After that first meeting where Gilbert had made the rest of the nations take notice of Matthew he noticed how much happier he was. He started spending more time with him, just to see him smile. He wouldn't tell anyone that seeing that soft gentle face brighten with a genuine smile made him feel like he was on top of the world. And when he laughed, even if it was because of something silly that Gilbert himself did, warmed him through and made him just as happy as the blonde. He realized he was falling for the blonde at that point. He also knew he would never say anything. Matthew deserved to be happy and Gilbert wasn't sure he could make him happy like that. So he would just remain his friend and make him happy until someone came along that would make the blonde truly happy.

And as time went on Gilbert realised that he wasn't instrumental to Matthew's being noticed at meeting anymore. He was standing out on his own. Now that he was happy and smiling more often the rest of the world really started to take notice of him all on their own. It also didn't hurt that Matthew seemed to be getting more confident at finally being noticed. Gilbert began to feel pushed to the sides though his eyes always stayed on the blonde. He didn't mind all that mattered to him was that Matthew was happy.

Matthew was happy for the first time in a long time. He owed it all to Gilbert. Gilbert who had noticed him first and saved him, even if he didn't have to. Matthew loved the time he and Gilbert spent together, it gave him the confidence to finally start speaking up on his own. He wanted to be as bright as Gilbert was, noticed and have friends he could count on to always remember him. He also realized that as time went by he began to feel closer to Gilbert, he wanted him in his life. He loved Gilbert. But he knew he wasn't worthy, not yet anyway. That was why he began trying harder to be heard at meetings.

And it was working. Matthew began to make new friends, be noticed. He started to have people come up to him after the meetings to talk about what had been discussed or to work out trade. He began to notice Gilbert drifting away from him. As he was being surrounded by more people who recognised him he watched as Gilbert seemed to stay at the edges, always just out of reach. Matthew felt his heart clench as he watched Gilbert.

One day Gilbert realized that Matthew was where he needed to be. He didn't need Gilbert to look over him anymore. He gave a soft gentle smile in Matthew's direction as he was surrounded by other nations. Their eyes met and Gilbert turned away to leave.

Matthew saw Gilbert give him a small sad smile and it made his heart clench. Then their eyes had met and Matthew swore Gilbert was telling him 'goodbye' with that look as he turned to leave. Matthew began to panic, surrounded by others, it didn't matter if Gilbert wasn't there. Pushing through the small crowd, apologizing for being rude, he ran out after Gilbert.

Gilbert hadn't gotten far when the meeting room door opened and he felt a hand grab his sleeve. As he felt himself being pulled back he turned to see who had grabbed him. His red eyes met violet.

"Gilbert!"

"Matthew?" Gilbert looked at the blonde, he seemed scared, panicked. What could have happened to make him suddenly like this? Wasn't he just smiling and laughing with the rest of them?

"Why are you leaving?"

"I, you don't need me anymore Matthew. You're happy aren't you? You're being noticed and no one's been mistaking you for your brother." He didn't say it harshly, simply stated the facts. He did have a sad tone to his voice though that Matthew didn't miss.

"I am happy, but its because of you. I don't want you go. I want you by my side. Yes I'm noticed by the others but that's not why I'm happy. I'm happy because you're there with me."

Gilbert noticed tears welling in those soft violet eyes and reached up to wipe them away with his thumb. Matthew shut the one eye as Gilbert brushed away the blooming tears and tried to force a smile.

"Please, Gilbert, don't leave me. Don't leave me alone to sail these new waters without you."

Matthew closed his other eye as tears rolled down his cheeks. Gilbert felt his hurt clench painfully watching the blonde cry. It was so painful to watch that beautiful expression of happiness washed away by such sadness. Reaching up he cups the blonde's cheek with his other hand before pulling him closer. Tilting his head slightly he lets his lips brush the other's. That simple touch was enough and Matthew had stopped his tears. He was still somewhat upset but Gilbert saw the happiness returning to those eyes as they pulled apart.

"You promised remember. That you would always make sure I was happy and that I would never have to cry again." Gilbert nodded and let a genuine smile grace his features. "Then you have to stay with me, forever and always."

"Being a little selfish, aren't we liebling?"

"I don't care. I'm allowed to be a little selfish."

The brilliant smile that lit up his face was enough to erase all arguments and doubts that Gilbert had. Taking Matthew's hand he led them both back into the meeting room to be met by curious looks and bombarded by questions and concerns for the sudden absence and reappearance.

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Another song inspired one-shot and a continuation of my previous one. This one is inspired by Boats and Birds. Listen to it while reading, its a good song. As always, please review.