Matthew & Luke: Untitled 2

Rate: PG
Disclaimer: Just borrowing.
Summary: Luke is introduced to Matthew's friend. 

Word count: 1605

 

Luke stirs his coffee with care. Matthew watches him intently, seeing his long eyelashes against his skin. Luke looks up at him, his eyes glistening blue in the sunshine. He smiles and picks up his spoon, licking off the foam before placing it on the plate under his mug.

 

“So, back on track?” Luke breaks the silence.

“Yes, quite so.” Matthew smiles. He leans back in his chair. “Are you too?” Luke nods, swallowing his coffee before replying.

“Yes, it’s great to be back in some kind of routine again.”

“Isn’t it?” Matthew agrees.

 

“So have you met Marcus again?” He blurts out, speaking quickly as if not to change his mind half-way. Luke smiles.

“Yes, we had coffee yesterday.” He replies. “He’s very nice.”

“Yes, yes he is.” Matthew looks at Luke. He’s smiling across the table.

 

“How are you, Math?” Luke asks. Matthew knows he has to be truthful. There are no options when someone so sweet and caring as Luke asks, with the head tilted and a face ready to listen. Matthew smiles nervously, taking his napkin, starting to randomly play with it.

 

“I’m fine. It just feels weird that you hang out, but it’s nothing. I’ll get over it.”

Luke moves his head a bit forward, urging Matthew to elaborate.

“It’s like,” Matthew continues. “two worlds of mine meet. My crazy youth when I knew Marcus and then now with work where I know you.”

 

“Is that it?” Luke’s voice is soft.

“Yes.” Matthew says. He knows it’s not believable, but he needs to convince someone. “What else could it be?”

“You knew he was gay, didn’t you?” Luke slowly asks.

“Yes, I’ve always known.” Matthew says. He puts the wrinkly napkin back on the table.

 

“So it’s me dating him?” Luke’s question hits just where it’s aimed. Matthew feels his heart skip a beat and his whole body tenses. Luke confirms his suspicion and all Matthew wants to do is leave the table and think this through alone. “Math, I understand if this is strange to you, so I think it’s good if we talk it through.”

 

“Yeah, no, it’s fine.” Matthew says. Luke doesn’t look like he believes it. “Yes, it’s strange, but I just need some time. I promise. He’s a great guy, and so are you. I wish you all luck.” He takes the napkin again, starting to rip it into small pieces, collecting them in a pile on his plate.

 

“Okay.” Luke says, still hesitant. “Well, if you want to talk, you know where to find me.” He adds and takes a sip of his coffee. He licks off the foam from his upper lip, smiling goofily and asking for the latest gossip.

 

*****

 

“Hey, man.” Marcus playfully punches Matthew’s side when he’s let into the house. “This is a great place.”

“You haven’t been here before?” Matthew asks as he closes the front door behind his friend.

 

“No. I missed all your things when I was away.” Marcus explains. “China.” He reminds.

“Oh right. You have to tell me all about it one day.” Marcus proceeds into the living room and Matthew catches his own words. ‘One day’. How much more obvious can he make it that he didn’t invite over Marcus to talk about China?

 

“You still have this.” Marcus smiles and points at a big painting in Matthew’s living room. “She, painted it, what was her name?”

“Angelica.” Matthew reminds.

“Angelic Angelica. You really had a thing for her.” Marcus says and sits down on the couch.

 

“Coffee? Beer?” Matthew asks, taking a few steps towards the kitchen.

“Yes, beer.” Marcus waits quietly in the living room, hearing the fridge open and close. Matthew returns, handing him the beer and sitting down in the other end of the couch.

 

“So, you’re not too comfortable are you?” Marcus starts. Matthew meets his gaze and sees the pain. Matthew spent all his time obsessing on how this affected his relationship with Luke and with Marcus, he never once thought about what it did between the two of them.

 

“I’m trying.” Matthew sincerely says. “I really am.”

“But?”

“There’s really nothing I can say. I’m sure you’ll enjoy each other’s company. You’re a lot alike and it’s not up to me. I don’t have a emotional bond to either of you. You’re not my exes or anything.” Matthew says. He watches Marcus take a sip of his beer, and he does the same too.

 

“But you do. Of course we have an emotional bond. We go way back, and he’s the guy you kiss on TV. That’s special. But Math, can I be frank?” Marcus puts down the bottle on the small table.

Matthew raises his eyebrows.

“It seems like you are jealous.” Marcus says quietly. “I know you said nothing happened between you, and I know you claim to be straight but maybe it’s something you need to think about.”

 

“I’m not jealous. I’m only overprotective, I guess. Of both of you, probably. That’s why the whole situation is hard for me to process.” Matthew says. He almost wants to crack a smile for saying something that makes so much sense, but he doesn’t.

“Do you want to tell me about China?” Matthew asks after a few seconds of silence.

 

*****

 

Luke softly drums his fingers on the table, trying to channel his nervousness. This is the first semi official date with Marcus, and he knows Matthew has spoken to both of them since last. It’s not particular clear why Matthew became the center of this, but maybe that’s just his way.

 

He looks at his watch. Still ten minutes left before their appointment, and Luke knows he will not be able to calm down before then. Why is he even nervous? He’s met this guy before and they’ve had the best time, so why just not look forward to that?

 

He picks up his cell phone, no new messages. He stares at the display and nearly shrikes when the phone starts ringing in his hand. It’s Matthew. Of course it is.

 

“Hello.” He answers.

“Hi, it’s me.” Matthew says. He sounds nervous too. “I’m not actually sure why I’m calling. I just wanted to say good luck or something.”

“Uh, yeah. Thanks.” Luke says. Somehow it’s very amusing that Matthew is trying to mark his territory.

 

“I’m sorry for making this about me, I didn’t mean to. When I said I wished you all of luck, I meant it. I couldn’t be happier.” Matthew says, sounding like he is reading it off a note. Luke can’t help but laugh.

“Math, it’s a first date, save the big words.” At the other end of the line he can hear Matthew exhale, giggling a bit.

 

“Well, who knows, maybe I’ll need the big words one day.” Matthew says.

“I won’t even try to take that in. I’m not seeing you write your vows to, whatever Lady Blue’s name was.” Luke teases. He can totally imagine Matthew blush at the other end, when he stuttering starts to explain.

 

“We only talked, nothing happened.”

“I know.” Luke says. “I also know what I’ve usually done when I say that.” He adds, and continues. “I have to go now, but I’ll see you later.”

 

Matthew stares at the phone, the line disconnected. He hesitates before writing a text. ‘His earlobes are ticklish, just so you know.’ He sends it to Luke and puts the phone away, not sure he wants to see if there is a reply or not.

 

 

*****

 

Matthew quickly takes care of the dishes from his evening tea. He knows that he is very stuck in his Welsh food when it comes to what to eat before bed, but that’s usually the time of the day when he has a minute over to think about his land over there, waiting for him.

 

He puts the small plastic bag with pice bach back in the cupboard with the more traditional American breads and pours out the last drops of his tea in the sink. He cup goes in the dish washer, ready to be turned on in the morning.

 

He picks up his cell phone on his way out of the kitchen. One new message. From Luke. He takes a deep breath and opens it. ‘Thanks for the tip.’ Sent only an hour ago.

 

That’s it. Thanks for the tip? So it came in handy then? Matthew steers his steps to the bathroom, turning on the shower and taking off his clothes, all the while hearing the phrase ‘Thanks for the tip’ ringing in his head. He gets in the shower and feels the warm water run down his shoulders.

 

The shower takes longer than what it usually does. When he’s finally done it’s almost midnight. He wraps a white towel around his waist and hears his mothers words in his head, just like he does every time he uses that particular towel. ‘Don’t use white towels, they get discolored right away’ and himself arguing back: ‘What do you think I do with my towels?’.

 

He sits down on the couch and turns on the TV. He flips through the channels for a while, until there is suddenly a knock on the door. Not very loud, just enough for him to hear it over the noise from the TV. He stands up, looks down at himself and hopes to god it’s someone he knows well.

 

He slowly opens the door with big hesitation, peeking out to see who the late night visitor is. His face breaks up in a big smile.

“Oh, it’s you. Come on in.” 

 

And yes, there is a third part. ;) Check back for it soon.


Matthew & Luke: Untitled

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A REAL PERSON STORY, AND COMPLETELY FICTIONAL. THIS STORY IS ABOUT MATTHEW RHYS AND LUKE MACFARLANE, BUT IS TOTALLY MADE UP BY ME. IT'S ONLY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES, NOTHING ELSE.

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Rate: PG
Disclaimer: Just borrowing.
Summary: Luke and Matthew come back to Los Angeles after a little time off. 

Word count: 1705

 

Matthew spots Luke between all the people and nods at him. Luke nods back and they both move through the crowd towards each other.

“Hey, long time.” Luke greets, the movement creating a little storm in his wine.

“Yeah, how’ve you been?” Matthew asks. “You’ve been busy?”

 

“Very busy, yeah.” Luke answer. “But the last week – nothing but sunbathing and drinks. How was your time off?” He asks and bends his head, just like he always does when he has asked a question, waiting for the reply. The familiar movement throws Matthew off course, not until now realizing how much he has missed particularly Luke.

 

“Fine, just great. I traveled a lot. Just came back two days ago, still jet-lagged.” Matthew says.

“Well, that explains the bags under your eyes.” Luke says.

“Oh, that’s just a little bruise.” Matthew immediately knows that Luke is fishing for an explanation. The bruising under his left eye is not discreet.

 

“Fell in the stairs.” He smiles.

“Walked into a door?” Luke sarcastically replies and they both laugh.

 

“Hello.” A voice says from next to them. Luke eyes the person next to him. About his own height, Matthew’s age and with short dark hair, slightly curling in the neck. His eyes are piercing green, cheerfully looking between the two of them.

 

“Hey, this is my great friend Marcus.” Matthew says, gesturing at the man who has approached them. “Have you met Luke?”

“No, but it’s a pleasure.” The newly arrived says, shaking Luke’s hand. “Very nice to meet you, Luke.”

 

“So you’re also Welsh, eh?” Luke asks when their hands part.

“No, actually I’m Scottish.” Marcus corrects. “But I lived in Cardiff for many years, that’s when me and Matthew learned to know each other.”

“Really? You go way back?” Luke asks.

 

Matthew stands back and watches how Marcus starts to tell the story of how they met and studied together and then both ended up in Los Angeles. Luke bends his head and listens intently. Someone passes by behind Luke’s back and he moves forward to leave room, taking a small step closer to Marcus instead of Matthew.

 

“Guys,” Matthew says, placing his hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “I’m gonna go get a drink. I’ll catch up with you later.” He nods at them and leaves, behind his back hearing how their conversation starts up again and Luke laughs. He spots the table with the drinks and steers his steps towards it.

 

*****

 

The after party is just getting started when someone decides to start a tequila race. Matthew is joined by an enchanted Marcus, babbling on about how great it was to meet Matthew’s co-worker. They get each a small glass and sweep it.

 

“I mean, he’s really interesting. Not like any random actor guy here, no offence, I could actually talk to this guy and get something out of it more than gossip and tips on how to cover a spot.” Marcus enthusiastically rants.

“I know, he’s adorable.” Matthew says, maybe a bit more aggressive than he wanted to. Marcus stops talking, looking suspiciously at his friend.

 

“You sound jealous.” Marcus states dryly.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Matthew says, picking up a beer from a small table. He opens it and offers it to Marcus, who accepts. Matthew picks up another one and opens it for himself.

 

“Has anything happened between you two? I mean – off camera?” Marcus asks, half-sounding like it’s a joke.

Matthew exhales and looks a bit bored.

“Of course not. It’s just…” Matthew starts. He knows he has painted himself into a corner and there is no way to get out of this smoothly. “It’s just that he’s had a lot of troubles with guys, and he doesn’t deserve that.”

 

“Yeah, as we all know, I’m trouble on legs.” Marcus replies. “You’re unofficial guardian now?” He takes a sip from his beer.

“No, it’s just…” Matthew speaks quietly, avoiding eye contact. “Be nice.”

“I’m always nice.” Marcus smirks. “I was always the one doing the dished after random wild flat parties, wasn’t I?” He says and nudges Matthew’s side.

 

“Yes, and I vacuumed. We were always quick to take those tasks so that Ioan had to clean up the random vomits.” Matthew remembers and they laugh together.

 

Again Matthew spots Luke in the crowd. He’s busy talking to someone.

“Have you been here before? Let me show you the terrace.” Matthew suggests, dragging Marcus along before he has time to reply.

 

*****

 

“Hi again.” Luke cheerfully greets Marcus. “Quite chilly no, isn’t it?” He says and rubs his arms.

“It’s not as bad as back home though.” Marcus replies. In the corner of his eye he sees Matthew talking to a woman. She’s got her arm around his neck and a dress made of much too little fabric, so Marcus guesses he can talk to Luke without interruptions.

 

“So, tell me more about that project you mentioned earlier.” Luke says, tilting his head a bit and firing off a bright smile.

“Well,“ Marcus begins. He sees Matthew looking their way. “Why don’t I tell you inside, where it’s warm?” He carefully puts a hand on the small of Luke’s back, making sure it’s not shrugged off until he starts to lead them into the house.

 

Matthew sees the two of them enter the house, walking much closer than what they should. He spends the rest of the night keeping a look-out for them, but doesn’t run into either. When his head lands on his pillow a couple of hours later, he still can’t get rid of the nagging feeling of annoyance. He tried to pretend that he doesn’t know why, but the feeling of jealousy is too familiar.

 

He turns around and the red digits from the alarm clock tells him he should wake un in less than three hours. The red dots between the middle digits blink at him, stressing him to go to sleep. He watches them blink. The four at the end becomes a five and soon the next hour is near. The sun has already started lighting up his bedroom when he passes out from pure exhaustion.

 

*****

 

Only two days later Matthew runs into Luke at a party again. They talk and Matthew tries to hide that he’s fishing for information on what happened after the last party. Luke tries to hide the amusement in his eyes, acting as if he doesn’t understand what it is Matthew wants to know, responding to questions with fleeing answers.

 

“So what did you do yesterday?” Matthew asks.

“Oh, not a lot.” Luke says, sipping a beer. “Catching up on things. What did you do?”

“I met some friends.” Matthew says. They are both silent for a few seconds. “It’s nice catching up, putting aside time to do it.” He says.

 

“Yes, definitely.” Luke agrees. Matthew nods his head. “So, do you wanna have a coffee, say tomorrow, and catch up?” Luke suggests.

“Yes!” Matthew exclaims. He catches his own eagerness, smiling goofily to make up for it.

 

“Glad you’re excited.” Luke teases. “Give me a call when your hair stops hurting tomorrow.”

“Ha-ha, just because I’m slightly older than you doesn’t mean I can’t handle alcohol.” Matthew defends himself.

Can you?” Luke teases back. Matthew doesn’t reply, letting the question be as they part.

 

 Eventually Matthew ends up in a couch – just like every other party where people start dancing. He likes it there – people come by for a quick chat and he doesn’t need to dance. The cheerful crowd in front of him are moving to the rhythm, some seem to hear the music better than others. Of course that’s the best part of watching other’s dance – those who can’t.

 

By the wall he spots Luke, not really dancing as much as swaying to the music. He is talking to a woman and laughing. He’s got a drink in his hand and he seems a bit drunk. But then, isn’t everyone by now?

 

Matthew looks Luke up and down.  It’s a shame he always were such baggy pants, because he really has nice legs. Matthew knows, he has seen them. His t-shirt is a bit tighter than they usually are, and the fabric of the back lies perfectly on his ass, showing it of in an obvious but yet tasteful way.

 

His hair is a bit longer than what it usually is, and a bit messy. It looks as if he came straight from bed, but knowing Luke he probably spent quite some time arranging every hair. Matthew laughs to himself. Luke’s obsession with his hair would be annoying on anyone else, but with Luke it’s merely endearing.

 

Luke leans backwards and laughs, the clucking sound reaching Matthew’s ears even with the loud music and the commerce in the room. Luke quickly glances his way before turning his attention back to the woman, smiling widely.

 

Matthew feels a smile creeping across his face. He knows he has to admit it – he can’t stop obsessing over the thought that his friend is hitting on his… Luke. But maybe it’s good, he thinks. He knows Marcus and knows he’s a nice guy. He’s not tabloid material and it gives Matthew a chance to keep an eye on them.

 

Luke turns his head a bit, looking straight at Matthew. He smiles and winks and right then and there he knows that Luke will draw every last detail out of him over coffee, while making fun of Matthew for his hangover. Matthew looks at his beer and puts it on the table before him. At lest one less thing to be embarrassed about.

 

A young woman in a blue dress gestures at him to come join her on the dance floor. He politely waves ‘no’ back to her and instead waves her over to the couch. She walks over and sits down on the armrest. Behind her back Matthew can see Luke make a face at him, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. Matthew can’t help but laugh, winking at Luke before turning all his attention to the lady next to him. 


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