First of all, I am soooooo sorry for how late this chapter is, my tiny toaster waffles. I've been grounded since March, and haven't had access to a computer long enough to sit down and write something for you guys. With that said, I haven't written for these characters or this fandom in quite a while, so forgive me if it takes me a while to get back into the swing of things. To try to make up for my absolute shit authorial behavior, have another flashback chapter! Hope you guys enjoy this,
Matthew rushed down the hall, arms stacked full of heavy books as he tried to avoid the chaos of the end-of-the-day rush. He wanted to make it to his locker before Ivan finished up at his, as he hated to leave the other boy waiting. They had fallen into the habit of walking home together, as they only lived about ten minutes apart.
He and Ivan had been hanging out for about a month now, ever since the night they met at Ivan's party. They had just clicked, instantly falling into a close and flirty friendship. Matthew was honestly surprised at how at ease he was around someone he had only just met, but Ivan had a way of making him feel seen in a way no one else ever had. Even around his own family, he had always felt a little invisible compared to his two brothers. Not that he begrudged them the attention, it was just nice to finally have someone who put their full attention on him sometimes.
Lost in thought, Matthew didn't notice the person barreling toward him until it was too late. He was knocked to the ground, his books scattering everywhere. The brunet who knocked into him barely slowed down to throw a cheerful, rushed apology over his shoulder before continuing on his way, a shorter, angrier brunette apparently hot on his heels screaming something about 'rotten tomato bastards'. To his surprise, the short on paused to glare at him.
"Watch where you're going, fucking idiot." He growled, before he continued chasing the other boy. Matthew sighed, getting onto his hands and knees to gather up his things.
"Are you alright, little Matvey?" A familiar voice asked, and Matthew looked up to see Ivan beside him, frowning in the direction the two brunets had gone before bending down to help pick up the books.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit of an inconvenience, is all," Matthew answered, gathering the last of his things and standing up. He gestured for Ivan hand him the books he was holding, but he just waved him off, tucking them under his arm as he got up himself.
"You shouldn't get let people do these things. People will walk all over you if you let them, you know?" Ivan said, a tinge of something odd in his voice that Matthew couldn't quite put his finger on. He shrugged, a bit uncomfortable.
"I-it's not that big of a big. Things like that happen, it's better to let it go than make a big fuss about it, y'know?"
Ivan gave him an odd, assessing look, but it passed quickly, and Matthew brushed it off as they walked to his locker side by side. The pair stayed in relative silence, simply enjoying each other's company as Matthew grabbed his things from his locker. They chatted a bit about their days on the walk from school to Matthew's house, Ivan relating the humorous tale of the girl in his English class who had accidentally blared 'Boss Ass Bitch' in the middle of silent reading and had been kicked out of class.
Before long, they had reached Matthew's house, and he opened his mouth to say goodbye, only to be stopped by Ivan reaching out and grabbing his hands. His cheeks flushed red, Glancing from their hands up to Ivan's slightly nervous face. Matthew couldn't help but notice how adorable he looked.
"Matvey, the fall fair is coming up this weekend, and I was wondering," He started, and Matthew felt his breath catch in his throat. Oh God, was this what he thought it was? Somebody pinch him, he must be dreaming.
"Y-yeah?" He encouraged breathlessly, hope blooming in his chest.
"Would you maybe like to go with me? As a date?" He had barely finished his sentence before Matthew was nodding rapidly, eyes wide and mouth curling up into a huge grin.
"Yes! I- uh, I mean... Sure. That sounds really great!" He said, cutting himself off before he could make himself look like an even bigger fool than he already did.
"Great. I'll pick you up at five on Friday, da?" Matthew nodded, and the pair smiled at each other for a few moments longer, before Ivan bid him goodbye and headed on his way. Matthew stood there, watching the other boy depart, before calmly walking into his house. He made it up the stairs and into his bedroom before flopping down onto his bed before letting out a high, excited shriek. He had a DATE! With IVAN! God, he couldn't wait to tell Alfred!
Well, that's all for now, folks. Sorry it's kind of short, like I said, still getting back into the swing of things. Also, in case any of you didn't get it, the two boys in the hallway were Toni and Lovi (wow, it's been so long that it took me a moment to remember their human names 0 _0) . And to anyone familiar with the place that this story is set, yes, I know there isn't actually a fall fair, but with when these flashbacks are based in time, I had to make something up instead of using a pre-existing thing. I'll be basing the fall fair after the actually exhibition that takes place in the city OAM is set in though, so I'm basically just renaming it and moving it by like a month. Although I'm sure none of you actually care, so whatever! Thanks for reading, feel free to tell me what you like, don't like, hell, even yell at me for being such a shit author! Also, if you have any suggestions for what kind of summer fun the gang should get up to, drop me a review!Stay safe and have a great day, lovelies