FATE

Chapter 39

Matthew's P.O.V.

I stretched as my eyes fluttered open. I checked the time. 6:12 pm.

I pouted as the previous talk with daddy entered my mind. Why does everything have to be ten times more difficult than it actually is? Everything would be just fine if I was just left alone.

I slowly sat up in bed and grabbed my glasses off the night stand. I quickly reached for my phone as the ding sound went off indicating a text message.

2 missed calls

New message: Derek❤️💍

Hey baby. Just checking in to make sure everything is ok. I'm a little worried. Text/call whenever you can. Love you.

I smiled as I read the message over and over again. He loves me and cares about me.

I quickly sent a reply saying everything is fine and that I miss him and love him as well.

I jumped as I heard a knock on the door. "Matty can I come in?" I knew it was Austin. How does he always know to come at the worst times?? It's honestly ridiculous. I sighed and combed my fingers through my hair. "Come in."

I internally sighed as Austin came into the room. He was paler than before and the dark circles under his eyes got worse. I could tell he had been crying due to his eyes being red, watery and puffy. I couldn't help but feel guilty. I've never seen him this way.

He spoke softly. "C-Can I sit next to you?"

I immediately nodded and scooted over so that he could climb in next to me. I draped the covers over the both of us as I heard Austin sigh. We sat in silence for awhile and I started to get uncomfortable. I was about to say something but Austin spoke up before I could.

"Matty?"

I hummed a response.

He sighed again and spoke softly. "D-Do you love me...?"

I froze. Why would he even ask me that? He's my brother of course I love him.

I nodded and spoke softly not trusting my own voice. "Of course I love you." He nodded almost as if he was mentally debating something. He looked over at me and then back down at his hands. I spoke "do you love me?" He wiped a stray tear then nodded but didn't say anything else. Every so often he would sniffle and wipe a tear that escaped but he never said another word. After a few minutes his hands shook and I knew he was getting worked up over something. I grabbed his hand in mine and kissed his knuckles. "What's the matter Austy?" He looked down at our entwined hand and smiled slightly. I almost didn't notice it.

He sighed closing his eyes. "I-I miss you Matty..."

I frowned. He missed me? He sees me every day. How can he possibly miss me? I mean we live in the same house.

Almost as if he heard my exact thoughts he spoke. "I-I miss how we used to be. I mean... how close we used to be. Before all this." I frowned as I took in his words. I really did miss the old Austy. The one who would always make me laugh. The one who was always there for me and wanted to be around me constantly.

If only it could be that simple....

"Matty I'm really sorry for everything. I overreacted and I was stupid. I'm so so sorry. Please just....just give me another chance. I know I fucked up big time but I wanna make everything better. I want us to go back to how we used to be. You know....how close we were. I miss that. And-" he paused. "Do you really love me?" I sighed and nodded. "Yes Austy I love you. I said that already. You're my brother of course I love you." He shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. "Matty I don't mean it like that. I mean do you love me....more than that...?"

I froze. More than that? I've never even looked or thought of Austin in that way. I always looked up to him and thought of him as a shoulder to cry on. But.... nothing more.

"Matty I know this is sudden but I can't hold it in anymore. I tried to get this whole thing off my mind and just move on but I just can't. I want us to be more than just brothers. I just want to prove to you that we can be more. Please Matty.... just give me a chance.."

My head was beginning to hurt. This is too much. I mean.... what about Derek? I love him. I don't want anything bad to happen to us. He makes me so happy and I really don't wanna give that up.

Looking up at Austin I spoke quietly. "Austin w-what about Derek?"

I saw the way his jaw tensed. He was annoyed but he didn't make it known with his words. "Matty you don't have to break up with Derek. I know you don't really want to anyway. But this is just me and you. Derek doesn't even have to know. We can just be close at home so that it's more private.... please.."

I didn't like this. I would be going behind Derek's back. I can't...

Before I could speak Austin lifted his hand to my cheek and connected my lips to his. It was soft and warm. I whimpered as my head spun. His tongue grazed my bottom lip asking for entrance making me feel dizzy. I felt his pain and emotions as he pulled me closer deepening the kiss.

He slowly detached his lips and rested his forehead on mine. "Matty can I stay here tonight?"

I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. I nodded. He grabbed my glasses off my face and put them on the night stand.

Before I could protest, Austin grabbed me and gently pulled me into his chest as we got under the covers. He kissed my forehead.

"Goodnight Matty. I really hope you change your mind."

A/N: Hey guys☺️

Who do you think is the couple... Matt and Derek or Matt and Austin?

What do you think will happen in the next chapter?