The Long Way Home

Thirty One

I'm still doing a sequel for this in case y'all forgot. I never thought it would get this far but here it goes.
I still don't have a proper title but it'll probably be "the short way back." Or something. Idk.

The rest of the Europe trip was amazing. There were so many sights and all of the people who came to his book signings were super friendly and really seemed to enjoy his work.
And Lars was by his side all the time, translating things into English when they were in Amsterdam and not rolling his eyes when Matthew devised a plan to turn everybody in the city into hamsters in an elaborate plot to rename the place "Hamsterdam."
He was always cracking soft jokes and teasing and making that face of anguish whenever Matthew made him buy him souvenirs. He was acting like he usually did, but somehow it felt different.
Nicer even.
Maybe it was all the bonding they had done back in Germany but Matthew felt really close to his friend now.
He also found himself feeling kind of sad on the last day, though. The pair was walking through the streets of Oslo, admiring the sights, when Lars took notice to his change in mood.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yeah...I guess..."
"You guess?"
"I just...I'm gonna miss this..." Matthew stopped next to a statue that looked suspiciously like Lukas. "I'm just having so much fun."
"Are you just dreading going home?"
"No. I mean...I don't really want to go home but it's not because home is bad or anything...I'm just enjoying myself."
"I can bring you back sometime? This doesn't have to be the end."
Matthew shook his head. "You don't have to do that."
"Sure I do. I haven't seen you smile this much in a while. And after what happened in Germany, it's even better."
"I don't really think it's Europe that's making me smile so much..." Matthew stuffed his hands in his pockets and went back to walking, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Then what is it?" Lars took his pipe out of his mouth and wiped the end off on his scarf as he walked.
"I dunno...I think it's just...not being holed up in my house all the time...and socializing more...and you."
"Me?"
"I don't know..."
"Matthew, seriously, you're freaking me out."
"Why?" Matthew turned around to face his friend. "Why are you freaking out? I just said..."
"I love you."
"What? This is sudden..."
"It's not sudden. I've been sitting on it for a while." Matthew had never seen Lars this red. He was tempted to call a hospital.
"How long...exactly..."
"Three years."
"THREE YEARS?!" Matthew gasped. "Three years and you still let me fall for Gil?"
"I thought he was going to make you happy. We've been through this!"
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"It's a conflict of interest if we date. I would have to find you a new editor and I don't trust anybody with your work."
"So it's a matter of you caring about my work more than me?"
"No! That's not it at all!"
"But you just said..."
"God damn it, Matthew. It's not about money. It's not about work. Your writing is a piece of you and your unpolished works are a piece I just don't want to share."
"I...I think I need some time to think."
"I understand." Lars swallowed hard, slipping his hands into his pocket and turning to walk away.
Matthew bit the inside of his mouth, trying not to cry as he sorted through the emotions in his brain.
What did all of this mean?

Hahahahahahahah this was my evil plan all along. Y'all thought you were getting Prucan?! Haha LIES. ALL OF YHEM WERE LIES
I'm laughing at all of you right now! AHAHAHAHAHAHA I'm full of twists and turns. You can't predict anything with me around!!!