The next morning Hanna woke up to someone stroking her hair gently. "Hanna? Sweetheart wake up." She recognized the voice and instantly opened her eyes. Usually Gaius wasn't there in the morning unless it was to pick up Matthew. And then she remembered the events of the day before and she shot up, looking around before her eyes landed on Gaius, who was sitting down next to her on the couch.

"Maya...Is she okay?" she asked nervously as Gaius took her face in his hands, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"She's alright sweetheart" he said as he drew her into his arms, rocking her back and forth a little. He was more nervous about her interaction with Quintus and just the thought of it made him hold onto her a little more tightly. He was protective of her and had been since the day he had met her.

Hanna wrapped her arms around Gaius, hiding her face in his chest as she closed her eyes once more. The two just sat there in silence as Gaius held her close to him.

"Listen I have to go soon, but I have something I want to speak with you about later" he said softly, tilting her head up so that she met his eyes. "I love you Hanna. You're like the daughter I never had."

"I love you too Gaius" she said, kissing his cheek gently as she hugged him one last time before he got up.

"I'll check on you later" he said, kissing her head as he got up and walked out the door. "You be safe today."

The dark haired girl looked at the door confused before getting up and folding up her blanket. Gaius had been more protective than usual the past two days and she wondered what he had to talk to her about. After straightening up the living room, she walked upstairs to Matthew's bedroom and quietly opened the door, her eyes going wide at the sight before her.

Her brother and her best friend were in eachother's arms fast asleep. Hanna had no idea that they even had feelings for eachother. This day was getting weirder by the minute, but she was happy for the two of them. Maya deserved something good after all she had been through. She walked back downstairs and started on some breakfast for the three of them.


Maya woke up confused. "Where am I?" she thought as her eyes adjusted to her surroundings. And then she felt it. Arms around her, her head on someone's chest, a steady heartbeat. Matthew. He was holding her tightly, his face pressed into her hair. It was then that she remembered what had happened the day before and without warning she burst into tears, hiding her face in Matthew's neck.

He woke up instantly, hearing her sobs. "Maya...shh..." he murmured into her ear as he rubbed her back. "I am here. Remember that?"

He continued to hold her until her cries subsided and she looked up at him, gazing into his eyes. "I'm sorry" she whispered, her cheeks going redder than they already were.

"It's alright" he murmured, pulling her closer to him. It pained him to see her so upset and he prayed that she would be happy again soon. "You have nothing to be sorry about."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and gazed into his eyes. "I don't know what I would do without you" she whispered softly, her forehead against his once more. It was amazing to her that Matthew was so openly loving to her when he really wasn't to other people.

"You will never have to find out" he said as he surprised her once more by lowering his lips to her's in a gentle kiss. A kiss she eagerly sank into.

It seemed like forever, but it only lasted a few minutes until Matthew pulled away, caressing her cheek. "We should probably go downstairs. My sister will be anxious to see you."

Maya nodded and reluctantly let go of him, getting off the bed slowly. She smoothed out her dress and took the hand he offered to her, grinning as he planted some kisses on her cheek. Matthew always knew how to make her smile.

As they walked downstairs, Hanna looked up from setting the table and smiled, rushing over to hug her best friend. "How are you feeling?" she asked concerned, pulling back to look over Maya.

"Hanna I'm fine" Maya said as she sat down next to Matthew. Hanna had always been protective of her since the day they met.

She was far from fine and he knew it, but he wasn't going to push her about it. He didn't want her mad at him. Hanna sighed and sat down in front of the two of them. She knew Maya wasn't alright either. There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment before Matthew spoke up. "I am going to spend Shabbat with Maya today.

Hanna nodded and sighed for a moment. "Then I will go see if our parents will accept us again myself."

Maya sighed and dropped her fork on her plate. "Hanna how long until you accept this?"

Matthew took Maya's hand as Hanna shook her head and sighed. "Maya I have to keep trying" she said helplessly.

Hanna knew she was setting herself up for disappointment. She knew that, but she just knew she had to try one more time.

"Okay Hanna" she said softly, looking over at Matthew, who looked sad as well.

She kissed Matthew's cheek and leaned her forehead against it. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to see you two hurt."

"It's okay Maya" he said softly, leaning into her touch.

"This will be my last try okay?" Hanna said as she smiled reassuringly at Maya. The two best friends hardly ever fought. In the end they just wanted eachother to be okay.