"I'm sorry, [Last Name]. I just got a bit carried away," Matatagi apologized as he abruptly clasped his hands on your shoulders and heartily shoved himself off of you, fingers digging into the soft fabric of your shirt - not hard enough to leave a mark or hurt, but present enough to allow you to feel every tensing muscle of agony rip at his nerves.

You shook your head, a murmur of "it's alright" bubbling between your parted lips, and you forced every morsel of strength in you to keep a steady gaze riveted on his own. "Matatagi-kun, if you ever need anyone...I'm here for you, okay?" you assured truthfully, every inkling of honesty earnestly displaying out in your low, silvery voice.

He found himself clenching his jaw together at your words; what was that suppose to be? A pact of trust? Pathetic. Even with this strange feeling swelling in his chest, or that tenderness rattling his ribcage like a harp, he wouldn't—no—he couldn't trust you. Matatagi knew that oh too well, and he wasn't ready to allow you to waltz into his black-tinted soul like some angel - like some dumb savior that doesn't really exist.

You were the true idiot in his eyes.

- 1 week later -

"Can I come over tonight?" you solicited sweetly as you poised yourself over beside him as he tied his shoes, [h/c] tresses dangling loosely while you bended your back and angled yourself to get a good glimpse of his face - but he stayed riveted on his laces, tying them intricately to secure the comfort and tightness of his darling running shoes.

Why always his house? (At least you're asking this time) It was a Friday night, he could understand why you'd want to pry into the offer practically laying itself on the table. "Sure. I bet Yuuta and Shun will be happy if you came over anyway," he replied nonchalantly; it wasn't a lie, his brothers seemed to adore you for one reason or another. Plus, it's not like the three of them had plans for this weekend, when did they ever?

The last time that happened was...Not worth remembering.

An enthusiastic cheer of "yes!" huffed under your breath, and a look of something akin to triumph smothered your expression for a fleeting second, before you straightened yourself back up. "I'll be there around six thirty, alright?" you questioned, voice cornered with a thoughtful tone as if you were vacillating on an idea of sorts.

"Yeah, that's fine. See you then, [Last Name]."

Directly on time you promised to be there, you arrived at his doorstep, and actually took care to knock on the wooden door before proceeding inside. Moments later you could hear the subtle sound of chatter, and slight scolding until finally the door was finally opened for you and revealed Matatagi with two gleeful brothers cheering behind him.

Matatagi gave you a strained smile, beckoning you inside, "Hey, [Last Name]. Glad you could make it," he appealed while watching your figure stamper past him and bend over to speak to his younger brothers. Closing the door behind him, he joined the adjacent spot next to you as you patted Yuuta and Shun on the head, fingers coolly gliding over the white cap and through the brown locks respectively.

He then took notice to the [f/c] bag hanging from your forearm, and before he could question you what was inside you had already began a fresh conversation with his brothers.

"Thanks for letting me come over. Your older brother told me you'd be happy if I came~!" you divulged, lowering your voice as if Matatagi wouldn't be able to hear - and he coughed into the palm of his hand to get the said point across; that he could hear you! What was the point in hiding something as trivial as that?

The two boys nodded eagerly, grins ever so present on their childish lips. "Mhm! We love playing with you," Shun piped up as his cheeks glowed with a bright shade of red which only further expressed his elation swelling.

Now Yuuta, with a somewhat coy smile, stuffed his hands into his pockets and told you honestly, "Yeah. Not to mention Nii-chan seemed happy when he told us you were coming over." You felt the corner of your mouth twist upwards, and you glimpsed upwards at Matatagi who immediately scorned slightly at his brother before throwing his hands up defensively.

"No, no. Yuuta, you're totally mistaken!" Matatagi exasperated, a trickle of sweat falling down the side of his face as all three of you gave him heated stares. "What? Don't look at me like that," he added, tone springing with a certain sternness as none of you were believing his words. Yuuta was seeing things. There's no way he'd be pleased to have you intrude his house like this.

Obviously you all had broken out into a fit of laughter, except Matatagi, and your own cheeks were ignited a fiery red both from slight embarrassment and the intensive laughter you were having along with Yuuta and Shun. "I like playing with you guys, too! And of course, Matatagi-kun, as well."

Everyone seemed delighted to hear you say that. And you craned your head behind you, and gave the standing boy a cordial smile that supposedly portrayed the genuine truth laced in your words sincerely. Matatagi didn't show hesitation as he returned that smile, but discreetly his stomach churn - and it wasn't entirely a good feeling either.

"Oh, that reminds me! Have you guys eaten yet?" you suddenly inquired, rising from your spot and straightening yourself out beside Matatagi. He shook his head, practically seething underneath his skin at his stupid mistake - you probably haven't ate yet and were going to request him to make something, and he wasn't entirely up for doing that. "Good. Can I order pizza then? My aunt gave me some money and I was wondering if it was okay."

...What?

You just wanted to order something as stupid as that? However those grating thoughts produced from his heart were hidden behind an embarrassed smile as his two brothers came up to him, practically bouncing up and down with jubilee at receiving such a treat - something they hardly ever ate, and it was expected they'd get overly excited about it.

"I got it you two. Sure [Last Name], that's fine with me!" He smiled at you.

a/n; Fumi here with an update! (possibly another one coming tonight - I'm surprisingly feeling the inspiration to type!) I have like ten unanswered messages in my inbox, please be patient with me! (^q^)/ / / Also Lotus you're hunch might be onto something~~

I hope this chapter was worth the almost 20 day wait!

inazuma eleven go (galaxy) © level-5