A Tale as Old as Time

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The last few months had certainly done a good job of keeping Matthew occupied. While he was working for Gilbert's father, he not only learned more German, but he had learned a good deal about building clocks and the mechanics involved. It was fascinating, even if he preferred to keep to his book binding.

Sometimes, when the two were working together and they didn't have any customers, Matthew would help Ludwig with his French, though he was actually quite good for someone who had so little confidence. The two rarely talked about Matthew's relationship with Gilbert; Ludwig didn't feel it was his place and Matthew wasn't comfortable enough around him to discuss something so personal, even if Gilbert was his brother.

However, if neither of them were going to be so forward, Gilbert had definitely taken care of that. He had been talking to his father about Matthew rather frequently, and Herr Beilschmidt had started to act differently around him. It was almost as if he was always deeply considering something, but never brought it to Matthew's attention.

Matthew was just closing up the shop when he felt a pair of strong arms wrap around him, which made him jump, though he chuckled shortly afterwards and squirmed. “Gil! I have work to do!” He exclaimed, though he made no real attempt to escape.

“Well that's unfortunate, isn't it? Hurry up, I wanna go out with you tonight,” the Prussian replied, giving Matthew a firm squeeze before letting him go and helping him close. There wasn't much to do, but he did appreciate the help. The two were finished in no time at all.

Gilbert had finished putting on his coat and helped Matthew with Ludwig's, since it fit him best and he was currently saving up for one of his own. It had gotten cold in the village, colder than it should have been for the time of year. It seemed they were going to have a harsh winter this year. Matthew didn't really mind the cold weather, but most everyone else complained about it.

“Are you ready to go?” The Prussian asked once the two of them were bundled up. He reached for Matthew's hand, and Matthew smiled and gladly took it with a nod.

Then the two went out into the night. It was cold, yes, but it really wasn't so bad. It was cold, but it was briskly refreshing when compared to the warm, yet stuffy buildings which dotted their village. Gilbert, however, didn't care much for the cold, even if he claimed he was invincible because of his Prussian blood. He was half dragging Matthew through the streets, and Matthew was just grateful his ankle didn't cause him any more pain.

Unsurprisingly, the first place they went to was the pub. Gilbert liked it there and Matthew did too; it was the one place everyone could meet up in that wasn't the church, and it had a boisterous, albeit friendly atmosphere, even after the townsfolk had one too many drinks.

What was surprising, however, was the almost classy atmosphere tonight. The tavern was as friendly and as bubbly as usual, but today the firelight was dim and there seemed to be a reserved table in the back. Matthew looked to Gilbert, who shot him a cheeky grin and led him to the table before helping with their coats.

“You're being eerily cheery tonight,” Matthew started, crossing his arms. “Is there something going on that I should be concerned about?”

Gilbert, however, waved him off and sat across from him. “Of course not. I just thought it was time for a date, since you've been working so hard recently and you could do to relax.”

Matthew smiled and rolled his eyes. Being nonchalant had never been his thing, so he could tell there was definitely something going on. However, he decided he'd just go along with it and let Gil surprise him later on.

After a moment of fidgeting, Gilbert reached inside his coat and pulled out a small box that fit inside the palm of his hand, then set it to the side, where the candle lighting their table was. “I got this a little while back, and after dinner, I figure you should have it,” he told Matthew with a wink, making him blush faintly.