And with the next step comes...?

Katyusha gave a small shy nod and, with Matthew's help, pulled on her coat and took the mittens and toque from him as well, quickly putting those on. She debated putting on her shoes as well, and ended up with the decision of just carrying them up to the balcony. Tracking wet snow all over the place was out of the question. Waiting for him after she was ready, the pair ascended up the stairs to their little "hide away" for now.
Somewhere along the way she'd become more relaxed - maybe it had been over dinner? - she had this...feeling that wouldn't leave her. Perhaps it was just the warm supper they'd just had, or maybe it was the fact that she had warmer clothing on now.
...Or maybe it was the fact that they were just about to celebrate New Years Eve together, just the two of them, and just the thought of it brought a fuzzy feeling to her. And now that it was a reality...
Well, the reality ACTUALLY was that they'd spent Christmas together and now they were together on New Years, too. They'd spent nearly the entire holiday together...
Going back to school and work would be so odd...it'd be hard to get into the routine of being by herself again...
The two made their way to the balcony and Katyusha shivered at the brisk coldness as they stepped outside. Their view was dotted with streetlights and the lights from houses all around, but there were still a few visible stars in the sky.
The clouds have cleared off...that's good.
By the sounds of it, the New Year was fast approaching and celebrations were already underway. Soon enough they too would be celebrating a new year.
...Where had the time gone?
Glancing over at Matthew, she let out a puff of air as the seconds ticked by, anticipation growing in her. Her cheeks reddened a little when their eyes met, adding to the colour already there due to the chilly weather. She rubbed her covered hands together, turning her gaze back to the view. It was actually very pretty...
I wonder when the fireworks will start...because that will mean that it's the New Year...
Her childish curiousity was back, bringing back the thought of his fairly-won-request. Had he forgotten about it...? He hadn't said anything about it afterwards...
What was he up to...?

________________________________________________________________________

ajd;lfa <A> Urrrgghhh

It was impossible for Matthew to stay still. Shifting from foot to foot, playing with his mittens, adjusting his toque, taking his glasses off to clean them. He couldn’t help it, he was nervous.
The sharp sting of the wintry air that usually calmed him just made him more distracted. It amplified the dusting of pink on Katyusha’s cheeks to a beautiful rosy flush and Matthew discovered with great embarrassment that he’d been watching the steady plumes of her breath puff outwards and the plump parted lips that released them.
He couldn’t focus for two seconds could he?
Placing his hands on the railing, he leaned his weight against it, his nervous seeming to spread to the atmosphere dousing them both in a tense silence.
“Are you cold?” he asked, his sudden words sounding far too loud for quiet they’d fallen into. Maybe they should have waited to come out here…
A faint rumble in the background could be heard from all the people gathered around the sight of the fireworks. Their eyes locked onto one another’s, making him swallow tightly. Somehow between dinner and now he’d been able to convince himself that he’d be this smooth, incredibly suave gentleman, pulling Katyusha close and whispering his request’s demand into her ear just as the midnight countdown reached zero.
Riiiight. Like that was really going to happen.
Nope. Not in the real world.
So… plan B.
Matthew offered one hand to Katyusha, head tilted down so his glasses slipped dangerously close to the end of his nose and a combination of the cold and his own embarrassment turning the tops of his ears a flaming red. He could act as tough and macho as he wanted but when she took his hand he couldn’t deny the way his insides melted into a flurry of butterflies.
He stood there stupidly for a minute, staring at her with a helpless awestruck look, and then he jumped, realizing what he’d been doing.
“S-sorry! Um…” He shook back a sleeve to study his watch. “U-um, it’s almost time. We’ve got about a minute… unless my watching is wrong,” he added, laughing uneasily. Clearing his throat, Matthew looked away.
45 seconds to go…
Matthew shuffled minutely closer, their arms pressing together. How was he supposed to ask? Should he ask it?
… 30 seconds…
It would NOT help his self-esteem if he started hyperventilating. Come on! He’d kissed her this morning! What was the big deal?
…15 seconds…
What was he supposed to say?! Wasn’t this supposed to be one of those moments that girls remembered forever? Getting kissed at midnight on New Years Eve? And if he messed up then Kat would remember exactly how for the rest of her life?! Too much pressure!
“Ten… “ Matthew said, looking down at his watch again. Someone had a microphone down in the crowd and started counting to.
“Nine” the pair of them counted down together. “Eight… Seven… Six…”
Matthew squeezed Katyusha’s hand, cutting her off.
“Kiss me?” his voice came out small but blunt, blurting it out in a hurry. They only had seconds left!

Anticipation soon mixed with anxiousness and nervousness, leaving her fidgeting and glancing at Matthew and the growing festivities just beyond. Things were getting busier despite it being late into the night, midnight must have definitely been getting closer---
Matthew offering his hand to her backed up her thoughts, but she had a moment of panic when he said that there was about a minute left.
A minute? ONLY a minute?
A minute until the new year?
So soon?
It was already here?
Katyusha didn't feel prepared for it at all. What if this was the year where everything went wrong? What if she had to hurt someone? She didn't want to hurt anyone---
What if this was the year that would be painful for her?
Her past year had been...wonderful! She'd met Matthew, after all. But...happiness never stayed for long, right?
Would all of this just be a honeymoon-like phase?
Counting down with him was easy, despite her worries growing within her, but her panic came back when he blurted out his request. Or what she was assuming was his request. Colour rushed back to her eachs and Katyusha found herself sputtering, searching for an answer.
There were only 5 seconds until midnight! And he says this NOW?!
What should she do?! It was his request, yes, but---
No, this was embarrassing!
Although, this would be nothing compared to earlier today.
But---
Just shut up and KISS HIM, Katya!
The loud crack of fireworks made her jump and she realized that it was now or never. So, NOW it was.
She turned her body to face him and stood on her tiptoes, lips pressing to Matthew's. He was cold and his lips were a little bit chapped, but the body heat between the two of them made up for it. The cold was actually a little bit refreshing, even though she'd been cold before. It didn't make sense, but it still...did. Squeezing his hands affectionately, she remained in their sweet little kiss before pulling back to look him in the eyes. She had no doubt that her cheeks were aflame and her eyes darted to the side, then to the ground, then back up to him.
She spoke quietly, the cracks of fireworks much louder than her timid voice, "Well...Happy New Year, Matvey!"

The sensation of being kissed by Katyusha would never get old.
Blushing and her adorable naturally shyness showing through, Katyusha’s quiet New Year greeting made him grin.
Matthew let go of her hand and wrapped his arms around her waist, crushing her against him, and then he swept her off the ground, spinning her round and round as he kissed her again, fireworks exploding in the background.
After several moments he gently set her back down on her feet, although he didn’t let go yet. The flush that had tinted the tips of his ears spread to his cheeks and over the bridge of his nose, still smiling however now his expression was properly abashed.
“H-Happy New Year! I…” he started, unsure how to apologize for his abrupt request. “I’m sorry for… well, for being so damn blunt.” He laughed a bit breathlessly, praying that Katyusha saw the humour in it to and wasn’t about to castrate him. “I wasn’t very… delicate about it, but… t-thank you.”
The colours of the fireworks, for a split second, lit up Katyusha’s heart-shaped face before once again casting them back into darkness. Another fulminating BANG and he could see her face in perfect detail once more. Bringing one gloved hand up to cup her cheek, he ran his thumb in an affectionately under her eye, just below her lashes, then let it drop so the two of them could watch the rest of the celebration.
There was a mighty cheer as the show came to an end with a fantastically bright finale. For a few long breaths, the pair of them just stood there on the balcony, staring out over the landscape. Matthew inhaled a deep breath, feeling slightly off kilter. Now what to do?
He shifted back a little, unsure whether or not he’d felt Katyusha shiver and perhaps she was tired to. It was late after all and now that everything was over, going back inside was sounded like a good idea.
“Come on,” he gestured, opening the door.
They headed back in, shucking off their jackets and the rest and carried their boots back downstairs. As Katyusha hung up her jacket, Matthew leaned one shoulder against the wall, simply watching her. When she turned, rightly startled, he pushed off and reached out to tuck back some of her hair.
“I think it’s only fair…” he spoke, one side of his mouth twitching upwards, “that you get one favour to.”

She still had goosebumps from the cold, - and maybe just possibly from Matthew's exuberant kiss - and Katyusha rubbed her arms a little trying to warm herself up. The fireworks display had taken her breath away - once again, this also possibly may have also been because of their kiss - and she found that she could say that their own little celebration was going quite well.
It was simple, but she wouldn't want to be anywhere else, as sappy as that was.
After hanging up her coat and feeling briefly surprised, she shyly pulled back somewhat at Matthew's touch, but didn't completely avoid it. Then, she could only blink up at him, taken aback.
Another favour?
SHE had to ask a favour?
...But what could she ask? She didn't want to impose on him...was there anything she ABSOLUTELY needed?
Her subconcious was firing ideas at her again and Katyusha almost scowled at herself, instead taking the time to ponder over his statement. She really didn't want to make him uncomfortable...but on the other hand, these requests were free-range. He'd been allowed to ask anything, and now so was she.
Needless to say, the thought was tempting...
If she was going to be honest, she really just wanted to kiss him again. She wanted kiss him again and again, keep him right close to her--- It was awfully selfish of her, and that thought was only amplified when she realized her subconcious had brought out the suggestion of asking him to stay the night with her. As in, sleep with her. Not like THAT, as in--- As in sleeping.
Just sleeping.
Katyusha was then briefly distracted from her thoughts when she recognized the sound of the radio. Right, they'd left it on. Celebrations were definitely up and going, and the music currently playing had her swaying slightly. And with that, an idea came to her.
Fiddling bashfully with a lock of her hair, she looked up at Matthew and spoke with a little hesitation, "Um...can...can we dance? Uh, w-we might as well be celebrating. I-I...um..."
And her shyness came back just as quickly as it had went. Maybe it had never really left at all.
Pity.

___________________________________________________________________

This is cheesey and repetitive, aahhh
B-But I got the image of them dancing to something jazzy or something and IT WOULDN'T LEAVE ME ALDKJF;ALS

A small, coltish smile began to slowly spread across his face, and for once he didn’t try to fight the flush that crept upwards from the collar of his shirt. He hadn’t noticed the music until Katyusha brought it to his attention. They must have forgotten to turn it off when they’d headed upstairs…
Taking her hand, her brought it up to his mouth and kissed the soft backs of her knuckles.
“May I have this dance?” he asked formally- though the song was anything but conventional-, bowing slightly and looking upwards at her through his lashes.
The music was faint, seeming far away in the kitchen, drifting out to them as Matthew tugged her closer and brought his hand to rest on the small of her back. He could feel the curve up to her shoulders and the slight dip of her spine, not to mention what exactly was pressing against his chest. Still, he thought it an improvement that for once he wasn’t sputtering around awkwardly, panicking about what to do next and imitating the colour of a tomato.
It was just Katyusha and himself.
The song had a faster tempo but the pair of them moved to their own beat, their feet moving in a slightly more sophisticated step rather than the inelegant box step they’d done before. Matthew seriously debated whether or not dance lessons would be a good idea, because girls liked good dancers, right…?
He took half a step back and gently twirled Katyusha before bringing her close again just before the song came to an end. The DJ was naming more places and cities celebrating however it was buzz in the background to Matthew, he was too busy drinking in the view of the girl wrapped in his arms. Despite how late it was, as another slower melody sang quietly from the radio, he tucked her head under his chin, her petite frame fitting perfectly against him, and together they swayed.
Rocking back and forth… back and forth… It wasn’t until Matthew realized they were dangerously close to falling asleep where they stood that he stopped and set a hand on Katyusha shoulder, tenderly nudging her shoulder.
“Hey,” he whispered, “It’s getting late. Let’s leave the dishes and cleaning up for tomorrow.”
His hand stayed on the slight hollow of her waist, only letting go to turn out lights or close curtains, the small tasks of shutting the house down for the night. It had become almost a habit, taking care of this place, and though it belonged to someone else he and Katyusha had created something special of their own here. Matthew fought off the urge to cringe. Going back to school was going to kill him. How could he return to a place where he was ignored, knocked over or shoved because no one saw him. After living in this little oasis he’d have to go back to being invisible, and worse still, he’d only be catching glimpses of Katyusha as they passed in the halls, walking away to different classes, lucky to see each other at lunch.
She was a person who saw him as as an idividual, as his own personal with habits and likes and dislikes, not just as 'That quiet guy with the glasses'. She'd spoiled him with affection and attention and he'd grown greedy.
Unconsciously, Matthew’s hand had fisted around the hem of Katyusha shirt. They were at the top of the stairs, about to split away to their separate rooms, Matthew gazing up at her from a few steps down.
It was late.
They were both tired.
He knew they needed sleep.

But... he just couldn’t let go.

---

Go to sleep wifey!

Sleep was closing in on her now that the late hours were catching up with her, and Katyusha tried to fight off the bleariness in her eyes for as long as possible.
Matthew shouldn't have to carry her back to her room again. It had been rude of her to fall asleep before, so it shouldn't have to happen again!
Darkness overtook the house as they shut down for the night and the warmth from his hand only made her sleepier, and she couldn't resist the urge to lean against him a little. It was only when they were seperated by a few steps on the stairs that she parted from his side, his hands still with her. Resting her hands on his forearms, Katyusha stood there with him for a moment giving him a tired but happy smile.
She tried to move back a little but realized that Matthew still had a hold on her. Cocking her head to the side a little, she wondered if there was something wrong or if he was just distracted or...? Maybe he was just tired, like her...
"Matvey?" She blinked at him for another short moment, before backing up some more, pulling him up the stairs so that he was at the top to. She stumbled a little so that she was nearly at the back wall - oh no, it was too late at night to have a repeat of earlier, no, no, no - and she moved back forward, looking up at him shyly. "A-Are you OK?"
She couldn't help fiddling with his sleeves, realizing that she'd pulled them closer together than she'd intended. She was about to say more when a yawn interrupted her and she had to lift one hand to hide it, flushing.
That hadn't been rude at ALL, oh no.
Not at all.
Katyusha avoided his gaze for a moment before looking back. Maybe it was the sleep clouding her brain that was making her act so off, but she found herself moving in for a hug. She didn't know what was wrong - if anything WAS wrong - but she wanted the BOTH of them to be happy.
She didn't want her happiness to be at Matthew's cost.
That was much, much too selfish!
All of the sudden her thoughts seemed much to jumbled up for someone who was just about to go to bed. She wanted to have the best for both of them, but her selfishness wanted to indulge itself. She wanted to go to bed and think about the day, going to bed with a smile...but she also wanted to go bed with HIM. Nothing naughty, just innocent cuddles. But after this morning, even though the thought wouldn't leave her alone, she couldn't---
Burrying her face into his chest, she settled for the silence they had right now. He was warm and frankly, it was calming...

The moment was so still, so hallowed, even breathing felt like a violation against the intimacy that had enveloped them.
Matthew broad form that towered over Katyusha seemed to swallow her up as he pulled her closer, dropping his head, nose nuzzling the soft concave where her jaw and ear connected. Her sweet natural scent was so striking it sent his senses reeling.
Matthew nestled closer, pulling in a deep, gulping breath. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding it.
Maybe it was just him feeling so suddenly overwhelmed. Girls were supposed to be the emotional ones. They were the ones supposed to cry over sappy movies, get over-excited at simple romantic gestures, and stick to you like glue. Yet here he was, clutching at her like if he dared to loosen his grip even a little she’d disappear.
I don’t want to be alone… I want you to stay…
How childish, how inane!
Katyusha had her own life to look after. He’d only add the burdens of it by behaving like a clingy boyfriend. She’d become annoyed by him- maybe even start to hate him and that… that would shatter him.
Stop acting like a damn schoolgirl!
Matthew hesitated a little at Katyusha’s question, drawing in a long inhale and giving one last haunting squeeze before shifting back. Katyusha’s expression displayed a clear uneasiness. He wasn’t sure if it was just a trait of her characteristic shyness or perhaps the similarities of their positions now compared to that of… earlier. She held her ground this time though, making sure she had an escape route lest he attack her again. The corner of Matthew’s mouth twitched upwards. That had been –he had to admit to himself- a very pleasurable experience, however he wasn’t some testosterone driven animal. He could control himself… when he wanted to. And right now was not the time to go jumping her.
“I’m… I’m all right, just tired,” he said quietly, smiling half-heartedly and then chuckling lightly as she tried and failed at smothering a yawn. The adorable way her nose wrinkled slightly and her eyes fluttered…
He was really going to miss this.
“I’m keeping you up,” he said, apologizing profusely in true Canadian fashion. “Sorry. Come on, let’s get you settled.”
The motion of scooping Katyusha into his arms had lost the cumbersome awkwardness that usually accompanied the movement. Katyusha seemed too exhausted to put up much of a fight. Feeling her arms encircle his neck and her head rest on his shoulder, Matthew’s feet padded softly across the floor to her bedroom, nudging the door open with his knee. This time he was careful of Katyusha’s grip, making sure she hadn’t latched onto his shirt again. Not that he would mind staying…
No! Keep your mind out of the gutter!
“Here we go, m’lady,” Matthew said chivalrously, in a very bad mock British accent. He set her down on the bed, her head resting against the pillow, hair splaying out and around like a halo. The yellow light from the hallway fell across her face, showing just a hint of the pink still high on her cheeks. Straightening up, he studied her for a moment than looked away, flushing hard as he adjusted his glasses.
“Um, well, goodnight then… I guess… Unless you need anything else?”
He'd meant to hide it but Matthew was pretty sure Katyusha heard the hopefulness in his voice slip through.

---

Cuddles time? \ewe/

Although she still couldn't help but worry a little, Katyusha didn't ask anything else and let him be. She didn't have the energy to get worked up over him, even if she already was somewhat. It was late, it was time to wind down...
She had a feeling that her mind wouldn't let her go to sleep so easily, but that didn't really matter at the moment.
A smile couldn't be helped at his fake accent and his last question - she'd heard something else in his tone, she knew she had - and rolled over onto her side, studying him. Was there anything else she needed...? She was satisfied, really... With the acceptional "event" the day had gone very smoothly; she couldn't be happier. But now, as she lay on her bed, Matthew waiting for a request or the sign to leave...
There was a sudden pang in her heart. Reality had just come back, and it had come back very suddenly.
This was all going to be over. No more chore sharing, no more daily meals together, no more goodnights or good mornings...
How could she sleep with that thought looming in her?
Slowly sitting up, Katyusha took the blankets around her and covered her shoulders, looking back up to meet his eyes again. Giving another small smile, she motioned for him to come closer. Closer, closer still--- He was almost at the point where he'd have to kneal, so she gathered up what little courage she had at the moment and spoke in a small voice, "Um...can you stay...? J-Just a little bit longer."
The ease that she'd settled into was gone. She felt much to small, too tense...she was actually a little scared. For what reason, she couldn't explain. But there was a cold, uncomfortable feeling that was mingling with her happiness and it wasn't leaving her in a great position.
She didn't want him to get the wrong idea about things, but she didn't want to part just yet---
Her hands came out of their blankety fortress and fiddled with his, a blush rising on her cheeks. It was hard to hold his gaze... The urge to hug him again was there, but she couldn't make herself move.
"...Just a little longer..."
Maybe her mind really was fooling around with her; after all, she'd had such a weird day with her emotions. Kisses were good, sleeping in bed was bad, don't do this, but this is ok right now--- It was all so confusing!
But...there was also another option.
Maybe she was finally becoming even more comfortable with Matthew. Maybe she was just opening up to him a little more.
Maybe this was another big step for her...for them.
Finally. Took long enough, Katya.

_____________________________________________________________

Make zee cuddles happen~ eueb

On the outside, Matthew’s reaction was measured, calm and collected.
On the inside, his brain was having a panic attack.
Katyusha’s soft, almost whispered words sent his heart shooting straight up into his throat. Not a particularly nice feeling but he didn’t really seem to mind over the ecstatic sensations now sending pleasurable spasm through every tingle one of his nerves. Half of him wanted to jump directly into the bed cannonball style and nuzzle up close to her, wrapping his arms around her and basking in the sensations until they fell asleep (just holding her, he reminded himself, trying to keep his mind out of the gutter… though that was easier said than done).
The other half, however, was very, very weary of her request.
Was he or wasn’t he allowed to be in her bed? So many mixed signals- He just couldn’t understand! Was it off-limits or not?!
He falls asleep more or less by accident after carrying her to her to her room: the Captain barely avoids getting served up on a silver platter. But now, when they’re both barely awake and still riding the highs of an emotional night- the perfect concoction for a risky situation. The ambiguous, blurred line Katyusha had drawn wasn’t helping either. Just when he was absolutely sure about the boundaries she’d set, Kat would change the exact meaning of those boundaries. Another habit of girls that was quickly tying his brain into confused knots.
The bed sank and the sheets wrinkled as Matthew sat down, staying on the severe edge of the mattress. He had no idea what Katyusha wanted at the moment and he wasn’t about to ruin it by trying something.
“O-okay…” Matthew murmured gingerly, toying with the corner of the comforter between his index finger and thumb.
He looked down and then around the room, unsure of what she wanted him to say.
Did she want to just talk? It was really late for that kind of thing… Even Katyusha looked like she could barely keep her eyes open. He flickered a glance over the top of his glasses –they’d slipped to the end of his nose again but he was too lazy to push them back up- but he quickly looked away again. Laying there, on her side, pink cheek pressed into the pillow, eyes sparkling with the dim light of the hallway and with the way he could trace the silhouetted curves of her body… the overwhelming shock of temptation was almost too much to handle.
It was the soft touch of long, slender yet slightly calloused fingers that finally seemed to snap him out of his extreme awkwardness, although the jittery nerves still remained. The physical connection, feeling her skin against his even if it was only their fingers, emitted a warm feeling that went up his arm and seemed to settle in his chest, chasing away the cold dread that had been building there.
Matthew watched her play with his fingers, curling and uncurling his them, measuring them with her own much smaller hand. He could see in the pair of blue eyes peeking out from the covers that she to didn’t want to go back. Matthew wanted to believe that they were blowing the whole thing out of proportion. They’d just house-sat together, got to know each other better, and it wasn’t like they’d never see each other again, they were simply going back to school to further their education like sane, rational people needed to. But honestly Matthew was neither sane nor rational right now. All those famous songs and poems about how love makes people crazy? Well, they weren’t lying. Every moment they spent separated might as well be an eternity. And now with school and work there would be plenty of moments when they’d be apart. Maybe Katyusha sensed that to…
Twisting his torso, Matthew brought one knee up onto the bed, body turning to face Katyusha better. He paused, searching her face for any sign that he was getting too close for comfort and then leaned forward to press an affectionate kiss against her hair. A silent sign that he understood.
Pulling back, he smiled. “I guess I can stay for a bit…”

---

I dunno anymore <u>

Matthew's smile was returned with one of her own, shyer smiles and Katyusha did her best to stay awake for the time being. Just flopping back down onto her side and falling asleep would be lovely, but...there was a part of her dreading falling asleep.
...What if he wasn't there when she woke up...?
She didn't want to go back to waking up in the dorms---
No. She was being childish! This was ridiculous! They're stay together obviously wouldn't have lasted, she knew that, it had just been for the break. The events had gone from house-sitting to taking care of Matthew, to ending up spending the holidays with him. It wouldn't have lasted forever...nothing did...
Blinking a few times to fight off the sleep, Katyusha hesitated for a few moments before leaning her head on his shoulder, blushing all the while. Maybe it was her weariness that was making her so emotional...yes, that must be it.
She was being ridiculous.
Giving Matthew's hand a quick squeeze, the pair remained in silence for a bit. It was neither comfortable nor tense, and somewhere along the line she felt tears threatening to spill. She wasn't supposed to be crying! It was the New Year, they were supposed to be celebrating...!
Maybe she really did need to go to sleep...
But there were still her lingering fears, as silly as they were...
She really was too emotional for her own good.
Katyusha closed her eyes, now fighting off sleep and her unsteady emotions, only focusing on Matthew's warmth against her side and his comforting prescence. It really would be nice if he would stay...but to ask that of him would be too much! A long hug would be lovely, but...but...
She didn't want to force anything, but...
Hesitantly, she linked her arm with his, glancing up at him then returning her head to its spot on his shoulder. She forced herself to put on a small smile; she needed to cheer up. Now was not the time for an emotional break down. She wouldn't trouble him like that! They'd been having a good evening, and it should stay like that!
She pressed her cheek into his shoulder more, a more real smile replacing her forced one, cheeks flushed with a rich-colour of red. That's right...they'd had a great evening. Sure, there had been a few ups and downs, but it had been a good day. In fact, their whole holiday had been great...she really never had been happier. Insecure, shy little Katyusha was finally learning how to relax...well, a little bit at least. She wasn't so nervous around him.
...Although, it would probably take a bit for her to completely open up, and she probably wouldn't ever get used to Matthew's kisses.
She couldn't help wondering if he had the patience to deal with her...
But sitting here with him, the way they were now...it was just fine.
This was perfectly fine.

_______________________________________________________________________

This is crap, sorry. <A>;;

There was an indescribably sense of intimacy as Matthew felt the soft pressure against his shoulder.
His gaze rolled up to the ceiling, mouth caught in a permanent smile. He wished things could stay like this forever. No school, no work… just the two of them here in their own private existence. However, as he glanced down his eyes widened in shock seeing the tears rimming her long lashes.
His expression turned tender as Matthew lifted his free hand, using the back of his fingers to wipe the beads of moisture away. He wanted to say something about knowing exactly how she felt at the risk of sounding extremely girly, but he figured she understood his meaning and how he stood in solidarity with her. The pads of his fingers traced down the curve of her cheek and across her jaw as he rested his head against hers.
Perfect.
And involuntary, giddy shudder ran up his arm as Katyusha’s own snaked around it. Amazing how just a simple touch of hers could affect him so...
Although, as wondrous as this all was, though, the numbness slowly crawling up his entangled arm he could do without. He didn’t think Katyusha would mind if he adjusted them a little, would she? He hoped not… The last- and he did mean the very last- was to get his butt kicked out right now.
With a great deal of care, Matthew lowered both of them backwards until he laid on his back with Katyusha curled up at his side. In a few short movements her head was more comfortable resting on the crook of his shoulder and his arm curled around to press his hand to the small of her back. Matthew inhaled. He could feel her breaths growing slow and even. Peeking down at her, he tried to smother a smirk.
Her eyelids lowered… almost there… She must be so tired after today. Oh! Trying to stay awake! … Slipping… falling asleep again…
His fingers snuck under the hem of her shirt, the backs of his fingers rhythmically stroking her soft supple skin. The touch wasn’t devious, it wasn’t asking for more, it was just him and her enjoying the peace in each other’s presence.
Why did it always seem like girls were the only ones who liked to curl up and snuggle? Because honestly he could really get used to this whole cuddling thing...
Matthew blinked upwards, only able to see the pattern of the ceiling through one eye now as the pillow his head rested on was slowly but surely pushing them away, though he didn’t dare take them off. He didn’t want to get too comfortable, after all, Katyusha wasn’t about to let him stay. At least, that’s the message he got so far.
Just so she wouldn’t get cold, Matthew pulled the comforter up around Katyusha’s shoulders, inadvertently covering his own middle. Still, like he’d said, this was just for now. He wasn’t staying. Nope, not him… even though this bed was unbelievably soft… not to mention very warm… Mmm... he was awfully tired himself.
Turning his head, Matthew nuzzled his nose just above her ear, whispering so he wouldn’t startle her. “You look so cute when you’re trying to stay awake.”

---

eue ~ I don't know what I'm doing lolol

A blush couldn't be helped at the sensation of his fingers against her skin, but that hardly mattered. It felt nice, and it was soothing... Frankly, it was calming her down. The evidence of tears was still there, but she didn't feel as...how could she describe it...?
Lonely?
Lonely, not in a physical sense, but still alone.
...It didn't make any sense. But it didn't really half to. She was happy, that was all she knew, and that was everything she needed right now.
Katyusha smiled shyly at his complement, snuggling closer and hiding her face out of embarrassment. A quiet "You do, too," was her response as she watched his chest rise and fall from her spot beside him, small, tired giggles escaping her. Matthew's breath on her ear as he whispered had sent goosebumps sprawling across her skin, and it didn't help that he was still stroking her skin.
Everything was coming together to create a tempting scenerio, one that she had been trying to not think about.
The more she thought about it, the more she wanted it to happen. But the more she wanted it to happen, the more the little voice in the back of her mind told her it was a bad idea.
She was aware of the situation; he was in her bed again, and they were both rather comfy where they were. But as much as her subconcious screamed at her, she didn't have the heart to chase him out. Much to her frustration, there was still her lingering fear and besides...they were this far, so why not just go with it?
...She definitely needed to sleep if THAT was how she was going to start thinking.
Shifting her position, Katyusha moved so that she was laying on her side facing him, the comforter slipping off of her shoulders as she did so. The room was enveloped in shadows with the exception of the small beam of light from the hallway, leaving her admiring the slight glow in Matthew's eyes.
...But before she could fully admire the sight, those glasses really needed to be fixed. The nit-picky part of her wouldn't stand for it.
She sat up and gingerly lifted his glasses off of his face, adjusting them in her fingers, before carefully slipping them back onto the bridge of his nose. It wasn't really much of an improvement since the pillow behind him was just pushing on it again, but at least it was a little better than before? Her nit-picky side wasn't satisfied, but it would have to do. It didn't really matter much at the moment anyways. She was tired.
All she really wanted to do was curl up with Matthew and have a nice long rest.
Settling back down into her spot - being wary of his expression the entire time - she wrapped an arm around his torso, glancing up to see if this was OK, to see if she needed to go back to her original position. Which, for a moment, she wanted to do. This was too forward of her! He wasn't supposed to be staying with her again, anyways! As much as she wanted that... She should just leave him be, their previous cuddling was just fine---
But sleep had left her weary and her muscles weak, eyes blearily blinking back sleepiness as she listened to the sound of his breathing. She looked up at Matthew again nonetheless, eyes searching his for an answer.
No matter how sleepy she was, if this wasn't OK then she'd stop. That was that.

_______________________________________________________________________

~eue~

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest as Katyusha attempted to readjust his glasses but it was to no avail. Turning his face towards her they almost came off completely and Matthew gave a silly grin, eyes appearing comically big behind the glass. He pulled the spectacles from his face and set them aside, keeping them in reach in case this was just a now thing and not an overnight thing. Katyusha’s words and actions were confusing him beyond all belief. Getting angry- borderline disgusted- when they’d woken up together, but now… she looked mighty comfortable huddled into his side like that. Not that he was complaining…
“You should take out your headband,” he said, teasingly nudging her headband and pins before dropping head back onto the pillow.
He didn’t ever want to move. Katyusha small frame settle perfectly against him and he had to smile. Seemed like she was a perfect match for him not just mentally and emotionally, but physically as well.
-Not in that way of course! Doing t-that hadn’t even crossed his mind!
… Mostly…
Matthew didn’t dare mention it out-loud (because he liked being seen by Katyusha as masculine and not a sissy school girl) but as her forearm rested on his middle he couldn’t hide the explosion of goose bumps that sprawled outwards from the connection.
Did this mean she wanted him to stay? Really…?
Matthew pulled in an experimental breath under the weight of her arm. He liked the sensation a lot more than he should have…
Retracting his hand from caressing her back, his fingers tracing the curve of her spine and the bone of her shoulder blade to cup her shoulder where the blanket had slipped away.
“You’re cold,” he murmured sleepily, rubbing his palm against her chilled skin hoping to warm her. His other hand lifted to rest over Katyusha’s. The warmth of her touch and the soft sensation of her breath brush against his neck, absorbing through the material of his shirt as she exhaled was lulling him further into a slumbering trance.
His own eyes drooped with sleep. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be unable to muster the energy to get up. It was time for a straight answer, or as straight as Katyusha could give him.
Blood rushed to his face and Matthew tried not to shift nervously. “Can…c-can I…” he hesitated, voice trailing away. He was too nervous to ask if he could stay so he changed the question. “Should I go…?”
The question hung in the air, Matthew holding his breath for an answer.

---

Sorry it took me so long XI

Katyusha couldn't help but shiver as his hand left her back, moving up to her shoulder as goosebumps appeared wherever he'd touched. The touches were careful, but at the same time soothing. His cycles of rubbing were lulling her closer to sleep and she had to force her eyes to stay open. She couldn't help wondering if he looked as sleepy as he sounded...
It really was all very relaxing...maybe it was too relaxing. She'd been startled to wake up with him but now, all she wanted to do was hold him...
This was so confusing! Why did she have to be acting so weird? Couldn't she just handle a relationship like a NORMAL person?
It was hard to keep track of her restless thoughts when she was so tired, and she almost missed Matthew's hesitant question. For a moment, she stayed where she was staring at nothing. Slowly, she lifted her head, her gaze finding his. She'd been right about one thing, though: he did look tired. His hair was a little bit ruffled and the way he was looking at her with sleepy eyes...it was adorable, really.
And maybe it was just the lack of light that they had, but his face looked...darker? Was he blushing?
Was he uncomfortable about this? Maybe he should go then...
A few more seconds passed by as Katyusha mused with her thoughts. All of this was so embarrassing and confusing... But she couldn't deny the part of her that held irrational fears. This was another little step for them, wasn't it? It shouldn't be so worrysome to open up a little more. They WERE taking it slow. The everlasting fear of losing someone...his voice in her ear as they were laying here and his hand on hers, they were a comfort from that.
They were a reason not to cry, because she was happy.
They were a reason to try harder.
Keeping her eyes locked with his, her voice barely formed a whisper, "...No, you...you can stay..." Even though she'd hardly spoken, the words pierced the silence much too loudly. It took a couple seconds for her to take off her headband and pins, fiddling with them with weary fingers, before she took Matthew's glasses as well and set their belongings off to the side. She had to jerk her head to the side to get her bangs out of her eyes, but it didn't really matter that much as she curled back up into his side.
Was she being selfish? Was this only to calm her own anxiety, or was this something she wanted for the both of them? ...Maybe it was both of those things?
Or did that not make sense?
Maybe it was the sleep that was making her act so strange and emotional. Taking in a few deep breaths, Katyusha tried to match her breathing to his own slow-rising chest. She needed to relax...she'd gotten tense again...
After all, there wasn't anyone else here...it was just them. Maybe like THIS specifically, but it WAS just them. It was time for THEM, even if they were just crashing for the night. There was nothing wrong with this, right? It sure didn't FEEL wrong... She liked being with him, she liked talking with him, she liked the way he acted and smiled and the way he treated her and all of the little things about him---
Maybe this was time for them to appreciate that it WAS just them.
It was just them, hidden in the dark veil of night.
...Perhaps that wasn't the best way to word it. Nothing was going to "happen"---
Right...?

___________________________________________________________________

|D <3

Matthew blew out a deep, elongated breath. The tiny blissful shudder that sparked all the way down to his toes wasn’t really from the idea that he’d be staying the night here in her bed- proper manners and rules observed, of course- but the wave of relaxation, calm and he’d be disingenuous if he didn’t mention a little euphoric, were all from the sudden realization that she trusted him enough to ask him to stay.
Her words were so quiet, so soft he’d almost missed them.
Yes. She wanted him to stay.
She trusted him.
Matthew couldn’t decided which made him more happily light headed, the fact that she was willing to give him a chance to prove that he wasn’t just some pervy tool trying to feel her up, or the very warm and very real sensation of Katyusha curled up in his arms. He almost whined as she moved away to place their things aside. A small clatter, a tiny sigh and Matthew eagerly flexed his fingers beckoning her back like a little kid making grabby-hands.
She looks so… alluring without her hair pinned back in place. The stands of hair now free to fall forward, brushing her cheeks and catching in her eyelashes. In the darkness of the room, her eyes normally wide and genuine seem to transform into something else entirely. Sure, he’d had some anxieties when it came to their age difference, however, most of the time Matthew disregarded it. Katyusha was Katyusha, older or not. That didn’t change the way he felt about her.
Now, though, her blue irises- no, her whole appearance changed. Her plump lips were fuller, flesh warmer, smell sweeter. Even with the lack of light, he could see the fine, almost invisible dusting of freckles over the bridge of her nose, brought out by long days under the sun. Katyusha was still herself, only now she was… sexier?
Matthew didn’t know how else to describe it.
She was a full-grown woman. He knew that. He understood that.
Then why did was he suddenly so very attuned to her every detail.
…More than usual, anyway.
Perhaps it was because of the blatant bed cuddling and his hormones had decided to come out and wreak havoc. Yes, that must be it. Matthew shifted awkwardly, wondering what his chances of survival were if Katyusha ever discovered what effect she had on the Captain. Zero to none, probably.
“Comfortable?” Matthew asked, flushing brilliantly as his voice cracked. Squeaking was not going to keep the mood.
He settled a little more on his side than last time, allowing him to curl both arms around her better, while keeping his hips turned away. Just as a … precaution. Pulling up the blanket around them, he exhaled, resting his head back on the pillows.
Their legs tangle together and the room fell into an unearthly quiet. Another round of goose bumps erupted from everywhere their skin touched.
Okay, so she let him stay. Issue number 2: How was he supposed to actually fall asleep?
He hadn’t expected her to say yes. How come they never tell you about the abrupt rush of adrenaline and the pounding heart- which he was sure Katyusha could hear loud and clear-, they never mention that in the movies.
Matthew swallowed, nervous not to mention still floating on his own weird high.
This was impossible.
Stop, he didn’t want to disturb Katyusha. He may have a sudden case of ADD night owl, but that didn’t mean Katyusha did to.
He fiddled with the hem of her shirt, fingers once again slipping underneath to brush her soft skin and slowly started to drift upwards. Not too high of course (he preferred to keep his hand, thank you very much), just far enough that he touched the shallow dip below her shoulder blade.
“It’s been a long day,” he said quietly, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. Katyusha was barely able to keep her eyes open. So adorable.
“Good night, Katyusha.”

---

@n@ Done. Time to pass out.

~~~Skip to February~~~

Things had slowed down and she STILL felt weary.
The first diplomas for her - exams for others - had passed and along with working, Katyusha was completely worn out. While others were gossiping about Valentines Day which was quickly up and coming, she was wondering when her next shift was. It was sad, really, but she didn't really have much of a choice.
It wasn't like she HATED her job, it was just a lot of work. She didn't even mind it that much. Besides, some things you just had to do.
But as she awoke, staring up at the roof of her dorm room...she did realize that Valentines Day was literally right around the corner. It was a few days away, wasn't it? ...No, it was TODAY wasn't it?? And when she started thinking about Valentines Day, her thoughts went to one thing. Well, one person.
Matthew.
With both of their busy scheduals, they'd seen each other once or twice outside of school and work, and that time had been lovely. It had been lovely, but it hadn't been enough. Katyusha had gotten so used to their routine at the house that being apart even for just a week was so...odd. It didn't feel right.
...What HAD felt right though was waking up with him.
A blush rose on her cheeks as she lay there, the memories still as fresh as ever. It had been absolutely endearing to wake up to his sleepy expression, the pair tangled up beneath the sheets... Nothing had happened, but it had felt like she'd been floating on Cloud 9 as corny as that was.
She pulled her pillow out from under her head and covered her head in hopes to calm the raging blush.
It really would be nice to spend Valentines Day with him...but there was school, and she couldn't remember at the moment due to her sleepy nature whether she had to work today or not. If she'd been more awake, she would probably be freaking out over the fact that she hadn't had time to plan anything with him or get him anything. Work had been insane lately because of this holiday...
Clutching her pillow to her chest instead, she lay there for a few more minutes, losing herself in embarrassed thoughts. After a while, she finally forced herself up and got herself ready.
Might as well just see how things go...right...?

____________________________________________________________________

It's so short sldfj;als I'm sorry ;;A;;

Mmm… So soft…
He knew it wasn’t possible but the large bed seemed extra comfy simply because Katyusha was there in it with him. It was still dark and at some point during the night they’d moved around so they both rested on their sides, Matthew’s large frame curled around her petite one chest to back. He had one arm shoved under the pillows beneath his head, the other draped possessively over Katyusha’s waist.
The shot wisps of her hair ticked his face causing Matthew to smile into the pillow and he pulled her closer to him. He could listen forever to the cute little noises she made in her sleep, the tiny sighs and hums he guessed to mean that she too was having a blissful night’s sleep.
She was so warm, her smooth skin malleable and yielding under the tips of his fingers. He didn’t ever want to leave this place.
Shifting carefully so he didn’t wake her, Matthew curled forward to burry his nose in her sweet hair- and violently sneezed. His eyes squinted open, face twisting scornfully under the harshness of the morning light, and he blinked several times, the horrendous mess he called a dorm room coming slowly into focus. Glancing down, Matthew realized it was his white stuffed bear Kumajiro that he’d been spooning, not his ridiculously beautiful girlfriend. He resisted the urge to scream.
It had all been a dream.
A very, very good dream.
Matthew blew out a long sigh, rolling onto his back to stare at the ceiling. This wasn’t the first time he’d had that particular dream, remembering in vivid detail the remaining nights back at the house, especially the first night she’d allowed him to stay. He still hadn’t adjusted back to the tedium of school life since their stay together And it seemed ten times worse thanks to the rarity of time he and Katyusha got to spend with one another now that everything had fallen back into the regular routine. They’d try to eat lunch together, but with exams most of it was spent with the minimal amount of conversation as they were both constantly swamped with studying. And in addition, there was the matter of Katyusha’s job. Matthew always tried to stay understanding and supportive when it came to her work. He knew she wasn’t doing it because she enjoyed long hours of standing on her feet, but the hours of her shift were becoming longer and longer, all thanks to the upcoming holiday.
Matthew groaned, sitting up and running a hand over his face.
Valentine’s Day.
Today, if he thought about it.
Wasn’t the day supposed to be for lovers? Yet the accursed holiday was stealing his girlfriend! Not to mention he’d become long since fed up with the red and pink paper hearts plastering the halls and everybody gushing over romantic plans. A romantic movie, a candlelit dinner for two, a walk together… It appeared nobody thought it worth getting creative for their significant other. Of course, Matthew couldn’t talk.
He’d been freaking out, trying to think of something original that he could do for Katyusha. Maybe going to see her at work- if she had work that is. He hadn’t had his morning coffee yet so he couldn’t recall. More than anyone, Katyusha deserved a wonderful day, however, none of his ideas seemed good enough.
Pushing the mass that was his bed head out of his face, Matthew reached for his cell phone, taking a couple seconds to focus on the too bright screen before he pressed on the contact number he knew by heart. He paused, trying to think of the right thing to text, but gave up on the whole concept rather quickly. Why would he text her when he could hear her precious voice? Besides, what kind of a jerk-faced boyfriend would he be if he texted her instead of taking the time to call and on Valentine’s Day of all days?
Punching the call button, he held it up to his ear, unconsciously chewing his bottom lip.

---

I'm so sorry I missed yesterday ;A;

It was a little hard to wake herself up, especially when Katyusha realized how early it actually was. She'd thought it was much later in the morning. But at least that gave her some time to spend with herself...hopefully. At least for a little bit.
It turned out that she did have to work...but for a surpringly short time. She'd read a text from a co-worker saying that she wouldn't have to work as long due to the fact that someone else would be covering the longer hours. She'd only be working from a half an hour from now - which was...nine? Yes, nine - to two in the afternoon. Working five hours wasn't bad at all.
But...today of ALL days?
Frankly, she would've loved to sleep for half the day but it was a good thing she'd woken up. Maybe it was out of habit... But that wasn't the point! Her life had been made up of studying and work, and there hadn't been enough time for herself, time for...for...
For Matthew!
She really wanted to spend more quality time with him, even though that might be extremely cheesy of her seeing that it was Valentines Day. It just wasn't the same...their time together at the house had...changed something in her. She'd become more open, even though she'd still get overly flustered, but she was...more willing?
Was that the right way to put it? It sounded a little sketchy...but how else could she describe it?
Trying to push aside her weary frustrations, as little as they were, Katyusha was just pulling on a clean shirt when her phone sounded with a familiar ringtone. A smile grew on her lips and with an arm particially stuck in her sleeve, she practically ran for the phone before the ringing stopped. "H-Hello? Good morning!" She probably sounded a little too excited...and she inwardly scolded herself for that.
She continued on though, the pair sharing their greetings with one another and discussing her work schedule today, while all the while she was struggling with her still-stuck arm. Why wouldn't it just---?!
It abruptly came loose, resulting in her smacking her hand against the edge of a counter and her trying not to cry out in pain. Well...that had been fun. Not really... Hopefully Matthew hadn't heard that.
Distracted, she was too distracted right now. She should be focusing, she was on the phone!
Pausing briefly, Katyusha fiddled with her unkept hair and took a few calming breaths. It wasn't like she was talking to him for the first time in months or years, she didn't have to be so worked up...
"Um...how are you, Matvey?"

__________________________________________________________________

My reply is so boring, lfj;sldf ;;n;;

Matthew let out a small breathless laugh, both abashed and amused. She sounded happy to hear him and he had to say it was a similar reaction for himself too. His heart gave a little jump in his chest along with a great big smile spreading across his face. He didn’t care how crummy his morning started, hearing that shy, bell-like tinkle that was Katyusha’s voice turned everything right around.
“Hey,” he greeted rather lamely. He remembered how she’d looked back at the house, hair slightly mussed and eyes still bleary with sleep… He wondered if she looked like that now… He could still picture her perfectly from memory...
He cleared his throat, trying again. “I didn’t wake you up did I-?”
There was a loud thump and a sharp, squeaky inhale. Matthew paused, unable to see what happened so he tried to listen harder. “Are you all right? Kat?”
Matthew ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back out of nervous habit. That sounded painful… She hadn’t cut herself or something had she? Or knocked something off a shelf? An annoying worrywart, that’s what he was being, but he couldn’t help it. Their time apart hadn’t helped with his protective Katyusha-induced stress. He didn’t even need his morning coffee now, he was wide-awake now, that’s for sure.
He wasn’t particularly fond of the way Katyusha brushed things off- especially when it seemed like she’d hurt herself- but Matthew reluctantly let it go, answering her next question.
“I’m good, just sorta waking up I guess.” With one hand, Matthew fished around on the floor for clean clothes. He grabbed something- a shirt, he discovered- and held it up to his nose. Whoa! Okay, that one needs to go in the laundry! Or maybe to a chemical waste dump because that one seemed too far gone…
“How are you?” he asked, leaning over the edge of his bed to search again. Jeans, jeans, jeans- Where did he put them?! “Um, I had a question… a-about today?”
You’d think he would’ve gotten used to asking Katyusha out by now, however, he felt just as nervous, stumbling over the right words to say. Put one word in front of the other… come on…!
“Are you busy today? I-I mean today is, um, you know, Valentine’s Day…” His voice trailed off for a long moment, fingers playing with the denim he’d found scrunched away under his bed. He waited, wondering if Katyusha would cut him off while he was ahead saying she was too busy or if he could continue. Inhaling, he went with the latter. “Did you want to do something? I didn’t know if you were working today so… um…”
Very eloquent, Matthew.
Shut up.
Matthew swung his feet over the edge of his bed, socked feet thudding quietly across the floor to his dresser. He gaped, catching his reflection on his black tv screen. It looked like something had attacked his hair in his sleep. Even though he knew Katyusha couldn’t see him, he still blushed a brilliant red and tried desperately to flatten the mess with his hand.
“So, um… Did you? Want to go out t-today I mean?” he asked, blush growing redder still at his stuttering.

---

Oh hush it's adorable! o3o

Shaking her hand as if to relieve herself from the stinging, Katyusha listened intently and tried to stop herself from smiling from ear to ear. She was failing miserably. Maybe it was the fact that she was getting a "good morning" from him so early? Why it made her so happy was a bit of a mystery, but she had a feeling that it was because they'd been apart for so long. Or maybe it was because of their stay together...she was still expecting "good mornings" even though that was long gone.
Who knew? All she really knew was that she liked talking to him, and it was nice to talk to him.
"I'm alright, a little sleepy..." She fumbled through a few of her belongings, almost panicking when she couldn't remember where she'd put the necklace Matthew had given her. But she let out a small sigh of relief when she spotted the familiar silver chain; if she ever lost the necklace, she would probably cry. Not before having a panic attack, but she would cry too.It was important to her! It was her own special reminder of him...
Or maybe that was just her being a crybaby.
A warm, pinkish hue filled Katyusha's cheeks at his stuttering, and she found herself fiddling shyly with her hair again, after she'd put on the necklace. Her blushing definitely wasn't helping her smile, either. Even if she felt like she'd changed a little, her shyness was still there.
Why was she being so shy? He wasn't even here. It was silly of her!
Her blush grew as she responded, "S-Sure, we could do that...but it would have to be after I work..." She was all ready and out the door by now, making a mental note to pick up something to eat on the way. There was still snow on the ground and it was snowing very lightly, but it was relatively nice for winter.
She puffed out a cloud of warm air before continuing. "I get off at around two...i-is that OK?" The cold air nipped at her bare hands and she inwardly reprimended herself for not putting on any gloves.
Although...the thought of spending Valentines Day with Matthew warmed her up a little.
"I-I actually have to go...I'll see you later...?" The statement came out as more of a question, but she received a response anyways. At least HE knew what she was trying to get at.

The hours had gone by faster than Katyusha would have thought, but the last couple hours were driving her mad. She'd been doing a bit of heavy lifting for a while and she'd had to take off the necklace so she wouldn't wreck it. It was a bit unreasonable of her, but she was fretting over it. It wasn't like someone would just TAKE it...right? It would be fine.
She was in the little back shed that she was so accustomed to, the little shed where Matthew and her had stayed when they'd been caught in the rain, gathering up a few more things to carry around. At least she was doing something, right?
But even so, she couldn't help but look around for a clock once in a while.
It was at this point that she realized just how badly she wanted to see Matthew again...and to be frank, it was embarrassing.
She wanted to spend time with him again, just the two of them, doing whatever. She wanted to get out of her routine!
It wasn't that she was bored of her job, it was just...
She was eager, that was what.

____________________________________________________________________________

Blaahhhh...

“Yeah?” Matthew said, knowing full well that he sounded too eager. It had just been so long since they’d actually managed to spend time together. His excited tone dropped a little though when Katyusha confirmed that she did indeed have work today.
Of all days, it had to be today…
He tried to sound more cheerful, but a glance at his alarm clock wiped out that hope. 2 PM had never seemed so far away.
Sighing, he answered. “Oh, okay. Yeah! Um, I’ll see you around two then. Bye.”
Matthew snapped his phone shut and stared uselessly at it for a long moment.
What was he doing again…?
Oh, getting dressed. Right.
After finally finding some semi-clean clothes, pulling them on along with his glasses, he carefully added the painted watch to his pocket. It hadn’t let his side since Katyusha had given it to him. As he always, he patted the familiar weight with one hand. It had become a habit, playing with the watch, turning it over in his palm and tracing the intricate patterns in class or whenever he felt anxious and particularly when he found himself thinking about Katyusha.
Matthew glanced about his room, now unsure what to do with himself. He had until the end of Katyusha’s shift to think of what to do.
What was he supposed to do?
He moved around, cleaning up as he thought about it. He hadn’t really spent time with his girlfriend for at least a month and this was their first Valentine’s together.
No pressure or anything.
“Yeah. Right,” Matthew said, exhaling as he ruffled the back of his head. He scooped up the rest of his laundry and tried to cram it into his hamper- that involved sitting on it and even that didn’t get the lid to shut- every few minutes glancing at his clock.
Giving up, he just sat there, staring unseeingly at one of his Rush posters on the opposite wall, thinking. That burned an hour or so.
Matthew caught up on his homework, checked his computer, played a couple of video games upside down, got bored and laid splayed out on his back in the middle of the floor trying to balance a pencil vertically on his nose. That ended with his counting the tiles on his ceiling… that led to him just staring into space again.
Around one, Matthew finally pried himself off the floor. It was now or never.
Gather up everything he needed, he slipped on his coat and toque. He had a little bit until Katyusha would be preparing to leave the greenhouse and knowing her she’d probably skipped her lunch break to help on such a busy day. Matthew frowned slightly against the breeze. So Katyusha…
He popped into a grocery store and a bakery before arriving at the familiar storefront.
It was reasonably busy but not overly so. He squeezed inside, staying along the wall until he felt a firm tap against the back of his knee. It was the elderly storeowner.
She eyed the bags in his hands and rolled her eyes. “She’s in the back shed. Wait! Take these.” She shoved a handful of flowers into his hand, adding a single sunflower into the middle of the bouquet.
“Thank you” Matthew said, grinning.
The woman snorted and jabbed him the chest lightly with her cane. “Yes, well, you will be paying me back for those, but I suppose Katyusha is already waiting for you. Go on, scoot!”
Chuckling, Matthew made his way to the back shed, failing to fight off away the blush as the memories came flooding back. He breathed in nervously, squaring his shoulders and straightening his collar before knocking on the door. He poked his head in, biting his bottom lip to stop from smiling as their eyes met.
“Hey,” he greeted.

---

<_>

The knocking at the door threw her off a little; people didn't have to knock at the shed...it was the shed. But her breath caught in her throat when her gaze was suddenly locked with Matthew's and, much to her frustration, a blush rose on her cheeks just at the sound of his welcoming voice. She was being silly, she needed to get a hold of herself! He'd just come to meet her; it wasn't like he was suddenly treating her to wine and chocolates, or offering her a trip to some romantic evening together...just the two of them...
S-Slow down. No thinking like that! Th-That's ridiculous.
She really was being silly. She needed to get her head out of the clouds, even if it was Valentines Day. ...Was that an excuse to get mushy? ...Not really, she already had thoughts like these.
It really was very silly.
Katyusha motioned for him to come in, turning her back to him to put down the items weighing down her arms. The burden of her work was catching up with her - maybe she'd gotten the toughest shift of the day, with all this lifting and moving? - but she told herself again and again that she wouldn't let it wreck their day together. Letting out a small sigh, she turned back to him---
And the blush in her cheeks grew.
Along with a few bags she couldn't identify, he had a bouquet. A bouquet! A bouquet that she was assuming was for herself---although, she shouldn't assume things! Misunderstandings only came from that, and that was no good! Even so, she could help feeling a little flustered. She had the urge to fiddle with something to distract herself...
This was odd. She WAS more comfortable around Matthew, but...but now...
She felt horribly shy.
Fidgeting for a second, Katyusha took a few steps forward, standing by the doorknob but still facing him. She did her best to keep her eyes locked with his, although it was very hard when she felt like her cheeks were on fire. She also kept her hands from wandering to the flowers. If they WEREN'T for her, it would be terribly rude of her to take them.
...There was still guilt lingering in her and she couldn't seem to shake it; it was Valentines Day and she didn't have anything ready for him. It was their first Valentines together, and yet she hadn't had enough time to properly prepare something. She wanted it to be special...but she...
She felt awful about it.
Even so, it was Valentines Day and it was too late for last-minute preparations. Maybe she should just try and enjoy herself...?
After all, she was spending it with Matthew. It couldn't possibly be bad!
Katyusha fidgeted nervously again, hesitating before speaking and unable to stop herself from showing a small smile, "Should we leave...?"

_____________________________________________________________________

=3=

Silly, silly Kat.
Matthew stood just inside the door and gazed at Katyusha for a long minute, eyes filled with both amusement and a kind of extreme tenderness he reserved only for her. He could see her eyeing the bouquet but she shyly avoided reaching for it. Who did she think he’d gotten these for? His brother? Only Katyusha would assume that maybe she wasn't special enough or that she didn't deserve to be his first priority. She was too humble for her own good.
Well, he’d have to prove just how wrong she was.
“These are for you,” Matthew said, trying to hide the smirk that dared to twitch the corner of his mouth upwards. There was a strong, sudden feeling that suddenly rushed through his body as his eyes raked downwards over her, heart-shaped face red as a tomato, hair slightly ruffled and clothing creased from the work, and there was just the tiniest smudge of dirt on the side of her pink nose. So beautiful… Finally seeing her again was like breathing in a breath of fresh, crisp air. All the stress and exhaustion of school and just daily life seemed to melt away as he stepped closer to her. He felt like he was being x-rayed by the aqua blue eyes that for the past weeks had been haunting his dreams. A light shudder ran through his whole body.
It had been far too long.
“Sorry, I know it’s a little cliché,” Matthew said, gesturing to the bouquet. “And it’s about to get even more cheesy with this.”
He pulled up the bags, setting them on a flat surface and opening the plastic to show her what he’d bought. From inside he plucked two meals, one for each of them, and along with those he showed the plethora of sweets and desserts. Most of them were decorated with red and pink icing or heart shaped sprinkles. He flushed a light shade of pink at that, scuffing his shoes embarrassedly against the floor.
Matthew perked up, however, as Katyusha asked if they should leave.
“Oh I don’t know… This place is rather… private.” He blushed in earnest this time and desperately tried to back-pedal. He didn’t want Katyusha getting the wrong idea. “I-I mean, I don’t think I anyone will interrupt us a-and this is kind of like our place…?”
Mentally he wanted to slap himself. Who said something like that? Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
He was getting too excited being around her and his mental filter wasn’t working like it should. Running a hand quickly through his hair, Matthew gestured for her to wait a couple of seconds. Snatching up a couple of napkins and, unfolding them, laid them out on the ground like someone would a picnic blanket in the park. Matthew also shucked off his jacket and set it to on the floor as a seat for her.
He offered his hand. “My lady,” he said chivalrously, and he sank down beside her. Their shoulders bumped together gently and almost instantly one of Matthew’s hands slipped up and curled around her waist, pulling her close.
Yep, it had definitely been too long…

---

sdkjfhsd
sorry it's so crappeh DX

Katyusha couldn't help twirling her hair between her fingers, and she was fighting back a wide smile.
Half of the reason was because of her nervousness, but the other half was just her reacting shyly and just being happy in general. Eyes didn't meet with his, too shy to actually stay locked with his, and instead glanced at the bouquet again, biting her lip to try and stop her embarrassed smile.
Settling down beside Matthew, - and stopping herself from making a remart at the coat-act - getting comfortable was easy. Quickly helping unravelling a few of the packets and the lunches first, Katyusha then cuddled back into his side. She had to stop herself from letting out a blissful sigh.
Getting mushy right now would be embarrassing and silly! Honestly...
Eyeing the lunches he'd brought, a number of questions formed in her head. Why had he brought meals? Had he not eaten anything? ...OK, so she may have skimped out a little on lunch, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't make it through the day. He really was considerate...but this also meant that he'd noticed her habits, good or bad.
Also...had he really planned all of this out? The chocolates, the lunches, the bouquet? Or was it a spur of the moment kind of thing?
Frankly, she was still trying to get past the fact that he'd brought all of this for her so the questions were long forgotten.
She couldn't help feeling guilty.
He was spoiling her. He really shouldn't be, there were more important things in life to take care of than lil' ol' her, and she did feel a little uneasy about him spending a lot of money on her. He was showering her with little gifts just because he could, and she...she couldn't afford a few small gifts for him.
It was saddening and frustrating for her...
Shaking her head, Katyusha tried to ward off the negative thoughts, shuffling closer to his comforting warmth. It was Valentines Day, she shouldn't be getting to worked up.
She was just overwhealmed, that was all.
Yes, that had to be it.
And even after all of those thoughts, she was still tongue tied and clueless as to what to say to him.
Although, she WAS smiling so much that her cheeks were starting to hurt...
It was so hard to thank him properly and she didn't even know why!

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sdj;flas This sucks, sorry. ;;