Matt paced the holding cell, ignoring the guys in the neighboring cell as best he could. "Damn it, Matt. What the hell are you doing?" Ben asked softly and Matt spun to a stop.

"They came after me, damn it. I was just..." he cut himself off with an angry glare at the other cell. "This is bullshit, Ben. It's been three hours. Why haven't I gotten my call? My girl's out there with my daughter, and thanks to your dumb ass deputy, can't even go home because I have the fucking car keys!" 

Ben just glared at him. "They're here. So you can stop worrying about them out in the cold. I offered to have someone take them to your place, but she refused. You want to sign a release form, I can give her your keys." 

"How about you just let her bail me out so I can take them home?!" Matt asked and Ben just snorted, smirking slightly.

"Can't... bail hasn’t been set yet. Judge took the wife away for the weekend... Valentine's Day."

 "Fuck! BEN!! " Matt said then sighed. "You can’t be fucking serious..." 

Ben just smirked and headed back out. "Got two words for you Hogan... Anger Management." 

"I got a couple words for you to, Ben!" Matt called after him as the door shut on the police chief's laugh. "Fuck..."

~ ~

It took some doing, but Saffron finally managed to talk Baker in to letting him see Matt. And if there was any way Matt could possibly get out that day. Ben said he'd see if something could be done, while showing Saffron to the visiting area, and left Saffron to wait on one side of the glass in an uncomfortable chair, with Violet who was getting hungry. Saffron sighed, looking around the blank white room, with `don't drink and drive’ posters and notices of concealed handguns being against the law.

Matt tried not to glare too heavily at the cop who led him into the room. The guy had commented that the rattle they'd given him was definitely fitting, and Matt had been glad he was handcuffed or he'd have probably punched him too. He ignored the light shove the guy gave him and looked over to see Saffron at the window. He felt his face burning with a blush as he moved to take a seat and lifted the handset. He offered a weak smirk as he waited for Saffron to finish glaring at him and pick up the other end.

Saffron took his time in shifting Violet to be able to pick up the hand set while glaring at Matt. Cradling it on his shoulder, he shifted Violet to his lap to keep her from grabbing on to the cord. "Exactly what was the big idea, Matt?" Saffron asked, his tone surprisingly light.

"Don't fucking start, Saff. It's not like I planned this." he said simply. "These three assholes showed up trying to start shit... and they ... hit a nerve." he admitted softly. "I signed a release form so they can give you my keys. Take the hearse and go back to the church. I'll make sure Ben calls you when I can make bail." he said softly. "Assuming you'd be willing to bail me out? I mean... I'd pay you back... but... I can just have my lawyer deal with it. Probably easier that way... if I can get a hold of him..."

Saffron snorted, rolling his eyes, before giving Matt a look. "Must have been one hell of a nerve..." He replied dryly. "Look, I've already got the sheriff looking into how to get you out of there before the weekend is over. Besides, the entire town probably already believes I'm your girlfriend. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't bail your rotten ass out of jail..." He added.

"The kind they all think I deserve..." he answered softly. "The kind I probably do deserve..." he added then sighed. "Fuck... look at me, Saff... I've been a dad all of four days and already my daughter is seeing me in handcuffs...Who the fuck am I kidding here?"

"Oh don't give me that shit." Saffron replied, giving him a dark look. "Do you think it really matters to her right now that you're back there. She doesn't know where you're at, just that you're gone right now." He added. "You could be a hell of a lot worse dad if you wanted to be. And as for what the rest of them think you deserve, they're wrong."

Matt gave a weak smirk and dropped his gaze to Violet. "Take her home, kid." he said softly. "Just... let Ben know that it's not that safe for you two and see if he'll have someone keep an eye on you..." he said. "You can use your ex as an excuse if you want... but... I'm not sure about these assholes. If they get out before me... I don't think they'd hurt either of you but... Swartz is.. fuck I don’t know.. he's got a bug up his ass over this for some reason. Thinks he knows who Vi's mom is and wants to raise hell for me over it... I just... have no fucking clue what he's talking about."

Saffron snorted. "Who were you sleeping with a year ago?" He replied simply before shaking his head. "Look, I said I asked the sheriff to see what he could about getting you out... first hopefully. Because frankly, I don't feel like staying at the church with out you..." He added, softly, but seriously.

Matt blushed even more. "You could call my neighbor, Helen... I'm sure she'd let you stay there until I get out..." he said then dropped his voice a bit more. "And I was sleeping with a few a year ago... Her mother though... isn't who Swartz thinks... I don’t WHO he's thinking of, but it's not Tracey... she was young but not THAT young. She was a fucking waitress... a married waitress.... husband was a trucker. She took off a while ago, and no one fucking knew where she went to. Her husband was last heard joking around at the bar that he kicked her out, but my guess is she just got fed up and left him. The note that was with Violet was from her." he said keeping his voice low. "She doesn’t want people to know she screwed around with me, Saff..."

"Alright fine, that's not a big deal." Saffron replied, about Violets mother. "Do I really look like some one who's going to call your neighbor, Matt? I don't even know her... and I'm not going to take the chance of having... my ex show up on her door step..." He replied softly, shifting Violet who was starting to fuss more, hungry. "I only feel safe with you..." Saffron added his gaze on the infant in his lap, rather then Matt.

Matt smiled softly at that. "Thanks." he said then sighed. "About what you said before... about... playing the part. If you still want to... unless you've already said you're not... maybe you should say you're her mom. I mean, Tracey won’t own up, even if she were around... and Swartz is up to something... He seems to think her mom's some kid... kept going on about 'jail bait' and seeing my ass in jail over it. I'm in enough shit with C.P.S. as it is with my being in here... I don’t need whatever he's trying to stir up." he said softly. "I don’t know what you've told them... I haven't... I mean.. I called you 'my girl', because.. well.. thanks to Len back at the store, that's what everyone believes anyhow... I kind left that open since I didn’t know what you wanted to say..."

Saffron snorted softly and gave Matt a look. "You going to stop rambling?" Saffron asked, finally cutting in. "I suspect by now, the town is already thinking I'm her mother... I sorta said as much out there in the lobby... and at the store." He added innocently. "It rather gave me a certain amount of sway of sympathy..." He added. "So maybe...the idea doesn't have to be corrected..."

Matt smirked softly. "Thanks." he said again and then sighed, wishing they'd forgone the whole hand cuff thing. "I'm sorry... about back at the store...what I said... I just...everything I say to you just seems to come out wrong..." he said softly.

"I wouldn't necessarily say it comes out wrong..." Saffron replied softly, still watching Violet. "On the contrary, I happen to know what you mean, very well... Just that I'm starting to think you're not hearing me." He added. "But that's okay, because we're on the same page anyway... I like you, obviously for much more then a best friend..."

"I hear you, angel..." Matt said softly. "I just get so.... fuck I don’t know.. tongue tied, I guess. I didn't mean the whole boyfriend girlfriend thing like it came out. I mean... I want you to be, but... I didn't mean to say it like that... and I didn’t mean to walk off and leave you like that but I just... didn't want to keep fucking things up. I figured I'd sit down and try to get my head straight before I spoke to you again..."

"Gesture appreciated," Saffron replied softly with a slight smirk. "So how bout we just... try and start over...?" He added, a bit more of a smirk coming to him. "I mean, you can certainly flat out ask me, right here... I don't mind..."

Matt smiled softly at that. "Well I kinda already asked you to move in with me... and now you're apparently the mother of my child... Asking you out on a date after that seems kinda... weird." he said lightly then chuckled, blushing a bit more as he shook his head. "If Ben can pull his strings and get me out of here in time... you wanna be my Valentine?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

"Definitely sounds like the best Valentine’s to me..." Saffron replied, with a real smile before glancing at the door as an officer arrived to say time was up. Saffron sighed, looking back at Matt. "Just promise me, you won’t get arrested again this weekend if you get out... My dad's going to have a fit as it is..."

Matt groaned. "Aww fuck...don’t tell your dad..." he whined. "Aww shit... don’t fucking tell your mom! She'll fucking kill me." he added then suddenly grinned and blushed more. "Actually... you're dad's probably going to kill me too once he finds out you had my kid..." he said then smiled softly. "I promise that once I get out of here, I'll try to be on my best behavior for my girls." he said with a soft smirk.  "Thanks Saff." he added.

Saffron smirked as he stood with Violet, but hadn't hung up just yet. "Matt. I'm hoping the news I had your kid is finally enough to knock 'dad' on his ass." Saffron replied with a wicked grin. He blew a kiss to Matt as he hung up his end, giving a cheerful wave to the officer that had come to escort Matt back to his cell.

Matt hung up the phone, smiling as he let the cop help him to his feet and lead him back to the cells.      

~~

Saffron sat Violet's carrier down on the coffee table and glanced at the clock, noticing it was just turning six am. And the sun wouldn't rise for another half hour. "Well, at least you're out..." He said soft to Matt, who was closing and locking the front door.

Matt snorted softly as he hung up his coat. "Yeah… least I'm out." he said, then pulled off his boots. "Thanks again Saff. As soon as the bank opens I'll pay you back." he added, then joined them in the living room. "Why don't you just head upstairs and get some sleep? I'll take the couch this time."

Saffron sat down on the couch then gave Matt a look. "I don't want you to pay me back, Matt, alright...? Its not about the money." He replied, prying off his own shoes and setting them beside the couch. "Consider it a gift or something." He added, pulling the blanket gently off the carrier since he'd been using it to block light. Violet was still fast asleep.

Matt smirked softly as he moved to sit beside him, then reached out and took hold of his hand. He rubbed his fingers over Saffron's hand as he held it, just looking at it. "It's too much money to be considered a gift... and I don't want anything owing between us. I mean... shit happens when family or friends borrow money. I don't want anything between us." he said.

Saffron snorted softly before looking at Matt. "You didn't borrow it... I chose to bail you out with my own account rather then go to a bonds man. Couldn't let my boyfriend wait till Monday..." He added with a slight smirk before leaning over and kissing Matt's cheek. "Don't worry about the money, Matt." He said softly, but seriously.

Matt smirked softly and looked up, Saffron’s hand still held gently in his own. "I'll pay you back." he said then reached up with his free hand and pressed a finger to Saffron's lips, smirking softly. "If you won’t let me give you back the money then I'll find some other way to pay you back. I owe you. Not only did you pay my bail, but you spent the night in the police station with a fussy baby... I'll make it up to you."

"Considering they all think I'm Violet's mother, they were all pretty nice at the police station..." Saffron replied with a smirk before looking at him a gain. "But if you want to pay me back some other way beside money, then fine... I'm sure you'll think of something." He replied with a bit more of a smirk.

Matt stroked his finger over Saffron’s cheek lightly. "You mean aside from helping you hide out from your ex, helping you freak out your dad… and offering you a place to live and a ready made family to go along with it? I don’t know... it's gonna be tough to top all that but... I'll see what I can think of." he said with a soft smirk. "Or you can just let me know whenever you need something and I'll be right there..."

Saffron snorted softly before giving Matt a gentle push, making him sit back before he turned enough to lean back against Matt with his feet on the arm of the couch. "The other stuff doesn't count... just means you're being an excellent boyfriend." He replied, smirking softly.

"Am I?" Matt asked softly as he let his arm slip around Saffron to hold him.  He closed his eyes as he let his face brush over Saffron’s hair. "Am I your boyfriend? Thought we were just doing some heavy flirting and playing a part....?" he asked playfully. "I really didn't mean to rush you into anything, Saff..."

"Never said you were rushing anything." Saffron replied softly before tipping his head back, his lips brushing against Matt's cheek. "I like the idea of being yours, so I'd say you're my boyfriend... If you want to be..."

Matt's eyes closed again and he tightened his arms around him. "I want to be." he said softly. "This is all new to me, Saff... I don’t normally take things slow, or... fuck... even think things through, really. Case in point." he said with a smirk, nodding towards Violet. "I'm not used to... " he swallowed hard and sighed softly as he rested his cheek against Saffron’s hair again. "I'm not used to caring so deeply about people... and now I have you and Violet... I feel both really fucking good.... and... kinda lost at the same time..."

Saffron snuggled back against Matt, closing his eyes as he rested his head on Matt's shoulder. "So just take things as they come to you." He replied softly. "I... I'm too fond of you not to have patience..." He added, blushing a bit since he'd almost told him he loved him.

"Hey Saff?" Matt said softly, smiling as he held him. "Happy Valentine's Day..." he said with a soft chuckle. "Fuck... you know I've never said that before? Not seriously anyhow... I can honestly say… you are my first valentine."

Saffron smirked. "You know, now that I think about it, you’re my first valentine..." He replied softly before sitting up enough to turn enough to lean in and kiss Matt softly. "So happy Valentine’s." He said softly.

Matt slipped a hand over Saffron’s cheek and kissed him back, drawing it out until he finally had to break it with a soft moan. "Should get some sleep... " he said with a blush. "Go on... take the bed."

Saffron snorted softly with a slight smirk, before settling back the way he'd been. "I should, but I'm rather comfortable the way I am... I'll go up in a few." He replied with a soft smile, for the moment just enjoying things.

Matt blushed even more but slipped his arm back around him. He sat there for a moment, debating on whether to act on the things that slipped through his mind or not, and then finally just sighed and pulled Saffron onto his lap. He wrapped both arms around him, blushing furiously as he held him. "I've wanted to hold you for the longest time..." he said softly.

"Really?" Saffron asked with a slight smirk, but cuddled up to Matt. "I can't say I haven't wanted you to hold me for probably just as long..." He added before blushing. "I suppose... if you wanted to know the truth, my ex is just... one of the things that brought me here this weekend. I just... would have rather spent Valentine’s weekend with you, then any one else...Even if things hadn't changed. Then again, I probably would have pounced on you at some point if you hadn't realized things..."

"Pounced on me, huh? Think I dreamt that quite a few times..." he said softly, blushing as he brushed his lips over Saffron's forehead. "This is no good.... you gotta get up to bed..." he said softly, suddenly shifting Saffron off his lap.

Saffron blinked in surprise at finding Matt moving him off his lap. It took him a moment, before blushing. "Sorry to be such a temptation...But incidentally, yeah, pounced on you. Even brought a special outfit..." He replied, before moving to get off the couch.

Matt groaned at that. "Fuck. Saff… stop... please..." he said softly. "You were upset over me calling you my boyfriend before I'd asked you to be... You don't get your ass out of here now, you're going to be upset with me for skipping the date part too..." he said. "But now you definitely have to wear that special outfit for me... maybe tonight after our date... "

Saffron gave a soft laugh, taking his time to get off the couch, before turning enough to look at him. "I'm so sleep deprived Matt, I probably wouldn't be to upset if you just skipped dating right now." He said with a slight smirk, before turning to get Violet and take her up to the basinet.

"Leave her... please..." Matt said softly. "I'll bring her up in a bit. I just... I miss her." He slowly stood and slipped a hand around Saffron’s waist, pulling him close for a deep kiss. "Sweet dreams, angel..." he whispered softly.

"She can sleep just as well in the carrier as the bassinet if you want to keep her down here with you." Saffron replied softly, leaning against him slightly. "By the way, this date tonight? Something special, or every day date... just so I know what to wear..." He added with a slight smirk.

"Think it'll be special... first date after all. Plus its Valentines... another first for both of us. Maybe I'll see if Helen can baby sit..." he said softly then took another deep breath. "Go on. Before I cave... You know I have no fucking will power when it comes to shit I want bad enough...Go.." he said, stealing  another kiss and giving Saffron’s backside a light slap.

Saffron stifled a yelp rather well and gave Matt a look before stealing a kiss of his own, just thrilled he could do that. "Good night, Matt... sweet dreams." He said softly, before heading for the stairs.

Matt watched him go then made himself sit back down. After a minute or two he decided to risk it and carefully lifted Violet from her carrier. She gave a little whimper and opened her eyes a moment, but as soon as she saw who had her she went back to sleep. "Sorry baby girl... your daddy just missed holding you... it's been a long day..." he whispered softly. He sat there holding Violet and listened to Saffron moving around upstairs, fighting the urge to follow him up to bed.

~~

Saffron dug out his night shirt again, and changed quickly. He got ready for bed, and thought about the idea of what to wear for their date, the thought making his smirk as he braided his hair. Dropping the braid over his shoulder, he pulled back the covers and slipped into Matt's bed. He lay there however, awake while thinking.

The silence from upstairs stretched on and Matt finally gave a soft sigh and got up. Quietly he climbed the stairs, telling himself he wasn't screwing things up. There was enough light creeping around the curtains that he could see just fine as he lay the baby in the basinet, then pulled a light weight sheet and draped it over it to help block out the light. Only when she was settled did he look towards the bed to see Saffron watching him sleepily. He smiled softly, blushing slightly as he emptied his pockets then stretched out on the bed next to him, still dressed. "Don’t mind if I join you, do you?" he asked softly.

Saffron eyed him a moment, before snorting softly with a faint smirk. "I don't have a problem with that..." He replied softly, yawning. "But it's up to you..."

Matt smirked slightly as he turned on his side facing him, one arm tucked under his head as he reached out to stroke Saffron’s cheek tenderly. "You know... Violet's not the only one I missed not being able to hold..." he said then scooted a bit closer and slipped his arm around him.

Saffron smirked a bit more, "I can deal with that..." He replied softly before scooting closer, snuggling against Matt. He was already on the verge of falling asleep, so once he was comfortable, he was already drifting off.

Matt smiled softly as he held him, promising himself he'd work harder at controlling his temper so he wouldn't be separated from either of them again.

~~

Saffron let Matt get the carrier from the back seat, once they were back at the church after their date. They’d decided to take the baby with them, and she’d slept through most of it. Saffron wasn't sure which one drew more attention, Violet, himself, or Matt... Saffron slipped out of the front seat, closing the door, having only the slightest bit of trouble in the heels on snowy gravel. The heels he added for fun, other wise, he was dressed in black satin pants and a red velvet top with mandarin collar.


Matt tugged at his tie as he headed back around to meet Saffron, Violet cooing softly to herself beneath the blanket. The weather had warmed up a bit in the afternoon and some of the snow had melted, but with the sun down, it had gotten a bit of the chill back in the air. He was glad he's suggested the 'special' aspect of dinner and they'd dressed up a bit... A new pair of black jeans, combined with a deep purple dress shirt, and the only tie he owned...  black silk with a screaming ghoul in dark grey on half of it. Since they'd slept half the day away, they hadn't had time to dye his hair; he'd discovered when he did it at home, he had to leave it in for several hours, and so usually slept in it; another one of the reason he'd gotten the earring enchanted. His hair was currently an off white from the bleaching... something he hated, but since it would be blue by morning, he'd deal. As long as Saffron and Violet would stop shooting him looks... He cleared his throat as he met up with Saffron and slipped his free hand around his back. "You really do look fabulous, Saff. I know I've already said it, but... you really do."

Saffron smirked, glancing up at Matt and eyeing the pale hair a moment. "Thank you..." He answered softly. "You look rather great yourself." He added seriously as they headed up toward the front door. Coming with in sight of the porch however, Saffron slowed down, seeing the box sitting there with a bouquet of roses...

Matt blushed. "It's not staying... I can’t stand the white... You can slap the blue goo on as soon as I get changed and by the morning I'll be my old self again." he said then narrowed his gaze at the porch. "Aww fuck… now what? Hasn’t everyone had their fill of fun with baby gifts and shit? Are they going to start making fun of me for the Valentines shit now too? This town needs a better sense of humor." he muttered.

Saffron stared at the box and the roses a moment, before snorting softly in reply to Matt's comment. "Unless you've got a secret admirer, Matt, those might not be for you..." He added, before sighing and finally moving enough to lean over and snatch the card from the roses. He sighed even more, at seeing his name in elegant script. "He found me..." 

"Who? The ex? Fuck.." Matt said then glanced behind them. He used his abilities to find out if anyone was still around or had gotten inside, then slipped past Saffron and unlocked the door. "Forget it... come on inside. I'll get rid of it later..." he said softly.

Saffron eyed the box for a long moment, trying to decide if he wanted to risk looking in it or not. Landan would no doubt be annoyed at Saffron for disappearing in the first place...So it probably wouldn't be the nicest of gifts... he sighed and left it alone, carrying the card with him and slipped past Matt inside.

Matt followed him in then set the carrier down. "Take care of Vi while I go put the car away and get rid of that shit." he said, catching hold of Saffron and stealing a quick kiss. "I won’t be long." he added then paused. "Why don't you light the fire when you get her taken care of? Either one... we can snuggle down here... or upstairs..."

Saffron sighed softly, looking at Matt a moment, before nodding. "How bout down stairs first, then upstairs later..." He replied with a slight smile, before slipping away from him to take care of Violet.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be right back." he said as he headed back outside. Ignoring the box and the flowers  for the moment he backed the hearse into the garage and locked the doors, making sure everything was secure, then took them down to the end of the lane and left then beside the mailbox where he usually left the garbage. For a moment he stood there, looking at the flowers that were still fresh despite the cold, and was tempted to open the box and see what the faint death feel was coming from. Instead he forced himself to walk away, heading back to the house, determined to keep Saffron's mind off this for now.


The night was quiet as Matt walked back to the church; the only sounds the odd bit of traffic on one of the neighboring roads and the crunch of icy gravel beneath his boots. He paused on the porch and looked towards the road one last time, then slipped back inside and locked the door behind him. He left his boots and coat in the entrance way and headed into the sanctuary, a soft smile automatically slipping onto his face as he saw Saffron, who’d changed Violet into a pair of pjs and back into her carrier, and was sitting on the couch in the firelight."All done. Care to help me warm up?" he asked lightly.

Saffron turned slightly, to see Matt. "Depends on how cold you are..." He replied with a smirk. "If your hands are freezing, you can stand over there and warm up first." He added, nodding to the fire place. "Other wise, I'd be more then happy to help warm you up..."

Matt smirked as he headed towards him. "If they're too cold... I'll warm them by the fire for you..." he said softly, undoing his tie as he moved to sit beside him. He dropped the thing onto the table and slipped his arm around Saffron's waist as he sat back. "I had a great night, Saff. Unarguably the best date ever..." he said simply.

Saffron snorted softly, leaning back against Matt. "Mm, yus, you did behave very well..." He said softly with a smirk, watching the fire burning for a moment. He hesitated a moment, before asking softly. "You didn't look in the box, did you?"

"No." Matt answered simply. "Left it at the curb. It can get picked up with the rest of the garbage in a couple days." he said softly. "Unless you want it gone sooner... Can run it to the dump..." he said, wrapping his arms around him and just holding him.

"I don't know... I'm not sure I really want to know what’s in the box, but knowing Landan, I might want to know... Just incase it's out of my apartment...which you can't put past Landan..." Saffron replied softly with a sigh, leaning against Matt.

Matt sighed softly and let his lips brush over his forehead. "Want me to go check and then let you know?" he asked quietly, really hoping he’d refuse the offer.

"I have half a mind to ask you, but then I really don't want you to go back out there tonight..." Saffron replied softly, turning enough to look at him. "If he got into my apartment, I'll know about it, soon enough..."

Matt brushed his lips over Saffron's forehead lightly. "I don’t mind going back out for you. It'll only take a few minutes and there's no one around." he said softly. "You want to call anyone? Ask someone to check on your place for you?"

"There isn't any one who knows where my apartment is..." Saffron replied. "It really doesn't need to be checked into tonight... the box I mean..." He added, snuggling closer to Matt as if to keep him there. "I'm just going to try and get over it..."

Matt smiled softly and held him a bit tighter, settling back into the couch a bit more as he did. He turned his attention to the fire, listening to it crackle and snap, and the soft sounds Violet made as she played with her blanket or feet or whatever caught her attention. He glanced over to see the infant with the corner of the blanket stuffed in her mouth watching them both, smiling.

"Well...I suppose if I'm going to move in with you, I really shouldn't worry about the apartment at all..." Saffron said softly with a slight smirk, watching Violet.

"Not the apartment... but you got all your stuff there. How about we head up tomorrow and check things out? Grab anything you really want... for safe keeping..." he said softly.

Saffron considered, "As long as we don't go to early... think I'm gonna wanna sleep in a little in the morning." Saffron replied with a slight smirk. Violet seemed to grin more at that, causing Saffron to smirk more.

Matt snorted softly. "Gotta finish my hair.. plus I still haven’t done shit with the spare room...." he said and squeezed him a bit tighter. "Sorry I didn’t get you roses and anything... I mean... some Valentine I am… you bail my ass out of jail, baby sit my daughter all night... and all I do is take you out to dinner..." he said with a light smirk.

"It’s the thought that counts, Matt..." Saffron replied softly with a slight smile, before sighing softly. "Best change and see about your hair." He added, moving to sat forward, to head upstairs to change.

Matt caught hold of him and pulled him back against him, kissing the back of his neck lightly. "In a minute." he said softly. "If we're changing out of our date clothes, then the date's over. When the date's over... aren't I supposed to get a kiss?" he asked lightly.

"Well you have been a very good boy, so that does warrant you a kiss...when the date is over..." Saffron replied with a slight smirk. "But isn't it usually the girl who decides when the date is over...?"

Matt smirked softly. "Don’t push it, babe... I've been a 'good boy' all night... I can't hold back forever..." he said, his eyes sparkling. "Gimme a damned kiss, already."

Saffron smirked more, leaning back from Matt. "Can't decide whether to make you ask nicely, or give in to the obvious charm that made me fall for you in the first place." Saffron replied.

Matt snorted and that. "I DID ask nicely." he said simply then pulled him closer and kissed him hard. A moment later the kiss softened a bit as he wrapped his arms around him, and let it drag out.

Saffron sighed softly, giving in to kissing Matt back for the moment, his arms slipping around his neck. When he broke the kiss off, he was breathless. "There's that obvious charm again..." He said softly with a smirk, leaning against Matt.

Matt smirked softly at that, stroking Saffron’s hair idly. Violet was giggling and kicking her feet, obviously enjoying the show and he looked over at her as he held Saffron close. "Stay with me, Saff. I want this to last... just the three of us like this..." he said softly.

Saffron smiled softly, leaning against Matt, his arms still resting on Matt's shoulders. "I think that was the general idea... for me to stay..." He replied softly. "For awhile anyway..." He added softly, before kissing Matt again.

Matt broke the kiss, cradling Saffron's face in his hands. "No... not for a while." he said softly. "I want you to stay, Saffron. I... don’t want to go back to just seeing you whenever. I want to keep waking up to you being here... Even if you're in another room...."

Saffron sighed softly, closing his eyes for a moment, before looking at Matt. "I'm not doing this if you have any doubts...I mean about me being your best friend, or a boy..." He replied softly.

"I don’t have any doubts." Matt said softly, letting his lips brush over Saffron’s lightly. "I'm nervous and scared... but... that's over me fucking things up, not over you." he admitted with a light smirk then blushed. "You were my best friend right from the start, Saff... we just clicked. But I've been fighting off thoughts of you being more for quite a while now. I just... stopped bothering to fight them. You'll always be my best friend... but I want you to be more than 'just' my best friend..." he said softly. "I think I love you, Saff... no.. I KNOW I love you, I just... I think I ..." Matt sighed and blushed furiously. "Damn it Saff. I fucking love you, alright? I want you to stay right here with me. I don’t want you to ever fucking leave." he said simply through the fierce blush.

Saffron couldn't help but smirk more before he kissed him softly again. "Point achieved, Matt..." He said softly, behind kissing him. "I'll stay... and we'll see if we can't keep this working between us..." He added.

Matt slipped a hand through Saffron's hair as he kissed him back hungrily, only breaking the kiss at the sound of a gurgling laugh. He sighed, smiling softly as he held him close. "Hope you're enjoying playing mom, Saff.... because I think someone wants you to keep the job... Someone other then me..." he said then stole another kiss. "Go on and get changed. I'll change once you're done, then you can turn me blue again... I know the white is bothering you as much as it's bothering me.”

"I wouldn't say that it's bothering me, just that I definitely prefer the blue..." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, curling a lock of Matt's hair around his fingers. "As for enjoying playing mum... I like it far more then you know." he replied softly but seriously before slipping away from Matt, grabbing his shoes and heading for the stairs.

"Saff?" he called after him softly. "If you mean that... I can have it made real. I mean... paperwork wise. I can have things changed so you're listed as her mother. Of course... that means... we'd have to have things altered for you too.. your birth certificate, driver's license... all that.It'll take a bit to get everything, but... I can do it... if you really want it..."

Saffron paused on the stairway, looking back at Matt. "It may not take as much time as you think it will..." He replied simply, before heading on up the stairs. He dropped his shoes by his bag and dug out a change of the oldest pjs he'd packed, a pair of sleep shorts and an old t-shirt of Shane's and changed.

Matt watched him go before it dawned on him he'd pretty much just agreed. He smiled softly then looked to Violet before moving to sit in front of her. "You hear that, Vi? Saff wants to be your mom for good." he said softly, tickling the babies cheek with a finger as she cooed and giggled, kicking her feet at the touch. "Think he'd be upset if I had that paperwork claim he's my wife too?" he asked softly. "Or do you think he'd get pissed off at me avoiding actually proposing and wearing the damned tux and shit...?"

~~

Putting his clothes back in his bag and taking the pins out of his hair, Saffron headed back down stairs. "You know I don't think this is how most couples end Valentines...with dying the boyfriend's hair..." He said thoughtfully, smirking slightly.

Matt looked up with a slight shrug. "Can wait and do it tomorrow night if you want... guess I can survive one more day as a blonde." he said, then bent down to grab one of Violet's feet and kiss her toes playfully, earning a round of squeals and some more kicks as he stood up and walked to him. "Damn you're cute... I always hated cute but you... you are just too fucking adorable... I can't get enough of seeing you like this..."

Saffron raised an eyebrow, hiding his amusement. "Is that so..? Maybe I'll just let you put in the blue by yourself..." He replied, biting back the smirk.

"I can dye my own hair just fine, thanks... just thought it'd be more fun if you did... Really rather enjoyed having you lean over me to bleach my hair this afternoon. Only way it woulda been more fun was if you had boobs..." he said with a smirk, his eyes sparkling as he grabbed him by the waist and pulled him against him. "You saved my ass back at the jail... so if you don’t want to fuck around with my hair tonight... that's cool. We can do whatever you want..." he said. "Assuming we can get... our daughter... to sleep..." he added softly, his eyes sparkling as he said it.

Saffron snorted softly, leaning against him. "You really have no luck getting her to sleep at night, do you...?" He replied with a slight smirk. "I don't have a problem helping with your hair, I was just pointing out it's not usually a Valentine activity..." He added, still smirking slightly.

Matt smirked softly. "Shut up." he said, stealing a kiss. "I can get her to sleep fine... she's just slept so much today, I'm thinking it's not going to be an easy job tonight..." he said, glancing down at Violet as she tried to eat her toes through the pajamas. "As for my hair... I told you... I can stay blonde another day if you have 'Valentine's' activities in mind..."

"Hmm, well I can think of a few..." Saffron replied, smirking more as he leaned more against Matt, wrapping his arms around his neck. "And trust me, Matt... she'll fall asleep soon enough..." He added.

Matt blushed slightly as he held him tightly. "I'm almost sorry I behaved myself this morning... having you cuddle up to me while we slept was... " he shook his head slightly. "It was something I want to do every night... minus my being dressed." he added with a soft chuckle.

Saffron snorted softly, before stealing a kiss and slipping away from Matt, back toward the couch. "You'll get your chance." He replied, smirking a bit wickedly before sitting down and lifting Violet out of the carrier.

Matt watched him a moment before joining him on the couch and slipping an arm around him. "Am I crazy.. or do we already feel like a real family...?" he asked softly. "I mean... what I imagine a family should feel like anyhow... like we belong together like this..."

"I don't think you're crazy...I guess because I know what you're talking about. It does feel like family..." Saffron replied, leaning back against Matt with Violet, who'd already yawned. "More then any family I've ever known." He added, turning his head enough to look at Matt.

"You're going to stay and be part of my family... right Saffron? You did say you'd stay...?" Matt asked softly as he held them both, his free hand caressing Saffron's cheek lightly.

Saffron sighed softly, blushing a bit, before smiling softly. "I did say I'd be a part of your family... for as long as you want me..." He replied softly.

Matt tipped Saffron's chin up enough to kiss him tenderly. "You know... I was thinking... You're always bitching about your dad and all the controlling crap... Fuck I've lost count of the number of times I've been with you when you were drunk or high and wouldn’t shut up about wanting to disappear and not deal with it any more..." he said softly. "You could... disappear, I mean. Saffron Azreal could vanish... Could have a new identity made up for you... as  my fiance... or my wife..." he finished softly. "If you wanted to..."

Saffron looking at him a moment, as he shifted Violet so that she was laying on his shoulder. "Is that your way of asking me to marry you?" He asked softly with a bit more of a smirk.

Matt blushed as he smiled then reached up to scratch his eyebrow. "Well... kinda fast an all, but fuck... I've never been one for waiting for shit I wanted... so... Yeah. I want you in my life. I want you in Violet's life. I never want another guy laying a hand on you.... I ... fuck, just say you'll marry me... please?" he asked. "I'd get down on one knee, but... you guys are way too comfy and ...I don’t have a ring for you anyhow..."

Saffron was forced to laugh, snuggling back against him, smirking. "Hand me Violet's bunny." He said, pointing to the stuffed rabbit at the other end of the couch. He had every intention of saying yes but was just having fun teasing Matt.

Matt sighed heavily and kissed Saffron’s shoulder before stretching out to snag the toy by an ear and pull it over. "I'm calling that friend of mine about getting the birth certificate changed to have you listed as her mother... so... at least let me know the name to have him put." he said lightly. "Not many Saffron's out there, so maybe you'll want to change your first name too... or we could dye your hair too... What do you think, Vi?" he asked teasingly as he wiggled the stuffed rabbit at her. "Should mommy here make her hair blue too?"

"Watch it, I could go bleach blonde on you..." Saffron replied, as Violet giggled, before yawning. "But for the record, yus, I'll marry you..." He added. "I don't think you'll have to do much to change my birth certificate..." He added.

"Well if you bleach too, then we'll match... at least until my hair goes blue again..." Matt said with a soft chuckle and kissing Saffron's cheek lightly. "I'll try to be a better husband than I am a boyfriend... See if I can make sure my wife never has to bail my ass out of jail..." he added with a soft chuckle before he squeezed him a bit tighter. "If you don’t care about the name, I can just let him do his shit... he'll find a girl that was born around the same time you were but died, then use her birth certificate for you. He swears that's the best way of doing it and hates making 'changes' to existing files, but... he's good at it... and he enjoys the challenge, he just refuses to let on that he does. So.. if you want to keep your name... the first one anyhow... he'll find a way to do it."

"Hmm, grave robbers...the guys who dig up dead identities, and hand the identities over to the cobblers...the guys who do up the paper work." Saffron replied before blushing faintly. "Sorry, I listen to Jeff a little too much some times. Anyway...there's just a slight problem with that... as I already have two birth certificates..." Saffron added. "One that says I'm a boy, the other a girl..."

Matt raised an eyebrow at that. "So... are they both for the same name?" he asked simply. "Or do we just change the name on the girl one?" he asked softly, cuddling Saffron and Violet a bit closer as he brushed his lips over Saffron's hair.

"It’s my original..." Saffron replied softly, watching Violet rather then glance at Matt. "They just don't know I've found it, let alone use it..." He added. Violet looked like she was going to fall asleep at any moment as she lay on Saffron's shoulder.

Matt just sat there, thinking about that as he held them then kissed Saffron's hair again. "You're original birth certificate was for a girl?" he asked softly. "But... you're a guy... aren't you? Because if you're not... I am the shittiest friend ever..." he said with a soft laugh.

"I'm a guy...for now..." Saffron replied softly. "Have you listened to any of the gossip around the office?" He asked softly, finally turning enough to look at Matt.

Matt smirked softly and shifted a bit so he could still hold them both but Saffron wasn't looking up at him at such an angel. He brushed the backs of his fingers over Saffron's cheek as he spoke. "I try not to pay too much attention... except for the stuff that involves you. I just never know how much if any truth is it them considering that kind of shit that goes around. I mean... There was the one about Lady Kay running off to a fight in nothing but a towel... and the one about Lex getting pissed off and setting a couple of the guys on fire... oh, and the one about Sylvie and that major Goth looking guy hooking up... I mean... There can be some majorly weird shit going down in that building.. and even weirder shit that they CLAIM goes down and .. I just try not to pay attention..."

Saffron was forced to laugh again. "Kay did go off to a fight in a towel. To save Lex. Lex has set a couple guys on fire and Sylvie did hook up with Xander, he's not so much a Goth any more." Saffron replied, before sighing softly. "And depending on what you've heard about me..."

"Damn... seriously?" Matt asked softly. "Fuck... if that shit is true then... does that mean you really beat the shit out of Montgomery, and kept the one security guards tied up in the kitchen until his friends rescued him?" he asked with a playful sparkle in his eyes. "And by the 'for now' comment and the girl birth certificate... I'm taking it the ones about you changing into a girl are true...?"

"For the record, my beating the shit out of Eire was payback..." Saffron replied with a sniff. "And I didn't keep him tied up in the kitchen...I kept him tied up in the conference room..." Saffron replied, a slight smirk slipping. "And yus, those ones about me changing... those are true too..."

Matt laughed softly and hugged him tighter. "Fuck I love you." he said softly, then kissed him. "Why didn't you ever tell me this shit? I mean.. about you?  You were dating a bastard for a year, you had two birth certificates... hold up.. you said you were using it? So... for what? Like... I mean..." he blushed furiously as he remembered how comfortable Saffron had been pretending to be a girl. "Saff... why didn't you ever share this side of you with me...?" he asked softly.

Saffron sighed softly. "I don't know. At the time, maybe I kinda felt you wouldn't be interested in knowing this side of me. Its not like... any one else from the offices, including my family, knows. Well... Eire might suspect, but..."

"Yeah but... Damn Saff..." Matt said softly. "I'm not THEM... I'm your best friend. You confided other shit to me... You trusted me with stuff you swore no one else knew... Why not the fact that you led a double life?"

"I was getting around to it..." Saffron replied on his defense. "Really, I was getting around to telling you...one more reason for me to come up here this weekend..." He added seriously, looking at Matt.

Matt slipped the palm of one hand over Saffron's cheek. "No more secrets, angel." he said softly. "I want you to be mine... ALL of you." he said simply, then kissed him again before bending to kiss the top of Violet's head softly. "Why don't you go put her to bed? We can decide on your new name, if you want one, and all that shit when you come back down, then I'll call it in and send off an email to him.. Actually... if you have your certificates on you, I can fax them to him..." he snorted softly and smirked. "Whatever... later." he said then stole another kiss. "Go on and hurry back to me."

Saffron slipped off the couch with Violet with a small bit of trouble, but managed with Matt's help. He took Violet on up to the loft and tucked her into the bassinet. Making sure she was settled, he headed back down stairs. "I think she'll sleep for a while tonight..." He said softly as he made his way back over to the couch.

Matt reached out to catch hold of Saffron's hand and pulled him down beside him, then wrapped his arms around him. "You're great with her, you know that?" he said softly in return. "I'm so glad you're here.." he added with a kiss.

Saffron blushed slightly, leaning against him. "You're going to keep saying that, aren't you?" He replied softly giving Matt an amused look ,thought a blush was still present.

"Fuck yeah... along with how beautiful you look and how much I love you.." Matt added with a soft smirk, his eyes sparkling. "That a problem?" he asked lifting him onto his lap to hold him closer.

Saffron shook his head slightly but snuggled against Matt. "Not a problem, just...take awhile to get used to..." He replied softly, enjoying the moment for what it was. "Not something I've heard much of..."

"Something I can't understand... especially if you were pretending to be a girl half the time too..." Matt said softly as he stroked Saffron's hair. "Hey... does this mean you have like... really girly clothes hidden away somewhere? You know... not just this kinda stuff but.. dresses and… lingerie...?" he asked lightly, his eyes sparkling as he let his hand drop from Saffron's hair to stroke over Saffron's chest lightly.

Saffron raised an the eyebrow, the blush deepening. He looked away with a sniff, "As a matter of fact, I do have some... stuff like that..." He replied, watching the fire, half to keep from blushing any darker then he already was...

Matt smirked softly at that and leaned down to kiss Saffron's throat at the edge of the shirt. "And since you're going to be my wife... does that mean you'll be wearing that kinda stuff for me..?" he asked lightly as he kissed his throat again as his hand slipped beneath Saffron's shirt to stroke his bare stomach. "Does that mean I get to buy that kinda stuff for you to wear for me...?"

Saffron felt the heat rise in his cheeks and did his best to keep his eyes on the fire place. "I suppose that's both true... as long as you're a good boy and ask nicely." He replied, a slight smirk coming to him.

Matt snorted at that. "Well I'm screwed then since I'm rarely ask and no one would ever call me a good boy..." he said with a soft chuckle. "What are my chances if I'm bad?" he asked playfully as he started to remove Saffron's shirt.

Saffron squirmed slightly, enough to keep Matt from getting his shirt off just yet. "I suppose that depends." He said, looking at him. "On just how bad you are..."

Matt let go of Saffron's shirt and lifted him off of his lap, setting him on the couch. He moved to stand in front of him, blocking his view of the fire as he began to unbutton his own shirt. "Oh... probably the usual..." he said lightly, his eyes never leaving saffron. "And most likely a completely different kind of bad where you're concerned, but... I seriously doubt you'll be complaining about that." he added with a wicked smirk as he tossed the dress shirt aside.

Saffron's gaze slipped uncontrolled from the fire to Matt and watched him a moment. He bit his lip slightly. "Hmm, you're probably right...I probably won’t be complaining... I'm certainly not now..."

Matt smirked a bit more as unbuckled his belt. "Should I keep going?" he asked playfully. "Or do you want to go slower... enjoy me in between ..?" he asked as he left the belt undone and moved closer to Saffron, leaning down to kiss him lightly, both hands braced on the back of the couch on either side of him.

"Mmm, the choices..." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, pulling back from him, against the back of the couch. "Technically, either way I get to enjoy you..." He added, smirking more.

"Hmm... true... but one way you get to touch... the other you don’t... least not until I let you..." Matt said softly as he straightened back up, brushing the bleached out hair back over his shoulders.

Saffron raised an eyebrow, with a smirk. "Really...? And you're not going to tell me which way is which, are you?" He replied, making himself more comfortable on the couch. "Still, we've got the rest of the night..."

Matt laughed softly. "Well if I'm standing over here striping... you can't reach me..." he said with a soft smirk. "You want to touch... then I guess either I do this slowly with lots of breaks... or… you come help." he said playfully as he backed another step away, carefully avoiding the coffee table, and undoing the button on his jeans. "So...? Are you watching... or participating...?"

"Its not that you're doing too bad on your own..." Saffron replied smirking wickedly, letting his gaze slip over Matt slowly, before he sighed softly and slipped nimbly off the couch, catching up to Matt.

Matt dropped his hands to Saffron's waist, bending down to kiss him softly. "Hey... you want to watch...I don’t mind. Just figured... after all this time of hiding our feelings... you probably had your fill of just watching..." he said lightly. "You want me to torment you a bit longer, I can do that.... strip down to nothing and stretch out by the fire here... wait for you to join me..."

"I don't think it would take very long..." Saffron replied softly, his arms resting on Matt's shoulders for a moment, as he leaned against him before pulling back enough to let his hands run down Matt's chest. "And yus, I've had my fill of watching."

Matt slipped his hands up to lay them over Saffron's, making Saffron’s hands slip over his tattoo, then down to trace over the Aztec skull on his stomach. "I rather like the way you look at me when you watch me... especially now that you know I'm yours..." he said softly as their hands reached his waist band and finally let go of Saffron’s hands to finish undoing his jeans.

"Hmm, I was looking at you like that a lot earlier then you think." Saffron replied softly, leaning forward to kiss Matt's neck, nuzzling gently as he left his hands were they were for a moment. As soon as Matt got his jeans undone, one of Saffron's hands slipped inside them.

Matt gave a soft moan, enjoying the feel of Saffron's hand a moment before he caught hold of it, pulling it free and kissing it gently. "Not yet." he said with a soft smirk, placing Saffron’s hand back against his chest as he finished shoving his jeans down and stepping out of them. He caught him in a hungry kiss as he carefully pulled his socks off, trying not to break the kiss or pull away form Saffron’s touch as he did, and ended up chuckling softly into the kiss before tossing the last sock aside. "I'm down to one little bit of clothing left you know..."

"Hmm, and you want my help with that? You were doing so well on your own..." Saffron replied softly, before kissing Matt again, deep and passionate. Part of him acknowledged this seemed to much like a dream to be real, being like this with Matt.

Matt chuckled softly. "Nah... I can handle that on my own just fine..." he said softly as he broke the kiss and took a step away from him before slowly peeling out of his underwear and tossing them over to join the rest of his clothes. "I just meant that I'm way ahead of you here..." he said lightly, his eyes sparkling as he stroked a hand down his chest, watching Saffron’s gaze follow his hand. He took hold of himself and began to stroke lightly. "Does this mean I can just...sit.. or lay.. back and watch you now? Or... would you rather have me take care of your clothes as well...?"

"Now why would I make you do ALL the work?" Saffron asked softly with a smirk. He turned back to the couch pulling off his shirt, leaving him in the very short sleep shorts and lace boy shorts. But it let his wings be seen, at least until the material covered them up.

Matt watched him a moment before following and catching hold of him. He pulled him back against him, his erection pressing against Saffron’s bare back as he bent to kiss his shoulder. "Remind me to get my ass busy getting a nursery done so we don’t have to worry about waking her up..." he added in a soft growl, his hands slipping over Saffron’s chest and down to the front of his shorts. "I hate being quiet..." he added, moving to kiss his other shoulder and rub against Saffron before pressing tightly against him again. "And I love hearing all the little noises... the whimpers and moans... and begging..." he added with a playful nip. "Fuck do I want to hear you beg me..." he said, his hands slipping over the material. "I want to hear you screaming my name..." he added in a husky whisper.

Saffron closed his eyes, leaning back against Matt. "Next time we'll just have to arrange for a baby sitter... I'm sure Lex could be sweet talked..." He replied with a slight smirk, managing to bite back the moan. He turned his face inward, kissing and nuzzling Matt's neck.

Matt chuckled softly, letting his eyes close at the feel of Saffron's lips on his neck. "I'm not talking about something a babysitter can help with... I'm talking every night..." he whispered. "But I suppose I'll have to make due with the softer sounds... and saving the screaming for when the kids are away at sleepovers..." he said with another kiss.

"Hmm, that’s usually how it works..." Saffron replied, "But sleep over stage is still a good while off..." He added smirking, just enjoying the moment. He'd never been this at ease with any past relationships.

"Hey.. sleepovers with Aunt Lexi count... assuming those rumors are true too...?" he said with a soft chuckle, kissing his shoulder one more time before turning him around to face him. "And I said 'kids'... since we know you'll be able to be a real mom at some point... and It's obvious you love being a parent as much as I do..." he said, one hand at the small of his back pressing him close to him while the other stroked his cheek tenderly. "I think it's a given we'll be raising more then just Violet..."

Saffron slipped his arms around Matt's neck, leaning against him. "Those rumors are true too. And you're right... at least another daughter..." Saffron replied, with a slight smirk. "Though I probably wouldn't mind a son..." He added thoughtfully.

Matt smirked at that, stealing a kiss. "Damn... me with two little girls... who'd have ever imagined..?" he said than gave an evil laugh, his eyes sparkling. "Oh I'm gonna have SO much fun when the boys start coming around..."

Saffron snorted, the before shaking his head. "Yeah...definitely going to need a son or two to balance things out..." He replied, smirking a bit before leaning and kissing Matt.

Matt laughed into the kiss, then wrapped both arms around Saffron’s waist and hugged him tight, lifting him off the floor as he kissed him deeper. "Mine... damn I can’t believe you're really all mine..." he said softly as he set him back on his feet, then slipped his hands inside the material of Saffron’s shorts and let his hands rest on his bare hips. "How about you get rid of these?" he asked softly with another kiss. "I want all of you..."

Saffron smirked slightly. "I think I'll let that qualify as asking nicely tonight..." He replied, smirking more before kissing Matt again, only pulling back enough to slip out of the last of his clothes.

Matt watched as Saffron bent over to slip the cloth over his ankles, his own hand going to stroke himself lightly. "It was nice... I could've just ripped the damned things off... like I wanted too..." he added softly. "But since you have a limited wardrobe until we raid your apartment..."

"Yus, very nice of you..." Saffron replied, still smirking as he dropped them with his top near the end of the couch, before looking back at Matt. For some reason he felt slightly nervous, but far more relaxed then he would have with any one else.

"Damn you're beautiful..." Matt said softly as he watched him, then finally grabbed the quilt off the back of the couch and spread out on the floor in front of the fire. "Come here, angel..." he said softly as he straightened back up and held out a hand to him.

"You're the first one to say that..." Saffron replied softly as he finally moved, convincing himself to go to him, taking his hand. "Can't really think of any one else who's said it and meant it..." He added.

"I mean it." Matt said softly as he took Saffron's hand, pulling him close. "And I mean it when I say I love you. And that I never want to let you go." he said simply, kissing him softly before sinking down onto the blanket and pulling Saffron down with him.

Saffron kissed him back, slipping arms around Matt's neck. "Hmm, I can believe you when you say it..." He replied softly behind kissing him. "Even if it does seem more like a dream..."

Matt rolled them onto their sides, the fire at his back as he kissed him deeper; his hands sliding over bare skin. "Not a dream..." he said in a soft growl, catching hold of Saffron’s hand and sliding it down over his stomach to come to rest over his erection. "Do you want to be mine, Saffron?" he asked in that same soft growl. "Do you want me to be yours...?”

Saffron moaned softly behind the kiss, letting his fingers stroke Matt's erection slowly. "Of course I want to be yours..." He replied softly, "And I've wanted you for to long..." He added, before kissing Matt back hungrily.

Matt closed his eyes at that, returning Saffron’s kiss just as hungrily; his hands gliding over his body, memorizing every inch by touch. "I want to marry you, Saff. I don’t want it already done on paper... I want to stand up and tell everyone that you're mine... I want to hear you tell everyone you're mine... I want to slip a ring on your finger..." he said softly.


Saffron blushed and pulled back from the kiss to catch his breath, looking up at Matt. He was quiet a moment, determining if Matt was serious or not. He sighed softly, "Then really ask me, Matt..." He said softly.

Matt smiled softly at that. "I don't have a ring..." he said then stopped and smirked softly, stealing a kiss before pulling away enough to pull off his amulet, letting it puddle on Saffron's stomach. He bent down to kiss Saffron’s stomach through the warm chain, then propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at him. "Saffron. I've never loved anyone the way I love you." he said softly, his hand on top of the amulet. "I can't imagine not having you in my life. I need you in my life, angel. Please... marry me, Saffron. Spend forever with me."

"Forever's a long time..." Saffron replied softly with a slight smile, "But I'll marry you..." He replied softly. "And spend forever with you..."

Matt smiled softly at that and leaned down to kiss him tenderly before sliding the necklace up over Saffron's stomach and chest teasingly. "Then wear this in place of an engagement ring...please..." he said softly. "You know what it is to me." he added, slipping it over Saffron’s head and settling the phoenix and it's crystal against Saffron’s chest, watching the firelight play over it. "A symbol for new beginnings... we're leaving our old lives and selves behind to start a new life together..." he said softly, kissing Saffron's chest lightly before brushing his lips over Saffron’s own. "I love you, Saffron."

Saffron slipped the fingers of one hand through Matt's hair, before kissing him deeply. "Watch it, Matt... you're starting to sound to romantic..." He replied with a slight smirk between kissing him. "I love you, Matt..." He added softly.

Matt smiled softly. "Yeah well... it IS Valentine's day.. and I did just propose, so... I guess a momentary lapse is warranted..." he said with a soft smirk. "So... first date is over and done with, declaration of love made, marriage proposed..." he said, punctuating each with a kiss. "Can I fuck you now...?" he asked with a soft husky growl, biting playfully at Saffron’s bottom lip as he did.

Saffron gave a soft laugh, slipping his arms around Matt's shoulders and leaning his head back from the kiss. He looked at Matt, unable to keep from smirking. "I can't believe you just asked for permission, but by all means you're free to fuck me now." He replied, the smile on his lips actually reaching his eyes. He didn't think he'd ever been happier.

Matt chuckled softly, kissing him hungrily. "Don't get used to it..." he said, pulling him closer. "Me asking, that is... Tonight's just ... special..." he added.

"Hmm, fair enough." Saffron replied, smirking behind the kiss as he closed his eyes. He tightened his arms around Matt slightly and kissed him back passionately.

Matt broke the kiss, only to kiss his way down Saffron's throat while his hand slipped beneath Saffron's backside, stroking teasingly. "I can't hear you, angel...." he whispered huskily.

Saffron's eyes drifted closed, a soft moan escaping him. He bit his lip, his nails running lightly over Matt's shoulders. "I don't know whether to tell you try a little harder or not?" He replied coyly.

Matt lifted himself up enough to meet Saffron's gaze. "Is that the way you want it...?" he asked softly, his eyes sparkling. "Oh good... no more Mr. Nice guy." he said, catching him in a hard hungry kiss, his fingers stroking over his entrance teasingly another time or two before he pushed a finger inside him, kissing him harder as he did.

Saffron moaned more, arching against Matt. His nails scratching a little harder but he certainly had no intention of telling Matt to stop. "Never said you had to be Mr. Nice guy in the first place..." Saffron managed to reply breathlessly, a moan escaping him.

Matt moved his finger within him as he kissed his way down Saffron's throat again, not bothering to reply to that. He kissed the hollow of his throat then moved to nip playfully at one tiny bud of a nipple, earning a startled yelp before he gave a gentle kiss then moved to do the same to the other.

Saffron struggled for a moment to catch his breath, biting his lip to hold back any louder noise then moaning. "Don't try to hard..." He said breathlessly, arching slightly under Matt.

Matt chuckled softly at that as he worked his way lower, pausing to lick at Saffron’s belly button while he slipped a second finger inside him. "Whatever it takes..." he said softly as he played with Saffron’s belly button, his chin brushing against the tip of Saffron's own erection.

Saffron arched more with a whimper, his nails running up Matt's back as Matt moved lower. "Just keep in mind I will return the favor..." He replied softly, with a soft gasp.

"Looking forward to it." Matt said softly, letting his eyes close as he let himself enjoy the bite of Saffron’s nails as he fingered him a moment longer then suddenly dipped his head enough to let his tongue run over the tip of Saffron’s erection. "I'm waiting Saff..." he said lightly as he brushed his cheek over the length of him, his eyes on Saffron's face as he added a third finger.

Saffron gasped with a bit louder moan before biting his lip, with a glance toward the loft out of habit. His nails bit a bit deeper into Matt's shoulders as another moan escaped him. "You're wicked..." He breathed. He arched a bit more, pushing back against Matt's fingers. "Oh, please Matt..."

Matt started to chuckle, then moaned at the feel of Saffron’s nails. "Please what, angel?" he managed to ask, letting his lips brush along the length of him, loving the silky heat of him against his lips. He wasn't sure how much more teasing he could stand; his own erection was an almost painful throbbing.

Saffron squirmed a bit, another moan escaping him. "Please...Matt, don't tease so much..." He moaned, his eyes closed. "Please...just fuck me..." He begged softly.

Matt's eyes closed and he smiled softly at those words. He gave one last kiss to the silky smooth skin then rose above him, pulling his fingers free as he moved between Saffron’s legs. "Gods you sound so wonderful..." he said softly, slipping his arms beneath Saffron’s legs as he leaned forward to kiss him lightly. He shifted forward until he was pressed against him, then gave a soft smirk. "Mine." he said with a soft growl as he thrust forward, slipping inside him.

Saffron moaned softly, his fingers digging a bit into Matt's shoulders as he arched slightly, but submitted to Matt. He didn't think any of the day dreams, lived up to this moment and he knew he probably wouldn't be able to take much. He'd wanted Matt to long.


Matt held himself above him as he moved, struggling to keep the pace slow but not exactly gentle. Every time Saffron’s gasps or whimpers threatened to get too loud, Matt would kiss him, swallowing down the sound as he increased the tempo enough to have Saffron's hands clench his back tightly, then slow again and break the kiss.  He'd already done this a few times and his back was no doubt covered in finger prints and crescent marks from Saffron's nails as a result. He wanted to take his time and make it last even longer, but he was already pushing his limit of control.

Saffron knew he couldn't take any more, he'd felt the orgasm building for awhile. He gasped, before pulling Matt down enough to kiss him deep and passionate, as he felt the orgasm hit him, stifling the cries of release through the kiss. His nails dug in rather sharply before he had to pull back from the kiss to gasp for breath, slowly coming down from the climax.

The sharp bite of Saffron’s nails into his back had been the end for Matt, and he came as he felt Saffron's own orgasm begin to calm. The two of them lay spent and breathing hard, tangled together for a while. The amazing feel of a power overload buzzing through their heads combined with the natural high of them just being close and the after glow of sex was enough to make Matt laugh softly. "Holy fuck... that was ...wow..." he said with another soft laugh.

A soft giggle escaped Saffron as he snuggled up against Matt, his head laying against Matt's chest. He blushed about the giggle, but smiled softly. "Certainly surpassed any day dreams..." Saffron replied softly turning his head enough to glance up at the loft, but it was still quiet up there. "And certainly far better then it's been with any one else..." Saffron added softly, laying his head back against Matt's chest, enjoying the warmth from the fire and just laying in Matt's arms.

Matt tightened his arms around Saffron, pulling him closer. "Well... with sex like that... there's definitely no way in hell I'm ever letting you go now." he said with a soft smirk, brushing his lips over Saffron’s hair.

Saffron snorted softly, letting the fingers of one hand trace the ying yang tattoo on Matt's chest and closed his eyes. "I certainly hope it’s not just the mind blowing sex, that makes you want to keep me..." He replied with a soft smirk.

"No, baby.... it's just the latest thing. The tip of the iceberg." he said with a soft laugh. "I'm so fucking glad you showed up on my door step, Saff. I've never been happier..." he said softly.

Saffron smiled softly, before moving enough to lean over Matt and kissed him tenderly. "I like you happy. Thank you for the best Valentines." He added softly. A soft cry from the loft told him Violet was awake at least needed her diaper changed. Saffron sighed softly with a faint smile, before moving to get up, grabbing his boylegs and pulling them on.

Matt turned on his side and propped himself up on an elbow as he watched him. "Thank you, Saff. I hope you don’t end up regretting everything. Life with me isn't going to be easy... especially not stepping into the role of a mother who left her baby on my doorstep without waiting for me..."

Saffron finished pulling on his lace boylegs and looked back at Matt over his shoulder. "I won’t regret it." He replied simply before getting up and heading for the stairs. He didn't look toward Matt, knowing he was watching him and tried not to blush at knowing that. He used the light from down stairs to pick Violet up, moving her to the dress that was serving as a changing table. While he was changing Violet, he was startled slightly as the door bell rang.

~~

Matt sighed heavily and grabbed his jeans, stepping into them but not bothering to do them up more then was needed to keep them on. He bit back a smirk as the thought popped into his head that he hoped it was Rosemary... the sight of him half naked and blonde might be enough to do her in. He unlocked the door and opened it to find the porch empty except for a mangled teddy bear, and his good mood vanished immediately. No doubt in his mind that it was another ‘gift’ from Saffron’s ex… and probably hers. He pulled the door shut behind him and picked up the bear, making sure he got all of it before carrying it down the lane to leave it with the rest at the corner; one eye peeled for any signs of someone watching the entire time.

The fact that teddy bear bore a tag, with a child's handwriting saying ‘Saffron’, meant it had been one of his before LiVed had taken him, that Auron had given him the year before when Saffron had asked if any of his childhood things had survived. Landan had found his way into Saffron's apartment and planned on using his things like this until Saffron came back to Boston. Saffron got Violet changed and back asleep, tucking her back into the basinet for now, and heading back down stairs, grabbing Matt's shirt on the way to the front door, only buttoning a few of the buttons. He was only going to go as far as the porch...if the cold let him.

Matt paused at the box sitting by the mail box and looked at the teddy bear in his hands. Despite the hour, he could see it fine and part of him just couldn't toss it aside. "You'll regret pulling this shit, you sick bastard." he said out loud, aware that his currently white hair would be making him very visible. He sighed heavily and headed back towards the church, the toy still in his hands.

Saffron pulled open the front door, the cold making him regret the action, though the anxiety out weighed the feeling of cold and saw Matt coming back up the walk, with a ruined teddy bear in his hands. As he got closer Saffron recognized the bear and his eyes widened and began to feel sick to his stomach.

Matt spotted the glow from the doorway and looked up to see Saffron. "I'm sorry angel." he said softly as he climbed the steps. "I was going to just... put it with the rest, but..." he hesitated and then held it out to him. "Maybe... maybe he can be patched up... somehow..." he said softly.

"Merry..." Saffron said softly, the tears welling up. He blinked, a few slipping down his cheeks as he took the mutilated bear, actually holding him close. "I had him since I was a child..." He added, looking him over before sighing. He could sew him back together, though he'd never look the same. "This means he's gotten into my apartment..." Saffron muttered.

Matt reached out and pulled Saffron into his arms, holding him tight. "I'm sorry. If I hadn't got my ass arrested maybe we would've had time t' get there first..." he said softly.

Saffron sighed softly, looking at the teddy bear again, before shaking his head. He rather accepted loosing his things like this. "He won’t find the box that holds the important stuff... and... well George is in the bottom of my bag. The rest of it..." He shrugged. "My posters are insured..." He added, shivering from the cold.

"And your life is here with us now anyhow..." Matt added, then scooped him into his arms, cradling him closer as he carried him back inside, kicking the door shut behind him. "Slide the lock, baby." he said softly as he waited for Saffron to reach out and lock the door for him, then carried him over to the fire and settled them both back on the floor. "Fuck I hate that bastard..."

"You hate him?" Saffron asked softly in reply, his eyes still on the teddy bear as he managed to put more of its stuffing back in, before moving enough to reach his messenger bag and took a travel sewing kit out of it, finding a thread that matched and the needle. "I can't figure out why for the life of me I fell for him in the first place..." Saffron replied softly as he threaded the needled and got to work sewing the bear together.

Matt let him go, merely moving enough to sit beside him close enough they were touching. "I want to rip the son of a bitch apart for hurting you this way..." he added softly. "I'm gonna kill him."

Saffron sighed as he reattached an arm before glancing at Matt, the hair hanging in his face. "I'd tell you not to bother, but... it probably would be the only way to get him to leave me alone..." Saffron replied rather softly, resigned.

Matt slipped his arm around Saffron's waist. "I'll call Ben and tell him about this guy and find out what he thinks. Maybe they can increase patrols out this way or something. I could raise a few zombies to patrol the grounds too... as long as I did a good enough job and they stick to the trees… and I put them down during the day, we should be alright...."

Saffron snorted softly, cutting the thread to work on the leg. "I'm surprised he's making it to the front door with out being sick, this being holy ground and all." He replied softly. He sighed, sticking the needle through the material then gasped as he pricked his finger rather hard pulling his finger away to suck on it.

Matt caught hold of his hand, raising the wounded finger to his lips to kiss it gently. "Is he fae then? I can have the place re-blessed..." he said softly. "Maybe he's got someone dropping these off for him..."

"I would think so." Saffron replied, letting Matt take his hand knowing it'd be healed. "He's half Drow and half Unseelie." He replied softly, deciding to set the bear aside for now, sitting it on his messenger bag with the sewing kit. Matt's shirt had slipped off his left shoulder.

Matt hesitated at that bit of news then gathered Saffron into his arms and shifted them closer to the fire again. "Then maybe that’s why you were with him to begin with... Maybe the half Drow part reminded you of me.." he said with a soft smirk and bent to kiss his shoulder teasingly.

Saffron shivered slightly, half from Matt kissing his shoulder, half from knowing that was true. "Its not just the Drow in you that attracts me." He replied softly, snuggling against Matt and enjoying the warmth from the fire.

Matt held him closer, not sure how to take that; part of him oddly uncomfortable with the way it had sounded, and almost stung by it. "Of course not... I'm more then pointy ears and purple eyes..." he said lightly. "I'm sexy as hell too." he added in a soft growl and suddenly squeezed him tight and nibbled playfully on his neck.

Saffron snorted softly a faint smirk coming to him. "The sexy as hell was part of it, but my falling for you really had much more then just that to do with it..." He replied softly, but seriously. He turned enough to look at him. "You're different from the rest of the men I've been with..."

"Yeah... I'm dead. Plus I'm a dad.... and a self admitted asshole." he said with a slight smirk. "And, I own my own church and cemetery..."

Saffron snorted and poked him. "Still not figuring it out, but that's okay. I still love you." He replied softly with a faint smile, before leaning up to kiss him softly. He moved, laying on the quilt before the fire, watching the flames. "I wasn't with him because he reminded me of you, Matt. He never did, and never will."

Matt settled down behind Saffron, spooning against him and holding him close. He kissed his shoulder softly, his voice suddenly serious. "I know. I was teasing... trying to ... help." he said softly with another kiss. "I love you, baby. And I love that you love me..."

Saffron shifted slightly, enough to reach behind him, fingering Matt's blonde hair a moment, before turning enough to look back at him. "I suppose that'll surprise people... certainly plenty at the office...that I do love you...Despite being you..." He said softly with a soft smile, touching Matt's cheek.

"Hey... I'm an asshole... but I'm a lovable asshole..." he said. "When I wanna be.." he added, his eyes sparkling lightly. "At least my daughter... and my girlfriend... Fiance? Wife..? What did you decide, by the way...?" he asked, softly, his eyes sparkling even more as he kissed his ear. "Do the papers say you’re her mother and my wife.... or just her mother and I drag your ass to the court house...?"

Saffron smirked softly, snuggling back against Matt, happy for once. "Well, part of me says if I'm going to do it, might as well go all the way, dad would get a bigger shock about me being your wife and having your daughter, but part of me likes the idea of a small wedding... and wedding night..."

"Then fiance it is..." he said simply. "Well... does it count if you're not wearing a ring yet?" he asked, kissing his neck. "You know... once the birth certificate is changed... or... even once word gets out... you're going to have trouble with Ben and.. well.. a lot of the town. When I called him that night I told him her mother had left her... not abandoned her, just... couldn't wait for me/.. and tried to blow it off as no big deal but... we'll have to come up with a story that will save you as much as trouble as possible..."

Saffron snorted softly. "It’s not that hard to come up with a story." He replied softly, turning over enough to lay on his back, still in Matt's arms. He couldn't ever remember, laying before a fire with some he'd just made love with. He couldn't really remember another time he'd just laid around with some one, he'd just slept with. "The most I could legally be charged with, is child neglect. But even that could be argued with the right lawyer. As for what they think of me...well I suppose it doesn't matter what the story is... people are going to look at me and think I'm a tramp anyway. Not for being with you, but for the way I look. Men will secretly desire me, but be forced to think of me that way and women will be jealous as hell. I might be able to appeal to some of their sympathies, saying I had to leave her with you due to being in danger by another man, true...But at the same time, they'll still think I'm a whore because instead of already being married to you and presenting a full family life for Violet from the start, I ran off and had her, but was seeing another man, thus, making me a whore." Saffron said with a weary smirk.

"A believable story won’t be hard, no... especially not with a psycho ex running around … leaving massacred teddy bears on the porch..." Matt added a bit sourly. "And you've got it wrong about the rest... they'd applaud you for waking up and leaving me... then feel horrible that the man you ended up with after wards was a psycho... then be horrified that you came back to me..." he said simply.

Saffron snorted softly. "They'd still think I was a whore, Matt. It’s a small town and I look like one." He added softly. "But do we really care?" He added, reaching up to caress his cheek, brushing a blond strand back. "Does Violet care? I can have my lawyer, on stand by just incase Ben feels the need to charge me, but...I don't think he will."

Matt scowled softly. "You're not a whore. And no, you don’t look like one. You got scared about things getting too serious with me and took off... That shit happens a lot... No one has to know you were dating Landan... just that he's some crazy bastard that's stalking you." he said. "And no, it shouldn't matter what they think. I never gave a shit what they thought about me, but... fuck it! I don’t want them treating you like shit, babe!" he said.

Saffron snorted softly, rolling his eyes before putting a finger on Matt's lips. "That argument doesn't work Matt, me being scared about how serious things were getting, if I was having your baby. I'll use my mother's excuse there, if nothing else. And Matt... I do look like one." He replied softly but simply. He some how knew he was wrong about how he looked, but Landan along with everyone else in his past, had said it enough he was just replying on instinct. "It’s what I was any way, Matt." His tone was just simply stating it.

Matt scowled even more and rolled over, pinning Saffron to the floor. "Don’t you fucking say shit like that." he said, his voice hard. "You do not! You’re beautiful!" he said, his voice breaking slightly. "You're my angel... you're not a fucking whore.." he finished softly. "Don’t you even fucking think that way..."

Saffron blinked wide eyed up at him, wincing slightly at his tone but looked at him with a naive expression. "Its true...isn't it...? Everyone's said it. I was a sex slave in the Black Court as well as LiVed's assassin... and I was a prostitute on the streets until just a couple years ago."

Matt got to his feet and lifted Saffron of the floor and carried him across the room and into the bathroom, snapping on the lights. He stood in front of the mirror with Saffron in front of him. "Look." he said simply. "That is not what a whore looks like. Think about it... the women that get called whores just for their looks are wearing slutty, barely there clothes or really revealing clothes.... Even the sexiest thing I've ever seen you wear, aside from undercover work... doesn’t come close to that. They wear a shit load of makeup... and baby you barely wear more then a bit of eyeliner at times..." he said, his voice getting softer as he spoke. "And they act like sluts... they come on to every man they see and do shit to make other women jealous...  you don't. You're beautiful; sexy but not in a slutty way... and I've never seen you come on to a guy or even flirt unless it was for a case...."

Saffron stared at his reflection a moment, standing there in the lace boylegs, his hair tussled and the remains of the make up from dinner and the eye liner smudged a bit unevenly around his eyes. His lips stained red even though the lip stick had worn off. With the boylegs on, he did look like a girl, flat chested for the most part, but with the right curves and so much smaller compared to the man holding him. His gaze slipped past himself to Matt holding him, thinking the sight looked wonderful, but not possible. He turned his head, not wanting to look any more. "Everyone's pointed out I'm a whore, Matt... I've slept with every man who wanted me, just to survive." He replied softly, looking at his wrists.

"To survive, angel..." Matt said softly, caressing Saffron’s cheek. "Not by choice. If you were a whore... you'd have slept with them because you wanted to. You didn’t want to. You never wanted to." he said softly, then smirked slightly as he looked him over. "Damn you’re cute... A total mess, thanks to me... but still not a whore." he said softly, reaching past him to turn on the water. "How about we get you cleaned up?" he asked with a kiss and he picked him up to sit him on the counter as if he were a child. "You're not a whore, Saff. The people who said that to you... only said it to beat you down and make you feel bad about yourself. It’s not true, baby." he said softly.

Saffron sighed, still examining his wrists a moment with their scars. He snorted softly. "Everyone I let close, said that... that I was a whore. Up until you anyway..." He replied softly, attempting to pull up the shoulder of the shirt since it'd slipped again. "You can't blame me for believing it... Men I've let close to me like this always end up using me..."

Matt took hold of Saffron's chin and made him look at him. "Listen to me Saffron. Are you listening? None of them matter. You're with me now... and it's my opinion that matters, right? You are not a whore. You're my fiance and the mother of my daughter... Would I ask a whore to be her mother? You need to get your head out of that shit and listen to me, baby. You need to believe you're better then that, because you are. And she needs to see that you believe you’re better then that."

Saffron clicked his tongue but looked at Matt, just looking at him a moment. "Well it's not like I was going to bring it up in front of her..." He replied softly, finally moving his hands. He raised one, letting his fingers brush along Matt's jaw a moment. "You ought to know by now Matt, that I have issues. I'm not used to a man really loving me. Owning me, that’s the way it was with Landan, but not really loving me. I'm more fragile then I've let everyone think..."

Matt sighed softly and dropped his hands to Saffron's waist a moment before leaning in and kissing him softly. He reached around him to grab a face cloth and wet it, adding a bit of soap. "I know, baby... it just... hurts to hear you talk that way about your self. It's not true. And kids pick up on this shit... Someone calls you a whore or something and she hears and you don’t stand up to it... that'll stay with her. Whore's make shitty mothers, Saff." he said as he started to tenderly wash her face. "You've been treated like shit by most people all your life ... that’s changing right now. No one is ever fucking hurting you like that again. You’re mine now." he said softly.

Saffron sighed softly, tipping his face enough to make it easier for Matt, not that he'd ever let any one do this for him and it made him blush completely, clear over his body as well as his cheeks, that Matt was even bothering, but he decided to let him do what he wanted. "I'm used to it Matt... as sad as it is... nearly my entire life has been some one's object. Pet, play thing, mistress... I've spent nearly my entire life letting some one else decide what I am. If they said I was a whore then I was... correction, I've spent my entire life that way... the Nameless one deciding if I'm a girl or a boy..."

Matt sighed as he finished washing away the traces of makeup and tossed the cloth in the sink before shutting off the water. "Fine... then if you're so used to letting other people define who and what you are... Then do that. You're a wife-to-be and a mother. You're a beautiful, fun, sarcastic as hell, wonderful person...." Matt said simply, his hands going back to Saffron’s hips again. "So be that. Remake yourself into what I see... just like you've done your entire life..."

Saffron snorted softly, looking back up at him a moment as he let his hands come to rest on Matt's bare chest. He let his gaze travel over him slowly before looking back up at his face then leaned in, kissing him soft and tender. "Keep reminding me and I'll be what you want me to be..." He said softly, leaning in against him.

Matt wrapped his arms around him, holding him close and kissed his hair tenderly. "It's what you really are, Saffron. It's what I see... not just what I want." he said, then reached out to turn off the light before lifting him back into his arms. "Shall we go back to the fire...? Or shall we just go up to bed?"

"Either place, I'll most likely fall asleep..." Saffron replied softly, letting Matt carry him, thinking on what he'd said in the bathroom.

Mat smirked softly. "Do you want to sleep on the floor or in the bed?" he asked with a soft chuckle, carrying him straight to the stairs and climbing quietly. He set him on the bed and kissed him tenderly before heading back downstairs to put out the fire and make sure everything was locked up. As an added precaution, since Landan had already put in an appearance twice, he used the power boost he'd gotten from Saffron and reached out to raise a couple of zombies, pouring as much energy into them as he could to make them look as close to living as he could get them without being right there, then set them to work guarding the house.

Saffron checked on Violet, making sure she was warm and tucked in with her rabbit, before shedding Matt's shirt and picking up a brush, brushing out his hair after the pins came out. Then he pulled back the blankets on the bed, slipping into it, leaving the lamp on Matt's side of the bed on for now. He couldn't deny how very right it felt, the idea of him being Matt's wife and Violet's mother. But he also couldn't shake the trouble he knew was coming from Landan, and the trouble he knew was going to come from town... about him being Violet's mother...

Matt gathered up their clothes and brought them up to the loft, setting them on the chair before peeling out of his jeans again and slipping into bed beside him. "Aww.... you took my shirt off..." he said with a mock pout as he turned the light off and pulled Saffron into his arms. "You looked so fucking adorable in it..." he said with a soft smirk, kissing him again.

Saffron snorted softly. "You want me to pull it back on?" He asked softly, but snuggled into Matt's arms, laying his head against his chest, already closing his eyes. "I imagine I'll sleep in plenty of your shirts..."

Matt held him close, brushing his lips over the soft hair. "You're welcome to them." he said softly. "Damn... I never called about the papers... remind me to do it first thing in the morning." he said. "Sweet dreams, angel." he added softly.


~~