TIME WARP: You were always the cold one (Matt)

[Jared Park]

Happens a bit after I’ll Always Remember

Things hadn’t really gone the way they’re supposed to.

While Dani was slowly being comfortable with the fact that they’d be separated for about a year or so (depending on how Jasper or Jeraiah’s situation develops), he couldn’t help feel like she’s still keeping something from him. He’s never been the type to easily figure out what lies beneath, and in fear of destroying that shaky equilibrium they’ve got, he simply let it be, hoping that overtime Dani’d get over it.

It wasn’t the best course of action he could take, but to his mind, well, it’s the lesser of two evils.

With his departure just a few days from now, Jared was busy packing. He’s already sent three boxes ahead of time, but for some reason, his things just don’t seem to be lessening anytime soon. Darn. Guess he’d have to leave some in his girlfriend’s place then.

He was currently sorting out his underwear, carefully picking which one to pack and which one to leave (Will Dani be better if I left her with this? he thought, giggling) when he suddenly heard his doorbell ring. Confused as to who (in their right mind) would suddenly visit (he did tell his friends that he’d be busy packing and he’d appreciate it if they don’t visit yet; as for Dani, she said she’ll stop by in a few hours), he promptly got up and was completely surprised when he opened the door.

“Ohgod. Matt. Y-You didn’t tell me you were coming.” He didn’t really know what to feel. “Is Dani with you? C-Come on in.”

This can’t be good, can it?

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt is aged 23 at this point in time.

Matt was Pissed to say the least.

A few nights ago when Matt had gotten a call from his sister he knew something was wrong right off the bat. Just from the tone of her voice. By the time he was halfway through the call he blatantly asked her what was wrong. She jut dodged the subject and refused to answer him. That went over well. Matt had promptly hung up the phone at her refusal and gotten in his car to drive over to her apartment.

Upon arriving he went into Dani's apartment ( With his spare key of course0 and went to find his sister. He had been told she was inviting Jared to live with her and had grudgingly accepted it. The man had grown on him. Through numerous efforts and attempts to get them to get along by Dani. THERE SHE WAS. Sitting in the living room watching old Disney movies with a batch of ice cream hugging Roosevelt. Wait. She was crying.

Dani never cried. Ever. Something was wrong and Matt was glad he had acted on his instincts to come over and not drop the subject. Matt felt his face harden. Who in the hell had the audacity to make his sister cry. This was not acceptable and every part of Matt was raging inside. Matt slowly approached his sister and engulfed her in a silent hug. Yes, whoever had done this would pay.

Matt eventually got his sister to tell him about what happened with Jared. It took a hell of a lot of coaxing and a hell of a lot of prompting but Matt eventually got it out of her. Matt ended up comforting his sister and staying with her the next few days while she calmed down. Lets just say in that short amount of time Matt's rage was building. This is why he didn't like Jared. He broke Dani's heart for crying out loud. He made her cry.

Matt had been growing accustomed o Jared. He HAD held a grudging respect for him putting up with Dani's endless pranks all throughout her Hammel years. Plus, the fact that Dani had met someone who was interested in her for her, made Matt a bit happy. He knew Dani could be a bit hard to handle and he respected the fact that Jared has stuck with her. Like it or not he had held a grudging respect for the man. Not of course that he would ever admit it.

That changed when Dani told him Jared just gave her a rin and was planning on leaving.

Coward.

Thus it stands to reason that Matt would just have to have a little chat with Jared. Maybe something about how breaking hearts can turn into breaking bones. Matt gave a slightly dark chuckle. Yes Jared would pay and Dani was not getting anywhere near him again. Not if he had anything to say about it.

When Jared opened the door Matt used every ounce of preservation he had in him to not break the guy on sight. After all it would not be fair to just break his bones without giving him a chance to explain himself and his actions. Then of course he could break something.

Matt nodded at Jared and stepped into the apartment that was being packed, his face in a visible scowl. “ Dani is not here. I have come to talk to you.” Matt said with a semi dark smile. He was not sure how Jared would act but he had no intention of letting Dani know of anything pertaining to this conversation.” Dani has no place in this conversation and I expect you to respect that decision.”

Matt was probably shocking Jared with how much he was speaking. He wasn't necessarily scared to speak anymore it was more the he found people were better equipped to idea with a silent Matt then a talking Matt. Matt highly doubted Jared knew why he was here. Putting on his best glare Matt looked at Jared.

“So tell me... Why did you break my sister's heart?”

(OOC: sorry its so long and rambly)

[Jared Park]

Jared has always been scared of Matt.

From his imposing height to his deep and guttural voice, the mere presence of Danicca’s older brother in the room – no matter how far away he is – sends shivers down the Canadian boy’s spine. Back in Hammel, considering the intensity of the pranks he and Aaron played on Matt’s little sister, he could’ve sworn Matt was the boogeyman that appears in his dreams. Even when he and Dani are no longer archenemies but instead share a bed at least twice a week, he’s still mighty scared of the man. He could’ve sworn that had it not been for Dani telling him that he doesn’t torment her anymore, he’d be dead within moments of stepping in the Waylan’s house when he joined Dani last Christmas.

And if he’s so scared of the Waylan brother when he knows that he did nothing wrong, just imagine how terrified he is now that he’s certain he’s wronged her little sister.

“Dani’s not here?” Oh fuck. He’s dead then. Goodbye world. Heaven knows he should’ve finished that will he’s trying to do six years ago when he and Aaron invaded Dani’s room and Matt found out. “T-Talk to m-me?” he gulped, a little too loud than he would’ve wanted. Why does Matt have to be so darn scary anyway?

Feigning a smile, he promptly led the way and made him seat on his couch. “S-Sorry for the lack of decorations. I-I’ll be f-flying to V-Vancouver in a w-week,” he said, trying to initiate small talk. He knows the man isn’t really fond of such things, but hey, he could try, right? “Anything you’d like? Milk? Coffee? I think I may have some earl grey tea stashed in here somewhere,” he said as he moved on to his kitchenette. For a guy in his early-twenties, it’s rather neat really. Then again, not every twenty year-old has a nagging mother-of-a-brother.

He was brewing coffee when Matt suddenly spoke, his eyes widening in disbelief as he turned around and answered, “Broke Dani’s heart?” His voice has a twinge of disbelief in them, a little defensiveness and a nice touch of anger. “Why would I go and break Dani’s heart?!”

I thought we’re good?

“Matt. Look,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm, “I know telling Dani just now was wrong. It was my mistake. I kept hoping that things would change. That I wouldn’t have to go. But they didn’t.” He took a deep breath, trying to gather all his thoughts and keeping a cool tone. “I appreciate the concern. I really do. I know you’re a brother and you’re concerned for her. But seriously. Don’t you think this matter’s a little private?” Yes Matt, Jared’s implying that you’re crossing a line already. “This is something that should be settled between us two. And for the record, it’s settled. Dani and me are going strong. Haven’t she shown you her ring yet?”

“She’s a big girl now Matt. Guess it’s time to find some other girl for you to look after.”

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt watched eyes glaring as Jared stumbled through a reply to him and his words. That was another thing Matt did not like about Jared. He always stumbled through his words and could never say a sentence straight up with out stuttering when Matt was in the room. “ No Dani is not here.” Matt watched as Jared's eyes widened considerably. The boy was so damn scared of him it was a bit funny. Matt had to force himself to keep from smirking, yes that would help the fact that he looked absolutely evil when he did. “ Yes talk to you.Who else would I be talking to?” Matt had to keep his feelings in check. He knew that. But he also know Jared had made Dani cry. That was unacceptable. Even for him.

Matt was then promptly led into the apartment and sat on the couch. With the words coming out of Jared's mouth Matt had to scowl. He didn't give a damn about decorations and when he was flying away. He was still pissed that Jared made Dani cry. By this time in the relationship between the two he shouldn't have to be the one to know when something was wrong with his sister. He shouldn't be the one to comfort her. Jared should have stepped up. God the guy couldn't have been that dense could he? He didn't want and tea coffee milk or even tea. He felt almost as if Jared was ridiculing him. He obviously knew why he was here. He should just stop with the pleasantries and get on with it already.

Matt watched Jared's back as soon as he spoke. His words just fueled Matt's anger more. “ I don't have a f*cking clue why you would.but you did.” Matt's eye hardened and he stood preparing for Jared's expected onslaught of words. He didn't give a shit. Simple as that. He was here to keep him away from Dani that was all there was to it.

Matt listened calmly and collectively to the words that Jared as saying. “ Damn right It was wrong.” Matt heaved in a sigh still trying to control himself. He knew it was too soon to lose his wits to anger. Jared was pushing it though. He chuckled darkly as Jared actually attempted to grow a backbone and tell him to back off. Sorry Jared your stuck with a mad Matt now. Better get used to it. Then of course he mentioned the ring. “ Oh yes, the ring. The ring to cover your own butt as you give it to her then leave. Of course you think it is settled. You couldn't bare to see anything past the surface she puts up.So I would kindly ask you to reconsider whether it was truly settled or not.”

Then Of course came the words out of Jared's mouth. That was it. Standing and walking swiftly over to him Matt stood, using all of his full height and his icy glare. “ Yea well listen here twerp. She obviously can't go to you. So she came to me. She came to me over you. You don't know her. You never have. And you never will.” Matt turned shaking from anger. “She was CRYING.” Matt spun on his heel and turned to face Jared again. “ NOT THAT YOU CARE. YOU JUST BROKE HER HEART JARED.”

Matt was yelling. Not just talking but yelling at Jared. He was positive that Jared had only heard his mousy voice and small whispers before. Nothing as serious as Matt yelling. Matt knew Jared was probably gaping at him. Matt hoped that he would get the message. He obviously could not trust his sister with Jared anymore. Not if he was going to make her cry. Moving towards him again, this time in the smallest, but fiercest of whispers he spoke. “ I can't believe I was going to trust you with Dani." Matt gave Jared a very annoyed and disgusted once over. “I was wrong. I see that now.”

Matt started towards the door. He couldn't stand the sight of him anymore. If the boy gave any sort of argument Matt was afraid he might have to hurt him. Badly. The fact of the matter remained that Dani liked Jared. Matt couldn't very well Break something of Jared's without Dani eventually finding out. He wouldn't risk that. But he also knew that Jared was not getting anywhere towards Dani again. Stopping by the couch Matt turned on his heel to face Jared once more. “Stay away from her. She is too good for you.”

[Jared Park]

Had the air between him and Matt been not this hostile, Jared would’ve been wonderfully pleased at the sheer amount of words coming out of the older Waylan’s mouth. Surprised yes, but amused and pleased all the more as he’d been trying to see how he could possibly coax the man to speak in more than one word or more than one sentence, or as he’d put it when he’s joking with Danicca, more than a grunt or a click.

But considering what the stimulus to get the man talking is, well, it no doubt eclipsed the boy’s thoughts for a celebration. If you ask him, the only thought in his mind right now is that using the kitchen knife under his drawer and plunging it into Matthew’s throat is murder.

Somehow he must make it look like an accident then.

“Dude, language,” he said in a firm voice as he grabbed one of the trays from the cupboards and begins arranging the cups and condiments. And really, it wasn’t like he could say anything else. As much as he’d like to call out Matt and tell him that he’s lying, he knows for a fact that what he’s saying is true. That even without willing it, he has hurt Danicca. He’s broken his girlfriend’s heart. Possibly more with showing her the ring first and all that.

“The ring was not to c-cover my butt Matthew,” he bit his lip slightly when he stammered, telling himself that he’s totally not sounding convincing with it. He wasn’t supposed to be intimidated by the tall man now; he’s supposed to be angry. Angry enough to kill. And stuttering doesn’t really speak murderous on any accounts. “It was a gift. Simple as that.” He may have thought of it as softening the blow for Danicca, but he can’t admit that Matt was right. Oh how his ego decides to grow at inopportune times really. “I’m sorry you think so hard about these things. How many girlfriends have you had anyway? Do you have one right now? Or are you too busy poking your nose into your little sister’s life that ‘you don’t have time for petty things like that’?” And yes, he’s going to be the irrational one at this argument and strike personally instead of giving logical counterarguments. Mostly because he can’t think of any right now. “If I was the jealous type, I’d actually think you’d have hots for her. But really, that can’t be the case right? You’re Mr. OHEMGEESHEHASAWOUNDSOIHAVETORUSHTOHER, not Paedobear.”

Unfortunately, Jared wasn’t gaping when Matthew shouted. It was unwelcome yes, but not totally unexpected. Not with the buildup happening between them. Fuck you, he mouthed as he turned away, completely hurt by the things he said. Had he been an unavailable boyfriend then? Unbearable? Too busy having fun that he had made Danicca’s problems trivial that she has to go to his tower of a brother just to find some comfort? Yes, he tells himself that he shouldn’t let Matthew inside his head because that man will just mess him up, but he can’t. He’s just too strong. Too powerful.

His words too true.

If Jared had been with super strength, heaven knows the spoon in his hand would’ve been dust right now. He didn’t speak through Matthew’s whisper, instead looking at him straight in the eye while mouthing son of a b*tch straight up the man’s face. He followed Matt as he made a beeline to the door, ready to just let him go and maybe hole up in his room for an hour or so and weep, but then he said that.

Oh hell no.

He didn’t even realize that he let a fist fly up until it went on and connected with Matthew’s jawbone. Despite Jared’s insistence on avoiding fistfights as much as he can, he was – to his brother’s dismay – included in some once he entered college. But through all that, he never ever was the one who initiated it. He was always on the defensive. He’d never given the first punch without being provoked. Guess Matt has quite the honor then.

“She’s too good for me. Too good for you. Too good for anyone. You just realized that?” gritted his teeth as he spoke to the man in front of him. “Now if you’re done with your self-righteous speech about how you’re so in love with your sister, you can go. Now.”

Someone call Dani. I have a vague feeling that this won’t stop with just one blow.

[Matthew Waylan]

Matt had watched as the other males body language had changed from Scared to pissed in zero seconds flat. It was amazing what a few true words would do to a person. Matt had no doubt in his mind that what he had said was true. It had to be. While Matt hadn't liked Jared from day one, mostly because he played an awful prank on Dani, that to this day actually still made him laugh, he did have some respect for the younger man. Over time he had shaped up just a little to see the truth of the matter. It occurred to Matt that he probably should have known that Jared would end up with crush on Dani. The more you deny it the more it is true mentality was present even back then.Matt wondered how someone who had seemingly loved his sister so much could break her heart without ever giving her a chance.

That my friends was the underlying cause of the whole argument. No it really wasn't about her crying, no it really wasn't about her coming to him over Jared. No it was about how he had finally put his trust into Jared and Jared had let him down. Matt, underneath all of the anger and hurt that was plaguing his heart, was disappointed. Disappointed in Jared.

Matt's eyes were flashing from the hurt and the language. He was not someone to swear often. Well, Jared should feel lucky. He just set off Matt's Swearing tick. “ When you admit you broke my little sisters heart I will apologize for my use of foul language within the vicinity of these walls.” Right at this moment Matt could not care less if he swore or even if Jared cared. The Bastard was up and leaving his sister to go back to his own country. For all Matt cared Jared could just stay there.

Matt could not believe the words coming out of Jared mouth. “ It was not? You gave the girl a ring just before you were telling her you were leaving. You don't do that. Even you should have enough sense to know that.Did you know...” Matt bit his lip to keep from yelling again. “ did you know she thought you were going to ask her to marry you?” Matt's eyes looked up at Jared. As the man continued on with his own rant. He was hurt for his sister. “She would have said yes too.” Matt's eyes locked with Jared's as the man accused him of meddling in his sisters life. OF not having any romantic involvement at all. His eyes grew hard as he attempted to stay calm and explain. “Apparently I have good enough reason to stay involved with my sisters life.” Matt said nothing in reply to the obvious attempt to unnerve him and his resolution by insinuating that he had romantic feelings for Dani. If anything it earned a chuckle out of Matt. “That is really original Jared. Can't you come up with something better then that? And really from the viewpoint I am in I would say you are just jealous that I had bath time with Dani long before you did.” Matt rolled his eyes at the other man. “At least I wouldn't freeze if she got hurt. I actually act on it. May I remind you of the ladder incident?”

Matt was aware that Jared was pissed beyond belief. From the swearing and the words coming out of his mouth Matt had all he could do not to smirk and stand there smugly. He had noticed the mans clenched hands over the spoon and it bended considerably. He was getting what he came for. A reaction. Matt knew he was right. He had to make Jared see that too. Even if his way was not the most... diplomatic, it was still working. He was getting results. You could not fault with results. Matt had made his way towards the door, stopping at the couch and he had realized that the younger man had followed him. He had wondered what the man was going to do about his accusations. His truths. What he didn't expect however was what had come next.

Matt was totally not expecting that Jared would punch him. As Jared's fist connected with Matt's Jaw he was in semi shock. Then of course the shock faded. He knew that he was someone who was taller then Jared and most certainly a bit more intimidating, but he had hoped if he was going to be punched the man would not have to stand on his tip toes to do it. Matt had to smirk. The punch didn't hurt. He had worse things done to him. Though, Matt could not blame the other man. Yes Matt admitted he had provoked him. Yes Matt admitted he may have not worded things delicately. Know what? Matt didn't care. That pain was nothing compared to what he had done to his sister.. He slowly listened as the younger man began to speak.

Matt's face scrunched up when Jared said those words. The words filled with sarcasm bout how Dani was too good for everyone. “ You think I don't know that? You think I don' have a small inkling about what is going on Jared?” Scoffing Matt looked down on the other man, their height differences completely apparent with the way they were standing. “Was it really self righteous? Was it nothing more then a speech to you? I thought maybe just maybe you might be able to get it. Maybe.No. You don't.” Frowning he picked Jared up by collar of his shirt and backed him against the wall. God why couldn't he get it through his think skull already. “I trusted you Jared. I trusted you to make her happy safe. I trusted you to be the one she would go to when there was a problem. I trusted you to accept her for who she truly was. I trusted you to love her and accept her love.” Matt threw him back against the wall one more time. “ I am not in love with my sister Jared. But I thought you were.”

Matt slowly dropped the other man, letting him slide to the floor. He wouldn't hurt him. He wouldn't do that to Dani. He just wished the man would get it through his thick skull what exactly was going on.How could he make Dani cry? How could he make his baby sister cry? Matt supposed she wasn't a baby much anymore, but in his head she would always be the one who came up to him on the couch and introduced herself as his new sister then promptly asked if he would be her big brother. She was something precious to him and this bastard had made her cry. He couldn't forgive him for that. Even if Dani was ready to.

[Jared Park]

No. I did not break Dani’s heart. I hurt it yes, but break it? No. No way.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the man just refuses to accept the fact that Dani’s still devastated over his surprise announcement. That the ring did more bad than good. That no amount of explanation could hide the fact that he gave her virtually no time to prepare for their separation. He knows he should’ve included her in the whole process, but he didn’t. That it was cowardly and totally a dickwad move on his part.

Damn it all.

“I know,” he said in response to Matt telling him about Dani’s would be decision had it been an engagement ring, though his voice is obviously in a lower register than it was before. And she would’ve said yes too. That stung just a tad bit harder than it should have. Mostly because, yes, subconsciously, he might’ve chosen the ring as an anniversary (and parting) gift because he wants to be engaged. True, Dani’s his first girlfriend and despite him being young and all, he has this whole feeling that he wouldn’t really settle for anyone else. But then all such fears come along.

He fears that he’s still young, inept and impulsive – that the whole ‘high’ and ‘she’s the one’ feeling he has around Dani’s the normal thing people feel when they’re with the one they love and not really an indication on whether or not they’re the one. He also thinks he’s not good enough. That he’s just a little too immature for Dani. That he won’t be that good of a life partner.

In short, he’s a little too cautious of that kind of commitment at the moment.

“For your information, I did not stand and watch.” He tried to catch her, but he failed, mostly because he was far too busy flailing. He did tell her to stay still and went up for help, but then when he’d come back Matt was already there and shooting him evil glares as if he caused and wanted the whole thing. “If it wasn’t for me, Dr. Prideaux wouldn’t be there as fast as she did. And who knows how serious her injuries might’ve been.”

Though really, proving Matt wrong is such an insignificant achievement right now. It doesn’t change the fact that Dani’s still hurt, and that he, her boyfriend, failed to see that.

He was bracing himself for a punch from the older man, his fists poised to send another blow should Matt retaliate. But then he just stood there, looking down at him (quite literally) and smirking. And just when he thought that the older Waylan would just yap about stuff again, he found himself being pulled up and pinned on the wall. Damn Matthew and his height.

He trusted…me?

That was new. He thought Matt’s being all so jealous and all around him. Now that Dani has a new guy in his life, he’s not needed anymore, thus hating Jared so much. But he trusts him? That’s certainly one of the most absurd things (if not the most absurd altogether) he’s heard this day.

“I do love her,” he muttered when Matt finally dropped him, “I still do and still will even when I’m on the other side of the continent.”

“I’m sorry.”

ooc:
Rather crappy. I'm sorry.
- Jam

[Matthew Waylan]

He broke Dani's heart. Not just hurt it, Broke it.

Matt stood stark silent as he watched the mans face contort and scrunch up with thought. It seemed that he was still denying the truth. Matt could barely stand to look at Jared. He had hurt his baby sister and didn't think twice about it. Matt was the one who knew his sister inside out. What Jared had done had not only affected Dani, it affected Matt. Matt would deal with Dani any day gladly, but he didn't like dealing with a sad Dani. Or a fake smiling Dani.

Damn it all

Matt sort of just slumped down when Jared admitted it. In one way Matt did not want Jared to admit it. That would reinforce it even more. The fact that Jared was admitting it was a doubled edged sword. Matt knew he was right. Matt wanted Jared to know it. Matt hadn't wanted to break the boy's soul though. If anything he wanted him to grow stronger from this. Though to get Matt to admit that would be a miracle in itself.

Matt knew from the moment that he set eyes on Jared, he and Dani would have something. At the the time Matt was not sure what exactly that was but he knew there as something. As much as he hated to say it the two had chemistry. It was apparent when they were not at each others throats. It was apparent in the way each interacted. It had helped that the two had shared a room, and Matt had made Dani stay at Hammel most of the time and actually not slack off. If he had knew of the boys fears he would have scoffed and thwacked him on the head.

The two were meant for each other, that was before he had broken her heart. Now he was a dirtball getting no where near his sister again.

Matt listened to the younger males argument. Frowning her pursed his lips and reluctantly admitted. " I stand corrected. You were too buy running around like a chicken with it's head cut off to do anything. Better?" Mat did have to admit that having the doctor come sooner then he would be able to carry His sister there. he merely nodded at the statement coming out of Jared's mouth, he was much to angry to give the boy and points, or leverage to use against him in this argument. " You left her alone. Real smart."

Just because he could go there he did.

Matt looked at the boy who he had pinned to the wall. He hurt his sister. Honestly Matt was Disappointed. He had put his trust in Jared and Jared had let him down. Matt didn't want Jared to let him down again. More importantly Matt didn't want Jared to let Dani down again. Matt already had trouble trusting people. He really only trusted Dani. In some way's he didn't even fully trust his parents. Dani was too precious for Matt to not have to protect.

I can't believe I trusted him.

Matt looked down at the boy who was now sitting on the floor. He had said what was on his heart and mind. It was up to Jared what to do with the information he had provided. Matt was disgusted with Jared and it showed. He was sad at the boy's obviously poor choices and would probably never have faith in him again. If Dani were to go back to Jared, Matt would ignore him. Flat out ignore him. He would always love his sister, but in his mind Jared was not, and would never be good enough. The sooner he realized that the better.

Matt scoffed at the other male's words. " If you love her show her, and I highly doubt you do. If you do then you would not have done this to her. You broke her Jared. I hope you're Happy now."

Matt barely heard the males words as he stood in the door frame waiting to go back to Dani." Sorry isn't good enough." With those words Matt made his way out of the apartment, leaving Jared to think and reflect on his actions. If he knew what was good for him he would stay away. Far away. If he happened to come back, Matt would not contain himself for Dani's sake. Someone would end up broken. Whether they liked it or not.

------Fin for Mattie-----

((OOC: thank you to Jams for letting me play a mad Mattie and see where this would go^.^ ))