Lexine tried to focus on the book he was reading, sitting cross legged on the couch. But Larkin kept poking him when he thought Lexine wasn't looking. Lexine was just waiting for Matt to see so he could complain. It was rather late at night, and the weather was terrible, AND cold, which was why the twins were sitting on the couch before the fire place. Larkin poked him again with a giggle.
 
Lexine closed his book with a snap and smacked Larkin, who grabbed the pillow beside him and smacked Lexine.
 
Matt sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at the couch. He'd  set up a second office space in the main room so that the twins wouldn't be alone while he was working. For the most part it had proven a great idea... There were times however...
 
He pushed the chair away from the desk and rolled a bit closer to the couch. He reached over and snatched the pillow from Larkin, and a second pillow from the beside him. "Excuse me..." he said simply as he stood, a pillow in each hand as he leaned over the back of the couch and eyed the two of them. "I thought you two were going to read quietly?"
 
Larkin did his best to hide his smirk behind his book, holding it up, while Lexine glared at Lark. "I was TRYING! Until he started!" Lexine replied, opening his book again.
 
 "I didn't start anything.." Lark replied from behind the book.
 
 "So it was some one else poking me...?" Lexine asked.
 
 "Mmm, must've been." Lark added, turning a page.
 
Lexine closed his book again and used it to smack Lark.
 
Matt stood up and whacked each twin over the back of the head with a pillow before dropping them. He reached over the back of the couch and caught Larkin around the waist, picking him up and lifting him over the back of the couch. He set him on his feet safely out of Lexine's range. "Lark.. stop being a brat." he said, doing his best to swallow the smirk that threatened. He knew he had to be firm with them, but it was so good to see them relaxing enough to start acting like normal kids at last.
 
Lark giggled, he couldn't help it and stuck his tongue out at Lexine, who was glaring at him. Lark leaned over the back of the couch and grabbed the book that had fallen out of his hands when Matt had grabbed him. Lexine took that moment, to poke numerously at Lark, who giggled again and smacked Lexine in the shoulder.
 
Matt sighed loudly and waited for Lark to have a hold on the book before wrapping an arm around his waist and lifting him off the floor again. He carried him around the couch and deposited him on the love seat, the square coffee table between them. The love seat was farther from the fire and so not as often used in the colder months. "Sit... read... leave your brother alone." Matt said simply. "And if I have to come over here again... I'll find work for you to do."
 
Lexine and Larkin both quickly turned back to their books, but both were smirking faintly. They weren't ones to act so freely, or at least Lexine wasn't. It was one of the reasons Larkin liked to pick on Lexine in such a manner.
 
Matt watched them for a moment then headed back towards the desk, wondering how long it would take for them to start again. He smirked softly as he resumed his seat and eyed the computer screen for a moment. He should just save the file and shut down... with the storm outside, they were likely to lose power at some point, and although the computer had battery backup and they had the generator for emergencies, he wouldn't care to test it's efficiency with his paperwork. He sighed and  saved the file, but continued to work on it, saving every few minutes. The sounds of his typing combined with the soft rustle of pages and the crackling of the fire, making a rather peaceful evening. So of course, he knew it wasn't going to last... Peaceful never lasted. It was just a matter of time, he knew...
 
The twins both jumped at the sound of a loud crack of the thunder, a moment before the power failed. With the fire going, there was still enough light to see by, and the twins looked at each other before a heavy knock came to the front door, making both jump again and look from the door to Matt, wide eyed.
 
Matt cursed softly, extremely glad he'd been saving often. He quickly shut down the computer to save the battery for when it was needed, his eyes going from the twins  to the door. "It’s alright guys..." he said softly as he left the computer to finish the shut down on its own and  pulled the flash light out of the desk. He tossed it to Lex as he passed the couch. "You guys can head up to my room if you want.. that way you can still see me but you'll be out of sight..." he said softly as he headed for the door, but paused, waiting to see what the twin decided before opening it.
 
Lark and Lexi looked at each other a moment, before both scrambled up, heading for the stairs. Lexine headed up quickly, though Lark paused half way up, looking back. "Come on, Lark!" Lexine hissed from the top of the stairs. Lark bit his lip, but headed up the rest of the way.
 
Matt waited until both boys were up in the loft before he finished the short walk to the door. He glanced up, catching a faint glimmer of red in the firelight and knew the twins were watching through the banister. He sighed and opened the door, not bothering to check who it was....This close to the door he knew it was his father.
 
 "Hey dad... what's up..." he said, his voice trailing off as he spotted the bundle in his arms. "Aww shit.. dad! " he whined softly moving out of the way.
 
On the doorstep, Rin shifted the small slender form in his arms, wrapped up by the cloak. Saffron had passed out, just before reaching the house, Not surprising considering the beating Right had given the young man and it hadn't been easy for Rin to get Saffron out.

"You keep showing up on my doorstep with kids... I'm going to regret giving you that damned protective amulet so you CAN show up on my doorstep..." Matt growled softly as he shut the door. "It's alright boys... it's Rin..." he called out.

 Rin snorted softly, stepping inside, out of the rain and cold. Larkin was half way down the stairs, Lexine lingering at the top wide eyed. "I told you I'd be back with one more...just didn't know it'd take this long." Rin replied.

"Is that..." Larkin asked from the middle of the stairs.

Rin glanced up at her"Yes...this would be the...daughter of the seal...your older sibling, Saffron." he answered, before moving toward the couch, laying Saffron down.
 
Matt sighed then looked up at Lexine. "Lex? Why don’t you use that light and find one of my tshirts for Saffron?" he said then looked to Larkin. "Lark...  think you can find your way to the kitchen for the other flashlight and grab some towels from the bathroom?" he asked, moving to clear the books off the bigger couch for Ri to lay his burden down.
 
Larkin headed down the rest of the stairs, making his way to the kitchen, glancing at Rin and his bundle, biting his lip. Lexine disappeared back up stairs, going to get a tshirt. Rin glanced at Lark as he passed, before laying Saffron on the bigger couch. A soft moan came from Saffron. Rin shifted the cloak, the hood falling back and inspected the bruise on Saffron's face.
 
Matt stiffened at the soft sound and moved to help his dad. At the sight of the delicate face with the ugly looking bruise covering almost the entire cheek he cast a look at his father, then pulled the cloak aside a bit more, sucking in his breath at what he saw. He glanced up towards the balcony. "Lex!! Leave the shirt.. go grab the first aid kit!!" he yelled. "Damn it dad... what the fuck happened..?!"
 
Rin sighed, shaking his head, glancing up at the stairs as Lexine came down them heading for the bathroom where the first aid kit was. "What usually happens to the boy...." He replied softly. "LiVed's right hand man, Right, got a hold of him, before I could get him out...Admittedly, Right hasn't ever been so...vicious." Rin added softly.
 
Matt  shot his father a look. "You mean he's done this shit before?!" he asked softly, looking up as Lark appeared with an armful of towels. "Thanks kid." he said simply, tossing a towel to his father before  carefully removing as much of the cloak from Saffron as he could, then gently lifting him into his arms so Rin could pull the wet cloak out from under him. Once he had the boy in his arms how ever, Matt found himself unwilling to let go.
 
"Unfortunately, yes." Rin answered, removing the wet cloak, balling it up. He glanced up with a frown, as Lexine returned with the first aid kit, before forced to add softly. "Saffron's life was...just as bad as Lexine's...in the same aspects, thanks to Right." Larkin winced and glanced at Lexine, who'd paled.
 
Matt shot a viscious glare at his father, unconciously cradling the wounded boy closer. "And you fucking KNEW about it?!" he hissed. "Why the hell did you wait so long to get him out?!"
 
Rin gave Matt a dry look. "LiVed, Mattias, the Black Court. It's taken me all this time just to get him out."

"For reasons like it was hard to get Lexi out, no doubt..." Lark said softly. Lexine winced this time, setting down the first aid kit.

"Yes, it was." Rin said softly, watching Matt closely.
 
Matt sighed softly then looked down at Saffron. " Sorry, dad... I know you did the best you could for all of them..." he said simply, his gaze tracking the bruises and welts that seemed to be everywhere on the pale skin. The angry red of his wrists where they lay on his chest drew his eyes and he saw raw flesh where the skin had been torn.... no doubt the kid had been bound with something. Matt clenched his jaw tightly as he he remembered he wasn't alone and looked up to find the twins waiting. He hesitated then as Lark spread one of the larger towels on the couch, lay Saffron back down.
 
Another soft whimper came from Saffron, who shifted. "Yes, well, not good enough..." Rin said with a sigh, watching. Lark stepped back near Lexine, the two of them watching, both Matt and who Rin had told them was their older sibling... Some how, neither was surprised of what Rin said where their sibling's life was concerned. "But this is the safest place for Saffron..." Rin said. "Though it brings the Trinity together, and that...will no doubt catch some one's attention..."
 
Matt snorted softly at his fathers comments, his attention on the boy in front of him as he ransacked the first aid kit to clean the worst of the injuries and bandage the ones he could. Every new wound he found made him clench his jaw that much tighter, or swear softly under his breath. If this was the sort of thing Lexine had endured before his father had rescued him, he was glad he hadn't been in this kind of shape when he'd arrived. Just knowing had made it a bit awkward at first... seeing it like this... He sighed heavily as he finished with those on his front and considered how to finish. Finally he gently lifted him into his arms again, letting his legs fall to either side of his as he held him against him. Saffron's arm hung limp at his side and his head fell against his chest. "Can you do his back, dad?" he asked simply.
 
Rin snorted softly, but moved. "Of course..." He said softly. Larkin had moved slightly, and saw the wings on Saffron's back; black angel wings. Rin glanced at Larkin with a slight smirk, before starting to clean the wounds that were on Saffron's back, Lark had to grab Lexine's arm, before Lexine wavered, obivously remembering things he'd rather forget. Lark stirred Lexine to a chair. A soft whimper came from Saffron, who started to wake up.
 
Matt turned his head and kissed the top of Saffron's head tenderly. "Shh.. it's alright, Saffron... you're safe.. Stay still." he said softly, wondering at the way he felt. Part of him wanted to put it off as just his experience with the twins intensifying the 'dad' instinct.. the need to keep them safe. But this.. this was more. The need to keep him safe was still there, and stronger then
 but there was so much more to it. More then he could put into words. It just felt incredibly good to hold him.
 
Rin glanced up at Matt as he worked, with a slightly raised eyebrow, but his eyes sparkled a bit. Lark kept his attention between Rin, Matt and Saffron and Lexine, who was watching the fire more. Saffron stirred more, shifting slightly. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking, before turning his head enough to look up at Matt, his eyes sleepy, but wide.
 
Matt smiled softly into the wide eyes, wondering if they were actually black of it it was just the firelight that made it seem that way. "Hey..." he said softly. "Rin's almost done  then we'll get you something to wear, okay?" he said then added. "I'm Matt, by the way."  he said, wondering if he was actually blushing and why...
 
Saffron blinked sleepily, shifting, then started to pull away. "It's alright, Saffron." Rin said softly, cleaning the last wound on the shoulder. Saffron shifted enough to look back at Rin, a little more wide eyed. "W-w-here are we?" Saffron asked softly. Rin snorted faintly. "Some where your'e more then safe. This is my son, Mattias, the one  I told you about." Rin added. "I'll get a tshirt, Larkin said, moving from beside Lexine's chair to head for the stairs.
 
Matt was filled again with that same reluctance to let go of him. He was also aware of a strange connect  between them.. a sort of 'chill' that, as well as feeling really good, left him feeling a sort of 'power high'... He glanced over at his father as the feelingof connection continued to grow. "Dad..." he said softly, meaning to lay his head back against Saffrons, but instead kissing his forehead tenderly." what's going on?"
 
Rin glanced at Mattias, then smiled grimly. "Saffron is the current death elemental, aside from being the Daughter of the Seal...and while I imagine there's some...connection between you being a necromancer and him being the death elemental...there's a solid reason why I brought him here...along with the twins. And that's because you're Saffron's guardian." Rin answered. Saffron stared at Rin a moment, before turning his head enough to look up at Matt wide eyed. That had gotten Lexine's attention who looked up from the fire.
 
Matt blinked at that news, then swallowed hard as he looked donw at the boy in his arms. The knowledge that he was his guardian didn't come as that big a surprise... it probably should have, but it just felt right. He offered a soft smile, trying not to look at the bruises, although they didn't look as bad now.
 
Rin sat back, watching the two of them. He'd expected Saffron to pull back by now. Saffron still stared up at Matt a moment, before lowering his eyes submissively. Rin shook his head. Larkin returned down stairs with a tshirt, holding it out. Rin took it. Larkin looked at Lexine who was still looking surprised and raised an eeybrow at his twin, then blinked as he picked up the thought and looked at Matt and Saffron with the same surprise on Lexine's face.
 
Matt held him while Rin slipped the shirt on over his head then helped him get his arms through. Matt winced in sympathy at every whimper the movements brought from Saffron;s lips. One he was covered, Matt glanced over at the twins. " Think you guys can wait until morning to get to know your big brother?" he asked softly. "Because I think I'll go put him upstairs where he can sleep in peace..."
 
Larkin blinked, and shook himself together, glancing at Lexine, before sighing. "That would probably be a good idea..." Larkin said finally. Rin chuckled softly, watching the twins a moment, before glancing at Matt and Saffron. "Go ahead, and take him upstairs. He'll need the rest." He said.
 
Mat nodded. "Lex.. why don;t you round up and light some candles while Lark gets your grandfather something to drink.. or eat." he said with a soft smirk as he shifted his grip on Saffron, easing him a bit higher so his head came to rest on his shoulder instead, then headed up the stairs.
 
It was Lexine's turn to blink, looking from Matt taking Saffron up to Rin, hearing Larkin snicker and Rin's smirk, before scrunching his nose, but got up from the chair, to go and get the candles. Rin sat on the edge of the couch, watching the fire a moment. Lark didn't move a moment, before turning toward the kitchen. "I'm fine, Larkin." Rin said softly. Lark looked back, then sighed. "Are you sure?" He asked softly. Rin smirked faintly. "Of course."
 
"How bad was it?" Lark asked after a moment of silence as Lexine came back out with a few candles. Lexine glanced at them. Rin sighed. "Bad, Lark. As bad as what Abadon did to Lexine." Lexine whimpered softly, casting a glance up at the loft as Lark moved to light the candles.
 
 

 
Saffron would have found it all completely strange...and uncomfortable...if he hadn't felt so completely safe. But he still looked up at Matt, studying him. He saw a lot of Rin in him. After a moment, Saffron lay his head back on Matt's shoulder.
 
The loft was dark, with only the faintest glow from the fire below flickering across the ceiling. He made his way to the bed and held on with one arm as he flipped the blankets back before laying Saffron down and covering him up. "You want me to find a light for you? I don;t want to leave a candle with you sleeping... but I think i have a battery light or two around..." he said softly, his fingersbrushing tenderly over the pale shape of Safron's face.
 
Saffron blinked in the darkness, looking up at him, he could see him, though not completely. "No..." He answered softly, close to a whisper, shaking his head. "The dark is fine..." He added. "thank you..." He whispered after a moment, not sure what he was thanking him for.
 
Matt found himself sitting on the edge of the bed beside him, his fingers still tenderly stroking the far side of Saffron's face. After a few quiet moments he finally spoke. "You're safe here, you know... no one will ever hurt you again.. I won't let them..." he said simply, his voice soft. "I wish I could have stopped this fomr happening to you, Saffron... but I coudn't. I WILL make sure it never happenes again, though."
 
Saffron blinked, then snorted faintly, closing his eyes. "You couldn't have stopped it from happening...its my entire life, just as Rin..." He replied softly. He wasn't sure he why he wasn't pulling away, he didn't even know Matt, other then he was Rin's son.
 
Larkin pushed Lexine into the chair again, as he lit a few of the candles. Lexine sighed softly. "Was it really that bad?" Lexine
 
"No, Saffron...it WAS your life...." Matt said, his voice soft but firm. "Not any more. You're life now is here. With your brothers.. and with me. AndI won't let anyone hurt again. " he insisted then cradled Saffrons cheek in the palm of his hand. "I swear."
 
 
Saffron bit his lip, opening his eyes again, looking up at Matt. He considered his reply carefully. Rin kept assuring him he'd be safe here...but it was LiVed he was running from. "For now." He said finally.
 
"For always." Matt answered, still trying to get a handle on his feelings concerning his new charge. "You're mine now, Saffron...I'll keep you safe."
 
Saffron shivered at those words, not sure felt so definate. But true to his nature, he tested those words. "So I go from being LiVed's, to being yours?" He asked softly with a slight tone. "Common life theme..." He added.
 
Matt smirked softly. "It's differnt, this time, Saffon.. I'll never hurt you..I'll never beat you... I'll never rape you.. I'll never force you.." he said softly, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheek as he spoke. " And i'll kill any one who ever tries."
 
"Then what do you want with me?" Saffron asked softly, his cheek felt so flushed where Matt was touching it. He didn't doubt what Rin said about Matt being his guardian, he just...wasn't sure how to deal with any of this...especially the obivious attraction he was feeling for Matt. He was supposed to have been in love with Rin.
 
"I just want to keep you safe.. to protect you ...." he said simpy, his gaze finding itself locked on the darker shape of Saffron's mouth. His night vision was good enough , that with just the  faint glow fomr the fire, he could see him almost clearly. "...make you happy..." he added softly.
 
"No ones ever wanted to make me happy. " Saffron replied softly, "Why should you?" He added. He moved then, slowly, but sitting up. Not sure why, but he didn't want to lay there at the moment. Though the move put him closer to Matt.
 
"First time for everything, babe." he said with a slightl shrug, his hand falling to rest against Saffron's hip as he sat up."You shouldn't be sitting up, you know... I saw you're injuries, Saffron...I bandages most of them.... I know you're in pain. Lie down, angel.... get some rest." he said softly, his eyes locked on his lips the entire time. He had the most incredibel craving to kiss him...
 
Saffron shook his head slightly, his hair falling in his face and he managed to raise a hand to brush it back from his face slightly. "I...can't..." He replied softly, before looking back up at Matt. He bit his lip, staring at Matt, not sure what to do.
 
Matt made himself look away, his gaze following Saffron's hand. " why not?" he asked softly. "I can see what I have to help with the pain... I don't think I have anything to help you sleep though...well.. except for some herbal tea crap...I got it for the twins... my.. sister used to swear by it. Can't stand the stuff myself..." he said with a slight smirk as he raised his hand to brush the lock of black hair back behind Saffron's ear again.
 
"I can never sleep in a bed...especially one I don't know..." Saffron replied softly, almost in a whisper. He had to struggle not to bit his lip again, if he did, he'd only make it bleed. "I'm not used to sleeping in a bed, I suppose..." He added, lowering his eyes.
 
"Not used....?" Matt let his question trail off and sighed, his thumb brushing over Saffron's lips softly. "you're sleeping in a bed, angel... get used to it. This is the only bed available right now... The twins beds are too small for them to share and you're in no shape to sleep on teh couch, even if I pulled it out." he said, then added softly. "Would it help if some stayed with you?"
 
Saffron shook his head, the hair falling back in his face again. "No...I don't know any one here...except Rin...and he probably wont stay..." He replied softly "Besides, if this your bed, where are you going to sleep?" He added, then blushed, for even asking that.
 
"Same place I did when the twins first arrived... the couch." he said simply. "Actually.. I spent half the first night sitting up here in a chair 'standing guard'... the rest of the week was on the couch until we got them their own beds crammed into their little room...I'm finishing the asement off for them.. seperate bedrooms down there. So.. I guess when they move donw.. you can have their old room .. if you want..."
 
Saffron snorted softly. He'd realized, while Matt was talking, that he didn't feel as sore as he had earlier. But he was exhausted. "I'm not used to this..." Saffron said softly, starting to lean back on a hand, but winced, and shifted, though the move caused him to tumbled forward a bit, and he had to catch himself again.
 
Matt frowned slightly as he slipped his arms around him and gently eased him back donw. "Are you sure you won't me to get something to help with the pain?" he asked simply as he leaned over him slightly, his hair falling forward and forming a curtain around his face. He paused there for a moment, the urge to lean in the rest of the distance and taste those lips so strong that he forgot to breath.
 
Saffron's breath caught , as he looked up at Matt. One hand had come to rest on Matt's chest when  he'd eased him back down on the bed, and his eyes were slightly wide. "It doesn't hurt so much..." He managed to answer in a whisper.
 
"good..." Matt said softly as he leaned closer and let his lips brush against Saffrons, his eyes closing at the contact. The first light kiss became a second, more serious kiss.. but despite the sudden intense 'need' he felt, Matt did his best to hold back.. the memory of the broken and battered form lying limp in his arsm just a short while ago held firm in his mind.
 
Saffron gasped behind the kiss, his eyes widening more, before he whimpered softly, his eyes closing, Something about the second more serious kiss seemed to cause something to click. If he hadn't believed Rin before, he was beliving him now. It felt so right, it was scary and Saffron pulled back, with another soft gasp, "Why did you do that?" He asked in a breathless whisper, looking up at him frightened.
 
Matt opened his eyes, looking donw at Saffron tenderly. The slight edge of fear in his voice made him pull back slightly, his fingers moving to tracing the edge of Saffron's face lightly. "I dont know... I... I just had too..." he said softly."I didn't mean to scare you, angel....Don't be afraid of me..." he said softly, his finger brushing overhis lips. "I never want you afraid of me....."
 
Saffron blinked, swallowing hard, his hand was still resting on Matt's chest. He drew in a deep breath, feeling the blush. "No one's ever kissed me like that..." He replied softly, closing his eyes a moment. Feeling Matt brushing his finger over his lips, made Saffron whimper softly again.
 
"Good..." Mat said again softly, Saffron's soft whimper sending a pleasant tingle through him. "fuck.... I don't knowwhat ytou're doing to mee, angel... whether this is this guardian thing or something else... but ... damn... I've never anted anyone as much as I want you..." he said, his voice soft and husky with desire as he continued to trace his lips gently. "But I'll wait... for awhile..."
 
Saffron started to move his hand, but left it were it was. "I've been 'wanted' before..." He replied in a whisper, but for some reason, Matt's words didn't frighten him. He swallowed hard again, about to make a fool of himself, but..."Would...would you kiss me again?" He asked in a whisper.
 
Matt forgot how to breathe again at Saffron's question and he quickly leaned back donw, capturing his lips with his own again. The almost electric tingle combined with the strange yet pleasant chill that flowed betwen them with the kiss was almost too much to bear on its own, let alone with the kiss itself. Matt maoned softly through the kiss as he slide one hand back through Safron's hair.
 
Saffron's hand slid up Matt's chest, before wrapping around his neck and his other hand ended up laying over Matt's heart on his chest, as he found himself kissing Matt back. It'd been a long time since he'd wanted some one to kiss him, or wanted to kiss some one himself. And Matt kissing him just felt so...wonderful. So perfect.
 
Loosing himself in the incredible way he felt at that moment, he let his other hand slide down, caressing Saffron's side as he went.Deepening the kiss further, he slipped his hand unde rthe edge of the shirt and onto bare skin. He moaned again, letting himself leaning into SAffron as he kissed him. It wasn't until his fngers brushed the edge of a bandage that he remembered and broke the kiss.
 
Saffron pulled back, struggling to catch his breath, staring up at Matt wide eyed. His arm was still around Matt's neck, the other hand where it was. For a moment, he couldn't believe this was even happening, it seemed so unlikely. "No one's ever made me feel like this..." He said softly, in awe.
 
"you're not alone on that one, angel..." Matt said softly. "this is new territory for me too..." he stole a quick kiss then pulled away, moving to sit on the side of the bed again, his hand resting on the shape of Saffron's leg beneath the blankets. "I want you, Saffron...I want all of you.... but i'll wait for you as long as I can..." he said simply. " Heal fast, angel.... i'm not good at waiting." he added with a smirk. "I'd better go see my dad and make sure the twins are behaving. Get some rest, babe..... if you want...." he paused, wondering if he'd have the strength. "If you want i can come sit with you while you sleep.... like i did for the twins..." he said, forcing himself to stand.
 
Saffron lay back in the bed, he felt...oddly cold now, even if he was under a blanket. He watched Matt for a moment, as he tried to make himself comfortable in the bed. "I...I wouldn't...I wouldn't mind..." Saffron replied softly. "Maybe...I'd sleep better...if you did..." He added, knowing he was blushing.
 
Matt smiled softly, feeling his face burn. "Then I'll be back up soon.Get some rest." he said and made himself head for the stairs. He hadn't heard the door open and shut, but he hadn;t heard voices in a while either... not that he'd been paying much attention..
 
Saffron lay back, watching him go, before sighing faintly, and making himself comfortable, before attempting to get some sleep, he wasn't sure he could...but it didn't take him long to drift off either.
 

 
Things had fallen silent down stairs. Lark was sitting on the floor near the fire place, watching the flames. Lexine was curled up in the chair. Rin was leaning back on the couch,his head tipped back and his eyes closed, though he opened his eyes at the sound of footsteps on the stairs. 
 
Matt slowly became aware that the storm had settled somewhat outside.. at least for the moment. The rain was still pelting the windows fairly loudly but the thunder and lightening seemed to have grown fainter. He headed to teh couhc and sat donw beside his father quietly. "You look tired dad... why don't you spend the night? The couch pulls out. I'm going to sit with Saffron anyhow...."
 
Rin snorted softly. "I would, if I didn't have to go hid our tracks. I don't want Right finding his way here...while he couldn't personally come knocking, he'd send his little group to do it." Rin answered. "Doesn't mean you have to, now." Lark said softly.
 
Matt shook his head softly, knowinghe wouldn't be talked out of doing what he thought he had to. "doesn't mean you can't come back when you're done and rest for a while." he added to Lark's comment.
 
"Yes, I know." Rin replied with a faint smile. "How is he?" He asked, nodding toward the stairs, though he had heard some of the conversation.
 
"Yes, I know." Rin replied with a faint smile. "How is he?" He asked, nodding toward the stairs, though he had heard some of the conversation.
 
Rin snorted softly, with a faint smirk. "I wont envy you when it does..." He sighed. "He'll hide, alot. and he wont be sure how to handle the new freedom...So you might have some trouble there...perhaps more then Lexine..." "He wasn't shackled to a bed, was he?" Lexine asked from his chair. Rin shook his head, glancing at the younger twin. "A belt, Lexine." He said simple. Lexine winced, not needing details.
 
Matt just dug his fingers into his legs to keep hold on his temper at hearing that. He knew he was going to be hearing a lot that he wasn't going to like, both form RIn and eventually form Saffron.. hopefully... He needed to be able to handle it. "He'll be fine. It'll be hell.. but... we'll get him through..."
 
"Hmm, makes me want to set them all on fire." Lark said from his spot. Rin smirked faintly. "You would be the one..." He said softly. Lark meerly smirked. Lexine shook his head. "Don't do that, Lark..." He said softly.
 
"It's alright, Lexi... I feel the same." Matt said simply. "Doesn't mean eithre of us will..." He looked at his father with a soft smirk of his own. "How long have you known, dad?"
 
Rin glanced at Matt. "Known what?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "You'll have to specify, considering I know quiet alot." Lark snorted from where he was, watching Rin. Lexine just curled up more in the chair, under the blanket he'd dragged out.
 
Matt snorted softly. "you know about what... about me and Saffron.. how long have you known...?" he asked softly. "And why didn't you ever say anything to me?"
 
Rin snorted faintly. "For...a long time. I think Saffron was...six when I found out. The day Saffron came into his powers, the same day LiVed took notice...It took some work to make sure LiVed didn't find out everything...rather wish we'd been able to keep him from finding out everything, but he'd been on the look out ofr the current death elemental."
 
MAtt stared at him for a moment. "Since he was SIX?! You've know I ws his guardian all this fucking time?! DAD!!" Matt gave a weary sigh and leaned back. "Fuck..." he muttered softly. "Why didn't you ever tell me..?"
 
"For the same reason, I didn't tell him until recently." Rin replied with a slight tone. "LiVed. LiVed at this moment does not KNOW you are his guardian. When he does...." Rin snorted softly. "The cards were read, the day he came into his powers...the same day you did...." Rin added. "What cards? Oh...THOSE cards..." Lark said from his spot. "They didn't just say that, did they?" Lark asked. Rin snorted, giving Lark a look.
 
Matt sighed and turned to face his father. "Dad... " he stopped and shook his head. "Never mind. Doesn't matter.. you've alwasy done what you thought was best.. no matter what... my feelings about it wouldn't have swayed you any how." he said with a slight smirk. "Hey guys... I'm going to head back up to sit with Saffron... you guys heading donw to bed or are you siting up too?" he asked.
 
Lexine and Lark looked at each other for a moment, considering. Rin snorted softly at Matt's words, shaking his head. "That's a conversation we've had before, and now is probably not the time to have it again." He said softly. "I think we'll turn in for the night." Lark said after a moment.
 
 
"Yeah dad.. I know.. that's why I said never mind... You're too fucking stubborn..." he said with a smirk."Alright you two..... try not to kill each other. Lex? You gonna be alright with the storm?You can come sit with me if you need to.." he said softly.
 
"Yes, well at least we know where YOU get it from." Rin replied softly, looking back at the fire. That comment made Lark smirk as he got up from the floor. "I'll be alright..." Lexine answered softly, crawling out of the chair.
 
"Yeah yeah.. like father like son... I'm so thrilled. Can't complain too much though... at least about myself..." Matt added with a wicked smirk.He looked back to Lex. "I mean it, kid... you need me... you come on up. You can sit with me or crawl in with Saffron... with any luck he'll be out anyhow."
 
"No, but we can complain." Lark said, taking a candle and heading for the twins room, and paused long enough to smirk at Matt. Rin chuckled. Lexine snorted softly, grabbing the blanket he had, to follow Lark.
 
"No.. you can't complian." Matt said, turning to watch the two of them head for the basement stairs. "You pay rent.. you can complain... until then.. tough shit." he said with a smirk. "Night you guys."
 
"We complain anyway, what are you talkin gabout..." Lark said with a laugh. "Night!" Lexine shook his head, giving Lark a slight push. "Don't start, Lexi!" Rin watched them disappear, amused.
 
Matt snorted softly as he watched the glow of the candle fade as they vanished donw the stairs. "Thanks for them, again , dad.... and thanks for Saffron too." he said softly, still watching the stairs for a moment befroe turning to the fireplace. "I hope you don't expect me to adopt him too..."
 
Rin stood from the couch, and snorted softly, looking at Matt. "I doubt it." He said simply. "As for the twins..." He shrugged. "They needed some one." He said simply. Some giggling was heard from below, and Rin shook his head. "I don't think I've ever seen either of them so...open."
 
Matt snorted softly, smirking. "Yeah... they're getting there... still have a long way to go.. and I'm not sure they'll ever get there completely.. but... it's a start.." he said softly. He stared into the fire for a minute before speaking softly. "I did something to him,didn't I?" he finaly asked. "I mean.... you saw him. he... he shoud be in a shit load of pain.... but he's not. Not really. And I can't be sure since I haven't seen him in really good lght, but... I think his wound aren't as bad asthey were...." he looked up at his father. "I did that....didn't I? I didn't mean to do anything... I didn't know I could, but... somehow...I did...."
 
Rin had picked up his cloak, from where he'd discared it, and sighed, before glancing at Matt. "Yes, you did. But it'd only ever work with him." He said softly. "It could be considered one of two things...either because you're his guardian...which is plausable...but only half of it. It's because you're a necromancer...and he's a death elemental. historically, the two have always been kept apart...because there are no two creatures in the world that is closer in power then a death elemental and necromancer...and because no one knows what well happen when they're together...it's known they can boost each other's abilities, but I think it goes much further then that."
 
Matt sighed softly then stood. "I'm not going to wind up hurting him because of what I am... am I?" he asked softly as he faced him. "  I mean.... well.. you know what I mean... "
 
"I don't think that's possible." Rin answered. He shook his head slightly. "I...have the opinion that...it'll be the exact opposite. One of the things that has always been a struggle for Saffron is his abilities...he despises what he is...and that no one else understands what it's like."
 
"Except me...right?" he asked softly then snorted "Fuck dad... you could've warned me... somehow." he said softly, his eyes going back to the fire. "Would've been nice to have some sort of warning that I was about to..." he sighed heavily then shook his head. "Neve rmind... I'm just being incredibly fucking stupid.Be careful, dad." he said simply.
 
Rin eyed him for a moment, before shaking out the cloak and throwing it on. He wouldn't tell Matt what else he knew... "I will." He said simply, heading for the door. "Be careful with him, Mattias..." He added.
 
Matt started to say something then stopped, sighing softly. " I'll do my damnest, dad... " he answered softly as he followed. "Dad... is this... how it feels to be a Guardian? Or...is this something else...?" he asked, knowing that there was no way he could answer.
 
"That I'm afraid...you'll have to find out on your own..." Rin answered softly, reaching the door. "But I suppose it depends on what you're feeling..." He added, glancing up toward the loft.
 
"I wish I knew, dad... " he said softly. "All I know is... it's more than i've ever felt before... I... " he followed his fathers gaze then sighed, a soft smirk starting. "I think I'm falling for him.. and I don't even know him... Fuck that's should scare the shit out of me, dad..... why doesn't it?"
 
"Because maybe that's how it should be." Rin answered with a shrug, knowing much more. His hope was if it was true, then it'd be good for Saffron. Very good for him. "Go on. If he wakes up, with out any one he knows, there'll be trouble."
 
"But he doesn't really know  me, dad... will he even remember he when he wakes up? If he's even sleeping?" he asked. "go on.. I'll look after him. I've done okay with the twins... I'll figure it out. Go lead Right on a wild goose chase..."
 
"He doesn't really know you yet..." Rin replied, shaking his head, before throwing on the cloak and openign the door. He disappeared with out another word.
 
Matt stood in the open door way for a moment, watching through the rain, then  stepped back inside with a heavy sigh. He locked the door and went to put out the fire and extinguish the candles, leaving just one that he carried with him as he walked through the former church to make sure it was locked up for the night. Satisfied, he returned to the sanctuary and headed quietly up the stairs to the loft, candle in hand, wondering if Saffron had managed to fall asleep or not.
 
Saffron had managed to curl up on his side, but was dreaming, fitfully, whimpering softly in his sleep, struggling to make himself wake up before they got any worse.
 
Matt set the candle on the bedside table and reached out to brush his fingers lightly over Safron's cheek. The mournful whimpers actually hurt him to hear and sat down besdie him, continuing to stroke his cheek. "It's okay, angel... you're safe now.." he said softly, not wanting to wake him, but wanting to stop whatever wascausing him distress. He leaned donw and kissed his foredhead tenderly.
 
Saffron twisted more, still struggling against the dreams which seemed to turn even worse, he hadn't had nightmares like this for a long time. He was aware of some one, trying to sooth him. And just before the dreams could turn any worse, Saffron came awake with a gasp, sitting up.
 
Matt sat back in time to avoid having Saffron collid with him, but stil managed to catch hold of him, his arms wrapping around him almost of their own accord. "It's alright, SAffron...you're with me now... you're safe..." he said softly, the brief sight of him laying there curled up in the candle light still in his minds eye.
 
Saffron found himself clinging to Matt, his head against Matt's shoulder, "It was all a nightmare..." He muttered softly, forcing his eyes open. "I haven't had nightmares that bad in a long time..." He added with a sigh.
 
Matt closed his eyes in silent relief that he'd known him and not freaked out more. "You had a rough night, babe... what do you expect? It's alright...I'm right here...." he said softly, brushing his lips against his forehed.
 
Saffron snorted softly, trying to decide if he should pull back or not. He hardly even knew Matt, yet he'd never felt so safe. "Wasn't rough, was a typical night with Right..." Saffron replied bitterly.
 
Matt coudn't help the soft growl of frustrated anger that slipped out at hearing that. "Doesn't matter... it's over now." he finally said, strugging to keep his voice soft."He won't ever touch you agan."
 
Saffron had winced at the growl, finally pulling back. "So you say...but Right is Right...and he's tortured me my entire life." He replied softly, not looking at Matt.
 
"And that's over and done with." Matt said a bit more firmly, tipping SAffron's face up to make him look at him. "I'm serious. you're with me, SAffron...I know you have no idea about any of this right now... but you will. You're safe here with me. Everything you knew.... it's over now."
 
"How do I know that? How do I know I'm safe with you? I'm a  slave. I've been a slave pet assassin to LiVed, my entire life, it's all I know. I'm kept, that's the only thing I know!" He replied with a dark edge.
 
"Fine...that's all you know, SO FAR." Matt insisted. "But you'll learn, SAffron... Until you do...If that's what you need to feel safe..than I'll 'keep' you ..  you're mine." he said firmly, a soft smirk tugging at the corner of his mouh  as his voice softened a bit more and he brushed his thumbs over his cheeks. "Not that I was planning on leting you go anyhow... "
 
Saffron looked up at him, staring at him a long moment. He considered everything, "Fine...I'm yours..." He replied softly.
 
Matt snorted softly, staring at him as he continued to stroke his thumbs over the soft cheeks... noticing how the bruise did indeed look better then it had donwstairs. "You're mine.." he repeated softly, liking the way it sounded. He kissed him again, trying to be gentle. He closed his eyes and pulled away slightyl, breaking the kiss before he could get lost. "Lay back down, SAffron... you need to get some more sleep."
 
He'd been caught off guard with the kiss, and stared at him slightly wide eyed. "But do you really want me?" He asked softly, forcing himself to lay back on the bed.
 
Matt smiled softly. "Yeah, SAfron... I do. But like I said....I'l try to wait..."he said, then leaned donw and kissed hism quickly again,  pulling the blanket up over him before blowing out the candle and heading towards the overstuffed chair in the corner, overlooking the sanctuary. He shoved the small pile of clothes off of it and onto the floor and sat donw, facing the bed. "Good night, SAffron...I'm right here if you need me.."
 
"I need some one..." Saffron replied softly, laying there, staring up at the ceiling in the darkness. "Maybe Rin was right..." he added, closing his eyes. "Maybe I have needed you..."
 
Matt  sat there, not saying anything more; staring at the seemingly tiny figure in his bed and letting his eyes grow stronger in the darkness. With LEx he'd sat right here, only speaking softly when  he cried out in his sleep or moving to sit on the edge of the bed and stroke his hair, urging him back to sleep when he'd awaken. With Saffron however, he was finding it hard to just sit here...
 
Saffron rolled over, unsure why he coudln't fall asleep. He curled up on his side, staring toward the curtained window, hearing the rain falling. Which only meant he wouldn't be able to look at the stars. He was more then aware of Matt in the chair. And oddly enough there was part of him tempted to tell him he didn't have to sleep in the chair...
 
Matt leaned back, resting his feet on the edge of the bed and listened to the sound of the rain drumming on the roof and the window combined with the sounds of the old building itself. Even over these he could hear the odd whisper of spirits as they came to investigate the new person in their midst. He smirked softly, wondering how SAffron would like his new home... The twins had been a bit leery at first about living in an old church in the middle of a cemetary, but had quickly settled in. Saffron'd reaction should prove interesting... a Death Elemental who didn't like who and what he was... Yeah.. this was going to be interesting alright..
 
Saffron sighed softly, trying to make himself comfortable. While he wasn't in complete pain, he was certainly sore. Though that didn't seem to be the reason he couldn't fall asleep. That seemed to be more to do with the fact his abilities seemed to be alert to things. He was aware of all the living presenses around, but more aware of all the dead.
 
Matt heard the soft sigh and rustling movement from the bed. "You alright?"  he asked softly, tempted to leave his chair and go see for himself. He'd never been so torn about something before... Usually if he wanted something this bad.. he went after it, but with Saffron... the memory of how broken he'd looked as he held him...
 
"I told you I couldn't sleep in a strange bed..." Saffron answered softly, turning his head in Matt's direction, though he couldn't really see him. He knew exactly where he was. He was exhausted, and sore, but he couldn't sleep...he knew Rin was gone, and couldn't help but feel alone now.
 
Matt sighed softly and sat forward. "You want me to get you some  tea or something?" he asked.
 
Saffron finally sat up. "No..." He answered softly, still looking in Matt's direction. He finally forced himself to looking away, turning his gaze instead toward the window, before he crawled off the bed, managing to stand, though some what wobbly, and started to approach the window.
 
Matt watched him for a moment then stood and followed, staying close enough to catch him if he had to. "You shouldn't be up, you know... " he said softly, trying not to notice how his shirt looked so big on Saffron's smaller frame; how small and lost it made him look in the faint light fomr the window.
 
"Its either that, or lay there going out of my mind, until I did fall asleep, if I fell asleep..." Saffron answered, stopping at the window, pushing a curtain aside. Some how he wasn't surprised to see a cemetery outside the window, that explained that. "How long have you lived here?" He asked, changing the subject.
 
Matt smirked softly as he stepped up behind him, the borrowed shirt brushing against him as he moved the curtain. "I don;t know.... a while... about four or five years now I guess..." he answered softly. "Doesn't bother you, does it? Living here...?"
 
"Its peaceful..." Saffron replied, aware of just how close Matt was, but he continued gazing out the window, watching the rain falling heavy. "Something I haven't known in a long time, when death is concerned..." He added with a sigh.
 
"It's not that bad, Saffron.. or... it doesn't have to be.." Matt said softly. "You're alone in having to live with death, you know..." He closed his eyes, just breathing n the soft scent of him, fighting the urge to wrap his arms around him... then realized that maybe it was what SAffron needed most of all. He carefully reached out, resting his hands on Saffron's waist as he closed the small distance between them, presing against his back. If SAffron leaned back, he'd wrap his arms around him and hold him.. if not.. he'd just stay like this until he pulled away..
 
Matt's move surprised Saffron, but for some reason, he didn't want to pull away. This was the kind of attention Saffron had wanted more then anything else in his life before, and for some reason, he felt that it was Matt he needed. Taking a breath, he allowed himself to relax, and ended up leaning back against him.
 
Smiling softly, he slipped his arms around Saffron, holding him gently against his chest. "You have a new start here with me, Saffron. I'll help you find your way..." he said simply, "I didn't believe it once either.. but I've learned.. there IS life amoung death... and it's whatever you make it."
 
"And the life I've had so far was only of death and servitude...do you really have any idea what it's like, knowing you can kill some one with just a touch, if you're so inclined?" Saffron replied softly, bitterly. "He had me take so many innocent lives...and have me beat when I didn't...all because he planned to keep me...knowing what I am...not just a death elemental, but being the daughter of the seal..."
 
"But al you did was take their lives, SAffron... It didn't hurt them, did it? Not unless you wanted to.. and I'm guessing.. you didn;t want it too..." Matt said softly, letting his cheek brush against Saffron’s hair. "I can do much worse if I want... I try not too...."
 
"It was enough to take their lives, when they hadn't done anything to me..." Saffron let the curtant drop back in place, but continued to let Matt hold him. "I suppose it is a good thing Rin got me out of there when he did...LiVed was only waiting for the right time to drag me to the Seal, so I could change..."
 
"Mystical Fae shit.... yeah.. dad's mumbled about some of it in a vague mysterious fashion... now I know why..." Matt said softly, his eyes closed as he held him. "Probably checking to see what I knew or if it rang any bells with me..." he said, then sighed. "You really think some stone circle in another realm is going to change who you are?"
 
Saffron snorted softly, a faint smirk coming to his lips. "Not who...what..." He replied softly. "I wouldn't have anything to do with the Seal if it wasn't for the fact I'm what I am...thanks to my mother...and when I finally go to the seal...I'll turn back to being a girl..."
 
Matt smirked softly in response and gave a soft sigh. "Fuck.. my dad is seriously twisted...." he muttered softly, suddenly clueing in on a few of his dad's more cryptic comments and attitude. "One of these days... I'll get back at him for not letting me know what he knows..." he added just as softly, then brushed his lips against Saffron's hair. "Then I'm even more glad that my father got you away..."
 
"Considering LiVed's plans for me when I did change...I suppose the only reason I would have considered it, was the fact that when I did go to the seal and change, Right wouldn't be able to touch me anymore..." Saffron replied softly, and found himself turning slightly in Matt's arms, almost as if making himself more secure.
 
Matt tightened his arms around him, holding him that much closer. "Right can't touch you any more, anyhow, angel." he said softly, kissing the soft black hair again. " He'll never touch you again. Fuck.. I have anything to say about it.. he'l never so much as look at you again..."
 
"You know that...even if Rin is able to lead him astray...Right will eventually find out where I am...LiVed is never going to let me go with out a fight..." Saffron replied softly, laying his head against Matt's shoulder.
 
"Then he'll get one... because I won;t let you go with out one.. and I don't like to lose." he said simply, wondering if his heart was pounding loudly enough for SAffron to hear... he could probaby feel it clear enough. Blushing slightly, Matt leaned down to brush his lips over Saffrons cheek lightly. "Dont worry about it right now, angel... you're safe here .. with me..."
 
Saffron turned his head slightly, enough to look up at Matt. "I suppose I shouldn't worry...considering I'm yours..." He replied softly. He blushed slightly. If Matt was anyone else, he wouldn't even be this close to Saffron, which should have scared Saffron, but...it didn't.
 
Matt smiled softly at Saffron's words. "no.. you shouldn't worry...." he said, SAffron saying that he was his sending his heart leaping even faster and he was afraid that Safforn would feel his arousal and pull away again... Holding him was one thing.. but he'd seen what had been done to him.. and rape was definately a part of it. He moved just enough so his 'condition' wasn't quite so obvious. "You should be resting though... "
 
"I told you, I can't..." Saffron replied softly. "I know I should...gods know I'm exhausted...I just...can't seem to fall asleep...and when I do...then the nightmares start..." He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment.
 
"Didn't say sleep... though you should." Matt said softly. "Just said  to rest." He loosened his hold on him, bringing one hand up to stroke through his hair tenderly. "Come lay down... we can still talk if you want.. but.. lay down." he said simply.
 
Saffron opened his eyes, looking up at Matt a moment. He bit his lip slightly, glancing toward the bed for a long moment, considering. "Alright..." He answered softly.
 
Matt stepped aside so Safron could pass by, keeping one arm around his waist, then changed his mind and slipped an arm beneath his knees, lifting him into his arms for the short walk to the bed. He settled him back in place, then sat on the edge of the bed beside him. "Go on.. get comfortable... then we can talk if you want..."
 
"You didn't have to do that..." Saffron said softly, though he did attempt to make himself more comfortable, settling back against the pillows. "But thank you...I think..." He added with a slight blush, glad it was dark.
 
"I can see better in the dark than you can... and I know my way around in here..." he said simply in way of excuse. "Plus I wanted to... and your welcome." He fussed with the edge of one blanket, trying not to think about the way his arma seemed to feel empty after holding him. "So what would you like to talk about?"
 
Saffron chewed on his lip a moment, trying not to look at Matt to much. "Rin said I had two younger siblings living here with you..." He said softly. "That they'd been here with you for awhile...and that you'd...adopted them..."
 
"Yeah...Larkin and Lexine. Lex grew up alot like you did, I guess... he was Abadon's favorite slave... spent most of his time chained to the bastards bed form what I was told... Lex doesn't talk about it.. and we try not to talk about things that might remind him about it... He's still pretty fragile, but he's getting better." Matt said softly, turning on the bed so he was facing him, one leg folded in front of him. "LArk had it the best of the three of you, I guess... He was raised by some hooker in Paris and pimped out since he was just a kid... " he answered honestly. " They're under age and we needed some legal tie so no one could stake a claim on them through the courts... Less hassle the better. Rin helped set everything up... and it wasn't like I was planning on having kids anyhow.. guess this is one way to carry on a family name. not that it deserves to be carried on or anything.."
 
 
"Well at least...they have something of a family..." Saffron said softly, raising a hand to brush the hair out of his face. "By the time I turned 20 this year, I'd rather given up on the idea...The only....person in the Black Court, I was...close to was...Rin...if you want to call it close...but he left when I was seventeen..."
 
"you have family now, Safron." Matt said softly, his hand moving to rest lightly against one blanket covered leg. "you have the twins, and you have me.. and Rin."
 
"Did he...ever talk about me?" Saffron asked softly, not minding where Matt's hand was. "He talked about you...not often, but...fondly." He added softly, blushing even more then he had before.
 
Matt smirked softly. "Dad's not one for volunteering info. I hadn't seen him in a few years, then he shows up one day after I took possesion of this place.. and asked if I could look into finding  some talisman that would let him visit me on holy ground... Apparently its a blood magic thing and since my mothers family deal in that..." he snorted softly. "Couple months later he shows up again, gets the talisman and asks what I know about the Seal and some other fae legends... then vanishes again..."Matt snorted softly. "Next time I see him, he shows up on my door step in the middle of the night... rather like he did tonight... so as you can see... not much for long chats.."
 
Saffron smiled faintly. "Yus, well, I was very persistant for conversation, I didn't talk to any one else in the Black Court...he was my tutor. LiVed wouldn't allow me to attend school of course, but he wanted me well taught..."Saffron trailed off there, not sure he should talk about any more...he doubted Rin would have even told Matt that he'd know Saffron had been in love with him...
 
"I was never much one for conversation either... My mothers family didnt care for me and after I died, I looked after myself until dad found me..... then it was a toss up between him, my friend Marilee and myself... and the only one who cared to talk much.. was Marilee.” Matt said simply, not wanting to think of what Saffron;s life had been like.” He never said so.. but I think he liked her... She was loud, flashy and pushy as hell... but she managed to  get me to do the shit I needed to...Something he couldn't do."
 
"Rather strange, considerign Rin was very good at getting me to do the things I needed to do..." Saffron replied softly, knowing he had yet to stop blushing. "He was the only one in that place that was ever good to me..."
 
"Yeah well...  you weren't his son and didn't have his stubborn streak. I'm a giant pain in the ass, so I've been told." he said with a soft smirk, then sighed softly. "I'm glad he was there for you, Saffron. I wish it could've been me.. but since it wasn't.. I'm glad it was him.."
 
Saffron yawned sleepily, turning on his side, more toward Matt. "Maybe it was, and maybe it wasn't a good thing..." Saffron muttered softly, his eyes closed. "He was the only one nice to me...and I fell in love with him..." He added sleepily.
 
Matt gave a soft snort and let his hand stroke along Saffron's leg lightly. "Like I said... I wish it could've been me... but since it coudn't...." he let his voice trail off. Hearing Saffron say he'd fallen in love with Rin stung.... but not enough to make hearing him say that he was his feel any less wonderful or true. And he doubted that his father returned SAffrons feelings...
 
"Hmm...it was one sided..." Saffron replied with another yawn. "And I think it's why he left...when I was seventeen..." He added. "He always said I was meant for some one else..." He curled a little bit more toward Matt, not even realizing he was, just for the comfort..
 
Matt smiled softly, watching him, then shifted, laying donw on the bed beside him, the blankets between them. He folded one arm beneath his head and lay on his side watching Saffron. "Yeah... you're mine, remember?" he asked softly,  reaching out to stroke a finger along one pale cheek. "you're tired, Saffron... don;t fight it... just sleep."
 
"Am not sleepy..." Saffron muttered, but ended up laying against Matt, snuggling against him. "But if I'm yours...does that mean I was meant for you?" He asked sleepily.
 
"Yeah...I'm you're Guardian, Saffron... so you were definatly meant for me..."he said softly, holding him, his cheek resting against his hair. "And even if you weren't... I'd make you mine anyhow..." he added softly.
 
"Hmm..." Saffron muttered even more sleeply. "I don't think I'd mind being yours..." He layed his head on Matt's shoulder. "But maybe it's a good thing I'm yours..." He added, his eyes closed.
 
"A very good thing." Matt added softly, stroking his back lightly as he held him. "You'll be happy here, SAffron." he said, brushing his lips over the dark hair. "You'll be happy with me."
 
"Mmm...good..." Saffron muttered, slowly falling asleep. He ended up snuggling even closer against Matt, as if desperate to be as close as possible. Maybe because it was because he felt so safe with Matt...or something more.
 
Matt smiled softly as he held Saffron, part of him wishing the blanket wasn't in the way... and the rest of him glad it was. "I won't leave you, SAffron...I'm right here." he said softly. "I won;t let you go... you're safe now.."
 

 
By the time morning came, it was still grey and dreary, but not raining, for now. Lexine and Larkin had emerged from their room down stairs and Larkin headed for the kitchen. lexine started to follow, but paused, glancing up toward the loft. Larkin on the other hand, proceeded to stumble into the end table, while yawning, and knocked off a few books. "Damn it!" Larkin cursed. "Lark, be quiet!" Lex hissed in reply. Lark stuck his tongue uot at Lex as he picked up the books he'd knocked off.
 
"Damn books, why couldn't you put these some where else..." Lark muttered, giving Lexine a look. Lexine returned it with a look of his own, before turning toward the kitchen. "You think he's still asleep?" Lark asked, glancing toward the loft. "I don't know...I'm not psychic..." Lexine replied.
 
One Lark had the books back on the table and Lexine had disappeared intot he kitchen, Lark considered taking a peek upstairs, but decided against it, and followed his twin into the kitchen.
 
 
 
Matt's eyes snapped open at the noise, his body tensed for trouble, then automatically relaxing as he recognized the whispered voices. The soft body curled against him brought a smile to his face and he curled his arm a bbit tighter around him. His other arm was still tucked beneath his head and was numb with sleep.
 
Saffron was aware of noise and movement around him, and frowned in his sleep, slightly aware he was still cuddled against Matt. He stirred slightly, starting to wake.
 
Matt buried his face in Saffron;s hair, breathingly deeply. He wanted to enjoy the moment as much as he could before the day intruded.
 
Saffron stirred more, waking finally, stretching with a yawn. It was about then he became aware he was snuggled up Matt, and he pulled back a bit to fast, because his head spun. With a whimper, he managed to force his eyes open and looked up at Matt a bit wide eyed.
 
"shhh.." Matt said softly, his hand moving back to stroke Saffron;s back lightly. "It's alright, angel... It's just me...." he said, not moving form his spot, despite the painful tingle starting in the arm tucked under his head. "I won't hurt you, Saffron..."
 
Saffron blinked, he glanced around the loft bedroom, biting his bottom lip. The feel of Matt's hand on his back and the soft words, calmed Saffron, and he ended up moving back close. "I forgot..." He said softly.
 
"It's alright." Matt said simply, letting his arm wrap around him again, pulling him closer. He lifted his head, freeing his trapped arm with a wince before giving it a light shake and wrapping it around Saffron as well. "See? Slept all night in a strange bed... with no bad dreams... Told I'd be here for you..." he sid with a soft smirk.
 
"I've never slept with some one holding me..." Saffron replied softly, hesitantly laying his head on Matt's shoulder a moment. "Maybe that's why I didn't have any more nightmares..." He added softly.
 
Matt  smirked softly, closing his eyes as he held SAffron close again. "If I can guard you frm nightmares in my sleep... then maybe you should always sleep here..." he said softly.
 
Saffron blushed, but didn't move from where he was. "Maybe..." He answered softly. There was a lot of noise suddenly coming from the kitchen, including one of the twins remark about something being incredibly gross.
 
Matt groaned loudly and buried his face a bit deeper into SAffron;s hair, his arms tightening around him for a moment. Then with a loud sigh Matt pulled free and reluctantly sat up. "Well... so much for sleeping in..." he said with a wry snort. "I've got kids to go glower at... make yourself at home, angel." he said, then  leaned in and stole a quick kiss.
 
"Are they like this every morning?" Saffron asked softly, finally moving enough to sat up. He felt stiff, and a bit sore, but, didn't hurt. He glanced down at his wrists, noticing how the wounds from last night seemed to have healed over to look like old scars amung the others.
 
"Nah." Matt said lightly as he stood and stretched, then pulled off his shirt, tossing it towards the hamper and rummaged out a clean one. "They're normally louder... I think they're behaving because of you."
 
Saffron glanced up at Matt, watching him a bit wide eyed a moment, before making himself look away. "Well...I guess I should count myself lucky then..." He said softly, folding his legs under him on the bed.
 
Matt snorted at that as he found a shirt then debated on whether he should change completely or not. A shower would be nice too, but with the twins already up and arguing he doubted he'd get one. "Sure... for now." Matt said, deciding on just the clean shirt and a change of underwear which he  had too root through his dresser to find. Obviously it was time to either do laundry.... or let Lexine loose up here to 'organize' . "But that won't last once they get comfortable with you... " he said, finding what he was looking for. He tossed the clean shirt and bikini breifs on top of the dresser and began undoing his jeans, his back still turned to Saffron.
 
"And how old are they?" Saffron asked in reply with a slight smirk, turning his gaze from the stainglass window across from the loft, back toward Matt, his eyes widening slightly more as he watched him.
 
Matt smirked softly, almost positive Saffron was watching him even without any spirits around to tell him so. He pulled off his jeans as he spoke. “Sixteen I think… probably a little over half, actually. Yeah… that sounds right… “ he said as he paused and yanked off his socks too, tossing them towards the hamper. “I suck at dates and shit. Ask them if you want to know for sure.”
 
Saffron titled his head to the side, still watching Matt, though he knew he really shouldn't and he was blushing. "I'll remember that..." He said softly. "Well, either way, that puts them...four years younger then me...which...makes sense...since I was...almost three...or a few months over three when my mother left..."
 
Mat snorted softly as he changed the briefs, then retrieved his jeans and pulled them back on. "Like I said... I suck at it... I could be way off... ask them." he said as he eyed the mess that was his dresser and decided if he stood a chance of finding a clean pair of socks... With a snort he found his deodorant then ran his fingers through his hair quickly. "Ready to go meet them? You'll have toborrow clothes fomr them since they're closer to your size than I am..." he said, his tshirt in hand.
 
Saffron finally forced himself to look away and bit his lip. "I don't know...I think I rather just stay here..." He said softly, looking back at his hands.
 
Matt watched him a moment, then moved to sit beside him on the bed. He reached out to stroke his finger over Saffron's cheek. "You have to meet them sooner or later, angel... They're your family." he said softly. "And you can't hide in my bedroom forever... although... it is a very appealing idea..." he added with a smirk.
 
Saffron blushed more, a shiver passing through him at Matt's touch. "I suppose you're right...I can't hide...." He said softly, his eyes still on his hands.
 
Matt slipped his fingers beneath Saffron chin, trailing them lightly for a minute before coaxing his face up. "I know I can be scary... but surely I'm not THAT bad too look at...?" he asked playfully, his eyes sparkling.
 
Saffron looked up at him, and only blushed more. "No, you're not that bad to look at..." He replied softly, a slight smile coming to his lips, despite the blush.
 
Matt smiled softly and leaned in to kiss him lightly. "Good to know..." he said softly. "The tattoo's don;t bother you, do they?" he asked, before kissing him softly again.
 
"No..." Saffron answered softly behind the kiss. "I like them, actually..." He added, blushing a bit more. "And the blue hair..."
 
"good to know..." Matt said again, going for another kiss. The raised voices from downstairs intruded again and he sighed heavily with a groan. "Definately finishing that basement... so I can lock the little brats down there.." he said, steal;ing a quick kiss before standing up. "I'll go settle whatever arguement they're having and see what I can get together for breakfast... shall I bring you something? Or will you come down?"
 
Saffron glanced toward the stairs, considering a moment, before sighing softly. "I'll come down..." He said softly. "Can't stay up here forever, despite it being a nice idea..." He added with a slight smirk.
 
"No... "Matt said simply. "But you can stay up here until I steal some clothes for you.... no need to meet them in my shirt... although.. you look damn good in my shirt..." he added with a wicked smirk.
 
"As big as it is on me, I doubt I'd be that uncomfortable meeting them like this..." Saffron replied, glancing away from the smirk, This was going to take some getting used to, to say the least.
 
"Good... actually..." Matt smirked,. blushing slightly. "To be truthful... you might not be that comfortable borrowing their stuff for long... Since I got them to start choosing their own stuff.. they tend to lean towards... more feminie stuff. Looks great on them.. and .. fuck.. bet it would great on you...But if thats not what you like.." he gave a slight shrug. "But we'll get you some stuff of your own as soon as we can."
 
Saffron snorted softly, moving enough to lean back a moment on his hands, and tilted his head to the side. "Considering the way i grew up, I'm guessing then the twins and I have a LOT in common...maybe it's a good thing I don't have any of my...wardrobe from the black court, or they might steal most of it..." Saffron replied, slightly sarcastically, aware of a fight raging in the kitchen.
 
Matt raised an eyebrow, letting his gaze roam over SAffron again, his imagination at work. Suddenly he cleared his throat. "Right... kay... let's go break up the fight and get you some clothes..." he said, heading for the stairs. "Before you lose what little you have on.." he mumbled half under his bretah, blushing slightly.
 
Saffron watched him go for a moment, before finally moving to crawl off the bed, getting to his feet. With a sigh, he followed Matt slowly, down the stairs and toward the kitchen. It wasn't so much a fight as it was arguing from the kitchen. "Honest to gods, Lexi.." Lark was saying, in the midst of making pancakes. Lexine was sitting at the table, working on a list for groceries, while a small black cat ate from a dish near by.
 
"Can't you brats do anything without fighting?" Matt asked easily as he entered the kitchen, the tshirt slung over one shoulder. He paused, bending to pet the cat, his eyes on the twins as he heard the soft, almost silent footfalls behind. "Lark... Lex... I';d lie you to meet your brother, Saffron... Saffron... the one covered in flour is Larkin, and the one with the spare pen tucked behind his ear is Lex."
 
Lark waved cheerfully with a spactula in one hand.  Lexine bit his lip but gave a slight wave. Saffron eyed them both, before snorting softly. "Well at least you ended up looking like our mother..." He said softly. Not that he looked any different, except for the black hair and darker eyes. "You remember her?" Lexine suddenly asked. "A bit...I was three or so when she left..." Saffron said softly.
 
Matt pulled out a chair at the table and ushered Safron into it, then headed for the coffee perk. Scowling at the empty pot he shot Lark a look then started a pot. "After breakfast, you two can see what you can find for SAff to where... we'll head in town shopping later I guess... " he said then sighed . "Oh and... I can't find any of my shit... don;t suppose I could someone to help upstairs?"
 
Lark snickered and shrugged. "Didn't know you wanted coffee, we had tea." He said simply about the coffee. Lexine had glanced at Matt about not being able to find anything. "Well since you're organization is terrible..." He said softly, "I'll take a look later." Saffron had propped his chin up on his hand, watching both the twins. "Oh and there's a dead rat on the patio." Lark said as he cooked. "Twice the size of Iggy, but we think she brought it back for you anyway..."
 
Matt smirked and glanced over his shoulder at the tiny bundle of balck fur growling softly as she gobbled up whatever was in her dish. "That right? You bring me back a present, Ig?" he asked then looked to Saff. "Sorry... Saffron.. meet my ugly little iggy..Iggy... this is SAffron.. a new  roommate. Play nice." he said then turned back to watch the coffee pot slowly filling before sending another look Larkin's way. "didn't know I';d want coffee....." he grumbled softly with a snort.
 
"See, if that's the case, then you can make your own coffee." Lark said with a smirk. "But if you want coffee before you arrive, leave a note the night before." He added. Lexine snorted softly, while he worked. "And the dead rat already freaked Lexi out, so." Lark added. "Did not..." Lexine muttered. Saffron found this all amusing.
 
Matt snorted again as he retrieved a mug form the cupboard. "Lark... when have I ever NOT had coffee when I got up?" he asked simply. "And I'll get the rat, calm the fuck down. It's dead, for fucks sake.. it's not going to hurt you or anything."  he glanced over at SAffron who was smirking lightly. "Coffee, babe? Or would you like 'tea' ..?" he asked,  facing a face at the word then winked.
 
"Coffee's fine." Saffron answered softly. "Oo, another coffee drinker..." Lark remarked, finishing making enough pancakes for everyone. "And for your information, I can count a few times when you HAVEN'T had coffee when you got up." he added, giving Matt a look. Lexine snickered softly.
 
Matt scowled at LArk as he grabbed a second mug. "I ALWAYS have coffee when I get up... just some times I have to wait until I get to town to have it!" he said then frowned. He glanced over his shoulder. "You don't take any milk or cream, do you? I don't know how much we have or if the chef here left any...."
 
Lark rolled his eyes. "You're not incapable of pushing the start button on the pot you know...you're finger isn't broken..." Saffron was finding it harder not to laugh out right out at this. "Sugar is the only thing I have in my coffee, thank you..." He said softly, the smirk evident. "Lark's only seeing out far he can push buttons this morning..." Lexine said softly with out even looking up.
 
Matt snorted as he poured the coffee. "I make my own damn coffee most of the time, thnk you... since a pair of brats refuse to be nice enough to put it on for me.." he added in a mock grumble. He set the mug in front of SAffron, then set the sugar dish and a spoon on the table as well before taking his seat. A soft mew sounded and Iggy leap onto the table beside him. "Hey lady... get your hairy ass of the table..." he said, scooping her up and setting her on the shoulder where his shirt still lay.
 
"You never ask." Lark replied simply, before sitting fast on the table, and taking away Lexine's pad of paper. Lexine gave him a look, Lark ignored him. "Typical morning?" Saffron asked softly. "Oh, pretty much..." Lark replied.
 
Matt snatched the pad of paper frm Lark's hands and tossed it back to Lex with one hand while he drank his coffee. "Leave your brother alone or I'll make you go bury the rat... and clean my room.." Matt said lightly, then gave Lark's hip a light whack. "and you can get your ass off the table to."
 
Lark stuck his tongue out at Matt, Lexine took back his pad and went back to work. "Ass..." Lark muttered, before going back to the counter. Saffron decided to stay quiet, meerly sipping on his coffee in reply.
 
"Yeah I am.. deal with it." Matt said simply then glanced at Lex. "try not to break the bank kid..." he added, eyeing the list. "Have to buy SAffron some clothes and stuff too, remember?"
 
Lexine snorted softly without even looking up. "Have I ever?" He asked softly. "I'll go see about some clothes." He added, getting up after a moment, Lark glanced back at him. "Anything but my good jeans." Lark said. Lexine rolled his eyes.
 
Matt snorted softly, but was smiling into his coffee, Iggy perched on his shoulder, her tail wrapped around his neck.. Slitted golden eyes watched SAffron intently as Matt reached up to scartch at her chin. "CAreful, Ig... you'll slide right off... that shirts not attached.." he said lightly.
 
Saffron had turned his gaze toward the patio door, looking out at the cemetery. "So...you adopting him to?" Lark asked. Saffron snorted softly. "I think at 20, I'm a little to old to be adopted." He said softly with out looking at either of them.
 
Matt let his gaze fall of Saffron, thoughtful. "No." he answered softly. "Definately not adopting him..." he said simply then finished his coffee. He scopped Ig off his shoulder as he stood, and pulled his shirt on. "Come on Ig... show me what you brought me... " he said  as he headed for the patio and the rat.
 
Lark was quiet a moment, "Wait, you said you were three when our mother left..." Lark turned to look at Saffron. "Whats your last name...?" He asked softly. "Azreal." Saffron answered suddenly, and with a rather cold tone. "And that is the only surname I will use!" Lark blinked. "Why?" Lark asked softly. "Because he sold me to LiVed!" Saffron snapped. Lark fell quiet, biting his lip.
 
Matt paused at the door, Iggy twining between his ankles as he looked back at Safron.The pure venom in his tone had surprised him. "How do you know that?" Matt said softly. "From what Dad's said, you were just a kid.... you actually remember ?"
 
"I was nine, when I was taken from the house in Ireland, first to the Black Court, then to Hell and left for four years." Saffron replied, sitting down his coffee cup, his eyes had turned black. "And I was reminded constantly of the fact that he sold me to LiVed because I changed." He added. "Changed?" Lark asked softly. "I was a girl, until I was four." Saffron said simply.
 
"Kay.. see.. that doesn't make sense, babe... "Matt said. "You said you were 'taken'... and 'reminded'... but you didn't answer my question... do you actually remember him handing you over to them?" he asked. "I mean.. if you changed when you were four... and he hated it that much.. why raise you for another five years  by himself before getting rid of you?"
 
Lark shook his head at Matt, this wouldn't be a subject he'd want to push right now... "It was the middle of the night, thank you! Rather or not he actually literally handed me over is irrelevant. On top of that, he never did try to get me back!" Saffron snapped. "Ten years, if he'd wanted me, he could have found me!"
 
"Middle of the night..."you know babe.. sounds more to me like you were kidnapped and brain washed." Matt said simply. "And unless your dad was fae, I don;t see how he could've followed you to the Black Court or to Hell..." he added. "Maybe you should consider who told you this story and rethink the matter before you decide." He opned the patio door, Iggy slipping between his feet and out side."After all... I was raised to believe that my father, not only didn't wnat me, but would rather see me dead... and look how wrong that was..." he added softly before slipping out after the cat.
 
Saffron actually looked ready to throw the coffee cup in Matt's direction. Lark sighed deeply. "Ignore him over that...he does it alot..." Lark said softly. Saffron didn't say anything, but got up, leaving the kitchen. Lark had to sigh again, watching him leave. So much for breakfast...
 

 
Matt found the rat lying on the patio stones and raised an eyebrow as Iggy sat next to her prize and looked up at him. "Don;t look so smug." he muttered softly as he squatted donw and scartched her ears before grabbing the corpse by the tail. "It is pretty impressive though... Tough litle lady, aren;t you?" he said with a smirk, then sighed and glanced back towards the kitchen. "come on... let's go find a suitable resting place for your gift... unless you want to eat him?"
 
Saffron headed back upstairs, even as Lexine emerged from down stairs with a bundle of clothes, but even Lexine noticed the aggravation, and sat the clothes on the table next to the stairs, before going back into the kitchen. "What was that about?" Lexine asked softly. Lark snorted. "Matt said the wrong thing..."Lark said simply. "Ah..."
 
 
Matt disposed of the rat, careful not to hurt Ig's feelings on the matter.. last time he'd tossed her 'gift', she'd been offended and had taken great joy in clawing the shit out of his favorite boots. Once the rat was taken care of, he headed back inside, wondering if Saffron had calmed donw any. He opene dthe patio door to see the twins still in their spots and no sign of their brother. Both twins turned and shot him looks and he sighed as he shut the door. "Ah fuck... what'd I do now?"
 
Lark snorted, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the counter. "I would suggest, next time...don't question what he believes on a subject like that, right off...you know..." Lark said softly. "yeah...if it's something he's...grown up thinking, well, you know..." Lexine added softly. "He went upstairs." Lexine added.
 
Matt snorted and eyed the two of them for a moment. "What? I can't believe he BELEIVES the shit they tell him! After everything they've done to him and put him through.. and he's still taking their side of things?" he snorted and headed past them. "Kid's been brainwashed into believing the bad guys .. thats all.."
 
"Exactly!" Both twins said in reply with a tone. "Its all he knows, isn't it? He's never been told anything else..." Lark said softly. "After all...I thought all I ever knew was that I was born to be a slave, and would die one..." Lexine added even softer. "What we mean is...WE know it's not true, but...you're going to have to be a little more gentle in convincing him." Lark added. But twins seemed to be trying very hard to repress smirks.
 
Matt snorted, but followed it with a soft sigh as he headed out of the kitchen. "Yeah... well we all know I'm an asshole... ..." he muttered to himself as he headed up the stairs.
 
Saffron was sitting on the bed, facing the window, but was staring at the floor, silent tears falling. He wasn't sure if he was more angry, or hurt by everything down in the kitchen, and it all left him confused.
 
Matt stopped as he reached the top of the stairs and saw Saffron. with aheavy sigh he walked over and sat beside him. "Sorry... it's been pointed out that I was an insensitive ass for speaking my mind donw there...." he said softly and slipped his arm around Saffron's shoulders. "Please don;t cry over me.. I'm not worth it."
 
"I'm not crying over you." Saffron replied simply, raising his hand to wipe at the tears, but kept his gaze on the carpet. "But just so you know in the future, it's not a subject I like to discuse..." He added in the same simple, and almost cold tone.
 
"So noted.." Matt said simply. "But just so you know in the future, " he added. "I generally don;t give a shit what people like or don;t like... And I'm not usually one for conversation... I'm an ass and I admit it. " he sighed and bent his head to press his lips against the top of SAffron;s head tenderly. "But I'll try to be less of an ass  for a while... until you get used to me, anyhow..."
 
"I'm just saying...Don't bring it up...I dont intend to, and hopefully the two down stairs can figure that  as well...I have no love for the man who is supposed to be my father, and I never will. Hence the reason I dropped my surname for Azreal. OF course if you want to be technical, I have no love for my...mother either..." His eyes were still fully black and his body tempture was considerablly colder.
 
"Fine... I know the feeling. Which is why I think you need to consider something... You're life has been pure shit and it's all the fault of one man..well... two men... And yet you seem to want to believe what they've told you. What's to stop them from lying to you? They've done everything else to you..." he said then sighed and tipped Safforn;s chin up too look at him. "But I won't push you about it.. I won't say anything more about it, and I won;t ask you about it. I just think you should think about it."
 
Saffron frowned, and scrunched his nose in distaste. "A subject I don't want to think about, but we'll see..." He muttered. Color slowly bled back into his eyes, though he looked quiet misrable now. "Well I'm sure you've figured out I can be quiet moody...":
 
Mat snorted. "Yeah.. and you've found out I can be an insensitive, unthinking ass... I think we're even." he said lightly. "I'm sorry if I hurt you, SAffron.. I swear.. I never mean to..."
 
Saffron snorted softly. "It's not the first time words have hurt." He replied simply, looking away. He sighed softly, he was surprised he hadn't pulled away from Matt. It just left him a little bit more confused why he hadn't.
 
"And it's not the first time MY words have hurt.... but I hope it'll be the last time my words hurt You, angel.." he said softly, letting his fingers trail lightly over SAffron;s throat and collar bone, to brush his hair aside. "I never want to hurt you..."
 
"Well if you don't intend to hurt me, then you probably wont..." Saffron answered softly, finding his gaze turning back to look up at Matt.
 
Matt smirked softly. "Except.. I already did.. didn't I?" he asked softly, his fingers trailing over a bare shoulder where the too-large tshirt and slipped off. He bent to kiss the bare skin lightly.
 
"I wont lie to you..." Saffron replied very softly. "You did..." he added. "Did you intend to hurt me down stairs?" He asked. He still hadn't pulled away.
 
"No." Matt said softly, lettig his eyes close as he breathe din the scent of him, letting his lips brush the soft skin of his shoulder again. "Never."
 
"Next time, at least try to apply some effert to thinking before speaking and you probably wont again..." Saffron replied softly, his breath catching at Matt's actions.
 
Matt kissed his way along the bare skin to SAffrons neck where he stopped, brushing his lips lightly ove rthe skin. "Easier said than done..." he said softly then gave a low moan and pulled away. "Damn... " he said with a rueful smirk. "you are too damn tempting... I need to get out of here... or you need to get dressed... Both, probably..."
 
"Lexine left some clothes down stairs, I should probably go get them." Saffron said softly, before moving to get up, the shirt hanging off his shoulder. He was still completely divided, on side, he shouldn't even be letting Matt near him, on the other...he wanted to be even closer...
 
"Saffron...." Matt said softly as he reached out, his hands landing lightly on Saffron's waist.  "I'm sorry... I know what you've just been through.. and I've gotten a pretty good picture of the rest of the shit you've dealt with through out...." he spoke softly, his eyes never leaving SAffron;s face. "I'm not good at being patient or holding back or waiting for shit... But I think you need me to.... so I'll try. If I do anything to scare you or hurt you .. tell me.. or tell your brothers and they'll tell me..."
 
Saffron snorted softly, looking at Matt a moment. "You'd know if you scare or hurt me...I only have to ways of replying...submission and to let the death elemental in me show..." Saffron said simply.
 
Matt smirked, snorting softly. "Yeah well... I'm not the most observant... or sensitive..." he said softly, his hands feeling incredibley warm where they rested gently. "I've never felt this way before... I can't really describe it... " he said.
 
Saffron eyed him a moment, biting his bottom lip, "Just don't confuse love with lust..." He said softly, before starting to twist away from his hold, to go and get the clothes.
 
Matt quirked an eyebrow at that and stood, catching a firmer hold on him. "Whoa.. wait a minute..."  he said, turning him to face him, his fingers holding his chin tenderly. " don;t confuse love and lust?" he asked softly, his eyes starting to sparkle lightly. "Not a chance, angel... I know lust... Been there.. done that... This... this isn't just lust.." he said simply. "I don;t about love... that's something I've never felt before... I don't know what this is..whether its just this whole Guardian deal messed up with the death connection  here... or what. I know I want you .. I know my arms feel empty when you're not in them..." he said softly, his thumb brushing over his bottom lip. "I know being near you makes my heart race... "
 
Saffron bit back a whimper at the touch of Matt's thumb on his lip. "And do you think it's something I know anything about?" He asked softly, near a whisper. "I've never known love, I don't remember getting any as a child...and certainly not in the black court...but I know about lust..." Saffron shook his head slightly. "I'm divided here...Part of me feels you shouldn't even be touching me..." He  said softly. "The rest of me wants to be closer..."
 
"Definately shouldn't be touching you.." Matt said softly as he continued to tease SAffron's lip. "but I can't help it... you ... pull me..." he said simply. "And you know more about love than you think.. you said you fell in love with my dad..." he said, his voice staying as soft as his touch. He let his other hand slip around SAffron;s wait to the small of his back, pulling him a bit closer. "I know what lust feels like. And yeah... I DO want you... there is that... but... there's so much more. It's like.....I need you.."
 
Saffron knew he should have pulled back, but...he couldn't make himself do so, still staring up at Matt. "Need me how?" He asked in a whisper. "As for falling in love with Rin...it was one sided, so does that really mean I should know more about love then I do..." He replied a bit bitterly.
 
"You know it enough to have felt it before.. and recognized it.." Matt said simply. "I've felt... family love, I guess... just... caring, really... but ... never anything this strong.." he said, unable to take his eyes off of SAffron's. "And I need you like... like.." he paused, trying to find the right way to explain it. "It's like... fuck this sounds really fucking corny and I can't believe I'msaying it, but... like I can't breathe without you .. like you're my air... Like...like  . fuck.. I can't put it in words...."
 
Saffron stared at him slightly wide eyed at his words, and bit his lip slightly, blushing deeply. "Then maybe you should re-evaluate your thinking your not in love...because only people in love say that...or so I've heard..." Saffron replied softly, looking down.
 
"Never said I wasn't in love..." Matt said softly. "I said I didn't know ... I just it was a lot more than lust..." He tipped SAffron's chin back up to look in his eyes again. "We just met.. that doesn't change how I feel, but... I want us to have time to.... know." he said with a slightly confused smirk, not sure he was even making sense. "People say it all the time and don;t mean it.... I plan to only say it when I mean it... so until I know for sure... I don;t wnat to say it..."
 
"Then maybe it would be better...if we weren't so...close...if you want to be sure..." Saffron replied softly, still blushing, though he looked up at Matt.
 
"And how am I going to be sure if we're not close?" he asked smilig softly. "All I said was that I didn't want to say that word until I was sure that's what I felt..."
 
Saffron snorted softly and gave him a coy smile. "Ah, but then that takes it back to the idea of lust..." He said softly, with a surprisingly playful tone.
 
Matt smirked, his eyes sparkling. "Never said lust as a bad thing... and I did say I felt it too...  just that there was more to it than that..." he added. "No reason we can't get to know each other... can't be together... The more time we spend together the more I'll know if this is.... more.."
 
"I'm very tempted to say no to you on that..." Saffron said softly, the coy smile still in place. Itd been a long time since he'd felt this at ease, to be this playful with some one... "But then as I said, most of me wants to be close to you..." He added even softer.
 
Matt smiled softly and brushed his thumb over SAffron;s lip again. "Relax.... I said I'd try to. not get carried away." he said simply, wondering if he was blushing or if it just felt like it. "But ... I still want to be with you, regardless.... I'l just have to get better at resisting temptation..."
 
"Hmm, I guess we'll see how good you'll be at resisting temptation..." Saffron replied, softly, managing to bit back the whimper and gave him another coy smirk, before slipping away from him, turning to head down stairs to get the clothes Lexine had left on the table for him.
 
Matt let his hands fall limply to his sides as he watched Saffron go. "I suck at it.." he said softly in answer to SAffron's statement... not that he though he'd be heard. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm his heart beat back to normal before he followed.
 
Saffron glanced back over his shoulder a moment at Matt, before turning back to go down stairs, His own heart was still beating hard, and he was managing to fight back a sudden giggle that wanted to escape. He saw the clothes  on the table next to the stairs, and paused, leaning over the rail to grab them, the back of the shirt coming up as he did.
 
Matt moaned low in his throat as he was treated to the sudden view of a bare cheek. "Yeah... really really suck at it.." he said softly as he reached out, slipping his hands over Saffron's hips and pulling him back fomr the railing and against him. He wrapped his arms around him, holding him close as he bent donw to kiss him, tipping his head back. with a hungry sigh he reluctantly broke the kiss.
 
Saffron had managed to grab the shirt and knickers that had been in the pile, when Matt pulled him back. When he broke the kiss, Saffron was left clutching what he had of the clothes, to his chest, with a wide eyed innocent look and had gasped softly. If Matt didn't stop doing things like that, he'd only end up throwing himself at him...
 
Matt held him for a moment, his eyes closed. "Babe... unless you wnat me to give in and fuck your brains out ... you really need to be more careful... I'm trying but... Like I said.. it's not something Im good at.." he said softly, his voice husky with desire as he loosened his hold on him enough to tug the shirt back donw.
 
Saffron knew he should slip away, but he really didn't want to, and he whimpered softly at Matt's words, his eyes closed. "I really wasn't trying to be anything but careful..." He said softly, honestly.
 
Matt gave a soft groan at that. "Fuck... if this is you being careful... I don't stand a chance in hell...." he said softly, then drew a deep breath. "Alright.... you need to go get dressed.. and I need to ... find something to keep my hands busy..." he said with a smirk. "But before you run off.... do something for me...?"
 
Saffron licked his lips slowly, but managed to open his eyes. "And what's that?" He asked softly, very glad the twins were else where at that moment.
 
Mat bit back his groan as he watched Saffron, his hand cradling his face tenderly as he leaned down closer. "Kiss me..." he said softly. "If you feel this too... kiss me.."
 
Saffron looked up at him, into his eyes for a moment. He hesitated only slightly, before leaning up enough to meet him, letting his lips brush Matt's before he kissed him, softly at first, though he slowly found himself kissing him a bit more as it continued.
 
Matt smiled softly into the kiss, his arms tightening slightly around him as he returnd the kiss, his heart racing. He was sorely tempted to just carry him back up to the bedroom, but his fingers brushed over the raised bump of a scar on Saffron's back and the mage of the battered young man returned along with his resolve. With a sigh he broke the kiss, letting go of him. "Thank you."
 
Saffron was blushing rather deeply, and his gaze was lowered. He was clutching the clothes almost tightly against his chest. It was the simple fact that he knew, from that kiss, that he'd fallen in love... "You're welcome, I think..." He said softly.
 
Matt smiled softly and brushed a soft kiss against Saffron;s cheek. "That was the  best kiss I've ever received....Go on and get dressed, angel..." he said simply, his eyes closed as he brushed a final kiss over the soft skin.
 
Saffron bit his lip, before slipping from Matt's arms, and managing to grab the black pj pants. He hesitated a moment, before slipping back upstairs, to change. There was a sound of the kitchen door either opening or closing, but when Saffron glanced that way as he went back up, there wasn't any one...apparently either one of the twins had started out and seen what happened, and simple retreated.
 
Matt forced himself to keep his eyes closed until the soft footsteps left the stairs above him, pretty sure if he watched him climb the stairs in nothing but his tshirt... he'd loose what little control he had. With a soft sigh he turned and left the stairway, heading back into the kitchen.
 
Lexine had been about to leave the kitchen, when he'd seen what had happened on the stairs, and he'd pulled back into the kitchen, turning from the door, blushing deeply with a slightly wide eyed look. Lark had looked at him with a raised eyebrow, and questioning look, and it was the thought he got from Lexine that had made him blush, and they heard footsteps coming toward the kitchen.
 
Matt opened the door to find the twins staring at each other and blushing. Both gazes turned to him then flitted away, the blushes deepening. It didn't take him much to figure out why. "Aww fuck... peeping toms..." he  muttered softly, but couldn't put any real feeling into  it.. and couldn't get the smile off his face completely anyhow. "Where's breakfast, Lark... please tell me you didn't burn it..."
 
Lark was able to recover first, managing to get the blush under control, and snorted softly, before moving. He'd put breakfast in the oven that had been kept on warm, just because he figured some one would get hungry and moved to get it out. Lexine was still blushing however, playing with his pencil and not looking in Matt's direction.
 
"Yes, alright? I'm fucking crazy about your brother... deal with it." he said in a mock grumble as he moved to take a few plates donw form the cupboard.
 
Lark snorted again, biting back the small smirk. "I didn't say anything..." He said softly. Lexine bit his lip rather hard, but held back his comment on that. There was the sound of footsteps coming toward the kitchen again, thoguh they paused, seeming to hesitate.
 
"Yeah ya did.." Matt said, leaving the plates for Lark as he went to get another cup of coffee. "Just not outloud..." The door opened and Matt forced himself to keep pouring the coffee, adding a second cup for Saffron. Drawing a breath, he turned with the cups in hand and set them on the table. "Better.." he said  with a smirk as he eyed Saffron. "Still tempting, but... more managble.."
 
Saffron blushed softly, but really didn't say anything, and was aware Lexine was rather watching him closely. Lexine had loaned him a long sleeved soft black shirt with a skull and cross swords on the front and the black cotton pj pants. With a soft breath, Saffron moved from the door toward the table. "Did not." Lark replied. "You don't know what I was thinking." He added with a mock pout.
 
Matt watched SAffron and it took a moment for Larks comment to register. "Hmm? Oh.. bull shit... you two are always doing that creepy shit.. don;t deny it." he said, half distracted. "I'm going to work on your new rooms this afternoon when we get back form town... With any luck you guys can move in by the end of the week... Sooner if I get some help.. hint hint.."
 
"What do you want us to do, stand down there and appluad you?" Lark asked, "You know what happens when Lexine gets around tools...he ends up hurting himself with out even trying, and unless you want to put up with my mouth..." Lark added. Saffron heard Lark and actually looked at him with a raised an eyebrow, an amused look on his face, before he actually laughed softly for the first time.
 
Matt snorted. "Tools, no. But I'm almost done with the one room. You can start painting.. I just have to wipe donw the dust from sanding and you guys can prime it.  I'll have to hang sheeting to keep the dust to jusy the room i'm working on so i don;t fuck up your paint job..." he said simply. "So it's just a question on how bad you two want to have your own rooms...."
 
Lark was still glad he'd gotten a laugh out of Saffron, and so was Lexine was smiling slightly in his spot, but he managed to bit back the question about sleeping arrangements where Saffron was concerned, getting the feeling Matt would just have to learn the hard way if Saffron was as bad as Lexine was...
 
 
"Saff can help... the three of you can paint while I work on the other room...Just rmember that whatever mess you make.. you live with." he said lightly. "Flip a coin to decide who's room it is and you can pick out the paint while we';re in town."
 
"Hey, if we fuck up the walls, that's what posters are for." Lark said with a shrug. Saffron spoke up then, with a slight frown. "The two of you both swear like that at sixteen?" He asked softly. Lexine suddenly smirked faintly, Lark was worse for it then he was... Lark blinked, then pointed at Matt. "Oh, so you're blaming it on him..."
 
Matt snorted, smirking . "Yeah.. I'm a fucking terible role model..." he said lightly, his eyes sparkling. "Gods help any kids unlucky enough to wind up around me..." he added then raised an eyebrow at Lark. "Kid.... food?" he said, indictaing the empty table. "Snap to it! EArn your keep!" he joked lightly then looked at SAffron. "You cook? Me and Lex suck... Lark could use someone to share the job with..."
 
"I suppose it's a good thing then that Lark has some one to share the job with then." Saffron replied with his cup of coffee. "Hey, I like to cook! I love to cook actually, but they don't always like to eat what I make." Lark said on his defense, getting breakfast out again. Saffron smirked slightly.
 
Matt smirked, his eyes sparkling. "Actually.. we all take turns... but Lark does the best job, so he seems to do the most cooking. " he admited with a slight shrug. "Lex does most of the cleaning.. he's a neat freak... I pay the bils and shit. We all have out specialities I guess...."
 
"Hmm, guess it'll be interesting to see where I fit in." Saffron said simply, taking a drink of coffee. Lexine and Lark exchanged a look at that, both managing to stifle a sudden giggle.
 
"See? You're doing it again. Annoying as hell... talking in your heads like that.." Matt said simply as Lark set the plates donw in front of them. "don;t let them get to you, SAff.... their's impossible brats.. especailly Lark...”
 
"Yus, but I'm a loveable brat!" Lark replied with a smirk. Saffron snorted softly with a faint smile. "We'll see..." Saffron replied, Lexine did giggle then and Lark gave him a look, Lexine stuck his tongue out at him in reply.
 
Matt snorted and eyed Lex and Saffron where they sat across fomr him. "So... you done with that list?" he asked Lex. "Since we're all dressed, once we have some food in us, we can  go...."
 
"Mm, yus." Lexine answered softly. "It's on the counter over there...and isn't as long as you think..." He added with a faint smile. "Though I guess things for...Saffron can be added." He added thoughtfully after a moment as Lark finished sitting out breakfast.
 
Matt snorted softly as he ate. "If you think the three of you can be trusted, I can drop you off and you can get him some clothes and whatever and I'll grab the groceries, then pick you back up... IF you think you cna be trusted. Shouldn't be any longer than half an hour... "
 
"Do you think we can be trusted?" Lark asked logically. "Remember who you're talking to." He added. Lexine smirked faintly, shaking his head. "After all, now it's the three of us..." Lexine said softly. "The two of us got into enough trouble on our own." Saffron snorted softly.
 
Matt eyed the two of them for a minute then sighed. "Fuck... right... I still get bitched at about your last shopping trip..." he looked at SAffron for a moment. "Gods I hope you're a better influence on them than I am... " he said with a smirk. "fine... we'll get soem stuff for Saffonr first then grab groceries... No.. we'll grab stuff for Safron, then paint. THEN groceries... unless you guys aredone with those books for the library...?"
 
"No, we traded off, we'll be done with them in a couple days." Lexine replied softly. Saffron shook his head slightly. "I don't know...I can get into my own amount of trouble by myself..." He replied softly. "I may be just as bad or worse of an influence." "Oh yeah, right!" Lark replied to that.
 
Matt smirked softly. "Oh well... The twins are my own fault... half the town thinks i'm evil incarnate and I haven't helped matters at all.. Made thgem worse actually by proving them right... Took two sweet shy 'little girls'.... and turned them into foul mouthed hellions..."
 
Saffron raised an eyebrow. "Oh, my being here should really get them talking..." He replied softly, sitting down his cup. He wasn't really hungry, though he noticed the twins were at least eating something. "Think they'd have something to say about the sudden apparence of their older sister?" He asked.
 
Matt smirked into his coffee, his eyes sparkling. “Definitely.. especially since you’re fuckign gorgeous, single , living here with me….and I’m not adopting you.” He snorted. “When we start dating and shit.. they’ll fucking explode.”
 
The twins actually snickered at that. Saffron smirked faintly. "Hmm, can't wait." He replied softly. "Hey, least this'll give the batty old lady something new to talk about." Lark said, coming back over to the table and sitting down. Lexine snorted softly.
 
Matt laughed at that. "Yeah ...Rosemary hasn't had anything new to bitch about this week. Can't wait for halloween... I'm going all fucking out, guys... Start planning..."
 
"Well, if we knew how to sew, we could make some really nice costumes..." Lexine said softly. "Pick patterns..." Saffron said softly. "I sew." That little bit of news seemed to make both the twins rather happy, they grinned.
 
Matt rolled his eyes. "Fuck.. now you've done it. They'll have you chained to a sewing machine in no time. Every time they want a certain type of outfit they canb't find around here.... they'll come running to you." he looked at the two of them and sighed. "Guess this means I'd better start a fund for material and sewing supplies... "
 
"Means Lexi can have a pirate outfit." Lark said with a smirk. Lexine blushed, focusing on his breakfast. Saffron laughed softly, shaking his head slightly. "I don't mind." He said softly. "Maybe it'd give me something to do..."
 
Matt looked at Safforn for a moment then snorted softly. "Alright then... you're officailly heir to Marilee's sewing room... well.. the stuff fomr her sewing room since the room itself no longer exists. It's all stuck in the corner downstairs and covered up. Two machines, one old thing I'm not even sure runs anymore and some fancy new thing I barely saw her use... and I think she's got some material and stuff.. Hell I don;t know.. I moved boxes of shit out of there... I'll set you up donw there later... Unless you'd rather have me bring one of the machines up to the living room? Plenty of room.. just have to shift things a bit,..."
 
"I'll take a look at it all later..." Saffron said softly. "The twins can pick out patterns in town if there's anywhere to do that..." They seemed excited at that idea. Though Lexine looked thoughtful. "So...um...to the outside world, we're a pair of girls...does that mean..." Lexine asked softly, biting his lip. Saffron smiled faintly. "I lived my life as one...and will eventually be again, so..it does..." He said softly.
 
Matt snorted softly. "Well before you guys go spending all my money, check downstairs... Mare has a filing cabinet donw there full of patterns... compulsive neat freak that she was, she's probably got every thing labelled and sorted and shit too... Or I can just call her and you guys can asked her what all she has..."
 
"I'll look later..." Lexine replied. Lark snickered softly. Saffron finished his cup of coffee, sitting it down on the table and leaned back in his chair. The twins seemed to be watching both Saffron and Matt, though trying to appear they weren't.
 
Matt finished his breakfast, his eyes almost always on SAffron. He pushed the plate away a bit and leaned back in his chair. "Damn... In a single year I go from  being a bachelor to being a single father of teenage twins... and now I've got you too... And I don;t even know where to go with that..." he blushed slightly, smikring. "Well alright.. not true... I know where to go with that .. just not sure what to call it yet.... "
 
Saffron blushed softly, his eyes on the patio door, the twins decided to try and seem oblivious to the whole conversation, Lark getting up to clean away the dishes. "And how do you plan to introduce me to people in town?" Saffron asked softly, finally looking back at Matt.
 
"That's what I can't decide on. " he admitted as he leaned forward, his elbows on the table and his chin in his hands. He smirked softly as he watched him. "I could just call you my ward... which, as your Guardian, you are... Or I could just introduce you as the twins sister... " he said ,  his eyes sparkling. "Could... but I rather want to introduce you as my girl.... but since we're still working on that 'getting to know each other' thing...." he sat back and shot a smirk at the twins. "What do you two think?"
 
"Well, introducing Saffron as your ward, or just our sister, will no doubt raise some questions, after all, WE'RE not supposed to have any other family...so there's that," Lexine said softly. "And then some one's bound to ask how you got another ward...so...it may be...best...to just introduce Saffron as your girlfriend, who just happens to BE our long lost sister...but forgo any mention of ward." Lexine added, his eyes sparkling. Lark stifled the snicker.
 
Matt smirked. "True... the old bat would probably check into the legal shit to see if I really was Saffron;s guardina anyhow..." he said and  crossed his arms over his chest as he watched him. "So... we go with girlfriend... unless SAforn has a problemn with that? He hasn't said hwat he'd prefer yet..." he said. "What about it, SAfron. Want to be my girlfriend?"
 
Saffron was blushing a bit more by that time, and looking at the table, quiet for a long moment, aware three people where looking at him. He chewed on the inside of his lip for a moment, before takign a silent breath and looked up at Matt. "I'd like to be your girlfriend..." He replied softly.
 
Matt smirked softly and stood, walking slowing around the table to Saffron side and held out a hand, palm up. "And would you like to be my boyfriend as well, Saffron? forget about moving into the twins old room... and share mine?"
 
Saffron looked up at him, meeting his gaze, the blush still present. He hesitated, only a moment, before taking Matt's hand. "I'd liked to be your boyfriend as well..." he answered softly.
 
Matt pulled him to his feet, one hand slipping donw to rest on his waist, the other keeping hold of his hand. "Either of you two have a problem with that?" he asked, his eyes never leaving Saffrons.
 
"No...." Lexine answered softly. "Oh hell no!" Lark put in with a smirk, watching the two, Saffron only blushed even more.
 
Matt smirked softly. "Good." he said simply. "I'm goig to kiss him, so if it bugsa you .. turn around or close your eyes or something..."
 
Two giggles came from the twins, Saffron managed to glance at them a moment, Lark was looking rather giggly, while Lexine was blushing, and kept his attention on the table.
 
Matt never took his eyes off Safron. He lifted his hand, laying it on his  against his chest before slipping his own hand over Saffron's cheek and into his hair. "Told you you were too big a temptation... and I suck at resisting tempation... Especially when it 's something as amazing as you.." he said, then leaned donw to kiss him softly. He did his best to keep the kiss gentle despite wanting more.
 
Saffron managed to bit back the soft whimper at the kiss, his eyes closed, leaning against him. "I suppose it's a good thing I've fallen in love with you..." He said rather softly, with a blush, amazed he'd actually even admited that.
 
Matt smiled at that, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah? " he asked softly. "Really?" he asked, his fingers stroking through SAffron;s hair. " You;re sure about that?" he asked, his hand on his waist pulling him a bit closer. "Because if you're not sure..."
 
"I am more then sure..." Saffron replied close to a whisper, blushing even more. He looked up at him, for the moment, forgetting the twins were in the room.
 
Matt just looked at him. "You really love me..." he said softly. "In that case.... never stop." he said and kissed him again, still doing his best to hold back. with a sigh he finally broke the kiss. "We should get going... "
 
"You two done with all the kissy facing then?" Lark asked, getting up from the table. Lexine smirked faintly, also getting up. Saffron was left still blushing, but a faint smile on his lips. "Oh, I think I've got some shoes you can use..." Lexine said, heading out of the kitchen.
 
Matt sliped his arm around SAffrons waist as he turned to face Lark. "no .. not done. I'll never be done... but we'll take a break for now to get shit done.." he said with a smirk. "Go get ready. " he said simply.
 

 
It was middle afternoon by the time they'd gotten back with everything. They hadn't run into any one really which Lexine considered good. Lark trying to decide what he planned to make for dinner, while and Lexine started unloading the groceries and other bags.
 
Matt came around to the back of the car grabbing an arm ful of bags. "Damn... I guess we'll have to leave your stuff donwstairs until I clena my shit up, babe.." he said with a slight  blush. "Gotta make room for you." he said. "Fuck... my night's full... clean the loft, move seewing maching and shit, work on the bedrooms...."
 
"You don't have to do ALL of that tonight." Lexine pointed out, grabbing a couple bags. Saffron smirked faintly, grabbing a few. "He's got a point." He put in softly. "Yeah, taht's what the weekend's for!" Lark said, unlocking the front door.
 
Matt snorted. "fine.. so what do you guys want to wait a couple extra days for... seperate bedrooms? Or new clothes?" he asked playfully.
 
"Oh...bedrooms would be nice first." Lark said, getting the door open. "And it does take a couple days to get sewing done." Saffron added with a faint smirk as Lexine headed toward the door with his bags.
 
"Right.. so I need to get the loft clean up so SAff has somewhere to put his stuff and sleep... And I need to get the sewing shuit set up so he has something to do... And I need to get your rooms done so he can have your old one for a sewing room." Matt said as he followed Lex.
 
"Would you like a list?" Lexine asked, glancing over his shoulder with a slight smirk. "And you know, you could ask for help with the loft." He added. Saffron snorted softly, following Matt.
 
"Actually , Lexi... I DID ask for help with the loft... this morning." Matt said, setting the bags donw inside the door out of the way. "And I also asked for help with the bedrooms. So we can split up... one paint, one clean, one move shit... or.. we can all pitch in on each thing and get it done before moving on to the next. Anything else in the car?"
 
"No, you said you wanted me to organize it, you didnt' ask me to help you clean it up." Lexine pointed out, taking the groceries he had to the kitchen. "I think there's a couple more bags, but I'll get them..." Saffron said softly, sitting his bags down.
 
Matt raised an eyebrow at Lex as he vanished into the kitchen. "Organize.. clean.. same thing..." he muttered then turned and folowed SAffron back outside. "You okay?" he asked once they were alone. "Been a long day... especailly after last night..."
 
"Technically, organize and clean have two different meanings." Saffron replied with a faint smile, pausing in the door way and looking back at Matt. "I'm fine, really. Just getting used to things..." He added.
 
 
"Well... they amout to the same.. cleaning and organizing... I mean... my loft isn't 'dirty'.. it's just ..'messy'..." he said with a slight shrug. "And if you need anything... even if its just a bit of space... tell me."
 
"I'm fine..." Saffron replied softly. "I'll go get the rest of the bags..." He added, before slipping outside again, to go and get those. Lark came back from the kitchen, to get the rest of the grocery bags that had been sat down.
 
Matt stayed where he was, torn between wanting to be near him. and wanting to give him room to breathe. He watched SAffron walk to the car as he spoke. "So, Lark.... what's for dinner?"
 
"That depends." Lark replied. "Casual or a bit more...special occassion style?" He asked, glancing at Matt as he grabbed the bags with a faint smirk.
 
Matt smirked softly. "specail occasion wouldn't be out of place..." he said simply. "Up to you, Lark." he added, his eyes never leaving Saffron as he set the last of the bags on the ground and shut the door before gathering them up again.
 
"Then I'm sure I can make something worth the occassion." Lark replied simply, taking the bags he had, toward the kitchen. Saffron glanced at Matt, before taking the two bags he had that he knew where groceries to the kitchen, but not sure what to do with teh rest of the stuff.
 
Matt shut the door behind them then followed, coming to lean in the door way watching them. "I guess I'll go get started up stairs so you can put you stuff away..." he said simply. "You mind helping Lark with dinner? You're welcome to help me... but.. I  think I'd probably get carried away and not get anything done...."
 
"I can help Lark..." Saffron said softly, helping Lark put the groceries up. "Guess that means I'll give you a hand..." Lexine said as Lark gave him a push out of the way.
 
Matt snorted. "Thanks, Red." he said simply before looking back at Saffron, watching him for a moment before sighing softly. "Let's get to work then..."
 

 
By the time dinner was done, Lexine had most of the loft reorganized and in better condition, with Matt having had to do little work at all. Lark and Saffron had made italian wrapped chicken and twice baked potatos. And Lark had remembered that Rin had given them a bottle of wine that had never been opened, so he broke that out as well, before going to the kitchen door. "If you want to eat, dinner's done!" He called up stairs.
 
Matt finished shoving his stuff over to free half the wardrobe for Saffron and sighed, glancing around. "Looks great, Lexi... thanks. For this..  you get first dibs on the rooms... Just don't rub it in, alright?" he said with a smirk. "come on.. let's go eat..."
 
"Now if you'd just let me organize everything else...." Lexine replied with a slight smirk, before starting down stairs. The smells from the kitchen actually did make him hungry, and he some how wasn't surprised to hear the laughter in the kitchen either...knowing Lark and Saffron were getting along very well.
 
"Hey .. as long as you steer clear of my office area, my movies and my garage... knock yourself out." Matt said simply, his he followed. "Damn ... that is a wonderful sound..." he said softly, his heart feeling like it was swelling at the sounds fomr the kitchen.
 
"You're office area could use a bit of organization, but I'll leave it alone..." Lexine replied softly. He actually heard Saffron laughing a bit more then Lark and smiled softly, before pushing the door to the kitchen open, Lark was sitting the table, while Saffron found four wine glasses.
 
Matt shut his mouth on his reply about his office, the sound of Saffron's laughter bringing a smile to his face. He followed Lex into the kitchen, watching them for a moment. His attention finally settle don the glasses in Safrons hands as he set them on the table and he looked up to see the bottle of wine. "Two glasses will do, SAffron... the twins aren't old enough." he said with a wicked smirk on his face, waiting for the whining to start.
 
Saffron snorted softly. "I think we can allow them half of one glass..." He replied with a slight. "Half?!" Lark replied. "I grew up in Paris for fuck's sake, wine in the baby bottles, people, gods..." He added, rolling his eyes, only to receieve a soft smack up side the head from Saffron after he'd sat down the glasses. "Don't swear like that." Saffron said in a soft, yet extrememly serious tone.
 
Matt bit back a laugh at the look on Larks face as SAffron cuffed him. "I don;t know.... half a glass seems like alot for two sixteen year old terrors...  and with an evening of work ahead of them too...." he added lightly, leaning in the doorway. "Maybe a quarter..."
 
"Put them to work in the morning, Matt, even a quarter will probably knock them out..." Saffron replied, with a faint smirk, moving to get the plates with dinner to sat on the table. Lark was pouting now, while Lexine was giggling just behind Matt.
 
"Hmm... in that case.. maybe we should save their wine for after their done the work so they'll go right to bed..." he said simply, moving out of the way and ushering Lex towards the table.
 
Saffron shook his head, still smirking faintly as he sat dinner on the table. "We're celebrating Matt, just once wont hurt them." "Yeah, after all, I'm sure Saffron will make sure of that...see, now we just don't have an adopted dad, but we ended up getting more of a MOTHER then a big sister." Lark said, making Lexine gasp, before giggling. Saffron meerly gave Lark a straight look.
 
Matt smirked as he headed for the table. "since it;s a celebration... one glass each." he said lightly, his eyes on Saffron. "Give him a chance to enjoy being my boyfriend slash girlfriend before  he winds up being my wife..." he added softly.
 
Saffron heard that and ended up blushing, but didn't answer as he sat the last of the dinner on the table. Lark and Lexine on the other hand, were eyeing Matt with twin suspicious and amused looks as they sat down. Saffron moved to get the bottle of wine off the counter, to uncork it.
 
Matt moved to take the bottle fomr him, lifting it out of his reach as he slipped his other arm around his waist. "I'll get that." he said simply. "You're the guest of honor, after all... bad enough you helped cook..." he said with a soft smirk, stealing a kiss. "Hmm...damn you taste good." he said softly then sighed. "go.. sit..."
 
"Saff didn't help cook, he made the entire meal..." Lark said with a smirk from his place. "But he wanted to..." Lark added. "It looks...really good..." Lexine said softly with a slightly wide eyed look at the dinner on the plates. Saffron snorted softly, but moved to sat down.
 
"Yeah.. it looks incredible..." Matt agreed as he pulle dthe cork fomr the bottle and went to pour the wine for each of them. "So now we have two great cooks in the family. I'd better make sure not to miss any of my sit ups or I'm going to get fat.."
 
"As if you miss any to begin with..." Lexine replied softly with a faint smirk. "You might get fat," Lark put in, "Considering Saffron said his best cooking was the deserts...which of course is in the fridge, waiting..." He added. Saffron snorted softly, sitting down.
 
Matt raised an eyebrow at that as he finished filling his own glass last and set the bottle donw before taking his own seat. "Dessert? Damn ... your going to spoil us... I'm going to need to add a few more sit ups each morning and  another lap of the cemetary.."
 
"This is just a special occassion..." Saffron replied softly, glancing at Matt. "There for there had to be a dessert. " "Well it'll certainly make the holidays interesting..." Lark said from his spot with a smirk. "It'll make the holidays really nice..." Lexine put in, "Like a family should be..."
 
"A family is what you make it, Lexi. " Matt said simply. "And we don;t need to wait for holidays to do things special... they're just an excuse. It;s not like we follow any religious doctrine anyhow..." he said, then smiled softly. "but I know what you mean... It does  feel more... complete now."
 
"Considering none of us really had much of a family before..." Lark replied softly, the twins falling silent for a moment. For Lexine, the only thing he ever had close to a family, he'd never see again...He still missed Xander and Evie a lot. "Well, if you all sat there staring at it, it'll get cold..." Saffron said softly after a moment, about dinner.
 
Matt sensed the twins moods shifting and smirked wickedly as he reached for teh closest dish and lifted a helping of potatoes onto his plate . "your mothers right... eat your supper." he said.
 
There wasn't any reply right away, the twins staring at him a moment, wide eyed, before glancing at Saffron who snorted softly. "Eat." he said softly. The twins both giggled, before moving to put food on their plates.
 
Matt laughed softly and looked at Saffron, watching him as he helped himself fomr the dishes. He glanced that the twins, glad to see the diversion had worked and they were no longer thinknig about their pasts. He pasted the dish he had to Lex and took the one handed to him. Everything smelled as fabulous as it looked.
 
Saffron meerly watched the three of them for a moment. The twins were still giggling slightly which actually brought a faint smile to Saffron, though it also left him thinking about things...about the fact that eventually, he would have to be a mother...
 
Matt dug in, finding that everything tasted as fabulous as it looked and smelled. "Damn ... this is fucking amazing.." he said, looking to SAfron. "Is this a specailty or does everything you make come out this good?"
 
"Hmm, probably everything." Saffron replied with a faint smirk, finally moving to get his own food. The twins, were actually eating and looked like they'd most likely eat everything on their plates.
 
Matt watche dthe twins for a moment, shaking his head in amazement. "Babe.. if you can do THAT every meal.. or at least one meal a day...  you are a fucking miracle worker.." he said softly, pointing to the twins with his fork.
 
Saffron smirked faintly, watching them for a moment, both were eating, though an occassional giggle escaped them as they were obiviously sharing thoughts, though Saffron found he could actually pick up on their thoughts and feelings, but chose not to... "Yus, they do need to put a little weight on.." He said, sitting down his fork to pick up the wine glass. Neither of the twins heard the conversation.
 
Matt set his own fork aside and picked up his glass. He didn't much care for drinking, preferring to stay in control of his mind, but there were occassions that called for it.. and this was one of them. He raised his glass to SAffron. "Welcome home, SAffron." he said softly.
 
Saffron smiled softly, looking at him. "Thank you..." He said softly, taking a drink of the wine, which he found familiar, an elven wine, no doubt a bottle Rin had had for a while, before giving it to them. The twins were giggling again, but then Saffron did notice half their glasses where gone. "and no more wine for them..." He added softly.
 
Matt laughed softly." I think it's probably be best to keep them away fomr the paint tonight too... at least if the two of them are going to be together...If we;re splitting them up they might be okay." he said, setting his glass back donw. "Probably be best to leave them to their own stuff.  They can paint tomorrow..."
 
"Yus, I believe I told you that..." Saffron replied softly, taking another drink before sitting the glass down. He knew elven wine well enough to know how potant it was. "Because chances are, they'll pass out sooner then later..." He added.
 
Matt snorted softly. "Yeah... be a nice to change to have the place to myself before midnight..." he said then smiled at Saffron. "Well... not to myself tonight... have the place quiet before midnight..." he said. "I'll set up the sewing machine and stuff for you before i get to work on the room." he promised as he went back to eating, his gaze going to from the twins back to Saffron.
 
The twins had practically cleaned everything on their plates, and just about finished their wine, both giggling a bit more, which had seemed to put a permaniate smirk on Saffron's face, his eyes sparkling. He was aware they were a little more then intoxicated.
 
Matt couldn't help the smile on his face, wondering when he'd last felt this good. As far as he could remember, he hadn't; not like this. He finished his supper and sat back with his glass of wine and watched his family, still marvelling ove rthe fact that it WAS his family. "Lark... Lex why don;t you two clear your plates and lift up dessert?" he asked softly as he watched them.
 
"I got it!" Lark said with a giggle, getting up from the chair. It was Lexine that surprised Saffron by reaching for the bottle of wine again and Saffron smacked his hand lightly, though Lexine looked up rather shocked. "You don't need any more." Saffron said simply. Lark had gone to get the dessert out of the fridge, though he was still giggling.
 
Matt  snorted softly. "Lexi.. clear the plates.. leave the wine. Saffron's still eating as well, so just clear your spot and Larkins...." he said softly. "Saff... baby.." he said softly. "Don;t do that... with LExi... you can't yell or anything... don;t hit, don;t grab ..."
 
Saffron snorted softly, because Lexine's reply was a giggle, before he managed to get up. "He's fine, Matt..." He said softly, giving Matt a look. "They're both on the verge of having had to much wine...it rather turns out being the oldest of the trinity, I'm aware of whatt hey're both feeling, and thinking. THat' the only reason I did that."
 
Matt blushed slightly and relaxed. "Alright then... sorry. It';s just ... I've seen what can happen to him ove rthe simplist little thing like that..." he said softly, "It's not something I want to witnes to often." he said, taking another sip of his wine.
 
Saffron snorted softly again, as the twins got their own dessert. "I know that Matt...I know that  all to well..." He said softly, his thoughts wondering off a moment, on the fact that it was the same for him at times.
 
Matt watched him, noting the expression n his face... sort of sad and resigned.. and bit lost all at the same time. He moved closer, setting his glass aside as he reached out to brush Saffron;s cheek, his fathers words fomr the other night coming back to him. "As in... from personal experience.. the first hand kind...?" he asked softly. "I'll try  to make sure to protect you fomr that as much as Ido for Lexi..."
 
"Of course, first hand personal experience...is there any other way to know what that's like then it being personal?" Saffron replied softly, glancing up at Matt. The twins were playfully shoving at each other at the counter.
 
"I meant// that you've felt the same way as Lexi... verus you've be there with someone going throughit or .'seeing' it through Lex and Lark..." he said quietly. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you before, Sffron.. but I can now. You're here with me now and this is where you'll stay.... I won't let anyone or anything hurt you if I can do anything to prevent it...."
 
"It doesn't mean I can forget it..." Saffron replied softly, ignoring the giggles. "I know first hand what it's like to be used...in a bad way...your entire life..." He added, with a sigh, looking away.
 
Matt  sighed softly and stood, moving to kneel by Saffron's chair, his arms slipping around him. "Not your entire life, angel... just up until now. From here on out, the rest of your life will be different." he said simply. "The rest of your life will be with me."
 
Saffron turned his gaze back to Matt, looking at him a moment, before sighing softly. he didn't really have anything he could say in return. He was aware of the silence that had fallen between the twins and knew they were looking.
 
“I’m serious, Saffron.” Matt said simply, looking him ni the eye. “Lex and Lark… they had shitty lives to… until they came here. I told them the same thing…. That’s over and done with.. this is a new start.. a new life. “ he said, his fingers stroking his cheek tenderly. “I know you can’t forget your past, no matter how much you’d like to….But you can start over now. It’ll be hard, Saff… but I’ll help you …”
 
"Thank you..." Saffron replied softly, with a faint smile. Before turing his gaze on the twins, who were staring wide eyed. "It's not polite to stare." he said softly, both Lexine and Larkin blushed deeply, and scrambled to look else where.
 
Matt smirked softly. "They're my kids now.... nothing polite about them..." he said , his eyes sparkling. " I'm a shity rolemodel." he added softly, still smirking. "This is your home now, SAffron... we're your family. We're all here for you ..... and I hope you'll be here for us too..."
 
"Well, I'm not giong any where..." Saffron replied softly, with a faint smile, getting another giggle out of the twins. "And obiviously, it looks like they COULD use a mother figure..." He added, giving both of them a look, Lexine blushed deeply, Lark only giggled more.
 
Matt snorted, his eyes practically glowing as he looked at him. "We coudl all do with a bit of that I think... some one more stable and dependable and... together." he said with a soft smirk. "some one like you can be."
 
"I never said I was togethe, or stable, but at least I can be dependable..." Saffron said softly, with a faint smirk. The twins brought the desert back over to the table, taking their seats again.
 
"And I said ... 'like you CAN be'..." Matt said softly, his eyes sparkling. " He glanced at the wtins then smirked softly and stood, stealing a quick kiss as he did so. "finish your dinner, angel..." he said softly as he sat back down again,
 
"Then Caleb's safe... and you will be soon too." Matt said simply as he lead them back donw the hall and stairs towards the door. "If I could, I'd hide you and let them see me leave without you... but I really think it only works on me..." he said softly. "I think its one of the few drow abilities that work for me... doesn't seem in line with my necro stuff anyhow.."
 
Saffron sighed, but shook his head. "I think I've lost my appetiate right now...I'll put it away as left overs..." He replied. Lexine and Lark both snorted softy, but were to busy enjoying their dessert.
 
"no.. the twins will put it away. You cooked.. they can clean up." Matt said firmly. "Although I think one of us should take care of the wine." he added with a smirk at Lexi. "Feel up to some dessert or would you rather go unpack and get settled in while I start setting up your sewing area?"
 
"I never pass up dessert..." saffron replied with a faint smirk. Lark got up, getting some for Saffron before bringing it over to the table.
 
Matt chuckled softly. "Thats what I thought. "Well..?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at Lark. "don't I get any? Serve your brother and not your dad?" he snorted lightly, his eyes sparkling playfully.
 
Lark stuck his tongue out at Matt. "Though that was our adopted MUM." He replied. Saffron snorted softly with a bit more of a smirk, Lexine giggled. But Lark's eyes were sparkling.
 
"Not yet." Matt said softly as he smiled to himself and retrieved his glass to take a sip. "But one of these days..." he shot the twins a wicked smirk. "so maybe you'd betetr enjoy having a brother while you can...."
 
Both the twins giggled, as Lark turned to get Matt some dessert. Lexine had finished his, and got up, to clear away the rest of the dishes and put away the left overs.
 
Matt handed Lex his plate, his gaze going back to Saffron. "As soon as the kitchen is clean, you guys can go find something to do on your own. I'll put you to work painting tomorrow. " he said simply.
 
Lexine had taken the plate, trying to stifle a yawn, "Think i'll go to bed..." He muttered softly, hearing Lark giggle, Saffron smirked softly as he watched the two of them, because now Lark was trying to stifle a yawn.
 
Matt smirked. "Kitchen first... you can even try out the dishwasher... " he said with a soft smirk, unable to look away form SAffron for very long. He wondered just how he was going to work in the basement while he was in the loft? He snorted softly blushign as he turned his attention to his dessert.
 

 
 
Saffron finished putting the last of clothes up, though he'd kept out a pair of short pjs to change into a pair of shorts and tank top. He'd heard the twins decide to go to bed, and practically kick Matt out of the basement and smirked slightly as he turned, to change quickly. He'd return Lexine's clothes to him tomorrow.
 
Having finished changed, Saffron folded up the clothes Lexine had loaned him and set them aside for now, before moving over to the window, pushing the curtain, the sun had long since sat but there were clouds over the stars again and Saffron sighed, letting the curtain fall back, before turning, trying to decide what to do now.
 
Deciding there really wasn't any more he could do, Saffron sighed again and turned, moving toward the bed. He thought maybe these weren't the best pjs to be wearing, considering how short the shorts were, but didn't want to change again. And the tank top did give a good view of the wings on his back. Spotting the brush he'd bought, he grabbed it, and started brushing out his hair to braid it, sitting down on the bed, his back to the stairs.
 
 
Matt  stood, stretching lightly as he closed the basement door behind him, then headed over to where he'd set Marilee's old sewing stuff. He'd  shoved things around a bit and cleared a corner of the large room, setting up the table and newest machine. He took a few minutes to shove sopme of the rolls of material that were in the basement under the table, filling the shelf he'd added there for extra storage when Marilee had first bought the table at a yard sale. The small filing cabinet stood at one end of the table with the sewign basket sitting on top of it. He rolled the chair under the edge of the table and looked everything over one last time. Saffron coudl rearenge things to his liking later, as well as bring up whatelse he'd like fomr the basement. There were still a few bundles of material donw there along with boxes of gods only new what... old clothes to be mended, or revamped... half finished projects...
 
Matt listened to the soft sounds of SAffron moving around the loft and smiled softly. He knew he was stalling and wasn't sure why. He closed his eyes and relaxed for a moment, listening, picking out the sound of the wind rustling leaves out side... the twins settling int for the night donwstairs... and saffron moving up stairs. with a soft sigh Matt  started up the stairs.
 
Matt stopped at the edge of the bedroom and watched him for a moment. He crossed his arms ove rhis chest, smiling softkly to himself as he leaned  against the wall. HE knew he should say something... he came up to let Saffron know he'd got things set up enough for him to start sewing and see if there was anything else he coud do... but seeing him there.... he just didn't wnat to ruin the moment.
 
Saffron brushed his hair back, though he noticed it seemed longer then it had when he'd been in the black court. After a moment, he sat the brush aside on the edge of the bed, and let his fingers run through his hair a moemnt, before he started braiding it. He wasn't aware of Matt being upstairs, and in the quiet, began humming the only lullaby he remembered from his mother.
 
Matt felt his breath catch as he watched him, his chest feeling oddly tight. He couldn't rmember ever seeing anything more wonderful.. or hearing anything... He  quietly moved, siting on the floor and leaning back agsint the wall, content to just watch and listen for now.
 
It took Saffron some time, humming the lullaby the remember the words. It was one of the only memories he had of his mother, and the irish the lullaby. Tentively, he tried the words, "Sleep, O Babe, for the red bee hums, The silent twilights fall. Eeval from the Grey Rock comes
To wrap the world in thrall. A lyan van o, my child, my joy, My love and heart's desire.
The crickets sing you lullaby."
 
Matt closed his eyes for a moment as he listened, over come with emotion and unable to even decide on why it should effect hi so strongly. Whether it was just that it was Saffron.. or something more. All he knew wa sthat he was afraid to breath too loud in case he interupted and SAfron stopped.
 
"Dusk is drawn and the Green Mans' thorn, Is wreathed in rings of fog. Sheevra sails his boat till morn, upon the starry bog. A lyan van o, the paly moon hath brimmed her cusp in dew. And weeps to hear the sad sleep tune. I sing, my love, to you." Saffron finished the lullaby just about the time he finished braiding his hair, a slight smile on his lips, thinking about the song. There was no way he could remember the gaelic words that went with it, that was something only his mother knew. He didn't think about her very often, it was to painful.
 
Matt opened his eyes as Safforn stopped singing and watched him for a moment. "That was beautiful, angel.." he said softly.
 
Saffron startled a bit, turning to look back at Matt, and blushed, looking away a moment. He should have known Matt was there... "It's an old irish lullaby my mother used to sing to me..." He said softly, not moving a moment, before grabbing the brush to put it up again. "I don't remember the gaelic words that went with it..."
 
"Doesn't matte r... I've never heard anything like it..." he said softly, his eyes never straying form SAffron. "And you have a wonderful voice...." he added, not moving form his seat on the floor.
 
Saffron blushed more as he put the brush on the dresser, and wished he'd had more things to put up, just to keep him occupied. "Thank you...I think. But you're the first person to hear me sing..." He said softly, not looking Matt. 
 
"In that case.. I'm deeply honored. " he said softly. "And I hope you'll sing for me again sometime.." he said. He realized he was probably embarassed at being eavesdropped up on. "I have your sewing area set up.. enough for you to work at, anyhow. Brought some of the material she had up too... just a few rolls.. theres more doinw there... Help yourself. or just tell em to grab stuff for you when you want it or need stuff moved." he said, offering a change of sbject and something for SAffron to hid behind.
 
Saffron wasn't sure why he was embarassed by Matt having heard him singing the lullaby, other then the fact that he'd been thinking about his mother at the time, and he wanted to avoid that subject... "Thank you...I'll...I'll look at it in the morning I think..." He said softly, deciding to move back toward the bed.
 
"whenever you want. I just wanted to get it set up so you wouldn't have to wait if you wanted to use it..." he said. "Did you want to watch tv or anything? Or should I go lock up for the night?" he asked after a moment.
 
Saffron shook his head slightly, glancing at Matt. "No, I don't think I'm up for watching tv..." He replied softly. "Not that I ever really have..." He added with a faint smirk.
 
Matt snorted softly. "I don;t watch much either... movies mostly." he said simply. "Did you wnat some time to yourself? I sort of skipped my usual workout and run today...  I could go do that if you wanted..." he said softly.
 
Saffron sat on the edge of the bed, and turned to look at him for a long moment, before shaking his head slightly. "You don't have to leave me alone, Matt..." He said soflty.
 
"I don't want to crowded you either... You know how I feel, SAffron. You know I can't stand being away form you and that I want you....more than I can say. But I don;t want you to feel obligated. this is your home too... you have a choice in things..." he said then sighed softly watching him. "I don;t have to sleep up here if you don't wnat me too.... I want to, but... i'm not how many time I can spend the night this close to you without... giving in."
 
Saffron sighed softly, shaking his head again. "Where you want to sleep is your own choice, Matt...you're not crowding me..." He said softly. "Besides..." He added, offering a shy smile. "Last night sleeping your arms, was the first time I've ever slept with out having the nightmares..."
 
Matt blushed slightly as he smiled, duckign his head. "Yeah well... best night's sleep I've had  too... but... " he sghed heavily. "Saffron. You know I'll do anything for you.... give you anything  and everything you ask for that I can .. or. you should know that any how. Not that I expcet you to know it, just that... I'm telling you know..." he blushed even more. "Fuck.. I'm really mangling this." he muttered softly.
 
"If there's something you want to say Matt, just say it straight..." Saffron replied softly, his eyes on the carpet rather than him.
 
Matt sighed heavily then pushed himself to his feet. "I dont know what's wrong with me.. normally I say shit without thinking at all.. and with you... I think so much i dont know what to say..." he said with a snort. "I want to spend the night with you again SAfron... but I'm not sure I can keep my hands to myself if i do." he said simply.
 
Saffron blushed darkly, still focusing on the floor, though he glanced up at Matt a moment as he got up. "Is that a problem, Matt?" He asked softly, his eyes going back to the floor. He'd known it would come up sooner or later...
 
"I don't know, Saffron." he said softly as he watched him. "Is it? Last night I held a broken and battered young man in my arms and treated his wounds... I saw how bad he was hurt.. and got a real good picture of what he'd been through..." he said. "After going through that... I can wait a bit longer for you, angel... I don;t wnat to rush you. Heal first...."
 
Saffron sighed deeply, finally making himself look up at Matt. "The problem, Matt...is physically, I am healed...but mentally...and even emotionally, I don't think I ever will be..." He replied softly. "If you want me, Matt, you have to take me the way I am..."
 
Matt sighed softly and walked over to him. "Sweetheart... I .... I just meant... I know you were raped. And I know that it was pretty much a regular thing for you..... I ... I don;t want to hurt you." he said at last at a loss for words to explain what he was thinking.
 
Saffron shook his head again, looking up at him. "There's a huge and complete difference between you and Right, Matt." He said softly, though a bit darkly. "Unless of course you intend to use your belt..."
 
"Use my..?!" he started to ask then stopped, remember the raw bloody wrists. "Never." he said, firmly, cupping SAffron;s face in his hands. "I will NEVEr fucking do that shit to you." he said. "I just don;t want you to remember.... I dont what you thinking..." he gave a frustrated growl then sighed. "I'm being an ass aren't i?" he asked softly. "It's not like it would be you were suddenly attacked and raped then had to try to get over a fear of that ... this is all youve known...isn't it?"
 
"Yus Matt..." Saffron replied softly, "Twelve years on a daily basis...I've never known a loving touch...I've never been with any one my own choice..." He added.
 
Matt groaned softly at that, closing his eyes. "Baby.... it's hard enough to let go of you now.... " he said softly then stole a tender short kiss. "go on and get in bed. " he said softly. "I need to lock up."
 
Saffron looked at him a long moment, after he kissed him, before sighing softly and turning, moving to crawl into bed. He was tempted to tell him not to take to long or he'd loose his nerve.
 

 
Matt headed back downstairs, quietly sliping through the house turning off lights and locking doors and checking windows. He knew the twins normally listened for him making his rounds like this, feeling that much safer for it... but he doubted after the glass of wine that they were still awake. He paused and listened at their door, listening to the soft sounds of their breathing for a moment before heading back up stairs.
 
Saffron had pulled back the blankets on the bed enough to slip underneath, making himself comfortable, but he was sitting up slightly, thinking about what could happen. It wasn't to say he wasn't nervous, but...he wasn't afraid.
 
Turning off the main light at the top of the stairs, Matt barely breathed as he headed towards the bed. He paused to take off his boots, not lookig at Saffron as he undressed, suddenly nervous. Part of him expected Saffor to freak out any minute despite what he'd said. Slipping beneath the blankets, Matt stretched out beside him and looked up at him. "turn out the light, angel." he said softly, holding out his arm  for him to come lay donw with him.
 
Saffron hesitated a moment, before moving enough to turn off the lamp on the bedside table, then moved, to snuggle in close to Matt. Oddly enough, he felt completely safe and comfortable the moment he did, a soft smile touching his lips.
 
Matt wrapped his arms around him, trying to calm the wild racing of his heart. "Sweet dream, angel." he said softly. "If I can keep the bad dreams away.. maybe I can inspire some good ones too..." he added with a soft smirk, brushing his lips over Safrons forehead.
 
Saffron turned his head up, hesitating a moment, before placing a soft kiss on Matt's lips, snuggling closer to him.
 
Mat smiled softly at the kiss and sighed happily, hi arms tightening around him. "I love you, Saffron. " he said softly, his eyes closed as he said it.
 
Saffron froze, at Matt's words, his eyes wide, a mix of emotions playing through him, before he whimpered softly and did the only thing he could think of. He kissed Matt again, this time more deeply then he'd kissed him yet.
 
Matt returned his kiss gently, still holding back. He stroked Saffron;s back lightly as they kissed, doing his best to keep every touch and caress gentle.
 
Saffron moved, getting closer to Matt, while he continued to kiss him. He'd never kissed anyone in such away, and it some how made sense it was Matt he was kissing like this.
 
Matt broked the kiss with a soft smile. "Whoa... slow donw , swetheart..." he said softly. "I thought you wanted me to hold you and keep the night mares away?" he asked lightly, his fngers still stroking his back. "Why the sudden change of plans?"
 
Saffron blushed deeply, biting his bottom lip a moment, considering his answer, before he replied in a whisper. "Because I choose to..."
 
Matt smiled softly at that. "Well.. who am I to argue then?" he asked, settling back against the pillow again. "Kiss me again, Saffron.." he said softly, his fingers never stopping their gentle touch
 
Saffron whimpered softly, before leaning over him, he let his fingers brush Matt's cheek, before he leaned in, and kissed him again, deeply and passionately.
 
Matt wrapped his arms around him as he retuirn his kiss, his eyes closed ta the incredible way he felt. He forced himself to stay where he was and let Saffron lead the way; not something hed ever done before but something he thought was important reguardless.
 
Saffron only broke the kiss when he needed a breath of air, before he moved his kisses to Matt's neck and toward his shoulders. This was the first time he'd ever been able to chose to be with some one, and it felt so incredibly right.
 
Matt sighed softly at the feel of Safforn;s lips aganst his skin. Part of him wanted to stop him and just go back to holding him through the night; the fear of huerting him or rushing still there. The rest of him was arguing over letting go and taking him.. or letting him continue at his own pace..
 
This was something Saffron had never done before, he wasn't exactly sure what to do, though not that he didn't have an idea. Any one who'd used him had always dominated him, it was the only thing he knew. He trailed the kisses down Matt's neck to his shoulders.
 
"No need to rush, angel... no need to go any where..." he said softly, his fingers stroking lightly over his back. "Take your time... we've got forever.."
 
Saffron paused, looking up at Matt, before he moved, finding himself kissing his lips again, in a hungry kiss. "I want to be with you Matt...I want know what it's like to be made love to..." He said softly between kissing him.
 
Matt moaned softly at that, his hand stopping their endless caressing to wrap around him as he kissed him back. "You don;t have to rush, baby... I love you... I'll be right here every night... " he said softly, still offering a way out. "CAn take things slower..."
 
"But I want tonight..." Saffron replied softly, half laying on him. "Please, Matt...I...I've never asked for something like this..." Saffron added, blushing.
 
Matt looked up at him, the pale skin seeming to glow in the dark room. He reached up, stroking one finger over Saffrins cheek, tracing the line of his face. "You can ask me for anything, sweetheart. " he said softly before slipping his hand behind Saffrno;s head and pulling him donw for a kiss. He rolled over, pressing SAffron back against the bed as drew the kiss out as long and as deep as he could stand.
 
Saffron wrapped his arms around Matt's neck, kissing him back with everything he felt. He wasn't going to back down from this, not when it felt so right, so good.
 
Letting his weight rest on his side, he let the fingers on one hand tangle in SAffrons hair as he broke the kiss, moving his mouth along his jaw and throat. His other hand moved restlessly form stroking Saffron;s back to his ribs then oter his hip and back again, trying to keep his touch gentle. His entire body seemed to be thrumming with energy, as if there was an electric current flowing between them.
 
Saffron squirmed with a soft whimper, one hand slipping into Matt's hair. He'd never felt like this, a high that seemed so much more pure then anything else he'd ever felt, his abilities reacting.
 
Matt pulled back enough to remove SAffron;s top, his mouth leading teh way before the material went flying to the floor and his lips went back to claim SAffron;s own. Lettig his hand slide over the newly bared skin, he closed his eyes and shoved every thought except SAffron form his head.
 
Saffron shifted under him, letting his hands caressing over Matt's back, his own eyes closed, nothing else on his mind other then the moment.
 
Trying his best not to break the kiss, Matt shimmied out of his underwear, the only thing he still had on, then let his hands caress SAffron's hips a moment before removing his shorts as well. Once the last bits of material that seperated them were gone, Matt lay back donw, presing every inch of him that he coud against him, his body thrilling at the skin on skin contact even more now that the last barrier was gone.
 
Saffron whimpered softly, his eyes still closed. He pulled back from kissing him for a moment, to catch his breath, a soft smile reaching his lips.
 
Matt looked donw at him, worried at the sound of the whimper and him puling away. The sight of his smile brought an answering grin to his face and he kissed him softly before moving his lips to SAffron;s neck, letting him catch his breath.Saffron;s erection seemed to be burnign a hole right through him whre it lay presed against his stomach and he wondered if his own were doing the same to Saffron;s leg. He shifted a bit, rubbing aganst him lightly as he nibbled along his neck, wondering at just how right and perfect this all felt, depsite the fact that he'd never been atrracted to guys before his Saffron came along.. HIS Safron..Matt smiled even more at that thought.
 
Saffron shifted, pressing against Matt, the skin on skin contact making him even more high, and he managed to surpress a giggle that wanted to escape. That and the fact that he'd never wanted any one as much as he wanted Matt at the moment.
 
Closing his eyes again, the soft smile still on his face, Matt shifted above him,  kising and lickign his way down Saffron's neck and over his shoulders and  chest, tasting every inch of him.  Every time his lips crossed over a  mark that he could feel upon his skin he'd pause and spend an extra moment of attention on it before moving on. He'd never felt so incredible and he wondered if he was even going to last long enough to finish this... but he coudn't bare to stop what he was doing either...
 
Saffron arched slightly under Matt, which another whimper, struggling to remember to breath, every where Matt kissed and licked, his skin felt tingling, No ne had ever taken the time to even consider Saffron's feelings in this, and he felt almost as if this was a dream.
 
By the time Matt made his way back donw to SAfron;s stomach, his entire body was trembling with need, but still he held back. He held SAffron;s hips in his hands as he worked his way over his stomach, his lips burning a they moved over Saffron;s erection.
 
Saffron gasped, inhaling sharply with a whimper, his hips coming off the bed as he arched from it, one hand tangling in Matt's hair, the other grasping hard at the sheets on the bed.
 
Grinning at Saffrn's reaction, Matt pressed his hips back against the mattress,  while he continued tasting and teasing. When he'd covered even inch of him he shifted enough to slip a hand betwen Saffrons legs, his fngers stroking lightly over his skin until they found his opening.
 
Whimpering again, Saffron bit his lip, arching a bit again. "Matt..." He whimpered softly, his eyes closed, the mix of emotions and pleasure playing over his face.
 
"Shhh baby.." Matt said softly as he moved his fngers slowly, stretching him. He kissed the hot skin beneath him agian. "Soon." he said with another soft kiss, letting his lips brush acros him. He knew SAffron must be as close as he was and he toyed with the thought of bringing first, then taking him . " I'm not done yet..."
 
"Is it always such blissful torture?" Saffron managed to ask with a gasp, squirming under him, one hand was still tangled gently in Matt's hair, the other was twisting the sheet at his side.
 
Matt smiled as he continued. "It can be... if that's what you want. " he brushed his lips over his again. "It can be anything you wnat it to be... but it'll always feel good with me angel.... I'll make sure of that.." he added, slipping another finger within him, stretching him further.
 
Saffron whimpered again, squirming more. He wasn't sure he could take much more Matt's attention like this. "Please...I can't...take much...more..." He whimpered softly.
 
"I know angel..." Matt said softly, not sure he was going to last himself. He gave a final kiss then pulled his fngers free, moving above him until his erection pressed against him. He moaned at the touch as he held himself above him, his eyes on SAffron;s face as he presed slowly into him.
 
Saffron arched with a gasp, pressing back against him, his arms wrapping around Matt's neck, "Oh...Matt..." He whimpered.
 
The sound of his name brought another moan fomr him and he bent to kiss him lightly as he pressed in as far as he could. "Saffron..." he said softly. "My Safron..."he kissed him again as he began to move, his bodies trembling to the point that he was  afraid he'd either collapse onto of him or explode any second...
 
Saffron arched against him as Matt began to move, his arms tightening around Matt's neck, it was something he'd never felt before and a part of him though he could become rather addicted to feeling these kind of things. He kissed him back, deeply and hungerily.
 
He could feel the slight tug on his neck as his amulet swung beneath him as he moved and he spared a brief hope that it wasn't scratching Saffron at all. His head was already spinning fomr the power rush between then and the intensity of emotion he woke in him and he quickly lost any semblance of control. "I played too long angel.. I cant hold on.." he breathed softly into the kiss.
 
Saffron shook his head slightly, struggling to breath, he wouldn't be able to last much longer himself, and it was all so blissfully agonizing. "Its okay..." Saffron managed to say softly, breathlessly.
 
"I'll make it up to you." Matt said breathlesly with a grin as he kissed him again, forcing himself to slow down for a couple more long deep thrusts before he let go completely.
 
Saffron moaned, arching more, whimpering more. "I'm not worried..." He muttered, kissing him back.
 
Matt somehow found the breath to laugh softly at that before he captured his lips for another hungry kiss, his body taking over and moving faster. His orgasm hit while he was still kissing him, and he cried out into the kiss.
 
Saffron gasped, arching against Matt, as he came, crying out. He'd never felt anything so unbelievably fantastic. And some how didn't think it'd ever feel quiet so wonderful if it was some one other then Matt.
 
Matt lost track of time as he lay on his side, Saffron in his arms, both of them struggling to catch their breath and come down off the high. He wasn't sure how long the whispering had been going on or even the yelling..it asn;t until something flew acros the room to hit him in the back of the head that he came too enough to realize what was going on. "Oh shit..." he mutered softly.
 
Saffron managed to catch his breath, very aware of a heavy presense of death, his abilities on a senstive high. He didn't think his abilities had ever been so sensitive. At Matt's words, he blinked, moving to sat up slightly.
 
Matt rolled onto his back and listened to one spirit in particular cussing him out. He blushed furiously, still grinning then laughed. "fuck..." he muttered as he laughed. " What can I say...Oops?"
 
"I think this is one of the reasons death elementals and necromancers have always been kept apart..." Saffron muttered softly, sitting up beside Matt.
 
Matt laughed even harder at that. "Just gotta practice a bit at better control..." he said and drew a breath as he focused for a moment, reaching out with his abilities to survey the damage. True to Marilee's complaints, the energy rush  combined with lack of control had woken the entire cemetary. "I'm so fucking tempted to invite Rosemary over.." he said with a laugh, picturing the interferring old woman  surrounded by hundreds of zombies. With a sigh  he turned to SAffron. "I'll be awhile... gotta put them all back... come snuggle while I do." he said, settling himself against the pillows more comfortably and holding out his arm for SAffron. "Oh.. and this is Marilee... my irritating pain in the ass honorary big sister.. Marilee... this is the twins brother and my love... Saffron."
 
Saffron blushed at Matt's introduction, "Hi..." He said softly, before sighing, and moving enough to snuggle against Matt. "This happen often?" He asked softly with a slight smirk, his abilities making him aware of all the dead outside.
 
Matt laughed again as he wrapped his arm around him, holding him close. "Not since I was a kid and never this bad... think the most I raised by accident was three... You just gave me enough of a boost to raise around three hundred..." he said then kissed his forehead tenderly. "Now be quiet for a bit so I can concentrate... it's harder putting them back when I didn't MEAN to wake them up...."
 
Saffron snorted softly, a faint smirk on his lips. "I'll remember that then..." He said softly, before laying his head on Matt's chest, and decided to let his eyes close, snuggling close. He'd most likely end up falling asleep, but, he really couldn't think of any where better.
 
Matt let himself just enjoy the feel of SAfron in his amrs for a moment longer before he rached out again and began to put the zombies down one by one. After a few minutes he got bored and tried doing more at once. As he felt how easily they slipped back donw to their graves, even in groups of four or five at a time, the energy whiplash barely even felt over the remaining high, he  grinned and decided to be reckless. With a deep breath, he tightened his hold on SAff a bit and reached out, connecting with every zombie he could find... then dropped them all at once. "Whoa.. oh fuck... ow..." he muttered, letting go of SAffron with one arm to grab his head. He could hear Marilee's laughter slip away to another part of the house to leave them alone. "Oh... so shouldn;t have done that..."
 
Saffron raised his head a moment, opening his eyes, then snorted softly. "Well, I bet you wont do that again..." He said softly with a slight smirk, before laying his head back on Matt's chest. "I suppose we'll just have to be more careful next time..." He added softly.
 
"Mmmm... yeah.. next time.." Matt said wrapping his arms back around him wincing at the sudden headache the power whiplash had given him. "Many many next times... Practice makes perfect..." he said with a smirk, kissing him softly.
 
Saffron blushed softly, kissing him back, before snuggling closer, his head back to laying on his chest. "Guess we'll just have to keep practicing..." Saffron replied softly, with a faint smile, stifling a yawn.
 
Matt smiled softly, closing his eyes and doing his best to ignore the pain. "Mmm Hell yeah.. lots..." he said softy with a chuckle. "Sweet dreams angel..." he said. moving enoiugh to pull the covers up around them, then setting back with SAffron in his arms.
 

 
It surprisingly hadn't taken Saffron long to adjust to living, but then he wasn't entirely sure everything had sat in yet. It'd been a few days and while it was evening, Saffron was walking through the cemetery, while the twins were washing dishes from dinner.
 
Matt stood on the patio for a moment watching the slight figure slip amoung the graves, then with a soft smirk, he headed off after him. The first bedroom was finished donwstairs and the second was ready for to be painted; no doubt the twins would be moved down to their new rooms by the weekend at the latest... but there was no longer any mention of SAffron taking over their old room.
 
Saffron felt being watched and glanced up to see Matt, he paused where he was walking, to watch him a moment, waiting.
 
Matt smirked softly as he caught up to him and reached out to catch hold of his hand. " Hey angel.." he said softly. " decided I wasn't in any hurry to paint.... figured I'd join you. hope you don;t mind?"

tbc....

While we're not done with this one yet, we do have the sequel already started... we actually did it first *L*  Feel free to check it out

Daddy Dearest

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