"Shit! Really…" And at the sound of that voice of velvet something crashed into pieces onto the floor. I hung my head and chuckled – taking a deep breath before I turned around.
Amelia was kneeling there, on the floor, with a very amused Brittany attempting to pick up the shattered pieces of her phone. Silly girl. Said phones' battery had skidded across the room to rest right near my boot, and I bent to pick it up, walking to her – holding it out with a broad smile. It was surrealism, honestly. She was here… and not just in my heart… actually here. She looked up at me shyly and bit her lip as I pushed my thoughts away…
"None of that…" I cooed, and thumbed her lip out from between her teeth. She gasped, and may have tried to say something, but I caught her lips in a kiss before anything remotely sane came out. Her hands fiddled to try and put her shattered phone in her pocket as I pulled her close – flush against me as I completely disregarded everyone else.
Her small hands came up to play with the hairs at the nape of my neck and I picked her up for a spin. She giggled breathlessly and placed her face into the crook of my neck, taking a deep breath. "Hello there," she whispered softly. Her breath tickled at my neck and I memorized the feeling of her warmth against me.
"Oh I've missed you…" I replied squeezing her. She squeezed me back just as tightly and I finally set her down, grasping her hand to lace my fingers with. She rested her head against my shoulder and pulled back so I could wrap one arm around Brittany.
"Thank you for not listening to this one about the video. You two unfiltered has been my source of amusement for the past eon and a half."
"See, told you! As long as you kept it to yourself?" Brittany asked with an air of threat.
I nodded my head in an utter lie and she replied with a short one. Amelia let go of my hand as I wrapped myself around Kingston. "I have a feeling this is your doing?" I asked with my hands resting on her waist.
"Spoilers," she replied with a wink.
I shook my head and kissed her forehead. "Thank you…"
She smiled and pulled from me to go and speak with Steven. Something was off about her, but that was for later. I turned back to Amelia, suddenly becoming shy, and blushed.
"So… how long are you girls here?"
"That news is for later, but for now why don't we go and get something to eat? I was too afraid I'd puke on the plane to accept the food earlier. Alex kept me nice and drugged," Amelia replied grabbing my hand.
"That's fair enough. Er… there's not much open but the Tesco, and even less once I've gotten out of this contraption. Pizza?" They nodded and I kissed Amelia before running off to costume to grab my own clothes. Surely they would find someone to mingle with, and shit where was Brittany going to stay? If they were both in my flat everything would work out perfectly.
I thanked the costume ladies and hopped back into my black jeans and worn maroon Arcade Fire shirt. My hair was a right mess, but I stopped fiddling with it to dial Rob really quickly. He answered within the first few rings gruffly. "Hiya."
"Doing much of anything tonight?"
"Wasn't planning on it. I have some beer left from the other night, and I was just going to lay back. Is everything all right? Have you heard from her?" He knew about my predicament of not being able to speak to Amelia because Brittany had managed to do the same to him. He was tetchy over her even though they weren't together by definition, but we all knew the inevitable.
Element: surprise (or lie – whichever you choose). "No, I haven't. Should we drown it with an evening of writing terrible music again?"
He laughed and shuffled around. "Yeah, yeah. When will you be back to the flat?"
Keys jingled and I wanted to jump at my success. "Give me 45. I'm going to grab pizza. That sound good?"
"Perfect. I'll bring the rest of the beer over. Drunken shitty music writing… right pair we are."
"See you soon then, mate."
I closed my phone and rushed back to the girls, tripping in my wake - absolute insufferable set piece. I picked it up and threw it back with the others, finally getting to them. Alex was letting go of Brittany and moving to hug Amelia.
"We'll need a proper girl's day of course… since you managed to tell Matt off with that idea. I think it's a wonderful diversion. I'm stealing her one day," Alex addressed me. Her arm was about Amelia's waist and I simply smiled, hands in pocket, at her.
"I would expect no less Kingston. As long as all three of you take pictures I have no objections."
"Matthew!" - "Matt!" - and "Limbs!" – All three sentiments yelled at once to me.
"Cheeky sod…" Alex said rolling her eyes. Amelia was blushing and Brittany was high-fiving me. "I'll see you tomorrow?" Alex asked me.
I shook my head and kissed her cheek fondly. "Tomorrow is all you. I'm back the following day."
She nodded and walked off, leaving me with Amelia and Brittany. "Should I call Rob?" Brittany asked Amelia.
"Already settled, he's on the way to my flat. He has no idea what's going on though. We need to get there before him. He thinks were going to sit around like a pair of pouty bar blokes…"
"Well he has another thing coming," Amelia replied – wrapping her arm about my waist. I leaned over and kissed her atop the head as we began walking outside.
"Wait about ten minutes and text him to tell him you have two girls coming over. That ought to give him a jolt. I want to see what he says!" Brittany said as she clambered into the back of my car.
"You are pure evil woman. Do you know what that does to a man?" I asked shifting as we headed off. "Here, order whatever pizza you girls want and then text Rob." I handed Amelia my phone and she looked incredibly confused. "What? I have to trust you with my belongings at some point don't I?"
She giggled and splayed her fingers across mine as I changed gears, settling onto the road. "What's the pizza place under?"
"Stuffed crust," I replied dreamily.
"Seriously? You two are too much." Brittany stifled a laugh behind us and I took my hand from the gear for a moment to trace Amelia's cheek.
She swooned and I grinned wildly at the chance to be able to touch her again. She was too incredibly soft for one person, and I didn't ever want to stop, but she pulled away – batting lightly at my hand. She rifled through the contacts and held the phone up to her ear. "Is everyone okay with just cheese?" She asked, unsure.
I nodded and Brittany replied with a 'yup' as Amelia started talking to the person on the line. She ordered two large ones at my request with large gaping eyes. "Yeah, that's right. Uh, pick-up?" I nodded as she confirmed everything.
"Okay, see you soon. Thanks, you too." She hung up the phone at a flustered rate and I laughed. "Not a phone person?"
"No… I just – that was really weird." She giggled and tucked her hair behind her ear. "Are you going to text Rob and mess with him?" She asked, turning her body fully to the back.
"Three steps ahead of you! He's currently informing me, and I quote: Off to have an evening with Matt. He apparently has two girls coming from set, which sounds amazingly suspicious to me. Are you done in for the night yet?"
B: We are done. I actually just got home. Feel free to call me later if those girls get too handsy. I know you don't like anyone else's hands but mine.
R: The hands that I dream of at night, haha. I already know I'll end up with you on the other line at some point tonight. Maybe I'll serenade you with whatever atrocious song Matthew and I come up with.
B: Feel free – it'll make my night go faster. Now quit texting me. Don't you read those 'no texting and driving' ads? Jeeze.
R: Yes ma'am xo
Amelia's POV
We finally reached the pizza place as Matt, with a quick kiss, hopped out and jogged towards the door. I immediately turned back to Brittany – obvious question in my eyes.
"What did he say?!"
"I made a lame comment about him only wanting my hands and he said they were the ones he dreamed about at night. He's my best friend and I've got him wrapped around my finger. What ever shall I do?" She asked in a mocking coy voice.
"God, you two are impossible. Twenty bucks says he ends up with his pants around his ankles because of you by the end of this trip." I raised an eyebrow at her, daring her to contradict me.
She and Rob had been at this for some time now, the flirting. They would send texts back and forth with one another, call one another, and had even managed to Skype on more nights than one. She refused to acknowledge that they would turn into something more than the best of friends because that wasn't what Rob needed right now. Granted, she was probably right, but I give them until the end of the year and they won't be dancing around one another anymore.
"You already know my answer to that… not that I would be opposed, but everything with us is just in good fun as of the moment. Just… one of us will come around within our own time, yeah?"
"Yeah… come around…"
She cocked her head to the side and within moments we were both cracking up, tears in our eyes. Matt knocked on my side of the car – bringing us out of our obscene laughter. I wiped my eyes as he placed the pizza down on my lap, the warmth welcome from the cool air of his car's air conditioning.
"Alright?" He asked, gaze flitting between Brittany and I. I nodded my head and leaned up to peck him on the lips shyly. He rubbed the pad of his finger against my nose and stepped away, closing my door to head to the drivers side.
The rest of the ride was spent with Matt recounting his errors of the day, Brittany laughing at him, and me reminding her of the clumsy acts she tended to commit in everyday life. By the time we reached his place we were all dissolved into pure amusement, and we stepped out of the car together.
"Here, give me the pizza stupid. You need to get her bags. I'll make Rob help me grab mine later." Brittany grabbed the pizza and Matt popped his trunk.
"I'm going to let her in and help with those then I'll be back out!" He jogged up to the door where Brittany was waiting and grabbed one of the pizzas from her – helping her. Ever the gentlemen… I thought fondly.
He was back out within a few seconds and pressing me even further into the surface of his car as he kissed me, leg fitting snugly between mine. I pushed my arms around his shoulders as his found purchase in my hair. I gave him a few quick pecks before pulling away, giggling.
"Shall we head in before Rob pulls up and sees us making out like a pair of horny teenagers?" I twisted away from him and started pulling one of my three bags from his trunk.
He walked to stand beside me and grabbed two of them as I shut the trunk, starting the walk towards his front door. "Are you telling me it would be bad if he saw us making out Miss Amelia?"
I bit my lip and shook my head, blush creeping up. "I'm just sure that we would never live it down."
"Matt where are your plates?" Brittany asked, peeking around the corner as we stepped inside. "I was just going to get everything ready so we could sit down once you two are done putting her stuff away."
"Top cupboard to the right, and there's beer – help yourself."
"Score! 2 points for you Smith." She nodded out and hopped away.
I shook my head fondly and followed Matt, who had managed to prop a bedroom door open with his foot without falling. I stepped past him with a quiet thank you and smiled – looking around. His room was a deeper blue, a soft beige carpet, and a bed that had more pillows than my bed…And that was saying something!
He started picking up random things on the floor that I hadn't noticed and was probably saying something – I just didn't hear him. The static noise in my mind had officially taken over. I was standing… in Matt Smith's bedroom… with my luggage… deep breath. He seemed to have noticed my difficulty because before I got too lost, he was leading me over with his hand on the small of my back to sit down on his bed. I turned my head into his shoulder and soothing circles were being traced across my back.
"It's still just me, silly," he chuckled out.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him to lie down with me, head on his chest; his steady heartbeat a calming force. "What are you thinking?" He asked after a few moments.
"Did you mean it?" I finally asked… the reality of the question having plagued my subconscious.
"Mean what, luv?"
I sat up and traced my index finger lightly on his chest, looking to him. "It was probably something in the recesses of your mind… but… in the video… yours specifically… you said – you said you loved me. I – I was just wondering if, it doesn't have to be, but I was just wondering if you meant it?"
His eyes softened as he brought his right hand up to trace my cheek, smiling fondly. "Of course I did you silly girl. Granted, I'm a bit of a bumbling idiot because I'd meant to hold it in until you got here, but it slipped out then – purely instinctual I should like to think."
"I…"
"Shh," he cooed, finger at my lips. "Just think about it, yeah? I don't want you to feel as if you have to say it. I'd rather it just slip out for you as well." He traced his eyes across my face as I lightly nipped the finger that rested against my lips.
His eyelashes flickered for a moment before he was leaning up, replacing his finger with his own plush lips. I leaned into him and slowly clambered atop him – resting above his waist. He finally slipped his tongue between my lips as we tangled together in slow adoration. His hands slid up my jean-clad thighs and rested, fingers laced together, right at my lower back. Too soon he was pulling away, my hands buried in his hair as his warm breathless sighs tickled my neck.
"You really do make me feel like a ridiculous teenage boy again."
I sat up and took in his adorable mess of hair and shining green eyes, my hands removing themselves and resting flat atop his chest. "Does that mean I get to give you a hand job in the back of your mom's car?"
He groaned with a wide smile on his face and flipped me over, resting his weight on his elbows on top of me. "Considering neither of us are actually teenagers – no. We can, however, make out in the back of my car."
I playfully slapped his shoulder and pushed him off of me, hopping of the bed. He laced his hands together on top of his chest and I stepped to pick up one of my bags before considering for a moment…
With only a moments pause I lifted my shirt off and threw it at him - "Go entertain your guests." And with that I picked up my bag, stepping into his bathroom to change.
I didn't see his facial expression, but I didn't really need to, considering the gasp he had made. As if right on cue his doorbell rang and I smiled at Brittany's scream, "Put your pants back on lovebirds!"
Matt made his way downstairs quickly and a moment later voices could be heard and I stepped into a pair of yoga shorts with my infamous sweatshirt, jogging out to the hallway to listen in on the conversation between Matt and Rob.
"You have a set of obscene girls here Matthew." Rob said, amusement playing in his voice.
"Mm, just wait until you meet them."
They stepped away and I came out from hiding, following their footsteps. They had made their way into the kitchen and I stopped right behind them. Rob shook his head and began to chuckle at Brittany sitting on top of the counter, swinging her feet.
"Well, well, well – look what the cat dragged in. I should have known with the not being able to talk all day. You play a good role Brittany." Rob talked animatedly with his hands and Brittany gave him a coy smile. Secretly married.
She winked and crooked her finger at him playfully. As he stepped towards her, I walked behind Matt, wrapping my arms around his waist. I only came to about the middle of his shoulder blades, and he twisted in my arms to face me. Kisses peppered my face as I dragged him backwards into his living room. We collapsed onto his couch in a fit of giggles – amazed that we had made it to our destination without a fall. He lifted my legs to rest over his and played with the very bottom of my shorts… tongue peeking out between his lips.
He rested his hand for a moment's time before looking at me curiously, "This okay?"
I nodded and he continued with feather light touches around the rim of the shorts. We fell into a companionable silence. I rested my head to the side and let him soothe me into the comfort of being with him, but his stomach was rumbling all too soon. We both laughed as he patted me on the leg.
"How many slices do you want?"
"Oh, um – just two. Be careful going in there… they may be bumping uglies on your kitchen counter," I replied.
He stood as I spoke, walking backwards as he spoke. "Are you part of the like .01% fan base that thinks Rob is ugly, or do you just hate your best friend that much?" In an attempt to ask that question seriously amusement played evident in his voice.
"Is this one of those questions that I lose either way I answer?"
He stopped just short of the doorway and nodded, fringe bouncing lightly. "Do we need to celebrity swap for you? I mean I wouldn't approve, but I wouldn't want to keep you from the sex-haired Pattinson."
"Oi! I heard that!" Rob yelled from the kitchen.
"Shut up, we're having a serious debate. Your gravity defying hair has nothing to do with the topic at hand!"
"I wouldn't give up your lanky frame and defiant fringe for anything Matt." I smiled sweetly at him, and he was satisfied enough with my answer, turning to step into the kitchen. "Oh put your pants back on!"
"Ha!" I exclaimed jumping up and dashing to the kitchen. "You owe me twen... oh. You got me all excited for nothing Matt, damn you!"
He had been kidding, obviously, but Brittany and Rob were looking rather snug together. She was trying to push him away with her hips as he rested his head on her shoulder. The assembly line for pizza had already been made and she shooed him away so he could pick up a piece. We all headed back into the living room after piling our plates and grabbing beers. Matt was the first to sit down, and I followed suit with him on the floor – Rob and Brittany following soon after.
He reached under the coffee table that was near us and I looked at the cluster of games piled under it. He pulled out Battleship and Rob rolled his eyes petulantly.
"Listen, last time we played this I kicked your ass. Are you really ready to lose in front of your girl, Smith?"
"First off," Matt started as he swallowed around a slice of pizza quickly. "You beat me because I was drunk as well as distracted." He looked pointedly at me and raised an eyebrow.
"Me?" I asked incredulously.
"Yes you. That was the night you decided it would be a good idea to have an innuendo war with me."
I laughed fondly at the memory. A drunken Matt was only ground for pure amusement. He had been flubbing over words within every text and cursing me for being so eloquently clever.
"Mm, I'm quite fond of the memory if I do say so myself." I replied kissing his soft pizza lips.
He hummed as we all talked idly about whether we'd ever played Battleship before. Brittany and I recounted our experience of playing it in a Sushi bar, and Rob told us about exactly how he and Matt had played the game. It was a game of Battleshots as opposed to Battleship. Relieved that we weren't playing that version tonight, I relaxed and we all finished off our pizzas and first beers before starting the building of our ships.
At some point Matt had pulled me into his lap and Rob grabbed one more round of beers. Brittany and I were constructing elaborate ships as the boys attempted to crash their clumsily made ones into ours. I batted at Matt and strategically placed our ships on the board – humming 'A Pirate's Life for Me'.
With ships completed we began our game.
It didn't end until we had finished the fifth round, and the clock struck nearly two a.m. I hadn't realized I was tired, but as I slowly drifted against Matt's shoulder he soothed his fingers at the nape of my neck.
"Sleepy?" He asked.
I nodded my head and twisted my face fully into his neck. Not even a minute later Matt was hoisting me into his arms and I was helpless to object, too exhausted to really give a hoot that he was carrying me into his bedroom. I uncurled my arms from his neck as he rested me on his bed, tucking me in.
"I'm going to see them out, I'll be back." And with that he kissed me on the forehead.
He wasn't out there for long and I briefly wondered where he would have Brittany stay, but they must have settled it because he was soon padding into the room again. My face was scrunched up against a pillow and I lolled my head to the side before speaking.
"She in the guest room?" I asked, wincing at how slurred my tone was. I wasn't drunk by far, but my mental wherewithal was being compromised by the jet lag.
"She actually went and stayed with Rob. We're going to meet up with them after you both have a good few hours of rest clocked."
"Mmphk." I mumbled.
He rustled about for a few more moments and I recognized the vague sound of him removing his pants. The bed dipped on the side next to me as he pulled me into his chest, my back facing him. I knew there was a multitude of things I should bring up, but his even breathing caused my eyes to flutter closed.
I hardly remember hearing him muttering a 'sweet dreams' comment to me before I fell asleep, Matt pulling me closer into his chest with each second.
The first thing I noticed when I woke up was that someone, much longer than me, was draped over me. Also, said person was currently fluttering kisses against my neck. Matt…
"Still cuddly in the mornings then?" I asked fondly, turning in his arms to face him.
He looked distraught for a moment, as if he wanted to ask me a question, but then pushed his leg to rest between mine – entwining us once more as all was forgotten. "You smell like me and it's… I just want to live in this bed forever with you right here."
I giggled and nuzzled him adoringly. "How much time do we have before breakfast?"
His hands wrapped around me as he pulled flush against him… his stubble grazing my cheek. "Mm, nearly an hour. There's so much to do in that amount of time, don't you think?"
I pushed at his shoulder and clambered atop him, lightly bouncing like a child on Christmas – my fingers tracing small patterns on his chest. "I think you're slacking on your hosting duties. Aren't you supposed to ask me if I want to take a shower and then threaten to join me because you couldn't possibly stand to be away from me for a second more?"
Matt hummed and seemed to consider the given situation for a moment. "We have only ever had nothing but interesting showers together. What if we're late for breakfast? I would hate to disappoint you on the very first day here."
I was planning on telling him I really couldn't give two hoots about how late we were, but my phone chimed – Follow Me ringing out, signaling Brittany's call.
"Seriously, do you have a personalized ringtone for everyone?"
I clicked my tongue and winked before answering, and before I got a word out she was yelling. "Put your boyfriend on the phone – now."
I held my phone out to him and grinned like a cat, he must have shown the video to Rob…
"Hiya, everything oka-"
"You fucking little shit. You sent that video to Robert. He's now laughing maliciously about my departing message. I hate you!"
"Hey! In my defense, he said he enjoyed it. And he was also not supposed to tell you. He has a large mouth apparently."
"It's not his fault he can't keep his mouth shut after you specifically showed him something I told you not to."
"Shaking in my space boots, really Brittany. You're terrifying."
"You're lucky I don't drive over there and kick your ass Smith. You two had better not be late for breakfast. We don't have time to wait for you two to get yourselves together after a 'pants off dance off'. Bye."
Matt and I looked at one another for a second before bursting into laughter. I fell flat on his chest and he wrapped his arms around me tightly.
"You're going to get your ass kicked at breakfast!"
"But I really didn't do anything; Rob just happened to open my laptop and the video was already up…" He replied defensively.
"Really… You know, when you lie you raise the end of your fib with a higher inflection… almost like you were, oh I don't know – asking yourself if what you're saying is even true." I crossed my arms and raised my eyebrow at him.
He groaned and placed his hands over my hips. "Fine, I e-mailed it to him. It's only part of my plan to get them together. I figured he'd be enamored with her antics. Do you know how often they talk?"
I leaned down and kissed him, laughing against his pliant lips. "Yes, but you can't play matchmaker all the time you insane man."
I hopped up and beckoned him to me, we now only had about forty-five minutes until it was time to leave, and there was no way I'd pass up an opportune moment to be with him in the shower.
Nearly thirty minutes later found us both laughing and attempting to step through our bottoms in a rush – having languidly washed one another.
"Okay, go! I have my brush and I'll just braid my hair in the car," I giggled out to him. We ran through his front door and into his car, red-faced and completely blissed. It should have occurred to me that I had yet to tell him about Lutwidge, but… I had two weeks… right?
Matt hid behind me the minute we walked into the café. Brittany was leaning against the wall looking over her Aviators at him with an expression none too amused. He waved almost timidly at her and whispered: save me into my ear.
"I thought you were hardly shivering in your space boots…" As I turned to him an incredulous look crossed his face.
"You're going to throw me to the dogs aren't you?"
With a nod I quickly skidded over to Rob who looked just as amused as I felt. Brittany sauntered up to Matt slowly in her cowgirl boots and green dress, her sunglasses now perched atop her head.
She placed a hand on his chest and Matt nearly flinched – he had expected a blow. "I'll get you back, Smith."
And with that she turned on her heel, headed to the hostess. She spoke the polite voice she so often used as Rob followed behind to settle into seats. Matt shook his head and looked over to me in disbelief.
"What did you think she was going to do, kill you?"
"I figured she'd at least yell or smack me a few times like you do!"
I threw my head back in laughter and walked over to him, wrapping my hand in his to start towards the table. "Oh dear, you know nothing about Brittany. She works in mysterious ways."
He shook his head and nodded with a kiss to the top of my hand. My heart fluttered as we finally sat down; love… the big word looming over my mind. It was more like a rainbow that I kept attempting to chase because it's easier to keep yourself closed off than to intentionally fall for someone. Do I love him? Something in my mind told me that I would be considering that question for the whole two weeks here.
Honestly, I understood what he was playing at – having me consider what was at stake for as long as I needed. What he didn't understand is that plan gave me more time to second-guess everything. He had already fallen without really knowing anything, and I was still hiding my life from him.
Breakfast… brunch ticked on and with each moment it became harder to bear. He needed to know. I was meeting with Jaylyn on this trip for fuck's sake – speaking of… I had yet to get into contact with him. He didn't seem like the type to not really be bothered by waiting. Better hop on his good side…
"Space cadet!"
I turned my head quickly and stared stupidly at Brittany, who now had her eyebrow cocked in curiosity. "Sorry, what?"
"Are you… okay?"
"Yeah. Lutwidge on the mind."
Fuck.
Brittany's mouth dropped and I covered my face. Matt's what hit my ears and Brittany was suddenly pulling me up by my hand. "We're going to go… pee." And we were off.
She shut the door and busted into laughter as I groaned loudly.
"Cat's out of the fucking bag now. Great! That couldn't have gone any better."
I slid down the wall nervously and she crouched beside me, shaking her head. Both of us needed to let the weight of our situations settle for a moment.
"There's no anticipation in letting him know at least. Listen, let's just tell them that we need to head back for rest from the jet lag and that will give you and Matt a chance to talk. We're all meeting on set tomorrow anyway."
"I obviously need a rest from jet lag… I can't even keep my mouth shut. Jesus… it was bound to happen anyway. I told Jaylyn I'd meet with him while I was in town or country – however you choose to look at it. Seriously, we're in Europe. How has this all even happened? I haven't had enough time to wrap my head around it." I took a deep breath and Brittany offered a hand out for me to stand, pulling me up into a hug briefly.
"Listen, we have two weeks here," she began – holding me at arms length. "You and Matt have a lot to talk about, so do Rob and I. You need to stop being so closed off with him… He's not a twenty-year old child, Amelia. He knows what he wants. You just need to figure out if it fits what you want, but along the way don't just leave him breadcrumbs – Let. Him. In."
I nodded my head in acknowledgement and we walked back out to the boys, who had already paid and stood outside against the building. Matt grabbed my hand tightly as we walked out, and through pursed lips asked what was next on the agenda.
"I'm tired, jet lag nap?" Brittany spoke up and I mouthed 'thank you' to her.
Matt nodded curtly. "Tomorrow then?"
We all waved and hopped in our respective cars… the ride back to Matt's completely silent. He had a jazz station on and occasionally drummed his fingers to it, but nothing more. Once we reached his hallway I muttered something about being tired, and he simply told me to nap – saying he'd be downstairs with the script he needed to read for tomorrow.
I hopped on his bed, rather void of emotion and crashed. His pillow was cradled to me when I woke up and I quickly glanced at his clock. I had managed to sleep for four hours.
One could blame it on jet lag, but I knew it was because of being emotionally drained. There was no way around telling him now, and as I threw on a pair of leggings I took a deep breath – manning up.
The sight that befell me as I reached his living room gave me too much of an advantage to get my hopes up. He was curled on his side, script having been dropped on the floor. I picked it up and sat down beside the couch – moving his bangs from his face and peppering his forehead with kisses.
"Mmph…"
"You fell asleep reading… why does that not surprise me?"
He blinked his eyes open sleepily and even as his features softened I could feel stress radiating off of him.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
His voice was soft and more dejected than numb.
"I… Matt I didn't know how." Honestly, how could I of?
"You didn't…" he sighed out a long breath and sat up, patting the couch next to him. He yawned quickly and faced me – the confusion in his eyes evident. "What do you mean 'how'? It's a simple – hey I got this job… in the same country as you."
"It's not that easy, Matt. We've been together for a fraction of time."
The minute it came out of my mouth I knew it was a mistake. He stared at me incredulously, and I mentally slapped myself.
"A fraction. I'm pretty sure I just told you, not even three nights ago, that I love you. That's grounds to not be afraid of me. You've flirted religiously with me this whole trip so far and the most emotional bit was the shower… but we were naked. So, to get you to bare your soul I've got to get you out of your clothes?"
I stood up and paced as he relaxed himself against the couch, waiting for me to scream at him. As much as I wanted to I had sort of asked for that stab… we were both in very uncharted waters.
"I… no. There's so much more to this whole situation." I stopped and pleaded for him to understand, my eyes softening towards him.
He raked his hands through his hair, more in frustration than actual anger.
"But you don't have to be afraid of me… you know that. I trust you and I just wish… I wish you'd do the same." He finally took a deep breath and I felt bad for having woken him, whatever restless sleep he had been in was obviously not a long enough nap. He rubbed sleepily at his eyes and I walked carefully over to him.
With arms held out, palms up, I waited for him to look back up to me. He immediately pulled me into his arms as I sat in his lap, briefly kissing his neck.
"Lutwidge finally had their editor call me back and we met the day I had lunch with Alex." I began, absentmindedly tracing patterns on his shoulder… "He asked if I wanted to head a project, and whether I was considering moving to be closer to the company. It's not a necessity, but meetings would be easier…"
"Aaaaaand?" Matt hummed.
"I've been wanting to… um…" I shook my head and gently smashed it into his chest. "MovetoEurope."
"You know I can understand your mumbling, right?"
"Don't care… too embarrassed."
He chuckled and tugged me into him tightly…
"Thank you."
"Not welcome."
We both let silence settle around us for a few minutes… there was still a lot to talk about, but at least he knew. It wasn't long before he patted my bum, signaling for me to hop up. I simply rolled to the other side of the couch, very ungracefully, and pouted up at him.
He kissed me and headed towards the kitchen. "By the time I'm finished the Ramen you had better have that pout back in your grumpy pocket."
"Why?" I asked stubbornly.
"Because, Grumpy Gills, a bird will come by and shit on it."
Okay, I tried… really tried to not laugh, but I failed – miserably.
He sauntered into the kitchen with a smug smile as I rifled through his movies, settling on one that we could talk through.
And that's exactly what we settled on doing. He asked me how Lutwidge had come about and we eventually got onto the topic of Jaylyn, which Matt was not too impressed by his antics.
"He was actually the one who did my interview. He seems like a slime ball," he replied in a tuff.
"He is a very… forward individual."
My remark initiated a rather possessive glace from Matthew, which was completed by him pushing me down against the couch.
"Oof, warning would be nice next time," I whispered.
He hummed dismissively and nipped at my collarbone. "I hate that you're so gorgeous…"
"Would you rather I let myself go?" I asked breathlessly.
My hands came to smooth up the back of his shirt as he leaned up on one arm to look into my eyes… green boring into green…
"You would be beautiful no matter what Amelia…"
"Even when I'm old and gray?" I bit my lip at the insinuation and a grin spread across his face, making mine flush crimson.
"Even then, but for now… shut up."
He leaned down and whispered love you fondly into my ear before we were off and upstairs. His shirt was discarded in a matter of seconds, my leggings following soon there after. I attempted to fumble with the button of his jeans, but gave up – choosing to settle back into his bed instead.
His lithe body crawled up the bed to rest over mine, kissing up my legs by the inch. I squirmed at the attention of his lips and he was soon laughing, settling beside me. His arms came to wrap around me and I pushed my leg between his.
"Don't… if… I mean I would never make you do anything, but you have to understand how you make me feel." He pushed against me and palmed just above my bum – running his hand down to the back of my thigh where he rested it. The weight was warm and soft, but…
"I'm sure you'll end up finding out why on this trip…" I replied morosely.
"I want to know everything about you… every inch of skin you have, and every imperfection that you think you have 'Melia." He kissed me softly and traced patterns on my leg as his other hand tangled itself into my hair.
"Just promise me that whatever happens… whatever you find out – you'll let me explain first?"
"Yes, indefinitely. Promise me you'll only tell me when you're sure that you're ready?"
I nodded my head against him and made good to reply, but a yawn stopped any words in its track. "If this is how tired pregnant people get, I never want to be pregnant."
"Mm, baby Amelia's. I think that's something the world could use more of."
"Shut up…" I slurred out fondly.
"All right, all right. Sleep cuddle bug… you have a long day tomorrow."
"With you…"
"As I'm with you, luv."
Meanwhile…
I texted Brittany back quickly and continued to drive to Matt's house. In the past few months the two of us had grown rather close. Matt swore up and down that we would be together within the next few months, but I saw it quite differently. It wasn't that I didn't see her in that light, because I had a few things on record of guilty conscience regarding that woman, but she seemed to just be at a playful stage.
Served me about right. There was just too much going on with Kris that I had yet to handle. That's what I get for being a non-confrontational person.
I settled back and eventually reached Matt's house, gazing up curiously as to why his bedroom light was on. I hopped out and jogged up to his door, leaving my guitar in the car.
A voice that sounded almost familiar rang out from inside of the house as footsteps came down the stairs. Moments later, Matt stood at the door all fluffed hair and flushed.
"You have a set of obscene girls here Matthew." I flashed a smile as we hugged briefly.
"Just wait until you meet them!" He was a bit too enthused… and I was a little scared.
He led me into his kitchen where none other than… "Well, well, well – look what the cat dragged in. I should have known with the not being able to talk all day. You play a good role Brittany."
She smiled at me, crooking her finger as I spoke. I grinned widely and walked up to her, stepping between her legs to hug her. My hands rested against her legs as she giggled in a very un PG fashion.
"I thought this was a war of my touch as opposed to someone else's Pattinson."
"Fairly certain it would be rude to do what I want to with my hands on Matt's counter."
"Oh, no fun!"
We both leaned back as she took my hands in hers, choosing to nip the very tip of my finger. I clasped my hand tightly around her other smaller one and looked at her in disbelief.
"You can't just…" I wiggled my finger from her mouth, watching it come back from between her lips and groaned – rolling my eyes. "Insufferable."
She hopped down and stood against the counter, resting her beer beside her. I trapped her with my arms on either side of her.
"How forward of you." She replied in a completely monotone voice.
I leaned down… knowing I had her at a bit of a stand still, one of us was bound to do something. I caught a pinch of her neck between my teeth before smoothing it over with my tongue, angling my hips away from her.
She only gave in for a moment, her hands finding purchase on my back, before she laughed brightly.
"Wow Edward, I now see why Bella fainted so much around you..."
I gave up, leaning back and laughing with her. My hand pushed through my hair before she simply hopped back onto the counter.
"You never fail to please a man."
"...You've also got a bat in the cave… Pun intended Vampire Boy."
I lightly smacked her thigh and grabbed a paper towel, resting between her legs once again as Matt sauntered in, yelling something at Amelia. She walked in a second later apparently upset that Matt had teased her about winning a bet. Brittany shooed me away as we all picked up pizza.
We eventually settled into a game of Battleship, and soon enough Amelia was falling asleep against Matt. He carried her upstairs and came back down as Brittany and I cleaned up the game.
"I still need to grab my bags," she said yawning.
"I have a spare room upstairs and one downstairs, which one do you want?"
"You should stay with me."
What? Had I really just…
Matt looked at me, eyebrows raised and Brittany barely even batted an eye. "That's fine too. I wasn't really looking forward to hearing these two rustling about."
"Oi! I resent that." Matt shook his finger at her as we finished cleaning up, walking to the car.
Two sides to every story? Well, there were two sides to why I wanted Brittany to stay with me. My subconscious was on the run tonight. And as we put her bags into my car I flipped on music and drove away from Matt's.
"So, how long do you give them until they've consummated their inevitable marriage in the sack?"
"Hm, I give it… at least until next week. She has some crazy ordeals that I don't know if she trusts him with yet."
I hummed amused, and too soon we were pulling up to my place. I grabbed her bags and she rolled her eyes, choosing to take one from me as I unlocked my door.
"Bachelor's flat," I said carrying her bags around the corner.
It really wasn't too much, but the music room had been a necessity. Shit… bedroom…
"It's very homey." She looked around and peeked into the music room, pointing inside of it. "Music room?"
I nodded my head, suddenly unsure of the situation at hand… "I, um… sort of left out the part where it's a one bedroom? Single guy flat, you know. Wow – sorry." I shuffled my feet and peered up to her.
"Don't apologize. I'm the one imposing here! I'll take the couch," and with that she picked up her bag to head towards the living room. She crossed paths with me and I lightly placed my hand on her arm to stop her.
"You will not. If anyone does it will be me… unless you… we could technically… in my room. If you wanted to?" Just let it all out tonight mouth.
"Oh fine. You win... You can stop blushing now. I'm a bed hog, so beware. Your ass may end up on that couch anyways."
I rolled my eyes and played right back to her. "I sleep nude. Fair trade I'd say."
We made our way to the room and stopped outside of it. "Guess that means I may accidentally make a new friend tonight then..." She sauntered off into the bedroom with a wink, no shame.
I let my jaw drop for a fraction of a second before shaking my head and following her in. "Accidentally? Maybe accidentally on purpose." I slipped my shirt off as she rested her night bag against the wall, taking out what looked like pajamas. "The bathroom is two paces away if you want to get changed."
She laughed and headed into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack. "You'll never know if it was or wasn't on purpose, I also don't sleep with a bra or panties so another fair trade my friends..."
After pulling down my sheets I simply face-planted against the bed. She'd be the death of me.
"Is there ever a moment where you're just... not... you?" I groaned and chuckled against my pillow.
"Just when I'm sleeping. I'm actually quiet for once... Then again I'm still demanding in my sleep and steal covers from people. Ask Amelia, we've had plenty conversations the next morning about each other's odd sleep behavior."
"You steal my covers... I steal your body heat." Sure, keep up the banter Rob.
"Fair enough... Though once I did smack Melia in the face while flailing in my sleep. I'd suggest sleeping with one eye open, Pattinson."
She closed the door and seeing as the bedside lamp was still on I saw her choice of pajamas. She had a Springsteen tank top on with white shorts and I grumbled into my pillow for what felt like the billionth time within the span of ten minutes.
"Seriously, you're one of a kind Britt. Nice shirt. You're killing me on purpose." I lay on my stomach and heard her mussing about in her bags – choosing to give her a little jab. "Hurry up. I'm not going to go all Edward on you like earlier."
She hopped into bed and leaned up on her elbow facing me. "Awww, I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to having you watch me as I sleep tonight too." With a sniffle and a fake pout she nearly had me believing her.
I simply laughed and rolled onto my back, hands above my head so I could turn my head towards her. "I don't think there's anyone that hates that character more than me. I mean, really... who does that?! I don't watch you sleep unless it's like oh I've gotten up before you in the morning and you're adorable when you're resting...Girls... you probably are adorable when you're resting, but... already dug that hole, but you see the point." I swallowed and cleared my throat, loudly. That was awkward.
"You better roll over and fucking go back to sleep if you're up before me-which you very well may since I'm so damn jet-lagged. There will be no sleep watching of me tonight or in the morning, whatever. Got that?" She tickled me and I grasped her hand… she was still talking but I barely heard her.
"I'm also not a morning person. I'm extremely grouchy and I tend to look like I spent the night wrestling with a bear... My clothes are all twisted and my hair is a hot mess. So just beware of awaking the sleeping giant tomorrow."
"I've never realized how adorable your hands are," was all I blurted out in response. I traced my fingers over her hands as she tried to pull away, sounding embarrassed.
"I have baby hands. And stupid sausage fingers..."
Knowing that she wasn't pulling back in denial allowed me to pull her hand closer, resting against my chest. "Nope. You can't have this back. You have adorable hands and you talk with them. It just goes to show how expressive you are. You're not allowed to talk bad about them."
"Goddamn it Rob. Go to bed. I'm wrecked..." Her feeble attempt to turn on her stomach made me snicker a little. "Can I has my hand back now so I can be a good girl and shut up and go to sleep?"
She turned her head into the pillow with a deep breath before gazing back up to me. "Can I have your body warmth now before we even get into fighting with covers?"
I kissed her hand at the question and let it go.
"I suppose it's the least I can do since I'm stealing you bed for the night. I swear I didn't mean to impose. Amelia said Matt had a spare room and I figured I'd stay there. But being there with two people who are crazy in love with each other isn't right. She deserves her time to play house with Matt while she's here. I'll look up for some rooms tomorrow to stay in while I'm here."
"Shut up... you're welcome here... I actually – bugger it. I'd like it if you were to stay here. Single bedroom doesn't mean I necessarily like when it's single."
She rolled back to look at me, nearly unsure. "Are... Are you sure Rob? I know this," she began – motioning between us. "Isn't anything at all and I don't want to cramp your style while I'm here if you want to bring a lady friend back for the night."
I shushed her and wrapped my arms back around her, pulling her to me. "I'm sure, Brittany. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't. I'm comfortable with you... not some insignificant lady friend that doesn't exist." Not after…
"I mean you can't get it in with me Rob. Hence what 'lady friends' are for, good to release that tension, ya know?"
"I don't... tension isn't really how I work." I took a deep breath and rested my chin on her shoulder. "That has never been a thing for me so just let me cuddle you for a week or so?"
"Fine fine. And it's two weeks so I hope you can last that long. I know I probably can't and will be taking extra long showers." She snuggled back into me and sighed out in contentment, leaving me to struggle with a coherent thought that came to me seconds later.
"As long as you don't listen in on mine." I chuckled against her and pulled her back against me, closer.
"Aww where's the fun when there's no listening?! And it's nothing I haven't heard before... a few moans and groans and then the big sigh at the end. I just haven't heard yours yet. I'll catch you once."
"And I," –yawn- "... I'll catch you."
She yawned after attempting to laugh at mine… "Bull shit. I'm silent. Goodnight Rob. Thanks again for letting me stay with you... I... I'm happy we met. I didn't realize I needed a friend like you, ya know?" And with that a hand rested atop mine… lacing our fingers together.
I nearly forgot to breathe once again, and tried to keep my voice steady – the smile most likely evident in my voice as she let go briefly to flick off the lamp.
"You're the best of all best friends, luv."
We both settled as I quickly kissed her hair and snuggled down into her, fingers once again laced… perfectly.
A/N: ACTUALLY CRYING. Okay that took forever and a decade. I'm SUPER sleepy - started interning with 1st graders and WOAH, culture shock. I love them though. So, the Meanwhile bit was to get that story rolling and plus... I love Britt/Rob. Plus... Beta deserved some love so YEYSIES. I love all of you and thanks for um... putting up with me? Seriously tho. Yeah. Kay... I'm gonna go now. K BAI. Feel free to leave hate... I mean love.