Skin (1/?)

[million_star]

Title: Skin (1/?)
Author: millionstar
Pairing: Belldom, AU
Rating: This chapter, R.
Warnings: Language.
Summary: Taken from the mkmeme prompt: here: Dom Howard is a (The) young millionaire Playboy who runs an empire and has a fondness for red velvet smoking jackets. He frequents his Playboy Club quite a lot. He loves his Bunnies. Matt Bellamy, on a whim of Howard's staff, is taken on as the first (and only) male Playboy Bunny, with a costume and everything. Dom doesn't really approve... at first.
Feedback: Always appreciated, but please, just enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Matt or Dom, no profit is being made, and this is fiction. Also, if any OC's bear a resemblance to certain inhabitants of Camelot, well, it's simply coincidental. Haha.
Beta/Support: As always, the legendary, flawless dolce_piccante & the always wonderful waltzingstar
Author's Note: I must confess that I have taken a couple liberties with this prompt and I can only hope that the OP will forgive me and enjoy all the same. Thank you for reading.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry I touched your ass like that back there," Dominic gasped, shaking his hand as though it were soaked in acid. He threw himself into a chair and sighed, his lime green velvet smoking jacket billowing behind him. "I'm sorry, I just, they were all looking at me and I had to do something and I just-"

Morgan laughed, shaking her mane of long black hair as she adjusted her bunny ears. "Dom, sweetie - it's fine! You've got to stop apologizing to us all the time. You know we understand."

"Still. I feel bad," he whispered.

Morgan bit her lip. "Not getting any easier, then, is it?"

"Mr. Howard! I have a form that needs your signature!"

A knock at the door startled them both, Morgan noticing instantly that Dominic shrank back from it, looking more and more like a lost child than a pornography magnate. She decided to take action, and walked to the door.

"He's not available right now. Come back later," she yelled.

"What am I doing, Morgan? How did it get this out of hand?"

Morgan Fielding crossed the room and sat down next to her employer and close friend, reaching for his hand. Dominic acquiesced and allowed himself to be pulled into her arms, the tension seeping from his body as they lay together. She kissed the top of his head and smoothed his hair. "I know it's difficult, but believe me, you're doing a fantastic job. It's extremely admirable that you want Playbro to live on in the face of your Uncle's passing. The changes you've implemented to the brand over the last three years have been a real shot in the arm - and people in the business respect you, as well they should."

"They respect me now, perhaps, but when they find out-"

"Dom, the addition of male spreads to the magazine have been incredibly popular, you know this, yes? It was a master stroke, there aren't many other magazines that intend to cater to the male and the female body. The public is more progressive than you think."

"I should have told them from the get-go, though."

"I disagree. Your sexual preference isn't anybody's business but yours. You're protecting the brand, with what you're doing now. The girls and I are happy to play along. As for the public, when they find out," Morgan interrupted calmly, linking their pinky fingers together, "it will be on your terms, and it won't change a thing, you'll see. I think you'd be surprised, Dom, at just how accepting people are at heart."

Dominic looked up into her eyes and smiled again, this time sadly "Where would I be without you, Morgs? You're my rock."

Morgan rolled her eyes good naturedly, her cheeks flushing.

"Leo has an idea," Dominic began, fidgeting with his robe.

"Oh, lovely Irish Leo. Is it a good idea or a not so good idea?"

"He's proposing that we shake things up a bit, Bunbun wise."

Morgan's face lit up. "Oh? How so? Anything I should be worried about?"

"I'll tell you all together, later."

"What are you up to, Dom-a-Dom?" she asked, eyes twinkling playfully.

"Nothing but trouble, most likely," Dominic sighed. He stood and pulled Morgan to her feet, dropping a kiss to her cheek. "Talk to you later, yeah?"

"You know it," she nodded, hugging him.

Alone with his thoughts, Dominic stood in front of a full-length mirror and studied his reflection. For what must have been the hundredth time, he wondered what the hell his life had become.

He had been stunned when a solicitor contacted him to let him know he had inherited the Playbro fortune. Fresh out of college and still searching for his path in life, he found himself suddenly in ownership of a multi-million dollar empire.

It wasn't exactly a problem that the heir to the Playbro empire happened to be gay, no, but Dominic couldn't help but feel uneasy all the same. He was a lonely gay man awash in a sea of perfect tits and smartly waxed snatch when all he wanted was a nice set of balls to call his own and snuggle up to at night.

Well, perhaps that was a bit of a dramatic stretch but it made Dominic feel better when he was down.

That's not to say that Dominic was a prude; if anything, he could appreciate the appeal of the magazine. He was also very aware that the magazine had its detractors, but Dominic adhered to a strict live and let live policy, choosing to focus on its fans for the most part. It had helped some that he had closed down two of the last three Bunbun Clubs in existence a few months ago, the sole remaining one attached to the estate where it could be monitored strictly. Reports of Bunbuns being manhandled and treated inappropriately was something that Dominic just couldn't abide under any circumstances.

The staff in place at the time of his uncle's passing showed little desire to stay on board for the change of ownership, but they agreed to stick around and help ease the transition by helping Dominic's new staff get situated.

He knew instantly who he wanted at his side. It didn't take long for him to find his three best girlfriends from college, Morgan, Gwen and Elena, and offer them the chance to work with him. Morgan was the public face of Playbro, the brains behind day to day publishing operations and Dominic's right hand woman. Gwen Donnell was a photographer with a definite appreciation for the female body who was now senior photographer and associate art director for the magazine. Rounding out senior staff was Elena Kelly, who wrote articles and interviews when she wasn't fulfilling duties as senior editor.

There was also Leo Black, Dominic's best friend from college, who headed up the PR department for the magazine. Tall, devastatingly handsome and openly gay with an Irish accent that could melt an iceberg, they had met when they became roommates in school. As close as they grew to become over the years, it was a strictly platonic relationship they shared. They were more like brothers than anything else, actually.

They were in need of another writer, though, and it was in this area that Leo had presented an interesting idea.

"I've found someone who has great credentials. Used to write for StudMuffins before they went out of business. Degree in journalism with a mind for public relations as well," Leo commented calmly, cracking his knuckles. "And, Dom, he's hot as fuck. I did some digging around and you should see him."

Dominic shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "Leo do you ever think about anything other than man ass?"

"Hey," Leo interjected, raising both hands in the air, "believe me, my Daniel is all the man I need. Still, that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate the male form in all of it's glory." He sat back and ran his hands through his thick black hair and continued to grin at Dominic. "So? Let me contact him for an interview?"

"Well-"

"Good, because I already did," Leo admitted. "He'll be here tomorrow for your final approval.

Dominic blushed. "Leo, I know what you're trying to do here, and-"

"Dom. You're miserable. You're my friend. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't try to at least... put a wee spring in your step? There's more, actually."

A groan escaped Dominic's mouth. "Oh God, what is it now?"

"He asked about the day to day operations here at the mansion and was particularly interested in the Bunbuns."

"Was he, now?"

"And he and I talked about them for quite a while and then he said something that was merely a joke at first, but the more I thought about it, it could be great for publicity - especially as we're trying to offer something for everyone these days, gay or straight."

Dominic was intrigued. He cocked his head to one side and looked at his friend. "Go on..."

"What if we had a Male Bunbun on staff?"

Dominic still couldn't believe this that he was even considering this. According to Leo, this potential hire had jumped at the chance to embrace his duties with the magazine as completely as the other staff did. What if he was as gorgeous as Leo said he was? What if-

Quiet knocking at the door chased his internal thoughts away and it was with a pounding heart that he called for the visitor to enter.

A shock of fluffy ebony hair greeted him as the young man who owned it peeked around the open door bashfully. Dominic's mouth nearly fell open in shock, and he made a mental note to have Leo spanked until he remembered that Leo would probably enjoy it.

Dominic's friend had been more than right. The man standing before him was nothing short of beautiful. He was of average height, dressed in a black button down shirt with white polka dots and, upon closer inspection, a pair of ridiculously tight blue jeans. Dominic could only imagine the miles and miles of smooth pale skin that lived beneath those pieces of clothing. A slight hint of sliver caught Dominic's eye and in that moment he wanted to remove the necklace around this man's neck with his bare teeth.

As he tried to calm himself, he thanked the fates that he was seated behind his desk so that the fact that his dick was seeking to join the party right now remained hidden.

"Um, hi?' the visitor said, biting his lower lip.

"Come in, come in," Dominic replied, shaking his head with a smile. "Have a seat, um," his eyes scanned the paper in front of him, "Matthew, Matthew Bellamy, is it?"

"Yes,"

Dominic looked up into a pair of inquisitive eyes and fell head over feet into an ocean of blue.

"Hi," Matthew smiled, offering his hand, "it's so very nice to meet you, Mr. Howard."

"And you," Dominic smiled, noticing how soft Matthew's hand was; he was reluctant to let go of it, but he did.

"So. From what I'm told you are more than qualified to help us with your writing ability, so let's cut to the real issue at hand here. You would like to be the first ever Male Bunbun here at Playbro Magazine, I understand?"

Matthew laughed. "First Gay Male Bunbun, you mean?"

Dominic nodded slowly, whilst secretly doing cartwheels of porny joy in his mind.

"I know it's a bit unconventional, but I think it's an idea with legs. Or maybe I just have a fetish for high heels, who knows?"

The corners of Dominic's mouth turned up slightly. "The Bunbuns are, in the eyes of a lot of people, an archaic reminder of the old days when my uncle was in charge. Sometimes I'm not certain why the core group is still intact. Perhaps it's because they're so well known, perhaps it's a bit of nostalgia on my part. They are tradition, I guess, and my three friends who represent the last remaining Bunbuns are progressive, career minded women who love sex and love the naked body. Make no mistake, though, they command respect also."

"Archaic is an interesting word to use," Matthew commented, crossing his legs, "but, Playbro is changing, and changing for the better, if you ask me. Your sales figures alone reflect that according to... oh, what was his name, he had a fantastic accent..."

"Leo?"

"Yes, that's him!"

"It could fail miserably, or backfire, or both. Are you prepared for that possibility? The Bunbuns are a decidedly female tradition here at the magazine, even if their presence has been diminished some."

Dominic was posing the question to himself as much as he was to Matthew, truth be told. The more he thought about it, having this beautiful creature this close to him on a daily basis was nothing but the most horrible of ideas, and he wanted to throw a vibrator at Leo for even encouraging it. Keeping work and pleasure separate was the professional way to approach this, but when pleasure is your work, how are you supposed to make the distinction among such blurred lines?

Stop looking at his hair. Stop wondering how soft it is to the touch. Stopitstopitstopit.

"It could backfire, and if it does, then I'll just be thrilled to be working here in a writing capacity. The fact that you're even considering this... I think it's fucking fantastic," Matthew grinned. "The addition of male centerfolds has really begun to make Playbro more popular across the board. The addition of a male Bunbun? People will eat it up! I think this could be a great thing for the gay community. I really do. I know I'm not necessarily conventionally handsome-"

Is he serious? Has he never looked in a mirror before?

"-but I'm comfortable in my own skin, and that's what's important, isn't it?"

"Do you have a partner?" Dominic asked suddenly. "I only ask because I would hope that they wouldn't mind you walking around all day in next to nothing. This environment isn't always conducive to sustaining relationships."

"No, no partner, not for a while. He-well," Matthew stammered, "he's gone. No, I choose to throw myself into my work these days."

Dominic was impressed with Matthew's ability to speak so proudly and matter-of-factly about his sexuality. He wondered if he would ever be able to reach that level of comfort in his own skin instead of throwing himself into his work so completely that he wouldn't have to think about it. He swallowed and glanced back down at the paperwork in an attempt to calm himself.

They're just blue eyes. You've seen blue eyes before, Dom. Calm down.

"And besides, I'll be getting the chance to hang out with you all day long. Please, that's just an added bonus! You know, actually," Matthew cocked his head adorably, "if you were gay I'd be all over you. Lucky for you that you don't have to worry about that."

"Hahaha," Dominic laughed nervously, his pulse pounding as his brow began to sweat. "Oh, you."

All over me? There's a wank fantasy to file away for later.

Matthew crossed his legs and pointed at Dominic. "Sweetcheeks, let me give you a news flash: you're fucking gorgeous, fit as hell. But don't get me wrong, I'm happy to get to know you and write for the magazine. Who knows, perhaps we can become good friends!"

Dominic felt as though he might cry. "I'd like that," he whispered, forcing a smile onto his face.

I'm so fucked.

"Are you okay?" Matthew asked quietly, his face peppered with concern. Dominic looked up to find the other man scrutinizing him in a most curious manner. He nodded, shaking off his longing and forcing a smile onto his face as he stood from behind his desk.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I guess all there is left to say is welcome aboard, Matthew." He extended his hand, which Matthew took with a grin as he shook it.

"Seriously? Oh, Mr. Howard-"

"Call me Dom, please!"

"Dom it is, then! Dom, thank you, so much! When do you want me?"

Steady, Dominic. Steady.

"I'll have a room in the east wing prepared for you; all of the other Bunbuns have their own as well," Dominic explained. "That is, if you wish to move in? It's certainly not a requirement. The girls live here because they choose to - they are three of my oldest friends and they live and breathe this business as much as I do."

"I'm all in," Matthew reiterated, "so yes, I'd love that."

"You're welcome to move in as soon as tomorrow morning if you wish. I'll have Leo show you around, help you select your attire, and explain to you what your duties will entail.

Dominic didn't mention the fact that all of the other Bunbuns' rooms were in the west wing and that the only other occupied bedroom in the east wing was his own.

He coughed. It was his mansion. Who was going to call him out on where he placed Matthew? Nobody in their right mind, thank you very much. After making a few more pleasantries, he and Matthew shook hands again and parted ways, Dominic sitting down and putting his head in his hands as soon as he was alone again.

That next morning happened to be a Sunday morning, and it was tradition for the girls and Dominic to hang out when the girls didn't have other plans of their own. They had indulged in a new photo shoot for a promotional contest for the magazine, so they were all in full costume, Dominc's smoking jacket for today a rich red velvet.

"We have a new Bunbun," Dominic said, smoothing his jacket. He tried to remain nonchalant as the girls' eyes widened. They all looked at him excitedly and began to throw questions his way.

"Oh wow! Who?!"

"When do we meet her?"

"What's her name?"

"Guys, hold up a second. Come here, sit down with me." Dominic made himself comfortable on a divan next to the window and patted the cushion. Morgan straightened her corset and sat down, resting her head on Dominic's shoulder. Gwen, in turn, laid down and put an arm around Dominic's waist as Elena propped her head on Gwen's outer thigh.

"Just like the old days in college," Elena commented, sighing happily. "I don't think we've cuddled like this since that night you gave us the dirty details from when you finally bagged Jason Baker from down the hall, Dom."

Dominic sighed dreamily. "Oh, Jason. Christ, he was hung like a fucking horse." He was also Dominic's first, and only experience with another man.

"Anyway. This new Bunbun, well," Dominic began, wrinkling his nose as he absentmindedly played with Gwen's hair, "is a bit different."

"How so, Dom?" Elena asked.

"It's complicated."

Morgan giggled. "What do you mean, complicated? Spill!"

"Either way we'll love her and welcome her, you know that," Gwen commented.

A knock at the door stole their attention, Dominic taking a deep breath, trying to chase away the thousands of butterflies that had suddenly come to life in his stomach. "See for yourselves. Come in," he called out.

Leo opened the door, the grin on his face most definitely a sly one. "Morning, all!"

"Leo, my love," Gwen, ever the flirt, sang playfully, "whatever are you up to?"

"Gwendolyn, my darling, I resent that," he shot back, covering his heart with his hands dramatically, "I'm wounded."

"You fucking love it," Gwen corrected him, smiling.

Leo winked. "Oh fuck it, it's true. Anyway! Ladies, Dominic, may I present our newest Bunbun!" He bowed dramatically then moved aside as a smiling Matthew, decked out in his costume, entered the room. He was amazingly steady on his feet in spite of the black stilettos he was wearing; this made Dominic beam with a quiet pride he didn't quite understand.

The girls gasped, each of them getting to their feet and circling Matthew like birds of lusty prey. Dominic could understand where they were coming from - Matthew was stunning in the outfit Leo had helped him select. In that moment Dominic was thankful for his friend's appreciation of the male body, for Leo had pulled out all the stops in selecting Matthew's attire.

The traditional Bunbun costume was composed of a corset, stilettos, cuffs, bowtie, rabbit ears and fluffy tail. Morgan wore red, Gwen wore blue and Elena wore green. Matthew's costume was identical except for one critical detail; in place of a corset was nothing more than a glorified pair of tight, tiny black satin shorts that left nothing to the imagination, much to Dominic's simulatneous delight and horror.

"Fuck me sideways, would you look at this piece of ass," Morgan said, hands on her hips and a grin on her lips, which she suddenly covered with one hand as she winced. "No offense, of course? Morgan Fielding, welcome to Playbro!" She put one hand out in welcome, Matthew shaking it as he laughed.

"None taken, believe me," he replied.

Morgan turned to Dominic. "Dom-a-Dom, you sneaky fucker."

Dominic merely winked, happy that the three people he cared for the most seemed to approve so far. "Leo gets the credit for this one, actually."

"You wear the heels better than I do," Elena said with a shake of her head as she continued to circle Matthew, "it's madness! I'm Elena, what's your name, gorgeous?"

"Matthew," Matthew replied, suddenly looking adorably bashful for someone who had claimed to have such self-confidence to Dominic a day earlier. Still, it made Dominic smile.

"Leo, you wily Irish bastard, you have outdone yourself this time," Gwen said brightly, "welcome, Matthew, I'm Gwen! What do you do?"

"I'm a new writer for the magazine."

"Sexy and smart," Gwen grinned, "you'll fit right in, love!"

Leo had quietly made his way to Dominic's side as the Bunbuns got to know each other more, laughing and hugging each other. He glanced at his close friend and put one hand on his shoulder. "Everything okay? Do you approve?"

Dominic put a hand on Leo's own and squeezed. "I'm okay. Well done, Leo, thank you. He seems like a wonderful guy."

I just wish he didn't.

ACCOMPANYING ARTWORK - MATTHEW IN HIS COSTUME. Please check it out and give the artist some love! :D