Fic:Glamorous Glambert (4/50)
Title: Glamorous Glambert (4/50)
Author: Amberwinters
Pairing: Adam/Simon; Adam/Kris
Rating: PG-13/R
Summary: AU fic that takes place in a fictional country around the 1700s. Kris is a landowner, Simon is a powerful trader and Adam is a theater sensation.
Wordcount: 3097
Notes: Here is part 4. Now it’s starting to get interesting…
Warnings: Not too many, some cursing.
Part 1: amberwinters.livejournal.com/999.html
Part 2: amberwinters.livejournal.com/1070.html
Part 3: amberwinters.livejournal.com/1433.html
Leila and Neil came back with the Allens and were given guest rooms. Kris was woken up by his brother, Daniel, who was still sulking about being left at home. Kris told him he did not miss much and was saved from six hours of feeling like a pariah. Kris also told him that Neil and Leila Lambert were staying with them. Daniel set off to find Neil and Kris went back to bed.
Later that day, Kris went down to the sitting room and saw Leila and Kim Allen having a heart to heart. Kris could not help but eavesdrop and overhear what Leila was saying.
“…I am worried about Adam because even though he puts on this amazing public persona, I know he’s still sensitive and alone. I don’t trust Simon Cowell because he has too much control over our lives. He supports us, he owns the theater, he has the crown’s ear so Adam can’t say no to anything Simon asks.”
Kim Allen shook her head, “Does he make Adam…you know, be nice to people.”
Leila shook her head, “I don’t know, honestly I just don’t know. Adam won’t say and I think he feels responsible to support us and be strong since his father’s not around. I think they have a lot of unspoken rules like Simon stays away from Neil and I and Adam doesn’t get close to anyone but Simon. Then I also have to deal with all these crazy women lusting after him, he’s still my son.” Leila was sobbing, “I hate how they all want to sleep with him. It’s disgusting since most of them are my age.”
Kris heard Neil and Daniel coming so he made his was into the room. Leila smiled and wiped her tears.
“Kris, you look great and so grown up. Adam said you came to one of his shows,” Leila remarked.
“Yeah, he was amazing. He sounded great last night. You must be …very proud of him.” Kris wasn’t sure what to say especially after what he over heard. Although Adam was a huge sensation and sharing an amazing gift, he should have been a land owner even if a poor one. Landowners don’t perform. That was why Kris never took his own music too seriously. Sure it was good to sing or play an occasional song at a get together but it was a another thing to perform for money.
Leila smiled, “I am proud of both my boys. They have shown they can survive when life deals them a lousy hand.”
Kim nodded, “Well said, Leila and they are also good boys. You will get back on your feet and Adam will give up the theater and run your estate like he should.”
Kris hadn’t thought about that. He wondered if that was in Adam’s plan. Kim Allen was going on, “He’ll marry and have sons of his own…” Kris and Leila exchanged glances. Leila just nodded to her friend, “Maybe. I am sure Neil will produce enough heirs for the both of them.”
The next week was nice. Having Neil and Leila there brought some excitement. Kris was busy harvesting a crop with his father. Of course Neil and Daniel had gone missing. They seemed to be good at disappearing when work needed to be done. They came in late after a long day and Kris heard laughter coming from the sitting room. He went in and saw Adam sitting with Leila and Kim. He didn’t have all his makeup on or wear a flamboyant outfit but he still looked other-worldly. He had a scarf around his hair and wore a cream colored silk shirt with simple dark blue pants. He reminded Kris of a stylish pirate.
Adam smiled at Kris, “Hi there. Looks like this landowning thing is harder than advertised.”
Kris smiled back, “We had a big crop this year. You’ll get to experience this in a couple years.”
Adam laughed, “Not me. I am going to be smart enough to make my little brother do all the work.”
“Good luck with that. Neil’s been here for a couple weeks and he has Daniel’s knack for sensing when a chore might be coming his way and hides. Are you staying for a couple days?” Kris tried to keep his voice even.
“A couple days. They are fixing the roof in the theater so I get a vacation. Also, I wanted to see how the builders were doing.”
Kim Allen smiled at them, “Kris you must be starved and we haven’t fed Adam yet so head down to the dining room with your Dad and I’ll have the cook bring you all food.” At that, Neil and Daniel found there way home. Kris rolled his eyes and Daniel asked innocently, “Is it dinner time?”
The meal was good. Kris was exhausted and just listened to Adam tell them funny stories about some of the places he got to visit with the show. The next couple days were incredible. Adam and he just hung out and had a great time. They didn’t talk about the city, theater or responsibilities. Instead, they reminisced, made fun of pretentious people and fished. Kris thought it was hysterical how bad Adam was out in nature. He seemed to enjoy the fresh air but complained about his clothes getting dirty and his nails chipping.
They had hiked up one of the hills on Allens estate and were watching the sunset. After catching his breath Adam spoke, “Kris this has been so much fun. I feel like I am young again.”
“Is 25 that old? I’m 21.”
“I don’t know the last 12 years has felt like three decades, you know.”
Kris looked at Adam, “Why did your family leave?”
“My Dad had gambled and owed a lot of money to the Girauds. Rather then turnover the land, he sold all the equipment, slaves and fired the servants. So, we had to go to town to earn money. Before we could leave, he and Mr. Gokey had a fight or rather a duel and my Dad lost.”
“Mr. Gokey killed your father? I had heard rumors but no one said.”
“Well, Mr. Gokey won the duel and my Dad was injured. It is not clear if he drank himself to death or bled to death that night. Either way, he was no longer alive.”
“Didn’t anyone offer you guys shelter? Like my family?”
Adam shrugged, “I guess not. I don’t think we could have stayed anyway. The Girauds were mad my Mom still wouldn’t sell the land, Mrs. Gokey hated my Mom, and we had no hope of getting the estate running again. So we just left as planned minus my Dad.”
“Why did Mrs. Gokey hate your Mom? She is so judgmental just like her son Danny.”
Adam shrugged, “I think there is a lot more to the story and my Mom isn’t being completely honest. You remember when Danny Gokey and the guys use to pick on me?” Kris remembered that they were relentless and very mean. Adam always had bruises. “I think it wasn’t only because I was different. I think Mr. Gokey and my Mom might have been close and Mrs. Gokey knew. Anyway, my Mom just wanted to leave so we left.”
“No wonder Danny hated you. Will you avenge your Dad?”
“No, both Neil and I promised my Mom we would not. My Dad wasn’t exactly an innocent victim and he is really the reason we were destitute. Besides, I’m more of a lover than a fighter, in case you haven’t heard,” Adam joked.
Kris laughed. “I heard a lot of really funny rumors about you like you were from a faraway island where the natives are all about sex. And, that you had to have sex to live.”
Adam laughed, “I don’t know that kind of rings true.”
Kris looked at Adam and felt the need to brag, “I have slept with at least five women.”
“Wow another 50 and you could be like… most guys.”
“Do you sleep with women, Adam?”
“I do but I am thinking about cute, little brunette men when I do it,” Adam winked.
Kris ignored the flirtation as usual, “Simon doesn’t keep you for himself.”
Adam laughed, “Simon doesn’t like me getting distracted. He doesn’t mind me having sex with other people given the right circumstances.”
“He makes you have sex with people?”
“It’s complicated and I don’t want to get into it. Let’s just say we collaborate on my lovers.”
Kris just looked at Adam, “If Simon wants you to sleep with Matt, would you?”
Adam thought about it, “I am not sure what would be gained by that but if you’re asking me would I say no on principle, then no. I can’t really afford to have principles. Kris, I am not the same person I was and I am never going to let myself be that weak, vulnerable person again. I have a couple great assets and I use them. I am sorry if that offends you.”
Kris shook his head, “You’re my friend Adam, I care about you. For the record, I never thought you were weak and I liked your sensitive side. I don’t care who you sleep with. I just think Simon is a dangerous guy and he is using you.”
“Simon is a dangerous guy which is why I am careful not to cross him. But, he isn’t all bad and to tell you the truth if it wasn’t for Simon my family would be homeless and I’d probably be dead. I was already having sex for money when I met Simon so he didn’t corrupt me. We left here when I was 12 and by 13, I was already letting men touch me for some coins. We were cold and hungry and my Mom had gotten sick.” Adam’s voice started to hitch, “Kris, it was bad and so scary. I thought we were all going to die. So, it doesn’t bother me what people think of me, I don’t care if they see me as a whore or call me names, I just don’t want to be homeless and powerless.”
“Simon was a customer?”
“Not really,” Adam laughed. “I was about 15 and started working at this theater. Simon was actually the owner and he would come in a few times a week. He was larger than life. Everyone was so deferential to him and all the actors fawned over him. I had some confidence problems back then mostly because everyone told me how fat, ugly and orange I was. I definitely was not desirable. I could sing though and convinced Paul to give me lessons in exchange for some favors. Simon heard me practicing and told Paul, the theater manager, that I sounded good. To my horror, the Paul offered to let Simon sleep with me claiming I was a good lay even though I was harsh on the eyes. Simon declined claiming he didn’t like to share his lovers. Paul continued to peddle me saying how insatiable and energetic I was. It was humiliating at the time. Back then I could still get embarrassed. For some reason, Simon took mercy on me and agreed to have me. He handed Paul a huge amount of money and said from now on Paul was just a vocal coach to me. I left with Simon that night. We went to this inn and ate a nice dinner. Simon can be really down to earth and fun. He isn’t overly cultured since he was basically a merchant/pirate but he follows his own moral code and is very opinionated. We went back to his place and I went to him but he refused me claiming he didn’t like children. He became my sort of patron and I continued taking voice lessons sans the sex.”
“That’s another story for another day. Let’s just say, Simon prefers women but no one is immune from Glambert,” Adam gave Kris a lusty look.
Kris just shook his head, “Don’t you want to be in love or have a family?”
Adam smiled, “Not really. Being in love can hurt and I don’t want a wife or kids. What about you?
“I’ll just do what everyone expects and marry who they tell me to and have kids because that’s what you do.”
Kris and Adam looked at each other with eyes full of regret for the lives they could never choose. Kris realized he and Adam still had a bond and shared the experience of being a victim of circumstance. Adam was unable to live the typical life and Kris could not choose an alternative one. They were both trapped in their lives. They headed back to the house. Adam was leaving in the morning.
+++
Matt Giraud came over later that evening to bring something of Leila’s she had left behind. Kim Allen of course invited him to dinner. Matt sat next to Adam and was again being a little too friendly. Adam seemed to welcome the attention. Kris hated it. Kris knew in his mind Adam slept around and Matt was actually a good guy but he still was going to cock-block.
They finished dinner and the guys (Adam, Matt, Kris, Neil and Daniel) went in the library to drink. Neil Allen decided to go to bed and read.
“Let’s play a game,” Matt suggested.
Neil agreeing offered, “How about poker?”
Matt countered, “How about truth or dare?”
Kris didn’t like where this was heading and hoped to stop it, “It’s not as much fun without girls”
Neil scoffed, “Girls never play. I’m in.”
Daniel piped up, “Then I’m in too.”
Kris hoping for support, “Adam?”
“Fine, I have nothing to hide,” Adam smiled casually.
Neil looked at his brother, “Actually, Adam, do try and censor your answers we have a kid here.” Neil pushed Daniel and they started wrestling.
Matt began, “I’ll start. Kris, truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“Have you ever slept with two women at the same time.”
“No.”
Daniel took his turn, “Adam, truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“Do you like men?”
“Yes. You guys are boring. Matt, truth or dare?
“Truth.”
“Why do you go along with whatever Sarver and Gokey do?”
Matt sighed, “Because, it’s easy and our families are friends. Besides, it is much better when you are not the object of their ridicule and if I crossed them I would be.”
Adam smiled, “Fair enough.”
Neil turned to Kris, “My turn, Kris, truth or dare?” Neither Kris nor Adam trusted Neil.
“Uh, dare.”
“Cool. I dare you to kiss Adam for a full minute with tongues.”
Adam spoke up, “Don’t be a retard, Neil.”
“He could have chosen truth. He could say no and then drink the penalty drink which is a glass of everything mixed in with spit.” Neil grinned evilly.
Kris became annoyed, “You just made that up”
Matt was laughing, “Yeah he did but there needs to be a good penalty. So, a drink with wine and ale mixed with everyone’s spit is the penalty.”
Adam responded, “Wow, that’s harsh, Kris. If it’s any consolation, people usually like my kisses.”
Kris was pissed for choosing dare and he was grossed out by drinking everyone’s spit but he also didn’t want to make out with his friend in front of his own brother. Plus, he didn’t want to go there.
“I’ll drink.”
Kris saw Adam flinch and felt horrible. Adam put his mask on, “Well, middle-aged women obviously appreciate me more.” Everyone laughed.
Kris drank and almost puked on the spot. Kris looked at Neil, “Truth or dare, Neil”
Neil cringed, “Truth.”
“Coward. Who do you have a crush on right now?”
Neil looked at Adam nervously, “Allison.”
Adam became agravated, “You better hope it’s a fleeting feeling. She is only 15.”
“I know but she is mature.”
Matt was up, “Adam, truth or dare.”
Adam looked at Matt, “Dare.”
“I dare you to kiss me for a minute with tongues.”
Everyone looked at Matt. Adam laughed, “Seriously?”
“Or…you could drink.”
Adam watched as Neil was preparing the drink and spitting in it. It was an open and shut case. Adam went over by Matt. Kris was watching in shock. Adam pulled Matt up and toward him. He kissed him passionately and Matt pressed his body against Adams. Kris lost it and threw the empty glass he had drank across the room. Matt and Adam broke apart at the sound of glass shattering against the wall.
Kris stood up, “This is a fucking stupid game. Matt go home.”
Daniel looked at his brother, “Kris, it is late. Matt needs to spend the night.”
“Fine, Matt you can stay in Daniel’s room.”
Matt looked confused, “Why are you so angry? You could have kissed Adam too.” Kris went to punch Matt but Neil grabbed him. “Easy, killer. You are drunk.”
Adam looked at Kris, “You’re a shitty drunk or just an ass. I am going to bed.”
Adam left the room. Kris walked out as well and went in his room. He knew Adam would be gone when he woke up so an hour later he knocked on Adam’s door. Adam opened it and then acted surprised to see Kris.
Kris got mad again, “Expecting Matt?”
Adam shrugged, “More than I would have expected you. Based on your tone if you are planning to be an ass just go now because you succeeded.”
Kris looked down, “I came to make up. I don’t want you leaving mad at me.”
“I’m not mad I am just not sure why you are. Obviously, you weren’t jealous so why the dramatics reaction tonight?”
Kris looked down, “I don’t like seeing Matt touch you. He doesn’t respect you.”
“Well, at least he wasn’t so repulsed he chose to drink some nasty concoction instead of kissing me.”
“I am not gay.”
“It was just a kiss. It’s the same thing between a man and a woman.”
“It’s not the same and besides there were other people in the room. You don’t gross me out.”
Adam laughed, “I’m sorry I don’t know why I care it is not like it would have made a difference. We are cool, Kris.” Kris was looking at Adam and had never seen anyone more beautiful. He also knew without a doubt he was attracted to Adam sexually. Before he realized it, he had leaned in to kiss Adam. Instead of soft, sensual lips he contacted Adam’s cheek. Adam had turned his head and then pushed Kris back.
Adam sneered, “You missed your opportunity, loverboy. Goodnight Kris. I am way too exhausted with all this mind fucking.” Adam pushed Kris out of the doorway and shut the door. Kris was stunned and went back to his room feeling bad for being callous and feeling stupid for making a pass at someone that literally could have anyone in Lisantia. Plus, he wasn’t gay.
~~~End part 4~~~
“So you are not lovers?”