Hey Pretty (16/?)
Hey Pretty
Rating: NC-17 Pairing: Matt/Dom
Summary: “Hey pretty, don’t you wanna take a ride with me through my world?” Based on the lyrics of 'Hey Pretty' by Poe. Soundtrack is available here!
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15
AN: There is a small time jump here. Mind the gap.
I smiled as I checked the date on the calendar on the front of the fridge. I'd been keeping track lately as summer had neared, cooler weather of Southern California warming gradually into something I much preferred. The weather had been something that when I'd first moved here from England had be smiling. While there were days that were cooler, it didn't often dip lower than 15 degrees Celsius, even in winter. I loved summer though, more time spent at the beach, relaxing in the sun. When I had the chance at least.
Matthew had not been kidding when he had told me that when he started on a score that it was fast and furious, despite the fact that sometimes it could take an entire year from when he first started writing to when the project was complete and ready for whatever film it was being used in. The past two months had me constantly running from the studio I worked with Matthew and Chris at, sometimes just using his home studio when the other wasn't available while still holding down all my other work.
I was still under contracts that I couldn't break with the studio I worked for. Matthew was understanding in that fact and would plan around my schedule though I had to admit that as soon as I was able to leave A&M Records, I'd be all too happy to leave. While it had given me all sorts of opportunity and had gotten me a pass to living in the US, there was just too much about the place I didn't like. It was far too Hollywood for my tastes.
I shook my head as I looked at the calendar one more time before staring breakfast, intent on spoiling Matthew rotten for the day. I heard the soft pad of feet behind me and I turned to see Nathan rubbing his eyes as he walked into the kitchen.
“Hey beansprout, is your dad awake yet?” I asked him, getting a shake of the head in response. Apparently Nathan wasn't quite awake yet either and I chuckled. Despite the fact that both father and son were light sleepers it sometimes took them awhile to actually wake up. It was going to be one of those mornings apparently.
I busied myself with making the tea that I'd recently picked up, a white chai with a hint of cinnamon that Matthew had taken a liking to. He hated making it though because of the fact that it was a loose leaf blend so he tended to leave it to me to make for him. I didn't mind in the slightest.
“Dom?”
I hummed at the questioning voice before I set the now filled teapot down on a tray and turned to Nathan. He looked only slightly more alert than he had moments before.
“Are you and Daddy like Mum and Uncle Chris?” He asked and I wasn't sure what exactly was being asked. He screwed up his face for a second before he continued.
“I know that Mum and Daddy aren't like what parents are supposed to be, but not everyone's parents are married. Mum and Uncle Chris are married though because they love each other right?” He asked and I moved over to kneel in front of Nathan's chair, giving him a nod.
“Yes. That's true. Not everyone's parents are married or together. What's bringing this up all of the sudden?”
Nathan ignored my questioning, continuing with his own in a way that only a five year old could and get away with. “You and Daddy are always together like Mum and Uncle Chris. Are you in love like they are?”
To say that I was floored by the question was an understatement. Granted, I'd seen it coming though I didn't think that Nathan would have asked me about this, rather I figured he would have asked his father instead. I felt woefully inadequate to answer Nathan's frank questioning.
Finally I gave him a nod and a smile. “I love your daddy very much. And I think your daddy feels the same too even if he doesn't say it.” Nathan gave me a look, searching for a moment before smiling.
“That's good. I like you better than Lukas. He wasn't very fun and I don't think he liked me very much.” Nathan made a face like he'd been forced to eat something he didn't like. “He wasn't nice to Daddy when he left either. You aren't going to leave are you?”
I shook my head, not exactly certain who Lukas was. “No, I'm not leaving anytime soon beansprout. Now how about you and me fix some breakfast before your dad wakes up alright? I think a nice breakfast in bed for his birthday sounds about right. Banana pancakes and all.”
I heard a slight noise at the kitchen door and I glanced up to see Matthew hovering just out of Nathan's sight as the boy jumped up and started getting everything we would need for pancakes. He gave a shake of his head, glancing over at Nathan before back to me again. I stayed silent at my discovery of him and Matthew gave me a look that said we'd talk later before he silently slipped back off to the bedroom to await being 'woken up' with breakfast in bed.
I'd known that Matthew had seen a few other people here and there before me. He'd mentioned how some had been put off by the fact that he'd had a son. At this point I could only assume that Lukas had been one of those men. I felt a pang, not of jealousy per se, more of sadness that Nathan had felt the need to ask if I loved his father and wondered if I was going to be sticking around. It seemed that Matthew wasn't the only one who had been hurt.
I was glad that Matthew was already awake because otherwise the noise would have surely woken him. I'd wanted to surprise Matthew of course but that ship had sailed. Meal finally prepared I helped Nathan with the tray, letting the boy run ahead with the gift he'd helped pick out during a recent outing with the entire family that I'd joined in on.
“Daddy!” Nathan leapt for the bed, tackling a 'sleeping' Matthew. “Wake up! It's your birthday! We made you breakfast!”
Matthew for his part grunted as he grabbed an armful of excited five year old, tickling him a bit. “Thanks beansprout! Mm, it smells fantastic, what did you make?” He asked and Matthew looked up at me as I set the tray down on the bedside table that had been conveniently cleared to make room.
“Banana pancakes and Canada bacon and egg onlet?” Nathan rattled off, unsure of the pronunciation of the unfamiliar word. Matthew gave a chuckle.
“Canadian bacon and an egg omlette.” Matthew gave a chuckle as he ruffled Nathan's hair and gave a sniff. “Is that the Ayurvedic I smell?” He asked, perking up as I poured him a cup of tea.
“Yes indeed it is. You've really taken a liking to it haven't you?” I asked him as I handed him his cup before pouring a cup for myself. Nathan gave his father a nudge, depositing a present wrapped in shiny, sparkly paper as well as a handmade card into his lap.
“I do. What's this?” Matthew picked the card up, smiling. It featured an adorable drawing of a rocket-ship among the stars. Matthew opened it up and I moved to sit on the bed next to Matthew, looking at it with him. 'Happy Birthday Daddy' floated above the heads of a drawing of a space family on some apparently extra-terrestrial landscape. I was able to quickly pinpoint Chris from height alone, towering over everyone, Kelly of course holding hands with him. I could also make out Gareth and Lily. Matthew was holding the hand of a miniature version of himself, supposedly Nathan.
“Is that Dominic?” Matthew asked, indicating the other figure in the drawing, holding Matthew's other hand. Nathan gave a nod. I couldn't help but laugh at the scribble of blonde hair that was used to indicate my identity.
“This is adorable Nathan, thank you so much!” Matthew gave his son a hug before he passed the card to me, an curious expression on his face. I set the card aside on the bedside table as Nathan started pestering Matthew to open his gift. Matthew's attention shifted and the strange look was gone for the moment.
Matthew tore into the paper on the small box, teasing Nathan for a moment by acting more interested in the shiny wrapping than the gift. Finally the box was opened and Matthew's laughter fell silent as he pulled out the silver chain with a black plectrum dangling from it.
“Oh..” He fingered the unusual charm for a moment before he realized that instead of plastic, it was black gunmetal and it was engraved. The engraving wouldn't be noticeable unless you knew it was there but for Matthew it was perfect. Something that would hide in plain sight.
Everything about you is so easy to love
“Do you like it Daddy?” Nathan asked, curling up against his father's side, expectant about the answer to his question. I was equally expectant on the result. I'd puzzled for some time over what sentiment to have written on the necklace before it had occurred to me that the words that Matthew had spoken to me months prior would fit. I was just hoping that Matthew would see it the same way that I did.
A sniffle caught my attention and I noticed the quick motion of Matthew's hand, wiping away at his face and I was about to crush him into a hug before he waved me off, “I'm fine, I'm fine, it's.. this is perfect Nathan.. did you pick this out yourself?”
Nathan shook his head. “No, Dom helped. But I found this!” Nathan indicated the plectrum. It certainly had been unusual. While I'd seen on occasion people wearing the typical plastic plectrums, appropriated from their original intended use to be used instead as ornament, this was was strictly meant to be worn and kept, hence the material. It had been something that Nathan had proclaimed as perfect, knowing as he did the love his father held for guitars, despite the fact that his line of work didn't often call for such instruments.
“It's perfect. The best birthday present I could ask for. Aside from banana pancakes in bed of course!” There was a flurry of activity as blankets were thrust aside and the bed was thrown into total disarray, becoming a comfortable next for everyone to curl up in, enjoying a meal from shared plates. Amongst all the other activity of getting the food and bedding situated, Matthew pulled me in for a quick kiss, thoroughly intense and promising that more would be on the horizon. I helped him as well to fix the chain around his neck, the silver resting against his skin like it had been made specifically for him alone.
“So, what is on the agenda today?” Matthew asked as we all tucked into our meal, Nathan making a grab for the syrup which I managed to anticipate seconds before he did and poured an amount that he didn't approve of, making a face.
“You use too much Nathan.” I told him, before he could start the petulant noise I knew was seconds away. Matthew gave a bark of laughter to which I gave him a puzzled look.
“You do realize that you sound just like Kelly. Are you sure you don't have some secret child you've got hidden away?” Matthew laughed and I had to admit that he was right on that aspect. Somewhere along the way in our relationship I'd slipped easily into the parent role, despite only having been together now for just shy of four months.
“I'm sure I don't. Though I can't exactly remember when this happened.” I mused while I watched Nathan eating as I picked at the bowl of strawberries I'd added to the tray at the last minute, wanting a sweeter fruit in addition to the bananas.
“Right from the first day. You did the exact same thing with the syrup.” Matthew reminded me, taking a bit of his pancakes. It was a quick statement, matter of fact. And yet there was something more to it as well. It showed to me that he'd been watching me carefully, more-so than I thought he had been. Little things that I did as part of my routine, things that I didn't even give second thought about.
“I'm sorry.. am I overstepping?” I asked, suddenly concerned that Matthew could perhaps be feeling a bit threatened by it. While parenting was not a singular task, some people did see it as their own pride begin hurt of others attempted to assist. Matthew only shook his head.
“No. Not at all. I think its..” He paused, searching for the word before he smiled at me. “It's cute. Seeing you as a father figure. Actually, I'm a bit surprised at that really. Aside from myself and Chris I don't think Nathan has had another father figure to look up to but you just slipped into that role as if it was no big deal.”
“What about Lukas?” I asked and Matthew sighed. I didn't know what the subject was exactly that I was bringing up but apparently it wasn't something along the same likes as the hurt brought up when we spoke about Matthew's past with Chris.
“I didn't even know that Nathan still remembered him. It wasn't a long relationship. Just a few months really. Hey squirt, how about you go clean up and get dressed okay?” Matthew shooed Nathan off, who had apparently finished eating and was just playing with the trails of syrup left on the plate.
“Okay! Dom, you promised we were going to the aquarium right?” Nathan asked as he scooted off of the bed and I gave him a nod. Matthew looked to me, curious.
“Oh I've got something planned for you as well later tonight.” Matthew nodded and shooed Nathan off again so that we could talk in private.
“Lukas was apprehensive around Nathaniel. He wasn't looking for something serious and I can see that now in hindsight. I think he was looking for a regular fling, something easy and comfortable and at the time I was looking for about the same, someone that I wouldn't fell in love with, wouldn't get hurt with.” Matthew looked to me and I waited. I could see he was going somewhere with this story.
“I wanted comfort of sorts, but not so much that I was willing to risk having what happened with Chris all over again. And Lukas seemed to fit that bill for me. Until I introduced him to Nathan after I'd been seeing him for a couple months.” Another pause and Matthew leaned his back against me as I was propped against the headboard with a pillow wedged behind me to keep the metal from hurting.
“We fought about that of course because to him it was like I'd intentionally lured him into a trap where he'd be saddled down with a kid that he never wanted in the first place. Which I could understand from his point of view, but I'd never once asked him to take care of Nathan, only just remember that he was still a kid.” Matthew shook his head and gave a feeble laugh. “Of course once the fighting stopped I thought that things would be alright only that's when he started distancing himself, acting stand-offish. He never really got along well with Nathan.”
Matthew shifted a bit, looking up at me from his reclining position. “You though.. You're too perfect. You can't possibly be real.”
“I'm real. I'm right here.” I told Matthew, reaching a hand to trace over his face, smiling down at him.
“You aren't going to leave like Lukas did?” Matthew asked me, the tone nearly mirroring Nathan's question earlier. I felt a tugging at my heartstrings and I shook my head.
“Never. I won't leave no matter what happens. You'll get sick of me before I'd abandon you.” There was a smile from Matthew at that and he moved, indicating that he wanted a kiss. I complied, leaned down that little bit more before meeting his lips in an embrace.
“Daddy! Dom! I'm ready, when can we go?” Nathan called and we broke from the kiss to see him run for the bed, diving for it with the laugh. Matthew gave em a look.
“This surprise you have for me later, is it an adults only thing?” Matthew asked and I laughed.
“Yes indeed. So the plan for today include a trip to the Santa Monica Pier and the Aquarium. I was thinking we could have a lunch while we were there and then Kelly and Chris were planning a bit of dinner for you. After that, well, the rest of it is a surprise.” I gave Matthew a wink before he moved off the bed, gathering up the tray with the dishes to head to the kitchen with them. I was stopped in my tracks however when I felt Matthew tug at my shirt.
“Dom.. I just wanted to say..” Matthew paused and I saw him struggle a moment before he smiled. “Thank you. For everything.”
Additional AN: The tea does exist. It's a wonderfully sweet, light tea. White Ayurvedic Chai from Teavana.
Also, we know that Matt does wear that plectrum necklace but my version is slightly different of course. It also doesn't have that keyring style jump circle.
Rating: NC-17 Pairing: Matt/Dom
Summary: “Hey pretty, don’t you wanna take a ride with me through my world?” Based on the lyrics of 'Hey Pretty' by Poe. Soundtrack is available here!
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15
AN: There is a small time jump here. Mind the gap.
I smiled as I checked the date on the calendar on the front of the fridge. I'd been keeping track lately as summer had neared, cooler weather of Southern California warming gradually into something I much preferred. The weather had been something that when I'd first moved here from England had be smiling. While there were days that were cooler, it didn't often dip lower than 15 degrees Celsius, even in winter. I loved summer though, more time spent at the beach, relaxing in the sun. When I had the chance at least.
Matthew had not been kidding when he had told me that when he started on a score that it was fast and furious, despite the fact that sometimes it could take an entire year from when he first started writing to when the project was complete and ready for whatever film it was being used in. The past two months had me constantly running from the studio I worked with Matthew and Chris at, sometimes just using his home studio when the other wasn't available while still holding down all my other work.
I was still under contracts that I couldn't break with the studio I worked for. Matthew was understanding in that fact and would plan around my schedule though I had to admit that as soon as I was able to leave A&M Records, I'd be all too happy to leave. While it had given me all sorts of opportunity and had gotten me a pass to living in the US, there was just too much about the place I didn't like. It was far too Hollywood for my tastes.
I shook my head as I looked at the calendar one more time before staring breakfast, intent on spoiling Matthew rotten for the day. I heard the soft pad of feet behind me and I turned to see Nathan rubbing his eyes as he walked into the kitchen.
“Hey beansprout, is your dad awake yet?” I asked him, getting a shake of the head in response. Apparently Nathan wasn't quite awake yet either and I chuckled. Despite the fact that both father and son were light sleepers it sometimes took them awhile to actually wake up. It was going to be one of those mornings apparently.
I busied myself with making the tea that I'd recently picked up, a white chai with a hint of cinnamon that Matthew had taken a liking to. He hated making it though because of the fact that it was a loose leaf blend so he tended to leave it to me to make for him. I didn't mind in the slightest.
“Dom?”
I hummed at the questioning voice before I set the now filled teapot down on a tray and turned to Nathan. He looked only slightly more alert than he had moments before.
“Are you and Daddy like Mum and Uncle Chris?” He asked and I wasn't sure what exactly was being asked. He screwed up his face for a second before he continued.
“I know that Mum and Daddy aren't like what parents are supposed to be, but not everyone's parents are married. Mum and Uncle Chris are married though because they love each other right?” He asked and I moved over to kneel in front of Nathan's chair, giving him a nod.
“Yes. That's true. Not everyone's parents are married or together. What's bringing this up all of the sudden?”
Nathan ignored my questioning, continuing with his own in a way that only a five year old could and get away with. “You and Daddy are always together like Mum and Uncle Chris. Are you in love like they are?”
To say that I was floored by the question was an understatement. Granted, I'd seen it coming though I didn't think that Nathan would have asked me about this, rather I figured he would have asked his father instead. I felt woefully inadequate to answer Nathan's frank questioning.
Finally I gave him a nod and a smile. “I love your daddy very much. And I think your daddy feels the same too even if he doesn't say it.” Nathan gave me a look, searching for a moment before smiling.
“That's good. I like you better than Lukas. He wasn't very fun and I don't think he liked me very much.” Nathan made a face like he'd been forced to eat something he didn't like. “He wasn't nice to Daddy when he left either. You aren't going to leave are you?”
I shook my head, not exactly certain who Lukas was. “No, I'm not leaving anytime soon beansprout. Now how about you and me fix some breakfast before your dad wakes up alright? I think a nice breakfast in bed for his birthday sounds about right. Banana pancakes and all.”
I heard a slight noise at the kitchen door and I glanced up to see Matthew hovering just out of Nathan's sight as the boy jumped up and started getting everything we would need for pancakes. He gave a shake of his head, glancing over at Nathan before back to me again. I stayed silent at my discovery of him and Matthew gave me a look that said we'd talk later before he silently slipped back off to the bedroom to await being 'woken up' with breakfast in bed.
I'd known that Matthew had seen a few other people here and there before me. He'd mentioned how some had been put off by the fact that he'd had a son. At this point I could only assume that Lukas had been one of those men. I felt a pang, not of jealousy per se, more of sadness that Nathan had felt the need to ask if I loved his father and wondered if I was going to be sticking around. It seemed that Matthew wasn't the only one who had been hurt.
I was glad that Matthew was already awake because otherwise the noise would have surely woken him. I'd wanted to surprise Matthew of course but that ship had sailed. Meal finally prepared I helped Nathan with the tray, letting the boy run ahead with the gift he'd helped pick out during a recent outing with the entire family that I'd joined in on.
“Daddy!” Nathan leapt for the bed, tackling a 'sleeping' Matthew. “Wake up! It's your birthday! We made you breakfast!”
Matthew for his part grunted as he grabbed an armful of excited five year old, tickling him a bit. “Thanks beansprout! Mm, it smells fantastic, what did you make?” He asked and Matthew looked up at me as I set the tray down on the bedside table that had been conveniently cleared to make room.
“Banana pancakes and Canada bacon and egg onlet?” Nathan rattled off, unsure of the pronunciation of the unfamiliar word. Matthew gave a chuckle.
“Canadian bacon and an egg omlette.” Matthew gave a chuckle as he ruffled Nathan's hair and gave a sniff. “Is that the Ayurvedic I smell?” He asked, perking up as I poured him a cup of tea.
“Yes indeed it is. You've really taken a liking to it haven't you?” I asked him as I handed him his cup before pouring a cup for myself. Nathan gave his father a nudge, depositing a present wrapped in shiny, sparkly paper as well as a handmade card into his lap.
“I do. What's this?” Matthew picked the card up, smiling. It featured an adorable drawing of a rocket-ship among the stars. Matthew opened it up and I moved to sit on the bed next to Matthew, looking at it with him. 'Happy Birthday Daddy' floated above the heads of a drawing of a space family on some apparently extra-terrestrial landscape. I was able to quickly pinpoint Chris from height alone, towering over everyone, Kelly of course holding hands with him. I could also make out Gareth and Lily. Matthew was holding the hand of a miniature version of himself, supposedly Nathan.
“Is that Dominic?” Matthew asked, indicating the other figure in the drawing, holding Matthew's other hand. Nathan gave a nod. I couldn't help but laugh at the scribble of blonde hair that was used to indicate my identity.
“This is adorable Nathan, thank you so much!” Matthew gave his son a hug before he passed the card to me, an curious expression on his face. I set the card aside on the bedside table as Nathan started pestering Matthew to open his gift. Matthew's attention shifted and the strange look was gone for the moment.
Matthew tore into the paper on the small box, teasing Nathan for a moment by acting more interested in the shiny wrapping than the gift. Finally the box was opened and Matthew's laughter fell silent as he pulled out the silver chain with a black plectrum dangling from it.
“Oh..” He fingered the unusual charm for a moment before he realized that instead of plastic, it was black gunmetal and it was engraved. The engraving wouldn't be noticeable unless you knew it was there but for Matthew it was perfect. Something that would hide in plain sight.
Everything about you is so easy to love
“Do you like it Daddy?” Nathan asked, curling up against his father's side, expectant about the answer to his question. I was equally expectant on the result. I'd puzzled for some time over what sentiment to have written on the necklace before it had occurred to me that the words that Matthew had spoken to me months prior would fit. I was just hoping that Matthew would see it the same way that I did.
A sniffle caught my attention and I noticed the quick motion of Matthew's hand, wiping away at his face and I was about to crush him into a hug before he waved me off, “I'm fine, I'm fine, it's.. this is perfect Nathan.. did you pick this out yourself?”
Nathan shook his head. “No, Dom helped. But I found this!” Nathan indicated the plectrum. It certainly had been unusual. While I'd seen on occasion people wearing the typical plastic plectrums, appropriated from their original intended use to be used instead as ornament, this was was strictly meant to be worn and kept, hence the material. It had been something that Nathan had proclaimed as perfect, knowing as he did the love his father held for guitars, despite the fact that his line of work didn't often call for such instruments.
“It's perfect. The best birthday present I could ask for. Aside from banana pancakes in bed of course!” There was a flurry of activity as blankets were thrust aside and the bed was thrown into total disarray, becoming a comfortable next for everyone to curl up in, enjoying a meal from shared plates. Amongst all the other activity of getting the food and bedding situated, Matthew pulled me in for a quick kiss, thoroughly intense and promising that more would be on the horizon. I helped him as well to fix the chain around his neck, the silver resting against his skin like it had been made specifically for him alone.
“So, what is on the agenda today?” Matthew asked as we all tucked into our meal, Nathan making a grab for the syrup which I managed to anticipate seconds before he did and poured an amount that he didn't approve of, making a face.
“You use too much Nathan.” I told him, before he could start the petulant noise I knew was seconds away. Matthew gave a bark of laughter to which I gave him a puzzled look.
“You do realize that you sound just like Kelly. Are you sure you don't have some secret child you've got hidden away?” Matthew laughed and I had to admit that he was right on that aspect. Somewhere along the way in our relationship I'd slipped easily into the parent role, despite only having been together now for just shy of four months.
“I'm sure I don't. Though I can't exactly remember when this happened.” I mused while I watched Nathan eating as I picked at the bowl of strawberries I'd added to the tray at the last minute, wanting a sweeter fruit in addition to the bananas.
“Right from the first day. You did the exact same thing with the syrup.” Matthew reminded me, taking a bit of his pancakes. It was a quick statement, matter of fact. And yet there was something more to it as well. It showed to me that he'd been watching me carefully, more-so than I thought he had been. Little things that I did as part of my routine, things that I didn't even give second thought about.
“I'm sorry.. am I overstepping?” I asked, suddenly concerned that Matthew could perhaps be feeling a bit threatened by it. While parenting was not a singular task, some people did see it as their own pride begin hurt of others attempted to assist. Matthew only shook his head.
“No. Not at all. I think its..” He paused, searching for the word before he smiled at me. “It's cute. Seeing you as a father figure. Actually, I'm a bit surprised at that really. Aside from myself and Chris I don't think Nathan has had another father figure to look up to but you just slipped into that role as if it was no big deal.”
“What about Lukas?” I asked and Matthew sighed. I didn't know what the subject was exactly that I was bringing up but apparently it wasn't something along the same likes as the hurt brought up when we spoke about Matthew's past with Chris.
“I didn't even know that Nathan still remembered him. It wasn't a long relationship. Just a few months really. Hey squirt, how about you go clean up and get dressed okay?” Matthew shooed Nathan off, who had apparently finished eating and was just playing with the trails of syrup left on the plate.
“Okay! Dom, you promised we were going to the aquarium right?” Nathan asked as he scooted off of the bed and I gave him a nod. Matthew looked to me, curious.
“Oh I've got something planned for you as well later tonight.” Matthew nodded and shooed Nathan off again so that we could talk in private.
“Lukas was apprehensive around Nathaniel. He wasn't looking for something serious and I can see that now in hindsight. I think he was looking for a regular fling, something easy and comfortable and at the time I was looking for about the same, someone that I wouldn't fell in love with, wouldn't get hurt with.” Matthew looked to me and I waited. I could see he was going somewhere with this story.
“I wanted comfort of sorts, but not so much that I was willing to risk having what happened with Chris all over again. And Lukas seemed to fit that bill for me. Until I introduced him to Nathan after I'd been seeing him for a couple months.” Another pause and Matthew leaned his back against me as I was propped against the headboard with a pillow wedged behind me to keep the metal from hurting.
“We fought about that of course because to him it was like I'd intentionally lured him into a trap where he'd be saddled down with a kid that he never wanted in the first place. Which I could understand from his point of view, but I'd never once asked him to take care of Nathan, only just remember that he was still a kid.” Matthew shook his head and gave a feeble laugh. “Of course once the fighting stopped I thought that things would be alright only that's when he started distancing himself, acting stand-offish. He never really got along well with Nathan.”
Matthew shifted a bit, looking up at me from his reclining position. “You though.. You're too perfect. You can't possibly be real.”
“I'm real. I'm right here.” I told Matthew, reaching a hand to trace over his face, smiling down at him.
“You aren't going to leave like Lukas did?” Matthew asked me, the tone nearly mirroring Nathan's question earlier. I felt a tugging at my heartstrings and I shook my head.
“Never. I won't leave no matter what happens. You'll get sick of me before I'd abandon you.” There was a smile from Matthew at that and he moved, indicating that he wanted a kiss. I complied, leaned down that little bit more before meeting his lips in an embrace.
“Daddy! Dom! I'm ready, when can we go?” Nathan called and we broke from the kiss to see him run for the bed, diving for it with the laugh. Matthew gave em a look.
“This surprise you have for me later, is it an adults only thing?” Matthew asked and I laughed.
“Yes indeed. So the plan for today include a trip to the Santa Monica Pier and the Aquarium. I was thinking we could have a lunch while we were there and then Kelly and Chris were planning a bit of dinner for you. After that, well, the rest of it is a surprise.” I gave Matthew a wink before he moved off the bed, gathering up the tray with the dishes to head to the kitchen with them. I was stopped in my tracks however when I felt Matthew tug at my shirt.
“Dom.. I just wanted to say..” Matthew paused and I saw him struggle a moment before he smiled. “Thank you. For everything.”
Additional AN: The tea does exist. It's a wonderfully sweet, light tea. White Ayurvedic Chai from Teavana.
Also, we know that Matt does wear that plectrum necklace but my version is slightly different of course. It also doesn't have that keyring style jump circle.