Serendipity.

9

Max woke up on a firm and warm chest. The last thing she remembered was sitting in the cloud-looking couch and watching a movie with Matt in his living room, but she couldn't quite recall when she fell asleep, or when they lied down.

"Matt?" His name came out slurry, still affected with sleep.

"Here, love. You okay?" Matt looked down at her, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Yes. I'm sorry," She started stirring to separete herself from him, but the arm that was holding her just pulled her closer. Even with his warm embrace, Max shivered with the breeze from the rain.

"You're cold," Matt noticed.

"A little bit. What time is it?" Max asked, rubbing her eyes.

"It's almost two." Matt said, taking her wrists to stop her. "Let's get you something to wear."

Matt's room was as welcoming as the rest of the apartment. His personality was curiously imprinted on small details: a couple of hoodies on the bed, a pile of books on a small desk, and a photo of him with another girl on his nightstand. They were both laughing, looking absolutely radiant.

"That's Violet," he said, catching her eyeing the photo. "She's my sister."

"She's pretty."

"Yeah, she is," Matt chuckled a little, looking at the picture. He handed a shirt, a hoodie and some briefs to Max, who took them gladly.

"I'll wait outside. Call me if you need anything," Matt kissed her forehead before walking out of the room.

She changed her clothes, swimming in Matt's stuff. His hoodie reached the top of her thighs, just like the green one.

"Matt?" she walked out of the room, looking for him.

"In the kitchen, love."

"What are you doing?" Max asked when she found him rummaging the cupboard.

"I'm making us some... Oh," Matt stopped when he turned to face her, something shining in his eyes. "You look fucking adorable."

"I am, literally, disappearing on your clothes, Matt," Max laughed. She cut the space between them, wrapping her arms around him. "Thank you."

"You feeling okay?" Matt asked on her hair, holding her close.

"Just a bit tired."

Matt lifted her, making her seat on the counter. He offered a cup of steaming tea, which Max accepted gladly.

"Wanna talk about earlier?" He asked, moving to stand between her legs.

"I forgot to eat," Max told him, avoiding eye contact while she drank.

"Why?"

"I was doing stuff."

"Baby, what kind of stuff were you doing that you forgot to eat?"

Baby. "I- homework."

"But you said you had nothing due for today."

"I forgot." A lie, of course. Max never forgets stuff like that.

"You forgot?" And Matt knew it. He just confirmed it when Max just nodded, not looking at him.

"Look at me."

Max lifted her gaze, oblivious of how easy was for him to read her lie. Matt cupped her face with his hand, the other one holding her waist. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but I don't want you to feel like you have to lie to me," he said quietly, just inches away from her face. "I'm here, and I'm with you. There's nothing to be scared of."

Her heart squeezed, warming her fears just the tiniest bit. The look on his eyes reassembled a safe place. She left the cup, and hugged him so tight just to see if she could replicate her feelings. And he let her take everything she needed. He let himself be consumed by the sweetest saddness of them all.

"I didn't forget."

"I know you didn't, smart-ass."

"But I can't tell you. Just not yet."

"Then don't, baby. I'm willing to take everything, but only if you're willing to give it to me." Matt was softly stroking her hair, feeling her relax against his touch. "You're not obliged to do anything."

"Except to eat?"

He chuckled slightly. "I can't make you, but I sure as hell try."

She whispered a small thank you before yawning, the sweet tea and the soft caresses from Matt making effect. He put her on the floor carefully, guiding them back to his room. After doing her night process, Matt's bed looked just as attractive as the man himself. She found him sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for her.

"I'll be on the couch if you need anything, okay?"

The couch? "Uh, why would you be on the couch?"

"'Cause I need to sleep too, love," he laughed, embelessed at how cute her face scrunched with tiredness.

"Why don't you sleep in here?" Max asked.

"Because I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

This guy is gonna be my end, she thought.

"Why would I feel uncomfortable?" Max asked, tilting her head.

"I don't know. Wouldn't you?" Matt asked, expectant.

"No, dumbass. Stay here."

Matt just looked at her, shyness tinting his cheeks red. He wasn't used to be this close to anyone besides his family, but being close to Max made everything feel okay.

"Fine. But you'll tell me if something isn't okay?"

"I'll kick you off the bed if that happens. Now, do not switch minds with me and stop overthinking."

Matt just giggled, laying on his side of the bed, his face buried on one of the pillows. He felt the blankets shuffle beside him, and a light weight on his back. Max trapped him with one of her thin arms, sighing in content.

"Is this okay?" She asked, tracing figures on his back.

"Yeah." It was his time to sigh, closing his eyes and enjoying the softness of her touch. "It's damn perfect."