The Pleasure Principle (Twenty-Four/?)
Title: The Pleasure Principle (Twenty-Four/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Rating: NC 17 overall, to be safe
Warnings: This part: slight smut, language.
Summary: Our boys are porn stars. Wait, why are you laughing?
Feedback: Is lovely, if you're so inclined. :)
Archive: Links only.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no offense intended, this never happened, and no money is being made. 'Tis fiction, after all. Silver Star Studios and its inhabitants, however, are all mine. Eternal thanks to dolce_piccante, myz_bee, captivemuse & lalalive23 for support & general badassness. You all mean so much to me. &hearts
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve | Thirteen | Fourteen-a | Fourteen-b | Fifteen | Sixteen | Seventeen | Eighteen | Nineteen | Twenty | Twenty-One | Twenty-Two | Twenty-Three
"Morning, Matthew, dearest!" Carson booms the instant I get out of my car.
"Good day, sir, good day," I bow, winking.
Carson laughs easily and falls in step beside me. "Caffeine?" he asks, nodding in the direction of the cafe one block from Silver Star that most of us visit in the mornings for a fix. I nod eagerly and we make our way down the street.
"How the hell are you? Haven't seen you in a few days. Kinda miss you, you know."
"Miss me? Oh! Like, you mean, in the three minutes every day you aren't attached to Tom's hip?" I tease.
He blushes. "Can't help it. Our Mr. Kirk is, well, something else. But seriously, I miss us, you know? You and me and-"
"And David," I finish quietly. "I know. I miss it too." Actually, before one Dominic Howard came along, we were pretty much inseparable, the three musketeers. The three musketeers of porn, that is. Or something. I just hope that we can get back to that sense of friendship that we shared for so long. I feel like we can.
"Yeah. He's okay, though. Said to tell you hi."
I trip over the curb in my shock at the news that Carson's heard from David so quickly.
"You talked to him? Is he okay? Where did he go? Do you-"
Carson looks at me sheepishly, putting both hands up. "He just shot me a quick text. I didn't pry."
"Oh. As long as he's alright..."
"Exactly," Carson smiles, looping one arm through my own. The friendly gesture warms me deeply, and I put one hand on his arm protectively as we walk. "So, I've spent alot of time at your flat lately, and I couldn't help but notice that you've been mysteriously absent. Spill. Is Dominic a moaner or a grunter?"
"Stop it."
"Does he like it rough?"
"Carson," I hiss, blushing furiously as we pass an elderly couple in front of the newsstand. The gentleman nods at us and Carson straightens up and bows to the woman, both of them giggling.
"Good morning, lovely lady!" he smiles. I have to shake my head; Carson is, as always, a charmer. Kind and wonderful; actually, a perfect match for Tom. He again links our arms together and we continue walking toward the cafe.
"Now, where was I? Right, Dominic! Does he like to be spanked and called daddy? To be fucked on all fours while he calls you Stanley?"
"Will you stop it!" I laugh, punching him in the arm.
"What?" he says innocently. "Just wanted to take some notes! I may have to, one day, fuck him senseless myself. One never knows! Or hell, he may have to fuck me senseless. Which reminds me, I need to get waxed again, and soon."
His words stop me in my tracks, my heart hammering in my chest. Not the words about his pubes; no, the other words.
"Matthew? What's up?"
I look at him, swallowing tightly with a shrug.
"Hey," he says softly, "I was just kidding around."
"I know. Don't pay me any mind, I'm being ridiculous," I sigh. "I'm being a jealous idiot, not to mention an unprofessional one." Carson releases my arm to hold the door to the cafe open for me. As the two of us get in line, he turns to me, worry dotting his face.
"You do realize, though, that it's a possibility, right?"
"Of course." I glance quickly at him once, then aim my gaze squarely at the black and white checkerboard floor.
"How serious are you guys? If I can ask, I mean?"
"I've fallen pretty fast here, Carson. I'm smitten."
"And Dominic?"
"I- I don't know. I'd like to think he's interested in me. Hell, he brought me Happy Cocoa Stars in bed. That has to count for something, yeah?"
"Hell yes, it does," he grins. "And your instinct is screaming out to you to keep him all to yourself, to not share him. Believe me, I understand." He chuckles for a beat and looks away.
"What?"
"I was just thinking."
"Aboooooout?" I tease. "My mind-reading skills aren't up to par today."
"I mean, that well, you and I have... you know."
"I remember."
"And, I mean... we managed okay, you know? I know it's different, we were never a couple, but still, we had just met and I knew I wanted you to be my friend. And I never told you this, but I did wonder if maybe it would prevent that very thing from happening. I'm glad it didn't, though."
I smile again, resting my head on his shoulder. "I'm glad too." A lady standing in the line next to us sniffs disapprovingly at me; in response I raise one eyebrow and smirk.
That's right, Carson and I have, in fact, been intimate onscreen.
The first scenes I ever filmed at Silver Star were with him, actually. We'd known each other only two days before the script called for me to sink to my knees and wrap my lips around his cock.
I've got him pressed against the wall, the two of us writhing against each other. For maximum effect I try to remember not to cover his arse with my hands, seeing as how the cameras are going in for a close-up.
"Fuck, you're a big boy, aren't you?" I purr, trying to conceal the fact that I'm so fucking scared I could puke. I close my eyes as Carson and I kiss, trying to just go with the flow. I actually succeed for a few moments as I continue to stroke him slowly. "You feel so good in my hand."
"But," he replies, his lips ghosting softly against my own, "I I'd feel even better in that wet mouth of yours." I shiver when he grins against my face, placing a few hot kisses to my cheek, enabling me to fall further into the moment. "In fact, I fucking know I would. So how about you open up and drink me down, gorgeous?"
"Every fucking drop," I whisper, sinking to my knees.
"I don't know how you put up with me, really. I was so damned nervous!" I reminisce, collecting our lattes from the counter.
"Yeah, you were. I was there when you bit my dick while attempting to suck me off. That's the kind of horror that stays with a man."
I spit coffee everywhere, Carson nodding politely to a young woman sitting alone at the table next to us. I have to think that he winked at her by the way she's blushing and giggling.
"You swore," I hiss dramatically, "to never speak of that again!"
Carson's doing everything perfectly, moaning my name (which, that day, was Lance) as he fucks my mouth with a gusto I've never encountered before. Through the nerves, in the back of my mind I realize that if I'm keeping him turned on like this then I must not be too bad at it. Advantage, Matthew. I mean, Lance.
But then he angles his hips a certain way and I take him even deeper down my throat. Even though I knew already that he was a good eight inches, I'm not prepared for it and I not only gag, but I bite down on him as I try to catch my breath, Carson yelping and backing away from me, doubled over.
"Oh my holy fucking god he bit it! My dick! I can't look. Is it okay? Get me to make-up!"
"Hmm, does Dominic know you have dickbiting tendencies? Has that come up yet? Pun intended, by the way."
I'd like to be able to tell you that I handled this situation with grace and aplomb. I wish I could tell you that. Instead, I ran and hid in the dressing room, still naked ,and tried to breathe. In no time at all, though, the door opened and Carson came in.
"Matthew, what are you doing?"
"I'm so sorry. I'll get my things."
"Why?"
I ignore him and walk over to the closet with the intent of finding something to wear but he's right behind me, his hands on my shoulders as he spins me around.
"Mate, listen, you can't let what just happened stop you from doing this. It's fine, I promise!"
"It's humiliating," I mumble, my eyes on his nipples; I can't seem to make myself meet his eyes just yet.
"I know, it's a little overwhelming, isn't it?" He pauses then sighs dramatically. "My cock, I mean."
I try not to burst out laughing, but it's no good, and before I know what's happened the two of us are giggling like schoolboys. Carson lifts my chin with his fingers and smiles.
"C'mon, let's go do this."
I clear my throat loudly and roll my eyes at him, but he can't be stopped.
"But, look at you now," he goes on, "sucking cock like a pro. Brings a tear to the eye, it does. I'm just so proud!" He leans in, and much to my increasing horror levels, pinches my cheeks. "That's my big, special boy!"
"You have lost your fucking mind, you know."
"Perhaps. But I did take your mind off your little issue, didn't I?" he says cheekily. "Don't worry about Dominic and who he's with onscreen. Yeah? This is new, you and him. Don't overthink it, just enjoy it, my friend."
I open my mouth to say something devastatingly witty in response, but soon realize I've got nothing to come back with. He's right; he did distract me from the unwelcome thoughts that were bouncing around in my mind. His advice is sound and it's best to take it to heart.
"As badly as it pains me to say it, you're a smart cookie, Carson."
"Not true," he replies, taking my arm yet again with a grin as we walk out the door. "I'm a fucking genius!"
We part when we make it back to the studio, Carson strutting into make-up while I head to the dressing room to read through my lines for the day. Today I'm shooting scenes for a little project titled Afuckalypse Now, and I recline on the couch, leafing through the script when the door opens and much to my surprise, Lou walks in. He's decked out in lime green trousers, a bright orange shirt, and for some reason, lei of orchids around his neck.
"There's my boy!"
"Lou? Are you okay?"
"Course I am, love." He sits down in the chair across from me and runs a hand through his grey hair. "I just thought since Morton was gone that perhaps I'd better pop in here at the studio and see how things were going."
"Bored, huh?" I ask, smiling sympathetically at him.
He taps his foot impatiently against his chair and sighs. "Yes. God, yes. I'm losing my mind at the mansion."
"Nice lei. What's the occasion?"
Lou looks at me, blinking. "No occasion. Does a man need a reason to wear gorgeous flowers around his neck?"
We both turn to the door just in time to see Dominic enter the room. He smiles widely as we make eye contact, but as soon as he notices Lou's presence the smile is replaced with a look of hesitation. He actually takes a step backwards, his hand still on the doorknob, until Lou speaks up.
"Hello, Dominic! Come in!"
"I don't mean to interrupt," Dominic answers him politely. "I can talk to Matthew later."
"Don't be absurd! Come in, I said!"
"No, it's-"
"Get in here, boy," Lou spits, "now!"
Dominic jumps and slams the door, crossing the room. I don't even have to think about it, I instantly sit up and make room for him to sit down next to me. I steal a quick glance at him; I can't help myself, he's just gorgeous this morning. His eyes meet my own and we both smile. As he sits down next to me I notice that our hands, resting at our sides, are mere inches apart. Dominic's twitches nervously and I wonder if his hand is itching to reach for mine the way mine is itching to reach for his.
"What's this now?" Lou asks softly, glancing at me, then Dominic, then back to me.
Boldly, I reach for Dominic's hand and grasp it tightly. I can hear Dominic sigh when I do, and after a beat he squeezes my hand in kind. I bring our joined hands to my lips and kiss his knuckles lightly.
"Oh, how lovely," Lou whispers. "Just lovely. I had no idea!" A series of happy giggles escapes his lips and he actually claps his hands. "Brilliant!"
"Yeah," I reply, glancing at a blushing Dominic, "it kinda is!"
"Oh, I can't wait to tell Mort!"
"No, wait-"
"Whatever for? This is a happy occasion! I think we could use more of that around here!"
"I don't think Mort will be very happy when he realizes that we're seeing each other, Lou," Dominic offers gently.
Lou puts his phone down and stares at the two of us, confusion evident on his face. "Why would you say such a thing?"
"He's not exactly one of Dominic's fans, Lou," I begin.
"I'm sure he thinks Dominic is a fine actor! He's practically our biggest draw!"
"No. I didn't mean that kind of fan."
"Then what do you mean?"
"The man practically poisoned me," Dominic mutters beneath his breath.
"What?"
It's safe to say that I am prepared for none of this. I feel like someone's suckerpunched me in the gut, or kicked me in the balls, or used the last of my watermelon scented shampoo. Fuck, I hate when that happens.
"Lou, let me explain," I begin, only to be cut off by a very hurt Lou.
"How dare you, you... you Philistine!" he exclaims, pointing at Dominic "How can you say something so hateful and false?"
Dominic actually looks taken aback; he looks at me, his mouth open and winces. "I just-"
"Just nothing, boy!" Lou huffs and pouts in our direction. "Listen to you, you should be ashamed. And, you too Matthew?"
I blush under his scrutiny and clear my throat.
"I'm sorry," Dominic replies. "I meant no harm."
"But you've meant harm in the past, haven't you?"
Dominic pauses, his face turning a shade of bright pink. "I can explain though."
"What are you talking about, Lou?" I mumble.
"Morton didn't drug you with anything, Dominic," Lou announces calmly, inspecting his fingernails. "Damn, I need a manicure."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I did it, my dear boy."
Remember how I said that I wasn't really prepared for this? That fact is made evident yet again as my stomach rumbles audibly and, much to my horror, I burp loudly. Fucking coffee. Dominic turns to me, his face scrunched up in confusion before turning to Lou.
"Do what now?"
"I told you, I'm the one who dosed Dominic's juice that morning."
"But Lou!" I exclaim, eyes wide, "why?! You could have really hurt him!"
"Pish posh." He turned to Dominic. "You were in no real danger."
Dominic, to his credit, tries to remain calm as he answers Lou. "Perhaps, but the fact remains that they stuck a needle in my fucking dick, and it fucking hurt! What the hell did I ever do to you?"
"I loved that orchid."
"This is about Toppy?" I exclaim.
Dominic opens his mouth to speak, but closes it abruptly and turns to me slowly.
"It wasn't Mort," he whispers. "It wasn't Mort."
"Why would you have thought it was Morton?" Lou asks. "I don't understand."
Dominic and I exchange looks but remain silent.
"Would you two please trust me?" Lou pleads. "You won't talk to me, Mort won't talk to me. I'm trying to just trust you all, believe me, but do you know how frustrating this is? I don't know what's going on here, but I'm getting really tired of feeling like an outsider around my own family. I am begging you, both of you. Please. Maybe I can help in some way."
Dominic turns away at the word 'family', and Lou doesn't let that go without commenting on it.
"I mean you as well, when I say my family, Dominic. You're clearly important to Matthew, and that's good enough for me."
"So, you go around putting male enhancement drugs in your family members drinks?"
"Sticks and stones, Dominic," he replies softly. "If I recall correctly, I could have had you arrested for stealing documents from my home. I think it might be fair to say that the two of us have both done things we aren't proud of, don't you agree?" He stands suddenly, dialing a number on his phone.
"Of course it goes to his voice mail," he mutters, pacing around the small room. He looks me in the eye, pointedly, as he leaves his message. "Morton. Come back to us. Please. I'm done playing this game on your terms. This bullshit ends now. I'll give you two days to come home. After that, don't bother." He ends the call, sliding phone back into his pocket and walks away. At the door he turns back to a stunned and confused Dominic and myself, winking.
"Stay fabulous, boys."
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Rating: NC 17 overall, to be safe
Warnings: This part: slight smut, language.
Summary: Our boys are porn stars. Wait, why are you laughing?
Feedback: Is lovely, if you're so inclined. :)
Archive: Links only.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no offense intended, this never happened, and no money is being made. 'Tis fiction, after all. Silver Star Studios and its inhabitants, however, are all mine. Eternal thanks to dolce_piccante, myz_bee, captivemuse & lalalive23 for support & general badassness. You all mean so much to me. &hearts
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve | Thirteen | Fourteen-a | Fourteen-b | Fifteen | Sixteen | Seventeen | Eighteen | Nineteen | Twenty | Twenty-One | Twenty-Two | Twenty-Three
"Morning, Matthew, dearest!" Carson booms the instant I get out of my car.
"Good day, sir, good day," I bow, winking.
Carson laughs easily and falls in step beside me. "Caffeine?" he asks, nodding in the direction of the cafe one block from Silver Star that most of us visit in the mornings for a fix. I nod eagerly and we make our way down the street.
"How the hell are you? Haven't seen you in a few days. Kinda miss you, you know."
"Miss me? Oh! Like, you mean, in the three minutes every day you aren't attached to Tom's hip?" I tease.
He blushes. "Can't help it. Our Mr. Kirk is, well, something else. But seriously, I miss us, you know? You and me and-"
"And David," I finish quietly. "I know. I miss it too." Actually, before one Dominic Howard came along, we were pretty much inseparable, the three musketeers. The three musketeers of porn, that is. Or something. I just hope that we can get back to that sense of friendship that we shared for so long. I feel like we can.
"Yeah. He's okay, though. Said to tell you hi."
I trip over the curb in my shock at the news that Carson's heard from David so quickly.
"You talked to him? Is he okay? Where did he go? Do you-"
Carson looks at me sheepishly, putting both hands up. "He just shot me a quick text. I didn't pry."
"Oh. As long as he's alright..."
"Exactly," Carson smiles, looping one arm through my own. The friendly gesture warms me deeply, and I put one hand on his arm protectively as we walk. "So, I've spent alot of time at your flat lately, and I couldn't help but notice that you've been mysteriously absent. Spill. Is Dominic a moaner or a grunter?"
"Stop it."
"Does he like it rough?"
"Carson," I hiss, blushing furiously as we pass an elderly couple in front of the newsstand. The gentleman nods at us and Carson straightens up and bows to the woman, both of them giggling.
"Good morning, lovely lady!" he smiles. I have to shake my head; Carson is, as always, a charmer. Kind and wonderful; actually, a perfect match for Tom. He again links our arms together and we continue walking toward the cafe.
"Now, where was I? Right, Dominic! Does he like to be spanked and called daddy? To be fucked on all fours while he calls you Stanley?"
"Will you stop it!" I laugh, punching him in the arm.
"What?" he says innocently. "Just wanted to take some notes! I may have to, one day, fuck him senseless myself. One never knows! Or hell, he may have to fuck me senseless. Which reminds me, I need to get waxed again, and soon."
His words stop me in my tracks, my heart hammering in my chest. Not the words about his pubes; no, the other words.
"Matthew? What's up?"
I look at him, swallowing tightly with a shrug.
"Hey," he says softly, "I was just kidding around."
"I know. Don't pay me any mind, I'm being ridiculous," I sigh. "I'm being a jealous idiot, not to mention an unprofessional one." Carson releases my arm to hold the door to the cafe open for me. As the two of us get in line, he turns to me, worry dotting his face.
"You do realize, though, that it's a possibility, right?"
"Of course." I glance quickly at him once, then aim my gaze squarely at the black and white checkerboard floor.
"How serious are you guys? If I can ask, I mean?"
"I've fallen pretty fast here, Carson. I'm smitten."
"And Dominic?"
"I- I don't know. I'd like to think he's interested in me. Hell, he brought me Happy Cocoa Stars in bed. That has to count for something, yeah?"
"Hell yes, it does," he grins. "And your instinct is screaming out to you to keep him all to yourself, to not share him. Believe me, I understand." He chuckles for a beat and looks away.
"What?"
"I was just thinking."
"Aboooooout?" I tease. "My mind-reading skills aren't up to par today."
"I mean, that well, you and I have... you know."
"I remember."
"And, I mean... we managed okay, you know? I know it's different, we were never a couple, but still, we had just met and I knew I wanted you to be my friend. And I never told you this, but I did wonder if maybe it would prevent that very thing from happening. I'm glad it didn't, though."
I smile again, resting my head on his shoulder. "I'm glad too." A lady standing in the line next to us sniffs disapprovingly at me; in response I raise one eyebrow and smirk.
That's right, Carson and I have, in fact, been intimate onscreen.
The first scenes I ever filmed at Silver Star were with him, actually. We'd known each other only two days before the script called for me to sink to my knees and wrap my lips around his cock.
I've got him pressed against the wall, the two of us writhing against each other. For maximum effect I try to remember not to cover his arse with my hands, seeing as how the cameras are going in for a close-up.
"Fuck, you're a big boy, aren't you?" I purr, trying to conceal the fact that I'm so fucking scared I could puke. I close my eyes as Carson and I kiss, trying to just go with the flow. I actually succeed for a few moments as I continue to stroke him slowly. "You feel so good in my hand."
"But," he replies, his lips ghosting softly against my own, "I I'd feel even better in that wet mouth of yours." I shiver when he grins against my face, placing a few hot kisses to my cheek, enabling me to fall further into the moment. "In fact, I fucking know I would. So how about you open up and drink me down, gorgeous?"
"Every fucking drop," I whisper, sinking to my knees.
"I don't know how you put up with me, really. I was so damned nervous!" I reminisce, collecting our lattes from the counter.
"Yeah, you were. I was there when you bit my dick while attempting to suck me off. That's the kind of horror that stays with a man."
I spit coffee everywhere, Carson nodding politely to a young woman sitting alone at the table next to us. I have to think that he winked at her by the way she's blushing and giggling.
"You swore," I hiss dramatically, "to never speak of that again!"
Carson's doing everything perfectly, moaning my name (which, that day, was Lance) as he fucks my mouth with a gusto I've never encountered before. Through the nerves, in the back of my mind I realize that if I'm keeping him turned on like this then I must not be too bad at it. Advantage, Matthew. I mean, Lance.
But then he angles his hips a certain way and I take him even deeper down my throat. Even though I knew already that he was a good eight inches, I'm not prepared for it and I not only gag, but I bite down on him as I try to catch my breath, Carson yelping and backing away from me, doubled over.
"Oh my holy fucking god he bit it! My dick! I can't look. Is it okay? Get me to make-up!"
"Hmm, does Dominic know you have dickbiting tendencies? Has that come up yet? Pun intended, by the way."
I'd like to be able to tell you that I handled this situation with grace and aplomb. I wish I could tell you that. Instead, I ran and hid in the dressing room, still naked ,and tried to breathe. In no time at all, though, the door opened and Carson came in.
"Matthew, what are you doing?"
"I'm so sorry. I'll get my things."
"Why?"
I ignore him and walk over to the closet with the intent of finding something to wear but he's right behind me, his hands on my shoulders as he spins me around.
"Mate, listen, you can't let what just happened stop you from doing this. It's fine, I promise!"
"It's humiliating," I mumble, my eyes on his nipples; I can't seem to make myself meet his eyes just yet.
"I know, it's a little overwhelming, isn't it?" He pauses then sighs dramatically. "My cock, I mean."
I try not to burst out laughing, but it's no good, and before I know what's happened the two of us are giggling like schoolboys. Carson lifts my chin with his fingers and smiles.
"C'mon, let's go do this."
I clear my throat loudly and roll my eyes at him, but he can't be stopped.
"But, look at you now," he goes on, "sucking cock like a pro. Brings a tear to the eye, it does. I'm just so proud!" He leans in, and much to my increasing horror levels, pinches my cheeks. "That's my big, special boy!"
"You have lost your fucking mind, you know."
"Perhaps. But I did take your mind off your little issue, didn't I?" he says cheekily. "Don't worry about Dominic and who he's with onscreen. Yeah? This is new, you and him. Don't overthink it, just enjoy it, my friend."
I open my mouth to say something devastatingly witty in response, but soon realize I've got nothing to come back with. He's right; he did distract me from the unwelcome thoughts that were bouncing around in my mind. His advice is sound and it's best to take it to heart.
"As badly as it pains me to say it, you're a smart cookie, Carson."
"Not true," he replies, taking my arm yet again with a grin as we walk out the door. "I'm a fucking genius!"
We part when we make it back to the studio, Carson strutting into make-up while I head to the dressing room to read through my lines for the day. Today I'm shooting scenes for a little project titled Afuckalypse Now, and I recline on the couch, leafing through the script when the door opens and much to my surprise, Lou walks in. He's decked out in lime green trousers, a bright orange shirt, and for some reason, lei of orchids around his neck.
"There's my boy!"
"Lou? Are you okay?"
"Course I am, love." He sits down in the chair across from me and runs a hand through his grey hair. "I just thought since Morton was gone that perhaps I'd better pop in here at the studio and see how things were going."
"Bored, huh?" I ask, smiling sympathetically at him.
He taps his foot impatiently against his chair and sighs. "Yes. God, yes. I'm losing my mind at the mansion."
"Nice lei. What's the occasion?"
Lou looks at me, blinking. "No occasion. Does a man need a reason to wear gorgeous flowers around his neck?"
We both turn to the door just in time to see Dominic enter the room. He smiles widely as we make eye contact, but as soon as he notices Lou's presence the smile is replaced with a look of hesitation. He actually takes a step backwards, his hand still on the doorknob, until Lou speaks up.
"Hello, Dominic! Come in!"
"I don't mean to interrupt," Dominic answers him politely. "I can talk to Matthew later."
"Don't be absurd! Come in, I said!"
"No, it's-"
"Get in here, boy," Lou spits, "now!"
Dominic jumps and slams the door, crossing the room. I don't even have to think about it, I instantly sit up and make room for him to sit down next to me. I steal a quick glance at him; I can't help myself, he's just gorgeous this morning. His eyes meet my own and we both smile. As he sits down next to me I notice that our hands, resting at our sides, are mere inches apart. Dominic's twitches nervously and I wonder if his hand is itching to reach for mine the way mine is itching to reach for his.
"What's this now?" Lou asks softly, glancing at me, then Dominic, then back to me.
Boldly, I reach for Dominic's hand and grasp it tightly. I can hear Dominic sigh when I do, and after a beat he squeezes my hand in kind. I bring our joined hands to my lips and kiss his knuckles lightly.
"Oh, how lovely," Lou whispers. "Just lovely. I had no idea!" A series of happy giggles escapes his lips and he actually claps his hands. "Brilliant!"
"Yeah," I reply, glancing at a blushing Dominic, "it kinda is!"
"Oh, I can't wait to tell Mort!"
"No, wait-"
"Whatever for? This is a happy occasion! I think we could use more of that around here!"
"I don't think Mort will be very happy when he realizes that we're seeing each other, Lou," Dominic offers gently.
Lou puts his phone down and stares at the two of us, confusion evident on his face. "Why would you say such a thing?"
"He's not exactly one of Dominic's fans, Lou," I begin.
"I'm sure he thinks Dominic is a fine actor! He's practically our biggest draw!"
"No. I didn't mean that kind of fan."
"Then what do you mean?"
"The man practically poisoned me," Dominic mutters beneath his breath.
"What?"
It's safe to say that I am prepared for none of this. I feel like someone's suckerpunched me in the gut, or kicked me in the balls, or used the last of my watermelon scented shampoo. Fuck, I hate when that happens.
"Lou, let me explain," I begin, only to be cut off by a very hurt Lou.
"How dare you, you... you Philistine!" he exclaims, pointing at Dominic "How can you say something so hateful and false?"
Dominic actually looks taken aback; he looks at me, his mouth open and winces. "I just-"
"Just nothing, boy!" Lou huffs and pouts in our direction. "Listen to you, you should be ashamed. And, you too Matthew?"
I blush under his scrutiny and clear my throat.
"I'm sorry," Dominic replies. "I meant no harm."
"But you've meant harm in the past, haven't you?"
Dominic pauses, his face turning a shade of bright pink. "I can explain though."
"What are you talking about, Lou?" I mumble.
"Morton didn't drug you with anything, Dominic," Lou announces calmly, inspecting his fingernails. "Damn, I need a manicure."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"Because I did it, my dear boy."
Remember how I said that I wasn't really prepared for this? That fact is made evident yet again as my stomach rumbles audibly and, much to my horror, I burp loudly. Fucking coffee. Dominic turns to me, his face scrunched up in confusion before turning to Lou.
"Do what now?"
"I told you, I'm the one who dosed Dominic's juice that morning."
"But Lou!" I exclaim, eyes wide, "why?! You could have really hurt him!"
"Pish posh." He turned to Dominic. "You were in no real danger."
Dominic, to his credit, tries to remain calm as he answers Lou. "Perhaps, but the fact remains that they stuck a needle in my fucking dick, and it fucking hurt! What the hell did I ever do to you?"
"I loved that orchid."
"This is about Toppy?" I exclaim.
Dominic opens his mouth to speak, but closes it abruptly and turns to me slowly.
"It wasn't Mort," he whispers. "It wasn't Mort."
"Why would you have thought it was Morton?" Lou asks. "I don't understand."
Dominic and I exchange looks but remain silent.
"Would you two please trust me?" Lou pleads. "You won't talk to me, Mort won't talk to me. I'm trying to just trust you all, believe me, but do you know how frustrating this is? I don't know what's going on here, but I'm getting really tired of feeling like an outsider around my own family. I am begging you, both of you. Please. Maybe I can help in some way."
Dominic turns away at the word 'family', and Lou doesn't let that go without commenting on it.
"I mean you as well, when I say my family, Dominic. You're clearly important to Matthew, and that's good enough for me."
"So, you go around putting male enhancement drugs in your family members drinks?"
"Sticks and stones, Dominic," he replies softly. "If I recall correctly, I could have had you arrested for stealing documents from my home. I think it might be fair to say that the two of us have both done things we aren't proud of, don't you agree?" He stands suddenly, dialing a number on his phone.
"Of course it goes to his voice mail," he mutters, pacing around the small room. He looks me in the eye, pointedly, as he leaves his message. "Morton. Come back to us. Please. I'm done playing this game on your terms. This bullshit ends now. I'll give you two days to come home. After that, don't bother." He ends the call, sliding phone back into his pocket and walks away. At the door he turns back to a stunned and confused Dominic and myself, winking.
"Stay fabulous, boys."