★ ( ' the fame, the fortune ) onexone with consulting

[Consulting_Angel]

He was a little surprised that the coast was clear - he'd been half expecting to be pounced on by Matty's family as soon as they went downstairs - but it was also something of a relief. A little bit more time before seeing everyone again to give him a chance to properly get to know his way around the house and settle in a bit more.
Seeing the undecorated Christmas tree in the corner, though, and he couldn't help but compare the room to his parent's living room as well. They wouldn't decorate for Christmas until Cian was there, but they'd always go all out. Almost a full day affair to decorate everything properly - he couldn't wait for that.

The other, biggest notable thing was the grand piano. Cian was quite in awe, listening as Matty spoke about it, and the photos that were there as well. He wasn't just listening and looking at what was being pointed out, Cian would also look at Matty's face while he spoke, watching his expression as he spoke. He probably could listen to Matty talk about his family photos for hours. He quickly glanced away, towards the photos, when Matty had paused to look at him, only looking back when the musician had spoken again, talking about when he'd come to his dressing room and Cian had toured it so Alexa would leave them alone.

Cian laughed lightly. "That was funny. Although at least this time there's no Alexa to drive off - and this tour is more interesting than the dressing room had been, I'm sure." Cian replied, shaking his head in amusement. "Do you still play it sometimes?" he then asked, referring to the grand piano, his voice softer, as though he wasn't sure he should be asking that. It was odd - but Cian could imagine Matty playing it while he stood next to it, singing along to whatever he'd played.

[vaska]

┌─────────┐

│

ＭＡＴＴＹxxxx

│
└─────────┘

spacer"Well the tour guide was great but he just didn't have material to work with under the pressure," He said quietly, his eyes creasing at their corners as he flashed a smile to Cian. Matty leaned against the piano, propping his elbow on it and resting his chin in his hand as Cian asked if he'd still play sometimes. Matty nodded, talking out the side of his mouth as he gazed down at the piano keys. "Yeah, I try to when I'm here play. Usually when the extended family comes over, they like me or my dad to play something. It's all gimick-y. I know for awhile I really didn't like to play - but since I've gotten older I miss playing the piano a lot. Violin is cool, don't get me wrong, but the piano is so fun. I almost feel like you can be more intimate with the piano." He said, returning his gaze back onto Cian. Matty stopped playing when his mom died, but after college he'd coped with the loss and returned to what he loved. It felt right after a break. "You know, in the Christmas movies where someone knows how to play the piano and then someone can sing, and the whole family gathers around the piano and listens to it? I feel like a piano can make that intimacy happen." Matty thought back to when his father and mother would do that, on occasion. They'd duet, and Matty and Clyde would sit on the floor and watch excitedly. He'd grown up for many years hoping to do that with his spouse and kids, but over the years he'd lost touch with the idea and figured it to be a fantastically romantic dream. He folded his arms over his chest, standing upright as he pressed his finger against his chin; contemplative. "I forget, is anyone in your family musically gifted like you?" He asked. Matty wondered if Cian had fun traditions like that, or how his family celebrated the holidays at all. Did Cian always sing and dance for the family, or did they all sing and dance together? He got the feeling they were all a lively, happy bunch crammed into a small place. So close together they didn't need the heat on the holidays - their bodies warmed the building all on their own. It was fun to think about, just as it was fun to admire Cian's espresso-colored eyes becoming milky and illuminated in the sunlight from the tall windows. Or how fun it was to look at how Cian's perfectly coiled hair sat so perfectly along his forehead, or how perfectly symmetrical his face was. Matty felt this fluttery sensation in his chest, almost like his heart had unstrapped itself to his body and was flapping around against his rib cage. Cian was just too sweet, and Matty loved every second of their talking - and couldn't help but wonder... what was he doing? He'd invited this nice, alone guy over for the holiday, then the night before they leave he has a dream about them kissing. What did it mean? It was hard not to read into it. Matty thought his mind was playing tricks on him, and now it was difficult to view him in any other light since his mind had so perfectly mapped out a scene between them in his dreams. He didn't want to misread their interactions and fumble a friendship - but Matty hadn't stopped thinking about his dream since it happened. The idea was tucked behind his present thoughts and he couldn't help but dwell on it. Every detail, everything he could recall. It was all there, sending his heart into a firey race if he thought too hard about it, or looked at Cian too much, or heard Cian laugh or talk or do anything. Yikes. This isn't good.

[Consulting_Angel]

"In that case - the tour guide will have to prepare better for the next tour he gives." Cian replied, laughing lightly again, sighing as he stopped, and listened to Matty talking about how he'd sometimes play the piano - and how he hadn't liked to play for a while. "I can see how that can be. I- I don't know a lot about playing instruments, but I can feel it when I hear it." Cian commented, and he nodded as Matty mentioned the classic scene in Christmas movies. It was almost exactly what he'd been imagining just moments ago. It wasn't something he'd really considered a reality, and just something that happened in movies. He often disliked stereotypical moments, usually chalking them up as unrealistic and out of reach, but it oddly wasn't quite so much of something he disliked when he could imagine himself part of it.

Cian shook his head slightly, a little hesitantly, as though he wasn't sure if he should answer. "No - well, not really. We like to sing carols during the holidays, and my parents occasionally go to a free dance class as dates - I saw a video of their first dance at their wedding and it was really choreographed and brilliant - but other than that, it's not something anyone else has followed. They always make me lead now, and we clear a space so my parents can dance sometimes as well." Cian said, staring off a little, wistfully as he thought about it. It was some of his favourite memories. "I'm sure my siblings want to try with something similar, but it's just not something we've been able to, er... fund," he whispered the last word, his voice picking up again as he continued, "honestly, if I hadn't gotten the scholarships, I wouldn't even be in New York."
He refocused on Matty, and shrugged - it was what it was, and he wouldn't change it for the world. After all, it ended up bringing him here, didn't it?

Thinking of that - Cian noticed how Matty looked at him, seemingly watching his every detail. He pretended not to, because otherwise that would lead him down a train of thought that he wasn't sure he could focus on yet.
"So - where's the next tour stop?" Cian asked, raising an eyebrow.

[vaska]

┌─────────┐

│

ＭＡＴＴＹxxxx

│
└─────────┘

spacerMatty's chest swelled with warmth as Cian went on to talk about his parent's dancing at their wedding, and his siblings not being able to try it due to funding.. it was sad, Matty had spent his whole life being handed everything he ever needed to become successful. Yet Cian, and his whole family, fought for it everyday. Of course, Matty was grateful for his resources upon reflection. But a strong sense of guilt rushed over him and squeezed his shoulders tight.
His longing gaze must have been noticed - as Cian chimed in on the silence and ushered the tour on. Right, good idea, Matty thought.
"Oh yeah, let's go to the kitchen." He patted Cian on the shoulder and walked through the archway, bringing them both to the large, yet fully utilized kitchen. The creamy walls were adorned with a white square backsplash, brightly illuminated by the stylish industrial lights above the bar and again, a plentiful amount of natural lighting. The mahogany colored cupboards were topped with a beige-gray granite, combined the two things alone probably cost more than six months of Cian's rent. But, Matty's parents had recently remodeled the kitchen, so it wasn't so bad.. right? To the far side of the kitchen, there was a bar near the sink, with four bar-stools wrapped around it. The stove was industrial, with a nice overhead for ventilation. All the appliances were stainless steel, the refrigerator nearly blinding the boys as they walked in from the sunlight's reflection.
"This is the kitchen. It's huge, we've got tons of stuff. Like I said awhile ago, you'd be more than welcome to cook or bake in here." Matty eyed the box of cookies Cian bought, sitting smack dab in the middle of the island. He side stepped to the box and opened it, snatching one of the cookies before resealing the air-tight lid. "In fact it would be appreciated." Matty chuckled, his words muffled by a mouthful of cookie. It really was a nice kitchen - perhaps not the dream kitchen of Gordon Ramsay, but it was comfortable and had plenty of working space."In case you want to do some laundry," He pointed behind the breakfast nook, at a small mudroom just by the backdoor. Just past the trim of the door a washer and dryer could be seen across the shoes and bench. "You can use the laundry machines and our detergent." If one glanced out the windows, in the autumnal backyard laced with trees, Sadie, Evan, Alessandra and a man (Matty's father) could be seen talking among themselves by the fire pit with Sheldon excitedly walking around them. Matty could guess they were probably telling his father how excited they were to have Cian here - a real celebrity from the stage. But knowing celebrities was not unfamiliar to his father, the retired pianist. Matty glanced outside, then gestured on toward the dining room. "Before my family sees u through the window, lets go to the next room." He grinned.

[Consulting_Angel]

He followed Matty to the kitchen. Just like everything else, he was in awe at how big the kitchen was. All the appliances and equipment was astonishing. The cupboards must be full of food and ingredients. He was quite impressed by the bar, and the industrial stove particularly. It would be something he'd be quite nervous to use, not wanting to leave a dirty mark on any of it, or accidentally break anything. He was very pleased that his box was in the middle of the kitchen island, and not hidden away, it was nice to just see the gesture - and also that Matty seemed to like them, as he'd grabbed another one from the box while talking. "Maybe I will - I'll need someone to show me how to use some of this stuff, I wouldn't want to break anything." Cian smiled brightly, and then glanced towards the mudroom, for the laundry machines. "Thank you." He said, with a slight nod, making a mental note for the route and door to remember where it would be.

He couldn't help but also look outside, through the windows to the backyard. It looked, even from there, so big but cosy, the sort of place someone could walk around for hours. And, of course, the rest of Matty's family gathered outside and talking. They seemed very much preoccupied with the conversation, and he could tell that they seemed to be quite excited. So far, they hadn't noticed the two of them through the window just yet.
Cian looked back towards Matty when he suggested they move onto the next room before his family did notice them. He nodded in agreement. "Yes, okay." Cian said, and followed Matty into the dining room.

[vaska]

┌─────────┐

│

ＭＡＴＴＹxxxx

│
└─────────┘

spacerAgain as a unit, the two wandered into the dining room. It was mostly empty - there was a nice corner hutch and a bar cart, in the center was a long mahogany table atop a woven rug, brightly lit by an ornate chandelier. It easily could sit ten people, twelve if you squeezed them in and were feeling ambitious. They usually did not use the whole table - except for around holidays, where people were gathered in the kitchen and around the table due to the sheer amount of relatives, children, and spouses. Sometimes, if the weather was nice they'd dine outside near the park, but it has usually been too chilly in the past to do such a thing.
"This is where our favorite thing goes on. Eating." He said half-wittily. It was true though, his family all loved a good meal. "Pretty basic, not much to see here." He shrugged, glancing around. There were some more pictures - a mix of family portraits and some nature paintings. He had no idea where the nature paintings came from, but the pictures were the most recent family photos of the kids (Clyde excluded) and some solo pictures of his dad and Alessandra. "More pictures over there, you know the drill..." He shrugged, then came around the corner and looked down the hall. "Bathroom and basement? Or are you toured out?" He turned back around, gazing at Cian who stood near the dining table.

[Consulting_Angel]

The dining room seemed to be pretty standard - well, standard for Matty's family anyway, he thought. It was quite nice, though, and he guessed the table would be getting its full use while Thanksgiving was in full swing. And, of course, more photos and art on the walls, which he glanced over carefully. The art, while interesting, was not quite what Cian focused on. One thing he thought that both families had in common would be the family photos put up around the house. Cian idly wondered if Matty would take as much of an interest in his family's photos as he did with Matty's now. Not that he expected Matty to visit his family at any time soon, or ever - that was a bit too forward thinking. Him being here was different, after all - this was just an hour train ride, and a one-time friend-inviting-a-friend sort of thing, while for Cian's family, well, that was a few hours on a plane, and he couldn't think of a reason to invite Matty over. Yep, totally different. That's what he was going to convince himself of, anyway.

Cian snapped out of his thoughts when Matty asked about continuing the tour. "Let's go for it." he replied. At this point, Cian thought that he'd probably follow Matty to wherever he wanted to take the tour, even if it was just a utility closet or an under-stairs storage room. "What's the plan afterwards?" Cian asked, figuring he should find out if they would be going outside or otherwise encountering the rest of the family next. He wasn't concerned with being overwhelmed, but he did like to be best prepared.

[vaska]

┌─────────┐

│

ＭＡＴＴＹxxxx

│
└─────────┘

spacerMatty pressed his hand against the back of one of the chairs, firmly perching his hand on his hip. "What's after the tour?" He echoed before thinking for a moment. He eyed the clock hung above the bay window at the far end of the dining room for a moment. It was..maybe a smidge too early for lunch. But... perhaps after the last leg of the tour, and as they got settled in, they'd be close enough to go get food. "Probably lunch," He strained his expression, tracing his fingers over the wood grain of the chair. "I'm hungry." He groaned. "I could treat us to lunch?" He offered, flashing a toothy grin. "Then..." He glanced at the backyard, then back to Cian before continuing. "Maybe then we can change into something comfortable and we can walk around the trail behind the backyard, if that sounds good." He slid his hand off the chair, tucking it into his pocket. "If you think you'll be hungry. If there's something else you'd rather do while we're in the area, I'm all ears!" Matty added, making sure he gave Cian an out if he wanted.

[Consulting_Angel]

After the tour... Cian tried to think about what they could do. He wasn't too sure what there was to do, or what Matty's family typically did, but as Matty had mentioned lunch, Cian realised that he was also hungry. It was maybe a little early for lunch, but he guessed by the time they'd finished the tour and got around to getting lunch, it would be about the right time. "Lunch would be great. I've not had anything today, so any time for it is fine with me." Cian replied, wondering what Matty might have in mind for lunch - were they going to venture out into the neighbourhood, or stay in to make something? Either way would be fine with him, he would be up for almost anything, and liked trying something new.
His interest was particularly piqued by the mention of a trail behind the backyard. It sounded like something hidden away, something that perhaps Matty's own family didn't have too much knowledge of. "I'll follow your lead - I'm up to do nearly anything. I think a walk on that trail sounds great as well." Cian replied, with a warm smile.

[vaska]

┌─────────┐

│

ＭＡＴＴＹxxxx

│
└─────────┘

spacerMatty's heart fluttered against his chest as Cian agreed to lunch. The very idea of buying him lunch gave him the jitters. It was just.. exciting. Being around someone so wonderful. This wasn't the old Audrey and John lunch where he third-wheeled the couple like they were his parents. (and quite embarrassingly they usually paid for him, despite his protests)
But this time, he could treat Cian to something special. "Well lets go look at the basement quick, then we can go settle in and figure out what we want for lunch." He said chipper, patting Cian on the shoulder as he whizzed past him. Honestly, Matty didn't care at all about the basement - but it was cool, and Cian should get to see it before it was full with extended Williams side and Alessandra's side. He bound around the hall, opening the door on the other side of the staircase. It swung inward and revealed a nicely carpeted staircase, and a hint of the downstairs could be seen. Matty hopped down the stairs, riding the high of the good afternoon to come. Not only did they get to get lunch.. but he got to show Cian his favorite trail. Good indeed! he thought. Matty gestured to the plainly decorated basement, doing a 360 before directing Cian's attention about the room. Directly in front of the stairs was a nice bar that was in its own 'man cave' style, to the left was another bathroom, and in front of the bar was a fooseball table, pool table (which could be converted into a pingpong table). Then behind the stairs and tucked against the wall was an electric fireplace with a TV mounted above it, framed by a beige couch. It looked more used than the furniture upstairs, which could tell you that the family spent a great deal of their time downstairs instead. To the right was a door, and behind this door Matty was excited to show Cian.. but he had to wait, and show him what was visible first. "Bar, as you can see. This is like the game room.. second sitting room, sort of where we hung out a lot when we had friends over in highschool, me and Clyde. I know Sadie and Evan do the same, usually having joint parties since they shared friend groups." Matty cleared his throat, running his hand over the green turf of the pool table. "There's another bathroom over there, and there's a storage room-storm cellar-combo connected to the bathroom. Not sure why there's not a door to the storage room, but that's just how it was built I guess." Matty chuckled. "If you ever wanna hide for hide and seek.. that store room is the place to go." He pointed at the bathroom before slowly waddling to the closed door on the far side of the basement. "This is something I think is pretty cool, but doesn't get much use." He cracked open the door and let it fall open, the draft rushing from the unoccupied room quickly. Matty reached his hand inside and flicked on the light, illuminating a sound-proof room with an old desktop computer and guitars hung all along the wall. Various instruments propped up on the floor, facing the door as soldiers faced their sergeant. Tall, stoic, awaiting orders. "The old music room. For classes I'd make recordings on that computer there. There's loads of stuff I've composed on there. Very cool. " He commented, letting himself into the room. "It's not really that cool, but my dad collected so many instruments. When I was a little kid," He licked his lips, walking up to one of the acoustic guitars propped against the desk. "I would come in here and watch him learn all kinds of different instruments. He hated it, every second of it. Piano was his strongsuit and he hated it - he always wanted to be a rockstar. But he still taught me, and we would learn together." He set the guitar back down, stepping back with his arms crossed to take in the instruments. Two acoustic guitars, a bass guitar, an electric guitar plugged into an untouched amp, a keyboard hooked up to the old computer, and various stringed instruments. It was a joint collection between Matty's parents. They collected instruments how magpies collected stones. In the far corner there were a couple shelves full of music books and 'guitars for dummies' books on how-tos and what-not-to-do's. All that, and his father never got any better at guitar. It was truly a wonder. His father wasn't always a great person, but his presence was better in Matty's youth. As Matty and Clyde got older, he got more distant at strange times and almost totally absent after their mother passed. Matty never took it personally - he just knew his dad was doing the most he could at any time. But the silence had grown on and Matty started to realize he was throwing a lot at Cian. "Well," Matty patted Cian's shoulder again. "I'm hungry. Not to rush the basement tour, but I'd like to unpack and make a plan for lunch. Whaddya think?"