"..then she called me 'selfish' and a 'coward' when I jumped off rather than try and help her..."
"Jeez, sounds rough, buddy."
"Tell me about it..."
It hasn't been too long since Matthew had arrived to the lodge. You stayed behind to guard it from the creatures that the stranger spoke of, a sort of sacrifice your friends were quite surprised that you were willing to make. In truth, you didn't mind being alone, as long as you had something at your disposal to protect you, like one of the rifles from the shooting range Chris showed you.
When you saw a dark silhouette outside, you thought it was one of those savage beasts....but it turned out to be Matt. You probably would've shot his head off if not for the sniffling you heard.
Next thing you knew he was hugging you, crying something about Emily. You freaked out for a second, worried that she had died, but then he said they broke up.
You led him back into the lodge and sat him down on the couch, while you whipped up some hot chocolate using the powdered packets you brought on the trip with you. Then Matt started talking about what happened while he and Emily were at the radio tower.
"I think you did the right thing by leaving her though," you reassured, trying to cheer up your friend. "I could tell she was just ordering you around, being controlling. That's not really a healthy relationship if you ask me."
"Well.." Matt began. "Our relationship did feel a bit..one-sided...but since when did you suddenly become the love expert?" He looked over at you, raising an eyebrow.
"I dunno," you shrugged, "I've been single since, like, forever....funny how the single friend seems to give the best advice am I right?" You both laughed a bit, somewhat lightening the previously gloomy atmosphere.
Matt sighed once he had settled down. "I'm actually surprised," he remarked, "you're always so..confident and independent and....brave." His smile faltered at the word 'brave'.
It then occurred to you...that Matthew never had much confidence in himself; he wanted to just follow the rules and play the "good guy" of the group. It was only when he stood up to himself, tried to diffuse the catfight from earlier, refused to go to the tower, and jumped to safety off the collapsing ledge...that angered Emily.
From those actions, you knew, that put his relationship with her at rock bottom.
"I-I don't understand why she broke up with me, [y/n].." He looked away from you, though you could see tears forming in his eyes. "All I ever did was obey her cause I didn't want to seem usel-"
"Matthew I swear to God I will slap you silly if you call yourself useless," you growled. "You weren't useless on your football team, were you?"
Matt glanced back at you, confused slightly. "N-No but-"
"My point is that it wasn't your fault," you said calmly, putting your hand on his back. "Emily's just a jerk who doesn't know how to fend for herself. You're right though, obviously she's still got a thing with Mike. She had you on a leash ever since we arrived here and basically used ya....she even called you her 'toy'." You took a sip of the hot chocolate in your other hand, before looking down at the liquid.
"Sounds like she can use some hot chocolate to warm her cold, dead heart..." You giggled, hoping that remark would make him laugh a bit....but it didn't.
Matt's eyes began to water as he put his head in his hands. He seemed to be at his breaking point. "Hey...c'mon big guy." You put your mug down and wrapped arms around him, hugging him tightly. "She ain't worth crying over. You didn't even drink your hot ch-"
He suddenly gave you a bear hug in return, nearly crushing you. "Y-You're right, [y/n]..but I...I thought Em was the only one that loved me. The truth is...I-I could never really learn to love myself...o-only she did....n-now she hates me...."
"Say no more," you hushed, patting his back as he silently cried onto your shoulder. Feeling him shaking in your embrace ached your heart. You couldn't imagine the pain he must've went through, of being used, abused, and...cheated on in the end.
"You stood up for yourself and you should be proud of that. You even said it yourself, there's more to you than a lean, mean, luggage-carrying machine. If she can't accept that, then she's not worth your time."
"Though...Em wasn't the only one that loved you..." You wanted to add, but-
"W-What..?"
'Oh shit did I say that out loud??'Your eyes widened and you saw Matt pull away. He wiped his eyes before staring at you, almost in disbelief. "U-Uh...nothing! Hehe..just rambling. You know things have been real crazy up in here since the night began and I think I should get some more hot coco-"
"No..what did you say?" He took both of your hands, forcing you to look at him. "I'm not letting go until you do."
'Damn him for being so persistent...'
"I..I said that sh-she wasn't the only o-one who l-loved you when you d-didn't l-love yourself...." You stuttered, blushing like mad. It only worsened when Matt raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer to you. "Is that..true? Do you actually love me..?"
You have harbored feelings for Matthew for quite some time, though Emily had gotten in the way. You remember when he would go to you after an argument with her; you'd give him advice. Though you didn't really approve of their relationship, if it made Matt happy then you were happy.
But now, you had your chance..but you weren't sure about what to do. You were use to rejection, the reason you stopped trying to get a guy, but something was telling you that...Matt deserved so much better than that jerk. He deserved someone who would help him be more confident and not be take advantage of.
LIE CONFESS
("It's nothing") ("I love you")
Sighing, you decided to confess:
"Yes......IloveyouMatthewandIhaveforawhilebutImeanifyadon'titsfineI'mjustbeingagoodfriendisallandIhateseeingyouinpa-!" Your rant was interrupted when he suddenly pressed his lips to yours. For a moment you had no idea what to do..this was your first kiss, but somehow you found a way to return it.
After a few moments Matt pulled away, putting a hand on your cheek. "How was that for a first kiss?" He asked with a sly smile.
"I-It felt..nice..." You blushed, making him chuckle a bit.
"Want a second one?"
"...gladly" You put both of your hands on his cheeks, pulling him towards you and, turning the tables on him this time. 'Damn...she's a good kisser..' He thought as he wrapped his arms around you, deepening the kiss.
Unfortunately, the moment was short-lived as you heard a screeching noise from outside.
"Was that a Wendigo?" Matt muttered nervously, looking towards the window. He nearly screamed seeing two, white, milky orbs glowering at him.
"More like...WendiNO," you replied, standing up and grabbing your weapon. You marched towards the door, ready to bring hell to the creature that interrupted you both.
"Hey baby?"
You looked over your shoulder, seeing Matt smirking. "Kick his ass."
