pairing: matt campbell x reader
summary: you decide to take a walk with matt to his favorite place as of late…
The trees are taller than Matt remembers — not that he remembers much these days, anyway. What he does remember, though, is that you’re walking next to him with your warm hand in his cold one, worn-down shoes dragging on the pavement as you take low-effort steps.
You look over at him, smiling. Tilting your head, you observe the state Matt is currently in: messy short brown hair, rosy cheeks from the cold autumn air that perfectly contrast with his pale skin, and dark circles under his downturned blue eyes.
Matt notices your staring, slightly giggling at the sight of your wide eyes skimming his face. He breathes out, watching a puff of hot air appear in the chilly air.
“Is something wrong?” he asks softly.
You don’t reply immediately, instead testing the words on the tip of your tongue.
“I worry about you, Matt,” you finally say.
As soon as the words leave your mouth, Matt huffs.
He leaves it at that — no room for argument.
You look down, feeling somewhat guilty at his short reply. You turn the corner of the sidewalk with him and realize you’re walking right into the cemetery. Unsurprised, you continue walking. Matt has found comfort here on your past few walks. Maybe he’s trying to make peace with death — you have no idea, not exactly.
Matt starts to slow down, sitting on a pile of leaves next to a grave. You watch him for a second, noticing he’s already out of breath and cringing at the pain in his shoulders. You slowly sit down in the leaves next to him, watching him heave in his navy-blue thermal shirt.
Matt looks up at you as the leaves crunch under your weight. You notice small tears beginning to form in his eyes.
“I need to be honest with you… I don’t think I’ll make it.”
You almost choke at his words. No — this new treatment had to be working. He’s just being pessimistic like usual. He has to be.
“Matt—” you start, but he interrupts.
“Don’t start with that ‘you’re gonna live’ bullshit either. I know what’s happening. I need to come to terms with it.”
You fall silent, trying to absorb the meaning of his words, unsure how to reply. Hesitating, you begin to speak.
“Matt, even if you don’t make it — which I think you will — I’m here. I’ll be there. I’ll be here the whole time, okay?”
Matt looks up at you, sniffling, his nose red and runny from the cold. He simply nods and takes your hand in his own, appreciating your efforts to make him feel loved while not dismissing his own feelings.
