The ordinary guy in an extraordinary place

Matt Donovan. 21. Red Blood. Human. Coach of Mystic High's Football team. Brother of Vicky Donovan and Lily Donovan

[oliver-stark]

Right in time for...

[oliver-stark]

Lee and right. Are you crazy? That girl’s a firecracker waiting to explode all the time. But you certainly don’t see her in that light. Can I just say how boring a couple you two sound and you’re dating my sister. You both are like this old couple who need to spice things up in their relationship. 

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Doesn't mean she isn't right about things. What are you talking about, we have our own moments. And boring is good since we both have enough on our plates already to add the complications of our relationship.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

[theheartfelthunter]

“Now I’m wondering if I moved to the right place,” Jo joked lightly, her tone showing her good mood. “Well is it fair to assume I won’t be bored then?” she asked, raking a hand through her light hair and pulling it over her shoulder and looking up at him, awaiting her answer.

She couldn’t keep a small smile from tugging at her lips. The way Matt had said it struck her as almost protective, and she found it sweet. “Not at all, and your manners are one of a kind,” she smiled before stopping and considered her next words. “I appreciate the heads up. Anything in particular I should avoid?” She asked, paying attention to keep her tone light in hopes she wouldn’t ruin the mood herself.

Nodding, Jo kept walking up towards the road. Cars in sight, she wrapped an arm over her stomach to help preserve body heat, as the closer they walked towards the woods the more it felt like someone had raked their fingernails along her spine. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” she began slowly, “I’m not hitting on you- But I’m glad you decided to come here anyway. The way I just felt back there, I’m glad I wasn’t alone.”

[mattdonovan-redblood]

"If you were looking for a normal place then you definitely got into wrong town but to make up for all the weirdness this town has to offer, the folks here are friendly enough." He chuckled shaking his head at the thought of how Mystic might appear to a new face, "Can't make that promise. It'll be upto you if you get bored or not. For what's worth you will have your own share of fun." 

Matt gave her a warm smile. The protective instinct was instilled in him what with taking care of his family from the beginning. "I try not to offend anyone. You never know when a simple word could do a lot of damage." He looked down at her his expression somewhere in the mid of serious and genuine. "Avoid dark alleys and stranded roads and if you're driving, don't ever stop for anyone on the street. And yes, the woods are to be avoided during full moon or any other dark nights." He laughed a little shaking his head, "I swear I'm not trying to spoof you off. Mystic used to be a safe place once, its not so much nowadays."

He turned to give her a smile walking closer to bar the chill air from her as much as he can. "And I'm glad I ran into you, not that I wanted to spill your drink but then it made the night easier for me. I hate these parties, I don't know why I attend each and every one of them." He shook his head and pointed towards his car, "That's my car right there." He ran towards the truck and picked up his shirt and jacket from the backseat. He turned to her and handed her the piece of clothing, "You can change inside the car. I'll be out here to keep a lookout."

[oliver-stark]

Right in time for...

[oliver-stark]

Ah. I should’ve known. I was doing my own work, Matt. You’re the one missing from the scene. I hope you didn’t get into a fight with Lee.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

I'd my own stuff to deal with. What? Fight and with Leah? You think I'm crazy. That girl's always right and we don't do fight, we barely argue as it is.

[oliver-stark]

Right in time for...

What the hell. What are you doing here?

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Came here with Leah. She's off to work. Where have you been, Oliver?

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

[theheartfelthunter]

Jo shook her head playfully, a smile playing in her eyes. There was no winning with him, was there? She wasn’t all that used to men with manners and in honesty; it almost caught her off guard. She decided Matt was a gentlemen type, or at least he came off that way. “Really? Sounds like the type of thing you see on TV,” she joked in response.

She felt content knowing they’d come to an agreement, although she hadn’t been worried about it either. “Thank you,” she said, truly meaning it. “I feel the same. I’ve met a few people so far, a lot come into work, but none of them have been easy to talk to like this.” She shook her head slightly, unsure of how it had turned out she’d meet the one person she liked the most so far at a party she’d come to alone. “It’s really nice to meet you too Matt,” She smiled

She felt her shoulders tense as his mood seemed to alter. “No, I don’t think they’d mind… they’re busy anyway.” She lied easily, but felt guilty doing it. On the other hand, was it safe to tell a guy she was about to head off with alone that she didn’t have someone waiting for her? She didn’t think so. Her eyes remaining on the crowd as she answered, “No, it’s not just you. It feels… off.” A shudder passed through her body but Jo wasn’t blaming it on the cold. She turned back in time to see his smile, “Yeah, lets!” Walking quickly in the direction of the parking lot, she remained close to Matt, he seemed to be the safest option so far.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

"If ever there be a competition this place will win the tv shows. Oh the variation you find around here." Matt shook his head slightly with a chuckle. After having dealt with everything he did in life, it was rare these days to come across anyone who'd grab his attention. Somehow in this rather boring party, he was able to strike a chord with her.

"I know what you mean, the town folks could seem a bit strange for someone new. I'd rather you keep a distance until you know them properly. Things are not what they seem on the outside around here." He shook his head giving off an apologetic smile at her, "I'm sorry if I ruined the mood for you. I seem to keep forgetting my manner around a lady."

Matt felt the urgency to leave the place soon since it felt off to him. He was glad she felt the same and seemed to have better sense around danger. Having lived his whole life in Mystic, Matt knew how important it was to follow one's instinct, "Its on the front road so we don't have to walk long." He felt as the tension went off him as he walked farther from the party scene. "I don't know why I keep coming at these. They all seem to end in the same manner."

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Mistletoe [Matt and Leah]

[leah-stark-blog]

"You are so fucking cheesy, Donovan. Has anyone ever told you that?" But of course, she couldn’t hide the wide grin that had formed on her face just when he said it. Leah wasn’t the type of person to admit that she does like having someone to think of her as something different from what others perceived her as. And knowing that Matt saw her in that light, well, it made her feel just a little less shitty. "And why do you need one in the first place? What are you trying to hide from?"

Her arms had slowly wrapped around his waist as she brought him closer to her, trying to feel every inch of him. “So are you,” she whispered, brushing her lips on his. “Me too.”

[mattdonovan-redblood]

His lips tilted at her words, "All your fault, Stark. You make a regular enough guy turn into a cheesy goofball." the comfort of her presence and the stirring of feelings in his stomach made it impossible to compose himself. Matt loved the feel of her bare arms as he rubbed his palms over to warm them, "You're freezing." He bent down to peck her head, "The void. Emptiness"

His arms enveloped around her as he moved closer to her. His lips went back to claim hers missing the contact as soon as she withdrew. He kissed her slowly, talking time to savour the taste of her lips. 

[mattdonovan-redblood]

I got busy, these kids needed a lot of practice

[arianawildes-blog]

Nu-huh [laughs] Honestly I don’t think I’ve changed much. Like maybe I’m a little more out going to others but I still feel like a small fish in really big water. But yeah.. you know how I am. [shrugs shoulders] Matt if anyone in this entire town deserved a happy ending, it would be you. You’d be the top pick just because of how pure of heart you are and not to manage amazing. I just wish you’d see it more. Your not sad nor do you sound it. You just sound accepting of how life is in your point of view.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

We're all small fishes in the broader universe but we are the world to each other, that should matter. I don't know, I mean, you're the dearest friend I have. [nudges her with a slight smile] I can't tell you how grateful I am to have someone like you in my life. Your words give me the strength, the dim light of hope. Do you think we'll ever find our way through all this? Sometimes it feels as if there's no way out.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

[theheartfelthunter]

“You really didn’t!” Jo insisted, laughing lightly. “It’s a party, I shouldn’t be so clumsy.” She couldn’t help but smile seeing the look on his face. “Wish you dead?” she repeated, not being able to keep from laughing. “I don’t know what kind of people you hang out with, but wanting someone dead over a shirt is a tad overboard. Especially when that person is as nice about it as you have been.” She joked and felt her gaze follow his hand as he pulled a stray piece of hair off of her sticky shoulder. “Thank you,” she added. 

Jo felt a sense of relief being with him, like he was trustworthy. Although she wasn’t sure if it was a good thing, it did take her mind off the uncomfortable buzz of the party. “Can we just say it was a tie?” she gave him a cheeky grin, “Because you’re sure you walked into me but I’m sure it was the other way around.” She nodded, “Well I guess if you’re sure. I would appreciate it; I wasn’t expecting it to be so chilly tonight.” His hand was much larger than hers and warm when she shook it, making her become more and more comfortable with him. “It’s nice to meet you Matt, I’m Jo Harvelle.”

With a glance around the crowded area, with the loud music and overall uneasy atmosphere of the party, Jo looked up at Matt. “Could I maybe come with you to the car? I’m not really comfortable here… some people seem a little shady.” Her eyes scanned the shadows, feeling uneasy all of a sudden.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

"And I should be a bit more careful. Trust me, I am most of the time." he found it easy to reply her without a prior thought. "I've seen people turn crazy for things of lesser importance." he shrugged as a chuckle passed with the words through him, "Its a strange place."

Matt grinned with a nod of his head, "That'd be great. By far you're one person I've actually enjoyed getting acquainted with and having that weird air around us would be sad." he enjoyed the way he didn't need to put up walls while conversing with her. There was a familiar air around them, "Jo Harvelle. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

At her comment Matt quickly built his guard, "Yeah. That'd be better, Are you sure your friends won't miss you though?" His brows furrowed as he looked at her back and watched as the crowd got drunk. "Is it just me or did this place got wilder than it had been earlier?" he gave her a slight smile and tilted his head towards the direction of his car, "Shall we!" He waited for her to walk ahead. 

[yinyangvine17-deactivated201501]

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Mistletoe [Matt and Leah]

[leah-stark-blog]

She couldn’t help the way she would instantly lean in whenever he’s beside her. Maybe it’s just the fact that she felt safe around him, which a first, oh god, and though it scared her a bit, she also liked the way he makes her feel. He makes her feel as if she were never hurt before. “Why are you here, exactly?” She asked, arching up a brow.

"Well, looks like you also can’t keep your hands off me," It’s not like she minded anyway. she liked the way he touched her so gently as if she were made of glass and growing up, she had to distance herself from people to prevent history to repeat. “I missed you too…”

[mattdonovan-redblood]

The sense of being he felt around her made it necessary for him to move closer whenever she was there. It wasn't even a surprise now, the fact that he gravitated towards her and in her presence, nothing else did matter. Matt somehow loved the feeling, it made all the other invalid parts of his life dim down. Leah in every way had became his salvation, "I needed an escape." he gave a shrug in reply, "The reason could be I was to run into you. I'm having a shitty life lately, its good to finally see a light."

His hand settled on her chin as he bent his head so their foreheads touched each other, "Can't help, you're addictive." His fingers ran through her hair as he enjoyed her presence. It somehow warmed him up from the inside. His smile widened as a sigh escaped through him, "So glad you were here."

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Mistletoe [Matt and Leah]

[leah-stark-blog]

Leah had never once, not once spent Christmas Eve in her house or anywhere near where she lived for that matter. She doesn’t really know why but spending it in was peculiar to her somehow. Maybe just the thought of Christmas made her want to gag herself to death. Truth be told, she had never liked the holiday. At all. So she found herself, drinking the night away at another party she was invited to while her brothers spent their own Christmases the way they wanted to.

It had been her 10th drink that night when she found herself perched on the front porch. The party had bored her, surprisingly and she decided that it’d be best to just wallow her loneliness, well, alone. She was too consumed with her thoughts that she didn’t hear the footsteps behind her. But then, she heard a rather familiar voice speak up. A smile instantly made its way to her face.

"You are aware that flattery would get you nowhere, hm Donovan?"

[mattdonovan-redblood]

An easy smile graced his features as he strode forward and settled beside her. He couldn't help staring at her or the smile that was now stuck on his face. He'd thought this night would be spent listening to yet another ramble as he tried forgetting that thing that brought him there. But the moment his eyes caught her, he'd known he won't be lonely anymore. She had that power over him and Matt was relieved she did, "I'm aware and yet I'm here."

His hands went up to brush away a strand of hair blowing in her face, "You look perfect, as always. Shouldn't be surprised." His arms settled on the railing as he looked at her still with a shake of his head, "I'm sorry, I can't seem to keep my eyes off you." a nervous laughter passed him as his fingers traced her cheekbone, "I missed you"

[niklausroyals]

[mattdonovan-redblood]

I got busy, these kids needed a lot of practice

[clarissa-reed]

The easier reply would be, ‘I’m fine Clarissa’ but I get what you’re saying. Not too young. You should come and see, its filled with youngsters. The only one old enough is the one who started it. I already love the place.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

[laughs] But you wouldn't believe the version, would you? You already know the truth. Me in book club? Not gonna happen in a million year. I can't believe anyone your age could feel that way.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

[theheartfelthunter]

She looked up at him, realizing he was a lot taller than she was. Appreciating the help she smiled back. He seemed like a nice guy, and she felt bad for running into him like she had. Following his gaze, she realized she’d spilt. Dammit Jo, she thought to herself, colour rising in her pale cheeks. “No, please don’t be. That was all me, I’m so damn clumsy.” She took the napkins from his outstretched hand, “Thanks,” she smiled sheepishly and began to try and soak the liquid out, feeling her stomach grow cold with the fresh air. She looked at it for a second, was it stained? “Even if it is, it’s no big deal, it’s only a shirt.” She laughed lightly.

She was relieved to see that he was okay, and she hadn’t spilt her drink all over him too. “Good, I’m glad.” Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, “No no, really it’s totally fine! Don’t worry about me!” still embarrassed she looked away briefly. Of course, he’d be tall, cute and sweet. Why couldn’t she have walked into an asshole? “Wait- I don’t know your name.” She looked back at him, genuinely curious.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

He couldn't help but shake his head in reply, "Its a party. I should have been more careful and now I ruined your shirt." he chuckled with a tilt of his head as he smiled down at her. She seemed genuinely like a warm person, sweet and nice. It was a good change from the occasional high pitched girls that surrounded him most of the time, "It could easily have been your favorite shirt and you'd have wished me dead for ruining it." He shrugged removing a strand of her hair that stuck on the soaked shirt.

Matt nodded his head feeling like he should be of some help. After all he did bump into her and spill all her drink, over her, "I insist. Look, I'll feel a lot better if you don't have to wear a soaked shirt. It was my fault after all." He extended his hand in a friendly gesture, "I'm Matt, Donovan." His smile grew as he took in her amiable persona.

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Mistletoe [Matt and Leah]

With only few days till Christmas, Matt was missing his family as he walked down the stairs of yet another backyard party he was invited to. He wanted to miss this one but then the fact that he'd have to spend yet another lonely night at home made him attend. At least there were people here he could find some company in. He hadn't heard from Vicky in days and Lily, well, she was still missing. Been used to caring for someone his whole life, not having someone to fawn over made it difficult for Matt. He released a sigh and crossed the foyer to reach towards the front porch.

For a minute he stood still as he saw the figure standing out there. He could recognize her from anywhere. It always felt as if some thread pulled him to her whenever she was around. The same was the case this time. He stood at the doorway staring at her with a smile on his face for what appeared like hours but was merely few minutes, "Isn't it the most beautiful sight that I see."

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

[theheartfelthunter]

Jo’s head was buzzing and she wasn’t even sure why she was there. She wasn’t planning on getting drunk, but she was still carrying around a poorly mixed drink from the table. She didn’t know if it would be safe to try, and didn’t see anyone familiar enough to ask, so she was drifting through the crowd and preparing to find a cab.

She went to weave around a couple that was dancing too close for her to be okay with standing near them when she collided with someone. Her drink sloshed down the front of her shirt and she nearly lost her balance. Grabbing onto his arm to keep from tumbling into the couple dancing, she steadied herself. “No, its fine! I think that was my fault. Sorry, are you alright?”

[mattdonovan-redblood]

It was easy for Matt to shift from his brooding persona to a completely different one as he smiled at her, brows creased in concern. He held her tight with one of his hand and helped her to her foot, "Glad you're alright" After making sure she was balanced his eyes grew big as they went down at her ruined shirt, "I'm so so sorry. Your shirt." he picked up napkins from the nearest refreshment table and handed few to her as he worked with the remaining himself to clear the mess he made, "It looks stained."

"I'm fine don't worry but you'd probably need a change." He looked around him to find something helpful but came with no options, "Um I have a spare shirt on the back of my car. I could get it for you if you wait here. You can't wear the soaked shirt."

[mattdonovan-redblood]

Gift of a friend [Matt and Jo]

Matt was getting tired of the occasional run ins with the old and familiar faces around Mystic. On normal days, it'd all have been alright with him. He was used to being social and his reputation had always helped him make more acquaintances. How strange, there had been a time when it'd been friends... But times changed and with it Matt had too. He didn't know if it was for better or for worse but he had changed a lot.

He was about to get out of the lakehouse party when he bumped into someone, "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see you there. I should have been careful. Are you okay?"