Seventeen Steps (17/?)
Title: Seventeen Steps (17/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom
Rating: Will vary, this chapter PG
Warnings: None
Beta: My Random Chants Selection, ophelia1971, Beta extraordinaire and a wonderful friend. & hearts
Overall Summary: Matthew is intrigued by his newest neighbor.
Chapter Summary: A new beginning, an old face from the past, and declarations.
Feedback: Would be lovely, if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse; the following is pure fiction.
A/N: As always, thanks to dolce_piccante for support and being a fantastic bit reader. &hearts Also - special thanks to dltoro for her help this time 'round. ;) Cheers, Helena!
One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten-a, Ten-b, Ten-c, Xmas Eve, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen-a, Sixteen-b
"I'm so pleased that you'll be able to start your apprenticeship here so soon, Dominic," his new employer smiled. "More importantly, though, I'm pleased that your sister is doing so much better."
"Thank you, sir - she's a fighter, to her credit," Dominic replied with a grin.
"Ugh, don't call me "sir", please! Everyone just calls me Ryan, okay? The Blue Rose may be a five-star restaurant, but believe me, we're all family here. If anything, I can't abide stuffy upscale eateries."
Dominic nodded shyly as they entered the kitchen, his hands behind his back. "Ryan it is, then."
"Much better! Now, refresh my memory, son, how long have you been training?"
"Three years next month."
Ryan nodded. "Fantastic. That's enough time to give you a good, solid foundation into the intricacies of this business. The letters I received from your last establishment regarding your abilities were positively glowing. They were quite sad to lose you. May I ask you a serious question, Dominic?"
"Of course."
"Do you see yourself in the kitchen for the foreseeable future?"
Dominic paused. "Well, to be honest, I do - I think? I used to toy with the idea of beginning a catering business, actually."
"Really? Tell me about that."
"My sister studies photography, and we used to joke that between her abilities and mine, we could book weddings, parties and the like." Dominic smiled at the memory. "Still, that was just something of a pipe dream, I think." He frowned suddenly. "Wait. This isn't something I should be telling a prospective employer, is it? I don't mean that I plan on doing that, or that I wouldn't value my time here! I didn't mean-"
The older man laughed. "Dominic, don't worry! We're going to consider ourselves lucky to have you, be it for ten years or two. Actually, that sounds interesting to me - and if you could find a local florist willing to work with you, caterers can do very well with wedding packages! And there's no reason you couldn't do it on the side, either. Don't give up on it just yet... life's too short to compromise."
A florist? Good idea. Must mention that to Kelly sometime...
Relieved that he hadn't offended Ryan, Dominic smiled and allowed himself to be introduced to the rest of the kitchen staff, all of whom were personable and seemingly lovely men and women. At the end of his visit he found himself in the front office with Ryan's wife, Amanda. Her husband had lovingly described her as "the brains behind our business". Handing Dominic three forms to sign, she spoke brightly.
"I can't tell you how excited we are that you're joining us, Dominic. If you ever need anything or have any questions, please know that I’m here to help in any way I can! I-"
The phone ringing interrupted her. Amanda excused herself as she answered the call. Dominic studied the forms in front of him, not wishing to eavesdrop on the phone call going on across the desk.
"Reservation for how many, sir? One, for tomorrow night? Of course, and what name shall I put that under? G. Bellamy? Done! We'll see you tomorrow then, Mr. Bellamy."
Bellamy? It can't be. Or can it? Here?
Dominic smiled as he passed the paperwork back to Amanda. The next few minutes went by in a daze, Dominic's mind spinning with questions. Perhaps there was another G. Bellamy in town and this was merely a coincidence? Matthew was aware that his father wanted to see him, but ever since that day he had broken down in front of Dominic, neither of them had mentioned it.
"Dominic? Are you okay?"
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Dominic smiled sheepishly. "Yes, sorry about that!"
Amanda smiled as they made their way through the dining room full of patrons and put her hand out as they reached the front door. Dominic shook her hand, thanking her for her help, and promising to bring Paige by as soon as possible.
Once he was outside Dominic reached for his mobile, quickly dialing the number to Kelly's shop. He hadn't realized that he was walking toward the shop as well, until he found himself standing across the street from it. Finally, Chris answered.
"Chris, it's Dom, listen, I might be overreacting, and I probably am, but I think that Matthew's dad-"
Chris interrupted him, his voice full of quiet anger. "I know."
Dominic paused as he opened the door to the shop. "You do?"
"He's standing right in front of me," Chris said, sadly.
With that, the blonde pushed the door open roughly and stopped in his tracks at the sight before him. Chris was standing behind the counter, Kelly by his side, as if they were presenting a united front against a common enemy. The man in front of them was of average height and weight. He was dressed impeccably in a designer suit, and kept running one hand through his grey hair.
Just like Matthew does, Dominic thought.
He casually made his way to the rear of the shop and began surveying the designs in the cooler, as if he were a random customer, while keeping one ear on the conversation behind him.
"You're looking quite well, Christopher. You too, Kelly."
Silence.
Dominic turned casually, to see Chris looking so angry he was actually shaking, glancing at Dominic with a worried look on his face. Kelly, for her part, held her head high, never breaking eye contact with the man in front of her. The man in question cleared his throat and tried again, just as AJ emerged from the back storeroom.
"Is this one of your little ones?" he asked brightly, though with definite nervousness.
Silence, still.
AJ took no notice of him, though, and instead made a beeline for Dominic, running to him and hugging him tightly.
"Dominic! I missed you! Wanna color?"
Scooping her up in his arms, Dominic kissed her forehead and carried her behind the counter. "I missed you too, sweetie!"
As he sat down and began to color with AJ, his ears perked up as he heard Chris speak, finally.
"What do you want?"
The man replied meekly. "Well... erm, how is he, Christopher?"
"How is who?"
"My son."
"Your son?" Chris replied quietly. "I don't quite follow you, sir. I distinctly remember you telling me once that you no longer had a son."
Finally Kelly spoke up. "How could you?"
Matthew's father was taken aback. "Kelly, please, I-"
"You're not worth my time," she spat, kissing Chris on the cheek before turning to Dominic and her daughter. "AJ, let's go, love." She walked toward the back of the shop before turning to Matthew's father and smiling. "It's interesting, really, Mr. Bellamy. The day you lost a son, I gained a brother: an incredibly kind, funny, warm, talented, wonderful brother. You have no idea what you've been missing."
Dominic, in that moment, wanted to kiss Kelly. Instead, he stood and made his way to the counter. He didn't really know the whole situation, but he was determined to be supportive of Matthew in any way he could. Chris glanced at him appreciatively as AJ tore back into the room to grab her crayons.
"Dominic! Tell Matthew I said hi!"
"I will, sweetheart," the blonde replied with a smile. He turned back to the man in front of him and was disconcerted to find himself now under his scrutiny.
"Hello," Matthew's father said nervously with a nod, Dominic nodding in kind. "So, you know Matthew?"
There were so many things that Dominic wanted to say in response. That Matthew had changed his life, that Matthew was his rock, that Matthew made him want to be a better man. As he thought about Matthew and how he couldn't imagine his life without him, his nervousness dissipated and he felt a calmness blossoming inside his body. Dominic's actual reply came out so quickly and naturally, that he smiled despite himself. He just decided to keep it short and sweet; after all, less is more, isn't it?
"He's my world, sir."
Chris smiled at the declaration, as did the older man in front of them. Chris spoke again.
"Why are you here exactly, Mr. Bellamy?"
"To beg him to forgive me. I want to clean up this mess I've made."
None of them noticed the figure who had casually entered the back door of the shop; they were too involved in their conversation. When the figure suddenly announced his presence by nervously dropping his keys, they all jumped. Matthew was trembling as he shook his head sadly at his father.
"Still clueless, aren't you, Dad? Self-centered as always, too. Don't you see? There's no mess here, not anymore. All you'll find here is love and support..."
Chris was so proud of Matthew that he couldn't stop the tears that fell from his eyes.
"...and family. Since that last one is a word you aren't familiar with, I think you should go."
With a terse nod, and a pained look on his face, the older man backed away slowly. "I'll be in town for a few days if you change your mind, son. I'm begging you, please."
With that he was gone.
Chris smiled at his friend. "You were fantastic, mate."
"I don't feel very fantastic right now, but thanks, for, hell, for everything. For being my brother." Matthew replied, the confidence suddenly disappearing from his face. He impulsively hugged Chris.
Slowly Dominic walked towards Matthew - his Matthew, grasping his hand tightly as the brunet squeezed it in return. Matthew smiled shakily at him, smoothing the collar of his leather jacket.
"Take me home, Dom?"
Later that night, the two of them were dozing in each other's arms on Matthew's couch. Their walk home had been silent, though they held each other’s hands tightly the entire way. When Dominic reached his and Paige's flat, he made to remove his hand from Matthew's. The brunet, however, wasn't having it - he merely held Dominic's hand tighter as they walked seventeen steps down the hall. Dominic smiled to himself; since Paige was out with Tom again, he could spend some time with Matthew tonight. Once inside the flat, Matthew checked on Nova before sitting on his couch and holding his arms out to Dominic.
After an hour or so, Matthew raised his head from Dominic's chest and spoke.
"I'm going to have to see him before he leaves town, aren't I?"
"Not if you don't want to, gorgeous. It's your call." Matthew lay his head down again, nuzzling the blonde's neck, peppering it with kisses. Between kisses, he spoke again.
"So, I'm your world, huh?"
Dominic smiled, stroking Matthew's back and arms.
"That wasn't really what I meant to say, you know," he whispered.
Matthew sat up again, pulling Dominic with him, until he was leaning back, the blonde in his arms now. Dominic sighed happily as he snuggled into the embrace. He could feel Matthew's heart beating rapidly now as he whispered a response.
"Oh. What did you mean to say, Dom?"
Dominic rose up, looking Matthew squarely in the eye. He didn't whisper this time.
"I love you, Matthew."
The brunet smiled, one hand automatically reaching for the blonde's. Matthew placed a soft kiss to Dominic's wrist, and when he spoke, he didn't whisper this time either.
"You're my world, Dominic. I love you too."
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom
Rating: Will vary, this chapter PG
Warnings: None
Beta: My Random Chants Selection, ophelia1971, Beta extraordinaire and a wonderful friend. & hearts
Overall Summary: Matthew is intrigued by his newest neighbor.
Chapter Summary: A new beginning, an old face from the past, and declarations.
Feedback: Would be lovely, if you are so inclined.
Disclaimer: I don't own Muse; the following is pure fiction.
A/N: As always, thanks to dolce_piccante for support and being a fantastic bit reader. &hearts Also - special thanks to dltoro for her help this time 'round. ;) Cheers, Helena!
One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten-a, Ten-b, Ten-c, Xmas Eve, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen-a, Sixteen-b
"I'm so pleased that you'll be able to start your apprenticeship here so soon, Dominic," his new employer smiled. "More importantly, though, I'm pleased that your sister is doing so much better."
"Thank you, sir - she's a fighter, to her credit," Dominic replied with a grin.
"Ugh, don't call me "sir", please! Everyone just calls me Ryan, okay? The Blue Rose may be a five-star restaurant, but believe me, we're all family here. If anything, I can't abide stuffy upscale eateries."
Dominic nodded shyly as they entered the kitchen, his hands behind his back. "Ryan it is, then."
"Much better! Now, refresh my memory, son, how long have you been training?"
"Three years next month."
Ryan nodded. "Fantastic. That's enough time to give you a good, solid foundation into the intricacies of this business. The letters I received from your last establishment regarding your abilities were positively glowing. They were quite sad to lose you. May I ask you a serious question, Dominic?"
"Of course."
"Do you see yourself in the kitchen for the foreseeable future?"
Dominic paused. "Well, to be honest, I do - I think? I used to toy with the idea of beginning a catering business, actually."
"Really? Tell me about that."
"My sister studies photography, and we used to joke that between her abilities and mine, we could book weddings, parties and the like." Dominic smiled at the memory. "Still, that was just something of a pipe dream, I think." He frowned suddenly. "Wait. This isn't something I should be telling a prospective employer, is it? I don't mean that I plan on doing that, or that I wouldn't value my time here! I didn't mean-"
The older man laughed. "Dominic, don't worry! We're going to consider ourselves lucky to have you, be it for ten years or two. Actually, that sounds interesting to me - and if you could find a local florist willing to work with you, caterers can do very well with wedding packages! And there's no reason you couldn't do it on the side, either. Don't give up on it just yet... life's too short to compromise."
A florist? Good idea. Must mention that to Kelly sometime...
Relieved that he hadn't offended Ryan, Dominic smiled and allowed himself to be introduced to the rest of the kitchen staff, all of whom were personable and seemingly lovely men and women. At the end of his visit he found himself in the front office with Ryan's wife, Amanda. Her husband had lovingly described her as "the brains behind our business". Handing Dominic three forms to sign, she spoke brightly.
"I can't tell you how excited we are that you're joining us, Dominic. If you ever need anything or have any questions, please know that I’m here to help in any way I can! I-"
The phone ringing interrupted her. Amanda excused herself as she answered the call. Dominic studied the forms in front of him, not wishing to eavesdrop on the phone call going on across the desk.
"Reservation for how many, sir? One, for tomorrow night? Of course, and what name shall I put that under? G. Bellamy? Done! We'll see you tomorrow then, Mr. Bellamy."
Bellamy? It can't be. Or can it? Here?
Dominic smiled as he passed the paperwork back to Amanda. The next few minutes went by in a daze, Dominic's mind spinning with questions. Perhaps there was another G. Bellamy in town and this was merely a coincidence? Matthew was aware that his father wanted to see him, but ever since that day he had broken down in front of Dominic, neither of them had mentioned it.
"Dominic? Are you okay?"
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Dominic smiled sheepishly. "Yes, sorry about that!"
Amanda smiled as they made their way through the dining room full of patrons and put her hand out as they reached the front door. Dominic shook her hand, thanking her for her help, and promising to bring Paige by as soon as possible.
Once he was outside Dominic reached for his mobile, quickly dialing the number to Kelly's shop. He hadn't realized that he was walking toward the shop as well, until he found himself standing across the street from it. Finally, Chris answered.
"Chris, it's Dom, listen, I might be overreacting, and I probably am, but I think that Matthew's dad-"
Chris interrupted him, his voice full of quiet anger. "I know."
Dominic paused as he opened the door to the shop. "You do?"
"He's standing right in front of me," Chris said, sadly.
With that, the blonde pushed the door open roughly and stopped in his tracks at the sight before him. Chris was standing behind the counter, Kelly by his side, as if they were presenting a united front against a common enemy. The man in front of them was of average height and weight. He was dressed impeccably in a designer suit, and kept running one hand through his grey hair.
Just like Matthew does, Dominic thought.
He casually made his way to the rear of the shop and began surveying the designs in the cooler, as if he were a random customer, while keeping one ear on the conversation behind him.
"You're looking quite well, Christopher. You too, Kelly."
Silence.
Dominic turned casually, to see Chris looking so angry he was actually shaking, glancing at Dominic with a worried look on his face. Kelly, for her part, held her head high, never breaking eye contact with the man in front of her. The man in question cleared his throat and tried again, just as AJ emerged from the back storeroom.
"Is this one of your little ones?" he asked brightly, though with definite nervousness.
Silence, still.
AJ took no notice of him, though, and instead made a beeline for Dominic, running to him and hugging him tightly.
"Dominic! I missed you! Wanna color?"
Scooping her up in his arms, Dominic kissed her forehead and carried her behind the counter. "I missed you too, sweetie!"
As he sat down and began to color with AJ, his ears perked up as he heard Chris speak, finally.
"What do you want?"
The man replied meekly. "Well... erm, how is he, Christopher?"
"How is who?"
"My son."
"Your son?" Chris replied quietly. "I don't quite follow you, sir. I distinctly remember you telling me once that you no longer had a son."
Finally Kelly spoke up. "How could you?"
Matthew's father was taken aback. "Kelly, please, I-"
"You're not worth my time," she spat, kissing Chris on the cheek before turning to Dominic and her daughter. "AJ, let's go, love." She walked toward the back of the shop before turning to Matthew's father and smiling. "It's interesting, really, Mr. Bellamy. The day you lost a son, I gained a brother: an incredibly kind, funny, warm, talented, wonderful brother. You have no idea what you've been missing."
Dominic, in that moment, wanted to kiss Kelly. Instead, he stood and made his way to the counter. He didn't really know the whole situation, but he was determined to be supportive of Matthew in any way he could. Chris glanced at him appreciatively as AJ tore back into the room to grab her crayons.
"Dominic! Tell Matthew I said hi!"
"I will, sweetheart," the blonde replied with a smile. He turned back to the man in front of him and was disconcerted to find himself now under his scrutiny.
"Hello," Matthew's father said nervously with a nod, Dominic nodding in kind. "So, you know Matthew?"
There were so many things that Dominic wanted to say in response. That Matthew had changed his life, that Matthew was his rock, that Matthew made him want to be a better man. As he thought about Matthew and how he couldn't imagine his life without him, his nervousness dissipated and he felt a calmness blossoming inside his body. Dominic's actual reply came out so quickly and naturally, that he smiled despite himself. He just decided to keep it short and sweet; after all, less is more, isn't it?
"He's my world, sir."
Chris smiled at the declaration, as did the older man in front of them. Chris spoke again.
"Why are you here exactly, Mr. Bellamy?"
"To beg him to forgive me. I want to clean up this mess I've made."
None of them noticed the figure who had casually entered the back door of the shop; they were too involved in their conversation. When the figure suddenly announced his presence by nervously dropping his keys, they all jumped. Matthew was trembling as he shook his head sadly at his father.
"Still clueless, aren't you, Dad? Self-centered as always, too. Don't you see? There's no mess here, not anymore. All you'll find here is love and support..."
Chris was so proud of Matthew that he couldn't stop the tears that fell from his eyes.
"...and family. Since that last one is a word you aren't familiar with, I think you should go."
With a terse nod, and a pained look on his face, the older man backed away slowly. "I'll be in town for a few days if you change your mind, son. I'm begging you, please."
With that he was gone.
Chris smiled at his friend. "You were fantastic, mate."
"I don't feel very fantastic right now, but thanks, for, hell, for everything. For being my brother." Matthew replied, the confidence suddenly disappearing from his face. He impulsively hugged Chris.
Slowly Dominic walked towards Matthew - his Matthew, grasping his hand tightly as the brunet squeezed it in return. Matthew smiled shakily at him, smoothing the collar of his leather jacket.
"Take me home, Dom?"
Later that night, the two of them were dozing in each other's arms on Matthew's couch. Their walk home had been silent, though they held each other’s hands tightly the entire way. When Dominic reached his and Paige's flat, he made to remove his hand from Matthew's. The brunet, however, wasn't having it - he merely held Dominic's hand tighter as they walked seventeen steps down the hall. Dominic smiled to himself; since Paige was out with Tom again, he could spend some time with Matthew tonight. Once inside the flat, Matthew checked on Nova before sitting on his couch and holding his arms out to Dominic.
After an hour or so, Matthew raised his head from Dominic's chest and spoke.
"I'm going to have to see him before he leaves town, aren't I?"
"Not if you don't want to, gorgeous. It's your call." Matthew lay his head down again, nuzzling the blonde's neck, peppering it with kisses. Between kisses, he spoke again.
"So, I'm your world, huh?"
Dominic smiled, stroking Matthew's back and arms.
"That wasn't really what I meant to say, you know," he whispered.
Matthew sat up again, pulling Dominic with him, until he was leaning back, the blonde in his arms now. Dominic sighed happily as he snuggled into the embrace. He could feel Matthew's heart beating rapidly now as he whispered a response.
"Oh. What did you mean to say, Dom?"
Dominic rose up, looking Matthew squarely in the eye. He didn't whisper this time.
"I love you, Matthew."
The brunet smiled, one hand automatically reaching for the blonde's. Matthew placed a soft kiss to Dominic's wrist, and when he spoke, he didn't whisper this time either.
"You're my world, Dominic. I love you too."