❅❄❅ When the Snow Falls ❅❄❅
Ivan remembers very little of the details of the rest of his 7th grade year and the summer afterwards. Most aspects were unimportant, such as the many days he spent 'sick' and in bed reading, watching movies, or simply staring at the ceiling. Every once in a while, Toris would come by and hang out with him. Ivan loved it when he did, though he never knew what to say most of the time.
Francis strutted down the street from his house wearing his jacket, worn-down tennis shoes, and bright blue boxers. Matthew was almost used to this, though he and Ivan still had no clue where he was headed when it was late in the afternoon and getting cold outside already.
"Francis, please tell us where we're headed now," Matthew asked.
"Store," Francis answered. There was a convenience store not far from the house, about a 3 minute walk. Even so, they always drove when they needed to get something from the store.
"On foot?" Matthew asked.
"In a hurry?" Ivan added.
"… Yeah basically,"
"What are you playing at?" Matthew questioned. Francis took out his phone.
"It's almost six; we're picking up some mini, multi-colored marshmallows from the store and going to the old playground. But we need to hurry."
Matthew shook his head. "Why?"
"Gilbert told me a certain Spaniard is meeting someone there,"
"Francis no," Matthew sighed.
"Francis yes,"
"I'm confused," Matthew patted Ivan on the back lightly.
"So am I, it's better to just stand back and watch it unfold rather than question it."
"Ah,"
When the three entered the store, the cashier eyed Francis.
"Sir, where are your pants?" the lady asked, her eye twitching in annoyance as if she had to go through this kind of situation before.
"Home," Francis answered.
"I, uh-" she stopped talking when Francis pointed to sign next to the door. No shirt, no shoes, no service, it read.
"I meet the requirements, and pants are not on the terms and conditions,"
The cashier sighed and folded her arms. "very well,"
"Come Mattieu, Ivan, no time to spare," he took both their arms and led them down an isle to the marshmallows. After paying, they left for the children's playground down the street. Well, it wasn't much of a playground anymore. Since a new one opened up, nobody paid any more attention to it.
"Okay, so let me get this straight; we came here around 6 in the afternoon to throw marshmallows at Antonio?" Matthew asked when they entered through the gate.
"Basically, and his date or whatever, but we aren't supposed to know they're coming here," Francis explained.
"Who's his date?"
"I'm not sure, he didn't tell Gilbert, but I'm sure it's Belle,"
"I don't think so," Matthew explained. "He never seemed interested in her, plus her brother hates him,"
"And that's why they're meeting up in secret, then!"
"What about that guy he was with when we ran into him after group time?" Ivan cut in.
"Who?" Both Matthew and Francis questioned.
"You know, the Italian one? Angry looking? Twiddles his fingers?"
"Oh, Lovino Vargas," Francis laughed. "I would give you five dollars if it's Lovino. There's no way he'd agree to doing something like meeting up with Antonio in a park alone."
"Deal," The two shook hands and then they all climbed into the old playhouse in the center of the park. Because the sun was setting, they were well hidden. Ivan and Matthew sat while Francis paced around and kept watch.
"I hope we're not out here too long," Matthew told Ivan, but was shushed by Francis.
"Inside voice, Matthew, you'll blow our cover if they're here already," Francis whispered sternly.
"Sorry Francis,"
"Are you afraid of the dark?" Ivan whispered to him.
"Hm? Not really, just it's dangerous to be out in the dark, and cold."
"I'm sure Francis wouldn't keep us out here this long,"
"I sure hope not,"
"And if he does, I'm sure we'll be alright,"
"Shh!" Francis hushed him louder than he was talking.
"I was being quiet," Ivan whispered, trying to be even quieter.
"No, shh!" Francis bent down and covered Ivan's mouth with his hand. "Antonio just walked through the gate." They all peered out the bars, sure enough, Antonio was there.
"What if he comes up here?" Ivan asked.
"We'll escape down the slide," Francis replied.
"Wait, he stopped. Perfect,"
"Hm, good, in reach, too. It's past six, where's our date?"
"Fashionably late,"
"Wait, wait, I see someone,"
"Really? Male or female?"
"Can't tell, it's too dark,"
"I see them, too… Wait,"
"They walked right past, it wasn't them,"
"Damn,"
"Matthew, swear,"
"Sorry, Francis,"
"Hold up,"
"What is it, Ivan?"
"Someone else is walking up," All three boys squinted at the direction.
"Not Belle, completely different body type,"
"Well, I'm sure it can't be- Shit that's Lovino,"
"Francis, swear,"
"Francis, five dollars please,"
"Oh cher,"
"Wow, no wonder he's late, he dressed up quite nicely,"
"That's so unlike him,"
"I can't believe I didn't see this coming, and Ivan did,"
"Maybe I just pick up on things you don't,"
"Guys hush I want to hear what they're saying,"
"… Is calling someone a jerk some sort of expression of feelings now?"
"No, that's just Lovino, he doesn't mean it, and he's smiling with his eyes,"
"I like Antonio takes it without thought and continues to talk to him nicely,"
"Oh! Antonio's reaching for his hand,"
"Look at Lovino's face; it's turning red,"
"Oh my God, he's touching his hand now,"
"How sweet,"
"How gross,"
"Matthew, it's not gross, it's romantic, see?"
"Ugh! Francis don't do that!"
"Hold my hand, Matthew!"
"No!"
"Guys, hush, I think they heard you,"
"… Okay we're safe,"
"They got pretty close to each other,"
"If they start making out, I swear,"
"They're taking it slow,"
"Aw, Toni pecked his forehead,"
"… Now they look like they're slow dancing,"
"I really didn't think Lovino had a side like this,"
"Hold up,"
"Damn,"
"Matt- Oh. Damn,"
"So much for taking it slow,"
"Do I see tongue?"
"Yes,"
"Gross,"
"Yeah, quick, throw a marshmallow at them."
"Okay,"
"… You missed, let me try,"
"… Oh, good shot,"
"They didn't notice, Ivan you try,"
"Okay,"
"Maybe we should try throwing a handful,"
"Good idea,"
"I got one to stay in Antonio's hair,"
"Good job Matthew,"
"I think they're onto us,"
"Lovi noticed the one in his hair,"
"Oh shit, he's staring right in our direction,"
"We need to go," Matthew grabbed Francis's shoulder and Ivan's arm. "Our cover's blown," Before Matthew could pull Francis away, he reached into the bag of marshmallows and pulled out a huge handful.
"Wait," He eyed Matthew and Ivan.
"Francis, no," Ivan gasped.
"You're not," Matthew held in a laugh.
"But I am," Francis chunked the wad of marshmallows down. Upon hearing Lovino shout 'Francis!, Francis grabbed them both. "Run!"
The three managed to escape after being chased down by Lovino, who was yelling and covered in pastel-colored marshmallows, and Antonio, who was probably just following after, laughing loudly. Lovino gave up after racing after them for three or so blocks, luckily. They stopped rushing by the time they were in Francis's yard.
"That was great," Matthew gasped, sitting down in the grass.
"I just hope Antonio isn't too mad," Francis laid by him, laughing.
"Not as mad as Lovino,"
"True, let's get inside, it's cold,"
"You really should have grabbed your pants before we left,"
"Hush,"
Visits became rare once time went on, Toris made new friends, and Ivan didn't make much effort to spend much time with him. Ivan saw less of Maks, too. At first, he was scared of losing them as friends, but he found himself not caring.
When they arrived back into Francis's room, they found that the Pierres had taken care of some of the food they left from before.
"I hope they don't get sick from eating any of that," Matthew uttered.
"They've eaten pencils, toilet paper, and out of the trash before. They'll be fine," Francis replied, picking up some of the plates. "I'll make something, just relax,"
"Are you sure?" Matthew asked.
"Oui, go share some marshmallows with Ivan, I'll be back," Francis handed him the bag and winked.
"Ah, okay," Matthew sat on the bed and watched Francis leave the room. Ivan entered the room holding a five dollar bill moments later. "How did you know it was Lovino?"
"Well," Ivan sat by him. "Once Francis and I decided to hang out after therapy one day and we happened to see them at the post office. I'm guessing I caught onto the chemistry between them when Francis did not,"
"Wow, you're just naturally able to tell if someone's interested in someone?"
"Not really," He laughed. "I saw them holding hands, Francis didn't."
"And you still made him bet?"
"I didn't make him bet, and I didn't care much about getting the money." He explained. "I just wanted to see the look on his face." Matthew erupted into laughter. "But that's just between you and me, okay?"
"I won't tell him, I promise,"
"Okay, good,"
The two spent the next half hour watching TV and talking about their favorite shows while sharing a blanket.
"So you've watched all of Breaking Bad, Pushing Daisies, Archer, Doctor Who, including the classic series, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, The Office, American Horror Story, and House?" Matthew asked, surprised.
"Yes, I'd be surprised if you named something I haven't seen,"
"How about Dexter?"
"Seen it,"
"Scrubs?"
"I love Scrubs!"
"… Sherlock?"
"Watched that one a month ago,"
"Hm…. Bob's Burgers!"
"Seen that, too,"
"Damn it!"
"Swear!"
"What haven't you seen?"
"I haven't seen Community yet,"
"You haven't?"
"Nyet, not yet,"
"You need to!"
"Well of course,"
"Food!" Francis came into the room holding a pan. The room filled with the nice smell of freshly cooked beef and veggies covered in soy sauce.
"That smells nice, what is it?" Matthew sat up and brushed his hair back.
"Beef stir-fry," Francis replied, bringing the dish closer to him so he can see. "I see you two are getting pretty comfortable around each other." Francis gave them a look. Matthew realized he was lying awfully close to Ivan, but that's only because the blanket was so small, and maybe because Ivan was warm.
"Da, Matthew and I were just talking and watching TV,"
"Cute, now come on, let's go eat,"
Life felt almost unreal; as if his soul was hanging onto his body from a thread. Ivan clearly remembered the melancholy sensation that he held on his shoulders even in the future. He wished he appreciated isolation during that moment of his life.
Later, Matthew got dressed in his night clothes and returned to the room. Francis was in nothing but his boxers and socks and Ivan walked passed him to change in the bathroom. Francis looked up from his phone and laughed when he saw him.
"Are those polar bears?" Matthew glanced down at his new set of pajamas his foster mom had gotten him a month before.
"Yes," Matthew replied, his face flushing. "Does it look bad?"
"Nope, it suits you, you know," Matthew sat by Francis on the bed. Francis put his phone away and tugged on the sleeve of Matthew's shirt. "I didn't have a chance to ask you before but you like Ivan, no?"
"Well, of course I do," Matthew grinned. "He's really sweet and kind and we like the same things."
"I thought so," Francis responded, sitting up. "I knew you two would hit it off. And sorry about the whole kissing thing from earlier today. I didn't think he'd do that." Matthew stomach flipped, remembering Ivan's weird greeting when they met.
"It's fine, he just scared me a little," Matthew laughed.
"You're blushing,"
"I am?"
"Yeah," Francis put an arm around him. "Did you get his number yet?"
"What?!" Matthew huffed.
"Come on, he may be a little weird but-" Francis stopped talking when Ivan entered the room. He was wearing one of those brown bear onesies with ears on the hood. Matthew stared at it in awe, as if Ivan didn't already remind him of a huge teddy bear.
"I'm back,"
"I see," Francis answered back. "I wasn't told we were all wearing bear pajamas."
"But Francis, you're hairy enough to be a bear!" Matthew laughed. Francis pinched his cheeks.
"And you're cute enough to be my cub, come here!" Matthew jumped up before Francis can grab onto him.
"No!" Matthew shouted, laughing.
"Come back here my child!" Francis called. Matthew ran and hid behind Ivan.
"You're not my real dad!"
"Mother wouldn't have wanted this!" Francis chased Matthew in circles around Ivan before catching him and holding him tightly. "Ah, your pajamas are soft."
"Not so silly, now are they?"
"They're still pretty silly, not as silly as Ivan's though."
"Hey! My sister bought me this, and I love it!" Ivan snapped, laughing. "Though it is a little funny looking."
Francis jumped onto the bed. "So what are we going to do the rest of tonight?"
"Video games or cat videos sound alright," Matthew answered, sitting by him and taking a pillow.
"I'm in!" Francis shouted.
After a couple of hours or so of playing the PS3, Francis had fallen asleep, snoring loudly and drooling onto his pillow with one of his hairy legs touching Matthew's leg. All three of them were crowded onto his bed with Matthew in the middle holding up his phone while he and Ivan watched videos on the internet.
"He's loud," Ivan whispered.
"You don't have to whisper, he won't wake up," Matthew stated, shifting a little under the covers.
"Oh," Ivan replied, yawning.
"Getting tired?"
"Yeah," Matthew glimpsed at him. Ivan was laying by his shoulder, trying to keep his eyes open.
"We should call it a night,"
"Yeah,"
"I have some ear buds if you can't sleep through the snoring."
"That'll be great," he sat up. "I'll get them. Where are they?"
"Small front pocket on my bag, thanks," Ivan got off the bed and returned with the ear buds. Matthew took them and plugged them into his phone with his headphone splitter. "I hope you like ballet music."
"Ballet music sounds nice," Ivan's voice got softer as he lay back down by Matthew. "Oh, Matthew,"
"Huh?"
"I'm… Really glad I got to meet you… Finally."
"Finally?" Matthew handed him his pair of ear buds.
"Da," He took them and put one in his ear. "Francis always talked about how good friends we would be and how he really wanted us to meet."
"And he was right," Matthew smiled warmly at him. "I'm really glad I got to meet you, too."
"Really?"
"I'm serious," Ivan scooted closer, their foreheads touched.
"Um…" Ivan bit his lip. "Did Francis… Tell you?"
Matthew thought for a minute; He must be talking about his past. "No, he didn't tell me,"
"Oh, uh, I…"
"It's okay, whatever it is, I'm not here to judge you," Matthew tried thinking of a better reply. "And you don't have to tell me, if you don't want to,"
"You sure?"
"Yes, let's go to sleep."
"Alright," Ivan's voice was quieter. "I will tell you one day, though,"
"Whenever you're ready," Matthew felt him nod. He pressed play on the music and put in his other ear bud. He closed his eyes and felt Ivan kiss his temple.
"Good night, Matthew," He could feel the bed tremble from Ivan's side.
"Good night, Ivan," In the dark, he couldn't see Ivan's face. He felt around and touched his hair; he heard a whimper and moved to kiss his forehead. Ivan slowly grabbed onto his shirt and burrowed his head into the crook of his neck. Matthew relaxed and slowly stroked his arm.
Oh Ivan, he thought, maybe the kindest people fight the hardest. Ivan's clutch eased as he fell asleep. Matthew closed his eyes and dozed off soon after. Whatever happened to you, I hope you'll move past it completely one day.
An important detail of that summer, though, was the first time Ivan truly felt real fear. All the torture had jaded him before, but nothing could prepare him for the terror of the first time in forever Maks had come over. He wouldn't have guessed he would had taken out a small hand gun and held it up to his head, grinning as if he wasn't a movement away from ending someone else's life.
"Hey Ivan, wanna do me a favor?"
Hey, so it's the end of summer. I'm glad to see several people are enjoying it so far, so here's a nice long chapter before school starts up. If anyone sees any spelling/grammar errors, please tell me so I can fix it. Thanks for reading and good night!