AN:

An update! I'm getting pretty okay about updating this one. But I have sad news. Only two more chapters after this. :) and :( I know. But remember it means we're closer to new stuff.

~Kelly~

Chapter Eight

It took Matt several seconds to calm down once Steven left. Sure, he had never been to Elizabeth's before but that didn't mean anything. Right?

Sighing deeply Matt carefully sat on the coffee table. For the next few minutes, all he did was watch Elizabeth sleep. She looked relaxed almost peaceful. One hand was tucked under her cheek while the other was draped across her stomach. Matt reached to brush the hair off her face savoring the textures of her hair and skin against his. Elizabeth really was beautiful. However, sleeping on the sofa couldn't be comfortable.

Matt watched her for a while longer his hand gently caressing her face. He moved to sit beside Elizabeth smiling when she didn't even stir. Even though it was awkward, Matt managed to pick her up. Once at her room he placed her on the bed that dominated the small room. Unable to resist he brushed his lips against hers before backing away.

Almost immediately, Elizabeth grabbed his arm and whispered, "Stay."

"Shhh. You're exhausted. Go back to sleep."

"But I want you to stay." she pouted still half asleep. "Please Matt? I just want you to hold me."

There was no way he could tell her no. Not that he wanted to. The urge to give in was too strong. Matt slid on to the bed and immediately Elizabeth was at his side. It didn't take long for her to fall back asleep though.

Matt listened to her steady breathing and found himself relaxing as well. He held Elizabeth close with one arm his hand resting just above her bottom. The other hand was free to explore. He started with her face. Caressing it with light touches before moving on. He explored Elizabeth that way for what felt like hours before she stirred. Matt immediately stilled practically holding his breath.

"Mmm. That feels nice," she said still half asleep.

Instead of an answer, Matt pressed a kiss to her hair. Elizabeth's initial response had made him relax. That was until she turned and said, "I think we need to talk."

"What about?"

"Us." she said softly. "This thing between us we're scared too talk about."

"Time to be honest then?"

Elizabeth nodded shyly pressing her face to his chest. She didn't know how this would work if one of them couldn't be brave. "I'm falling in love with you Matt. I have been for awhile now."

"You love me?" he asked barely able to get the words out. For some reason the idea of Elizabeth loving him never occurred to Matt.

"You don't have to say..."

He cut her off with a gentle kiss. Sometimes it was the only way to shut Elizabeth up not that Matt was complaining. "I love you too. I've was too scared to say anything."

"I know how that feels. I never imagined falling in love again after Lucky died."

"Why is that?" Matt asked gently knowing that Lucky was a sensitive subject.

"Part of me always thought we'd get back together. I know it's crazy especially since I didn't love him anymore but- he was always there you know?"

"Being with him was safe."

Elizabeth smiled happy that Matt seemed to understand. Most people couldn't see why she always ended back with Lucky. "Yeah it was. But loving you has been so different and yet I know you would never hurt me."

"I get that. After my mom... I never wanted to care about anyone again. Coming to Port Charles wasn't even about that. Then Emma was born and I couldn't stop myself. Along the way I started to care about you and Patrick even Robin." he admitted reluctantly.

"You found a family."

"I guess so." Matt said reluctantly. The idea of needing people still didn't sit well with him. Neither did losing what he had something Matt knew might happen. "I'm so scared about this trial. I could lose everything because someone decided to kill the mayor's mistress."

He sounded so scared Elizabeth's heart broke for him. She knew she couldn't stand by and do nothing. It was the main reason she called Steven. Needing to reassure Matt even further Elizabeth said, "Not everything. You'll still have me. I am not going anywhere."