"Hey," Shannon replied, his charming grin stamped on his face as usual.
Matt immediately looked to his side. "You're really okay?"
"A couple more days and I'll be right as rain."
Abruptly remembering why he had wanted Shannon to get here quickly, Matt jerked his head toward the stage and said, "You've gotta hear this."
They remained silent as the young woman's music swirled up and up before gracefully morphing into a decrescendo. When it ended, there was a roar of applause; some people even rose to their feet. The musician did a half-bow, half-curtsy, and Matt could see her grinning ear to ear. He leaned back onto his forearms, a deep, contented sigh escaping from him.
As the woman walked off the stage, Matt noticed Shannon looking at him strangely. He sat back up and met his gaze for a moment, looking back and forth between his dark eyes. Then he asked softly, "What is it?"
"I still…" Shannon cleared his throat. "I still feel the same way… about you."
Matt ducked his head, but not before his mouth twitched up. He could feel himself reddening again. Then he looked back into Shannon's eyes and said simply, "Okay."
Happiness broke out across Shannon's face like the dawn of earlier times. Matt had never had anyone look at him like that—have so much pleasure just from being with him and not sharing his bed. His responding smile was identical to Shannon's.
Shannon carefully took his hand, and Matt gave it a squeeze.
"Would it be terribly uncouth," Shannon asked gallantly, "if I kissed you on the cheek?"
Matt blushed again and mumbled, "That'd be just fine."
His Upholder leaned in to brush his lips against his skin. And they finished watching the concert together.
FIN
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily’s parents read books to her from early childhood, and cultivated her love of stories. By the end of elementary school she had already discovered the joy of writing, even in simple narratives. She’s a voracious reader and tries to read an average of 15 books per year. All of it goes into the rich, mental mulch she calls inspiration.
Emily lives in southern California, and when not reading or writing, loves to watch movies, play mmorpgs, and dabble in the occasional anime. She is equal parts dreamer and cynic.
Mirrored Hearts Page 4
