Hello Hello Hello, My little Maple Leafs! How are you this fine afternoon? Oh, BTW, I edited chapter two. It's nothing major, and probably not even noticeable, but I forgot to proofread it and then I got annoyed by the mistakes and bad choices so I fixed it. Also, I realize that last chapter was probably kind of short, so this one should be longer. I am on a major roll with this fic, and I want to get out as many chapters as I can before I have to give up writing for the summer.

Inner Kiwi: WAIT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN, GIVE UP WRITING!?

Me: Uhm, I don't have access to a computer over the summer, so I won't be putting out any new chapters for two months…

Inner Kiwi: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME, OR YOUR READERS?!

Me: I'm telling you now… and why do you care- you think my writing is crap anyway.

Inner Kiwi: This is the only time you ever listen to me.

Me: Whatever, on with the story!

DISCLAIMER- Me no own.

Mattie's POV

Matthew tried to keep the surprise off his face as Gil pulled him down his street to his car. When they reached it, Gil opened his door and ushered him in, before getting in on his own side. He started the car and puled of down the street.

"Seriously, please tell me where we are going." Matthew said softly, buckling his seatbelt. he'd never say it aloud, for fear that this was all just an elaborate prank, but he was sort of excited to hang out with Gil.

"Hmm, let me think… we could…. I KNOW!" Gil he exclaimed. "I will take you to Fat Al's" And with that, he turned the radio to a rock station and turned it up loud. The song playing was 'I Don't Care' by Fallout Boy. Matthew actually really enjoyed that song, especially since he'd seen it used for a very well done AMV. Not even his brother knew about his secret life as a closet Otaku.

Suddenly, Matthew was drawn out of his thoughts by Gil belting out the lines. "Oh take a chance, let your body get a tolerance. I'm not a chance; put a heat wave in your pants. Pull a breath like another cigarette. Pawnshop heart trading up (trading up). On the oracle in my chest, Let the guitar scream like a fascist. Sweat it out, shut your mouth. Free love on the streets but in the alley it ain't that cheap, now!"

When he was done, Gil looked over at him and grinned. "Sorry," He said, without a hint of regret in his eyes. "I just really love this song."

"That's ok; I like this song t-too." He answered, his lip twitching slightly. It had been years since he had smiled fully.

The rest of the drive was spent in silence, but for the sound of rock music on the radio. After about twenty minutes, they pulled into the parking lot of a building painted dark blue with giant paint splotches, the words "Big Al's Arcade" written in big letters on the sign outside.

"Mein freund Albert owns this place. It is majorly awesome by the way." Gil told him as they got out of the car. Matthew nodded, not doubting Gil in the least. The pair walked into the arcade and looked around. The place was dimly lit, lights flashing on the game screens. There were many different games, from DDR to pack man to Ski-Ball.

"Here," Gil said, handing Matthew a handful of quarters. "We can play some games separately, and then after a while we can meet back up by the prize room, ok?" Matthew nodded and went off in search of the air hockey table.

Matthew quickly located the air hockey game, and people who wanted to play. He soon became completely absorbed in his game, barely noticing when his opponents switched. He had always love hockey in any form- road hockey, ball hockey, ice hockey, air hockey, hockey games, it didn't matter. Just the word was enough to make his eyes light up. Except, of course, when Ivan got involved, then hockey just turned into more bruises and limps he'd have to hide.

Matthew was so lost in his game, he didn't notice the passage of time, and was therefore surprised when he felt a hand tap his shoulder.

"M-maple!" He exclaimed, and then winced at his improper language. He swung around to apologize to whoever had tapped him, only to hear a familiar laugh.

"Kesesese~ was that you… trying to swear? Gott Birdie, das ist so süß." He guffawed, grinning ear to ear. Matthew blushed slightly.

"S-sorry. Did you w-want something?" Matthew asked. Gil quickly sobered, and a startling look of determination entered his eyes.

"Birdie, I need your help. There is a totally wicked awesome prize that I must claim, but I need 1000 tickets. Your mission, should you choose to except it, is to help me get these 1000 tickets." Gil explained. Matthew had to resist the urge to stare in open mouth shock. Seriously, how childish could this guy get? Nevertheless, Gil looked like he was totally serious, and Matthew wouldn't deny him something he obviously really wanted. After all, the boy had helped him, not once but twice. It was the least he could do.

"Sure, I'll help." He agreed.

Uwah! Do y'all have any idea how hard that chapter was to write? It just did NOT want to come out. But, because I love my readers with all my heart, I forced it out, all two pages of it. Sorry, I know I said this would be a longer chapter, but it just fought me so hard…

Inner Kiwi: that's because you're a crap writer.

Me: for someone who is literally a part of me, you seem to hate me an awful lot.

Inner Kiwi: doesn't that mean you hate yourself?

Me: shut up.

Anyway, please review, even if it's to hate on me.