Lured into the Danger

Neuf

When Gilbert stumbled onto the doorstep of his home, absolutely sloshed, he had to stop.
Somebody was sitting by his door, leaning against the apartment wall. He turned on the outside light, gasping at who he saw.
"Matthew?"
Matthew blinked up at him, eyes sad. When he realized it was Gil, he jumped up and gave him a hug.
"Why are you here? It's the middle of the night. Did you sneak out?"
Matthew opened his mouth, closing it again.
"Right. Too many questions. Come into my apartment." Gilbert unlocked and opened the door, beckoning Matthew inside.
"You have no idea how much I've been wanting to see you. I hope your cousin realises he's an asshole."
Matthew wasn't paying attention. He was gaping at Gilbert's apartment, much like he had the first time he had been there. His hand grazed one of the many guitars on the wall, leaving long trails in the dust where his fingers had touched the body.
"Yeah, it's dusty. I know. I haven't played any of these in a while."
His frown spoke of concern.
"Don't worry about it. I just haven't had the time." Gilbert lied. Matthew knew he was lying.
"Okay, don't look at me like that. I just...don't play anymore."
Matthew gave him a sad look and took his hand.
Gilbert squeezed it. "I just...panic...when I get on stage now. I figured there was no point in playing if it was just going to be alone." He shrugged. "Anyway, why are you here?"
Matthew bit his lip.
"You don't know? Well, that's okay. But I'm going to be in big trouble if your cousin finds out you've gone missing."
He nodded, guilt spreading over his face.
"You can stay the night here if you want. I mean...it's not like you're going to tell him you're here."
Again, he nodded.
"I'll get you something to eat. Feel free to sit down wherever."
Gilbert went into the kitchen, preparing a sandwich for Matthew and himself. Drinking all night had made him hungry, after all.
The place was quiet, but not in the painful way it usually was. Knowing Matthew was there somehow made the apartment warmer.
"Yo, Mattie, I met up with your brother today." Gilbert carried the two sandwiches back into the main part of the house, halting at the sight of Matthew at the piano.
He didn't look up from the keys, which he was stroking gently with his fingers, wiping the dust from them.
Gilbert set the sandwiches down on the stool next to his pullout couch, and sat on the free space on the piano bench. Matthew scooted over so their hips touched, making Gilbert's heart beat against his rip cage.
He put his arm around Matthew, pressing his fingers into the keys to play a soft G note.
He felt Matthew shift as he continued, voice coming in right when he needed to.
"When I was..."
"A young boy..."
Matthew shoved him over, glaring and pouting. Gilbert laughed. "I'm sorry. I know how you don't like it."
Matthew smirked.
"I'll play something normal, then." He started to play a melody that just came to him, a tune that flowed out of him unlike any song he had ever played. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of Matthew against him, the intimacy of this moment. He wanted this to be the rest of his life. He didn't care who he had to fight for this.
Suddenly this song was transforming, Matthew was shifting along with him. He opened his eyes.
Matthew was playing along with him. Adding to the song. Whatever they were creating...it wasn't of this world any longer.
"Fuck." Gilbert breathed. "I love you."
Matthew's part of the song halted and Gilbert was sure he was in trouble.
He risked a look at the Canadian, but what he got wasn't disappointment or fear. Matthew had tears in his eyes, and he was smiling
"Mattie?"
Matthew wrapped his arms around Gil's body, snuggling in close.
"Mattie," Gilbert stroked his hair, touching Matthew wherever he could. "I love you so much."
A tiny squeak came from Matthew, so quiet that Gilbert might have imagined it.
"I love you too."