It had been three days since Yvette and Jimmy had stayed in the safe house. Three days of lounging around, playing board games, teaching Jimmy how to properly flip a pancake without getting it everywhere. As the day progressed, Yvette dangled over the edge of the couch, watching an episode of some reality show. Another cat fight erupted on the screen, making Yvette snort with laughter. "Something funny?" Jimmy asked, trying to dry his hair with a towel as he walked into the room.
"Another fight." Yvette pointed to the screen as she cracked up again. Jimmy rolled his eyes, draping his damp towel over his bare shoulder as he sat beside her, "I'll never understand this world we live in." He murmured.
"Yes, but then why try to understand it? All you'll get is a headache." Yvette said as she righted herself so she was sitting on her rear beside him. "Touche." Jimmy poked her nose as she put his arm around her shoulders. "Heard anything from the others yet?" She asked, rubbing her eyes slightly as she yawned. "No, but then again, they're all probably busy. Don't worry." He said, rubbing her arm gently. Yvette looked up at him, squinting her eyes, "Surely you're the least bit worried." She quired. Jimmy shook his head, "No. I know they can handle themselves, just as they know I can handle myself." He shrugged his shoulders. "I think all this TV is going to your head. Maybe you should go shower or something." He said, picking a thread that stuck out from her shirt.
"I need clothes to do that." Yvette said rather snottily. "Well we have clothes here you brat. Maybe some of Johnny's stuff will fit you. You're short." Jimmy countered as he got up from the couch. Yvette glared at him playfully, "I'll have you know I am of average height."
"Yeah, you're shorter than me, shrimp. Now come on." He said as he walked down the hallway.
Yvette groaned as she rolled off the couch, following after him. "You're so mean." She breathed out. "I can be." He shrugged, opening the last door at the end of the hallway. "God, this place is too clean." He muttered as they walked into Johnny's room. Yvette looked around, absolutely nothing was out of place. No speck of dust to be found, the bed was in perfect shape, just as it would have been found on a store model floor. "What is wrong with Jonathon?" She whispered. "I think where he lacks in height he makes up for in cleanliness?" Jimmy joked awkwardly. "I wonder if his clothes are color coordinated." Yvette thought out loud. Jimmy jumped at this unspoken opporotunity, opening the closet door quickly, "Oh my God, it is!" He screamed, opening the door wider for Yvette to see.
"You're not going to let him live this down, are you?" She asked as she surveyed the closet.
"Not a fucking chance." Jimmy soncluded, several ideas running through his head with this new found information.

`-`-`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`

Just before Tripp could speak, Manson threw a lamp at his head. Manson was in no mood at the moment, "What is so difficult about getting this girl? Why are you all so fucking incompitant to handle the simpliest of tasks?" He raged as he paced around his throne room. "My lord, please try to understand. As soon as we got there, they knew were were there." DJ piped up.
"And just how did they manage to detect you?" Manson quipped, sending a glare towards the other man.
"Matt Tuck, sir. The man is as old as-"
"Matt Tuck? I thought you told me everything was clear!" Manson bellowed.
"Yes well, they must have contacted him after the incident at the hotel." Lizzy muttered.
Manson snapped his neck towards the girl, "There's something you're not telling me." He hissed. Lizzy shifted uncomfortably, swallowing hard, "Shadows is betrothed to the girl." She squeaked, keeping her head down. Manson's eyes grew wide, "Yes...It all makes sense now.." He muttered.
"Sir?" Tripp wondered aloud.
"Don't interrupt me." Mansons whispered, twisting his wrist which caused Tripps neck to bend at an awkward position, silencing the man instantly. DJ stared as friends body, then up to Manson.
"Shadows wouldn't put up so much of a fiht if he didn't care about the girl. Oh, ho, ho. He's in love, the poor sap!" He cackled, clapping his hands. Lizzy and DJ both looked at him questionably, "We take the girl, we break the almighty Shadows, and take down Avenged." Manson laughed harder, "Awaken Tripp, we still need our bomb expert." He clapped his hands again. Tripps eyes opened then, his mouth opening as ht took in a large gasp of ai. jhe stood on shaky legs, rubbing his neck as he stared at the one he followed without so much as a second thought.
"Go, make plans for the next team to story that place." Manson waved his hands to dismiss them.
"My lord, she's not there." Tripp murmured.
"THEN FIND HER!" Manson bellowed, sending the three flying with another wave of his hands. "Incompetant fools."

`-`-`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`-`-`-`

“Why haven't you called Rev yet? They're probably going crazy or driving each other insane.” Brian stated as he sat in Matt's office. Matt looked up from some paper work, furrowing his brow, “What?” He asked, blinking his eyes a few times.
“When are you going to call Jimmy?” Brian asked again, chuckling lightly. Matt shook his head, “Tomorrow.” He muttered.
“Tomorrow? The manor is safe now. Trivium is coming over today.” Brian sat forward, “She'll be safe.”
Matt looked at his friend, “I'm trying to get the wedding together, Syn. I want to surprise her, that and once Trivium is here, I'll be more comfortable to know this manor is safe. Heafy and his men will see to it.” Matt sighed heavily as he leaned back in his chair. Brian nodded his head, “You know something, She's been with Jimmy this whole time, has to be taught by Johnny, and Zacky and I worry mostly about what she's going to eat. You don't know the first thing about your betrothed. Sure you've kissed her, but that was before you sent her away to the safe house.” He huffed as he stood up, “To make this less painful than it has to be, you need her here. To become close, you must include her.” With that being said, Brian walked out, leaving Matt to his thoughts.

Matt stared at the wall for some time before someone came knocking again. “Come in.” He called out as he relaxed in his chair. The door opened to reveal Trivium's leader Matt Heafy, “Shadows.” He spoke softly, entering the room. His comrades Corey, Paolo, and Travis walked in after him, all regarding Matt with a simple nod or a wave of their hand.
“Gentlemen.” Matt nodded his head at the four men as they sat.
“I understand you're in need of some assistance.” Heafy stated, cocking his head tot he side. Matt nodded his head, “Yes. As you know, I came into a bit of a dilemma with my finance. Manson is after her. We've been stopped by dogs at our hotel when we took her from her home-”
“Took her?” Corey interrupted.
“She is betrothed to him, Corey, calm down.” Heafy said, motioning for Matt to continue.
“Right, after we brought her here, dogs stormed the manor. Rev had to take Yvette to the safe house. Three days ago.” Matt filled in. Heafy nodded his head, leaning over in his seat to whisper something in Corey's ear. Corey nodded his head, motioning for the other two to follow him out of the room, leaving Matt and Heafy alone, “What do you need of me, Shadows?” He asked, smirking softly.
Matt sighed, “Protection. Help.” Matt said, looking up at his friend.
“Well you're in luck. Ashely can help plan this wedding, which I'm sure isn't far from now.” Heafy licked his bottom lip, arching his brow towards Matt.
“It'll be soon. Thank you.” Matt said as he stood up.
“No need, Matt. It is what I do. I help those in need, knowing that who I help will return the favor.”
“And you know I will.” Matt said, earning a smile from Heafy.
“I'd like to meet this girl.” Heafy stated as he stood up from his seat, joining Matt as he stepped out of the office.
“I'll have her here by the end of the day. Until then, let's get you and yours settled in shall we?”

`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`-`-`-`

“Evie!” Jimmy's voice chimed over the noise of the shower that Yvette stood under.
“I just got in! What?” She yelled back, craning her neck so she could hear him. “Matt just called, we can go back to the manor.” He said, his head poking into the bathroom, “Nice tattoo.”
“James!” She yelled, pulling the shower curtain closed to cover herself. “Get washed, pretty. We'll be leaving soon.” Jimmy said as he closed the door. Yvette huffed, standing under the spray of the shower again.

After fifteen minutes of trying to primp and make herself suitable, Yvetted walked out of the bathroom wearing one of Johnny's flannel shirts, along with a pair of his jeans that was two sizes too big for her. She walked out into the living room, “Well I'm ready.” She breathed out.
Jimmy stifled a laugh, “You're positively glowing, my dear.” He laughed.
“Shut it, I'm drowning in these clothes.” She griped.
Jimmy shook his head, patting her shoulder gently, “Come on, love. Don't want to keep your man waiting.”
“That's the second time you've mention that.” she murmured as she stepped towards the elevator door.
“And it won't be the last.” Jimmy declared as he punched in the security code. The doors opened, Yvette walked in first, Jimmy right behind her. Once the doors closed, the elevator lurched as it carried them up to the ground level. “Do you wonder if any of them got hurt?” Yvette asked.
Jimmy shrugged his shoulders, “Wouldn't doubt it. Though it wouldn't be the first time.”
The doors opened again, revealing the dingy looking cabin Jimmy had brought them to. He took her hand, holding it firmly before leading her out of the front door. They made a bee line for the Jeep after he put the code in once he closed and locked the door. They climbed into the Jeep, Jimmy turning the engine over before they pulled out from the cabins driveway. Yvette looked out her window, watching as the wooden scenery passed by as Jimmy pressed on the accelerator. Within the same time, if not sooner than before when they were being chased, they were pulling up to the front gates of the manor.
“Home sweet home.” Jimmy murmured once the gates opened. Yvette smiled, adjusting in her seat as the Jeep rolled into the garage. Matt and the others were standing in the foyer once both Jimmy and Yvette walked in.
“Welcome home.” Matt spoke joyfully as he wrapped his large arms around Yvette's small frame.
“Good to be back.” She murmured into his shoulder.
“Are those my clothes?” Johnny asked as he looked Yvette over.
“Well you see-”
“Yes, they are. She didn't have any clothes and seeing as you're so small, I saw no problem in her wearing them.” Jimmy chimed in, “Which brings me to my next subject of discussion.” He walked Johnny out of the room, minutes later laughter erupted from the hallway, making the others roll their eyes.
“How was the safe house?” Matt asked as he ran a hand over the back of Yvette's hair.
“Well, James was quite the entertainer.” Yvette giggled, her cheeks blushing.
“I can only imagine.” Matt murmured.
“why don't I go get changed. You and I can go over some details about the wedding.” She said, smiling at him widely.
“Look at her. Ready to take care of business.” Brian laughed, Zacky laughing along with him.
Matt chuckled, “Okay, you go change. I'll be in my room.” He kissed her forehead gently before walking away.
Zacky and Brian both stared at her, “What?” she asked.
“Handle those reigns, girl.” Zacky said in a very feminine voice, Brian making a whipping sound. All three burst into a fit of laughter.
“Oh you two.” Yvette wiped an invisible tear from her eye before excusing herself from the foyer.
“Don't ride him too hard!” Brian called after her.

Their laughter died down as soon as she walked into her room. What she didn't expect was Matt to be in her room waiting for her, “I thought you were going to be in your room.” she stated, closing the door behind her.
“...I wanted to be around you more instead of having you come to me.” He said as he stood up from the corner of her bed. Yvette nodded, but furrowed her brow, “I'm confused...” She said, chucking lightly.
“And why is that?” Matt asked as he stepped up to her. He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, letting his fingers trail down to her neck. Yvette shivered, swallowing hard. He was acting stranger than usual. Something was off. “Matt I-”
“Shh...” He murmured, putting a finger to her lips. Even his touch was foreign. She frowned at him again, pushing herself away, “What is this?” She hissed, reaching for the door knob. Matt shook his head, “You're day of reckoning, Yvette.” He voice was hollow.
Yvette's chest tightened until a loud piercing scream erupted from her mouth.

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“I'm telling you, Corey. Once everything is said and done, we won't have to worry about hiding-”
“Shut up.” Corey interrupted his friend Paolo as they sat at the small island in the kitchen, “Did you hear that?” He asked, getting up from his stool.
“Mat, I don't-” Paolo stopped then, hearing what it was that caught Corey's attention.
Both men bolted from the kitchen, running in the direction the sound was coming from. As they got closer, it was clearly recognized as a woman screaming. Corey was quick to kick open the door, rushing into the room.
“Paolo, get the girl!” He growled, cornering the being that had taken shape of Shadows. Paolo scrambled to get the sobbing girl into his arms before running out of the room.

“Where is Shadows?” Corey spoke calmly, narrowing his eyes at the being.
“Oh, he's resting right now.” The being spoke, its voice still hollow, almost ghost like.
“You are not welcome here.” Corey growled, taking a step forward. The being stared at him, its composure crumbling as Corey advanced on it, “Be gone, filth.” Corey hissed, delievering a single thrust of his hand to send the being sprawling. Once the thing hit the wall, the body it had formed fell apart into black pieces of dirt. Corey turned around to face Shadows, a puzzled look on his face, “Manson has a few new tricks up his sleeve.”

`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`

Yvette lied on the couch in one of the many studies the manor held, her fearful tears never ceasing even after Paolo explained what had happened. He had carried in a blanket and pillow for her in case she had fallen asleep, but sleep wouldn't come. Not now.

“How is she?” Heafy asked as he walked up to Paolo.
“She's still shaken up. I told her that it wasn't Shadows, but I think the mental and emotional damage has been done.” He explained, leaning against the wall.
Heafy sighed, “That was Manson's idea all along.” He muttered.
“Sir?” Both men turned around to see one of the maids with a tray of food in her hands, “I've come to bring the misses her dinner.” She stated.
“I'll take it to her, thank you.” Heafy said, relieving the woman of the tray. The maid nodded her head, turning around to walk away. Paolo opened the door, letting Heafy walk in with the tray, closing the door moments later.

Yvette picked her head up then, wiping tears from her swollen eyes and red cheeks.
“I've brought you something to eat.” Heafy said as he sat the tray down.
“Who are you?” Yvette asked, sniffling as she sat up.
“My name is Matt, but so I'm not confused with Shadows or Tuck, everyone calls me by my last name, Heafy.” He explained as he sat across from her.
Yvette nodded her head, “Pleasure to meet you.” She whispered.
“Pleasure is all mine. Though I do not care for the circumstances.” Heafy said, smiling at her kindly.
“I'm sorry.” Yvette croaked out, her bottom lip trembling.
“Oh, no, no child. This is not your fault.” Heafy shook his head, quick to gather the girl into his arms. Yvette clung to him, finding an odd sense of comfort in his arms, “None of this is your fault, understand? Sha-Matt understands whats going on right now.” He soothed her, smoothing her hair back gently.
“What was that in my room?” Yvette whispered, picking her head up.
“A shifter of sorts. Something Manson conjured up using the earth around the manor. What I think is, is that Matt cares for you and you him. Break that trust and everything will fall apart. Manson is trying hard to get to you.” Heafy explained.
Yvette sighed heavily, “I can't just sit here. I have to do something.” She insisted.
Heafy nodded his head, “Right now you need to ear and rest. Tomorrow you will begin your lessons with Johnny.” He told her, giving her a gentle smile, “Matt will want to see you later. Will you be up for that?” He asked.
Yvette nodded her head, “Yes.” She murmured.
“All right, well eat first and I'll be sure to send him your way.”
“Thank you.” Yvette whispered. Heafy nodded his head, getting up from his position to exit the room.

`-`-`-`-`-`***`-`-`-`-`-`

“Would you stop pacing? You're making me dizzy.” Jimmy griped. It had been hours since the incident and Matt had yet to calm down. “You're always joking. Yvette could have been hurt. And what's worse is that she saw me!” Matt exclaimed.
“I'm not joking, I can feel my head spinning like a top.” Jimmy muttered, “Matt, Heafy talked with her. She's shook up. She will come around.” He tried to reason with his friend. Matt sighed as he sat down in one of the arms chairs in the study, “What am I going to do?”
“Talk to her.” Jimmy breathed out.
“You think it's that easy!” Matt growled.
“That's because it is. Dammit, Matt, if you care about her, then go and fucking show you do. All this space is not good. What's going to happen once you're married? Separate beds? Two different time schedules so you don't run into each other? I could go on and on and you know I will if you don't man the fuck up.” Wit that Jimmy stalked out of the room, but not before leaving Matt with one final piece of 'advice.' “Valary would want you happy. And you damn well deserve it.”

Matt stared after Jimmy, his arms crossed over his chest. Valary had been his first love. A woman he fell for when he was just a child. They grew up together, hung out with each other every chance they got. The day that Matt asked her to be his was one of the happiest moments of his young life. And after so many years of being inseparable, he asked her for her hand. Her parents weren't as happy as he though they would be. Their daughter was with someone who made her happy, made everything happen for her. What Valary's parents didn't mention was that she was promised to another man.
The night that she was to meet this man, she and Matt had made plans to sneak her out. But it was like her parents were five steps ahead of them. That night, as Matt waited in the shadows, Valary's parents had her married off. She was gone.

Later on he caught wind of how her promised husband murdered her because she didn't love him. Matt had dealt with the loss his own way, by taking his revenge out on the man. Authorities ruled the mans death as 'accidental.' Still, Matt hadn't gotten any closure, but he had to admit, Jimmy, all of them were right. Valary would have wanted him happy. Yvette needed him.

He walked out of his office, closing the door behind him gently as he headed in the direction to the study Yvette held herself in. Once reaching the doors, Paolo nodded his head, opening the doors for the other. Matt nodded his head in return, taking a few steps in before closing the door.
“Yvette?” He spoke softly as he stepped towards the couch she sat on.
“Matthew.” Yvette's gentle voice spoke up. She looked up at her, unwrapping her arms from around her legs.
“Yvette, I am so-”
“Please don't. You have done everything in your power to protect me. What happened in my room...Wasn't your fault. I know that it all seems hectic, but I'm willing to see through it. She said as she stood up.
Matt smiled at her, surprised at how her true colors were showing. Rob had told him that the gril was a handful when it came to speaking her mind or being independent. He hadn't seen any of that since she's been at the manor, “What do you plan to do then?” He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest, a smirk playing on his lips.
“First I plan to take a shower, then I'm going to Johnny for practice and then, you and I are going over the details for the wedding.” She explained, taking his hands into hers, “And after everything is said and done. I'm going to kill Manson.”