VERY short chapter update. I guess I put myself back into my rut with this story, although I'm still wirting. I suppose this chapter is a bit like a filler chapter... although it's exactly the length I wanted it to be. It's angsty. Hope you guys don't mind.

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“Matt, are you awake?” Katze crept into Matt’s room, closing the door behind him. There was a breathing mass under Matt’s sheets, but no response to Katze’s question. Either Matt was asleep, or still treating Katze as mute “Matt?” Katze sat on the bed next to him, and looked him over. He was asleep, or at least curled up and quiet, with his eyes closed. Katze assessed the situation “Matt? Wake up for a second, okay?” Katze put his hand on Matt’s cheek, caressing it softly.

“Mmmmuuhh…” Matt blinked a few times, until he was reasonably awake, and sat up like a bolt “Why are you in here? I thought I told you not to come near me at night anymore.”

“You did. Look, Matt, I don’t want you to be mad. In fact, I want to help you so you aren’t scared by what’s to come. I just want to help you. Is that okay?” Katze gave him an apologetic smile, and reached out to hold Matt’s hand. Matt flinched a little when they touched, but didn’t pull away.

“I don’t know if I can trust you. You never tell me anything, and what you do tell me is part of the stupid dying thing, or isn’t important at all.”

“I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

“I’m not a baby, and I can take care of myself.”

“I know you’re not. But I worry that you’re intimidated and scared by this whole thing, and that you resent me because I brought all this into your life all of a sudden like I did.” Matt sighed, trying to think.

“Look, Katze, I don’t need all this comforting, or this sympathy. I don’t need your pity.”

“You don’t need comforting? I know who you’ve been seeing lately and why, Matt. And no, I don’t follow you. But I can hear it, and even though I don’t like it very much, it occurs to me that you wouldn’t be calling out my name so much if you didn’t want me to… comfort you.” Matt stared at him, panic-stricken. He didn’t know whether to scream in horror or to yell in frustration.

“Katze, I-”

“It’s fine. I figure you’re probably really needed someone, and since you didn’t want me, then they would have to make do.”

“I wasn’t trying to substitute them for you… it just kind of ended up that way.” Matt looked, and was, uncomfortable. Katze wanted to put an arm around his shoulder, but didn’t want to upset him. A thumping on the door startled them both.

“If you two aren’t gonna make out, at least reach an understanding! God!” Ashe audibly stomped off down the hall. Matt looked at his lap, and up at Katze. He was sitting, staring out the window. Matt felt uncomfortable, more so than before. He had no clue what he should do at that moment, other than kick Katze out.

“Look, Katze I don’t know exactly you’re playing at right now, but I’m tired, and I need some sleep.” Katze turned to look at him, his face devoid of expression.

“Of course.” He rose from the bed, letting himself out as quietly as he could, not saying a word. He shut Matt’s bedroom door behind him, leaving the boy staring after him.

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Oooh, angst! I hate/love angst. I hate it when it happens to me, but I love to write about it. Next chapter should get posted eventually. But definitely soon... ish. Thanks for reading this far, any and everybody. PLEASE leave me reviews. I would absolutely LOVE to hear your opinions and comments, and yes, even constructive criticism. Thanks!