Enchanted Meetings VII

~~~
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Carnations are white,
Just like you
~~~

When Matthew's birthday rolled around, he wasn't the least bit excited. When he awoke, he didn't feel any older. He didn't feel anymore special. He didn't feel any more loved than yesterday. When he walked down the stairs, no one spared him a few kind words for his eighteenth birthday. He obviously wasn't worth the trouble. So he made breakfast without a word, he cleaned the dishes, without a word, and he went for a walk, without a word to anyone. It's not like they would miss him anyway.

It was warm, but not too hot, probably because it was still early. Matthew inhaled, taking in the scents of everything around. He took a trip around town, heading down to the park, where he found a bench under a shady tree. His violet eyes closed, feeling the cool breeze toss his hair. A smile played about his lips. This was nice, he thought.

'At least life is kind to me sometimes.'

The blond sat there for who knows how long. He was simply in harmony while sitting there. Nothing could go wrong, nothing at all. Somehow, his luck was everlasting at this moment. Matthew wanted to sing, to show the world his joy, but he held back.

It was a while longer before he was interrupted. He was humming quietly to himself when a voice entered his thoughts.

"Well, well, fancy meeting you out here Birdie~!"

Matthew didn't even open his eyes. He smiled lightly.

"Hello Gilbert. Yes, fancy meeting you here as well."

Said Gilbert grinned. He walked over and sat next to him.

"So what are you doing out here?" the silverette asked.

"Just, enjoying the weather…"

"Cool."

There was a silence between the two. Matthew inhaled again, and looked over at him.

"Would you like to come with me? I'm going to visit papa…"

"Sure, got nothing better to do…"

The Canadian was slightly taken aback by his answer. Why would Gilbert want to come see someone he didn't know?

"Um…alright…let's go then," the blond said, standing.

"Awesome."

The walk wasn't very far from the park. As Matthew walked over, he stopped at one. On the stone was written the following.

Francis Bonnefoy
July 14, 1967-September 21, 2005
Wonderful Father and Loving Spouse
Shall Never Be Forgotten

The Canadian smiled regretfully.

"Bonjour, papa. I haven't come in a while," he paused. "Desolee, school has been crazy. I brought a friend too…his name is Gilbert…"

"You would like Gilbert papa…he's very funny. And he notices me, like you did."

Matthew began speaking as if Gilbert wasn't there. It's he was caught inside his own world, where no one existed but him. The German stepped back, not wanting to disturb him.

"I've made other friends too. Like Feliciano, and Romano I guess. Oh! And Antonio…you and Antonio would've gotten along too. Ludwig is nice as well…"

Another pause.

"But…today…Dad and Alfred forgot my birthday…again. Do you think I'm that forgettable papa?

"I miss you…a lot. I wish you could come back…"

The Canadian just kept on going, telling whoever was listening all about what school was like and all the wonderful new things that were suddenly happening. When he finally stopped, he looked at Gilbert.

"I'm sorry, we can go now…"

"It's cool…really," he replied.

The blond walked passed him, indicating him to follow. The albino paused, and glanced at the grave, but turned and kept walking.

Together, they walked through town, going in and out of shops here and there. Matthew seemed excited as a girl in the mall. What Matthew didn't see however, was that his phone had gone off more than ten times. He hadn't heard it he was having so much fun. As day became dusk, the Canadian decided time to head back. It wasn't until the German had told him that his phone was ringing that he answered it and realized just how many calls he'd missed.

"Bonjour, hello?"

"Matthew! Where the BLOODY hell are you young man?!"

"Hello dad. I just decided to go out for a bit, nothing special."

"Don't give me that! Couldn't you have told me where you were going? Goodness sake lad!"

"Dad, it's fine. I just went out around town," the son replied calmly.

"You get your bloody arse home right now this instant!"

"Yeah, yeah. I was coming home anyway."

"Don't you use that tone of voice with me! You and I are going to-"

The other shut the phone before he could finish.

"Dad wants me home, thanks for the wonderful night Gilbert," Matthew said joyfully.

"No big, I had fun too, come on, I'll walk you home," he offered.

"Do you even know where I live?" the blond joked.

"Sure I do, cause I'm a stalker who knows all!"

Matthew faked a gasp. "How dare you!"

"Ja, ja!"

They laughed heartily, savoring every moment. As they began to walk towards home, the two chatted merrily about their likes and dislikes.

"I love pancakes! What about you?"

"What's a pancake?"

"Huh?" the blond stopped suddenly. "How do you not know what a pancake is?"

Gilbert shrugged. "Dunno. What is it?"

"A fluffy, warm, breakfast food that tastes really good! Especially with maple syrup!"

"Stop it! You're making me hungry! You'll have to make me one sometime!"

"I guess I will!"

Upon arrival, Matthew stood outside the door. He turned back.

"Thank you, for everything. Have a good night."

"Mattie wait!"

He looked back, violet staring into crimson.

"H-happy birthday…" Gilbert said, red tinted his pale face.

"Oh…" the Canadian smiled. "Merci, thank you very much…"

He waved and walked into the house. The albino waited a few more moments before turning and walking back towards his house.

When inside, Matthew was immediately attack by two people, his dad and of course, Alfred.

"Mattie! Oh gosh don't ever leave like that!" Alfred cried worriedly.

"Matthew! If you ever leave unannounced like that again I will put you under house arrest you understand me? I was so worried! You weren't answering your calls and left no sign of where you'd gone! I thought you'd been kidnapped!" Arthur inhaled.

"I'm sorry dad. I won't do it again," the younger brother deadpanned.

"What's wrong lad? Chin up!"

"Nothing is wrong…I'm fine."

'When was the last time you checked the calendar?"

"Absolutely nothing. I'm just…tired…"

'Why can't you remember my birthday too?"

"I had fun though! Sorry again for worrying you."

'Am I really that unimportant?'

"Alright then, glad you had fun, come now," the father said to him.

Matthew nodded, but went upstairs. He closed the door, and broke down. The teen put his hands over his eyes, and sobbed. Oh, how he hated his life on these days. Why couldn't his family remember? Why? His violet eyes began to well up, and pour out, streaking his cheeks, making them a wet, salty mess. He shouldn't be crying, no, he should be getting ready for Alfred's birthday. Because Alfred is the important one. Alfred is the loved one. Alfred is the brother who matters. Anger boiled within him. How he loathed his brother. But then, the anger vanished, bringing back the sorrow in its place.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Matthew, happy birthday to you…"

"How old are…" Hiccup, "you now? How old are you now?"

The blond stuck his hands into his pockets. There was something in there. It was, solid. Pulling it out, his eyes widened.

It was an ornate pin, a russet red color. It was a maple leaf, and Matthew couldn't help but smile. It reminded him of when he lived in Canada for about two years. But when had he gotten this? Or more importantly, when had someone had time to slip this into his pocket? Only one name came to mind.

"Thank you, Gilbert."

Maybe, today wasn't such a bad birthday after all. Then again, strange things can happen on those everlasting summer nights.