Matthew Burrows

Alison let out a small laugh. “Yeah, well I kind of grew up in the air,” she replied. “So at least you’re with me I’m practically a professional at this… oh wait I am a professional at this point. The key is to not look down. Soon enough the wheel will just slowly and safely take you down where you need to go.”

“Oh, okay.” Matt, of course, looked down. “Oh god.” He felt nausea bubbling up in his gut, and instantly regretted everything. “Are you sure about safety?”

“Promises, promises,” Felicity drawled, ending with a laugh, leaning away just enough to make sure he knew that wasn’t quite in the cards yet. “For all you know I could be a saint.”

Damn. Matt thought he had her that time. He leaned back slightly, not wanting to push his boundaries with this girl. “Then you better get on your knees and start praying.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Felicity asked with a scoff of laughter.

“Gee, I wish. Saying that you’re married to a dude is one of the worst ways to pick up chicks.”

“Does she like scarves for the look or the comfort? Because we have these things called snoods, and they aren’t exactly fashionable but they’re insanely comfy.”

“She usually wears them for fashion seeing as she lives out in Santa Barabara.” Matt paused, his head tilting slightly to the side. “Wait, you said snoods? Like the thing from the Lorax?”

“Alright.” He agreed easily, trying to fight the smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked sideways over at him. “If you really want to be that guy that married his son.”

“Oh, shit. I forgot we were married.” Matt pulled a face. “Aren’t we nearing our anniversary soon? We should do something.”

“Sweeter, not fruitier.” Although he supposed he had no room to talk, being married to a man. “Man, fuck off.”

“Make me.” Matt winked, pushing Royce’s shoulder lightly. “Damn, now I want some berries.”

Alison smiled a little, rubbing her eyes slightly. “Just a little,” she responded, looking over at the clock. “It’s alright, I have to get up for a run in ten minutes anyway.”

“Do you have to?” Matt asked groggily as he rolled onto his back. “You’ll freeze to death out there.”

“Yeah of course!” Charlie smiled. “Just tell me a flavor, colors, a name, tell me what ya want and i’ll make it happen.” She explained while getting her notepad and pen out to take down his order. 

“Can I get it in the shape of a cat? And the name is Royce, hot pink, extra flowery garnishes and shit. The cringiest, most tacky thing you can think of.” 

“Well, if you give good enough compliments I might consider a discount for you, but only if it’s for your mom.”

“I’ll actually take you up on that. She would love a new scarf or something.”

“That’s weird and I don’t like it.” He decided, shaking his head. “Although, honestly, I don’t love any apples that much. I’m more of a berry guy.”

“You’re more of a berry guy,” Matt stated. “Of course you’re a little fruitier than the rest.”

“Wow, ok, did not expect that. So, officer, does that mean you have some wicked good moral compass deep down or something?” Felicity laughed, her eyes lighting up with mischief that was clearly filled with alcohol, the same alcohol that had made her usual hesitance run far far away. In a low whisper so only he could hear, she leant in an uttered, “does that mean you’ll handcuff me if I’m bad?”

“Definitely. I know right from wrong, I was raised by good people.” Matt smirked at her comment. He leaned in closer, his grin only growing at her next question. “Only if you misbehave.” His voice was low, a little grainier than usual. 

“Speak for yourself.” Royce murmured, already more focused on the marshmallows than on what Matt was saying. He took a spoonful off the top of the glob of marshmallows, turning the spoon around in order to lick it off the inside. “You can do anything you set your mind to, Matty.”

“You’re a child.” Matt laughed. He took a sip of his cocoa. “My son. You are my son now.” 

“Why do I get the feeling you’re using ‘dangerous’ to mean ‘recklessly’?”

“I mean I got drunk and married my best friend, so you’re not entirely wrong.”