Living Next Door to the Dunphys (Modern Family)

In his past life, Mathew always felt bad for Alex. In the show, her character always seems to get the short end of the stick, while her family often neglects her.

In one particular episode, when Alex was in college, Mathew's heart went out to her when she cried in her dorm while saying she was all alone to her brother. That wasn't even the first time she said those words either. There was a time she also said that when she spoke with a therapist as well.

While all Mathew could do when watching the show was feel bad about her, now, he could at least be there for her. Be her friend. That way, she wouldn't feel all alone.

Age has made me soft. Well, mental age. Mathew thought as he listened to Alex talk about Palisades High. From topics ranging from the staff to all the courses and extra curriculum, the school offered. Then again, if you knew someone needed help. Wouldn't you help?

"…since you're joining your Junior year late due to your transfer, I recommend getting a head start on your college admissions and any scholarships you can get," Alex animatedly said as she and Mathew sat on her home's back porch. "Do you know what college or university you want to get into?"

"Not really. Besides, that's still two years away. I got plenty of time to think about it." Mathew said as he looked up at the night sky. Inside the Dunphy home, he heard the muted conversations between both of his and Alex's parents. "Frankly… I don't know what I want to do with my life yet."

"I see… well, that's not uncommon. Some people don't even know what they want to do when they're in college." Alex nodded as she played with the bottle of water in her hands. Mathew turned to her and grinned.

"What about you? What do you want to do?" Mathew asked.

"Well, I-"

"There you two are! I've been looking all over for you!" Michael loudly said as he walked outside. Alex winced at his appearance, and Mathew waved him over.

"You found us! Come, join us." Mathew said as Michael sat beside Alex. After a moment of thought, Michael wrapped an arm around Alex's shoulder. "So what are we talking about?"

"Not much, just school stuff," Mathew told Michael. "So, Michael. You got any hobbies?"

••o••o••o••

"You know, I've noticed that Mathew is a lot more mature than others for his age. What's your secret?" Phil asked Jefferson and Sasha as all four adults sat in the family room, glasses of wine in hand. Beside Phil, Claire finished her fourth cup and nodded in agreement.

Sasha and Jefferson turned to one another with amused smiles. "Honestly? We don't know." Jefferson said with a slight grin.

"There has to be something. We'd love to hear your playbook. There are days that I just want to rip out my hair due to how far my kids drive me up the wall. I mean, I love my kids. Very, very much." Claire quickly said as she poured herself another glass.

"No, it's true. Matt has always been that way. For as long as we can remember, he's been this quiet and calm kid. For a time, we were pretty worried because he didn't act like other kids his age, so we saw a doctor. But she said he was completely fine." Sasha smiled as she lost herself in her memories.

"Instead of acting like a loud and troublesome kid, Matt acted like someone three times his age. It was worrisome, but I guess that's just how he's wired to be." Jefferson said as he swirled his wine around. "Unfortunately, his mannerisms also resulted in him growing up without friends for a long time. He was just so different from other kids that they didn't want to play with him. Well, it's not like Matt wanted to play with them either."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Is Matt… well. On the spectrum?" Phil said sympathetically. "Not that there's anything wrong with that!"

"Phil!" Claire hissed while smacking Phil's arm lightly. Sasha shook her head while waving off Phil's comment.

"It's fine. Matt's not autistic… we had him tested." Sasha chuckled. Jefferson nodded and then grabbed his wife's hand. "It was only after Sasha signed Matt up for a youth boxing club back in Chicago that he finally made some friends. While I'm not the biggest fan of the sport. I'm glad it was able to help connect my son with those close to his age."

Phil and Claire were moved by Mathew's story, and their already positive opinions of him deepened as they learned more about his past struggles. Claire noticed the noise coming from outside; the cheerful conversations and laughter of the kids were faint but pleasant. This was a significant change from the potential arguments she had anticipated when all three adolescents were left alone together.

Rubbing her face, Claire felt a wave of guilt once she realized that her original plan for Alex to get into an argument with her boyfriend was a terrible idea.

How could she, as a mother, even hope to see her daughter get her heart broken so that she could finally see that her boyfriend played for the other team? And for what? To prove to Alex that she was right all along?

"I'll... go grab another bottle." Claire quickly stood up and walked over to the window over the sink to watch Alex, Mathew, and Michael chatting. The kids all had easy-going smiles as they talked with each other. Focusing on Alex, Claire saw that her daughter had a rare, relaxed expression.

Claire smiled as Mathew patted Alex's shoulder while the three of them shared a laugh. Walking away from the window, she grabbed another bottle of wine and returned to join the others.

••o••o••o••

"I'm gonna grab another water," Mathew said as he stood up.

"Oh, I'll get it!" Alex tried to stand, but Mathew shook his head. "It's fine. I got it. You two want anything?" Alex and Michael shook their heads and stared at one another with a look. A look that said they needed to talk. Seeing this, Mathew went inside to grab his drink with no hurry.

"Now then, how am I going to get Claire to-"

[Event: Dinner with the Dunphys.]

[Task: Make a good impression with Claire and Phil Dunphy.]

[Progress Update: Claire has a great impression of you!]

[Congratulations! You have completed the Event!]

Mathew blinked in confusion as he stared at the system notification with wide eyes.

[You have earned (x1) Mystery Box!]

"… what'd I do?"

••o••o••o••

"Alex…"

"…Michael,"

The air hung heavily between them, thick with unspoken thoughts, as they sat rigidly, avoiding each other's gaze. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Alex finally mustered the courage to meet Michael's eyes, but just as she opened her mouth to speak, he raised a hand gently, signaling for her to pause.

"It's okay, Alex. I think… I think you and your family were right. Heck, everyone was right." Michael's voice wavered slightly, a small, bittersweet smile playing on his lips as he fidgeted with his fingers. "I am gay. I've been denying it for so long, but deep down, I've always known I was drawn to men. Honestly, I couldn't help but notice Mathew. He…" Michael's cheeks flushed slightly, memories of glances shared lingering in the silence.

"Yeah… we know," Alex replied softly, her heart aching at his confession. "I came to realize that tonight too… But Michael, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being gay! You should chase after what makes you truly happy without worrying about what anyone else thinks."

"You really think so?" Michael's voice trembled, uncertainty lingering in his expression. Alex nodded, her determination shining through as she reached across the divide, her hand gently resting on his.

"I know so. Don't ever be afraid to be yourself."

Michael sat in thoughtful silence, grappling with her words. The weight of her encouragement began to settle within him. Finally, he nodded slowly, his gaze steadying on her. "I will, Alex. Thank you."

Though neither said it aloud, an unspoken understanding hung between them like a fragile thread—they both knew that the bond they once shared had reached its conclusion.