Sullivan rushed through Asphodel Meadows quickly; shutting doors, flipping switches, restocking the restrooms... He'd told Matty he would play her a song once he felt up for the task. Little did she know, that night was tonight. For weeks they'd been seeing each other on and off, and for weeks Sullivan had been taking the last moments of his day to knock the rust off of his talent. After making sure everything was done and put away properly... THRICE HE DID THIS... Afterward, Sullivan made his way to the offices to shoo Harvey away.

"QUINN!" he exclaimed brightly as he practically bounced into the smaller office of the two... "Go home! Work is done for the day!"

"I will Sullivan, as soon as I-"

Sully cut him off with a glare that would put hair on the Devil's chest. "I said go home, work is over." This time, the cheery, bright vocals had diminished into a darker, stronger urge for the man to get off his ass and GO THE FUCK HOME.

"Um...Yeah, sure Sully. I'm on it." Harvey chuckled, half out of nerves, and tucked his folder away in a drawer before grabbing his coat and hat, making his way for the door.

"Thaaaank you!" Sully piped off, chipper again, as he killed the lights and shut the doors behind them, both men making their way to the garage exit of the home.

"I'll see you on Monday, bright and early, Harvey. We've got a viewing to prepare for at four, so lets get here by eight thirty or nine. That should give us plenty of time to doctor the cadaver and make sure they are properly dressed and made up for the family. Funeral is bright and early Tuesday morning." 

"I'll be here with bells on..." Harvey bowed his head in respect both to his boss and his, well, boss... "You and Matty have a good time tonight, ya hear?"

"Don't you worry yourself about me and Matty. I've got a GREAT evening planned. Dinner, a little romance, maybe perhaps I'll take her to see a picture. But the crème de la crème, Harvey? I am going to play for her." Sully chuckled and smirked as he got in the Jonkheer, Harvey stopping for just a moment as the weight of what that meant hit him. A part of Harvey sank... He'd loved Jacqueline almost as much as Sully had... And he REALLY liked Matty, but, he was there when Sully first played with Jackie... The memory made Harvey smile, even in his moment of loneliness for the beloved Queen of the Meadows... However, there was a new Queen, just as fetching for the still reigning King... The young Prince smiled and began moving toward his vehicle again, waving to Sully.

"Have fun!"

"I will! Have a wonderful weekend, Harvey!"

Sullivan slammed the round door on his vehicle and sped off toward Matty's bungalow. An onslaught of thoughts barraged his mind as he did so; what WERE they going to eat, he hadn't actually made dinner reservations ANYWHERE, what was she going to wear, was she going to enjoy the song he'd imagined for her, what if she hated it, what if, what if, what if? He argued and talked with himself until next thing he knew, he was pulling into her drive way.

As he placed the vehicle in park, Sully hopped out and tugged with him a bouquet of FLOWERS!... For the... herbalist. As he took two steps, he realized both how cliche, and utterly IDIOTIC it was that he'd spent money, ELSEWHERE, for twelve flowers that Matty already had HUNDREDS of!

Sully closed his eyes, inhaling slowly as he chewed on his lower lip. "It's okay, she's going to laugh and smile, and she's going to love them. These are HER flowers, not for someone else to purchase, but hers..." he told himself as he made his way to her door, pebbles crunching under his feet with each step. He took another look at the bouquet of red roses as he stepped onto her stoop, and simply chuckled a bit before rapping on the door three times in quick succession. Was she even ready to go yet?

Matty had closed the clinic early today... something she RARELY did... and retreated to her loft apartment upstairs with juuuuust enough time to maybe be ready by the time Sully arrived to pick her up. Her room was a mess... dressed and scarves strewn across every surface as she desperately sought something to wear that didn't feel like a potato sack in comparison to Jaqueline's closet. I absolutely MUST go shopping, she thought to herself as she lamented the simple lines and crisp fabrics in her closet. Her clothes were all so simple. Sully wasn't a simple man. And she wanted to impress him... not the "cute" kind of impress but the "something to remember" kind of impress. And she had literally NOTHING that fell into that category. 

The floor was a faded rainbow of pastel fabrics, littered with literally every dress that Matty owned. And the clock was slowly ticking away at her sanity. Everything else was ready... hair, hose, garters, bustier... she'd even done a little makeup. But she had nothing to wear. 

Blouses and skirts flew over her head as she ravaged the drawers of her dresser; her whole body freezing as her fingers lighted on a soft, ruffled fabric that felt both foreign and familiar. Pale silk whispered against the hard grain of the dresser drawer as Matty slid a hidden treasure from the bottom-most layer or the bottom-most drawer. With a soft smile, she hugged it to her chest, relishing the sweet smell of cedar. This one had been her mothers. How long had she kept it? She couldn't remember. Could she...? Surely not. But just maybe... 

Matty held the cream-coloured silk against her nearly-naked form as she looked in the mirror. It was just about the right size. With a disbelieving chuckle she slipped it on; nearly laughing out loud as the gathered hems fell into place. It was perfect. Nothing like Jackie. Nothing like Sully would normally like... but that made it all the better. 

... she just wouldn't mention it previous purpose. 

Tiptoeing up to the top of her closet, she fetched her favourite set of pearls and a matching fascinator, before sliding into a pair of white mary jane pumps. They didn't match exactly, but the dress was long enough she prayed no one would notice. She was just buttoning the clasp on her left shoe when a loud knock echoed up the stairs of the clinic.

Shit! She'd locked the damned door so no one would disturb her. Clamouring down the stairs, she nearly tripped over the threshold as she YANKED  the door open with an excited sparkle. ... maybe a little too excited. Sure, they'd been seeing each other for weeks now, but Matty still couldn't shake the butterflies she got every time he showed up on he doorstep.  "Ho....la," her words trailed off as her eyes lighted on the crimson blossoms, her wide smile cracking open to reveal her pearly whites. "You brought me roses?!" 

The question wasn't NEARLY as patronizing as he'd expected. She was genuinely excited. Had she never received flowers before? It didn't seem like it. Lovingly taking the bouquet from him, she cradled them gently... almost rocking as she bounced back into the building, "Oh, mira. Look at you, Linditas. Such colour. And so healthy. Maybe I cross you with my Damasks...." she continued cooing over them as she made her way to the exam room and back, emptying a sterilization jar to use as a vase, "Such pretty babies we'll make. Yes."  She smiled over her shoulder at Sully as she arranged them on the front desk... for everyone to see as they came in... "Thank you. These are REALLY beautiful." 

Slinking over to him, she slid her arm in his, "Don't look so bashful. I love them. Really." Matty booped his nose as she turned to lock the door; slipping her keys into a small clutch purse as she moved her toward the car. She almost didn't flinch when she sat down for once, and very nearly looked comfortable as he slid into the driver's seat next to her. Although her teeth chewing compulsively on her bottom lip told him she was at least a little nervous. ... hopefully in a good way. This wasn't the first... ore even the fifth... time they'd been out. And yet, Matty couldn't shake the feeling that this was somehow different. Even in the way she'd prepared for the evening, something about it just felt... special ... to her. It was like Confirmation, she thought, as she stared down at her white dress through her white veil. Although, her Confirmation hadn't felt nearly this exciting. 

"So," she chimed as they pulled out of the driveway, "Where are you taking us?"  

Sully smirked as she slid happily into the passenger seat of the Jonkheer. She was absolutely stunning... He had told her, hadn't he? The look on his face was priceless; confused and upset at himself. He quickly leaned into the door, kissing Matty's cheek.

"You're beautiful. I've never seen that dress, but it's gorgeous on you. You should wear it more often."

He shut the door and walked briskly over to his side of the car, slipping in and shutting his own door behind him. He looked over his shoulder as he slipped the futuristic looking vehicle into reverse and pulled out of the driveway, his foot stepping hard on the brakes before he looked at Matty, his eyes wide almost in terror... He'd -still- not figured that out.

"Um... Well... I, uh, heh..." he stumbled over his thoughts. Then a light bulb dinged, and even Matty had to know it was spontaneous. He stopped stuttering and lightly chuckled, grinning wide as he looked her over slowly.

"I figured I'd go show you off at Don Castelli's place... The Taste of New York Delicatessen."

He couldn't help but love the idea, even as Matty frowned a bit... Seemed she was expecting something a bit more grand, but truth be told, he hadn't the SLIGHTEST IDEA of where to go that wasn't a smokey dive or a ritzy night club. Sullivan hadn't courted in years and it made him sweat more than he liked to admit. He reached up and tugged at his tie, loosening it around his neck as he swallowed. Hopefully she would actually enjoy the rest of their night.

"Afterward I thought maybe we could go to the theater; picture or live, whichever you wished. I hear they are reenacting some Shakespearean tragedy at the opera house; Hamlet if my memory serves me correctly. However, the film should be quite interesting as well. It's a silent, horror flick... Vampyr. I believe it's set in Paris!"

Sullivan smiled, hoping she liked the ideas as he looked back to the road and finally pulled away, taking them toward Tony Castelli's restaurant.

Matty wrinkled her brow a bit. What was a delicatessen? Who was Ian and what had he done to make people want to shake a spear at him...tragically, no less? And what was a Hamlet? Matty pictured a tiny pig. But she was quite sure that wasn't right. Why would there be pigs at the theatre? That just seemed silly. Glancing nervously at Sully, she decided not to ask any of these burning questions... stupid as she was sure they were. She so hated when her upbringing showed through. She always found it embarrassing and shameful; in stark contrast to Sully's apparently cultured background. For the first time in a long time, she gave silent thanks to the Holy Mother that - even if it was through mob-work - her children might eventually have a better life than she had. 

Biting her lip, Matty blinked down at her attire as a lightbulb of her own slowly flickered on in her brain. Sully... right hand of the Tower... wanted to 'show her off' at another Don's business. The wheels spun in her head quite visibly as she mulled over the myriad implications of that decision. Should she feel proud? She felt a little proud. 

...she also felt a little disappointed. They'd been out plenty of times... when Sully had a function to attend or needed to make an appearance... but always as 'Sully. And Matty.' This was the first time they would be seen together as 'Sully and Matty'. And while she was sure their lives would never be entirely business free... given that the business WAS their lives... part of her had hoped this one night might just be about them. She was so nervous already. Nevermind the pressure of representing the Tower at a DON'S  establishment. Sully worried that it had been 'forever' since he'd dated. Matty had never gotten the chance  to dare. Ever. 

Her relationship with Marco had been strictly business... a different kind of 'blood price' in exchange for protection from the Dragna's wrathful influence. Her compliance... even without her love or loyalty... had bought her neighbourhood and her family (and in turn their work) clemency. That life... and almost slave-like existence... was all that Matty knew from the time she was old enough to date (breed, really). Even when Marco released her from their contract, after Juliette was born any thought of courtship went out the window. And when she died even more so. 

So here she sat, going on thirty, and going on what could be considered her first date. She wasn't sure if that thought would make Sully more or less nervous. So she kept it to herself. But silently she thought, there was really no way for him to fuck this up, all things considered. 

Wringing her hands nervously, she rolled all of his ideas and suggestions around in her head before settling on what she thought might be a good idea. Vampyr... Matty knew that word, at least sort of... it was one of those guero words that people used to describe old legends like the Cihuateteo, Tlahuelpuchi, and even the Chupacabra. Witches and bloodsuckers. Matty loved the old legends, and Sully seemed to perk up when he mentioned the picture show... AND Matty had never seen a picture show (or been to a theatre at all). Paris seemed exciting... and foreign. She was fairly certain Paris was in France... only because they sided with States during the war and people had said so on the radio at the community centre once. If there were bloodsuckers in France, learning their legends would be fascinating. So that seemed like the way to go.

Matty smiled at him from her side of the care, sneaking over to steal one of his hands away from the steering wheel. She wasn't often allowed to be overly affectionate with him... despite her very demonstrative predisposition. So any time she could sneak away from the public eye was prime real estate in her mind. 

 "I've never been to the theatre," she admitted, nuzzling his palm lightly, "But I know you love all things bright and new and electrical." She slowly kissed each of his fingers in turn before lacing them in her own, "And I like horror... and old myths. So I think the picture show could be exciting for both of us. Unless you would prefer the opera?" Matty's nose wrinkled ever so slightly. The thought of going to an opera house made her squirm; triggering every deep-seated 'selfconscious-poor-girl' switch in her psychology. She wasn't quite ready for that yet. But she'd go if he wanted. "Honestly, I think anything we do together will be wonderful." It was cheesy and sappy. She knew it. She wasn't supposed to let people know she was so soft. He'd said it before. But it was just the two of them, right? And surely it might make him smile... she hoped. 

Sullivan smiled and looked down at their hands as she took his in hers. She truthfully reminded him of Jacqueline, but didn't all the same. Matty was more affectionate and warm. Jackie was just as cold and calculated as he. It's why they were both in the sciences they studied. Matty studied life, and ways to save it... Sullivan studied ways to preserve the dead, and ways to make the living join them quicker than later.

With a chuckle he turned his gaze back to the road.

"So, Vampyr it is. I hope you like the idea of a silent film. You've never been though? That honestly surprises me... I mean... Have you seen a moving picture show before? They are quite fantastic, the way they capture movement! Still shots like flip books! Moving so quickly that they appear to move before you!" He practically bounced in his seats. The theater really -WAS- an awesome place; at least in his book.

They continued out to The Strip until they made their way to Tony's restaurant.

"Now, there's no seating inside, but they -will- cook to order and you can sit out here at the tables. I thought that would be fine since it's such a pretty night... Unless that's not okay with you? We can always go elsewhere." He smiled, waving his hand toward the wooden tables sitting outside the restaurant as they passed by looking for a spot to park the Rolls Royce Jonckheer on the road. Sliding in to a spot and putting the vehicle in neutral, Sully tugged the parking brake and killed the engine; the vehicle winding down with a whistle.

"Let me get your door!" he chirped out quickly before hopping out and moving around the vehicle to open Matty's passenger door. "Here you go!" Sully offered his hand to help her out before shutting the door behind her. Looking both ways, the two walked briskly across the street to the delicatessen.

"They have cold cuts, steaks, sides, will make sandwiches, and a few other things. Get whatever you want. Nothing is too much, but if you don't spend enough, I may order more for you."

Sully chuckled and winked. "Enjoy yourself with me, please."

"Oh I intend to,"  Matty quipped, a light blush colouring her cheeks almost immediately as she added,  "...eventually." 

Lacing her arm in his, she hurried alongside as they crossed the street; her small feet moving double time to keep step with his long strides. She eyed the deli as they approached. It was like a carniceria... but fancier. And it smelled heavenly; the scent wafting tantalizingly into the street. Matty's stomach growled loudly as Sully held the door open for her, and she blushed brightly. "Gracias, Caiño," she mumbled, one hand over her belly, "Lo siento." 

Staring up at the menu, Matty squeaked ever so softly.  "I have an idea! Why don't you order a nice wine? And we can get one of those cute little platters, you know, with the cheeses... and maybe filet with au jus... you know, cut little for dipping. And we could have a PICNIC!" Matty's eyes sparkled with that simple kind of excitement that always made Sully a little bashful. She was always unbelievably happy with such little things. There was so much that she'd never experienced. It made it incredibly easy for him to make her smile... to make her really truly happy. It was almost more than he could bear, and yet it made his life so much better. 

"What do you think? Is there anywhere close enough to sit and still make the picture? I REALLY want to make the picture. I'm excited to see a theatre. And to see you light up when the screen comes on. What do you think?"

Sullivan smiled, his lips curling up high with his pearly whites showing.

"That's a -wonderful- idea!"

Sully and Matty walked up to the counter at The Taste Of New York and Sullivan tugged out his money clip.

"We need one of your best wines, and a cheese tray, two pounds of fillet mignon with au jus, a cold cut tray, two salads, a side of macaroni, and a vegetable tray. All packaged to go. I would also like a turkey and swiss sandwich, a salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, and swiss sandwich, and what ever my lady would like as well..."

He turned and smiled at Matty before looking back quickly, "Oh, I'd like those sandwiches hot."

He gave Matty time to order her food and, once they had everything packed up and paid for, the two headed back to the vehicle. One of Tony's men helped them carry some of the food and a large table cloth they'd been provided with for the picnic. Sullivan tipped the man for the added work, then he and Matty hopped back into the car, a huge smile on both of their faces. This night would be an interesting one for sure!

"So what park would you like to have our picnic in, my dear?" He looked to Matty, his face colored with excitement and wonder for what the world might have in store for them.

Matty didn't order anything else, even at Sully's insistence. The cutlets and hors-d'oeuvres would be more than enough for her small appetite. She positively up at Sully as he smiled down at her. Her cheeks flushed lightly with a fevered blush as the infection of his excitement flooded her system. She got flowers, they were going on a picnic... and a movie.  The day could hardly get any better. Even if she knew any of the parks in the area, which she didn't, where they went hardly mattered to her at this point.  

"Pues," Sully was almost getting used to the Spanish exclamation. But Matty switched anyway, out of simple habit,  "Well, I don't really know. We... um... never really had time  for that sort of thing. So," her cheeks blushed a little darker, "I've only ever been to the little rundown playground on Abuela's block. It's not even a park really. Just some rusty old monkey bars and a broken down mary-go-round." Matty shrugged lightly, her dress sliding off one shoulder slightly.  "Honestly it doesn't make any difference to me. We could picnic in the cemetery and I'd be happy. Or anywhere really, so long as we make the picture show on time." 

She reached for his hand again, scooching and stretching to rest her cheek on his shoulder. "You know this area better than I do. So why don't you pick? I'd love to see where you take me." 

"To Red Rock Canyon then! I'm sorry, I know you work out there but the view is absolutely amazing. Especially for a picnic."

Sully started the car and put it in gear, quickly merging them into traffic and getting on the way.

A short, silent drive later and they were pulling off the paved road and down a dirt path that took them to an overlook.

"This should do just fine," Sullivan stated, killing the engine to the vehicle and opening his door. Before Matty could even really exit the vehicle he already had the tablecloth, food, and drinks piled neatly and balanced, making his way toward one of the tables in the area.

"Are you coming?" he chuckled, looking back at her before continuing on his path. He set the food and drinks on the table's bench seats and tossed the tablecloth over the wooden top. He then set the food trays, sandwiches, and wine out so that it looked like they had a meal made for royalty. As Matty joined him, Sully poured her a glass.

"M'lady... Your wine." He bowed his head and offered it to her.

The sparkle in his eyes matched that of the wine and the grin across his face was as wide as the expansive view they had. Sullivan couldn't help but be happy, truly happy, for the first time in a long time. Matty was a Godsend... No, a Jackie-Send... Either way, she made Sullivan realize that there is life after death. At least if it's not YOUR death...

Truth be told, Matty had never seen the canyon from above. Although she lived, worked, and had grown up here, she was always so flooded with work and life's other demands that she'd never had the time or opportunity to experience the familiar beauty of her home. The view was truly breathtaking as she wiggled her way free from the car. Sully, excited as he was had everything ready before she'd even made it to the table. 

Tables... she'd never considered the county might provide tables. Part of her found it intriguing and endearing. But another part of her was slightly disappointed. Some small part of her had secretly hoped for the whole, romantic blanket-on-the-ground scene. But the would do nonetheless. And Sully's smile certainly made up for it in spades. 

She chuckled softly. He always had a way of being so... awkwardly charming. It was adorable and endearing. With a coy smile, she leaned in luring him closer as she took the glass to steal a kiss. Smirking over the rim of the glass she held his shimmering gaze as she took the first sip. She giggled softly as the bubbles popped over her tongue. She followed it quickly with a bite of steak, and very nearly melted into a puddle; the noise she made in response to the intense flavour sounding very nearly immoral. 

"I'm sorry,"  she chuckled softly, "This is.. this is ALL so wonderful."  She smiled up at him, leaning over the press her cheek against his shoulder, "This was a wonderful choice. Thank you, Sullivan."  Matty was almost embarrassed as she went about picking over the rest of the platters... almost. On one hand, she was conscious of the expectation - particularly given her dress and situation - that she act ladylike and presentable. On the other hand, they were alone, she was hungry, and Sully never ceased to appreciate her rawness. 

MMing and AHing throughout, Matty thoroughly enjoyed everything that was laid out before her, as Sully's gaze devoured her silhouette with equal vigour and zeal. 

Sullivan couldn't help but chuckle as Matty "mm-ed" and "ah-ed" her way through the food. He, on the other hand, barely even touched the food for looking at her. She was absolutely radiant and his stomach was flipping nine ways to Sunday. He wiped his palms on his jacket and took the glass of wine, hoping that it would balance him out (even though he knew better). Pouring a glass and taking a nice draw from it, the bubbles immediately reinforced what he'd already known and his face scrunched and his stomach gurgled softly.

He offered Matty a weak smile and hung his head. "Sorry, excuse me for that. I'm just... Overly excited about this night. I want it to go perfectly and I feel I've made myself sick with worry."

He sighed as his stomach audibly yelled at him loud enough for Matty to hear it, the grimace on his face telling her more about how he felt more than his own words. After the moment passed, Sullivan released his grip from his stomach and reached for her hand.

"Would you be terribly upset if we cancelled the rest of the evening and just went back to my place? You'd think someone who handles cadavers and talks to people about death on a daily basis wouldn't get so unnerved by a fucking date. Not to mention the shit I have to handle with the Tower. FUCK me..." he groaned in frustration at himself. "It's ridiculous, isn't it? Tell me it's ridiculous and I'm fine?"

He chuckled a bit before gritting his teeth and grabbing his stomach yet again. She'd be able to tell it was simply nerves, which in and of itself was awkwardly endearing. He'd worked himself into a stomach cramp worrying for HER. Worrying about making the evening perfect...for HER. And now his bright blue eyes peered at her, almost begging for her to say "It's fine darling, let's just go home..."

He broke his gaze from hers and looked out over the canyon. At least she'd gotten to eat a fair amount before his butterflies began to eat him alive and ruin the evening... Ruined. It was all RUINED. And it was his fault... Somewhat. His lips pulled off to the side opposite Matty and he continued to stare out into the ravine below. He'd push through no matter what, unless she was fine with going back home.

Matty an arm around his neck, the other hand gently rubbing his tummy with a soft chuckle -- the kind you give a child who's hurt themselves in some minor, silly way, like bumping their noggin or stubbing their toe, "Oh Pobrecito," she held him close, "I wish you wouldn't worry yourself so on my account." Her free hand traced up the clean lines of his suit to caress his cheek tenderly, "Any time alone with you is more than enough for me, Cariño Mio. All this is just... extra." 

Kissing his cheek she moved to start packing up the food. "We can do the picture show another day,"  she smiled with sweet empathy, "Just promise me you'll let me make you some tea when we get home... and perhaps a bit to eat? To settle your stomach, hm?" She danced around him, humming softly in that calming way she had, as she helped him load things back into the car. 

As she slid into the passenger seat, she kissed his cheek lightly, "Thank you, Sullivan. This was the best picnic I've ever had." She smiled lovingly. He didn't know it was one of the ONLY picnics she'd ever had that didn't include a gravestone. 

Sully held his stomach and made his way to the car as Matty packed things up.

"Mhmm. You can make me something to ease the butterflies." He smiled over his shoulder to her as he slipped into the drivers seat. Just the thought of going home was already easing him and making him less likely to stress and have a panic attack. He hadn't ever really had one, but then again, Jackie and he were simply entranced as soon as they met... As he was with Matty, but Jackie complicated that (in his own head); even though they were both fairly certain she was the one that had brought he and Matty together in the first place.

The two made a flying journey back to Sully's house and once inside, Sullivan led Matty to the study where they had spent their first night together.

"I'm really sorry tonight didn't go the way I'd planned. I feel quite silly, honestly. However... I can still end this the way I wanted to. I always said I would repay the honor of that song from the cemetery, did I not? Well... I feel like I can play again." He looked up, a bit of a sparkle in his eye.

"So I wrote you..."

He pulled the cushioned bench seat out from the Imperial Bösendorfer Grand Piano and sat down, striking on the lowest C.

"Meet my favorite piano, extended to ninety-seven keys, this baby has the greatest range for any piano. Eight whole octaves!" He almost purred as he ran a minor scale up the length of the keys and back down.

"Anyway. Sit, listen... Enjoy, or don't. But this is you."

Sullivan began to play and the world was -quickly- lost to him as he drown out everything else and merely let his soul free again.

His fingers struck keys and Matty's Song Was Played.

His song closed out and he allowed the strings to ring out before finally lifting his foot from the sustain pedal and choking the sound off, then lifting his hands. His eyes remained closed, until he sighed with content. Finally, he turned to Matty and smiled wide.

"I hope you liked it?"

Matty was positively enraptured as Sully played. She knew, intimately, what it was like to be so fully enveloped in song. But she'd never met nor witnessed it in another person. It was endearing and entrancing in ways that she didn't fully understand, even as a musician herself. Closing her eyes, she let the notes wash over her; trying to imagine their inspiration from his point of view. A whole world and future spilled and stretched out around her as she waltzed lightly to... herself; one hand pressed to her belly, the other over her heart, cradling the most precious of unspoken yearnings. 

The fantasy melted away as she opened her eyes, coming to rest lightly on the bench next to him. He wouldn't know, of course, lost as he was in his art, but she was staring at him with the most peculiar kind of fascination... as if he were the most singularly breathtaking thing in existence. And in that moment, to her, he was. He was everything she'd ever dreamed of, everything she'd ever dared wish for. He was perfect. And she wanted nothing more than to build a life with him. 

As the overture began to slide toward an end, Matty's hand slid from her belly; an icy realization stealing over her. "Life" wasn't quite the right word. Suddenly she knew that, but she dared not even think what she truly wanted... what she hadn't understood until now. With a trembling sigh, she stared up into his shockingly blue, crystalline eyes. "I hope you liked it," he smiled down at her. And she was lost for words. There was no way to explain the dreams into which he'd just carried her, the spark of longing and hope that he'd breathed back into her barren life. 

Sharp pearls dug into delicate flesh as she bit her lip, struggling to form any sense of explanation or even a mere expression of gratitude. None came. Instead, she leaned in suddenly... before he had time to react or worry himself sick over it... and kissed him. Matty was sure the room spun as she pressed herself against him, her soft curves tucking almost perfectly into the hard angles of his body. Her fingers snaked through his hair as she lowered her arms around his neck, locking him in her embrace. Passionate and carnal, but soft and gentle, yet firm and compelling. And with all the reckless abandon and needful urgency of her unuttered desires. 

Her usual restraint and decorum withered into oblivion as she acknowledged... albeit silently... the true depth of her feelings for the first time. Whatever concern she might have for the dead, or her propriety, or even for his sometimes fragile state of mind faded into the background under the weight of her realization. She was as lost in him as he'd ever been in his music. And it would fall to him to pull her back from the wanton edge of that propitious abyss... or be dragged over the edge along with her for better or worse.