ashes [m.h.] (Completed)

Chapter 19.

My eyes flutter open and are greeted by the bright light of the morning sun. I find myself alone in an unfamiliar bed, the smell of alcohol lingering on me. I don't remember drinking. My eyes travel down to spot the large black shirt wrapped around my body. I instantly recognize it as belonging to Matty, which explains why I now reek of the strong smell.

I sit up in the bed, thinking of my options. I doubt there is any way of leaving without running into him. I'll just have to man up and face the awkward conversation that seems nearly inevitable. With that, I pull myself out of the bed and head for the door. I make my way down the small hallway, and quietly emerge into the kitchen and living room area.

My feet stop in there tracks at the sight of him. He stands confidently in nothing more than boxers, bare back to me, seeming to be preoccupied. I don't make my presence known, being unsure as to what exactly I should say. It is then when he turns, moving to the opposite counter with a large bowl in hand.  His head snaps up and he meets my gaze. My mouth moves to say something but I can't seem to speak. His eyes slowly travel down, noticing my appearance, and making no effort to hide it. I begin to tug at the hem of the shirt, willing it to cover more as I become self conscious under his gaze. I clear my throat.

"Morning." I say quietly.

He simply nods in response.

"Um, would you mind if I use your shower?"

"First door on the right."

"Thanks." I nearly whisper, dismissing myself.

As promised, I find the bathroom in the exact location Matty said it to be. I enter, quickly locking the door soon after. I try not to look in the mirror. Try not to face myself. I already know how this looks. I let him screw around and hurt my feelings. I shouldn't be anywhere near him. Yet the second he needs me, I go running as fast I can to his side. Pathetic.

I push the harsh thoughts to the back of my mind as I begin to undress myself, and step into the shower not too long after. I turn the large handle, sending steaming water my direction. My body turns, letting the water soak my hair into a big mop. I search the side of the tub, spotting a bottle of shampoo, I grasp it and bring the bottle to my nose. The smell is familiar. The same smell that always lingers on Matty's body. Well, when he's not drenched in alcohol.

I don't hesitate in lathering the product into my hair and washing it diligently. After, washing my entire body and being sure I rid the smell of Matty's drinking issues from me, I step out of the shower. I locate a fresh towel from a cabinet above the toilet and tightly wrap it around my body. I gather my clothes and head down the short hallway to Matty's room, where last night's clothes lie.

Upon entering the room, I close the door soundlessly and begin to change. Just as I get my bra clipped and panties slipped on, the bedroom door opens and dark chocolate curls appear in the doorway. His appearance hadn't changed, still sporting the boxer only look. My instant reaction is to hide my half naked body, grabbing my towel and holding it tight. His eyes scan my body briefly before confusion flashes through his eyes. He begins to walk my direction and my body stands still. He stops meerly inches in front of me, his frame towering mine. I don't say a word, just look back into his dark eyes as he studies mine. I stare a second too long before he moves his lips to speak.

"Excuse me," he says surprisingly soft. "I need to get to my closet."

I stand there a bit bumbfounded before I finally manage a response.

"Sorry." I say, shuffling quickly to move out of his way. I carry my clothes to the bed and move to change there as he rummages through his closet.

"I made pancakes." He says as I slip my shirt over my head. "Ya'know, if you want. We can go to Starbucks if you want." He rambles on.

"Pancakes sound great." I turn to him seeing him now fully dressed. He meets my gaze. His head moves to the side a bit as though he is a curious dog, and he steps closer. His long limb reaches out, taking a section of my damp hair in his grasp. His head dips as he brings his nose to me.

"Did you use my shampoo?" He questions.

"Yea." I look down a second to hide my freshly blushed face. My eyes go back to his face to find a small smile tugging at his lips. The moment quickly fades as he steps away, and moves to exit the room.

I don't follow him just yet. Instead,  I reach for the ponytail holder I always keep on my wrist and use it to tie my hair up in a big bun atop my head. I feel the need to fix my appearance a bit before I reappear. I spot a mirror against the closet door and find myself moving to look in it. I study my appearance critically. My eyes look tired, carrying dark circles underneath them, and I mentally curse myself for not having makeup. With one last look and a slightly frustrated huff, I begin to head for the kitchen and the pancakes Matty spoke of earlier.

I emerge from the hallway and see Matty himself sitting at his small kitchen table. My presence becomes known as his eyes travel to meet mine. He stands quickly from his seat, causing a small screech to erupt from the chair behind him.

"I only had regular pancake mix, and I know you like those red velvet fancy cakes so I, um, I put some nutella and a few chocolate chips in it, I hope it's not too much." He rambles as he walks towards the kitchen. He opens a cabinet above his head pulling a plate from the small space. He then locates a fork and knife from a drawer right below and places them on the table he previously sat at.

I follow him to the table and pull out a chair for me to sit in. My eyes then take in the small pile of warm cakes in the center of the table, and the bottle of syrup next to it. I don't hesitate one second, taking two pancakes and stacking them on my empty plate. A large helping of syrup is poured atop the cakes not long after. Without another word, my fork digs in, taking a large chunk and bringing it to my lips. The moment it reaches my tastebuds, I release a pleasureful moan, and sink further into my seat.

"Good then?" My attention goes back to Matty. A pang of embarrassment is felt within me before it's overthrown by the want for more of the deliciousness.

"It's like sex on a plate." I admit quietly.

Matty's deep chuckles fill the room.

"Hurry up then or we'll miss classes."

I take the hint well, and dive into the breakfast whole heartedly. I clean my plate not long after and Matty takes that as the sign to head out.

"I'll drive." He calls out grabbing his keys and heading out. I try to gather myself, quickly standing, and jog a bit to catch up with him.

After finally reaching his car, he heads to my side, opening the door for me. I quietly thank him, and he makes his way to the driver's seat. With that, he starts the car and we make our

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kinda a filler chapter for the next, but I think its still important, just not as eventful as others. Anyway, hope you're enjoying reading! I sure enjoy writing. Im thinking of switching it up and doing Matty's pov sometime soon, so be prepared for that. Thanks so much for reading! (I know I probably say thank you a million times, sorry)

-nya.