Matthew Williams was 14 when he had met Gilbert Beilschmidt, who was, at the time, 16. A two year difference wasn't that bad, was it?
Matthew noticed that as only a year went by, him and Gilbert somehow got closer. Alfred trusted Gilbert with the most precious thing in his life, Matthew, and Gilbert appreciated it. Sometimes Alfred would leave Gilbert to watch Matthew so he could go to the store or go bother someone at their house for school notes. Neither of the other boys minded it, though. Matthew would be reading in the chair so quietly that Gilbert would accidentally sit on him every now and then. Matthew would freak out for a minute, but would get back to normal quickly.
There were some days that Gilbert would come over without Alfred, and explain to Matthew that Alfred got detention, was busy with swimming club, or trying to talk to the kid that only knew Japanese. Sometimes all three at once.
They didn't do anything special during these times, but they weren't content sitting around for too long.
"Mattie!"
"Yes, Gilbert?"
"Don't call me that."
"Eh? But it's your name."
"But don't call me that. Call me... 'Pooh Bear'."
"Um... Sure. Why not."
"Hey Mattie?"
"Yes Gilber- ERM... Pooh Bear?"
"I'm gonna call you 'Birdie'."
"Whatever you want, Pooh Bear."
"Well you took to that nickname quickly."
"Eh? Yeah, I guess so."
These afternoons could get awkward fast.
(I'm sorry if you were expecting something else ÓAÒ This is kind of just a filler chapter...)