Out of school, work timez! (I can't think of a better title. Shut up. >:\ )

Katyusha stopped her fiddling for a moment, glancing up at him. She couldn't blame him for being irritated; if that happened to her, it would get quite old after some time. Not to mention bothersome. She wondered if he'd ever gotten into serious trouble...if he'd ever been hurt. If his brother was reckless, then what happened with Matthew? She looked back down at his collar, continuing her mindless toying with it. Even if he hadn't been hurt, would he? What if somehow, his brother made someone snap and--- She tried to stop herself from imagining things. You'll only get worked up, just stop now! D-Don't think about it... Even while she told herself this, her grip on the fabric tightened and a troubled look formed in her eyes. Trying not to think about it was only making her think about it more!
"Y-You...you don't get hurt because of that...do you? I-I mean, those problems w-weren't your fault and...!" She let out a small huff, not pleased with herself for not being able to voice her concern. So instead, she leaned forward and settled herself by the crook of his neck, nibbling on her lip.

___________________________________________

*shoos power outage away* D:

Matthew hesitated in answering, eyeing that water stain on the ceiling again. He shrugged noncommittally, not meeting her eye. She didn’t need to know that he’d gotten black eyes, fat lips or broken fingers, or that this was a new pair of glasses because the old one’s had been broken when someone sucker punched him square in the face. He could feel her breathing pick up against his neck and he knew she was getting herself worked up over him, so he tried to calm her by once again rubbing his hand up and down her arm, slower hoping to sooth. He didn’t deserve her worry.
“…It’s accidental…” he hedged quietly. “And they almost always apologize. Like I said, I’ve had worse.” The last part he said with a smile, hoping she saw the self-ribbing in his words and not the fact that he’d basically admitted to being injured thanks to his brother, but he didn’t think she took it that way.

---

Roses are red, violets are blue, this is a crappy post, sorry to you ;A;
/even crappier poetry

Despite his attempts to calm her, Katyusha only felt herself panicking more. He had been hurt! Because of a simple mistake in appearance? It wasn't too hard for her to believe, but she didn't want to believe it. If they were so different, couldn't people look past appearances...? It might've been hypocrytical of her to say it, but she couldn't help worrying over him. She'd started thinking of the extent of his past injuries but quickly tried to stop herself, squeezing her eyes shut. Don't even think about that! You'll cry...!
Burrying her face into the part she was currently leaning on, she murmured through skin and clothing, "Th-That's not...that's not okay...! You j-just...live with it?" She forced herself to look at him, bottom lip quivering, looking for an answer and holding back worried tears.

__________________________________________

*swoons at poetry*
Nyeh, sorry for my blah reply. *offers fudge instead*

Why did he always make her cry?!
“K-Kat, it’s okay! Really!” Matthew sputtered uselessly, “I’ve actually made some friends that way- And after a few times they learn to recognize me sometimes!”
He felt slightly crestfallen at her words. Did she see him as weak because he didn’t fight back? It wasn’t that he didn’t want to but violence just wasn’t in him, even against those who shoved his head in a toilet for a swirly or locked him in his own locker. Pummeling someone to pieces just because of a misunderstanding wasn’t right, though if someone was intentionally trying to hurt him…
Or trying to hurt Katyusha…
It went without saying that he’d gladly take a thousand more sucker punches to the face if it meant protecting her.
Sighing, he reached out a hand to cup her face and with his thumb brushed away an escaping tear.
His voice dropped to a low and serious tone. “Truthfully, no, I’m not okay with it, but usually those people who mistake me for Al have a right to be angry, and I will not be the cause of more violence.” His eyes turned pleading, begging for her to understand. Then, to lighten the mood he grinned cheekily, “Besides, I get sick at the sight of blood.” Matthew started his hands track up and down her arm again and nuzzle her hair. “Thank you.”
Thank you for worrying about me.

---

*pulls a rose outta nowhere*
Yay fudge! om nom nom nom

Katyusha's cheeks flushed red at his nuzzling, and she took his words to heart. Taking into account his personality, what he just said made total sense. She should've known. What more could she have expected? Rough and tough Matthew, a loner who takes any challenge. The thought almost made her laugh out loud; that wasn't her Matthew. She loved him just the way he was.
...Love?
Well...this sure felt like love. Like a crush, but...so much more. So, so, so much more.
She was a little confused as to why he was thanking her but she shrugged it off, lifting a hand to wipe her eyes. He was really quite affectionate...and it touched her how he'd always try to keep her happy. It came and went, but he was persistant on catching it and keeping it. She couldn't ignore his smile...it made her feel more reassured already. She wanted to reassure him, too...even in the smallest way. Well...time to come out of the bubble again... Could she do it? Of course she could. Would she do it?
That was entirely different.
...
Well, she didn't have anything to lose...right? She found it surprising that she was still nervous to reach out to him.
Shuffling away a little to see him properly, she extended her hands to cup either side of his face, a few strands of his hair being caught among her fingers. Trying to keep her face serious, she spoke softly, "Y-You...You are always Matvey to me..." A shy smile broke her attempt at seriousness and she looked off to the side, blushing deeply and glancing back at him.

_________________________________________

OH YOU. <3
Cheeeeeeeeeesey stuff. :U

Matthew’s breath came out short and shaking, eyes wide behind his glasses as her words sunk in. The warmth of her palms on either side of his face and the sudden blood rush north muddled his brain to the point were his mouth opened and closed stupidly but no sound came out. It didn’t help when she blinded him with her smile, looking sideways at him through her long eyelashes, and with that beguiling blush filling her cheeks.
Confident Katyusha had returned with a vengeance.
The corner of Matthew’s mouth pulled up in what he was sure was the dumbest looking smile he’d ever worn. His hands slid onto her hips, relishing in their luscious curve, and pulled her forward, tilting his head back slightly as she was now looking down at him. Turning his face he pressed a kiss to her right hand and then her left before he leaned forward and pressed another to her bottom lip.
“Katyusha, did you get those- Oh- Excuse me!”
Matthew jumped as the door opened and the woman he’d saw in the front store area gawked at the pair of them entangled on the storage floor, millimeters from kissing. She looked about middle aged, graying at the temples and her wide eyes turned scandalous at what she’d discovered. Slowly backing out, she giggled. “Never mind! Sorry for interrupting.”
The door shut with a click, but Matthew was pretty sure her ear was pressed firmly to the other side.
For several moments he exchanged shocked expressions with Katyusha, both of them blushing to the roots of their hair, until Matthew burst out laughing, honestly unable to ignore the humour in their predicament.

---

I see your cheese, and I raise you even more cheese!

She had merely been watching him press kisses against her hands and wasn't expecting a kiss to be pressed against her lip, thus resulting in Katyusha having her eyes half-closed and left in waiting when a "surprise" came through the door. Caught mid-kiss with Matthew by her own co-worker, in a position like this...it seemed like everyone in the greenhouse was bound to know about the sudden relationship. She wanted to burry her face into her hands out of embarressment and forget it even happened. But forgetting the tenderness of each of his kisses was a hard thing to do...
Besides, his laughter was contagious.
She ducked her head down as giggles forced their way out of her and soon enough she'd joined him in full blown laughter. Her hands had come to rest on his shoulders and her cheeks were still burning red. After a few short moments, she pulled back to rest her hands on her cheeks, smiling sheepishly and still laughing, "I-I'm sorry about that! I didn't think...ahaha...!" In an attempt to tame her laughter, she covered her face with her hands for a second, before taking them away with a sharp breath, wearing the same sheepish smile but looking off to the side again.

______________________________________________

Hooray! :'D
Mood-changey Kat is mood-changey. XDDD

Matthew ran a hand through his hair, still laughing breathlessly and a little disbelievingly. The sound of Katyusha’s giggles had him mesmerized, tiny, bubbly belly laughs that sounded so free, so uninhibited, Matthew wondered if this was the first time in a while that she'd laughed so hard. He wished he could hear it more often.
“Well, we’ve been in here for a while,” Matthew chuckled, leaning back against the cupboard trying desperately to catch his breath. “Somebody was bound to come looking for us, probably wondering what needed to be put in here and why it was taking the both of us so bloody long to do it.”
He settled back, letting out a couple more winded laughs, his voice trailing off as he gazed up at her, drinking in her every feature. The way she scrunched her nose and her blue eyes lit up. Click. It was a mental picture he’d keep forever.
But something caught his attention. “The rain’s stopped…”

---

I dunno, brain stopped :S

Katyusha was managing to stifle her laughter, small giggles escaping her at times. That was very true. Who wouldn't have been suspicious? She took in a deep breath, finally gaining control of her senses again. That didn't stop the thought of them being the couple that sneaked off together, getting caught just like this---that didn't stop the thought from making her heart pound against her chest. It made her excited for reasons she couldn't quite understand.
Looking around a little at Matthew's comment, she realized he was right. The sound of the downpour had long faded away... Moving so that she was sitting beside him, nuzzled into his side, she wondered what was next. She was thinking in terms of time, days...and in their actions. "It has...d-do you want to go, or...?" Glancing up, she spotted a wet stain in the corner of the roof. Is that from the rain...? It was really pouring that hard? Well, it caused another job for the workers; fixing the roof. She let out a small sigh, waiting patiently for his opinion.

_____________________________________

You decide, mon! :U
Or I shall help you decide.
Either or.

“We probably should,” Matthew mumbled, eyeing his watch with a frown. “Classes will be ending soon.”
He didn’t want to leave but it would be easier and safer to slip back through the crowds of people spilling from the classrooms. Detention wasn’t a big thing for him but he doubted that was the same for Katyusha; it would make her late for work and he refused to let that happen. He’d promised to help her in every way and if that meant making sure she got to work on time then he’d make damn sure she did, school rules or no school rules.
Standing, he helped Katyusha up, reaching over to pick up his jacket. The material was still heavily damp so he opted for draping over his arm, using the other to hold the door open for her (and Matthew was sure he saw the ends of the woman’s apron flutter around the corner). It was a quiet walk to the front store area, both of them receiving curious looks and eyebrow raises, but Matthew didn’t care, feeling smug more than anything. They exited out onto the street, Matthew still smiling as he slipped his fingers to lace with Katyusha’s, looking innocently up at the clearing sky.
It was the perfect day.
“Hey baby! Nice tits!”
…Or at least, it had been.

---

Sorry for the language but I couldn't think of another way to make them say something really scummy ;///;

Quickly grabbing her shirt and headband on the way out, Katyusha gave his hand a quick squeeze. She flashed him a quick smile as they left the shop...
And she almost immidiately shrank back at the voice calling out to her.
She felt herself flushing - not in a good way, as four rougher, sketchy-looking men rounded the corner, one of them wearing a grin on his face. He must've been the one who'd "complimented" her. They came so close that they almost encircled the two, and she automatically moved closer to Matthew. She didn't want to show it, but she felt uneasy already. She didn't like these kinds of people...they knew...how to take advantage of weaknesses. Watching one of them who had scooted behind her and was currently smoking, she tried to keep herself calm.
Her suddenly tight, trembling grip on Matthew's hand betrayed her "act".
"Hey, hey! Why so stiff, huh? We just wanna talk with ya, baby." The man infront of her spoke with an almost sarcastic tone, and the one behind her snickered, muttering something vulgar under his breath.
D-Don't panic, Katya. A-Absolutely do n-not panic...!

__________________________________________

S'ok~
Nnnnnnnn, I suck at making people "gangster". And I don't wanna get all languagey if I don't have to. ;;
*brain fart*

It was an instinctive reaction to push Katya behind him, and turn their backs to the storefront they were currently passing. He could feel her trembling, clenching his fingers tightly in her hands, her breath starting to come in fast, sharp, panicked inhales. Carefully, he disengaged her hand from his own, feeling he would be needing it soon, and instead felt her grip the hem of his shirt.
“We don’t want any trouble.” Matthew’s deep tone was even and final, hoping that posturing alone would be enough to dissuade the group of goons circling them like buzzards into leaving them alone. This was exactly why he didn’t want Katyusha walking to or from work alone, and despite the situation, Matthew felt relief that thanks to the day’s bizarre turn of events he was here to protect her.
The one to their right barked a loud mocking laugh, scrutinizing Matthew's too tight borrowed shirt. “Aw look at ‘im, trying to be a man in front of his little girlfriend. Whaddya gonna do pretty boy, cry?” This was resonated as the three others roared with laughter.
Three of the four were not all that big, Matthew noted. He stood a few inches over two and a whole head over one who was no bigger than Katyusha and they looked the type to that would run off with their tails between their legs if he managed to knock down one. It was the forth man that worried him. He was bigger than Matthew more so in weight than actual height. If he had to guess, Matthew pegged him as at least fifty pound heavier than himself, and by the way he was hanging back with his arms crossed, smirking, he was probably the leader. He was eyeing Katyusha’s body as he took a drag from something Matthew knew wasn’t tobacco. Searing anger flared in his chest and he was so livid it was hard to keep his voice calm as he spoke to Katyusha.
“The greenhouse isn’t far, if anything happens I want you to go back there-“
“She ain’t goin’ anywhere,” the cocky one to their right spoke again. “She wants to stay here and have some fun, isn't that right sweetheart-?” Stupidly he’d reached to grab Katyusha’s arm but met Matthew’s hand instead. He snatched the man’s fingers and bent them backwards until the man cried out in pain. It was a neat trick Matt had learned growing up when you wanted a sibling to let go.
“You will not touch her!” Matthew snarled. The man backed away, spitting curses and nursing his sprained fingers.
Unfortunately, Matthew’s chivalry wasn’t seen as such by the other three. All hell broke loose like he’d hit the starter bell in a boxing match. One lunged at him and Matthew caught the front of his jacket, holding him back in order to drive his fist into the man’s jaw.
Looking over his shoulder, he yelled at Katyusha, ‘Go! NOW!” just as a right hook collided with his side.

---

I'm so bad at writing action Q_Q

Lol I made them more rednecks than gaster XD

Yeesh, trying to write without use of bad language is hard...

Katyusha wished that this wasn't happened. It didn't have to happen...so why was it? She'd never had this problem before...sure, she'd gotten "looks" and whistles, but no one had confronted her before. Why now, why now, why now...?!
Her eyes widened in horror at Matthew's first act of protection and she stared at the result. Apparently he'd stepped over the line, because all of the sudden fists were flying and he was telling her to leave. They were caught up in a random fight, he was caught up in it...! She shook her head vigorously, finding that her legs had turned to stone at the moment. "M-Matvey, s-stop!!" Her voice sounded strangled and she backed up, trying to remove herself from the violence. The largest of the four had turned his gaze to her again, stepping towards her when Matthew was distracted, and she felt her blood run cold. The look on his face said so many things...things she didn't want to live through. Taking a few more stiff steps back, she finally forced herself to flee, not stopping her sprint for a second. Don't you dare look back, Katya! Just run! She hated herself for running, but what else could she do? She wouldn't stand a chance against all of them, and then they'd be free...to do...
Skidding a little as she forced herself to a quick stop at the greenhouse store door she rushed herself inside, panicked tears beginnig to blur her vision. She told herself to stop crying for once and just get a hold of herself, but it was easier said than done. Se even ran straight into the older women who'd walked in on them before. Katyusha was flooded with concerned questions but ignored them completely, heading for the backroom where'd they'd been. Luckily, no one was there, and she leaned her back against the door. Her breathing was uneven and she did her best to calm down, depsite the fact that she was shaking like a leaf. Sliding down to sit on the floor and hug her knees to her chest, she tried to block out the images of the begining of the fight.
Matthew would be fine, he'd be fine, he'd be just fine....
Right?

______________________________________________

Me too, don't worry.
I DO like writing drama, though. >w>

Pfff--- Ah well. XD

Ain't that the truth. >.<;;

The right hook slammed against his ribs, and not expecting it, Matthew’s breath rushed out in a giant whoosh leaving him winded and gasping for air. He staggered back, keeping the wall behind him as best he could. He hated fighting but he’d learned some good defensive tricks in his time. Having your back covered was one of them, especially when facing more than one opponent.
The cocky one, the man who’d made a grab for Katyusha, decided it was payback time. With his good hand he lunged forward but Matthew was ready. Being tall and lean had its advantages. He took the man’s blow to his gut, grunting in pain, however the scumbag was surprised when Matthew reached over his head and yanked his baggy jacket forward, blinding him, before driving his knee upwards. The pig fell like a rock. It was unnerving how uncoordinated and unfocused they were. He had expected them to be organized, to put put up much more of a fight, not that he was complaining. That’s when he picked up the reek of alcohol in the air around them.
That would explain why they’re so bold in broad daylight…
He whirled around just in time to get clocked in the jaw. His head snapped to the side and the world spun out of control. He very nearly lost his balance and being helpless on the ground was not a position he wanted to be in. In the distance he caught a glimpse of Katyusha’s back as she sprinted away. And the back of her pursuer.
“No!” Matthew’s hand flailed to grab onto the biggest man’s sleeve, terrified at the hungry look in his eye as he to watched Katyusha run out of reach. He shook him off and rounded on Matthew, shoving him back.
Another fist flew into his face directly into his glasses. Matthew yelled in surprise then in pain as the broken right lens shattered and some of the glasses embed in his skin. His attacker cried out to, apparently not one to heed the “Never hit a kid with glasses” rule, and he paid with slashed knuckles. The leader scoffed at his subordinate’s sounds of pain, waving them all back. Matthew watched him approach with his good eye, feeling blood slowly trickle from his nose and his jaw throbbing. The man slammed him against the wall. He didn’t even have time to react as the man aimed a vicious blow to his gut. Matthew doubled over and a foot kicked his side once again. He sank to the ground, panting for breath despite the pain in his ribs.
A tiny bell jingled.
“Stop it! Right now!” screamed a new female voice.
Matthew looked up, seeing the blurry, tiny shape of a little old lady he guessed to be the store owner.

---

Writing drama is surprisingly fun XD
Sorry it's late >n<

How could it be so quiet when she knew there was fighting going on?
Katyusha rested her head on her knees, staring at nothing and slowing her breathing. All of their expressions were burning in her memory...especially Matthew's. It reminded her of how Natalia would act at times around Ivan's companions, especially around the brunette of the group...what was his name again...? Thinking about Nata's violence towards the young man made her think about the results of Ivan's outbursts, and thinking about that made her wonder even more...
Were they men that she and Matthew had encountered just as violent-prone?
Her eyes grew wide at the thought and she squeezed them back shut, trying to forget that she'd even thought that. Although, she raised her head at inaudible voices and a muffled scream. It sounded oddly familiar. It wasn't young and sounded slightly scratchy. Swallowing, Katyusha stood up and opened the door, slowly making her way back up to the front. When she was close enough, she realized that the source of her voice was none other than the store owner. The elderly woman had been running this place for quite a while and was usually quite laid back if not a bit sarcastic, but she was now shouting off down the street. "Leave the lad alone, you drunkards! I swear on these old bones, I WILL call the cops if you don't leave for once!" She sounded quite peeved, and it also sounded like the group had been hanging around the area. The group simply laughed mockingly, making Katyusha's boss even more peeved than she already was.
So she was yelling at the men Matthew was fighting?
Moving so that she wasn't exposing herself to the open, she snuck a peek at the now far away scene. She couldn't see things clearly but she knew one thing; Matthew was on the ground and he was hurt. She hadn't stopped trembling from before, and this wasn't helping. She knew he wanted to help her, she knew that...and you'd think she'd be used to fighting...but...
She didn't want this.

______________________________________________

Very much so. XD
S'ok~
dsdfsdfs My brain died. ._.;;

Matthew watched as the gang laughed brazenly in the little old woman’s face. Her expression however, remained dead serious. In all honesty, for being no higher than his waist, she made the hair on the back of his neck stand up on end. Something told him that this wasn’t her first encounter with the delinquents.
The one with the sprained fingers sneered at her. “Crazy bat-!“
Off in the distance the faintest sound of a siren could be heard. Instantly the slurred bravado vanished and they made a loud and cussing dash for the alleyway several stores down. The largest one paused before turning the corner, searching the street for one thing only. Using the wall, Matthew stood and squared his shoulder, locking gazes with the man. He glared, and then took two steps to visibly set himself between the man and the direction Katyusha had run The message was clear.
If you want to get to her you’ll have to go through me first.
The man seemed to understand and dropped his eyes, following his friends around the bend.
Behind him, the old woman huffed. “Damn deadbeats. Have nothing better to do then get smashed and harass people…” She continued muttering, moving forward. “Come here, boy!”
“Did you really call the police?” Matthew’s words came out stuffy thanks to his blood filled nose. His mouth tasted metallic, but manners stopped him from spitting in front of her, though didn't think he'd be surprised if she knew a thing or two about spitting.
The woman gestured for him to come down to her level and he obeyed, wincing at the pain in his middle. She scrutinized the bruises through her large, thick glasses that made her eyes appear to take up half her face. “No, but I should! This is the last straw, I tell you!” Matthew cringed as she took his sore jaw, and she smacked his shoulder. “Oh man up! If ya took a beating from four of them you can stand my inspection!” Studying his swollen shut eye, she let out a low whistle. “They got you good didn’t they? Well, you’re lucky, looks like there’s only a couple large shards. I can pull those out back at the shop.” Seeing Matthew’s anxious expression, she rolled her giant eyes. “I was a nurse in the war, junior! Show some respect and trust me!”
Despite the fact that he’d just had the crap kicked out of him, and that it hurt his ribs, Matthew almost laughed as she waved her cane in his face and grabbed his elbow (the highest place she could reach), dragging him back down the street towards the-
“Katyusha-! Sorry!” Matthew shot forward so quickly he almost knocked over the old woman. Relief flooded his system to the point where his knees almost gave out as he spotted that prairie yellow hair and two watery blue eyes.

---

Badass!Matt is right up there with Stalker!Matt for me XD

Katyusha's eyes had grown again as she came out of her hiding place, looking Matthew up and down. He was a wreck! His glasses were partially broken and his face was stained with his own blood. Even when he was walking, he looked like he was in pain. She spotted a sharp of glass in his skin and felt herself paling at the sight. "M-Matvey...!" Her voice was almost hoarse and only came out in a whisper, much to her frustration.
She'd seen worse, but...at least it wasn't crippling.
The elder woman scoffed at Matthew, lightly hitting Katyusha on the side with her cane as she walked by. She certainly was something. She had quite the attitude if you pushed the wrong button and was very straightforward with work. In a word, spunky. "Come on, come on. For heaven's sake, don't just stand around, Kat. Bring him this way!" Slipping her hand carefully around his wrist, not wanting to risk hurting his hands, she quickly followed and the woman brought out a first aid kit, muttering to herself as she searched for the proper tools. Squinting at Katyusha, she spoke in a firm tone, "You're a big girl, so look at his stomach. He got kicked around, you know. Crazy bastards." She was going to object when the woman gave her a look that said "Don't even start with me." Sighing, she glanced up at Matthew shyly, asking silently for permission.
Taking in a quick breath, she looked down at the skin he was now exposing. There were already signs of bruising, but that looked like the extent of the injuries. Motioning for him to cover himself, she caught his gaze for a moment but pulled herself away from it. Partially because she wasn't about to watch him get glass pulled from him and parially because she was unsure of what to do next. It was hard enough to not cry over the whole thing. It wasn't that she wasn't thankful about him going to such lengths for her. Maybe it was crazy of him, but she was thankful none the less.
She just didn't know what she was supposed to say.

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The world needs more Badass!Matt. XD
And no, I didn't do the stomach thing on purpose. Psh. >3>
Blah, my brain gave up half way through. Nyeh.

“Sit!” the woman ordered, directing him to a small stepping stool usually reserved to get the plants from the top shelves. From the first aid kit she pulled some disinfectant, gauze and a pair of tweezers. Matthew braced himself, hearing the woman huff “Baby” under her breath, which sounded more affectionate than angry. There were several tugs and the quiet ‘plink plink’ of her setting the glass pieces on the counter. He was stunned how steady her gnarled hands were, careful and efficient. He felt sorry for doubting her.
“There, finished.” The old woman took him by the jaw again and turned his head at different angles, checking to make sure she’d gotten it all. She patted his cheek and he took that as an all clear.
Katyusha hovered in the background, looking pale enough to be sick. Her blue eyes flickered around the room then to him and her color would fade even more. And he saw her violent shudders.
The woman looked from him to Katyusha, gray eyebrows shooting up into her hairline. After she patched him up, she cleared her throat, picking up the first aid kit and scuttling off. “I’ll go put this away. And I’ll get you some ice for that jaw.” The staff door closed behind her with a click.
Matthew stood and went to the trash can, spitting out the pooling blood in his mouth. If he was going to talk to Katyusha he was going to do it without a coppery breath thank you very much!
“Pardon me,” he apologized. Turning, he came face to face with a wide eyed Katyusha, barely contained tears clinging to her lashes. He smiled lopsidedly. “It’s not that bad, really. The bloody t-shirt makes it look a whole lot worse.” He swallowed, then tried again to make light of the conversation. “No broken bones or knocked out teeth! The worst thing is that I’ll have to buy a new pair of glasses…”
Her expression didn’t change.
“Katyusha,” he sighed, reaching out to pull her into his arms. Softly, he spoke, “It’s okay, you can cry. I’m just so glad that you’re safe.”
And he pressed a kiss to her hair.

---

It's soooo saaaaapppppppppppyyyyy!

(The stomach thing was hot~ Giggidy~ *does a Quagmire head bob)

The silence that had settled in for a moment when the woman had left almost choked her; she was almost glad that Matthew spoke first. She wouldn't have known how to start, anyways.
The few comforting sentences he spoke broke the wall of self-control she was trying to hide behind.
Even though her trembling had still been there, now it was worse and she nuzzled her face into his shoulder, having practically burst into tears. She didn't hug back but hung onto his sleeves, shutting her eyes tightly. They were minor wounds, but they still caused pain. Why he'd put himself through it, she didn't understand. She wasn't a goddess, she wasn't famous, she wasn't rich... He was too kind to her...
Reopening her eyes and trying to blink away oncoming tears, she spoke, noting the embarressing fact that her voice cracked from her crying, "Wh-Why would you...?" Swallowing thickly, she looked up at him sharply. "Y...Y-You scared me!"
This time, she wrapped her arms around him being wary about his stomach. She'd never liked fighting. She didn't like to fight and she didn't like others fighting, physically or verbally. It only makes people more frustrated.
Her voice was much softer the next time she spoke, "I-I'm sorry...you got hurt b-because of me..."
It isn't fair...!

_____________________________________________

*loves hard on the sappyness* BAAAAAW <3

(Aaaalriiiight~ *Quagmire head bob* XDD)

“Sorry,” Matthew apologized automatically, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He cradled her, his hand lacing into her hair at the back of her head, feeling her shake with the force of her sobs. She was so delicate… A sudden surge of guilt flooded his stomach. Maybe if he hadn’t sprained that guy’s hand they would have managed to talk their way out of it and they’d already be back at the school, grabbing a snack from the cafeteria before stealthily finding out what assignments they’d missed. This was his fault for letting his tempter get the best of him when that man tried a grab at Katyusha. He didn’t mind the bruises or the cuts, he could easily deal with those and in a few days they’d be scabbed over and painless. What hurt him was the petrified look on Katyusha’s face, her shivering, the tears slowly soaking through his shirt.
Her question of why he did what he did made him pry Katyusha away. In one fell swoop, he scooped her up and set her on the cashier’s counter. For what he was going to say he wanted to face eye to eye with her. She was an inch or two higher than him, and he looked up, taking her hands in his own. “What I did… Well, I told you I’d help you in any way possible.“ Leaning in, he added, “I don’t regret a moment of it.”
He could feel her lips brush his-
"OW!" Matthew cried out as a cane connected with the back of his knee. The old woman scowled at him.
"Serves ya right! That counter's for business, not for necking!"

---

(gosh we're so twisted XD)

Katyusha had been curious as to what he was doing and blinked when she found herself gazing down at him. What is he...? Her thoughts were cut short by his simple answer and his movements. Her heart had pretty much jumped up into her throat when their lips touched...
She jumped at Matthew's outburst, looking over at the woman. That was some timing.
She ducked her head, feeling her cheeks flush bright red. Yeah, everyone at work would know sooner or later. The woman shot her a suspicious look before moving on to do whatever she needed to. And yet she couldn't help but giggle softly, beginning to wipe away her remaining tears. Matthew made his reasons sound so simple, like there was nothing to it. He was willing to sacrifice what he had to...and she admired that part of him. She wasn't nearly brave enough to do anything like he did. His bruises and scratches would be a painful reminder for a little bit of what he would do...but right now, she just wanted to say thank you. Unable to force the words out of her throat, she blushed deeply before finishing what had never started.
When the woman's back was turned to them, she gently pulled Matthew closer, leaning in to press her lips against his.
"Good lord---What did I just---?! Go work each other away in a private room. Lovebirds." The woman's cane whapped across her lower leg and she broke the kiss, letting out a sharp cry. The old woman "humphed" and grumbled under her breath about something along the lines of "kids these days" and "what are you supposed to do?".
It only lasted a few seconds, but she was breathless. She was very curious as to where these bursts of courage came from...she'd never had them before. She still couldn't keep her gaze locked with his, so she settled for looking down at her own legs. "Thank you, but...p-please be careful...?"

____________________________________________

Return of Moody!Kat! Dun dun DUUUUUUN
(Indeed we are. Fufufu~)

Matthew scowled at the old woman, rubbing a hand where she’d hit Katyusha’s lower leg hoping it might take some of the sting away. For being so small she could sure hit hard.
He relished in the kiss Katyusha had snuck when the woman wasn’t looking. Feeling her hands, so gentle and tender, pull him close as she so tenderly took his mouth against hers sent a warmth sprawling through his from his head down to his toes. He barely felt the throb of his bruises anymore. Matthew’s fingers twirled a lock of her hair, enjoying the pink blossoming in her cheeks and how she looked at him through her long eyelashes. With his other hand he wiped away the remainder of her tears. He didn't want her to cry anymore.
He could hear the woman grumbling behind them and he grinned suddenly, waiting until she looked at them again to plant his own kiss on Katyusha’s neck.
“Ohhh! You disrespectful brat!”
Matthew let out an ‘oof!’ as she hurled a bag of ice at his chest. “Out now, the both of ya! There’s a taxi waiting out front!”
“You didn’t have to do that,” Matthew smiled sincerely.
“It was no trouble at all,” the woman brushed off gruffly. “Especially if it means getting you out of my shop! Now go, and try not to pick anymore fights!”
“Okay, okay,” Matthew chuckled, helping Katyusha down from the counter and wrapping an arm around her waist. “Thank you for helping me.”
The woman snorted, not really the type to show affection but he saw the corner of a smile on her wrinkly face.
Looking to Katyusha he smiled- though it probably looked more like a grimace with the fat lip he was getting- “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to go home.”

---

*wearing a 'I <3 Moody!Kat' t-shirt*

Sorry it's so bloody late *head/desk*

Katyusha smiled gently at Matthew and found herself a little distracted by the old woman's grumbling, giggling a little, before letting out a small surprised surprised cry when his lips were against her neck. She blinked in surprise, her cheeks filling with colour, but laughed softly at her manager's response.
A crooked-looking smile formed on her lips as she wrapped her arm around his waist in return. She had a bit of a headache from crying so much and she wanted to have a good rest. She didn't have to work this evening and her errands were done, so now she wanted to curl up with a large pillow and sleep. Although, replacing the pillow with Matthew would be twice as good... Forcing the thoughts away, she waved quickly to the older woman, then responded softly, "Let's go, Matvey..."

(TIME SKIP: NEAR THE END OF OCTOBER)

She walked off of the school property, putting her books into bag then stretching, feeling her back pop a little. Letting out a small sigh, she head in the direction of the dorms. She once again didn't have to work today - was she working less often or was that just her? - and was simply thinking of doing something relaxing. Her thoughts wandered off to the same subject of which she was thinking quite often about, much to her embarressment; Matthew. It had been about a month since they'd gotten together, but she wasn't quite sure how many people knew about it. Not that it made a difference. She loved the time spent with him...

___________________________________________

Sap sap sap saaaaappyyyyyyy~

S'ok, yo. :U

*clings to your new display pic* <333

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To the Common Hall! https://ifyoulovetheworld.rpg-board.net/common-hall-f72/fancy-meeting-you-here-t635.htm#17911