Boots

Thirty Three

"You know what...you're probably the only person other than bruder who can drink at my pace." Gilbert laughed, leaning the back of his head against the kitchen island. The two were sitting on the tile floor, empty bottles of beer all around them and feel outstretched so they touched.
"I've been a natural drinker since birth." Matthew joked.
"Since birth? But the drinking age is nineteen here."
"Heheh."
"Same, actually."
"Honestly, I've barely gotten drunk until recently." Matthew admitted. "Hand me another beer."
"Ja." Gilbert got up and headed toward the fridge.
"So...do you do this every year?"
"Ja, actually."
"Nice. I usually just go to bed early on New Years. Like it's just another day."
"That's really sad." Gilbert handed Matthew his beer and sat down on the floor beside him. "You know, you can come over and visit whenever you want. You don't have to be alone."
"Thank you."
"So...are you doing okay? Are you feeling better?"
"I am, actually. I was going through a lot but I'm alright now."
Gilbert smiled, leaning forward and wrapping Matthew in a tight hug. "Are you going to stay alive?"
Matthew could hear the worry in Gilbert's voice and decided that now would be the best time to say it.
No.
Midnight.
That's when.
"I will." Matthew hugged Gilbert back, tucking his face into the crook of the Prussian's neck.
"Hey, wanna do a New Years themed video with me?"
"We should all do it together." Matthew suggested.
"It's eleven thirty! I've got to get set up quick." Gilbert let go of Matthew and got up. "Gather everybody in the living room."
"Got it." Matthew grinned. The two went their separate ways, Gilbert to get his camera equipment and Matthew to gather the guests.
Once they were all gathered, Gilbert started the video and began his introduction.
"What's up guys! It's Gil! I'm here with my friends and family and we're having a big New Years party together!" He started clapping and everybody joined in. "I'm also live streaming it so my peeps on Instagram can get in on this in real time!" Gilbert gestured to his phone, which was propped up by his camera. "Now to introduce everybody since we have the time!"
He gestured at Antonio and Lovino, "you might remember these two from when we pranked my neighbour by sticking pictures of Nicolas Cage on all his family photos while we were house sitting."
"My hands still hurt from cutting out all those faces." Lovino sighed.
"And the memory of that day gets me a little...cagey..." Antonio wiggled his eyebrows.
"I'm getting divorce papers this instant."
"A rational response." 
"And here's mein little bruder, Luddy. He's been in a lot of my videos because he's so cute and clearly made for camera."
Ludwig rolled his eyes.
Gilbert went on to talk about all the guests one by one, saving Matthew for last.
"And this...is my newest friend. He's really made a huge impact on my life this year and I'm really happy to be starting a new one with him by my side." Gilbert's face turned red when he realized how sappy he sounded. He blinked, about to say something witty to change the subject, but then Lovino pointed at the clock.
"It's time!"
Matthew felt his stomach flip. This was his shot.
"FIVE!" The crowd shouted. Matthew took a deep breath.
"FOUR!" He shifted his body so he could reach Gilbert better when the time came.
"THREE!" He unclenched his fists.
"TWO!" He relaxed his jaw.
"ONE!" He turned toward Gilbert, admiring how into this he was.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!"
Matthew grabbed onto the front of Gil's shirt with one hand and cupped his cheek with the other. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Gil's, trying to get his message across through that kiss.
He wanted it to tell Gilbert everything. He wanted the kiss to convey how Matthew had fallen, and how he would continue to fall until Gilbert decided to catch him. Everything was so sweet and bitter from the coating the beer had left on their minds and mouths. Eventually, Matthew pulled away, breathing heavily. Gilbert's face was bright red and showed surprise.
"I love you." Matthew whispered, nervous.
"I love you too, Mattie." Gilbert grinned, leaning forward to kiss Matthew again.
There was nobody around them. They were the only two people left on earth.
This was the best New Years kiss Matthew had ever had.