Matty Healy Imagines

Second Chances

Word Count: 2,914
Summary: Matty got stood up, you came to his rescue, and he offered lunch as a thanks for your kindness. What happened at lunch? (Sequel to A Cup Or More)

The plans were set.

At 12:30pm, just after your morning shift at the coffee shop finished, you were to meet Matty at a nearby Italian restaurant for lunch. You had obsessed over the outing from the moment the plans were made over text. You busied yourself with thoughts about the outfit you would wear, the words you would speak, even what you would order - anything to distract you from the idea of actually having to go and see him later. It was not like you were against meeting him again at all. No, you actually wished to see him again, hear his voice, get to pick his brain. You simply were nervous you would say something wrong, or that he would not be as interested in talking to you as he had before, or that he would perhaps even stand you up this time around. Sure, it was a long shot given how hurt he had seemed a day earlier, but the thought still made you apprehensive. Matty wasn't exactly bound to your plans just because you gave him a croissant when he was sad. Life sadly did not work that way.

Nevertheless, you went on with the plans as they were set. After your shift ended, you sprinted to the nearest bathroom and changed into what you chose to wear - a pair of denim shorts, a black tanktop, and a red and blue flannel. Sliding into a pair of sandals, you hurried out of the coffee shop you called home 10 hours a week and went on your way to the eaterie. After an extra two minutes to get yourself psyched up once you arrived, you walked in. Scanning the room, it did not take long to find him. Near the back, with his once shaggy hair now brought back into a ponytail of sorts, his same black jeans, and a light blue jumper, Matty sat. As you walked closer to him, you realized he had glasses on. He was buried in a book again, though different than his previous one. It had a dark purple cover and golden writing on it. A regal book for a not-so-regal looking man. It suited him. He put it down the moment he realized you were near.

"You look lovely today," he spoke, voice soft and welcoming. You smiled, slipping into the chair in front of him.

"Thank you. You look rather comfortable today."

He chuckled. "I feel comfortable. Rather, more so than yesterday."

Gazing at your menu, you offered him a question. "Did you ever find out what your coffee date's deal was for standing you up like that?"

His face fell slightly, but he masked it well behind his drink. "She said she did not feel well."

"Do you believe that?"

"Honestly?" You nodded. "Not one bit."

"Well she missed out," you said, kindly smiling his way. "Truly, it's her loss."

"Thank you."

The waiter walked up then, asking your drink order. As soon as they left, you looked to Matty and cleared your throat with a folding of your hands on the table.

"So, tell me about yourself, Matty."

"Ah yes, this question. Where to begin."

You wondered as Matty spoke if he was asked this question often, for he had more to say than any man you had ever encountered when faced with that question. He started off about his family, his brother, his divorced parents that despite their struggles had so much individual love for him. Then he spoke about his 'second family', the group of friends he was devoted to, three guys with pasts with him going all the way back to childhood intertwined richly with music and dreams of making it big. His eyes lit up at the idea, crinkling the skin at their corners in a most beautiful way. Before you knew it, he moved on to fun-facts such as his dog's abnormal name, his admiration for black expensive clothing, and even his coffee order.