all you need is love.
Title All You Need Is Love
Author schneekrahe
Rating PG-13
Pairing Topper/Phoenix
Disclaimer Fiction; Phoenix is mine, Topper is Gabster's. Title taken from the Beatles song of the same name.
Dedications Written for Gabster mostly, but also for Manou, the BYTS's amazing musical director who inspired me to write this after she told me how much she loves my stories~ ♥
Author Notes WOO MORE TONIC, I LOVE THIS PAIRING CAN YOU TELL. Anyway, I wrote this around August during the drama tour to Bude. It kept me sane more than anything, since Gabs had spent the previous week in Menorca and I was missing her like crazy. BUT ANYWAY enjoy! :3
It had been a long day, that was certain. Topper was cruising home from a particularly tedious business meeting, shirt undone and tie loose, Pink Floyd's "Money" drifting from the stereo. Tapping his long fingers on the steering wheel of the sleek black BMW, he sighed softly as he pulled up to a red light. He was craving a drink, but after the last bar he attended ended up being trashed due to a particularly nasty brawl, he wasn't really sure where he would find one.
After what felt like forever, the light finally flickered to green and he smoothly pulled away. He was still dying for some alcohol, and decided that the next pub or bar he came to would be where he stopped for it. He didn't intend to stay long or drink a lot - just enough to quench his thirst. It was a massive relief when he finally saw one, one that looked relatively quiet, too. With a smile, he swung into the car park and cut the engine.
He was right: the place was practically empty. He wasn't complaining, though. To be honest, he couldn't be bothered to make conversation with a lot of people tonight. As he approached the bar, he glanced around for a sign of someone who could get the drink he needed - and soon enough, that someone appeared. The boy who peeked round the door marked "Private" hardly looked more than sixteen, making a look of surprise flash across Topper's features. He was petite, almost feminine-looking; shy mocha eyes looked up at him through rectangular, thick-rimmed glasses, and he had quite a cute little face. Another prominent feature was the pair of red-gold wings at his back, wings that were tightly folded in as though he was trying to hide them.
Topper offered him a warm smile, and the boy walked over, flicking light-brown hair out of his eyes.
"Evenin', love," Topper said, trying to reassure the timid adolescent, who glanced up at him with a sweet, albeit nervous, smile of his own.
"Hey," he replied quietly. Even his voice was pretty, in a way. It made Topper's heart skip a beat. "Um. Not to be rude, but … I don't think I've seen you around here before … ?"
"Nah, mate. Only found this place just now."
"Oh. Where d'you come from?"
"Not too far away. Only about ten minutes up the road from here, in fact. Can't believe I didn't find this place earlier." He smirked, and Phoenix felt a jolt of … something he couldn't quite explain, but liked nonetheless. "How about you?"
"Oh, I live - I live here, actually … "
A melodic laugh fell from his lips, and he ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, they, um … they let me rent a room out the back."
"With your parents?"
A momentary silence.
"I don't have any. They died in a plane crash five years ago."
"Oh, darlin'. I'm so sorry."
"Hey, don't be. They're happy, wherever they are, and I know they still love me, so … I guess that's all that matters, right?"
"Indeed."
Topper quite liked this boy already, and he smiled warmly, making that same buzz jolt through Phoenix. It was a buzz that seemed to leave him unable to resist smiling back.
"So, uh … what can I get you, sir?"
"It's Topper, love. Moët et Chandon, if you could. And your name would be nice."
The boy giggled a little shyly at this as he took out a glass for the handsome stranger.
"My name's Phoenix."
Time went on as time does, and soon Topper and Phoenix were talking like old friends about anything and everything: bits and pieces of their lives, their tastes in music (which proved to be very similar indeed), how best to make coffee, the things they did when they weren't working. Each was warming to the other fast: Phoenix, to Topper's smooth charm, sense of humour and, though he was reluctant to admit it, those seductively handsome features; Topper, to Phoenix's sweet little mannerisms and his apparent good taste. Inevitably, the topics gradually moved towards each other's love-lives.
"You got a girlfriend, Nix?"
"Nah," he replied, a soft blush rising into his cheeks. Topper quirked a brow.
"Why not? You're a nice enough boy. Good looking, too."
Phoenix's blush deepened, and his reply was barely audible.
"I-I … I'm gay, Topper."
The look Phoenix had on his face now resembled a puppy who had just crapped on the carpet, and knew he was about to get his nose rubbed in it. Topper's features softened, and he gently rested a hand on Phoenix's shoulder.
"Have you got a boyfriend, then?"
Phoenix visibly relaxed, relief spreading across his face, but still shook his head.
"I used to. He dumped me, though. Said I wasn't good enough for him."
"Well, I'm inclined to believe that's his loss, darlin'. Savvy?"
Phoenix glanced up again, and as their eyes caught his heart raced in his chest. Something he couldn't define glimmered deep beneath the surface of those onyx pools, and he could feel his cheeks burning as Topper's fingers skimmed them, brushing stray hair from his eyes. Before he could stop himself, he tipped his head slightly sideways, eyes flicking to Topper's lips. Topper caught this movement and smirked, quickly realising what Phoenix wanted and all too happy to oblige him. Gently snaking a hand around the back of Phoenix's head, he wound his fingers in the boy's hair, using his other hand to tilt his chin upwards.
"Just out of curiosity, love," he murmured, still smirking a little, "how old are you?"
"Nineteen," Phoenix whispered. Topper raised a brow, but didn't question him; he was too busy trying to decode the messages in the chocolate eyes before him. He could detect want, lust, desire, anticipation, anxiety, fear … fear? Why? Phoenix had no reason to fear him. That was something he'd have to eradicate.
Finally relieving the boy of his agonising wait, he slowly leaned forward and let their lips lightly touch. A quiet gasp escaped Phoenix, who was certain by now that anyone within earshot could hear his pounding heart. For a moment, he let their lips stay gently together, but he needed more; Topper's taste was intoxicating. He pressed closer, feeling their mouths slot together like puzzle pieces, and rested a palm on Topper's chest. Topper linked their fingers, parting his lips slightly and nudging Nix's with his tongue. Almost instantly, Nix's fingers curled around Topper's shirt and he let the man explore his mouth. Soft whimpers of delight left him, tainted with urgency as he crawled up onto the counter - when the door swung open, making him pull back sharply and almost fall off. For a moment, he remained frozen, like a winged rabbit caught in headlights. His manager threw Topper a glare that could pierce steel, and Phoenix's insides twisted themselves into knots.
"We're closed," he snarled. Pleadingly, Phoenix's eyes darted between the two, but Topper resignedly got to his feet.
"I apologise, mate," he said softly. For just a moment, his gaze found Phoenix's, and his heart crumpled when he saw the disappointment in those gorgeous eyes. Avoiding the manager's stare, Topper walked out. He hated himself for leaving the poor boy alone, but he knew putting up a fight would only make things worse.
Phoenix watched his retreating back with a sinking heart, gaze falling to his converses. It was likely now that he would never see Topper again, and that the man would soon forget him. Some things really were too good to be true.
"Cole!"
Phoenix winced as the manager barked his name.
"We need to talk, Cole. Now."
x
"Phoenix!"
Topper gasped when he saw the distinctive figure of the boy he just hadn't been able to forget heading down the street a few feet away from him. It had been almost two weeks since the episode in the bar; he wouldn't have been surprised if the other had forgotten it. But the boy looked back, hope written all over his pretty face; and when he saw Topper, his eyes lit up, face splitting into a wide smile. Evidently, Phoenix remembered him. For a reason he couldn't explain, it made his heart soar.
Phoenix ran back towards him, and Topper scooped him into his arms, spinning him in a circle. Phoenix squealed with delight, laughing as he wrapped his arms around Topper's neck and clung on tightly.
"I missed you," Topper smiled, pulling Phoenix close and nuzzling his nose.
"I missed you too, Topper," Phoenix murmured, touching Topper's cheek with his fingertips. Again, that smile made his chest swirl with butterflies.
Gently putting Phoenix down again, Topper lightly kissed his forehead and cuddled him close, gently stroking his soft brown hair. With a quiet exhale, Phoenix instantly relaxed into his arms.
"Was it alright the other night, love?" Topper asked, genuinely concerned. "You didn't get into any trouble … ?"
Phoenix didn't respond for a moment, and Topper took this as a sign that it wasn't alright after all. Guilt filled his insides, not for the first time since that night.
"I-I got fired," Phoenix mumbled, nuzzling into Topper's chest. "And - and they kicked me out. Said they didn't want a queer living with them, and they sure as hell weren't paying one."
"Shit."
"Yeah … "
"Where've you been the past two weeks, then?"
"Here and there. Mostly bed and breakfasts." Nix laughed softly, shrugging. "It's okay. I'll find a place somewhere."
Frowning, Topper held Phoenix close, sighing through his nose. Homophobic pricks, he thought with a jolt of frustration.
And then an idea struck him, one that Nix was sure to agree with.
"Come and live with me, Nixy. I've got more than enough space, and I can pay for us both."
" … Live with you? Really?" Nix didn't want to get his hopes up, but they were already sky-high. "You mean it?"
"Course I do, babe. I ain't leaving you out here all alone, savvy?"
With another ecstatic squeal, Phoenix threw his arms around Topper, stretching up on his toes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"You're most welcome, mate. Now, come on, beautiful boy. You've got a new home to see."
x
Stepping inside Topper's huge mansion, Phoenix's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. Topper just grinned, enjoying Nix's amazement.
"I was hoping you'd like it, love."
"It's - it's incredible … ! How did you afford it?"
"Me dad and me own a business. He's well paid, and so am I, savvy?"
"You're so lucky."
Phoenix was still having trouble taking this in, and he looked up at Topper with admiration in his eyes. Nodding, the older male looked down at him, taking Nix's slender hands in his own.
"I certainly am, love," he smiled, linking their fingers the same way he'd done the other night. The look in the man's eyes was so familiar, so mysterious and beautiful, that same glimmer deep beneath the surface … Phoenix wished he could just fall into them and never surface again.
And then their lips met again, soft and tender, Nix having trouble remembering to breathe as Topper gently caressed his body, wishing he could stay in this moment forever and ever …
Lightly stroking Phoenix's face, Topper softly murmured pretty things to the boy, his boy, this sweet angel that he was falling for as fast as a falcon plunging from the summer sky. Phoenix shivered a little against him, reaching up to leave light kisses down his neck; Topper, enjoying the feel of those gentle lips on his skin, tilted his head slightly to one side. His hands slipped lower down Phoenix's body, settling at his waist - and Phoenix gasped with ecstasy as Topper gently dug his thumbs into his hips, massaging just next to the bone. From then on, it was all a blur: passionately kissing Topper as the man pushed off his shirt; fumbling with Topper's belt; somehow ending up on his back on Topper's bed, stripped naked beneath him; feeling their bodies move together as one, clinging to Topper, breathlessly moaning his name with every burst of euphoria as their hips rocked together, lost in bliss, never wanting it to end …
But it did, and all too soon he found himself curled up in Topper's arms, sweating and trembling with intense pleasure. Smiling a little at the kisses Topper trickled down his neck and shoulder, he pressed his face into Topper's chest, breathing in his scent as though it was a new form of oxygen.
"You alright, darlin'?" Topper asked, gently stroking Nix's wings. He nodded, the smile still on his lips.
"Better than alright. Tired, though."
As if to accentuate this, he yawned softly and snuggled up closer, eyes flickering drowsily. Topper gently eased off his glasses and the red bandanna around his neck.
"Sleep, beautiful. I'm here," he whispered, softly kissing him again as he drifted off. Seeing Nix's face so calm and peaceful made Topper smile again, and as he too slipped into dreams with the boy in his arms, he could have sworn he heard Nix whisper,
"I love you, Topper."
Author schneekrahe
Rating PG-13
Pairing Topper/Phoenix
Disclaimer Fiction; Phoenix is mine, Topper is Gabster's. Title taken from the Beatles song of the same name.
Dedications Written for Gabster mostly, but also for Manou, the BYTS's amazing musical director who inspired me to write this after she told me how much she loves my stories~ ♥
Author Notes WOO MORE TONIC, I LOVE THIS PAIRING CAN YOU TELL. Anyway, I wrote this around August during the drama tour to Bude. It kept me sane more than anything, since Gabs had spent the previous week in Menorca and I was missing her like crazy. BUT ANYWAY enjoy! :3
It had been a long day, that was certain. Topper was cruising home from a particularly tedious business meeting, shirt undone and tie loose, Pink Floyd's "Money" drifting from the stereo. Tapping his long fingers on the steering wheel of the sleek black BMW, he sighed softly as he pulled up to a red light. He was craving a drink, but after the last bar he attended ended up being trashed due to a particularly nasty brawl, he wasn't really sure where he would find one.
After what felt like forever, the light finally flickered to green and he smoothly pulled away. He was still dying for some alcohol, and decided that the next pub or bar he came to would be where he stopped for it. He didn't intend to stay long or drink a lot - just enough to quench his thirst. It was a massive relief when he finally saw one, one that looked relatively quiet, too. With a smile, he swung into the car park and cut the engine.
He was right: the place was practically empty. He wasn't complaining, though. To be honest, he couldn't be bothered to make conversation with a lot of people tonight. As he approached the bar, he glanced around for a sign of someone who could get the drink he needed - and soon enough, that someone appeared. The boy who peeked round the door marked "Private" hardly looked more than sixteen, making a look of surprise flash across Topper's features. He was petite, almost feminine-looking; shy mocha eyes looked up at him through rectangular, thick-rimmed glasses, and he had quite a cute little face. Another prominent feature was the pair of red-gold wings at his back, wings that were tightly folded in as though he was trying to hide them.
Topper offered him a warm smile, and the boy walked over, flicking light-brown hair out of his eyes.
"Evenin', love," Topper said, trying to reassure the timid adolescent, who glanced up at him with a sweet, albeit nervous, smile of his own.
"Hey," he replied quietly. Even his voice was pretty, in a way. It made Topper's heart skip a beat. "Um. Not to be rude, but … I don't think I've seen you around here before … ?"
"Nah, mate. Only found this place just now."
"Oh. Where d'you come from?"
"Not too far away. Only about ten minutes up the road from here, in fact. Can't believe I didn't find this place earlier." He smirked, and Phoenix felt a jolt of … something he couldn't quite explain, but liked nonetheless. "How about you?"
"Oh, I live - I live here, actually … "
A melodic laugh fell from his lips, and he ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, they, um … they let me rent a room out the back."
"With your parents?"
A momentary silence.
"I don't have any. They died in a plane crash five years ago."
"Oh, darlin'. I'm so sorry."
"Hey, don't be. They're happy, wherever they are, and I know they still love me, so … I guess that's all that matters, right?"
"Indeed."
Topper quite liked this boy already, and he smiled warmly, making that same buzz jolt through Phoenix. It was a buzz that seemed to leave him unable to resist smiling back.
"So, uh … what can I get you, sir?"
"It's Topper, love. Moët et Chandon, if you could. And your name would be nice."
The boy giggled a little shyly at this as he took out a glass for the handsome stranger.
"My name's Phoenix."
Time went on as time does, and soon Topper and Phoenix were talking like old friends about anything and everything: bits and pieces of their lives, their tastes in music (which proved to be very similar indeed), how best to make coffee, the things they did when they weren't working. Each was warming to the other fast: Phoenix, to Topper's smooth charm, sense of humour and, though he was reluctant to admit it, those seductively handsome features; Topper, to Phoenix's sweet little mannerisms and his apparent good taste. Inevitably, the topics gradually moved towards each other's love-lives.
"You got a girlfriend, Nix?"
"Nah," he replied, a soft blush rising into his cheeks. Topper quirked a brow.
"Why not? You're a nice enough boy. Good looking, too."
Phoenix's blush deepened, and his reply was barely audible.
"I-I … I'm gay, Topper."
The look Phoenix had on his face now resembled a puppy who had just crapped on the carpet, and knew he was about to get his nose rubbed in it. Topper's features softened, and he gently rested a hand on Phoenix's shoulder.
"Have you got a boyfriend, then?"
Phoenix visibly relaxed, relief spreading across his face, but still shook his head.
"I used to. He dumped me, though. Said I wasn't good enough for him."
"Well, I'm inclined to believe that's his loss, darlin'. Savvy?"
Phoenix glanced up again, and as their eyes caught his heart raced in his chest. Something he couldn't define glimmered deep beneath the surface of those onyx pools, and he could feel his cheeks burning as Topper's fingers skimmed them, brushing stray hair from his eyes. Before he could stop himself, he tipped his head slightly sideways, eyes flicking to Topper's lips. Topper caught this movement and smirked, quickly realising what Phoenix wanted and all too happy to oblige him. Gently snaking a hand around the back of Phoenix's head, he wound his fingers in the boy's hair, using his other hand to tilt his chin upwards.
"Just out of curiosity, love," he murmured, still smirking a little, "how old are you?"
"Nineteen," Phoenix whispered. Topper raised a brow, but didn't question him; he was too busy trying to decode the messages in the chocolate eyes before him. He could detect want, lust, desire, anticipation, anxiety, fear … fear? Why? Phoenix had no reason to fear him. That was something he'd have to eradicate.
Finally relieving the boy of his agonising wait, he slowly leaned forward and let their lips lightly touch. A quiet gasp escaped Phoenix, who was certain by now that anyone within earshot could hear his pounding heart. For a moment, he let their lips stay gently together, but he needed more; Topper's taste was intoxicating. He pressed closer, feeling their mouths slot together like puzzle pieces, and rested a palm on Topper's chest. Topper linked their fingers, parting his lips slightly and nudging Nix's with his tongue. Almost instantly, Nix's fingers curled around Topper's shirt and he let the man explore his mouth. Soft whimpers of delight left him, tainted with urgency as he crawled up onto the counter - when the door swung open, making him pull back sharply and almost fall off. For a moment, he remained frozen, like a winged rabbit caught in headlights. His manager threw Topper a glare that could pierce steel, and Phoenix's insides twisted themselves into knots.
"We're closed," he snarled. Pleadingly, Phoenix's eyes darted between the two, but Topper resignedly got to his feet.
"I apologise, mate," he said softly. For just a moment, his gaze found Phoenix's, and his heart crumpled when he saw the disappointment in those gorgeous eyes. Avoiding the manager's stare, Topper walked out. He hated himself for leaving the poor boy alone, but he knew putting up a fight would only make things worse.
Phoenix watched his retreating back with a sinking heart, gaze falling to his converses. It was likely now that he would never see Topper again, and that the man would soon forget him. Some things really were too good to be true.
"Cole!"
Phoenix winced as the manager barked his name.
"We need to talk, Cole. Now."
x
"Phoenix!"
Topper gasped when he saw the distinctive figure of the boy he just hadn't been able to forget heading down the street a few feet away from him. It had been almost two weeks since the episode in the bar; he wouldn't have been surprised if the other had forgotten it. But the boy looked back, hope written all over his pretty face; and when he saw Topper, his eyes lit up, face splitting into a wide smile. Evidently, Phoenix remembered him. For a reason he couldn't explain, it made his heart soar.
Phoenix ran back towards him, and Topper scooped him into his arms, spinning him in a circle. Phoenix squealed with delight, laughing as he wrapped his arms around Topper's neck and clung on tightly.
"I missed you," Topper smiled, pulling Phoenix close and nuzzling his nose.
"I missed you too, Topper," Phoenix murmured, touching Topper's cheek with his fingertips. Again, that smile made his chest swirl with butterflies.
Gently putting Phoenix down again, Topper lightly kissed his forehead and cuddled him close, gently stroking his soft brown hair. With a quiet exhale, Phoenix instantly relaxed into his arms.
"Was it alright the other night, love?" Topper asked, genuinely concerned. "You didn't get into any trouble … ?"
Phoenix didn't respond for a moment, and Topper took this as a sign that it wasn't alright after all. Guilt filled his insides, not for the first time since that night.
"I-I got fired," Phoenix mumbled, nuzzling into Topper's chest. "And - and they kicked me out. Said they didn't want a queer living with them, and they sure as hell weren't paying one."
"Shit."
"Yeah … "
"Where've you been the past two weeks, then?"
"Here and there. Mostly bed and breakfasts." Nix laughed softly, shrugging. "It's okay. I'll find a place somewhere."
Frowning, Topper held Phoenix close, sighing through his nose. Homophobic pricks, he thought with a jolt of frustration.
And then an idea struck him, one that Nix was sure to agree with.
"Come and live with me, Nixy. I've got more than enough space, and I can pay for us both."
" … Live with you? Really?" Nix didn't want to get his hopes up, but they were already sky-high. "You mean it?"
"Course I do, babe. I ain't leaving you out here all alone, savvy?"
With another ecstatic squeal, Phoenix threw his arms around Topper, stretching up on his toes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"You're most welcome, mate. Now, come on, beautiful boy. You've got a new home to see."
x
Stepping inside Topper's huge mansion, Phoenix's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. Topper just grinned, enjoying Nix's amazement.
"I was hoping you'd like it, love."
"It's - it's incredible … ! How did you afford it?"
"Me dad and me own a business. He's well paid, and so am I, savvy?"
"You're so lucky."
Phoenix was still having trouble taking this in, and he looked up at Topper with admiration in his eyes. Nodding, the older male looked down at him, taking Nix's slender hands in his own.
"I certainly am, love," he smiled, linking their fingers the same way he'd done the other night. The look in the man's eyes was so familiar, so mysterious and beautiful, that same glimmer deep beneath the surface … Phoenix wished he could just fall into them and never surface again.
And then their lips met again, soft and tender, Nix having trouble remembering to breathe as Topper gently caressed his body, wishing he could stay in this moment forever and ever …
Lightly stroking Phoenix's face, Topper softly murmured pretty things to the boy, his boy, this sweet angel that he was falling for as fast as a falcon plunging from the summer sky. Phoenix shivered a little against him, reaching up to leave light kisses down his neck; Topper, enjoying the feel of those gentle lips on his skin, tilted his head slightly to one side. His hands slipped lower down Phoenix's body, settling at his waist - and Phoenix gasped with ecstasy as Topper gently dug his thumbs into his hips, massaging just next to the bone. From then on, it was all a blur: passionately kissing Topper as the man pushed off his shirt; fumbling with Topper's belt; somehow ending up on his back on Topper's bed, stripped naked beneath him; feeling their bodies move together as one, clinging to Topper, breathlessly moaning his name with every burst of euphoria as their hips rocked together, lost in bliss, never wanting it to end …
But it did, and all too soon he found himself curled up in Topper's arms, sweating and trembling with intense pleasure. Smiling a little at the kisses Topper trickled down his neck and shoulder, he pressed his face into Topper's chest, breathing in his scent as though it was a new form of oxygen.
"You alright, darlin'?" Topper asked, gently stroking Nix's wings. He nodded, the smile still on his lips.
"Better than alright. Tired, though."
As if to accentuate this, he yawned softly and snuggled up closer, eyes flickering drowsily. Topper gently eased off his glasses and the red bandanna around his neck.
"Sleep, beautiful. I'm here," he whispered, softly kissing him again as he drifted off. Seeing Nix's face so calm and peaceful made Topper smile again, and as he too slipped into dreams with the boy in his arms, he could have sworn he heard Nix whisper,
"I love you, Topper."