Crimewave

Chapter One

After some gentle words and a great amount of hesitance, Manny steps aside and let's Matthew step into his humble abode. Not much is said between them as he hears the door get shut gently behind him, and he focuses on looking around. The place is expensive; but barren of personality. He gets it, since his apartment looks the same. There's a lavish, white couch and a sleek, black coffee table and a white rug. Not much in the living room, but there's a tv and the kitchen is to the left. 
A startled grunt escapes him when the bright lights flick on, and he squints as his eyes adjust. The sunglasses don't help much. 

"You could've warned a guy." He sighs, walking further into the home.

"Ah, yeah, sorry."

Mat stays in the living room, walking about and looking at lamps and clocks. There aren't any pictures; he wasn't looking for one of their old friend group, that would be pathetic- but it's striking that the place is relatively boring. Manny's old place was full of interesting things, but maybe the producer just kept all his personal items in his bedroom? His cheeks flush as he realizes he's being extremely judgemental for no reason. What's wrong with him?

Manny let's him look about, and when he gains the courage to look at the man, he's watching Mat with an unreadable expression. The detective coughs and looks away when they catch eyes, his heart fluttering. He knows he should say something but he's so scared to ruin this by saying something stupid or lame. If anything, Manny should talk first. Ask him a question. Do something then just watch him. 

Pacing around, he keeps taking in the home. By now he's taken his badge off his belt and has begun to fiddle with it in his hands thanks to his anxiety. This isn't what he expected to happen. He thought Manny would've been less...quiet. 
His patience thins as he looks and sees his old friend shuffling in place by the door, and he can't help but say something first. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Well, that wasn't what he wanted to say at all. His tongue feels heavy in his mouth after he mumurs the question. For someone who loves to overthink things, he still sucks at social interaction when he's hurting and scared. 

It was the right thing to say, seeing as Manny's eyes go wide, revealing his nervousness, putting Mat at ease. "Of course I am! I'm just- I don't know what you want me to say." Then, more quietly, "It's weird to see you here."

Flinching, he turns his back to the man. "Good to see you too, after ten years." 

Reunions weren't like this. Or maybe he had theorized too much about how the reunion would be. Seeing Manny as this awkward person wasn't what he remembers the man being. The record producer had been confident, chatty! Surely the other was still like that. Which meant that his presence was so unwelcomed that Manny shut down. 

"What are you doing here, anyway?" Manny gently asks, moving away from the door but still keeping distance. 

The truth almost comes out, until he realizes that Chief Parker wouldn't be too happy with him for telling that to a suspect. As much as he had wanted to use it for an excuse, he now realizes he can't, and flounders about for one. He decides to go with a lie and a truth. "I'm looking to move. The police department wanted me to solve something, so it all worked out."

"Still a workaholic then." Manny smiles, relaxing. "California's a good state. And LA is packed with criminal activity, so you'll have your hands full."

"That's good."

The small talk makes him uncomfortable, and he finally grows bored of looking around. Mat stops pacing and glances at the couch, wondering if he was allowed to sit. Or if Manny wanted him to go already. The producer seems to be very keen on staring into his kitchen then to look at him, so he lets out a small cough and watches as his old friend connects the pieces. Manny can't hide the blush on his cheeks and Mat relaxes at realizing his embarrassment. Once he's given the greenlight, the detective takes a slow seat down. It's a firm couch, and it's clear that Manny doesn't sit here often.