Son Of A Preacher Man (2/?)
Title: Son Of A Preacher Man (2/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Rating: This part, PG
Warnings: Language, Sudden Southern Drawls, Tight Blue Jeans.
Summary: AU Belldom, set in the Deep American South. Enough said, y'all.
Feedback: Is welcome if you're so inclined.
Archive: Links only.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no $$ being made, and this is fiction. Title taken lovingly from the song of the same name.
Beta/Support team of awesomeness: As always, eternal thanks to my lovely, dear ladies dolce_piccante, myz_bee and frolicandfall for constant inspiration, love and support. It means everything.
Author's Note:I wish to bestow a bevvy of Tennants upon lalalive23. Just sayin'. And of course, HUGE thanks to my girl M, captivemuse for her help in all thangs Southern. Your assistance is critical and greatly appreciated, and a case of Cheerwine is headed your way, girl! <3
This is for Wifey, especially on today of all days. Love you. &hearts
"Mornin', big mama," a voice drawled from the front door.
Kelly groaned, waddling down the last couple of stairs. "Matty, I'm as big as a got damn house, I don't need you reminding me of it before seven in the morning."
"C'mon now," Matthew replied, "ain't a prettier mama-to-be in the whole world than you are right now." To bring his point home he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the cheek. "That youngun's gonna be blessed to have y'all for parents."
She smiled weakly, allowing him to lead her into the kitchen. Matthew was more than Chris' best friend, he had truly become something of a brother to him, and a dear friend to Kelly. Kelly often thought that at times there was a sadness about Matthew, something that she couldn't put her finger on no matter how hard she tried. It seemed to Kelly that what he needed in his life was a good country girl; hell, a man that gorgeous shouldn't be going home all by his fine self at night. So, for that reason, Kelly had made it her mission the past couple months to see if she could help him in that department.
"How you been doin'?" she asked as casually as she knew how. It wasn't quite as casual as she'd hoped, though; Matthew blushed and looked away.
"Kell, don't start, please."
"You know," she continued, ignoring his plea, "Tonya was asking after you the other night-"
"Oh," he whispered, "was she?"
"And Mary Lou is always pickin' my brain, asking me if you're seeing anyone-"
"Kelly," Chris walked into the kitchen, "baby, leave Matty alone! Quit playin' matchmaker."
"But I-" Kelly began to argue but then caught sight of Matthew, his face red, and unless she was very much mistaken, a little tense. His expression caught her off guard and actually caused her to slam her mouth shut and smile. With a promise to give Matthew a break, complete with a kiss to his soft black hair, she excused herself to finish getting ready for her doctor's appointment that morning.
"Sorry," Chris groaned, "she means well, I reckon."
"I know she does, s'okay."
"She just wants you happy, hell, we both want that."
"I'm alright," Matthew smiled, "y'all worry too much!" He wandered over to the counter, stealing the last piece of bacon from the plate on the stovetop. This was a conversation he wanted to end as quickly as possible, and bacon was a glorious distraction.
Chris frowned, downing the last of his coffee. "That's just it. "Alright" ain't good enough, not when it comes to you. We both want more for you. Except for when you steal the last piece of bacon like that," he laughed.
Matthew laughed in kind. "Ain't noone's fault but yours for leaving any uneaten! Bacon's a thing of beauty, Christopher," he said, his mouth full. He licked the salty grease from his fingertips before reaching for his neon green colored drink.
"I'm never gonna understand how you can stand to drink Mountain Dew this early in the mornin'."
"It wakes me up!" the brunet argued.
"Baby!" Kelly yelled from the doorway, "I'm gone! Love ya, you too, Matty!"
The two men hurried to the door. Chris raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don't want me to come with you? I wish you'd let me!"
She shook her head firmly, stepping forward to kiss him on the cheek. "Ain't no need, it's just a checkup - besides, you and Matty need to get to work. I'll be back in a couple hours!" With that she glanced at Matthew and shot him a gorgeous smile, the brunet winking at her.
One hour later Kelly had finished up with her appointment and was walking down Main Street when she heard a voice call out , "Kelly, c'mere sweet girl!"
She smiled to herself, turning around. "How you doin' this mornin', Uncle Les?"
Les Fox and his wife Mary owned a small hardware store in town, right across the road from Bellamy's. They, much like the Bellamys, had a reputation for being some of the nicest, most easygoing people around, not to mention that they were Kelly's aunt and uncle.
"Lord a'mercy, look at you!" Les' eyes widened, pulling her close for a hug. "How close are you now, girl?"
"You're the second man to point out that I'm big as a whale in the past two hours," she warned playfully, "watch it! I've got about a month and a half to go. I just came from Doc Cooper's."
"And?" the old man bit his lip nervously.
"Everything's fine," she laughed.
"Good, good! Listen, Christopher had ordered some parts for the tractor and they just came in, let me box them up and you can take them home with you!"
"Sure thing!" Kelly nodded, following him into the store, which was quiet, save for the lone customer talking to her Aunt Mary at the counter. She looked up when Kelly came in.
"Hey, babygirl," she beamed, "I'll be right with ya, as soon as I get this young man's supplies." With that she disappeared into the back room. Uncle Les reappeared behind Kelly.
"Did Christopher ever get the irrigation up and running again?"
"Nah, not just yet - he's hoping Matthew can help him work on it some, though. It's been a bit of a mess, really, finding someone who knows them inside and out."
The customer at the counter, who had been silent till now, piped up. "What kind of irrigation system you got? If I can ask, that is, ma'am?"
Kelly turned, and her mouth dropped open.
The owner of that voice was a tall blond, sporting a tight black button-down, and tight jeans. His golden hair was mussed gorgeously, and a gold chain rested against his neck. Yes, Kelly was a happily married woman, but she still had blood flowing through her veins, and this man, well, he was a tall drink of water, for sure.
"Um. It's a-" she shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away from the way that neck of his looked against that black shirt. "I mean, my husband installed a lateral move system." He paid for his purchases and turned to her.
"Well, I don't mean to pry, ma'am, but that's what we had at our old place! I've worked on them before, know 'em inside and out, and I'd be glad to pitch in if y'all need it." He smiled, tearing a piece of paper from the bag he was holding, and scribbled his phone number down. A brilliant smile graced his full lips as he handed it to Kelly. "Tell your husband to holler if he needs any extra help, ok?" He turned then and walked away from Kelly, his steps confident and a bit cocky. It was sexy as hell, she decided.
Actually, was he strutting? She was pretty sure he was strutting.
"Hey," she called out, "what's your name?"
The man stopped at the door and turned back to her with a wink. "Dominic."
Then he was gone.
"Who was that?" she asked.
Aunt Mary smiled. "Y'all heard about the new preacher in town?"
"Yeah," Kelly answered, even though she and Chris weren't exactly churchgoers themselves. If this new preacher was anything like the last one that the town had, she wouldn't be impressed. The two of them had decided long ago that they had no patience for getting up on a Sunday morning to listen to something that amounted to hate disguised as love and charity. They both knew that not all ministers adhered to such radical beliefs, but this was a small Southern town, and plenty of the townspeople liked an old fashioned, hellfire and brimstone preacher. Reverend Jackson had fit the bill perfectly, until he and his family moved to a neighboring town a couple months back.
"Well, he's got two sons, and that's the oldest one. Sweet boy, and a looker, ain't he?"
Later that afternoon when Kelly returned home she decided to walk out to the barn to see how things were coming along, and to take the boys a pitcher of iced sweet tea. She pulled open the wooden doors and gasped aloud, putting the tray down.
"It's not as bad as it looks, promise!" Matthew said quickly, getting a chair for her to sit in before pouring himself and Chris a glass. Matthew stuck two fingers into his glass of tea and retrieved an ice cube. Securing it between his fingers, he dragged it across his chest and neck, sighing at the sensation. In the meanwhile, Kelly took in the scene before her.
Parts were strewn about the barn floor, like an oversized Erector set. Chris and Matthew were standing among the mess, shirtless, both of them an overheated mess. Even though she was confused and worried, the sight of her hubby in tight jeans made up for it a little butt, erm, bit.
"What the hell happened?" Her eyes were wide as she spoke. "Baby? What on earth?" Chris hurried over to her, kneeling next to her.
"It's okay! We decided to, erm, just take it apart and start over, that's all."
"So," she said slowly, "y'all can put it back together?"
The two of them answered at the same time.
"Yeah!" Chris assured her.
"Hell, no," Matthew admitted calmly, jumping with a small yelp when the piece of ice slid from his fingertips down his bare back.
It was comical, really, the two of them standing before her, Chris all smiles and positivity, and Matthew, right next to him, matter-of-fact and a little nervous. The sight made her burst out laughing.
"So what y'all gonna do now?"
The men looked at each other for a beat before mimicking their answering actions from mere moments before:
"We're gonna fix it, baby!"
"No fuckin' clue."
Chris glared at Matthew, who merely shrugged in response, hands on his slender hips.
"What d'you want me to say, Chris? I ain't no miracle worker!"
Chris sighed, running one hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "Wanna call it a day on this and see what else we can destroy?"
Matthew nodded. "May as well. At least we can get the barn repairs done."
"I'll leave y'all to it," Kelly smiled sweetly, standing up. "Gonna head back to the house and figure out what to do for supper."
"Don' you dare!" Chris exclaimed, hurrying over to her, kissing her lips swiftly. "You ain't got no business standing over a hot stove in this heat - let me do the cooking tonight, baby. You go rest."
"Okay," she nodded, returning his kiss. They parted, Matthew grinning at them both.
"Aww. Y'all are so damned cute."
Kelly laughed as she walked away, her fingertips rubbing against the piece of paper in her pocket.
It was time, she decided, that she introduced herself to the new preacher's son.
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Rating: This part, PG
Warnings: Language, Sudden Southern Drawls, Tight Blue Jeans.
Summary: AU Belldom, set in the Deep American South. Enough said, y'all.
Feedback: Is welcome if you're so inclined.
Archive: Links only.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse, no $$ being made, and this is fiction. Title taken lovingly from the song of the same name.
Beta/Support team of awesomeness: As always, eternal thanks to my lovely, dear ladies dolce_piccante, myz_bee and frolicandfall for constant inspiration, love and support. It means everything.
Author's Note:I wish to bestow a bevvy of Tennants upon lalalive23. Just sayin'. And of course, HUGE thanks to my girl M, captivemuse for her help in all thangs Southern. Your assistance is critical and greatly appreciated, and a case of Cheerwine is headed your way, girl! <3
This is for Wifey, especially on today of all days. Love you. &hearts
"Mornin', big mama," a voice drawled from the front door.
Kelly groaned, waddling down the last couple of stairs. "Matty, I'm as big as a got damn house, I don't need you reminding me of it before seven in the morning."
"C'mon now," Matthew replied, "ain't a prettier mama-to-be in the whole world than you are right now." To bring his point home he pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the cheek. "That youngun's gonna be blessed to have y'all for parents."
She smiled weakly, allowing him to lead her into the kitchen. Matthew was more than Chris' best friend, he had truly become something of a brother to him, and a dear friend to Kelly. Kelly often thought that at times there was a sadness about Matthew, something that she couldn't put her finger on no matter how hard she tried. It seemed to Kelly that what he needed in his life was a good country girl; hell, a man that gorgeous shouldn't be going home all by his fine self at night. So, for that reason, Kelly had made it her mission the past couple months to see if she could help him in that department.
"How you been doin'?" she asked as casually as she knew how. It wasn't quite as casual as she'd hoped, though; Matthew blushed and looked away.
"Kell, don't start, please."
"You know," she continued, ignoring his plea, "Tonya was asking after you the other night-"
"Oh," he whispered, "was she?"
"And Mary Lou is always pickin' my brain, asking me if you're seeing anyone-"
"Kelly," Chris walked into the kitchen, "baby, leave Matty alone! Quit playin' matchmaker."
"But I-" Kelly began to argue but then caught sight of Matthew, his face red, and unless she was very much mistaken, a little tense. His expression caught her off guard and actually caused her to slam her mouth shut and smile. With a promise to give Matthew a break, complete with a kiss to his soft black hair, she excused herself to finish getting ready for her doctor's appointment that morning.
"Sorry," Chris groaned, "she means well, I reckon."
"I know she does, s'okay."
"She just wants you happy, hell, we both want that."
"I'm alright," Matthew smiled, "y'all worry too much!" He wandered over to the counter, stealing the last piece of bacon from the plate on the stovetop. This was a conversation he wanted to end as quickly as possible, and bacon was a glorious distraction.
Chris frowned, downing the last of his coffee. "That's just it. "Alright" ain't good enough, not when it comes to you. We both want more for you. Except for when you steal the last piece of bacon like that," he laughed.
Matthew laughed in kind. "Ain't noone's fault but yours for leaving any uneaten! Bacon's a thing of beauty, Christopher," he said, his mouth full. He licked the salty grease from his fingertips before reaching for his neon green colored drink.
"I'm never gonna understand how you can stand to drink Mountain Dew this early in the mornin'."
"It wakes me up!" the brunet argued.
"Baby!" Kelly yelled from the doorway, "I'm gone! Love ya, you too, Matty!"
The two men hurried to the door. Chris raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don't want me to come with you? I wish you'd let me!"
She shook her head firmly, stepping forward to kiss him on the cheek. "Ain't no need, it's just a checkup - besides, you and Matty need to get to work. I'll be back in a couple hours!" With that she glanced at Matthew and shot him a gorgeous smile, the brunet winking at her.
One hour later Kelly had finished up with her appointment and was walking down Main Street when she heard a voice call out , "Kelly, c'mere sweet girl!"
She smiled to herself, turning around. "How you doin' this mornin', Uncle Les?"
Les Fox and his wife Mary owned a small hardware store in town, right across the road from Bellamy's. They, much like the Bellamys, had a reputation for being some of the nicest, most easygoing people around, not to mention that they were Kelly's aunt and uncle.
"Lord a'mercy, look at you!" Les' eyes widened, pulling her close for a hug. "How close are you now, girl?"
"You're the second man to point out that I'm big as a whale in the past two hours," she warned playfully, "watch it! I've got about a month and a half to go. I just came from Doc Cooper's."
"And?" the old man bit his lip nervously.
"Everything's fine," she laughed.
"Good, good! Listen, Christopher had ordered some parts for the tractor and they just came in, let me box them up and you can take them home with you!"
"Sure thing!" Kelly nodded, following him into the store, which was quiet, save for the lone customer talking to her Aunt Mary at the counter. She looked up when Kelly came in.
"Hey, babygirl," she beamed, "I'll be right with ya, as soon as I get this young man's supplies." With that she disappeared into the back room. Uncle Les reappeared behind Kelly.
"Did Christopher ever get the irrigation up and running again?"
"Nah, not just yet - he's hoping Matthew can help him work on it some, though. It's been a bit of a mess, really, finding someone who knows them inside and out."
The customer at the counter, who had been silent till now, piped up. "What kind of irrigation system you got? If I can ask, that is, ma'am?"
Kelly turned, and her mouth dropped open.
The owner of that voice was a tall blond, sporting a tight black button-down, and tight jeans. His golden hair was mussed gorgeously, and a gold chain rested against his neck. Yes, Kelly was a happily married woman, but she still had blood flowing through her veins, and this man, well, he was a tall drink of water, for sure.
"Um. It's a-" she shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away from the way that neck of his looked against that black shirt. "I mean, my husband installed a lateral move system." He paid for his purchases and turned to her.
"Well, I don't mean to pry, ma'am, but that's what we had at our old place! I've worked on them before, know 'em inside and out, and I'd be glad to pitch in if y'all need it." He smiled, tearing a piece of paper from the bag he was holding, and scribbled his phone number down. A brilliant smile graced his full lips as he handed it to Kelly. "Tell your husband to holler if he needs any extra help, ok?" He turned then and walked away from Kelly, his steps confident and a bit cocky. It was sexy as hell, she decided.
Actually, was he strutting? She was pretty sure he was strutting.
"Hey," she called out, "what's your name?"
The man stopped at the door and turned back to her with a wink. "Dominic."
Then he was gone.
"Who was that?" she asked.
Aunt Mary smiled. "Y'all heard about the new preacher in town?"
"Yeah," Kelly answered, even though she and Chris weren't exactly churchgoers themselves. If this new preacher was anything like the last one that the town had, she wouldn't be impressed. The two of them had decided long ago that they had no patience for getting up on a Sunday morning to listen to something that amounted to hate disguised as love and charity. They both knew that not all ministers adhered to such radical beliefs, but this was a small Southern town, and plenty of the townspeople liked an old fashioned, hellfire and brimstone preacher. Reverend Jackson had fit the bill perfectly, until he and his family moved to a neighboring town a couple months back.
"Well, he's got two sons, and that's the oldest one. Sweet boy, and a looker, ain't he?"
Later that afternoon when Kelly returned home she decided to walk out to the barn to see how things were coming along, and to take the boys a pitcher of iced sweet tea. She pulled open the wooden doors and gasped aloud, putting the tray down.
"It's not as bad as it looks, promise!" Matthew said quickly, getting a chair for her to sit in before pouring himself and Chris a glass. Matthew stuck two fingers into his glass of tea and retrieved an ice cube. Securing it between his fingers, he dragged it across his chest and neck, sighing at the sensation. In the meanwhile, Kelly took in the scene before her.
Parts were strewn about the barn floor, like an oversized Erector set. Chris and Matthew were standing among the mess, shirtless, both of them an overheated mess. Even though she was confused and worried, the sight of her hubby in tight jeans made up for it a little butt, erm, bit.
"What the hell happened?" Her eyes were wide as she spoke. "Baby? What on earth?" Chris hurried over to her, kneeling next to her.
"It's okay! We decided to, erm, just take it apart and start over, that's all."
"So," she said slowly, "y'all can put it back together?"
The two of them answered at the same time.
"Yeah!" Chris assured her.
"Hell, no," Matthew admitted calmly, jumping with a small yelp when the piece of ice slid from his fingertips down his bare back.
It was comical, really, the two of them standing before her, Chris all smiles and positivity, and Matthew, right next to him, matter-of-fact and a little nervous. The sight made her burst out laughing.
"So what y'all gonna do now?"
The men looked at each other for a beat before mimicking their answering actions from mere moments before:
"We're gonna fix it, baby!"
"No fuckin' clue."
Chris glared at Matthew, who merely shrugged in response, hands on his slender hips.
"What d'you want me to say, Chris? I ain't no miracle worker!"
Chris sighed, running one hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "Wanna call it a day on this and see what else we can destroy?"
Matthew nodded. "May as well. At least we can get the barn repairs done."
"I'll leave y'all to it," Kelly smiled sweetly, standing up. "Gonna head back to the house and figure out what to do for supper."
"Don' you dare!" Chris exclaimed, hurrying over to her, kissing her lips swiftly. "You ain't got no business standing over a hot stove in this heat - let me do the cooking tonight, baby. You go rest."
"Okay," she nodded, returning his kiss. They parted, Matthew grinning at them both.
"Aww. Y'all are so damned cute."
Kelly laughed as she walked away, her fingertips rubbing against the piece of paper in her pocket.
It was time, she decided, that she introduced herself to the new preacher's son.