Fell In Love In Stages // a matty healy fanfic

Playing With Fire

As the concert comes to an end, the house lights come on and two large men with security badges approach us. Without a word, they escort us backstage.
As we approach the door to the dressing room, I could hear the boys laughing and talking and I'm a bundle of nerves. I take a deep breath and push open the door.

"Hey guys!" I say, trying to hide my nerves.
As soon as George sees me, his eyes widen in surprise. "Fuckin' hell!" he exclaims. "Is that who I think it is?" He asks while running over to me from the far end of the room.
I couldn't help but smile as he enveloped me in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground.
"Georgie, it's been so long!" I say, hugging him back tightly.
"I can't believe it's really you," he says, putting me down. "How have you been?"
"I've been good, thanks" I reply.

Adam comes over and gives me a big hug, pulling me into his embrace.
"It's so great to see you, love" Adam says, holding me tightly. "It's been way too long since we last met," he says, pulling back from the hug.
"I know, right? You guys have been blowing up since I last saw you," I said, gesturing towards the stage.
Adam chuckled. "Yeah, it's been a wild ride. But we're just happy to be doing what we love."
I nodded in agreement, taking a moment to admire Adam's easy-going nature and genuine warmth.

"Hi darling, you look radiant as ever" Ross chimes in walking towards the group.
"Me? Look ate YOU! You look proper fit" I say and Ross takes my hand, then lifts my hand up to his lips and plants a kiss. "You are most kind, my dear," he says with a cheeky smile.
I laughed out loud at his theatrics. "Why thank you, sir," I replied in a playful tone, "The pleasure is all mine."
Even after all these years, it felt like no time had passed at all.

Noah looked on, clearly confused by the situation and clears his throat to make his presence known.
"Who's your friend?" Adam asks, eyeing Noah.
"This is Noah, my date for the evening," I said, introducing him to the guys.
"Nice to meet you, mate," Ross says, both him and Adam shaking Noah's hand and George just goes back to packing his drum kit in the corner, looking unimpressed.
"You guys were amazing! Big fan" Noah says with so much enthusiasm.
"Matty said I could bring a plus one" I say looking for a segue. "Where is he anyway?"
"He's just doing an interview outside," Adam says picking up his guitar and walking over to the case. "Should be done anytime soon"

As if right on cue, Matty casually walks into the room, his eyes lighting up as soon as he catches sight of me. "Well, well, well, hello little bird" he says, his tone dripping with charm.
"Hello, you" is all I get to say before Noah interjects.
"Bro I'm a big fan of your music. Can I get a selfie?" He asks, taking out his phone before even getting an approval.
The room fell silent. I glance at the boys standing next to their respective instruments and they have the same horrified expression I had on.
"Sorry mate, I'm not really into all that," he replied calmly, gesturing at Noah's phone.
Noah was taken aback. "What do you mean? You're like, a rockstar. Everyone wants a picture with you."
Matty shrugged. "I don't know, man. The spectacle of the celebrity, the illusion of connection that social media provides, it's all just a bit fake and superficial, d'you know what I mean?"
Noah scoffed. "Well, I think it's a great way to connect with fans and promote your brand."
Matty rolled his eyes. "I'm not a brand, Noah. I'm a person. I make music because I love it, not because I want to be idolised."

I clear my throat, trying to cut through the awkward silence that has descended upon us.
"So, Matty, how's life on the road treating you?" I ask, hoping to change the subject.
Matty grins, clearly grateful for the change in topic.
"Oh, you know, the usual. Lots of travel, lots of shows. But it's all worth it when we get to perform for our fans," he says.

I can feel Noah's eyes on me, silently urging me to get him out of here. But I couldn't just leave without saying goodbye to everyone. Plus, I have to admit, I'm still drawn to Matty, despite everything.

"You two should come with us," Matty says, looking directly at me.
My heart starts racing, but my mind is quickly clouded with uncertainty. I remind myself not to get too close to the fire.
Matty, noticing my hesitation, looks at me with concern. "Are you okay, love? You seem hesitant," he asks with a furrowed brow.

"Noah, can I speak to you for a moment?" I say as we take a few steps away from him.
"I don't know if I want to go," I whisper, hoping he'd understand.
"What? Why not?" he replied, sounding confused and a bit disappointed.
"It's just...complicated," I explained, avoiding eye contact.
"Come on, Trinity. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. We can't miss it. Plus, it's just a party. What's the worst that could happen?" he urged, trying to convince me.
I sighed. Well, fuck it.
"Alright, let's do it," I said, trying to muster up some excitement.

As we left the venue, the bustling New York City nightscape greeted us with its bright lights and loud noises. The groupies were still waiting outside the dressing room, but we managed to sneak out through a side entrance without being spotted.

We made our way through the busy streets, with Ross, Adam, and George distracting Noah with their banter and teasing him for wanting a selfie earlier. Meanwhile, Matty used the opportunity to chat me up.
"So, Trinity, I couldn't help but notice the guy you're with. He's quite the intellectual type, isn't he?" Matty says sarcastically, a mischievous glint in his eye.
I nudge him playfully and say, "Noah's just... American" and we both laugh.

We barely stepped foot in the hotel lobby before we were surrounded by a flock of frenzied fans. Matty Healy was the main attraction, a veritable magnet for their attention. The rest of the band did their best to go unnoticed, but Matty- he revelled in it with open arms. The girls were giddy with excitement, giggling and blushing as they clamored for his attention.

"Can I get a picture with you, Matty?" one girl asks, practically salivating at the mouth.
"Of course, love," he replied, flashing her a charming smile and the pack of girls erupt into a chorus of high-pitched shrieks.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes a little at the whole thing, but secretly, I understood their fascination.

As the girls continued to swarm around us, he leaned over to me and whispered in my ear.
"My skin is fire, it's so desired" he said, his voice low and seductive.
I felt a shiver run down my spine at the sound of his voice. It was like he knew exactly how to push my buttons.

He led me towards the elevator, his hand on the small of my back. I could feel the eyes of the girls following us as we walked away, but I tried to ignore them. I hate to admit, but I felt a certain ounce of pride being the one walking away with him.

As we approached the elevator, I could see the rest of the band and Noah waiting for us.
"Ready to see if this party can keep up with us?" Matty asked as we approached.
"Fuck yes" George says. "I need a drink, bad."
Everyone else nodded in agreement, and we all piled into the elevator.
Adam and Ross stood directly behind us, and then six foot three inches tall George acted as a wall between us and poor Noah who was shoved against the cramped elevator walls. But he was buzzing with too much excitement to notice.

As the elevator doors open to the penthouse suite, Matty leans in close to me and whispers, "come find me, minx."