♡︎ Matt Sturniolo Centric One-Shots ♡︎

Toxic Friends {Nick, Chris & Matt}

Matt Sturniolo was fortunate, he knew it. He was lucky in ways that some weren't for him to have siblings. Siblings who gave a shit about him, that cared. He'd always had his brothers around for the better and for the worse points of his life, nothing yet had managed to separate them - had never managed to deter them away from one another. Not college, their career, arguments, friends, or anything. Admittedly, Matt was at the point where he'd been so certain nothing could shake nor change that. Their bond was built of a structure that no one could come close to shattering, it'd always seemed so strong.

In hindsight maybe that'd been his first mistake. Growing too comfortable with his place in the other's lives.

Being triplets, they were already practically attached at the very hip with how close they were. Their shared career definitely made sure of that as well, they were inseparable from one another. And yet he wouldn't change it for the world, he loved that they could depend on one another. He loved how he could confide in them, that he could talk about anything, to Chris and Nick without feeling the judgment that was so normally sent his way. There was a sense of relief he felt at having them around and truly he adored his brothers more than anything.

Although he and Nick were still remarkably close and he'd always be grateful to have the elder, his bond with Chris was different, something unique in itself. Throughout everything, he knew that he and Chris had one another's backs. That Chris would always try and understand him, defend him even when unneeded, Chris had been kind enough to try and put himself in his shoes when it came to his anxiety and conquering it. Never belittled him, never made him feel like less. It was unwavering support.

They were close, that was undeniable. Anybody who negated as such would need to be blind.

Nonetheless, Matt knew everybody needed leeway to breathe, needed space, and a social life.
And Chris was no exception, he knew that despite Chris being his best friend and a built-in brother the younger was still bound to have other friends.

Hell, his brother deserved to have other friends, he knew that more than anyone. The guy was as genuine and funny as they came, so when Chris eventually met and brought around a few friends - started hanging around him less and less he didn't think anything of it. Truly, he understood and loved that his brother was taking a leap and meeting new people.

It wasn't like he couldn't find ways to pass time without his brother in the meantime.

It was great to him because while he may not be the most sociable or the greatest at making friends it was good that Chris was beginning to. It was great because he had never wanted for YouTube to take away from Chris's daily life. He never wanted it to interfere with any connections or relationships that Chris made.

Because he knew what it was like to feel the need to stray away from friendships and relationships because it felt like their fans were breathing down their necks. Disapproving of their every move. Really he knew what that felt like more than anything, he never wanted Chris to have to feel like that.

That's why when Chris began bringing over those friends he was supportive of his brother. He let it run past him when his brother started spending more and more time with the newfound friends. Less with him.

Admittedly, It hurt a bit adjusting to it. As all new things happened too. The constant free time he had now was odd as well but Matt was well rounded enough that he was sure he could manage. He was glad that the younger was finding people to fit in with. Chris had friends outside of him and he fully understood that. Also understood that he and Chris usually saw one another at every waking minute so honestly, it was a wonder to him as to why Chris had tolerated him this long.