Then Because She Goes - Matty Healy

You fracture light again (Ooh), I love you, oh, love you

*mature 18+ content

Stayaway - MUNA

24 May, 2019

Middlesbrough Station was one that Este couldn't ever imagine herself needing to pass through. But, Radio 1 Big Weekend being held at Stewart Park that year gave her a reason.

She had originally planned on only coming in for their set on Sunday night and spending it there with Matty. But, he pointed out that they didn't have any commitments on the first two days of the festival, suggesting she come on the 24th and stay with them for three nights instead. Though eager to see him again and in favour of the idea, Este was paranoid of intruding or distracting him from work. So, she humbly attempted to deny taking up too much of his time off and persisted with her former plan.

Of course, Matty refused to let her say no. He was offering, after all, and wanted to see her—a bit confused that it seemed like she was turning him down. But, after Este insisted that she was just trying to allow him the rest he deserved after a crazy couple of months (and agreed to take the train in on Friday morning), he felt better.

It's bold of you to assume I can manage us being in the same country for the first time in months and be able to keep my hands off you, read a text from him when the plans got straightened out and she made her way from her flat to Manchester Victoria. His words made her cheeks flushed in the already warm May weather.

She wheeled a small suitcase through the station and eventually got to her seat on the train. The almost three-hour long ride ahead of her consisted of Este dozing in and out of sleep and listening to the small selection of music she had downloaded on Spotify. Towards the end of her journey, her bladder begged a trip to the cramped toilets to relieve the wee she'd been holding.

Este washed her hands thoroughly after flushing and assessed herself in the mirror. The dilemma of wanting to dress comfortably for the multiple hours sat in a train seat—but also knowing Matty would be picking her up once she reached Middlesbrough—kept her mind busy when getting ready that morning. Ultimately, she decided on dressing up. Silver buttons ran down the centre of her 70s-esque denim jumper dress. Paired with white socks and burgundy loafers around her feet, the outfit was classy. Professional, even. But, the garment hugging her waist tightly, its v-cut neckline, and the sight of her tan legs on display still made Matty's breath quicken when he opened a photo that showed up in his notification centre from Este.

Flipping him off to avoid being too serious, the picture somehow captured her full body in the small toilet mirror. Her back camera pointed at it, phone gripped in hand, posing with her weight leaning on one hip. She stuck her tongue out playfully and squeezed an eye shut to wink at her reflection. The message that accompanied the impromptu mirror selfie read, I'll be yours in 20 x, heightening Matty's excitement even more. Good god, he replied shortly and simply.

With her knee bouncing up and down with anticipation, the train finally slowed to a stop to bring her into the unfamiliar town. She gathered her things and hurriedly stepped onto the Middlesbrough platform, scanning for a rogue Matty Healy within the fairly busy station. He watched the flood of people surround Este, who he caught sight of right away, and saw her brows furrow and eyes squint to look for him. The couple of seconds it took before she recognised Matty made him chuckle.

"Matty!" she exclaimed when her eyes finally locked with his.

Speed-walking over and almost tripping a teenage boy with her rolling luggage dragging behind her, Este forcefully wrapped her arms around him. He hugged back tightly. She smelled exactly the way Matty remembered. Sunglasses covered his eyes and a hat was atop the curly brunette mess on his head, but neither could hide the ecstatic expression his face displayed.