for bed. I don't want to make Matthew talk about this." Matthew was grateful, honestly. It pained him to be honest about his situation. Carefully he got out of his chair, which scraped across the floor, and followed Gilbert's lead about washing the dishes. "Thank you.." He whispered to him, and Gilbert nodded as a reply.
"I care about you, you know. I just want you to be safe."
Matthew, for the first time during the evening, smiled a genuine smile full of adoration and gratitude.