Hey guuyz! Kitty29 her' with the 12 chapta' of Colours! Yayyy! =D (I'm almost sad to post it, my review mark was at 169 for a while, lol)
Sorry for the long wait, I blame the Gorillaz. Curse them for being so awesome! grrrr! -shakes fist-
SO yeah! Welcome to the second two parter of the story! Wooooooo! This chapter was getting long so I split it into two.
(My gawd, I told myself i would only take an hour or so to finish up his chapter, and now here I am about six hours later (dies)BE GRATEFUL)
Disclaimer: Nothing's changed since yesterday! Still belongs to that one Asian guy who's name escapes me.
Please enjoy and review! =D
"Mattie! Mattie!" Alfred huffed childishly as he pounded on his brother's door. There was a faint 'what' from deep in the room but no sound of the person within getting up to answer. Alfred frowned at that. "Mattie you've been locked up in your room for a week!"
It was true, not counting school and therapist sessions Matthew was up brooding in his room. He had even missed the abilities club that week, much to the disappointment of Alfred, who had finally gotten that day off work.
"You're being more anti-social than usual!"
The only response he got was a heavy something hitting the door. Alfred groaned angrily.
"You know what? Fine! Be afraid of yourself! I'm already late for work anyway!"
The exaggerated retreating stomping told Matthew that his brother had walked away and he flopped back down on his bed with a sigh. Though Alfred was understanding of his situation at first, now he was pushing for him to talk to Feliciano and everyone again. Matthew just wasn't ready. After what he had done he couldn't even bring himself to eat lunch at the same table anymore. Instead he had begun to eat with random acquaintances that seemed to forget his existence after the casual greetings. He supposed that was his fault for befriending people who were usually busy on their lunch breaks.
He sighed again, clutching onto his stuffed polar bear for small comfort. He wasn't sure what he should do. Go back to pretending he was a normal teenager or find some way to control his ability? He buried his face into his pillow. Damn it, he didn't want to have any tough decisions before university!
Muffled beeping brought him from his rather depressing thoughts and he blindly patted about his hardwood floor and swatted away a pillow, his hand hitting the object he was looking for. He pulled his face away from the cushion so that he could look at his phone and see what it was pestering him about.
1 Missed call: Awesomeness
He blinked at the phone. He obviously know who this 'Awesomeness' was but couldn't think of a time when the other had gotten hold of his phone long enough to put in his number. And he even took and added a picture beside it! Was he really so out of it that he never noticed?
He nearly dropped the device when the person whom he was just thinking about called again. Without thinking, he tapped the talk button and brought it to his ear.
"H-hello?" He answered a bit unsure.
"Hey, Birdie," Gilbert answered casually back, "Thought I would call and let you hear my awesome voice. Didn't want you to go without it for too long."
Matthew gave a small nervous laugh. He knew Gilbert was talking about him missing the club the other day. "Sorry..."
"Hey, don't worry about it, you didn't do anything wrong. If anything you spiced it up! It's been too boring since Yao knocked himself out with one of his paints a few months back."
"Um, I...how...how does that even work?"
Gilbert laughed before explaining, "Yao threw his 'paint' at one Kaoru's shields and it bounced back and smacked him right in the face! I tell you, Matt, it was an instant knock out!"
"Wait, is that even possible? Are Yao's paints really that powerful?"
"...Well, yeah probably. Anyways, this is about you Birdie. Don't think you can distract the awesome me!"
"..." Now Matthew was a bit tempted to just hang up and go back to moping, but he knew that would be rude. No matter how much teenage angst he was feeling.
"So you checked out Tony's forum?"
Coincidentally Matthew had just received an email from Tony earlier that day confirming that yes, he did indeed have abilities along with a password to the site and three green dots, though he had no idea what those meant. Seeing as he now had the password he decided to lurk about the site a bit. He had looked around for someone who had a power like or similar to his but found nothing. So he thought he should make his own topic asking if anyone had an ability like his. He glanced up at his laptop, which had the beginnings of the topic written,
Hello, my name is Matthew Williams(the name he always used on the internet). I was just wondering if there was anyone out there who shared my ability. I can...
That's where he stopped.
"Yeah, I've...looked through it."
"Good, so you know what a guide is, right?"
Well wasn't he one to jump to conclusions? "I...no."
There was a mumbled sound that sounded like a sigh. "Fine, it'll just be something else I have to explain." There was a faint scratching sound on Gilbert's end as he continued. "In 'ability' terms a 'guide' is basically someone who watches over a person who is new to their abilities and makes sure they don't kill themselves pretty much."
"...So that makes you my guide?"
"Yeah! And you're lucky 'cause now you have the awesome me to look over you!"
"...Huh." So that was why Gilbert was hanging around him so much. It wasn't because he wanted to be friends, it was because he had too. Matthew released a long depressing sigh as he allowed himself to sink deeper into self-pity. Again he wondered if he should hang up though the constant scratching noises from Gilbert's end had him curious.
"What are you doing?" He finally asked.
"Projects, homework. School crap." Gilbert answered, not bothering to hide the bitterness in his voice.
"Really? I'd like to see that." Matthew didn't realize just what he had said until after the words left his month and his cheeks turned a light pink. He couldn't help it, he just couldn't imagine Gilbert sitting at a table and willingly doing schoolwork—though every time he tried Gilbert was wearing reading glasses for some reason. He didn't even know if the albino wore reading glasses. He would have to ask him later.
"I mean. I, uh—"
A sharp laughter interrupted his attempted explanation. "So you wanna hook up?"
"Wha-what?"
"Hang out. I've been working on this thing for too long anyways, let's go somewhere. I know a good coffee place nearby."
"...Uhh..." Matthew looked about his room, which seemed much more conformable at the thought of leaving it. He wasn't sure if he wanted to go. Going out meant getting in contact with people. Getting in contact with people meant colours. Colours meant emotions and that meant he could...well... "I...I'm sorry Gilbert, but I don't think that's a good idea..."
There was silence before there was a faint static rustling and Gilbert spoke, this time in a surprising gentle tone. "Hey, listen, no one has full control of their ability within the first few days. Hell, even I don't have full control of my ability yet, why else would I wear these stupid, sweaty gloves twenty four seven?" He gave a short, forced laugh before he continued. "Michelle's set fire to a few things, Bella's gotten more than her fair share of stalkers and I've learned things about people that no one should ever know; but we keep going Matt! And that's what you have to do too!"
Matthew opened his mouth to answer but was surprised when no words came out of his mouth. After a few more moments of silence rolled by Gilbert spoke again, this time normally, as if the stuff he said before never happened. "So I'll see you at the park in about an hour? Awesome!"
"W-wha-I—"
"Don't worry, I know where I'm going this time! See you then!"
And...dial tone.
It was a bit funny actually. All these times Matthew thought of hanging up on Gilbert and he ended up being hung up on! He hit the end call button before looking at his door with a sigh. Well...he knew sooner or later he would have to leave the comfort of his bedroom and face his fears...or rather, his ability. He turned back to his laptop, to his unfinished post. It would be nice if he could get advice from someone who shared his ability...if there was one. But of course, he would never know unless he...
He sat up and swung his legs over the bed, his gaze never leaving the technological device. He bit his bottom lip as he considered it.
... …
He stood and made his way to the laptop, not even bothering to sit down as he completed it.
I can manipulate people's emotions.
Post
He grabbed his cell phone and keys before making sure his computer was off so he could go.
Damn, sometimes this thing was just so—
"Slow! Man, it's so dead today!" Alfred complained as he melodramatically slumped over the counter, nearly knocking over a small display of specially tea. Usually he enjoyed work but on days like today, when only a couple of people came in every hour, it was incredibly boring. His co-worker nodded in agreement, her usual not impressed expression even more so.
"I've cleaned this mug four times." She placed the mug in question down with the others before emitting a sigh that only a angsting teenager could manage. "There has to be something..." She mumbled before leaving the sulking American to see if anything needed to be cleaned at the storefront. Alfred emitted his own teenage-angst filled sigh (though not as impressive) before he pushed himself up and headed over to the employees only section.
"Boss!" He whined as soon as he opened the door. "Is there anything I can...boss? HEY!"
The blond male that Alfred was addressing bolted from his thoughts and turned to his employee. "Oh! Alfred!" Tino smiled sheepishly at the other. "Sorry about that!"
Tino Väinämöinen was a twenty something, kind man from Finland who as the owner of the coffee shop. Because of his soft features, small frame and caring nature, many of his workers considered him their second mother.
"I thought you were doing some boring financial stuff in here or something!" Alfred said, fully walking into the room and sitting across from his higher up. Tino laughed before glancing down at the papers in front of him, which did indeed have the 'boring financial stuff' that was referred to.
"Yes, I was but then I kind of..." His cheeks turned a light pink in embarrassment. "...Drifted off."
Alfred nodded with a small smirk. "Yeah, it did look like you were thinking about something. So what were you thinking about?"
Tino laughed again at the other suggestive look. "Sorry to disappoint you Alfred but it's nothing romantic. I was just...thinking about something that happened to me when I was little..." His eyes gazed over and he regained his thoughtful look as he recounted the memory. "It was during a family vacation in England. I think I was about thirteen or so...I almost died."
"Died?" Alfred exclaimed, now thoroughly interested.
"Yes, I didn't notice a double decker bus and I stepped in front of it. If he hadn't pulled me back when he did, I don't think I'll be here right now."
"Wow...that is so cool!" Alfred proclaimed, clearly in awe of the persons heroic act. "So who was this guy?"
Tino shook his head, his expression regretful. "I don't know. He disappeared before I could thank him...the only thing I remember about him was his voice."
"His voice?"
"He sounded like he had rocks in his mouth when he spoke."
"..."
"But at the same time...it was oddly gentle...I'm sure if I heard it again I would recognize it..." He slipped back into reality and smiled warmly at Alfred. "Sorry if I bored you with my story, but I really should get back to my 'boring financial stuff'."
Alfred nodded and stood from his seat thinking it was about time he went back to work anyways. "Okay, boss! Hope you find whoever that hero guy is!" With that the teen was out the door, not even giving Tino time to respond to his assumption. Alfred walked back out into the store, noticing that his co-worker was again cleaning a mug that was already spotless. There really wasn't anything to do. He was just about to emit another angst filled sigh when a soft bell chiming symbolized the arrival of a customer. Alfred looked up with a smile, though it instantly slipped from his face when he saw who it was. Was that—
"Gilbert, I don't think this was a good idea!" Matthew whispered as he glanced about the familiar looking building. Gilbert huffed through his nose.
"Are you still worried? Listen, if anything happens I'll be here t—"
"No, no, it's not that!" Matthew interrupted. "It's just that, Alfred works here!"
"...Huh." From the way the Canadian said it Gilbert supposed it should have meant something, but he had no idea. "...Think he'll give us free shit?"
"Gilbert, I don't think you understand! He doesn't like y—"
"Mattie? Mattie is that you?"
Ah, damn it.
Matthew turned to his twin with a forced smile. "...Hi, Al." He said in his quiet voice as he and Gilbert stepped up to the counter.
"I thought you were up in your room sulking, Matt." Though that statement was directed towards Matthew, Alfred was glaring at Gilbert as if the lint between his toes deserved more respect.
"You make that sound like a good thing." Gilbert retorted, glaring back.
"Better than him being here with you."
The sudden hatred that emitted from the two made even the random customers seated at the other side of the store shift about uncomfortably.
"W-wait!" Matthew called, trying his best to get in between the two. "Al, I...I was actually just coming here to try some of that...coffee you're always raving about!" It was a lie though it got Alfred to break eye contact with Gilbert and turn to him. "A-and I just ran into Gilbert on the way here! H-honest!"
Alfred stared at him before leaning over the counter to get a bit closer. "I hope you know he's trying to get in your pants."
"He's just a friend."
"You know I can hear everything you're saying," Gilbert deadpanned and the twins looked at him. "Now who do I have to do around here to get a damned coffee?" He smirked devilishly at Alfred. "Your brother?"
"G-Gilbert!" Matthew said in disbelief, his cheeks glowing red. He turned to Alfred and flinched when he saw that his hateful stare had turned into a murderous glare. Luckily for both of them it was at this time that Alfred's female co-worker decided to push the American away from the cash register and take his place.
"Buy something or get out," she stated, daring Gilbert to disagree.
"What warm service," Gilbert joked, though his only reward was the girl's blank stare. "Okay, fine. Give me two of your house specials, medium."
The girl rang up his order. "For here or to go?" She asked, emphasizing the latter.
"For here."
"To go." Matthew corrected. Gilbert turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised but Matthew looked away.
"Is that all?" She asked not bothering to hide her annoyance.
"...Yeah." Gilbert handed her the money and she went to make the order.
"I'm sorry, Al," Matthew apologized. "I didn't mean to upset you at work. Gilbert isn't usually like this..." He paused to look at him. "I think."
"...Whatever." Alfred sulked, crossing his arms with a pout. "...At least you came to visit me at work, right? And you're finally gonna try the awesomeness that is the house special!"
A small smile appeared on Matthews face. "Ye-yeah I guess..."
Matthew jumped when the girl slammed Gilbert's order on the counter, nearly making the tops of the styrofoam cups pop off.
"Your order," she deadpanned towards the albino. "Sweeteners are over there. By the door." She gave him one last blank stare before turning away to do whatever. Matthew was glad she was gone. Her passive-aggressive anger was scarier than Alfred's flat out rage.
"C'mon, Matt. Let's go." Gilbert called as soon as he picked up the coffees. Matthew didn't reply though he looked to Alfred with a small sigh.
"Sorry Alfred, I'll...I'll see you tonight?"
"...Yeah."
With one last apologetic smile Matthew walked out of the cafe along with Gilbert.
"Pig," the girl spat at the door. "At least he killed a few minutes..." She paused to look at Alfred, who's gaze was nowhere, as was his state of mind. "...Are you dead?"
Alfred spurred from his daze and faced his co-worker. "What? Um, no! I'm fine!" He smiled his large heroic smile but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Fine! Just...tired."
The female raised a pierced eyebrow at him and he forced a laugh.
"Really! My shifts almost over anyways. One more errand and then I can—"
"Go home!" Matthew exclaimed when the two had gotten a few feet from the cafe. Gilbert blinked down at other's angry expression. He really wasn't used too, nor expected the Canadian to be angry and so the only intelligent thing he could think of saying was, "Huh?"
"Leaving my bedroom was a mistake! Ever since I left you've been nothing about a...a..." The word stuck in Matthew's throat as he debated on whether or not he should release it. He was far too out of practice when it came to cussing out someone and he knew he was horrible at it but he figured now was a good time for him to be angry. "JERK!"
He sharply turned away from the shocked male, planning to go back home.
"Hold on there Blondie!"
Matthew looked back to Gilbert, his angry expression looking very out of place on his usually timid face. "What?"
"Hey hey hey, don't be mad." Gilbert said with a smirk, which only further angered the blond. "I didn't get upset when you lied to your dear brother about us hanging out."
"I did that so that he wouldn't murder you!" Matthew hissed, turning to leave again but this time Gilbert grabbed onto his arm to stop him.
"Pst! I could take him on! But this isn't what this is about is it? This is about..." He paused, and his face took a temporary look of concentration. "You think I only hang around you 'cause I'm your guide?" Gilbert laughed incredulously and Matthew looked at him in surprise, his anger momentary forgotten. Just how did he...oh.
He jerked his arm free of Gilbert's bare handed gasp and stepped away from the male. Damn, just how did his manage to slip off his gloves so fast? Matthew's anger melted into embarrassment as Gilbert continued to laugh and he once again turned to leave.
"Wait."
Okay, really, this was the last time he was stopping. Gilbert still had the goofy upturn of lips from the after math of his laughter but Matthew could tell that he was at least trying to be serious. "I'm sorry."
Matthew blinked. "For what?"
Gilbert shrugged. "For...whatever...for not saying that I...that I just wanted to see you I guess."
Matthew blinked wide eyed at the albino, his cheeks heating up by the second. The shock that his statement caused forced any leftover anger to completely vanish and he cursed at himself for being so easily flustered over a simple sentence. God, he was such a girl. Maybe he should get that haircut.
"I—"
"Anyway," Gilbert quickly interrupted, it seemed like he was just as keen to change the subject as Matthew. "I owe you, a walk in that park right there." Matthew opened his mouth to speak but Gilbert cut him off. "Just five minutes, that's all I ask; and if you want to leave after that, I won't stop you." He popped a cup of coffee from the cardboard cup holder and held it out to the blond.
Matthew looked at it, considering. Hesitantly, he began to reach for it but paused, glancing up at Gilbert's face. He held a small smile and a mischievous glint in his eye. As per normal with the red eyed hooligan. Matthew sighed before he grabbed the cup. It wasn't a cold day, but the cool breeze caused a dull chill to seep into the Canadians pale skin. Though as soon as he held the cup the warmth shoot up his fingers and travelled through his body, sending a pleasant tingle up his spine.
"...Okay," Matthew agreed. "Just five minutes."
Gilbert smirked before popping out his own cup and throwing out the cardboard cup holder in a nearby trash can. "Five minutes is all I need, Birdie."
They walked off, both waiting for the hot drink to cool slightly so that they could drink. Gilbert looked over to see Matthew was looking elsewhere in a daze.
"Something up?"
Matthew slipped out of his daze and glanced at the other. "Hm? Oh, uh, nothing." He looked back down at the ground. "I'm just...a little worried about—"
"Alfred?"
The teen stood there panting at the doorway, blocking the exit of the therapist and her receptionist. Alfred looked up at the female, his expression unintentionally miserable. "Dr. John..." Alfred wheezed, out of breath. "I...I need to talk to you."
Eliza's expression softened at the younger boy's sad appearance. She looked at her receptionist and bit her lip in thought. A few moments pasted before she stepped aside and allowed room for the teen to walk in. "Come on."
The boy walked inside and the receptionist groped at the female. "B-but Eliza, if we don't get to the restaurant on time—"
"Hey!" The doctor snapped at the man. "Even though I planned on bringing you home after dinner, I'm sorry to say that the patient always comes first. I'll see you tomorrow." And with that she closed the door on the flabbergasted mans face.
There was silence as Alfred watched with increasing guilt as his doctor pushed her forehead against the door as if regretting her decision. Then the female pulled herself away from the oak and fixed her shirt with her head up high.
"I'm sorry about, uh...coming so suddenly."
Eliza reassured him with a wave of her hand, leading the blond through the waiting room and to her actual work office. "No Alfred, its fine. There has to be a reason why you came around after hours." She unlocked the door and opened it. "And it better be a good reason, I'm missing a hot date because of this."
This earned a small laugh from Alfred and he lay down on the client couch as Dr. John settled in her comfy chair.
"Sorry again doctor I just... I really need to talk to someone." He seemed uncomfortable laying down and so he sat up, putting his elbows on his knees. The doctor said nothing, but nodded her head to show she was listening.
"It's...it's about Mattie actually, there, um..." He was hesitant, nervous, things that Alfred was not. "Four years ago...there was a..." He paused and turned elsewhere in a thinking matter, as if wondering if he should really go through with it. "...An incident and..." He looked up at the doctor. "I need to tell you about it."
It's unintentional complete each others sentences day, GO!
Out of all the characters in this chapter, I had the most fun writing Alfred's nameless co-worker, pst. Angst teenage goth coffee chick ftw!
Also, Any OC's introduced in the story are not gonna became major characters. They may or may not open major plot points, but they're mostly for flow reasons. Just putting that out there.
Thank you everyone who reviewed and is going to review! (hint hint teehee)