No Regrets
Title: No Regrets
Authors: Me (dragonblk17) and Sammy (xunfathomablex).
Pairing: Thomas Vanek/Steve Bernier (Buffalo Sabres).
Rating: R for sex, language, and angst.
Summary: Thomas doesn't know what it is about his new linemate that he likes; besides the fact he's a little too friendly.
Notes: I wrote Thomas Vanek/Jason Pominville, and Sammy wrote Steve Bernier.
Disclaimer: We love these boys, but we don't own them. We love to write them, though!
Thomas spent a quiet morning driving his car to the HSBC Arena the day after the trade deadline. The unfortunate news of Brian Campbell, or ‘Soupy’ as all of his teammates and fans liked to call him, being traded to San Jose had hit the community and team pretty hard. He knew it was just business, but he also knew how much Brian had loved it here in Buffalo. It had been his home since he was drafted, and now he was shipped off to a team that was on the complete opposite side of the country. Thomas had said his goodbyes to the redhead the day before right as he was leaving, and was able to catch Soupy’s press conference on the news later that day. All he knew about the trade was that they got a first round draft pick, and Steve Bernier, a fellow ‘26’, was coming to the Sabres.
The blonde didn’t know Steve personally, but he did know him from his draft year. They were both first round picks, but he never really had the chance to speak with him all those years ago. It would be interesting to see how he’d fit in with the group, considering how different teams were in the Western conference from the Eastern conference.
When he arrived at the arena, he parked his car in the usual spot and headed into the locker room where the rest of the guys were. “Hey Thomas,” Jason Pominville smiled, and gave the winger a small wave as he was putting his skates on.
“Hey Pommers.” Thomas returned the greeting, and set his stuff down near his locker. He glanced over to what was once a locker labeled ‘Campbell’ and now it had ‘Bernier’ on it. “Is the new guy here, yet?”
“Not yet.” Jason stuck his tongue out as he concentrated on tying his skate. “You really didn’t expect the new guy to come early, did you?”
“I guess not.” The blonde laughed, and started to put his stuff on for practice. I should’ve looked him up on the internet, or something. I’m curious to see what this guy is like.
Steve tumbled in, tangled up in his equipment bag. He bit his lip and untangled himself, cheeks burning with embarrassment. Great. I come to a new team, and not only do I come into the locker room nervous, but nervous and tangled up in my bag. He’d just gotten off the plane and barely had time to see his new house before he’d had to come here. The Arena and weather were much different then San Jose, and he hadn’t even really had time to check himself out in his jersey. This city and Arena and…just everything was so much different. He missed San Jose already. “Hey, I’m Steve, or Bear…as you probably all know,” His cheeks, still stinging with embarrassment, tinged more at how stupid he sounded. Bernier hauled his equipment to his locker, and plopped down. His blue eyes glanced up at the locker room - so different then his own, and he sighed. Steve began to suit up himself, feeling completely out of place.
Thomas blinked a few times, and cocked his head over towards where Steve had stumbled to. The poor guy was already getting flustered, and he had only been here for about fifteen seconds. He looked back down at the skates that he had been tying, and then glanced back up at the newcomer. Hm, why not? I’ll go over there and introduce myself. The Austrian stood up and carefully moved his way over to the locker that was across the room, since his one skate was still untied and he didn’t want to trip and kill himself. “Hey there,” Thomas said as he decided to stand behind the man. He noticed a few things - brown hair, a pretty big build, and it looked as if they were both the same height.
“Hi,” Steve smiled, glad that someone was nice enough to approach him. “26?” Steve looked at the number, then at the blonde. “So you’re the guy that made me change my number.” Bear grinned, playfully. “No, I’m just kidding.” He laughed, his natural friendliness kicking right in. “It’s cool that we share the same number.” He threw on his jersey, and looked down. Where he’d been used to having teal, there was now navy - too much of it - and he grimaced. He wanted to squirm out of this jersey; and what the hell was on the front? A slug? “Everyone in San Jose used to think 26 was a bad luck number, so no one fought me on taking it.”
“Really, a bad luck number?” Thomas laughed, and noticed the twinkle in the man’s eyes. His eyes were teal colored - but the jersey he had on him made the color stand out more. He’s pretty cute, he thought to himself. “I would’ve agreed with everyone in San Jose had this been earlier in the season, believe me.” The blonde smiled at the brunette, and looked Steve up and down. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the jersey in no time. I’m not quite sure about the weather, though.” Considering this new guy was coming from southern California into blustery winter territory, that would definitely need a lot of getting used to. “Anyways - I’m Thomas, if you don’t know yet. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand for Steve to shake it.
Steve bypassed the hand and embraced Thomas in a big bear hug, squeezing gently. “It’s great to meet you, Thomas!” His strong arms shook the blonde a little, and he ended the hug. He smiled. “I hope you don’t mind hugs, I love to give them.” He continued to suit up, “I’ve actually heard about you this year. Although,” Steve frowned a little, “It wasn’t that great of stuff, just your contract. But it’s great to meet you, and…oh, I’m sorry.” His voice tapered off, “I bet you don’t want to hear about it. I had faith in you though, and it’s great to know that you’re not stuck up from such a big contract.”
“Um…wow.” Thomas chuckled softly, and scratched the back of his head. God, that hug felt…really nice. His thoughts were completely jumbled after Steve had given him the huge hug, and he grinned sheepishly at the last thing he said. “I don’t mind hugs that much, no. Also, thanks for having faith in me…and saying that last bit. The guys in this room know that’s not how I am; I’m a team guy not just an individual player.” Thomas nodded his head, and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m just extremely happy that I can be here in this city for the next seven years, maybe. It’s a great place - we all love the fans here. Hopefully, they’ll give you a warm welcome when you first get on the ice tonight.”
Steve nodded. “I hope so too. It’s nice to come to a team, and not be immediately booed for replacing a favorite,” He shuffled a little bit on his feet. In truth, he was extremely nervous of how Buffalo fans would take him - despite their kindness when he first arrived, he was still unsure. He gave Thomas one more bear hug, “Do your best tonight, Thomas, and I look forward to seeing you after the game.”
Thomas grinned against Steve’s shoulder, and gave him a soft pat on the back. “Yeah, same here, Steve.” He backed away, and smiled one last time at the brunette before turning to walk back to his stall. The blonde could still feel the sensation of Steve’s arms around him as he slowly began to put on his equipment again. The truth of the matter was that Thomas actually didn’t care for hugs that much - Derek knew that from whenever he scored a goal, and the Austrian would not embrace him - but there was something different about the way Steve hugged. Thomas had actually enjoyed it.
- - -
Steve skated out on the ice, swooning a little. Adrenaline was running in his veins, from love of the game, but was overrun by anxiety from foreign surroundings. The ice beneath his skates didn’t feel smooth and sure; he didn’t feel like this was home. Unsure, unconfident, his teal eyes glanced up - and caught the look on Thomas’ face. He looked natural, comfortable in the navy, almost beautiful in his own way; his blue eyes were dark, determined. Bear set his face, and let the adrenaline rush through him. If Thomas could suit up every night and face this crowd, why couldn’t Steve?
15: 31, he entered the zone ahead of Roy and Vanek. The puck was passed to him right before the goaltender, and he didn’t even hesitate and shot it. In the net, Bernier’s mind clicked.
He’d scored.
His first goal in Buffalo.
A soundless roar climbed out of his throat and he eagerly embraced a flying Derek in a hug. He looked over at Thomas, grinning wildly.
The blonde quickly followed suit after Derek, and put his glove on the top of Steve’s helmet. His other arm occupied the man’s waist, and he smiled widely. “Welcome to Buffalo, Bear!” Thomas yelled, trying to be heard over the sound of the blaring goal horn and the rest of the arena that had erupted in cheers. He noticed the small twinkle that appeared in Steve’s eyes, and it made his heart melt a little bit. There was something about those eyes - something he had first noticed when he had first arrived at practice that morning. Thomas couldn’t put his finger on what it was.
“Thanks!” He said, still grinning widely. He flew by the Sabres bench, nudging his teammates’ gloves. He sat down on the bench, right next to Thomas. Still kind of grinning, and huffing a little bit, his hand nudged Thomas’. “I’m so glad the crowd likes me. I was so afraid I’d get booed,” And he laughed, and Bear resisted the urge to hug Thomas again. Instead, he stroked the blonde’s hand, and watched his new teammates play.
“I think they’re going to start liking you right now.” Thomas turned, and gave Steve a warm smile. He glanced at the glove that was patting his own, and his smile grew. A part of him wished that the gloves were off, and that he could feel Steve’s skin touching his as his fingers would slide over his knuckles and wrist. Thomas then blinked, and turned his attention away from Steve back to the game being played out in front of him.
He couldn’t believe that he might actually be falling for his new teammate who he had only known for a couple of hours.
- - -
Seven goals, and a wild ride of a game later, Thomas had strutted into the locker room with the rest of his teammates after they had beat the Nashville Predators eight to four. He looked around and noticed all of the guys grinning like mad, and giving each other pats on the back for their good work. It had been a scare when the Predators came back in the game, but they managed to hold up and win it. The Austrian looked around for Steve, but noticed that he hadn’t come back in the room yet. He headed back over to the locker room entrance and decided to wait for him to congratulate his new teammate on his first game in Buffalo.
Bear came in second last, talking to Miller about the game. His teal eyes lit up upon seeing Thomas. “Great game!” He clapped his teammate on the back. “That was so much fun.” His chest heaved and his forehead was coated in sweat, but Steve was so happy. “Buffalo is such a wild city. I mean, not that San Jose’s…not…” He hesitated a little. No matter how great his debut was in Buffalo, he still missed San Jose. “Crazy,” he finished, the brunette’s naturally happy demeanor kicking back in. Bear rubbed the top of Thomas’ helmet with his glove.
“Thanks,” Thomas beamed, and gave Steve’s shoulder a pat. “But you deserve a congratulations. What a great debut!” He absentmindedly began to rub the brunette’s shoulder, and removed his hand once he realized what he was doing. The blonde knew that he couldn’t start getting too friendly with Steve, considering he barely knew the guy, and he didn’t even know if he swung that way or not. Thomas didn’t even know how he began to fall for him in the first place - it just happened.
Steve’s shoulder tingled a bit when Thomas let go, and he loved the feeling. His hand went up to the place where the blonde had just been rubbing, “We should get changed, this padding is hot as all hell when you’re fresh off the ice.” He smiled, and hugged Thomas once more. “Maybe we could get together after we’re done changing?” Steve then frowned, and stuttered, “I, I mean, if you don’t have any plans tonight, we could go on a date.” In San Jose, Steve and his friends often went out on dates together. Hopefully, the Sabres - and Thomas - wouldn’t be too different.
Did he just say…date? Thomas’ mind blanked out for a few seconds before he came back to reality. “…You mean, just the two of us?” He wanted to kick himself after asking that one, but he didn’t feel like giving himself a torn ACL just because of an idiotic question. Deep down, he wanted Steve to say it would only be them - that way, he could find out more about this newcomer. Also, maybe he could finally figure out why the hell he was falling for this man faster than he had ever fallen for anyone. Besides, perhaps he could pick at the brunette’s brain and see what he’s really like away from the game and everything having to do with hockey.
“Yes, the two of us. Why? Don’t you go on dates with your friends in Buffalo? Or is that something only found in San Jose?” He cocked his head, looking at Thomas oddly. “I’m not asking you to be my boyfriend…”
“Ahh…w-well, yeah, I go out with the guys here all the time. We just don’t call them dates here.” Thomas bit his lower lip, and let out a shaky breath. “Just the two of us sounds great, though.” He smiled nervously at him. “…I’m going to get changed now. I’ll wait for you to finish if I’m done before you, okay?” Thomas turned around, and headed back into the room; being able to feel his legs shaking with each step he took towards the locker that read ‘Vanek’.
“Oh, alright.” He gave a small smile and wandered back to his locker. He continued to stand, preferring to change standing up. Steve hurriedly shucked off his jersey and padding, with a relieved sigh. He stretched a bit, feeling so much lighter. Then, Bear began to work on his shorts after he took off his skates. He hung everything up, extremely neatly and all in order. Then, he began to work on his pants. The brunette’s cheeks stung, again. God damn it. This reminded him that he had absolutely no idea the preferences of anyone in the locker room, especially Thomas. For all Bernier knew, he could be getting eyed by tons of guys he didn’t know. His cheeks flamed brighter, but he bravely stripped. Fine, if anyone’s checking me out, they’ll get an eyeful of my ass - and great for them. I don’t care.
Thomas, meanwhile, had been sitting in his stall; taking his skates off when he looked up to notice Steve taking off his clothes. He noticed every muscle tense in his legs as he swiftly changed out of his shorts. The blonde also couldn’t help but glance at the brunette’s ass - and notice how firm it looked beneath the other pair of shorts he had on underneath his equipment. Feeling a burning sensation rise to his face, Thomas looked back down at his skates and quickly untied them. He finished that up and hung them on the hooks that were in his locker. He then began to strip out of his own clothing; facing the inside of his locker space.
Bear finished, and donned some jeans that were loose in the legs, but managed to be a little tight around the thighs and up. He came up behind Thomas; half changed, and wrapped his arms around the blonde. His hands wandered up and down the blonde’s chest, slowly. It was more of out of the fact that his hands were frigid. “Change faster! I can’t wait to go out. I’m still hyped up from the game.” He let go, and waited impatiently for Thomas to change, though he still rubbed his hands together. Once the gloves came off, they’d chilled considerably.
Thomas stood still for a few silent moments before starting to put on his own jeans. Steve’s hands had been completely frozen, but the blonde could’ve cared less since they had just been all over his chest. Rubbing his chest, no doubt. He could feel heat rise up to his face once more, and he was sure he looked to be as red as a cherry tomato. Throwing on one of his nice t-shirts, Thomas turned back and eyed the man in front of him. His eyes couldn’t help but slowly glance over Steve’s chest as he checked him out, and he placed his hands on his hips. “So, are you going to finish changing, or what?”
“Oh, yeah,” Steve laughed, “Forgot my shirt.” He hastily put it on, and grinned at Thomas’ red face. “What, can’t handle what you see?” He punched the blonde in the arm lightly, “Nah, I’m kiddin’. Let’s get going! My car, or yours?”
He stuck his tongue out, and pointed his finger at Steve. “Let’s take yours. I want to see what you drive. I bet it’s nice.” Thomas then smiled, and gave the brunette a punch in the arm lightly, just as he had done. “I’ll give the directions, though. I know the perfect place we could go.”
“Alright.” Steve said, jingling his keys. He brought Thomas out to his massive, steel blue Dodge Durango. Sliding onto the black leather trimmed seat of the driver’s side, “Where are we going, and what kind of foods do you like?” He asked, turning down the radio that was blasting some Killers.
“Italian foods.” Thomas grinned, and placed his right arm on the passenger door. “And we’re going to Chef’s. It’s actually right near here - great place for Italian. A lot of the guys, including me, go out to eat there a lot of times after practice.” He hummed along to ‘When You Were Young’, and his fingers tapped on the window along to the beat of the music.
“Oh, I see.” He grinned. “I like Italian…” I like you, too. You’re way too nice to me for just having met me, but I really appreciate it. But he didn’t say his thoughts aloud, and sang along, despite the fact that his voice wasn’t the best. Steve, however, wasn’t the type to be self-conscious, so he belted out right along with Brandon Flowers. Soon, though, they were at the restaurant, and he scooted out. Teal eyes glanced at Thomas, quickly. “Grab us a table, please? I have to make a phone call.” He smiled, “It’ll be quick, though.”
“Yeah, no problem.” Thomas stuck his hands into his jean pockets, and walked inside of the restaurant. He was a bit nervous, considering that he was on a ‘date’ with a very attractive guy he just met and also, he had no idea how it was all going to turn out. When he got into the lobby area of the place, he noticed wandering eyes of people glancing up to look at him. Few people went back to eating their food, but others were also whispering. Thomas and the guys were used to it, simply because they knew that most of the fans in the city were nice and treated them like normal human beings.
“Van, hey!” One of the waiters came over, and put a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “Awesome game tonight! That new guy sure is something - it’s just unfortunate that we won’t be seeing Soupy here anymore.”
“Yeah, it is…” He sighed, but then smiled slightly. “I brought the new guy here for some late dinner. Could you snag us a table, please?”
“Oh, of course! Come this way.” Thomas followed the waiter, after he grabbed some menus, towards the back of the restaurant and sat down at the table in the far corner. “Thanks. By the way, can you bring Steve back here once he comes in?”
“Sure, no problem.” The waiter smiled, and walked back over to the lobby area.
Steve finished the phone call, a frown stuck on his features. Fuckers. Bear quickly removed those thoughts from his head, though, and smiled - albeit, just a little bit strained - when the waiter told him to follow. He did so, almost crashing into one of the other waiters along the way, and felt out of place at all the eyes and murmurings following him. Steve was hardly used to it; San Jose was a large city and although he did get some people that recognized him, it wasn’t like he walked into a restaurant and nearly everyone recognized him. Feeling self-conscious, he sat across from Vanek. “Hi, sorry about the phone call.”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Thomas half smiled, and looked down at the silverware. He started fiddling with the paper that was wrapped around it with his fingernail, but continued to carry on the conversation. “Surprised how everyone keeps watching you?” His blue eyes fixated on Steve, and he smirked. “You’ll get used to it after a couple of days. Like I said before, the people here are great to us. It’s just weird at first. I’m sure it’s weirder for you since San Jose was a way bigger city than here.” The paper finally ripped from around the silverware, and Thomas opened the napkin surrounding the utensils.
Steve nodded, “Yeah, I hope I can get used to it.” He gave Thomas a small smile, “I’m definitely feeling a little self-conscious.” The waiter came up and he ordered some manicotti and a water, then once Thomas ordered, his teal eyes drifted back to meet the blonde’s. He couldn’t think of what to say, for once, and the silence was kind of unnerving him.
Thomas blinked once, and tilted his head to the side. “So…Tell me a little about yourself. The only things I know are that you came from San Jose, and that you love to give people bear hugs.” He laughed, and put one of his hands through his blonde hair. Since they were out on this ‘date’ together, he figured he should get some background on Steve so that he could get to know him a little better before the other guys could get a chance to.
“Um…” He chuckled, “I’m single, I’m twenty two, I love the Killers and I love to swing dance. I’m clumsy as all hell and tend to be a little bit too friendly, and my favorite beer is a black and tan, made of a Guinness and a lighter beer. I also like archery and men,” He grinned, “But I can be extremely shy, but I guess I like you enough that I’m not.”
So he does like men, Thomas thought to himself, and he could feel his cheeks once again flush pink. “Well, I’m glad that you like me enough to not be shy. There’s no reason to be shy around me.” He smiled, and looked deeper into the younger man’s teal eyes. “I’m pretty clumsy myself anyways, so you have nothing to worry about with that one. Pretty interesting hobbies you’ve got there, too.” The blonde was mainly speaking of the ‘men’ part, since he both could not dance for the life of him, and there was no way he was going to attempt to shoot an arrow with a bow. He had a feeling he would accidentally hit an innocent bystander with the thing.
“So do you have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend?” Steve frowned, “Well, I don’t know if being gay is accepted in Buffalo or not, but I hope so.”
“Neither,” Thomas looked down at his silverware, and fiddled with it. “I like men too, by the way. Girls just never really worked out with me.” He looked back up to see the waiter bring over their drinks. He had ordered a Heineken, and took a sip of it after the waiter walked away. He couldn’t help but admit he liked beer, considering he was part German. Thomas just didn’t drink it often. “About being accepted here, it is. You’d be surprised at how many guys in the locker room are into men, too. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure that out yourself, though, once you’re here for a couple of days.” The blonde gave Steve a little wink and took another swig of his beer.
Teal eyes blinked, “It’s not like I’m attractive enough to get anyone in Buffalo,” Bear shrugged, “I’m not looking, anyways.” He called the waiter over, and ordered a black and tan after seeing Thomas order alcohol. He watched the black of the Guinness cascading effect on it, when the waiter brought it, and he sipped the froth off the top. “I’m surprised you’re not tied down already. I would’ve pegged you as the type to be married and have a kid by now, or at least married.” He said, grinning.
“Haha, really?” Thomas laughed, and twirled his bottle around. He stared down at the drink and shook his head. “I’m only twenty-four. I’ve got a couple of years on me left before I even think about marriage, believe me.” He smiled, and his blue eyes looked back towards Steve. “By the way - don’t think that I’m hitting on you - but you’re pretty attractive to me, Steve.” Thomas’ cheeks once again deepened in tint color, and he quickly stared back down at his beer. Yeah, I just totally hit on him. I am such an idiot.
Steve’s cheeks tinted a dark pink. “Thanks,” He murmured, he so totally just hit on me. He fidgeted a little, and took food for the distraction it was. Bear dug into his manicotti, savoring the tastes of sauce, mozzarella, noodles, and ricotta cheese. “Would you like some?” He said, still feeling his cheeks tinge a slight pink. If he wanted me, he would’ve already asked me out. He doesn’t seem like the type to hedge around - and we’re just friends. That’s it.
“Sure,” Thomas smiled, and picked up his fork to take a bit of the manicotti that was on Steve’s plate. He never actually had it before, but he’s was always pretty adventurous. Trying out new foods was something he loved doing. Thomas nipped at it first with his teeth to taste the sauce, and then put the entire thing in his mouth. The savory taste hit his saliva, and he nodded his head; signaling that he thought it was really good. After swallowing it, he grinned and said “Wow, that was fantastic.” Thomas then looked down at his own meal of chicken alfredo with fettuccini noodles. “Would you like to try some of mine?”
Bear nodded, “Sure,” He said, “I love alfredo, but it’s not something I used to eat much at home.” He sampled the alfredo, pink tongue darting out to clean off his chin. “Good,” The brunette smiled. “We should do this again sometime after a game. It’s nice to kick back and relax.” Teal eyes twinkled at Thomas as Steve took a large gulp of his beer.
Blue eyes looked back into teal ones, and Thomas’ lips curved into a smile. “I agree. I mean, a couple of the other guys and I have gone out like this before on the road, but…I don’t know, it’s so much more relaxing with just one other person.” He began to slowly eat his own food, and savored each bite he took. In between bites, he’d take a small sip of his beer to wash down the alfredo sauce and chicken.
Bear had finished his manicotti in the span of a few minutes, and finished the rest of his black and tan. Then his hand leaned out and stroked Thomas’ again, though he didn’t realize it. It was a nervous habit, picked up in San Jose. Then the brunette glanced down at his hand that was on the blonde’s, and flinched. “Sorry, nervous habit…” He looked into blue eyes, but instead of looking away, he kept his gaze locked. Then he leaned in, and kissed Thomas. It was quick and fast and he did it because he simply felt like it; the moment called for it, and he wasn’t going to apologize for that. Steve often acted on impulse and if Thomas didn’t like that, then they were never going to fit together.
The kiss surprised Thomas at first, and he didn’t attempt to take a breath at all when Steve’s lips had touched his. When he finally took a breath, the brunette had already ended it and teal eyes were staring back into blue ones. Thomas bit his lower lip, and placed his right hand on top of Steve’s across the way. “That was…” He didn’t actually know what to say. Hot? Amazing? What he had been wanting since he laid his eyes on this newcomer to the team? “…Nice.” Damn it, how lame could I get? Thomas fingers lightly stroked Steve’s knuckles, and his lips curved into a smile again. Before he could stop himself, he was leaning in again and pressed his lips lightly against the other winger’s.
The younger man kissed back, but pulled away. He paid the bill; his teal eyes never leaving Thomas’ blue ones. Silence permeated between them, but Bear didn’t feel the need to break it. An explanation? Did he need one? An apology? He wasn’t sorry. So he didn’t know what to say.
Thomas wanted to kiss him again, but didn’t make any sort of movement. All he did was continue to stare into those mysterious, teal eyes and keep his hand on top of Steve’s. “I…” He started, but he didn’t know the right words to say. Thomas actually wanted to say so many things at that moment, but his mind was so jumbled that he couldn’t think clearly at all.
“Here isn’t the place,” Steve said, “My house, or yours?”
“Wow, and you even got a house already here.” Thomas licked his bottom lip. He could taste some of Steve’s saliva mixed with the sauce on his manicotti dinner. “Let’s go to your place.”
Steve nodded, and put on his coat. He walked by Thomas, brushing their hands together as he went. He started up his Durango, feeling oddly demure. He kissed Thomas, no regrets, but just because he was single and wasn’t looking didn’t mean Bear didn’t have someone he cared about. Back in San Jose…his jaw set into a firm line. San Jose, the city that was no longer home; Steve shouldn’t care about anyone who lived in that city anymore. He wasn’t going back unless he was forced to play there with the Sabres.
The younger man sighed, and his hand sought out Thomas’. It found itself on the blonde’s thigh, stroking it slowly. He slowly began to smile, “Thank you for becoming my friend, Thomas.”
The blonde turned his head to look at the man in the driver’s seat, and smiled warmly. “Don’t thank me, Steve.” He slowly placed his hand on top of the one that was stroking his thigh. His hand was a bit cold, but Thomas could have cared less at that point in time. “You’re a good guy, you know. A good, sweet guy.” Thomas interlaced his index finger with one of Steve’s. “And I love your personality, too.”
Steve’s cheeks warmed considerably, but his lips still curved upward in a smile. “Thanks.” He said, as they pulled into the driveway of his house. It wasn’t that far from HSBC Arena, and it was extremely small. The brunette hated large houses when it was only him living in it, so he tended to live in smaller houses. He cut the engine on his Dodge and walked Thomas, holding his hand, into his house. “Sorry that it’s not big. I don’t like unnecessary space…” The younger man’s voice tapered off, “Do you want anything? Anything in my house is yours.”
Thomas, as if on cue, moved closer to Steve and fixated his blue eyes on the brunette’s teal ones. He didn’t know if it was the alcohol getting to his system already, but he could barely control anything his body was doing now. The blonde leaned in until his lips were only a few inches away from Steve’s. “Anything…? Really?” His unoccupied hand traveled up Steve’s chest and stayed there. “Does that include you?”
Steve’s breath hitched, and his mouth halted for a second. What the hell could he say to that? There was someone, someone in San Jose he’d been after - but he wasn’t there, and Thomas was right in front of him, and he needed to forget, or he was going to go crazy… “Only if you want me.” He said, his fingers coming up to entwine in Thomas’ chest. Teal eyes darkened to a dark turquoise and he licked his lips.
Thomas glanced down at Steve’s lips, and then looked back into his eyes. “I think I’ve wanted you ever since I saw you walk into the locker room this morning.” He could feel his heart racing at excessive speeds, and he didn’t bother to try and take a breath. Was he really telling the truth? Had he wanted the man standing in front of him since he first laid his eyes on him? He definitely felt some sort of attraction there since the first ‘hello’s, and his good personality made Thomas like him even more.
Bear said nothing, but leaned in and kissed Thomas, slowly. His hands roamed everywhere over his blonde above the waist - although the rational part of his mind was screaming at him to stop! Since when did he give himself out to some guy he just met, no matter how long it had been since he’d had sex with someone? But he ignored that part of his head, and slipped his hands underneath Thomas’ shirt.
A moan sounded from deep within Thomas’ throat, and he placed his hands on both sides of Steve’s face. The sober part of him was yelling at him to stop; just incase the brunette didn’t actually want to do this with him. But I don’t want him to go through with something he might regret…Thomas thought to himself, and he slowly back off from the kiss. His lips were still lightly touching Steve’s and he whispered, “Do you really want to do this with me?”
“Would I have my fucking hands up your shirt if I didn’t?” He growled, feeling all traces of friendless and consideration gone. When aroused, he became a polar opposite of what he was normally. Rules, society, politeness? They were non-applicable. The only thing he cared about was sex and carnal, primitive pleasure when aroused. “Kiss me,” He spoke, huskily, as his hand went down Thomas’ pants. Fingers brushed but didn’t grasp; they teased, but didn’t stroke. He felt himself starting to grow hard at the close proximity of Thomas’ body, the fact that he had his hand down the man’s pants, and was so loving teasing him…
“Uhn…” Thomas moaned softly, and he leaned in more to start kissing the brunette again. He struggled to feel Steve’s hand on his hardening length as the man he was kissing continued to tease him mercilessly. Thomas’ hormones had switched to autopilot for the time being, and now all he wanted was Steve - naked, and begging for him to fuck him harder and faster. With those thoughts in the blonde’s mind, he nipped at Steve’s lower lip with his teeth and quickly moved his hands to the brunette’s jeans; undoing the button and pulling down the zipper.
Finally, the brunette’s hand relented and began to slowly, far too slowly stroke Thomas. He was enjoying the tease, enjoying the way the blonde struggled in vain for more. Bear used his other hand to help the blonde while he continued to kiss him. But he stopped Thomas’ hand from going into his pants by entwining their fingers together. “Wait.” He spoke, and removed his hand from the older man’s underwear. He then stripped naked, shivering at the heat that Thomas radiated. “I’m taking you to my bed,” He explained, as he hefted Thomas into his arms, bridal style, and then carried him upstairs.
“Mmmn, I bet your bed is comfortable as all hell…” Thomas huskily murmured into Steve’s ear as he carried him up the steps. His accent was more prominent now that he was currently horny, and yearning for some sexual activity. “I hope you’ll be willing to strip off my clothes for me…” He nipped at the brunette’s ear, and grinned against it. “Unless you want me to tease you, and strip myself oh…so…slowly…” His breath shuddered against Steve’s ear, and he nuzzled his nose into it gently.
Bear laid Thomas out on his bed, his turquoise eyes searing into Thomas’ own as he bit his lip, harnessing a few moans and growls as he rubbed his aching erection on the bulge in Thomas’ pants. Back drawn taunt, hips instinctively moving…he looked nothing more then a man desperate to climax. Steve’s fingers clenched in the sheets and he couldn’t hold back a low, rumbling growl as he arched, practically fucking the front of the blonde’s dark jeans. The pain, the friction, the pleasure - he hissed, clenching his teeth down on his lip even harder. “Oh god, Thomas,” And he began to curse in French, and leaned on his left hand. Balancing, his hand went beneath the waistline of Thomas’ jeans, and while rubbing himself on the blonde’s thigh, he stroked the blonde in time with his erratic thrusts.
“Fuck, Steve!” Thomas managed to yelp out as the brunette was stroking him fast and hard. The feeling of both his length being stroked, and Steve’s rubbing against his thigh was far too much. He somehow managed to lift himself off the bed, with pleasure searing through every part of his body and move his head towards the brunette’s chest. Thomas flicked out his tongue, and dragged it towards Steve’s right nipple; beginning to tease it then with his teeth and gently pull at it. It was amazing that he could even concentrate on that action because of how close he was to a mind blowing orgasm. After that happened, he knew for a fact he was going to fuck the man above him until his voice was hoarse and until they were both dead tired.
He grunted, loving the feel of Thomas’ teeth and tongue. His hand stopped stroking Thomas though, and he slowed down his erection rubbing on Thomas’ jeans. He continued to balance on his left hand, and opened the drawer in his nightstand. “Are you going to fuck me, Thomas?”
“Yes…” The blonde huskily breathed out, and whimpered under his breath. He was enjoying the hand job Steve was giving him way too much, and he was oh so close to orgasming, too. Thomas slowly made his way up to meet Steve’s eyes with his own, and whispered in his ear, “And I’m going to fuck you so hard that you won’t be able to walk straight for days…”
Steve swore in French again, murmuring soft things that made were extremely dirty in Thomas’ ear back. But his voice was silken, smooth, as he slicked Thomas’ fingers in oil. “Thomas, fuck…” He finally moaned, his bottom lip almost bloody in his attempts to keep silent. He hissed again at the unfamiliar feeling of Thomas’ finger in him, and his hips erratically thrusting against Thomas’ jeans. Being a virgin meant this was extremely awkward, and while he wasn’t a blushing virgin, actual intercourse with him on the bottom was new. “Ah…” His lip became abused again as he bit it, holding onto the blonde’s arm to help him move right.
Thomas slowly stuck a second finger into Steve, and slid them in and out slowly. He could tell that the brunette was tight and probably hasn’t had sex before in this position, but it didn’t bother the blonde. He worked his fingers to try and make Steve’s entrance not so tight, and with his other hand, began to work at his own jeans. They fiddled with the button and then slowly pulled down the zipper. He could feel with the top of his hand as they brushed against his underwear that he had been leaking mass amounts of pre-come and it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Listening to Steve’s moaning made him want to stroke himself, but he held back the urge to. “Steve…” The blonde moaned out, now inserting a third finger into Steve’s entrance and he could feel him tighten around his fingers. “Would you help me taking my clothes off? I’m sort of…preoccupied…at the moment.”
The brunette nodded, slowly, and his hand moved from Thomas’ wrist to his underwear. Still slightly breathless, he pulled down it down and with his tongue, he slowly cleaned the blonde up. His dark eyes stayed on Thomas the whole time; Bernier’s dark hair lightly brushed his chest as he worked his way up to the blonde’s lips. Bear kissed him softly, even if the moment didn’t really call for tenderness. One single kiss before I loose it all. While the younger man could feel those fingers moving in and out of him still, he focused on moving his hand up and down on the Austrian’s erection.
“Mmn.” Thomas murmured as he bit the brunette’s lower lip, while they continued to kiss. Steve’s hand was warm and his touch was tingly as it stroked his length from top to bottom. His erection was still slightly throbbing from the last session the brunette’s hand had given him, and he was afraid that he’d climax within only a few strokes. Thomas was hoping that wasn’t the case, and that he’d be able to get a few good, hard thrusts into Steve before coming into the younger man.
His hands momentarily left Thomas completely, and he thrust backward onto the blonde’s fingers, trying to get them deeper, one last time. He then sighed, softly, as he slicked up Thomas’ erection. The brunette then moved off his fingers, and Bear locked his intense gaze upon the Austrian’s. The small, insignificant buzz in his head suddenly throbbed and he sucked in his breath - as the blonde slid into him, and he arched. A hiss slid out from his lips and his abused lip was automatically sucked back between his teeth.
“It’s all right…” Thomas tried to say calmly, but he ended up moaning the words out instead. His right hand searched for Steve’s fingers, and he slid his own fingers in the spaces between them. “I promise you won’t regret doing this with me. I promise.” He murmured those last words as his blue eyes looked lovingly up into teal ones, and Thomas began to slowly thrust into the brunette.
Steve’s back and neck arched with each thrust. Unaccustomed to having anything inside of him like that, he wiggled but soon, the feeling of Thomas inside him stopped being foreign and more pleasurable. Bernier leaned backwards on his left hand, and squeezed Thomas’ right hand as his heart thrummed in his chest. Needles, pinpricks, danced along his sweat-chilled skin as he began to meet the blonde’s thrusts halfway; pushing himself downwards, trying to get more of the older man in him. Finally, though, his pink, abused lip finally wormed it’s out from beneath sharp teeth, and a soft moan escaped.
Thomas began to bite his own lip as his length thrust in and out of the younger man; but now, only a little faster. The man wasn’t as tight as he had been earlier, and the blonde felt he could quicken the pace a bit. A soft moan was heard as he wrapped his fingers more around Steve’s hands. He didn’t want to come into the brunette without holding his hand. It was a comforting feeling, even while they were having sex. There was just something about the way his hand fit so perfectly into Steve’s that made the moment that much more special.
Steve leaned down, “Will you remember me tomorrow?” But it was a murmur to himself as he kissed the Austrian, raising his hips up in time with Thomas. He moved their joined hands to stroke him, together, adding an edge to an already good fuck. The brunette was very hesitant to call this making love or even one night stand - because as free as he was, and as much as he loved being a bachelor, this was not a one night stand, if Bear had anything to say about it; Thomas? He’d only known him for a day, a night. Making love was a term he’d reserve for someone he’d know for a decade or something that would have tender sex with him…
But this came close to both - it had all the exhilaration of a one-night stand with someone different, and it had all the close, sweetness of a couple making love after a decade of each other.
His lips were sweet and gentle as he swept his tongue against Thomas’ own, still moving their hands on his erection.
Thomas didn’t know what to say to the words Steve had murmured. Of course he would still remember him tomorrow, and he would most certainly remember sharing this moment - but how would it affect their relationship? The both of them had known each other for less than twenty four hours, and the blonde was already fucking the younger man. It was hard to think anything through considering he was pretty close to coming into Steve, but…he wanted this. He wanted this to be something more. Irrational, Thomas thought to himself as he continued to stroke the brunette’s length with their hands joined together. But if being irrational means hoping to be with him... - the blonde had then opened his eyes to watch Steve as they kissed tenderly - then I’ll gladly be an irrational son of a bitch.
Bear’s breath hitched when the blonde went particularly deep. “Thomas?” As much as he loved a slow pace…and in all honestly, it’s amazing that the blonde would care this much to go slowly on his first time…“Fuck me.” He purred, “You’re going too slow, and if you don’t go faster, I’ll ride you myself.” Honestly, he didn’t mind a slow pace - it’s just the fact that Steve needed to come, soon, because he was almost ready to beg for the blonde to go faster, now.
Thomas bit down again on his lip, and leaned up to brush his nose against Steve’s. “Gladly.” His huskily breathed out, and his accent became more prominent than it usually was. He backed off, but not before flicking out his pink tongue to catch the tip of the brunette’s nose. Thomas’ hips began to take a faster pace, and he thrust both hard and faster into Steve’s body. At this pace, he had a huge feeling that it wouldn’t take much for him to finally reach his climax.
Steve grunted, and stroked himself faster. Again, he began to arch, his thighs twitching as he felt himself grow closer to the edge. His sides began to shake, too, as pleasure ripped through him, and his breathing grew ragged. “Thomas,” He said, his French accent completely becoming dominant in his voice, “S’il vous plait,” He murmured over and over, as he sucked his lip back into his worrying teeth and came, hard, all over Thomas’ stomach.
“Fuck!” Thomas yelled out as he came into Steve; letting his hips involuntarily thrust in and out a few times more. His breathing slowed down, but his heart rate did not. Beads of sweat had formed on his forehead during the sexual activity, but he had only just noticed now. He brought both his and Steve’s hands up to his lips, and slowly licked away the traces of semen left there. The taste was sweet, and Thomas couldn’t help but smile. He lightly kissed the brunette’s knuckles, and nuzzled his nose against it soon afterwards. “I…I’ll remember you tomorrow, Steve.” Sex being on the brain sure didn’t stop Thomas from coming up with a fully developed sentence. “…I hope you remember me, and that…I like you. I really like you.”
Steve said nothing, but fell over, his body completely spent. After sex he was always so tired…but he wrapped his right arm around Thomas’ neck, with his body and legs entangling with Thomas’ own. Knowing full well that he’d feel this tomorrow, and he was already beginning to - he sincerely hoped that the blonde’s ‘low alcohol tolerance’ wouldn’t keep him from remembering…
Because he knew the feeling of waking up to a person you didn’t remember sleeping with.
Especially when it was your first time.
He sighed, then. Bear was tired, but not mentally; so he snuggled in, content to watch the blonde sleep. Whether or not he was remembered…it didn’t matter so much. It was worth it, and Steve knew he wouldn’t be able to hold a grudge against this beautiful man.
“Laugh loud, live life, love freely.” The brunette murmured, “Live with no regrets.”
Authors: Me (dragonblk17) and Sammy (xunfathomablex).
Pairing: Thomas Vanek/Steve Bernier (Buffalo Sabres).
Rating: R for sex, language, and angst.
Summary: Thomas doesn't know what it is about his new linemate that he likes; besides the fact he's a little too friendly.
Notes: I wrote Thomas Vanek/Jason Pominville, and Sammy wrote Steve Bernier.
Disclaimer: We love these boys, but we don't own them. We love to write them, though!
Thomas spent a quiet morning driving his car to the HSBC Arena the day after the trade deadline. The unfortunate news of Brian Campbell, or ‘Soupy’ as all of his teammates and fans liked to call him, being traded to San Jose had hit the community and team pretty hard. He knew it was just business, but he also knew how much Brian had loved it here in Buffalo. It had been his home since he was drafted, and now he was shipped off to a team that was on the complete opposite side of the country. Thomas had said his goodbyes to the redhead the day before right as he was leaving, and was able to catch Soupy’s press conference on the news later that day. All he knew about the trade was that they got a first round draft pick, and Steve Bernier, a fellow ‘26’, was coming to the Sabres.
The blonde didn’t know Steve personally, but he did know him from his draft year. They were both first round picks, but he never really had the chance to speak with him all those years ago. It would be interesting to see how he’d fit in with the group, considering how different teams were in the Western conference from the Eastern conference.
When he arrived at the arena, he parked his car in the usual spot and headed into the locker room where the rest of the guys were. “Hey Thomas,” Jason Pominville smiled, and gave the winger a small wave as he was putting his skates on.
“Hey Pommers.” Thomas returned the greeting, and set his stuff down near his locker. He glanced over to what was once a locker labeled ‘Campbell’ and now it had ‘Bernier’ on it. “Is the new guy here, yet?”
“Not yet.” Jason stuck his tongue out as he concentrated on tying his skate. “You really didn’t expect the new guy to come early, did you?”
“I guess not.” The blonde laughed, and started to put his stuff on for practice. I should’ve looked him up on the internet, or something. I’m curious to see what this guy is like.
Steve tumbled in, tangled up in his equipment bag. He bit his lip and untangled himself, cheeks burning with embarrassment. Great. I come to a new team, and not only do I come into the locker room nervous, but nervous and tangled up in my bag. He’d just gotten off the plane and barely had time to see his new house before he’d had to come here. The Arena and weather were much different then San Jose, and he hadn’t even really had time to check himself out in his jersey. This city and Arena and…just everything was so much different. He missed San Jose already. “Hey, I’m Steve, or Bear…as you probably all know,” His cheeks, still stinging with embarrassment, tinged more at how stupid he sounded. Bernier hauled his equipment to his locker, and plopped down. His blue eyes glanced up at the locker room - so different then his own, and he sighed. Steve began to suit up himself, feeling completely out of place.
Thomas blinked a few times, and cocked his head over towards where Steve had stumbled to. The poor guy was already getting flustered, and he had only been here for about fifteen seconds. He looked back down at the skates that he had been tying, and then glanced back up at the newcomer. Hm, why not? I’ll go over there and introduce myself. The Austrian stood up and carefully moved his way over to the locker that was across the room, since his one skate was still untied and he didn’t want to trip and kill himself. “Hey there,” Thomas said as he decided to stand behind the man. He noticed a few things - brown hair, a pretty big build, and it looked as if they were both the same height.
“Hi,” Steve smiled, glad that someone was nice enough to approach him. “26?” Steve looked at the number, then at the blonde. “So you’re the guy that made me change my number.” Bear grinned, playfully. “No, I’m just kidding.” He laughed, his natural friendliness kicking right in. “It’s cool that we share the same number.” He threw on his jersey, and looked down. Where he’d been used to having teal, there was now navy - too much of it - and he grimaced. He wanted to squirm out of this jersey; and what the hell was on the front? A slug? “Everyone in San Jose used to think 26 was a bad luck number, so no one fought me on taking it.”
“Really, a bad luck number?” Thomas laughed, and noticed the twinkle in the man’s eyes. His eyes were teal colored - but the jersey he had on him made the color stand out more. He’s pretty cute, he thought to himself. “I would’ve agreed with everyone in San Jose had this been earlier in the season, believe me.” The blonde smiled at the brunette, and looked Steve up and down. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the jersey in no time. I’m not quite sure about the weather, though.” Considering this new guy was coming from southern California into blustery winter territory, that would definitely need a lot of getting used to. “Anyways - I’m Thomas, if you don’t know yet. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand for Steve to shake it.
Steve bypassed the hand and embraced Thomas in a big bear hug, squeezing gently. “It’s great to meet you, Thomas!” His strong arms shook the blonde a little, and he ended the hug. He smiled. “I hope you don’t mind hugs, I love to give them.” He continued to suit up, “I’ve actually heard about you this year. Although,” Steve frowned a little, “It wasn’t that great of stuff, just your contract. But it’s great to meet you, and…oh, I’m sorry.” His voice tapered off, “I bet you don’t want to hear about it. I had faith in you though, and it’s great to know that you’re not stuck up from such a big contract.”
“Um…wow.” Thomas chuckled softly, and scratched the back of his head. God, that hug felt…really nice. His thoughts were completely jumbled after Steve had given him the huge hug, and he grinned sheepishly at the last thing he said. “I don’t mind hugs that much, no. Also, thanks for having faith in me…and saying that last bit. The guys in this room know that’s not how I am; I’m a team guy not just an individual player.” Thomas nodded his head, and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m just extremely happy that I can be here in this city for the next seven years, maybe. It’s a great place - we all love the fans here. Hopefully, they’ll give you a warm welcome when you first get on the ice tonight.”
Steve nodded. “I hope so too. It’s nice to come to a team, and not be immediately booed for replacing a favorite,” He shuffled a little bit on his feet. In truth, he was extremely nervous of how Buffalo fans would take him - despite their kindness when he first arrived, he was still unsure. He gave Thomas one more bear hug, “Do your best tonight, Thomas, and I look forward to seeing you after the game.”
Thomas grinned against Steve’s shoulder, and gave him a soft pat on the back. “Yeah, same here, Steve.” He backed away, and smiled one last time at the brunette before turning to walk back to his stall. The blonde could still feel the sensation of Steve’s arms around him as he slowly began to put on his equipment again. The truth of the matter was that Thomas actually didn’t care for hugs that much - Derek knew that from whenever he scored a goal, and the Austrian would not embrace him - but there was something different about the way Steve hugged. Thomas had actually enjoyed it.
- - -
Steve skated out on the ice, swooning a little. Adrenaline was running in his veins, from love of the game, but was overrun by anxiety from foreign surroundings. The ice beneath his skates didn’t feel smooth and sure; he didn’t feel like this was home. Unsure, unconfident, his teal eyes glanced up - and caught the look on Thomas’ face. He looked natural, comfortable in the navy, almost beautiful in his own way; his blue eyes were dark, determined. Bear set his face, and let the adrenaline rush through him. If Thomas could suit up every night and face this crowd, why couldn’t Steve?
15: 31, he entered the zone ahead of Roy and Vanek. The puck was passed to him right before the goaltender, and he didn’t even hesitate and shot it. In the net, Bernier’s mind clicked.
He’d scored.
His first goal in Buffalo.
A soundless roar climbed out of his throat and he eagerly embraced a flying Derek in a hug. He looked over at Thomas, grinning wildly.
The blonde quickly followed suit after Derek, and put his glove on the top of Steve’s helmet. His other arm occupied the man’s waist, and he smiled widely. “Welcome to Buffalo, Bear!” Thomas yelled, trying to be heard over the sound of the blaring goal horn and the rest of the arena that had erupted in cheers. He noticed the small twinkle that appeared in Steve’s eyes, and it made his heart melt a little bit. There was something about those eyes - something he had first noticed when he had first arrived at practice that morning. Thomas couldn’t put his finger on what it was.
“Thanks!” He said, still grinning widely. He flew by the Sabres bench, nudging his teammates’ gloves. He sat down on the bench, right next to Thomas. Still kind of grinning, and huffing a little bit, his hand nudged Thomas’. “I’m so glad the crowd likes me. I was so afraid I’d get booed,” And he laughed, and Bear resisted the urge to hug Thomas again. Instead, he stroked the blonde’s hand, and watched his new teammates play.
“I think they’re going to start liking you right now.” Thomas turned, and gave Steve a warm smile. He glanced at the glove that was patting his own, and his smile grew. A part of him wished that the gloves were off, and that he could feel Steve’s skin touching his as his fingers would slide over his knuckles and wrist. Thomas then blinked, and turned his attention away from Steve back to the game being played out in front of him.
He couldn’t believe that he might actually be falling for his new teammate who he had only known for a couple of hours.
- - -
Seven goals, and a wild ride of a game later, Thomas had strutted into the locker room with the rest of his teammates after they had beat the Nashville Predators eight to four. He looked around and noticed all of the guys grinning like mad, and giving each other pats on the back for their good work. It had been a scare when the Predators came back in the game, but they managed to hold up and win it. The Austrian looked around for Steve, but noticed that he hadn’t come back in the room yet. He headed back over to the locker room entrance and decided to wait for him to congratulate his new teammate on his first game in Buffalo.
Bear came in second last, talking to Miller about the game. His teal eyes lit up upon seeing Thomas. “Great game!” He clapped his teammate on the back. “That was so much fun.” His chest heaved and his forehead was coated in sweat, but Steve was so happy. “Buffalo is such a wild city. I mean, not that San Jose’s…not…” He hesitated a little. No matter how great his debut was in Buffalo, he still missed San Jose. “Crazy,” he finished, the brunette’s naturally happy demeanor kicking back in. Bear rubbed the top of Thomas’ helmet with his glove.
“Thanks,” Thomas beamed, and gave Steve’s shoulder a pat. “But you deserve a congratulations. What a great debut!” He absentmindedly began to rub the brunette’s shoulder, and removed his hand once he realized what he was doing. The blonde knew that he couldn’t start getting too friendly with Steve, considering he barely knew the guy, and he didn’t even know if he swung that way or not. Thomas didn’t even know how he began to fall for him in the first place - it just happened.
Steve’s shoulder tingled a bit when Thomas let go, and he loved the feeling. His hand went up to the place where the blonde had just been rubbing, “We should get changed, this padding is hot as all hell when you’re fresh off the ice.” He smiled, and hugged Thomas once more. “Maybe we could get together after we’re done changing?” Steve then frowned, and stuttered, “I, I mean, if you don’t have any plans tonight, we could go on a date.” In San Jose, Steve and his friends often went out on dates together. Hopefully, the Sabres - and Thomas - wouldn’t be too different.
Did he just say…date? Thomas’ mind blanked out for a few seconds before he came back to reality. “…You mean, just the two of us?” He wanted to kick himself after asking that one, but he didn’t feel like giving himself a torn ACL just because of an idiotic question. Deep down, he wanted Steve to say it would only be them - that way, he could find out more about this newcomer. Also, maybe he could finally figure out why the hell he was falling for this man faster than he had ever fallen for anyone. Besides, perhaps he could pick at the brunette’s brain and see what he’s really like away from the game and everything having to do with hockey.
“Yes, the two of us. Why? Don’t you go on dates with your friends in Buffalo? Or is that something only found in San Jose?” He cocked his head, looking at Thomas oddly. “I’m not asking you to be my boyfriend…”
“Ahh…w-well, yeah, I go out with the guys here all the time. We just don’t call them dates here.” Thomas bit his lower lip, and let out a shaky breath. “Just the two of us sounds great, though.” He smiled nervously at him. “…I’m going to get changed now. I’ll wait for you to finish if I’m done before you, okay?” Thomas turned around, and headed back into the room; being able to feel his legs shaking with each step he took towards the locker that read ‘Vanek’.
“Oh, alright.” He gave a small smile and wandered back to his locker. He continued to stand, preferring to change standing up. Steve hurriedly shucked off his jersey and padding, with a relieved sigh. He stretched a bit, feeling so much lighter. Then, Bear began to work on his shorts after he took off his skates. He hung everything up, extremely neatly and all in order. Then, he began to work on his pants. The brunette’s cheeks stung, again. God damn it. This reminded him that he had absolutely no idea the preferences of anyone in the locker room, especially Thomas. For all Bernier knew, he could be getting eyed by tons of guys he didn’t know. His cheeks flamed brighter, but he bravely stripped. Fine, if anyone’s checking me out, they’ll get an eyeful of my ass - and great for them. I don’t care.
Thomas, meanwhile, had been sitting in his stall; taking his skates off when he looked up to notice Steve taking off his clothes. He noticed every muscle tense in his legs as he swiftly changed out of his shorts. The blonde also couldn’t help but glance at the brunette’s ass - and notice how firm it looked beneath the other pair of shorts he had on underneath his equipment. Feeling a burning sensation rise to his face, Thomas looked back down at his skates and quickly untied them. He finished that up and hung them on the hooks that were in his locker. He then began to strip out of his own clothing; facing the inside of his locker space.
Bear finished, and donned some jeans that were loose in the legs, but managed to be a little tight around the thighs and up. He came up behind Thomas; half changed, and wrapped his arms around the blonde. His hands wandered up and down the blonde’s chest, slowly. It was more of out of the fact that his hands were frigid. “Change faster! I can’t wait to go out. I’m still hyped up from the game.” He let go, and waited impatiently for Thomas to change, though he still rubbed his hands together. Once the gloves came off, they’d chilled considerably.
Thomas stood still for a few silent moments before starting to put on his own jeans. Steve’s hands had been completely frozen, but the blonde could’ve cared less since they had just been all over his chest. Rubbing his chest, no doubt. He could feel heat rise up to his face once more, and he was sure he looked to be as red as a cherry tomato. Throwing on one of his nice t-shirts, Thomas turned back and eyed the man in front of him. His eyes couldn’t help but slowly glance over Steve’s chest as he checked him out, and he placed his hands on his hips. “So, are you going to finish changing, or what?”
“Oh, yeah,” Steve laughed, “Forgot my shirt.” He hastily put it on, and grinned at Thomas’ red face. “What, can’t handle what you see?” He punched the blonde in the arm lightly, “Nah, I’m kiddin’. Let’s get going! My car, or yours?”
He stuck his tongue out, and pointed his finger at Steve. “Let’s take yours. I want to see what you drive. I bet it’s nice.” Thomas then smiled, and gave the brunette a punch in the arm lightly, just as he had done. “I’ll give the directions, though. I know the perfect place we could go.”
“Alright.” Steve said, jingling his keys. He brought Thomas out to his massive, steel blue Dodge Durango. Sliding onto the black leather trimmed seat of the driver’s side, “Where are we going, and what kind of foods do you like?” He asked, turning down the radio that was blasting some Killers.
“Italian foods.” Thomas grinned, and placed his right arm on the passenger door. “And we’re going to Chef’s. It’s actually right near here - great place for Italian. A lot of the guys, including me, go out to eat there a lot of times after practice.” He hummed along to ‘When You Were Young’, and his fingers tapped on the window along to the beat of the music.
“Oh, I see.” He grinned. “I like Italian…” I like you, too. You’re way too nice to me for just having met me, but I really appreciate it. But he didn’t say his thoughts aloud, and sang along, despite the fact that his voice wasn’t the best. Steve, however, wasn’t the type to be self-conscious, so he belted out right along with Brandon Flowers. Soon, though, they were at the restaurant, and he scooted out. Teal eyes glanced at Thomas, quickly. “Grab us a table, please? I have to make a phone call.” He smiled, “It’ll be quick, though.”
“Yeah, no problem.” Thomas stuck his hands into his jean pockets, and walked inside of the restaurant. He was a bit nervous, considering that he was on a ‘date’ with a very attractive guy he just met and also, he had no idea how it was all going to turn out. When he got into the lobby area of the place, he noticed wandering eyes of people glancing up to look at him. Few people went back to eating their food, but others were also whispering. Thomas and the guys were used to it, simply because they knew that most of the fans in the city were nice and treated them like normal human beings.
“Van, hey!” One of the waiters came over, and put a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “Awesome game tonight! That new guy sure is something - it’s just unfortunate that we won’t be seeing Soupy here anymore.”
“Yeah, it is…” He sighed, but then smiled slightly. “I brought the new guy here for some late dinner. Could you snag us a table, please?”
“Oh, of course! Come this way.” Thomas followed the waiter, after he grabbed some menus, towards the back of the restaurant and sat down at the table in the far corner. “Thanks. By the way, can you bring Steve back here once he comes in?”
“Sure, no problem.” The waiter smiled, and walked back over to the lobby area.
Steve finished the phone call, a frown stuck on his features. Fuckers. Bear quickly removed those thoughts from his head, though, and smiled - albeit, just a little bit strained - when the waiter told him to follow. He did so, almost crashing into one of the other waiters along the way, and felt out of place at all the eyes and murmurings following him. Steve was hardly used to it; San Jose was a large city and although he did get some people that recognized him, it wasn’t like he walked into a restaurant and nearly everyone recognized him. Feeling self-conscious, he sat across from Vanek. “Hi, sorry about the phone call.”
“Oh, it’s fine.” Thomas half smiled, and looked down at the silverware. He started fiddling with the paper that was wrapped around it with his fingernail, but continued to carry on the conversation. “Surprised how everyone keeps watching you?” His blue eyes fixated on Steve, and he smirked. “You’ll get used to it after a couple of days. Like I said before, the people here are great to us. It’s just weird at first. I’m sure it’s weirder for you since San Jose was a way bigger city than here.” The paper finally ripped from around the silverware, and Thomas opened the napkin surrounding the utensils.
Steve nodded, “Yeah, I hope I can get used to it.” He gave Thomas a small smile, “I’m definitely feeling a little self-conscious.” The waiter came up and he ordered some manicotti and a water, then once Thomas ordered, his teal eyes drifted back to meet the blonde’s. He couldn’t think of what to say, for once, and the silence was kind of unnerving him.
Thomas blinked once, and tilted his head to the side. “So…Tell me a little about yourself. The only things I know are that you came from San Jose, and that you love to give people bear hugs.” He laughed, and put one of his hands through his blonde hair. Since they were out on this ‘date’ together, he figured he should get some background on Steve so that he could get to know him a little better before the other guys could get a chance to.
“Um…” He chuckled, “I’m single, I’m twenty two, I love the Killers and I love to swing dance. I’m clumsy as all hell and tend to be a little bit too friendly, and my favorite beer is a black and tan, made of a Guinness and a lighter beer. I also like archery and men,” He grinned, “But I can be extremely shy, but I guess I like you enough that I’m not.”
So he does like men, Thomas thought to himself, and he could feel his cheeks once again flush pink. “Well, I’m glad that you like me enough to not be shy. There’s no reason to be shy around me.” He smiled, and looked deeper into the younger man’s teal eyes. “I’m pretty clumsy myself anyways, so you have nothing to worry about with that one. Pretty interesting hobbies you’ve got there, too.” The blonde was mainly speaking of the ‘men’ part, since he both could not dance for the life of him, and there was no way he was going to attempt to shoot an arrow with a bow. He had a feeling he would accidentally hit an innocent bystander with the thing.
“So do you have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend?” Steve frowned, “Well, I don’t know if being gay is accepted in Buffalo or not, but I hope so.”
“Neither,” Thomas looked down at his silverware, and fiddled with it. “I like men too, by the way. Girls just never really worked out with me.” He looked back up to see the waiter bring over their drinks. He had ordered a Heineken, and took a sip of it after the waiter walked away. He couldn’t help but admit he liked beer, considering he was part German. Thomas just didn’t drink it often. “About being accepted here, it is. You’d be surprised at how many guys in the locker room are into men, too. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure that out yourself, though, once you’re here for a couple of days.” The blonde gave Steve a little wink and took another swig of his beer.
Teal eyes blinked, “It’s not like I’m attractive enough to get anyone in Buffalo,” Bear shrugged, “I’m not looking, anyways.” He called the waiter over, and ordered a black and tan after seeing Thomas order alcohol. He watched the black of the Guinness cascading effect on it, when the waiter brought it, and he sipped the froth off the top. “I’m surprised you’re not tied down already. I would’ve pegged you as the type to be married and have a kid by now, or at least married.” He said, grinning.
“Haha, really?” Thomas laughed, and twirled his bottle around. He stared down at the drink and shook his head. “I’m only twenty-four. I’ve got a couple of years on me left before I even think about marriage, believe me.” He smiled, and his blue eyes looked back towards Steve. “By the way - don’t think that I’m hitting on you - but you’re pretty attractive to me, Steve.” Thomas’ cheeks once again deepened in tint color, and he quickly stared back down at his beer. Yeah, I just totally hit on him. I am such an idiot.
Steve’s cheeks tinted a dark pink. “Thanks,” He murmured, he so totally just hit on me. He fidgeted a little, and took food for the distraction it was. Bear dug into his manicotti, savoring the tastes of sauce, mozzarella, noodles, and ricotta cheese. “Would you like some?” He said, still feeling his cheeks tinge a slight pink. If he wanted me, he would’ve already asked me out. He doesn’t seem like the type to hedge around - and we’re just friends. That’s it.
“Sure,” Thomas smiled, and picked up his fork to take a bit of the manicotti that was on Steve’s plate. He never actually had it before, but he’s was always pretty adventurous. Trying out new foods was something he loved doing. Thomas nipped at it first with his teeth to taste the sauce, and then put the entire thing in his mouth. The savory taste hit his saliva, and he nodded his head; signaling that he thought it was really good. After swallowing it, he grinned and said “Wow, that was fantastic.” Thomas then looked down at his own meal of chicken alfredo with fettuccini noodles. “Would you like to try some of mine?”
Bear nodded, “Sure,” He said, “I love alfredo, but it’s not something I used to eat much at home.” He sampled the alfredo, pink tongue darting out to clean off his chin. “Good,” The brunette smiled. “We should do this again sometime after a game. It’s nice to kick back and relax.” Teal eyes twinkled at Thomas as Steve took a large gulp of his beer.
Blue eyes looked back into teal ones, and Thomas’ lips curved into a smile. “I agree. I mean, a couple of the other guys and I have gone out like this before on the road, but…I don’t know, it’s so much more relaxing with just one other person.” He began to slowly eat his own food, and savored each bite he took. In between bites, he’d take a small sip of his beer to wash down the alfredo sauce and chicken.
Bear had finished his manicotti in the span of a few minutes, and finished the rest of his black and tan. Then his hand leaned out and stroked Thomas’ again, though he didn’t realize it. It was a nervous habit, picked up in San Jose. Then the brunette glanced down at his hand that was on the blonde’s, and flinched. “Sorry, nervous habit…” He looked into blue eyes, but instead of looking away, he kept his gaze locked. Then he leaned in, and kissed Thomas. It was quick and fast and he did it because he simply felt like it; the moment called for it, and he wasn’t going to apologize for that. Steve often acted on impulse and if Thomas didn’t like that, then they were never going to fit together.
The kiss surprised Thomas at first, and he didn’t attempt to take a breath at all when Steve’s lips had touched his. When he finally took a breath, the brunette had already ended it and teal eyes were staring back into blue ones. Thomas bit his lower lip, and placed his right hand on top of Steve’s across the way. “That was…” He didn’t actually know what to say. Hot? Amazing? What he had been wanting since he laid his eyes on this newcomer to the team? “…Nice.” Damn it, how lame could I get? Thomas fingers lightly stroked Steve’s knuckles, and his lips curved into a smile again. Before he could stop himself, he was leaning in again and pressed his lips lightly against the other winger’s.
The younger man kissed back, but pulled away. He paid the bill; his teal eyes never leaving Thomas’ blue ones. Silence permeated between them, but Bear didn’t feel the need to break it. An explanation? Did he need one? An apology? He wasn’t sorry. So he didn’t know what to say.
Thomas wanted to kiss him again, but didn’t make any sort of movement. All he did was continue to stare into those mysterious, teal eyes and keep his hand on top of Steve’s. “I…” He started, but he didn’t know the right words to say. Thomas actually wanted to say so many things at that moment, but his mind was so jumbled that he couldn’t think clearly at all.
“Here isn’t the place,” Steve said, “My house, or yours?”
“Wow, and you even got a house already here.” Thomas licked his bottom lip. He could taste some of Steve’s saliva mixed with the sauce on his manicotti dinner. “Let’s go to your place.”
Steve nodded, and put on his coat. He walked by Thomas, brushing their hands together as he went. He started up his Durango, feeling oddly demure. He kissed Thomas, no regrets, but just because he was single and wasn’t looking didn’t mean Bear didn’t have someone he cared about. Back in San Jose…his jaw set into a firm line. San Jose, the city that was no longer home; Steve shouldn’t care about anyone who lived in that city anymore. He wasn’t going back unless he was forced to play there with the Sabres.
The younger man sighed, and his hand sought out Thomas’. It found itself on the blonde’s thigh, stroking it slowly. He slowly began to smile, “Thank you for becoming my friend, Thomas.”
The blonde turned his head to look at the man in the driver’s seat, and smiled warmly. “Don’t thank me, Steve.” He slowly placed his hand on top of the one that was stroking his thigh. His hand was a bit cold, but Thomas could have cared less at that point in time. “You’re a good guy, you know. A good, sweet guy.” Thomas interlaced his index finger with one of Steve’s. “And I love your personality, too.”
Steve’s cheeks warmed considerably, but his lips still curved upward in a smile. “Thanks.” He said, as they pulled into the driveway of his house. It wasn’t that far from HSBC Arena, and it was extremely small. The brunette hated large houses when it was only him living in it, so he tended to live in smaller houses. He cut the engine on his Dodge and walked Thomas, holding his hand, into his house. “Sorry that it’s not big. I don’t like unnecessary space…” The younger man’s voice tapered off, “Do you want anything? Anything in my house is yours.”
Thomas, as if on cue, moved closer to Steve and fixated his blue eyes on the brunette’s teal ones. He didn’t know if it was the alcohol getting to his system already, but he could barely control anything his body was doing now. The blonde leaned in until his lips were only a few inches away from Steve’s. “Anything…? Really?” His unoccupied hand traveled up Steve’s chest and stayed there. “Does that include you?”
Steve’s breath hitched, and his mouth halted for a second. What the hell could he say to that? There was someone, someone in San Jose he’d been after - but he wasn’t there, and Thomas was right in front of him, and he needed to forget, or he was going to go crazy… “Only if you want me.” He said, his fingers coming up to entwine in Thomas’ chest. Teal eyes darkened to a dark turquoise and he licked his lips.
Thomas glanced down at Steve’s lips, and then looked back into his eyes. “I think I’ve wanted you ever since I saw you walk into the locker room this morning.” He could feel his heart racing at excessive speeds, and he didn’t bother to try and take a breath. Was he really telling the truth? Had he wanted the man standing in front of him since he first laid his eyes on him? He definitely felt some sort of attraction there since the first ‘hello’s, and his good personality made Thomas like him even more.
Bear said nothing, but leaned in and kissed Thomas, slowly. His hands roamed everywhere over his blonde above the waist - although the rational part of his mind was screaming at him to stop! Since when did he give himself out to some guy he just met, no matter how long it had been since he’d had sex with someone? But he ignored that part of his head, and slipped his hands underneath Thomas’ shirt.
A moan sounded from deep within Thomas’ throat, and he placed his hands on both sides of Steve’s face. The sober part of him was yelling at him to stop; just incase the brunette didn’t actually want to do this with him. But I don’t want him to go through with something he might regret…Thomas thought to himself, and he slowly back off from the kiss. His lips were still lightly touching Steve’s and he whispered, “Do you really want to do this with me?”
“Would I have my fucking hands up your shirt if I didn’t?” He growled, feeling all traces of friendless and consideration gone. When aroused, he became a polar opposite of what he was normally. Rules, society, politeness? They were non-applicable. The only thing he cared about was sex and carnal, primitive pleasure when aroused. “Kiss me,” He spoke, huskily, as his hand went down Thomas’ pants. Fingers brushed but didn’t grasp; they teased, but didn’t stroke. He felt himself starting to grow hard at the close proximity of Thomas’ body, the fact that he had his hand down the man’s pants, and was so loving teasing him…
“Uhn…” Thomas moaned softly, and he leaned in more to start kissing the brunette again. He struggled to feel Steve’s hand on his hardening length as the man he was kissing continued to tease him mercilessly. Thomas’ hormones had switched to autopilot for the time being, and now all he wanted was Steve - naked, and begging for him to fuck him harder and faster. With those thoughts in the blonde’s mind, he nipped at Steve’s lower lip with his teeth and quickly moved his hands to the brunette’s jeans; undoing the button and pulling down the zipper.
Finally, the brunette’s hand relented and began to slowly, far too slowly stroke Thomas. He was enjoying the tease, enjoying the way the blonde struggled in vain for more. Bear used his other hand to help the blonde while he continued to kiss him. But he stopped Thomas’ hand from going into his pants by entwining their fingers together. “Wait.” He spoke, and removed his hand from the older man’s underwear. He then stripped naked, shivering at the heat that Thomas radiated. “I’m taking you to my bed,” He explained, as he hefted Thomas into his arms, bridal style, and then carried him upstairs.
“Mmmn, I bet your bed is comfortable as all hell…” Thomas huskily murmured into Steve’s ear as he carried him up the steps. His accent was more prominent now that he was currently horny, and yearning for some sexual activity. “I hope you’ll be willing to strip off my clothes for me…” He nipped at the brunette’s ear, and grinned against it. “Unless you want me to tease you, and strip myself oh…so…slowly…” His breath shuddered against Steve’s ear, and he nuzzled his nose into it gently.
Bear laid Thomas out on his bed, his turquoise eyes searing into Thomas’ own as he bit his lip, harnessing a few moans and growls as he rubbed his aching erection on the bulge in Thomas’ pants. Back drawn taunt, hips instinctively moving…he looked nothing more then a man desperate to climax. Steve’s fingers clenched in the sheets and he couldn’t hold back a low, rumbling growl as he arched, practically fucking the front of the blonde’s dark jeans. The pain, the friction, the pleasure - he hissed, clenching his teeth down on his lip even harder. “Oh god, Thomas,” And he began to curse in French, and leaned on his left hand. Balancing, his hand went beneath the waistline of Thomas’ jeans, and while rubbing himself on the blonde’s thigh, he stroked the blonde in time with his erratic thrusts.
“Fuck, Steve!” Thomas managed to yelp out as the brunette was stroking him fast and hard. The feeling of both his length being stroked, and Steve’s rubbing against his thigh was far too much. He somehow managed to lift himself off the bed, with pleasure searing through every part of his body and move his head towards the brunette’s chest. Thomas flicked out his tongue, and dragged it towards Steve’s right nipple; beginning to tease it then with his teeth and gently pull at it. It was amazing that he could even concentrate on that action because of how close he was to a mind blowing orgasm. After that happened, he knew for a fact he was going to fuck the man above him until his voice was hoarse and until they were both dead tired.
He grunted, loving the feel of Thomas’ teeth and tongue. His hand stopped stroking Thomas though, and he slowed down his erection rubbing on Thomas’ jeans. He continued to balance on his left hand, and opened the drawer in his nightstand. “Are you going to fuck me, Thomas?”
“Yes…” The blonde huskily breathed out, and whimpered under his breath. He was enjoying the hand job Steve was giving him way too much, and he was oh so close to orgasming, too. Thomas slowly made his way up to meet Steve’s eyes with his own, and whispered in his ear, “And I’m going to fuck you so hard that you won’t be able to walk straight for days…”
Steve swore in French again, murmuring soft things that made were extremely dirty in Thomas’ ear back. But his voice was silken, smooth, as he slicked Thomas’ fingers in oil. “Thomas, fuck…” He finally moaned, his bottom lip almost bloody in his attempts to keep silent. He hissed again at the unfamiliar feeling of Thomas’ finger in him, and his hips erratically thrusting against Thomas’ jeans. Being a virgin meant this was extremely awkward, and while he wasn’t a blushing virgin, actual intercourse with him on the bottom was new. “Ah…” His lip became abused again as he bit it, holding onto the blonde’s arm to help him move right.
Thomas slowly stuck a second finger into Steve, and slid them in and out slowly. He could tell that the brunette was tight and probably hasn’t had sex before in this position, but it didn’t bother the blonde. He worked his fingers to try and make Steve’s entrance not so tight, and with his other hand, began to work at his own jeans. They fiddled with the button and then slowly pulled down the zipper. He could feel with the top of his hand as they brushed against his underwear that he had been leaking mass amounts of pre-come and it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Listening to Steve’s moaning made him want to stroke himself, but he held back the urge to. “Steve…” The blonde moaned out, now inserting a third finger into Steve’s entrance and he could feel him tighten around his fingers. “Would you help me taking my clothes off? I’m sort of…preoccupied…at the moment.”
The brunette nodded, slowly, and his hand moved from Thomas’ wrist to his underwear. Still slightly breathless, he pulled down it down and with his tongue, he slowly cleaned the blonde up. His dark eyes stayed on Thomas the whole time; Bernier’s dark hair lightly brushed his chest as he worked his way up to the blonde’s lips. Bear kissed him softly, even if the moment didn’t really call for tenderness. One single kiss before I loose it all. While the younger man could feel those fingers moving in and out of him still, he focused on moving his hand up and down on the Austrian’s erection.
“Mmn.” Thomas murmured as he bit the brunette’s lower lip, while they continued to kiss. Steve’s hand was warm and his touch was tingly as it stroked his length from top to bottom. His erection was still slightly throbbing from the last session the brunette’s hand had given him, and he was afraid that he’d climax within only a few strokes. Thomas was hoping that wasn’t the case, and that he’d be able to get a few good, hard thrusts into Steve before coming into the younger man.
His hands momentarily left Thomas completely, and he thrust backward onto the blonde’s fingers, trying to get them deeper, one last time. He then sighed, softly, as he slicked up Thomas’ erection. The brunette then moved off his fingers, and Bear locked his intense gaze upon the Austrian’s. The small, insignificant buzz in his head suddenly throbbed and he sucked in his breath - as the blonde slid into him, and he arched. A hiss slid out from his lips and his abused lip was automatically sucked back between his teeth.
“It’s all right…” Thomas tried to say calmly, but he ended up moaning the words out instead. His right hand searched for Steve’s fingers, and he slid his own fingers in the spaces between them. “I promise you won’t regret doing this with me. I promise.” He murmured those last words as his blue eyes looked lovingly up into teal ones, and Thomas began to slowly thrust into the brunette.
Steve’s back and neck arched with each thrust. Unaccustomed to having anything inside of him like that, he wiggled but soon, the feeling of Thomas inside him stopped being foreign and more pleasurable. Bernier leaned backwards on his left hand, and squeezed Thomas’ right hand as his heart thrummed in his chest. Needles, pinpricks, danced along his sweat-chilled skin as he began to meet the blonde’s thrusts halfway; pushing himself downwards, trying to get more of the older man in him. Finally, though, his pink, abused lip finally wormed it’s out from beneath sharp teeth, and a soft moan escaped.
Thomas began to bite his own lip as his length thrust in and out of the younger man; but now, only a little faster. The man wasn’t as tight as he had been earlier, and the blonde felt he could quicken the pace a bit. A soft moan was heard as he wrapped his fingers more around Steve’s hands. He didn’t want to come into the brunette without holding his hand. It was a comforting feeling, even while they were having sex. There was just something about the way his hand fit so perfectly into Steve’s that made the moment that much more special.
Steve leaned down, “Will you remember me tomorrow?” But it was a murmur to himself as he kissed the Austrian, raising his hips up in time with Thomas. He moved their joined hands to stroke him, together, adding an edge to an already good fuck. The brunette was very hesitant to call this making love or even one night stand - because as free as he was, and as much as he loved being a bachelor, this was not a one night stand, if Bear had anything to say about it; Thomas? He’d only known him for a day, a night. Making love was a term he’d reserve for someone he’d know for a decade or something that would have tender sex with him…
But this came close to both - it had all the exhilaration of a one-night stand with someone different, and it had all the close, sweetness of a couple making love after a decade of each other.
His lips were sweet and gentle as he swept his tongue against Thomas’ own, still moving their hands on his erection.
Thomas didn’t know what to say to the words Steve had murmured. Of course he would still remember him tomorrow, and he would most certainly remember sharing this moment - but how would it affect their relationship? The both of them had known each other for less than twenty four hours, and the blonde was already fucking the younger man. It was hard to think anything through considering he was pretty close to coming into Steve, but…he wanted this. He wanted this to be something more. Irrational, Thomas thought to himself as he continued to stroke the brunette’s length with their hands joined together. But if being irrational means hoping to be with him... - the blonde had then opened his eyes to watch Steve as they kissed tenderly - then I’ll gladly be an irrational son of a bitch.
Bear’s breath hitched when the blonde went particularly deep. “Thomas?” As much as he loved a slow pace…and in all honestly, it’s amazing that the blonde would care this much to go slowly on his first time…“Fuck me.” He purred, “You’re going too slow, and if you don’t go faster, I’ll ride you myself.” Honestly, he didn’t mind a slow pace - it’s just the fact that Steve needed to come, soon, because he was almost ready to beg for the blonde to go faster, now.
Thomas bit down again on his lip, and leaned up to brush his nose against Steve’s. “Gladly.” His huskily breathed out, and his accent became more prominent than it usually was. He backed off, but not before flicking out his pink tongue to catch the tip of the brunette’s nose. Thomas’ hips began to take a faster pace, and he thrust both hard and faster into Steve’s body. At this pace, he had a huge feeling that it wouldn’t take much for him to finally reach his climax.
Steve grunted, and stroked himself faster. Again, he began to arch, his thighs twitching as he felt himself grow closer to the edge. His sides began to shake, too, as pleasure ripped through him, and his breathing grew ragged. “Thomas,” He said, his French accent completely becoming dominant in his voice, “S’il vous plait,” He murmured over and over, as he sucked his lip back into his worrying teeth and came, hard, all over Thomas’ stomach.
“Fuck!” Thomas yelled out as he came into Steve; letting his hips involuntarily thrust in and out a few times more. His breathing slowed down, but his heart rate did not. Beads of sweat had formed on his forehead during the sexual activity, but he had only just noticed now. He brought both his and Steve’s hands up to his lips, and slowly licked away the traces of semen left there. The taste was sweet, and Thomas couldn’t help but smile. He lightly kissed the brunette’s knuckles, and nuzzled his nose against it soon afterwards. “I…I’ll remember you tomorrow, Steve.” Sex being on the brain sure didn’t stop Thomas from coming up with a fully developed sentence. “…I hope you remember me, and that…I like you. I really like you.”
Steve said nothing, but fell over, his body completely spent. After sex he was always so tired…but he wrapped his right arm around Thomas’ neck, with his body and legs entangling with Thomas’ own. Knowing full well that he’d feel this tomorrow, and he was already beginning to - he sincerely hoped that the blonde’s ‘low alcohol tolerance’ wouldn’t keep him from remembering…
Because he knew the feeling of waking up to a person you didn’t remember sleeping with.
Especially when it was your first time.
He sighed, then. Bear was tired, but not mentally; so he snuggled in, content to watch the blonde sleep. Whether or not he was remembered…it didn’t matter so much. It was worth it, and Steve knew he wouldn’t be able to hold a grudge against this beautiful man.
“Laugh loud, live life, love freely.” The brunette murmured, “Live with no regrets.”