Matt had spent a restless night, tossing and turning in his new bed in the basement. He knew it wasn't the bed or the basement room, since he'd spent two nights down there already... it was more to do with the fact that Saffron was so close... and he wasn't with her. When he'd finally given up on sleeping, he'd pulled on a pair of track shorts and sneakers and slipped outsite for a run through the cemetery, not wanting to risk waking Saffron with a workout in his make shift gym. He had finished his usual lap of the property and was starting a second, hoping to get the last of the kinks worked out, plus get a grip on his emotions. He thought he spotted movement through the windows in the church as he cut his lap from the longer route to take the path that lead the closest to the church, and debated on whether he should head inside, or finish his run...


Saffron had oddly slept better then she had in the hospital. But she still woke up early, stretching with a yawn, before looking around the bedroom, not exactly remembering coming up to the loft the night before. She blushed slightly when she realized Matt must have brought her up. With a sigh she sat up, stretching again. Then got up, getting a change of clothes, changing, before heading down stairs. She headed down stairs, toward the kitchen, aware Matt was outside just from the death connection. Some how, she didn't feel out of place or uncomfortable, that was only enforced by the fact she went about making coffee with out any hesitation. She leaned against the counter as the coffee perked, and looked out the patio door for a long moment, just thinking. Saffron was braiding her hair, to keep it out of her face, before starting on doing the few dishes from last night, just for something to do. She'd gone for a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, more proof that she was relaxed.

Matt stepped through the gate then stopped long enouh to pull his socks and shoes off, carrying them as he walked barefoot through the damp grass as he headed across the back lawn to the patio. The feel of her in there was too much for him to ignore, especailly knowing she was awake. He'd kept teling himself that he'd give her room and not crowd her; a good plan considering his own conflicting emotions.. but he just couldn't keep away. The memory of her cuddled next to him on the bench and being alseep in his arms kept haunting him and making his heart ache.

He set his shoes down and grabbed the towel he'd left hanging on the bench, wiping down as he watched Saffron through the glass doors. He finished off, wiping the grass bits from his bare feet then grabbed his shoes and headed  inside. "Morning, Saff." he said softly, feeling the smile that was on his face, despite the early hour.

Saffron glanced back at him with a smile, eyeing him a moment. "Morning. You're up early...Thought you didn't get up before noon?" She asked with a smirk as she finished the few dishes and grabbed the dish towel to dry her hands.

Matt blushed as he set his shoes down inside the door and dropped the towel on top of them for now. "Yeah... couldn't sleep. You sleep okay?" he asked as he watched her, wondering if he should excuse himself to grab a shower and get dressed. Standing around  Saffron in nothing but shorts and still a bit sweaty wasn't doing anything for his comfort level. Actually, he was comfortable... he was  if anything too comfortable, which was what was freaking him out a bit.

Saffron sat the dish towel back on the counter. "I slept fine...better then I have in a while, I think." She said softly. "I didn't mean to fall asleep on you last night...thank you for taking me upstairs..."

Matt felt himself blush again, and headed for the coffee. "I didn't mind. Kinda enjoyed it ..." he said with a soft smirk. "I would've helped you out of your clothes first... but..." he blushed darker and cleared his throat, grabbing one of the Halloween themed over sized mugs from the cupboard. "Thanks for making coffee... I didn't want to wake you, or I would have..."

"I don't sleep in as late as I used to..."Saffron said softly, watching him, staying where she was against the counter, next to the coffee maker. She watched him, then sighed, shaking her head.

Matt looked up at her sigh and blushed more, smirking at himself. "Sorry... this would be easier if you weren't so fucking gorgeous..." he said, then left the cup on the counter for a moment as he cupped Saffron’s face in the palm of his hand and leaned into kiss her softly. "Good morning, angel." he said softly, before smiling and turning back to the coffee. "You want me to pour you a cup?"

"No, I can get my own, thank you..." She said softly, with a slight smirk, but was still watching him. "Will you do me a favor, Matt? I haven't changed that much...you don't have to be so damned careful around me." She added softly after a moment.

Matt smirked, still blushing as he picked up his coffee. "It's not you I'm being careful about, Saff. It's me." he said softly, taking a drink. "I'd better go grab a shower and get dressed. "

Saffron snorted softly, shaking her head again. "And maybe you're trying a little to hard..." She said softly, getting her own cup, but turning to head for the patio to drink her coffee outside.

Matt stopped at that. "Saff..." he called back to her softly. "You don't understand. You can't... So please.. don’t fucking judge me. I'm doing my best here..." he said, his voice quiet.

"I never judged you to begin with, Matt; you seem to keep forgetting that." Saffron replied, giving him a look. "Gods, why can't you just...accept that I never blamed you. For any of it?! I love you, Matt, but if you can't handle me being here, then this was a bad idea."

Matt sighed and turned, setting his coffee on the counter as he walked back to her. "Saff. I told you... it's not about you. I know you never blamed me." he said softly, then took her cup from her hand and set it on the table before slipping his hands around her waist. "I want you here. I love having you here. You have no idea how much you being here means to me. I'm sorry for being so screwed up right now... I'm... I'll be fine."

She looked up at him, raising a hand to caress his cheek. "Will you, Matt? Most of the time, you can hardly look at me." She replied softly. "I want to be here, Matt, I want to be with you...it's all I've ever wanted..."

Matt closed his eyes at that and swallowed hard. "I can't look at you because you're so gorgeous..." he said softly. "You make me want you so bad and .. fuck.... I just... I'm not sure I can ..."

"Not sure you can what? That's what I mean, Matt...I don't...have any problem with you wanting me...You don't think I don't want you...? We can't do it this way, Matt...either you want me, or you don't. And if you do, then you do something about it."

Matt tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer and he leaned his head back. He swallowed hard before he looked back down at her. " Ihurt you, Saff... I raped you... Spell or no spell... I have that in my head. I did that to you. I know you don’t see it that way but... I hurt you... I never want to hurt you again.. and I am SO fucking afraid I will..."

Saffron took his face in both hands, looking up at him seriously. "You're going to have to take the chance sooner or later, Matt. I can't wait around forever." She said softly.

He closed his eyes at that and leaned his forhead against hers. "I'm trying, Saff... please." he whispered, the scent of her making him almost dizzy combined with the feel of her in his arms.  He slipped his hand over her back as he held her, remembering the pale skin criss crossed with scars and the blank angel wing tattoos. With a soft moan he wrapped his arms around her tighter, bending low to bury his face in her hair, kissing her neck lightly. "I love you Saff... "

Saffron sighed softly, slipping her arms around his neck, leaning against him. She smiled softly, a bit sadly. "I love you too, Matt...I really do..." She said softly.

Matt kept his eyes closed as he held her, loving the feel of her like that, his face still pressed against her neck. He nuzzled her neck, kising the soft skin and feeling his body react even more. He knew she was right; he wanted this to work, he wanted to be with her. Hell he'd bought her a ring, hadn't he? He couldn't very ask her to marry him if he couldn't get past this fear of hurting her...

She tightened her arms around his neck, leaning more against him, her eyes closed. She sighed softly, when he nuzzled her neck, and slipped one hand up to run her fingers through his hair.

He pulled back enough to find her lips, kissing her hungrily, but still trying to be gentle. The feel of her pressed against him felt wonderful, including the light feel of the baby kicking against him, making him break the kiss with a soft laugh. He rested his forehead against hers, holding her still. "I'm tempted to try right now... take you back to bed and see..." he snorted softly."but I think junior here is protesting..."

Saffron laughed softly, before kissing Matt back. "Not that he has much to protest about, it's probably just because I haven't eaten yet..." She said softly, with a slight smirk, looking up at Matt, her eyes were much lighter then normal.

He freed one hand to stroke her hair back from her face. "I'm trying, baby... I really am. Please.... don’t leave me." he whispered softly, kissing her one more time. "Come on...  feed the little brat... you want me to get you something or would you rather see what you can find?"

"Well I should probably see what I can find...and you...could probably use that shower..." Saffron replied with a playful smirk.

Matt smirked softly. "Yeah.. except now it'll be a cold one... thanks." he muttered with a soft smile and stole another kiss befroe letting go. He grabbed his coffee on the way past, hoping he wasn't still blushing… he was getting really tired of blushing..

"I'll see you in a bit then..." Saffron replied with a smile, picking up her own cup, leaning against the counter, watching him go over the edge as she took a drink.

~~

Matt was finding himself more and more at ease around her as the day went on. He was still afraid that when the moment came he'd hurt her but he was trying not to think about it too mch. He'd just have to trust that he wouldn't.. like she seemed to do. They spent the morning in town, with him showing her around, doing a bit of window shopping for the most part, then headed home after a brief lunch at the cafe. He thought he might suggest a trip to one of the bigger towns where they had a better clothing selection for tomorrow, but for this afternoon, he just wanted her to himself. At the moment, he was busy carrying the baby furniture back down to the basement now that it was dry.

Saffron had decided to get in a quick shower, while Matt was busy. She'd just gotten out of the shower, and was getting dressed. She left her hair in a towel for the moment, pulling on a sleep short set; white with light blue clouds and moons, the words `dream angel’ on the top. The only problem she had with the top, was it was a bit thin, easily see through, but it was comfortable. She left the bathroom, the towel still in her hair and headed out to the living room for the moment.

Matt jogged back up the stairs after taking the last piece down and stopped as he spotted her. A small smile touched his lips as he took in the towel wrapped hair. "Damn you're cute like that." he said softly, shutting the door behind him. When he looked back at her, he noticed the shadows of her breasts showing through her shirt, the nipples clearly outlined. He gave a soft moan. "Oh gods... that is so not fair..." he said softly.

Saffron snorted softly, before moving over to the couch. "I wasn't trying to make it difficult, just trying to be comfortable." She replied softly, flopping down. "I have to do a load of laundry, though I could go up and get a t-shirt..."

Matt smirked softly as he moved to sit beside her."Never said you were being difficult." he said softly as he brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Just said it wasn't fair..." he added, kissing her softly.

"How unfair?" Saffron replied behind the kiss. "Unfair as you'd rather me change, or unfair enough that you can deal with it?"

"I can deal with it..." he said quietly as he kissed her again. "I don’t want you to change..." he added, letting his hand slip down to cup her breast through the cloth. "Just makes me want to 'try' some more.... If the kid kicks me again though... I may take that as a bad sign..." he added with a soft chuckle, kissing her deeper.

"Oh, he's pretty much settled..." Saffron replied softly behind the kiss, wrapping her arms around Matt's neck, and kissing him back just as deeply.

Matt didn't answer as he let himself relax into the kiss, his thumb brushing lightly over her nipple, feeling it harden. He shifted a bit more, turning to face her better as he slipped his other arm around her. "So beautiful..." he whispered softly between kisses.

Saffron whimpered softly, imploringly, behind the kiss, squirming a bit. She was caught by the intensity of it, enjoying it more then she'd ever enjoyed a kiss.

Matt froze at the soft sound, his heart catching for the moment. He closed his eyes and forced himself to relax, kissing her again, knowing he wasn't hurting her. As he kissed her deeper, his hand caressing her one breast gently, he suddenly had no doubt that he'd be spending that night up stairs with her. He'd be fine... he'd get over this...

Saffron pulled back from the kiss after a moment, catching her breath. She looked up at him. "Are you sure you're up for this?" She asked softly, moving a hand to caress his cheek.

Matt swallowed hard at that, opening his eyes to look at her. "Won't know until I try, babe.. but... it feels like it.." he said with a soft smirk. "Don’t want to rush... already sort of rushed... I've never got the chance to just make out with you.... Fuck... I only just got to kiss you for the first time a little while ago... That day… that… doesn't count." he said softly.

Saffron smiled softly, before leaning back in and kissing him again, letting all her passion show through the kiss, wrapping her arms back around his neck.

Matt slipped his hands down to her waist and pulled her onto his lap, never breaking the kiss. He settled her against him, one leg to either side of him, his hands rubbing over her hips for a moment before slipping them up to cup both breasts. A small part of him thought it strange that he was so comfortable with his best friend turning into a woman, but it felt so right. Plus it only made me feel more comfortable with having been attracted to him even as a guy.

Saffron pulled back from the kiss again, with a soft gasp and gave him an amused look. "Watch the hands Matt. If you don't want to rush, don't tease so much." She said, with a slight smirk.

Matt smirked wickedly as he let his hand give a gentle squeeze before his thumbs rubbed against them again. "Don't worry... even if I freeze up and can't... I can still make sure you cum...." he said, kissing her neck softly. "I won’t leave you hanging... but I want this, angel... please.. don’t say no...."

"I wasn't saying no." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, leaning against him. "Definitely not saying no...more definitely saying yus." She added, biting her lip against the soft moan that wanted to escape.

"Don't say anything... just kiss me." he said softly as he licked playfully at her lips. He slipped his hands down to her waist before letting them find their way beneath her top and moving back up to her breasts.

Saffron moaned softly, her eyes fluttering closed, and she squirmed a bit. Before giving in and kissing him again, deeply and passionate. She leaned against him, her arms resting on his shoulders.

When he couldn't resist any longer, Matt pulled away from her lips and kissed his way down her throat, his hands pushing her top up over her breasts as he did.  "Fuck.." he whispered softly as he kissed each one. "So beautiful..." he said before catching hold of one nipple and sucking lightly.

Saffron gasped, moaning softly and tried to remember to breath. "Careful Matt...don't start anything you can't finish..." She whispered with another soft moan.

Matt smirked softly as he let go and kissed the other breasts instead. "Told you... I'll finish you off no matter what..." he said softly as he caught her other nipple; his hands slipping down to cup her rear end, squeezing playfully.

"Mmm, and I might decide that's not enough..." Saffron replied softly, her breathing a little heavier.

"Shhh. "Matt said, nipping playfully, growing bolder as he let himself go. He stroked his hands down her thighs to the end of the shorts, then let them slip under the cuffs, stroking her bare legs as far as the shorts would let him. He moved back to the other breast, taking as much of it into his mouth as he could.

She whimpered, squirming a bit more against him, letting her hands run down his chest, before they slipped under the t-shirt, caressing up. "Matt..." She whimpered pleasurablly.

The fact that she was whimpering and it he was still fine made him sigh in relief. He slip his hands free to pull her top of the rest of the way and rop it to the floor as he caught her mouth in a hungry kiss. "Gods I love you, Saff.... I've wanted you for so long.." he whispered, his hands slipping through her hair before one dropped back to her waist and held her closer.

"If you want me, you can have me..." Saffron replied behind the kiss, moving her hands again, wrapping her arms back around his neck as she kissed him back.

"Don’t stop." he said softly, catching hold of one of her hands and sliding it back down to his chest. "Feels so good..." he said, then  pulled off his own shirt, letting it join hers on the floor. "You didn't get to touch me... I want you to...." he mumbled softly between kisses, his own hands stroking over her breasts and back.

Saffron moaned softly, letting her hands caress over his chest, almost as if memorizing, taking her time. She kissed him back, her eyes closed, enjoying the moment more then anything. She wanted more, but she could wait for the moment.

With a soft moan, Matt broke the kiss and caught his breath. "Angel..." he whispered, unable to find his voice at first. "Upstairs?" he asked, his lips finding her throat again as he spoke, unable to go without kissing some part of her it seemed.

Saffron smiled softly, catching her own breath and raised a hand, brushing her fingers over his cheek. "Upstairs sounds good to me..." She said softly, still smiling. And with a breath, she slipped off of him, getting to her feet. "Coming?" She asked with a smirk, turning to head for the stairs.

Matt swallowed hard before he stood up, leaving the clothing on the floor as he followed her. "Hell yeah... my idea, remember?” he said lightly, catching up to her and wrapping his arms around her. He pulled back agaisnt him and bent to kiss her shoulder before letting go. He gave her rump a soft pat. "I'd say ditch the shorts so I can enjoy the view even more... but... I'm not sure we'd make it upstairs if you did... and..." he dropped his voice and kissed her neck softly. "I want this to be right… so… get your ass up to that bed..."

Saffron smirked slightly, but didn't answer; heading up the stairs  with out looking back, though she took her time. Once upstairs, she headed for the bed, pausing long enough to slip out of the shorts, leaving her in her boylegs, and moved to pull the blankets back on the bed.

Matt watched her as she fussed with the sheets. "Damn... I gotta get you some thongs... you have way too nice an ass to hide it..." he said as he quickly removed his boots and unbuckled his belt. "Think I should start begging you to stay topless or at least wear skimpy nothings while we're in the house... Get as much enjoyment out of having such a sexy woman in my life as I can before we're interrupted by Caleb's arrival..."

Saffron moved, sitting down on the bed, leaning back on her hands and smirked slightly. "Oh, I suppose you could beg...but I'd probably give in too easy..." She replied, tilting her head to the side, watching him.

He quickly peeled off his jeans, kicking them aside as he walked the rest of the way to the bed and knelt in front of her, kissing her softly. "Buy you a shit load of sexy leisure to wear if you want..." he said softly. "Not that any of it is likely to stay on you long.." he added with a soft chuckle.

"Mmm, another point, we could possibly end up spending more time in bed, then doing anything else...not that that's a complaint..." She replied, with a bit more a smirk. "Course you only get me to yourself for four more months..."

"All the more reason to make the most of it now..." he agreed. "Ah fuck it... who needs clothes? " he asked with a soft chuckle as he kissed her. He leaned into her, lying her back against the bed as he slipped her underwear off. "Fuck you are so beautiful..." he whispered again, knowing he'd already said it a dozen or more times.

She lay back, comfortable with what was about to happen, though she'd known she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. She'd waited too long to actually be with Matt like this. She smiled at his words, shaking her head slightly.

He let his gaze follow his hands as they tednerly stroked over her bare skin, every now and then leaning down to lay a soft kiss. He eased her legs apart and kissed her center, moaning softly at the taste of her before standing up to get rid of his own underwear.

Saffron sighed softly, flushed from his attention, but lay back in the bed, a soft smile on her lips. Part of her couldn't believe how incredibly right it all seemed, and how happy she was; the bigger part of her just went with it.

Matt sliped back onto the bed, bracing himself above her as he kissed her again. For the moment he just stayed like that, enjoying the feel of being pressed against her with nothing bewtween them as they kissed.

Saffron kissed him back, letting her hands caress over his shoulders and down his back. She loved the idea that they were finally doing this, finally together like this. "Matt..." she moaned softly.

*Matt.. please... don’t do this...* He gave a soft curse as he felt that fear grab him again as the memory hit him. He closed his eyes, resting his head beside hers for a moment before he figured out the cause. He pulled back, kising her. "Angel... I need a favor.." he asked, almost playful as he moved off of her to lay on his side and pull her against him.

Saffron took the moment to catch her breath, but she raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? And what's that?" She asked softly, letting her fingers trace along his jaw.

He kissed her deeply as he rolled onto his back, pulling her with him. "Ride me." he said softly. "I can't get past the... memory just yet being above you..." he admited, blushing slightly. He stroked her cheek tenderly. "I will... I promise, but... please..."

She smiled softly, before kissing him, letting it be deep for a moment. "You only had to ask..." She said softly with a bit more of a smirk before moving, straddling him, taking him inside her slowly.

Matt moaned softly as his hands went around her hips to help ease her down. "Gods... my angel..." he whispered softly. "Never leave me, baby... " he whispered, his eyes never leaving her.

"I'm afraid you're stuck with me..." Saffron replied softly with a slight smirk, leaning down to kiss him, a soft moan escaping her, as she pushed down the rest of the way, ending her few months as being a virgin.

Matt felt the slight pressure then warmth surrounding him and he tightened his hold on her. "Gods baby..." he whispered softly before he slid a hand up to catch in her hair and pull her down for a kiss. "All mine..." he said softly.

"Completely yours..." Saffron whispered behind the kiss, before beginning to move. She moaned softly, sitting back, riding him. It felt all too right and perfect;  like it was meant to be.

Matt let his hands slip over her chest to caress her breasts as she moved above him, letting go the last of his anxiety. With Saffron in charge he had no fear of hurting her, an there was little chance of any memories popping in to ruin things. He began to move with her, his hands going back to her hips, wondering how long he'd be able to last. And wondering how long it would take him to be able to be the one in charge without remembering...

Saffron whimpered softly with pleasure, tipping her head back as she upped the pace, her eyes closed. She bit her lip with a soft moan, pushing things a little more intensely. It was a first for her to be in charge as she was and had a feeling it was only because of Matt.

Matt rose to meet her, rolling his hips slightly beneath her as his hands slipped to hold her back side. He'd already decided he wasn't holding back... he'd just let things happen.

With a soft moan, she looked back down at him, before pushing things even more, increasing the pace even more. She didn't think she could take much more. She leaned down, kissing him deeply as she moved.

Matt kissed her back hungrily as he  rubbed his hands over her backside before squeezing again, thrusting up to meet her. His head was starting to buzz with the intensity of everything and he knew he'd never get enough of her.

Saffron was on the edge as it was. She pulled back with a soft gasp, her hands resting on his chest, letting everything go through the pace, before she gave a soft cry as she came.

Feeling her body tighten around him, Matt tightened his hold on her, giving a few final thrusts of his own before his own orgasm hit him. He arched off the bed, Saffron held tightly against him before he let himself fall back. He wearily slipped his hand up her sides, pulling her down ontop of him so he could wrap his arms around her. "Gods I love you... that was… fucking wonderful.."

Saffron stuggled to catch her breath, laying on top of him and smiled slightly. "Hmm, I love you too..." She said softly, her eyes closed, happy and content. She wasn't sure she'd ever get over hearing him say he loved her.

Matt felt a faint bump and laughed softly if a bit breathless. "Kids complaining..." he said, rolling them onto their sides. "Must have squished him." he added, smiling as he kissed her again. "I've never been so happy, Saff." he said quietly. "Remind me to send Lex a huge bouquet of flowers and a thank you gift for getting my sorry ass back to you..."

Saffron laughed softly, moving enough so that she was lying more on her back then her side, the baby seeming to settle down with that move. "Who would've thought Lex'd have it in her to track you down...? After all, she was supposed to be the shy unstable one..."

"Not the Lex that cornered me and threatened to set my ass on fire if Ididn't hear her out." he said softly. "I'll pick out the flowers and sign the card... you pick out the book. Unless  you think we should go with gift card to her favorite shop... let her buy her own books...?" he asked, snuggling down and content to watch her, his fingers playing with her hair as they enjoyed the afterglow.

"Oh, probably much easier just to give her a gift card..." Saffron replied, before snorting softly. "She threatened to set you on fire...? I'm surprisingly proud of her." She said with a smirk.

Matt smirked. "Yup... in the middle of a cafe. I'm pretty damn sure she had a flame ready too, although I couldnt see it. I could hear a faint crackle..." he snorted softly. "I was pissed off at her at the time... but even I was proud of her. "

"Oh she had the flame, there can be no doubt about that...and had you given her a reason, she most likely would have used it..." Saffron said softly with a smirk. "She's not the type to make a threat and not follow it through."

"She didn't though... I told her if she wanted to burn my as fine... I was leaving... and I did. No singes... not physical anyhow. She did slip a photo of you into my pocket and when I finally got around to looking at it… yeah... that really burned..." he said softly.

"If she didn't do it because she was in public, it was just because she didn't want to have to deal with trouble it would have caused...no doubt she wasn't supposed to be out on her own anyway..." Saffron said softly. "And it depends on the picture..."

Matt stroked her cheek tenderly. "Sad one... you were sitting there looking so... lost..." he said softly. "And she said it was my fault... that they locked you up because of how you reacted to my leaving you." he said then sighed. "I'm so sorry, baby... I thought I was protecting you from me... I though if I stayed I'd be a threat..."

“Well I didn't take well to finding out you'd left...very easily...A couple people got hurt actually..." Saffron said softly, with a blush. "They were trying to restrain me, but...hell, when they took me up to the lab after you walked away from the car, they had to sedate me...Then when...they did put me into the hospital, the doctor decided it would be 'for the best' if they aborted the baby...one less psychiatric doctor in the world..."

Matt  pulled her close, holding her tenderly as he kissed the top of her head. "I'm sorry." he said simply, not knowing what else to say.

Saffron sighed softly, but shook her head. "I think...if I'd had a moment to actually think...I wouldn't have taken every thing so hard...but everything was just moving so fast..." She said softly. "From the doctors, to mum and the others trying to find that woman...to Regan’s tantrums, to knowing I was pregnant...I didn't have a chance to actually think."

"Doesn't matter now." Matt finally said softly. "You're home, here with me. The three of us will be a family." he said, stroking her hair. "Never really had a family... now I do.." he said  with a soft kiss.

"Can't really say I had much of a family back there, Matt...I was always on the outside of things...you know that..." Saffron said softly. "Though I suppose I always have wanted my OWN family..." She added with a slight smile.

"Now you do." he said softly. "or will..." he added, blushing slightly. "As soon as you say you'll marry me..." he brushed a finger over her lips. "So... Saffron Azreal... my little dark angel... will you marry me?"

Saffron looked up at him, gazing at him for a long moment, before smiling softly, lovingly. "Yus..." She answered softly. "Yus, I'll marry you."

Matt grinned and kissed her softly. "Great.. .except I left your ring donwstairs in my room.... Damn... can't even propse right... What the fuck are you going to do with me?" he asked with a soft smirk.

Saffron laughed, lying back on the bed, before giving him a shove. "Then go get the ring and come back and ask me properly." She replied, with a smirk.

Matt laughed softly and stole a kiss. "Yes ma'am." he said, giving her hip a light slap before scrambling out of bed and heading for the stairs, ignoring his clothes. "You want anything else while I'm up? Those strawberries I bought while we were in town and smuggled home for you perhaps?" he asked with a light laugh, his eyes sparkling.

"Oh well, I wouldn't say no to the strawberries too." Saffron said with a smirk, moving to sit up in the bed, leaning back against the headboard.

He laughed as he reached the top of the stairs. "You know.. I could be cruel and bury your ring in some of your icecream.. make you dig for it..." he called back to her before heading down stairs at a quick jog.

"You wanna deal with me having cold fingers?" She called back, with a soft laugh, unbelievably happy. She felt the baby kicking some and smirked more, rubbing the spot on her stomach. "Yeah, you're going to be every bit as much trouble as your father..." she said softly.

Matt made it all the way donw to the basement and found the ring in record time before heading back up to the kitchen for the small box of chocolate dipped strawberries he'd snuck home for her. He pulled the ring from it's box and set it on one of the strawberries, letting the leaves hold the ring in place, then headed back up to her.

Saffron was still sitting in the same place, lost in thought, but there was a smile on her face at least. She glanced toward the stairs as she heard him coming back up and smiled a bit more.

Matt spotted her as he rounded the top of the stairs and grinned as he crossed to the bed. He crawled over the mattress to her, the box held carefully in one hand before he came to a stop on his knees. He stole a quick kiss, laughing softly and knowing he was blushing. "Saffron Azreal... please.. marry me." he said softly, his eyes sparkling as he opened the box of strawberries to show the ring.

Saffron blushed softly, but smiled, looking down at the ring sitting on one of the strawberries. "Yus." She replied, looking back up at him.

He laughed again and set the box down on her lap before taking the ring and slipping it on her finger. He kissed it as it slipped into place then kissed her. "Damn ... this is going to make my exfiance my sister in law... and your parents still get stuck with me. They'll never forgive you, you know.... They thought they were rid of me... " he said with a soft laugh.

Saffron laughed softly. "That's their problem..." She replied, before leaning forward enough to kiss him softly. "And she'll get it over it." She added.

Matt kissed her back, letting the kiss deepen before pulling back with a soft groan and slipping back into the bed beside her. "Eat your strawberries." he said softly, plucking one from the box and brushing it against her lips then kissing her before offering it to her again.

~~

The weeks went by fast, and the fall weather was starting to set in. Saffron was just entering her seven month of pregnacy. She was trying to do a little cleaning around the house, while waiting for Jeff to make one of his 'visits', for her parents sanity sake, so they wouldn't worry. She put the last of the clean dishes up, glancing at the clock in the kitchen.

"Stop clock watching..." Matt said lightly as he entered the kitchen. "That's a fucking bad habit... you'll drive Cal nuts doing that one day." he said, kissing her cheek as he passed. His hair was once agains it's old vibrant blue and had grown out a bit, falling around his ears now. Although  it still wasn't long enough for his taste... or Saffrons, although she hadn't said anything.

"I'm not clock watching, I'm just checking the time." Saffron replied, giving him a look. "He said two...it's almost two..." She added. "Not that I have to worry if Jeff is going to run into any trouble or not..." She added. She glanced around the kitchen, to see if there was anything else she needed to do.

Matt watched her out of the corner of his eye, noticing her restlesness. She'd been getting more and more restless the farther along her pregnancy got. "How are the curtains for Cal's room coming along?" he asked, trying to distract her. She'd been making all of the bedding, the bumper covers for the crib, seat covers for the high chair and rocking chair. The window, being high set and small had proven to be a bit of a challenge since she couldn't decide on the style.

Saffron headed for the small laundry room off the kitchen, to put the clothes in the dryer. "I don't know...I may have to redo them, I'm not sure they're going to come out right the way they're supposed to." She answered, glancing back at him as she opened the washer.

Mat smirked. "Then leave them for now. Go back to trying out some of those clothing patterns you found and altered." he called out as he checked the coffee and put on a fresh pot. He'd been working from home on his writing as much as he could and when he had to go out to do a job, he made sure it wasn't too far and paid very well for the trouble. Since going freelance, he'd hooked up with his lawyer friend to find him a buisness manger, and since then had been doing just fine. He knew if he was more open to travelling he could be making a lot more, but they were doing fine money wise.

"Oh, well there's that, yus, but I really want to get the nursery done..." Saffron replied. "Well, I suppose not right away...the basinet will be upstairs anyway for the first couple months..." She answered, trying to get all the clothes out of the washer and having a little problem.

"Yes it will." he said softly as he went to lean in the door way and watch her. The little addition was actually a small sunroom. It had been Marilee's design and he'd just told the guy to go ahead with her plans. The washer and dryer stood against the wall of the kitchen and the rest of the little room was windows from the waist up. Mare had meant it for her herbs; at the moment, there were plants in hanging pots and a sickly rosebush in a pot that Saffron was determined to save to be replanted outside. "I think all of the one's you've tried looked fine... why don’t you forget just covering the window and go with floor length? Well... okay.. not floor length, but regular length... ?" he asked.

"Hmm?" Saffron repsonded, glancing up at him. "Oh...the window...Oh I don't know.. .probably be the easiest way to do it." She said, scrunching her nose in thought for a moment, before trying to get the last couple articals of clothes out of the washer and having to lean half into it.

Matt chuckled and caught her, pulling her gently away. "Saff... don't DO that." he said, leaning into grab the stuff for her. "You know what the doc keeps telling you. `No lifting, no weight against your stomach’... Behave or I'll re-commit you until he's born." he said with a smirk and stole a kiss as he dropped the last piece of clothing into the dryer and pulled her into his arms. "No need to do anythiung that might encourage him to arrive early... I'm not ready to share you yet.."

Saffron snorted, giving Matt a look. "I'm not encouraging him to arrive early, but no doubt he'll show up when he's damned ready." She replied with a faint smirk, wincing as the baby kicked rather hard as if in reply.

Matt smirked and rubbed his hand over her stomach. "Yeah... so go sit your cute ass down and work on his stuff.." he said lightly. "Or... could always head upstairs..." he added with a soft nibble on her ear, then gave a soft moan. "No... nope... can't. Gotta finish my file first." he said, then gave her rear end a light smack. "Later though..."

"Much later. Company's coming, remember?" Saffron replied, and as if on cue there was a loud knock at the front door. "Hmm, yus, speak of the devil and he shall appear.."

"Hmm damn." Matt said softly and stole another kiss. "I'll go let the bugger in." he said, giving her read end another pat as he headed back through the kitchen and into the sanctuary.

Saffron watched him go before starting the dryer, then going back out to the kitchen, to check on the coffee and a final glance around. There wasn't any thing else she could do, so Saffron simply poured a cup of coffee, though she got down two more mugs, just in case, and went over to the table, sitting down.


Jeff finished his cigarette, tossing it under his boot heel and grinding it out, before giving a second knock on the door; sunglasses in place, dressed entirely in black, per usual, hair loose.

"Yeah yeah." Matt called out as he opened the door, smirking. "Takes time to walk from one end of the house to the other... Get your skinny ass inside... Saff's in the kitchen. Nesting." he said, his eyes sparkling.

"That bad is it?" Jeff replied, shaking his head, before entering the church. He winced slightly as the vampire in him reacted to the holy ground but other wise headed for the kitchen. "And how's the father-to-be holding on?"

Matt smirked softly as he spotted the wince. He'd sweet talked the local priest to drop by and re-bless the church and cemetery the week before and he'd been waiting to see if it would effect Jeff. He figured it couldn't hurt. "I'm fine. I've reaaranged all the baby furniture at least six times in the past month, both for Saff and myself... and have repainted the room.. again."

"Yeah, you're fine now...just wait till the kid's here." Jeff replied, glancing over his shoulder at Matt, before entering the kitchen. "Afternoon, kid." He said to Saffron.

She raised an eyebrow, eyeing Jeff a moment; he seemed aggitated about something, she could tell by the way he was standing there with his thumbs in his pockets, and the fact his gun was in plain sight. "Jeff. You look irritated about something." She commented.

"Do I? Here I thought I was cool as fuckin' cumbumber." He replied.

Matt cleared his throat. "Had the church re-blessed last week... guess I should've warned you, huh?" he asked as he slipped around Jeff.

Jeff snorted, rolling his eyes, as he took off his sunglasses. "I don't think that's what's irritating him..." Saffron said softly. Jeff flashed her his chilling smirk. "So why don't you just tell us what's wrong, Jeff..." Saffron added.

Jeff took a chair from the table, turning it around and straddling it. "Alright, no jumping around the bushes here...you need to have the baby some where else."

Matt went to stand behind Saff, pulling her back agsint him, his arms wrapping around her. "Who's here?" he asked simply. "Is it the Rosso bitch? LiVed?" he rubbed his hands lightly over her stomach as he kissed the side of her head.

"Ya had it right with the first guess." Jeff replied.

Saffron had paled. "How do you know?" Saffron asked softly.

"Rue...she saw it happenin'." Jeff replied. "So get the fuck outta Dodge for the next couple of months. I'm thinkin' out of the country. And that doesn't mean Mexico." He added with a look. "I'd suggest Europe."

Matt groaned softly. They had a contingency plan set for shit like this... in Mexico at Safforn’s villa. "Fuck... so much for plan b." he said softly then sighed. "Well... can head to my  family's place..." he suggested. His mother, despite her trying to kill him as a kid had never had him removed as her heir and he'd inheritated a stake in the family, as well as her little place. He'd made arrangements through his lawyer about it but had never been there.

Saffron looked up at Matt. "Do you think that's a good idea?" She asked softly.

Jeff snorted softly. "Well she'd never expect it." He put in. "You need to go to the last place she's gonna look. A place neither of ya are likely to go." He said.

Matt snorted and rolled his eyes. "Well... that would be it." he said, then leaned over to kiss her gently. "Mom's dead, baby. And my uncle that helped her was banished years ago for abusing my aunt. And my aunt, well... she was the only one who ever even remotely cared for me, aside form my great grandmother. I have no clue how they'd feel about my coming back. As for the rest of them... I really don't know. Think I should redo  my hair though... not sure how they'd take the blue..."

Saffron bit her lip, before sighing softly. "If it's the best bet, then I guess that's where we go." She said softly.

"Leave as soon as you can." Jeff said. "Cause she's closin' in on this place."

"Have you told my parents?" Saffron asked, looking back at Jeff.

"Kay and I have discused her being back in the state, yes." Jeff answered.

Matt kissed Saffron and headed for the phone. "I'll call Derek and have him set everything up. If  I know him, we'll be there by tonight if not sooner. I love having a demon for a lawyer." he said with a wink at Saff. "We'll start packing as soon as I'm off the phone. " he said, leaving the two of them to talk.

Saffron watched him go, though she still looked troubled. Jeff watched her closely. "What...exactly did Rue see?" Saffron asked softly, fidgeting with her ring.

Jeff snorted. "Ya don't want to know those details, kid." Jeff replied. "Which is why I'm tellin' ya to go, to change that. Even Rue agrees that'll work."

Matt had no trouble getting through to his lawyer, who was also a good friend and whose wife absolutely adored Saffron. He promised Matt that he'd have everything set for them; paperwork, money, everything, and would take them there himself. He suggested  at least three hours, but said he might be ready before that. Matt thanked him and headed back in to the kitchen to let Saff and Jeff know.

Saffron had gotten up, moving about the kitchen, fretting over useless things and checked the dryer twice. Jeff watched every move, his expression unreadable. "Saffron...sit down." He said after a moment. She looked at him a moment, as if not really hearing him.

"Forget it... she's been like this all day. She'd done laundry, dishes, vaccuming, sweeping, gardening, then back in to do more of everything. She never completely finished anything to her liking. I told you .. she's nesting." Matt said lightly. "I keep trying to distract her with something less... physical, but it never lasts long. Of course... now we've got packing. Angel... Derek says we have three hours or less."

"Three hours..." Saffron repeated softly.

"Yeah, and ya gotta pack for a couple months." Jeff pointed out.

 Saffron scrunched up her nose a moment, "I'd better go get started on that..." She said, before heading out of the kitchen. Jeff shook his head, watching her go.

Matt sighed softly. "Fuck... I knew it was only a matter of time but damn it... we had Mexico ready for us!" he cursed softly. "Fucking Rosso bitch... " he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Luckily all we need to start with furniture wise is the basinette..." He glanced at Jeff. "You sticking around until we leave?"

"Probably be a good idea." Jeff replied, having taken his gun from his shoulder holster and was checking the clip, before slamming it back in, and chambering a round, then putting it back in his holster. He got up, moving over to the patio door and opening it, before lighting a cigarette. "I've got Rue digging into this Rosso. Name sounds familiar, but I can't place it. Doubt it's from my working days, but you never know." He said, refering to his time in the CIA

Mat snorted softly. "Make yourself at home... you know where everything is.. or should by now. I'm gonna go help Saff pack." he said then headed off to find her.

"I might be outside...not that you'd panic if I wasn't in here." Jeff replied with out looking back, taking a drag.

~ ~

Saffron had paused for a moment, looking around the loft for a moment, before continuing with the packing; she seemed to be running on automatic at the moment, not one definable thought in her head.

"Hey angel." he said softly, watching her for a moment. "No lifting the bags alright? I'll get them once they’re full... you just fill them..."

Saffron paused, having most of the packing done, and looked up at Matt. She didn't answer for a moment, before sitting on the edge of the bed with a sigh. "I shouldn't be worried about this..." She said softly.

Matt sighed softly and went to her, squatting down on the floor infront of her. "It's alright, baby." he said, kissing her gently. "You haven't been to Italy yet, have you?" he asked lightly. "I can practice my Italian..."

"No, I can't say that I have...well...no, I was in Rome once, but that doesn't count, because it was only two hours..." Saffron said softly. She sighed again. "I hope you're right Matt...I hope it will be alright..."

"I don’t know, baby." he said simply. "All I know is it's the best place to go. Even if Rosso knows my name, she'll have a bitch of a time tracking me back to the Cavallaro family since I've always gone by Hogan. Fuck Marilee was a genious at this stuff and even she had a bitch of a time finding my stuff." he said, stroking her hair as he held her face. "You and Caleb will be fine, baby. And hey....we'll be a real international family.. you were born in Ireland, I was born in Egypt and it looks like Caleb will be born in Italy..." he said with a soft laugh.

Saffron managed to smirk slightly. "I suppose it's a good thing Jeff's brought early warning..." She said softly. She was quiet for a moment, before looking at him. "But how do you feel about going back there...?"

Matt laughd softly. "Fuck baby... the bad stuff happened here in the States. My mom and her sister decided to come over here to give States side life a try... brought the families with them. Was here not even two years when my cousin and I were killed. They went back home to San Nicola shortly after. I don't really have any bad memories of there... don’t really have any GOOD ones either, but...

"That's my point, Matt...it's just that much closer to...well what most would say is your family..." Saffron said softly. "I suppose it's a good thing we're already married..." She added.

"Angel... it wouldn't matter if we weren't." he said simply. "Most won't remember me, and those that do probably don't know what happened. Mom was a complete fucking loon by the time they took her home and my aunt wasn't very... communicative. And my uncle wouldn’t have had the balls to tell the family about what had really happened. They were always cold to me due more to my mother going behind their backs to concieve me and then have me.  They'd arranged a marraige for her… and she  got knocked up by a Drow and then ran off to Egypt to have the baby where they coudn't force her to give it up or even abort it. They hated the fact that I ruined my mother for a proper marraige..." he said with a smirk. "My being part fae didn't help and my showing no gift for magic was another huge black mark aganst me... but I'm not sure they'd even believe my uncle if he'd told them about what I did."

Saffron snorted softly with a grim smile, and shook her head. "And here I thought my mother was a peice of work." She said softly. She leaned forward enough to kiss him softly. "Better finish packing..." She said softly.

Matt held her there, kissing her deeper. "If my  great grandmother is still alive, she'll insist on meeting you. From what I remember, if she likes you she'll give you endless advice and you won't be able to shut her up or get rid of her.... if she doesn't like you.... you don’t exist; to her or the rest of the family. " he smirked softly, his eyes sparkling. "Not sure which to hope for actually..."

"I guess there's only really one way to know and that's go." She replied softly, with a slight smirk. "But just in case...they do happen to remember you...? Lets not mention my connection to the Seal..."

Matt snorted. "Deal." he said softly. "Although I wasn't actually planning on it anyhow. " he added then kissed her softly. "How much stuff do we need to take...?" he asked, his eyes sparkling as he brushed his fingers over her breasts. "Think we'll have time to spare?" he asked laughing softly as he teased her.

"Right... Not with Jeff being around...." She replied, giving him a look. "And I don't know...I think I've got just about every thing packed..." She added, glancing at the bags. "Oh, well, except for the baby's stuff...we'll need that..."

Matt laughed softly. "I know... The basinette, diaper bag, receiving blanket and clothing... yada yada yada. Most of that is packed and ready… one quick stop in the nursery and we'll be set." he said.  "Feeling better?" he asked, smiling as he stroked her cheek softly, glad to see her less lost looking.  He’d found that sexy teasing was the easiest way to perk up her mood... and was more fun.

"For now..." Saffron replied softly, before giving him a little push. "Best go get the things from the nursery, while I finish up here..." She said softly. "Three hours will go fast..." she added.

Matt grinned and caught her for one last kiss before letting her go, kissing her belly with a soft laugh before starting for the stairs. "Leave the bags up here." he said with a pointed look. "I will be back for them... if you carry them, I will seek out my grandmother and sic her on you."

"I won’t do any more then pack the bags..." Saffron replied, rolling her eyes, before getting up to finish doing that. She made sure everything was packed quickly, closing up the bags.

~~

Derek had been as good as his word and the place was cleaned and ready for them. The house was actualy one main house with two smaller 'apartments' attached. The front entrance actually opened onto a private courtyard with the main house directly across, where his great grandmother lived. Two great aunts had the other apartment directly across from theirs. When he'd learned they'd be surrounded by older female relatives, Matt had tried not to laugh out loud. All he could think of was 'poor Saffron'. The place was two levels and smaller than the church, but still a fair size for a couple and baby. As long as they weren't here for Caleb to grow up, they'd be fine. Matt sighed as he glance out the window across the courtyard. "Wonder how long we can hide out before we have to go introduce ourselves..."

"Good question..." Saffron replied softly, unpacking some of the little stuff. "No chance of them coming to find out who's staying here, is there?" She asked, glancing back at him as she braided her hair loosely to keep it out of her eyes, before moving from where she was, over to the window.

Matt smirked softly. "Nah... She's the matriarch... if I don't go to her, it's seen as an insult to the family. " he sighed softly. "You being pregnant will give us a bit of leeway, but... we shouldn't push it." he said then slipped his arms around her. The last thing he'd done before they left was to dye his hair as close to his natural chocolate brown as he could; it was still slightly damp.

"Hope it's enough..." Saffron replied softly, leaning against him. "Though I suppose it's probably best to get things out of the way as soon as possible; no use really putting it off." She replied with a slight smirk.

Matt sighed softly, stroking her cheek."Yep. You ready?" he asked. He'd changed out of his t-shirt for a simple button up black dress shirt, but still wore his jeans... although black ones.

Saffron sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. She'd gone with one of her long skirts, which was more comfortable then her jeans right now, and a white sweater. "I suppose as ready as I'll ever be." She answered with a slight smile, opening her eyes after a moment.

Matt stole a final kiss and took a deep breath. "Gods I can't believe I'm doing this..." he muttered softly as he slipped his arm around her and lead the way from their little apartment to the main house. The housekeeper lead them to a sitting room where two elderly ladies sat having tea.  Matt drew another deep breath and waiting for the elder of the two to aknowledge him, straining his memory for the right thing to say and do and relaxing as things came back to him. When she finally set her cup and down and nodded to him he steped forward and bent down to kiss her hand. "Ciao, la nonna." he said lightly.

She smirked softly as she eyed him before relpying. "Il benvenuto a casa, Mattias Cavallaro." 

Matt tried not to show his sigh of relief at having being recognized as family still and stood, holding out a hand to Saffron.  "Amerei che incontrare mia moglie, Saffron." he said.  The woman eyed her for a moment then held out her hand to her, beckoning her closer.

The last thing Saffron wanted to do, was something wrong. Italian was the one lanuage she hadn't been schooled in, though she spoke French, Spanish and oddly enough Russian fluently, as well as Latin. She and Lex had used Latin when they hadn't wanted any one in the offices to understand what they were saying. She bit her lip slightly, but moved closer.

The woman eyed her a moment, then looked at Matt. Matt smiled softly and whispered in Saffron’s ear. "It's alright.. she understands English." he said, then as his grandmother cocked an eyebrow at him he blushed slightly "Nonna... My wife is American... like I am now. She doens't speak Italian... and mine is terrible." he said lightly. "Saffron... this is my great grandmother, Abelie Cavallaro."

Saffron blushed, and decided she'd let Matt know he could have told her that before hand. "Italian was the one lanauage I wasn't tutored in. Not sure why, considering Latin was the main focus of those studies..." She said, still blushing. "It is very nice to meet you though."

Mat was biting his lip, his eyes sparkling at the tone in Saffron’s voice, knowing she was no doubt already planning some pay back. Abelie looked at Saffron for a moment longer, her gaze taking all of her in before she held out a hand to Matt. He stepped to her side and took her hand, helping her stand, then she smacked him across the stomach.

"Lei l'ha spaventata con le favole paurose di me,  Mattias. La vergogna su lei " she said lightly, making him laugh softly, feeling oddly comfortable and at ease. She went to stand in front of Saffron and looked her in the eye. "Welcome home, Saffron Cavallaro. You and your bambino." she said, her eyes sparkling. "I appologize for my grandson. He is too much like his grandfather... an impertinant, michiveious ass."

Saffron smiled at that. "That he very much is. And thank you." She was still shy, it was just the way she was around new people, but she didn't feel so on the spot at the moment.

Matt turned to the other woman. "Il grande Gisella di zia?" he asked as he bent to kiss her hand. She blushed and nodded, letting him pull her to her feet as well. "My great aunt Gisella... nonna's daughter." he introduced her to Saffron.

 "Benvenuta." she said smiling.

 "My daughters' English isn't that good, but she can understand it well enough." Abelie said then took Saffron’s hand in hers patting it softly. "You must be tired, piccola madre. We will talk later." she said, kissing Saffron's cheeks lighty. "And you must call me nonna... it means grandmother." she said with a smile then kicked Matt's leg lightly.

"Nonna, of course..." Saffron replied with a soft smile, before giving Matt a look, one that clearly said he was going to get his. She'd never been truely comfortable around a lot of family, but she had a feeling she was going to like Abelie.

Matt couldn't help the smile on his face. He'd forgotten so much about this place and his life here. He'd let the bad parts overshadow all the little things, like how crazy he'd been about his nonna... even when she was mad at him and refused to see him. He almost hated his mother right then for taking him to the States...  He leaned in to kiss his aunt's cheek lightly then did the same to Abelie. "Thank you, nonna." he said softly and she smiled and slapped his cheek lightly.

"Go." she said simply, shooing him away as she turned back to her chair and her tea.

Matt smiled softly and slipped his arm around Saffron and lead her out. "In case your curious, when she slapped me.. she accused me of telling you scary stories about her." he sid. "I didn't... well.. I didn't mean to... I didn’t remember to much of this place... Not telling you she spoke English… yeah... that I did."

"Did you do it on purpose, or did you simply forget?" Saffron asked him with a tone, giving him a look, but her eyes were lighter, which usually betrayed her good mood.

Matt blushed smirking softly. "Would you kill me if I said mostly on purpose...?" he asked, his eyes sparkling. “I remembered just before we got here so I DID have time to tell you..."

"Kill you, no." She said innocently. "Make things immensely difficult for you, a most definite yes." She added. She placed a hand on his chest, easily finding the nipple ring through the fabric and gave it a playful tug.

Matt gave a soft yipe and caught her hand ."Ouch..." he said softly, pulling her into his arms. "It made sure she took your side, didn't it?" he asked softly. "When my grandfather was around he drove her insane... and she loved him for it;not that she'd ever admit it since he was a no good American cad who'd stolen her youngest daughter from a respectable marriage .. Much like my father actually. I'm the first of my line to actually marry the chick I knocked up... consider yourself specail." he said with a chuckle.

"Yus, well at least you had the responsiblity to do that..." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, leaning against him. "Honestly, Matt, some times I don't think you're as much of a heartless asshole as you like to claim you are." She added, her eyes sparkling.

"My nonna always brought out the best in me." he said softly. "There's just something about her... Even when I was angry  at my mother and throwing a fit... I couldn't be that way around her.. I just... melted." he said with a soft blush. "When she was angry with me and refused to see me... it broke my heart. I tried so hard to be good for her... but my mother was such a bitch..."

"I can understand that..." She said softly. "You're lucky to have family like that, Matt...like your grandmother." She added with a soft smile. "I didn't know my grandparents...well, no I take that back...I think I met my grandfather, once, before he died...I was six. I remember staying at the estate, in France."

They stepped out into the garden courtyard. "It's late here.. probaly close to midnight if not past. We're lucky these ladies stayed up for us.... or unlucky since we could've had time to ourselves first..." he said with a soft smirk. "Shall we head inside to see if we can't get some sleep? We've got major jetlag due to hit us with the time difference.."

"It's probably a good idea. I'm surprised I'm actually still on my feet, as it is." Saffron replied softly, and actually yawned, from just thinking about. She blushed slightly. "You need to stop keeping me up so late. When Caleb arrives, I'm going to be needing all the sleep I can get."

Matt laughed softly. "Sure blame me... I practically have to carry you off to bed everynight, but I'll take the fall for you." he said lightly, kissing her softly. He had the odd feeling that his grandmother was spying on him at that moment but he didn't care... all she'd see if she was, was how much he adored his wife. "Shall I carry you off to bed now, piccola madre?" he aked lightly, his eyes sparkling.

"Hmm, well I haven't quite complained about you carrying me off to bed, yet...why should I start now?" Saffron replied, with a playful smile. "I'm supposed to stay off my feet as much as possible anyway..."

Matt grinned. "This is true." he said. "Although its the first time I've heard you almost volunteer to do what you're 'supposed ' to do.." he added taking hold of her hands and slipping them over his shoulders. "Not going to ask what piccola madre means?" he asked playfully as he swept her up into his arms and started for their new temporary home. "We’ll have you understanding some Italian in no  time..."

"Are you going to make me ask, or volunteer the information freely?" Saffron asked, tightening her arms around his neck and snuggling closer in his arms.

He laughed softly."Nonna called you it first... it just means 'little mother' " he said. "Nothing embarrassing." he added as he kissed the top of her head.  He reached their door and waited for her to unopen it before carrying her inside and nudging the door shut behind him.

"Well I didn't think it was. Though even if you did chose to call me something embarassing in Italian, I'd only have to retaliate in French, you know." Saffron replied with a coy smirk. "Admitedly, I have had some choice names for you in the past in French, and yus, that does count back when we first met."

Matt laughed softy as he carried her through to the master bedroom and set her on the bed. "I'll bet. I'll bet you've got quite a few for me in Spanish as well." he said, kissing her softly. "But I'd never do that to you, il mio angelo scuro.." he said with a soft laugh. "My litle dark angel." he translated. He knelt down to remove her shoes for her, rubbing her feet as he did. "Gods.. I never dreamed that it would come back so easily. A week ago if you'd asked me if I'd be here speaking Italian easily I'd have laughed my ass off at you.. but here I am..."

"But you do speak it marvelously..." Saffron replied, wiggling her toes, only because he knew her feet were ticklish. "And, yus, well of course I had some choice ones in Spanish too...and Latin...Latin gives you such wonderful opportunities to use one word with several different meanings...but French always sounded nicer, never be certain that I'd really be calling you names."

Matt snorted, blushing slghtly. "I haven't really spoken it much at all in years. Used it when I lived on the streets some times, but... I didn't have to even make sense then since I was basically just using it to con people... you know… poor down on his luck foreign kid... doesn’t know any English... especially because my English sucked at the time." he said with a soft laugh. “Of course...worked way better when I taught some of it to a kid that looked more the part...I was too intimiadating even then."

"Hmm, well it is impossible for you to pull of innocent and lost...and I have a hard time imagine you being able to pull it off any better as a kid." Saffron replied, with a smirk. "So maybe our son will pick it up from me."

Matt moved to sit beside her, kissing her softly as he let his hand rub over her stomach gently. "I hope he picks up a lot from you." he said softly. "Need a hand out of the rest?" he asked with a devilish smirk as he kissed her again.

"That depends. Any chance of sleeping in, in the morning?" Saffron asked with a smirk, pulling away from the kiss.

"I'd say that was very likely...After all.. they're three elderly ladies who are up way past their bedtime already so they could welcome us... one of whom obviously didn’t make it… And nonna already told you to get some rest." he said then sighed. "I don’t have that excuse though so I might get dragged out of here, but you are probaby safe. I doubt we'd even have anyone one come calling on us to meet you with nonna on your side." he said

"Still, I think I'd rather get a little sleep, just in case." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, before getting off the bed to grab a night shirt. She pulled off her sweater, laying it on the chair, and slipped off the long skirt before getting into the sleep shirt.

Matt helped her, taking her discarded clothing and lying it over the back of a chair before undressing himself.  He slipped into bed beside her, not bothering to lock the doors since the entire villa was locked. He gave a mock sigh and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back against him and curling around her. "Damn... well if you insist." he said, smirking as he kissed her neck. "Sweet dreams angel."

Saffron smirked sleepily, making herself comfortable. "Good night,  Matt...I love you..." She said softly, closing her eyes, and letting herself drift toward sleep; She was only really ever felt safe to sleep, in Matt's arms.

~~