Seventeen Steps (6/?)
Title: Seventeen Steps (6/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom (AU)
Rating: Will vary, this chapter: PG
Warnings: None
Beta: My Random Chants Selection, ophelia1971 &hearts
Summary: Matthew is intrigued by his newest neighbor.
Feedback: Would be lovely, if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse; the following is pure fiction.
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Chris blinked. “Your sister?”
“Yes, that’s my younger sister Paige,” Dominic explained. “Well, younger by about thirteen minutes or so, to be exact.”
“You have a twin sister! I see,” Chris frowned. “I’m sorry I jumped to such a bizarre conclusion just now, Dominic.”
“S’okay. Matthew is lucky to have a friend like you.” Dominic looked at his watch, it read 10.45. “Speaking of Matthew, I really need to talk to him. I sort of owe him an apology. Do you think he would mind me calling him this time of night?” He quirked an eyebrow at Chris. “What happened to you? Are you alright?”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind at all,” Chris smiled. “And this? Just a little accident. Erm, don’t tell Matt, yeah? He’ll be relentless next time he sees me if he knows my clumsiness has struck yet again.” He made his way down the hall before turning back to Dominic.
“I hope your sister is alright.”
“Thanks. So do I.” He waved to Chris before making his way back to Paige’s room. He found her in bed, reading a book. He sat down in the chair beside her bed.
“P.D. James? Ah, I approve! Which book is that?”
She smiled weakly at her big brother. “My favorite: Death of an Expert Witness. Dom, forgive me for earlier? I shouldn‘t have called you like that. I just… I panicked when my treatment made me that sick.” She put the book down, frowning. “I’m so mad at myself right now. You deserved a night away from all this and I ruined it.”
“Stop it, silly. You don’t have to apologize for anything, you know that.” He stroked her hair. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me.”
Paige looked aghast at Dominic’s words. “No. No, no, no, no. See, this is what I am most afraid of: that I’ll become a burden to you, Dom. I know that you’re here for me, believe me, I do, but you must be able to have a life of your own as well. It’s been so long since you’ve seen any peace.” She grabbed his hand. “I‘ve been so worried about you, well, until these past few days,” she said cheekily. “You do seem a little more like your old self this week… at times you’re positively glowing.”
“Am not!! Wait, what do you mean?” Dominic blushed, because he knew full well what she meant.
“You know precisely what I mean, Dominic James Howard. This Matthew must be something special to affect you this deeply. So, tell me, have you snogged him yet? I want filthy details,” she teased.
Dominic grinned, pleased to see that old familiar wicked gleam in his sister’s eyes. “Paige, my dear, that is absolutely none of your business, you know. I don’t snog and tell.”
She cackled. “Aha!! So, you have! Do you looooooooove him, Dommie?”
Dominic giggled in spite of himself.
The smile left Paige’s face. “There. That look on your face, right there… that’s the Dominic I remember growing up with. I’ve missed him.” She sat up, leaning forward to hug him. “Go home.”
He shook his head firmly. “No chance. I’m staying right here.”
“Dom, whatever they’ve given me to help me sleep is already starting to kick in, and Eve is on duty tonight, so you know I’m in good hands. If anything changes I’ll call you, I promise. I insist that you go home and get some proper rest. For that matter, give Matthew a call, or go see him.” She winked obnoxiously at Dominic.
He looked down. “I want to, but I don’t know, Paige.”
“Hey,” Paige whispered. “Give him a chance. There are some good people left in this world, Dom. Matthew sounds like he might be one of them.
“How’s my favorite set of twins tonight?“
Eve, the night nurse, came in and began checking Paige’s blood pressure.
Dominic nodded at Eve. He was torn. The thought of a night‘s sleep in an actual bed sounded fantastic to him. Still, he knew that he wouldn't be able to help feeling guilty at leaving Paige alone. “Are you sure,” he whispered, “that you don’t mind?”
She looked him straight in the eye, smiling softly. “I don’t mind, at all. I love you, Dom. Now get the hell out of my sight, please? Tell him, Eve.”
“Everything looks really good, Mr. Howard. Her vitals look great considering what happened earlier,” Eve reassured him. “I will call you if anything changes, I promise.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be just a couple of minutes away, alright?”
“Begone, you!” Paige commanded.
__________
Matthew had fallen asleep on his couch after his bath. He was awakened by a gentle knocking at his front door. He sat up quickly, squinting at his watch. 11.18. He stumbled to the door, wondering who it could be this time of night.
He was pleasantly surprised to see Dominic standing before him.
“I’m sorry, Matthew, I know it’s late, but, can I talk to you?”
“Of course you can! Come in.” As Dominic walked past him, Matthew ran his hands through his hair, wishing he were wearing something other than an old Joy Division t-shirt and torn jeans. He sat down on the couch, motioning for Dominic to do the same.
“Have a seat, can I get you something?”
Dominic shook his head nervously. He paced relentlessly in front of Matthew. Twice he seemed ready to open his mouth to speak, only to change his mind at the last moment.
“Dominic? What’s up?”
Before Dominic knew what was happening the words came tumbling out of his mouth. He sat down on the far end of the couch.
“Matthew, I really want you and I to have a shot at… this. So, I want to tell you why I keep disappearing on you.”
Matthew sat up straighter. “Okay,” he agreed, nodding seriously. “To be honest I’’d already decided that you were some sort of superhero and that was why you kept disappearing like you did.”
Dominic laughed. “Ha! If only! The truth is that I’m not alone here in town. My sister and I live together… my twin sister Paige.”
“You have a twin sister? Oh, that’s fabulous,” Matthew grinned.
“She is fabulous. She’s funny, clever, beautiful… and she is my life. It’s true what they say about twins sharing an unspoken bond. We’ve both felt it ever since we were very young. The thing is, Matthew, she’s quite ill.”
“Ill? How so?”
Dominic grimaced. “Paige forbids me to speak its name aloud. She refers to it as that disease that begins with a C and rhymes with dancer. You know the one, I’m sure.”
“I do.”
“She’s been fighting it for about two years now. We’ve come to Devon because she’s been referred to a local oncologist who is experienced in treating her ‘illness‘. Paige, for the longest time, was the only positive presence in my life. Until I met you, that is.” Dominic eyed Matthew curiously “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn by saying that, Matthew. I know that we haven’t known each other that long, but, there is something happening here, isn’t there? Do you feel it?”
Matthew nodded, smiling softly.
Dominic‘s cheeks flushed slightly. He looked at the floor. “Then it’s only fair that I tell you that I’m a mess right now, Matthew. Paige is really struggling these days. She’s always looked to me for guidance and this time I feel so inadequate. I can’t fix this for her, and I’m angry.”
“You can’t fix it, you’re right,” Matthew pointed out, “But you’re doing exactly what you should be, you are there for her and it’s clear that you love her very much.”
“Loving her can’t keep her from losing her hair. Loving her can’t keep her from being so weak she can’t even speak to me. If loving her were enough we’d already have beat this. Sometimes I just,” Dominic hesitated. “No, forget it.”
“What? You can say anything, Dom.” Matthew placed one hand on Dominic’s arm. “Erm, that is… can I call you Dom?”
Dominic smiled, inching forward, resting his cheek on the back of the couch. “Absolutely,” he whispered.
“Go on, then, Dom.”
“Sometimes I just want to forget about all this. About sickness.” Dominic looked away, his shoulders falling in defeat. “About the fact that she deserves someone so much better than me to look after her.” He shot Matthew a rueful look. “I hate myself for feeling this way. She’s the one living through this, not me, yet here I am, whining like a child. I can barely cope and she soldiers on without a complaint. It’s… pathetic.”
Matthew shook his head in wonder. “It’s not pathetic at all. It’s completely normal to feel so overwhelmed in a situation like yours. Don’t beat yourself up, Dom. You‘re living through this, with her. As for Paige, well, she possesses a strength I can’t even imagine. You know, it seems to me that she’s had some bloody good support and guidance to be as strong as she is.” He cocked his eye at Dominic while scooting closer to Dominic’s side of the couch. “Don’t you think so?”
“I - I don’t know.“ Dominic reached out to rub lazy circles on Matthew’s knee, silently willing Matthew to move even closer.
“I do,“ Matthew said firmly. “I feel certain that she’d agree with me. She’s incredibly lucky to have you for a brother. You’ll never be able to convince me otherwise.” He leaned forward, brushing stray strands of blonde hair from Dominic’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Dominic shifted his long legs, moving closer to Matthew with a shy smile. “For…?”
“For trusting me with something so private,” Matthew replied as they found themselves face to face. “And, I agree with what you said earlier. I’d like to give us a shot too. More than you know.” He slid one hand behind Dominic’s head, gently massaging the nape of his neck. Matthew shivered; the skin he found there was soft and warm under his fingertips. Dominic’s eyes fluttered shut as Matthew caressed his neck, but not before reaching out for Matthew’s free hand, lacing their fingers together. Eventually Dominic allowed his head to fall forward so that his cheek was resting against Matthew’s. Opening his eyes, Dominic tried to fight the urge to move forward a little more so he could kiss the adorable earlobe that was mere inches from his lips.
Matthew nuzzled Dominic’s hair, dangerously close to becoming intoxicated from the sweet smell and silky feel of it alone. Seeking some reassurance, desperate to know that he’d been of some comfort, he whispered into Dominic’s ear.
“That better?” Matthew asked, giving Dominic’s hand a gentle squeeze. His heart fell when Dominic shook his head before removing his jacket and lying back on the couch.
Dominic motioned for Matthew to lie with him, slowly pulling Matthew down into his open arms. Matthew sighed audibly as Dominic enveloped him in his arms.
“Now,” Dominic breathed. “Better now.”
He shifted slightly so that Matthew was lying on top of him. Dominic reeled at the feel of Matthew’s heartbeat through his thin t-shirt, reveled in every breath that Matthew took, and knew in this moment that he never, ever, wanted to hold anyone else like this. Suddenly Dominic spoke.
“Matthew?”
“Yes?”
Dominic leaned up, kissing Matthew’s cheek, while snaking one hand under his shirt to stroke his lower back before drifting further south. Matthew’s entire body flushed when he felt Dominic’s hand cupping his arse through his jeans. Daring to look up, he found Dominic’s eyes. Matthew was not at all surprised to learn that they were impossibly beautiful when they were this full of desire. Matthew shifted his legs, causing them both to gasp as the hardness in Dominic’s trousers met an answering one. It took a mammoth effort for Matthew to not grind down into Dominic; to that end Matthew squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to be still. Dominic exhaled shakily and captured Matthew’s earlobe between his lips, finally making his request.
“Make me forget?”
Matthew’s heart began to pound when Dominic sucked on his earlobe hungrily. Oh God, just like that, Dom. “Dom, I don‘t think…” he began.
“Please, Matthew?” Dominic whispered, releasing Matthew’s earlobe before kissing his cheek softly.
“Dom, I want this so much, want you so much, but,” Matthew whispered, sitting up, “but not - not like this. You‘re not yourself tonight. It wouldn‘t be right.”
Dominic sat up as well, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his hair. His eyes danced as he smiled at Matthew. “Intelligent, kind, handsome, funny… and a total gentleman,” he proclaimed, punctuating each attribute with a kiss to one of Matthew’s fingertips. “What are you, Matthew Bellamy? And, more importantly,” he wondered aloud, “how is it possible that nobody has snagged you for themselves before now?”
“I think that someone just has,” Matthew replied.
Dominic kissed the back of Matthew’s hand, grasping it firmly. “I should go. I’m shattered, and I bet you are too. This would be a good time to finally make up my bed, if I can stay awake long enough to do it! I’ve spent so many nights at the hospital that I haven’t had to bother looking through unpacked boxes for bedclothes yet.”
Impulsively Matthew spoke. “Stay here tonight.” The thought of Dominic sleeping in an unmade bed in a flat full of unpacked boxes was unacceptable to him.
“No, I couldn’t. Anyway, there’s no need, I‘ll be fine!”
“Of course you can, in fact I insist that you do. You deserve a decent night‘s sleep. It‘s time you met Nova anyway,“ he winked. Matthew stood, pulled Dominic up by his hand and led him to his bedroom. He offered Dominic something clean to sleep in before showing him where the bathroom was. Dominic made sure his phone was on the nightstand within arms reach. Once Matthew was satisfied he’d thought of everything Dominic might need he gave him some privacy. After a few minutes he re-entered the bedroom to bid Dominic good night and stopped in his tracks.
Dominic had changed clothes and was already underneath the covers, lying on his side. One finger caressed Nova’s tank as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Matthew watched, captivated, as Nova swam excitedly in front of Dominic, clearly hoping to make a good impression on her newest acquaintance. Dominic leaned forward smiling, moving closer to the edge of the bed so he could watch her swim. Matthew sat down on the bed beside him, smiling at the sight of Dominic and Nova bonding.
“She’s beautiful, Matthew.”
“Very,” Matthew nodded, though he wasn‘t looking at Nova at all. He leaned down, cupping Dominic’s face in his hands. He kissed him sweetly, humming into the kiss as Dominic wrapped his hands around his neck, pulling Matthew down onto the bed with him. Matthew’s hands tangled in Dominic’s hair as one soft, lazy, wet kiss turned into two, then three, then six. Matthew suddenly wanted nothing more than to lie here with Dominic, to kiss him in the dark and hold him while he fell asleep. No, Dom needs to rest. After a few seconds Matthew released him reluctantly.
“Sleep well.”
Dominic nodded, already half asleep. He mumbled sleepily, “Kelly was right.”
“About what?”
Matthew barely heard Dominic’s whispered response.
“You’re an angel.”
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom (AU)
Rating: Will vary, this chapter: PG
Warnings: None
Beta: My Random Chants Selection, ophelia1971 &hearts
Summary: Matthew is intrigued by his newest neighbor.
Feedback: Would be lovely, if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse; the following is pure fiction.
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
Chris blinked. “Your sister?”
“Yes, that’s my younger sister Paige,” Dominic explained. “Well, younger by about thirteen minutes or so, to be exact.”
“You have a twin sister! I see,” Chris frowned. “I’m sorry I jumped to such a bizarre conclusion just now, Dominic.”
“S’okay. Matthew is lucky to have a friend like you.” Dominic looked at his watch, it read 10.45. “Speaking of Matthew, I really need to talk to him. I sort of owe him an apology. Do you think he would mind me calling him this time of night?” He quirked an eyebrow at Chris. “What happened to you? Are you alright?”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind at all,” Chris smiled. “And this? Just a little accident. Erm, don’t tell Matt, yeah? He’ll be relentless next time he sees me if he knows my clumsiness has struck yet again.” He made his way down the hall before turning back to Dominic.
“I hope your sister is alright.”
“Thanks. So do I.” He waved to Chris before making his way back to Paige’s room. He found her in bed, reading a book. He sat down in the chair beside her bed.
“P.D. James? Ah, I approve! Which book is that?”
She smiled weakly at her big brother. “My favorite: Death of an Expert Witness. Dom, forgive me for earlier? I shouldn‘t have called you like that. I just… I panicked when my treatment made me that sick.” She put the book down, frowning. “I’m so mad at myself right now. You deserved a night away from all this and I ruined it.”
“Stop it, silly. You don’t have to apologize for anything, you know that.” He stroked her hair. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me.”
Paige looked aghast at Dominic’s words. “No. No, no, no, no. See, this is what I am most afraid of: that I’ll become a burden to you, Dom. I know that you’re here for me, believe me, I do, but you must be able to have a life of your own as well. It’s been so long since you’ve seen any peace.” She grabbed his hand. “I‘ve been so worried about you, well, until these past few days,” she said cheekily. “You do seem a little more like your old self this week… at times you’re positively glowing.”
“Am not!! Wait, what do you mean?” Dominic blushed, because he knew full well what she meant.
“You know precisely what I mean, Dominic James Howard. This Matthew must be something special to affect you this deeply. So, tell me, have you snogged him yet? I want filthy details,” she teased.
Dominic grinned, pleased to see that old familiar wicked gleam in his sister’s eyes. “Paige, my dear, that is absolutely none of your business, you know. I don’t snog and tell.”
She cackled. “Aha!! So, you have! Do you looooooooove him, Dommie?”
Dominic giggled in spite of himself.
The smile left Paige’s face. “There. That look on your face, right there… that’s the Dominic I remember growing up with. I’ve missed him.” She sat up, leaning forward to hug him. “Go home.”
He shook his head firmly. “No chance. I’m staying right here.”
“Dom, whatever they’ve given me to help me sleep is already starting to kick in, and Eve is on duty tonight, so you know I’m in good hands. If anything changes I’ll call you, I promise. I insist that you go home and get some proper rest. For that matter, give Matthew a call, or go see him.” She winked obnoxiously at Dominic.
He looked down. “I want to, but I don’t know, Paige.”
“Hey,” Paige whispered. “Give him a chance. There are some good people left in this world, Dom. Matthew sounds like he might be one of them.
“How’s my favorite set of twins tonight?“
Eve, the night nurse, came in and began checking Paige’s blood pressure.
Dominic nodded at Eve. He was torn. The thought of a night‘s sleep in an actual bed sounded fantastic to him. Still, he knew that he wouldn't be able to help feeling guilty at leaving Paige alone. “Are you sure,” he whispered, “that you don’t mind?”
She looked him straight in the eye, smiling softly. “I don’t mind, at all. I love you, Dom. Now get the hell out of my sight, please? Tell him, Eve.”
“Everything looks really good, Mr. Howard. Her vitals look great considering what happened earlier,” Eve reassured him. “I will call you if anything changes, I promise.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be just a couple of minutes away, alright?”
“Begone, you!” Paige commanded.
__________
Matthew had fallen asleep on his couch after his bath. He was awakened by a gentle knocking at his front door. He sat up quickly, squinting at his watch. 11.18. He stumbled to the door, wondering who it could be this time of night.
He was pleasantly surprised to see Dominic standing before him.
“I’m sorry, Matthew, I know it’s late, but, can I talk to you?”
“Of course you can! Come in.” As Dominic walked past him, Matthew ran his hands through his hair, wishing he were wearing something other than an old Joy Division t-shirt and torn jeans. He sat down on the couch, motioning for Dominic to do the same.
“Have a seat, can I get you something?”
Dominic shook his head nervously. He paced relentlessly in front of Matthew. Twice he seemed ready to open his mouth to speak, only to change his mind at the last moment.
“Dominic? What’s up?”
Before Dominic knew what was happening the words came tumbling out of his mouth. He sat down on the far end of the couch.
“Matthew, I really want you and I to have a shot at… this. So, I want to tell you why I keep disappearing on you.”
Matthew sat up straighter. “Okay,” he agreed, nodding seriously. “To be honest I’’d already decided that you were some sort of superhero and that was why you kept disappearing like you did.”
Dominic laughed. “Ha! If only! The truth is that I’m not alone here in town. My sister and I live together… my twin sister Paige.”
“You have a twin sister? Oh, that’s fabulous,” Matthew grinned.
“She is fabulous. She’s funny, clever, beautiful… and she is my life. It’s true what they say about twins sharing an unspoken bond. We’ve both felt it ever since we were very young. The thing is, Matthew, she’s quite ill.”
“Ill? How so?”
Dominic grimaced. “Paige forbids me to speak its name aloud. She refers to it as that disease that begins with a C and rhymes with dancer. You know the one, I’m sure.”
“I do.”
“She’s been fighting it for about two years now. We’ve come to Devon because she’s been referred to a local oncologist who is experienced in treating her ‘illness‘. Paige, for the longest time, was the only positive presence in my life. Until I met you, that is.” Dominic eyed Matthew curiously “I hope I’m not speaking out of turn by saying that, Matthew. I know that we haven’t known each other that long, but, there is something happening here, isn’t there? Do you feel it?”
Matthew nodded, smiling softly.
Dominic‘s cheeks flushed slightly. He looked at the floor. “Then it’s only fair that I tell you that I’m a mess right now, Matthew. Paige is really struggling these days. She’s always looked to me for guidance and this time I feel so inadequate. I can’t fix this for her, and I’m angry.”
“You can’t fix it, you’re right,” Matthew pointed out, “But you’re doing exactly what you should be, you are there for her and it’s clear that you love her very much.”
“Loving her can’t keep her from losing her hair. Loving her can’t keep her from being so weak she can’t even speak to me. If loving her were enough we’d already have beat this. Sometimes I just,” Dominic hesitated. “No, forget it.”
“What? You can say anything, Dom.” Matthew placed one hand on Dominic’s arm. “Erm, that is… can I call you Dom?”
Dominic smiled, inching forward, resting his cheek on the back of the couch. “Absolutely,” he whispered.
“Go on, then, Dom.”
“Sometimes I just want to forget about all this. About sickness.” Dominic looked away, his shoulders falling in defeat. “About the fact that she deserves someone so much better than me to look after her.” He shot Matthew a rueful look. “I hate myself for feeling this way. She’s the one living through this, not me, yet here I am, whining like a child. I can barely cope and she soldiers on without a complaint. It’s… pathetic.”
Matthew shook his head in wonder. “It’s not pathetic at all. It’s completely normal to feel so overwhelmed in a situation like yours. Don’t beat yourself up, Dom. You‘re living through this, with her. As for Paige, well, she possesses a strength I can’t even imagine. You know, it seems to me that she’s had some bloody good support and guidance to be as strong as she is.” He cocked his eye at Dominic while scooting closer to Dominic’s side of the couch. “Don’t you think so?”
“I - I don’t know.“ Dominic reached out to rub lazy circles on Matthew’s knee, silently willing Matthew to move even closer.
“I do,“ Matthew said firmly. “I feel certain that she’d agree with me. She’s incredibly lucky to have you for a brother. You’ll never be able to convince me otherwise.” He leaned forward, brushing stray strands of blonde hair from Dominic’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Dominic shifted his long legs, moving closer to Matthew with a shy smile. “For…?”
“For trusting me with something so private,” Matthew replied as they found themselves face to face. “And, I agree with what you said earlier. I’d like to give us a shot too. More than you know.” He slid one hand behind Dominic’s head, gently massaging the nape of his neck. Matthew shivered; the skin he found there was soft and warm under his fingertips. Dominic’s eyes fluttered shut as Matthew caressed his neck, but not before reaching out for Matthew’s free hand, lacing their fingers together. Eventually Dominic allowed his head to fall forward so that his cheek was resting against Matthew’s. Opening his eyes, Dominic tried to fight the urge to move forward a little more so he could kiss the adorable earlobe that was mere inches from his lips.
Matthew nuzzled Dominic’s hair, dangerously close to becoming intoxicated from the sweet smell and silky feel of it alone. Seeking some reassurance, desperate to know that he’d been of some comfort, he whispered into Dominic’s ear.
“That better?” Matthew asked, giving Dominic’s hand a gentle squeeze. His heart fell when Dominic shook his head before removing his jacket and lying back on the couch.
Dominic motioned for Matthew to lie with him, slowly pulling Matthew down into his open arms. Matthew sighed audibly as Dominic enveloped him in his arms.
“Now,” Dominic breathed. “Better now.”
He shifted slightly so that Matthew was lying on top of him. Dominic reeled at the feel of Matthew’s heartbeat through his thin t-shirt, reveled in every breath that Matthew took, and knew in this moment that he never, ever, wanted to hold anyone else like this. Suddenly Dominic spoke.
“Matthew?”
“Yes?”
Dominic leaned up, kissing Matthew’s cheek, while snaking one hand under his shirt to stroke his lower back before drifting further south. Matthew’s entire body flushed when he felt Dominic’s hand cupping his arse through his jeans. Daring to look up, he found Dominic’s eyes. Matthew was not at all surprised to learn that they were impossibly beautiful when they were this full of desire. Matthew shifted his legs, causing them both to gasp as the hardness in Dominic’s trousers met an answering one. It took a mammoth effort for Matthew to not grind down into Dominic; to that end Matthew squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself to be still. Dominic exhaled shakily and captured Matthew’s earlobe between his lips, finally making his request.
“Make me forget?”
Matthew’s heart began to pound when Dominic sucked on his earlobe hungrily. Oh God, just like that, Dom. “Dom, I don‘t think…” he began.
“Please, Matthew?” Dominic whispered, releasing Matthew’s earlobe before kissing his cheek softly.
“Dom, I want this so much, want you so much, but,” Matthew whispered, sitting up, “but not - not like this. You‘re not yourself tonight. It wouldn‘t be right.”
Dominic sat up as well, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his hair. His eyes danced as he smiled at Matthew. “Intelligent, kind, handsome, funny… and a total gentleman,” he proclaimed, punctuating each attribute with a kiss to one of Matthew’s fingertips. “What are you, Matthew Bellamy? And, more importantly,” he wondered aloud, “how is it possible that nobody has snagged you for themselves before now?”
“I think that someone just has,” Matthew replied.
Dominic kissed the back of Matthew’s hand, grasping it firmly. “I should go. I’m shattered, and I bet you are too. This would be a good time to finally make up my bed, if I can stay awake long enough to do it! I’ve spent so many nights at the hospital that I haven’t had to bother looking through unpacked boxes for bedclothes yet.”
Impulsively Matthew spoke. “Stay here tonight.” The thought of Dominic sleeping in an unmade bed in a flat full of unpacked boxes was unacceptable to him.
“No, I couldn’t. Anyway, there’s no need, I‘ll be fine!”
“Of course you can, in fact I insist that you do. You deserve a decent night‘s sleep. It‘s time you met Nova anyway,“ he winked. Matthew stood, pulled Dominic up by his hand and led him to his bedroom. He offered Dominic something clean to sleep in before showing him where the bathroom was. Dominic made sure his phone was on the nightstand within arms reach. Once Matthew was satisfied he’d thought of everything Dominic might need he gave him some privacy. After a few minutes he re-entered the bedroom to bid Dominic good night and stopped in his tracks.
Dominic had changed clothes and was already underneath the covers, lying on his side. One finger caressed Nova’s tank as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Matthew watched, captivated, as Nova swam excitedly in front of Dominic, clearly hoping to make a good impression on her newest acquaintance. Dominic leaned forward smiling, moving closer to the edge of the bed so he could watch her swim. Matthew sat down on the bed beside him, smiling at the sight of Dominic and Nova bonding.
“She’s beautiful, Matthew.”
“Very,” Matthew nodded, though he wasn‘t looking at Nova at all. He leaned down, cupping Dominic’s face in his hands. He kissed him sweetly, humming into the kiss as Dominic wrapped his hands around his neck, pulling Matthew down onto the bed with him. Matthew’s hands tangled in Dominic’s hair as one soft, lazy, wet kiss turned into two, then three, then six. Matthew suddenly wanted nothing more than to lie here with Dominic, to kiss him in the dark and hold him while he fell asleep. No, Dom needs to rest. After a few seconds Matthew released him reluctantly.
“Sleep well.”
Dominic nodded, already half asleep. He mumbled sleepily, “Kelly was right.”
“About what?”
Matthew barely heard Dominic’s whispered response.
“You’re an angel.”