mattrsmit

[mattrsmit]

Matt had been counting down the days until Lily arrived. Not that he was keeping track in some obvious, dramatic way, he was far too much of a grown man to sit there scratching tally marks into the side of his trailer. But he felt it. Filming House of the Dragon had been intense, even by his standards. Early mornings, late nights, endless armor fittings and swordplay choreography. He liked to joke to the cast that he spent more time with a dragon skull than with actual people. Still, he threw himself into it like always. When in the quieter moments, when the hair and makeup people were tugging at his wig or reapplying fake blood, he did think about her. Lily. When she said she was coming to Wales, he’d tried to play it cool. He always tried to play it cool with her but he always failed terribly.. But after the call, he'd leaned back on the couch in his flat and stared at the ceiling with this ridiculous grin on his face. And if he was being honest with himself, things between them had never really ended in the way most relationships do. It was more like they paused. Took a breath. Walked away not because they stopped feeling something, but because life got in the way. Timing. Distance. Careers. And maybe a little bit of fear on both their parts. But now? Now there was space again. Time. An open door. He'd been walking along the rocky beach near set the day before she was due to land, thinking about what it might feel like to hold her again, after their time in the Maldives. Would they get closer here? She was coming to stay with him, in his flat. There'd be no space between them, not an ocean. How she'd said she'd wrap herself around him like an octopus. He'd laughed out loud remembering it, which had made one of the crew members glance over and ask what was so funny. Matt just shook his head and said something vague about a text. Truth was, he missed her more than he even realized he could miss someone. So, when she landed, of course he'd be waiting. He'd be trying to play it cool, sure, but the second he saw her, he knew it would be over. No one had ever made him feel like Lily did. And maybe this time, he wouldn't run from that. Maybe this time, they'd get it right.

He’d been buzzing around the flat for the better part of the afternoon, trying to play it cool and failing miserably. The flat he’d rented near set in Wales wasn't much, old wood floors, high ceilings, mismatched furniture, but it was cozy in a way that grew on you. Lived-in. It smelled like coffee and books and something vaguely herbal he'd been burning lately to hide the scent of the muddy boots he always left by the door. There was a script tossed on the armrest of the couch, sides marked up with notes in his scrawl, though he hadn't looked at it in hours. His focus was shot. He kept glancing at his phone, even though she'd said she'd just get a taxi. He knew she'd say that. Lily, always like that, independent to the core. He didn't even hear the knock on the door, he was too immersed in his own thoughts. He didn't rush to the door, not because he didn't want to, but because he needed a second to collect himself. He was excited. And that felt too small a word for it. He'd thrown on something simple but very him: a loose navy t-shirt that hung perfectly, a bit lived-in from too many washes but clung to his frame in the right ways, and black joggers cuffed at the ankles. Barefoot. His usual gold chain tucked beneath the collar. Hair a bit tousled, still damp from the shower he'd taken half an hour earlier, just in case she hugged him and he didn't to smell like he'd just finished a shift on set. When he opened the door and saw her, standing there in the warm late afternoon light, it honestly knocked the air out of him. That white tank top and the flowing skirt, sun-kissed skin, messy bun barely holding together, she was effortless and perfect and so her that he had to blink for a second just to take her in. Then she launched herself at him and all thoughts scattered like dust. Her arms around him, her face pressed into his neck, her body curling into his like she belonged there. In his arms. And she did. His hands slid easily to her back and waist, one curling instinctively into her hair as he pulled her impossibly closer. "God, Lil," he breathed out, voice low, already buried in the scent of her. "I really did miss you so much, and I'm so glad to be back with you again." She pulled back, just enough to look at him, and his chest tightened when her eyes locked on his. The way she looked at him, it did things. Dangerous things. Then she grinned, teasing and Matt chuckled, and his hand didn't leave her waist. "I'm counting on it," he said, voice still low, still half-stuck in awe. "Honestly, if you didn't, I'd be devastated." He let his thumb trace a lazy line over her side, then leaned in, just brushing his forehead against hers. "You've no idea how good it is to see you." And then, maybe too softly for her to catch unless she was really listening, he added, "Didn't realise how much I needed this until you were actually here." He didn't kiss her, but God, did he want to. But he looked at her like he might at any second. Like he'd been waiting. And maybe he had.

After spending a few days with her mum like promised, Lily was finally able to pack and go to Wales to be with Matt, which she could hardly contain her excitement for. Her mum had even commented that it was nice to see her so happy about something, which of course had made Lily smile, and she had to agree. Because it was nice to be so happy about something, to have something that she was looking so forward to that she couldn't think of much else. And it didn't shock her that it was Matt that was causing it, because Matt had a way about him that always caused things like that to stir up inside of her. Which was part of why she felt like nothing worked out with anyone else, because no one could make her feel like Matt could, and normally she'd push that down and ignore it. But with how she was going to be with him for who knows how long, it was something she could think about. When he stated that he missed her and she was all he could think about, and she felt the same, then she felt thinking about how Matt was the only one that ever made her feel like this wasn't such a bad thing. In fact, she was going to embrace it, because she figured that was the best way to roll with it all. Which is what she thought about the whole flight to Wales—well, that and just how excited she was to see Matt and get her hands on him, because she really was likely going to wrap herself around him like an octopus, as promised. And possibly kiss him, because let's face it, she was dying to do that as well.

Since he was filming and working hard, Lily had told Matt not to bother with picking her up, that she would just take a taxi to where he was staying and meet him there. The whole taxi ride, excitement led to butterflies in her stomach, and she couldn't help but smile thinking about seeing Matt again. She fixed up her hair a little while in the taxi, her messy bun had gotten a little too messy on the plane ride, and she touched up her makeup as best as she could but figured she looked about as good as she could after a flight. Since there was a bit of a heatwave in the UK, Lily was wearing a white cropped tank top with a flowing peasant skirt and some sandals. She was comfortable in the warm weather, plus she felt she looked good enough to be seeing Matt as well. When the taxi pulled up to where Matt was staying and where she would be staying for the foreseeable future, the taxi driver helped her with her bags since she packed enough for her to be comfortable while she was there, and after she paid and tipped him, she was soon knocking on the door and waiting for Matt to answer. Once he did, her smile got bright, and she pretty much wasted no time in launching herself at him, wrapping herself around him because she truly had missed him, even if it hadn't even been a full week since they last saw each other. Like always, she buried her face into his neck as she held onto him for a moment, squeezing him tight before speaking. "I really did miss you so much, and I'm so glad to be back with you again," and she pulled back enough so she could meet Matt's eyes, then, giving him a bright smile, her eyes stayed locked on his. "Hope you're fully prepared for more of me being wrapped around you like this, though, because it's going to happen a lot now that I'm here," Lily couldn't help but tease. [ @mattrsmit ]

[mattrsmit]

Ah, the Fourth of July, I've obviously never celebrated but sounds like a fun time. And you've decorated your homes in red, white, and blue, how marvelous! I'm sure it's a feast for the eyes, if not the neighbors' retinas. Now, let's talk about the picnic plate, shall we? If I had a picnic on the Fourth of July, I think I'd want some good old-fashioned American mac 'n' cheese on my plate. There's something about the creamy sauce and the al dente pasta that just screams summer to me. Of course, I'd want it with a side of crispy bacon, well, everything's better with bacon, isn't it? I think your potluck picnic idea is a cracking notion! I'm sure your family and friends would adore it. You're not rambling at all! I'm good! I'll be filming until October, so I've got a pretty packed schedules. So, tell me, what's the plan for your picnic? Are you going to have any games or activities?

So now that fourth of July is coming up, it is actually one of my favorite holidays. It is so bad that I have decorated each of my homes red, white, and blue to get in the spirit. I keep thinking I want to have a pot luck picnic or something for all of my family and friends, I promise it is just me in the thinking process. What is one thing you would want on your July 4th picnic plate if you had a picnic? I am Olivia, by the way, sorry for my rambling, how are you?

@infamystarters

[mattrsmit]

I know. We were just getting started, and then suddenly it's over. One more week would've still not be enough but well! I loved every minute of that time with you, though. From the very first moment I knew I wasn't going to get enough of time with you, enough of you. You know I'm not one for flowery words, not to just anyone anyway, but with you, I find myself wanting to say all the right things. You're the one thing that feels consistent, like something I can always come back to. Does that sound cheesy? Maybe. But it's true. I promise to give you all my attention when I'm not on set, mostly 'cause I'm excited to see what being attached like an octopus really means. I think I'm going to like it. Australia in October with you sounds like something I'm happy to be a part of. I'm game. I'll make sure to plan my visits around your schedule, and we can make the most of our time together. Maybe I do, maybe I don't. I feel it too, every time we're together, every time we talk. It's like my heart's racing right alongside yours. Maybe it's just the effect you have on me, but I like it. And I think I like it even more when you call me out on it. I love her! Your mum's approval means the world to me, and I'm glad she's warmed up to me. I remember how nervous I was about meeting her, and how quickly she became my second mum. Having you all to myself, whenever I want… I'm a lucky guy. I'll take full advantage of that, don't worry.

Love, it went by too fast for me too. I was right there with you wishing we had just one more week, especially since I loved getting to spend all that time with you on the beach. Are you trying to make me blush, Matt? Because that's what you're doing by comparing me to a sweet! Among other things, saying you're always craving more. After looking at my schedule, I'm pretty open and free for a while, so I hope you know what you're signing up for. I'm happy to hear that, because being attached like an octopus is exactly what's going to happen. I'll let go for you to film, of course. Yeah? I like knowing that you'll be coming to visit me, and I'll be filming in Australia in October, so we'll have to test that theory. What do you think? I swear when you say things like that, Matt, you make my heart race, and you do it on purpose, I know it. And you know my mum loves you right back with her whole heart, you should have seen her light up when I told her I was going to Wales to be with you. And you do get to have me all to yourself, for as long as you want.

[mattrsmit]

I'm definitely signing up for that! And I'm with you on staying in touch, I feel like I'm missed out on all the big moments in your life. Supergirl, though, come on, you haven't told me what that's like yet! I'm not usually big on superheroes, but I'm definitely tuning in for this one. Please do keep those Milly updates coming, I need every detail. And drag me along to all the activities, I already want our next trip so we can be joined at the hip.

No joking here. It's been legalized, and it's going to bind us to never falling out of touch. Okay, I am joking here but not joking about not wanting to fall out of touch at all. I promise to keep you updated too all the time, Matthew. Please, I am still just little ol me. I had a really fun time, but I admittedly didn't do as much as I wanted to. Next trip I am going to make it a priority to do all the things. You'll join me in doing all the things?

@mattrsmit

[mattrsmit]

I don't know, I feel like we spent so much time in the Maldives, and yet it still went by too fast, at least for me. I wish we could've had just one more week. You can't give me a bit of your time and expect me not to miss you afterward, you're to me like a sweet to a kid, Lils. I'm always craving more. I don't mind it at all, actually, I want you here with me, for as long as you want and can, of course. I'd never want to interrupt any plans or commitments you might have. Is it bad that I want you attached to me like an octopus? I can't think of a better distraction, to be honest. And if it were the other way around, if you were the one working and I had time off, I'd be exactly the same, wanting to visit you at every chance. Never is too soon when it comes to you. Your mum's a saint for that, I love Ninette with my whole heart. I'm just happy I get to have you all to myself for a while.

How could I be sick of you? I loved all the time we spent together in the Maldives, and it's just made me want more time with you. It makes me glad that I'm not alone in feeling this and that you seem to be missing me like I'm missing you. Yes, I'm very sure I want to spend my time off with you. I can still relax while I'm in Wales with you, I just want to be where you are, so that's all that matters. And as long as you're sure you don't mind me being in your space, I'll be happy to stay as long as possible. You're sure you'll not get sick of me? You might think my clinginess is cute now, but you might not think so when I'm near you and attached to you like an octopus. Probably Friday? If that's not too soon. I have to spend the next couple of days with Mum because she made the argument that she forgot what I looked like, but after that I'm free to do as I please. I can't wait to spend more time with you either, even though Friday feels too far away.

[mattrsmit]

I completely agree, starting from scratch can be a right old challenge, especially when you're a bit older. But, you know, it's never too late to make a change and chase what you really dream about. You're a glutton for punishment, aren't you? Eight shows a day? Blimey. But seriously, it's fantastic that you're soaking up all the knowledge and experience you can get. I mean, learning from the veterans in the industry is priceless. And that format, two weeks on, two weeks off, really looks mad. No sleep for the wicked, indeed!

Dropping out of school was actually the easiest choice I ever made in my life. I will never regret that choice in a million years. The hardest part was moving and just starting to do whatever I could to begin my career. I think it's harder to make a career when you are older. I believe that is why daytime TV called me. I knew it was going to be the best training for sure. You get to learn from all the people who have been in this business for so long. It's a weird format; we have two weeks off and two weeks on. Sometimes we will do up to eight shows a day. No sleep for the wicked, that is for sure, but I am having a blast.

[mattrsmit]

What can I say… other than yes, you're certainly missing out! There are some bloody incredible performances in this one too, of course we don't have the mother of dragons but the good thing is we have more dragons and Daenerys' were baby dragons compared to ours. Oh, same with me with huge events, the nerves appear in the last minute and it looks like I'm being followed by a lion or something.

talk about jumping right back into things. i really need to get around to watching season 1. loved the OG show so fucking much so i'm bound to be missing out here. you excited to be heading back to set? always excited! the nerves usually don't hit until the night before release day. don't worry, man. i'll make sure i bring enough tissues for the both of us.

[mattrsmit]

Hey, I'm flattered you wanted to hang out! Sorry we didn't get to meet in the Maldives, would've been great to chat about Doctor Who and House of the Dragon and of course I wouldn't have minded at all, I love geeking out about those shows! As for getting back to reality, it's been a bit of an adjustment, but I'm settling in alright. It's tough to leave paradise behind, especially when you've got the memories of it fresh in your mind. Maybe you can plan another trip soon? I know having kids might be the only thing holding you back so maybe you can get that sorted out and go?

you were the one person i wanted to really hang out with while we were all in the maldives, and of course you were the one person i ended up never getting to meet, so excuse me for being a little sad about the fact. though it's probably for the best, because i'm such a huge doctor who and house of the dragon nerd that i would have talked your ear off too much, and you'd have probably been like, i need to get away from this man. either way, how are you doing? are you settled back into the real world okay after having a week in paradise? because i'll admit i'm not sure i am, and if it wasn't for my kids, i'd be tempted to go back to paradise for a little while longer. @mattrsmit

[mattrsmit]

Daemon, oh dear lord, he's a complicated one. I mean, I'm not surprised you're swept up in his, ah, shall we say, 'charms'. He's a bit of a rogue, isn't he? But, you know, that's what makes him so bloody fascinating. And, yeah, I've had a few people tell me that they're a bit… taken with Daemon. I think it's a testament to the writing, really, and, of course, the incredible performances of the cast. But, seriously, it's lovely to hear that people are responding to Daemon in the way that they are. He's a complex character, and it's great to see people invested in his story. Even though I don't think that was the intention of the writers!

I'm a little late in watching House of the Dragon, but I finally have, and I feel like I shouldn't have a crush on Daemon, but I can't help it. It's like I see all the red flags, but I tell myself, 'Oh, you can fix him.' Even though deep down I know I can't. Have you had many people come up to you and tell you that? I have a feeling, though, a lot of it is just how you play him, because honestly you do such a fantastic job. / @mattrsmit

[mattrsmit]

I'm not laughing, if anything I'm in awe that you aren't sick of me yet. I'm actually feeling the same way, love. It's crazy how much I'm missing you already. Are you sure you want to spend your time off with me? If you'd like to relax, I'd totally understand, but we're currently filming in Wales, and of course I'd love to have you come visit, and you can stay as long as you want, basically because I highly doubt that I'll get sick of you at all. You know I loved spending all that time with you in the Maldives. Don't worry about being clingy, 'cause I think it's cute. Let me know when you're thinking of coming, and I'll make sure to sort out some arrangements for you. Can't wait to spend some more time with you, love.

I feel like you might laugh a little, but I'm already missing you a little too much, so where exactly are you filming right now? I've got some time off before I'm needed to film anything or do anything for Natural Diamonds, so I was thinking I could come to you and maybe stay a little bit? I'm not sure how long you'll want me to stay, so I'll just say that I'll stay until you get sick of me, but since you're the one that's working, I figured it would be easier for me to come to you. You spoiled me with so much time together while we were in the Maldives that I can't help but want more time with you, so really, it's your fault. And I know it's a little silly to miss you so much already, since it hasn't even been that long, but I can't help it. So don't judge me too much for being a little clingy, okay? [ @mattrsmit ]

[mattrsmit]

How do you write songs that feel like they've been living in everyone's before you even released them? It's a bit unnerving, to be honest. I heard one the other day and thought, "Ah yes, that's exactly how my 2014 felt, thank you very much." Do you just sit there with a cup of tea and tap into the collective emotional archive of the planet? ( @taysswlft )

[mattrsmit]

Right, so… I'm back in Wales. Back on set. Boots on, scripts flying about, and, you know, someone shouting "Quiet please!" every four seconds. And I've got to say post-holiday syndrome is real. Honestly? I'm already mentally planning the next escape. Somewhere with hammocks. Anyway, how are you coping? Or did you actually like going back to real life? ( @zocydcutch )

[mattrsmit]

What’s your go-to trick for shaking off that post-trip haze when you’re back on set? I swear, I've tried everything: double espresso, cold showers… but my brain's still somewhere on holiday mode. Got any secret weapons? Or are we doomed to daydream until the next break? (Only God knows when that will be) ( @infamouslykoch )

[mattrsmit]

I saw Ambulance a few weeks ago, and then I learned I would be seeing you on the trip and thought of asking you something but then I never really had the chance. Do you ever find yourself wanting to step behind the camera? Like, try your hand at directing or producing? I'm always intrigued by actors who want to take control of the whole story. Is that something you've ever thought about, or do you prefer staying in front of the lens? ( @eiizagcnzalez )

[mattrsmit]

matt smith out and about in london. ( x )

[mattrsmit]

Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. It was a bit of a whirlwind, if I'm honest. The gel, the hairspray, the sheer determination to keep it standing upright… It was a bit of a battle, but the stylists were absolute wizards. As for my young friend's desire for a mohawk, I say, "Ah, the rebellious spirit!" But I understand your reservations. Curls are precious, and rightly so. Perhaps you could compromise on a fauxhawk, or a styling session that captures the essence of the mohawk without committing to the full shebang? I must admit, I was quite relieved when I shaved it all. Maybe tell him that to talk him out of it! Mm, I've had my fair share of eccentric coiffure, but yeah the colourful mohawk was certainly the craziest.

you have to tell me how you took care of that mohawk you were pictured in awhile ago on set. my son has been begging for a haircut like that and i've said no every time. not only i'm not ready to let those curls of his go but how do you manage to keep it up all day? copious amounts of gel? did you ever go back to it after you finished filming or were you happy to return to normal? is that the wildest haircut you've ever had? / @mattrsmit

[mattrsmit]

Oh, dolphins are very aggressive! I wouldn't mess with them. I'm glad you had fun getting to know me. We had a good time being roommates, we lucked out with each other. At least you didn't snore at all, or wel I couldn't hear you but I also have a very profound sleep. Yeah, our exes being roommates is a bit wild, and swapping would've been interesting. You think they would've wanted to swap? Oh, you bet I would've screamed like a child in glorious HD for your viewing pleasure. You can bet I'd be sharing that video with my mates and family, they'll never let me hear the end of it. It's good that it's never happened. You're a great roommate, and I'm glad we were stuck with each other at least for a little while. Did you have fun?

Oh my god, I can't help but laugh at you just picturing someone being attacked by a dolphin. Wondering if I should help them? Probably not, because then I'll be attacked by this mad dolphin as well! But good, because I can be a bit mad sometimes, as you've learned over the past few days. I'm also glad you weren't mad about the roommate situation, because I've had fun getting to know you! And it still tickles me that our exes are roommates as well, though, to be honest, there was at least once or twice you thought it would be nice for us to swap. Thank you for not judging my slide energy. That slide is the most fun I've had in a while, it makes me feel so carefree. And I would never judge you for bringing travel chess! Even though I've not convinced you yet to go down the slide, I feel like I'm close, right? And I will film it and make sure all your mates and family see it too, because they'll need to know and see that you screamed like a child. It could be a lot worse, and if I was going to be stuck with someone, I'm glad it's been you. I was so wary about who I would get as a roommate.