The Pros and Cons of Walking the Knifes Edge

Chapter 6

Matthew's P.O.V.

I open the door to the house and be a gentleman by letting Gavin enter first. As he steps in front of me, my eyes can't help but wander downwards, coming to rest upon his buns. As I'm looking down I hear someone clearing their throat. I look up and notice Xavier looking at me with happiness and encouragement. I feel my face getting hot as I smile shyly. Gavin turns around, a delicate smile playing across his lips before quickly disappearing.

"I hope that he didn't notice," I whispered under my breath. I would tap that any day. Xavier starts talking, but I don't hear a single thing because my gaze is lost in Gavin's eyes. His eyes are so green and so beautiful, they're almost like two perfect emeralds. I can't help but get lost in them. How have I never noticed his eyes up until now? They're not exactly something you can miss.

Xavier clears his throat again. I look up as he nods toward the table. I hadn't noticed the sandwiches and juice when I came in.

"You both should eat," he suggested as he turned and wandered into the kitchen.

"What about you?"

"Already ate mine," he smiled. Then, remembering his manners, he turned to Gavin, extending his hand, "The name's Xavier."

Gavin nervously took my brother's hand, shaking it, "Ummmm.... Gavin."

"Well, nice to meet you, Gavin. Sorry, I can't stick around, I've gotta finish cleaning the kitchen. Make yourself at home." After the short greeting Xavier quickly left the room. No way I'd say out loud, but I was glad for the privacy.

"Who was that?" Gavin asked quietly.

"Oh... uh.... That's my brother..."

"Oh..."

I was more than a little jealous that his attention had been turned away from me. In an effort to salvage the awkward situation I walked to the table and offered Gavin the nearest chair.

He seemed nervous as he made his way over, accepting the seat.

I've never been the "funny guy", but I wanted to please him, to make him smile again. It didn't go as planned.....

"Tonight we're serving the finest chilled vegetables with sliced dairy product, on a bed of aged bread with a helping of tomato puree. The side will be a glass of vintage blood de orange...."

Gavin was silent for some time. A wave of nervousness washed over me. Oh god... I fucked up...

Then, he laughed. It was quiet at first, but then he just exploded. His laugh filled the room as the biggest smile I'd ever seen spread across his face. His shoulders shook as he threw his head back.

It happened before I could warn him... the chairs had been wobbly for some time, and unfortunately, Gavin was sitting on the worst of them. I hadn't expected this...

Suddenly, the chair toppled over, taking him with it. If anything the event made him laugh even more. He hugged his stomach as he rolled on his side, still shaking with laughter.

I think I heard Xavier drop the cutlery he was washing, just before running into the room, "What happened? Are you okay?"

I smiled, my eyes fixed on Gavin as he tried to get up. "We're okay," was all I said.

Xavier smiled and went back to his work.

I got up from my chair and went to help Gavin. It took him a moment to realize, but he took my hand gratefully. After getting up he reached to set the chair back on its feet. I grabbed his other hand before he could. Gavin gasped in shock.

"I've got it. Take my chair." I smiled.

He stepped around the table, still chuckling, "Did you just come up with that?"

I blushed, still thinking of how much he laughed, "Well, I....... uhhh... yeah..."

"That was hilarious!"

"...thanks...." I smiled.

I sat down my heart racing. I reached for a sandwich, and for the first time today, actually ate. Gavin did the same.

"Wow. This is actually really good," he mumbled, still chewing a bite.

"Yeah... Xavier can make a meal out of anything." I only nibbled at my sandwich, but not because I didn't want to eat. Because I couldn't stop smiling.

This is the most I've smiled in years.