Empty Spaces

Afternoon

Matt moved around them and over to the door, checking the locks. He could see it had been relocked but now the chain was attached too. Only one person in the house did that even when the other members weren't home.

"Kelly?" Matt called out as he made his way over to Kelly bedroom door, he let out a breath when the door opened, and a shirtless Kelly popped his head out.

"Hey! Sorry for not shouting out. Bella was engrossed in her movie and I didn't know where you two were, all alone." Kelly winked suggestively which caused Matt to roll his eyes and Sylvie to blush.

She had noticed how alike him, and Stella were about her and Matts relationship. Stella was always bringing up how Sylvie acted towards Matt especially once she learnt about Sylvie crush on Matt. They both loved to tease, it was one of the main reason Stella and Kelly ended up together.

"No, it's okay. We're all just a little jumpy after what happened." Matt stated as he turned back toward Sylvie and Bella, only to realise they had gone. He assumed to the kitchen; he began walking towards the kitchen to before he turned his head back to Kelly. "Dinner is ready. Sylvie made Spaghetti."

And with that he retreated back to the kitchen, helping Sylvie to dish out the rest of the dinner and place it at the table. They all sat and ate together, talking about random and not overly important things, after the scare they didn't want Bella to overwork her mind again.

By the time they had finished and cleaned up it had hit 8 and Sylvie figured now was probably the perfect time to put Bella to bed. They had just finished doing Bella's hair in two braids, like her own. Bella had asked to be 'just like Sylvie'.

"Bella, time for bed precious girl." Sylvie spoke softly, running her hand over the young girls freshly done hair. They could tell Bella was tired by the way her eyes were drooping, even while doing simple things like sitting there while Sylvie brushed her hair.

Bella nodded her head slowly, sliding off the chair and grabbing Sylvie's hand. "Okay mommy." She slipped out tiredly, not even realising what she had said. She used her unoccupied hand to rub her eyes sleepily as she followed Sylvie into the living room where Matt had just finished making up the couch bed for her.

Sylvie's heart hadn't stop thumping through her heart since Bella spoke and she thinks Matt could tell by the way he took over putting Bella to bed. He pulled back the covers enough for Bella to slip in and tucked her in, handing her the new teddy they had brought her and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight Bella." They both said simultaneously, both chuckling softly as Sylvie bent down and kissed Bella's head to.

"Goodnight Matt. Goodnight Sylvie." Bella said softly as her eyes closed, snuggling underneath the covers as she began to drift off rather quickly.

Matt and Sylvie stood beside each other for a moment watching her. Sylvie bumped her shoulder gently into Matt's, grinning as she looked up at him and nodded her head towards his room where Sylvie had sat her bags. Sylvie spoke first, grabbing out her toiletries, pyjama shorts and singlet. "Do you mind if I use your shower? I could really use a shower before the storm starts."

"Yeah of course, right through her." Matt lead the way to his en suite, swinging the door open and turning the light on to reveal a spacious bathroom that connected to his bedroom. "Feel free to use any of my stuff, I know you have your own but in case you forgot any."

He began to walk away only to be stopped by Sylvie grabbing his arm, she was shaking her head. "Thank you, I know I keep saying it Matt, but I do appreciate it."

Matt laughed slightly, looking over his shoulder at her. He turned his body to face her and smiled. "You're my guest. Plus, I'm not going to let a pretty girl down. It'll ruin my reputation." He winked at her, before turning back towards the cupboard built into his wall.

"I wish you could just sleep with me forever." She froze at how it came out and she could tell he did too, she started to stutter, embarrassing herself further. Her heart began beating faster and her cheeks pinkened for what felt like the 500th time in the last two days. "I meant stay with me. No! Like, sleep in the bed with me. Next to me. Not together or in the shower."

Matt laughed and turned back to her shaking his head. He loved when girls got flustered but he didn't expect Sylvie to look so good. "Um, yeah. I get what you meant. You're scared of storms. I got your back Sylvie."

Sylvie nodded her head and shrugged, slowly calming down (on the outside). "I got your back too, Captain."

She watched him nod his head, she felt relieved knowing she wasn't putting him out but also nervous for what was to come. "Then it's final, ill protect you." And with a wink he sent her way she closed the bathroom door, leaning against it and letting out a shaky laugh. She couldn't help but think about how much fun Stella is going to have knowing they were sharing a bed and he was 'protecting' her. She only just realised she didn't know how long they would be sharing a bed for and she just hoped she didn't do anything embarrassing.

She showered and dressed in less then 15 minutes, perks of being an emergency responder was being able to do things very quickly. When she exited the bathroom, Matt was sitting on the bed, on top of the covers, Sylvie could tell he wasn't wearing a top and it made her heart stop. She walked over and climbed into the other side of the bed, plugging her phone into her charger and then plugging the other end in the wall.

"You heading to sleep?" Sylvie asked quietly, not wanting to shut her lamp off in case he needed more light. She felt the bed shift slightly and she rolled over herself to see what he was doing; she didn't expect to see him pulling on his pyjama pants and discarding his jeans in the washing basket. She was just grateful he was wearing underwear. She looked up and saw a slight blush on his face and although it was no use, she pretended like she wasn't looking.

"Uh yeah I am, are you?" He asked, getting back into bed and this time under the covers. He shut his lamp off and curled up under the blanket. He watched her do the same, but she turned her lamp off last.

"Good night Matt." Sylvie whispered softly, as she rested her head on the pillow. The room was now dark, and she suddenly felt very tired, as she closed her eyes she inhaled deeply. She felt complete calmness at the scent that wafted through her nostril, the same smell that had invaded her in his office. Matt. With that she was off to sleep, before the storm had even started.