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Matthew set the axe down, using the back of his hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead. His therapist had given him the advice of chopping wood whenever he felt rage build up inside of him enough to almost explode, and it worked. For the most part. He felt much calmer than he did before, though that tingle of anger still lingered.
He adjusted his glasses before grabbing the chopped logs, bringing them to the pile next to his house. It was a usual routine, one he actually enjoyed. It was a great way to release his anger after all, if he didn't, he'd bottle it up until it came out in unhealthy volatile ways. Usually, it resulted in harming himself or having what he thought were tantrums. A grown man having tantrums was embarrassing, so even to his therapist, he never admitted it.
The blonde finished his usual routine before walking back inside the house, stepping out of his boots and setting them aside. Suddenly, he heard an obnoxious but familiar laugh come from the TV in the room over.
He padded over to the room, glancing inside before smiling at the sight.
“Are… you watching Spongebob?”
The brunette on the couch seemed to jump after hearing him and immediately sputtered out a curse.
“B-Bastardo! You could've at least announced yourself!– And it's not like I wanted to watch this, it was just on and it seemed stupid but Kumajiro likes it.”
The Italian shot a glare at him, cheeks red with embarrassment.
Yet, he couldn't help but notice how those hazel eyes looked him up and down. The blonde chuckled softly, walking over and leaning against the back of the couch.
“Me and Al used to watch this a lot as kids.”
He mumbled, his irritation growing at the knowledge of his brother, yet despite that so did a growing feeling of nostalgia.
“He used to make fun of me by saying I looked like Spongebob, cuz of my teeth.”
“That stupid American jerk.”
The brunette grumbled underneath him, yet when their eyes met, he sighed.
“I do have to agree though.”
“Eh?!”
“The teeth, freckles, also you can be quite annoying sometimes.”
The Canadian frowned.
“But, he reminds me of my own fratello much more than you.”
“I'm telling Feliciano you said that, y'know.”
“He'd take it as a compliment; if he watched this stupid show.”
Matthew giggled a little, leaning down and pressing a peck to the others lips. Yet, his face was pushed away afterwards.
“Go shower before you get too comfortable.”
“Don't act like you don't find me attractive all sweaty, Lovi.”
The Italian rolled his eyes, the red on his cheeks betraying him.
“Go shower!”
__________
The moment Matthew stepped out of the bathroom, he took in the familiar smell of spaghetti, making his stomach rumble with hunger he didn't notice until now.
He smiled softly, heading straight to the kitchen where he saw his boyfriend at work. Somehow, despite being horribly clumsy, Lovino was like a god when it came to cooking. He moved around in an almost graceful dance, sleeves rolled up, making sure to check the noodles and stir the sauce.
The Canadian knew to not bother him, but he just couldn't help himself. He snuck over and wrapped his arms around the Italian's torso, resting his chin on his shoulder. Lovino always cheered him up.
“Matty, I swear to fucking god– I'm cooking.”
Lovino's voice had a hint of irritation, but behind that wall of anger, Matthew knew the other wanted to melt into his arms and forget all about dinner.
“Sorry, you're just so attractive when you cook, mon amour.”
He purred next to his ear, pressing a soft peck against Lovino's neck, causing the other to shiver beneath him.
“Don't you dare speak French to me right now. I'm busy! Do you not want dinner?”
“I do!”
“Then get the hell away from me or sit down and don't bother me!”
Matthew happily removed his hands and moved, jumping onto the counter and sitting there as he watched. He knew the Italian wasn't truly angry.
Lovino was so damn attractive when he cooked, that concentrated face, the spark in his hazel eyes…
“Feli called when you were in the bathroom, some stuff about asking us to come to Germany next week. As if I'd go to that stupid potato loving country!”
And of course, as per usual, Lovino's complaints came with cooking as well. If it wasn't about his brother, it was about Ludwig or Gilbert, if not them then Antonio, and if it was about no one in particular then it was about food. Matthew happily listened regardless, growing quite fond of it. He was happy enough that someone even wanted to complain unnecessarily to him.
“Plus, you said you have some hockey game you're going to or something next week, right?”
“Mhm.”
The fact Lovino even remembered made his cheeks warm and his stomach burst with butterflies. Sure they'd been friends for a while, dating for a couple of months now, but it still made warmth blossom in him anytime this handsome Italian man remembered anything about him.
“Then we can't go.”
“I wouldn't mind if we go, Lovi. He's your brother after all. I know how important he is to you.”
“I'm not going to that stupid country! Don't tell me I should! I'll wait until he's back home in Italy then we'll go visit.”
Lovino dumped out the noodles into the strainer as he talked, collecting plates to put the noodles on before adding the sauce.
“It's just a hockey game…”
“Hockey is important to you, Matty.”
“But your brother–”
“You wouldn't skip a hockey game for your brother.”
He had a point.
“But that's Alfred.”
“Still.”
Matthew sighed.
“Whatever you wanna do.”
Lovino rolled his eyes then handed Matthew a plate of freshly made spaghetti.
“Careful, it's hot.”
Matthew jumped off the counter and set his plate down before making a mini plate for Kumajiro. The little polar bear came into the kitchen right on time, tugging on the Canadian's hoodie.
“Whoever you are, where's my plate?”
“Here you go Kumagouro.”
Matthew handed him the plate and patted the top of his head with a smile.
“Kumajiro.”
Lovino corrected with a sigh, knowing how useless it was to do so. The two constantly forgot their names all the time. It was strange, but their relationship with each other was practically unbreakable. Not to mention the fact Kumajiro comforted Matthew a lot.
“Right. My bad, eh?”
Matthew chuckled nervously.
The Canadian went and grabbed his plate, leading both Kumajiro and Lovino into the dining room, as if they needed to be led there anyways.
The group sat in their typical spots, Matthew and Lovino on the couch as Kumajiro had his own chair, TV playing some random show as they ate. Lovino made sure to not play Spongebob again, claiming he didn't want a migraine from the “idiota sponge” among other insults.
The food was amazing, as per usual with the brunette's cooking. Matthew was so unbelievably lucky to have even become close with him. It felt unreal.
They mainly got along due to their similarity between being the shadow of their brother, but they also had a lot in common as well besides that. Their anger, for one. They were quite angry and even sad. The only difference was Lovino outwardly expressed it and Matthew bottled it up.
“Matthew, you're staring.”
The brunette grumbled, facing away from the blonde, ear tips burning red.
Matthew smiled softly at the sight. He couldn't help but find Lovino so adorable.
“Sorry. Just thinking.”
His gaze returned back to his plate, twirling the noodles with his fork and taking yet another bite. The man next to him sighed.
“Are you okay?”
“Mhm.”
“You were chopping wood earlier.”
“... I was just angry, that's all.”
“About what?”
Matthew looked over at the other, noticing the way Lovino's eyebrows furrowed, a concerned frown on his lips.
He sighed softly and set down his fork, looking away just to collect himself a little.
“Myself.”
“Matthew.”
“It's nothing, Lovi.”
He turned his head and smiled at the other, reaching over to place his hand on Lovino's arm. His thumb gently caressed his wrist in a comforting way.
Lovino's eyebrows furrowed more and his gaze became more of a glare.
“Stop hiding your feelings from me, you bastardo! Ti amo, Matthew, and I want you to talk to me about your problems.”
Matthew frowned, looking down at his plate. His heart suddenly felt heavy, most likely due to the guilt he felt for upsetting Lovino. He felt Lovino place his hand over his, intertwining their fingers together.
“I'm sorry, I don't really… know how to word how I feel.”
“That's fine, amore mio. I just want to know what's wrong so you don't–”
“I know. I know. I want you to do the same. I want you to come to me when you're down instead of harming yourself.”
“This isn't about me.”
Matthew looked back at the Italian, gulping nervously.
“I'm angry because… or well I was because… oh maple leaf, Lovi, what could you possibly see in me?”
He paused, placing his plate on the coffee table before leaning back. His eyes moved to the ceiling as he adjusted his glasses.
“I mean, I lack–”
“Shut up.”
Matthew blinked in surprise, snapping his head to look at Lovino.
“You are an idiota if you think you don't deserve me. A huge one.”
“But–”
“Seriously, I can't believe you'd even ask that. What do I see in you? Do you lack a brain?”
The Canadian frowned yet before he could look away, Lovino's hand reached up and grabbed his face, forcing the other to look at him.
“Bastardo.”
Lovino leaned in and kissed him, immediately surprising Matthew, yet of course he melted into it. It was comforting, soft, and everything he needed at that moment. Until Lovino pulled away with a sighed.
“I just said I loved you and you pull that shit? How could that have possibly made you angry enough that you needed to chop wood?”
“It wasn't just that, it was other thoughts…”
“Any about Alfred? Because I'll really give him a piece of my mind–”
“No! I mean, yes I did think about him but it's not that big a deal!”
The Italian huffed and let Matthew go, taking a bite of his spaghetti so he wouldn't yell at the other.
“I'm sorry.”
Lovino shot a glare at him, causing him to sink back into the couch nervously. He knew Lovino meant well, always did and always would, but maple, sometimes he could be mean.
But it was the exact kind of mean that he needed sometimes.
“It's a big deal to me.”
“He doesn't exactly try to piss me off… for… the most part?”
“Not convincing.”
Matthew sighed, resting his head on the Italian's shoulder.
“I love you too, Lovi.”
“Eat your food! I have… a treat for you afterwards.”
The blonde raised an eyebrow before smirking.
“Is it you?”
“No!”
Matthew giggled and leaned back, grabbing his plate once again.
“I can't wait to see what it is then.”
Lovino let out a huff next to him, shoving the last bite he had in his mouth before standing up, walking away with his plate.
The moment he came back, Matthew practically choked on his spaghetti when he saw that special treat in Lovino's hands.
“Yeah yeah, I'm the best.”
Lovino rolled his eyes with a smirk, setting down the ice cream, a spoon, and of course, maple syrup on the coffee table. The Canadian loved to put maple syrup in everything after all.
Matthew scarfed the rest of his spaghetti, being a mirror image of his food loving and horribly messy brother. He set the plate aside, grabbing the ice cream and the spoon, joyfully digging into his favorite dessert.
This definitely burned out the tiniest flame of anger he had left over.
Lovino grabbed the plate and walked away to clean up the dishes, a chore Matthew knew Lovino hated yet he did it regardless. And of course, the sound of a shattered plate and a string of Italian curses was heard.
He knew he didn't need to check on his lover, knowing that Lovino would shoo him away regardless. The brunette would be far too protective anyways, telling him to get out before he could get any sort of cut. It was incredibly sweet in his mind.
He continued to eat the sweet delicacy, letting it numb up his mouth due to how cold it was, yet it never bothered him. He loved the cold anyways, that's why he lived in Canada. It was his home and he truly wouldn't change a thing about it.
Lovino made his way back and Matthew made sure to study him, checking for any injury, yet he was all clear. But of course, just in case…
“Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?”
He asked, a small frown tugging his lips.
“I'm fine, Matty.”
Lovino plopped next to Matthew, arms wrapping around the taller man. Matthew quickly lit up and he happily gave into the cuddles Lovino was obviously offering. He always would.
“Is it good?”
Instead of replying, Matthew scooped up a spoonful and held it out for Lovino, which the Italian took a bite. After he swallowed, he shook his head with a smile.
“So sweet, I don't know how you do it.”
“I'm a sweet tooth, what can I say?”
The blonde giggled a little, shoving a spoonful into his own mouth. He loved the way the other stared at him, that loving look in his eyes, basically saying he wouldn't have Matthew any other way.
Once he finished up his ice cream, which was quite rushed due to the fact Matthew loved ice cream, the brunette set aside the now empty container and pulled Matthew down on top of him, obviously wanting to be close with the other.
Matthew chuckled a little, yet sat up and placed his hands besides Lovino's head, watching as the Italian's cheeks darken.
“Y'know, I didn't properly thank you for dinner and such a treat. You really cheered me up.”
“It's… It's fine. You don't need to thank me.”
“Of course I do, mon amour. Dinner was incredible, as per usual when it comes to you, and then the ice cream as well? It was perfect. I want to give you a treat in return.”
The Italian's breath hitched in response, causing Matthew to smirk. He loved seeing Lovino flustered underneath him, it was a sight he found incredibly charming.
“How about…–”
“Don't you dare! I'm not in the mood for that!”
Matthew huffed yet understood, laying his head down on Lovino's chest, arms now moving to cradle the other. He let his hand slip under Lovino's shirt, his fingers tracing soft patterns onto his side.
“I– … I wouldn't mind if we kissed… just nothing tonight! You have to wake up early tomorrow for a meeting, remember?”
“I can still wake up!”
The blonde protested yet knew Lovino was right. If he stayed up, he'd end up sleeping in by accident and be late. He hated being late.
“Ugh… I wanna treat you to a good time though… you deserve it.”
He pouted, his head moving so his eyes met Lovino's. The Italian rolled his eyes yet moved a hand to cup his cheek, thumb tenderly caressing his freckled skin.
“I just wanted to cheer you up. You obviously had a rough day, tesoro.”
“Bleeehhh.”
“The hell was that?”
“Me complaining.”
Lovino barked out a laugh, causing Matthew to fall into a trance. The way he laughed always made his heart speed up, a giddy feeling warming his chest. There was no better sight than seeing such a grumpy man laugh.
“You're such an idiota.”
“Mhm.”
Matthew leaned forward, their lips practically an inch away. Their breaths mingled for a moment before Lovino reciprocated, pulling Matthew into a kiss. Their lips moved against each other in their usual rhythm, soft and passionate, causing their hearts to beat almost in sync.
The Italian's hand shifted to grasp some of the blonde curls on the nape of Matthew's neck, pulling him closer. Matthew joyfully adjusted himself, legs pulled up to straddle the others hips.
His hands slowly roamed Lovino's body, appreciating every dip and curve underneath his finger tips. The Canadian was lean and muscular, unlike the brunette's, who's body was much more chubbier, yet Matthew absolutely fucking adored Lovino's body more than anything.
Then, he let his tongue slip into the Italian's mouth, causing a groan to come from the other. Matthew relished in the sound, ignoring the way his glasses awkwardly pushed against his face during the whole ordeal.
Thank goodness Kumajiro was fast asleep by now.
“Cazzo… Matty…”
Lovino pulled Matthew away, glaring at the other.
“Don't get too carried away. Not tonight.”
Matthew smiled, knowing damn well internally he absolutely wanted tonight to be another night with Lovino's legs propped up on his shoulders.
“I know, Lovi.”
His smile suddenly became a devilish smirk as his hands groped Lovino's chest, causing the other to let out a gasp.
“Matthew!”
The brunette smacked the other on the back of his head.
“Owww…”
“Stop that! You know how I feel about my chest.”
“I think it's perfect! It's great for when I put my di–”
“MATTHEW!!!”
“Okay fine!”
The Canadian huffed and retracted his greedy hands, sitting up with a pout on his face.
“Oh stop your pouting.”
“I just really love your body, Lovi. It's really attractive.”
“Sure.”
“It's true!”
“You're just saying that.”
Matthew's gaze immediately became serious, eyebrows furrowing a bit. He knew whenever he got serious that it usually scared Lovino.
“Are you claiming I'm a liar?”
“No! Not at all!”
“Good!”
Matthew smiled softly, watching as Lovino sighed in relief.
“I'm glad we can both agree.”
The Canadian laid his head back down on Lovino's chest, feeling the beating of his heart beat underneath his ear. It was a sound he grew to enjoy. He felt arms wrap around him in return.
“Should we watch a movie?”
Lovino suggested.
“Oooh good idea!”
Matthew smiled, reaching out and grabbing the remote, which wasn't too far away.
__________
The two scrolled for a while, deciding on a movie before picking some random one that they both agreed seemed like a decent watch. Although, once it got near the end, Matthew's glasses were discarded as drowsiness took over him.
“Buonanotte.”
He heard Lovino say against his hair, a soft kiss being pressed against the crown of his head. He smiled softly, giving into the drowsiness as he fell asleep in his boyfriend's arms.