Fic: The Lonely End of the Rink, Part 4/7 COMPLETE
Title: The Lonely End of the Rink 4.1
Pairing: Marcus/Esca
Rating: NC-17
Summary: I looked up and you were there, just sitting there all alone, holding your fist in the air, like, if you need me you're on your own. At the lonely end of the rink, you and me.
I hear your voice ‘cross a frozen lake, a voice from the end of a leaf, saying, ‘you won’t die of a thousand fakes or be beaten by the sweetest of dekes’. At the lonely end of the rink, you and me.
Word Count:100,000-ish in 7 parts, COMPLETE This part 14,000 ish
Disclaimer: These beautiful boys belong to Rosemary Sutcliff and Focus Features, dammit. I just like making them do filthy, wonderful things to each other.
Author’s Notes:1) This fic is a modern AU inspired by a prompt at the_eagle_kink, and it totally took my brain over, pouring out of me like a flood. It was truly frightening to watch.
This fic is a modern AU filled with hockey, figure skating, high school, a smattering of original and movie characters, with a hefty dose of Canadiana. It is a fic that deals with real life situations and attitudes, not a fluff piece, so keep that in mind.
Master post with extended Author’s Notes, banners and fanmix, as well as links to all the parts here.
Fireworks
If there’s a goal that everyone remembers, it was back in ole ‘72.
We all squeezed the stick and we all pulled the trigger, and all I remember was sitting beside you.
You said you didn’t give a fuck about hockey, and I never saw someone say that before.
You held my hand and we walked home the long way, you were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr.
They stayed like that for how long, Marcus had no idea, but it must have been an hour. At least the sun had moved enough so that it was now shining through the windows above his bed, filling the room with a golden afternoon light and Marcus was certain that Esca had never been more beautiful.
Finally Esca shifted, pulling his head away from Marcus’ neck, grimacing at the mess left behind.
“Ugh, I’m a mess,” he said, brow furrowed.
“You’re amazing,” Marcus said, smiling at him. “Are you okay?”
“No, but I will be,” Esca said, smiling back. “After a shower?”
“Sounds good,” Marcus said, leaning in for another kiss, before smacking Esca on the ass and leaping out of bed. Esca laughed but followed him anyway. Marcus found himself surreptitiously watching Esca’s unselfconscious movements, seeming not to notice that he was naked, while Marcus was having a hard time keeping from covering himself up.
“Marcus,” Esca said as Marcus turned on the shower, testing to ensure the proper temperature.
“Yeah?” he said, turning and grabbing a couple of towels out of the linen closet, putting them on the rack closer to the shower stall.
“You’re allowed to look,” Esca said with a smirk, standing with his hands on his hips. His pose drew Marcus’ attention to his groin, showcasing a luscious looking cock that was filling out as he stood there.
“Right,” Marcus said, sheepishly. Esca just laughed at him and stalked toward him, his movements as graceful as a cat’s, a predatory look in his eyes. Marcus could only stand, frozen in place as Esca came closer.
“I could look at you all day,” Esca said, smoothing his hands over Marcus’ shoulders, down his chest to his hips. “You’re so beautiful.”
Marcus shivered, as much from the words as from Esca’s regard.
“I like that you don’t have any experience,” Esca said, his thumbs tracing Marcus’ hipbones, provoking a shiver.
“You do?” Marcus asked, licking hips lips, his eyes zoning in on Esca’s mouth, wanting to kiss him again.
“Knowing that I’m the only to see you like this, to touch you,” Esca said, moving closer, his arms wrapping around Marcus’ waist, cupping his ass and squeezing. “It’s intoxicating,” he whispered, his breath puffing over Marcus lips.
He was too tempting to ignore, so Marcus kissed him, melding their lips gently, his hand moving to cup Esca’s jaw as their lips moved together.
By the time they pulled apart, the shower was filling the bathroom with steam, so they let go and went in, Marcus feeling very thankful that his Uncle has installed a large shower stall for him when they’d remodelled the room. It was enclosed with glass on two sides, the other two with a dark tile that Marcus loved and plenty of room for his bathing products, not that he had many.
“I love the shower,” Esca said, grinning mischievously. “We could get up to plenty of mischief in here.”
Marcus laughed, squirting some shower gel onto a bath sponge, lathering it up by rubbing it across Esca’s chest. “You think we should get dirty while we get clean?” Marcus asked, returning the grin.
“I do,” Esca replied, taking the sponge and lathering Marcus up from top to bottom, kneeling down to do his legs, letting his cheek nuzzle Marcus’ hard cock, teasing, before standing up and tugging it a few times with a soapy hand.
“Turn around,” he said, voice low and husky, Marcus shuddered as he did so, closing his eyes as Esca slid the sponge across his shoulders and back. He slid down as he had before, soaping Marcus’ legs before standing up again and lavishing attention on his ass, letting his fingers slide between.
Marcus gasped, but he didn’t pull away. He was aware of the logistics of two men having sex, and while it made his nervous, it also excited him. And with Esca, he couldn’t imagine it would be a bad thing. Ecsa moved around to his front again, sliding the sponge up his neck, draping his arms around Marcus’ neck and kissing him lazily. Marcus took the sponge from him, wrapping his arms around Esca and using it to clean Esca’s back and ass as they kissed. They were pressed together chest to chest, which spread the soap around their fronts well enough.
When Marcus had soaped Esca up as much as he could, he dropped the sponge and used both his hands to explore the skin on Esca’s back, pulling out of the kiss to slide his mouth down Esca’s neck tasting only soap and water, which he thought was a shame, but it still felt marvelous. He gasped when one of Esca’s hands gripped his cock, he hadn’t even noticed that Esca had moved it, having been too busy with his neck.
Esca began to stroke him, making Marcus lose focus on what he was doing, it was like stroking himself, only better, having Esca’s hand on him was too incredible to describe.
“Marcus,” Esca said, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Touch me.”
Marcus looked down, noticing that Esca’s cock was pressing into his belly, so he reached down and took it, getting a good grip and stroking in time with Esca’s hand on his own cock.
“Tighter,” Esca said, directing him, “like this,” and he squeezed Marcus’ cock more, eliciting another groan from Marcus. He pulled Marcus’ head down with this free hand, slipping his tongue into Marcus’ mouth, mimicking the penetration that had preoccupied Marcus not long before.
“Esca, I’m gonna come,” he said, meaning it as a warning, but Esca just smiled against his lips.
“Yeah,” Esca said, stroking faster. “Yeah, come on, Marcus.” And Marcus did, his hand faltering and he came all over Esca’s hand, panting for air as he came down from the high of his orgasm.
“Marcus, don’t stop,” Esca said, and he looked down again, seeing Esca’s cock still red and hard in his fist, so he began tugging again, stroking faster until he found a rhythm that Esca seemed to like, if his heaving breaths and jerking hips were any indication. And they were, as Esca came shortly after, pressing his forehead into Marcus shoulder and groaning, long and low, his cock spurting and twitching in Marcus’ fist.
“Marcus, god, that was amazing,” Esca said, still breathing heavily. Marcus grinned, a surge of love and happiness flowing over him. He’d never felt so at home, so ecstatic as he did in that moment, his come mingling with Esca’s and sliding off him with the remnants of soap, Esca’s eyes sparkling with happiness as well.
Marcus let out a laugh, utterly delighted and thrilled at how things had turned out. Even if he didn’t get drafted, if he never played hockey again, he would never regret anything, not while he had Esca in his arms.
**
Once they’d left the shower, toes wrinkly and temporarily sated, they set to the tray of food that Sassy had brought up for Marcus, demolishing it in only a few minutes. It took the edge off their hunger, enough to get them through until dinner.
After that, they snuggled on the couch and watched some TV, Esca leaning against one armrest with Marcus sprawled on his belly, head pillowed on Esca’s chest. Marcus was quickly becoming used to the feeling of Esca’s fingers carding through his hair, but he didn’t think he’d ever stop loving it.
He could hear Esca’s heart beating beneath his cheek and his head rose and fell with Esca’s breaths. He loved the way they fit, loved the feeling of Esca’s smooth skin under his, Esca’s legs tangled with his. He sighed blissfully.
The stillness didn’t last long. After only one episode of Star Trek, Esca turned off the TV and dropped the remote onto the coffee table. He ran his fingers through Marcus’ hair again, gripping his head with both hands and tilting it up so that Marcus was looking at him.
“Come here,” Esca said, so Marcus pushed up, crawling forward until their lips met, lowering himself back onto Esca’s body with his arms braced under him. The kiss began slow and sensual, but it quickly heated up until their tongues were lashing at each other. It was sloppy and undignified, and the best kiss Marcus had ever had. Every kiss with Esca was better than the last.
That was when Marcus remembered what he’d thought earlier that day when faced with Esca’s erection for the first time. His mouth had practically watered at the thought of taking Esca in his mouth, but the truth was that he’d never even received a blowjob. And yet, considering what Esca had said in the bathroom, Marcus thought he wouldn’t mind having to teach Marcus how to do it.
He pulled back, sucking Esca’s bottom lip, hard, before letting go and smiling at him.
“Esca,” he said. “I kind of want, if it’s alright, I mean, I’m not very...I’ve never-”
“Marcus,” Esca said, interrupting him. “What?”
“I’d like to suck you off,” Marcus said, so quickly it was almost indecipherable.
“Yeah?” Esca looked impressed. “I didn’t think you’d want to, so soon.”
“I didn’t either,” Marcus said. “I’ve only seen them in cheesy pornos where the girls wore too much make up and the guys had too much hair.”
Esca laughed. “I’ll have to get some some good bloke on bloke porn,” he said. “You’ve no idea what you’re missing.”
“Maybe you could show me right now,” Marcus said, licking his lips and grinding down to show Esca just how much he liked the idea.
“Why don’t I demonstrate, strictly for educational purposes, of course, and then you can show me what you’ve learned.” Esca had a sly grin on his face, one that made Marcus’ heart pound.
“You’re on,” he said, grinning back. Esca shoved at him and said, “get up,” and then arranged them so that Marcus was sitting on the couch with his legs spread while Esca knelt between them, already palming Marcus’ mostly hard cock and looking very much like the cat who got the cream.
“First,” he began. “You’ll need to get everything nice and wet, saliva is very important.” He proceeded to lick Marcus’ cock from base to tip, spreading enough spit around to leave it looking slick and wet, spending considerable time at the head. Marcus was having trouble sitting still, the urge to push up was difficult to control. Just when he thought he’d never make it, Esca pulled back, reviewing his handiwork. He seemed satisfied, so he continued his lesson.
“You want to be careful with your teeth. Keeping them covered with your lips is the way to go. Like this,” he said and slid his mouth down onto Marcus’ cock, lips wrapped around his teeth, the previously applied lubrication making it smooth and easy. For him, perhaps. Marcus was unable to stop himself from moaning as Esca sucked him in deep, and hissing when he pulled out, his lips playing at the head.
“God, Esca,” Marcus breathed, and he pulled back, holding Marcus’ cock upright with one hand wrapped around the base.
“A little bit of ball sucking is never a bad thing,” Esca said, lifting his eyes to meet Marcus’ momentarily before leaning down even further, tonguing one of Marcus’ balls and then the other before taking the first one into his mouth and sucking gently. He moved to the other and did the same thing, then pulled back and licked all around them, underneath and around, coming back up to the base of Marcus’ cock, sliding his tongue up to the tip and sucking it in briefly, letting go with a slight pop and then sitting back on his heels.
Marcus’ breath was coming in harsh pants, though his need to reach climax had faded while Esca had been working on this sac, it had filled him with a different kind of need, one that left him restless and aching.
“Some blokes say they like some tight, hard suction, but I’ve only found it a distraction. A warm, wet mouth is arousing enough, I don’t like to feel like I’m being sucked off by a hoover.”
Marcus couldn’t help but snort at this, and Esca grinned too, and then continued.
“One thing every bloke agrees on is tongue. Whether you want to be sucked off literally or not, tongue is always essential. Especially around the head.” He leaned down to demonstrate, taking just the tip of Marcus’ cock into his mouth, but flicking his tongue along the underside and then pressing it hard against the head.
Marcus gasped, unable to stop himself from bucking a little, his cock slipping further into Esca’s mouth for a minute before he pulled off once more.
“Ahh, the thrusting. Not such a good idea, unless you’ve planned for it or discussed it, although it happens sometimes. Some blokes like to have their heads held still and their mouths fucked, I admit it has a certain appeal, but generally, you should try to keep still and let the blower do the work. The blowee’s responsibility is just to sit back and enjoy.”
“Blowee?” Marcus said with a laugh. Despite the educational format of the blowjob, Marcus was reaching the edge of his endurance. Esca was good at what he put his mind to, that was certain. The fact that it was Marcus’ first blowjob and that it was Esca probably wasn’t helping him last.
“Yes, blowee. Technical terms, yeah?” Esca grinned at him, his eyes dancing with mischief, and Marcus almost lost his load right there, but then Esca sucked the tip into his mouth again and swirled his tongue around, pushing at what was left of Marcus’ foreskin. He had never been harder in his life. He shuddered, throwing his head back against the couch and looking imploringly at the ceiling as if praying for relief. The sight of a cheeky Esca with his mouth around Marcus’ cock was the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.
“Oi, hockey boy,” Esca said, giving Marcus a smack on the thigh. “Eyes on the prize,” he said, so Marcus took another deep breath and willed himself not to come too soon before looking back down. Esca was still grinning at him, and he had victory in his eyes.
“A useful tip is to use your hands to keep the blowee’s hips in place, minimizing the gag factor. He slid his hands up Marcus’ legs from knee to hip, then pressed hard, pinning Marcus in place. It was a good thing too as that’s when he took Marcus in all the way, his tongue pressing against the underside of Marcus’ cock on the down stroke, then twining about it on the way up, ending with a swirl against the tip before lowering his head to do it all again.
Marcus watched enthralled as Esca’s head bobbed in his lap, his eyes flicking up to meet Marcus’ every so often, his tongue and lips expertly manipulating Marcus’ arousal, building it higher and higher until Marcus knew he was going to come, soon.
“Esca, I--” he started, reaching up to tug on Esca’s hair to warn him, but Esca didn’t pull back, instead working him harder and faster until Marcus catapulted off the edge, his whole body shuddering with the force of, yet again, the best climax of his life. He wondered idly if they were just going to keep getting better but was distracted by Esca’s tongue, which was rubbing lazily at Marcus’ cock, lips still wrapped around him.
A tiny dribble of come slid from the corner of his mouth, but he didn’t seem to mind, milking Marcus’ cock a little longer before pulling back with a gasp. His tongue flicked out and licked at his lips, swiping the droplet back into his mouth, making Marcus shudder at the filthy eroticism of the act.
“Swallowing is both an acquired taste and a skill that must be mastered, so I don’t suggest it for your first attempt. Some blokes love to do it and others don’t, it’s personal, really. I for one have never really cared for it, but I found I just couldn’t help myself,” Esca said, crawling up and straddling Marcus’ lap, reminding him that Esca had yet to come, in fact his erection was leaking precome onto Marcus’ belly.
“What do you think?” Esca asked, but Marcus wasn’t sure he could answer. He breathed heavily for a moment, willing his heart to slow down before it beat right out of his chest, before answering.
“Is it always that good?” he asked, still breathless.
“Not always,” Esca replied. “Some blokes aren’t very good at it, even if they are enthusiastic, and some despise the very idea.” He stopped and looked Marcus right in the eye, suddenly serious. “But you won’t have to worry about that, will you?”
“No,” Marcus said with a grin, finally regaining the ability to move and sliding his hands up Esca’s back to pull him closer. “Apparently my boyfriend is an expert.”
Esca gifted him with a bright smile, leaning in for a kiss that Marcus happily returned. It wasn’t until his tongues tasted Esca’s mouth that he remembered what he had just been swallowing, but the idea didn’t bother him nearly as much as he thought that it should. He could still taste Esca and considering what Esca had just done for him, it mattered little.
“You still want to try?” Esca asked, nudging his hard cock against Marcus, who felt unaccountably nervous all of a sudden. Sure, he wanted it, but when faced with it in the immediate future, he found himself slightly apprehensive.
“You don’t have to if you don’t want, Marcus,” Esca said, smiling softly at him, playing idly with the hairs at the back of his neck. “There are plenty of other ways you can get me off.”
“No, I do, it’s just--” Marcus was unsure how to continue, so he kissed Esca instead, swiping with his tongue for another taste before pulling back once more. “I want to,” he said firmly.
“Alright then, you’re the boss,” Esca said, standing up and gesturing for Marcus to follow and Marcus was struck by the words, realizing that he really wasn’t. Esca was, and Marcus would do anything Esca wanted, with no concern for his fears or doubts. He wondered if Esca knew that, but now was not the time for thinking. Now was the time for action. Esca wanted a blowjob and Marcus was damn well going to give him one.
He knelt on the floor in front of Esca, mirroring Esca’s position from earlier, and thought about what he’d been told. No teeth, lots of tongue, suction optional. Right, he could do this. He took Esca’s cock in hand, pulling it into an upright position and watching avidly as the pre-come stretched before snapping, pooling on Esca’s belly. Marcus reached out and swiped at it with a finger, then sucked it into his mouth. The cock in his hand twitched, but he focused on the taste and consistency. It wasn’t all that bad, really.
He turned his attention back to Esca’s cock, studying it. It was equally as long as his, a bit slimmer but, on Esca’s smaller frame, much more impressive. He must have been taking a long time, because he soon felt Esca’s hand in his hair, tugging a little before carding his fingers through it, pressing ever so slightly forward as he cupped the back on Marcus’ head.
“Go on and give it a lick,” Esca said in a low voice, making Marcus shudder. He obeyed, leaning forward and licking the tip at first, then starting from the base and sliding his tongue up. He remembered what Esca had said about saliva so he worked up a bunch, slathering it on with his tongue and lips, tilting his head to the side to run them up and down Esca’s cock, first one side and then the other.
Esca hissed when he reached the top and sucked it into his mouth, covering his teeth and taking some in before sliding back up again and letting go, glancing up at Esca who was staring down at him, his eyes fixed on Marcus’ lips.
“Good Marcus, so good,” Esca whispered, licking his lips and making Marcus want to kiss them. “Try it again.”
Marcus did, taking in more this time, and remembering to use his tongue on the underside as he came up, trying to develop a rhythm, as Esca had done. It was slow going at first, but soon he gained confidence, helped along by Esca’s murmured encouragements and the gentle pressure of Esca’s hand on his head.
“You’ll be fabulous at this in no time,” Esca said after a while, and Marcus grinned before sliding down again, sucking a bit at the tip on the upstroke. He felt his confidence rising as Esca hissed and moaned some more, tugging at his hair with increasing urgency. He felt his cock hardening again, though he found it hard to believe that even his seventeen year old self could get it up again so soon after three amazing orgasms.
Truth be told, he was enjoying himself. Esca smelled clean and masculine, and the weight of his cock in Marcus’ mouth was so arousing it was making him dizzy. He had to pull off to regain his breath, suddenly remembering what Esca had said about the balls. He leaned down, stroking Esca’s cock lazily with his hand as he licked and sucked first one side and then the other. The musky scent of Esca was thicker there, heavier, but not unpleasant at all. Marcus found himself swiping his tongue several times underneath Esca’s sac before lifting his head again and sucking Esca’s cock all the way down.
He went a little too far, gagging a bit as Esca’s cock nudged the back of his throat but he was soon moving surely once more, using his hand at the base to help it along. He needn’t have bothered, as it wasn’t long before Esca was gasping out, “Marcus,” in a desperate tone of voice, tugging harder than ever as Marcus’ hair, putting both hands to the task. He pulled Marcus up and off his cock just in time for a surge of come to spill out, splattering Marcus’ cheek and lips, followed by another, which spilled down Marcus’ hand, sliding down his wrist as more trickled out. He squeezed out the last of it as Esca gasped for breath, his chest heaving.
“God, that is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” Esca said as Marcus licked the come off his lips, adjusting to the sensation of it in his mouth. It was salty, tinged with bitterness, and rather thick, but Marcus thought he could get used to it. He already knew he loved giving blowjobs, and was looking forward to the next time Esca would let Marcus get his mouth on his cock.
“It’s not too bad,” Marcus said, smiling up at Esca and then leaning down to lick around the head of his cock, filling his mouth with more of Esca’s come. He pulled back with a cough, deciding that less was more, for the time being.
“You’ll get used to it,” Esca replied, wiping his come off Marcus’ cheek with his thumb and then sucking it into his mouth. Marcus sucked in a breath, his eyes watching Esca’s cheeks move, no doubt he was swirling his tongue around, removing all traces.
“I can’t wait to try it again,” Marcus said, bounding up on to the couch beside Esca like an eager puppy who had just pleased his master and was thrilled about it. It was how he felt, more or less, seeing that dazed, glassy look in Esca’s eyes, his cheeks flushed and his lips red from where he had bitten them. Knowing the he had made Esca look that way was invigorating.
“Patience,” Esca said, laughing. “Three times in as many hours is enough to be getting on with, don’t you think?”
“I suppose,” Marcus replied with a cheeky grin. “Give me an hour.”
“It sounds like someone else wants your attention,” Esca said, looking behind the couch to where Marcus’ phone sat on his bedside table, signalling that he had an incoming text.
“They can’t have it,” Marcus said, pushing Esca down onto the couch and clambering atop him. “I don’t have any to spare from you.”
“Get off me, you big fool,” Esca said, shoving ineffectually at Marcus’ chest. “Or I won’t suck you off again later.” Marcus paused in his attempt to layer Esca’s neck with love bites and looked down at him, trying to gauge if he was bluffing. But his face was stern and set, and Marcus, not wanting to take the chance, got up and off him, sighing heavily as he went.
“You don’t play fair, you know that, right,” Marcus said and he went and retrieved his phone, reading the text.
Dinner is ready. I expect both of you down here in 5 minutes. Fully clothed. Uncle.
Marcus looked up at Esca, his eyes wide and shocked. “Uncle wants us down for dinner,” he said. “Fully clothed, apparently.”
“Oh shit,” Esca said, laughing, but he got off the couch and looked around for his jeans, spotting them on the floor by the bed. “We left our shirts on the stairs, didn’t we?”
“Uh yeah, that might not have been the best idea,” Marcus said, rubbing the back of his neck. He wondered if Uncle would believe him if he said he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to skip dinner, but he rejected the idea as foolish. Uncle would see through him in a heartbeat.
“Well, it’s done now,” Esca said, pulling on his jeans atop his briefs, much to Marcus’ dismay. There was nothing for it, so Marcus fetched a fresh pair of briefs for himself and pulled on his pyjama pants.
Esca stood by his bedroom door, bare-chested, while Marcus threw a shirt on as well. “Do you want a shirt,” he asked, but Esca shook his head.
“I’d swim in your clothes. I’d better just fetch mine from your uncle,” he said. Marcus grimaced, wondering if Uncle had confiscated them or if they were still decorating the staircase.
“Right,” he said, moving to stand beside Esca, who was reaching for the doorknob when Marcus stopped him with a hand on his wrist.
“Wait,” he said quietly, pulling Esca back toward him and wrapping his arms around him. He kissed Esca, slowly and thoroughly, finally pulling back with a sigh, pressing their foreheads together and just breathing him in for a moment.
“Okay,” he said, taking a step back but keeping hold of Esca’s hand. “Let’s go face the music.”
**
They found their shirts draped over the railing outside Marcus’ room. Esca pulled his over his head while Marcus tossed his into the bedroom. Then Marcus took Esca’s hand and gave it a squeeze, leading the way downstairs.
They found Uncle in the kitchen, dishing Sassy’s stew into bowls, a plateful of biscuits and butter on the table already.
“There you are,” Uncle said, looking up at them, his eyes flicking quickly from their joined hands and away. “I was wondering if you’d come down after all.”
“It didn’t seem we had an option,” Marcus said, flushing.
“Oh, you didn’t,” Uncle said, gesturing for them to sit. “I just wasn’t sure if I’d have to come up and get you. That could have proven awkward for all involved.” He placed two bowls on the set table and went back for the third, sitting with it himself.
“Esca, it’s wonderful too see you again,” he said, giving Esca a bright smile. “I had begun to despair. But it seems you two have worked things out, at last.”
“We have,” Esca said, shooting a grin at Marcus, who couldn’t help but smile back.
“Good, that’s very good,” Uncle said. “Although, I do need to request that in the future you keep any disrobing for behind closed doors, hmm?” Marcus flushed an even deeper red, and even Esca blushed a bit.
“Yeah, sorry about that, we got a little...distracted,” Marcus said, his cheeks heating even further. Esca looked at him with a smirk, and Marcus blushed even more. He was certain his entire face and neck had to be red by then.
“I do understand boys, I’ve been there,” Uncle said, and Marcus tried not to think about that too hard. “But I’m having a hard enough time coming to terms with you growing up into a man, you don’t need to rub my nose in it, alright?”
“Yes Uncle,” Marcus said, digging into his stew, grinning at Esca from across the table. Esca grinned back and then Marcus felt something nudging his knee, he didn’t have to think long to figure out what it was. Esca raised a brow and gave him a speculative look. Marcus stretched his legs in response, his feet tangling with Esca’s under the table.
“Now where is Stephan when you need him?” Uncle mused. “I should have asked him to stay for dinner after all, he could have distracted me from all the teenage ardor.”
Marcus had the grace to look apologetic, but he didn’t stop, and Esca just looked smug. Uncle cleared his throat and changed the subject.
“So Esca, my boy,” he began. “Fabulous performance in Vancouver last weekend, it was inspiring, truly.”
“Thank you,” Esca replied, taking up the subject immediately. “I was stunned by my score, even I hadn’t thought I skated that well.”
“Oh you did,” Uncle said brightly. “Did Marcus tell you we were there? After watching on television all those times, we just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see you skate, in person.”
“He didn’t,” Esca said, glancing at Marcus again, who was devouring his stew and biscuits. “But I saw you there. It was lovely to have some familiar faces in the crowd.”
“I’m sure it is,” Uncle said. “When do you skate again?”
“Not for a month and a half, actually,” Esca replied. “Worlds in LA this year, so I’ve got time to work out a few new programs and perfect them.”
“Exciting, tell me how you go about that,” Uncle said, so Esca did.
**
Dinner had gone smoothly after that, to Marcus’ relief. Uncle had agreed to let Esca spend the night, on the condition that they kept any and all ‘shenanigans’ to the bedroom. Marcus was sure he’d be red forever, with the amount of blushing he’d done that night. They cleaned up the dishes while Esca left the room to call his Nan and Marcus was surprised when Uncle pulled Marcus into a bruising hug.
Ever since Marcus had reached the age where parental affection was uncool, the hugs had tapered off. But now, Marcus found himself burrowing in, hugging his uncle back heartily. Uncle was safe, and comfort, and home, and nothing, no amount of growing up would change that.
When they pulled back, Uncle held him at arm’s length and Marcus was sure he saw a glimmer of moisture in the older mans’ eyes, but he blinked it right away.
“I’m so happy for you, Marcus,” he said, squeezing Marcus’ shoulders, smiling at him. “I suppose I knew immediately that Esca was special, and I couldn’t approve more, really.” Marcus couldn’t stop the smitten smile that broke over his face. He hadn’t known how much he’d needed his Uncle’s support and approval until that moment, knowing he had it made everything that much better.
“He is,” Marcus said. “He’s...amazing.” Uncle laughed and patted his cheek.
“He certainly is,” Uncle agreed. “Now go, do whatever it is you plan on doing. I’ll finish the clean up.”
“Thanks, Uncle,” Marcus said, and headed out to find Esca.
**
Waking up next to Esca was the best thing in the world, Marcus decided the next morning. The sun filled the room with a pale light, just enough so that he could see Esca’s shape beside him. Their legs were tangled under the duvet, Esca using Marcus’ arm as a pillow, his hair messier than Marcus had ever seen it and drool dripping from his open mouth. Perhaps it should have been unattractive, but Marcus couldn’t seem to be put off by any part of Esca, drool or otherwise.
They had touched and explored each other into the night, getting to know each other’s bodies with hands and lips and tongues, while they spent hours talking. Marcus had been amazed at how easily he had opened up to Esca, he’d never felt before that anyone could understand him completely. And it seemed to go both ways, as Esca had opened up to him as well, talking for the first time of his life in England, of his family, his brothers.
Once again Marcus had found himself unable to decide what the correct behaviour was. He had no idea what he should say or do, but Esca seemed only to need him there to listen, needed someone he could unload on without expectation. Finally they seemed to have exhausted all words and had kissed lazily (snogged, Esca said) until they had drifted off.
He was unable to resist touching Esca, so he ran his hand up over Esca’s hip, across his chest to his shoulder, then following the line of his arm. He played with Esca’s strong, slender fingers, still slack with sleep, and then slid his own back up Esca’s arm to his neck.
He traced Esca’s throat, fingers dancing over his Adam’s apple before gliding up to his jaw. He paused there for quite some time, just enjoying the quiet, revelling in his ability to touch freely what had, not too long before, seemed so distant from him. Finally he moved again, sliding his fingers around the shell of Esca’s ear, back into his hair, the strands smooth and silky under his touch.
He let out a shaky breath, unaware that he had been holding it. He was overwhelmed with emotion for the boy in his arms, almost a man, evident in the stubble that covered his cheeks and the cock that lay still and soft against Marcus’ thigh.
He drew his hand down once more, then ran his fingers higher still, across Esca’s high cheekbones and his lightly furred brows, taking another deep breath, wondering if one could explode from an overabundance of emotion.
He’d never dreamed that he could have this, someone to love, someone to talk to, someone to hold in his arms as dawn broke. For so long he had convinced himself that he could defeat those yearnings, that he would be happy if only he could spend his life playing hockey. He knew now that he’d been wrong, so astoundingly wrong to have ever fathomed a life without this.
Esca had changed everything.
“Are you going to grope me all day?” Esca asked, eyes still closed but his lips turning up in a smirk.
“If you’ll let me,” Marcus answered, his heart pounding with re-awakened excitement, his cock also waking up.
“But you’re overlooking the most important part,” Esca said, shifting closer so Marcus could feel Esca’s cock waking up as well.
“I’ve paid it so much attention lately that I didn’t want the rest to get jealous,” Marcus said, dipping his head to kiss Esca’s shoulder, unable to stop once he had begun, laying kisses up Esca’s neck, inch by inch.
“Oh, don’t worry,” Esca said, his voice filled with amusement. “The rest of me wants you to touch me there.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the sum of your parts,” Marcus said, suddenly serious, rolling Esca onto his back and covering him. They kissed for a moment but, morning breath being as it was, soon abandoned that in favour of thrusting against each other, Marcus braced on his elbow, hands cupping Esca’s shoulders from underneath while Esca mirrored him, clinging to Marcus’ shoulders and holding him down. Marcus dropped his head onto Esca’s shoulder and thrust harder, his cock rubbing against Esca’s, both trapped between their bellies.
“This is...hotter than I imagined...it would be,” Esca gasped between thrusts, and when he lifted his legs and wrapped them around Marcus’ hips, the angle changed and they both groaned. Marcus' arms gave out a bit and he lowered himself fully onto Esca, chest to chest, their hips the only thing moving. Esca began sucking and licking all of Marcus’ neck that he could reach, pushing Marcus closer and closer to his peak, and way too soon for his liking, he crested, moaning and shuddering, panting his orgasm onto Esca’s skin.
Esca kept thrusting, his cock slick in the mess, so Marcus pressed down harder, until Esca bit the juncture of his neck and shoulder, sucking hard as he spent himself between them, his movements slowing gradually and his legs slipping back onto the bed beneath them.
“What a way to wake up,” he said, and Marcus agreed, peeling himself off Esca and sitting back, still straddling him and taking in the mess they’d made.
“Looks like we’ll need another shower,” he said, dragging a finger through the mess and making Esca shiver.
“I’m not complaining,” Esca said, sitting up and wrapping his arms around Marcus’ waist. “I meant what I said, you know,” he said.
“Which part?” Marcus asked, running his fingers through Esca’s hair, loving the blissful look this action provoked in Esca.
“I love you,” Esca said simply, his eyes, for once, betraying his vulnerability. Marcus’ heart clenched, his breath caught. To know this amazing creature in his arms, to be loved by him, to be one of the few he allowed to really see him, to be trusted by him, it was humbling. Marcus was determined to deserve him, always.
“I can hardly believe it,” Marcus replied, kissing Esca slowly, just lips, with all the emotion he was feeling. “I love you too, so much.”
Esca smiled at him, a little sadly, and Marcus’ chest tightened again. He would make Esca happy, he promised himself. Nothing could make up for the loss he’d suffered, but Marcus would make sure his future was bright and filled with love. No matter what.
**
Marcus hauled his gear out of the truck the next morning, his breath huffing out into the frosty air. It had been warming up slightly during the day, but the mornings were as frosty as ever. It didn’t help his feelings of apprehension about this practice though, the first since he’d come out. He was certain that Charlie would have something to say, and he was sure to have found support with some of the other team members. It was not going to be the best morning of his life.
Then he thought of Esca, of the previous day they’d spent together. They had gone down for breakfast and laughed with his uncle, watched some TV on the couch in Marcus’ room, after which Marcus had given the second blowjob of his life, liking it even more than he had the first time.
They’d had lunch and then he’d driven Esca home, and met his grandmother. What an experience that was. Where Marcus’ uncle was all laid-back, borderline impropriety, Esca’s Nan was a proper English lady. It had been a bit of a revelation for Marcus, but she had been quite welcoming, and clearly happy to meet Marcus. She had looked him up and down, asked a few pointed questions and had pronounced him acceptable. For now.
Marcus feared what would happen if he did something that was not acceptable. But then she had left them, claiming a prior arrangement to shop with ‘the ladies’, as she described them. Marcus had breathed a sigh of relief when she’d gone, his discomfort soon forgotten when Esca had returned the favour from that morning and sucked Marcus down until he came, standing there in the living room, weak-kneed and gasping for breath.
After that they had gone to Esca’s room, where Esca had shown him photo albums of his family, grinning with tearful eyes as he showed Marcus pictures of his brothers, speaking fervently of his parents, longingly of their lives together. Marcus had held him for a long time after that, giving comfort in stillness and acceptance.
Marcus sighed, nodding at a few of the older teammates, ones who didn’t attend the school and would likely not have seen Marcus’ article, but they wouldn’t remain ignorant for long.
“Marcus, wait up.” Luke called, jogging toward Marcus, stopping to pant a moment when he’d caught up, shifting his hold on his bag full of gear.
“Morning, Luke,” Marcus said, patting him on the back. “All set?”
“I am, the question is, are you?” Luke asked, his brow furrowed. “I’m sure Charlie will be making trouble, it’s what he does best.”
“He didn’t used to be this much of an ass,” Marcus commented. “But I’m as ready as I can be, I suppose.”
They headed in together, nodding to a few of the guys, although almost every team member from the school seemed to be glaring at Marcus or looking at him warily. Marcus could deal with this, if only it meant he’d be left alone. It was not to be.
“I don’t think you should be here, fag,” Charlie snarled from behind Marcus. He sighed. So it was starting.
“And I thought I told you to keep your fool mouth shut,” Marcus replied, turning around. Charlie would not be so easy to best this time, surrounded by his friends, including Brayden Windley, who had graduated the previous year, and a hesitant looking Robert.
“I’m not afraid of you, Aquila,” Charlie said, sneering at him.
“Of course not, now that you have your mindless sycophants to back you up,” Luke said.
“This doesn’t concern you, Torus,” Brayden spoke up, but Luke would not be intimidated.
“It does, actually. If you intend to cause trouble for Marcus, you’ll be causing trouble for me,” Luke said, crossing his arms over his chest and moving to stand beside Marcus.
“What are you on about, Henderson?” asked Peter Jeffries, and older player.
“I would like to know that as well,” Coach Guern said as he entered the change room. “Why are you idiots standing around? You should be in kit by now.”
“Henderson seems to have some kind of problem with Aquila,” Peter explained.
“What? Why?” Guern said, turning to Charlie. “What’s up your ass, Henderson?”
“He would be, if I let him,” Charlie said, gesturing toward Marcus, who could only roll his eyes at Charlie’s idiocy. “I was just saying that I don’t think this pussy fag should be allowed to play with the men.”
Luke let out a bark of laughter, sharing a smirk with Marcus, but waved his hand apologetically when Guern turned to glare at him.
“Funny, I thought we were all men here,” Guern said, looking around the room.
“I thought so too, until Aquila saw fit to inform us he’s a fag,” Charlie spat.
“Your language leaves a lot to be desired, Henderson,” Guern said before turning to Marcus. “What is this all about?”
“My former friend Charles seems to have taken it as a personal insult that I came out this last week,” Marcus said. “He thinks I can’t play hockey because I’m gay.”
Everyone in the room froze, the silence stretching out.
“Marcus, I...I wish I could say it won’t be a problem, but I’m sure you realize more than anyone that it will be,” Guern said, breaking the silence.
“I’m aware of that,” Marcus replied quietly. “But there are some lies a man can’t live with, and this is one of them.”
“I admire your courage in coming clean Aquila,” Guern said, giving Marcus’ shoulder a squeeze. “Most would not believe it, but your father had that same courage. I’m glad to see you inherited that from him, along with his talent.”
“Thank you, Coach,” Marcus said, still unsure of what was going to happen next.
“Henderson, keep your trap shut. The rest of you, get dressed and get on the ice!” Guern ordered.
“You’re just going to let him get away with it?” Charlie asked, incredulously.
“Get away with what, Henderson?” Guern demanded. “Nothing about Marcus has changed since last week, only your perception of him.”
“But,” Charlie looked like he was going to explode, searching for something to reproach him with. “I don’t want that pansy in here perving on me!”
At this Marcus couldn’t retrain his laughter. “If I’ve been able to contain my lust for you after all these years, you can be sure I’m not going to jump you now, Charles,” Marcus said with a smirk, as Luke nudged his shoulder. “Besides, I’ve got a boyfriend.”
“You’re fucking that prissy Brit, aren’t you?” Charlie said, his face twisted in a sneer.
“Watch what you say about him, Charles,” Marcus said, his voice as cold as the ice. “Or you’ll be getting into more trouble than you can handle.”
“And you’d better watch who you piss off or you and your faggy boyfriend will have another thing coming.”
“Henderson, you’re benched!” Guern bellowed, stopping all conversation in the room. “I don’t care what kind of opinion you have in that fat head of yours, but here in this room mine is the only one that matters!”
He turned to look at the rest of the room, ensuring that he had every one’s attention. “I’m only going to say this once, so everyone listen up. Marcus Aquila is the most talented, hard working player I have ever had the privilege to coach. Not a single one of you could stand up next to him in comparison. I don’t give a flying fuck who or what he gets his rocks off with, and neither should you.”
He turned to survey the room again, pausing to make his point. “I’d better not hear another word on this topic, from any of you. Marcus is going to have enough shit to deal with, he doesn’t need it dealt from his teammates. Understood?”
There was a chorus of, “yes, Coach!” from the room.
“Henderson, come see me in my office, the rest of you, get on the ice!” Guern said, striding from the room. Charlie did not look happy, he began slamming things into his bag, shooting evil looks at Marcus and Coach Guern. Marcus knew it was not over.
Part 4.2