Chapter Text
Frank woke up the next morning with a dull ache in his side and the lingering scent of rain in the air. The couch had done a number on his back, but the quiet of Matt’s apartment was almost soothing. Almost.
He’d spent most of the night staring at the ceiling, replaying their conversation. Matt had a way of getting under his skin, of pulling words out of him that he never intended to say.
Frank rubbed his hands over his face and groaned. “This is gettin’ real complicated.”
The smell of coffee wafted into the living room, and Frank’s stomach growled. He stood and padded toward the kitchen, his steps heavy but deliberate.
Matt was at the counter, moving with practiced ease as he poured coffee into two mugs. He turned slightly, tilting his head as Frank entered.
“Morning,” Matt said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Frank grunted in response, taking the offered mug and leaning against the counter.
“Sleep okay?” Matt asked, sipping his coffee.
Frank shrugged. “Couch could use an upgrade, but I’ve slept on worse.”
Matt chuckled, his smile widening. “I’ll add it to my list of priorities.”
Frank smirked, shaking his head. “You’re a real comedian, Red.”
They drank their coffee in companionable silence, the usual tension between them muted in the soft morning light.
After breakfast—eggs and toast—Matt leaned against the counter, his arms crossed. “You’ve been quiet,” he said, his voice probing but not unkind.
Frank’s grip on his mug tightened. “Just got a lot on my mind.”
Matt nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You want to talk about it?”
Frank shot him a look. “Not particularly.”
Matt tilted his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. “That’s never stopped me before.”
Frank exhaled sharply, setting his mug down with a little more force than necessary. “You don’t know when to quit, do you?”
“Nope,” Matt said, his tone light but his posture steady.
Frank ran a hand through his hair, pacing a few steps before turning back to Matt. “Why the hell do you care so much, huh? What’s in it for you?”
Matt’s brows furrowed, his expression softening. “I told you, Frank. I care because I see the good in you, even if you don’t.”
Frank barked a bitter laugh. “You don’t know me, Red. Not really.”
Matt stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “Then let me.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and unrelenting. Frank stared at him, his heart pounding in his chest.
“You don’t get it,” Frank said quietly, his voice rough. “You don’t know what it’s like to feel this…this shit, and know you shouldn’t.”
Matt’s head tilted, his expression unreadable. “Feel what, Frank?”
Frank’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. “Forget it.”
Matt reached out, his hand brushing against Frank’s arm. The touch was light, but it stopped Frank in his tracks.
“Frank,” Matt said softly, his voice steady. “Talk to me.”
Frank looked down at him, the weight of Matt’s gaze—or the approximation of it—pinning him in place. “You don’t want to hear this.”
Matt’s lips quirked into a small, almost teasing smile. “You might be surprised.”
Frank exhaled sharply, the tension in his shoulders coiling tighter. “You’re gonna think I’m crazy.”
“I already do,” Matt said lightly, though his tone was warm.
Despite himself, Frank chuckled, the sound low and rough. He shook his head, running a hand over his face. “You’re somethin’ else, Red.”
“I’ve been told,” Matt said, his smile widening.
Frank hesitated, his defenses wavering. “I—”
The words stuck in his throat, but the look on Matt’s face—patient, understanding, unrelenting—gave him the courage to push forward.
“I think about you,” Frank admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “More than I should. And it’s messin’ with my head.”
Matt’s expression didn’t change, though the faintest hint of color crept up his cheek. “That’s not exactly a bad thing, Frank.”
Frank frowned, his heart pounding in his chest. “It’s not exactly normal, either.”
Matt stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. “Normal’s overrated.”
Frank looked at him, the walls he’d built around himself cracking under the weight of Matt’s steady presence.
“You’re gonna regret this, Red,” Frank muttered, his voice low.
Matt smiled, his hand resting lightly on Frank’s arm. “I doubt it.”