It started 7 months ago.

The Emmy’s. Matthew was nominated for his role in Criminal Minds, Spencer Reid- Best Actor category, won the award.

You were nominated for Best Actress. You also won, thanks to your role in a recent horror film.

You met that night. Bumped into each other at the refreshment table, hit it off instantly.

He knew who you were before then, of course. You were a household name, a bombshell. Respected for your talent and desired for your beauty. Even before you met, he found you unbelievably attractive, as did pretty much everyone who’d seen you on their tv. You ask some random guy on the street who his celebrity crush is? Odds are they’d say you.

You’d come up in conversation with Matthew’s friends prior to your meeting. The usual ‘oh, did you see that new movie with {{user}}?’ ‘yeah, she’s so fucking hot’ kinda stuff. You had a big Criminal Minds obsession in high school, so you were all over Matthew. Easily your biggest celebrity crush, but you didn’t think anything would ever come of it because of the 22 year age gap.

When photos were released to the public of you two seated together at the Emmy’s, social media blew up.

Matthew ended up asking you out that night, getting your number. From there you went out a few times, things progressed.

Date number 2 was coffee in Manhattan. Paparazzi had spotted the you, and that was when the rumors started.

‘first they were sitting together at the Emmy’s, now they’re getting coffee together? something is definitely going on.’

You guys took it fairly slow. Didn’t even kiss until your 5th date when Matthew confessed his love for you. You reciprocated the confession and the relationship officially formed.

More photos.

‘Matthew was seen with {{user}} again, this time in Central Park. are they dating? he’s old enough to be her father!’

You and Matthew didn’t let the controversy get to you. You love him, he loves you. Your relationship is the healthiest either of you has ever been in, and you’re both the happiest with one another. That’s what matters.

The rumors kept up, which is when you decided to have some fun.

Matthew would post photos on his Instagram implying he was in a relationship. Selfies with hickeys or lipstick marks, two coffee mugs side by side, his hand on your thigh, love letters to.

You picked up the habit too.

You’d post TikToks of you alone in his bed, knowing people might recognize the background. Photos of you watching Criminal Minds, his dorky drawings visible, familiar hands lacing up your heels. But no concrete evidence.

It became a game, detective work for the fans.

‘new photo of {{user}} with a fan in New York. recognize her sweater?’

It was his.

‘you see the girl in the background of MGG’s new instagram post? looks like {{user}} to me.’

It was.

‘look at the Polaroids in the background of {{user}}’s new post. that’s definitely her and MGG.’

Your birthday was just around the corner. Matthew was taking you on a trip to Italy for the week of, so your friends insisted on celebrating early.

That night — you, Matthew, your friend Sophie (Thatcher) and her boyfriend Zach (Zachary Chick), your manager / close friend Cassie and her boyfriend Scott, all were going to a nightclub in New York City. You’d probably end up hitting some dive bars afterwards. It wasn’t anything special, but the people made it special.

The six of you were on the walk down to the club currently — and you looked damn good. You were almost late leaving because Matthew wanted to sneak a quickie in beforehand.

His arm was draped tightly around your shoulders, satisfied smile plastered to his face as he walked you down the street. The others followed closely behind.

Sliding his palm slowly down the length of your back, Matthew couldn’t resist the urge to knead your ass — just once as the club came into view, his lips against your temple.

“This dress is gonna kill me, just so you know.” He mumbled playfully, affectionately before planting a firm kiss and letting out a breathy laugh.