Fierce Frequencies (10/?)
Title: Fierce Frequencies (10/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Word Count: 2480
Rating: This Chapter, R.
Warnings: Language.
Summary: America. The 1970s. QBUT Radio is a station with some familiar looking staff members.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no profit is being made and this never happened.
Beta/Support: As always, the boo, dolce_piccante.
Author's Note: Struggled with this one a bit. I have to thank amusedinred, & mcsparklez for their input and for being helpful bit readers and constant ballers. <3 As always, if you choose to read, thank you, so, so much.
One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Jesus, keep your goddamn pants on!"
The door opened, and her eyes widened in shock as she realized who had been knocking at her door. "Well, slap my ass and call me Shirley! Look who it is!"
Dominic removed his sunglasses and flashed her a smile. "Hi, Mabel. Am I interrupting anything?"
"What? No, no, boy! How wonderful to see you again! Get in here, I was just having some coffee, let me get you some!" Dominic followed her into her tiny apartment, his white velvet bellbottoms dragging across the thick, green shag carpeting. "Sit down! What brings you here, hot ass?"
"I-" Dominic dragged one hand over his face and sighed. "I don't know. Well, yes, I do know, but..."
It hadn't taken Dominic long to garner the courage to reach out for some advice from the one person he had deemed to be the perfect, impartial candidate for the task. He had often thought about contacting Mabel again after their impromptu auction date, simply because she had proven herself to be one groovy older chick. As he'd laid in bed the night before, pouring his heart out to Rocky, who merely sat on his nightstand in true rock fashion (not to mention contributing nothing to the conversation), he realized that perhaps talking aloud to a pet rock wasn't the most healthy of ways to deal with the situation he had found himself in.
Dominic had decided to jazz up Rocky's home and get one of those lava lamps like Tom has at the studio. Actually, that was to be his next stop as soon as his visit with Mabel was over.
He really hoped that he could find one of those purple ones.
It was no small coincidence that the electronics store just happened to be within walking distance of the retirement community Mabel lived in. It was meant to be, clearly, Dominic reasoned silently.
"Spill, son."
"I was wondering if I could talk to you about something."
"Of course!"
"I need advice. I-"
"Ooh, wait," Mabel interrupted, excitement dotting her features as she sat down on the couch and motioned for Dominic to join her, "is it about your man? Tell me it's about your man. I really want this to be about your man, and if it is about your man, then I want details."
"My man." Dominic smiled sadly. "Well, I-"
"Wait, he is your man by now, I hope? He better be, dammit! I want details! How is he in bed?"
Dominic laughed at her energetic outburst, while at the same time cringing inwardly at her question. He scratched the back of his neck and sighed. "Man, Mabel, I just...I'm not sure what to do."
"Spill, blond ass. What's got you upset?"
And so, there, on a garish, rust-colored couch in a small apartment in a retirement community, Dominic told Mabel everything, starting with the fact that Matthew was the man in question. He told her about how the Matthew in bed was markedly different from the Matthew he encountered in all other facets of life. He admitted to her that he was confused, and concerned, and wanted nothing more to help Matthew. He was amazed at just how much better he felt once he'd managed to start talking; it was as though the floodgates had burst open, releasing the tension he'd been holding in for the last two days.
Mabel remained silent for the duration of his speech. Occasionally she would nod, occasionally she would reach out and touch Dominic's arm in an attempt to be supportive. Finally, Dominic took a deep breath as he finished talking and looked hopefully to his confidante.
"Hmm. It sounds to me as though he's got, for whatever reason, some serious issues with intimacy. Well, with sexual intimacy, at least."
"The, erm, intimacy was there, though... like, yeah, there was a nice, healthy amount of intimacy, but it was like some bizarre facade. Like another man was in bed with me. He turned into this different person and I can't, for the life of me, figure out why. But, I have to admit it made me a little uncomfortable."
"And it's strictly an issue in the bedroom?"
"So far, yes. I mean, we've been out a few times and things went really well. For what it could be worth, his brother told me that Matthew's last relationship was extremely unhealthy? I wonder if that has anything to do with it. He said that Matthew had been hurt badly. Actually, the word he used was 'abuse'," Dominic said softly. "Mind you, I was told this in confidence, so I can't exactly approach Matthew about it."
"What? Oh," Mabel gasped quietly, "the poor lamb. That could explain a lot, though. You need to ask yourself, hot ass, are you willing to risk this happening again, to encounter this... intense side of Matthew? Do you want to give this relationship a chance, no matter what his sexual proclivities may be?"
"Yes." Dominic didn't even have to pause to come to an answer. "I do. I'm not looking to change him, or turn him into something he's not... I just want to understand. I don't want to make things worse for him."
"Then, all you can do is be patient with him. Give him time, because the truth is, he may, in fact, need a lot of that to come to terms with this. But, make no mistake, you must communicate to him how uneasy you were in bed with him, Dominic. Don't ever force yourself into a situation that you aren't fully comfortable with, not for anyone's sake. You don't have to do it in an unkind manner, but you do need to do it."
"How did you get so smart?"
Mabel smiled a secret smile into her coffee cup. "You really wanna know?"
"I do."
"I have a degree in psychology. Abandoned it all in the name of love, but yes, I have a specific bit of insight into human behavior, you could say."
"You filthy secret keeper," Dominic gaped, "holding out on me like that! Sexy and smart, you are!"
"I know, darling. I know."
"What else are you hiding from me? Are you a secret agent in your spare time? Do you perform brain surgery as a hobby, just for kicks?"
Mabel snorted. "Pffft. Don't be silly, boy. Although, that series of abstract paintings on the wall in my entryway?"
"You're fucking kidding me."
"What can I say? I'm a well-traveled, sophisticated, modern woman of the world," Mabel winked, "hot-ass."
"Thank you. I mean it, thank you for letting me come to you like this. Thank you for being an objective voice in this. I didn't really feel comfortable going to Tom or Chris for advice." Dominic bit his lip.
"Don't thank me. What are friends for, if not to offer support when people need that? And, you don't have to worry, I'd never repeat a word of what you've said here today. I wouldn't disrespect Matthew or you that way. If you ask me, he's exceedingly lucky, you know."
"How so?"
"Because you have a huge heart, Dominic. I mean, of course, you are hoping that you can make this relationship work, but it's obvious that you're mostly concerned with him and his well being, with your own desires being secondary. That's the kind of support that he's going to need in this. So, yes, he's lucky."
Dominic smiled softly, saying nothing.
"You know, I'd like to have a nice, long talk with Matthew someday. Perhaps when the two of you get things worked we can go back to the diner, all three of us. I'd love to hear his thoughts on precognition."
"Precogwhat?"
"Ask Matthew."
"I'll take you up on that diner visit, though. He would love that. I would love that."
"Then, that makes three of us," Mabel commented, nodding.
In the end, Dominic had to settle for a lime green lava lamp, but he was okay with it because it matched a pair of his favorite jeans. He had brought his purchase into the studio with him to show it off, and it was on the table in the break room, doing it's freaky, lava-ish magic, rendering Dominic hypnotized, when the door opened.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
Dominic shook his head and looked up into Matthew's curious face. "No, no!"
"Are you sure? You were approaching an impressive drool stage when I walked in just now."
"Smarty pants," Dominic smiled, his elbows resting on the table. "Hey, I have a question for you."
"Sure."
"What's precognition?"
Matthew's face lit up as though he'd just realized it was Christmas morning. His eyes widened and he gasped aloud. "Precognition? As in second sight? Well, the technical definition of precognition is basically the acquisition of knowledge of a future event or situation before it actually has occurred."
"Like, willing something to happen, and it does?"
"No, no, it's simply the mere perception of the event - not the mastering and genesis of the event. It happens through unnatural means, if you will; that is to say through supernatural means, well, that is, depending on who you talk to. Mainstream psychiatry scoffs at the idea, instead referring to it as simple hallucination. Oh, Dominic, it's fascinating, simply fascinating! I sat in once on a session involving a young woman and a stack of Rhine cards that still, to this day, blows my mind. Her clairvoyant abilities surpassed anything that any of us involved in that study had ever, ever seen! She-" Matthew stopped suddenly, flushing. He shifted awkwardly. "Forgive me, I'm rambling."
"I love it when you ramble, though," Dominic replied.
Matthew flushed. "Um, how are you?"
"I'm good, you?"
"Good, good."
"How was your visit with Cass?" Dominic eyed the door, then patted the empty seat next to his own. "Sit with me, yeah?" Matthew sat, tucking his thick brown hair behind his ear as he did. Dominic found himself making a mental note to, as soon as possible, find out just how the patch of skin beneath Matthew's earlobe felt beneath his lips. There were so many parts of Matthew, body and soul, that he wanted to know more intimately.
He hoped that he wouldn't have to wait too long to learn everything.
"It was good. He's a great brother. He looks out for me, you'd think there were this massive age gap between us when actually it's anything but the case," Matthew laughed. "It feels like he's got all of this innate wisdom that I don't have, like he's the wise, sage older brother and I'm the little brother. He's a pain to buy dinner for, though, the bastard can eat like a damn champion, and leave me with the check every time."
"You were certainly happy to see him."
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course."
"Imissedyoulastnight." The statement came out as one long word
"You did?"
"I did. As much as I love my brother, I found myself wishing that you'd been there with us. I don't know what you'll make of me saying all this, but it's just the truth." He exhaled shakily, flushing as sweat broke out on his brow. "I can't believe I said it myself."
Dominic, for his part, absolutely, positively melted at Matthew's admission. He wasn't aware he was grinning so widely until his cheeks began to grow sore from the effort. He covered Matthew's hand with his own on the table, Matthew biting his lower lip. "Would you like to hear a confession?"
"Of course."
"I missed you, too."
"So, would you, I mean maybe we could do something? Like, um, if you want to, of course. If you aren't otherwise engaged? It's okay if you are, I understand."
"Hey," Dominic whispered, moving his chair as close to Matthew as he could. He was reminded of Matthew asking permission for a kiss in his apartment the other morning, of how timid and uncertain... of how undeserving he seemed to feel. Dominic wanted to build his confidence any way he could. "Don't do that. Don't automatically assume that you're not worth my time. Okay?"
Matthew didn't speak right away. He bit his lip and swallowed tightly, his eyes scanning his fingernails, until he summoned the courage to look into Dominic's eyes. "Sorry, I-"
Dominic leaned in swiftly and pecked Matthew's lips softly. "No apologies," he whispered against Matthew's mouth. "They're not necessary, not with me. I promise you that. And, of course I want to see you again!"
"I don't know, I..." Matthew met his gaze. "I really like you, Dominic. I just. I... it's a bit difficult for me to, um," he scratched the back of his neck, looking increasingly uncomfortable, "um, articulate what I need to say."
"Any man on the face of this planet would be thrilled to hear anything you have to say, Bell."
"Not all of them," Matthew replied quickly. Almost as an afterthought, his brow furrowed. "Wait, Bell?"
"Yeah. I've given you a pet name, a term of official endearment. Do you mind terribly?"
"No," Matthew replied, his cheeks turning a violent (though adorable) shade of crimson. "I.. I like it, actually."
"I was listening to you as I fell asleep the other night. The sound of your voice is captivating, so much so that to me it's like a finely tuned, expensive, one-of-a-kind bell."
Matthew swallowed, looking directly into Dominic's eyes with an intensity and honesty that Dominic hadn't experienced before. "That's... men don't say wonderful things like that to me," he whispered. "Ever."
"Well, this man does," Dominic replied solemnly as he squeezed Matthew's hand. "I suggest that you get used to it." Dominic's mind raced. Was Matthew's comment an indictment of his former partner, who clearly hadn't been in the habit of saying kind and uplifting things to Matthew, who had, according to Cass, been capable of some truly horrible things? It certainly seemed as though that were the case.
Matthew glanced at the door to make certain that they were indeed alone, then turned back to Dominic. His hand resting atop Dominic's knee, he leaned in, the tip of his nose touching Dominic's own awkwardly, until he cocked his head nervously to meet Dominic for a kiss. By the time their lips met, both pairs were smiling, both happily, if a bit nervously. The kiss was soft and sweet, Dominic's left hand carding through Matthew's thick, soft hair the entire time. When they parted, Matthew impulsively pecked the corner of Dominic's mouth before standing.
"I should get to my office. You're on air soon and I have some research to get to for tonight."
"So, when do you want to get together?"
"How about Saturday afternoon?"
"That, Mr. Bellamy, sounds impossibly groovy," Dominic nodded. "I will see you then." Matthew's pursed lips turned up slightly into the beginnings of a smile, and with his hand on the doorknob, he turned back to Dominic.
"You really do listen to my show?"
"Until I fall asleep. Every night."
Matthew smiled. "Cool. Oh, and Dom?"
"Yeah?"
"Nice lava lamp."
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Word Count: 2480
Rating: This Chapter, R.
Warnings: Language.
Summary: America. The 1970s. QBUT Radio is a station with some familiar looking staff members.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no profit is being made and this never happened.
Beta/Support: As always, the boo, dolce_piccante.
Author's Note: Struggled with this one a bit. I have to thank amusedinred, & mcsparklez for their input and for being helpful bit readers and constant ballers. <3 As always, if you choose to read, thank you, so, so much.
One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Jesus, keep your goddamn pants on!"
The door opened, and her eyes widened in shock as she realized who had been knocking at her door. "Well, slap my ass and call me Shirley! Look who it is!"
Dominic removed his sunglasses and flashed her a smile. "Hi, Mabel. Am I interrupting anything?"
"What? No, no, boy! How wonderful to see you again! Get in here, I was just having some coffee, let me get you some!" Dominic followed her into her tiny apartment, his white velvet bellbottoms dragging across the thick, green shag carpeting. "Sit down! What brings you here, hot ass?"
"I-" Dominic dragged one hand over his face and sighed. "I don't know. Well, yes, I do know, but..."
It hadn't taken Dominic long to garner the courage to reach out for some advice from the one person he had deemed to be the perfect, impartial candidate for the task. He had often thought about contacting Mabel again after their impromptu auction date, simply because she had proven herself to be one groovy older chick. As he'd laid in bed the night before, pouring his heart out to Rocky, who merely sat on his nightstand in true rock fashion (not to mention contributing nothing to the conversation), he realized that perhaps talking aloud to a pet rock wasn't the most healthy of ways to deal with the situation he had found himself in.
Dominic had decided to jazz up Rocky's home and get one of those lava lamps like Tom has at the studio. Actually, that was to be his next stop as soon as his visit with Mabel was over.
He really hoped that he could find one of those purple ones.
It was no small coincidence that the electronics store just happened to be within walking distance of the retirement community Mabel lived in. It was meant to be, clearly, Dominic reasoned silently.
"Spill, son."
"I was wondering if I could talk to you about something."
"Of course!"
"I need advice. I-"
"Ooh, wait," Mabel interrupted, excitement dotting her features as she sat down on the couch and motioned for Dominic to join her, "is it about your man? Tell me it's about your man. I really want this to be about your man, and if it is about your man, then I want details."
"My man." Dominic smiled sadly. "Well, I-"
"Wait, he is your man by now, I hope? He better be, dammit! I want details! How is he in bed?"
Dominic laughed at her energetic outburst, while at the same time cringing inwardly at her question. He scratched the back of his neck and sighed. "Man, Mabel, I just...I'm not sure what to do."
"Spill, blond ass. What's got you upset?"
And so, there, on a garish, rust-colored couch in a small apartment in a retirement community, Dominic told Mabel everything, starting with the fact that Matthew was the man in question. He told her about how the Matthew in bed was markedly different from the Matthew he encountered in all other facets of life. He admitted to her that he was confused, and concerned, and wanted nothing more to help Matthew. He was amazed at just how much better he felt once he'd managed to start talking; it was as though the floodgates had burst open, releasing the tension he'd been holding in for the last two days.
Mabel remained silent for the duration of his speech. Occasionally she would nod, occasionally she would reach out and touch Dominic's arm in an attempt to be supportive. Finally, Dominic took a deep breath as he finished talking and looked hopefully to his confidante.
"Hmm. It sounds to me as though he's got, for whatever reason, some serious issues with intimacy. Well, with sexual intimacy, at least."
"The, erm, intimacy was there, though... like, yeah, there was a nice, healthy amount of intimacy, but it was like some bizarre facade. Like another man was in bed with me. He turned into this different person and I can't, for the life of me, figure out why. But, I have to admit it made me a little uncomfortable."
"And it's strictly an issue in the bedroom?"
"So far, yes. I mean, we've been out a few times and things went really well. For what it could be worth, his brother told me that Matthew's last relationship was extremely unhealthy? I wonder if that has anything to do with it. He said that Matthew had been hurt badly. Actually, the word he used was 'abuse'," Dominic said softly. "Mind you, I was told this in confidence, so I can't exactly approach Matthew about it."
"What? Oh," Mabel gasped quietly, "the poor lamb. That could explain a lot, though. You need to ask yourself, hot ass, are you willing to risk this happening again, to encounter this... intense side of Matthew? Do you want to give this relationship a chance, no matter what his sexual proclivities may be?"
"Yes." Dominic didn't even have to pause to come to an answer. "I do. I'm not looking to change him, or turn him into something he's not... I just want to understand. I don't want to make things worse for him."
"Then, all you can do is be patient with him. Give him time, because the truth is, he may, in fact, need a lot of that to come to terms with this. But, make no mistake, you must communicate to him how uneasy you were in bed with him, Dominic. Don't ever force yourself into a situation that you aren't fully comfortable with, not for anyone's sake. You don't have to do it in an unkind manner, but you do need to do it."
"How did you get so smart?"
Mabel smiled a secret smile into her coffee cup. "You really wanna know?"
"I do."
"I have a degree in psychology. Abandoned it all in the name of love, but yes, I have a specific bit of insight into human behavior, you could say."
"You filthy secret keeper," Dominic gaped, "holding out on me like that! Sexy and smart, you are!"
"I know, darling. I know."
"What else are you hiding from me? Are you a secret agent in your spare time? Do you perform brain surgery as a hobby, just for kicks?"
Mabel snorted. "Pffft. Don't be silly, boy. Although, that series of abstract paintings on the wall in my entryway?"
"You're fucking kidding me."
"What can I say? I'm a well-traveled, sophisticated, modern woman of the world," Mabel winked, "hot-ass."
"Thank you. I mean it, thank you for letting me come to you like this. Thank you for being an objective voice in this. I didn't really feel comfortable going to Tom or Chris for advice." Dominic bit his lip.
"Don't thank me. What are friends for, if not to offer support when people need that? And, you don't have to worry, I'd never repeat a word of what you've said here today. I wouldn't disrespect Matthew or you that way. If you ask me, he's exceedingly lucky, you know."
"How so?"
"Because you have a huge heart, Dominic. I mean, of course, you are hoping that you can make this relationship work, but it's obvious that you're mostly concerned with him and his well being, with your own desires being secondary. That's the kind of support that he's going to need in this. So, yes, he's lucky."
Dominic smiled softly, saying nothing.
"You know, I'd like to have a nice, long talk with Matthew someday. Perhaps when the two of you get things worked we can go back to the diner, all three of us. I'd love to hear his thoughts on precognition."
"Precogwhat?"
"Ask Matthew."
"I'll take you up on that diner visit, though. He would love that. I would love that."
"Then, that makes three of us," Mabel commented, nodding.
In the end, Dominic had to settle for a lime green lava lamp, but he was okay with it because it matched a pair of his favorite jeans. He had brought his purchase into the studio with him to show it off, and it was on the table in the break room, doing it's freaky, lava-ish magic, rendering Dominic hypnotized, when the door opened.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
Dominic shook his head and looked up into Matthew's curious face. "No, no!"
"Are you sure? You were approaching an impressive drool stage when I walked in just now."
"Smarty pants," Dominic smiled, his elbows resting on the table. "Hey, I have a question for you."
"Sure."
"What's precognition?"
Matthew's face lit up as though he'd just realized it was Christmas morning. His eyes widened and he gasped aloud. "Precognition? As in second sight? Well, the technical definition of precognition is basically the acquisition of knowledge of a future event or situation before it actually has occurred."
"Like, willing something to happen, and it does?"
"No, no, it's simply the mere perception of the event - not the mastering and genesis of the event. It happens through unnatural means, if you will; that is to say through supernatural means, well, that is, depending on who you talk to. Mainstream psychiatry scoffs at the idea, instead referring to it as simple hallucination. Oh, Dominic, it's fascinating, simply fascinating! I sat in once on a session involving a young woman and a stack of Rhine cards that still, to this day, blows my mind. Her clairvoyant abilities surpassed anything that any of us involved in that study had ever, ever seen! She-" Matthew stopped suddenly, flushing. He shifted awkwardly. "Forgive me, I'm rambling."
"I love it when you ramble, though," Dominic replied.
Matthew flushed. "Um, how are you?"
"I'm good, you?"
"Good, good."
"How was your visit with Cass?" Dominic eyed the door, then patted the empty seat next to his own. "Sit with me, yeah?" Matthew sat, tucking his thick brown hair behind his ear as he did. Dominic found himself making a mental note to, as soon as possible, find out just how the patch of skin beneath Matthew's earlobe felt beneath his lips. There were so many parts of Matthew, body and soul, that he wanted to know more intimately.
He hoped that he wouldn't have to wait too long to learn everything.
"It was good. He's a great brother. He looks out for me, you'd think there were this massive age gap between us when actually it's anything but the case," Matthew laughed. "It feels like he's got all of this innate wisdom that I don't have, like he's the wise, sage older brother and I'm the little brother. He's a pain to buy dinner for, though, the bastard can eat like a damn champion, and leave me with the check every time."
"You were certainly happy to see him."
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course."
"Imissedyoulastnight." The statement came out as one long word
"You did?"
"I did. As much as I love my brother, I found myself wishing that you'd been there with us. I don't know what you'll make of me saying all this, but it's just the truth." He exhaled shakily, flushing as sweat broke out on his brow. "I can't believe I said it myself."
Dominic, for his part, absolutely, positively melted at Matthew's admission. He wasn't aware he was grinning so widely until his cheeks began to grow sore from the effort. He covered Matthew's hand with his own on the table, Matthew biting his lower lip. "Would you like to hear a confession?"
"Of course."
"I missed you, too."
"So, would you, I mean maybe we could do something? Like, um, if you want to, of course. If you aren't otherwise engaged? It's okay if you are, I understand."
"Hey," Dominic whispered, moving his chair as close to Matthew as he could. He was reminded of Matthew asking permission for a kiss in his apartment the other morning, of how timid and uncertain... of how undeserving he seemed to feel. Dominic wanted to build his confidence any way he could. "Don't do that. Don't automatically assume that you're not worth my time. Okay?"
Matthew didn't speak right away. He bit his lip and swallowed tightly, his eyes scanning his fingernails, until he summoned the courage to look into Dominic's eyes. "Sorry, I-"
Dominic leaned in swiftly and pecked Matthew's lips softly. "No apologies," he whispered against Matthew's mouth. "They're not necessary, not with me. I promise you that. And, of course I want to see you again!"
"I don't know, I..." Matthew met his gaze. "I really like you, Dominic. I just. I... it's a bit difficult for me to, um," he scratched the back of his neck, looking increasingly uncomfortable, "um, articulate what I need to say."
"Any man on the face of this planet would be thrilled to hear anything you have to say, Bell."
"Not all of them," Matthew replied quickly. Almost as an afterthought, his brow furrowed. "Wait, Bell?"
"Yeah. I've given you a pet name, a term of official endearment. Do you mind terribly?"
"No," Matthew replied, his cheeks turning a violent (though adorable) shade of crimson. "I.. I like it, actually."
"I was listening to you as I fell asleep the other night. The sound of your voice is captivating, so much so that to me it's like a finely tuned, expensive, one-of-a-kind bell."
Matthew swallowed, looking directly into Dominic's eyes with an intensity and honesty that Dominic hadn't experienced before. "That's... men don't say wonderful things like that to me," he whispered. "Ever."
"Well, this man does," Dominic replied solemnly as he squeezed Matthew's hand. "I suggest that you get used to it." Dominic's mind raced. Was Matthew's comment an indictment of his former partner, who clearly hadn't been in the habit of saying kind and uplifting things to Matthew, who had, according to Cass, been capable of some truly horrible things? It certainly seemed as though that were the case.
Matthew glanced at the door to make certain that they were indeed alone, then turned back to Dominic. His hand resting atop Dominic's knee, he leaned in, the tip of his nose touching Dominic's own awkwardly, until he cocked his head nervously to meet Dominic for a kiss. By the time their lips met, both pairs were smiling, both happily, if a bit nervously. The kiss was soft and sweet, Dominic's left hand carding through Matthew's thick, soft hair the entire time. When they parted, Matthew impulsively pecked the corner of Dominic's mouth before standing.
"I should get to my office. You're on air soon and I have some research to get to for tonight."
"So, when do you want to get together?"
"How about Saturday afternoon?"
"That, Mr. Bellamy, sounds impossibly groovy," Dominic nodded. "I will see you then." Matthew's pursed lips turned up slightly into the beginnings of a smile, and with his hand on the doorknob, he turned back to Dominic.
"You really do listen to my show?"
"Until I fall asleep. Every night."
Matthew smiled. "Cool. Oh, and Dom?"
"Yeah?"
"Nice lava lamp."