fic: how i'll start
Title: how i'll start
Fandom: American Idol RPF
Rating: R
Pairings: Adam/Kris
Word Count: ~5,800
Summary: The last lull in their conversation ending with Kris kissing Adam's palm and murmuring I think I'm done waiting now. (At the beginning. High school AU.)
A/N: This takes place two weeks after number five.
For the schmoop_bingo prompt kissing it better, and the kissbingo prompt time: first.
Master post of previous installments: here
Adam tries not to inhale all the coffee in his tumbler at once, he really does, but he's just been dropped off at school an entire hour before the first bell is due to ring, and it's just. There's really no other way to stay awake.
It's thanks to his years of dance-training-by-way-of-theater that he doesn't trip over his own two feet while attempting to push the main door open with his shoulder. He blearily makes the twists and turns to his locker, mentally planning to pass out on his desk in Music Theory and wait for the bell to wake him up. There's a familiar figure leaning right against his locker, seemingly waiting for him, and Adam thinks he might be hallucinating.
Adam's running on three hours of sleep because they'd been texting all night, and Adam has been spending pretty much all of his spare time thinking about him, all day every day, and he has a very active imagination, okay.
But as he slowly steps closer, the apparition doesn't change or go away; it stays just the same, just Kris, Kris in his plaid shirt and tighter-than-usual jeans, Kris sporting a serious case of bedhead.
Kris trying to bring Adam to his knees with his low-lidded gaze and easy smile.
"Hey, you," the non-apparition drawls lazily, and Adam is struck dumb, defenseless against the sudden onslaught of memories of yesterday afternoon - Alisan's ribbing while they sat in the bleachers and Adam stole glances at a gorgeous, uniform-clad Kris doing drills; Kris coming up to them after, all freshly-showered and distractingly damp, easily deflecting Alisan's teasing and matching Adam flirt for flirt despite the adorable blush rising in his cheeks; Alisan mumbling about a Spanish exam and ducking away; Kris unceremoniously dropping down next to him, followed by two and a half hours of talking about everything and nothing, batting mosquitoes away and making a contest of spotting lightning bugs; Kris eyeing his nail polish an hour in, grabbing his hand, calloused fingers lacing with his for the billionth time in two weeks.
What Adam remembers most of all is the last lull in their conversation ending with Kris kissing Adam's palm and murmuring I think I'm done waiting now.
Adam's stomach bottoms out at the sense memory of their first kiss... then their second and third and fifteenth and possibly hundredth; making out on their way to his car, up against his car, and inside his car; stealing glances and breaking into giggles as Adam drove, Kris curled up in his passenger seat like he belonged there, making no secret of his attention; the absolute fucking hottest kiss of his life happening at the sidewalk in front of Kris's house; Neil rolling his eyes at him all through dinner ("Dude, stop smiling. You're freaking me out."); curling up in bed - not even attempting homework because who was he kidding - thumbs flying on his keypad, feeling more alive than ever, relishing the freedom to say things like you have really nice hands and I like your butt and it took everything in me to let you go and so how do you feel about pet names? and grinning so hard his cheeks hurt and even then, he couldn't stop.
Adam doesn't know how long they stand there staring dopily at each other, but the sound of a locker slamming two hallways away jars him out of his daze. His grin gets impossibly wider as he steps closer. Adam feels his heart skitter in his chest when Kris reaches out to take his hand and tips his chin up for a kiss.
It's soft and quick and Kris's lips feel better than Adam remembers.
He'd be horrified at the dreamy sigh he lets out the moment they part, but Kris's closed eyes and goofy grin makes him feel better about his ridiculousness, makes his knees weak.
The newness of it is intoxicating. Adam wants it, has been wanting it for a while, and he could happily drown in the knowledge that he has it, that he's welcome to take it as often as he can, that he's wanted back just as much. He shuts his eyes and leans in for another kiss. What's even more flooring is how quickly it's becoming familiar - how Kris automatically takes top lip because Adam had claimed his bottom lip from the very first; Kris's one crooked tooth that Adam can't help but pay extra attention to; the mint of Kris's toothpaste; how Kris welcomes the press of his tongue and already knows just how much to press back; the sound Kris makes at the back of his throat that makes Adam want to pull him impossibly closer.
Kris seems to have the same idea - he steps right into Adam's space and winds an arm around Adam's waist, noses at Adam's neck. It feels right, holding each other like this first thing in the morning, stealing a private moment in the middle of an empty hallway. Adam nuzzles at Kris's temple and inhales the scent of strawberry Pop-Tarts, aftershave, and Kris's generic shampoo.
"I could get used to this," Kris mumbles into his skin.
Adam feels a manic grin almost split his face. "Me too."
They stay curled into each other for a long time, enjoying the moment, adjusting bit by bit as they learn how to fit their bodies together. "How did you know I was even going to be here?" Adam whispers into the space between them.
Adam's morning routine has been screwy all week - his mom's truck is in the shop, so Adam and Neil get dropped off to school at an ungodly hour.
Kris pulls his head away slightly, a shy smile on his face. "Thought you'd like some company."
"Yeah?" Adam grins back. "Thought you'd still be in bed. Y'know, after you fell asleep on me last night."
The blush that blooms on Kris's cheeks is unbearably adorable. "I know, I'm sorry - I saw your texts when I woke up. It's way too early in this relationship for me to screw up like that, I knew I had to make it up to you."
"Relationship?" Adam asks, eyebrow raised.
Kris's eyes widen in panic. "Um. Yeah?" His head ducks down and he takes a deep breath before looking back up at Adam with a determined expression. "Only if you - I mean, I didn't want to presume, but --"
Another kiss - Adam pours his heart into it, wanting to show Kris without words that he's in this too, he can't not be, there's nobody else in the universe he wants to be in this with; he swallows Kris's whimpers and tries to map every crevice of Kris's mouth with his tongue; discovers that the roof of Kris's mouth is incredibly sensitive and vows to take advantage of this knowledge as often as he can; twists them around so he's pressing Kris up against the lockers, their entire bodies aligned.
It's an effort to stop, and they gasp into each other's mouths for a long moment, trying to catch their breath. Kris takes hold of Adam's bottom lip and pulls, and damn if that's not the hottest thing anyone has ever done to him. "Is that a yes?" Kris asks, smug.
Adam shuts his eyes against the wall of feeling, then darts forward and bites at the air between them. "Stop gloating."
"You're just about as threatening as an angry puppy, Adam," Kris says as his hands restlessly make their way under Adam's jacket and toy at the hem of Adam's shirt. "But I like you anyway."
Adam can't help but kiss him again after that. "I like you, too."
Kris's gaze suddenly narrows with an unnerving kind of focus, hands coming up to toy with Adam's hair, fingertips tracing his lined eyelids, down his cheeks, and all along his lips. There's nothing quite like being the sole focus of Kris Allen's attention, and Adam just submits to it, Kris's awed grin telling him all he needs to know.
Kris's thumbs make their way down to caress his neck and rub at his collarbones, and it feels so good, his hands so warm, and all Adam wants is to bury himself in it, can't help the yawn that escapes his lips. "Sorry, I just --"
"S'okay," all the understanding and patience in the world is in Kris's voice. "How do you feel about taking a nap in my car 'til first bell?"
"That's the best idea I've ever heard in my life," Adam sighs. "You don't mind?"
Kris smiles. "Not at all." Kris leans down to pick up the backpack Adam hadn't realized he'd dropped and then tugs on his hand. "I'm parked right outside."
Their fingers stay laced together as they stumble out the door and into the early morning light. Kris's battered Corolla is the only car in the lot. Kris pulls the passenger door open and gently pushes him inside. With a deep sigh, Adam settles into the seat and pushes the recliner all the way down.
He vaguely hears the dual thump of their bags being dumped in the back seat, and smiles when the car shifts as Kris slides in next to him. Adam curls on his side and reaches out to tamp down the messy shock of Kris's hair. "Brush," he slurs, quickly falling under the blanket of sleep. Kris's quiet laugh and the feel of warm fingers touching his face are the last things Adam remembers before everything drifts away.
---
The same fingers are suddenly shaking his shoulders. "Five minutes," Adam grunts.
"Bell's ringing in fifteen. C'mon Adam, don't you need to fix your makeup and stuff first?"
That jolts Adam right out of the warm haze of sleep, and he blinks at Kris, his hands belatedly flying up to cover his face. "Oh my God, I'm a complete mess."
Kris's laugh is shooting up Adam's list of top twenty sounds in the whole world. Top ten. No, top three. "No, you're not. Hey, come on." Surprisingly strong fingers pry his own away from his face. "But I know you won't believe me, so go do your thing."
Adam huffs at him and checks the rearview mirror. His eyeliner's a little smudged, but there isn't any damage otherwise. He's mortified at the thought of Kris seeing his raccoon imitation.
"S'all good?" Kris asks.
"It's fine. Oh my God, please tell me you didn't just watch me sleep this whole time," Adam groans.
There's that laugh again. Top two now, definitely.
"I slept a little too. And I did my homework," Kris says and glances at his watch. "First is in ten."
Adam gusts out a sigh before leaning in for a quick kiss. When Adam tries to pull away, Kris grunts in protest and clamps a hand on his neck, opening his mouth further. And Adam knows this now, knows the slant of Kris's mouth, knows Kris likes his lower lip bitten, knows the shape of Kris's crooked grin. He can't wait to find out more.
He finds his hand fisted in Kris's shirt and tries to smooth the wrinkles away. "You're bossy," Adam rasps. "I like it."
Kris blushes and clears his throat. "Uh."
Adam laughs openly, delighted. "You're so cute, it should be criminal."
Kris blushes impossibly harder at that, and Adam laughs some more. The first bell hasn't even rung yet, and already it's the best Thursday Adam has ever had.
"So uh, should we start, y'know, telling people? About us?" Kris asks haltingly.
"Kris. Alisan is going to be able to tell, the moment I walk into Music Theory. Just from the look on my face." Adam falters. "That's okay, right? I mean, it's not exactly a surprise, I don't think --"
"Yeah, let's just - we'll answer anyone who asks, but for the rest, maybe lunch? So we can tell everyone all in one go."
"Okay, yeah, lunch is good. And I think my mom already kind of knows, so."
"Oh jeez, my mom's going to want you over for dinner," Kris moans, looking like he wants to melt into his seat and disappear.
Adam squeezes Kris's wrist and tamps down the churn of illogical nerves in his stomach. Kris's mom has known him since the day he was born. There's nothing to be afraid of. "It's okay. Your mom's super cool, it'll be great. We'll be great."
Kris looks like he's about to say something else when the first warning bell suddenly rings. Five minutes. Kris wrinkles his nose at him and tugs at the sleeve of Adam's jacket. Adam happily obliges, darting forward for a quick peck.
"I'm not gonna be able to think of anything else all day," Adam murmurs before pulling away.
"I know, right," Kris smiles ruefully. "Well. Not that that's new or anything. Been thinking about you - about this - for a while."
They grin at each other for another long beat, then Kris turns to get out of the car and pulls out their stuff from the back seat. Adam gingerly steps out too, brushing his fingers against Kris's when he reaches out for his bag.
Before Adam could even think about waffling between kissing him or not, Kris leans up and pecks Adam's cheek, mumbling "see you at lunch" before jogging away.
Adam just stands there for a few seconds, goggling at the space Kris was standing in. He lifts his head just in time to catch a glimpse of Kris's smirk before his attention is torn away by someone clapping him on the back.
"Hey, congrats, man," Cale stage-whispers at him, a knowing grin on his face.
Adam grins back helplessly and follows him into the music building. "Did he tell you?"
"Nope. His car windows aren't exactly tinted, man."
Adam feels his entire face flush red. "Crap."
"It's no big deal." They stop at Adam's door. "No seriously, I'm happy for you two. Been a long time coming," Cale says kindly.
"Yeah, why do I get the feeling we'll be hearing that all day?" he says.
Cale just grins wider. "Well, it's true. But hey - you know he's my best friend. You break his heart, I break your face."
Adam feels another giggle attack coming on, but he tamps it down the best he can. "Um. Uh huh. I believe you."
"See you at lunch!" Cale waves and grins cheekily as he walks away.
He's three steps into the classroom when suddenly Alisan is right up in his face, her chin tipped up and eyes kind of scarily huge. "Oh my God, it finally happened. Spill. Now."
It's going to be a long day. Adam can't really pretend that he minds.
---
Adam endures Alisan's flaily freakout in first, Dani's knowing gaze all through third, and Andrew's extra hard shove in the hallway between third and fourth. He's jittery and impatient all morning, tapping his feet and fidgeting in his seat through all his classes. He endures raised eyebrows from a couple teachers, but all he cares about is how light his palms feel, the glaringly empty space between his fingers, the ghost of Kris's touch on his face and arms. He can't concentrate on anything but the painful anticipation of seeing Kris at lunch.
His Lit classroom is about as far away from the cafeteria as possible, so their lunch table is full once he gets there. Kris is sitting on the farthest corner, head ducked while picking at his food. Suddenly Adam feels light-headed.
All conversation at the table stops once he's five feet away, and Adam just rolls his eyes, doesn't even try to hide the ridiculous grin that blossomed on his face at the first sight of... of his boyfriend. He has a boyfriend now. How strange.
He walks forward and bends down to kiss Allison's head before taking the empty seat on Kris's left, very much aware of at least eight pairs of eyes tracking his every move. He grins, nonchalantly picks up a fry from Kris's tray and nibbles on it. Everyone's still staring, Allison practically vibrating on the seat across from him.
"I've always dreamed of silencing a room when I enter it. You guys have totally ruined that fantasy, just so you know," he says, winking at Kris.
"Come on man, just say it. Kristopher here hasn't looked any of us in the eye the whole time he's been here," Matt says, exasperated.
"That's a lie," Kris smirks, a gorgeous blush staining his cheeks. Adam can't help but grin at that, his right hand coming up to touch.
Megan snorts, and suddenly the whole table is roaring with laughter. Adam rolls his eyes at Kris, who just grins and laces their fingers together.
"Glad that's over with," Adam scoffs, and he's not blushing. He's really, really not.
Cale and Andrew's heads are bent together, sniggering like idiots; Allison's reaching across the table to pinch Kris's cheek; and Lee's whooping the loudest of them all despite Scarlett's shushing - Danielle's handing him a wad of cash.
"You didn't," Adam says indignantly.
"What else are we going to do for entertainment, man? Dangit, I missed by two days, couldn't you have done this on movie night?" Cale smirks.
"Dude, I overshot by an entire week," Tommy says. "Shoulda known Adam would snap sooner."
Alisan laughs at that - "Sources tell me it was the other way around. Am I right, superstar?"
"Oh ho, really, Kris? Didn't know you had it in you," Brad crows.
Kris's blush runs all the way down his neck, and all Adam can think of is that he needs to find out how far it goes. Like, immediately.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Brad," Kris drawls, an evil tilt to his smile.
Adam chokes on a giggle as the table bursts into another round of laughter.
---
It's a very, very good thing that they're running through one of the big group numbers today - Mr. D. is easily distracted by the ensemble's shenanigans and Adam doesn't come in to sing his part until close to the end; that makes it much easier to hide his complete and utter lack of focus that afternoon. Adam is so intensely aware of Kris sitting in the pit right down the stage, just a few feet away - forehead probably scrunched in deep concentration (adorable), hands gentle on his instrument (hot), and wearing his glasses (completely irresistible). Adam spends most of rehearsal just hanging around backstage, mind running wildly through all of the things he wants to do to Kris once they're alone again. He's on edge the whole time, hands itching to get at skin he's barely acquainted with; wanting to hear all the delicious sounds Kris makes when Adam licks like that; but mostly he feels warm and touch-starved, needing to hold and be held, to make sure that all of it is real.
It should be terrifying, but somehow it isn't, and Adam's not used to this kind of certainty barely twenty-four hours into a relationship. It's just that - he knows Kris, and all through their friendship, he's been nothing but steady, reassuring, sweet, and just one of the best people Adam knows. And they'd talked about this a lot, in that hypothetical way you do with your close friends - Adam has known all along that Kris has patience in spades and he won't get into anything that isn't real; and despite Kris's teasing, he knows that Adam's been looking for it too. That's where it all started, that night on someone's porch a few months ago, sharing that with Kris. And every time Adam thinks of the previous night, making out in the backseat of his car, that look of joy and awe on Kris's face every time they pulled apart to breathe, Kris's strong and sure grip, Kris's soft gasps and little moans and enthusiastic tongue - Adam feels his heart trip, feels like the two of them are standing at the edge of a cliff, getting ready to jump.
Yeah. Distracting.
Before he knows it, he's being pulled into a last-minute pow-wow with the rest of the cast, their dance captain announcing the rehearsal schedule for the rest of the week and how they'll be rotating scenery work and more rehearsal on Saturday. And then Danielle and Scarlett are pulling him downstage and into the seats, where Kris, Allison and Matt were chatting.
"Ready to go?" Kris asks as he gets up, slinging his backpack and viola case on his shoulders.
"Yeah," Adam answers, eyes fixed on the fall of the dim light on Kris's face.
Kris raises an eyebrow at him, like he knows exactly what he's thinking. "Scarlett's coming too, Dani? And Adam, I got you, right?"
"Yeah," Adam repeats dumbly, choosing to ignore the stifled giggles coming from Allison's general direction.
They make it to the parking lot eventually, and Adam's grateful that he doesn't trip and fall flat on his face, he's so tense. Scarlett throws questioning glances at him, probably weirded out by his silence, but they're easy to ignore with the large boxes of fabric they were all carrying.
It's a quick drive - barely fifteen minutes - and Danielle and Scarlett chatter the whole time, planning out costume designs while Kris laughs at some of their more ridiculous ideas. Adam contributes to the conversation every once in a while, but mostly he's focused on the weight of Kris's hand in his, kind of stunned at how casually Kris reached out to lace their fingers together as soon as they pulled away from the parking lot. He imagines dozens of school days ending just like this, taking turns driving each other home, hanging out, maybe even staying at each other's house for dinner. For so long, Adam has wanted - imagined doing all that cheesy, romantic, boyfriend-y shit with some nameless, faceless stranger He ached for it so much it hurt sometimes. And now it's real, he has it, this, Kris, and it seems his imagination is even more outrageous than he thought.
They help the girls carry the boxes up to Danielle's room, and wish them luck on what's shaping up to be a long night of work. Scarlett pulls him in for an extra long hug and whispers "I'm so happy for you, baby" in his ear, and Adam shuts his eyes, feeling a burst of happiness that makes his knees a little weak.
Kris is quiet when they walk down the stairs, one hand idly playing with his keys. Adam smiles at the mess attached to them, eyeing several friendship bracelets the girls insisted they all had to have; a small guitar keychain that he knows are identical to the ones Cale, Tommy and Andrew have; and the peacock feather (the only one of its kind, thank you very much) Adam put there himself a month ago. It's a little funny to look back, to what was just a kind-of-blossoming not-thing between them, how Kris's fingers brushed his and it took Adam days to stop feeling the buzz under his skin.
Once they're both safely in the car, Adam lunges forward and grabs Kris's face, catching his lips in a clumsy kiss. After a couple seconds of frozen surprise, Kris makes the hottest little mmmph at the back of his throat, mouth opening under his, teeth pulling at his upper lip. Adam sighs and falls into it, body straining, trying to get closer, all but crawling across the console.
Kris pulls away after a minute, gasping, eyes glazed and mouth shining red. Adam grins then tries to claim another kiss, but Kris laughs softly and cups his face. "Adam. Not here, jeez."
"What --"
"I'm not making out with my boyfriend while parked right in front of his best friend's house," Kris huffs, fingers trailing down his neck.
"Oh. Right." It's like a fog suddenly lifts, and Adam remembers exactly where they are and who might be looking in. "Oh."
Kris just snorts and presses a kiss at the corner of his mouth. "I was thinking - Green Alley?"
"Yeah sure," Adam answers, still dazed.
"You okay?" Kris asks. "I can, uh. I can take you home if you don't --"
That snaps Adam out of it. "What, no - I want - I mean." Adam's never had trouble with words before, but it seems like he can't think of any now. So he just leans in and pours all of it - his excitement, joy, gratitude, giddiness - in a long, deep kiss.
"Oh."
"Uh huh," Adam breathes, exhilarated. "C'mon, let's make good use of your backseat."
---
Somehow they make it a few blocks to the dead end at Green Alley - Adam keeps running his fingers on Kris's cheek, down his neck, up under his shirt, and Kris looks torn between melting into his touch and trying to keep them both alive by keeping his eyes on the road. "I hate you," Kris grits out and Adam just laughs and laughs.
To Adam's delight, Kris is still scowling at him when they park and then climb into the backseat. "You're so cute when you pout," Adam coos, scooting so he can press Kris into the corner.
Kris scowls, but then gives himself away when he instinctively spreads his legs and tilts his chin up. "I don't know why I put up with you."
Chuckling, Adam settles between Kris's legs and leans forward so their lips touch as they speak. "Can't help it. Been wanting to touch you all day. Kris."
Kris arches up, groaning into his mouth, hands fumbling under his shirt and up his back, grip strong and unyielding. Adam shuts his eyes and just lets himself feel, heart tripping in his chest, skin burning, entire body straining to get close, closer, never, ever enough. He's completely in the moment, gives as much as he takes, lets Kris know what he likes with his gasps and sighs, mapping Kris's mouth with his tongue, chasing away the taste of Twizzlers and coke until all he can taste is them.
Adam takes a second to pull away and shifts backward, trying to give Kris space to breathe; Kris groans in protest and surges up, and that leads them bumping their heads together, hard.
The flash of pain that follows isn't too bad, but Kris's head is smaller than his, and gravity was working against him. Kris, on the other hand, lets out a loud whimper, his hand coming up to the sore spot on his forehead.
Adam takes that hand and clutches it with both of his, leaning down to reach the offending spot. "Sorry, baby," he murmurs into Kris's skin, kissing lightly. He carefully moves off Kris's lap, adjusting so they're both on their sides, leaning on the backseat.
Kris automatically laces their fingers together, like he doesn't even need to think about doing it. "I'm okay." He scoots closer, arm reaching out to wrap around Adam's waist, humming when Adam peppers kisses on his forehead.
Adam feels a delicious thrill run through his back when Kris presses closer, leg coming up to hook around his waist. Kris's breaths are hot and wet against Adam's skin. It feels wonderful.
"I think today is the best day," Kris murmurs into Adam's jaw.
"Mmm really? I think the day of our first kiss was the best day," Adam answers. It's a heady feeling, talking to Kris like this, knowing that he can, and Adam doesn't think it will ever get old.
Kris's hand drifts up under Adam's shirt, nails scratching lightly at his waist. Adam can't help but arch into the touch, every point of contact searing his skin. "Well, yes. Felt so much like a dream, though. Then I woke up and it was real," Kris says.
Adam tips Kris's chin up for a short, sweet kiss. "Yeah, it's real," Adam whispers, stroking the delicate line of Kris's cheekbone, enjoying the softness of Kris's skin. Adam has always thought that Kris was good-looking; he's never passed up the chance to stare a little bit, especially when Kris laughs or smiles or - Adam's secret weakness - when Kris ducks his head, shy, exposing the gorgeous line of his neck, eyelashes fanning his cheek. Up close like this, Kris is even more perfect Adam had ever imagined, eyelids heavy with affection, lips red and shiny. All for Adam. Because of Adam.
Kris opens his mouth further and deepens the kiss, tongue stroking Adam's as they languidly explore, breaths mingling. Adam's quickly becoming addicted to the soft sighs Kris lets out whenever Adam sucks on his tongue, how his breath hitches when Adam's hand runs down the smooth plane of his back. Adam's hand drifts all the way down to Kris's ass, just feeling. When Kris pushes himself back into the touch, Adam slides his hand into a back pocket and squeezes lightly. That draws another new, gorgeous sound from the back of Kris's throat, and Adam chases it with his tongue, their kisses going deeper and becoming wilder. Kris whines a little and tugs Adam sideways; Adam has to pull away with a gasp when Kris bucks against him and simultaneously starts to knead his ass and thigh.
As Adam tries to catch his breath, Kris hums and kisses down his neck, licking and sucking lightly. Kris's mouth is perfect, something Adam didn't even know to wish for; full and soft, giving just the right amount of pressure. It seems Adam isn't the only one learning things quickly. It's almost too much. Adam's all the way hard in his jeans, harder than he's been in a pretty long time, and he can feel the line of Kris's cock pressing against the jut of his hip. Adam's head could explode when he lets himself think of all the possibilities, all the things they could do, things he's long wanted to do to Kris. But what Adam wants more is to not make this - their first real day together - just about pawing at each other to get off. It's so much more than that. Adam knows that even when they do take that step, it will never be just about sex, ever, but there's time enough for that. More than enough time.
When Kris's wandering hand makes its way back up to Adam's waist, Adam picks it up. Even if they've done this dozens of times in the last couple of weeks, the simple contact still makes Adam's breath catch.
Kris squeezes his hand like he knows what Adam's thinking. Adam just smiles, flexes his fingers, testing the weight of Kris's hand in his. Runs his fingertips on Kris's callouses, careful and caressing, exploring the dips and lines on Kris's skin. Loves how small and soft Kris's hand is. Loves the knowledge of it, that this is his right now, to touch and explore whenever and however he wants.
Adam twines their fingers together slowly and lets out a soft breath, heart both heavy and light in his chest.
There's a few beats of silence, and then:
"Good fit," Kris murmurs, fingers squeezing his.
Adam grins. "Great fit."
Their fingers continue to move together, twisting and grasping, palms meeting in a kiss. Adam watches, mesmerized.
Abruptly, Kris's hand starts to move toward Adam's face. Kris's fingers lightly touch his lips, and Adam shivers. He turns his head and feels a burst of devastating pleasure at Kris's shining eyes. No one has ever looked at him like that before.
"Your freckles are distracting," Kris whispers.
He smiles at Kris fondly, unselfconscious now, feeling safe under the blanket of his easy, unguarded affection. Kris has always been grabby, has always shown a remarkable disregard for personal space when it comes to all of his friends, but. This is different. It makes Adam brave; makes the sea of emotions easier to drown in, knowing that Kris is right there to put breath back in his lungs.
He reaches out and cups Kris's face in his hands. "I've been waiting for you," he says. This has been a long time coming, and he's never been one to lie in omission. And truths have always been easier to say in the dark.
Kris's eyes stay locked on his, and he turns his cheek, drops a soft kiss on Adam's palm. "I know. Me too."
And this, this is the most terrifying thing he's ever done. Adam braces himself, screws his eyes shut, because maybe he's not as brave as he wants to be. Not yet. "Please don't break my heart," he breathes.
His ears ring in the sudden silence.
Then. "Adam, look at me," Kris says, voice barely above a whisper. Adam opens his eyes and sees Kris's steady smile. "I'm right here with you. It's scary as heck, but I'm here. I promise."
Adam shuts his eyes against the burn of tears, and presses his forehead against Kris's, breaths gone shallow, thumbs absently caressing Kris's jaw. "Okay. We're good," Adam sighs, wishing he could take this moment and keep it somewhere he can take it out and look at it and examine it, and most importantly feel it, all over again, any time he wants.
"We're pretty freaking great," Kris laughs against Adam's mouth and kisses him. And Adam pushes away that ridiculous thought, because he has this now, he doesn't need to lock anything away because Kris is right here, Kris who makes him feel beautiful and giddy and cherished. Kris who makes him feel like he can climb mountains and swim across oceans, sappy as that may sound.
They kiss for a little while longer; soft and sweet kisses devoid of their earlier urgency. Adam sighs at each and every one, feeling blissed out, refusing to pull away completely even if his lips are going numb.
Adam ends up sprawled across the entire backseat, Kris perched on his chest. "I like you," Kris grins at him. It's the most adorable thing ever, and Adam ruffles his hair.
"I really, really like you," Adam answers with a soft smile. "I'm so glad we're doing this."
Kris presses a kiss into Adam's sternum and then turns his head to rub his cheek on Adam's t-shirt. "Me too."
It's getting a little late, and they'll have to go soon, separate houses and families and dinners waiting for them. They'll have to let go for the night, and wait until morning to have each other again. But for now, Adam is more than content to just sit and hold Kris close, match his breathing to Kris's, recall everything that's happened during this impossible day and memorize how it all feels. For now, this is Adam's entire world.
Next: at my side
Fandom: American Idol RPF
Rating: R
Pairings: Adam/Kris
Word Count: ~5,800
Summary: The last lull in their conversation ending with Kris kissing Adam's palm and murmuring I think I'm done waiting now. (At the beginning. High school AU.)
A/N: This takes place two weeks after number five.
For the schmoop_bingo prompt kissing it better, and the kissbingo prompt time: first.
Master post of previous installments: here
Adam tries not to inhale all the coffee in his tumbler at once, he really does, but he's just been dropped off at school an entire hour before the first bell is due to ring, and it's just. There's really no other way to stay awake.
It's thanks to his years of dance-training-by-way-of-theater that he doesn't trip over his own two feet while attempting to push the main door open with his shoulder. He blearily makes the twists and turns to his locker, mentally planning to pass out on his desk in Music Theory and wait for the bell to wake him up. There's a familiar figure leaning right against his locker, seemingly waiting for him, and Adam thinks he might be hallucinating.
Adam's running on three hours of sleep because they'd been texting all night, and Adam has been spending pretty much all of his spare time thinking about him, all day every day, and he has a very active imagination, okay.
But as he slowly steps closer, the apparition doesn't change or go away; it stays just the same, just Kris, Kris in his plaid shirt and tighter-than-usual jeans, Kris sporting a serious case of bedhead.
Kris trying to bring Adam to his knees with his low-lidded gaze and easy smile.
"Hey, you," the non-apparition drawls lazily, and Adam is struck dumb, defenseless against the sudden onslaught of memories of yesterday afternoon - Alisan's ribbing while they sat in the bleachers and Adam stole glances at a gorgeous, uniform-clad Kris doing drills; Kris coming up to them after, all freshly-showered and distractingly damp, easily deflecting Alisan's teasing and matching Adam flirt for flirt despite the adorable blush rising in his cheeks; Alisan mumbling about a Spanish exam and ducking away; Kris unceremoniously dropping down next to him, followed by two and a half hours of talking about everything and nothing, batting mosquitoes away and making a contest of spotting lightning bugs; Kris eyeing his nail polish an hour in, grabbing his hand, calloused fingers lacing with his for the billionth time in two weeks.
What Adam remembers most of all is the last lull in their conversation ending with Kris kissing Adam's palm and murmuring I think I'm done waiting now.
Adam's stomach bottoms out at the sense memory of their first kiss... then their second and third and fifteenth and possibly hundredth; making out on their way to his car, up against his car, and inside his car; stealing glances and breaking into giggles as Adam drove, Kris curled up in his passenger seat like he belonged there, making no secret of his attention; the absolute fucking hottest kiss of his life happening at the sidewalk in front of Kris's house; Neil rolling his eyes at him all through dinner ("Dude, stop smiling. You're freaking me out."); curling up in bed - not even attempting homework because who was he kidding - thumbs flying on his keypad, feeling more alive than ever, relishing the freedom to say things like you have really nice hands and I like your butt and it took everything in me to let you go and so how do you feel about pet names? and grinning so hard his cheeks hurt and even then, he couldn't stop.
Adam doesn't know how long they stand there staring dopily at each other, but the sound of a locker slamming two hallways away jars him out of his daze. His grin gets impossibly wider as he steps closer. Adam feels his heart skitter in his chest when Kris reaches out to take his hand and tips his chin up for a kiss.
It's soft and quick and Kris's lips feel better than Adam remembers.
He'd be horrified at the dreamy sigh he lets out the moment they part, but Kris's closed eyes and goofy grin makes him feel better about his ridiculousness, makes his knees weak.
The newness of it is intoxicating. Adam wants it, has been wanting it for a while, and he could happily drown in the knowledge that he has it, that he's welcome to take it as often as he can, that he's wanted back just as much. He shuts his eyes and leans in for another kiss. What's even more flooring is how quickly it's becoming familiar - how Kris automatically takes top lip because Adam had claimed his bottom lip from the very first; Kris's one crooked tooth that Adam can't help but pay extra attention to; the mint of Kris's toothpaste; how Kris welcomes the press of his tongue and already knows just how much to press back; the sound Kris makes at the back of his throat that makes Adam want to pull him impossibly closer.
Kris seems to have the same idea - he steps right into Adam's space and winds an arm around Adam's waist, noses at Adam's neck. It feels right, holding each other like this first thing in the morning, stealing a private moment in the middle of an empty hallway. Adam nuzzles at Kris's temple and inhales the scent of strawberry Pop-Tarts, aftershave, and Kris's generic shampoo.
"I could get used to this," Kris mumbles into his skin.
Adam feels a manic grin almost split his face. "Me too."
They stay curled into each other for a long time, enjoying the moment, adjusting bit by bit as they learn how to fit their bodies together. "How did you know I was even going to be here?" Adam whispers into the space between them.
Adam's morning routine has been screwy all week - his mom's truck is in the shop, so Adam and Neil get dropped off to school at an ungodly hour.
Kris pulls his head away slightly, a shy smile on his face. "Thought you'd like some company."
"Yeah?" Adam grins back. "Thought you'd still be in bed. Y'know, after you fell asleep on me last night."
The blush that blooms on Kris's cheeks is unbearably adorable. "I know, I'm sorry - I saw your texts when I woke up. It's way too early in this relationship for me to screw up like that, I knew I had to make it up to you."
"Relationship?" Adam asks, eyebrow raised.
Kris's eyes widen in panic. "Um. Yeah?" His head ducks down and he takes a deep breath before looking back up at Adam with a determined expression. "Only if you - I mean, I didn't want to presume, but --"
Another kiss - Adam pours his heart into it, wanting to show Kris without words that he's in this too, he can't not be, there's nobody else in the universe he wants to be in this with; he swallows Kris's whimpers and tries to map every crevice of Kris's mouth with his tongue; discovers that the roof of Kris's mouth is incredibly sensitive and vows to take advantage of this knowledge as often as he can; twists them around so he's pressing Kris up against the lockers, their entire bodies aligned.
It's an effort to stop, and they gasp into each other's mouths for a long moment, trying to catch their breath. Kris takes hold of Adam's bottom lip and pulls, and damn if that's not the hottest thing anyone has ever done to him. "Is that a yes?" Kris asks, smug.
Adam shuts his eyes against the wall of feeling, then darts forward and bites at the air between them. "Stop gloating."
"You're just about as threatening as an angry puppy, Adam," Kris says as his hands restlessly make their way under Adam's jacket and toy at the hem of Adam's shirt. "But I like you anyway."
Adam can't help but kiss him again after that. "I like you, too."
Kris's gaze suddenly narrows with an unnerving kind of focus, hands coming up to toy with Adam's hair, fingertips tracing his lined eyelids, down his cheeks, and all along his lips. There's nothing quite like being the sole focus of Kris Allen's attention, and Adam just submits to it, Kris's awed grin telling him all he needs to know.
Kris's thumbs make their way down to caress his neck and rub at his collarbones, and it feels so good, his hands so warm, and all Adam wants is to bury himself in it, can't help the yawn that escapes his lips. "Sorry, I just --"
"S'okay," all the understanding and patience in the world is in Kris's voice. "How do you feel about taking a nap in my car 'til first bell?"
"That's the best idea I've ever heard in my life," Adam sighs. "You don't mind?"
Kris smiles. "Not at all." Kris leans down to pick up the backpack Adam hadn't realized he'd dropped and then tugs on his hand. "I'm parked right outside."
Their fingers stay laced together as they stumble out the door and into the early morning light. Kris's battered Corolla is the only car in the lot. Kris pulls the passenger door open and gently pushes him inside. With a deep sigh, Adam settles into the seat and pushes the recliner all the way down.
He vaguely hears the dual thump of their bags being dumped in the back seat, and smiles when the car shifts as Kris slides in next to him. Adam curls on his side and reaches out to tamp down the messy shock of Kris's hair. "Brush," he slurs, quickly falling under the blanket of sleep. Kris's quiet laugh and the feel of warm fingers touching his face are the last things Adam remembers before everything drifts away.
---
The same fingers are suddenly shaking his shoulders. "Five minutes," Adam grunts.
"Bell's ringing in fifteen. C'mon Adam, don't you need to fix your makeup and stuff first?"
That jolts Adam right out of the warm haze of sleep, and he blinks at Kris, his hands belatedly flying up to cover his face. "Oh my God, I'm a complete mess."
Kris's laugh is shooting up Adam's list of top twenty sounds in the whole world. Top ten. No, top three. "No, you're not. Hey, come on." Surprisingly strong fingers pry his own away from his face. "But I know you won't believe me, so go do your thing."
Adam huffs at him and checks the rearview mirror. His eyeliner's a little smudged, but there isn't any damage otherwise. He's mortified at the thought of Kris seeing his raccoon imitation.
"S'all good?" Kris asks.
"It's fine. Oh my God, please tell me you didn't just watch me sleep this whole time," Adam groans.
There's that laugh again. Top two now, definitely.
"I slept a little too. And I did my homework," Kris says and glances at his watch. "First is in ten."
Adam gusts out a sigh before leaning in for a quick kiss. When Adam tries to pull away, Kris grunts in protest and clamps a hand on his neck, opening his mouth further. And Adam knows this now, knows the slant of Kris's mouth, knows Kris likes his lower lip bitten, knows the shape of Kris's crooked grin. He can't wait to find out more.
He finds his hand fisted in Kris's shirt and tries to smooth the wrinkles away. "You're bossy," Adam rasps. "I like it."
Kris blushes and clears his throat. "Uh."
Adam laughs openly, delighted. "You're so cute, it should be criminal."
Kris blushes impossibly harder at that, and Adam laughs some more. The first bell hasn't even rung yet, and already it's the best Thursday Adam has ever had.
"So uh, should we start, y'know, telling people? About us?" Kris asks haltingly.
"Kris. Alisan is going to be able to tell, the moment I walk into Music Theory. Just from the look on my face." Adam falters. "That's okay, right? I mean, it's not exactly a surprise, I don't think --"
"Yeah, let's just - we'll answer anyone who asks, but for the rest, maybe lunch? So we can tell everyone all in one go."
"Okay, yeah, lunch is good. And I think my mom already kind of knows, so."
"Oh jeez, my mom's going to want you over for dinner," Kris moans, looking like he wants to melt into his seat and disappear.
Adam squeezes Kris's wrist and tamps down the churn of illogical nerves in his stomach. Kris's mom has known him since the day he was born. There's nothing to be afraid of. "It's okay. Your mom's super cool, it'll be great. We'll be great."
Kris looks like he's about to say something else when the first warning bell suddenly rings. Five minutes. Kris wrinkles his nose at him and tugs at the sleeve of Adam's jacket. Adam happily obliges, darting forward for a quick peck.
"I'm not gonna be able to think of anything else all day," Adam murmurs before pulling away.
"I know, right," Kris smiles ruefully. "Well. Not that that's new or anything. Been thinking about you - about this - for a while."
They grin at each other for another long beat, then Kris turns to get out of the car and pulls out their stuff from the back seat. Adam gingerly steps out too, brushing his fingers against Kris's when he reaches out for his bag.
Before Adam could even think about waffling between kissing him or not, Kris leans up and pecks Adam's cheek, mumbling "see you at lunch" before jogging away.
Adam just stands there for a few seconds, goggling at the space Kris was standing in. He lifts his head just in time to catch a glimpse of Kris's smirk before his attention is torn away by someone clapping him on the back.
"Hey, congrats, man," Cale stage-whispers at him, a knowing grin on his face.
Adam grins back helplessly and follows him into the music building. "Did he tell you?"
"Nope. His car windows aren't exactly tinted, man."
Adam feels his entire face flush red. "Crap."
"It's no big deal." They stop at Adam's door. "No seriously, I'm happy for you two. Been a long time coming," Cale says kindly.
"Yeah, why do I get the feeling we'll be hearing that all day?" he says.
Cale just grins wider. "Well, it's true. But hey - you know he's my best friend. You break his heart, I break your face."
Adam feels another giggle attack coming on, but he tamps it down the best he can. "Um. Uh huh. I believe you."
"See you at lunch!" Cale waves and grins cheekily as he walks away.
He's three steps into the classroom when suddenly Alisan is right up in his face, her chin tipped up and eyes kind of scarily huge. "Oh my God, it finally happened. Spill. Now."
It's going to be a long day. Adam can't really pretend that he minds.
---
Adam endures Alisan's flaily freakout in first, Dani's knowing gaze all through third, and Andrew's extra hard shove in the hallway between third and fourth. He's jittery and impatient all morning, tapping his feet and fidgeting in his seat through all his classes. He endures raised eyebrows from a couple teachers, but all he cares about is how light his palms feel, the glaringly empty space between his fingers, the ghost of Kris's touch on his face and arms. He can't concentrate on anything but the painful anticipation of seeing Kris at lunch.
His Lit classroom is about as far away from the cafeteria as possible, so their lunch table is full once he gets there. Kris is sitting on the farthest corner, head ducked while picking at his food. Suddenly Adam feels light-headed.
All conversation at the table stops once he's five feet away, and Adam just rolls his eyes, doesn't even try to hide the ridiculous grin that blossomed on his face at the first sight of... of his boyfriend. He has a boyfriend now. How strange.
He walks forward and bends down to kiss Allison's head before taking the empty seat on Kris's left, very much aware of at least eight pairs of eyes tracking his every move. He grins, nonchalantly picks up a fry from Kris's tray and nibbles on it. Everyone's still staring, Allison practically vibrating on the seat across from him.
"I've always dreamed of silencing a room when I enter it. You guys have totally ruined that fantasy, just so you know," he says, winking at Kris.
"Come on man, just say it. Kristopher here hasn't looked any of us in the eye the whole time he's been here," Matt says, exasperated.
"That's a lie," Kris smirks, a gorgeous blush staining his cheeks. Adam can't help but grin at that, his right hand coming up to touch.
Megan snorts, and suddenly the whole table is roaring with laughter. Adam rolls his eyes at Kris, who just grins and laces their fingers together.
"Glad that's over with," Adam scoffs, and he's not blushing. He's really, really not.
Cale and Andrew's heads are bent together, sniggering like idiots; Allison's reaching across the table to pinch Kris's cheek; and Lee's whooping the loudest of them all despite Scarlett's shushing - Danielle's handing him a wad of cash.
"You didn't," Adam says indignantly.
"What else are we going to do for entertainment, man? Dangit, I missed by two days, couldn't you have done this on movie night?" Cale smirks.
"Dude, I overshot by an entire week," Tommy says. "Shoulda known Adam would snap sooner."
Alisan laughs at that - "Sources tell me it was the other way around. Am I right, superstar?"
"Oh ho, really, Kris? Didn't know you had it in you," Brad crows.
Kris's blush runs all the way down his neck, and all Adam can think of is that he needs to find out how far it goes. Like, immediately.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Brad," Kris drawls, an evil tilt to his smile.
Adam chokes on a giggle as the table bursts into another round of laughter.
---
It's a very, very good thing that they're running through one of the big group numbers today - Mr. D. is easily distracted by the ensemble's shenanigans and Adam doesn't come in to sing his part until close to the end; that makes it much easier to hide his complete and utter lack of focus that afternoon. Adam is so intensely aware of Kris sitting in the pit right down the stage, just a few feet away - forehead probably scrunched in deep concentration (adorable), hands gentle on his instrument (hot), and wearing his glasses (completely irresistible). Adam spends most of rehearsal just hanging around backstage, mind running wildly through all of the things he wants to do to Kris once they're alone again. He's on edge the whole time, hands itching to get at skin he's barely acquainted with; wanting to hear all the delicious sounds Kris makes when Adam licks like that; but mostly he feels warm and touch-starved, needing to hold and be held, to make sure that all of it is real.
It should be terrifying, but somehow it isn't, and Adam's not used to this kind of certainty barely twenty-four hours into a relationship. It's just that - he knows Kris, and all through their friendship, he's been nothing but steady, reassuring, sweet, and just one of the best people Adam knows. And they'd talked about this a lot, in that hypothetical way you do with your close friends - Adam has known all along that Kris has patience in spades and he won't get into anything that isn't real; and despite Kris's teasing, he knows that Adam's been looking for it too. That's where it all started, that night on someone's porch a few months ago, sharing that with Kris. And every time Adam thinks of the previous night, making out in the backseat of his car, that look of joy and awe on Kris's face every time they pulled apart to breathe, Kris's strong and sure grip, Kris's soft gasps and little moans and enthusiastic tongue - Adam feels his heart trip, feels like the two of them are standing at the edge of a cliff, getting ready to jump.
Yeah. Distracting.
Before he knows it, he's being pulled into a last-minute pow-wow with the rest of the cast, their dance captain announcing the rehearsal schedule for the rest of the week and how they'll be rotating scenery work and more rehearsal on Saturday. And then Danielle and Scarlett are pulling him downstage and into the seats, where Kris, Allison and Matt were chatting.
"Ready to go?" Kris asks as he gets up, slinging his backpack and viola case on his shoulders.
"Yeah," Adam answers, eyes fixed on the fall of the dim light on Kris's face.
Kris raises an eyebrow at him, like he knows exactly what he's thinking. "Scarlett's coming too, Dani? And Adam, I got you, right?"
"Yeah," Adam repeats dumbly, choosing to ignore the stifled giggles coming from Allison's general direction.
They make it to the parking lot eventually, and Adam's grateful that he doesn't trip and fall flat on his face, he's so tense. Scarlett throws questioning glances at him, probably weirded out by his silence, but they're easy to ignore with the large boxes of fabric they were all carrying.
It's a quick drive - barely fifteen minutes - and Danielle and Scarlett chatter the whole time, planning out costume designs while Kris laughs at some of their more ridiculous ideas. Adam contributes to the conversation every once in a while, but mostly he's focused on the weight of Kris's hand in his, kind of stunned at how casually Kris reached out to lace their fingers together as soon as they pulled away from the parking lot. He imagines dozens of school days ending just like this, taking turns driving each other home, hanging out, maybe even staying at each other's house for dinner. For so long, Adam has wanted - imagined doing all that cheesy, romantic, boyfriend-y shit with some nameless, faceless stranger He ached for it so much it hurt sometimes. And now it's real, he has it, this, Kris, and it seems his imagination is even more outrageous than he thought.
They help the girls carry the boxes up to Danielle's room, and wish them luck on what's shaping up to be a long night of work. Scarlett pulls him in for an extra long hug and whispers "I'm so happy for you, baby" in his ear, and Adam shuts his eyes, feeling a burst of happiness that makes his knees a little weak.
Kris is quiet when they walk down the stairs, one hand idly playing with his keys. Adam smiles at the mess attached to them, eyeing several friendship bracelets the girls insisted they all had to have; a small guitar keychain that he knows are identical to the ones Cale, Tommy and Andrew have; and the peacock feather (the only one of its kind, thank you very much) Adam put there himself a month ago. It's a little funny to look back, to what was just a kind-of-blossoming not-thing between them, how Kris's fingers brushed his and it took Adam days to stop feeling the buzz under his skin.
Once they're both safely in the car, Adam lunges forward and grabs Kris's face, catching his lips in a clumsy kiss. After a couple seconds of frozen surprise, Kris makes the hottest little mmmph at the back of his throat, mouth opening under his, teeth pulling at his upper lip. Adam sighs and falls into it, body straining, trying to get closer, all but crawling across the console.
Kris pulls away after a minute, gasping, eyes glazed and mouth shining red. Adam grins then tries to claim another kiss, but Kris laughs softly and cups his face. "Adam. Not here, jeez."
"What --"
"I'm not making out with my boyfriend while parked right in front of his best friend's house," Kris huffs, fingers trailing down his neck.
"Oh. Right." It's like a fog suddenly lifts, and Adam remembers exactly where they are and who might be looking in. "Oh."
Kris just snorts and presses a kiss at the corner of his mouth. "I was thinking - Green Alley?"
"Yeah sure," Adam answers, still dazed.
"You okay?" Kris asks. "I can, uh. I can take you home if you don't --"
That snaps Adam out of it. "What, no - I want - I mean." Adam's never had trouble with words before, but it seems like he can't think of any now. So he just leans in and pours all of it - his excitement, joy, gratitude, giddiness - in a long, deep kiss.
"Oh."
"Uh huh," Adam breathes, exhilarated. "C'mon, let's make good use of your backseat."
---
Somehow they make it a few blocks to the dead end at Green Alley - Adam keeps running his fingers on Kris's cheek, down his neck, up under his shirt, and Kris looks torn between melting into his touch and trying to keep them both alive by keeping his eyes on the road. "I hate you," Kris grits out and Adam just laughs and laughs.
To Adam's delight, Kris is still scowling at him when they park and then climb into the backseat. "You're so cute when you pout," Adam coos, scooting so he can press Kris into the corner.
Kris scowls, but then gives himself away when he instinctively spreads his legs and tilts his chin up. "I don't know why I put up with you."
Chuckling, Adam settles between Kris's legs and leans forward so their lips touch as they speak. "Can't help it. Been wanting to touch you all day. Kris."
Kris arches up, groaning into his mouth, hands fumbling under his shirt and up his back, grip strong and unyielding. Adam shuts his eyes and just lets himself feel, heart tripping in his chest, skin burning, entire body straining to get close, closer, never, ever enough. He's completely in the moment, gives as much as he takes, lets Kris know what he likes with his gasps and sighs, mapping Kris's mouth with his tongue, chasing away the taste of Twizzlers and coke until all he can taste is them.
Adam takes a second to pull away and shifts backward, trying to give Kris space to breathe; Kris groans in protest and surges up, and that leads them bumping their heads together, hard.
The flash of pain that follows isn't too bad, but Kris's head is smaller than his, and gravity was working against him. Kris, on the other hand, lets out a loud whimper, his hand coming up to the sore spot on his forehead.
Adam takes that hand and clutches it with both of his, leaning down to reach the offending spot. "Sorry, baby," he murmurs into Kris's skin, kissing lightly. He carefully moves off Kris's lap, adjusting so they're both on their sides, leaning on the backseat.
Kris automatically laces their fingers together, like he doesn't even need to think about doing it. "I'm okay." He scoots closer, arm reaching out to wrap around Adam's waist, humming when Adam peppers kisses on his forehead.
Adam feels a delicious thrill run through his back when Kris presses closer, leg coming up to hook around his waist. Kris's breaths are hot and wet against Adam's skin. It feels wonderful.
"I think today is the best day," Kris murmurs into Adam's jaw.
"Mmm really? I think the day of our first kiss was the best day," Adam answers. It's a heady feeling, talking to Kris like this, knowing that he can, and Adam doesn't think it will ever get old.
Kris's hand drifts up under Adam's shirt, nails scratching lightly at his waist. Adam can't help but arch into the touch, every point of contact searing his skin. "Well, yes. Felt so much like a dream, though. Then I woke up and it was real," Kris says.
Adam tips Kris's chin up for a short, sweet kiss. "Yeah, it's real," Adam whispers, stroking the delicate line of Kris's cheekbone, enjoying the softness of Kris's skin. Adam has always thought that Kris was good-looking; he's never passed up the chance to stare a little bit, especially when Kris laughs or smiles or - Adam's secret weakness - when Kris ducks his head, shy, exposing the gorgeous line of his neck, eyelashes fanning his cheek. Up close like this, Kris is even more perfect Adam had ever imagined, eyelids heavy with affection, lips red and shiny. All for Adam. Because of Adam.
Kris opens his mouth further and deepens the kiss, tongue stroking Adam's as they languidly explore, breaths mingling. Adam's quickly becoming addicted to the soft sighs Kris lets out whenever Adam sucks on his tongue, how his breath hitches when Adam's hand runs down the smooth plane of his back. Adam's hand drifts all the way down to Kris's ass, just feeling. When Kris pushes himself back into the touch, Adam slides his hand into a back pocket and squeezes lightly. That draws another new, gorgeous sound from the back of Kris's throat, and Adam chases it with his tongue, their kisses going deeper and becoming wilder. Kris whines a little and tugs Adam sideways; Adam has to pull away with a gasp when Kris bucks against him and simultaneously starts to knead his ass and thigh.
As Adam tries to catch his breath, Kris hums and kisses down his neck, licking and sucking lightly. Kris's mouth is perfect, something Adam didn't even know to wish for; full and soft, giving just the right amount of pressure. It seems Adam isn't the only one learning things quickly. It's almost too much. Adam's all the way hard in his jeans, harder than he's been in a pretty long time, and he can feel the line of Kris's cock pressing against the jut of his hip. Adam's head could explode when he lets himself think of all the possibilities, all the things they could do, things he's long wanted to do to Kris. But what Adam wants more is to not make this - their first real day together - just about pawing at each other to get off. It's so much more than that. Adam knows that even when they do take that step, it will never be just about sex, ever, but there's time enough for that. More than enough time.
When Kris's wandering hand makes its way back up to Adam's waist, Adam picks it up. Even if they've done this dozens of times in the last couple of weeks, the simple contact still makes Adam's breath catch.
Kris squeezes his hand like he knows what Adam's thinking. Adam just smiles, flexes his fingers, testing the weight of Kris's hand in his. Runs his fingertips on Kris's callouses, careful and caressing, exploring the dips and lines on Kris's skin. Loves how small and soft Kris's hand is. Loves the knowledge of it, that this is his right now, to touch and explore whenever and however he wants.
Adam twines their fingers together slowly and lets out a soft breath, heart both heavy and light in his chest.
There's a few beats of silence, and then:
"Good fit," Kris murmurs, fingers squeezing his.
Adam grins. "Great fit."
Their fingers continue to move together, twisting and grasping, palms meeting in a kiss. Adam watches, mesmerized.
Abruptly, Kris's hand starts to move toward Adam's face. Kris's fingers lightly touch his lips, and Adam shivers. He turns his head and feels a burst of devastating pleasure at Kris's shining eyes. No one has ever looked at him like that before.
"Your freckles are distracting," Kris whispers.
He smiles at Kris fondly, unselfconscious now, feeling safe under the blanket of his easy, unguarded affection. Kris has always been grabby, has always shown a remarkable disregard for personal space when it comes to all of his friends, but. This is different. It makes Adam brave; makes the sea of emotions easier to drown in, knowing that Kris is right there to put breath back in his lungs.
He reaches out and cups Kris's face in his hands. "I've been waiting for you," he says. This has been a long time coming, and he's never been one to lie in omission. And truths have always been easier to say in the dark.
Kris's eyes stay locked on his, and he turns his cheek, drops a soft kiss on Adam's palm. "I know. Me too."
And this, this is the most terrifying thing he's ever done. Adam braces himself, screws his eyes shut, because maybe he's not as brave as he wants to be. Not yet. "Please don't break my heart," he breathes.
His ears ring in the sudden silence.
Then. "Adam, look at me," Kris says, voice barely above a whisper. Adam opens his eyes and sees Kris's steady smile. "I'm right here with you. It's scary as heck, but I'm here. I promise."
Adam shuts his eyes against the burn of tears, and presses his forehead against Kris's, breaths gone shallow, thumbs absently caressing Kris's jaw. "Okay. We're good," Adam sighs, wishing he could take this moment and keep it somewhere he can take it out and look at it and examine it, and most importantly feel it, all over again, any time he wants.
"We're pretty freaking great," Kris laughs against Adam's mouth and kisses him. And Adam pushes away that ridiculous thought, because he has this now, he doesn't need to lock anything away because Kris is right here, Kris who makes him feel beautiful and giddy and cherished. Kris who makes him feel like he can climb mountains and swim across oceans, sappy as that may sound.
They kiss for a little while longer; soft and sweet kisses devoid of their earlier urgency. Adam sighs at each and every one, feeling blissed out, refusing to pull away completely even if his lips are going numb.
Adam ends up sprawled across the entire backseat, Kris perched on his chest. "I like you," Kris grins at him. It's the most adorable thing ever, and Adam ruffles his hair.
"I really, really like you," Adam answers with a soft smile. "I'm so glad we're doing this."
Kris presses a kiss into Adam's sternum and then turns his head to rub his cheek on Adam's t-shirt. "Me too."
It's getting a little late, and they'll have to go soon, separate houses and families and dinners waiting for them. They'll have to let go for the night, and wait until morning to have each other again. But for now, Adam is more than content to just sit and hold Kris close, match his breathing to Kris's, recall everything that's happened during this impossible day and memorize how it all feels. For now, this is Adam's entire world.
Next: at my side