I apologize for the incredibly long wait! Without further ado, I give you the next chapter.
Please note: Quite a bit of this chapter involves using technology to communicate, since Matthew and Gilbert are so far apart now. But there are regular story format scenes mixed in.
All for the Love of Maple Syrup
3rd Semester
Matthew Williams made it back to the apartment in one piece.
August 10, 2011 - 5:34 pm · Comment · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: That was fast. Jones didn't make you go on any ridiculous side trips?
5:42 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: No.
5:45 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: The only time that happens is when you and me go on road trips and you see something interesting and poke me until I give in.
5:46 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: So what you're saying is, I make road trips awesome!
5:47 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: Sure, Gil.
5:48 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones making a fort of couch cushions with Arthur Kirkland!
August 11, 2011 - 12:12 pm · Comment · Like
Matthew Williams I feel like I'm rooming with a child.
August 11, 2011 - 12:25 pm · Comment · Like
Alfred F. Jones: There's nothing wrong with building a fort out of cushions! It's fun! You should join us.
12:31 pm via Mobile Web · Like
Matthew Williams: No thanks. And how'd you convince Arthur?
12:33 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: I'm very persuasive.
12:34 pm via Mobile Web · Like
Matthew Williams: You don't have him tied up in there, do you?
12:36 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: Of course not! I'd never do that!
12:39 pm via Mobile Web · Like
Matthew Williams: Why do I hear muffled yelling?
12:40 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: No reason.
12:41 pm via Mobile Web · Like
Alfred F. Jones: :)
12:41 pm via Mobile Web · Like
8/15/2011 - 10:22 pm
Dear Mom,
I start work at the ice cream shop tomorrow. Carlos has been trying to get me to apply there since last year, so I finally did. He must have put in one amazing recommendation for me since I went in for the interview yesterday and got a call about an hour after I got back saying I got the job. Carlos took me out to celebrate. I think we spent 3 hours talking and trying different types of fudge at this one place. I can't remember what it's called.
Alfred hasn't done anything too crazy lately. Our living room is still a fort of couch cushions and blankets. Today he pulled the television into it. I'm going to wait until he and Arthur leave for a few hours and then invite Ivan and Carlos over so we can dismantle it. Mean, I know, but I'm tired of having to crawl through the fort to get to the door.
On Thursday me and Alfred are going to get our textbooks. I think Lovino's going with us. We'll probably also compare schedules and see if we have any classes together. I can't believe it's almost time for the next semester to begin. I just hope Al takes it easy for the first week.
Love,
Matthew
Text Messages
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Why did a bird cage show up at the apartment today?
August 18, 2011 - 1:03 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Also, stop changing the names on my phone. I don't appreciate what you put for Ivan. Or Al.
1:04 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
I thought it was funny. Took me hours to figure out what to change all of them to.
1:19 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
So how are the birds? Have any hatched yet?
1:23 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Yes! They're so cute and awesome! Gilbird looks so proud. He fluffs up his feathers and chirps. Ludwig wants me to put them in the shed cuz they're so loud
1:25 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Send some pictures when you can. But ONLY pictures!
1:27 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Ha ha ha. Gilbird and Birtilda would never forgive me if I sent away one of their babies. I'll wait until they're full grown.
1:28 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
No. No birds. Period.
1:29 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
[picture]
But look how cute they are! Aren't they awesome? That's proud papa Gilbird with them.
1:32 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Yes, Gil. They're very cute. That doesn't change the fact that I don't want a bird. And who knows what Al would teach it
1:36 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
I didn't think of that. I'll just wait until you come home for good.
1:37 pm · Reply
8/22/2011
Dear Mom,
Ivan and I are going to try and get people interested in starting a college hockey team next week. We've gotten permission to have a club and if we can get enough people, then they'll let us form a team. So far I've gotten Alfred and Carlos to promise to join us, but no one else.
Gilbert keeps threatening to send me a bird. Could you talk to him for me? Or ask Ludwig to talk to him about it? He won't listen to me and I can't tell if he's joking or not.
Alfred got himself locked in the trunk of Antonio's car today. I don't even bother asking him how he gets into these types of situations anymore. When I went upstairs to talk to Antonio about it, he acting like he didn't know a thing about it. I couldn't tell if he really didn't know or if he was just pretending. It doesn't matter now. Al's out of the trunk and is now down the hall playing video games with Kiku.
I wish he could keep out of trouble for one day.
Love,
Matthew
8/25/2011
Dear Mom,
Al brought home a pair of kittens today. I keep telling him that he needs to take them to the shelter, that we can't afford to keep them, but he's not listening. Maybe I should try asking around to see if anyone else could take them. Al might be more willing to agree with that. I'll go upstairs and ask Heracles when I have time.
Wish me luck.
Love,
Matthew
Alfred F. Jones posted 3 new pictures
August 25, 2011 - 4:53 pm · Comment · Like
Alfred F. Jones found a pair of fluffy kittens near the dumpsters at McDonald's today, so I brought them home.
August 25, 2011 - 4:55 pm · Comment · Like
[Heracles Karpusi and Kiku Honda like this]
Kiku Honda: If you'd like, Heracles and I could go out and buy a few things for them. How old are they?
4:59 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: Dunno. Wanna come over and see them?
5:05 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: Would Heracles want to adopt them?
5:08 pm via Mobile Web · Like
Heracles Karpusi: I can't take them, I'm sorry. Sadik is threatening to move out if I get any more.
5:10 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: I want to keep them.
5:11 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: We're going to have to talk when I get back home.
5:13 pm via Mobile Web · Like
It'd been three days since Alfred brought the pair of kittens home and, to no one's surprise, they were still there. Matthew had tried asking everyone in the apartment building to take them in, but they had all refused.
Alfred wasn't helping matters. He and Heracles had spent an entire afternoon together talking about caring for cats and buying thing's they'd need. As a result, Matthew could no longer walk through any room without accidentally stepping on a toy or having one of the kittens attack his feet.
He grumbled to himself as he flopped down on the couch. He should've taken them to the shelter when he'd had the chance. Alfred had gotten everyone in the building on his side - including Ivan and Carlos - so if Matthew tried to take the kittens away, someone would stop him.
If he had any one good thing to say about the fluffy little devils, it was that Alfred had managed to keep himself out of trouble since he brought them home. Matthew knew it wouldn't last very long.
Matthew closed his eyes and relaxed, enjoying the peace and quiet while he could. It didn't last long.
There was one thump of something hitting the couch and falling down. It was followed by two more thumps and then tiny paws stepped across his chest. One of the kittens settled on his chest, kneading its small, needle-like claws into his shirt. The other one curled up against the side of his neck and began purring.
He opened his eyes, unsurprised to see the kitten with brown fur on its tail and around its neck staring at him with bright blue eyes. He groaned. "Only Al would manage to find himself in cat form."
Al-cat blinked slowly, digging its claws in once more before drifting off to sleep. The other kitten, who had tan fur where Al-cat had brown, snuggled closer to his neck and continued purring.
"You're not so bad," Matthew whispered to the cuddly one. "Maybe you can stay…"
When Alfred came home later that day, he found his brother napping on the couch with the kittens. He snapped a quick picture with his phone and then quietly snuck over to Matthew's room to use the computer and update his face book status.
Alfred F. Jones posted a photo
August 28, 2011 - 6:34 pm · Comment · Like
Ivan Braginski to Matthew Williams
Still planning on giving away the kittens? You look very cozy with them on the couch.
August 28, 2011 - 7:12 pm · Comment · Like
Matthew Williams: What are you talking about?
7:20 pm · Like
Ivan Braginski: Alfred posted a picture
7:23 pm · Like
Ivan Braginski: You should name them before he can.
7:25 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: I'm pretty sure he's already named them. But if you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.
7:37 pm · Like
Ivan Braginski: How about Matvey and Fredka?
7:38 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: It's bad enough that Gil named a bird after me. I don't want a cat too. But you should call Al "Fredka" more often. It really bothers him.
7:40 pm · Like
Ivan Braginski: You don't mind that I call you Matvey, do you?
7:40 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: Of all the nicknames people have for me, yours is my favourite.
7:41 pm · Like · [Ivan Braginski likes this]
Gilbert Beilschmidt: Wow. Harsh, Birdie. I see how it is.
7:41 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: It's not like you've never heard it before. Stop calling me Birdie.
7:42 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: Why do you have such a problem with my nickname but not with Braginski's?
7:43 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: because at least "Matvey" is just the Russian form of my name and is perfectly masculine. "Birdie" is a nickname you'd give to a girl. I'm not a girl.
7:44 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: Close enough.
7:45 pm · Like
To: Elizaveta
From: Matthew
Could you smack Gilbert for me when you get the chance? He's calling me a girl again.
August 28, 2011 - 7:47 pm · Reply
To: Matt
From: Elizaveta
I'm on my way to eat pizza with him right now. I'll hit him once I get there. ;)
7:52 pm · Reply
To: Elizaveta
From: Matthew
Thanks!
7:53 pm · Reply
Gilbert grinned as he raised his camera and snapped a series of pictures. The scowl his brother cast in his direction did nothing to diminish his joy. Nothing could make him sad when there were baby birds unsteadily fluttering around Ludwig's feet while Gilbird and Birtilda flew around his head, chirping incessantly.
"Gilbert, I'm trying to cook," Ludwig growled out between clenched teeth.
"And you're doing a great job," Gilbert said cheekily. He snapped a few more pictures and then left the room. The baby birds hopped after him as their parents flew over to alight on his shoulders. "Mattie's going to love these!"
Ludwig blanched and turned away from the stove. "Gilbert! Don't post those online!"
"I was just going to send them to Mattie in an e-mail, but that's a much better idea! Thanks, Luddy!" Gilbert shouted back.
Ludwig could only groan when he heard his brother cackle in glee, knowing that there was no convincing him.
Gilbert Beilschmidt posted 23 photos - tagged Ludwig Beilschmidt
August 29, 2011 - 1:32 pm · Comment · Like
[Matthew Williams, Feliciano Vargas, and 7 others like this]
Feliciano Vargas: The birds are so cute! They look so fluffy!
1:40 pm · Like
Matthew Williams: Ludwig doesn't look very happy that you're taking pictures of him again. But the birds are very cute. Better keep the windows shut so they don't fly away.
1:43 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: I've decided that they can fly away if they'd like. I'm sure they'll come back to visit and get food. But don't tell West.
1:44 pm · Like
Elizaveta Héderváry: You know he could easily read any of this, right?
1:46 pm · Like
Laura Peeters: How cute~ I wish I could have a bird, but we already have a dog and a rabbits and the house is chaotic enough with both of them.
1:59 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: You can come over and see them anytime you want. Just don't bring your brother.
2:00 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: *The older one.
2:00 pm · Like
Laura Peeters: I'll come visit soon. :)
2:02 pm · Like
Text Message
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
I guess we're keeping the cats.
August 30, 2011 - 9:03 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
I'm surprised it took you five days to give in. Even I thought those fuckers were cute. Thought you couldn't afford pets.
9:07 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
We can't. But Al got everyone in the building on his side and they keep bringing gifts of food and toys over for them. And by everyone I mean EVERY SINGLE PERSON. It's crazy.
9:10 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
No way I'm sending you a bird now. It'd get eaten by those adorable monsters.
9:12 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
I'll return the cage you sent me when we head back for Christmas. I need to save money. Sending packages is expensive.
9:14 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
That's okay, I've got my own. And I think Laura might take one of the birds. She seems pretty interested in them.
9:15 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Maybe she will. Have you named them yet?
9:16 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Yeah. Laura came over way early this morning and helped me name them. Have I ever mentioned how strange I think she is?
9:17 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
No. I didn't even know the two of you were friends. Especially considering how much Lars dislikes you.
9:18 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
She's way more awesome than her brother. It's not very hard to be.
9:19 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Veta set us up on a date last year. Didn't really work out. Didn't I tell you?
9:19 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
No. You forgot to mention that. Anyway, what'd you name them?
9:22 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
The girls are Birdlin and Birgium. The boys are Ludbird, Elibird, and Katbird.
9:23 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
… did you name a bird after my mom? A BOY bird? Why was a girl bird named for me!?
9:24 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Because 'Birderine' sounds and looks weird. And you said not to name any "Mattbird".
9:25 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
All I said was to not name a girl bird after me.
9:27 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Oh well. Too late! They're all named now and I like those names, so I'm not changing them.
9:29 am · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
You suck, Gil.
9:30 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Do not!
9:31 am · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Hey, so, what'd you name the cats?
August 30, 2011 - 12:45 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
I didn't. Al did. The one with the darker fur is "Americat" and the lighter one is "Catada".
12:56 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Wow. That's kind of lame.
12:58 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
I dunno. I think it's a little clever. Americat sure acts a lot like him. He keeps stealing Al's hamburgers.
1:01 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Ha ha ha! Now all you need is for Catada to steal your pancakes. Then it'll be the two of you in cat form!
1:03 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Ha ha, very funny. I hope you never find a cat version of yourself. Gilbird is enough.
1:05 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
I'm not much of a cat person anyway. Cats eat birds, which isn't awesome. Speaking of birds, Luddy's cooking so I'm going to take them down there so they can fly around him some more. They really like him.
1:07 pm · Reply
To: ~Awesome~
From: Matthew
Alright. Have fun with that.
1:08 pm · Reply
9/4/11 - 11:43 am
Dear Mom,
I think it's safe to say that Al and I have been adopted by the cats. He named them Catada and Americat. (Part of me's just happy that he didn't name one of them "kitler". I didn't dare bring it up.) I have to admit that they've grown on me since he brought them home. They like curling up next to me at night because Al moves around in his sleep too much and it annoys them. Everyone else in the building have been helping us out, especially Kiku and Heracles. Katyusha and Ivan come over every day to play with them.
Speaking of Ivan, our plans to put together a college hockey team aren't going very well. We haven't even generated much interest in the club aspect. I guess we'll just stick to playing with the guys at the local skate center.
I won't be able to write very much for a while. I'm working more hours at the ice cream shop and have two big projects in school to start preparing for. Between that and rescuing Al from stuff he gets stuck in, hockey, and taking care of the cats, I don't have much free time anymore. What free time I do have is eaten up by people dropping by our room unannounced to hang out (or in Lovino's case, hide from Antonio). I also had to go get a new cell phone because Al "borrowed" mine and lost it. I'm sure everything will calm down soon. I hope it will. I don't think I could handle it if things got crazier around here.
Love, Matthew
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
I think I'm starting to regret setting my boss on fire. Luddy won't lend me money anymore.
September 6, 2011 - 3:46 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Veta's being lame too. And Aster chewed up my diary.
4:04 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Tell anyone I have a diary and I'll tell about all of yours and where you've hidden them.
4:05 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Guess you're busy with school or something. Just lemme know when you've got a few minutes to chat.
4:58 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Hey, Laura told me about this awesome thing today! Text me
September 7, 2011 - 8:43 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
Your lameass bro didn't throw your phone out the window again, did he?
September 8, 2011 - 10:21 am · Reply
Gilbert Beilschmidt to Matthew Williams
Hey, I think something's wrong with your phone. Have you gotten any of my messages?
September 8, 2011 - 7:29 pm · Comment · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt to Alfred F. Jones
You didn't throw Mattie's phone out the window again, did you?
September 9, 2011 - 3:47 pm · Comment · Like
Alfred F. Jones: course not. He'd kill me if I did that again
4:54 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: why do you wanna know?
4:55 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: he's not answering my messages
4:56 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: that's weird, dude. He's getting mine. Ignores most of them. The jackass. Maybe something's up with your phone and it's not sending shit correctly
4:58 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: maybe
4:58 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: Hey, tell him to call me, ok?
4:59 pm · Like
Alfred F. Jones: I'll try, but I'm gonna wait until he's not doing homework. Last time I tried to ask him if he wanted anything from BK and he about bit my head off. Guess the teachers are really loading him down this year. I told him it was a bad idea to take the maximum amount
5:02 pm · Like
Gilbert Beilschmidt: Ok thanks
5:03 pm · Like
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Going out to hang with Artie and Kiku
September 9, 2011 - 5:44 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
Alright, have fun. Bring back milk, we're out.
5:46 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Sure thing, bro. Oh yeah, and Gilbo wants you to call him.
5:47 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
Okay. I'll do it once I've finished this essay.
5:48 pm · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
I thought you were gonna tell Mattie to call me
September 11, 2011 10:30 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
I did! He said he'd do it once he finished some essay
10:34 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
He hasn't done it. Remind him again
10:35 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
FINE. But if he kills me, I'm coming back to haunt you
10:36 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
I told him and he threw a book at my head
10:37 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
I think I have a concussion now
10:37 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
Don't be a weenie, Jones.
10:38 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
Lets see you go in there when he's like that! He threatened to get his hockey stick if I bothered him while he's studying again. Has he always been this anal about school?
10:39 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
A little. It's not usually this bad. Go find someone who knows how to make good pancakes and smother it in maple syrup and give it to him. He'll chill out a little then.
10:41 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
I'll give it a try. I think Ivan's hot sister can cook. Wish me luck
10:42 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
So I might have mentioned to Ivan that Mattie's been stressed and Yong Soo overheard and sort of dragged Mattie out of the apartment to go have fun. Sorry dude
11:04 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
I asked you to do one fucking thing, Jones
11:06 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
Look, I said I was sorry, ok? I'll keep trying. Maybe a day out with Yong Soo will chill him out a bit.
11:07 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
I know. Thanks for helping
11:11 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
Wow, you actually have manners
11:13 am · Reply
To: Alfuck
From: Gilbert
Fuck you, Jones
11:14 am · Reply
To: Gilfreak
From: Alfred
Hahaha, no thanks. Didn't kno you were into dudes
11:15 am · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Ok, so I might've PO'd your BFF. Call him before he finds some way to kill me long distance
September 11, 2011 - 11:16 am · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Seriously bro, call Gilbert. He won't stop bothering me.
September 12, 2011 - 1:43 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
I'm in class right now, Al. I shouldn't even be texting you.
1:45 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Then do it on your break or something. He won't leave me alone. It's annoying.
1:46 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
Okay, okay. I'll do it later. Tell Gil to leave you alone and that I'll call him once my class ends.
1:47 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
K
1:50 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Matt. Seriously.
September 13, 2011 - 1:02 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Bro, pick up ur phone
1:32 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
I'm working, Al! Stop ringing me!
1:50 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
You need to fucking call Gilbert. This is getting really dumb, Matt.
1:52 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
I already did!
1:54 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Really? Cuz he says you haven't. And I don't think he'd keep bugging me like this if you hadn't. Call the fucker.
1:57 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
But I did it after class yesterday! Just as soon as I got out of class, I got my phone out and went through my contacts and… oh. Shit.
2:04 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
And people say I'm the irresponsible one.
2:06 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Matt? U still there?
2:45 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Guess ur boss caught you texting. See u at home. I'll sit with u and make sure u call Gilbo
3:17 pm · Reply
To: Birdie
From: Gilbert
You're not mad at me, are you?
September 13, 2011 - 5:28 pm · Reply
To: Gilbert
From: Matthew
Stop txting me
5:31 pm · Reply
9/22/11 - 5:13 pm
Dear Mom,
Here's some pictures of the cats. I managed to get a video of Americat stealing a hamburger patty when Al wasn't looking too.
I'd write more, but Al just texted me to say that he got locked in the storage closet in the basement and Ivan asked me to come over just seconds later. So I figure I'll go find out why Al's locked in a closet and then decide when to get him out. He can't keep making people angry and expect me to bail him out of trouble.
Love, Matthew
After shooing Americat and Catada away from the door, Matthew quickly slipped out into the hall and shut the door before the balls of fluff could follow him. He knew exactly who had locked his brother into the storage closet. His friend hadn't exactly made it a secret.
He walked down the hall and knocked on the door, waiting for his friend to answer. It didn't take long.
Matthew sighed heavily and looked up at the taler man. "Okay, Ivan. Why have you kidnapped my brother and locked him in a closet?"
"Because this way he can practice getting out of closet," Ivan responded with a massive grin on his face.
He looked so proud of himself that Matthew was rendered speechless for a moment while he tried to figure out whether or not Ivan was calling Alfred gay. Matthew made a strange, squeaking sort of noise before closing his mouth, unable to correctly form a sentence. Ivan's grin began to fade as concern took over.
"Matvey, are you okay?" Ivan asked
Matthew nodded. "I- yeah. I'm fine. Just… just remind me to get him out later if he doesn't escape. There aren't any harmful or strange chemicals in there, are there?"
Ivan looked a little puzzled by the question. "No, I don't think so. Why?"
"I just don't want to go down there to find he's screaming in pain or grown a third arm or something," Matthew said with a shrug.
"You're silly, Matvey." Ivan laughed and opened the door wider so Matthew could step inside. "Come inside. I found a new movie we can watch!"
"Sounds good," Matthew said, more than happy to spend the rest of the day with his friend, just relaxing on the couch. It was a welcome change from his busy schedule. In the back of his mind, he worried about leaving Alfred in the closet for a few hours, but he figured it wouldn't be ten minutes before his brother got tired of waiting and found someone else to rescue him.
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Dude. Not awesome.
September 22, 2011 - 5:30 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Seriously, bro. Where are you?
5:32 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Now I'm getting worried. You're coming to get me out, right?
5:35 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Matt
5:36 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Matt
5:37 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Come get me.
5:38 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
There's something moving in here. Hurry up.
5:39 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Matt
5:40 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Please don't leave me here.
5:40 pm · Reply
To: Artie
From: Alfred
I'm locked in the closet in the basement and Matt won't get me out.
September 22, 2011 - 5:41 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Arthur
I can't help you right now, I'm working. Can't you ask Kiku?
5:44 pm · Reply
To: Artie
From: Alfred
No. He ran off to hang with Heracles or something. And Matt won't write me back. What time do you get off today?
5:45 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Arthur
Not until 9. Have you tried anyone else?
5:46 pm · Reply
To: Artie
From: Alfred
I called Francis, but he laughed at me. And everyone else is either working or at school or not picking up their phone.
5:47 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Arthur
I'll send a message to my brothers. I'm sure they're doing nothing but lazing about the apartment, waiting for an appropriate time to go to the pub.
5:50 pm · Reply
To: Artie
From: Alfred
You're the best friend ever, Artie!
5:50 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Arthur
Don't call me that. Scotty's on his way down.
5:52 pm · Reply
To: Artie
From: Alfred
Sweet. Scotty's awesome!
5:53 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Arthur
If you say so. I have to get back to work now. See you later.
5:55 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Not awesome, bro. I had to get Artie to call Scotty to rescue me.
September 22, 2011 - 5:56 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
If you'd stop bullying my friends, maybe I'd be a little more happy to help you out when you get in trouble.
5:58 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Wait, you've had your phone this whole time? Dude. Not cool. Not cool at all. And I didn't do anything to Carlos!
5:59 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
I meant Ivan. And yes. I've had my phone this whole time.
6:01 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
What did you do to Carlos?
6:01 pm · Reply
To: Matthew
From: Alfred
Nothing!
6:03 pm · Reply
To: Alfred
From: Matthew
Bullshit.
6:03 pm · Reply
Gilbert wasn't happy.
In fact, if Ludwig had to put a word to the way his older brother had been acting for the past month, he would have to say that he looked depressed. Not even his flock of tiny yellow birds could cheer him up. They certainly tried to, twittering around him and doing their best to be entertaining.
Ludwig was getting worried.
He'd tried to cheer his brother up. He offered to make him pancakes for dinner. He let Aster jump up onto the couch and cuddle with Gilbert, though every part of him screamed to make her get down. Not even a surprise visit from their father worked for long.
He thought about getting Elizaveta involved, but she'd been so busy with work lately that he didn't want to bother her. And the only other person who could possibly raise his spirits was currently attending college in America.
Once Ludwig thought about it, he started to wonder if Matthew was the source of his brother's mood. He couldn't help but notice the lack of messages the two passed on face book, as well as the significant decrease in texting. (Ludwig always knew when it was Matthew thanks to the short tone Gilbert had set for his best friend.)
Maybe the two had a fight and weren't talking?
That would certainly explain things, but what could be serious enough to cause such a thing?
After all of the things Gilbert had put Matthew (and everyone else) through over the years, it was difficult to imagine what the breaking point could be. But it was even harder to imagine what Matthew could have done to make Gilbert stop talking to him.
Ludwig retreated to the kitchen to think. Though it was invaded by chicks on a daily basis, it was still his sacred space where he could go to be alone. Besides, they were busy tweeting away in the living room, trying to cheer up his brother.
Out of habit, he put on his apron - a plain, powder blue thing he'd bought for himself after the dogs destroyed the one Gilbert had gotten him as a joke for his birthday one year - and set about to cleaning the already spotless kitchen. As he started wiping down the counters, he let his mind drift.
His phone was ringing.
Matthew blearily looked around, lifting his head from his warm pillow and reaching for where his glasses should be resting on the night table.
Except they weren't. And for some reason, the table was missing as well.
Then Matthew remembered that he wasn't snuggled up in his warm bed and that he'd ignored that lengthy history essay in favor of spending the evening watching movies with Ivan. He must've fallen asleep at some point, because he was still there, on the couch, and had been resting his head on Ivan's shoulder.
Suddenly wide awake, Matthew jerked away from his friend and began his search for his phone using the dim light of the television. Ivan remained asleep, breathing softly, completely unbothered by the loud German rock music blaring from his phone.
At long last, his fingers found the smooth surface of his phone, which had wound up partially under the couch. Trying not to wake his sleeping friend, Matthew quickly answered with a whispered "Hello?"
"Matthew?"
The Canadian frowned. "Ludwig? D-don't take this the wrong way or anything, but why are you calling so late?"
"Late?" The teenager repeated. "It's only nine o'clock. I apologize if I woke you."
"Nah, it's okay. I've been woken by much worse," Matthew said with a yawn. "Is everything okay? How'd you get my number?"
Ludwig was silent for a moment. "Feliciano gave it to me. I'm calling because I was wondering if you've talked to Gilbert lately. He's been moping around the house for weeks and I can't figure out why."
Matthew thought back to the last time he'd talked to his friend. Surely it wasn't that long ago. Actually, he hadn't gotten a text message from him in over a month, which was really odd. Gil usually sent him a message every day. And it'd been ages since he last checked facebook, with the crazy amount of stuff he had to do on a daily basis. (Maybe Al had the right idea about not taking the maximum amount of classes. Not that Matthew would ever admit that.)
The last thing he remembered talking to Gilbert about had been something about Al's crazy kittens and then… nothing. Not a single message. Not since Al lost his phone.
Oh.
Matthew paled, frantically trying to recall if he'd ever given Gilbert his new phone number. "Fuck me. Lud, I've done something really dumb. Oh, maple. No wonder Gil kept bugging Al. I thought it was weird that he didn't call me himself, but- fuck." He stood up and began pacing around in the dark, stepping on what he assumed what the popcorn from his and Ivan's food fight. "What am I going to do? I- I can't believe I forgot to give Gil my new number. So stupid…"
Ivan began to stir as Matthew's voice rose above a whisper. "Matvey?"
Matthew was too busy nodding frantically to whatever advice Ludwig was giving him. "O-okay. Yeah. Good idea. Alright, I'll go back across the hall and see if Al has a webcam. If he doesn't, I'm sure someone around here does. I'll find one, just give me about twenty minutes to figure this out. Thanks, Ludwig. I owe you one." He listened for a moment longer and then snapped his phone shut, ending the call.
"Matvey?" Ivan asked again.
Matthew jumped in surprise and looked at his friend guiltily. "Sorry I woke you up. I've got to go take care of something - an emergency. Have you seen my glasses?"
Ivan nodded, gesturing vaguely to the table covered in snacks. "You feel asleep with them on, so I put them there. I didn't want you to break them."
"Thanks," Matthew said gratefully. He walked over to the table and quickly found his glasses perched on top of a box of oreos. He crammed them back onto his face and apologized to Ivan for cutting their movie night short before stumbling his way to the door. He quickly promised a rain check and then left.
Ivan watched him go with sadness weighing down his heart. He'd been having such a pleasant evening. But if there was something his friend needed to take care of, then he wasn't going to stop him. After all, Matthew had promised to try movie night again.
Maybe next time he'd be able to work up the courage ask his friend on a date instead of just inviting him in for a movie.
End chapter