Sturniolo Triplets One Shots

A Different Kind of Beautiful (Matt)

Matt Sturniolo sat on the couch, his eyes fixed on the television but his mind elsewhere. The Versus Tour had ended weeks ago, and the initial rush of returning home had faded, leaving a void that he couldn't quite fill. Chris and Nick were out with friends, leaving Matt alone in their shared apartment. He sighed, feeling the weight of loneliness settle over him.
He picked up his phone, scrolling aimlessly through social media. Photos of Chris and Nick enjoying themselves flashed across his screen, deepening the ache in his chest. Matt set the phone aside and leaned back, closing his eyes.
The quiet of the apartment was broken by the sound of a new message. Matt glanced at his phone and saw it was from Nate.
Hey, you okay?
Matt hesitated before typing a response. Yeah, just tired. How about you?
Same. But hey, I was listening to a song today that made me think of you. It's called "Different Kind of Beautiful." Have you heard it?
Matt hadn't, but the title intrigued him. No, I haven't. What's it about?
*It's about finding beauty in being different, in not fitting the mold. Thought you might like it.*
Matt thanked Nate and pulled up the song. As the first notes played, he closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. The lyrics spoke of embracing uniqueness, of finding strength in one's differences. Tears welled up in Matt's eyes as he listened. It was as if the song had been written for him.
The door to the apartment opened, and Chris and Nick walked in, laughing and joking. They paused when they saw Matt, his eyes red from crying.
"Matt? What's wrong?" Chris asked, rushing over.
Matt shook his head, unable to speak. He handed his phone to Chris, who read the message from Nate and then listened to the song. Nick joined them, and soon all three brothers were sitting together, the music filling the room.
When the song ended, there was a moment of silence. Then Nick spoke.
"You're different, Matt. But that's what makes you beautiful. You're not like everyone else, and that's a good thing."
Chris nodded. "We've always admired that about you. You see the world in a way we don't, and it's inspiring."
Matt looked at his brothers, their words sinking in. For the first time in a long while, he felt understood. Accepted.
"Thanks, guys," he said softly. "I needed to hear that."
Chris and Nick hugged him tightly, their bond stronger than ever. Matt felt a new sense of peace wash over him. He didn't need to fit into a mold to be valued. His differences were what made him unique, what made him beautiful.
As they sat together, talking and laughing, Matt knew that no matter what, he had his brothers by his side. And that made all the difference.
Because he was a different kind of beautiful, and that was more than enough.