Breathe Anew

Asked

Technically, the story as is, is finished. This chapter and the next one are simply bonuses/epilogues.

This is the before last chapter.

Characters: Gilbert, Matthew

Disclaimer: IT'S DONE BEING WRITTEN!

Breathe Anew

Asked

Two Years Later

Following that dinner at Arthur's, things finally started getting better between the families. They went at it little steps at a time, but Matthew could really tell his older brother was trying to make an effort and it was all he could ask for.

Over the two years, it was safe to say things not only took a turn for the best, but they returned to quasi normal. Matthew's old memories were still buried deep within him, but every now and then, he would recall something trivial from then.

Gilbert didn't really mind anymore. At this point, as long as he was with Matthew, he was happy. It also helped that ever since Matthew admitted to liking him, things definitively improved for the both of them. Gilbert continued to do things with Matthew they did before the accident and he secretly hoped it would help.

Whenever Matthew asked questions about things that happened before, Gilbert now answered him and Matthew was thankful, since it made him understand some of his thoughts better. Not only that, but it also helped him make sense out of his feelings and his half formed memories that sometimes came back to him. On top of that, talking with Gilbert helped him fill in the blanks for events, where he wasn't sure whether it really happened or if he dreamt it.

Over all, the past two years were interesting and filled with rediscoveries. As for now, it was the month of July and the heat reached an ultimate high outside. Matthew was glad they had an air conditioning unit, or else he would have melted by now.

Gilbert went out to run some errands and while he was gone, Matthew started on supper, since it was his turn to cook. Since it was summer and it was nice outside, he decided to barbeque some steaks. He knew Gilbert liked them and he wanted to do something special for the older man tonight.

Gilbert was driving back home, after picking up some clothes at the drycleaners. He was in an overall good mood and he was looking forward to spending a quiet evening at home.

When he walked inside, he could smell the steaks sizzling on the grill and his mouth watered at the thought. He put the dry cleaning away and went to find Matthew, who was concentrating on the food.

"Hey, Gil." Matthew spared him a glance, before refocusing his attention on the food.

"Mattie, you're making steaks, awesome!" Gilbert gave him a brief hug from behind and noticed his lover smiled softly.

"D'you mind getting me a beer? Great, thanks." Gilbert got the message Matthew wanted to be left to his steaks, so he did as he was told.

When supper was ready, they ate on their patio table and enjoyed the cool evening breeze. Gilbert noticed Matthew seemed a little jumpier than usual, but he let it be for now. Dinner went by well and after the dishes were cleaned, they went to watch some television, while relaxing on the couch.

Again, Gilbert noticed Matthew seemed jittery and he was fidgeting with his thumbs. He tried to get Matthew to relax, but every time he tried, Matthew brushed him off or jumped two feet in the air. Finally, it got to the point where Gilbert couldn't even enjoy two minutes of quiet, without the younger man shifting next to him. Gilbert closed the television and turned to face Matthew.

"Alright, what's wrong? You've been acting un-awesomely strange, for a while now." Matthew bit his bottom lip and looked from Gilbert to his hands and then back up to Gilbert.

"N-nothing, I'm fine, really…" Gilbert didn't believe him at all and arched his brow at the comment.

"Well, it's more like, I have something for you, but I'm not really sure… really sure how to give it to you or how you'll react to it… so yeah… that's why I've been like this."

"Maaaaaatt…. Just get it over with… c'mon, it can't be that un-awesome…" Matthew was silent for a moment and Gilbert sighed as he took Matthew's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"It's…. it's…."

"Matthew, just tell me, I promise I won't laugh." Gilbert watched as Matthew took a deep breath and turned around so they were both facing each other.

"See, here's the thing, ever since the accident and, before that too, you've been helping me with everything… we're…. well, I really like you and I was just thinking, or more like hoping, because at this point I'm really more hoping than thinking, that maybe you'd want to… I mean, since we've been together for a while now, well a while, since before the accident, but I'm digressing now, basically, I was just wondering if you wanted to marry me." Gilbert's eyes went wide and he could hear his heart hammering in his chest. He noticed Matthew pull out a box and open it, revealing a ring.

The first thing Gilbert noticed was the box, or more like the familiarity of the box. This box was a box that he was sure he would never see for the rest of his life.

"Matt… the box… I mean, can I see it?" Gilbert could tell it wasn't what Matthew was expecting, but the younger man slowly handed him the box.

Gilbert took it and brought it closer to his face. The colour was a little faded, but it was the same box.

"How did you… where did you find this box?" He finally asked. Matthew gave him a sheepish smile and scratched the back of his head.

"Remember the day after I woke up? When I found you on the hospital roof? Well after you left, I noticed you dropped it. I picked it up and wanted to give it back to you, but then so many things happened, until I completely forgot about it.

A few months ago, I was cleaning out my things and I happened to find it. I thought I could use it to give it to you. I'm guessing you wanted to propose to me, if that's not the case, then this is really awkward and I apologize." Gilbert was speechless for a moment, as he tried to form a proper sentence.

"You… you're not wrong… I did want to propose to you… but then the accident happened… I can't believe you kept the box…" Matthew nodded and played with the sleeve of Gilbert's shirt.

"So eum… about what I asked, what's your answer?"

"Oh, right! Yeah, eum, sorry, yes, yes I'll marry you, of course, this is awesome!" Gilbert laughed as he hugged Matthew to him. The younger man wrapped his arms around him and they shared a kiss.

"About time you give me an answer. Had I known you would be more interested in the box, I wouldn't have bothered with the ring." Matthew teased. Gilbert hit him lightly on the arm and the two laughed it off.

OWARI 20

TO BE CONCLUDED

Guys, there's the epilogue left and then this is finished with forever.

Wow.

This was written at P's place lol.

I do accept anonymous reviews.

Started writing: May 17th 2011, 4:16pm

Finished writing: May 17th 2011, 8:19pm

Started typing: June 7th 2011, 10:26pm

Finished typing: June 7th 2011, 11:24pm