The Longest Time - Chapter 14 (UsCan Fanfiction)

Matthew walked the school grounds, hands shoved in his pockets and hood up to protect him from the brisk winter air. He stared at the ground, feeling numb everywhere. He didn't care though, he just continued to walk.

His mind was now slowly accepting that things would stay this way; that Alfred would never talk to him again. As a way to cope, he ignored his feelings. He locked them away, became absolutely numb to everything around him. He ignored the ache in his chest, the soft throbbing of his heart. It hurt too much to think about, so he didn't. For now he just did what was expected of him; eat, sleep, go to class, do homework. It became a routine, so no one would become too worried about him.

But his mind was blank, his actions mechanical. It was a struggle to just get out of bed every day, but he did, because he knew he had to.

He prayed that all this would be over soon, this empty feeling inside him. It was like part of him was missing, the part that was happy and joyful. It was gone, along with Alfred. Matthew quickly shook his head, ridding himself of those painful thoughts. He didn't want to think about it. So he cleared his mind, and kept walking.

"Hey, Matthew." A voice said behind him and Matthew turned, looking up at the person he least expected to see. Alfred.

Matthew swallowed thickly, his feelings and thoughts becoming present to him once more at the sight of his longtime best friend. He tried to fight them back and become safe in his numb shell again. "Hey." He responded, voice monotone.

"Look, I'm sorry I've been avoiding you the last few weeks, I just...needed time to think." Alfred said, taking a hesitant step towards Matthew.

"It's okay." Matthew replied, eyes sad.

Alfred was quiet for a moment and the two men stood there, watching each other. "I, I thought about it. What you said. And, I don't think we should be friends,"

Matthew felt his heart plummet at these words and tears immediately appeared in his eyes, flowing down his cheeks like a river. He nodded his head and whispered a broken, "okay. Goodbye Alfred." His voice gave out and he turned around, starting to run. He jumped when something warm grabbed his hand, stopping him and spinning him around, and suddenly he found himself in someone's warm embrace.

"I'm sorry, Mattie, but you didn't let me finish." A voice breathed into his ear. "I think we should be more than friends. I love you too."

Matthew didn't know what to do. He felt so relieved, so glad that Alfred was talking to him again. He felt elated that the other returned his feelings. He felt his heart flutter, and soon all his emotions started to flow out. He choked on a small sob, burying his face in Alfred's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry I kept you waiting for so long, Mattie." Alfred murmured, comfortingly stroking Matthew's hair as the other cried. Alfred lowered them to the ground so he was kneeling, Matthew collected in his lap. He gripped Alfred's shirt in his hand, keeping his face hidden as sobs wracked through his body, his pain and sorrow finally coming free. He was happy, so happy. He was so relieved it actually hurt. His chest was tight, and his eyes were irritated from crying so much. Alfred held him the whole time, making soothing noises and continuing to gently stroke his hair.

Eventually the sobs subsided, turning into small sniffles and slow tears down his face. Alfred retreated slightly, cupping Matthew's face and gazing at him, a loving yet sad expression on his face. Matthew could see the residue of tear marks leading down his cheeks. Alfred wiped away the rest of the tears that snuck down the Canadian's face and smiled a little, an actual genuine smile that Matthew had missed so much.

"I'm sorry it took me so long to realize this. I love you." Alfred leaned forward and sealed their lips in their first kiss, bringing Matthew closer to his body. The kiss was salty, but still sweet. Matthew's heart leapt, this moment he'd wanted for so long finally coming true.

Too soon, the kiss parted, but was quickly followed by more. The men stayed kneeling there in the cool grass, two halves finally becoming whole.

)()()()()()(

"So, Mattie." A quiet voice asked from the darkness as the two men cuddled in one of their beds, having returned to the dorm late in the evening and shivering with cold.

"Yeah?"

"When exactly was it that you realized you loved me?"

Matthew thought back, trying to find an exact year. "It was during high school...maybe around sophomore year? I'd had lingering feelings before that and all, and then in junior year I definitely realized it."

"Really? That long?" Alfred asked softly.

"Yeah... I didn't want to ruin our friendship, so I didn't say anything." Matthew replied, in an equally quiet voice.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

Matthew shrugged, even though they were in the dark. "It's okay. I have you now." He said, and a small smile appeared on his face as he did.

Soon he felt gentle lips pressed to his and he immediately lost himself in the kiss Alfred gave him. He relished in the feelings he had waited so long for, the feelings he had dreamed about every night. Alfred's lips were warm and slightly chapped, molding perfectly against Matthew's own lips. They fit together like a puzzle piece. It was perfect.

A hand moved to carefully cup Matthew's cheek, Alfred's thumb slowly rubbing the skin there. Matthew sighed in contentment, his heart swelling with all the love he had for Alfred, and now he was able to proclaim that love aloud with no worries.

After a few more minutes of loving kisses the two parted, looking at each other through the shadows of the darkness. Matthew leaned over to place one more small kiss on Alfred's lips before scooting closer to cuddle for a while. Alfred's arms encircled Matthew's body and held him close, Matthew's head resting against Alfred's chest.

The two of them lay like that, not speaking a word, perfectly content with the silence. Matthew didn't want the moment to ever end.

"I love you, Mattie."

"I love you too, Al."

The two boys grown into men soon fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, peaceful and happy, the promise of their childhood kept.

Together forever.