And with the next step comes...?

Katyusha's gaping continued even when Matthew told her to wait and she watched him run off, feeling her heart drop a little. She was actually a little excited about this, but at the same time she was nervous. She'd never done something like this...that one time for work didn't count and besides, it was night time. And she hadn't explained herself to him. Was this really OK...? Would they get caught? What would happen then?
Rubbing her hands together to create a small source of warmth, she attempted to sort out her thoughts, but there wasn't enough time to answer the questions whirling around because Matthew had returned and was offering her his hoodie. He'd grabbed one of his own, and she felt her cheeks fill with colour once more. Nodding her thanks, she shyly took it from him and slipped it on, feeling that she was hopeless in every finding her voice again. She took a moment to savour the new warmth, making herself comfortable in the material. ...It even smells like him... She knew he was bigger than her - that much was obvious when looking at the both of them - but the realization was much more real when she looked down at herself. She rolled up the ends of the sleeves so that they still covered her hands but weren't drooping off of her, but didn't bother doing anything about the length down her body. Nodding again, letting him know she was ready, she almost automatically slipped her hand back into his.
She let him take the lead, looking back at the school somewhat anxiously. They'd be fine, they'd be just fine....right?

__________________________________________________________

*shrugs* ._.

Oh...He finally got it.
Hearing guys brag about how hot their girlfriends looked in their clothes, Matthew used to roll his eyes. But now he finally understood. Matthew stood in awe like he'd been handed down the secret of the universe.
Compared to his frame, Katyusha was petite, delicate. Now, with her body practically swimming in the fuzzy, red material all Matthew could do was gawk and stare, jaw hanging open. You’d think he’d be disapointed seeing the sweater that allowed him a perfect view of her curves disappear behind the folds of fabric, but it was the exact opposite. His insides smoldered because of those folds, because he could see nothing, because he had to imagine what was beneath them. A flash of heat burned up his neck and up his face, turning his ears red. And it wasn’t just the fact that he suddenly had all his imaginative skill reconstructing from memory the soft ivory slope of her hips. Oh no. Seeing his clothes on her body triggered some long dormant part of his male DNA.
Mine... She’s mine… All mine…
Katyusha saw his staring and Matthew looked away, blinking several times like that would vanish the hunger in his eyes.
She puts on my clothes and suddenly I’m a friggin’ caveman?!
Matthew shook his head but couldn’t get rid of the thought. Throwing her over his shoulder and hightailing it back to the privacy of his room to have his way with her was a very appealing idea at the moment.
“This way, there’s a side door we can use.” He pulled her down a hall, then through a scuffed door that lead to a smaller, narrower hall, this one dotted with only a few doors that were actually closets full of supplies for the cleaning staff. Matthew led her to across to the second door on the right, already feeling the chill of the October air. He pushed it open, letting her go first. From his front pocket he pulled one of his gloves and jammed it strategically between the hinges like he always did when he snuck out this way. The doors had automatic locks, meaning that once you were out you couldn’t get back in. And being stuck out in the cold all night wasn't how he wanted their date to end.
“If we stick close to the wall until we get to the west side nobody should see us. Ready?” Matthew asked, reclaiming her hand naturally as he looked down into the liquid blue of her eyes, wondering how, even in the dark, they managed to shine such a perfect cerulean.

---

Sorry it took so long *sob*

Katyusha had watched him tug her along, glancing around at their path, until they were back outside and now, she responded to his question with a curt nod. The whole while she'd been trying to calm the chills that had rippled through her body.
The way he'd looked at her...had made her breath catch in her throat. She'd been inwardly worrying if she looked to corny like this, but now...she wasn't so worried anymore. Those captivating violet eyes had flashed with desire, with an emotion so intense it left her insides tied up in knots. She wouldn't lie, the attention was unnerving. But it made her feel...strange, yes, but...what on earth would you call it...? Happy? Craving? Nervous? Excited? Well, whatever it was, it was what she was feeling and she did her best to keep a her expression calm, although her cheeks always seemed to mock her when they turned red.
For now, she could only imagine what that desire would be like in a physical form...
No, NO. Katya. F-Focus!
They took off at a steady pace, making their way along the side of wall. She couldn't help but glance about, squeezing Matthew's hand a little. She also made sure to watch her feet; she wasn't about to cause a scene when they were sneaking out. ....Sneaking out. How she even came to think that, she had no idea. But they were here now, so why not? This was a break from usual, right? So, she decided to do her best in following his instructions. After all, she never did this.
Soon enough, they reached their destination and rounded the corner, slipping off school grounds. They didn't stop until Matthew began slowing down, and she fell back into a slower pace. Panting in the slightest, she looked up at him, wondering just where they'd go. Sure, she'd been the one to suggest they go into town but she hadn't really been thinking. Her mouth had opened and words came out before she could stop herself. She tried to listen to her subconciousness' advice, telling herself that this was just another little adventure.
Maybe she was listening to her subconcious too much...

________________________________________________

*dramatic pose* Tada!

I quite like dominant!Matt. >w<;;b *shot*

The town was very much alive with festivities as the two of them walked further. Store windows were covered paintings of black cats and skeletons, jack-o-lanterns both real and plastic dotted the block along with a steady stream of people. More than once someone dressed as Batman or a ghoul or something else entirely walked past.
Well at least we won’t stand out.
Their pace slowed to a stroll as they turned the corner to Main Street, the decorations even more audacious here with streamers and little handmade tissue ghosts hanging from the trees and lightposts.
Matthew bopped one with his finger, watching it swing amusedly. They looked more cute than scary.
His thumb had started absentmindedly stroking Katyusha’s hand, infatuated by the softness of her skin. It was amazing. No matter how many times their fingers lace or even briefly touched, he was instantly captivated by the mere feeling of her.
Matthew continued walking at her side, stepping close enough that sometimes their shoulders brushed. It wasn’t that he was trying to smother her by presence alone but it seemed naturally logical. They fit into step together, and, Matthew thought blithely (if not a little smugly to), they looked like all the other couples out walking the street, happily ignorant of the world outside their own little bubble.
Some of the stores had elected to stay open on All Hallows Eve, and Matthew watched Katyusha eye the window displays interestedly. He himself was much more content watching her, but asked anyway, “Do you want to go in?”
Shopping wasn’t his favorite thing in the world, being a guy n’ all, nevertheless if their hands stayed clasped and there was a possibility Matthew could buy her something the venture was easily endurable.
The warmth inside the store chased the chill away, and Matthew paused at the door surveying the inside. It seemed to be a mishmash of almost everything. Costumes, clothes, toys, music books, jewelry, it overwhelmed his man-senses. So Matthew decided it would be safe to let Katyusha lead the way.
It wasn’t until he breezed by the jewelry counter that something made him stop.
It was a delicate, silver necklace. It sat in the back of the display case, between two sets of obnoxiously bright colored earrings, so unassuming that he’d almost missed it. The chain was modest but stunning, trailing down to small pendant that suddenly had Matthew’s heart in his throat. The pendant was a flower made up of tiny diamonds set around a strange yet beautiful greenish stone he guessed to be Peridot. Together they hung by a leaf to the chain, looking suspiciously like a sunflower.
Matthew stared in marvel, then abruptly jerked back, praying Katyusha hadn’t seen what he was staring at.
I’ll have to come back for it…
He smiled to himself contemplating how it would look draped daintily over her collarbone. It suited her perfectly.
But what if she doesn’t like jewelry?
Would Kat think him shallow or a show off if he gave it to her for Christmas?
Matthew frowned at the snag in his plan as he returned to Katyusha’s side, linking their hand automatically. Perhaps he’d have to find something else…
But he couldn’t shirk the mental image of seeing the silver sparkle from around her slender neck.

---

;A;

Quaint. Amusing. Inviting. Full of variety.
There were many things Katyusha could describe the little store, but she didn't really want to describe it. She wanted to look around. She'd always been a bit of a window shopper, not wanting to actually go in when she was saving her money. Most of the items in the store were Halloween themed for obvious reasons, but there were also miscelanious items laying around just waiting to be bought. She passed by a few knick-knacks, CDs, and piles of shirts but then stopped. A small pile of minature rag-dolls was sitting on the rack beside her, all seemingly handmade.
Ahh...how cute! It's so...original!
She knelt down and picked one up gently with one hand, thumbing at the yarn-hair. A smile grew on her lips; she was almost positive she'd had a doll similar like this when she was a little girl. She traced over the stitched mouth and button-eyes, holding back a giggle. They really were cute! Looking back down at where she'd grabbed it, she saw that they came in brightly coloured materials and yarns. The patterns didn't vary too much, but that didn't mean that the little collection didn't make her smile grow even more. Looking at them made her feel like she was a kid again, when everything was so much easier, when her family wasn't so torn up...
Katyusha automatically looked up at Matthew when their hands rejoined and held her smile, wiggling the doll in her hand. She thumbed at the hair again, feeling somewhat odd having her attention caught to easily by a simple doll. A light laugh escaped her and she put the doll back in its place. She didn't even think to suspect anything of his short absence. She pulled him along, doing a little more browsing, before blinking and stopping in her tracks. Turning on her heel to face him sheepishly, she asked, "Ah! I-I'm not boring you am I? I-I'm sorry if I am! I s-shouldn't..." Her voice trailed off and she flushed, nibbling at her lip. She shouldn't be dragging him all over the place; it wasn't very considerate! What was she doing, losing herself like that? He was probably bored to death in here, he probably didn't want to be hanging around in here. She wasn't even thinking of buying anything. She didn't want to be that girlfriend; the one who dragged her man around and greedily asked him for everything in the world, not even taking a moment to think about his needs. She didn't want to be like that...
Then again, she wouldn't dare force something like that on Matthew. It wasn't in her nature. She didn't like being spoiled. It made her feel so...odd...since it had never happened before, and she felt like she wouldn't be able to pay that person back. It would be awful if she was in another debt! ...Matthew was always willing to do whatever he could, and that gave her a spoiled feeling for some reason. She knew it was out of kindness - out of love - so...maybe she could make one exception.
After all, he was the only person who get make her heart pound relentlessly against her chest when he offered to help.

____________________________________________________

*huggles*

Matthew chuckled as she held up the doll, smiling at the mirthful twinkle in her eyes. Some of his younger female relatives tried to make dolls like that once. One or two turned out properly but the rest looked like mutated science experiments. Alfred used to hide them under his pillow, howling with laughter as Matthew jumped a foot in the air with a scream every time. He'd never been able to look at Raggedy Ann the same way since. These, though, were rather sweet looking. Well, that might be rather biased since he was more admiring the girl holding them. Katyusha’s eyes softened as she set it down and Matthew followed obediently, looking back in wonder at the tiny dolls. She seemed happy but… pensive. His mind flashed with the sight of Katyusha as a little girl, hugging the doll close to her chest and smiling.
The thought blindsided him.
But she had to raise her siblings… Did she ever really have a childhood…?
Without warning Matthew’s arms wrapped around Katyusha and pulled her close so her back pressed against his chest, squeezing gently. His chin rested on her shoulder, eyes closing briefly as he took a calming breath, smelling the sweetness of her hair. Whether he was trying to comfort her or himself, he wasn’t exactly sure.
How much has she been forced to give up…?
He let go after a moment. “No, no, of course not. Take as long as you want, there’s no rush.”
Once again he took her hand, ignoring the curious look from the cashier, who after a moment shrugged and went back to working the till.
“Do you want anything?” Matthew asked, masking his worry with an impish grin. He reached for his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. Leaning down so they were eye to eye, his smile grew enough to show his canines. Even he was surprised by his own boldness, but decided they both needed something to cheer the mood. “You know, you’re not getting out of here without me getting you something…”

---

Blahhh...

A small squeak of surprise was all that left her at Matthew's embrace and Katyusha turned her head slightly, a bit confused as to the reason for the hug. Not that it didn't feel nice, that wasn't it at all! She never tired of his arms around her...it brought a sense of security to her. But the public affection was embarressing; sure, they'd been holding hands, but that was different. And then before she could ask about it he was already speaking again, joining their hands like nothing had happened. With a light huff, she decided to leave it be. It was over and it didn't seem like anything was wrong...
And then, a pout crossed her lips at his statement.
She didn't want him to buy her anything if she didn't need anything! That was what she was THINKING, that was what she WANTED to think, but that didn't mean the offer wasn't tempting. "N-No, I can't!" She was attempting to keep up her act but it was rather hard when her cheeks burned red and she had to bite her lip to stop herself from smiling, even though the action was just surpressing it. How could she not smile when he was wearing a grin like that? Focusing her gaze on the ground - what lovely tiles they had - the stubborness in her voice melted away quickly. "I-I shouldn't...really..."
The image of the ragdoll flashed in her mind but she tried to shake it off. It was just a little doll, it wasn't anything special. It was just a doll...and yet the thought of having a doll like that in her posession once again was heart-warming. Pursing her lips, she turned again and began to look at another display to distract herself, hand still linked with his. Matthew shouldn't have to do things like this; it made her feel too flustered for her own good.

____________________________________________________

Blaaahhhh for this reply ;;

Matthew jutted out his bottom lip, tilting his head down do he had to gaze at her through his lashes and gave Katyusha the biggest kicked-puppy look he could muster.
“I’m not allowed to buy my g-girlfriend a present?” he asked, cursing himself as he stuttered. He doubted he’d ever get used to calling her that, it was just too much of a miracle.
It was hard to keep his face straight seeing Katyusha struggle to maintain that disapproving pout though he spotted the smile poking through from a mile away. Matthew made a quick mental photo of her flushed face and the cute little annoyed huffs. How delectable she looked… He’d definitely have to remember to ruffle her feathers more often.
“If it’s not here I’ll spend all night finding something elsewhere,” Matthew sighed, raising his hands in a shrug, the movement slightly awkward as their hands were still joined. “Might as well get it over with now…”
He’d given up on trying not to grin (though a part of him did feel slightly guilty for playing on her personality). But he liked getting her things, he liked be attentive, whether that be with a bouquet of sunflowers, something from this shop or the necklace for Christmas. Perhaps he was just trying to compensate for all all she had to go through.
A person like Katyusha, so earnest and good-hearted, shouldn’t have to work so hard for so little in return. It wasn’t fair. Life wasn’t fair.
But for Katyusha it should be!
Matthew regarded her analytically, his head cocked slightly to one side. If she really was deathly against him getting her anything he’d let it drop. It wasn’t in him to force something, especially on Katyusha. But really, it would make him happy knowing he was making her happy.

---

IDK... *head/desk*

She glanced back at him and blinked, her eyes widdening slightly.
Too much.
The puppy dog face was too much for her.
Katyusha had not seen that coming, and had not thought that Matthew could get any more lovable.
Her whole face was red and her ears felt hot and in an attempt to calm her embarressment, - and possibly a somewhat ecstatic squeal - her hands flew up to cover her face. Moving her hands so that they only cupped her cheeks, she kept her head tilted down shyly and stared at him with a sheepish smile. He didn't even have to TRY to make her heart have a kickstart and thrum against her chest. Whatever protests she had were gone now and she could only do her best not to giggle. "A-Alright, alright! Just...don't do that!"
Katyusha dropped her hands to her sides, slipping her hand back into his, and tried to ignore her still flushed cheeks. Sighing, she led him along back to where the dolls lay and, as if trying to regain some of her stubborness and make a point, she turned to Matthew before picking up the doll she'd held before. "I-I'm not getting anything expensive, though." She admired the doll for a few seconds before a thought occured to her. He was getting her something, but was he going to get anything? They're must be something of interest in here somewhere... She opened her mouth to ask him about it, but nothing came out. What a lovely time to lose her voice in her throat. She tried again, but there was still nothing and decided to stop before she looked like a fish.

____________________________________________________

Kat likes cute faces, woooo~ *crawls away* ewe;;

Matthew took half a step back in utter surprise at her reaction, then, seeing her face turn so red and her smothered giggles, the biggest, most gratified, wildly cavalier grin he’d ever worn hitched itself across his face.
His hands went up in the air again, this time in mock surrender. “Okay! Okay! That’s good enough for me!” The words barely made it out of his mouth, shaky, spastic guffaws muddling them as he tried not to burst into laughter.
Matthew watched as she picked one of the ragdolls, cradling it in her slender hands. He paid the cashier and the left the store, heading back into the chilly festivities. There seemed to be something going on down at the town park not far from a group of restaurants that seemed to be throwing one massive party.
“You know, you’d think I was pulling teeth not getting you something,” Matthew teased playfully, squeezing her hand in a silent thank you for relenting. “You looked like you wanted to ask me something back there.” He remembered her pause, blue eyes swirling with curiosity. “What is it? Did you want something else from the store?” he asked sincerely.

---

That was so cute ;3;

I hate my brain right now ._.

Carefully slipping the doll into one of her hoodie - Matthew's hoodie, to be correct - and swinging their hands again, Katyusha looked up at him with a frown, the same playfullness in her eyes. "I don't want you spending money w-when you don't have to!" she replied, resisting the urge to stick out her tongue. It was weird...this wasn't how she acted at all normally. All of these new feelings were really affecting her...
She took another paused at his question, fumbling with her words in her head. Sure, she couldn't start talking in the store but now she was home free? Weird. Licking her lips a little, she then responded softly, "N-No, I was just...wondering if you were g-getting anything, too..." She looked down, her playfulness gone and the shyness back. For a moment, she let her gaze wander to where all the livelyness was coming from. Faint music could be heart and people passed by them to and fro; she'd been to this part of town only a few times and had never seen it so busy. It was making her curious, but she forced herself to focus on Matthew. Hadn't she been telling herself she wouldn't drag him around?

______________________________________________________

ajdflksd;jaf
*brain dead*

Matthew stumbled over his own feet in surprise at her question, the color rushing to his cheeks and he clapped a hand over face, turning away embarrassedly.
Nice reaction, idiot, now she’ll know something’s up!
“N-no, I didn’t see anything for me,” Matthew stuttered, laughing nervously- though it came out as a squeak. He cleared his throat and laughed again, relieved that this time there was no high octave breaking. “Nothing, zip, zilch, nadda. Guess I’ll have to keep an eye out! H-haha…ha.”
Red in the face, he fiddled with Katyusha’s hand, wrapping it both it his own. They weaved through the flocking people. He guessed with growing crowd and the sound faint sound of music, that they were getting closer to whatever was going on. The staple hotdog stands began appearing, along with some more Halloween-ish dishes. The delicious sugary sweet smell of caramel apples wafted through the air and Matthew heard his stomach grumble embarrassingly but he ignored it.
“So,” Matthew asked, trying to tear away his eyes away from the tantalizing way cold coaxed the red to her cheeks, “where would you like to go next?”

---

Sorry it's so late T-T
Migraines really screw me up @_@

Katyusha cocked an eyebrow with a small smile growing on her face, but didn't ask further questions. He'd seen something, she was sure of it. For a moment, she wanted to go back and get whatever had interested him but Matthew was trying so desperately to be calm about it that she decided to leave it be. Why he wanted it a secret, she didn't know. She was curious, yes, but something told her to just leave it be. Maybe he just didn't want to impose on her...? ...Wait, wasn't that how SHE usually acted?
She thought she heard a low rumble in his direction and forced herself not to giggle. The smells were certainly inviting, and a small growl answered his much to her embarressment. She was surviving without dinner and she wasn't about to cause any trouble just because her stomach wanted a snack.
Absentmindedly leaning gently against his arm, hands still laced, her gaze darted around the setting. The crowd had gotten thicker; was there some sort of Halloween festival going on? More stands appeared, more shops as well, and more aromas filled the air. "W-Wouldn't you know your way around more than me?" After all, he'd been at the school longer so maybe he'd been here before.

_____________________________________________________

It's alright, don't worry~
Awww, a migraine? D8 That sucks! *huggles* ;;

“You’d think I would,” Matthew answered thoughtfully, still fidgeting with her fingers, “since I spent last year… well, mostly just falling asleep on my textbooks alone in the library- But! That means we’ll be exploring together…” He flushed embarrassedly. “Aaaaand that was extremely cheesy. Sorry.”
He puffed another nervous laugh, subconsciously squeezing her hand. The smells were growing stronger and Matthew was pretty sure his stomach was eating itself. He licked his lips, eyes locking with Katyusha’s for a brief moment before he dropped them once again.
They were passing another row of food venders when the most delicious, mouth-watering aroma wafted by sending Matthew’s mind on instant autopilot. He led Katyusha forward, feet following the heavenly smell to one of the more out of the way booths.
“I can’t believe-“ he started in disbelief that they'd have his favourite Canadian treat here of all places, but couldn’t finish lest he drool in public. Under the heated glass domes were oblong shaped pieces of dough dusted with cinnamon and oh… oh yes, he could smell the maple. They were rather large Matthew noted, and turned to Katyusha. “They’re called Beaver Tails,” he chuckled a little at the name. “Do you… um, want to share one?”

---

It's soooo laaaaaaaaate...~!

She could only laugh with him, squeezing his hand back in return as they carried on. Her gaze was caught by the glow of the lights and the displays down the side. She couldn't quite tell where the music was coming from since it was muddled with the noises of the crowd, but that didn't matter to her.
Katyusha looked at the stand inquiringly, turning her head to look at him when he spoke. She blinked, shyly waving her hand and shaking her head. "N-No, I shouldn't. You already bought me that doll---" Her stomach growled and she tried not to pout at the noise, ignoring it. "I couldn't..." She shifted her eyes back to the pastries, rethinking her answer. It was true that she didn't want him to spend money just because of her, but her stomach was practically yelling "Just eat the damn food!" They looked...simple, but the smell was definitely grabbing her attention. The idea of sharing it with Matthew was a charming one, not to mention good on the wallet. Licking her dry lips, she looked down at their intertwined hands. "Well...I..."
What a great time to be indecisive. C'mon, Kat! Just say something!
She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
She tried again. Nothing.
It seemed that her voice was running away from home, much to her dismay.
She looked back up at him wearing a sheepish expression, blushing in the slightest.

____________________________________________________

S'alright~~~ o3o

Ugh, this is crap. *dies*

“Kat, this is just as much for me as it is for you,” Matthew answered, hoping that would hush her worries about him spending money. He honestly didn't mind. Besides he’d heard her stomach growls echoing his own and knew she was skipping meals again. He really wished she wouldn’t do that, even though he understood she just didn’t have the time to eat properly with work and everything. It still made him worry. A lot.
Matthew paid the vender happily, cradling the delicacy in a napkin as he tore off a piece. “You have to try some, trust me. I’d eat these for breakfast, lunch and dinner given the chance!”
He laughed, breath puffing small clouds into the cold air as he held up the sample to her lips. It was only after he did so that the action caught up with his brain. Blood charged to his face and up to the roots of his hair.
Was this too intimate? Was he being inappropriate? But if he took his hand away would that be too awkward?
Think, think! What was he supposed to do?

---

I luuuv eeeeet~ So cute o3o <3

It took a moment for everything to register in her brain and once it did, her cheeks were filled with their usual color; red. She had to blink a couple times to clear her mind of the slight surprise and actually do something.
Being careful as to not chomp on his fingers, Katyusha parted her lips and took the piece between them, licking off the crumbs. And all the while, she hadn't taken her gaze off of him. She felt the need to pull at her collar; her ears were hot with embarressment. She finally ducked her head, unable to stop a shy smile from crossing her lips. Matthew had been right; it WAS good. It was wonderfully sweet! Forcing herself to lift her head back up, she broke off another piece that should've been for herself.
But the idea of "returning the favour" suddenly came to her and she could've sworn she was glowing bright red.
None the less, with a slightly shaking hand, she extended her hand towards him. It wasn't super close to him, but it wasn't far away. She'd let him decide. She had no idea what was going on in her head anyways.

__________________________________________________________

The cuteness burns so GOOD~~~

Matthew stood with his jaw hanging ajar as he watched wide-eyed, completely and irrevocably spellbound at her pink little tongue darting out to clean away the pieces left behind. The tiny little warm strokes brushing against his skin sent goose bumps sprawling down to his toes and his blood coursed through his veins, burning at his insides with a dangerous cocktail of desire and lust.
“I-I… I’m not … one to say ‘I told you so’ but-,“ Matthew’s voice croaked and then faltered as Katyusha took her own piece and held it to his mouth. He wasn’t as careful, body humming, heart banging violently against his ribs making it impossible to be coordinated, and his lips brushed the soft tips of her fingers. He turned away, blushing brightly as he chewed and swallowed too quickly, eyes watering slightly.
Matthew coughed to clear his throat, mumbling a weak apology.
How could one, single, shy girl do this to him?
Well what she just did wasn’t exactly shy-
“W-would you like anything else?” Matthew blurted too loudly, effectively breaking the intimate mood they’d created. He plucked another piece, careful to feed himself this time. Laughing nervously, he locked his gaze on his shuffling feet.
Any more of this and he wouldn’t have a gentleman side anymore…

---

Bow-chika-bow-wow...

It felt like Katyusha hardly had any control over herself.
Damn her subconsious!
She inwardly ridiculed herself again and again, her cheeks ablaze with the familiar red. What was she thinking?! Nothing, obviously. In what world was she ever allowed to lick his fingers, in PUBLIC no less?! It was too intimate, too embarressing, too....!
And yet the sensation of Matthew's lips against her own fingers sent chills up her spine, leaving her gaping and forgetting how to breathe. Her heart was pounding madly and she forced herself to stop replaying the touches again in her head, except with more imagination. Fingers, wrists, collar bones, necks---
She'd heard him apologize and she'd heard him ask her a question, but none of it clicked in her mind. She was too busy inwardly slapping herself; she had to use her HEAD, not her BODY. That wasn't what their relationship was about... Instead of answering, she started murmuring her own apology to him, repeating the much-too-soft words and panicking a little. "I-I'm sorry, I...I shouldn't have...ah...I'm sorry...!" She dared herself to look up at him, trying to lock gazes with him in vain. Biting her lip, she hesitatly picked off another piece for herself, nibbling on it as an excuse not to speak. Just when she needed to, she couldn't.
It was becoming a seemingly bad habit.

_____________________________________________________

It's rushed, I'm sorry. ;A;

Matthew’s mouth opened and closed several times. He wanted to say ‘That’s okay’ or ‘I didn’t mind’, but he didn’t think the meaning would quite come across properly.
Why she was apologizing was downright bamboozling. It wasn’t possible for him to be angry about something like… that. Utterly the opposite really. The butterflies in his stomach turned to fireworks whenever Katyusha asserted the confidence Matthew knew she had.
People walked around them, the festivities still alive and well though it was getting later into the night. Whatever local band they had playing was taking a break and so the small stage was taken over by a pumpkin pie eating contest. Matthew didn’t think twice about it. Pumpkin was delicious, sure, but he preferred maple hands down. Not far away from them both kids and adults were getting their faces painted, and neighboring that booth was a supposed ‘Fortune Teller’. Matthew chewed thoughtfully, rising up on his tip-toes to peek over the crowd. A bit back was a long row of tables set end to end with the banner “Pumpkin Carving” hanging above it. That looked sort of fun. Of course, being Halloween, there was the staple haunted house, but Matthew pointedly ignored it. Katyusha didn’t seem the type to like that sort of thing… and screaming like a girl when a something jumped out at him was something Matthew wanted to avoid at all costs.
Offering her the last piece of the dessert, he smiled down at her. “So, what shall we do next?”

---

I would be unlucky enough to get sick over the long weekend :I
Sorry it's so bloody late ;A;

Katyusha started at Matthew's smile, eyes widening slightly and blinking in confusion. He wasn't mad? But that...that had been... Why wasn't he mad? He must've been embarressed, he couldn't not be, right? She pursed her lips, absentmindedly taking the last piece from him as her brows furrowed a little. That had been way too intimate for their first official date, way too intimate for...for.... She couldn't make herself complete her thought because another thought took its place.
Well...we've both made mistakes tonight...is that why...?
She tore her gaze away from his, looking around at the crowds and stands. Not being the tallest of people, she was forced to look around figures and stand on her tip-toes to attempt to see past the growing flood of people. She'd been able to see a fortune telling stand and something about pumpkins. There was also some sort of stand that looked more like a box with a curtain. It definitely made her curious to look around, that was for sure. She gave a small huff; this wasn't going to get them anywhere. She began to walk but stopped. You're leaving without him, idiot! Get yourself together! Looking back at him she extended her hand towards him shyly, wearing an equally shy smile.

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It's all good, don't worry~ Get better! D:
FAJSDLKFJASDF Short post. ;;A;;

Katyusha’s hand extended towards him, pale and beckoning and without any hesitation Matthew took it in his own, lacing together her fingers with his own. Her hand was so small compared to his, tiny, slender and warm. He squeezed gently, glad to see the tension that had been bothering her leave, and followed dutifully at her side. Katyusha seemed to know exactly where she was going so Matthew handed over the reins and let her lead.
Please not the haunted house! Please, anything but that! It’s not my fault that I don’t like spiders! Or snakes… or blood… or anything gruesome jumping out at me-!
Matthew blinked at the small little photo booth, both surprised and relieved… and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t just a little abashed. He felt like he was in one of those chick flicks that the girls constantly gabbled on about- N-not that he ever watched any chick flicks! O-of course he didn't! Really! But Matthew could see where the idea had come about. Being crammed into a tiny space with the girl he adored was a marvelous idea…
And photos! You get to have pictures of the two of you together! At least you would if you could pry your mind from the gutter for 5 minutes!
Right, and pictures.
Matthew could feel the heat rising from his collar, face flushing at the concept that Katyusha actually wanted to be in a picture with him. It would be like proof, real proof, something to prove that this wasn’t some deep, disturbing hallucination of his. Another couple was just leaving as they arrived, giggling like they'd had too much of the Halloween candy as they took their row of tiny pictures from the dispenser before disappearing into the crowd. Matthew hovered, unsure if Katyusha really wanted to go in or if she was just curious as to what the booth was.

---

Derp :B IDK

Upon arriving at the "stand", it soon - and easily - came to Katyusha's attention this was a photo booth, not a stand. She watched the other couple leave, swallowing a little. It sounded enjoyable; goofing off with Matthew and getting a few pictures for themselves. It sounded like something they could do. Now, the only real important matter was if she was willing. She knew that there wasn't much room inside the booth, she knew that you had to close the meesely curtain, she knew it would be cramped because...of...
Well....certain....
"Features".
She just didn't want to make things AWKWARD; she'd done enough of that already. Not to mention that just thinking about being squished into one spot, against the walls of the booth, against Matthew...it had her heart pounding in her ears.
Shaking her head in a vain attempt to vanquish the blush on her cheeks she glanced at the booth, then at him, back at the booth, and then at the ground. Her gaze then rested on their intertwined hands, admiring the slightly rough edge to his fingers and the way they were still so gentle. She almost smiled when she thought about the many different ways he expressed his kindness, but her anxiousness was stronger at this point. "Ah...um...d-do you want to...? Ah, I'm s-sorry, w-we don't have to! W-We can do something else...like...uh...like th-this, over here...!" She'd tugged him gently in another direction, but didn't continue. Instead, she glanced back at him and the booth. Oh, her nervousness wasn't obvious at all. Not at all.
Panicking, she was panicking! Great. Why couldn't she just make up her mind? Being shy and polite was just frustrating her. Unfortunately for her, those traits were a main part to her personality. She wanted to try it out, but she didn't want to cause something bad to happen. She didn't want to impose on him, she didn't want to force him into anything.
Ah, hesitation. What a great thing it is.

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Nyeh nyeh nyeeeeh :U

“No, it’s all right,” Matthew replied, omitting the soft tug of her hand. He could see the curiosity and interest in Katyusha’s expression, and he should've known with her personality that she wouldn’t tell him directly what she wanted to do. “I’ve never been in one, so this should be an adventure.”
He was eyeing the curtain dubiously, but brushed it aside with his forearm automatically holding it open for Katyusha and followed in after her.
It was just as he’d guessed. Small, cramped and to get the both of them seated on the frustratingly too-small bench would be a near impossible task. Matthew had to crane his neck downwards to avoid smacking his head on the ceiling (which was going to give him one hell of a crick come the morning, he just knew it), all the while trying to avoid touching anything inappropriate, and that was proving extremely difficult. Especially when a more... prominent attribute of Katyusha’s figure pressed against his chest.
Breathe, damn it all! Breathe!
Can you die from having all the blood rush to your head? Matthew wondered idly, debating whether or not Katyusha could feel the neurotic flush blanketing his face. Well, if you could, this was definitely not the worst way to go…
And it wasn’t just the physical… situation… that had Matthew’s brain muddled. Katyusha’s heart-shaped face, beautifully tinted with pink and pushed so close to his own, effectively stopped all educated thought in his head. Everything that crossed his mind involved the pleasurable weight of her body pressing to his… the sound of her dainty little breaths echoing… or the downright intoxicating smell of maple still clinging to her from their snack.
Okay, need to focus on something else! Now is REALLY not the time to get… excited…
Matthew’s eyes flickered desperately around the tiny space, landing on the hole in the wall where the black camera lens sat along with the coin slot. He tugged at his arm, trying to reach for his wallet but nothing happened. He could feel the tips of his fingers starting to tingle with numbness and the other didn’t want to cooperate either, seeming to be caught on a coat zipper or something.
“U-um, I’m not trying to be funny, b-but can you get a hold of m-my wallet?” Matthew sputtered. “I-it’s in my back pocket…”

---

Oh~hohoho~

From the moment they'd entered the small booth, Katyusha had simply been focused on staying as much out of his bubble as she could. But it seemed that she'd misjudged how small the place really was. That, or she'd misjudged their own sizes. She wouldn't say that the warmth because of the closeness wasn't nice, she wouldn't say that his gangly figure matching up with her smaller frame wasn't thrilling to her, she wouldn't say that she wasn't excited and nervous about the whole ordeal. Because it was, strangely enough. Even if it was cramped, it was a bit comfortable. In an odd way.
But when she heard Matthew's request, the air left her lungs and her brain started working overtime. She...she had to reach into his back pocket...?! There was no way she could do it, no way, no way---they could just get out of the booth and he could get it, right? But with how crowded they were, it seemed like doing this once was enough. Taking in short breaths, she tried to calm herself. J-Just do it! B-But I can't! But I have to! C-C'mon, Katya! Don't just sit here...!
Trying to keep herself from squishing him, Katyusha supported herself with one hand on the wall that would've originally been behind someone and the other hand on the other side of him. Swallowing hard, she scooted closer as to be able to reach, murmuring embarressed apologies the whole way through. She would have to feel her way to his pocket...oh, boy. Past the fabric of his sweater, lower still... Hesitation froze her in the action; she couldn't do this! This was too embarressing! With a shakey breath, she decided that she was just going to grab it quickly. No slow motions, no touching. Just snatch and go.
Well...that would've been her plan, but apparently her hands didn't agree.
The hand that had been on the wall slipped suddenly and, with a squeak, she felt herself fall. Her other hand had jerked into the pocket and was just...there. After the surprise, she abruptly pulled her hand out along with the wallet, face burning a bright shade of cherry red. A breathless apology left her - although she thought it just sounded like shocked blubbering - and she wriggled as to get back up. Small spaces weren't very cooperative.

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*whistles innocently* <3