And with the next step comes...?

Oh no. Not that look again!
Katyusha had only just realized what was going to happen when it DID, and was now all of the sudden pinned to the ground with a smiling Matthew above her. Her heart had lept into her throat and for a moment, she felt helpess underneath him. That helpless left her in a brief moment of fear, but it was quickly forgotten when he leaned down and teased her.
She couldn't help the blush that rised on her cheeks, but she definitely wasn't done yet. They'd done this before, they'd do it again. Even so she bit her lip shyly, locking her gaze with his.
"Gee, sir, I-I'm sorry. You know I didn't mean it, right?" As much as she wanted to sound flirtatious, her voice came out small and meek. Smooth. Very smooth.
She wiggled her hands out of his grip, which wasn't surprisingly tight, but didn't move back just yet. Quickly sticking them in the snow above her head, she raised them Matthew's collar and snaked her hands under the material.
Another successful snowy infiltration!
Laughter bubbled from her again and she wriggled out from under him, blushing up a storm none the less. Pain shot up her leg and she winced a little, but she quickly found her bearings and gathered up another pile of snow.
Time to get serious!
Their little bout continued until the both of them were snow-soaked, clothes and hair. In the end - unlike last time - Matthew had tackled her again and she was too caught up in catching her breath to fight back. With one last attempt to win their little 'battle', she pushed on his chest as to get away but collapsed into giggles instead.
"Y-You win, Matvey." She smiled sheepishly up at him, her shy nature having returned and ignoring the pain in her leg from their scrambling about. He'd gotten better since they're last snowfight; surprising, but motivational for her to get better.

____________________________________________________________

>u</

Matthew’s grin grew at Katyusha’s reply. Before his brain could filter his thoughts, he blurted out with a leer. “I think I like hearing you call me sir- HYAAAAA!”
Matthew jerked to the side and landed on his back and rolled which made it even worse. He writhed wildly, trying to brush away the excess snow that hadn’t melted. Shivering slightly, he looked up from his place face down in the snow, face flushed and eyebrows furrowed together with his glasses wobbling precariously at the end of his nose. Violet eyes glinted from behind wet strands of his hair. Matthew sat up, running a hand through his bangs to pull them out of his dry gaze.
He sat there for a moment, staring at her with one raised eyebrow. However, slowly a big smile unfolded across his face, his eyes twinkling affectionately down at her. More of her cute bubbly giggles added now with pink-blotched cheeks and locks of wet hair clinging to her skin and equally wet jacket… She’d never looked more beautiful.
All curled up and still snickering, she met his eye and spoke. He almost didn’t hear her, being too caught up in her beaming expression.
“I win?” Matthew said, shaking his head slightly in dismay, water droplets going everywhere. “I think this round belongs to you, you ruthless, sneaky, wonderful girl.”
He leaned forward, placing a soft kiss in her hair and adjusting her headband back into place before sinking back into the snow himself. Sniffling slightly, he reached out, gently cradling her calf in one hand while he pulled his other glove off with his teeth. He blew a quick breath into both and then carefully checked her leg.
“Sorry,” he apologized bashfully when she flinched at his cold fingers. Their roughing around hadn’t helped her injury any no matter how fun it was. “Well, I think it’s time to head home now don’t you?”
Grunting slightly as he got to his feet, Matthew gripped Katyusha sturdily around the waist, hoisting her up into his arms bridal style.
He smiled sheepishly, dusting off what wet snow had clung to her. “Are you hungry? We can stop somewhere and grab some grub before I call a taxi if you’d like.”

---

ouo/

She was a bit taken aback by Matthew carrying her and couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks. Katyusha wanted to object and say that she could walk on her own...but this wasn't so bad either. It was better than hobbling back to the taxi like an old woman. The pain WAS getting worse, but she wasn't about to say that. It wasn't like she couldn't stand it. It was still fine.
At least, that's what she stubbornly thought.
She looked up with a small smile, finding his eyes and shaking her head, trying to ignore the glisten of melted snow on his cheek and neck. "It's alright, we can just go home. I-I need to get out of these clothes anyways---" It was only when the words left her lips that she realized the possibility of a double meaning. In a flash, she's lit up with a brilliant blush and was stuttering to explain herself. "Ch-Change! My clothes! Change my clothes! Th-They're wet, s-so...uh...ah...!" Words were lost to her and her embarrassment was only growing, so she chose to bury her face into the crook of neck despite it being slick with melted snow. She didn't really care; she was already soaked, a little more wouldn't hurt. As long as she didn't have to look at him while she blubbered.
He wouldn't take it...like THAT, would he?
No, no, she was just being ridiculous! She just needed to chill, relax, stop her mind from whirling into a chaotic mess. She was doing so well before, too.
Maybe by the time they got home she'd be lighter again.

Well. She'd been wrong.
Before long they'd returned home and were peeling off their wet articles, the warmth thawing the pair out. Dry clothes were certainly a good idea, and a warm lunch afterwards...yes, that sounded like a great idea. But even while Katyusha was thinking about making something for the both of them, she still felt a little...awkward from her statement. She hadn't meant it like that, she hadn't! It had just come out! So the taxi ride hadn't helped her, OK. The pain in her leg wasn't exactly helping either, but that didn't matter. She could relax, she should, she WOULD.
Maybe lounging around would help her...
Lunch first, then lounging. ...But changing first, THEN everything else.
And so she headed up the stairs as fast as she could with her limp, flashing Matthew another sheepish smile before reaching the top of the stairs and dissapearing into her room.

__________________________________________________________________

\ouo

She didn’t mean it like that. She didn’t mean it like that. She didn’t mean it like that!
Matthew awkwardly hung his jacket and Katyusha’s a couple of pegs apart so they could dry quicker. The deep shade of maroon his face had turned hadn’t faded at all on the ride home. He pulled off his boots, so preoccupied with keeping his eyes away from Katyusha that it wasn’t until he heard her odd limping step speeding towards and up the stairs- at a speed he didn’t think was possible with an injury like that- that he looked up.
The small uneasy smile she shot him before vanishing onto the second floor didn’t help settle his nerves.
He’d known as soon as the words had left her lips that she’d meant it all completely innocently. His brain understood the need for dry clothes; both of them were practically soaked through. Something dry and warm was exactly what Katyusha needed. He didn’t want her getting sick after all.
But there was that split second, a moment less than a heartbeat, when he’d felt her breath on his neck and the idea of being the one to remove those wet clothes off her body completely consumed him. He’d move his hand under the dark material and peel it back to reveal the pale, milky skin underneath and watch as goose bumps sprawled outwards from his warm touch. He’d lay a trail of kisses over every piece of new skin he discovered, breathing in sweet summery scent that clung to every part of Katyusha. And then when he had her completely exposed he’d-
Matthew coughed loudly, running up the stairs two at a time. He swerved into his room, shutting the door and sinking down against it.
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! She didn’t mean anything like that! Stupid hormones!
Furiously he stood, grabbing his bag and rifling through it with more force than was really necessary to find a new shirt and a pair pants. He yanked them on with the same frustration. How dare he even think about Katyusha in that way! She was human being! Not some paper centrefold pinned up in the guys’ locker room to be crudely drooled over! Yeah sure he was a guy- a teenage guy at that- but Matthew liked to think that he held himself to a higher standard. He wasn’t one of those guys that had copulating on the brain 24/7 (...usually).
He’d been raised a gentleman! …or at least he thought he had.
Sighing, he pulled on new pair of water free socks before heading back downstairs. He didn’t see Katyusha but he headed to the kitchen to warm up some lunch and also to grab an icepack for her from the freezer.
Katyusha needed looking after first, he’d tend to her and then he’d deal with his thoughts. Besides, Matthew wanted to do this right and treating Katyusha like a piece of meat wasn’t part of his plan. Matthew banished the whole issue to the back of his mind, wrapping up the ice pack in a towel and going off to look for her.
I’m such an idiot, getting so flustered over something like that. What am I, a girl? Katyusha didn’t mean anything of the sort
… or did she?

---

Oh~hohoho~

Despite having the task of changing before her, Katyusha's mind was still whirling. Her and her big mouth. Why couldn't she keep herself in check?! Maybe her mind was twisting it more than it should've been, but it was too late to stop herself from doing it. It had already been done. And now her mind was paying the price; worry was back, causing her to fidget and bite her lip repeatedly as she began thinking it over.
Things felt awkward now...at least, to her.
Had Matthew really noticed? Maybe he had...but what if he hadn't?
Would he know she was worrying? Of course he would, he always seemed to know.
She didn't know how, but he did.
She should just let it go, she hadn't meant anything by it. Since when was she so...perverted? Well, enough was enough. NO more thoughts like that. I'll clear my head and relax. I will! Changing was quite the chore taking into account that she was trying not to hit her leg on anything. But soon enough she did manage to get some dry clothes on, - boy, it was great to have something warm on - and then was lucky enough to look down at herself before she left the room.
She'd put on her shirt inside-out.
Katyusha groaned a little, leaning her forehead against the door and thumping against it lightly.
Where was her brain right now?! Maybe she was a little more worked up than she'd first thought. She quickly changed, making sure she was PROPERLY dressed now, but still hesitated at the door. Her hair was still wet from their escapade but she tried to shrug it off, telling herself it would dry quickly now that they were inside.
Relax...you've got nothing left to lose.
Taking a few deep breaths she finally left her room, wincing at the pain in her leg but bearing with it. The door to Matthew's room was open...so did that mean he was downstairs? What was he doing? Her curiousity drove her to make her way down the stairs, looking around a little. Maybe he was still in his room doing something else? Katyusha's curious thoughts wandered back to thoughts of lunch and what to do, leaving her a little spaced out, so when he suddenly rounded the corner by the stairs she let out a small squeak of surprise. She hadn't reached the very very bottom, so she simply blinked at him and let her momentary surprise get itself over with.
She smiled shyly at him, and then noticed that he was carrying...was it an icepack? Why--- Wait, for her leg? Her surprised shifted to confusion; could he leg really be that bad? It hurt, yes, but was that necessary? Was Matthew honestly that worried about her little slip?
It wasn't that she didn't want him to help her out; he was being sweet, and this was probably the best thing for a sprain, right? After all, he knew more about skating injuries than she could possibly know. But for some reason it flustered her, made her embarrassed and think back on her accidental comment...
Why that comment, she wasn't sure, - not exactly a great time to be thinking about it, hm? - but she did know that her mind was working overtime.
________________________________________________________________________

Durrrr~ <A>

Instinctively Matthew took half a step back in surprise. Hearing her slow steps coming down the stairs and rounded the corner, nearly colliding with her in the process. He readjusted his glasses, half setting them back on nose, half out of bashful nerves.
Fidgeting with the icepack, he flickered his gaze from the floor to her eyes. “Um, h-how’s your leg?” he asked lamely.
Katyusha was still limping, and he couldn’t tell for sure but he thought it might be getting worse.
Makes sense, this kind of injury usually gets worse before it gets better...
“Are you okay?” Matthew asked carefully, watching apprehensively as her face grew more and more red. Saying she looked ruffled was a crude understatement. Katyusha wasn’t catching a cold was she? They had stayed outside for an awfully long time and in wet clothes no less. Letting out a deep exhale, Matthew felt his own face grow hot when Katyusha didn’t meet his eye and the silence slowly but surely turned awkward.
Maybe he was just being paranoid.
“O-oh!” he said, suddenly remembering as he tugged at his collar. “I warmed up some lunch.”
Offering his hand for support, Matthew moved beside her and helped escort her back to the kitchen. The mood stayed slightly off kilter leaving him chewing the inside of his cheek out of habit. He pulled out a chair for her and then pulled another chair closer for her leg to rest on.
It was impossible not to sense the impossibly thick tension as he cupped her calf and carefully set the ice pack on her knee. The strained atmosphere didn’t lessen even as he popped back to the couch for a small pillow to set under her knee for comfort.
“No, no stay there, I’ll get everything. Just rest,” he said, trying to smile naturally.
The plates and cutlery clinked lightly as he set them down along with everything else. Just before sitting himself, he turned to Katyusha.
“The pain isn't getting out of control is it? Do you want Advil or something?” He stared down at the tabletop, very interested in the wood grain all of a sudden, flushed with embarrassment. “S-sorry… I don’t mean to be so annoying… I just…”
How did he tell her that he hated seeing her in pain… but without sounding like a complete girl?

---

<n> Derp da Derp

Katyusha huffed a little as she watched Matthew run around setting everything up, feeling a bit guilty about all of this. He was HER guest, not the other way around! Maybe she just wasn't used to someone taking care of HER, but this honestly felt...weird to her. She wasn't exactly sure what to do as the patient.
It was so weird...what WAS she supposed to do? Just sit here?
That was all?
There had to be more than that, there had to be SOMETHING she could do!
But there wasn't much to it, she knew that.
...But this was so...weird!
So, for the moment, she simply watched him and fiddled with the icepack once in a while. She was still trying to get used to the sudden cold and it stung a little, but she wasn't going to act like a baby and whine. She already cried enough as it was. Looking down at the icepack, she bit her lip before answering, "N-No, it's alright. I'm alright. I...I'm sorry, Matvey. M-Maybe if I'd been more careful---" She cut herself off and chose to stare at her lap, cheeks heating up sheepishly.
Why was she apologizing? It was her fault that they'd gotten ran into.
It was just a stroke of bad luck.
Maybe this was just another form of "panic" for her. She didn't know what to do, so she made up something to do. Or something.
...How on earth was she supposed to work together with Matthew in this relationship if she didn't even understand herself?!
This was too frustrating.
Then stop thinking! Just STOP. Stop everything! Just sit there and do NOTHING.
Katyusha fiddled with her hair, looking up to meet his gaze. Things were awkward...maybe that's why she suddenly felt so weird. She hated this atmosphere. It was so...tense. A small nervous laugh escaped her and she averted his gaze, looking at the table set out. "S-Sorry, I...um...sorry."

_____________________________________________________________

Crap reply is CRAP. *rolls*

Matthew cleared his throat a little, sinking down onto his chair without a lot of grace. They ate in almost silence, speaking occasionally and asking the odd question.
He couldn’t stop mentally kicking himself, begging his mind to come up with something that would break the mood now hanging over the two of them. Where was that suave, charming guy that was supposed to say something impressively witty?
… or that’s right, that guy didn’t exist.
It wasn’t long until he ran out of thinking time as they finished. He could feel his brain running around in circles, desperately trying to find something even with a little intelligence. The only thing he came up with was a rude hockey joke. Not the greatest thing to say in front of your girlfriend.
Setting down his fork, Matthew glanced up with a sigh under his breath but paused.
Did Katyusha just wince?
“Is it too cold?” Matthew asked, moving around the table. He lifted the icepack away, setting it aside for the moment. Pulling up a chair, he carefully set his hands on the place where the ice had been and willed the warmth of his hands to ease the chill.
“Sorry,” he apologized sheepishly, smiling up at her with a genuine lopsided quirk of his mouth. His hair fell into his face as he looked down back to her leg, gently checking to make sure the injury hadn’t suddenly taken a turn for the worse. “Is the cold not helping? Maybe heat would be better.”
He manoeuvred her heel to sit on his lap, his palm curling around her calf, his other hand cupping her ankle.
Matthew wasn’t sure when it happened, but his fingers began to kneed her leg soothingly, avoiding the sorest spots. It wasn’t until he felt the pads of his fingers slip beneath the hem of her pants and he touched skin that reality came back. He flushed, giving a strained clearing of his throat.
“U-uh… Um,” he looked up to meet her gaze then back down to the table.
That wood grain really was very interesting.

---

My brain has totally crashed =A=

It wasn’t the matter of the cold or heat helping her leg that she was concerned with. Either way, to be honest, it still hurt, and if she didn’t know any better it was hurting more than before. But that wasn’t what Katyusha was concerning herself with.
She was concerned about how hard her heart was pounding.
She wouldn't deny that his warm hands HAD felt nice, even if it was just to help her injury. It was a simple innocent act of kindness, Matthew was just trying to be helpful. He knew what to do, so she'd let him do what he had to. It had been a little embarrassing at first, but she would have dealt with it. Blushing the entire time, but she would've been fine.
But the mini 'massage' that started up had caught her off guard. It felt nice, too, that wasn't the problem. It was a little weird-feeling, but it wasn't bad. Once in a while he'd hit a sore spot but that wasn't the problem, none of that was.
The PROBLEM was that she felt desire bubbling up inside her. She wanted to keep it from showing, to keep it inside her where it wouldn't show, but she knew it was there and growing. She was craving, craving more of whatever was happening to her, craving the man tending to her. Biting her lip, she tried to fight off the image of the same scene except more...bare, and lips replacing hands, kissing up, up, up---
S-STOP! No! No, no, no, no, no, NO! Not the time! J-Just stop, now!
Katyusha knew that her face was burning red and she looked back down at her lap, taking a deep breath. What kind of person was she? He was taking care of her, he was being considerate and thoughtful even with this awkward silence, and all she was thinking about were greedy lustful thoughts! That was awful, just awful!
So, she tried to calm her raging blush and shot a bashful smile at him, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "U-Um...thank you. Y-You shouldn't have to be taking care of me, but...thank you." Her gaze flickered from her lap to him multiple times and she bit her lip again, the smile she'd put on not leaving.
What on earth? She was embarrassed, somewhat caught up in her own sick fantasy, but she was happy too.
How did that work?
Emotions were way too confusing, and apparently her emotions were just king at making her feel more confused than ever.
But she chose to try and push them aside for now. She needed to be natural...and not so awkward.
...She could try, right?

_____________________________________________________________________

...
eue

Matthew frowned slightly at her words, his hands subconsciously cupping her foot that still rested on his lap, fingers stroking musingly.
He looked up at her, meeting her eyes earnestly. “I’m sorry for what happened at the ice rink,” he apologized. “I take responsibility for… this.” Matthew gestured to her leg, smiling a bit sadly. He dropped his eyes for a moment before looking back up.
Letting out a sigh mixed with a dry chuckle, he pushed his self-frustration into the back of his mind and focused instead on Katyusha’s delightful, adorably red blotched smile.
The red in his own face had yet to leave. He hadn’t meant to suddenly become so touchy-feely, especially like this. He felt like one of those old cartoon villains preying on an injured damsel in distress, twirling his moustache evilly as he tried to steal her virtue.
Well, she didn’t scream at me to stop or slap me- which is always a plus- so maybe I didn’t step completely over the line…
Matthew let out another self-depreciating chuckle, running a hand through his hair. It all seemed kind of silly, and honestly her flustered yet happy mood was very contagious. She was like his own personal ball of sunshine. …Still, for a breaths length he could have sworn there was a crackle of electricity sparking between them. A split second filled with such intensity the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end in anticipation.
Carefully untangling himself and setting Katyusha leg gently back into place, he picked up their plates and the dishes of food. The sudden shock of emotion had left him still a bit taken aback and he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t more than a little … exciting.
Space! Space is what he needed right now. Right… before he did anything stupid.
“Don’t worry, I got it,” he said teasingly, seeing her itch in her seat wanting to help. “No more chores for you until that leg gets better.”
Matthew filled up the sink halfway with some water and soap, and dropped the plates inside for cleaning later.
Drying his hands on a spare dish towel, he turned back to Katyusha, “Kat, you’ll tell me if the pain gets worse right?”
He raised an eyebrow, and crossed his arms exasperatedly but his expression stayed affectionate. He knew Katyusha wouldn’t outright tell him. ‘Guess he’ll just have to keep her off it as best he can.
Matthew moved forward, around the table to scoop Katyusha up once again, though he was careful to keep his touches innocent- or as innocent as a guy carrying his beautiful girlfriend can. He flushed lightly, feeling her arms curl around his neck as he carried her out to her out to the den, setting her on the fluffy couch and handing her the icepack that he’d remembered to grab. He also snatched up a blanket, draping that across her and then sank down gently carefully not to jar her. He turned on the tv and as he expected there was nothing but Christmas specials on.
He laughed, -discreetly moving his arm around Katyusha’s shoulders. “Here,” he said, offering her the remote control. “What do you want to watch?

---

<A> Created a den, sorry I didn't know where else to put the tv...

Not being able to do anything was definitely frustrating. No chores, no little things to do, not even walking on it. Frankly, Katyusha felt useless. Sitting still was HARD. It was probably what was best for her leg, but it was hard! She needed something to do, she needed to keep her hands busy at least. ...That just proved how much she needed to learn how to relax. This was awful!
That's why she was a little thankful when Matthew handed her the remote.
Maybe she was being unreasonable. This was childish of her. But even so, at least she was deciding on SOMETHING, right?
After taking a few seconds to figure out how it worked, she started flipping through the channels and browsing the specials that were on. There were the usuals - How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reigndeer, old versions and new, sequels - and then she'd come across a few oldies. She hadn't really seen any of the ones she was spotting; not that she'd had time to look up movies, but she'd at least heard of them.
One of them that had particularly caught her interest was 'It's a Wonderful Life'. It was a name she was vaguely familiar with and, out of curiousity, she clicked it. She came to figure out its plot line and that peaked her interest more. It didn't really sound like much of a Christmas movie...and it was in black and white. An oldie.
But none the less she looked up at Matthew, searching for approval. "I-Is this fine?" She hoped it wouldn't be boring; if he wanted to watch something else they could, that was fine. She'd never seen it, so she didn't know if this would be something they'd both like. But her attention had grabbed by the situation shown in the movie; 'What would it be like if I'd never been born?'
It was a familiar question.
Katyusha made herself comfortable - comfortable being snuggled into Matthew's side - and being wary of the icepack on her leg, focused her attention on the movie. It had just hardly started so they hadn't missed much, and all the while she tried to ignore the faint throbbing in her ankle. It wasn't painful, just annoying really, but she also felt an also faint weariness settling in.
Was wearing herself out honestly the only way she could relax?
Just try to stay awake and enjoy yourself. It's Christmas!

___________________________________________________________________

...I-I wanted them to watch an oldie and I couldn't think of anything elsssseeeee ;;u;; *lame*

“Sure that’s fine,” Matthew answered with a half-hearted shrug, leaning back and shifting until he was comfortable. As always, the butterflies in his chest kicked up in a mad buzz as Katyusha pressed into his side and relaxed. Flushing a very masculine shade of pink, he adjusted further so her head rested in the crook of his shoulder. They fit perfectly together like puzzle pieces, and it just felt so natural to hold her like this. His body seemed to melt back into the cushions, watching the old classic through half-lidded eyes. It’s a wonderful life indeed.
Matthew wasn’t completely off in lala land though, he vigilantly kept an eye on Katyusha and the condition of her leg. He mumbled quietly under the movie’s wistful dialog the 10-minute rule. Ten minutes with the icepack on, ten minutes with it off. He wanted to help her leg not freeze it off. Every so often with the arm he had wrapped around her shoulders he’d tug at the blanket, pulling it up closer around her or tucking it in. For a moment he had the fleeting image of himself as a nagging old woman. Worrying and fretting over Katyusha like she couldn’t take care of herself. He knew she could, she was a full-grown woman after all, and being the younger than the two who was he to talk? But he couldn’t help it.
A small wry smile turned up the corner of his mouth. He was so wrapped around her little finger it was almost funny.
He couldn’t stand seeing her in pain even if it was just a simple skating injury. If it were possible he wished he could take her pain and shoulder it for her. Katyusha winced sometimes but settled back down before he could ask if she was all right. He found himself biting his tongue and forcing himself to focus on the movie. He didn’t want to be annoying, asking if she was okay every two minutes. Katyusha was patient, but not that patient.
Turning his eyes back to the screen, Matthew watched the black and white screen with mild interest. The whole premise of the movie was sweet, and sad at times. He could see why it had become a Christmas classic, but that didn’t stop the sudden snap of bitterness forming in his gut.
If I didn’t exist nothing would change… I hardly exist now…
Matthew’s gaze trailed down and then to Katyusha’s face. He toyed with her hair absentmindedly, looking away shyly when she glanced back at him. Those crystal blue eyes fought away his cynicism with each passing second. He hoped that maybe, possibly that someone would remember him.
“I’ve never seen this movie before,” he said bashfully, smiling slightly. “Have you?”

---

<u>

"I've never seen it before, either..." was her simple reply, looking up at him with a shy smile. Usually, with such a close distance Katyusha would've blushed and backed off, apologizing profusely. But now, although she was still blushing, she could stay like that because it was OK. This was OK, right? Yes, yes, this was fine. This was fine because they were dating. Couples did this kind of thing, right?
Of course, she'd still be blushing and apologizing if they got TOO-too close, but maybe that was just her.
Or was that what you were supposed to do? It seemed reasonable enough.
...She was thinking too much.
Relax and watch the movie...
Focusing her attention back onto the movie, the pair fell into a sort of trance. The usual trance when you watched a movie. Or maybe that was just called "paying attention". Other than the occasional glances at each other, it was pretty quiet between them. The throbbing in her leg had worsened and she was thinking of letting Matthew know when it dulled. She let it pass, not wanting to interrupt the movie just because of her stupid injury.
Besides, she was rather comfy where she was. He was warm...
His fidgeting was making her a little worried though. He kept adjusting the blanket or his position or...SOMETHING. For a moment, Katyusha wanted to turn to him and tell him to just sit STILL but that would be so hypocritical of her it'd be painful. He wasn't relaxing like he normally would; why? Was it because she was injured? But that was silly...
Then again, she always worried over silly things, so maybe this was a taste of her own medicine?
But he wouldn't do that, right?
Would he really do that?
Her thoughts were once again interrupted by the fact that she was falling asleep nuzzled next to him. She blinked a couple times, forcing the weariness away. No falling asleep, no! It didn't matter if she was tired! There weren't going to be naps now. They still had the whole day ahead of them, and falling asleep during the movie that neither of them had seen would be rude! She wasn't sick, she didn't have an excuse.
Besides, the movie interested her and she wanted to watch it with Matthew.

_________________________________________________________________

Lame post is lame. <w>

It was really amazing how comfortable they were sitting there together. The dialog of the movie was the only thing making noise, save for the soft, even breathing of Katyusha next to him. He could feel her inhales growing slower, pulling his attention away from the screen. Blinking for a couple seconds- surprised at how captivated he’d been by the movie- Matthew turned his attentions to her profile, smiling softly as he watched her desperately try to stay awake. Her eyelids drooped dangerously low almost there, then suddenly they’d snap wide open and blearily Kat would try to focus on the film again. Matthew snorted a laugh but quickly passed it off as a cough. They’d had an eventful day and obviously it was taking its toll on her …and it was more fun to watch than the movie.
He moved to adjust the blanket again so she’d be more comfortable if she did fall asleep, but froze. It wasn’t hard to see the annoyance flash in her normally gentle eyes. Matthew looked away abruptly fascinated by the ceiling, retracted his hand with a blatant expression saying ‘I wasn’t about to move that. Nope, not innocent ol’ me.’ Flushing, he returned his arm to resting on the back of the couch- making sure it was nowhere near causing more trouble- and turned back to their Christmas tv special.
With his other hand he propped up his head and watched the final part of the movie. He didn’t move again, even if his arm was going numb from lack of blood. Katyusha was the most benevolent person he’d ever met, but anyone would get more than a little grumpy when they were dealing with exhaustion and, he guessed, more than a little pain. Being suddenly caught on the receiving end of a Katyusha glare had thrown him for a loop, but he understood why and gave her some well-deserved space.
However just because he understood didn’t mean as they watched the credits roll that the mood wasn’t just a tiny bit awkward. The commercials seemed suddenly too loud and broke the … well, for lack of a better word ‘bubble’ they’d been lulled into. He grimaced unsure of how to proceed so he continued watching for a while longer (who puts a viagra commercial right after a Christmas special?!), until he couldn't pretend anymore.
Still not moving an inch, Matthew peeked from the corner of his eye.
“So…” he breathed uselessly, and quietly just in case Katyusha really had fallen asleep curled into his side.

---

o3o

Despite the distractions her body was creating for her, Katyusha had been able to enjoy the movie peacefully. It was a good movie, really. She definitely had a smile on her face after watching it when she started to really think about it. One person could make all the difference...it was a baffling concept, but also somewhat true.
She'd always heard stories of people meeting someone that changed them so drastically that their whole life was on a new path.
She knew about the kind of people who just made people happy by BEING there. They were influencial and the kind of person you WANTED to be with.
Without people like that in life, where would everyone be...?
Life certainly wouldn't be the same, that was for sure. Things could be so different... Would some people even bother living their lives out? Would some people exist or not?
Would people happy or not?
Well, Katyusha knew that SHE was happy right now because of a certain someone. Him and his shy demeanour and his own way of charming her...and his stinking gorgeous eyes, his smile...and that way he always made her smile, whether she wanted to or not...
She didn't notice that she was drifting off into some happy bubble again, taking thoughts of Matthew with her.
She quickly snapped out of it, blushing.
She looked up at him, finding that he was glancing at her, and shot him a bashful smile. Katyusha hadn't really been watching the commercials but things got awkward real quick. The hum of the TV's commercials was the only sound in the room at the moment, and she wasn't particularily interested in buying the newest weight-loss solution. An idea of what to do now would be nice. Her leg still hurt, so maybe it was time to get some medicine for herself. ...But she was so comfortable...it really would be a shame to get up now, even though the movie was over. Think of something, anything! Small talk!
"U-Um...Matvey? Are you French?" ...Well. That wasn't exactly small talk. That was RANDOM. What on EARTH was her brain doing? She'd noticed something in his tone, his voice. She'd noticed it a couple times that it was...different? Besides, French slipped from his mouth once in a while.
She WAS curious about it...
But none the less, she avoided his searching eyes, cheeks growing brighter with embarrassment. Why couldn't she be a smooth talker? How did it come so easily to some people?

________________________________________________________________________

ouo

Her question surprised him. Matthew’s gaze snapped away from the tv, not offended at all but curious at her sudden out of the blue interest.
“Um…” he blinked, “ Y-yes, I am. French Canadian actually, not French-French. And I’m only partly... French.” He chuckled bashfully.
He didn’t know why but he felt oddly shy about discussing his heritage. It was a part of him, that while he could speak it fluently and openly, like all those times he said some in front of Katyusha. But it was a special almost private side of him. It was a silly notion of course, how could a language be ‘special’? Still, the feeling stayed in his gut and though he new Katyusha wouldn’t understand, he wanted to share it with her.
“Vous n'avez pas idée de la beauté vous êtes pour moi” he said smoothly, voice low and intense. His eyes locked onto hers for a long moment that never seemed to end. Then suddenly his voice was light again. “Je parle couramment, mais j'ai perdu mon accent.”
A small teasing smile pulled up the corner of his mouth as he gazed down at her, the intensity in his eyes gone, flickering from Katyusha’s face to the tv to the floor then back to Katyusha. She didn’t know how perfect she looked all flustered and shy like that. He bit the inside of his cheek, tempted to speak more, but not wanting to show off. He lifted his arm to encircle her shoulders but hesitated before setting it back on the couch.
Adjusting his glasses, Matthew twisted his body a little so they were more or less facing each other but Katyusha was still able to rest against him.
He tired not to let his words sound expected.
“And you’re Ukrainian... r-right?” he asked.
He remembered to back when he’d been ill and Katyusha had spoken what he thought to be Ukrainian. He still remembered the shiver that shot down his spine. He wanted to hear it again. Who knew eastern European accents could be so… sexy.
The commercials turned into another show of some sort or another, but Matthew knew neither of them were really paying attention anyway.

---

*busy banging my head against my keyboard*

Katyusha was suddenly in that sort of "spotlight" again.
When Matthew's gaze locked with hers, accompanied by the flow of French words from his mouth, she swallowed thickly unable to look away. Her cheeks kept up their bright blush, but there had been a shock that had shot through her. She was trying to keep her breath steady and she found that she had to regain a grip on reality.
The French language was so smooth and sounded absolutely gorgeous, especially in the way he'd spoken. Just one look like that and she was a hopeless mess. She tried to reply but stuttered a little instead. What on earth was wrong with her? She'd heard him speak in French before, this was no big deal. Although, those were only words. These were full sentences, directed at her... She had no idea what he'd said but...but...
She couldn't definitely listen to that all day.
Didn't they say that French was the language of love? ...That was awfully embarrassing to think about, but there was still a part of her that wanted to hear more.
Taking a deep breath, if not still a little taken aback, Katyusha replied, "Y-Yes, I am. I'm a little rusty...but I am fluent." Her shy side was currently not allowing her the gift of speech, so she went to thinking.
She bit her lip and tried to think of something she could say; it wasn't like Matthew would understand what she was saying, but that didn't mean she was going to go swearing up a storm. She'd never be able to pull it off with a straight face. It would still be awful of her! Fiddling with the hem of her shirt, she glanced up at him then back down at her hands, and then back up.
A little trickery wouldn't hurt, would it? Just...get it out!
"Uh...I...Я безнадійно...люблячий? No, no...Я безнадійно...в коханні. That's it. Я безнадійно закоханий у тебе..." The entire time that she fumbled over her mesely - and embarrassing - statement, she was fiddling with her hair and trying not to smile like an idiot. She knew her language, of course she did! It had just been a while since she'd used it in a conversation. She felt sheepish and she probably looked it...other than looking like a tomato.
Saying things like this out loud in English were a no-no right now; she wanted to be absolutely sure of herself but telling him that. It wasn't worth the risk if it wasn't real. But for now, maybe it was OK to allow herself that kind of weakness...she'd never been happier, after all.
Then, before she really knew what she was doing, she was pointing daintly at her lips - and trying to be inconspicuous about it - and murmuring, "Поцілуй мене?" Her gaze met his for only a moment before she looked away, shocked with herself.
Stupid subconcious! Since when did it have authority! This was embarrassing but it had already been done...so...

___________________________________________________________________

This is so painfully CHEESEY, I CAN'T EVEN---

Matthew stared blankly back.
His expression had been one of hidden smugness as he watched the emotions fly across Katyusha’s face, his shyness bubbling to the surface but he was powerless to look away. His eyebrows had risen dramatically, studying her heart shaped face.
He was utterly fascinated.
Red bloomed across her cheeks and she stuttered endearingly, he’d never seen her so… bewildered. Her breathing picked up and he heard her let out the tiniest wisp of a gasp just as her wide eyes had come into focus. Matthew didn’t know whether to bring out more French or never speak it again for Katyusha’s safety.
Did girls really like French that much?
Running his tongue over the inside of his teeth musingly, Matthew decided he’d definitely have to put this skill in the brain bank. He could use it if he ever got in trouble, or if he did something stupid, or for when they argued…
Whip out a little “Vous êtes si merveilleux ma chérie” and he’d be home free.
Matthew looked back down at Katyusha, suddenly inquisitive as she began to speak. He’d had no hope in repeating the limited vocabulary he’d ascertained from Katyusha and he wanted to hear what they all sounded like strung together by a speaker of the correct mother tongue. With a almost childlike curiosity he focused solely on her.
What came from her lips stupefied him.
It sounded so completely natural. Unlike those stupid, faked accents in movies or on tv there was a rolling rhythm to her language that only became whole when she breathed life into the words. He didn't want her to stop.
Whoa…
Matthew was sure he looked like a deer caught in headlights. His glasses had slipped to the tip of his nose but he didn’t have the heart to move, like it would break the suddenly intimate moment. Obviously, he hadn't understood a word of it, but by the growing blush on her face he speculated that he wasn’t the only one hiding secrets behind the language barrier. If he could only understand what she’d said…
Her last words, however, didn’t need a translation.
Matthew sucked in a sharp breath.
They stared at each other for long, tense minute. Had she really just said what he thinks she said? Shy, demure Katyusha?
A shocked breathless chuckle bubbled from his mouth before he could stop himself, and Matthew found an affectionate lopsided grin plastered across his face. The look of horror at her own actions made him laugh again.
So like Katyusha.
With deliberate slowness, he reached around with the arm he’d previously banished to the back of the couch and gently with the back of his fingers brushed the apple of her cheek.
And then he leaned down and kissed her.

---

But cheesy is gooooood! CB

A smile invaded their kiss as their lips met, giving away the fact that she was pleased he'd understood. It was embarrassing, she was being greedy!
But then again, it was rather hard to think straight at the moment.
Sparks shot through her veins as usual and Katyusha tried to shift to adjust to the kiss, in an attempt to make things more comfortable. A moment of pain in her leg stopped her from doing that - also breaking the kiss for a second - but she ignored it and pressed her lips back against his. It still hadn't changed; every kiss was bliss to her.
Would that change one day?
...She sure hoped not.
She returned the notion tenitavely, lingering before parting again for air. Violet eyes met with hers and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. Apparently her mouth had a mind of its own because it had started spouting words before she'd really processed what she was saying.
"Поцілуй мене знову..." Lips connected again and despite her blush, a sort of haze had begun to grow in her mind.
This was so strange...she was doing before thinking, and is was like she hadn't even thought of doing it but she did it anyways.
It almost felt like a vague dream.
Katyusha tried to move again, deciding that sitting just a wee bit closer wouldn't hurt anyone, but her leg once again stopped her.
Frustration invaded her happy little bubble and because of the distraction, she placed a few quick, chaste kisses against Matthew's lips while fighting the will to ignore the pain and carry on---
Maybe it was the pain that brought her back to reality because she suddenly pulled back, flushing an even brighter shade of red and fumbling for words. "S-Sorry! I...I'm sorry! I shouldn't be...doing... A-And I should speak in...English." Now it felt like her brain was mush; there went that wonderful haze.
Broken sentences weren't exactly proper, but she couldn't think of anything intelligent to say.
So instead she remained by his side, the pair nice and snug, while she fumbled around with words and the reasons behind her actions.
Yes, they were dating but that wasn't any reason to...do THAT. It was rude and unbecoming of her; she'd even been the one to ask for a kiss!
It hadn't been in English, mind you, but he'd still gotten the message...

______________________________________________________________

Brain is broken, brb <A>

Matthew’s eyes slid shut and he could have hummed in delight as he tasted the familiar, sweet almost aloof rush… so utterly and completely Katyusha. Beyond inndescribable yet he craved it- her like no other.
His fingers stroked her cheek a final time and then slowly wove them into her silky hair. His other hand slipped into his favourite place into the curve of her hip. Blood pounded hard in his ears, heat crawling up from his collar tinting his ears red along with his face in a deep scarlet flush.
He didn’t want it to end. Maybe it was his testosterone exploding caveman side speaking- more like yelling actually- but finally having her in his grasp made him feel like a druggie shot up and riding high. Katyusha stoked the flicker in his chest into a full-blown brush fire whispering breathlessly in her mother tongue. Again, Matthew could only listen, unable to understand but he desperately wanted to hear more.
Swearing lowly under his breath in French, Matthew shifted forward, lips meeting against hers again and again. And then suddenly… she was gone.
He hung in midair for a second, eyes still closed and lips pouted, thinking she’d be coming back for another peck. But when she didn’t his pout turned instantly into an actual disgruntled pout.
No… no more kisses…?
Matthew blinked stupidly, opening his eyes to look down at a rattled Katyusha, expression confused-almost hurt, wondering why in the name of all that is holy she stopped.
“N-no…” he stuttered, after a long moment of finding his voice. “No, it’s fine… I-I like hearing you speak Ukrainian. It’s… um… it’s lovely," he said, meaning it.
Biting his bottom lip in thought, Matthew released a fond sigh.
Oh, Katyusha…
They’d been dating for only a few months, and being two of the shyest people on the planet did have some drawbacks, but he’d hoped with this time together over the holidays they’d become more comfortable with each other. Not that he was looking for more, er, ‘physical’ contact, he'd just wished that Katyusha would be relaxed enough around him to kiss him if she wanted to. It was just kissing, not commiting some horrific crime.
Shifting forward and pulling her a little closer, he uncoiled his hands, gently using them to cup both side of her pink heart-shaped face.
Matthew leaned closer until their noses brushed, his smile hinting vaguely at a smirk. “Pas besoin de s'inquiéter, de l'amour. Je suis à vos ordres…”

---

*dies*

For a moment, Katyusha was torn between retreating back into her normal shy demeanour or kissing him again with more ferver than before.
She was almost scared to breath with how close they were and she kept her hands on his shoulders, - how they'd made it there, she wasn't sure - supporting herself and closing her eyes. Her heart had lept into her throat and she tried to calm its rapid pounding, trying to ignore the fact that wherever his hands had been left a tingling sort of sensation and the fact that his breath was mingling with hers.
The French wasn't helping either, but it DID help her make a decision.
Option two was her answer.
Still accompanied by her deep blush, lips connected once more and her hands moving to entangle their fingers in Matthew's hair. The sparks with each kiss were being stirred, embers burning hotter with every small motion. The way he tasted was surely something. It was a guilty pleasure, her own little secret, something only she could taste right now.
She pulled away with a sheepish laugh that hardly escaped her, murmuring embarrassed apologies. She couldn't find the courage in her to kiss him like that again so instead, Katyusha began her chaste kisses again smiling the whole time.
This was BIZARRE for her. She'd never had the confidence for something like this, but now all of the sudden...
It was so strange. Not in a bad way, no! It was just...
She couldn't explain it.
She was about to plant another kiss to his lips when she was forced to pull back, retracting one hand to cover up a yawn. Well...this is embarrassing. She scooted back a little, glancing up at him through slightly ruffled hair. It was a slight understatement that this upset her a little. She wanted to hug him and smile with him, kiss him until her lips were plump and chapped--- But obviously, that wasn't going to happen.
It wasn't that this was BORING, no! Not at all! It was far from boring! But they'd had a long day - which was definitely fun, there was no doubt about that - but the energy spent and her leg were both catching up on her.
Katyusha took a moment to push a few stray hairs back into place.
Her shy side was back, along with her exhaustion.
She didn't want to fall asleep in the middle of things, but her eyelids felt heavy... "U-Um...I...s-sorry, I..."

___________________________________________________________________

I'm amazed that I wrote this reply while listening to The Animaniacs. :U

As Katyusha pulled away Matthew’s answering smile was very much like a cat who’d swallowed the canary, adjusting his glasses to better see the pleased look on his lady’s face-
…and that’s when he saw her yawning.
He’d be lying if he said that didn’t hurt his inner caveman’s ego just a little. No man likes have a girl yawn at his kissing, it breaks a little bit of the male soul. However, the cute little yawn Katyusha made, with her eyes pinching shut and her nose scrunching up, made him forget the sudden revival of his insecurities… at least for the second anyway. It was just one of those moments that he took a mental picture of. She didn’t need to get dressed up or wear makeup, she looked beautiful right now, blinking blearily trying to stay awake.
Glancing over her shoulder his eyes widened slightly as he caught sight of the time. It was still only late evening, just on the cusp of when only the very early risers called it a night, but they had missed dinner completely sitting down in the den entwined together in front of the tv. It was understandable, though. Going out for the day, skating for the first time, her injury of course, so much added on top a normal day’s exhaustions.
With a tenderness he reserved only for Katyusha, Matthew gathered her in his arms, a small affectionate smile tugging up the corner of his mouth as she murmured sleepily, unable to be fully coherent. Mindfully turning off the tv, grabbing the ice pack- which was now warm- and turning off the light, he carried her out of the room and headed upstairs.
Nudging her bedroom door open with his foot, Matthew carefully moved her in. It was a bit difficult, but he managed to yank down the covers, setting her down while trying not to wake her up. Her head lolled against the pillow, hair splaying around her like a halo. It was a silly cliché, but with Katyusha a halo seemed very possible. Matthew leaned down, hands pressing against the mattress on either side of her shoulders. In the dark, with only the tiniest spec of light turned silver against her skin, she looked unbelievably tempting…
Slowly his head sunk down until his mouth was only a hairsbreadth away from hers. It would be so easy…
Matthew dropped his shoulders with a disheartened sigh. What was he, a creep?
He couldn’t do that to Katyusha, even if she was sleeping. Damn. His gentlemanly manners were too ingrained in him.
Moving away he reached for the covers-
“Eh?” Matthew breathed, looking down and flushing.
Katyusha’s hands were fisted in the front of his shirt. He tried to uncurl her fingers but damn! Katyusha was strong! Almost disturbing so. Panicking, Matthew realized he couldn’t pry off her hands without waking her. What was he supposed to do now?!
Well there’s always the option of staying…
He licked his lips nervously, casting helpless looks around the room.
He couldn’t do that… could he?
Did he have a choice?
Matthew really didn’t want to wake her, she needed her rest…
Sucking in a deep breath, he sank down onto the mattress and swallowing thickly he slipped under the covers, mindful to keep at least the sheet between them. Almost automatically Katyusha moved closer catching Matthew off guard. Now he really wasn’t going anywhere. Setting his glasses out of the way on the side table, Matthew tucked his chin on top of her head.
This was either going to turn out really well or really, really bad, however, as he lay there he couldn’t help but admire how stunning she was curled so close in his arms. He could definitely get used to this…

---

You're just THAT awesome XD

Katyusha awoke to a strange sense of security, her pleasant dreams fading from her mind so that she was unable to remember them. Warmth was everywhere, blankets and...something else? No, no, just blankets...
Blankets? Where had they come from? Was she still on the couch?
Alright, what was the last thing she remembered... Matthew and her were watching 'It's a Wonderful Life', yes...they'd shared a little of each of their languages, and...kissed...but what after? What after---right! She'd been falling asleep and, from what she could remember, he'd been carrying her up the stairs...
She'd really felt like a child in that moment, but sleep had been of more importance.
So, if he had been going upstairs, was she in her room?
Right now she was unwilling to get up, unaware of the other presence with her, and slightly confused as to where she was but instead of being productive, Katyusha pulled herself closer to the source of warmth she was currently clinging to.
But her eyes opened a tad when she heard a soft thumping, rhythmic and slow. And was her source of warmth moving? It shouldn't be moving...
Cracking her eyes open blearily, she took a moment to take in her surroundings. Cloth was blocking her line of vision, but from what she could tell this was definitely her room. And gosh, whatever she was holding sure smelled good...
Katyusha pulled back a little, blinking away the sleep in her eyes to look at the clock by the bed---and her heart nearly stopped.
She had currently been clinging to not a pillow, but Matthew himself. From where she'd been lying, she'd been cuddling his chest and she could feel that their legs were tangled beneath the sheets. One of his arms was draped over her protectively, but was not clutching her.
She only sat up in shock, staring at him. Half of her wanted to just start panicking and flailing, half of her wanted to go RIGHT back to sleep, and half of her wanted to wake him up and tell him off, pointing out how much NERVE he had to do this.
He was in her bed! Sure, they'd slept on the couch together, but the bed was different! It was...it was the bed! The bed was a no-no! It was generally for sleeping, but...but...but...
Key word: generally.
Her face flushed deeply and she decided that finding the time would be best. Even though it was still dark, maybe she could get up and do something productive. But unfortunately for her, the alarm clock by the bed was facing away from her. ...She needed to get to the other side of Matthew. Biting her lip, Katyusha reached over him trying to turn it...but she couldn't reach it from where she was. She could always get up and go see, but the way their legs were was making it a little difficult...
Placing one hand on the mattress to support herself she leaned further over him, turning the clock just barely with her fingertips. It was still quite early in the morning, explaining why it was still so dark...why was she up?!
Just as she was pondering this, her body decided that it was too tired to do stuff like this in the morning and her hand gave out of her. With a small squeak, she collapsed onto his lap and at the same time her injured leg jostled roughly against one of his own, making her breath in sharply through clenched teeth.

______________________________________________________

Derp derp derp~ <w>

One second blissful, uninterrupted sleep, the next Matthew was sitting bolt upright, winded with a loud “OOF!”
The room spun blurrily in front of his eyes and gasped for air, bidy instinctively having a fight or flight reaction until he focused on the body laying right across his thighs.
“K-Kat?” he weezed, running a hand through his bed-head hair. He tried desperately to recall the night’s events, head spinning and eyes flashing around. He reached out with a hand to grope at the side table for his glasses and placed them on his nose so fast that they were lopsided.
“Katyusha? What is it? What’s wrong?” he asked again, still startled by the sudden awakening. Taking her shoulders he helped her back up- discreetly moving both her and her painfully placed elbow away from something of his that was rather important.
“Ah…” he said awkwardly as the realization of their situation finally sank in.
A very tense silence settled over the room.
Matthew laughed nervously, daring to break the quiet. “Y-you, haha, you wouldn’t happen to believe me if I said this isn’t what it looks like?”
Katyusha didn’t look very impressed by his attempt at humour.
“I-I didn’t do anything!” he vindicated, flushing brilliantly. “I-You- I-it wasn’t-! I mean y-you wouldn’t… I didn’t want to wake you-!” He pulled up the covers slightly. “See? I kept the- … oh…” The red in his face darkened to the shade of a beet. There was nothing between them, the sheet he’d carefully kept at a barrier scrunched up at the foot of the bed.
Well there went his alibi.
Abruptly fascinated by a loose thread coming from their blanket Matthew didn’t meet Katyusha’s eye, half braced for her explosion of anger.
He clenched his jaw, smothering a yawn. Obviously it was very early morning and he would have liked another couple hours of sleep but he didn’t think asking Katyusha to come back and wake him when he felt like it was a very good idea right at the moment. After an awakening like that though he didn’t think he could go back to dreaming about nothing. There was one positive though, he didn’t squeal like a girl in front of her. Honestly, he thought it was a serial killer or a dead body that had landed on him.
Okay, no more horror movies…
Chancing a glance up at Katyusha, Matthew’s fierce embarrassed blush drained slightly. She looked like she was in pain…
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked seriously. A frown crossed his features and he gestured inquiringly towards her leg. This would probably be the worst day for her injury with everything settling in and her body trying to repair it, still… he wished he could see it to check for himself, but he didn’t think quite had the freedom to do so after their little wake up fiasco. Katyusha seemed to be in seriously discomfort though.
He held out a hand, patting the spot beside him sheepishly. “If you straighten it out it might help…”

---

<w>

A half-pout, half-frown had formed on her face and Katyusha kept her gaze on him, doing her best to ignore the new found pain in her leg. Should she believe him...? This whole situation was pretty sketchy. Apparently he'd put something on the mattress...? Well, whatever it had been, it wasn't there and he seemed flustered about it. What could it have been...?
So many questions... What, where, when, WHY? The "who" question was already answered, obviously. "How"...she wasn't sure she wanted to know. But what WAS the "how" she didn't want to know? Did she honestly want to know? ...Was Matthew honestly telling the truth? Had nothing happened? But if nothing had happened, why was he here in bed with her?
The colour in her cheeks returned; it was hard to think about all of this without getting embarrassed. This was all so weird and a bit awkward but still so nice somehow---
But even so, she complied to his suggestion, taking her spot beside him again, sitting up and stretching her leg a little. It felt achy and stiff, not to mention the additional pain revived from earlier, but she toughed it out. Her expression probably wasn't hiding the pain very well, much to her frustration, but she'd do her best in being calm with it.
It wasn't that the pain was no big deal; she hated how much it hurt sometimes and she hated that it was worrying Matthew. She wanted it to be over with. But unfortunately, no one had the power to fast-forward time so she would just naturally have to deal with it.
The two sat in an awkward silent for a couple minutes and Katyusha had to fight back the urge to yawn. It was too early in the morning to deal with this... She wanted to go back to bed and snuggle up with him, curled up together and staying like that until they were greeted by the sun---
NO! No, that's the wrong way to think about this! He shouldn't BE in your bed, Katya! It doesn't matter if it felt n-nice, this shouldn't be happening so soon!
...Was a couple months 'too soon'? 'Too late'...?
Fiddling with the blanket a little, she hesitated before asking, "U-Um...why are you...here?" She glanced over at him shyly, unable to keep her gaze locked with us for more than a few seconds. She didn't want to be too blunt about it, that would be awfully rude, wouldn't it? Then again, maybe letting out a little anger would be best?
...She didn't know what to do! She had no idea what to do!

_______________________________________________________________________

>3<