New York is never a quiet place to be. There are always people around, shopping, talking, doing something. Matt Cardona is in his element here, especially on the holidays, when there's a crisp chill to the air, and everything is lit up and charming. But even he needs a break from the noise and the drama at times, and when that happens, he sneaks outside and finds a quiet corner of their patio to sit, bury his hands in his pockets, and search the stars above. Still bright, still ethereal, but calm and peaceful, not overstimulating. The sort of thing he needs after a long day of the Cardona clan. Don't get him wrong, he loves them, but he's used to living in Florida and only dealing with them over the phone or through video chats.
He's still searching the night sky, glad the light pollution is low enough that he can see some stars, when the door slowly opens and Dolph's quiet steps shuffle towards him. "Mind some company?" he wonders. "Your dad was starting to tell everyone about our match again and it seemed like a good time to excuse myself."
Matt snorts and shakes his head, shifting over to make room. "Sure," he says, relaxing a little when Dolph's warmth presses against him.
"Stars look nice tonight," Dolph murmurs after a few moments.
Matt nods. "Yeah, they do." He glances over at Dolph, lips twitching up. "Hey, in a month, we'll be working the same events together again." He taps his fingers against his knees and hums. "Maybe we'll have more stories for my dad to tell next year. You know, when I start beating you again."
Dolph scoffs loudly. "As if, kid! I've watched your matches, you won't even stay in the ring long enough to get a punch in on me."
Matt nudges him. "Just for that, I'll get two in."
Dolph sits for a moment, then starts to laugh, rolling his eyes at Matt. "Idiot," he says fondly, leaning more into Matt's side. "You alright? Really?"
"Yeah," Matt says quietly. "Just needed a minute, ya know. They can be a lot sometimes."
"Yeah," Dolph says. "I know. Guess we get used to being away from our family, and start to miss them, then the holidays are just like an instant shock to the system and we realize why the distance sometimes is a good thing."
"Exactly." Matt smiles a little. "I enjoy seeing them, but it's a long time uninterrupted."
"It is," Dolph muses. "But at least you've got me here, right?" He nudges Matt obnoxiously, teeth glinting in the soft light overhead.
"Yes," Matt rolls his eyes. "I'm very lucky." He's only slightly kidding, and when Dolph huffs and pouts at him, he reaches over, tangles his fingers in Dolph's collar and pulls him in for a lingering kiss. "Thanks for checking on me, bro." They sit face to face for a few moments, breathing each other in, before Matt pushes away from him and stands, offering his hand out. "C'mon, let's go back in."
"You sure?"
"Yep." Matt takes Dolph's hand and tugs him upright, draping an arm around his shoulders as they head back inside, ready to listen to more of Matt's dad's stories, new and old.