No Time to Waste
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: For all of you telling me there should be more Lizzie and Gordo, I'll say this: Matt and Miranda are the primary couple in this story, and I can't foresee that changing. However, your patients WILL be rewarded later. Just look for Conway Twitty.
`
Chapter 38
Poems, Prayers, and Promises
`
When Mrs. Sanchez came to get Miranda for dinner around six, she had to catch her breath the first time she saw Miranda and Matt together. However, she waited until she and Miranda were driving home before she asked. She decided to slowly work up to her concern. "So, Miranda, did you enjoy your day with Matt?"
"Yeah, it was great." Miranda wasn't paying any care to the way she spoke, and the tone of pleasure radiating from her voice worried her mother.
"What did two you do today? I know you had planned on a walk in the park, but the rain storm had to cut that short."
"Oh, let me tell you about that storm!" She then launched into the story, starting with Jo's first date remark and going until she and Matt burst through the McGuire door. Of course, she left out one detail of her wardrobe. "We were both soaked! I don't think 'drowned rat' is good enough for how wet we were!"
"How did Jo react?"
"Mom, I told you about it on the phone this morning, remember? They all went to Gordo's to talk about he and Lizzie. They didn't get home until sometime around 5:30 or so. Of course, you know how Matt gets. He all but ordered me to change my clothes so I wouldn't catch cold."
Time to spring. "Miranda, hang on for a moment. You've just admitted that, on a day that had romantic overtones for you two as your first real date, you spent at least three-and-a-half hours alone in a house with Matt, a b . . . a young man whom you've already admitted you're willing to marry. Add to that the feeling I got from seeing you two together just now, and I have to ask. What did you and Matt do with your time alone today?"
"Mom, can you pull over for a minute?" She could see the dread on her mother's face as she found an open spot at the curb. She waited for the car to be in park before continuing. "Mom, I understand what you're worried about. But believe me when I say we didn't make love today. Truth is, after today, I don't think I could hide that from you if I wanted to."
Her mother had been watching her carefully as she spoke, measuring her words as only a mother can. "I believe you about that, but it's obvious to me that SOMETHING has happened for you two. You're absolutely glowing!"
Miranda looked a little embarrassed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
She took a deep breath. "Matt and I did go further, physically, than we have before. Please don't ask how far, I'd feel like I was betraying him if I answered. But we didn't make love, mom, that much I can tell you. We could have, we had plenty of opportunity, but we resisted the temptation."
While she hadn't expected quite this much openness, there seemed to be something behind the words she found more interesting. "You sound surprised."
"I am, a little. But now we know. We can restrain ourselves. But that not even the best part of it. It's like . . . I don't know the words." She seemed to get half lost in the memory. "We've kissed before today. Passionately. But this afternoon, something changed. From the moment we started to kiss, it was like nothing existed but us. Even afterward . . . I don't know how to describe it."
"Complete?"
"Yes, but that doesn't seem strong enough."
"Well, I'm at a loss for a word then. But I'm happy for you." She hugged her daughter. "Now, let's get home before your father calls a search party."
~~~~~~~~
Miranda saw the alarm on her father's face when he saw her, but her mother intercepted him and lead him to the kitchen. Miranda went to the living room to wait. After they spent a few minutes alone, he came and sat next to her. "You're going to make an old man of me yet."
"Dad . . ."
"No, let me say this. I'm not happy that you're getting more . . . physical." She could see it pained him to say that. "But I also want you to be happy, and I only have to look at you to see that you are. What I'm I supposed to do?"
That was the start of a conversation that lasted for almost an hour. Both found a new understanding for the other, and when they ended, each made important concessions that neither thought possible a couple of weeks ago.
~~~~~~~~
After dinner at the McGuire home, Jo and Matt had a similar conversation. While they didn't take as long, they still came to a clearer understanding of each other's views and fears. When they separated, Jo decided that, the next time Matt was out of the house, she'd go to the attic to check on something. If it was there, she could surprise him with it when the time was right. Which, she realized with mixed emotions, would be earlier than she had ever expected.
~~~~~~~~
That night, three people sleeping in the McGuire home had strange dreams:
`
If anyone had looked in on Lizzie that night, they would have seen her tossing and turning, unable to settle into a restful sleep, yet unable to fully wake. Her night was filled dreams that, while not having the strength of true nightmares, were still upsetting. While there were several different dreams, they all centered on the same one choice. When she was finally able to wake, she promised herself not to allow them to happen, by making the opposite choice.
`
Meanwhile, in the den, Matt and Miranda both fell into their nightmares early. However, this experience was different for both of them. This time, as they each reached a point where hope of escape was about to abandon them, each felt a sudden surge within them. Hope, strength, energy, and so much more fortified them. It was with this that they were able to rewrite the scripts of their nightmares. It was with this they escaped their nightmare fate. Found each other. Found peace.
`
Sam, who was in the room with them this night, awoke in the middle of the night. When he glanced at them when he left for some water, everything seemed fine. When he returned, however, he saw the difference. Under the cot, each had an arm extended, and they were holding hands. That's when he noticed their faces. Contentment. Not for the first time, he wondered about them. He didn't doubt they'd get better. Rather, he wondered what it will be like for them when they didn't need this anymore, and returned to sleeping in their own beds.
~~~~~~~~
When morning came, Matt woke feeling better than he could remember feeling without Miranda in his arms. It was when he rolled over to look at her he realized they were holding hands, although he was more interested in the eyes sparkling at him. "How long have you been awake?" He spoke in a low voice.
"Just a couple of minutes. How was your night?" She was speaking just as softly.
"Weird. It will take some time to explain it, but I want to tell you what I dreamed."
"I was going to tell you about mine, too. I'd call it weird, but I don't think that's good enough. Let's go to the living room and talk."
"That's not my first choice of rooms." He added a hint of suggestiveness to his voice.
She barely contained a giggle. "Down, tiger. Not with everyone in the house."
"I wasn't thinking about more than a little kissing, and only after we talked about our dreams."
She shook her head. "Living room. We have the rest of our lives to play."
It wasn't until they sat down they realized that it was only six in the morning. As they described their dreams, they came to a remarkable conclusion. Once they each made their escape, their dreams were more than similar. Except for perspective, their dreams were so close, they could only conclude that they had been identical. "Do you realize that's the second time that's happened to us?" Matt asked, amazed.
"Do you realize that we were holding each either both times?"
"Huh?"
"Our hands. Remember that surge we both felt? I have no doubt that that was when our hands found each other."
"That makes sense." He slowly brought his hand up to her face. "I feel stronger when I'm with you."
"That's funny. I was thinking the same thing." Her hand came to his face.
They sat like that for a while, each enjoying looking in the other's eyes. Finally, Miranda spoke. "So, is there anything you'd like to do this morning?" She saw an absolutely sinful look cross his eyes. "Other than that."
As he smiled at her correction, he noticed the beginning of a certain biologic reaction to his own thoughts, which in turn made him remember something from when this whole subject began on Wednesday morning. "In that case, how about you tell me that "funny story" about how you know about 'morning wood'?"
Her face both lit up and reddened. "You remember that?!?"
"I remember you mentioning something, but I have no idea what it is yet."
She debated it, but then "Okay. But you can't say a word to Lizzie or Gordo."
His eyebrows nearly reached his hairline. "Are you telling me this involves Gordo?"
"Calm down. It was an accident, like your's was. You know how the three of us sometimes have all-night video nights, right?"
"Yeah, I do. You all try to stay awake for a huge stack of movie rentals, and usually end up falling sleep in the strangest positions." A blush crept across his face. "Sorry about that hot water/cold water trick last summer."
She remembered that incident. "As I remember, I got you back with a rather mean trick, so lets call it even. Anyway, a couple of weeks after that, we had another movie night, this time at Gordo's. Well, we all fell asleep on the couch. When I awoke, I found Gordo's head had flopped onto my arm. I also noticed that his sweat pants were . . . tented."
His eyes were dancing with mirth. "Uh, oh, somebody didn't make it to the bathroom before he fell asleep."
"Yep. But I didn't know about that then. So, still half-asleep, I put his condition together with his head on my arm . . ."
"Oh, no."
"Oh, yes. Not only did my outburst wake Gordo, but it also woke Lizzie, and she freaked. After we finally calmed down, which took awhile, Gordo explained everything. Of course, you know Gordo. He needed to explain it twice, because the first time, he used words like "hydrostatic pressure", and lost us. I don't think I've ever seen him so embarrassed."
"I can imagine. Still, I'm glad you knew enough not to freak out on me about it." He got a suggestive look in his eyes. "I can think of better ways for you to freak out on me."
"Down, tiger. We're in your living room, remember?"
"So we keep our clothes on. You mean to tell me you're not interested?"
"I'm always interested in you. But we need to be careful, and not just here. Remember, we'll be spending our next seven nights at my house, and I think we should get used to limiting our," she took a formal tone, "pubic displays of affection." They both snickered at that, remembering the way some teachers at both their schools would talk about things like that, as if they couldn't imagine why anybody would do such a thing.
"I can see your point about that. Still, I think we should find some time alone, too. We now know we're strong enough to stop ourselves. As long as we're careful, we should be okay."
"We can try. But with Lily around, that's easier said than done." He gave her a look. "You're a little, think about what lengths you would go to to get into Lizzie's business. Especially if she TRIED to keep you out."
Matt winced. "I did get rather creative. But she isn't even five yet, what could she do?"
Miranda shook her head. "You mean besides tell on us?"
"Oh, yeah, there is that. Alright, I'll try to behave myself. But it won't be easy."
"For either of us."
"Do you think it would be safe for us to kiss?"
"Please don't, I'm not awake enough to deal with that." They had been so wrapped up in each other, they hadn't heard Lizzie thump down the stairs.
"What, don't wanna take lessons for you and Gordo?" Matt jibed.
"Not from my BROTHER!"
"Stop, you two." Miranda interrupted. "Before this boils over, how about we try a different kind of lesson. Lizzie, would you like to help Matt and I fix breakfast?"
Lizzie didn't need long to think about that. "Sure."
~~~~
Breakfast was an adventure, but it wasn't as bad as they had feared.
~~
When Daniella came for Miranda, the couple sat their mother's down. They then explained how their dreams had changed, and told them their conclusions. They had been so excited about telling them, it wasn't until they had finished they realized their mothers were holding back tears. "What's wrong?" Miranda asked.
"Oh, it's not that anything's wrong, it's just . . . do you realize that your father and I have never had an experience quite like that."
"Neither have Sam and me. I mean, of course we feel stronger together, and we've dreamed of each other, but I don't ever remember us having the same dream at the same time."
"And that's not even the weirdest part. Remember, we both started into our nightmares, then it changed."
"I have no idea what to think about that, except two be very happy for you."
~~
Lizzie walked in on a group hug. "Is this good of bad?"
"It's good." Miranda told her when they broke.
"Good. Oh, Miranda, I just remembered, did they tell you about the settlement?"
"Settlement? What settlement?"
Her mother explained it to her. "I'm sorry we didn't say anything earlier, but with everything else going on, I guess we forgot you didn't know yet."
"I guess that makes sense."
Lizzie tried to lighten the mood. "So, when are you going to get that replacement car?"
"LIZZIE!" Matt snapped at her. She looked shocked and hurt. "Sorry, but don't push. When it's time, she'll ask." He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Ever the protector. It's okay, Matt, really. She just remembered how excited I had been looking for the last one." She smiled weakly at Lizzie. "How many places did I drag you to?"
"I lost count, but I bet Gordo could tell us."
"Before we think about a car," Miranda's mother interrupted, "we need to get you driving again."
Miranda's face fell. "I don't think I'm ready for that." She didn't have to look to know who just took her hands, the warmth was unmistakable to her. "Please, Matt. I can't. Not yet."
"I'm not pushing. But it is something you need to do some time."
"I know. But I can't yet. I'm just . . ."
"I understand, really. Not before you're ready. But will you do one thing for me?"
"What?"
"Would you talk to Dr. Gordon about it in your meeting today?"
She wanted to argue, but couldn't. "All right."
~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was fairly mundane. Lizzie spent the day with Gordo, planning out the party for Sunday. Miranda went home to help prepare a room for the night, and Matt was returning their sleeping gear from the den to the attic. To his mother's surprise, he also insisted on doing his laundry himself. She was further surprised that he didn't mess it up.
~~~~~~~~
Just before they left for his four o'clock appointment with Dr. Gordon, Reggie called. "Hey, man. I haven't seen you since Wednesday. How are you doing?"
"It's been . . . interesting. But things are getting better. What have you been doing, man, or should I ask WHO?" Reggie's friends had several running jokes with him about how fast he changed girlfriends.
"Very funny." A moment's pause. "Angela."
"WHAT?!? No way! Last time you made a pass at her, she dumped her chocolate milk in your hair!"
"Yeah, well, she was with Heywood then. She finally dumped that walking turd, I made my move, and the rest is history. I hope."
"Oh, man, if Heywood sees you two together, you're done!"
"Nope. The reason she dumped him was because he was two-timing on her with, are you ready for this, Melissa Edwards!"
"Oh, no."
"I know, she as mean as he is, and almost as big! But that fool didn't think twice when Angela left him, so I'm safe."
"NOBODY'S safe if those two have joined forces."
A moment of silence. "I hadn't thought about that. Damn, that could be bad. Let's hope they break up before school starts."
As much as Matt despised them both, he couldn't bring himself to do that. So he changed the subject. "Look, man, can you call back later? I've got to leave soon."
"Miranda?"
"Doctor."
"Ouch. Well, in that case, I'll get to the point of my call. A bunch of us are going to be in the park tomorrow for some football, and I wondered if you were interested in joining us."
"Ya know, I haven't done anything like that in a long time. When?"
"About one."
"I'll be there."
~~~~~~~~
"That has got to be one of the most unusual things I've ever heard." Even on the second telling, Miranda having told him in her session, Mr. Gordon was still amazed by their dreaming last night. "Two people starting on different dreams, and ending up in the same dream, at the same time. And you think the change happened when your hands found each other?"
"Yeah. It's kinda strange, but that's the first time that happened. When we were apart, that is. And it's not like we couldn't have before. The only time we couldn't have was that first night, and that's because Lizzie's crutches were in the way."
"Why do you think that is? What's changed?" He knew part of the story, but wanted to know how much Matt was willing to admit to.
"I'm sure Miranda told you some of it."
"Yes."
After a pause. "You not gonna tell me, are you?"
"No. Part of helping you is understanding what gets held back, and why."
"Yeah, well, part of it for me is knowing if she was able to tell you some things. You know how I worry about her."
"Yes, I know."
His eyes hardened. "Did she describe her nightmare from the night before?"
"Yes, she did."
The speed with which his eyes changed from hard to sorrowful was surprising. "It took me three tries to bring her out of it. She's never needed that." Silence followed, but Dr. Gordon could tell there was something the boy wanted to say, so he waited. "What if, one of these times, I can't bring her back?"
Miranda had mentioned this. "Matt, remember when I told you that part of growing up was knowing when to ask for help?" Matt nodded. "For something like that, I'm available at ANY time." Matt's eyes lit up. "Just don't give up on her too soon. I know it's tough to see her go through that, but you have to trust her, and trust yourself. You CAN get through this. You're both a lot stronger than you sometimes give yourselves credit for."
"I can't argue with you there. But it's a comfort to know you're that available."
"I was surprised that I didn't get a call from you that morning."
"I wanted to, at first. But . . . we decided that we needed to see if we could figure something out ourselves."
"Eventually, you will. However, I'm interested in hearing about what you two decided to do about it."
This was the question Matt had been dreading. Yet, part of him also wanted to tell him. "Do you know the line 'thin and stretched'?"
"Yes."
"That's how we've both been feeling, with all the things we've been trying to do, and not do. We decided that, if we removed one of our burdens, it could reduce the stress we've been under. So, we chose one that we had put on ourselves, one that hadn't even been directly part of a promise to anyone else."
"And that is?"
Matt took a deep breath. "Just before we found Melina and Lanny, we had agreed to wait until after we were better before we let things develop . . . physically."
"And that's what you decided to release yourselves from?"
"Yes. We hadn't made plans for anything to happen at any particular time, just to let things happen as they would. Well, we had also decided to start getting out of the houses more, and that included going for a stroll yesterday." He then explained what happened that day, from breakfast to going upstairs. "Honestly, I hadn't thought about doing anything more than changing until I was stripped. The next thing I know, I'm at Lizzie's door, wearing nothing but a closed robe and a jock." The man's eyebrows arched. "To keep . . . myself hidden." The man smiled at that, then signaled for Matt to continue. "I'm not going into detail, but we did get more physical. I will tell you that, not only did we stop short from sex, we agreed not to touch anything still covered, which at that point meant our . . . genitals." Going clinical was the only way Matt could make himself say that.
"Are you telling me that you two were down to . . . the least of clothing, and yet you resisted the temptation to have sex?"
"Yes. I'm amazed every time I think about it, but yes, we resisted."
"Not exactly something I would have suggested. But it's up to you and Miranda's parents to decide how to deal with that. What's important for me is to know how this my effect you two psychologically. So, tell me how you believe this has changed things for you."
"First, I wasn't completely sure that I could resist the temptation. And from what Miranda told me, she wasn't sure of herself, either. But now we know we can. It's a weight of our minds, knowing that."
"But now, you've opened the Pandora's Box of physical intimacy, the day before you start sleeping at her house. Are you sure you're ready for that?"
"We've talked about it. We know it'll be tough, both restraining ourselves around them, and finding some time alone. But I think we'll manage. And remember, that's all that's changed between us, and look at the difference in our dreams."
"I think we'll need more time before we can make that connection. However, I will admit it is something I want to keep an eye on."
~~~~~~~~
After Matt was done at the doctor, they picked up Lizzie, and went home for dinner. While it was cooking, Matt called Ethan about the party. He and Kate agreed to be there, but they couldn't tell if any family would be. After dinner, Matt made the trip he had been dreading: To spend the first night at Miranda's.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Considering the casting in Matt's nightmare, this could prove very interesting.
by TheRealXenocide
`
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, settings, or anything else you recognize from the show Lizzie McGuire. The plot, at it's base, has been around since Homer, and this variant since Henry Ford. However, this is the first I've seen it applied to Lizzie.
`
A/N: For all of you telling me there should be more Lizzie and Gordo, I'll say this: Matt and Miranda are the primary couple in this story, and I can't foresee that changing. However, your patients WILL be rewarded later. Just look for Conway Twitty.
`
Chapter 38
Poems, Prayers, and Promises
`
When Mrs. Sanchez came to get Miranda for dinner around six, she had to catch her breath the first time she saw Miranda and Matt together. However, she waited until she and Miranda were driving home before she asked. She decided to slowly work up to her concern. "So, Miranda, did you enjoy your day with Matt?"
"Yeah, it was great." Miranda wasn't paying any care to the way she spoke, and the tone of pleasure radiating from her voice worried her mother.
"What did two you do today? I know you had planned on a walk in the park, but the rain storm had to cut that short."
"Oh, let me tell you about that storm!" She then launched into the story, starting with Jo's first date remark and going until she and Matt burst through the McGuire door. Of course, she left out one detail of her wardrobe. "We were both soaked! I don't think 'drowned rat' is good enough for how wet we were!"
"How did Jo react?"
"Mom, I told you about it on the phone this morning, remember? They all went to Gordo's to talk about he and Lizzie. They didn't get home until sometime around 5:30 or so. Of course, you know how Matt gets. He all but ordered me to change my clothes so I wouldn't catch cold."
Time to spring. "Miranda, hang on for a moment. You've just admitted that, on a day that had romantic overtones for you two as your first real date, you spent at least three-and-a-half hours alone in a house with Matt, a b . . . a young man whom you've already admitted you're willing to marry. Add to that the feeling I got from seeing you two together just now, and I have to ask. What did you and Matt do with your time alone today?"
"Mom, can you pull over for a minute?" She could see the dread on her mother's face as she found an open spot at the curb. She waited for the car to be in park before continuing. "Mom, I understand what you're worried about. But believe me when I say we didn't make love today. Truth is, after today, I don't think I could hide that from you if I wanted to."
Her mother had been watching her carefully as she spoke, measuring her words as only a mother can. "I believe you about that, but it's obvious to me that SOMETHING has happened for you two. You're absolutely glowing!"
Miranda looked a little embarrassed. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes."
She took a deep breath. "Matt and I did go further, physically, than we have before. Please don't ask how far, I'd feel like I was betraying him if I answered. But we didn't make love, mom, that much I can tell you. We could have, we had plenty of opportunity, but we resisted the temptation."
While she hadn't expected quite this much openness, there seemed to be something behind the words she found more interesting. "You sound surprised."
"I am, a little. But now we know. We can restrain ourselves. But that not even the best part of it. It's like . . . I don't know the words." She seemed to get half lost in the memory. "We've kissed before today. Passionately. But this afternoon, something changed. From the moment we started to kiss, it was like nothing existed but us. Even afterward . . . I don't know how to describe it."
"Complete?"
"Yes, but that doesn't seem strong enough."
"Well, I'm at a loss for a word then. But I'm happy for you." She hugged her daughter. "Now, let's get home before your father calls a search party."
~~~~~~~~
Miranda saw the alarm on her father's face when he saw her, but her mother intercepted him and lead him to the kitchen. Miranda went to the living room to wait. After they spent a few minutes alone, he came and sat next to her. "You're going to make an old man of me yet."
"Dad . . ."
"No, let me say this. I'm not happy that you're getting more . . . physical." She could see it pained him to say that. "But I also want you to be happy, and I only have to look at you to see that you are. What I'm I supposed to do?"
That was the start of a conversation that lasted for almost an hour. Both found a new understanding for the other, and when they ended, each made important concessions that neither thought possible a couple of weeks ago.
~~~~~~~~
After dinner at the McGuire home, Jo and Matt had a similar conversation. While they didn't take as long, they still came to a clearer understanding of each other's views and fears. When they separated, Jo decided that, the next time Matt was out of the house, she'd go to the attic to check on something. If it was there, she could surprise him with it when the time was right. Which, she realized with mixed emotions, would be earlier than she had ever expected.
~~~~~~~~
That night, three people sleeping in the McGuire home had strange dreams:
`
If anyone had looked in on Lizzie that night, they would have seen her tossing and turning, unable to settle into a restful sleep, yet unable to fully wake. Her night was filled dreams that, while not having the strength of true nightmares, were still upsetting. While there were several different dreams, they all centered on the same one choice. When she was finally able to wake, she promised herself not to allow them to happen, by making the opposite choice.
`
Meanwhile, in the den, Matt and Miranda both fell into their nightmares early. However, this experience was different for both of them. This time, as they each reached a point where hope of escape was about to abandon them, each felt a sudden surge within them. Hope, strength, energy, and so much more fortified them. It was with this that they were able to rewrite the scripts of their nightmares. It was with this they escaped their nightmare fate. Found each other. Found peace.
`
Sam, who was in the room with them this night, awoke in the middle of the night. When he glanced at them when he left for some water, everything seemed fine. When he returned, however, he saw the difference. Under the cot, each had an arm extended, and they were holding hands. That's when he noticed their faces. Contentment. Not for the first time, he wondered about them. He didn't doubt they'd get better. Rather, he wondered what it will be like for them when they didn't need this anymore, and returned to sleeping in their own beds.
~~~~~~~~
When morning came, Matt woke feeling better than he could remember feeling without Miranda in his arms. It was when he rolled over to look at her he realized they were holding hands, although he was more interested in the eyes sparkling at him. "How long have you been awake?" He spoke in a low voice.
"Just a couple of minutes. How was your night?" She was speaking just as softly.
"Weird. It will take some time to explain it, but I want to tell you what I dreamed."
"I was going to tell you about mine, too. I'd call it weird, but I don't think that's good enough. Let's go to the living room and talk."
"That's not my first choice of rooms." He added a hint of suggestiveness to his voice.
She barely contained a giggle. "Down, tiger. Not with everyone in the house."
"I wasn't thinking about more than a little kissing, and only after we talked about our dreams."
She shook her head. "Living room. We have the rest of our lives to play."
It wasn't until they sat down they realized that it was only six in the morning. As they described their dreams, they came to a remarkable conclusion. Once they each made their escape, their dreams were more than similar. Except for perspective, their dreams were so close, they could only conclude that they had been identical. "Do you realize that's the second time that's happened to us?" Matt asked, amazed.
"Do you realize that we were holding each either both times?"
"Huh?"
"Our hands. Remember that surge we both felt? I have no doubt that that was when our hands found each other."
"That makes sense." He slowly brought his hand up to her face. "I feel stronger when I'm with you."
"That's funny. I was thinking the same thing." Her hand came to his face.
They sat like that for a while, each enjoying looking in the other's eyes. Finally, Miranda spoke. "So, is there anything you'd like to do this morning?" She saw an absolutely sinful look cross his eyes. "Other than that."
As he smiled at her correction, he noticed the beginning of a certain biologic reaction to his own thoughts, which in turn made him remember something from when this whole subject began on Wednesday morning. "In that case, how about you tell me that "funny story" about how you know about 'morning wood'?"
Her face both lit up and reddened. "You remember that?!?"
"I remember you mentioning something, but I have no idea what it is yet."
She debated it, but then "Okay. But you can't say a word to Lizzie or Gordo."
His eyebrows nearly reached his hairline. "Are you telling me this involves Gordo?"
"Calm down. It was an accident, like your's was. You know how the three of us sometimes have all-night video nights, right?"
"Yeah, I do. You all try to stay awake for a huge stack of movie rentals, and usually end up falling sleep in the strangest positions." A blush crept across his face. "Sorry about that hot water/cold water trick last summer."
She remembered that incident. "As I remember, I got you back with a rather mean trick, so lets call it even. Anyway, a couple of weeks after that, we had another movie night, this time at Gordo's. Well, we all fell asleep on the couch. When I awoke, I found Gordo's head had flopped onto my arm. I also noticed that his sweat pants were . . . tented."
His eyes were dancing with mirth. "Uh, oh, somebody didn't make it to the bathroom before he fell asleep."
"Yep. But I didn't know about that then. So, still half-asleep, I put his condition together with his head on my arm . . ."
"Oh, no."
"Oh, yes. Not only did my outburst wake Gordo, but it also woke Lizzie, and she freaked. After we finally calmed down, which took awhile, Gordo explained everything. Of course, you know Gordo. He needed to explain it twice, because the first time, he used words like "hydrostatic pressure", and lost us. I don't think I've ever seen him so embarrassed."
"I can imagine. Still, I'm glad you knew enough not to freak out on me about it." He got a suggestive look in his eyes. "I can think of better ways for you to freak out on me."
"Down, tiger. We're in your living room, remember?"
"So we keep our clothes on. You mean to tell me you're not interested?"
"I'm always interested in you. But we need to be careful, and not just here. Remember, we'll be spending our next seven nights at my house, and I think we should get used to limiting our," she took a formal tone, "pubic displays of affection." They both snickered at that, remembering the way some teachers at both their schools would talk about things like that, as if they couldn't imagine why anybody would do such a thing.
"I can see your point about that. Still, I think we should find some time alone, too. We now know we're strong enough to stop ourselves. As long as we're careful, we should be okay."
"We can try. But with Lily around, that's easier said than done." He gave her a look. "You're a little, think about what lengths you would go to to get into Lizzie's business. Especially if she TRIED to keep you out."
Matt winced. "I did get rather creative. But she isn't even five yet, what could she do?"
Miranda shook her head. "You mean besides tell on us?"
"Oh, yeah, there is that. Alright, I'll try to behave myself. But it won't be easy."
"For either of us."
"Do you think it would be safe for us to kiss?"
"Please don't, I'm not awake enough to deal with that." They had been so wrapped up in each other, they hadn't heard Lizzie thump down the stairs.
"What, don't wanna take lessons for you and Gordo?" Matt jibed.
"Not from my BROTHER!"
"Stop, you two." Miranda interrupted. "Before this boils over, how about we try a different kind of lesson. Lizzie, would you like to help Matt and I fix breakfast?"
Lizzie didn't need long to think about that. "Sure."
~~~~
Breakfast was an adventure, but it wasn't as bad as they had feared.
~~
When Daniella came for Miranda, the couple sat their mother's down. They then explained how their dreams had changed, and told them their conclusions. They had been so excited about telling them, it wasn't until they had finished they realized their mothers were holding back tears. "What's wrong?" Miranda asked.
"Oh, it's not that anything's wrong, it's just . . . do you realize that your father and I have never had an experience quite like that."
"Neither have Sam and me. I mean, of course we feel stronger together, and we've dreamed of each other, but I don't ever remember us having the same dream at the same time."
"And that's not even the weirdest part. Remember, we both started into our nightmares, then it changed."
"I have no idea what to think about that, except two be very happy for you."
~~
Lizzie walked in on a group hug. "Is this good of bad?"
"It's good." Miranda told her when they broke.
"Good. Oh, Miranda, I just remembered, did they tell you about the settlement?"
"Settlement? What settlement?"
Her mother explained it to her. "I'm sorry we didn't say anything earlier, but with everything else going on, I guess we forgot you didn't know yet."
"I guess that makes sense."
Lizzie tried to lighten the mood. "So, when are you going to get that replacement car?"
"LIZZIE!" Matt snapped at her. She looked shocked and hurt. "Sorry, but don't push. When it's time, she'll ask." He felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Ever the protector. It's okay, Matt, really. She just remembered how excited I had been looking for the last one." She smiled weakly at Lizzie. "How many places did I drag you to?"
"I lost count, but I bet Gordo could tell us."
"Before we think about a car," Miranda's mother interrupted, "we need to get you driving again."
Miranda's face fell. "I don't think I'm ready for that." She didn't have to look to know who just took her hands, the warmth was unmistakable to her. "Please, Matt. I can't. Not yet."
"I'm not pushing. But it is something you need to do some time."
"I know. But I can't yet. I'm just . . ."
"I understand, really. Not before you're ready. But will you do one thing for me?"
"What?"
"Would you talk to Dr. Gordon about it in your meeting today?"
She wanted to argue, but couldn't. "All right."
~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was fairly mundane. Lizzie spent the day with Gordo, planning out the party for Sunday. Miranda went home to help prepare a room for the night, and Matt was returning their sleeping gear from the den to the attic. To his mother's surprise, he also insisted on doing his laundry himself. She was further surprised that he didn't mess it up.
~~~~~~~~
Just before they left for his four o'clock appointment with Dr. Gordon, Reggie called. "Hey, man. I haven't seen you since Wednesday. How are you doing?"
"It's been . . . interesting. But things are getting better. What have you been doing, man, or should I ask WHO?" Reggie's friends had several running jokes with him about how fast he changed girlfriends.
"Very funny." A moment's pause. "Angela."
"WHAT?!? No way! Last time you made a pass at her, she dumped her chocolate milk in your hair!"
"Yeah, well, she was with Heywood then. She finally dumped that walking turd, I made my move, and the rest is history. I hope."
"Oh, man, if Heywood sees you two together, you're done!"
"Nope. The reason she dumped him was because he was two-timing on her with, are you ready for this, Melissa Edwards!"
"Oh, no."
"I know, she as mean as he is, and almost as big! But that fool didn't think twice when Angela left him, so I'm safe."
"NOBODY'S safe if those two have joined forces."
A moment of silence. "I hadn't thought about that. Damn, that could be bad. Let's hope they break up before school starts."
As much as Matt despised them both, he couldn't bring himself to do that. So he changed the subject. "Look, man, can you call back later? I've got to leave soon."
"Miranda?"
"Doctor."
"Ouch. Well, in that case, I'll get to the point of my call. A bunch of us are going to be in the park tomorrow for some football, and I wondered if you were interested in joining us."
"Ya know, I haven't done anything like that in a long time. When?"
"About one."
"I'll be there."
~~~~~~~~
"That has got to be one of the most unusual things I've ever heard." Even on the second telling, Miranda having told him in her session, Mr. Gordon was still amazed by their dreaming last night. "Two people starting on different dreams, and ending up in the same dream, at the same time. And you think the change happened when your hands found each other?"
"Yeah. It's kinda strange, but that's the first time that happened. When we were apart, that is. And it's not like we couldn't have before. The only time we couldn't have was that first night, and that's because Lizzie's crutches were in the way."
"Why do you think that is? What's changed?" He knew part of the story, but wanted to know how much Matt was willing to admit to.
"I'm sure Miranda told you some of it."
"Yes."
After a pause. "You not gonna tell me, are you?"
"No. Part of helping you is understanding what gets held back, and why."
"Yeah, well, part of it for me is knowing if she was able to tell you some things. You know how I worry about her."
"Yes, I know."
His eyes hardened. "Did she describe her nightmare from the night before?"
"Yes, she did."
The speed with which his eyes changed from hard to sorrowful was surprising. "It took me three tries to bring her out of it. She's never needed that." Silence followed, but Dr. Gordon could tell there was something the boy wanted to say, so he waited. "What if, one of these times, I can't bring her back?"
Miranda had mentioned this. "Matt, remember when I told you that part of growing up was knowing when to ask for help?" Matt nodded. "For something like that, I'm available at ANY time." Matt's eyes lit up. "Just don't give up on her too soon. I know it's tough to see her go through that, but you have to trust her, and trust yourself. You CAN get through this. You're both a lot stronger than you sometimes give yourselves credit for."
"I can't argue with you there. But it's a comfort to know you're that available."
"I was surprised that I didn't get a call from you that morning."
"I wanted to, at first. But . . . we decided that we needed to see if we could figure something out ourselves."
"Eventually, you will. However, I'm interested in hearing about what you two decided to do about it."
This was the question Matt had been dreading. Yet, part of him also wanted to tell him. "Do you know the line 'thin and stretched'?"
"Yes."
"That's how we've both been feeling, with all the things we've been trying to do, and not do. We decided that, if we removed one of our burdens, it could reduce the stress we've been under. So, we chose one that we had put on ourselves, one that hadn't even been directly part of a promise to anyone else."
"And that is?"
Matt took a deep breath. "Just before we found Melina and Lanny, we had agreed to wait until after we were better before we let things develop . . . physically."
"And that's what you decided to release yourselves from?"
"Yes. We hadn't made plans for anything to happen at any particular time, just to let things happen as they would. Well, we had also decided to start getting out of the houses more, and that included going for a stroll yesterday." He then explained what happened that day, from breakfast to going upstairs. "Honestly, I hadn't thought about doing anything more than changing until I was stripped. The next thing I know, I'm at Lizzie's door, wearing nothing but a closed robe and a jock." The man's eyebrows arched. "To keep . . . myself hidden." The man smiled at that, then signaled for Matt to continue. "I'm not going into detail, but we did get more physical. I will tell you that, not only did we stop short from sex, we agreed not to touch anything still covered, which at that point meant our . . . genitals." Going clinical was the only way Matt could make himself say that.
"Are you telling me that you two were down to . . . the least of clothing, and yet you resisted the temptation to have sex?"
"Yes. I'm amazed every time I think about it, but yes, we resisted."
"Not exactly something I would have suggested. But it's up to you and Miranda's parents to decide how to deal with that. What's important for me is to know how this my effect you two psychologically. So, tell me how you believe this has changed things for you."
"First, I wasn't completely sure that I could resist the temptation. And from what Miranda told me, she wasn't sure of herself, either. But now we know we can. It's a weight of our minds, knowing that."
"But now, you've opened the Pandora's Box of physical intimacy, the day before you start sleeping at her house. Are you sure you're ready for that?"
"We've talked about it. We know it'll be tough, both restraining ourselves around them, and finding some time alone. But I think we'll manage. And remember, that's all that's changed between us, and look at the difference in our dreams."
"I think we'll need more time before we can make that connection. However, I will admit it is something I want to keep an eye on."
~~~~~~~~
After Matt was done at the doctor, they picked up Lizzie, and went home for dinner. While it was cooking, Matt called Ethan about the party. He and Kate agreed to be there, but they couldn't tell if any family would be. After dinner, Matt made the trip he had been dreading: To spend the first night at Miranda's.
~~~~~~~~
A/N: Considering the casting in Matt's nightmare, this could prove very interesting.