Matty tries not to check his phone as he readies himself for his shift, because he knows it's most likely empty, or - well, empty of messages from the one person he wants to talk to.

He hasn't seen George in a week, and although they've texted a bit, it's not enough. Matty misses him so much, it's reaching the point where he feels a bit ridiculous, but his absence is harder to deal with than Matty had thought it would be.

Matty scrolls back up to the small paragraph George had sent him the morning after the wedding, rereading it for the hundredth time just to remind himself that it's real.

"I broke up with Kyle - I actually did it. I'm staying at John's for the moment until I get things sorted, but I just wanted to let you know what's happened. I think I need a bit of time to get my head together, but you can always ring me if you need anything. Thank you for yesterday, and everything. I couldn't have done this without you."

Matty sighs under his breath as he locks his phone and tosses it onto the counter, his chest aching with something that might be longing as he tries to guess how much longer George will need before he'll be willing to see Matty again.

Matty understands though, George has been through a lot. He's left his long-term boyfriend, and he needs to deal with that. Matty just wishes that didn't involve George shutting himself away from the world, or at least not him.

And really, it's not like Matty has asked George if he can come over, or if George is up for going out, so it's not like George has completely cut him out of his life, not that Matty thinks he would.

Matty's determined to give George his space though, he doesn't want to drive him away by being too persistent, and even if Matty feels like a piece of him is missing after seven whole days without seeing George's smile or hearing his rumbling laugh, this isn't about him, and as long as George is okay, Matty will be too.

So Matty applies his makeup and fiddles with his hair until it looks expertly rumpled, spending more effort on his looks than he usually does in an effort to distract himself from all things George related.

Matty notices Olly giving him sidelong glances out of the corner of his eye, but he pretends not to see him, focusing instead on drawing a heart on his cheek in body glitter that's sure to get messed up once he begins dancing, but he does it anyway.

"Oh - I like that," Harry exclaims as he walks by Matty's chair, "can you do me next?"

"Sure," Matty forces out a smile, the expression a bit harder to come by now then it was a week ago, but he can't let the lack of George in his life weigh on him too heavily.

George will be back soon, and he wouldn't want Matty to mope about until he returns, so Matty is trying his best to act like he's fine even if that's not entirely true.

Matty moves over to where Harry is sitting, bringing his palette of glitter and letting the younger man choose which color he wants. He picks pink of course.

Matty concentrates on recreating his artwork, putting much more effort into Harry's than he did his, including whorls and spots surrounding the original heart, which makes Harry's eyes light up when he views the finished product.

"Matty, this your phone?" Olly calls out from the other side of the room as Matty is pulling on his heeled boots once Harry is done thanking him, pointing to the counter where Matty had indeed left the device.

"Yeah, it's fine there," Matty shrugs. He knows no one will steal it, not in here. The only people allowed in are the dancers and staff, and he trusts them all implicitly.

"George is texting you."

That's all it takes to have Matty practically sprinting over to where Olly is standing, his blood thrumming loudly in his ears as he grabs for his phone hastily, ignoring Olly's quiet chuckles as he tries to calm down enough to read the new message.

"You working tonight?"

Matty isn't sure why George is asking, but he doesn't let himself dwell on that, or get his hopes up just yet. He has to be on the floor any minute now actually, so he simply types back his reply as quickly as he can.

"Yes - why?"

"Come on lads, we're opening now," Adam pokes his head into the dressing room, his gaze resting on Matty when he doesn't move immediately. "That means you too Matty."

"I'm coming," Matty calls out as he begins slowly walking over to where Adam is standing with his arms crossed, his gaze glued to the screen of his device as he waits for George's response which luckily comes in just then.

"You'll see, have fun."

Matty groans as he tosses his phone onto his bag, following Adam and the rest of the boys into the main room even though what he really wants to do is ring George up and ask him what that means, but apparently, he'll find out soon enough, so he tries to shove all George related thoughts from his mind so he can focus on the customers that are filing inside.

Matty knows it's stupid, but he still searches through the crowd for a head of messy blonde hair, and he's only slightly disappointed when he doesn't spot George amongst the numerous patrons.

~~~

By the time Matty's shift is almost over, he's mostly managed to forget about George, or as close as he can manage that is.

He's had a good evening, the tips have been higher than usual tonight, and he and Nick had done a dance together that had gotten quite a nice reception, meaning he should be good for his rent, at least this month.

He had been sneaking glances at his phone on his breaks and such, but George hasn't sent anything else, so Matty is losing faith that he'll see him tonight.

That realization leaves him in a bit of a foul mood, causing him to handle the empty glasses he's gathering a bit more roughly than usual as he cleans off the vacated tables just to give himself something to do that doesn't involve moping.

Matty has to bite back a snarky remark when Harry practically jumps on his back ten minutes before closing, his excited actions nearly sending Matty toppling to the floor before he can regain his balance.

"Matty - look!" Harry whisper-shouts in his ear, "isn't that George?"

Just the utterance of George's name erases all traces of irritation bubbling under Matty skin, only for it to be replaced by a wave of elation tinged with a hint of nerves.

Matty is almost scared to turn around, but he knows Harry wouldn't play a joke like this on him, that would be too cruel, and sure enough, when Matty looks over his shoulder after shoving Harry off of him, George is standing there in the doorway, a sheepish smile spreading across his face as he locks eyes with Matty from across the room.

Matty feels a bit like he's in the middle of a romantic movie, because he's suddenly overcome with the urge to run into George's arms and cling to him as tightly as possible, but he refrains.

George is heading his way already, and honestly, Matty has no idea what this visit is going to entail, and it might not necessarily mean anything, but god - Matty hopes it does.

"Hey," George mumbles lowly, his gaze shifting away from Matty for a brief second over to Harry who is still standing behind Matty with a shit-eating grin on his face.

Matty raises his brow at him questioningly, only for Harry to blush slightly before he scurries away, leaving Matty and George mostly alone since the majority of the patrons have gone and everyone else is busy cleaning up or headed home already.

"Hi," Matty answers, a flush staining his cheeks when his voice cracks slightly. "What're you doing here?" he dares to ask, his breathing growing shallow and his hands shaking slightly with the effort it's taking him to remain calm.

"Wanted to see you," George shrugs like he hasn't just said exactly what Matty has been wanting to hear for a week as he slides into a nearby booth. "I'm sorry I disappeared like that. I just...had to make sure of some things."

"It's fine yeah?" Matty waves him off, because it is, disregarding the fact that it doesn't feel that way. He seats himself next to George as he speaks, trying to keep a bit of space between their bodies even though all he wants to do is curl himself around the taller man. "I understand, you can take as long as you need, I promise."

"I just had to make sure I did the right thing you know?"

"And do you think you did?" Matty asks nervously, because although it will gut him if George is starting to regret leaving Kyle, he has to know where his head is at. As smitten as he is with him, George's happiness comes first always.

"Yes," George replies instantly, "I feel free, but also...it's like I'm missing something, missing you," George spits out hurriedly, "but I don't want you to think you're a rebound, or that I'm using you to move on, so I tried to stay away. I told myself I would wait for two weeks, but I barely even made it one. I know this has all happened so fast, and if you want to remain friends for a bit, I understand, but I want you so fucking much Matty, I can't stop thinking about you, it's -"

"Can I kiss you now?" Matty cuts in, stopping George's frantic rambling in its track with his question.

Matty waits for George's jerky nod before he all but climbs into his lap, his lips seeking out George's as he tilts his head up needily. Matty thinks he hears someone whoop as their mouths connect, but he's too focused on George to find out who is watching, although it sounds suspiciously like Olly.

George wraps one of his arms around Matty's waist as they kiss, his grip allowing Matty to melt against him as he drinks in George's taste, his smell, but mostly the pressure of his lips against his own.

Matty hasn't kissed anyone in ages, not since Olly. He doesn't count what happens at work, and fuck - he forgot how much he loves this, and doing it with George might just be one of the best experiences of his life.

All of the pent up tension that Matty's been burying down for months is exploding out of him, and it seems to be the same for George as well. Both of their movements become more frantic as George slips his tongue past Matty's lips, licking into his mouth eagerly while Matty tries his best not to moan aloud.

Matty forces himself to pull away when he feels his cock swelling in his trousers, his vision going slightly fuzzy and his breath emitting in a ragged fashion as he tries to regain control of himself.

George looks just as flustered as Matty does, his eyes are dark and bright, his pupils dilating visibly as he licks at his swollen lips slowly. His thumb brushes at that heart on Matty's cheek softly as they stare at each for what feels like eons, allowing Matty to savor the moment and assure himself that this is really happening.

"Back room," Matty heaves out when he can speak again, his body aching with the need for George, and although he realizes that he could just ask him to come home with him, he honestly doesn't think he can wait that long.

For one brief second, Matty wonders if he's moving things along too quickly, but when George nods rapidly, that fear evaporates instantaneously.

Matty's never been one to take things slow, and he's wanted George for so long, he can't remember a time when he wasn't longing for him. He's been patient, but now that he's allowed to touch George, he can't remember the meaning of that word.

George lets Matty drag him down the hallways leading to the more private area of the club. Matty opens the first door he sees, his breath hitching in his chest as George immediately sinks down on the low couch once they are inside.

Matty gasps when George grabs his waist, pulling him back into his lap with a surprising show of strength that shouldn't turn Matty on as much as it does.

"God Matty," George exhales as he rolls his hips upward, showing Matty that he's just as affected by this as he is, "you have no clue how long I've been wanting this."

"George," Matty whimpers in an embarrassing fashion, his skin prickling with heat and lust as he tries to get George to kiss him again, but when the other man begins dragging his mouth down his neck instead, Matty can't help but buck against him, a ragged groan leaving his lips as their cocks rub together with just the right amount of friction.

George reattaches their mouths then, swallowing down the noises Matty's making as he guides his frantic movements with one hand on his hip, the other tangling in curls, tugging just enough to have Matty's cock leaking in response.

"So gorgeous," George mutters quietly, "so perfect."

Matty whimpers softly at the praise, his stomach tightening up and his legs shaking as he performs both the shittiest and the best lap dance of his life, but it's not enough. He wants to feel George's skin, to make him come, to hear the sounds he produces as he does so he won't have to imagine them anymore.

Matty fumbles with the button of George's jeans when George returns to sucking on his neck, his shaky fingers finally managing to get them undone with a bit of effort.

George lifts himself up as he much as he can without dislodging Matty from his perch, allowing him to tug them out of the way just enough to free his cock, his mouth-watering slightly as he stares down at what is most likely the best dick he's ever seen in his life.

Matty wants to admire it more, to taste it, to have it inside of him, but that can be arranged later, so for now, he simply wraps his hand around it, his own cock twitching in response when he feels George's heat and weight against his sweaty palm.

"Fuck," George grunts, his hips jerking upward as Matty gives him a firm stroke. "Here, let me..."

George trails off as he maneuvers their positions, lying Matty back against the sofa while pulling down his trousers as well.

Matty almost cries with relief when his dick is out, and he does make a sound suspiciously close to that when George lines up their cocks and wraps his long-fingered hand around the both of them.

"George, please - I need to come," Matty pleads, his body reacting much too quickly to all of this, but he can't really be blamed for that. He's been waiting for this for ages, and now that it's finally happening, the wait is making everything ten times better.

Or maybe that is Matty's feelings, because George means the world to him, and Matty knows he means something to George as well. He's not a rebound, or an easy fuck, or a stripper, or anything right now. He's just Matty, that's how George sees him, and Matty knows that George would never use him or hurt him.

That security allows him to let go, to show a side of himself to George that he's honestly not sure anyone has ever seen before. Matty wonders if George knows all of that, he should probably tell him actually, but he can do that after they've both come.

"I've got you," George whispers through gritted teeth as he pumps their cocks rapidly, his body smothering Matty in the best way as he tightens his grip. "Come for me love."

Much to his surprise, that's all it takes for Matty to let go. His thighs shake erratically and a strangled moan leaves his lips as George strokes him through his release.

Matty clutches to George as he comes, his nails digging into his shoulders as he streaks his stomach with spunk, his eyes falling shut and his head lolling backward as George continues moving his hand, drawing everything out just how Matty likes it.

George comes moments later, his muscles tensing up and his lips latching onto Matty's neck when he does. Matty groans weakly in response, his mouth nudging George's cheek until he gets the hint and starts kissing him properly, their tongues chasing each other's lazily long after George releases his grip on their spent cocks.

"Fucking hell," Matty stretches slightly when he feels like he can move again, "I can't believe you made me wait a whole extra week for this."

George barks out a laugh at Matty's statement, his eyes crinkling happily as he tucks his dick away, inspiring Matty to copy his actions, although he has no idea what to do about the mess of come that's covering his abdomen.

George takes care of that though, using his shirt to wipe it off without seeming to mind the state it leaves the fabric in, causing Matty to smile giddily when George presses a few soft kisses to his belly once he's clean.

"You're right, I feel a bit silly now, actually. We could have been doing this much sooner if I'd gotten my shit together quicker," George finally responds as he helps Matty sit up properly. "I just didn't want to ruin this by rushing into anything."

"You didn't, and you won't," Matty promises, "and I know we need to talk more, but right now, I really just want you to take me home."

"Yeah?"

"More than anything," Matty nods, his head feeling light and fuzzy, almost like it might float away if George keeps staring at him with that look of adoration, "if that's alright with you of course."

"Like you even need to ask, god - you have no idea how much I've wanted this."

And honestly - Matty does know, because he feels the same. He's been hiding his attraction to George since day one, they've been dancing around each other for so long that Matty had begun to wonder if anything would come of this, but it's finally out in the open now.

Matty's surprised he hadn't cracked sooner, so now he just wants everything that he never thought George would be able to give him, but he doesn't know how to put that into words.

Instead, he simply wraps his fingers around George's wrist and tugs him down for another kiss, using his actions to convey everything he's unable to say aloud.

Hello - it's been months. I'm so sorry for the wait but I am back and I promise I intend to finish this story very soon.

I have no excuse for why this took so long, my life has just been a bit hectic and writing isn't as easy as it used to be, but I am determined to keep on with it so I thank you all for being patient with me.

I hope some of you are still here and it means the world to me if you are.

Also what do you think of the new cover? I am quite fond of it and I think it fits the story very well.

Votes and comments are my favorite things if you feel like leaving one.

I love you all so very much xxxx

- starr