A/N- The fact that someone private messaged me and told me Holly reminded them of Steven Grant from Moonknight and that they considered Holly to be their new comfort character seriously made me cry. You all are so sweet, I can't even.

I am back again with a new chapter! Sorry in advance for how long this is (almost 6,000 words) I just had a lot to unfold in this lol. 

Please don't hesitate to leave feedback and comments, I absolutely love them :)

Without further ado, enjoy chapter ten!

(Ps. I couldn't find a gif that was under 3.0 MB, but I will try and find one!)

Chapter 10

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"You feel weak when you ask for help because you're supposed to be The Devil Of Hell's Kitchen, this strong, independent, badass guy who doesn't share the slightest bit of human emotion. But under that black suit you're still Matt Murdock."

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Ever since Matt finally let go around Holly four days ago, she was worried for him.

She wondered if her nervousness was becoming exaggerated. Maybe she had no reason to be nervous? After all, he had been doing whatever the hell you call running around New York like a Russian gymnast for a few years now and he hadn't managed to get himself killed just yet.

Keyword: Yet.

After all, though, they weren't a couple and he wasn't hers to worry about.

Or is he?

He isn't Holly, he isn't yours to worry about.

Holly sketched slowly in the same spot, the red colored pencil creating small flakes of red that were being dragged down the paper and onto her lap.

But maybe he is?

"No," Holly mumbles to herself, making Matt's head peak up in her direction.

"No?" Matt questioned. His hands were still placed over the braille lettering that was on the paper in front of him. His hair was messy and his eyes were bare, released from the capture of his glasses that usually rounded his face like a red stop light.

"Sorry, I was just talking to myself." Holly shook her head and nervously smiled. "I was just saying no to this sketch. I don't like it."

She ripped the large page from the book, balling it up and placing it next to her before she got to work on a new sketch. Or in other words, a new suit.

Holly wished there was a number that you could call to order a badass costume. Superhero amazon would be such a great idea right about now; she wondered if Tony Stark had ever thought about pitching that idea; but either way, right now she was in her mess. Her superhero dilemma.

"How do you feel about a cape?" Holly questioned, holding a sketchbook against her knees that were curled up to her chest.

Matt lightly chuckled, continuing to lean forward on his couch as he ran his hands over the braille words in front of him. Ever since the explosion four days ago, he had been more determined than ever to find Fisk and expose what he had been doing to those in Hell's Kitchen. Holly saw this as a good time to find a suit, for the sake of Matt's body and her peace of mind.

"Too much." He lightly shrugged before turning his head to Holly. "I told you I don't need a suit just yet."

"Oh, you do." Holly countered, continuing her sketch. Matt was hella stubborn and she knew that it was either now or never to come up with the idea of a suit. Sure her drawings weren't ideal, but they were something. "Okay...what about horns?"

"Horns?" Matt laughed at the idea. "Holly-"

"Don't argue with me." She pointed her red colored pencil at him. "You're doing your work, I'm doing mine." She tapped down at the sketchbook. "Answer the question, horns or no horns?"

Matt took a deep breath, mumbling under his breath. "Horns." He ran his hands over the words again, his voice filling Holly's ears. "I could use your help over here whenever you get done with your fashion designing."

Holly rolled her eyes as she placed the sketchbook on her side. Matt scooted towards her, handing her a piece of paper. It was filled with a paragraph on top of the paragraph before a signature landed on the bottom of the page.

"Can you read me the last paragraph, please?" He questioned.

Holly crossed her legs over one another, sitting in crisscross applesauce as she liked to call it. "Due to the nature of current events, by signing this paper you agree to the terms listed above stating that under no circumstance would you be allowed to go public with the information shared at the 12/7/17 meeting regarding the incident at Union Allied-" Holly's eyes scanned towards the signature. "Signed-" She paused. "Signed Karen Page." She looked at Matt, handing him the paperback. "Why are you reading this?"

Matt took a deep inhale, "Foggy and Karen came up with the idea of going public about the information regarding Union Allied. Karen has a reporter and all and I just-" He ran his hands over his face, "I think it's a ridiculous idea and I'm trying to find a good reason for them to just stay out of all this. For the sake of fewer people getting involved."

Holly let out a small hum as she reached forward, grabbing her beer from the wooden coffee table. Matt's head followed her sounds, listening as she finished off the last of her second bottle.

"You on their side, aren't you," Matt stated. His words were supposed to come off as a question, but they both knew that Matt heard the way Holly's heart was beating. He knew her opinions whether she wanted to willingly say them or not.

Holly paused, "There's this patient I have." She faced Matt, "You and he is very similar personality-wise. Kindhearted, strong-minded, stubborn as hell." Her words made Matt lightly chuckle, Holly, joining in soon after. "But something that is the most similar between you both is that you both need help but neither of you is willing to ask for it. You feel weak when you ask for help because you're supposed to be The Devil Of Hell's Kitchen, this strong, independent, badass guy who doesn't share the slightest bit of human emotion but under that black suit you're still Matt Murdock."

Matt leaned back into the couch, his head being propped up by his hand that was resting on the back of the couch. He continued listening.

"Whether you want to admit it or not, your human," Holly stated. "And humans need people." She took a deep breath, collecting her words as she propped her head up on her hand just as Matt was, focusing straight on him. "I'm not saying tell them everything. But I am saying don't shut them out because your afraid of hurting them because trust me that will only cause them more damage in the end."

Matt and Holly were facing each other, their eyes glistening from the neon lights that were shining from outside his apartment.

Matt's small smile began to grow just a little wider. His voice was soft and smooth like honey coming from his mouth. "You give TED talk's often, Holly Nelson?"

"Only when I'm trying to convince vigilantes to make friends." She spoke softly back, offering the same smile he was giving her.

The two kept at their silent, neither of them knowing what to say despite their hearts knowing exactly what they wanted from the other.

Matt's hand reached forward as he pressed his palm against her cheek, his fingers wrapping around her jaw as he brought her closer to him. Within seconds, their lips collided together as Matt's smiling lips absorbed themselves into their kiss. God how he loved this girl despite only knowing her for a while.

He pulled back softly, gently tugging at her bottom lip just to get one final feeling of her lips on his.

Holly gently smiled at Matt, pure bliss running through her body. She couldn't help but release the smile she had been holding at bay since he first touched her cheek.

"I have to get going." She said, leaning forward as she pressed one final kiss to his lips before standing up. "I have work tomorrow morning-er today- and If I don't leave now I have a feeling I'll get invested in another case involving Fisk." She ran her hands over her face, exhaustion fueling her veins.

She reached down, grabbing her empty beer bottle and the balled-up piece of paper that was next to it just as Matt's voice rang in her ears.

"Holly, I hope your joking," Matt stated.

Holly furrowed her brows, "I mean, I guess I could help you with another case but-"

"No not because of that, I'm not having you help me with a case right now." Matt chuckled, standing up. "It's late, I'm not letting you walk home, let alone get a cab at this hour. You can stay here for the night." He took the trash from her hands and walked over to the kitchen.

Holly scoffed, turning in the direction of Matt's footsteps. "Matt I appreciate your concern but I feel bad for staying here. I don't live far anyway, really it's fine-."

"Sweetheart, you're trying to argue with a lawyer," Matt stated as he threw her trash away before walking back in her direction. "I'm not letting you go home tonight. It's almost two AM. I would feel like an asshole if I let you get a ride home at this hour. Just stay here, you can take my bed and I'll take the couch." He had a sly smirk on his lips. "Catholic sleepover rules."

"Catholic sleepover rules?" She chuckled, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't think we need Catholic sleepover rules, Matthew."

Matt let out one of the most adorable shrugs Holly swore she had ever seen, "Well I don't know, just a second ago you were kissing me on my couch." Holly laughed at his words, her smile beaming across her face. "For all I know you could be trying to live a life of fornication with me."

Holly nodded, her smile still wearing on her lips. "I see." She continued nodding. "Well in that case Catholic sleepover rules then. For the sake of your religious complex."

Matt smiled at Holly, joining in with a burst of laughter that could light up a room.

"I'll go get everything ready for you," Matt said. "If you want you can shower and just put on some of my clothes. There's a fresh towel hanging on the door."

"Thank you, Matt," Holly said sincerely.

"Thank you for staying," Matt said.

Deep down, although Matt knew that he wanted Holly for his peace of mind, he also wanted her to stay because he knew having her with him, he felt as if his world wasn't falling into shambles and that he could be normal. And he would appreciate that as much as he could, even if it was just for a night.

Holly walked out of the bathroom, her hands holding her towel up against her skin as she padded into the bedroom.

Matt leaned over the bed, lining the mattress with fresh sheets as he got the scent of his body washes on Holly's skin. A few droplets of water remain on her skin, pooling down from her hair that was falling onto the bare skin on her shoulders.

Matt had to mentally collect himself before speaking. He stood up fully, clearing his throat. "How was your shower?"

"Good," Holly's sun-filled voice elevated his mood within an instant. "Felt nice to get the hospital off of me." She joked, a small smile lining her lips.

Matt smiled at her, reaching in the direction of the dresser as he pulled the top drawer out. "I have some options for clothes. You have a preference?"

"Something preferably warm." Holly leaned over slightly, just so she could peek her head and see what he had in mind. Her body was already gaining chills from the stark temperature change from the bathroom to the bedroom.

"Then sweatpants and a long-sleeve it is," Matt said, pulling out two folded-up clothing items as he turned around, passing them to Holly.

They both stood in front of each other quietly for a moment, their hands gently brushing against each other as she took the clothes from him. The two of them held their breaths, afraid of saying anything else. It was as if the world around them stopped, and the only thing they could concentrate on was the burning flame that was growing between their hands.

"I uh-" Holly swallowed, "I'm just gonna change real quick." She pointed back in the direction of the bathroom.

"Right." Matt nodded, "Here, I'll go. That way you can get some sleep." He began going towards the door and Holly's head followed him out, watching as he stopped just at the frame of the sliding door.

"Goodnight, Matt." Holly's words were soft, lacing against her tired voice.

"Goodnight, Holly." Matt's head was turned in her direction, just before he left Holly alone.

She felt her heart pounding deep against her chest, and that invisible string she felt with him was once again tugging her in his direction. Yet, despite how much she wanted him, she knew they had boundaries they had to follow. Those boundaries were to keep her safe, and to keep their...whatever it is, secret from Foggy.

Yet, as Holly slipped into the sheets, all she could think about was how much she wanted Matt next to her.

The next morning, Holly walked onto the hospital's third floor and saw something she didn't expect to see.

Mr. James walking. Better, not just walking, but practically striding across the floor with his walker.

Holly's eyes grew larger as she hurried toward him. She kept her hand on her bag that was resting on her shoulder, keeping it from falling on her arm.

"Arthur," Holly called out his name, making his head peak up in her direction. He had a wide smile grow on his face when he saw her. "What are you doing up? You not supposed to be walking around, especially alone." She placed her hand on his arm, looking around until she finally saw Claire walking behind him.

"He's not alone." Claire had a smile on her face, something Holly wasn't used to seeing. "I thought I would take him around the floor. We have some exciting news, Holly."

Holly's brows furrowed as she looked at Mr. James, his wrinkly dimples growing larger as he spoke. "My dementia's going away."

Holly just about had a stroke. "What?" She smiled as she let out an excited burst of laughter. "No way, that's great!" She looked over at Claire. "H-how? How are you getting better?"

"That medication you told the doctor to put him on is working." Claire stepped closer, crossing her arms over her chest. "The trial run for the medicine is gonna continue starting next week. If Arthur's lucky he could be out of the hospital by the middle of February."

"Hear that, Holly!" Holly swore she had never seen Arthur so merry. "I'm getting out of here! Left field at the Braves game here I come!" He tapped his feet on the floor like a happy child, his hands still holding onto the walker he had in front of him.

Holly was on the verge of tears, "Arthur, I'm so happy to hear this." She smiled, turning to Claire. "So, if we're planning on discharging him, that means?" She cocked her head slightly.

"His heart problems are getting better. The diet restrictions and medication are working." Claire nodded.

Holly looked at Mr. James, "You finally tired of me? Is that why all of the sudden your getting better?" She joked with a large smile.

Mr. James gave Holly a light nudge to the arm, "You know I can't get tired of you, Nelson." He smiled, "Now, care to take me on a walk around the place? I know I could use the exercise."

Just as Holly opened her mouth, Claire's voice cut through first.

"I know she would love to, but-" Claire turned to Holly. "Sherley needs you on floor six. The cop from the explosion who got shot needs someone watching over him and she wanted you for the job."

Holly felt herself grow disappointed. She turned to Arthur, offering a large smile. "We'll go on a walk when I get off my shift, okay? As long as you are not busy."

Arthurs's large smile grew slightly dim, "Busy? Honey, I haven't been busy since 1978." He joked, patting Holly's arm. "Now, you get going before you get in trouble. My darling is stopping by today, I'll tell her you said hi."

Holly smiled, "Thank you, Arthur." She said before turning back, heading down the hallway that lead to the elevator.

The entire way to the sixth floor, Holly looked like an absolute maniac with how she was smiling. Like a ray of sunlight beaming into the darkest corner of a room, Holly's day was instantly lit up by the good news, and she was sure she wouldn't be able to stop smiling for days to come, knowing that Arthur would finally be able to live a life he had been hoping for since the day he stepped into Metro-General.

The rest of Holly's day was spent on the sixth floor of the hospital, being called into one room after another, barely having any time to take a sip of water without getting interrupted by her pager going off. Still, her main focus was on one man, and one man alone. One that made her stomach drop every time she had to walk into his room, or in this case walk past his room.

"How's Detective Blake doing?" Bret Mahoney asks, walking in from the hallway where he had been keeping patrol the entire day.

Holly jumps slightly at the sound of his voice, almost dropping the IV bag on the floor. Her head turns in his direction, her braid hitting the side of her face as she offers a small smile. She takes a deep breath, despite how thick the air around her feels.

"He's uh-" She looked down at him. "He's doing okay. He has some severe trauma due to the bullet but it's nothing we haven't seen before." She had a faint smile grow on her lips, "Just another day In Hell's Kitchen."

Bret let out a small laugh, "Yeah, you're telling me. Sometimes I wonder why you guys aren't getting paid the same amount as us considering the shit you see." He placed his hands in the pocket of his pants, stepping closer to Holly. "How are you doing, Nelson? With...everything."

Licking her lips, she nods as she continues looking down at Detective Blakes's IV bag. "Just peachy."

Bret nods back, "Yep, so am I. Hella peachy."

Holly chuckles as she hangs the IV bag on the cart, watching as water begins to run down the tube and into Detective Blakes's veins before turning back to Bret.

"You know, I don't think it's just me who feels this way," He ran his hands over his face, "But I feel like recently Hell's Kitchen is going down the gutter."

"Not just you." Holly nodded, taking her gloves off as she tossed them into the trash next to her. "But, of course, I don't see everything that you do. I'm sure the stuff you see makes everything in the world seem worse."

Bret crossed his arms over his chest, taking a short inhale. "Can I be honest with you?"

"Please." Holly motioned to Bret with her hands before sitting down on the edge of the hospital bed, facing him as he spoke. His eyes hung low from exhaustion as he looked behind Holly at Detective Blake, then outside the door and into the hallway.

"I'm telling you this because I trust you. Don't go telling the other Nelson though." He pointed at her, earning a small chuckle and nod from Holly. His voice became soft and quiet, almost like a whisper. "I don't think that Devil Of Hell's Kitchen guy did this." He cocked his head behind Holly. "Whatever it is, I think that guy's trying to stop it."

Holly had never felt so much relief rush over her body. She let out a huge exhalation of built-up breath before responding. "I think so too."

Detective Mahoney's eyebrows slightly raised, "You do?"

"Yeah." Holly's voice was as quiet as his. Somehow, despite their privacy, they both felt they needed to keep their opinions about the person deemed a murderer quiet. "The people that come in here, they're afraid of something bigger than him. Something worth risking their lives for."

Detective Mahoney looked into the hallway again before stepping forward, "Holly, I'm asking you this as a friend. Not as a detective or an officer," He hesitated. "Do you know something about all this? Everything that's been going on?"

Holly felt her breathing hitch, and that familiar feeling of bile rushing up her throat come back. She hated this, she hated the way he looked at her, she hated feeling like she was being investigated.

Her chest felt as if she was being tugged by a rope, pulling her ribs and heart close together with every hitched breath she took. She was only able to get a small word out without feeling like she had just done something terrible.

"No." She shook her head gently, "Just...what I've heard from the people who get involved with The Devil Of Hell's Kitchen. It's not him, trust me on that."

Detective Mahoney silently nodded, "I trust you. You know Holly, Your one of the few people I can say that to." Just as Holly felt her chest release, Bret's phone buzzed in his pocket. He lifted it, facing Holly again. "Someone's stopping by to see Detective Blake-"

"Got it." Holly nodded, taking that as her sign it was time to go. She stood up as she fixed the area she was sitting at, looking at Detective Blake one final time. Just before Detective Mahoney turned to leave and go back into the hallway, he turned back, calling Holly's name.

Her head peaked up as she faced his voice.

"You ever need anything, Holly, you always have someone on the force." He gave Holly a sweet but gentle smile. "And that goes for you, and you alone. You're the only Nelson I care for besides your parents."

"Thank you, Bret." She said sincerely as she chuckled.

"No, thank you," Bret responded, turning around and making his way into the hallway where he kept watch

Holly smiled at him before she watched him leave the room, taking a deep breath of relief once she was alone.

Holly and Matt had grown their special routine.

Every night after work, they would meet at Matt's place to go over 'Fisk's case.' I write that with parentheses because deep down, both Matt and Holly knew only a sliver of their reasoning to come over was because of the case. The other part was completely audible because of the company each other.

"You seem happy." Matt smiled gently to himself as Holly's head peaked up from her sketchbook. Her gentle sun-kissed brown eyes practically glowed from the billboard outside.

"How exactly do you know I'm happy?" She questions, tucking her legs under her body as she turns to face Matt.

"I can hear it in your heartbeat." Matt turned his head in the direction of Holly's voice. "It's elevated but peaceful. Just...it's very you."

Matt enjoyed hearing Holly's heartbeat so joyful. He knew the past couple of weeks hadn't been easy stress-wise, and that it was starting to take a toll on her. So hearing the bubbly energetic voice of Holly, and her heartbeat so tranquil was something that brought a smile to his face.

Holly lightly chuckled as she faced down towards her lap again, continuing her sketch. "Well, I am pretty happy today."

Matt smiled, peaceful. Within seconds he took the papers from his lap, placing them down on the table in front of him. He leaned back into the couch, facing Holly.

"Tell me about your day." He said, making Holly pause in her sketch.

Holly paused. Her eyebrows raised ever so slightly, "You wanna hear about my day?"

"Yeah, why not." Matt shrugged. Holly's confused tone confirmed his suspicions. "Nobody ever asks how your day was, do they?"

Holly scoffed, "They do." She said in a high-pitched tone, immediately regretting her words. Her tone became quiet and soft, "Here and there I guess." She looked up, closing her sketchbook as she placed it on the coffee table in front of her before turning to face Matt. "Okay, not that often. I don't have anyone in my life who asks me how my day was."

Matt chuckled, "Well now you have me. Come on, I wanna hear about it." He smiled, "Something must have been good considering I'm blind and I know you practically glowing."

She wants to tell him how good those words sound coming from his mouth. Now you have me. Those four simple words made Holly's heartbeat flutter like a butterfly, and a smile grow on her face.

"Well, in that case," She takes a deep breath, that smile remaining on her face. "This morning when I got to work there was this little girl who said that I looked like a Disney princess." Matt chuckled, and Holly joined in soon after. "She was sweet and she was there visiting her mom who just had a baby-"

Matt can't put into words how indescribably peaceful Holly's voice makes him feel. Just listening to her talk about the things that make her happy is enough to make Matt smile like an absolute idiot. Her voice makes electricity shoot up through his body, and into his nerves, keeping his body electric and attentive, taking in every word she says.

"-And then my patient, I mentioned him before but you probably don't remember him-"

"Mr. James." Matt nodded. "The one with dementia."

Holly paused. Why was it she was getting turned on by the fact Matt listened to her? Were men that she had gone out with on dates that bad to the point where her standards dropped that low?

Wait actually, yeah they were. They were that bad.

"Y-yeah." Holly smiled, "Yeah, Arthur James." She sat up, sitting crisscross as her hands fidgeted together in her lap. "His dementia is getting better due to this trial medication the hospital received a couple of weeks ago. At first, it didn't seem like it was working but when they ran a test on him they saw it was getting better." She smiled. "And I uh..." She paused.

In talking with Holly, Matt smiles softly as he listens to her friendly and caring instinct. That was something he admired about her. She didn't have to care for her patients this much, but she did. She cared about them so much that they became a part of her life, part of the reason for her joy.

Matt nods, still wearing his smile, "You're excited for him."

"Very." Holly nodded a long breath that had been held in for a few seconds finally getting released. "Sorry, I feel like I haven't shut up for a good five minutes." She released a small burst of laughter as she ran her hands over her face.

Matt shook his head, his words are sweet and gentle. "Don't apologize. I like hearing your voice."

Damnit, Murdock.

Holly feels her cheeks grow red, and within a second she is smiling like an absolute idiot. She lets out another nervous bit of laughter before pointing her hands at Matt. "Oh, uh thanks."

She can't stop smiling.

Stop smiling Holly.

Oh Jesus Christ, say something.

Come on!

"You!" She motioned her hands to him, seeing the confusion now written across his face. "How was your day." She cleared up her words that were being laced with exhaustion, making Matt nod.

"Wasn't as good as yours but pretty good." Matt smiled. His voice halted for a moment before speaking. "I took your advice and let Foggy and Karen help." He nods, "There's a reporter who's gonna write an article about Fisk, unveiling everything he's been doing in Hell's Kitchen. There's a big chance we can get more eyes on Fisk and possibly get him to court if everything goes to plan."

Holly's eyes grew wide, "No fucking way."

"Holly Nelson, watch your language." Matt joked, his smile growing larger.

"Holy shit, Matt!" Her hands rushed to her hair. "Why didn't you lead with that when I first walked in?" She exclaimed.

"Cause I knew if I lead with that then you wouldn't have told me why you were so happy." He grinned, "I don't assume you are excited?" He questioned sarcastically.

Holly went along with his playful attitude. "Oh no, not at all." The pair both began laughing, and Holly stood up. "Well, we have to do something-" Just as she spoke, she let out a large yawn that she tried shaking off. "-Let's go get a drink or dessert, something-"

"Holly." Matt stood, placing his hands on her arms. He smiled down at her, "Believe me, I am as excited as you, possibly even a bit more. But you tired and I know you have been eager to crash on my couch since you first sat down."

Holly paused. At this point, she knew better than to argue with Matt. "I feel lame for not wanting to go out, but I'm so tired." She pressed her head against his chest as he chuckled, running his hands over her back.

"I know you are." Matt smiled, "You're not made for late nights, Holly Nelson." He pulled back, his head moving down in her direction as he placed his thumb under her chin, lifting her head towards him. "How about you stay for the night?" He had a sly smile grow on his lips. "Catholic sleepover rules again."

Holly shakes her head, "No, no, no. I can't. I stayed last night and kicked you out of your bed. I would feel bad if I did it again."

"You already have some of your stuff here from last night, and your exhaustion is telling me you are in no condition to be walking home by yourself." He points out with a low chuckle. "Besides, I like when you stay."

Holly gave him a look. "You're just saying that."

"What did I tell you before? I would never lie to you, Holly Nelson."

Holly pursed her lips in thought.

"Fine." She let her guard up. "But tomorrow night, I'm not staying here. I feel like a dick for kicking you out of your bed."

Matt smirks, "Holly. Your not a dick, trust me. I'm a lawyer, I have had my fair share of dick people." He presses a gentle kiss to the top of her forehead, one that makes her heart flutter just before they separate, and she walks into his room to change.

As Matt stands in the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes that were overdue for being washed, his attention is averted to the sound of Holly's clothes dropping to his bedroom floor. He listens closely as her feet pad across the hardwood of his bedroom, making their way to his dresser where she opens the same drawer he opened for her the night before.

His hands stop moving as they wrap around the kitchen counter, clenching his fist tight. Matt's eyes are softly closed as he continues listening to her, admiring every little movement she makes.

Oh, how Foggy would murder him right now.

She was carefully tracing her soft hands over every shirt, examining the material until she took one of the folded shirts from his drawer. Tilting his head, he hears her slip her arms into the shirt as the material hangs low to the top of her thighs, hitting her bare skin.

His imagination begins to leave him flustered. His thoughts lead him to picture her in his clothes, every part of her covered in a piece of him.

His mind continues to wander until finally, he hears her footsteps edge closer to the door just before the sliding glass was moved over.

His eyes open as he finally snaps back into reality, pressing down on the handle to turn the sink off.

"Hey, Matt." Holly's voice was like a gust of fresh air to his ears.

"Y-yeah." He turns around, leaning against the counter as he wipes his hands with a towel. His muscles were running against the sleeve of his black long-sleeve, leaving the material tight on his body. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," She nods. "I was just coming to grab a glass of water-" She points behind him.

"Oh don't worry about that, I got it. I'll bring it to you." He motions for her to go back into his room as she hesitates. Finally, though, she accepts Matt's gentle qualities and goes back into his room where she slips into his sheets.

She was lying on her side, marveling at every move Matt made. The subtlety quiet steps he made, the slow movements of his hands as they ran over the glass before grabbing it completely. Holly found herself staring until finally, he made his way into her room with a glass in his hand and a small smile lining his lips.

"Here's your water," Matt said, placing the glass down on the dresser next to her.

"Thank you, Matt," Holly said softly, her body undertaken by the sheets and blankets that covered her body.

Matt just smiled at Holly, and in those few seconds, she watched as he grew shy.

"U-uh." He stuttered, "Goodnight, Holly."

"Goodnight, Matt," Holly said back, just before he began walking off.

As she watched him leave, a small bit of bravery coursed through her veins. The air she breathes is so inevitably thick despite how simple her words are.

"Matt." She calls out his name as he pauses in his movements.

It was almost as if he was waiting for her to call his name, to hear the sound of her voice that was laced with exhaustion like cough syrup. He can barely hear the sound of her heartbeat over the sound of his own. His head turns in her direction as she takes a deep breath before speaking.

"Please stay." Her words were bold, yet hushed.

Matt tries desperately to contain his smile. His words are quiet and soft. "Of course."

Matt moves to the other side of the bed, lifting the sheets and blankets as he slides into the bed next to her. The bed dipped slightly, making Holly smile to herself.

As they both lay next to each other, Holly doesn't know how Matt feels about her words. Did he want to stay? Did what she ask him to do come off as too much?

But within seconds, almost as if called upon, she feels his hand graze hers before intertwining their fingers acting as a silent confirmation that what she just asked Matt to do was deep down what he wanted more than anything.

To stay with her. 

A/N- This seriously took me an entire day to edit and revise, Jesus Christ. 

I hope you all loved this chapter as much as I did! I wanted to make a chapter that gave more of a look at Matt and Holly's relationship and I would like to say I succeeded at that lol. 

What about the news about Mr. James? Oh I was so excited to write that. I love Arthur with all my heart and Dorthey and him deserves the world. 

I hope you all have a great day/night and thank you so much for all your kind messages and comments! Stay safe and healthy :)

Daisy <3