And so it begins. I explain myself at the bottom. Basically, I'm setting the last dominoes up before I knock them over and create a huge mess.

Chapter 27: Words Unspoken

*Thursday*

"And you're sure you want to go," Gilbert asked for the third time as their pilot said that they were starting their final decent into Stockholm. The sun was just setting, turning the sky into a brilliant array of colors. Gilbert couldn't be bothered as he was busy watching Matthew shoot him a pointed look from the seat beside him.

"Yes, Gil, I'm sure. I'm starting to think you don't want me to go."

"That's not it, Birdie. I guess I'm just…nervous?"

Matthew's expression softened and he smiled a little. "I know, sweetheart." Matthew reached for his hand and squeezed a little because Gilbert had given him some idea of what this weekend meant to him both romantically and personally. He was introducing his first serious romantic partner since Elizabeta to his family, something that he didn't have then. Beyond that, this was the first world meeting Gilbert was attending since Reunification, the first time since 1938 that he was actually contributing to matters. Hell, the last time he was around a lot of these countries fully himself was 1947. After that…well, things were better now and a lot had changed since then. He had changed. Gilbert was still dancing around telling Matthew about what happened behind the Iron Curtain, but it was more because he didn't want to talk about it than actively keeping it from him.

Matthew continued, "If it helps, Gil, I am, too. I'm basically doing the whole 'meet the family' thing after dating you for a week, not to mention the presentation we're giving."

Gilbert smirked and let the low level of arousal he always felt around Matthew creep into his gaze. "It was a hell of a week, though."

Matthew's smile widened slowly, his mouth held in a way that Gilbert now knew meant he was thinking wonderfully dirty thoughts. Gilbert felt like he had become an expert on Matthew's mouth since he allowed himself to think about it. "That it was."

They had had sex. A lot of sex. But they had also worked together to do what research they could to prepare for this summit, Gilbert loving the flash of command in Matthew's eyes as he gracefully handled every challenge that came his way and wasn't discouraged by any roadblocks they stumbled upon. Matthew helped Gilbert adjust to working in the modern age and Gilbert supported Matthew when the stress wore on him. They had spent the evenings just relaxing, either together or apart, watching horrible television or reading or just talking for hours. No matter how they spent the night, they always woke up entangled and smiling.

"You shouldn't be nervous. They'll love you." He thought, like I do, but didn't dare say it. The realization hit him on Wednesday afternoon when Matthew smiled weakly at him after masterfully handling a problem that arose from being away from work so long. It was just one instance out of the countless ones where they had turned to each other, if only for a moment, to share something privately, but something about that time made Gilbert think, God, I love you. It was more exhilarating and terrifying than anything he had ever felt for Roderich, grown from just being with Matthew and knowing him. It was similar to the love he felt for Ludwig in that it was unconditional and deep, only in an entirely different way. He wanted to take care of him but loved that Matthew was more than able to take care of himself and be there for Gilbert. He admired the quiet strength of him, so like velvet covered steel, and loved that he let Gilbert see all the weak places inside him born of too many years of hurt. Gilbert was awed at the kindness he was capable of even after enduring so much and it should be illegal to be that sexy. He could go on and on, to the point that Gilbert was surprised it took him so long to rationalize his feelings. But they had known each other just shy of a month. He was far too aware of how short that time was, especially for them considering their lifespan, so he was avoiding saying anything. He was happy, tried to show Matthew he cared, and Matthew seemed happy. That was good enough for now, right?

Matthew rolled his eyes at him. "You can't know that, Gil."

"Sure I can. Just be yourself in all your quiet snarky glory and you'll fit right in. Feliciano will welcome you immediately just because we're dating and you've already won points with Ludwig for asking me to call him, so you really have nothing to worry about. I have more to worry about than you do on that front. No offence, Liebling, but I kinda think your brother is…"

"A narcissistic psychopath?"

"…A little intense."

Matthew sighed and rested his head on Gilbert's shoulder. "Sorry, it's just that is most of the world think about him. In all honesty, they're not that far off but he does care about a few people and I happen to be on that list. He just cares about himself more."

"That isn't exactly a soothing thought, Mattie."

Matthew lifted his head and said, "Don't worry, angel. I'll talk to him." Matthew gave him a lingering kiss before settling back in his own seat as they landed.

Gilbert tried not to let it bother him as they made their way from the plane through the airport. Matthew was quiet and looking a little worried as they passed various shops and Gilbert tried to get over himself. His concerns could be put off for the moment but Matthew was going to have to deal with Feliciano and Ludwig in minutes. He brushed his hand against Matthew's and received a distracted smile in return.

"It'll be okay, I promise," Gilbert said as they (finally) made their way through the last customs check and towards the public area. There was no hassle over their less human companions; Maple and Gilbird were still at Matthew's house. Modern airports were so restrictive about carrying polar bears about and birds nesting in one's hair, so they left them in the care of an overly chill neighbor.

"Uh huh," Matthew said, licking his lips and letting out a shaky breath. He saw Matthew start to kind of shrink into himself and bumped their shoulders together with a smile before pushing the door open.

Ludwig wasn't hard to spot. He was obnoxiously tall and also standing in parade rest directly across from the customs' exit, just far enough back to not be actively in anyone's way. He was looking at Feliciano moving his hands expressively as he spoke. If Feliciano wasn't there, he would have been standing at attention. Hell, he was probably the reason they both were dressed in casual clothes, too. Ludwig had a tendency to default to suits, the modern-day inconspicuous uniform.

Once the door was cleared, Gilbert reached for Matthew's hand and tried to smile reassuringly. "Okay?"

Gilbert watched as Matthew seemed to shake himself before steeling his spine and squeezing his hand back lightly. He said, "Sure."

Dragging his new luggage behind him, Gilbert didn't let go of Matthew's hand as he walked forward. He called out, "Oi, West!"

Feliciano stopped talking as both he and Ludwig snapped their heads around to find him. Feliciano reacted first, smiling wide and bounding up to meet him. Gilbert had to let go of everything to catch him as he threw himself into a hug. "Hi, Gil!"

"Hey, Feli. How have you been?" Gilbert hugged him back, though not as tightly. Feliciano was much stronger than he looked.

"Good, no thanks to you! Ve~ don't ever do that again!" Feliciano pinched his side as he pulled away, making Gilbert jump with a hey! He was just shushed as Ludwig reached them. "Hush, you. Now hug your brother. He would never say so, but Luddy was very worried about you and needs a hug."

Ludwig looked uncomfortable. "I really do not think that is necessary—"

Gilbert just reached up to hook an arm around his neck to pull him into a rough side hug. Gilbert grinned at him and said good-naturedly, "Hey, baby brother! Did you miss my awesome self?"

"Not in the least," Ludwig grumbled as he hugged him back.

Gilbert heard a slight cough and looked over to see Matthew looking down, trying not to laugh at them. His smile dimmed to something softer as he went back to Matthew's side and placed a hand at his lower back. He watched Matthew start to blush as he automatically relaxed into the touched before turning back to his family. Ludwig had eyebrows raised and Feliciano staring at them, eyes wide with surprise. He cleared his throat and said, "You both know Matthew?"

Matthew smiled at them politely and said, "Hello Ludwig, Feliciano. It's nice to see you both again." He held out his hand to offer a handshake.

Ludwig did his best to smile at him as he reached out "You too, Matthew. How was your—"

"Ve~ we don't shake hands!" Feliciano interrupted, slapping their hands away and stepping between them.

"We…don't?" Matthew said hesitantly, clearly thinking that he had done something wrong. Ludwig, however, looked resigned and Gilbert started grinning. They both knew what was coming.

"Of course not, silly! You're family now. We hug!" Feliciano threw his arms around Matthew's waist, forcing Gilbert a little to the side.

"Oh..." Matthew's voice shook a little, uncertain as his arms hung awkwardly in the air for a second. Then they closed around the smaller man lightly. "Thank you, Feliciano. I really appreciate that."

Feliciano pulled away with a grin before abruptly grabbing Matthew's face and kissing both of his cheeks. "Anytime and welcome to the family! Please, call me Feli."

Matthew, looking a little shell shocked, said, "Okay, Feli. Um, you can call me Mattie if you like."

Feliciano moved away completely to look at Ludwig and say, "See, Luddy. It really isn't that hard to call me Feli. Mattie got it on the first try!"

"I can see that, Feliciano," Ludwig said, clearly amused. "Congratulations, Matthew. Once Feliciano declares you part of the family, there's no way out. I understand it is an Italian thing."

Feliciano huffed then turned back to latch on to Matthew's arm. "Come on, Mattie. We have a lot to talk about and Luddy is apparently no fun today." He started dragging Matthew towards the door.

"Um, okay?" Matthew was just able to grab his suitcase and glance behind him to Gilbert, his expression only slightly alarmed, before turning back to Feliciano and answering his question with, "Yes, I've always been this tall."

Gilbert laughed under his breath before looking at his brother. Ludwig was watching them leave with slight amazement on his face and his expression as close to dopey as he ever got. Finally able to speak in German, he said, "You all right there, West?"

Ludwig cleared his throat and blanked his face. "Yes, of course. I just did not expect Feliciano to be so clever."

"What?"

"Well, I doubt you would want Matthew to see me give this to you." Ludwig pulled a box out of his light jacket and handed it to Gilbert. "As you requested."

Gilbert opened the case to see one of the few surviving relics of his kingdom. Museums owned a great deal of what remained, but Gilbert had a few left in his possession that he had managed to hold on to throughout the years. This one was very special and he only wanted to give it to Matthew.

Gilbert coughed and closed the box, quickly securing it in his bag. "Thank you, Ludwig."

"Of course." Ludwig then hesitated before he said, "You love him."

Gilbert looked at him sharply, denial on the tip of his tongue, before letting the urge go. He had no need to lie to his brother. "How did you know?"

"I saw you look at him." Ludwig turned to walk towards the exit and Gilbert fell into step beside him. "Have you said anything?"

Gilbert scoffed. "We've known each other for a month. No, I haven't told him."

"Well, if you do not want him or anyone else to know, you need to hide your feelings better."

"I can't not look at him that way, Ludwig. Matthew would know immediately that something was wrong and I can't worry him." Ludwig just looked at him and Gilbert sighed. "Yeah, I've got it bad but there are things you don't know about him and I refuse to hurt him like that."

"It is your choice. But I did need to talk to you about something. How are you going to act at the meeting?"

Gilbert stopped walking, earning some disgruntled remarks from the travelers behind him but he was too angry to care. "What the hell do you think I'm going to do, Ludwig? Dance on the tables and show up three sheets to the wind?"

Ludwig was just as angry as he said, "You know that is not what I meant at all!"

"Do I?"

Ludwig stepped into Gilbert's personal space and said, "Do you really think that is how I see you after I watched you recover for the past two dozen years? I know you are not that person, that you were never that person, and fuck you for implying otherwise."

Ludwig turned away but Gilbert caught his arm. "Look, I'm sorry, alright? I'm just a little high strung over this whole thing. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

Ludwig pursed his lips and sighed. "I understand that but, Gilbert, have you seen Ivan since 1989?"

Gilbert clinched his jaw and said, "No." He began walking again.

"Have you told Matthew about the Wall?"

"No, I haven't."

Ludwig cursed under his breath. "Look, we do not know how that is going to play out but I do know that Matthew is going to be concerned if not panicked if you go catatonic after just speaking to Ivan. Hell, we both know what Ivan is like. He will probably dangle what happened over you just to see how you react. Matthew cares about you; you told me as much and I can see it. Do you really think he will not know that something is wrong?"

Gilbert sighed. He hadn't thought of it that way. "He'll know. Hell, Birdie will probably be concerned if I try to go with my usual 'arrogant awesomeness' act. It hasn't felt real since the Great War."

"When was the last time you saw most of the nations? As entirely yourself, I mean?"

Gilbert frowned. "You know it was 1938."

"Would you say you've changed since then?"

Gilbert frowned at him. "Uh, yeah. We both have, a lot."

"So why do you feel the need to act like you did then?"

Gilbert stopped walking, surprised. Then he shrugged and smiled wryly, shooting his brother a look as they continued, Matthew and Feliciano in sight. Feliciano waved by the car and Matthew just smiled at him. "When'd you get so smart, West?"

"I was always the smart one, East."

Gilbert shoved him a little, laughing. "Yeah right, kid. I taught you everything you know!"

"No, you taught me everything you know." Ludwig shoved him back with a smile before saying quickly, "But seriously, this is the happiest I've seen you in a century. Talk to Matthew. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

They were within earshot so Gilbert quietly said, "Thanks." Then, he said much louder, in English, "Aww, love you, too, West."

"Shut up, Gilbert." Ludwig said, blushing as they approached the car. "Can you please just put your luggage in the boot so we can go?"

"So dramatic. I don't know how you deal with him, Feli."

"What can I say? It's a daily trial," Feliciano said, taking the sting out of his teasing by stretching up to kiss Ludwig's cheek.

Gilbert felt a sharp jab at his side and turn to see Matthew poking him. "Hey!"

"Stop teasing your brother, Gil," Matthew said with a slight frown. "It's not very nice and you shouldn't tease someone because they love you."

Gilbert's jaw dropped but he heard Ludwig say, surprised, "Thank you, Matthew. It is nice to have someone on my side for once."

Matthew shrugged but smiled. "It's really no problem. Alfred teases me all the time, so I know how it feels."

Gilbert looked between them, frowning. "Yes, okay, fine. We were leaving, right?"

Ludwig rolled his eyes and moved to open the door. Feliciano just smiled at everyone and moved to the passenger side of the car. Gilbert went about putting his luggage in the trunk only to have Matthew hug him from behind and kiss his neck. Gilbert relaxed as Matthew said, "You know you're my favorite, right?"

"Yeah." Gilbert turned around to kiss him properly before closing the trunk and moving to sit behind Feliciano. "Teasing must just be an older brother thing."

Matthew looked at him across the seat sharply. "Who told you he was older than me?"

There was a long second of silence through the car. Gilbert said, "No one, actually. I think everyone just assumed?"

"Wait, you're older, Mattie?" Feliciano asked.

"No. As far as we know, we're twins, but Alfred likes to say he's older because he had a tantrum over taxes and became independent first."

"I do not think it was a cognizant decision to think that you were younger, Matthew," Ludwig said. "There is a trend amongst us that has older siblings being exponentially more obnoxious, so it might be better to think of the presumption as a compliment."

"I'm sitting right here, West," Gilbert said, deadpan.

"Thank you, Ludwig, though I haven't seen Gilbert be obnoxious," Matthew said, a little confused. "He's been nothing but considerate."

"Thank you, Birdie." Ludwig shot Gilbert a subtle glance over his shoulder before focusing back on the road. Feliciano didn't bother and turned bodily around in his seat to stare at him. Gilbert said, "What?"

Feliciano looked at Matthew and said, "Gil must have been on his best behavior with you."

Gilbert started to protest at the sentiment at the same time Matthew barked out a laugh before covering his mouth. He said, "Sorry, but I really doubt that."

Gilbert looked at Matthew to see his eyes smiling at him. He smirked in response. "Feliciano does have a point, Schätzchen. I did say I was doing my best at certain—"

Matthew placed a soft hand over his lips to get him to stop speaking, eyes alarmed and face flushing. "Yes, right, thank you for reminding me."

"Anytime." Gilbert kissed his fingertips before pulling Matthew's hand down and lacing their fingers together.

They smiled at each other for a long moment before they heard Feliciano stage whisper to Ludwig, "I think they forgot we are here."

Matthew's eyes widened before turning his head to look out the window, blushing. Gilbert cleared his throat and looked forward. "Soooo, what's been going on in the past month?"

Feliciano was happy to fill him in, launching immediately into how working with Lovino in Italy went. Gilbert smiled and laughed and didn't let go of Matthew's hand.


Matthew groaned as he flopped back to lie on the bed, entirely clothed and utterly exhausted. It felt wonderful to lay down, if only for a second. Gilbert laid beside him with a sigh. He turned his head to look at him only to see Gilbert with his eyes closed, halfway to being asleep already. Matthew reached over and shook him. He said, "No, you can't go to sleep yet, Gil. We have to get ready for bed."

Gilbert didn't even bother opening his eyes as he said, "What do you mean 'get ready for bed?' I'm ready for bed. See look, I'm in bed and I'm falling asleep. Seems about right to me."

Matthew forced himself to roll over so he was on his side. "No, Gil, you're not. You're still dressed and need to clean up. Don't make me undress you."

Gilbert opened his eyes slightly. "I could wake up for that."

Matthew rolled his eyes. The only thing he was going to do in bed that night was sleep. "Two things. One, I would like to remind you we already had sex earlier in the shower. Two, the only thing on my mind is sleep."

Gilbert smirked at him. "Like that's ever stopped us before."

He had a point, but still. "Get your mind out of the gutter and your cute ass up. Come on."

Matthew made a herculean effort to stand, his body fighting him every second, only to hear Gilbert say, "Just let me lie here for a minute, Birdie. I'll get up then."

Matthew pursed his lips and looked down at him. He could pull him up, but he looked adorable lying there sleepily. "Alright, you can stay for now. But if I'm done and you're still lying here, I'm warning you that I will flick cold water on you until you get up." Gilbert pouted. "Don't pout at me. It doesn't work."

"Yes, it does."

It really did. Matthew didn't say anything in response and turned towards the bathroom where their stuff was unpacked from earlier. He was grateful that he didn't have to go digging through his luggage for his toothbrush. He stripped down to his boxers and started brushing his teeth, thinking about everything that happened since they landed. Traveling always was tiring, but he had been more than a bit nervous about being introduced as Gilbert's boyfriend to Ludwig and Feliciano. Being that anxious about anything for a long period of time was draining, though the whole thing went better than he could have anticipated. Ludwig seemed to really make an effort to get to know him and it certainly helped that Feliciano was so welcoming. Dinner was very nice, if a bit late for him. They had chosen to eat Thai food and Ludwig and Feliciano were nothing but friendly. Overall, the whole thing went much better than he had hoped. Sure, the conversation on the way to the car had thrown him, but he thinks it went well in any case.

*flashback (5 hours)*

"…Yes, I've always been this tall."

"I don't know why I never noticed before! You're almost as tall as Gil."

"It's not like you're short, Feli."

"Next to Luddy I am," Feliciano said miserably.

"Nearly everyone is short next to him. You shouldn't feel bad about it and I bet Ludwig doesn't mind at all."

Feliciano smiled at him, still keeping their pace fast. "You're right, he doesn't." Feliciano tilted his head at him and Matthew didn't know how he was walking through the crowd without bumping into people or things. "You're really nice, you know that, Mattie?"

"Thank you. I try to be but you are quite friendly yourself. I've been a bit nervous, so you welcoming me really helped calm me down. Thanks again for that."

"It's no problem. Were your other boyfriend's families not welcoming?"

"Ah, actually that has never been—watch out!" Matthew stopped them from moving into oncoming traffic right before Feliciano stepped in front of a car. He pulled him back with both hands and held his arms, concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Happens all the time, just ask Luddy."

Matthew stared at him in shock and alarm for a second before he remembered that staring was rude. He shook his head and said, "Please watch where you are going."

The crosswalk signaled that it was safe to continue forward and Feliciano said, "Ve~ okay. Now, you were saying?"

"Oh! Gilbert is my first relationship, so there never was a need for me to do this before."

"Really? Huh. Ludwig is the only serious relationship I've had, too. I only met Gilbert after we met the second time, but it was before we were together."

"The second time? You had known him before the Great War?" Feliciano had a bittersweet smile on his face that made Matthew regret asking. "I'm sorry, Feli, I shouldn't have asked. You don't have to—"

"No, it's okay. It was just a very long time ago. We were basically children then and Ludwig wasn't Germany but the Holy Roman Empire. We were young and shy but it felt real. Then the Thirty Years' War happened and I thought he died. He did, in a way; he doesn't remember much of anything before Gilbert found him and nursed him back to health. When we met again in 1914, I saw him as a way to stay safe, then as a friend that reminded me of a lost love, then something else entirely. It was only after talking to Gilbert years later that I found out I had loved the same boy for 500 years."

"It's wonderful that you found each other again, but it must have been incredibly difficult," Matthew said, a little overwhelmed. He had had no clue that they had been through any of this. Gilbert only spoke briefly about being strong for Ludwig and making them secure, but the thought of what Feliciano lived through for them to be together was staggering. He had thought Ludwig was lost to him for more time than Matthew had been alive.

"Yes, but he's worth everything." They had reached the car and Matthew started to put his luggage in the trunk when Feliciano stopped him with a hand on his arm, face serious. "Mattie, I need you to understand how much Gil means to us. He is quite literally the only reason Ludwig is here today and he has lived through terrible things to make that happen. He's made his mistakes, we all have, but he deserves to be happy. Ludwig and I agreed years ago to do anything to make that happen. He's been hurt enough. The 20th century alone..." Feliciano shuddered.

"I understand." Matthew did. This was a version of the "you hurt him, you die" speech that he heard so much about. He had been expecting it to come from Ludwig, but he thought that Feliciano was doing surprisingly well. "Gilbert…I would never intentionally hurt him. The very thought is repulsive to me. He's…He's vital, if that makes sense. I have a very high tolerance for people's behavior, Feli, but if someone ever threatened him, I would go to great lengths to make sure that they would never lay a finger on him. Terrifying lengths, really, and that thought doesn't bother me like it should because it's just the truth and anything is preferable to seeing him in pain."

Feliciano stared at him. "You love him."

Matthew startled. "How did you…?"

"What you said describes how I feel about Ludwig." Feliciano put his luggage in the trunk and slammed it shut before glancing over his shoulder at the faint sound of angry German. "They're on their way. So loud, aren't they?"

Matthew smiled and said, "That's how I knew if Gilbert was talking to Ludwig on the phone: loud, angry German."

"You should see them on a bad day. Usually they calm down after a minute or so, but other times they just yell for no good reason. I know they love each other and they are only like this together, but their personalities clash." Feliciano turned towards Matthew again, still serious though there was an edge of curiosity to his expression. Matthew hadn't known Feliciano to be anything but happy-go-lucky, so this was an interesting learning experience. "Before they get over here, I have to ask: do you know about Roderich?"

Matthew felt his face tighten in sudden anger. "Yes, I know what he did. Gilbert told me within a week of arriving."

Feliciano looked surprised at that. "Really? Wow, Gilbert must have liked you even then. How did you feel when he told you?"

Matthew ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Honestly, I was furious at what he said to Gilbert. I hadn't known Gil for long but we were friends by then and the rage I felt was instinctual. I think he saw that and he made me promise not seriously hurt him or ask someone else to do so. Now, that I'm in love with him…" Matthew looked at Feliciano and let the cold fury show in his eyes. "If I hear Roderich say one thing that upsets Gilbert, I would be hard pressed not to break my promise and test the limits of our immortality."

Feliciano smiled at him. "I like you. Now," Feliciano's entire demeanor changed. His posture became more relaxed and open and an easy smile spread across his face. "Where do you want to go for dinner?"

"Anywhere is fine, I'm up for anything. But, Feli…Gil doesn't know. I haven't said anything, I mean."

Feliciano reacted like he had been slapped. "You haven't told him you love him?"

"No. He knows I care about him but I haven't told him. Please don't mention it."

"Mattie, what the hell are you waiting for?"

"We've only know each other a month and have been dating for a week. I don't want to scare him off or make him feel pressured to say it back when he doesn't feel anything."

Feliciano looked at him like he was insane. "You think he doesn't care about you?"

"No, I'm pretty sure he does but we're really new and I don't want to mess it up. I'm just…cautious, I guess." Matthew bit his lip and looked away, embarrassed and out of his depth.

Feliciano made a frustrated noise. "Fine, I won't say anything. Now, you need to smile so he doesn't ask you what's wrong." Then, like their conversation never stopped, he said, "I'm partial to Italian myself, but I'm always wary when I'm in other countries. Did they make the pasta? Did the skimp on the garlic? Did they overcook the sauce? It's always so stressful!"

Matthew laughed and felt his face brighten as Gilbert came into view, talking to Ludwig. Feliciano was waving to them when Matthew said, "We'll figure it out. Maybe they'll have an idea."

*end flashback*

Matthew was just finishing getting ready for bed when Gilbert stumbled into the bathroom, pulling his shirt over his head as he walked. Matthew smiled at his rumpled appearance and leaned back against the counter, saying, "Looks like you chose the easy route."

Gilbert squinted at him in the bright lights of the bathroom before veering towards Matthew. He tried to dodge out the way but Gilbert easily caught him around the waist and pulled him close. "Where are you going?"

"To bed, Gil."

"But I just got here." Gilbert nuzzled into his neck where a mark from the night before had disappeared and Matthew successfully fought the urge to shiver.

"I'm not giving a presentation covered in hickeys, Gil, so stop right there."

"They would be gone by morning. I could put them where no one would see but me…" Gilbert's hands drifted lower.

He had a very valid point and, really, if they were quick it would only take 20 minutes or so and—nope, now is not the time. He twisted away and Gilbert let him go. "I'm on to you, mister. We are going to bed to sleep and that is all. Besides, weren't you half asleep 10 minutes ago?"

"I'm still half asleep but I always want you, Mattie."

And wasn't that the damnedest thing. Matthew blushed and turned away. He could resist Gil if he was just teasing, but he had no defense when it came to him being so sincerely sweet. Quietly he said, "Just hurry and come to bed, angel. I'll be waiting."

Matthew left the room before hearing Gilbert's response and turned down the bed. He climbed into the cold sheets and tried to get comfortable. It didn't work well and as soon as Gilbert joined him a few minutes later he moved to snuggle into his warmth with a sigh. Gilbert wrapped his arms around him and kissed the top of his head. Matthew said, "Night, Gil."

"Night, Birdie."

Matthew relaxed and was almost out when he heard Gilbert say a few moments later, "Hey, Matthew?"

Matthew forced himself from the edge of sleep because Gilbert only ever used his full name if they were having sex or when he was about to say something serious and important. He lifted his head and blinked at him, trying to focus. "Hmm? What is it?"

He could barely make out Gilbert's frown in the dark but the shadow of it wasn't comforting. Matthew began tensing even before Gilbert started to say, "It's just…It's kind of silly, but I'm worried about tomorrow."

Matthew relaxed and leaned up to kiss him. "It's not silly. I know it's a little nerve-wracking, sweetheart, but it'll be fine. You've already met everyone there and we've prepared as much as we can for our presentation. Is it that you're seeing everyone again?"

Gilbert laughed nervously and Matthew frowned. Something wasn't right. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"Is…is there someone in particular that you don't want to see?"

"Not who you think, Liebling." Gilbert smoothed a hand down Matthew's hair. "I'm okay, I promise. Get some rest."

Matthew was frowning but still said goodnight and laid back against him. Gilbert's arms tightened around him almost painfully. Matthew did his best to cuddle closer, giving comfort that wasn't asked for. He knew Gilbert wasn't telling him something but he had a right to his privacy. He was just going to have to look out for him as best as he could tomorrow so he could be there if Gilbert needed him.

Outside of Roderich, Matthew had no idea what Gilbert might be worried about to this extent. But everyone was relatively reasonable to deal with and this was just another standard (read: boring) world meeting. What was the worst that could happen?

A/N: Thought this was going to be the meeting? Well, so did I.

Here's the deal: I got about 10k into writing the summit. Because of where I was, I estimated that, when complete, it would probably be more than 35,000 words. That is way too long for a chapter. So I broke it up into four parts, one for each day covered. I'm well into Friday, so expect that soonish. I know exactly what is going to happen, it's just a matter of finding the time and energy to get it all down. I need to start studying for the LSAT, though, so it will probably be another week or so until that is ready.

Alas, I did not finish this in July. But I think that you guys rather I take my time and write instead of getting it out fast.

About the reviews, all I can say to describe how I feel is: *pleased pterodactyl screeching*

Quick explanation of the songs for chapters 27 through 30: Because this is all connected, there will be a running playlist that is added to each chapter depending on what happens. I can't just post the entire thing at once: that would be super spoilery!

Fun Fact: the original title for the chapter that would cover all of the summit was "Collision." That should be a maddening good hint for what's coming next.

Thanks to Masterliful as always for feedback and proofreading.

Later,

darkhuntress13

PS: Shout out to RaisinContradiction. Happy early birthday!

Running Playlist: "Katherine Wheel" by HIM and "Miracle" by Paramore