Lured into the Danger

Dix

When Gilbert woke up the next morning, Matthew was gone.
They had fallen asleep in the pull out couch, tangled around each other in the most intimate way possible.
Everything from the night was bleary. Gil wasn't even sure if it had happened or if he had just been too drunk. The bed may have been warm, but Gil wasn't sure if that warmth was even Matthew's. He knew he hadn't had sex, which meant there was no proof that Matt had been there at all.
Maybe he had dreamt it, even the part where Matthew had spoken.
Gilbert rolled out of the bed and searched for his phone. He hadn't plugged it in but there was enough battery left to get it to the charger. He had a few messages waiting for him.
The most recent one was from Ludwig, something about wanting to go for another walk with the dogs. He did not want to go dog walking. He wanted to curl up in bed and cry.
The second message was from Alfred. Gilbert opened that one with excitement.
Can't get ahold of Franny. I'm gunna stop by the house tomorrow if I can.
Gilbert replied with vigour.
Can I come with you?
The moment he sent the message, he realized his mistake.
Of course the answer was no.

That's not a good idea. I hope you understand.
Alfred felt bad blowing Gilbert off like this, but Francis didn't want him in the house. He didn't want to ruin his chances at seeing Mattie again.
I kinda figured. Good luck though.
Gilbert seemed really eager to see Matthew too. Alfred didn't want to pull him away from that.
He hoped that this was a good idea, and he hoped more than anything that Matthew wouldn't cry when they met again. He missed his brother more than anything, and it hurt to stay away when they were still so close in proximity.
He wished that he could be the one taking care of his brother, but there just wasn't a chance right now.
"You alright?" Natalia looked up from the book she was reading, raising an eyebrow.
"Just worried about Mattie."
"What brought this about all of a sudden?"
"He's not doing good right now."
"Is he..." Natalia closed her book. "You know..."
"I don't know."
"Close...to the end?"
"I hope not. He's too young to die."
"He's twenty seven."
"So? That's still young."
"That's the age when all rockstars die."
"He's not a rockstar."
"Still..." Natalia sighed. "It's like the average lifespan of a depressed person. He's not going to hold up much longer if he doesn't get help soon."
Alfred felt tears pricking at his eyes. Natalia was right. Matthew had been lifeless for two years. He probably thought about killing himself every single day. Hell, if the theories were correct, he had already tried. Alfred didn't think he would survive a second attempt, especially at his deteriorated state. And if what Gilbert said was true, Francis wasn't keeping an eye on him like he should.
Maybe Natalia was right.
Matthew didn't have much time left.