The Leave

Aunora stepped out of the shower, squeezing generous amounts of water out of her hair.

Her shower had spanned a shamefully long time, but Aunora didn't care. It wasn't like Umbra was well enough to tease her about it. For the last forty five minutes, Aunora had let the hot water pour over her, washing off the blood, sweat, and grime off her body.

Like the water coming from the showerhead, her emotions had broke through her strong facade. Finally alone, Aunora allowed the stress that had been building up inside for so long to surface. Aunora had tried to convince herself that the tears running down her face were just drops of water.

Pulling on a tank top and a pair of shorts, Aunora stumbled out of the bathroom.

Walking through the hall, Aunora passed by Umbra’s open bedroom door. Hesitantly, she peeked her head in.

Umbra was fast asleep in his bed, arms pulled defensively against his chest. Matthew, who had been lying patiently at his side, was nowhere to be seen.

Aunora crept beside Umbra, gazing over his unconscious form. His lip was drawn into a grimace, and his body was tense. He seemed to be in pain.

Hoping to ease his discomfort, Aunora touched him on the cheek, gently stroking his face. Umbra suddenly sucked in a sharp breath, squirming out of her touch and turning his back to her.

What's his deal? Aunora thought, irritation spiking in her breast. I was just trying to help.

Shaking her head and muttering under her breath, Aunora stomped back into the hallway. She tossed the towel around her neck into the hamper and let her gaze wonder to her bedroom, where Victor, Seraph, and Esper were sleeping.

Matthew must be downstairs, Aunora reasoned. Kinda weird, I thought he woulda be in the bed by this time.

Aunora descended the stairs in several large bounds, finding Matthew in the kitchen. He was fully engrossed in the pots and pans he had assembled on the counter, and was in the process of cracking an egg into the mixing bowl.

“Matt? What are you doing?” Aunora asked, approaching him.

Matthew jumped in alarm, the contents of his egg missing the bowl and slapping onto the counter.

“Aunora?” he gasped frantically, “I thought you were going to bed!”

Aunora studied Matthew. His face lacked its usual liveliness, and he appeared about as old as he actually was. Dark circles trailed after his glasses, and his blue-grey eyes were exhausted. His tired expression was surrounded by a distinct five-o'clock shadow. He seemed like he was going to collapse at any second.

“I was...But I was wondering where you were,” Aunora said slowly, touching his arm from across the counter, “Are you okay? It's nearly eleven o'clock and you're cooking a meal.”

Matthew grabbed another egg, cracking it into the bowl. “I'm just-” his voice caught in his throat, “-just trying to keep myself busy. That's all.”

“Why?” Aunora implored, watching Matthew's hands tremble over the mixing bowl. “Matthew, you look horrible.”

Matthew heaved himself into one of the barstools lining the counter. He propped his head up with his hands, keeping his gaze directed away from Aunora.

“I'm not sure if Umbra told you this, but…” Matthew swallowed harshly, rubbing his forehead, “Aunora, I'm an alcoholic. I've been trying to quit for years, and sometimes I can resist the urge, and sometimes I can't. Umbra was the only support I had for staying sober, and now, since he's down…” Matthew muffled a sob with his hand, “I'm having a hard night. I'm so stressed out right now. I feel like everything is falling apart.”

Aunora sat down beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “Matt, I had no idea. Listen, everything is gonna be okay. I'm here for you.”

Matthew forced a smile, dirty blond hair falling across his face. “Thank you, Aunora. I think I just need to go home and get some rest. Esper says Umbra’s condition is stable, so I think it will be okay to leave him,” Matthew sighed, “But I'm afraid he will be torn up when he learns I won't be staying the night. Do you think you could comfort him, Aunora? Feeling this horrible...It's messed up his emotions.”

Aunora scowled. “He won't even let me touch him.”

“What?” Matthew said, exasperated, “Oh no, I should have expected this to happen…”

“Huh?” Aunora asked, leaning in closer to Matthew, “What are you talkin’ about?”

Matthew adjusted his glasses. “He didn't used to be like that. He used to be so comfortable with physical contact...But then that changed.” Aunora spotted a bead of sweat on Matthew’s brow. “I thought I had gotten him adjusted back to the way he was. But I guess Asher drove him right back into his shell. I could throttle him for that.”

“What happened to Umbra?” Aunora whispered, taking in Matthew's haunted expression.

“I don't want to talk about it,” Matthew murmured, standing up. “Just...make sure Umbra isn't alone. His sleeping has been fitful these last couple days. Check on him every hour or so.”

He wrapped his arms around Aunora’s neck, hugging her tight. “You're going to be okay with the kids, right? Do I need to take Victor and Seraph home with me?”

“No,” Aunora said, rubbing Matthew's back, “I can handle them. You get your rest.”

Matthew took a deep breath. Behind his eyes, Aunora could see painful memories.

“Please…” Matthew breathed, “Just take care of him.”

Author's Note: nfh drinking game: take a shot everytime umbra and matt are implied to have a mysterious past

also be gentle on me i was super tired when i wrote this,,i had to stop to consider how to spell matthews name