(no subject)
Title: Nightwalker
Pairing: Ewan/Hayden
Rating: NC17
Summary: Hayden's dreams of becoming an actor didn't stand a chance in the unforgiving city of Los Angeles. Left with nothing in his wallet, and nobody to turn to, he was forced to work the streets just to get by. His life takes a dramatic turn one night when billionaire playboy Ewan McGregor pulls up to his side of the street.
If that wasn't a big enough hint, this story is an AU loosely based on Pretty Woman- at least at the start. It also rips off Moulin Rouge, Down with Love, and makes random Star Wars references.
Warnings: There'll be gritty parts, violence, pr0n, and coma-inducing fluff. I'll give you a mini warning at the start of each new chapter.
Disclaimer: It's all up in here *thumps index finger to temple*
Previous Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ewan: ...This fanfiction hasn't been updated in eight months.
Hayden: So?
Ewan: So?! Do you not grasp the severity of what's going on here?! My fictional self hasn't gotten laid in EIGHT MONTHS.
Hayden: Life gets in the way sometimes- maybe the author took a break.
Ewan: A break? A break lasts ten minutes Hayden- this girl took a fucking sabbaticle without notice. I'm firing her.
Hayden: Could it wait until after she's finished the story?
Ewan: I don't even remember any of it! Who are you again? You're awfully cute- I'm guessing that means we've screwed.
Hayden: *sigh* Yes Ewan. You're the devatatingly wealthy businessman and I'm the emotionally scarred hooker you took back to your hotel room one cold L.A. night. Fortunatley, my transformation into an urban prince was merely a haircut and a shopping spree away.
Ewan: Original.
Hayden: It's a provoking love story!
Ewan: It's gay porn.
Hayden: Go to hell. As I was saying- after a series of ultimately unimportant events involving a ship, a ring and a box of Froot Loops, I ended up living in your mansion. Currently, you're just going with the flow- and any hope you have of personal growth will be credited your posse.
Ewan: I have a posse?
Hayden: Jude's your posse.
Ewan: ...Okay. So where did we leave off?
Hayden: Well I just had my first day of legitimate work, so I'm in a great place. You on the other hand are a complete asshat who doesn't understand my complex emotions, so you made a booty call to you-know-who.
Ewan: Oh, you mean Rh-
Hayden: DON'T say his name! Let's just get on with the story alright? Something tells me the big L word is going to be dropped.
Ewan: Lesbian?
Hayden: Yes Ewan. That's exactly what I meant. Here, take this Snickers bar and chew on it for while so you won't drop any more magnificent spoilers like that while people are reading.
Ewan: Hee... Snickers...
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 10
“What does fucking Rhys have to do with loving Hayden?”
The words rung in Ewan's ears, but he was characteristically male enough to deny them almost immediately. In fact, he spent the next hour denying it as he stalked his best friend through the restless office hallways. Only the sound of a loud crack was enough to stop Ewan's rambling.
“I'm sorry Ewan but I have a stock meeting to prep for- call a professional,” Jude called out pleasantly as if he hadn't just slammed the door in the other man's face.
"You know she left me when she found out I was seeing other therapists! Now stop being such a selfish bastard and come out here so I can talk about my problems for another hour or so!” Ewan punched the office door, immediately regretting the action and shaking away the pangs in his fist. When his PA approached from behind he almost bit the woman's head off.
“Sir, I know you told me to hold your calls, but could you...!” She breathed a sigh of relief as Ewan snatched away the earpiece and slid it on.
“This is McGregor, what's the problem?” Ewan asked, his voice marginally less violent.
“EWAN GORDON MCGREGOR! I haven't heard a peep from you since you moved to L.A- and what’s this I heard about you living with some boy!? Your father is livid!! We demand an explanation this instant- and don't even think of putting me on hold again!”
“...Mother.”
____________________________________________________________
“So… nice car,” Hayden said conversationally, barely managing to fasten his seatbelt before tires screeched and the car lurched forward. He was already starting to rethink his decision to get a ride from the apparently agitated young man in the driver’s seat.
“Nice?” The meticulously groomed model scoffed. “This is a custom R-D7 Concept Jaguar convertible- hasn’t even been released to the public yet. Ewan bought it for me at a motor show in Germany last month.”
“Oh. Well… it’s very… shiny,” Hayden offered politely, gripping the dashboard as Rhys spun them around the corner.
“Hmm, well I suppose the clientele you're accustomed to servicing drives something a little more mainstream.”
Hayden took a moment to process the words before an uncomfortable knot twisted in his stomach. He decided to let it slide, but Rhys certainly had no intention doing as much. “Of course, I can only presume then that men of Ewan's caliber are hardly the type of... job... you’re used to.”
Hayden bristled at the implication. “You know then?”
“Of course Hayden. Ewan told me everything- obviously he didn't want me to mention it to anyone. Has it even occurred to you- if word got out he was doing a teenage prostitute… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t reflect too well on him.”
“The thought had crossed my mind,” Hayden deadpanned, his lack of reaction only irritating Rhys.
“Well as long as you know your place, then it's fine. I wouldn't want you building any pathetic fantasies around your relationship with him. He won't keep you around you know- so you can forget about being whisked off to some island paradise with blue skies, wide oceans... warm sand between your toes... dancing under the stars... having him make love to you on the beach...” Rhys's eyes glazed over.
“Exactly whose fantasies are we talking about here- and would you watch where you're going?! You almost hit that fucking pigeon!”
"If it was stupid enough to get in my way, then it deserves to die," Rhys replied ominously.
"Good job, very subtle," Hayden praised. "Look would you just pull over and let me out? This is getting weird."
“I told you, we’re going to the same place-McGregor Towers.”
“So why are you going there?” Hayden asked peevishly. He'd been having such an incredible day up until now. After meeting his new agent discussing career plans, he'd been left with an incredible sense of achievement- it was the first time he'd taken an ounce of pride in anything. Those feelings were only being dampened in this atmosphere.
“Me? Well I was just getting off the phone with Ewan when I ran into you… he said he needed me to work off a little steam. You know how busy he is; he has to prioritize, and you've already interrupted us once.”
The knot in Hayden’s stomach twisted just a little bit tighter. “So that was you with him the other day…” He really hadn’t given it much thought at the time- actually, Ewan’s perpetual need to fool around with everyone was almost amusing. It wasn’t until he tagged an identity to Ewan’s faceless fuck that Hayden began to feel queasy.
“Of course it was me- who else would it have been? Pity he had to rush off home to his help his charity project instead.”
“Drop the defensive shit, Rhys. I’m not sticking around for long, so when I’m gone you can have his undivided attention again. I don’t really care.” Hayden gave himself a pat on the back for what he considered a completely fair response, but for some reason it only seemed to incense the model.
“Are you implying that I COULDN’T have him as long as YOU’RE around?” Rhys snarled as he turned the red convertible sharply into the underground parking lot.
"I didn't say that, but if that’s the way you want to look at it…”
“Hayden, I told you the first time we met- at the end of the day, Ewan always comes back to me.”
“Seeing as how I’M the one living with him, he’s probably going to come back to ME at the end of the day,” Hayden pointed out boredly, just as the car jerked to a violent halt in the empty parking space. Hayden breathed a sigh of relief before opening the door. Well, attempting to open the door.
“Why is it...?” When Hayden looked up again, Rhys was already out of the car, dangling the keys just outside the window. He hadn't even noticed but at some point Rhys must have lowered the canvas top of the convertible, leaving him effectively trapped.
“Don't worry- I cracked a window, you'll be fine. Ewan and I just need some grown-up time alone, and I don't want you in the way... oh, and your phone won’t get any reception down here, so don’t bother trying it.”
Hayden's jaw dropped, “You cant be serious! Rhys!? Are you fucking kidding me with this?! RHYS!!” Hayden yelled furiously, pounding against the glass with his fist and tugging on the handle.
Enraged, Hayden could only watch as the young man smiled, spun heel like runway models do, then sauntered away down the cold concrete. After a full minute of silent disbelief, Hayden released a growl of pure hatred. Rhys was right about the phone reception, and yelling for help seemed pointless in the dimly lit parking lot.
“Don’t panic… just think,” Hayden told himself calmly.
Clambering into the driver’s seat, he reached under the wheel looking for the box… with the wires… that stuck together somehow to make the car… switch on?
“Okay, so apparently you don’t know anything about auto theft,” Hayden muttered. His forehead hit the steering wheel, and remained there. An awkward chuckle built up in his chest, but he managed to stifle it. If the whole scenario hadn't been so pointlessly lame, he might have been a little more uneasy, but really- getting locked in a car? It was so mundane.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it was enough to make him lose hope of catching up to Rhys; long enough to lose hope of Ewan instinctively sensing his peril, and with Lassie-like precision coming to his aid. The thought was just frustrating, and admittedly, a little painful. Hayden was well informed of Ewan's short attention span when it came to sex- he just hadn't been irritated by it before now.
In an effort to distract himself, Hayden reached for the dashboard, popping it open. An assortment of magazines, nail polish, hairspray, and gum toppled out. “Ah... so this is where he keeps the contents of his brain,” Hayden said to himself thoughtfully. He shoved aside an issue of Vogue, only to notice the person he now detested staring smugly at him from the coverpage. Suddenly it made complete sense. It made sense for Ewan to take Rhys to car shows in Germany. It made sense that Ewan was screwing Rhys instead. It made sense, because the world acknowledged people like Rhys to be worthy of people like Ewan.
“What’s the big deal? I could do it too,” Hayden told the magazine. “I could be everything Rhys is- I could be better. ”
It might have been fumes from the nail polish making him delusional- he'd accidently poured all four bottles over the white leather passenger seat a few moments prior- but ever since he’d met Ewan, Hayden had found himself doing things he’d never have imaged doing. He’d already gotten his own agent, hadn’t he? With a little hard work, there was nothing Rhys had that he couldn’t have too.
“I could have Ewan. If Rhys can, then so can I,” Hayden said as though the words were a surprise even to him. Yet the more he thought about it, the more it seemed possible.
Crumpling the magazine in his hand, he almost enjoyed the disfigurment left on Rhys's photo. He’d never had a goal so piercing; until now he’d just been content with getting by on whatever life threw at him. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough. He wanted it all, everything Rhys had, maybe even more. Maybe if he made a name for himself, then Ewan would... would what?
“Hey mister!” A quick tapping at the window startled Hayden from his stupor. “This area’s private parking only. I’m going to have to ask you to move your car please!”
Hayden stared back at the wiry security guard for a full wide-eyed minute. Frantically, he jumped into action explaining his predicament, with yelling and desperate hand gestures. The guard sighed, understandably ticked off for being torn away from the afternoon Wheel of Fortune reruns to break into a car. Nevertheless, several minutes later and Hayden was gleefully free.
“Sorry about scratching the paint,” the guard cringed. “It gives it a little character, right?”
“Don't worry about it,” Hayden assured before staring thoughtfully at the tiny scar in the ruby red finish. A voice in his head told him that was he was about to do was categorically immoral, but...
“Could I just…” Hayden reached for a tire iron from amongst the tools the guard had brought.
“Um, what are you doing?”
“Just adding a little more character. This won’t take long…”
______________________________________________________________________
“Mother, I told you now's not a good time! I have things to staple!” Ewan barged into the office coffee lounge, immediately dispersing the guilty-looking crowd. He'd never actually been in there before, but it was better than having this conversation out in the hallway.
“Honestly Ewan- what if I were celling you from my deathbed?”
“Then wouldn't it be more prudent to call a doctor instead?” Ewan sighed, letting his PA make him a mocha before waving her out the room.
“Don’t give me that cheek, son! Your father and I haven’t spoken to you in ages! Now- tell me about this darling young lad you’re holding hostage? Is he Scottish? When can I meet his parents? Is he Scottish? Ask him if he'd prefer swans or doves?”
"I know I'm going to regret asking this, but why?"
"...For the origami napkin table settings at the wedding, dear."
"Of course, how silly of me to ask," Ewan sighed. He was far too familiar with his mother's eccentricities to be surprised by anything she said.
“You're doing that obnoxious sarcasm thing again aren't you? You're almost thirty Ewan, do I need to remind you that your biological clock is ticking away- there's no point in waiting. If this boy is someone you're sharing a home with, then why not consummate the relationship?"
"Believe me, if I had my way we'd be consummating like bunnies," Ewan informed, absently investigating the contents of the fridge.
"I meant with a marriage! Honestly Ewan, the only one you've ever let close to is Jude... I suppose a small part of me was always holding out for you and him to-”
“MOTHER! How many times do we have to go over this- Jude and I aren’t like that!” Ewan snapped, snacking on a container labelled 'Mike's pudding, don't touch'.
“But Poodle, he would have made such a dashing son-in-law!
“Have you no shame, woman?”
"Don’t talk to me with that tone young man! I carried your scrawny little bottom around for nine months-and when the doctor said push, I pushed Ewan. I didn’t have to do it- but I did!”
“Is there a point to this conversation, because I really have a lot of-”
“Son, we're so tired of seeing all your philandering in the tabloids. The company has flourished under your care, but money is a temptress Ewan; she won’t love you back.”
“She’s still a fantastic lay.”
“You impudent little brat! Don't make me put your father on the line! HONEY YOUR SON WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!”
"No- wait!"
"Ewan m'boy!"
"...Father."
*pause*
*...pause*
"...How's the business?"
"Good."
"Splendid... well, take care of yourself, I'll give the phone to your mother."
"Right. Thank you."
"Ewan, Honey! So would you like us to fly down this weekend?"
"Actually this weekend is no good. I have to do an internal review and change all the... fax machines, because they... keep exploding. Oh! Another one just went- did you hear it?"
"It sounded like someone banging a spoon on a container of pudding."
"Uh oh! Hundreds of tiny fire breathing ants emerged from the wreckage. They're forming a colony, and they want me to be their queen.”
“Well your majesty, would you at least call more often? I'm old, I could go any minute!”
“BYE MOTHER!”
Ewan tore off the earpiece and dropped it in the congealing yellow pudding.
___________________________________
“What took you so long…” Rhys looked over his shoulder, then promptly fell off the arm of the chair on which he was balanced. Gaping in surprise, he stared at the violent-eyed blond that had just stormed past a flustered secretary.
“What the… how did you get out?!” Rhys yelped.
“You don't want to know,” Hayden panted, leaning against the back wall casually, trying hard to appear like he hadn't just leaped up dozons of flights of stairs. He felt like a fucking wreck. He was sure he'd pulled a muscle, and he was feeling horribly guilty for disfiuring Rhys car... fortunately those feelings of regret were quickly dissipating.
“Whatever,” Rhys sulked, folding his arms defiantly. “Ewan will be here any moment."
"Good," Hayden’s eyes instinctively absorbed Rhys’s fully clothed state, and he was almost a little disappointed. He'd been fully prepared to walk in on some dramatic scene of Ewan and Rhys locked in a passionate embrace- at least then he'd be well within his rights to punch someone. Either one would do, really.
“He had a phone call- then he ran into Jude and they had a huge fight. I think they’re both wildly attracted to me and it’s tearing their friendship apart.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it,” Hayden deadpanned.
“Well if you're done here- can you leave? Ewan’s expecting me, not you.”
Hayden bit back a disgusted growl as Rhys pulled off his shirt, tossing it on the floor like he fucking owned the place. It was hard not to notice the clean perfection of the model’s body, sculpted and muscular as if had just popped off the manufacturing line at some factory. He didn’t even have a fucking freckle.
“I know I’m breathtaking, but try not to stare,” Rhys sighed.
“Just looking for the ‘made in Taiwan’ sticker.”
“Funny… but then I suppose you need personality to make up for the lack of good looks.”
“And I suppose you need looks to hold his attention longer than five minutes!” Hayden shot back, regretting the fact that he was getting drawn into a childish bickering.
Rhys laughed. “Oh, and you could? Don't flatter yourself. How could someone want another person’s trash, Hayden? It’s just sad that he missed ME so much that he resorted to dumpster diving to find a cheap stand in. How much did he pay you anyway?”
“Less than the price of a Ferarri, so I guess I am a cheaper lay than you.”
“It's a Jaguar- and I’m NOT a whore! Do you honestly think he’d take you when he could have someone like me? I bet half the scums in LA know what it’s like up your arse. You’re repulsive! It makes my skin crawl just to be near you!”
Hayden didn’t flinch. He’d been hearing this kind of shit for years from men who got off on whispering poisoned words in his ear. At some point he’d just stopped listening, stopped caring; however, there was simply no reason for him to take it from Rhys.
“You're not going to run sobbing to Ewan are you?” The model baited.
“Do you really believe I care what you think?” Hayden asked quietly, his short fingernails digging into his palms of his hands.
“Well do you care what Ewan thinks?” Rhys asked, his voice low and earnest. “How can he look at you and not see a completely trashed and diseased mess? How can he touch you without thinking about all the lowlife’s who’ve paid their way into raping you?”
“Seriously, is that all you've got? Ewan already knows that I- whaah!” Hayden’s sentence was cut off as the door beside him burst open, slamming into him and causing him to stumble back into the wall.
“I hate my mother!” Ewan raged, storming up to Rhys, rudely knocking him back against the desk. “While I'm at it, I hate Jude too- he thinks I’m so transparent! Just because he can read my mind doesn't mean he can IGNORE me when I'm trying my best to lie to him! What the hell is is problem?!”
“Hey… calm down,” Rhys purred, hooking his arms around Ewan’s neck and keeping the man’s back turned to Hayden who was now frozen in indecision.
“I’m so fucking sick of it! I do NOT take orders from anyone! I do whatever the fuck I want to do, when I want to do it! Period. That's what being a McGregor is all about for fuck's sake!”
“Well you know you can do whatever you want when you’re with me,” Rhys breathed into the man’s ear and sending a smile across the room to Hayden.
"What are you doing here again?" Ewan asked.
"You called me an hour ago, remember?"
"Oh, right," Ewan said, aggitated. Still oblivious to the third presence in the room, he pulled Rhys closer, kissing the model like he’d gone for days without human contact. The sight made Hayden’s heart lurch in surprise.
"Come on, I've been waiting for you," Rhys encouraged, backing Ewan into the leather recliner, and climbing into his lap.
“Hold on…” Ewan broke the kiss, reaching into his pocket.
“I’m clean, don’t worry about it,” Rhys urged, grinding himself into Ewan’s lap. When Rhys’s mouth returned to Ewan’s again with a shared moan, Hayden finally snapped himself out of his daze. He realized the appropriate response would be to flee the room -tears optional- but he was far too angry to do anything except…
“EWAN!” Hayden yelled, stomping his foot more for effect than necessity.
Startled out of his wits, the man sprung to his feet, sending Rhys tumbling to the floor. “What the- Hayden!? What are you doing here?”
Angry blue eyes narrowed in reply. “You told me to stop by! Do you even remember? Do remember anything from this morning?”
“I remember saying call first!” Ewan reflexively matched the aggravated level of Hayden’s voice.
“Oh, I have to call first! So you fuck by appointment, is that it? Was Rhys’s name ahead of mine on the waiting list?!”
Ewan scowled. “Calm down- what are you getting upset at me for? You’re the one who barged in!”
“Yeah Hayden, it’s not very polite,” Rhys said innocently.
“Shut up Rhys,” Ewan snapped, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
“Well someone has to make him see his place,” Rhys huffed.
“Go fuck yourself,” Hayden spat.
“Why would I when Ewan’s here?” Rhys smiled.
“That’s IT!” Hayden roared in frustration. “Ewan-tell him to leave!”
The man only blinked back in confusion.
“Don't just stand there!” Hayden demanded; his hand attempted a shove at Ewan's chest, but only managed to hold on to his shirt with tightly. “J-Just tell him to leave and tell him you won’t see him again!”
Hayden didn’t know what he was saying. All he felt was the pressure of his own heartbeat thundering in his chest. Ewan remained still, staring back at him blankly. It wasn’t an expression of defiance, but a mystified daze of a man who’d never been given a direct order a day in his life.
Standing his ground, Hayden waited. He didn’t have an infinite amount of strength, and every passing moment was wearing on him. He didn’t know what hurt more: Ewan’s silence or Rhys’s snickering. The thick atmosphere left him with the intolerable sensation of being choked.
Finally, he heard Ewan clear his throat, “Rhys... could you...” The man made a vague flapping wrist gesture towards the door.
The model’s saucer-wide eyes stared incomprehensively. “You are NOT serious-?”
“Just leave, would you?” Ewan sighed. “Or you’ll get thrown out, you decide.”
“But… but why?!” Rhys demanded.
Ewan sighed, two fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose as he always did during particularily bloodthirsty stock meetings. “How should I know? Apparently I'm taking directions from the deranged blond over here.”
“In that case- tell Rhys you won't see him ever again for alll eternity,” Hayden ordered. Relief at Ewan's decision was quickly being replaced by a feeling of triumph; like he should be standing on some sort of raised platform hoisting a heavy Ewan-shaped trophy over his head.
“Rhys- I won’t see you ever again.” Ewan repeated in a parrot like fashion.
Hayden gave him a poke in the ribs.
“...For all eternity.” Ewan completed the sentence, and it was almost worth it just for Hayden's approving nod.
“Now tell him you’re going out with me!” Hayden nodded encouragingly, slinging his arm around Ewan's shoulders and knocking their heads together as added incentive.
“Forget it.” Ewan folded his arms, firmly drawing the line.
“Why not?”
“Because I said so!”
“Please?” Hayden asked, his breath tingling over the man's neck.
“Shit. Fine,” Ewan agreed in spite of himself, particularily glad that Jude wasn't around to witness this utter humiliation.
“Good. Glad we sorted this out,” Hayden's arm around Ewan's neck grew into more of a chokehold as he grinned smugly at Rhys, looking every bit like the cat who'd bagged a bird.
“Oh why don't you just stick your tongue out at him and be done with it?” Ewan rolled his eyes, trying to pry himself away.
Rhys grit his teeth, snatching his shirt off the floor. He flung a small white card onto the bar as he left. "Here. You can have my security pass Hayden- looks like I won't be coming back. I hope you have fun acting out your little fantasy. If you really think he'll play the faithful husband to anyone, let alone to you, then you obviously don't know him at all."
Hayden stared daggers into his back long after the door slammed shut.
"Are we done now?" Ewan asked, "You know I have better things to do than cater to your every whim."
Hayden stared at him in stony silence.
“Oh...stop looking at me like that,” Ewan sighed, spreading an open palm over Hayden's annoyed face and turning him aside. “Are we going to discuss this like adults, or do you just want to take a whizz on my leg and mark your territory?”
“You were going to have sex with him!” Hayden hissed accusingly, following closely behind the man as he made a stop at his desk. Ewan ignored the simmering blond beside him, and gingerly took his time sending out a final memo to the London office before shutting down his notebook. He was almost amused by the fact that Hayden was still clutching his arm.
“Would you say something?!” Hayden demanded.
“What's left to say! Thanks to you and your miraculous people skills, I'm short a sex partner, and one up on a boyfriend.”
“How many partners to you have exactly?” Hayden blurted.
“Forgive me for not coming to your bed as a doe-eyed virgin. In my next life I'll be sure to save myself for you.”
“That's not what I...” Hayden's hands fell from their death grip on Ewan's arm. “Never mind. Something's wrong with me. I'm the one who's acting like a...”
“Possessive bitch?” Ewan suggested helpfully.
“Is that what it looked like?” Hayden laughed shortly. “I could hide behind that I guess, but Ewan the truth is that I've got so many feelings for you that I don't know where to put them anymore. It's just exhausting trying to talk myself out of loving you and-”
Hayden stopped short at the sudden crash, followed closely by swearing, and blur of Ewan-like limbs.
“What the- are you alright!?” Hayden gaped down at the sprawled figure on the floor.
“Uh... yeah, I'm fine,” Ewan coughed in embarrassment, jumping up to his feet a second later and swatting away the wrinkles in his pants.
“Are you sure?” Hayden asked skeptically, leaning Ewan up against the desk just in case. “I've never seen anyone's legs buckle like that before- you should get that checked out.”
“I'm fine! I just tripped... over that.. fold in the rug.”
“What rug?”
“The... rug... that was here a minute ago. Would you look at that- someone must have moved it.” Ewan rambled awkwardly, but stopped when he felt a mouth brush lightly over his.
"Can we please just go? I don't like being here," Hayden asked, his gaze flickering contemptuously over the large office, Ewan could practically see the lurid images playing through the boy's mind.
"Snap out of it!" Ewan ordered, gripping Hayden's chin and staring him in the eyes. "I'm sorry, alright? I honestly didn't think you of all people would give a fuck who I was with."
"But I just told you that I lov-"
"Yeah! Got that, thank you- no need to say it again," Ewan interrupted, turning a shade or two redder. "Here, make yourself useful."
Hayden almost fell over backwards as stack of folders were thrust into his chest.
“Drop them, and there will be hell to pay,” Ewan said in a tone serious enough for Hayden to do what he was told.
"Well can we take the elevator this time? It was hell trying to get up to this office. Why the fuck didn't you give me one of those security passes? Asshole."
Ewan sighed, his hand suddenly diving into Hayden's back pocket and digging around liberally. "Whaaah!" Hayden jumped, almost losing grip of the stack of folders in his hands.
"This one's MY pass," Ewan produced the small plastic card, tapping it on Hayden's forhead, then slipping it between the boy's lips. "It operates my PRIVATE elevator- there's only ONE copy, and I gave it to YOU this morning. Do you even hear half of what I fucking say to you? How the hell did you get past the three security checks on the way up anyway?"
Hayden cocked his head in puzzlement, "Sthecurithy Thecks?"
Ewan shook his head. "Never mind. Someone's getting fired in the morning."
For the most part, Hayden was unresponsive on the way home, lost in his own corner of thought, leaving no opening for conversation. Ewan had planned on celebrating Hayden's first day at work, but that seemed like the last thing on the boy's mind. The silence wasn't the least bit comfortable. Ewan kept waiting for a frantic apology, some sort of of turn around that would have Hayden dismissing his earlier confession of love, but it never came.
“You're sure you didn't drop anything?” Ewan questioned once he opened the door to the old fashioned study. There was a broad desk at the center of the room surrounded by book shelves sprawling high up to the ceiling.
“Drop? No, but I did let that guy in sunglasses and a trenchcoat make copies while you weren't looking," Hayden replied, heavily setting down the folders.
"Brat," Ewan mumbled under his breath, falling into his seat and loosening his tie. "Go wake up the staff and tell one of them to make me some coffee."
"Sure, I'll get right on that," Hayden snorted, perching himself atop the desk, dangling his legs like an overgrown kid. "Hey, what's this do?" He asked, poking at an obscure ornamental piece on the desk.
"...It's a priceless family heirloom. Don't touch it."
"Haha... look, it spins."
"It's not supposed to."
"I wonder what would happen if you pull on this litte- oh... uhm... I don't suppose it was meant to come apart in pieces like that?"
Ewan shook his head.
"Crap. Well- don't worry," Hayden kicked off his shoes and sat cross-legged on the desk with the ornament in front of him. A minute of patchwork later and he declared, "good as new!"
"It wasn't new. That's sort of the point of an antique," Ewan said, taking one look at the once delicate structure that had now been mummfied by tape. He opened a side drawer and dropped it in.
Hayden's wandering eyes weren't unoccupied for long, "Whoa! What's this?"
"A computer."
"I knew that! I meant what's this?"
"A mouse."
"What does it do?"
"It's a device that translates two-dimensional movement to allow for an interface with- hey! Don't start taping it!?" Ewan yelled. "Hayden, don't take this the wrong way, but could you please just... go away?"
"Why?" Hayden asked, reaching a record high eight inches in his most recent quest to build a tower of stationary.
"You're annoying me," Ewan said, tugging at a folder that was currently trapped under Hayden's rear.
"But I love you. I want to be near you," Hayden looked up at him with clear honest eyes. It was enough to make Ewan's head explode.
"Would you stop saying that!" Ewan barked, his aggravated hand rubbing over his face. "Do you have any pride at all? How can you just say those things when you know I'm not going to say them back?"
"Ewan I don't care what you say. This has nothing to do with you- it's about me being able to admit something like this out loud. I didn't think I had it in me, but now that it's over with it's not such a big deal. Actually, it feels pretty good. I love you. I'm in love Ewan McGregor. I'm-"
"HAYDEN!" Ewan groaned, his hands clapped over his ears futiley trying to drown out the words. "I've got work to do."
"You know what?" Hayden completely ignored him. "I always thought that good people deserved good things, and the rest of us were just on our own- but it doesn't work that way. I mean, look at you. You're a sorry excuse for a human being, but you have this incredible life that people only dream of. You're the one that convinced me that I could be happy too. I'm not going to make myself miserable just because someone like me isn't supposed to be in love with- ow!!" Hayden flinched as something stung his eyelid.
"I have an entire stack of elastic bands Hayden, so if you don't shut up and let me work, there will be a lot more bruising in your immediate future."
"Right, sorry- I'll be quiet, I promise!" Hayden assured, just as the tower of stationary he'd been building for the last three minutes shuddered ominously, then collapsed with an echoing clatter.
"Not. Another. Word," Ewan ordered. Hayden obediently nodded, shoving aside a lamp and laying on his back over the hard wooden surface, giving Ewan the minimal required work space necessary. Ewan really didn't know how the boy could make himself so comfortable, but it was probably no worse than Hayden's old mattress.
Two hours slipped by quickly; Ewan had managed to sign off on two liquidations, approve a minor level merger, strategize two mostly-legal corporate takeovers, and sketch Hayden's dozing face. It was strange how both their lives had been utterly gutted and recreated in a matter of days. For Ewan, stability had always been in terms of profit, but with Hayden within arm's reach, maybe life would go on regardless. He had to give the boy credit for admitting his feeling so suddenly and so bluntly... Hayden's jealousy had been a huge contributing factor, but it was hard to dismiss words that had been spoken so simply. There had been no eloquence no flattery, just a simple confession of a boy who needed to speak his mind. Really, there was nothing wrong with what Hayden had done- Ewan knew it was his own fault for being incapable of hearing, let alone aknowledging his feelings.
There was too much of a gamble behind love. It was true, Hayden had a lot more to lose if this relationship of theirs turned sour. Ewan never wanted to be responsible for someone else's emotional health, but at this point it couldn't be helped.
Glancing up from the bright computer screen, he was surprised to see two slitted blue eyes staring back at him.
"Still awake?" Ewan asked. "You looked like you were nodding off."
"My head's going in circles; I don't think I'll ever get to sleep tonight," Hayden sighed, his back arching slighly off the desk as he stretched.
"That I can take care off," Ewan assured, reaching into his desk and pulling out a small bottle of pills. "They work like magic."
"Uhnn... I don't really take drugs."
"Don't give me that look- they're prescription!" Ewan glared. "Besides, they're really strong. You don't even have to swallow, just lick the bottle cap."
"I'll pass," Hayden assured, rolling onto his side and propping his head up with on hand. "So are you done all your homework?"
"Nope, but that's alright," Ewan lowered his voice. "I'll just copy Jude's answers tomorrow morning- the teacher won't know the difference."
Hayden grinned, gripping the edge of the desk and dragging himself closer to Ewan until their noses bumped. It took them an awkward second to get themselves tilted in complimentary positions, but then they were kissing softly.
"Do you wish I hadn't told you?" Hayden breathed, lightly flushed once they broke apart. It was a difficult question to ask when he could still taste the lingering heat of Ewan's mouth.
"No, I'm glad you told me. I just... don't want to keep hearing it," Ewan said, wishing his honesty didn't sound so cruel.
"Well you're going to have to get over that," Hayden smirked, whispering that insane phrase in Ewan's ear one more time. For some reason, every time he said caused Ewan's heart to squeeze a little tighter each time.
"I said I wouldn't hurt you," Ewan sighed, his forehead knocking heavily on Hayden's shoulder. "If we kept things simple between us then I could have kept that promise... but I don't know if I can do that any more."
"Well then leave it to me? I'll make sure you don't hurt me. I won't hurt you either- and then everything will be fine."
Ewan smiled slightly at Hayden's utterly complete belief. He had no idea how someone who'd been fucked over his entire life still found it in themselves to trust another human being.
"So will you go out with me Ewan? I mean, really go out with me. Only me. Those things you said up in your office... I really want you to mean them."
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. Besides, I'm fairly sure the entire floor heard you stake your claim on me."
“Good," Hayden grinned, "I want you to be mine."
"Would a tracking collar around my neck be more convenient?"
"Hey, if you're into that then I'm game."
"Pervert," Ewan scowled, though he was surprised at how quickly he was settling into this idea of exclusivity. He dug his index finger into Hayden's chest emphatically. "You know what, Christensen? I'm not only going to take you up on this offer- I'm going to be the best fucking boyfriend you've ever had."
"Well you don't have much in the way of competition," Hayden assured.
“Shit. I just realized I've never done this before,” Ewan frowned. “What sort of procedures need to be followed? Is there paperwork involved? Should I sign something...? Don't look at me like I'm insane, I'm not doing this half-arsed Hayden. If Ewan McGregor is entering a relationship, then it has to be executed perfectly, otherwise, what's the point?"
"Well, as far as I know there's no paperwork,” Hayden informed.
“Oh,” Ewan said, looking a little disappointed. “That's hardly seems binding. How do I know we're really together if we don't have documentation notarized by a lawyer?”
Hayden bit back a smile, “You'll know, because you'll be with me.”
“That's not very reassuring..." Ewan frowned, "Well I suppose we can make the whole thing legitimate by doing all those insipid relationship things... flowers, jewelry- oh! Vacations! Come to think of it, have you ever flown before?”
“No, but I slept in an airport once.”
“Close enough. We could go with traditional- the Cayman Islands are nice this time of year, but they're getting so touristy these days. Oh, and I suppose you'll have to meet my parents, then we can-”
“Ewan!” Hayden interrupted, cringing a little.
“What?”
“Cool it, would you? Maybe we could start off with... I don't know... a normal date? ” Hayden grew slightly red even as he said the word.
“Seriously? That sounds rather lame Hayden.”
“You're the one threatening me with flowers and Cave-men islands,” Hayden said defensively.
“Alright... a date. I think I read about one of those in a book... we go to one of those places with the big screens, and sticky floors,...”
“The movies?”
“Yes! That's the one,” Ewan confirmed, then struggled to recall the rest. “Then I buy you popped corn in a bucket, then there's a struggle with the arm rest... and I can't remember what happens next, but it ends with you blowing me.”
Hayden looked surprised for a moment, then burst into streams of uncontrollable laughter. The only thing that had power to snap him out of it were the cool hands slipping under his clothes, and the sexy grin that gently pushed against his lips. For the first time, Hayden felt secure enough to hold onto someone a little selfishly.
___________________________________________________________________________
....About damn time I posted that, huh? I was mean, I know, and I don't deserve your pretty comments- so if you feel like it, you may have a poll instead! ;)
Pairing: Ewan/Hayden
Rating: NC17
Summary: Hayden's dreams of becoming an actor didn't stand a chance in the unforgiving city of Los Angeles. Left with nothing in his wallet, and nobody to turn to, he was forced to work the streets just to get by. His life takes a dramatic turn one night when billionaire playboy Ewan McGregor pulls up to his side of the street.
If that wasn't a big enough hint, this story is an AU loosely based on Pretty Woman- at least at the start. It also rips off Moulin Rouge, Down with Love, and makes random Star Wars references.
Warnings: There'll be gritty parts, violence, pr0n, and coma-inducing fluff. I'll give you a mini warning at the start of each new chapter.
Disclaimer: It's all up in here *thumps index finger to temple*
Previous Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ewan: ...This fanfiction hasn't been updated in eight months.
Hayden: So?
Ewan: So?! Do you not grasp the severity of what's going on here?! My fictional self hasn't gotten laid in EIGHT MONTHS.
Hayden: Life gets in the way sometimes- maybe the author took a break.
Ewan: A break? A break lasts ten minutes Hayden- this girl took a fucking sabbaticle without notice. I'm firing her.
Hayden: Could it wait until after she's finished the story?
Ewan: I don't even remember any of it! Who are you again? You're awfully cute- I'm guessing that means we've screwed.
Hayden: *sigh* Yes Ewan. You're the devatatingly wealthy businessman and I'm the emotionally scarred hooker you took back to your hotel room one cold L.A. night. Fortunatley, my transformation into an urban prince was merely a haircut and a shopping spree away.
Ewan: Original.
Hayden: It's a provoking love story!
Ewan: It's gay porn.
Hayden: Go to hell. As I was saying- after a series of ultimately unimportant events involving a ship, a ring and a box of Froot Loops, I ended up living in your mansion. Currently, you're just going with the flow- and any hope you have of personal growth will be credited your posse.
Ewan: I have a posse?
Hayden: Jude's your posse.
Ewan: ...Okay. So where did we leave off?
Hayden: Well I just had my first day of legitimate work, so I'm in a great place. You on the other hand are a complete asshat who doesn't understand my complex emotions, so you made a booty call to you-know-who.
Ewan: Oh, you mean Rh-
Hayden: DON'T say his name! Let's just get on with the story alright? Something tells me the big L word is going to be dropped.
Ewan: Lesbian?
Hayden: Yes Ewan. That's exactly what I meant. Here, take this Snickers bar and chew on it for while so you won't drop any more magnificent spoilers like that while people are reading.
Ewan: Hee... Snickers...
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 10
“What does fucking Rhys have to do with loving Hayden?”
The words rung in Ewan's ears, but he was characteristically male enough to deny them almost immediately. In fact, he spent the next hour denying it as he stalked his best friend through the restless office hallways. Only the sound of a loud crack was enough to stop Ewan's rambling.
“I'm sorry Ewan but I have a stock meeting to prep for- call a professional,” Jude called out pleasantly as if he hadn't just slammed the door in the other man's face.
"You know she left me when she found out I was seeing other therapists! Now stop being such a selfish bastard and come out here so I can talk about my problems for another hour or so!” Ewan punched the office door, immediately regretting the action and shaking away the pangs in his fist. When his PA approached from behind he almost bit the woman's head off.
“Sir, I know you told me to hold your calls, but could you...!” She breathed a sigh of relief as Ewan snatched away the earpiece and slid it on.
“This is McGregor, what's the problem?” Ewan asked, his voice marginally less violent.
“EWAN GORDON MCGREGOR! I haven't heard a peep from you since you moved to L.A- and what’s this I heard about you living with some boy!? Your father is livid!! We demand an explanation this instant- and don't even think of putting me on hold again!”
“...Mother.”
____________________________________________________________
“So… nice car,” Hayden said conversationally, barely managing to fasten his seatbelt before tires screeched and the car lurched forward. He was already starting to rethink his decision to get a ride from the apparently agitated young man in the driver’s seat.
“Nice?” The meticulously groomed model scoffed. “This is a custom R-D7 Concept Jaguar convertible- hasn’t even been released to the public yet. Ewan bought it for me at a motor show in Germany last month.”
“Oh. Well… it’s very… shiny,” Hayden offered politely, gripping the dashboard as Rhys spun them around the corner.
“Hmm, well I suppose the clientele you're accustomed to servicing drives something a little more mainstream.”
Hayden took a moment to process the words before an uncomfortable knot twisted in his stomach. He decided to let it slide, but Rhys certainly had no intention doing as much. “Of course, I can only presume then that men of Ewan's caliber are hardly the type of... job... you’re used to.”
Hayden bristled at the implication. “You know then?”
“Of course Hayden. Ewan told me everything- obviously he didn't want me to mention it to anyone. Has it even occurred to you- if word got out he was doing a teenage prostitute… well, let’s just say it wouldn’t reflect too well on him.”
“The thought had crossed my mind,” Hayden deadpanned, his lack of reaction only irritating Rhys.
“Well as long as you know your place, then it's fine. I wouldn't want you building any pathetic fantasies around your relationship with him. He won't keep you around you know- so you can forget about being whisked off to some island paradise with blue skies, wide oceans... warm sand between your toes... dancing under the stars... having him make love to you on the beach...” Rhys's eyes glazed over.
“Exactly whose fantasies are we talking about here- and would you watch where you're going?! You almost hit that fucking pigeon!”
"If it was stupid enough to get in my way, then it deserves to die," Rhys replied ominously.
"Good job, very subtle," Hayden praised. "Look would you just pull over and let me out? This is getting weird."
“I told you, we’re going to the same place-McGregor Towers.”
“So why are you going there?” Hayden asked peevishly. He'd been having such an incredible day up until now. After meeting his new agent discussing career plans, he'd been left with an incredible sense of achievement- it was the first time he'd taken an ounce of pride in anything. Those feelings were only being dampened in this atmosphere.
“Me? Well I was just getting off the phone with Ewan when I ran into you… he said he needed me to work off a little steam. You know how busy he is; he has to prioritize, and you've already interrupted us once.”
The knot in Hayden’s stomach twisted just a little bit tighter. “So that was you with him the other day…” He really hadn’t given it much thought at the time- actually, Ewan’s perpetual need to fool around with everyone was almost amusing. It wasn’t until he tagged an identity to Ewan’s faceless fuck that Hayden began to feel queasy.
“Of course it was me- who else would it have been? Pity he had to rush off home to his help his charity project instead.”
“Drop the defensive shit, Rhys. I’m not sticking around for long, so when I’m gone you can have his undivided attention again. I don’t really care.” Hayden gave himself a pat on the back for what he considered a completely fair response, but for some reason it only seemed to incense the model.
“Are you implying that I COULDN’T have him as long as YOU’RE around?” Rhys snarled as he turned the red convertible sharply into the underground parking lot.
"I didn't say that, but if that’s the way you want to look at it…”
“Hayden, I told you the first time we met- at the end of the day, Ewan always comes back to me.”
“Seeing as how I’M the one living with him, he’s probably going to come back to ME at the end of the day,” Hayden pointed out boredly, just as the car jerked to a violent halt in the empty parking space. Hayden breathed a sigh of relief before opening the door. Well, attempting to open the door.
“Why is it...?” When Hayden looked up again, Rhys was already out of the car, dangling the keys just outside the window. He hadn't even noticed but at some point Rhys must have lowered the canvas top of the convertible, leaving him effectively trapped.
“Don't worry- I cracked a window, you'll be fine. Ewan and I just need some grown-up time alone, and I don't want you in the way... oh, and your phone won’t get any reception down here, so don’t bother trying it.”
Hayden's jaw dropped, “You cant be serious! Rhys!? Are you fucking kidding me with this?! RHYS!!” Hayden yelled furiously, pounding against the glass with his fist and tugging on the handle.
Enraged, Hayden could only watch as the young man smiled, spun heel like runway models do, then sauntered away down the cold concrete. After a full minute of silent disbelief, Hayden released a growl of pure hatred. Rhys was right about the phone reception, and yelling for help seemed pointless in the dimly lit parking lot.
“Don’t panic… just think,” Hayden told himself calmly.
Clambering into the driver’s seat, he reached under the wheel looking for the box… with the wires… that stuck together somehow to make the car… switch on?
“Okay, so apparently you don’t know anything about auto theft,” Hayden muttered. His forehead hit the steering wheel, and remained there. An awkward chuckle built up in his chest, but he managed to stifle it. If the whole scenario hadn't been so pointlessly lame, he might have been a little more uneasy, but really- getting locked in a car? It was so mundane.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it was enough to make him lose hope of catching up to Rhys; long enough to lose hope of Ewan instinctively sensing his peril, and with Lassie-like precision coming to his aid. The thought was just frustrating, and admittedly, a little painful. Hayden was well informed of Ewan's short attention span when it came to sex- he just hadn't been irritated by it before now.
In an effort to distract himself, Hayden reached for the dashboard, popping it open. An assortment of magazines, nail polish, hairspray, and gum toppled out. “Ah... so this is where he keeps the contents of his brain,” Hayden said to himself thoughtfully. He shoved aside an issue of Vogue, only to notice the person he now detested staring smugly at him from the coverpage. Suddenly it made complete sense. It made sense for Ewan to take Rhys to car shows in Germany. It made sense that Ewan was screwing Rhys instead. It made sense, because the world acknowledged people like Rhys to be worthy of people like Ewan.
“What’s the big deal? I could do it too,” Hayden told the magazine. “I could be everything Rhys is- I could be better. ”
It might have been fumes from the nail polish making him delusional- he'd accidently poured all four bottles over the white leather passenger seat a few moments prior- but ever since he’d met Ewan, Hayden had found himself doing things he’d never have imaged doing. He’d already gotten his own agent, hadn’t he? With a little hard work, there was nothing Rhys had that he couldn’t have too.
“I could have Ewan. If Rhys can, then so can I,” Hayden said as though the words were a surprise even to him. Yet the more he thought about it, the more it seemed possible.
Crumpling the magazine in his hand, he almost enjoyed the disfigurment left on Rhys's photo. He’d never had a goal so piercing; until now he’d just been content with getting by on whatever life threw at him. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough. He wanted it all, everything Rhys had, maybe even more. Maybe if he made a name for himself, then Ewan would... would what?
“Hey mister!” A quick tapping at the window startled Hayden from his stupor. “This area’s private parking only. I’m going to have to ask you to move your car please!”
Hayden stared back at the wiry security guard for a full wide-eyed minute. Frantically, he jumped into action explaining his predicament, with yelling and desperate hand gestures. The guard sighed, understandably ticked off for being torn away from the afternoon Wheel of Fortune reruns to break into a car. Nevertheless, several minutes later and Hayden was gleefully free.
“Sorry about scratching the paint,” the guard cringed. “It gives it a little character, right?”
“Don't worry about it,” Hayden assured before staring thoughtfully at the tiny scar in the ruby red finish. A voice in his head told him that was he was about to do was categorically immoral, but...
“Could I just…” Hayden reached for a tire iron from amongst the tools the guard had brought.
“Um, what are you doing?”
“Just adding a little more character. This won’t take long…”
______________________________________________________________________
“Mother, I told you now's not a good time! I have things to staple!” Ewan barged into the office coffee lounge, immediately dispersing the guilty-looking crowd. He'd never actually been in there before, but it was better than having this conversation out in the hallway.
“Honestly Ewan- what if I were celling you from my deathbed?”
“Then wouldn't it be more prudent to call a doctor instead?” Ewan sighed, letting his PA make him a mocha before waving her out the room.
“Don’t give me that cheek, son! Your father and I haven’t spoken to you in ages! Now- tell me about this darling young lad you’re holding hostage? Is he Scottish? When can I meet his parents? Is he Scottish? Ask him if he'd prefer swans or doves?”
"I know I'm going to regret asking this, but why?"
"...For the origami napkin table settings at the wedding, dear."
"Of course, how silly of me to ask," Ewan sighed. He was far too familiar with his mother's eccentricities to be surprised by anything she said.
“You're doing that obnoxious sarcasm thing again aren't you? You're almost thirty Ewan, do I need to remind you that your biological clock is ticking away- there's no point in waiting. If this boy is someone you're sharing a home with, then why not consummate the relationship?"
"Believe me, if I had my way we'd be consummating like bunnies," Ewan informed, absently investigating the contents of the fridge.
"I meant with a marriage! Honestly Ewan, the only one you've ever let close to is Jude... I suppose a small part of me was always holding out for you and him to-”
“MOTHER! How many times do we have to go over this- Jude and I aren’t like that!” Ewan snapped, snacking on a container labelled 'Mike's pudding, don't touch'.
“But Poodle, he would have made such a dashing son-in-law!
“Have you no shame, woman?”
"Don’t talk to me with that tone young man! I carried your scrawny little bottom around for nine months-and when the doctor said push, I pushed Ewan. I didn’t have to do it- but I did!”
“Is there a point to this conversation, because I really have a lot of-”
“Son, we're so tired of seeing all your philandering in the tabloids. The company has flourished under your care, but money is a temptress Ewan; she won’t love you back.”
“She’s still a fantastic lay.”
“You impudent little brat! Don't make me put your father on the line! HONEY YOUR SON WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!”
"No- wait!"
"Ewan m'boy!"
"...Father."
*pause*
*...pause*
"...How's the business?"
"Good."
"Splendid... well, take care of yourself, I'll give the phone to your mother."
"Right. Thank you."
"Ewan, Honey! So would you like us to fly down this weekend?"
"Actually this weekend is no good. I have to do an internal review and change all the... fax machines, because they... keep exploding. Oh! Another one just went- did you hear it?"
"It sounded like someone banging a spoon on a container of pudding."
"Uh oh! Hundreds of tiny fire breathing ants emerged from the wreckage. They're forming a colony, and they want me to be their queen.”
“Well your majesty, would you at least call more often? I'm old, I could go any minute!”
“BYE MOTHER!”
Ewan tore off the earpiece and dropped it in the congealing yellow pudding.
___________________________________
“What took you so long…” Rhys looked over his shoulder, then promptly fell off the arm of the chair on which he was balanced. Gaping in surprise, he stared at the violent-eyed blond that had just stormed past a flustered secretary.
“What the… how did you get out?!” Rhys yelped.
“You don't want to know,” Hayden panted, leaning against the back wall casually, trying hard to appear like he hadn't just leaped up dozons of flights of stairs. He felt like a fucking wreck. He was sure he'd pulled a muscle, and he was feeling horribly guilty for disfiuring Rhys car... fortunately those feelings of regret were quickly dissipating.
“Whatever,” Rhys sulked, folding his arms defiantly. “Ewan will be here any moment."
"Good," Hayden’s eyes instinctively absorbed Rhys’s fully clothed state, and he was almost a little disappointed. He'd been fully prepared to walk in on some dramatic scene of Ewan and Rhys locked in a passionate embrace- at least then he'd be well within his rights to punch someone. Either one would do, really.
“He had a phone call- then he ran into Jude and they had a huge fight. I think they’re both wildly attracted to me and it’s tearing their friendship apart.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s it,” Hayden deadpanned.
“Well if you're done here- can you leave? Ewan’s expecting me, not you.”
Hayden bit back a disgusted growl as Rhys pulled off his shirt, tossing it on the floor like he fucking owned the place. It was hard not to notice the clean perfection of the model’s body, sculpted and muscular as if had just popped off the manufacturing line at some factory. He didn’t even have a fucking freckle.
“I know I’m breathtaking, but try not to stare,” Rhys sighed.
“Just looking for the ‘made in Taiwan’ sticker.”
“Funny… but then I suppose you need personality to make up for the lack of good looks.”
“And I suppose you need looks to hold his attention longer than five minutes!” Hayden shot back, regretting the fact that he was getting drawn into a childish bickering.
Rhys laughed. “Oh, and you could? Don't flatter yourself. How could someone want another person’s trash, Hayden? It’s just sad that he missed ME so much that he resorted to dumpster diving to find a cheap stand in. How much did he pay you anyway?”
“Less than the price of a Ferarri, so I guess I am a cheaper lay than you.”
“It's a Jaguar- and I’m NOT a whore! Do you honestly think he’d take you when he could have someone like me? I bet half the scums in LA know what it’s like up your arse. You’re repulsive! It makes my skin crawl just to be near you!”
Hayden didn’t flinch. He’d been hearing this kind of shit for years from men who got off on whispering poisoned words in his ear. At some point he’d just stopped listening, stopped caring; however, there was simply no reason for him to take it from Rhys.
“You're not going to run sobbing to Ewan are you?” The model baited.
“Do you really believe I care what you think?” Hayden asked quietly, his short fingernails digging into his palms of his hands.
“Well do you care what Ewan thinks?” Rhys asked, his voice low and earnest. “How can he look at you and not see a completely trashed and diseased mess? How can he touch you without thinking about all the lowlife’s who’ve paid their way into raping you?”
“Seriously, is that all you've got? Ewan already knows that I- whaah!” Hayden’s sentence was cut off as the door beside him burst open, slamming into him and causing him to stumble back into the wall.
“I hate my mother!” Ewan raged, storming up to Rhys, rudely knocking him back against the desk. “While I'm at it, I hate Jude too- he thinks I’m so transparent! Just because he can read my mind doesn't mean he can IGNORE me when I'm trying my best to lie to him! What the hell is is problem?!”
“Hey… calm down,” Rhys purred, hooking his arms around Ewan’s neck and keeping the man’s back turned to Hayden who was now frozen in indecision.
“I’m so fucking sick of it! I do NOT take orders from anyone! I do whatever the fuck I want to do, when I want to do it! Period. That's what being a McGregor is all about for fuck's sake!”
“Well you know you can do whatever you want when you’re with me,” Rhys breathed into the man’s ear and sending a smile across the room to Hayden.
"What are you doing here again?" Ewan asked.
"You called me an hour ago, remember?"
"Oh, right," Ewan said, aggitated. Still oblivious to the third presence in the room, he pulled Rhys closer, kissing the model like he’d gone for days without human contact. The sight made Hayden’s heart lurch in surprise.
"Come on, I've been waiting for you," Rhys encouraged, backing Ewan into the leather recliner, and climbing into his lap.
“Hold on…” Ewan broke the kiss, reaching into his pocket.
“I’m clean, don’t worry about it,” Rhys urged, grinding himself into Ewan’s lap. When Rhys’s mouth returned to Ewan’s again with a shared moan, Hayden finally snapped himself out of his daze. He realized the appropriate response would be to flee the room -tears optional- but he was far too angry to do anything except…
“EWAN!” Hayden yelled, stomping his foot more for effect than necessity.
Startled out of his wits, the man sprung to his feet, sending Rhys tumbling to the floor. “What the- Hayden!? What are you doing here?”
Angry blue eyes narrowed in reply. “You told me to stop by! Do you even remember? Do remember anything from this morning?”
“I remember saying call first!” Ewan reflexively matched the aggravated level of Hayden’s voice.
“Oh, I have to call first! So you fuck by appointment, is that it? Was Rhys’s name ahead of mine on the waiting list?!”
Ewan scowled. “Calm down- what are you getting upset at me for? You’re the one who barged in!”
“Yeah Hayden, it’s not very polite,” Rhys said innocently.
“Shut up Rhys,” Ewan snapped, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
“Well someone has to make him see his place,” Rhys huffed.
“Go fuck yourself,” Hayden spat.
“Why would I when Ewan’s here?” Rhys smiled.
“That’s IT!” Hayden roared in frustration. “Ewan-tell him to leave!”
The man only blinked back in confusion.
“Don't just stand there!” Hayden demanded; his hand attempted a shove at Ewan's chest, but only managed to hold on to his shirt with tightly. “J-Just tell him to leave and tell him you won’t see him again!”
Hayden didn’t know what he was saying. All he felt was the pressure of his own heartbeat thundering in his chest. Ewan remained still, staring back at him blankly. It wasn’t an expression of defiance, but a mystified daze of a man who’d never been given a direct order a day in his life.
Standing his ground, Hayden waited. He didn’t have an infinite amount of strength, and every passing moment was wearing on him. He didn’t know what hurt more: Ewan’s silence or Rhys’s snickering. The thick atmosphere left him with the intolerable sensation of being choked.
Finally, he heard Ewan clear his throat, “Rhys... could you...” The man made a vague flapping wrist gesture towards the door.
The model’s saucer-wide eyes stared incomprehensively. “You are NOT serious-?”
“Just leave, would you?” Ewan sighed. “Or you’ll get thrown out, you decide.”
“But… but why?!” Rhys demanded.
Ewan sighed, two fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose as he always did during particularily bloodthirsty stock meetings. “How should I know? Apparently I'm taking directions from the deranged blond over here.”
“In that case- tell Rhys you won't see him ever again for alll eternity,” Hayden ordered. Relief at Ewan's decision was quickly being replaced by a feeling of triumph; like he should be standing on some sort of raised platform hoisting a heavy Ewan-shaped trophy over his head.
“Rhys- I won’t see you ever again.” Ewan repeated in a parrot like fashion.
Hayden gave him a poke in the ribs.
“...For all eternity.” Ewan completed the sentence, and it was almost worth it just for Hayden's approving nod.
“Now tell him you’re going out with me!” Hayden nodded encouragingly, slinging his arm around Ewan's shoulders and knocking their heads together as added incentive.
“Forget it.” Ewan folded his arms, firmly drawing the line.
“Why not?”
“Because I said so!”
“Please?” Hayden asked, his breath tingling over the man's neck.
“Shit. Fine,” Ewan agreed in spite of himself, particularily glad that Jude wasn't around to witness this utter humiliation.
“Good. Glad we sorted this out,” Hayden's arm around Ewan's neck grew into more of a chokehold as he grinned smugly at Rhys, looking every bit like the cat who'd bagged a bird.
“Oh why don't you just stick your tongue out at him and be done with it?” Ewan rolled his eyes, trying to pry himself away.
Rhys grit his teeth, snatching his shirt off the floor. He flung a small white card onto the bar as he left. "Here. You can have my security pass Hayden- looks like I won't be coming back. I hope you have fun acting out your little fantasy. If you really think he'll play the faithful husband to anyone, let alone to you, then you obviously don't know him at all."
Hayden stared daggers into his back long after the door slammed shut.
"Are we done now?" Ewan asked, "You know I have better things to do than cater to your every whim."
Hayden stared at him in stony silence.
“Oh...stop looking at me like that,” Ewan sighed, spreading an open palm over Hayden's annoyed face and turning him aside. “Are we going to discuss this like adults, or do you just want to take a whizz on my leg and mark your territory?”
“You were going to have sex with him!” Hayden hissed accusingly, following closely behind the man as he made a stop at his desk. Ewan ignored the simmering blond beside him, and gingerly took his time sending out a final memo to the London office before shutting down his notebook. He was almost amused by the fact that Hayden was still clutching his arm.
“Would you say something?!” Hayden demanded.
“What's left to say! Thanks to you and your miraculous people skills, I'm short a sex partner, and one up on a boyfriend.”
“How many partners to you have exactly?” Hayden blurted.
“Forgive me for not coming to your bed as a doe-eyed virgin. In my next life I'll be sure to save myself for you.”
“That's not what I...” Hayden's hands fell from their death grip on Ewan's arm. “Never mind. Something's wrong with me. I'm the one who's acting like a...”
“Possessive bitch?” Ewan suggested helpfully.
“Is that what it looked like?” Hayden laughed shortly. “I could hide behind that I guess, but Ewan the truth is that I've got so many feelings for you that I don't know where to put them anymore. It's just exhausting trying to talk myself out of loving you and-”
Hayden stopped short at the sudden crash, followed closely by swearing, and blur of Ewan-like limbs.
“What the- are you alright!?” Hayden gaped down at the sprawled figure on the floor.
“Uh... yeah, I'm fine,” Ewan coughed in embarrassment, jumping up to his feet a second later and swatting away the wrinkles in his pants.
“Are you sure?” Hayden asked skeptically, leaning Ewan up against the desk just in case. “I've never seen anyone's legs buckle like that before- you should get that checked out.”
“I'm fine! I just tripped... over that.. fold in the rug.”
“What rug?”
“The... rug... that was here a minute ago. Would you look at that- someone must have moved it.” Ewan rambled awkwardly, but stopped when he felt a mouth brush lightly over his.
"Can we please just go? I don't like being here," Hayden asked, his gaze flickering contemptuously over the large office, Ewan could practically see the lurid images playing through the boy's mind.
"Snap out of it!" Ewan ordered, gripping Hayden's chin and staring him in the eyes. "I'm sorry, alright? I honestly didn't think you of all people would give a fuck who I was with."
"But I just told you that I lov-"
"Yeah! Got that, thank you- no need to say it again," Ewan interrupted, turning a shade or two redder. "Here, make yourself useful."
Hayden almost fell over backwards as stack of folders were thrust into his chest.
“Drop them, and there will be hell to pay,” Ewan said in a tone serious enough for Hayden to do what he was told.
"Well can we take the elevator this time? It was hell trying to get up to this office. Why the fuck didn't you give me one of those security passes? Asshole."
Ewan sighed, his hand suddenly diving into Hayden's back pocket and digging around liberally. "Whaaah!" Hayden jumped, almost losing grip of the stack of folders in his hands.
"This one's MY pass," Ewan produced the small plastic card, tapping it on Hayden's forhead, then slipping it between the boy's lips. "It operates my PRIVATE elevator- there's only ONE copy, and I gave it to YOU this morning. Do you even hear half of what I fucking say to you? How the hell did you get past the three security checks on the way up anyway?"
Hayden cocked his head in puzzlement, "Sthecurithy Thecks?"
Ewan shook his head. "Never mind. Someone's getting fired in the morning."
For the most part, Hayden was unresponsive on the way home, lost in his own corner of thought, leaving no opening for conversation. Ewan had planned on celebrating Hayden's first day at work, but that seemed like the last thing on the boy's mind. The silence wasn't the least bit comfortable. Ewan kept waiting for a frantic apology, some sort of of turn around that would have Hayden dismissing his earlier confession of love, but it never came.
“You're sure you didn't drop anything?” Ewan questioned once he opened the door to the old fashioned study. There was a broad desk at the center of the room surrounded by book shelves sprawling high up to the ceiling.
“Drop? No, but I did let that guy in sunglasses and a trenchcoat make copies while you weren't looking," Hayden replied, heavily setting down the folders.
"Brat," Ewan mumbled under his breath, falling into his seat and loosening his tie. "Go wake up the staff and tell one of them to make me some coffee."
"Sure, I'll get right on that," Hayden snorted, perching himself atop the desk, dangling his legs like an overgrown kid. "Hey, what's this do?" He asked, poking at an obscure ornamental piece on the desk.
"...It's a priceless family heirloom. Don't touch it."
"Haha... look, it spins."
"It's not supposed to."
"I wonder what would happen if you pull on this litte- oh... uhm... I don't suppose it was meant to come apart in pieces like that?"
Ewan shook his head.
"Crap. Well- don't worry," Hayden kicked off his shoes and sat cross-legged on the desk with the ornament in front of him. A minute of patchwork later and he declared, "good as new!"
"It wasn't new. That's sort of the point of an antique," Ewan said, taking one look at the once delicate structure that had now been mummfied by tape. He opened a side drawer and dropped it in.
Hayden's wandering eyes weren't unoccupied for long, "Whoa! What's this?"
"A computer."
"I knew that! I meant what's this?"
"A mouse."
"What does it do?"
"It's a device that translates two-dimensional movement to allow for an interface with- hey! Don't start taping it!?" Ewan yelled. "Hayden, don't take this the wrong way, but could you please just... go away?"
"Why?" Hayden asked, reaching a record high eight inches in his most recent quest to build a tower of stationary.
"You're annoying me," Ewan said, tugging at a folder that was currently trapped under Hayden's rear.
"But I love you. I want to be near you," Hayden looked up at him with clear honest eyes. It was enough to make Ewan's head explode.
"Would you stop saying that!" Ewan barked, his aggravated hand rubbing over his face. "Do you have any pride at all? How can you just say those things when you know I'm not going to say them back?"
"Ewan I don't care what you say. This has nothing to do with you- it's about me being able to admit something like this out loud. I didn't think I had it in me, but now that it's over with it's not such a big deal. Actually, it feels pretty good. I love you. I'm in love Ewan McGregor. I'm-"
"HAYDEN!" Ewan groaned, his hands clapped over his ears futiley trying to drown out the words. "I've got work to do."
"You know what?" Hayden completely ignored him. "I always thought that good people deserved good things, and the rest of us were just on our own- but it doesn't work that way. I mean, look at you. You're a sorry excuse for a human being, but you have this incredible life that people only dream of. You're the one that convinced me that I could be happy too. I'm not going to make myself miserable just because someone like me isn't supposed to be in love with- ow!!" Hayden flinched as something stung his eyelid.
"I have an entire stack of elastic bands Hayden, so if you don't shut up and let me work, there will be a lot more bruising in your immediate future."
"Right, sorry- I'll be quiet, I promise!" Hayden assured, just as the tower of stationary he'd been building for the last three minutes shuddered ominously, then collapsed with an echoing clatter.
"Not. Another. Word," Ewan ordered. Hayden obediently nodded, shoving aside a lamp and laying on his back over the hard wooden surface, giving Ewan the minimal required work space necessary. Ewan really didn't know how the boy could make himself so comfortable, but it was probably no worse than Hayden's old mattress.
Two hours slipped by quickly; Ewan had managed to sign off on two liquidations, approve a minor level merger, strategize two mostly-legal corporate takeovers, and sketch Hayden's dozing face. It was strange how both their lives had been utterly gutted and recreated in a matter of days. For Ewan, stability had always been in terms of profit, but with Hayden within arm's reach, maybe life would go on regardless. He had to give the boy credit for admitting his feeling so suddenly and so bluntly... Hayden's jealousy had been a huge contributing factor, but it was hard to dismiss words that had been spoken so simply. There had been no eloquence no flattery, just a simple confession of a boy who needed to speak his mind. Really, there was nothing wrong with what Hayden had done- Ewan knew it was his own fault for being incapable of hearing, let alone aknowledging his feelings.
There was too much of a gamble behind love. It was true, Hayden had a lot more to lose if this relationship of theirs turned sour. Ewan never wanted to be responsible for someone else's emotional health, but at this point it couldn't be helped.
Glancing up from the bright computer screen, he was surprised to see two slitted blue eyes staring back at him.
"Still awake?" Ewan asked. "You looked like you were nodding off."
"My head's going in circles; I don't think I'll ever get to sleep tonight," Hayden sighed, his back arching slighly off the desk as he stretched.
"That I can take care off," Ewan assured, reaching into his desk and pulling out a small bottle of pills. "They work like magic."
"Uhnn... I don't really take drugs."
"Don't give me that look- they're prescription!" Ewan glared. "Besides, they're really strong. You don't even have to swallow, just lick the bottle cap."
"I'll pass," Hayden assured, rolling onto his side and propping his head up with on hand. "So are you done all your homework?"
"Nope, but that's alright," Ewan lowered his voice. "I'll just copy Jude's answers tomorrow morning- the teacher won't know the difference."
Hayden grinned, gripping the edge of the desk and dragging himself closer to Ewan until their noses bumped. It took them an awkward second to get themselves tilted in complimentary positions, but then they were kissing softly.
"Do you wish I hadn't told you?" Hayden breathed, lightly flushed once they broke apart. It was a difficult question to ask when he could still taste the lingering heat of Ewan's mouth.
"No, I'm glad you told me. I just... don't want to keep hearing it," Ewan said, wishing his honesty didn't sound so cruel.
"Well you're going to have to get over that," Hayden smirked, whispering that insane phrase in Ewan's ear one more time. For some reason, every time he said caused Ewan's heart to squeeze a little tighter each time.
"I said I wouldn't hurt you," Ewan sighed, his forehead knocking heavily on Hayden's shoulder. "If we kept things simple between us then I could have kept that promise... but I don't know if I can do that any more."
"Well then leave it to me? I'll make sure you don't hurt me. I won't hurt you either- and then everything will be fine."
Ewan smiled slightly at Hayden's utterly complete belief. He had no idea how someone who'd been fucked over his entire life still found it in themselves to trust another human being.
"So will you go out with me Ewan? I mean, really go out with me. Only me. Those things you said up in your office... I really want you to mean them."
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it. Besides, I'm fairly sure the entire floor heard you stake your claim on me."
“Good," Hayden grinned, "I want you to be mine."
"Would a tracking collar around my neck be more convenient?"
"Hey, if you're into that then I'm game."
"Pervert," Ewan scowled, though he was surprised at how quickly he was settling into this idea of exclusivity. He dug his index finger into Hayden's chest emphatically. "You know what, Christensen? I'm not only going to take you up on this offer- I'm going to be the best fucking boyfriend you've ever had."
"Well you don't have much in the way of competition," Hayden assured.
“Shit. I just realized I've never done this before,” Ewan frowned. “What sort of procedures need to be followed? Is there paperwork involved? Should I sign something...? Don't look at me like I'm insane, I'm not doing this half-arsed Hayden. If Ewan McGregor is entering a relationship, then it has to be executed perfectly, otherwise, what's the point?"
"Well, as far as I know there's no paperwork,” Hayden informed.
“Oh,” Ewan said, looking a little disappointed. “That's hardly seems binding. How do I know we're really together if we don't have documentation notarized by a lawyer?”
Hayden bit back a smile, “You'll know, because you'll be with me.”
“That's not very reassuring..." Ewan frowned, "Well I suppose we can make the whole thing legitimate by doing all those insipid relationship things... flowers, jewelry- oh! Vacations! Come to think of it, have you ever flown before?”
“No, but I slept in an airport once.”
“Close enough. We could go with traditional- the Cayman Islands are nice this time of year, but they're getting so touristy these days. Oh, and I suppose you'll have to meet my parents, then we can-”
“Ewan!” Hayden interrupted, cringing a little.
“What?”
“Cool it, would you? Maybe we could start off with... I don't know... a normal date? ” Hayden grew slightly red even as he said the word.
“Seriously? That sounds rather lame Hayden.”
“You're the one threatening me with flowers and Cave-men islands,” Hayden said defensively.
“Alright... a date. I think I read about one of those in a book... we go to one of those places with the big screens, and sticky floors,...”
“The movies?”
“Yes! That's the one,” Ewan confirmed, then struggled to recall the rest. “Then I buy you popped corn in a bucket, then there's a struggle with the arm rest... and I can't remember what happens next, but it ends with you blowing me.”
Hayden looked surprised for a moment, then burst into streams of uncontrollable laughter. The only thing that had power to snap him out of it were the cool hands slipping under his clothes, and the sexy grin that gently pushed against his lips. For the first time, Hayden felt secure enough to hold onto someone a little selfishly.
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....About damn time I posted that, huh? I was mean, I know, and I don't deserve your pretty comments- so if you feel like it, you may have a poll instead! ;)