AN: A few little things before you start reading. First off, the ever popular disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey! Next is that I'm still rather new to Fan Fiction, so try not to judge! But please, feel free to enjoy!

Mary's jaw dropped when she saw him, and the words of the song that she knew by heart suddenly disappeared. She could only see the blonde man in the soldiers uniform. The man she'd thought not two minutes ago, was quite possibly dead. She was only vaguely aware of everyone's staring, or the fact that Edith was staring at her, and was clearly quite put off.

It didn't matter though. "He's alive- He's not been harmed!" Mary thought, using all the restraint she had to keep herself from running to him, and kissing him everywhere she could, just to make sure he was really there. He said something, but she only watched the way his lips moved, so mesmerizing as he spoke. The music struck up again, and she half heartedly sang the words as Matthew, dear Matthew approached her. "If you were the only girl in the world, and I was the only boy."

As everyone applauded, and began to disperse, Mary looked up at Matthew, who was doing the same to her, and grinned, feeling tears prick in the corner of her eyes as she took in the little scrapes on his skin, his still bright blue eyes, slightly mussed blonde hair, and his masculine smell. "Lady Mary, don't tell me you're going to cry?" Matthew asked half amused, and half concerned. She quickly dabbed her eyes and smiled, "And if I do, I should think I have the right. You've practically come back from the dead!" A tear spilled from her eye, as she said the word, the awful word she was afraid she'd have to associate with Matthew's name forever.

"I'm quite honestly alright, plus or minus a few scrapes, and bruises." Matthew laughed. "There are many things you may tease me about Matthew, but your welfare is not one of them!" As she said it, she ran from the room, in a most un lady like manner, afraid anyone else would have to see her cry. The family, who'd been quietly present throughout looked at Matthew, with confusion in there eyes. "what did you say to her?" Cora asked as she looked the way her daughter had run. "I- I don't know, I'm as confused as you are." Matthew's head spun- Had Mary, His darling Mary, truly cried, just because he had mentioned a few minor injury's?

"I'll find her." Sybil volunteered, and began out the same way, as her heart was filled with concern for her older sister. "No, no, I'm sure you've got work to do, I'll find her." Matthew said with a smile. "Oh, but Matthew you're on leave! I hardly believe you'd like to spend it consoling Mary!" Sybil stated in surprise. "oh, really Sybil, I don't mind it- do you know where she might have gone?" Matthew asked. "Follow me." Sybil said with a smile, as she recalled the place that Mary had always gone to cry, or be alone as a child.

She led Matthew out the door, and pointed to a tree that stood alone at the corner of the property. "Do you see that tree, there Matthew? Ever since I can remember, when Mary was upset, or sad, or just plain frustraited with Edith or I, she'd run to that tree- I'd be entirely surprised if you couldn't find her there right now." "Thank you, Sybil." Matthew smiled to his young cousin as he began walking. "Wait- Matthew?" Sybil asked. "Yes?" He asked, turning to face her. "Be careful with her. Please. You've no idea how much you affect her." Sybil declared surely, and turned back to the house.

For a moment, Matthew just stood there, baffled. He turned back and began towards the tree, with Sybil's word's bouncing around in his head. "You've no idea how much you affect her." What could she have meant? Was she suggesting that Lady Mary Crawly loved him? No, it couldn't be that. Surely, they cared for eachother- he was quite sure he loved her, and yet quite sure Mary thought of him as a friend, a dear cousin at most. But she could- no, no! What was he thinking? He had Lavinia! He loved Lavinia! But Lady Mary…

As she came into view, his heart sped up as he saw her. She was beautiful. As much an angel at this moment as when he first saw her in the sitting room at Crawley house. At the moment she saw him, she turned her back to him, and began wiping away her tears. "I know it's silly to cry- I know you're alright- and I know you aren't mine…But I- I couldn't stand thinking you were dead, Matthew. I couldn't bear the thought that I might never see you again, or that we might never again argue over something silly and little- or hear you laugh when I made a joke… I'm sorry!" Mary said as her voice broke and more tears streamed down her face.

Matthew approached her, and gently rubbed his hand over her back "You don't have to worry, Mary, I'm home now. The good luck charm you gave me truly works darling. I was behind enemy lines for God knows how long- I cant think of any other reason I might still be alive." At some point during this, Mary turned to face him, and he took her in, her eyes and nose bright red, several tendrils of her chestnut hair falling from its knot. "Oh Matthew! And here I am, complaining about" "About being afraid? Don't worry Mary, it's a feeling I know well."

It was then that they noticed how close they were standing to eachother, bodies almost touching, lips but centimeters apart. "I'm so sorry." Mary's voice trembled. "I could say the same to you." The air between them was thick, and filled with energy, and tension. "Will you- be staying long?" Mary asked, reaching her hand out to straighten the collar of Matthew's uniform. "A few days." His hand instinctively grabbed her wrist, and he marveled at how smooth her skim was, compared to anything he could remember. "And then- you…" Mary's voice trailed off, as the tension between them became more and more intense. "I…" Matthew tried to begin, but instead lost his train of thought, and without truly thinking, closed the distance between them, and kissed the Lady Mary, fully, and passionately on her lips.

AN: I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! Please R&R, it'd mean the world!