Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Muffled noise from the vacant apartment next door wakes Smitty, eyebrows furrowing as he slips out of bed, John lays scrunched into a ball. Blankets strewn around him, arms stretching out to starfish over the plush bedding once Smitty exits the room.

The noise piques smittys interest, but the tiredness he feels has him shuffling to his kitchen, coffee on the brain.

Making a quick cup, sipping the hot liquid, he decides on peeking outside. Curious on who his new neighbor could be.

Who could be so selfish to be this loud on a Saturday morning. A bit grumpy at having been woken up so early on the weekend.

Opening his door, a blur of a man goes past him and into the open door to his left. The figure re-emerges moments later, eyes meeting Smittys. A startled look to them as if not expecting anyone.

And god is this man pretty. Light brown hair, and the most gorgeous and striking eyes Smitty had ever seen. A cozy sweater with a delicate silver chain to decorate his neck.

The man is breathtaking.

And fuck he’s talking to Smitty.

“-hopefully I haven’t woken you up, sorry….I’ve never moved by myself before…I’m Matt by the way.” The man, Matt says as he sticks his hand out for Smitty to shake, an awkward smile adorning his face.

“Oh yea-no you’re good. I didn’t even notice! I’m a morning person anyways, I’m Smitty.” He introduces himself, hand grasping Matt’s, the soft touch of Matt’s hand has Smittys brain in a frenzy. Wires crossing, thoughts jumbling. His fingers tighten a tad as Matt goes to let go.

An awkward cough and Smittys hand falls to his side, fingers digging into his palms, nails scraping skin as he holds himself back.

What is wrong with him. He’s not even a morning person. Why’s he acting like this.

“It’s nice to meet you! If you ever need anything or have any complaints feel free to come over! It’s just me and my cats.” Matt laughs out.

“Not that there will be anything to complain about!” Matt quickly rambles, face twisting into something of mild horror.

He’s cute.

“I’ll keep that in mind, and cats you say?” Smitty says intrigued.

“Oh yea! I have two, Doug and Bob. So if you ever hear me yelling those names they’re just my cats, they can be some menaces.” Matt giggles out.

Smitty could drown in that laugh, the light and high notes sending waves of serotonin into Smittys brain. A pleasant buzzing at the noise.

“Ah, I’d love to meet them sometime. It’s just me and my boyfriend John in my apartment. We’d love to invite you over to eat sometime, sort of welcoming you in?” Smitty responds. Mind slightly hazing over as he watches Matt’s facial expressions, the slight twitch of his eye, quirk of his mouth. The way his nose scrunches up and his eyes crinkle.

“Oh that would be lovely! When I’m done unpacking, maybe I can give you guys the tour….well I mean you guys probably already know the layout….” Matt’s awkwardness only spurs smitty on. What would be annoying on anyone else is so endearing on Matt, a sort of soft and sweet look about it. A clumsy but delicate man that Smitty just wants to take home.

With a smile Smitty laughs out, something a bit more fake than he usually does. Too busy analyzing Matt to put any real emotion behind it.

“I’d love to have a tour, that would be wonderful Mattie- shit sorry Matt.” Smitty says, the mess up causing Smitty to curse at himself in his head.

“Oh you can call me Mattie if you want, you’d be the first.” He chuckles out.

A slight meow captures there attention, an almost silent thud at the door soon follows.

“Ah sorry, my cats are demanding attention. It was nice meeting you Smitty. Hopefully we can talk soon.” Matt smiles out, something so blinding and yet terrifying in the way it’s taking over smittys mind.

“No worries, the little rascals sound cute. Wouldn’t wanna keep them waiting! I’ll come over when I find a good day for dinner!” Smitty says.

“Perfect! I have like zero plans for the next week besides unpacking.”

And with that they wave goodbye.

Shutting his door, he leans up against it.

Blood drips from his hand, his nails stained the red hue. The sting of pain does nothing to stop the thoughts of Matt swirling through his head.

He needs to know everything about him.

He…he thinks he might need him.

Plans are forming, ideas starting. Thoughts of following the man, cameras in the others apartment, the need to have a know how on everything about the other. It’s all consuming and yet he just met him. It’s scary how much he’s already planning about the other.

Sickening thoughts swirl around his mind. A part of him he’s never considered now pushing to the front at the prospect of Matt being theirs. The man so close yet to far away for Smittys liking. God a few sentences in and he’s some schoolgirl with a crush.

But first? First Smitty’s gonna need John to get on board. The other can be a tad more prickly with new people….well people in general, and yet he has no doubts the other won’t feel the same as he does about there new neighbor.

It’s only a matter of time before there duo becomes a trio.

Chapter Text

John’s unimpressed look rips a sigh out of Smitty, something from deep within. Deflating at the deadpan stare of his boyfriend.

“You just haven’t met him yet. You’ll understand.” Smitty pouts as he watches John wash the dishes. Hands dunking under the warm soapy water to scrub at the plate. The silver glints from John’s rings clinking onto the dishware and the splash of red from the mans chipped nail polish catches Smittys attention. Nimble fingers pull out of the sink to shake off the excess water, droplets flying through the air.

John turns around, an air of disinterest surrounds him yet Smitty knows he’s got his full attention. Something that’s interested Smitty this heavy is bound to get to John.

“Well you shouldn’t have just volunteered me to be ready to host. But I suppose it won’t hurt to entertain some company.” John says as he wipes his hands off on a dishrag.

Smitty returns John’s words with a blinding smile and a slight squeal that he’d deny if anyone were to ask.

“You can wear that nice pullover I got you, the one with the stars, oh and maybe try out that new green nail polish you never get to wear…” Smitty rambles.

Sighing at his boyfriend’s antics, John heads to the living room, grabbing the book he’s been reading off of the coffee table.

Sitting on the couch with a slight oof,
cracking open the book John ponders Smittys newest fixation.

There’s a sense of jealousy there and yet it’s overtaken by intrigue.

It’s not often Smitty fixates on people, much less someone to this caliber. It feels different this time and not like Smitty’s usual people watching. That matched with John’s typical disdain for most people makes them an unlikely match.

On the surface.

They saw a side of themselves in each other no one would ever understand. Something deep down, something a little bit twisted.

Pushed down into the depths of their souls, only shared with each other. They’re so differnt and yet…..the exact same.

The perfect match.

For Smitty to find someone that he wants to drag into this thing they have…..well the temptation is there.

A sort of newfound desire, consider his interest piqued.

As much as John knows Smitty, the other knows John. He knows them. He knows what would work, what would fit and what would break the very essence of there relationship.

The picture Smitty painted of there neighbor leaves a-lot to be desired. Some frail and innocent thing waiting to be ruined. Tainted by the oddity that is John and Smitty.

But the itch to impress Smitty’s new crush digs at his brain. He’ll indulge and give into his wants to meet this man. Judge him and see what the appeal is. See what’s captured Smittys attention.

The other tends to be easily swayed, like a set of keys dangled in front of a child. Smittys judgment can be a tad biased on things he finds pretty, come friday….John will have his answer.

Seems it will be a day to remember.

Chapter Text

The black dress sits slumped on Matt’s bed, crumpled in a heap of black fabric.

“I can’t believe you actually got me this you fucking asshole.” Matt seethes into the phone in a whispered tone.

The line crackles as Soup laughs. “Oh come on you’ll look great, you said you wanted something to wear to the lil date. Im sure you’ll get plenty of action with your neighbors.” Soup says with amusement clear in his voice.

“Like I’d ever wear that in front of them oh my god Soup.” Matt says in horror. “And it’s not a fucking date.” Matt adds as an afterthought.

“Did you even put it on? You’ve been working out so getting your exact size was hard.”

“No I did not try it on.”

“You know it’s probably not too late to send matching heels…” Soup trails off.

“Dallas. I swear to god.” Matt grits out through clenched teeth. “Im sending this dress back, and-“

“Matt, baby we’ve known each other for years. It’s ok if you wanna wear a dress, I’m not saying you gotta wear it out for the dinner that’s totally not a date, but at least wear it for you….I mean if it makes you happy, why not?” Soup replies interrupting Matt.

Matt sighs into the phone, and while the dress did have a nice feel to it , Matt’s just not there yet.

“It’ll be in my closet collecting dust until further notice.” Matt mutters.

“Yea yea ok. So what are you wearing to the dinner, Mcnasty said you’d probably just show up in one of your dad outfits.”

“Well hold on…what do you mean by dad outfits?”

“Matt you dress like a middle aged man attending his son’s little league baseball game.” Soup laughs. “You look nice as hell but come on.”

“I’ll probably just wear some jeans and a nice shirt, maybe jewelry? Would that be too much?” Matt says offhandedly as he walks to his closet.

“Don’t overthink it. You said your neighbor Smithy was nice right? Well maybe he and his boyfriend can help break you out of your weird introverted shell.”

“Well for one his names Smitty.” Matt can practically hear Soups eye roll. “And second, it’s just him being neighborly. I doubt we’ll end up friends or anything.”

“But do you want to be? You said he was cute.”

“He’s got a boyfriend though, plus what if his boyfriend hates me. I was already awkward enough around Smitty, what if he’s also like ultra hot and I embarrass myself.” Matt whines out.

“Promise me you’ll at least put yourself out there. This move is supposed to be for finding yourself and getting out there. And if this doesn’t work out, well then at least you tried.” Soup says.

God Matt hates when Soup makes sense, he’s supposed to be the smart one.

“I’ll….I’ll try. But don’t have your hopes too high for me!” Matt says jokingly, an attempt to lighten the mood.”

“Well you better do a good job impressing them, cause I got a bet going with Doo and Mcnasty.”

“……I don’t even wanna know.” Matt sighs.

Soups cackle can be heard in response, the sound getting Matt to chuckle in return.

“Don’t worry baby, just be yourself. There’s no way they wouldn’t love ya.” Soup says between laughs.

“Yea, yea….I’ll talk to you later ok?” Matt says as the laughter dies down.

“I expect a play by play about the dinner. I want pictures of your outfit, I want-“

“Awe does Soup care about me.” Matt mockingly says.

“Im just here for the drama and gossip, and the fifty dollars from the boys.” Soup says with a smile.

“You suck, talk to you later. Love ya man. Thanks…for everything.”

“Now don’t get all emotional on me now Matt, I don’t wanna be responsible for you crying in your pretty dress.”

“Yea I’m hanging up.” Matt says as he clicks end call.

A quick glance to the dress and he’s picking it up. Bunched up in his fist as he chucks it into his closet, slamming the doors and leaving it behind to rot for the foreseeable future.

Fuck, tomorrow is gonna be interesting.

Chapter Text

He looks beautiful.

Somewhat oblivious to the slight tension he was causing but John was too enamored in the way the man looked. Having to stop himself from reaching out and just take him right there on the table.

Thoughts come to his mind as he takes in the way the man’s shirt fits around his well toned body, or the jewelry that clings to him, delicate pieces to accentuate his already ethereal appearance.

He knows he’s coming off as creepy with the way he’s starring silently at the other, barely contributing and having Smitty carry on the conversation, but the words that are itching to escape aren’t ones Matt should hear. He wouldn’t wanna scare the poor guy off.

Even the simple way he picks the fork up and eats his food has John straining, struggling not to throw his own fork down and just grab the man.

Every swallow of food, every blink of his eye, turn of his lips, movement of his body, John watches. Eyes tracking the others body. Watching the way his pink lips wrap around the fork.

He’s hungry, and not for the food. It’s been awhile since he’s felt so….so unhinged. So untethered from his very being. Such a visceral need to tear something or someone apart. Break them just to put them back together and make them his own.

Smitty’s in charge, he has to be for something like this. John will just have to follow in his lead. Take cues from his other half.

He’s lucky he’s got the man. Picking up the slack for John in the conversations. Smitty’s always been the more outgoing of the two, John would say he’s more patient but just as loud, especially when it comes to alcohol. But Smitty leads, always has. He tends to understand the social cues more, covering for John when the man blurts out something strange.

The two a perfect mesh of chaos, and Matt’s more delicate nature would blend beautifully with the two, John thinks.

The glide of Matt’s neck as he swallows down the glass of wine Smitty offered him is divine, John could just sink his teeth into it, rip out the flesh and have the blood fill his mouth and drip down.

He wants so much, maybe too much. He feels needy, god he’s gonna need Smitty to be rough with him tonight. The burning need for his hands to feel the other only burn brighter as he’s saying goodbye to the two.

Bashful look, and pink cheeks decorate his face accompanied by a shy smile. Soft spoken words and giggles as he thanks the two for their hospitality, gushing about how good the food was and how he hopes they can do this again.

Before Matt can leave Smitty hugs him, scooping him up into his arms as he says his own goodbye, the wine clearly getting to the other, making him more touchy than he would’ve been. John watches as Matt’s cheeks darken, eyes shine in surprise as he glances towards John.

John can only lick his lips as he watches the doe eyed look the man gives him. Matt quickly glancing away befire peeking back at John whose lips turn up in a cocky smile, eyes swimming with mirth.

Walking up to Matt once Smitty lets him go, John grabs his hand. A delicate and chaste kiss placed onto the soft skin. A noise akin to a whimper escapes Matt as John pulls back.

“It was a pleasure to have you over, do come again.”

And with those last words, Matt’s stumbling out of there apartment, a dazed look in his eyes. As soon as there door shuts Smittys on him. Breath panting and hands rough as he grabs at skin and clothes. Needing to touch.

John’s slammed against the door as Smitty rips his shirt off. Hands roaming John’s chest once its bare. Mouth crashing onto John’s.

Smittys teeth nip John’s lip as he moans out. The slight metallic taste only serves to make Smitty more feral.

“Please, Smitty….”

“I got you baby.” Smitty breathes out as he chuckles against John’s lips. Hands tugging John’s pants and underwear off, cock hardening as Smitty’s hand slowly stroke over the tip.

Throwing his head back against the door, the loud thud making Smitty grasp his cock in a clenched fist. “Shhh, you don’t want Matt to come over and see you so desperate…do you?” John whines as he squeezes his eyes shut. “Or maybe you do, you seem to really…really like him.” Smitty says, amusement placing his voice.

“Now let’s head to the bedroom, wouldn’t wanna have the whole complex here you.” Smitty laughs out as he backs away from John.

The other can only whine at the loss of touch as he follows Smitty to there bedroom. Thoughts of seeing Smitty treat Matt this way linger in his mind. Would he like it? Would he be submissive or a brat? Would he want them? Would the need they feel consume him also?

No time to muse those thoughts over as he’s pushed onto the bed, Smitty’s hands land on his thighs as they dig into his flesh, and pull them open. A hunger in his eyes that reflects John’s own.

God he needs this.

Chapter Text

“Owe…Did you just bite me?”

The sting of his flesh, warm wet saliva and the indentation on his arm gave him pause. Eyes furrowing as he glances towards the other man.

To give him credit John does look suprised himself, eyes wide and frozen where he stands.

Matt touches the bite mark, fingers tracing the indents of John’s teeth. Mind conflicted, on one hand…what they fuck? On the other….maybe he didn’t hate it?

Smitty stays in the doorway watching the two. Staying silent as he watches this all play out, seems John’s let his possessive thoughts take over.

Matt had mentioned he was gonna be hanging out with some guy named Grizzy. The smile on his face and light in his eyes had made Smitty pause in his steps. Waiting to see what his partner would do, how he would handle it.

And it seems John had went straight for laying claim to the younger man.

Swallowing down his saliva, tongue swiping over his teeth. John can feel the more feral part of himself curl up inside of him as he stamps that side of him down.

“Sorry, I….” John freezes as if he knows not what to say.

Matt sits in front of him, that man hasn’t ran yet. How strange of him to stay in front of the big bad wolf. Smitty thinks as he strides in, smile on his face as he joins the duo.

“Everything ok? Smitty asks with faux concern.

Matt’s eyes dart to his before glancing back at John. A puzzled look on his face before it relaxes into something more calm and happy like his usual appearance. “Nah, John just decided to do some weird dog role play and bite me.” He giggles at his own joke.

The tension in the room deflates as John chuckles at the admission. “Me and Smitty are just that kinky I guess.” He adds on.

Pink decorated Matt’s cheeks as his laugh gets louder. Smitty dramatically throws his head back, hand in his heart as he moans out. Something fake and dramatized, which only has Matt laughing harder, something goose like that has him struggling for breath.

John takes in Matt, how soft he looks in his sweater. The three had been getting along well, Matt fitting in so perfect that it’s like he’s always been here. It would be even better if he was there though. Something that sits in the back of all three of their heads.

Seeing as Matt had overlooked the very odd and definitely weird behavior John exhibited smitty surmises he’s probably just as into them as they are into him. It’s only a matter of time now. He supposes it’ll be him having to do the first move though, John too nervous and…well Matt’s Matt.

Laughter dying down, John notices something about the other. “Can I paint your nails?” John asks.

Blinking owlishly, Matt glances down at his bare nails. He had just gotten them to start growing out again after biting them too short.

“Oh? I’ve never done that before…but I’d be down if you wanted to?” Matt had asked as if he himself wants sure.

Smitty grabs the man’s hands to look at his nails, really an excuse to touch the other.

“Hmmm what color, maybe a red, or a subtle soft pink? Ooo or a nice blue…” Smitty starts as he lists colors and designs that would look good on the other.

John can only melt at the rambling his other half does, Matt sitting there hanging into every word.

It’s perfect, truly.

Now he just needs to deal with this Grizzy. He can’t have some guy take Matt’s attention from them. Thoughts of how he’d get rid of the unsuspecting man swirl through his head, dangerous and dark ones. Blood pouring and screams as he watches Smitty chatter on. The ramblings a good background noise for John’s fuzzy mind.

Plans forming but they’ll have to wait. John’s gotta paint Matt’s nails the billions of colors Smittys bright out.

Chapter Text

“Hurry up, he could be home any minute.” Smitty whispers harshly as he glances at the front door.

“You can’t rush this sort of thing.” John bites back as he finishes setting up the camera.

Stepping back, Smittys peeks over John’s shoulder to see his work. “Oh wow, you can’t even tell, this is perfect.” Pecking John’s cheek, Smitty lets his eyes roam around the room. One last look in the apartment before they hurry back to their own home.

A discarded hoodie lays on the couch, Smittys hand brushes over the soft fabric, fingers bunching it up as he brings it to his face, inhaling the scent of the man that’s been invading his every thought.

John comes up behind him, hand placed on smittys hip as he looms over him to grab the garment and stuff his face into it. The sweet smell of the other making his toes curl. A throaty groan, eyelashes fluttering as thoughts of the other in there bed creep into his mind.

John doesn’t even realize Smitty had disappeared before the man rips the soft green hoodie out of his clenched fists.

The wild look on Smitty’s face has John pause, looking down to see something black in Smitty’s hands.

He’s holding it delicately as he hands it to John, breathless as if he can’t believe what he had found.

“He’s got…a dress.” Is all Smitty gets out before John’s holding it up, the dress looks short, simple yet tantalizing.

Swallowing down the building saliva John shudders. “What if it’s not-“

“It’s his. There’s matching heels that are the same size of his other shoes.” Smitty says as he watches John look almost mesmerized at the dress.

“Fuck….” John groans out. Hand shaky as he shoves it back towards Smitty. “Put it back, take pictures and let’s go. Seems we have some ideas to gift the other.” John says as he watches Smitty catch onto his brewing thoughts.

Thigh highs, short skirts and even lingerie is all John can picture as he waits for Smitty to get back. A brief thought of the other in a thong thrums in John’s head before he shakes it away.

The two are already doing something so wrong by breaking into Matt’s apartment and going through his things, but to also have such depraved thoughts of him…well maybe that’s a bit too far.

There quick as they make it back to there own apartment, getting to work to make sure the cameras are operating well, satisfied the duo sit back and wait for Matt to arrive home.

The string of messages Soup sends him has Matt rolling his eyes in annoyance.

There’s absolutely zero reason for Matt to buy the stupid lacy red bra, well more of a maroon. Girls where them for support for there boobs, and yes Matt’s been working out some but…come on now.

He’s not stupid, even if he’s had some more shameful thoughts on women’s clothes…he still….well he’s still got some pride left.

Soup the ever inclusive and supportive friend he is, had taken Matt’s slight inking for liking more feminine clothes and just ran with it. Constantly sending Matt outfit ideas or even straight up buying him clothes Matt would only dare wear in the safety of his bedroom behind a locked door.

It has taken immense goading from Soup one night, coincidentally the night they had met that soup had learned this tidbit about him. What a great introduction soup now jokes, and maybe he slightly feels bad for making Matt have a sort of breakdown that night.

Matt had just moved to America for a few months, a quick visit for some work thing he was doing. Going with the cheapest option of choosing a roommate had proved to be the best decision. Soup had seemed nice, a bit weird and out there, but nice enough.

It was late into the evening of Matt’s first night there when Dallas had spotted a pink hoodie with flowers decorating the sleeves. The man giddy at the prospect of teasing his roommate and getting him out of his shell.

Good natured teasing had lead to Matt’s outburst. Pure anger in his voice before he deflated in such a way soup felt like the biggest asshole in the Carolinas.

“I’m not a girl!” Matt had harshly yelled out, before he quietly almost mournfully stated, “I’m not…I don’t think I am.” Something so small in timid in his stance as Soup slowly realized, oh. This is something serious.

It had been a long night, something Matt refuses to even think more in depth of, nothing past the fact Soup had been there for him. Caring words from a stranger with a thick accent and hair that smelled like raw meat.

It wasn’t exactly a coming out story, that wouldn’t happen for awhile, not until some drunken night and a flirting mishap that lead to Matt tearfully sniffling into Soups chest as he muttered, face smushed into the taller man, about liking men.

The two have come along way, who would have thought Matt’s closest friend would be some guy he had met on the internet.

Quickly shooting down Soups suggestion of buying the bra, Matt makes his way home. Exhausted from a day out shopping, thoughts of his comfortable bed pulling him home.

Making his way inside, something seems off. Too tired to dwell on the unsettling feeling Matt flops onto his couch, his bed seems to far away now. His two cats jumping up to press into his sides, begging to be pet.

Scratching behind Doug’s ears and patting his hand down rhythmically on bobs butt, short tail swishing around with such ferocity.

This is home. After a long day, getting inside to his two most beloved things in the world. The loneliness he feels inside settles for a moment as he basks in the love his cats give him.