Saffron cursed the fact that he'd agreed to just a drop off from Jean Yves, but coming straight from Paris, to here, he hadn't thought about time or weather. Now he was wet, on the verge of being very cold, and even more upset. He made up to the porch and glanced back seeing the rift close, before turning his attention back to the doors and knocking. He had the thought he must look like a drowned rat considering how heavy the rain was. No doubt the eyeliner was running by now.
 
Matt frowned slightly as he glanced at the time on his computer wondering who would be at his door in the middle of the night... then snorted as he changed that thought to who would be at his door PERIOD. He put the computer in standby and stood, stretching, deciding it was probably someone stranded with car trouble. Smirking darkly, he left his shirt hanging on the back of his chair and headed barefoot out into the sanctuary, not bothering to turn on any more lights than the one lone lamp that was already lit. He'd barely taken more than a half dozen steps when he felt the familiar chill of death and knew who was at his door. "What the fuck...?" he muttered softly as he jogged the rest of the way to the door and pulled it open to see Saffron huddled on his porch just out of the rain and soaking wet. "Saff?!"
 
Saffron looked up as the door came open, eyes unusually wide. For a moment, everything he'd thought of saying a few moments ago to explain why he was here in the middle of the night...in the middle of a storm, went completely out of mind, as he stared up at Matt a moment, eyes unusually wide. A loud crack of thunder caused him to jump with a squeak and he said the first thing that came to mind. "I need your help!"
 
"You look like a drowned rat, kid... A cute drowned rat, but still..." he said with a smirk then reached out to lay a hand on his shoulder, a chill rush of power hitting him at the contact at the same time he noticed how cold Saffron felt through the wet cloth. "Get your ass in here and dry off..." he said softly, the rush of the contact making him suddenly conscious of the fact he was in nothing but jeans. The air conditioner was on the fritz, and the humidity had been building all day before the storm broke and the church had been uncomfortably warm, despite the fans. Another crack of thunder sounded and he felt as much as saw Saffron jump and his hand slid around his back to usher him inside past him.
 
Saffron sighed silently, trying to get his heart to stop pounding so hard after the last crack, or maybe it was pounding so hard because of something else... He closed his eyes a moment, trying to banish that thought before it even started, he had enough trouble; Then he had the thought that it was probably a bigger mistake coming here to ask Matt's help...but he was here now. He found himself standing inside, shivering head to toe, despite the fact it really wasn't terribly cold, as Matt closed the door again. "I didn't know it was so late..."Saffron said softly, teeth chattering.
 
Matt snorted softly as he closed and locked the door again. "That doesn't matter... you know I'm usually up most of the night anyhow... " he said softly; Saffron's plea for help making him uneasy. He'd never known the kid to ask for help or even to admit to needing help... For him to show up here in the  middle of a storm asking, it had to be bad. "Come on... I'll get you a towel. My shirt's in the office of you want to pull that on for now. If the power stays on I can toss your stuff in the dryer for you while you tell me what the fuck is wrong..."
 
Saffron glanced down at the puddle of water that was collecting around him and sighed, but the faintest weary smile came to him, as he realized as terribly messed up as his life had become in the last few hours, being around Matt, it didn't seem so bad."Yeah...fine..." He replied, still shivering
 
 Matt sighed and jogged to the bathroom for a couple towels then returned, wrapping one around Saffron. "Go on... I'll follow and clean up the puddles..." he said with a smirk as he let his arm rest a moment on his shoulders with the towel. "You shivering from the rain...? Or shaking from whatever has you here asking for help?" he asked softly.
 
Saffron looked up at him as he took the corner of the towel to wipe his face. For a moment, he had that wide eyed look again. "What I need help with..." He replied softly, before turning away enough to head toward the office...with a blush. He went back to mentally trying to work out just how he planned to ask Matt for help...how to explain it to him....
 
Matt snorted softly as he watched Saffron walk away, the wet clothes clinging to him. Tearing his eyes away, he knelt and began cleaning up the rain water. He tried to keep his mind off of Saffron for the moment, thinking instead of the weather, and hoping the storm meant that the unusual heat wave was done with and regular fall weather would resume. Although rain for Halloween wasn't that great either... if it was forecast he'd have to see about renting one of those big tents for the night ; he couldn't cancel… Marilee would never have cancelled. With a snort he  followed the wet foot prints across the room, sopping them up as he went. "Try not to drip on anything paper or electronic, hey kid?" he called out lightly.
 
Saffron snorted faintly at hearing Matt as he entered the office. He really did need to get out of the soaking wet clothes and the sneeze he gave only reaffirmed that; so he grabbed Matt's t-shirt from the back of the chair and stripped out of the wet garments except for his knickers. He pulled on the shirt before taking the towel to his hair, though he was still shivering. Once again, he realized there really wasn't any one else he could turn to for this...He just hoped Matt would help...
 
Matt slung the wet towel over the bathroom door, winced as he heard the smack of wet clothes landing on his floor and pulled the towel back down again. He debated whether or not to go dig through the trunks of Marilee and Misty's things in the basement for something that might be closer to Saffron’s size but decided against it. Better to just get the kid bundled up in a blanket on the couch and get the story out of him. The fact that something was bad enough to have Saffron shaking and asking for help was bothering him.
 
The t-shirt of course was huge on him and hung off one shoulder, hanging down past his thighs, but it was at least warm and smelled liked Matt… which was oddly comforting to Saffron and for the moment. And he'd at least managed to stop shaking so much. He stood there, again trying to get the general idea of how to explain this to him.
 
Matt rapped his knuckles against the door. "You done dripping all over the place?" he asked as he opened the door. He smirked as he took in the sight of Saffron in his shirt, then the smirk faltered as the kid turned those wide green eyes on him. He was struck by how small and young and... almost delicate he looked, especially in the oversized shirt and with the dark smudges around his eyes and the wet hair hanging in his face. Matt swallowed hard and forced himself to gather the wet clothes off the floor and toss the towel down to sop up the water. "I'll go toss these over the shower for now. The dryer can wait until you tell me what's going on... Why don’t you head to the couch...? " he said softly.
 
Another incredibly loud crack of thunder sounded incredibly close, and caused Saffron to jump with a startled squeak. At the same time, the power decided it had apparently held on long enough and left them standing there in the dark. A faint whimper actually escaped Saffron as he wondered if he should take it as a sign that he wouldn't get any help...
 
Matt heard the whimper and shifted the bundle of dripping clothes to one arm and reached out to where Saffron stood, huddled in on himself. "Hey... its alright. Just stay put for a minute and I'll ditch these and get a light, okay?" he asked softly as he tucked a lock of wet hair behind Saffron's ear.
 
"This has been the worst day of my life..." Saffron replied softly, sounding like it was completely true. He bit back the shiver that wanted to run through him at Matt's touch. "Okay, ONE of the worst days... but getting closer to being the top one..." He amended.
 
Matt  let his thumb brush against Saffron's cheek briefly before pulling his hand away. "Just stay put, kid. You're part fae.. Your night vision will kick in soon enough. I'll just be a second, alright?" he said and quickly crossed the hall to toss the clothes over the top of the shower before returning to Saffron's side. Rather than dig out a flash light, he just slipped his arm around him to lead the way. "Come on... I'd offer to light a fire, but it's too damn hot already. I have a flash light in the front hall though if you want.."  he said softly.
 
"I don’t mind the dark so much..." Saffron replied much softer then normal as he let Matt lead him back out to the couch. He still hadn't figured out a way to explain this, and after a long moment of being quiet, the first thing that kept circling around in his mind, slipped out as they reached the couch. "I... I need you...you to marry me..."
 
Matt froze in mid motion as he'd been about to sit down, one hand still on Saffron's back. "Huh?" he asked, wondering if he'd heard him right. He finished sitting down and looked up at Saffron. "Did... did you just say.. you need me to.. marry you?!" he asked, his voice soft as he tried to wrap his head around the idea. "Saff... did you happen to get hit by lightening while you were out playing in the rain?"
 
Saffron was incredibly glad of the darkness since he knew he was blushing crimson and he didn't move for a moment. "N-n-no..." He squeaked softly. "I'm... I'm serious! My mother...s-signed a binding...fae contract...when...when I was born...contracting...me to marry...a...a fae prince. I can't back out...not with out it...killing me...and I can't take that chance. The only loop hole...is to marry some one else..." Saffron explained almost breathlessly.
 
Matt was quiet a moment as he let that news sink in, then realized Saffron was still standing and shivering. He reached out to pull him down to sit beside him, one arm staying around his shoulders almost casually as he focused on his thoughts. "You're serious..." he repeated softly. "Your mother agreed to marry you off to a prince?!" he asked. "You're a guy... why the fuck would she marry you off to another guy? No princesses around for you?" he asked, trying to sound his usual snide self but coming off sounding more confused than anything else. "And why me...?" he added softly. "Why not ask that chick you were dating for a while...?"
 
Saffron found himself sitting and closed his eyes, forcing himself to take a deep breath, and calm down. "Because... I can't... it doesn't work that way... Everyone had it wrong...Lex isn't the daughter of the seal...well, not the only one...apparently...we both are...and...because of that, I either marry this guy...or die...Or I marry another man, before he shows up to claim me...and there was no one else I could ask..."
 
Matt smirked softly as he considered that. "That is so fucked. So... you have to get married to a guy and fast before this prince shows up to claim you....?" he said, shaking his head softly. "And you want me to be that guy...?" he asked, turning to look at Saffron, huddled beside him looking so small and lost. He felt his chest clench painfully, his breath catching at the sight and he had to swallow past a lump several times before he could speak. "You're serious about this being the only way... that if you don't get married first... you either marry this prince guy or die...?"
 
"It is the only way. When his...messenger delivered the news at the office this after noon...I left for Paris, and my mother's lawyer, who spent several hours looking the contract over. This was the only loop hole that can be found..." Saffron replied, finding himself curling up smaller on the couch beside Matt. "So I left Paris, and came here...because...I couldn't...ask any one else..." He added softer.
 
Matt let his arm tighten around Saffron a bit, holding him closer. "Alright." he finally said softly. "I mean... fuck... its not like I planned on marrying anyone else..." he added, then blushed as he heard how that sounded. "Fuck..." he muttered softly and let himself slouch down a bit and rested his head on the back of the couch, his arm wrapping  that much tighter around Saffron and pulling him closer. "So.... when do we have to do this?" he asked, part of him wondering if he was dreaming all this... maybe he fell asleep at his desk and this was just a dream...
 
Saffron found himself snuggled against Matt when he pulled him closer, but oddly didn't mind. It was the first time all day that he didn't feel the panic attack right on the edge. He bit his lip slightly, before answering. "I only had forty eight hours, from the time the contract and notice was delivered to me...before he came to get me...So before... November 1st...He'd already set the wedding for November 2nd...in the White Court..."
 
"Before... Halloween?" Matt asked. "I can't...  Fuck.. we have to get married tomorrow?! On Halloween?!" he asked, sitting up a bit. "I can't! Kid... Marilee's deal.. I ..fuck.." he said and slouched back against the couch and closed his eyes. He couldn't 'not' host the Halloween night for Marilee... but... he couldn't let Saffron down either.. as crazy as it was. A sudden thought had the corner of his mouth twitch in the beginning of a smirk. "Yeah.. okay.." he said softly. "You got a problem with an audience? A theme wedding? Heavy Goth at the least..."
 
Saffron blinked in the darkness, at hearing that, before snorting softly. "You're asking ME if I have a problem with that?" He asked softly. "No, and no." He added. "Goth is fine with me..." He fell silent after a moment, only to jump again at another loud crash of thunder; fall storms were always as bad as spring storms...
 
Matt snorted softly and after a moment allowed himself to pull Saffron back to his side. "Take it easy..." he said softly. "I've got you..." he added. "It's just... I have this thing planned for tomorrow evening. Marilee started it and every year it got bigger... then.. when she died, I took it over. It's sort of ... a yearly memorial, you know? So people are already coming and there'll be some kids from the high school here tomorrow afternoon to decorate... I can give them a shout and let them know so they can raid the drama department or something…" he said with a soft smirk, unable to fully believe he was talking about this. "The marriage license is the problem... they usually take a bit, but... I did the one judge a favor a few months back and he still owes me. I'll give him a call in the morning and see what I can do. You're about Mist's size... she has trunks of fancy Goth shit downstairs... you can see if there's anything suitable or make a run to Boston for something..."
 
"I'm not worried about something to wear...I can take care of that easy enough..." Saffron replied softly. "I just have to do this before he finds I'm doing it and tries to put a stop to it...." He fell silent, lost in thought a moment, finding himself again snuggled against Matt's side and at some point his head came to rest on Matt's shoulder. "Thank you Matt..." He said after a moment, softly. "You have no idea how much this means..."
 
Matt snorted softly. "I have a clue." he said, his eyes still closed as he sat there with his arm around Saffron feeling incredibly comfortably. "This is completely NOT like you. Running around in a thunderstorm looking scared to death.... asking for help. Something bad enough to do that to you.... course I'm going to help. You're my best friend, Saff. Fuck... you're probably my only real friend. I do have a question though..." he said, propping his feet up on the coffee table to get even more comfortable. "Are you just scared of being married to any fae prince... or this prince in particular?"
 
Saffron sighed softly, turning enough to make himself comfortable, leaning against Matt. He half listened to the storm still ragging outside. "This one...in particular. He's an heir to BOTH the UnSeelie and Drow thrones...but... I just...can't... I have a feeling it'd probably be the end of my life if I did..."
 
Matt rubbed his hand over Saffron's arm as he held him, then let it slip down to rest on Saffron's arm over his stomach, pulling him a bit closer as he did. "Well... don’t worry. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. We'll get married tomorrow and you'll be safe from him." he said softly. "If it wasn't for needing the license I'd say we could do it in the morning, but the license probably won't be ready until afternoon at least... And you probably want your family here... More witnesses that you're legally married. So..." he swallowed and sighed. "So I guess we'll just work it into the night... See the first batch of kids get their treats and head off on the ghost walk then close off the grounds for the ceremony... then reopen for the rest of the kids... Or have the kids gathering some place else..."
 
Saffron managed to stifle the first yawn. "I could care less about my family being there...most of them probably aren't to happy with me in the first place...but I'll call Lex tomorrow..." He said softly. "And it doesn't have to be that long of a ceremony..." He added.
 
"Like I said... it's not about family... it's about witnesses." Matt said simply, stifling a yawn. "Should call your lawyer too. And any fae you know... Just to cover your ass. Just tell them to be here at dusk. We could skip the whole ceremony and just stand before the judge in town, but like I said... the ceremony and all that just adds to it... Less for him to bitch over if he tries to say it's not real..."
 
"Yus, I told Jean Yves I'd call in the morning...so I will. I have to call a couple people anyway..." He added softly, sounding more tired. He was exhausted, but the afternoon's events and all were the cause of that really.
 
Matt bit back another yawn. He'd been wide awake before, but sitting here with Saffron he felt so relaxed and comfortable. He figured it was a combination of the connection between them, the warmth of the room and the steady sound of the rain. "Good." he said simply. "You sound tired... should get you upstairs and make up the couch..." he said, feeling himself drifting already. "Just don’t want to move yet..."
 
"Mm...am tired..." Saffron replied even softer, already falling asleep. Instead of getting up, he merely tucked himself closer to Matt, drifting off to sleep from being so relaxed, for the first time all day.
 
~ ~
Matt sighed softly and stayed where he was a moment, listening to the soft whir of the ceiling fan above him, wondering why he was sleeping mostly sitting up... then he woke the rest of the way to the feel of Saffron snuggled against him. The events of the night came back to him and he smirked, blushing slightly and raised a hand to stroke through Saffron's hair. He tried not to think too deeply  about how good it felt sitting there with Saffron's head on his chest and his arms wrapped around him. With another sigh, he broke the spell that was settling over him and threatening to put him back to sleep. "Saff... time to wake up, kid... Got a big day ahead of us...."
 
A soft faint whimper came from Saffron, but he began to stir, waking up more and more, until he was aware of  being snuggled up against Matt. His eyes opened, slightly wide, but for a moment, he didn't move. Then he slowly drew away, blushing, and did his best to stifle a yawn. "Didn't realize I was so tired..." he muttered, not looking at Matt.
 
Matt smirked softly and let his arm slip down Saffron's side as the kid sat up before looking at him. He smirked even more and reached up to run his fingers through his hair. "I'd say you have a bad case of bed head... but there was no bed to blame..." he said with a smirk, his eyes sparkling. "Shouldn't have fallen asleep with wet hair." he said then cursed softly. "Fuck... your clothes are soaking wet..." he said as he got to his feet."I'll go wring them out and toss them in the dryer... and put a fresh pot of coffee on..."
 
Saffron wasn't too lucky with stifling the next yawn, though he noticed that obviously the power was back on. And the rain had stopped. With a second yawn he scratched his head, stretching slightly, before getting up; stiff and slightly sore. The t-shirt hung off one shoulder, so the grim reaper tattoo was visible. "Coffee would be nice..."
 
"Guess we'll have to figure out more permanent sleeping arrangements, huh?" Matt called over his shoulder as he gathered Saffron's wet clothes from the bathroom. He headed back across the sanctuary towards the basement door. "Well after tonight, anyhow... look pretty fucking strange if we don’t share the same bed on our wedding night..." he said with a smirk. "Fuck... `wedding night’... I can't believe I'm doing this..." he said with an amused chuckle as he headed down to the laundry room.
 
Saffron watched him disappear down into the basement, with a slightly wide eyed look, and sudden uneasy feeling as certain thoughts hit him just then. He had to sit back down, realizing he'd actually come to his best friend for this...That he was going to be married to Matt...But there hadn't been anyone else he'd felt comfortable enough...even safe enough to ask this of. The one thing that he'd refused to hear from Jean Yves, before Saffron had left to come here, came back to him. His mother's lawyer had warned him that even if Matt had agreed, considering the contract, the fae would have stipulations to insuring that the marriage be real to keep Landan from challenging it. As in, the marriage had to be consummated. That was one thing Saffron didn't want to think about right now...Only because a part of him was all for the idea...
 
~~
 
Everything was falling into place. The students from the high school had jumped at the idea and were no doubt raiding the drama department right then. Matt quickly talked Judge Rollin into fast tracking the license on the condition that he get to perform the marriage.

He'd settled on a plan for how the night would go with the usual round of trick-or-treaters and the ghost walks and even managed  to get rings for the event…. Well, he'd called the local shop and asked for a set he'd seen earlier. As soon as Saffron finished with his phone calls and signed the license, they could head over to have the rings sized. Matt finished signing his part of the paper work and spoke with the judge while he watched Saffron pace back and forth talking on his cell.
 
Saffron listened to Lex as he told him that at least TWO of Landan's messengers had been to the offices, with...'gifts', before he finally broke the news to Lex. "Well, I'd tell you to tell them the next time to take them back, because I'm getting married... tonight." He said softly.

There was the sound of Lex dropping something on the other line. "Wait... what?!" Lex replied.

Saffron snorted softly. "I took the contract to Jean Yves, last night, Lex...he found a loop hole. I'm marrying some else...so that I can't marry...this Prince..."

"Oh...okay...good...but...who are you marrying...?" Lex asked.

"Matt." Saffron answered as if it was no big deal, and was rewarded with Lex dropping the book he'd had again.
 
"Saff..? Get your ass over here and sign while you talk." Matt called out, growing tired of waiting. He still had a few errands to run for Halloween in addition to the wedding... he suddenly smirked wickedly, wondering if he should invite Rosemary Turney....
 
Saffron sighed softly as he listened to Lex stuttering questions, but he turned and went over to where Matt was, taking the pen and signing the paper work. He sighed as Lex continued. "Because you know why, Lex." He answered Lex's stuttered questions in part. "I need a couple of favors from you." He added. "For one, I'd like you to be here. Plus...I need you to stop at my apartment and bring the white box in the bedroom. Thank you..." Saffron finally hung up with his younger brother.
 
Matt waited until he was finished and set the pen aside. "You alright?" he asked. "We could still skip it all and just do it right here and now... might not be as good against that contract without the whole deal but..." he let his voice trail off and gave a slight shrug. "Otherwise... I got us appointment down the street at the jewelers...."
 
Saffron sighed softly, but after a moment, forced a smile and glanced at Matt. "I'm fine, really... Just didn't realize it took so much work in one day for something like this..." he replied softly.
 
Matt snorted. "Takes more... if you want the whole deal. You just lucked out that I already a bunch of shit done that we could use..." he said. "Takes less if you don’t want the whole deal... We can just face the judge here and let him do his thing and be done..." he said softly. "It’s up to you."
 
Saffron shook his head, before pulling his hair back into a pony tail. "No...this would work better...less for him to dispute..." He replied softly. The cell phone rang again and Saffron answered it, seeing it was Lex again. "Yus, that white box. I know it's a gown, it was a Halloween costume... No, Faal coming with you is fine." He replied half with a sigh, half amused.
 
Matt reached around and stole the phone from Saffron. "Hey Red, how's my little brother in law to be doing?" he asked, smirking as he batted Saffron's hand away. "Yeah bring the elf... bring any you know. The more Fae witnesses the better… as long as they don't butt in..."
 
Saffron crossed his arms and gave Matt a look, though he found himself oddly amused. At least there was the fact that they were best friends...it did make the whole thing that much easier...or more complicated, depending on how you wanted to look at it.
 
Lex fell quiet a moment, before replying. "I'm sure Gillorn will be more then interested to tag along... which should certainly lend some heavy credibility, considering he's a crown prince..." Lex said, knawing on his lip. "You're really going through with this?!" He asked after a moment, since it'd been on his mind.
 
Matt snorted softly. "Yeah kid... Saff needs me." He said simply. "I'll see you tonight, alright? No need to dress pretty or any thing." He teased. "It's Halloween after all. The theme is Goth... Tell the elf he has to dress accordingly... that should be good for a laugh..."
 
Lex snorted in reply. "Right...we'll be there. Just...take care of him..." Lex said simply before hanging up. He'd have to go retrieve the gown Saffron wanted but first he'd tell Faal about what was going on, deciding not to tell his parents yet...
 
"Well that takes care of my outfit and any family witnesses." Saffron said, taking back the phone. "Guess we should finish off what needs to be done before evening."
 
"Yeah. Think I got my clothes pretty much covered too." Matt said simply, nodding to the judge. "See you tonight… figure around dusk. We'll send off the first batch on their ghost walk and get to business..." The judge just nodded and waved them off,  and Matt snorted, wondering how long before the entire town knew; If they didn't already. "Come on... jewelry store..." he said, laying a hand on the small of Saffron’s back and giving him a slight push towards the door.
 
~ ~

Saffron let Lex help him finish getting ready, finishing the last few details. The outfit had original been for a costume party, one that didn't have any one from around the office or such; one in the world were Saffron tended to play a girl. It was a gothic two piece gown with a trained black satin and velvet skirt, and a dark red corset with black beading covering the front. It was pulled together with the black lace sleeves that attached to the corset. Saffron had left his hair down and Lex had found a gorgeous black lace and beaded choker. "Can't believe you’re doing this..." Lex muttered.

Saffron snorted. "As if I'd marry Prince Landan..."

"Yus, but marrying...Graves?" Lex replied, as they finished getting ready.

Saffron picked up the gift that had been brought with Lex from a friend, which was a dozen black roses with a dark red ribbon. "Who else was I going to ask to help me?" Saffron replied softly, looking at Lex, who'd worn a black, white and red pinstriped outfit.

Lex sighed, realizing Saffron had a point. "I suppose we should go on outside..." Lex said finally after a moment, and they headed down stairs.

Saffron and Lex paused in the kitchen, the light off, watching things through the patio door and for the moment, just taking a moment to stand there, letting it all set in.

"Coming outside?" Lex asked, as he started to open the patio door. "In a moment..." Saffron said. Lex eyed him, but nodded, before slipping outside and heading to Faal.

Saffron sighed softly, twisting a lock of his hair around his finger a moment, watching things from inside, before looking at the black roses. Summoning up enough courage to move he finally headed outside, pausing to sweep the train of the skirt aside, to close the patio door, before turning and heading toward the group. Part of him was self conscious about the gown, knowing how much he looked like a girl, but he shoved that side for now, approaching.

~
 
Gillorn seemed right at home, in the gothic theme decorations; certainly much more then Faal. He'd even had fun dressing for it. Of course, he had other reasons for attending with Faal and Lex. He had the feeling certain things should be made known to the intended groom before he went through with this. So at the first chance, he approached him...
 
Matt finished giving his usual opening spiel to the kids who had gathered in the yard by the wrought iron and stone fence that separated them from the cemetery. Both the yard and the cemetery were strung with fake cobwebs dotted with spiders, as usual for Halloween, but tonight it was also decorated with black and burgundy flowers, mostly tissue paper, along with black and red crepe paper .He thought it looked a bit tacky... especially with the  fake skeletons propped on either side of the gates wearing top hats... but hey... the kids did a good job decorating and it DID kind a look good too. Could be the fact that the place was mostly lit by glow sticks, jack-o-lanterns and tiki torches, too...
 
 Gillorn waited until the kids headed on their ghost walk, chuckling softly at some of the little expected looks. "And you do this every year?" He asked Matt, amused. "Well, minus the wedding, of course..."
 
Matt looked over from fussing with his coat. He'd worn the only pair of black dress slacks he had and a pair of high boots that Marilee had bought him, more as a joke then anything else... they came to just below the knee and were adored with buckles bearing skulls... and a toe plate of a silver screaming skull on each foot. A plain black shirt lay hidden under a coat that Mist had made for him and he'd worn once to try it on... then packed it away. The coat was high collared and brushed the ground, and was buttoned to the waist only with, of course… little antiques silver skull button's she'd found somewhere.

He tugged on the collar once more and shot Gillorn a curious look. "Yeah... minus the wedding... There's usually three ghost walks... the young kids go first before full dark.. the last one is at midnight and I normally lead that one around myself...with a few special guests to help scare the shit out of them...." he added with a smirk. "Oh for fucks sake... Do I have this fucking top button twisted or something?? "
 
 Gillorn chuckled softly, eyed the button a moment, "No, actually it is straight." He said, then chose his words carefully. "You should know... there are a few things concerning...this, that Saffron was unaware of..."
 
Matt made himself leave the collar alone and shot Gillorn another look. "Wonderful... do I need to sit down for this? The way you say that... makes me think I do... And why is the elf glaring at me like that?" he asked, glancing at where Faal stood closer to the church looking distinctly uncomfortable.
 
Gillorn waved a hand in Faal's direction. "That's nothing personal." He said with out glancing in his nephew's direction. "A combination of holy ground and...dress code. Well I wouldn't say you'd have to sit down... Just a few things. First of all, once Landan gets word of this, he'll do his best to dispute it... hence why I came. But there are... factors he may find to really pick on. Such as... considering the contract that Lillian had signed, your marrying Saffron will have to be... well not putting it to lightly...it's a wedding night that will have to be consummated. Fae are dreadfully particular on that detail. Then, there's the fact that Saffron is the eldest Daughter of the Seal...I'm not sure Saffron is aware of this, but may have...started gaining some idea; the Seal will eventually have it's way..."
 
Matt was picking a strand of fake cobweb out of his hair when Gillorn’s words sunk in. "Huh?" he said, letting the cobweb fall back into place among the bright blue strands. "Consummated.... " he repeated softly. "Yeah... sure I get that... okay.." he said, scratching his eyebrow lightly. "Damn.. the shit you do for your friends right?" he muttered softly and glanced towards the house; the rest of  Gillorn’s words being over run by that one thought.
 
"Yes, well, when a friend means so much..." Gillorn said, letting it hang at that before adding, as he caught sight of the judge arriving hurriedly. "Saffron wasn't born a boy...in fact, Lillian begged the nameless one to change that, to protect Saffron. It was an agreement that landed Lillian in Hell..." Gillorn said quickly. "But the magic will eventually break on that. Landan I think suspects this, which is why he's pushing so hard and fast for the contract to go through...It merely puts Saffron's life in more danger."
 
Matt blinked at that and felt his face start to burn. "Fuck... and I thought this shit couldn’t get any weirder..." he muttered softly, nodding to the judge. "Okay... so... I'm marrying my best friend... an.. have to consummate the marriage tonight..." he said, sounding a bit stunned. "And then... at some point... Saff is going to... change into a girl..." he added. "I'd ask why this shit happens to me but.... I wouldn’t get an answer... A laugh maybe, but not an answer. Why don’t you go tell the bride it's time....?" he added then sighed heavily and shot him a look. "Unless you have more 'good' news to share first?"
 
Gillorn shook his head. "You should try seeing it from Saffron's point of view. As I said, I doubt any of this has occurred to him...and after all, he was the one who was told yesterday he was basically to marry a man he'd never met, or else..." Gillorn said softly, but headed toward the house.
 
 Matt snorted softly at Gillorn's parting words, knowing he was right... no matter how weird or hard this might be for him, it had to be far worse for Saffron. "No wonder the kid was terrified..." he whispered softly before heading over to where the judge was chatting with Faal and eyeing a cauldron full of candy body parts for the kids' treat bags. He grabbed a foil wrapped chocolate ear and tossed to the judge as he approached, seeing Lex heading their way. "As soon as Saffron joins us we can start." he said simply. He rolled his neck, hearing it pop as he sent out a summons, setting the few zombies he'd awakened earlier to stand guard at the property line. He'd had to use a far amount of power and a fair amount of blood mixed in to make them presentable enough to pass for 'fake' zombies incase anyone got too close... his arm still stung from where he'd cut. He was just glad he was wearing black and there was no chance of him bleeding through the bandage.
 
"Here comes the bride..." Judge Rollin said happily as he ate the chocolate and then smacked Matt on the shoulder. "You want the gate as the back drop then? Not sure I like having those two fellows looming over me.." he said as he headed for the skeleton guarded gate.

Matt was aware of the few guests heading towards the chairs that had been set out, but he found himself unable to look away from the sight of Saffron approaching him. "Damn..." he muttered softly to himself. "I am so screwed..."

~ ~
 
Saffron finally reached the group, and had a feeling he was blushing, but he tried to put his attention else where. He caught Lex's reassuring smile, and returned it, before he reached Matt's side. "Didn't mean to make everyone wait..." He said softly.
 
Matt had to clear his throat before he could talk. "The judge just got here..." he said softly. "Ready?" he asked, Gillorns comments about consummating the marriage making his face burn again. The comment about Saffron turning into a girl however, didn't seem that strange seeing him like he was... and Matt suddenly wondered if he hadn't already changed... It was difficult to imagine the body inside that gown wasn't a womans. Matt cleared his throat again and turned to face the judge, his hand going to Saffron’s back. "Let's get going before the next group of kids get tired of waiting and beat up my zombies..."
 
"Probably a good idea..." Saffron replied with a faint smile as they turned to face the judge, who cleared his throat and opened the small law book in his hands. "We'll make this quick then." He said, turning a couple pages. "Are there any gathered to witness this union who object?" He asked, glancing past the bride and groom. Saffron closed his eyes, almost not daring to breath.
 
Matt took a breath then looked around daring any one to say anything. When no one did, he looked back at the judge with a soft smirk, figuring it was a good idea that he hadn't invited Rosemary... the old bat would’ve been spouting off for sure.... more so if she knew Saffron was a guy.
 
The judge seemed to take that as a good sign to continue. "Very well then. Do you, Matt take Saffron in the bonds of marriage as your wife, to love honor and cherish, through all life puts before you, until death do you part?" He asked. Saffron smiled faintly, at the vows, some how not caring about the word wife.
 
Matt smirked softly, shoving everything else aside for the moment. Saffron needed him to do this and that's all that mattered. "I do." he said simply, his hand rubbing gently over Saffron's lower back as he spoke.

"And do you Saffron, take Matt in the bonds of marriage as your husband, to love honor and cherish, through all life puts before you, until death do you part?" Judge Rollin asked, his gaze on Saffron.
 
Saffron took a breath; there was no turning back, and on top of that, he reminded himself that the only other option was the marry a fae prince he didn't know and may have actually feared. "I do." He answered loud enough to be heard.
 
Matt felt an odd tightness in his chest at the words and had to tell himself that it wasn't real... it was just to keep Saffron safe. The only reason Saff had asked him was because they were best friends and he knew he could trust him.

Judge Rollin Cleared his throat and Matt looked up, realizing the judge had asked about the rings. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the two antiqued silver rings. He handed the larger of the two to Saffron as he followed the judges prompting, taking gentle hold of Saffron's hand and slipping the smaller ring into his finger.
 
Saffron bit his lip, watching Matt slid the ring on his finger, before sighing softly. Once Matt had the smaller ring on his finger, Saffron slipped the larger ring on Matt's finger. There was a pause, before the Judge said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife...you may kiss the bride." A voice in the back of Saffron's mind screamed at him to step back now, as he found himself looking up at Matt slightly wide eyed as the judge said that.
 
Matt took a breath, reminding himself this was to keep Saffron safe and possibly save his life. He kept hold of his hand and reached up to cup Saffron's cheek with his other hand as he leaned down, his eyes closing  as he kissed him softly. The jolt of the power rush at the intimate contact stole his breath and he found himself kissing him a bit deeper.
 
Saffron gasped behind the kiss, his eyes closing for a moment lost in the kiss. He couldn't ever remember getting a kiss that felt so amazing, but he reminded himself that there were several people watching and this was just to keep him from marrying Landan. Matt may legally be his husband, but he was still supposed to be his best friend and after a moment, Saffron drew back from the kiss, blushing.
 
Matt found himself looking down at Saffron to the sound of applause along with a few catcalls from the cemetery; apparently the teenagers leading the ghost walk had come back after letting the kids out the far end and watched. Matt snorted softly and flipped them off, starting to grin. He slipped his arm around Saffron, pulling him to his side and trying to act as if he hadn't almost lost control in front of everyone.

 "Alright... so... " Judge Rollin's came around and slapped him on the back again. "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hogan.." he said, his eyes sparkling. "We're even now so don’t even think of trying to get out of that parking ticket Bob gave you yesterday." he added, heading for the dish of chocolate treats. Matt just snorted softly.
 
Saffron glanced over at Lex and Faal and noticed his brother had a peculiar look as if he'd realized something and Saffron had a feeling he knew what his brother was thinking. He sighed and gave Lex a look. Gillorn, he noticed, was already gone.
 
Matt and Saffron made the rounds, accepting congratulations from those there, including Saffron’s lawyer. Faal continued to look uncomfortable and edgy the entire time, but he no longer seemed to be glaring at Matt, so he took that as proof that Gillorn had been telling him the truth.

After the wedding 'guests' moved towards the church where a table with some refreshments was set out for them, Matt waved the teenagers into the yard and sent them off to welcome the normal trick-or-treaters. There was about an hour until the next ghost walk, but kids would come and go in the mean time. Most came to prove they were brave enough, the others came because it would piss off their parents. Either way, they seemed to enjoy the night.

Matt sighed softly as they walked towards the others at the church. "So... Mrs. Hogan.." he said, with a soft smirk. "You want to do the final ghost walk with me? Or shall I pass it onto the kids this year...?"
 
Saffron snorted softly. "Not in this skirt... so I suppose it's a good thing I had a back up outfit..." He answered softly, blushing at being called Mrs. Hogan, aware Lex was still watching them closely. "Lex didn't inform our parents of this...he wasn't going to until they went back...so...be prepared for the phone calls tomorrow..."
 
Matt snorted and pulled Saffron to a stop before they went further. "You want me to play interference for you both? `Take the blame’ kind of thing?" he asked softly, glad they were in a shadowy section of the lawn as he felt his face growing warm. "And personally... I think you look great... Don't change yet. It's only fair since I'm stuck in this..." he added with a slight smirk.
 
Saffron looked up at him, for a moment not saying anything and had the intense urge to reach up, which he gave into, fingering a lock of blue hair a moment. "You don't have to take the blame for this. They'll just be more then a little annoyed that I ran off and... married you with out telling them. Although... dad might be a little more then annoyed..."
 
"Should've just invited them... I could've had a zombie or two guarding them to keep them quiet... Oh fuck." he said and  turned his attention outward to release the zombie guards, sending them back to rest, hopefully without anyone seeing them. "Sorry... forgot the extras... If I'm not doing the final walk... then I won’t need my scare crew.." he said softly. "You do look incredible, Saffron... you blew me away when you stepped outside... I had no fucking clue you'd look this drop dead gorgeous in a dress." he said with a smirk.
 
Saffron blushed even more, still fingering the lock of hair, but glanced down. "Few do." He said, leaving it at that. "As for inviting my parents; I didn't want them here. They'll get over it." he said simply, finally starting to move, lowering his hand. "But thank you, it seemed it only fitting to wear the outfit..."
 
Matt hesitated then caught hold of Saffron's hand. "Saff... " he said softly, then sighed and shook his head, deciding to wait until they were alone to tell him what Gillorn had told him. "Never mind... go talk to your brother... he looks almost as uncomfortable as the elf does... No doubt they'll be leaving soon."
 
Saffron looked at him a moment, then slipped his hand free before heading toward Lex and Faal. Lex waited a moment, before stepping closer to Saffron when he reached him. "I really hope this doesn't turn out to be a mistake, Saff..." Lex said very softly.

Saffron eyed his brother. "Why should it?"

"One of you seemed to enjoy that kiss a little more then you should have if you're just friends..." Lex replied in the same soft tone.
 
Matt went to inform the ring leader of his 'tour guides' that he wouldn't be doing the midnight walk this year. There was quite a bit of complaining and grumbling as he was over heard but he just insisted that under the circumstances, he had to pass. He'd picked up Marilee's restless energy earlier, although she hadn't spoke to him or made herself known, and he was fairly sure she'd make the last walk even if he didn't. He turned and headed towards the wedding guests, ignoring the kids asking him to reconsider.
 
Saffron eyed Lex a moment, before snorting softly. "Thank you for that, Lex," He replied softly, but in a dry tone. "Why don't you and Faal go on? I'm sure the holy ground is bothering him." He said.

Lex bit his lip, still looking at Saffron, before sighing. "You sure?"

 "I'll be fine, Lex. Go." Saffron replied, with just a little more force. Lex paused, then hugged Saffron.
 
Matt arrived in time to catch hold of Lex as he was about to leave and pull him into a quick light hug. "Don't worry, kid... I'll take care of him." he said softly before he let him go and turned to Saffron. "If you don’t want to stay here tonight with the tours going on.. we can head into the bed and breakfast for the night..." he suggested.
 
"Depends I suppose," Saffron replied softly, not exactly looking at Matt. Lex looked at them both a moment, before sighing and slipping to Faal's side; the both of them leaving quietly. Saffron watched them go, wondering if he was suddenly feeling lonely, or nervous. His lawyer had already left, to take care of any legal action Landan might make once he discovered this.
 
Matt watched Saffron for a moment. "Want to take a walk? Scare the kiddies?" he asked playfully. "Come on.. it's Halloween. We're all dressed up... we can go trick-or-treating..." he said with a soft chuckle.
 
Saffron finally turned his attention back to Matt, deciding to push everything else back and just continue to think of him as his best friend...who he just also happened to realize as of tonight he was majorly attracted to. He snorted softly, tucking a lock of hair behind his ear and eyed Matt, with a faint smirk. "I can't imagine any one giving you candy." He replied playfully.
 
Matt smirked and shrugged. "They may consider it a bribe to leave them alone..." he admitted softly, his eyes sparkling."Come on... it's only about eight  or so..." he said then looked over at a round of noise. "Okay… so maybe close to nine... It's still early." he said simply. "If you don’t want to walk, we can jump in the hearse and cruise around checking out the decorations and shit...."
 
"I suppose that's as good idea as any." Saffron replied, oddly amused. "Sure you want to leave here with all this going on though?" He asked, watching things a moment.
 
Matt glanced over at the kids and shrugged. "Kids pretty much run it anyhow... I just say hi, do the last walk for the hard core types... and be a touch stone for the kids to test their bravery on." he said then looked back at him. "So unless you're willing to play hostess with me, we can take off. Just  gotta lock the church and be back in time to make sure the kids clean up before they take off...."
 
Saffron snorted softly. "In some odd way, playing hostess has potential. And it is Halloween; I usually try to make it a point to have fun on Halloween, but mostly I'd rather just...stay in the back ground tonight. Despite knowing I'm safe from him...I'm still afraid of what's going to happen when he finds out I married some one else..."
 
"So... we staying or going?" he asked softly, reaching out to pluck a piece of spider-shaped confettie from Saffron’s hair, then brushing the hair aside. "Walk in the moonlit graveyard while dressed in black while a group of kids wander around looking for ghosts? Or shall we stay here and scare the crap out of them before they go looking for ghosts... or leave the kids to the teenagers and go for a drive..?"
 
"I suppose the drive is the better idea..." Saffron replied softly, blushing faintly, but glancing at Matt. He had the faint feeling he'd ruined Halloween for Matt with all this, but decided not to think about that.
 
Matt smirked softly. "Only if we get the kids to take one more picture before we go... and we get out and walk at some point so I can show you off. Other wise... no one will believe I married someone so gorgeous." he said then snorted. "Fuck.. they won’t believe I married some one..." 
 
Saffron had the sudden thought that he should remind Matt that it wasn't supposed to be that kind of marriage, but he held his tongue. "I suppose it'd be a good idea to have a wedding picture." He replied softly.
 
Matt slipped his hand to Saffron's back again, loving the contact and the fact that he could. He couldn't shake what Gillorn had told him and he knew he had to talk to Saffron about it soon, but he didn't want to ruin the night. Things felt so good right then... even if it wasn't the way marriage was supposed to be, it still felt good... and he was glad he'd done it. He caught one of the kids and asked them to take some pictures, and the two of them posed in a few spots while two different cameras; and Matt noticed, a video camera; aimed their way.
 
After the eight or ninth picture, Saffron glanced at Matt with a slight smirk, "I rather think you've got your proof by now..." He said softly. He wondered why part of him was so at ease at the idea of being married to Matt, while the rest of him was scared and nervous.
 
Matt chuckled softly. "One more... a special one to send to your parents..." he said with an impish grin. "Ready?" he asked their impromptu photographers before he suddenly swept Saffron into his arms and kissed him to the flash of the cameras and the hoots and cheers of the kids.
 
That caught Saffron off guard, and yet, he didn't pull away, secretly thrilled to have Matt kiss him again, though he knew he had to be blushing. Instead of pulling away, he gave into the kiss, almost clinging to Matt.
 
"Yo newly weds! Break it up... get a room or something.." one of the older kids said and the one with the video camera smacked him in the arm. "Fuck off man... you're ruining the moment." 

Matt chuckled softly as he broke the kiss, setting Saffron back on his feet. "Come on... let's go for that drive..." he said softly, slipping his arm around Saffron and leading him away. "I want copies and the negatives!!" he yelled over his shoulder. "You can have ONE shot for your yearbook or paper or whatever, but I want last say on what one!"

The arguing and grumbling that ensued from that made him laugh more as they headed for the church where he made a quick check and locked the doors before they headed for the car.
 
~ ~
Saffron had fallen quiet, lost in thought and slightly confused... But he grabbed the light shawl that went with the gown, just in case he got cold, as they headed out to the car. Then there was the reminder of what Jean Yves had said about the wedding night the day before and Lex's comment before they'd left. Now he was starting to wonder if it'd been a bad idea to ask Matt...
 
Matt opened Saffron's door before heading to his own, wondering if he should take off the coat. The heat wave had indeed broken with last nights’ storm, but it was still fairly warm. Deciding to leave it for now, he got in and started the hearse, waiting for a group of kids to cross the laneway before heading slowly towards the road. Once they were on the road, Matt reached over to lay his hand on top of Saffron’s for a minute. "We need to talk, Saff." he said softly. "There's some shit you need to know..." he added.
 
Saffron blinked, looking over at him a moment with a raised eyebrow. "The way you say that rather worries me... But then after all this...can't be blamed for that..." he replied softly, looking away, watching a few kids in costumes.
 
Matt smirked softly as he put his hands both back on the wheel. "Sorry. It's just...Gillorn  had some things to tell me before the wedding...." he said. "About... well.. tonight." he said, risking a glance at him. "The fae courts won’t recognize our marriage unless… unless it's consummated..." he said softly.
 
Saffron closed his eyes at that, knowing he had to be blushing darkly. "And that Landan would most likely use that as a way to challenge and most likely win if it isn't...Yus, Jean Yves actually pointed that out to me yesterday when I said I'd marry some one else..." He replied rather softly.
 
"So... did he mention the change as well..?" he asked softly, risking another glance. "Gillorn said something about you... being born a girl and heading back that way... and that was why your fae prince was rushing this now....."
 
Saffron tensed suddenly, and paled. He felt that edge of panic starting to creep in. "No..." He answered breathlessly, and struggled to keep the panic attack from taking over. Something about Matt's words made far too much since and of course Gillorn wouldn't have said it, if it wasn't true...after all, Lex was changing...
 
Matt heard the edge of panic in Saffron's voice and cursed softly, quickly pulling over. "Fuck... Saff I'm sorry..." he said, shutting the car off before reaching over and stroking Saffron's face. "It'll be alright... you've got me to help you deal with this shit, alright?" he said softly. "Don't freak out on me, angel."
 
Saffron closed his eyes, struggling to keep breathing normally though it started slipping to gasps and he clawed at the seat belt a moment. Part of him reminded himself that Matt was right, he did have him for support. After a moment, he managed to get himself under control enough to reply. "It changes everything..."
 
"No it doesn't." Matt said softly, shifting closer. He unsnapped Saffron’s seat belt and slipped his arms around him, pulling him close. "Doesn't change anything, Saff.You're still my best friend... I'd still do anything to keep you safe...I still married you... and there's still no way in hell I'm letting any one hurt you." he said simply. "Although... you do change... I might have to insist  on sharing the same bedroom rather than letting you have your own... especially if you're going to look as good as you do tonight." he added lightly, smirking to cover his own blush. "It'll be alright, kid... I promise."
 
"I change...and it'll be for one reason alone..." Saffron replied almost in a whisper, "And that's to have a daughter..." But he didn't pull away, and he didn't even bother to reply to what else Matt had said; he was to busy cursing his mother's name silently.
 
Matt closed his eyes at that and leaned down to brush his lips against Saffron’s  hair. "So... you have me." he said softly. "If I can..." he added, his stomach suddenly in knots. "Nothing changes... you still have me, Saff... You’ll always have me. No matter what." he said. "Come here..." he said. "Come closer."
 
Saffron ended up cuddling closer though a voice in the back of his head told him he shouldn't be. Part of him was too confused to know what to think, the rest of him felt too safe with Matt to pull away. "I hate her...I hate her for all of this..."
 
Matt held him close and stroked his hair. "Maybe you shouldn't." he said softly. "Gillorn said she made the Nameless one change you to keep you safe... and went to Hell because of it. " He leaned his head back against the seat and watched a few kids run past giggling and laughing. "If she hadn't done that.... you'd already be married to him, you know. Probably already have kids... Fuck... I'd  probably never have met you ...."
 
 "No, I wouldn't be married to him... I'd still be trapped in the Black Court..." Saffron replied softly, still leaning against him; eyes still closed to hold back a sudden rush of tears.
 
"You sure you would've even gone to the Black Court?" Matt asked softly, stroking his fingers through Saffron’s hair. "If… Landan, right? If Landan has known about the contract all this time... would he have waited to claim you? I think he'd have snatched you as a kid and had you kept safe somewhere until you were old enough. I think the only reason he didn't was because you were a boy ."
 
"I don't know...I don't...I don't know what to think...or even if I care!" Saffron replied, a few tears slipping. "Its almost as if everything in my life goes from bad to worse and the only GOOD thing...is you."
 
"And I'm here to stay, angel." Matt said softly. "You married me. Remember? Until death do us part?" he asked, still stroking his hair. "We'll handle it. All of it." he said simply. "I don’t know how, but we will, alright?"
 
"Yus, I married you... because I didn't know who else to turn to..." Saffron replied softly. "Because you're my best friend..." He trailed off, with a sigh, trying to get his emotions under control.
 
"No, Saff... you married me because you DID know who to turn to." he said softly, wrapping his arms around him tightly and laying his head against Saffron’s. "I'll always be your best friend. And now I'm your husband too... and... when you do change, than I guess if I can be, then one day I'll be the father of your children... But I'll always be your best friend." he said softly.
 
Saffron sighed, not really answering. A part of him wanted so much more then just having him as his best friend, but he didn't say it; too afraid to say it. "Thank you for telling me...what Gillorn said..."
 
Matt brushed his lips over the top of Saffron's head and sighed softly. "You're welcome." he said softly. "Wish it hadn't hit you so hard though...." he added then sighed again, leaning back in his seat with his arms still around Saffron; content to sit there for a moment watching the dwindling numbers of kids in their costumes as it grew later.
 
Saffron was quiet and still for a long moment, before finally sighing, and moving; sitting back away from Matt, yet still close. "I suppose it shouldn't have...I suppose I rather should have known...that I'd change. It's rather obvious..."
 
"Don't second guess yourself angel." Matt said softly, leaving just the one arm wrapped around Saffron’s shoulders. "The Fate's blind-sided you. They blind-sided every one.... Everyone thought it was Lex..." he said then sighed softly. "I'm glad you came to me, Saff... I'm glad I married you tonight."
 
Saffron fell silent again for a long moment, before finally saying softly, "I suppose the only matter is consummating the marriage then..." He said in a whisper, blushing darkly.
 
"Yeah..." Matt said softly. "I, uh..." he let his fingers trail over Saffron's arm as he spoke. "You need anything..? For tonight? I mean.... there's a place on the edge of town by the highway that’s open until midnight...."
 
Saffron sighed softly, but shook his head. "No...there really isn't anything I need..." He answered softly, looking out the window, rather then at Matt.
 
Matt actually blushed. "No, I mean.. Fuck why is this so embarrassing…" he said, almost amused by it. "Do you want to pick up some condoms or lube or anything like that..." he finally said, knowing he was blushing straight to the tip of his ears. "I've never ... I've never fucked a guy before, Saff..." he blurted out, although still managing to keep his voice low. "Do you NEED anything...?"
 
Saffron snorted softly; a first to have some one actually concerned before screwing him. "The lube would probably be a good idea then." He answered, his voice almost too soft to hear.
 
Matt snorted softly and suddenly twisted in his seat, wrapping his arms around Saffron again and burying his face in his hair. "I'll keep you safe from him, Saff." he said softly. "He'll never get his hands on you... No one will." he whispered softly.
 
Saffron sighed softly, letting Matt hold him, "I know you will..." He replied in the same soft tone, before he gave in. He turned his head enough that his lips brushed Matt's, before he kissed him softly.
 
~~
 
One of the teenagers was putting out the jack-o-lanterns by the front gate as the hearse pulled into the lane. There was a group huddled back by the cemetery gate lit by candles or small lanterns; the Midnight ghost walk getting their pre-walk ghost stories and treat handout. Matt smirked softly as he parked the car by the front steps, not bothering to pull it into the garage. "Home sweet home… Mrs. Hogan.." he added with a smirk, his eyes sparkling. Finally he gave his head a slight shake, chuckling softly. "Man... I am still so surprised your old man didn't show up and kill me at the ceremony..."
 
 Saffron watched things for a moment, and snorted softly to Matt's comment. "I suppose he would have, if he'd known it was happening. Lex wasn't going to tell him until tomorrow and Lexi'll keep his word. Hopefully then you won’t have to deal with both...Auron and Kay." He said softly, picking up the shawl that went with the gown off the seat beside him and the small bag from the drug store sitting there as well. "I'll have to make arrangements tomorrow, over my apartment...You wouldn't mind if I brought my posters here...I hope...?" He added, moving to open the passenger door, but pausing to look at Matt.
 
"Course not. Make your self at home..." he said simply as he got out of the car and locked his door. The long dress coat was starting to feel almost comfortable after being worn all night, and if it wasn't an unseasonably warm Halloween he might be appreciating it more... as it was, he was looking forward to taking it off. "Come on, kid...”he said softly as he headed around to the steps, keys in hand. "Let's get inside before the kids try to convince me to do the honors again..."
 
Saffron grabbed the small bag off the seat as well, and got out of the hearse closing the door. He followed Matt to the front door, and had to admit, he wanted out of the corset. And at least it was a two piece gown. The skirt had a zipper in the back. He bit his bottom black covered lip and glanced toward the cemetery. "Really Matt...if you'd rather...I don't...mind." He said softly, nodding the cemetery.
 
Matt snorted softly with a slight smirk as he unlocked the house. "If you want to come with me... sure... Otherwise... I'll leave it to the kids this year." he said simply as he opened the door and reached inside to snap on a light. "And I believe you said something about those shoes... so... I guess we'll just... finish the wedding night ..." he said a bit softer.
 
"Well...they aren't the shoes to be walking in, no...and neither is a silk skirt with a train..." Saffron replied softly with a faint smile, entering the church. He blushed, clutching the bag in one hand. He really had no idea how to go about this. He wondered if it was terrible to have day dreamed about the moment, but be scared now that it was here. He looked up toward the loft a moment, before taking a silent breath and actually started up the stairs. He at least needed to get out of the shoes...
 
"FUCK!!" Matt cursed loudly as he locked the door then jumped towards Saffron, sweeping off his feet and into his arms. "I fucked it up, damn it!" he said, his eyes sparkling. "Supposed to carry the bride over the threshold..." He sighed heavily. "Think I can avoid any bad luck that brings by carrying you up to bed?" he asked softly.
 
Saffron had yelped softly and jumped at Matt's curse and he blinked up at him wide eyed with surprise at finding himself in Matt's arms. It took him a moment to realize what he said and a nervous giggle escaped him, which made him blush. "I think you can still hold on to the good luck by carrying me to the bed..."
 
Matt laughed softly, his ears burning from his blush, but he started up the stairs with Saffron still cradled in his arms. The close contact had his head buzzing in a natural high from the power rush... and his heart pounding in anticipation and a bit of fear. "So...  you decide where you want to put your stuff and I'll get my shit out of the way for you. As long as you leave my office alone… and my zombie collection... you can move, toss and rearrange to your hearts content." he said as they reached the top and he headed towards the bed.
 
Saffron snorted softly, his arms had come to rest on Matt's shoulders as he carried him. "As if I'd touch your zombie collection...or your office. Actually..." He blushed then, "I have...something for you...back at my apartment...It would certainly fit into your zombie collection...but look great in your office. I was going to save it until Christmas...but...I suppose it'd be just as good for a wedding present."
 
Matt snorted softly. "Not fair... I don't have anything for you." he said softly as he stopped and rather then setting Saffron down, turned and sat down himself, Saffron held on his lap. He kept one arm wrapped around him and slipped the other down Saffron's leg, stroking the silk gown as he went until he took hold of his foot and undid the shoe, letting it drop to the floor before repeating the move with the other shoe.
 
Saffron squirmed slightly, nervous and unused to what Matt was doing. "I don't mind Matt... As I said, I got the poster for you for Christmas...but since I'm bringing it here anyway..." He was still clutching the bag and the shawl. With the shoes off, it was just the stockings under the skirt now.
 
Matt let his hand rub along Saffron's legs through the silk, just enjoying the feel of it. "You gave it away..." he said softly. "Now I know what you got me... you must suck at the whole Christmas thing..." he added with a soft smirk. Holding Saffron like this felt way too good and natural... and he couldn't get over how incredible he looked dressed like a girl. If he didn't know for a fact that Saffron was a guy, he'd never have guessed, even holding him like this. "You look ... beyond amazing, Saffron. " he said softly, looking away from Saffron's legs to meet his eyes.
 
Saffron blushed darkly, and didn't quite meet Matt's gaze. "I've never had any one to do the Christmas thing for..." He replied softly, before a soft thank you followed. He didn't move for a moment, before he got up the courage. He reached behind him and unzipped the skirt, at the same time, sliding off Matt's lap and onto the bed, pulling the skirt off as he went. That left him in the corset, lace boy-legs and the garter belt and stockings. He laid the skirt on the far end of the bed for now, and undid the choker, putting it with the skirt.
 
Matt suddenly couldn't remember how to breathe as he watched Saffron. His heart was pounding like mad, but he'd stopped breathing and didn't even notice it… until the pain of having his heart beating without oxygen hit him. With a startled gasp he forced himself to start breathing again, blushing furiously as he struggled to hide his reaction from Saffron. He pushed himself to his feet, turning his back on the younger man to remove the coat and boots and trying to get himself under control. He kept trying to tell himself that he shouldn't be feeling this way... this was his best friend… but all he could remember was the feel of that kiss when they'd sealed they vows...
 
Saffron pulled the few pins that had been holding his hair pinned back, out and laid them on the bedside table, letting his hair tumble around his face in loose curls. He was leaning back slightly against the pillows, in a rather sensual position with out even realizing it and blushing. He'd day dreamed about this idea for some time, guilty little fantasies, but he'd never once thought it'd ever actually happen. He'd found himself flirting with Matt often, but always tried to stop himself...
 
 Matt kept his back turned,  not wanting to look at him yet for fear of his reaction. He added his belt and shirt to the pile on the chair then sat down on the bed, all too aware of Saffron behind him. His heart was beating erratically, frantic, and he couldn't seem to calm it down short of stopping it altogether... and he doubted that would help... or be appreciated on his wedding night. That thought made him chuckle softly and he undid his pants. "You know... never gave any thought to a honeymoon..." he said, his tone a touch playful as he found himself starting to relax a bit. "Since we got married on Halloween.. maybe we should head down to Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebrations... or New Orleans... they have some nice stuff going on too... "
 
"I have the villa in Mexico..." Saffron replied softly. "I can call the house keeper tomorrow..." He added, watching Matt a moment. He bit his lip again, thinking maybe he should make the first move; it wouldn't mean anything, he reminded himself. It was just that the marriage had to be consummated... He took a silent breath and moved, sitting forward and slipped his arms around Matt's shoulders, leaning against him, but was to shy to do much else...
 
Mat's eyes closed at the feel of Saffron leaning into him. He reached up to place his hand over Saffron's arm where it crossed his chest. "Sounds good..." he said softly. With a soft sigh he caught hold of Saffron's wrist and lifted his hand to kiss the palm of it tenderly before he pulled free of his hold. He stood and quickly removed his slacks before he could think any more about it then slipped back into bed beside him. "Saff...." he said softly, knowing his face must be a brilliant shade of red at the moment. He focused on his breathing as he let his gaze rest of Saffron in the sexy lingerie. "Get over here and let me kiss you..." he added even softer.
 
Saffron wondered if he'd ever stop blushing tonight. He looked at Matt a moment, hesitating a moment before finally moving. He slipped closer to Matt, and decided to go on instinct. He reached up a hand, letting his fingers caress over Matt's cheek lovingly, before leaning in, his lips brushing over Matt's.
 
As soon as Saffron's lips met his, all the awkwardness and embarrassment of the situation fled. Matt relaxed completely, his arms wrapping around him and pulling him closer as he kissed him back. He kept flashing back on odd little moments through out their friendship where he'd found himself wondering if Saffron was flirting with him.... or wishing he had been, a thought that bothered him to no end since he wasn't into guys... But right now with Saffron in his arms and the intensity of the kiss and obvious attraction between them... he wondered if any of it mattered. He cared. He'd always cared... Saffron had very quickly become one of the most important people in his life, if not THE most... This, while not something he'd ever considered... just felt right; like it was supposed to have happened.
 
Saffron whimpered softly behind the kiss, and came to rest leaning against him. His arms slipped around Matt's neck as he submitted to Matt taking control of things. He had to keep reminding himself that it would only be this one night, that Matt was his best friend, and that's always he'd really ever be. True, eventually Matt would most likely be the father of Saffron's children, which meant they would sleep together again, but with Saffron being the Daughter of the Seal, he knew he should keep himself from falling in love with Matt. He knew that there was the extreme possibility of the Seal summoning him...and never letting him come back and he didn't want to break Matt's heart. It was one of the reasons most Daughters merely had lovers, but were never IN love...Besides, he reminded himself, Matt wasn't into boys...
 
Matt let the fingers of one hand slip through Saffron's hair to cradle his head as the kiss deepened. He held him close and wondered if Saffron was enjoying the kiss as much as he was... with a soft groan, he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against Saffron’s as he continued to cradle his head tenderly. He slipped his arm free of Saffron's waist and toyed with the corset. "You look amazing, Saff... but... let's get rid of this... all of it." he said softly.
 
Saffron went back to blushing darkly, but eased back away from Matt, which caused Matt's fingers to trail through his hair to the ends slowly. He didn't exactly look at Matt, and started on the garter belt and stockings first. Moving enough to slowly remove the stockings, one by one, lifting each leg to roll them off, revealing feminine shapely legs, shaved. He tossed the stockings toward the skirt at the end of the bed and unhooked the garter belt, which followed the stockings. He unhooked the lace sleeves, removing those, but bit his lip rather hard, drawing blood on the black lips and looked up at Matt blushing darkly. "I need help...with the laces..." He said in a whisper about the corset.
 
Matt swallowed at that but smirked softly and sat forward and patted his lap. "Then come over here so I can reach them.." he said softly, scooping the bag from the drug store off the bed and tossing it to the night stand out of the way. "I'll try not to give in to temptation and just rip them..." he added, his voice going husky.
 
Saffron swallowed hard, the blush never fading. He didn't know how he was going to do this...it was so confusing. He knew he HAD to, to keep Landan from taking him away from Matt, and a secret part of him wanted this more then anything, but he couldn't banish the reminder that Matt was his best friend and you didn't have sex with your best friend... He moved though, crawling onto Matt's lap, his back slightly to him so he could reach the laces. The black angel wings were partially visible, the top curves above the corset and parts of the wings under the corset, the long tips of the ends of the feathers, vanishing under the lace of the boy-legs on his buttock. Where the light could hit the wings, they seemed to shimmer slightly, as if real feathers.
 
Matt moaned low in his throat at the sight of the tattoo just as much as for Saffron sitting on his lap, and he slipped his hands around him, kissing his neck. "Gods I want you..." he whispered softly as he nuzzled the tender spot behind Saffron's ear before finally letting go and undoing the laces as quickly as he could. He was sure he was blushing, and if he wasn't, he figured he should be... and yet he didn't have any doubt that he wanted this.
 
Saffron whimpered at that, his eyes fluttering closed. That part of him that wanted this thrilled at hearing Matt's words and threatened to take over the rest of Saffron's feelings, but he struggled to keep himself in control. He squirmed on Matt's lap however, when he kissed the sensitive spot behind Saffron's ear, wondering if Matt had any idea how much of a turn on that was for him. It brought a wanton moan from him. He decided to just submit to Matt. After Rowen, he'd swore he wouldn't ever submit to another man, but now he found himself doing just that, and prayed he wouldn't get hurt. He felt the corset loosening and squirmed again.
 
Matt growled softly and nuzzled behind Saffron's ear again. "You don’t stop wiggling this thing is getting ripped..." he said softly as he let go of the laces to hold Saffron still. "Same goes for those panties... you want this in one piece... stop driving me crazy..." he added, switching to the other ear as he hands caressed Saffron's bare stomach just beneath the bottom of the corset.
 
Saffron moaned against, but froze; he didn't move, behaving, though the words slipped out before he could bit his tongue. "Rip them...I don't care..." His tone was breathless and lustful, but a soft gasp followed the words and he flushed all over, squirming again as if to pull away from Matt.
 
Matt gave another growling moan as he nipped playfully at Saffron's shoulder as he slipped his hands beneath the corset and pulled, the already loosened laces pulling free. He tossed the corset aside, one arm wrapping around Saffron's chest to hold him against him, as he did.
 
Saffron shivered from the cool air that hit his skin as the corset came off, and the chill that came from the connection of death between them. The flush over his skin only seemed to make the chill of the air and connection all the more chilling. And he shivered a second time, though this one was more anticipation. His wings were now almost completely bared, except for the tips under the lace boy-legs, but the scars were visible too, especially the one that stretched from his shoulder to hip. A slight fear ran through Saffron; he wasn't sure where it came from, rather it was a reminder from his past as a slave, or a reminder from his past with Rowen, but he was reminded that men merely used him and he actually found himself waiting for the belt. He waited to see if Matt would rip the panties off.
 
Matt's hand slipped over Saffron's stomach and toyed with the edge of lace a moment before he stealed his nerve and slipped it inside. He let his hand lay over Saffron's erection, just covering him gently with out doing anything else, but the feel of him pressing against his hand brought another moan from Matt. Part of him still argued silently that this was wrong, but he was way past listening. It didn't feel wrong. It felt right... it felt beyond 'right'. With another moan, Matt pulled his hand free and lifted Saffron off his lap. "Lay down.." he growled softly. "On your stomach... please..."
 
Saffron was left struggling to catch his breath when Matt pulled his hand free. He thought he would have died from the pleasurable torture when Matt's hand had been inside the panties. Now he felt oddly cold and lonely. But he continued to submit so when Matt lifted him off his lap and told him to lay down, Saffron moved, stretching out on his stomach, folding his arms underneath his head for the moment, burying his face in the mattress to gather his thoughts and hide the dark blush. The second sentence to escape him, made him whimper as well. "You can do what you want with me..." He whispered, hoping he wasn't exactly heard.
 
 Matt quickly slipped out of his own underwear and tossed them aside as he watched Saffron. "I know..." he said in a soft growl as he lowered himself to kiss the lace covering Saffron's backside. "You're mine now..." he added in the same husky tone, biting at the lace covered flesh playfully before he moved to kiss the small of his back.
 
Saffron moaned softly, digging his nails into the blankets on the bed, keeping his face in the mattress. The silent argument continued to rage in his head, though it'd gotten more intense. The submissive in him, saying he'd just damned himself by giving himself to Matt like that, and would get hurt. The part of him that wanted Matt to fuck him, saying he should enjoy the night. And reminded him Matt was his best friend, and wouldn't hurt him. The confusion was mind numbing and he whimpered, trying to clear his head though the whimper held desire to it as well, and he squirmed slightly under Matt.
 
Matt kissed his way over the wing tattoo and scars as he pushed Saffron's legs apart to kneel between them. "Mine.." he repeated softly, nipping lightly as he slid his hands beneath the lace and ran his fingers over Saffron's cheeks. "Till death do us part..." he added with a wicked smirk, all internal arguments ended as he kissed the lace once more before taking hold and pulling them off.
 
"If you want to keep me, so be it..." Saffron breathed, allowing his legs to part for Matt to kneel there. He even lifted his body enough to allow Matt to slide the panties off. That part of him that wanted this, was getting stronger, he couldn't deny that. He couldn't deny submitting to Matt in bed like this felt...good. Felt...right. At the same time that thought scared him. And yet he couldn't stop himself. "Please Matt..." He whimpered lustfully. "Don't do any teasing...just fuck me..."
 
Matt moaned softly at Saffron's words as he tossed the panties aside and ran his hands over his bare skin. "I'm not teasing, angel…" he said softly, kissing first one cheek then the other as his hands slid over them both. "This is my first time with you ... I want to remember all  of it...." he said, moving to kiss the inside of his thigh as well. "Don’t you?"
 
Saffron moaned, another shiver passing through him as he lay there on his stomach, feeling Matt's lips on places no one else had ever kissed; no else had bothered to touch and Matt's touch felt like chill fire. "I won’t be able to forget..." He answered in a soft whisper that was full of feeling. A rush of tears suddenly hit him and he was glad his face was buried in the mattress and that Matt couldn't see.
 
With a final kiss, Matt sat back on his heels and gave Saffron's rear a light slap as he reached back to grab the bag off the nightstand and remove the tube of lubricant. "Come here, angel..." he said softly, pushing the blankets out of the way and patting the pillow. "Come up here..."
 
For a long moment, Saffron didn't move, just lay there. He had to bit his tongue to keep the part of his mind that kept reminding him that Matt was only his best friend and doing this to protect him from asking him not to call him angel any more. Nothing had ever sounded sweeter to Saffron. A dark part of him was tempted to beg Matt to keep him as a slave, rather then his wife, thinking then it would be so much easier to deal with the emotions...and the pain. With a soft sigh, he finally moved, turning and crawling back up into the space under the blankets, against the pillows. He raised his eyes slowly, looking up at Matt.
 
Matt leaned over and caught Saffron's mouth in a hungry kiss as he worked some of the lube over himself, moaning softly as he did. Shifting to one knee, he slid his hand between Saffron's leg and rubbed one slippery finger against his opening. "Mine... gods I can't believe you're mine..." he said in that soft husky whisper between hungry kisses.
 
Saffron whimpered, his eyes fluttering closed as he kissed Matt back, but didn't answer. His legs parted on their own and he squirmed against Matt's finger, pressing back slightly as his hands caressed over Matt's chest and shoulders. He let one hand toy with the nipple ring, giving it a gentle playful tug.
 
Matt gave a soft growl at the tug on his piercing and he moved to kneel between Saffron’s legs before kissing him again. He grabbed one of the pillows and slipped it beneath him to raise Saffron's hips a bit more before bending to kiss and nip at his stomach playfully as his fingers returned to stroke over his opening teasingly. "Tell me your name...." he said playfully, his eyes sparkling.
 
Saffron moaned, squirming a bit more, pressing more back against Matt's fingers. He opened his eyes slowly, looking up at Matt. His eyes were lighter then their dark green; hazy. His lips were swollen and his skin was flushed. He swallowed at Matt's words, another moan escaping him as he arching slightly off the bed. "Saffron...Hogan..." He whispered.
 
Matt smiled softly at hearing him say it and moved forward to kiss him again, his hands wrapping around Saffron's waist and lifting him enough to press against him. "Gods I love the sound of that..." he said between kisses as he reached down to press himself into him. "Saffron Hogan..." he said softly, kissing him hard as he started to slip inside."My angel..."
 
Saffron gasped, arching up against him, his arms slipping around Matt's shoulders and his eyes fluttered closed again. He moaned. "Matt..." It had never felt like this, so...fantastic, so...right. He shoved the fear of it being so right out of his mind for the moment, submitting to Matt and forced himself to enjoy it.
 
Matt closed his eyes a moment as he straightened up and continued to ease himself in as far as he could. With a soft moaning sigh he opened his eyes too look down at Saffron, his heart clenching painfully at how beautiful he looked. Guys shouldn't look that beautiful... but it suited Saffron... he couldn't imagine him NOT being beautiful. "Look at me, Saff..." he said softly as he held his hips and started to move slowly.
 
Saffron struggled, his breath coming in short gasps. Matt was certainly bigger then Rowen had been, but it still didn't take away from how very right it felt. He heard Matt and whimpered softly, almost plaintively, but forced himself to open his eyes. They fluttered open slowly, looking up at Matt, still looking hazy with lust, a lighter green.
 
When Saffron's eyes focused on him Matt gave another soft moan and picked up his pace, suddenly unable to hold back like he'd wanted. "So fucking gorgeous..." he said softly as he leaned down to kiss him. "And your mine..."
 
"For as long as you want me..." Saffron replied in a whisper behind the kiss, praying his heart didn't get broken again. Rowen had broken it terribly before, and he hadn't been the only one. It was why Saffron had been afraid to fall in love with Matt. He moaned, arching against Matt as he picked up the pace and Saffron's fingers curled into his back.
 
"You heard the man... 'till death do us part'..." Matt said softly sucking lightly on Saffron's lip, the taste of blood and lipstick mingling. "Not hurting you, am I angel?" he asked softly as he let go, moving to kiss his neck instead, his breath already getting hard to control with the pace and the feeling it was stirring. He was shocked at how quickly he was losing control with Saffron and doubted he'd last much longer.
 
"No...not hurting me..." Saffron replied in a whispered moan, his eyes closing again as he clung to Matt, almost moving with him. He felt the climax building intensely and whimpered, "Matt...oh gods..." He wouldn't be able to take much more.
 
Matt kissed him hungrily as he let go, intent on the moment as his body took over. A few more deep thrusts and he felt his world explode as his orgasm hit him so hard he cried out, breaking the kiss.
 
Saffron gasped, before crying out, arching tight against Matt, his nails digging into Matt's shoulder as he came. It had never felt so intense, so mind blowing and his head spun wildly. He had to keep his eyes closed to keep the room from spinning, and his abilities were on a sensitive overload.
 
Matt stayed where he was, his arms wrapping tightly around Saffron as he struggled to come down; his head buzzing with a power rush beyond anything he'd ever felt before. "Holy shit..." he gasped softly, his face against Saffron's neck. He wasn't sure how long it was before he became aware of the sounds of screams from outside, but it took a minute of listening to them for it to click. "What the fuck?"
 
Saffron lay there a moment, listening to things, trying to make sense of what his abilities were telling him, before it clicked. "Oh gods..." He breathed, before pushing Matt off of him and scrambling out of the bed, going over to the window. "Oh...oh shit...we have a problem Matt..." Saffron breathed, looking out the window from behind the curtain.
 
Matt had to tear his gaze away from Saffron as he scrambled to his side and looked out the window. For a moment he wasn't sure what he was seeing and then he gave a soft shocked snort that turned into a chuckle. "Oh shit…" he said, laughing harder. "Holy fuck... " he said, his eyes tearing up as he laughed. He sat back on the bed, his head spinning from the power rush. "Well that fucking beats the usual Halloween Midnight walk scare... usually only have one or two pop up.... not likely to ever forget THAT many zombies surrounding you at midnight  on Halloween in the middle of a cemetery..."
 
Saffron stood at the window for a moment, looking out at the mess below. From behind, he appeared to be a girl, a very attractive girl. He just stood there staring out, shocked. "Matt... we've got to do something..." He said softly after a moment, turning enough to look back at him….and blinking, seeing Matt naked on the bed and blushed darkly; he'd been distracted for the moment by the zombies, forgetting what they'd just done, but it all came rushing back to him. And he realized he was standing here at the window naked...
 
Matt's laugh eased back to a soft chuckle as he leaned on one elbow and just looked at Saffron. "Yeah... we definitely do... let me finish catching my breath and we can go for round two..." he said with a wick smirk as he stretched out a foot to rub Saffron's leg. The screams were getting louder as the group managed to find the nerve to run past the zombies and back towards the church, and Matt sighed heavily, pushing himself to his feet and grabbing his pants. "Alright... I'll handle it... spoil sport..." he said softly as he did up the slacks then grabbed Saffron for another hungry kiss. "Don't get dressed.... don’t even cover up..."
 
Saffron started to give into the hungry kiss, but he was reminded that they had only needed to consummate the marriage and before he gave in too much; he pulled back from the kiss. "I don't think a second time is needed, Matt..." He replied in a whisper, not looking at him, blushing darkly. He attempted to slip from Matt's arms. "And the zombies are more important right now..."
 
Matt frowned at Saffron's comment, but tightened his hold on him. "What?" he asked softly. He slid a hand up to Saffron’s cheek then suddenly blushed darkly and let him go. "Oh... I see... sure." he said, turning his back on Saffron, his voice going hard to hide the hurt. "Glad to be of service." he snapped as he headed for the stairs. "Go to bed, kid. I'll deal with the' important shit'..." he added. He refused to let Saffron know how much he'd felt... he'd actually believed that the kid had felt the same... he'd been the one who came to him about getting married, after all... and every kiss he'd returned just as passionately.
 
 Saffron raised his head, watching Matt head for the stairs, his breath starting to take on the short choppy breaths that led to him hyperventilating when he was having a panic attack and he could feel one coming on fast. At the same time, his vision blurred over quickly as the hot tears came. The hurt was harder then anything Rowen had said or done. He'd hoped Matt would have understood...obviously he'd been wrong. One hand clutched at the curtain as he blinked enough to see Matt disappear down the stairs, and Saffron slipped to the floor, drawing up his knees and burying his face in his arms, silently sobbing, between gasping for a breath.
 
Matt was aware of the massive power rush that still filled him as he stormed down the stairs and out to the front door. He stood on the front porch for a moment, facing the cemetery gate where he could see the first of the group begin to race through the gates  and just enjoyed the feel of it all as he blocked out all thoughts of Saffron. "Mattie…" a soft hiss came to him and he scowled with a soft growl. "Fine fine..." he muttered at the ghost's prodding and reached out towards the zombies with his powers and pulled them to a stop where ever they were. He heard some of the people calling his name and he stepped forward with a smirk and waved. "Happy Halloween, guys! Hope none of you shit yourself this year!!" he hollered and saw several of them stagger to a stop at that, gasping for breath. He called a couple of the zombies towards the gate and had them wave at the group, who started to give a few shaky breathless laughs.

"Go on... get your asses home to bed. See you next year." he said, and sent out a wave of power to put the zombies back to their rest, wanting to laugh at how easy it felt. He'd never been able to handle any where near this many before and the shear ease of it was a rush in itself.
 
 ~ ~

Saffron hadn't moved for the longest time, hiccupping on the sobs and the panic attack was only getting worse. When he did move, it was only to crawl to the bedside table to grab one of his bobby pins, breaking it. He sat with his back against the bed on the floor, still gasping for a breath, feeling light headed and as if he was about to pass out. His mind turned over Matt's tone and words and with another strangled sob he began scrapping at a place on his thigh that was out of sight. At the same time, his breathing was taking on an even rougher gasping. He'd pass out before he drew blood.
 
Matt watched as the group headed down the laneway, obviously not brave enough to venture back through the cemetery towards the far side where they're rides waited even if they believed it was just a prank. He made sure all the dead were at rest again then headed back inside. The moment the door was shut behind him, his mind was back upstairs with Saffron. So now he was stuck being married to someone he wanted ... but didn't want him. He scowled, ignoring the pain in his chest that thought brought, then started up the stairs. He wasn't going to settle. Forget it… Saffron had been perfectly willing and had enjoyed it... He wasn't about to step back and let this pass. He quickened his steps up the stairs, determined to tell Saffron what he wanted.
 
Saffron wasn't aware of Matt returning or coming up stairs. He'd managed to scratch open a good cut, which was bleeding steadily and he watched it, half feeling the physical pain, but hurting too much emotionally. The last two days seemed to come crashing down on him more and he gave a strangled sob that could be heard, falling over on his side on the floor, curling up sobbing, while still gasping through the panic attack.
 
Matt heard the sobbing as he hit the top step and his anger faltered. He came around the bed and saw Saffron curled on his side, in obvious pain and sank to his knees. "Saff..." he said softly, his own hurt forgotten. "Baby... shh... don't cry, angel...." he whispered, one hand reaching out to stroke Saffron's hair hesitantly. "Gods, baby... please don’t cry..." he said, not knowing what to do.
 
Saffron startled, he hadn't felt or heard Matt arrive, and he scrambled back against the bed, choking on the tears with a gasp. He sat up, away from Matt. One hand stayed on his thigh, praying the bleeding would stop with them being so close. The other hand scrubbed at the tears on his face as he gasped for a breath, trying to get his emotions under control. "Z-z-zombies taken care… of?" He asked softly with a gasp, not looking at him.
 
Matt let his hand fall to his side as Saffron pulled away, and he sighed softly. "Yeah... zombies and norms taken care of." he said as he got to his feet. "You always curl up on the floor and cry after mind blowing sex? Or this just something special for your wedding night?" he asked in a softly sarcastic tone and bent to scoop Saffron into his arms before he could pull away further.
 
Saffron struggled slightly; he could still feel the blood on his thigh, knowing he'd cut pretty deep. He hiccupped on the tears, but shook his head furiously. "T-things were just...catching up..." He managed, trying to clamp down on his emotions though Matt's tone only made it harder.
 
Matt set him back on the bed, considering what he said. It was true that the kid had been through a lot, and he'd been holding up pretty good through out the day. An emotional crash after all the fuss was over really wasn't that strange to consider. Plus the sex had been pretty damn good and with that added power high... yeah... emotional overload for the kid was more than possible. Matt sighed softly as he let go of him, pulling the blankets up. "Sorry for being an ass... Guess it's been a long weird day, huh, kid?" He scowled softly, pausing with his hand still on the blanket. "I smell blood... did I hurt you?" he asked softly before grabbing Saffron chin lightly and checking to see if he'd bitten his lips again.
 
Saffron looked up, his eyes slightly wide a touch of fear in them. "No..." He breathed. Physically he hadn't hurt him, but emotionally...he just couldn't tell him that. And even with the blankets over him, he didn't dare move his hand.
 
Matt looked him in the eye and then pulled the blanket down again. "Where are you bleeding, Saffron?" he asked simply, his eyes going to the hand pressed against his thigh. "I did hurt you..." he said softly, his gaze going to Saffron's face. "Don't lie to me, angel! If I hurt you, fucking SAY so!!"
 
Saffron scrambled to sit up on the bed. "No! You didn't..." He breathed, before sighing deeply, feeling the tears again. He lowered his eyes, looking down a moment, before he finally moved his hand, revealing the cut on his thigh. And he opened his other hand revealing the broken bobby pin. "I did..." He added in a whisper.
 
Matt stared at him in shock. "You what?' he asked softly, then suddenly grabbed the bobby pin and hurled it across the room before kneeling on the edge of the bed. He grabbed Saffron's face between both hands and made him look at him. "Don't you ever fucking hurt yourself again... you hear me?" he growled softly, memories suddenly rearing their heads to haunt him again. "Never, Saffron."
 
The fear flashed through Saffron's eyes as he stared up at Matt. The cut was starting to cease it's bleeding, but hadn't started healing yet. "I...I...can't...help it..." Saffron breathed, it was so hard to explain to other people why he cut. And to try and explain it to Matt, would only end up meaning he'd have to explain everything...
 
"You have to." Matt insisted, keeping hold of Saffron's head. "I mean it... don't ever fucking do this again. I won’t stand by and let you..." he cut himself off and drew a deep breath before letting go and turning his attention to the cut. He brushed a thumb over the  wound, smearing the blood aside to see the cut itself, but the flesh on flesh contact gave a boost to the healing and it was no more than a scratch before he could tell how deep it had been. He stood back up and flipped the blanket back over top of him. "Get some sleep, Saff." he said softly. "It's been a fucked up couple of days... you're just stressed. You're safe now... I won't let anything happen to you."
 
Saffron continued to stare at him for a long moment, but the fear slowly faded from his eyes. "It makes the emotional pain...easier..." He muttered in a whisper, finally looking away. He moved, scrambling out of the bed and grabbing the boy legs, pulling them on, before heading down stairs to the bathroom, to wash up. He tried to shove everything out of his mind and seemed to settle on the fact that he'd married Matt... it would probably be best to just...play his wife. Which he realized, meant sleeping with Matt when he wanted it. He sighed as he slipped into the bathroom, knowing he was blushing at the thought, because that part of him thrilled at the idea. If that was the only way he could be with Matt, then so be it.
 
Matt waited until Saffron slipped down stairs out of sight then sank back onto the bed and stared out the window as he tried to collect his thoughts. If it was just an emotional overload that had Saffron acting like this, how long was it going to be until it was past? And what if it wasn't? What if the past day and what he'd been feeling was just him? Saff had come to him for help and asked for a marriage of convenience for his safety and consummating it had been necessary. What if he'd freaked out simply because that was all he wanted? And what about the cutting?? With a frustrated growl, Matt changed out of his slacks and into a pair of old sweat pants, grabbing a pair of socks as he headed down stairs. He'd put on some coffee and maybe do some work to get his mind of it for now... or maybe go for a run of something... He couldn't handle another kid in his life who had a thing for hurting themselves... he just couldn't fucking deal with that again...
 
Saffron cleaned up, glad he'd left his bag in the bathroom and pulled on a short night gown. It was feminine and probably to sexy for him to be wearing, but he hadn't really packed anything else to sleep in. He braided his hair, and hesitated, lingering by the door for a long time before he finally made himself leave the bathroom. He'd apologize to Matt...and...maybe tell him he'd be his wife...
 
He saw the light on in the kitchen and bit his lip slightly, before heading that way. He hesitated outside the kitchen door for a moment, before opening it slowly and peeking around it, before entering the kitchen shyly. "Matt..." He said softly, looking at him.
 
Matt looked up from where he sat at the table, tying his sneakers. "Yeah." he said simply, going back to what he was doing. He couldn't get the hurt to leave him and he was starting to get pissed off about it again. He wasn't sure if it was because he had a right to be pissed off... or if it was a combination of the rush that still had his head buzzing, and everything else that had happened that day. "Don't worry kid...  you can have the bed to yourself tonight." he said as he headed to the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee not waiting for it to finish, the perk dripping onto the hot plate with a hiss. "I doubt I'll sleep anyhow."
 
Saffron bit his lip, watching Matt for a moment, before hesitantly taking a few steps forward, closer to him. He took a breath. "If.. .if you wanted... to come back... to bed... I mean...with me... I don't mind..." He said very softly. "I mean..." He took another breath. "I'm your wife...you have a right...to sleep with me. I'm sorry... about earlier... with the zombies outside... I was just...worried, about the teens I mean..." Saffron added, at first not looking at Matt, before he made himself raise his eyes, looking at him, holding his gaze. "I...I don't want this marriage...to  be...a one sided thing...its not fair to you..."
 
Matt had paused as he listened to Saffron. Him saying he had a 'right' to sleep with him and that a one sided marriage wasn't fair to him didn't seem to help the way he was feeling. Instead they just made it worse. He drank half the cup, not stopping as the hot liquid burnt his mouth, then set the rest aside. "Yeah... guess it is ' my right'... I mean... I set my life aside and take you in, give up my freedom to keep you safe... the least you could do in return is fuck me, right?" he asked, his voice a touch cold as he turned and pulled Saffron close. He stroked the backs of his fingers over Saffron's cheeks and bent to kiss his collar bone tenderly, then let him go. "I catch you cutting yourself again... it's over. I won't put up with that shit. I'll hand you over to your prince myself..." he said softly as he headed for the patio door.
 
Saffron blinked, watching him wide eyed, though the death elemental in him retaliated. "Even knowing he'll do nothing but hurt me worse?" He asked coldly, before turning to leave the kitchen. He felt sick to his stomach all of a sudden, half mad at Matt for his attitude, and madder at himself, for his own attitude...and for falling in love with Matt. For even coming here for help, "If I'd known I was going to be so much trouble to you Matt, I wouldn't have come to you for help." He added, not stopping the emotions from reaching his tone.
 
Matt spun in mid step and lunged after Saffron, grabbing him roughly by the shoulders and turning to face him. He gave him a rough shake, pressing him against the door way. "Don't you fucking start with me." he snapped, his voice low but hard. "You came to me for help and I helped. And now that I've done what you needed me to, you're giving me shit. I don't like being fucking used, kid. This time it's my own fault because you were straight with me from the start and I agreed to be used... I forgot that. Fine.. that's my fault." he said. "I'll deal with that. You're still my best friend and I'll still look out for you, Saff... that won't change..." he added a bit softer. "I .. I care about you, kid. But I won't watch you hurting yourself... I can't do that shit again... I won't loose you too." he added softer as he let go and started back towards the patio. "Just... it's been a long day... we're just stressed out and shit... forget about all of this shit and go to bed, Saff." he said, his voice sounding tired more than anything. "We'll figure it all out in the morning..."
 
Saffron stood there stunned, not sure what to think of his words, not sure he could ask about loosing him too, it was to much. But part of Matt's words got through to him. "I'm not using you! I never fucking came here with the intention to use you! I came here to beg your help, you didn't have to agree, I merely had no one else to turn to!" He turned, heading for the stairs. "Who else was I going to ask? Eire?!" He added with a snap, before running up the stairs, another rush of tears blinding him and he tripped at the top of the stairs. It hurt so much, that he couldn't tell Matt how he really felt.
 
Matt stopped at the door and rested his forehead against the glass, angry with himself over how he was dealing with it. So he'd agreed to a crazy idea to keep his best friend safe... then went and started to enjoy it, convincing himself that it was or could be 'real' and not just a sham. It was his fault he felt like shit now that his 'fantasy' was shattered, not the kids’. Like he'd said, Saffron had been nothing but straight with him about it from the start. He hear the thump from the stairs and headed that way quickly. He jogged up the stairs and found Saffron cursing softly at the top as he picked himself up. "Saff." he called out quietly. "Look... I'm sorry. I'm not blaming you for the way I feel alright? You're right... I agreed to it. I went into this knowing what I was doing and accepting it. I'm sorry I'm being an ass about it now." he said, reaching out to brush the tips of his fingers through Saffron's hair. "I didn't mean to hurt you...I just... just got freaked out a bit... don't worry about it."
 
Saffron started to pull away, the tears were still falling, hot and heavy, but he forced himself to stay where he was and after a moment, managed to look up at Matt. He wanted to tell him, he wanted him to know, and wondered if it showed in his eyes. But he sighed deeply. "I'm tired Matt...physically...and emotionally. The last two days have been...I don't even have a word for it...The only reason I haven't had a complete nervous break down is...you. I'm sorry...Excuse me..." He said his voice in a soft whisper, before he finally moved, slipping away and heading for the bed, wiping his eyes.
 
Matt watched him go, a large part of him wanting to go after him and pull him into his arms. He'd never been one for sharing or comforting and being all touchy feely... but the past twenty four hours with Saffron had him almost craving that. "I understand, angel." he said softly, then turned and headed back downstairs, deciding he needed that run more then anything else. Get out and run and clear his head... and check to see that everything was alright in the cemetery as well. He couldn't do anything to help Saff when his own head wasn't on straight...
 
"Thank you Matt." Saffron said loud enough for Matt to hear as he headed down stairs. Saffron crawled into the bed, and curled up on his side, laying there for a long moment, before he grabbed Matt's pillow, pulling it closer to him, breathing in his scent deeply, hoping to keep from crying and cuddled the pillow.
 
~ ~

Matt paused in the kitchen long enough to pull the carafe out of the cupboard and pour the coffee into it so it would keep, then shut off the perk and headed outside. He stood on the porch for a moment breathing in the cool night air a moment as he stretched, then sprinted across the lawn to the gate and into the cemetery. No matter how hard he tried to keep his mind clear, he kept flashing back to Saffron and how good the day had felt being with him... and just when he'd start feeling good about that, he'd flash to finding Mist and end up running all that much harder to clear his head again.
 
 Saffron lay there in the bed for a long time. His hand brushed the cut on his thigh, even though he'd bandaged it, just to keep from irritating it. He eyed the bobby pins on the night stand, part of him wanting to cut again but at the same time, he didn't want Matt furious at him. He sighed deeply and cuddled Matt's pillow closer, squeezing his eyes tighter and forced himself to try and fall asleep...
 
Matt lost track of time as he ran, only stopping when he suddenly found himself at the gate facing the church with no memory of consciously heading that way. With a sigh he slipped through into the back yard and jogged towards the church. He was as quiet as he could be as he slipped inside, leaving his shoes by the patio door and heading to the bathroom to wash the worst of the sweat off. Heading towards the couch he paused then turned and slipped quietly upstairs to check on Saffron instead. He stood beside the bed and looked down at him laying there, curled around his pillow and felt his chest give another painful squeeze, then quickly shed the jogging pants and slipped carefully into bed beside him.
 
Saffron stirred slightly as he felt the pressure on the bed. A soft whimper escaped him and he found himself turning over, toward the body and snuggling closer. He'd never had any one to snuggle to while sleeping. Rowen was always out of the bed after they had sex. Saffron had never had the basic comforts in a relationship. Even out of the Black Court, he hadn't been anymore then Rowen's mistress.
 
Matt turned onto his side and gentle slipped his arms around Saffron, pulling him closer. If Saffron didn't feel the same, then at least he could enjoy moments like these. He sighed softly as he rested his cheek against the top of Saffron's hair and closed his eyes, doubting he'd sleep but not wanting to be any where else right then.
 
~~
 
 It was midmorning or possibly early afternoon, when Saffron stirred awake. The sun was shinning through the stained glass window, leaving a trail of colors over him. He felt warm and comfortable and didn't want to move, but started to wake up, becoming aware that he was snuggled deeply in Matt's arms, his head on Matt's chest.
 
Matt felt Saffron move and tightened his hold on him, not coming fully awake. He was enjoying that drowsy half awake state with the feel of Saffron in his arms. With a contented sigh, he curled a bit closer around him, his face buried in Saffron's hair. He couldn't remember ever feeling so wonderful and wished it would last.
 
Saffron came awake a bit more, at feeling Matt tightening his arms around him. Saffron's eyes fluttered open. He looked around sleepily, but most of him enjoyed being in Matt's arms. He lay there for a long moment, waking up even more, remembering the night before. One thing had stood out, that Matt had wanted a second time in bed and Saffron wondered if he could give that to Matt now...and if he'd accept. He bit his lip, hesitating a moment, before moving enough to lean over Matt enough and leaned down, kissing him softly.
 
The feel of Saffron's lips on his brought a soft moan from him and Matt opened his eyes as he kissed him back just as softly. "Morning." he said quietly as he held him, half afraid he'd pull away again. He reached up to stroke the backs of his fingers over Saffron's cheek softly. "Feeling better? Or are you still pissed at me being an asshole....?"
 
Saffron blushed softly, laying there against Matt. He wanted to offer him another time in bed, he just didn't know how to do it verbally. "I wasn't mad at you to begin with..." He replied softly, blushing a bit more. He had one hand on Matt's chest and bit his lip slightly, letting his fingers trace over the tattoo, and finger the nipple ring.
 
Matt closed his eyes and relaxed, enjoying the feel of Saffron touching him. Maybe he'd been wrong about it after all; maybe Saffron's pulling away had been just emotional overload like he'd said. Matt sighed softly, a slight smile on his face as he leaned in to kiss him again, deciding he'd just take it a step at a time and see where things went.
 
Saffron's eyes fluttered closed as he let Matt kiss him, submitting to the kiss. He decided to let that side of him that wanted to be with Matt physically take over for the morning and he whimpered softly, letting his hand began to drift lower over Matt's chest and stomach.
 
Matt felt himself harden in response to Saffron's touch and moaned into the kiss. He tangled one hand in his hair kissing him deeper as his other hand slipped over top of Saffron's hand, guiding it lower.
 
Saffron moaned softly, breaking the kiss for a breath of air, before nuzzling Matt's neck, kissing his throat, as he let his hand caress Matt's hard erection through the material of his underwear a moment, before he slipped his hand from under his, and inside his underwear, whimpering softly at the heat that met his fingers. His touch was light and caressing.
 
Matt's eyes closed again as he lay back and enjoyed the feel of Saffron stroking him gently, loving the feel of his lips on his neck. He stroked his fingers through his hair, his other hand moving to Saffron's hip, pulling him closer. "Gods you make me feel so good, angel..." he whispered softly, afraid of ruining the moment.
 
Saffron paused, taking in Matt's words, but didn't reply before moving his kisses down his neck, toward his chest. He continued to stroke him, letting the caresses become a little more, curling his fingers around him. He kissed one nipple, sucking gently, before moving to the one with the nipple ring, paying that a little more attention, sucking on the ring, flicking his tongue around it.
 
Matt gave a soft moan, his fingers tightening in Saffron's hair as he pressed into his hand. "Fuck that feels good..." he said softly, fighting the urge to rush, not wanting to frighten him or ruin the moment. "Don’t stop, baby... please…" he whispered. "
 
Saffron trailed the kisses down Matt's chest after leaving the nipple ring. He let his tongue tease Matt's belly button, as he with drew his hand from Matt's underwear, before taking a hold of Matt's underwear and began pulling them down off Matt's hips. His lips trailed along the tender skin. He kissed the inside of Matt's thighs, any where but his erection yet.
 
Matt let go of him as Saffron moved, and tucked his hands beneath his head to keep from grabbing him. He watched him as he moved, his body covered in multi colored shadows from the stained glass window. Saffron's careful torture wasn't helping him resist the urge to take charge and he closed his eyes. "Fuck... Saff... " he whispered, his hips arching of the bed slightly in response to Saffron's kisses.
 
Saffron raised his eyes, looking up at Matt through his lashes. His eyes were hazy; that side of him that wanted Matt had taken over completely. He brought a hand up, and stroked Matt's testicals, as he let his lips get even closer to the hard length of him. He let the tip of his tongue touch the base of Matt's erection, but moved away.
 
Matt bit back a whimper and fought to stay still." Saffron..." he said softly. "Please..." he added, his body taunt with tension as he struggled with the urge to grab him.
 
"Please what?" Saffron asked softly with a purr as he paused. He was still looking up at Matt. He was wondering how long it'd take for Matt to take control, he wasn't one to be so forward with some one, especially in bed. But that side that wanted Matt, wanted to make this enjoyable, for both of them.
 
Matt had to struggle a moment to find his voice again. "I want you." he finally said softly. "...don't tease..." he said, remembering that Saffron had said much the same to him last night.
 
Saffron moved, ceasing what he was doing and leaning over Matt, kissing him in a slow deep but hungry kiss. His words were as good as a command in Saffron's submissive mind and he moved, straddling Matt. Taking a breath, he moved enough to lower himself onto Matt's erection slowly, a soft moan escaping him.
 
Matt moaned again as he reached up, one hand slipping into Saffron's hair to pull him close as he kissed him back, the other going to his hip to help guide him. "Gods baby.." he gasped softly before kissing him harder, his fingers tightening their hold on his hair.
 
Saffron stayed still for the moment, just kissing Matt, before he began moving. He kept the pace slow and steady at first, slipping from Matt's grip in his hair and sitting straight as he controlled the pace. His hands caressed Matt's chest. He'd never been on top like this; never been in charge; so he was chewing on his lip, the thought in his head if he was doing it right...
 
Matt held Saffron by the waist with both hands as he moved with him. "Gods your perfect..." he said softly, wondering how long he was going to be able to lay back and just enjoy it. He wanted nothing more then to have Saffron beneath him and feel his arms around him.... but the memory of how Saffron had been last night was still there, and he was afraid if he took control he's ruin it again.
 
Saffron blushed at Matt's words, a blush that spread over his entire body. He tentatively pushed the pace a bit more faster and harder, circling his hips, pushing the hair out of his face at the same time, letting his fingers brush through his hair then run down his neck. His head was tipped back, his eyes closed. He whimpered softly. "Matt..."
 
Matt groaned, his hands tightening around him as he watched him. "Oh fuck.. baby... I'm sorry... I can't..." he gasped, then pulled Saffron down to him, kissing him hungrily as he rolled over, pinning him beneath him. "I'm sorry.." he repeated as he kissed his way to nuzzle Saffron's neck as he thrust harder, the pace a bit more than Saffron had set, but not by much.
 
Saffron gasped softly, at finding himself pinned to the bed under Matt. He moaned with a soft whimper, wrapping his arms around his neck, and his legs wrapping around Matt's hips his own coming off the bed at each of Matt's thrust. And despite himself, he silently urged Matt on for more, kissing him hungrily.
 
Matt did his best to keep control, but Saffron proved his undoing once again and he couldn't seem to keep the pace steady. He moaned into the kiss. "Fuck angel... I think you're too much for me..." he said with a soft rueful smirk as he gave up and let his body pick it's own pace, knowing he wouldn't last at the rate they were going.
 
Saffron arched under him tightening his grip on him. "Matt...oh gods..." He tipped his head back against the pillows, his eyes closed. His fingers stroked Matt's shoulders and back, his nails starting to dig into the skin. He could feel the orgasm building, quick and intense.
 
Matt slammed his shields as tight as he could as he felt himself nearing the edge. "Saff... gods baby.." he said softly, breathless as he caught his mouth in a hungry kiss that only fueled his desire for him more. His only thought as he felt himself loosing the battle to hold on was that Saffron not regret it again.
 
Saffron's breath came rough and quick, he arched against him again, his nails dug in deeper to Matt's back, scratching slightly. He pulled back from the kiss, "Matt!" He cried out softly as the orgasm hit hard and intense, his body spasming around Matt.
 
Matt cried out as he came, his hold on Saffron tightening further as he felt his orgasm echo through him. "Oh gods.." he whispered breathlessly as he lay above him, not daring to move as  after shocks seemed to ripple through them both. "Fuck..." he added, smirking. "You are... beyond incredible...." he said, finally lowering himself  a bit, still laying above him.
 
Saffron lay there, his arms still around Matt's neck. He struggled to catch his breath. He leaned up enough to nuzzle Matt's neck, before lying back and closing his eyes. "I'm not sure why you think I'm incredible..." He replied softly, catching his breath slowly. He could feel the sunlight from the stained glass window on his face.
 
Matt snorted softly then finally moved off of him, pulling him into his arms as he rolled onto his back. "Because you are." he said simply, his arms wrapping around him. "I don't loose control like that... I can usually just about last as long as I want to... but you..." he said, brushing his lips against Saffron's forehead. "You make me lose control every time it seems... makes me want to keep trying.." he added with a soft, breathless chuckle as he kissed his forehead and held him tighter.
 
Saffron felt himself cuddled into Matt's arms. He'd never been held by any one after sex, and for a moment, he tensed at finding himself being held like that. He turned his head, looking up at Matt, slightly wide eyed and struggled to make himself relax. "I don't know rather to say sorry or not..." He replied in a whisper, blushing.
 
Matt laughed at that, his eyes sparkling. "Don't you dare..." he said, grinning as he stole a kiss before settling back against the pillows with Saffron held  against him. Part of him wondered if he should talk about last night, but he wasn't sure if he was brave enough yet. Chickening out, he brushed his lips over Saffron's forehead again. "So... guess we should consider getting up and so we can get you officially moved in..."
 
Saffron lay there for a moment, before the blush took over him completely. He couldn't handle lying there snuggled against Matt, it was too much; too new to him. And to risky...though if he was honest with himself, it didn't bloody well matter; he'd lost his heart to Matt a long time ago. This just seemed to make him fall deeper in love with him. "We should..." he answered softly, not looking at Matt, slipping from the bed and grabbing his knickers and the night gown he'd been wearing.
 
Matt let him go then sighed heavily. "Saff." he said softly as he watched him. "Don't regret me... please. I loved fucking you, but... damn it angel... it's not worth you feeling bad..." he said then sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. "Is being my lover as well as my friend so hard for you?" he asked softly as he stood and went to dig out clean clothes. "I want both... I want it all.... but I want you to want it too...."
 
Saffron had managed to pull on the boy-legs and froze at Matt's words. He turned, looking at him. "I... I don't regret any of it, Matt..." He answered softly, but honestly. He moved to pull on the nightgown. He was blushing again darkly. "I won’t regret it...I..." He trailed off a moment, biting his lip. "I'm not used to considerate and kind lovers."
 
Matt glanced back at him in surprise. "What?" he asked, tossing the clothes he'd grabbed onto the bed as he went to Saffron's side. "Seriously? That's why you keep pulling away?" he asked, his hands slipping around Saffron's waist, stopping the night gown from covering him completely. "I was nervous about being with you, Saff... but... I loved it... I loved every second of it..." he said softly, pulling him closer as he bent to kiss his shoulder. "I especially loved waking up with you. I know you'd didn't bargain on us being lovers when you asked me to marry you, Saffron... but I'd like you to consider it now. If you still want a bedroom to yourself... I can do that... I can respect that. As long as you stay with me some nights..."
 
Saffron's blush increased, but he didn't pull away from Matt. "I'm submissive in the bedroom, Matt...I was a slave almost all my life. My past lovers took advantage of that. I don't know how else to be in the bedroom and I doubt it will ever change...And I told you last night, Matt...I'm your wife now...you have a right to sleep with me..." He said, not looking up at Matt.
 
Matt sighed heavily at that and rested his cheek against the top of Saffron's head. "Alright... fine.." he said quietly, not wanting to argue or let the way it sounded hurt. "How about the bedrooms then... do you want your own?" he asked softly.
 
"No..." Saffron answered softly, but it was serious. He finally made himself look up at Matt. "Give me time Matt...please...give me a chance to get used to...having a lover who cares...just...understand I can't always do...what I did earlier...control sex..."
 
Matt looked at him for a moment then smirked softly. "Fuck angel... I can't always hold back like I did so you could... That's not a problem, trust me.." he said with a soft laugh, tightening his hold on him and kissing him softly. "I'll try to be less of an asshole with you..." he said softly.
 
Saffron snorted softly, wondering if he was ever going to stop blushing. "You've never been an asshole with me..." He answered softly. He sighed deeply. "I have to be dominated in sex Matt...or I will pull away..." he added softly, starting to pull out of his arms, he couldn't believe he'd admitted that. On top of that, the words `I love you’ were on the tip of his tongue.
 
Matt pulled him back against him and kissed his neck. "No problem, angel." he said softly. "I have a question for you though...." he said, giving in to the urge to kiss his way to that spot behind Saffron’s ear again, nuzzling gently as he breathed in his scent. "Hmm.. damn you smell good." he said softly, then sighed and gave one last kiss to his neck. "Since you dressed as a girl for the wedding and all that... what now? You planning on keeping that up or going back to your usual...?"
 
Saffron had whimpered when Matt had nuzzled that spot behind his ear, he wondered if Matt had realized yet how much of a turn on that was to him. "I'm changing remember, Matt...? I might as well keep it up..." He trailed off, before sighing deeply. "I was dressing this way before all this, Matt.You think me wearing women's panties last night was a first for me?"
 
Matt smirked softly as he nuzzled his neck again. "Hmmm... but not around me.. or your family." he said softly, than gave a heavy sigh. "Damn... I'd better let you get dressed before I get carried away ..." he said then tightened his hold on him and continued kissing his neck. "Definitely need to stop... " he said. "Gotta get you moved in..." He gave a low moan. "Tempted to forget it... honeymoon and all that...."
 
"I thought that's what married couples did...have honeymoons..." Saffron said, suppressing another moan, before finally pulling out of Matt's arms. Those three words were still on the tip of his tongue, "Matt...I...l-." He cut himself off before they could fully escape, moving rather quickly for the stairs since his bag was still in the bathroom.
 
Matt watched him go then smiled softly and retrieved his clothes from the bed. One huge worry settled... Saff wasn't freaking out over Matt wanting him... and was more then willing to continue as lovers. Now he just had to figure out how to deal with Saffron's cutting. He knew he could never follow through with his bluff; he cared too much about him to let anyone else care for him let alone give him to someone who’d hurt him. He knew he was beyond merely caring for him.... This morning waking up with Saffron in his arms again pretty much made that clear to him... he'd fallen head over heels in love with him...