FIC: Between You And Me 5/5
Title: Between You And Me
Author: Holly Lyn
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Pairings: Chris/Steve
Word Count: 23,616 (total)
Summary: When friendship becomes something more and is tested by outside influences can two souls remain true or will the fates step in and divide them?
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone ... damn it! It's all fictional and just for fun.
The question Christian had been about to ask died on his lips as he re-entered the entertainment room to find Steve dozing on the couch. They had finally moved from the music room after Steve’s emotional catharsis and Christian was doing his best to entice Steve to kick back and relax in the aftermath with an afternoon of music, conversation, and gentle, reassuring touches.
He placed a large platter of peanut butter, crackers, cheese, grapes, cubed honeydew melon and apple slices on the coffee table within easy reach of the sofa and reached to drape an afghan over the sleeping man, trying not to wake him from his much needed rest. He made one more trip to the kitchen to bring out some large bottles of icy cold water and found two sleepy blue eyes watching him as he put the bottles on coasters to protect the wood grain surface of the table. “I didn’t mean to wake you, babe,” he smiled and sat down, raising Steve’s legs to slide in under them.
“I was lonely,” Steve murmured and sat up so that they were shoulder to shoulder, “not to mention hungry.” He leaned in to nuzzle Christian’s cheek.
“Sounds like someone is feeling better?” Christian asked and popped a grape into Steve’s mouth. “Not so queasy any more?”
“Yup,” Steve responded and fed an apple slice topped with peanut butter to Christian and followed that up with a kiss. “Um,” he smiled and licked his lips, “Reese’s got it all wrong. Kane and peanut butter. Definitely the way to go.”
A chuckle rumbled deep in Christian’s throat as he leaned in to press butterfly soft kisses to each of Steve’s eyelids. His callused palms cupped Steve’s jaw while his strong fingers wound their way through the tousled blond hair to begin a gentle knead to the base of his skull. As the touches continued, Steve sighed going completely boneless under the soothing massage. His head bowed down to rest on Christian’s shoulder; his hands were lying warm and lax on the top of Christian’s thigh.
Reaching out with his left hand, Christian put a slice of cheese on one of the crackers and brought it up under Steve’s nose, “C’mon, babe, let’s get some food in you. Now you’re feeling better the last thing you need is for a headache to settle in because you haven’t eaten.”
Steve’s head rose slowly; his eyes were hazed over in relaxation and a dopey grin spread across his lips. He didn’t speak but just opened his mouth looking a lot like a baby bird waiting for food from its parent. He took the cracker halfway into his mouth but made no move to chew or swallow. Instead he looked at Christian and waggled his eyebrows. Christian took the hint, leaning in to bite the other half of the offered treat. Their lips met in the middle setting off another round of lazy kissing.
Steve’s stomach chose that moment to let out a healthy sounding growl that sent both men into gales of laughter. Christian held his hands up in a ‘time out’ motion and pulled the entire tray over onto his lap. “You want somethin’ more substantial or is this gonna do it?”
“I don’t wanna risk anything more until we know how this is gonna settle,” Steve responded.
“All right then. Let’s dig in and see if we can find somethin’ to watch on TV.” Christian grabbed the remote and started channel surfing.
“Wait!” Steve called out as Christian flipped past the SyFy network. “Back up a sec,” he reached for the remote.
Christian batted his hand away, “I got it, man. You just … you get to work on feeding that noisy beast there.” He surfed back a couple of stations and blinked at what was on the screen. “Dude … Seriously?” he asked as both of his eyebrows disappeared under his shaggy bangs.
A playful pout settled on Steve’s face complete with a quivering lower lip. “I’ll bet they’re doing a disaster movie day,” he said and gave a ridiculous bat of his eyes. “I love disaster movie days.”
“You’re creepin’ me out here,” Christian chuckled. “If I leave this on will you promise to never do that again?” he gave an exaggerated shudder.
“Cool!” Steve grinned and sat back with a handful of grapes.
Christian shook his head in amusement before he leaned back and snuggled up into Steve’s right side with his head on the other man’s shoulder. The only noise in the room for a while were the sounds of chewing and the occasional snort or chuckle as the implausible plot of a massive earthquake demolishing New York City played out.
“Know what this movie needs?” Christian finally asked as he sucked peanut butter off of his finger. Steve groaned deep in his throat and shivered. “What?” Christian asked as he brought another sticky finger up to his mouth. “You okay, man?”
Steve grabbed Christian’s hand and stared at the peanut covered digits. “You really don’t know?” he asked hoarsely. Christian looked puzzled as he shook his head prompting Steve to bring the tasty fingers up to his own mouth and sucked the rest of the peanut butter off himself. He smiled smugly as Christian’s eyes rolled back in his head and a breathy moan escaped his parted lips. With one final swirl of his tongue around the pad of Christian’s finger, Steve finally released it with a soft, wet popping sound. “So now do you get it?” he asked with an evil grin.
“Ungh,” Christian responded with a hazy, blissed out expression.
For a brief moment, Steve wished he had the nerve to snap a quick photo of Christian’s face but he didn’t want to risk getting a black eye or a broken nose when Christian came back to his senses. He settled himself back on the couch and said, “I’m almost afraid to ask … but what was it you were saying about the movie needing something?”
“Hnnnh … what?” Christian’s eyes slowly came back into focus.
“You said the movie needed ….. “
Christian blinked and looked at the television. “Needs …” he cast his mind back to before Steve melted every brain cell he owned. “Zombies!” he finally remembered.
“Zombies?” Steve burst out laughing. “Dude, it’s a disaster movie. Earthquake? … New York in ruins?”
“I’m telling you zombies could only improve it … or at least you wouldn’t be able to tell if the acting really is as bad as it is. And - yeah - they got one thing right. It is a disaster.” Steve couldn’t respond through his giggles so Christian continued but this time his voice was soft and raspy, “By the way, that finger suckin’ thing? Soon as both of us are feeling up to it …” he punctuated the insinuation with a cocky smirk.
Steve drew in a deep breath and gulped. His pupils dilated so only a slim ring of blue showed and his nostrils flared.
“Good,” Christian acknowledged the stunned silence. “Now you relax and watch your disaster of a movie. I’m goin’ in the kitchen to throw together some Texas hash. I’ll leave out the chili powder but the rest should be mild enough for you.” He leaned in and claimed a long, slow kiss before pushing himself off the couch and sauntering out of the room.
Christian had been right. The simple dish of hamburger, rice, tomatoes, onions, and green pepper had been easy on his stomach and now that he was comfortably full, Steve was feeing much more like his old self again.
Coming back into the entertainment room after cleaning up in the kitchen, Christian placed more bottled water with easy reach and asked, “Is New York still crumbling?”
“Nope,” Steve grinned. “Now there’s a volcano wiping out Los Angeles.”
A long-suffering sigh escaped Christian’s lips, “It’s a good thing I love you, Carlson,” he smiled and wandered over to dim the lights.
Steve’s eyes were wide and luminous with emotion, “I - I love you too, Kane,” he said huskily.
Christian dropped to his knees and moved in again for some chaste kisses while Steve’s hand threaded through his hair to pull him closer for more heated interaction.
It was Steve who drew away first. “That can’t be comfortable on your knees, dude, and you’re still healing. Come up here and get comfy with me. We can share the afghan, too.” Steve lay full length on the couch propped up on his left side and pulled Christian into position in front of him. Christian’s head was pillowed on Steve’s left shoulder and Steve’s right arm draped over Christian’s waist. “Oops, just a sec,” Steve murmured and reached for one of the small throw pillows. He placed it under Christian’s right arm saying, “Don’t want to strain your shoulder, babe.”
“Thank you,” Christian signed and turned his head to bring their lips together again.
Steve slipped his right hand under Christian’s shirt and began a soothing petting motion over the warm smooth skin of his belly. Both men relaxed immediately and neither of them could think of anywhere else they’d rather be.
“So … volcano in L.A.?” Christian asked and snuggled closer.
“Um hmm,” Steve breathed into the other man’s ear.
Christian chuckled softly. “I’m tellin’ ya, man, zombies … I’m just sayin’.”
“Whatever you say,” Steve said and nuzzled his way across Christian’s jawline to his already kiss swollen lips. It didn’t take long before all thoughts of volcanoes and zombies were very distant memories.
>^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<
Christian woke slowly the next morning, still wrapped in Steve’s loving embrace, his entire body basking in warmth and contentment. There wasn’t a spare inch between them from chest to toe and at some point during the night Steve’s right leg had insinuated itself between Christian’s legs and was wrapped securely around Christian’s left shin to hold him even closer. From the deep, even puffs of warm air periodically blowing across his right ear, Christian knew Steve was still sleeping and he hated to wake him but his bladder was about ready to burst and he really didn’t want to have to have the couch cleaned not to mention explaining how the embarrassing stain got there in the first place.
He slowly, gently raised Steve’s right arm from his waist and placed it on Steve’s own thigh then he nudged Steve’s right leg out from between his. Unfortunately when he tried to push himself into a sitting position he realized that sleeping on the sofa together - while romantic as all hell - had done nothing for his still healing body. “Ooowww!” he groaned and subsided back on the couch.
“Chris?” Steve’s sleep drowsy voice was muffled in the back of Christian’s neck. “Is so’thin’ wrong?”
“I need to pee,” Christian growled in frustration.
“S’go,” Steve said and burrowed deeper into the back of the sofa.
“Wish I could,” Christian whined. “I can’t move.” He tried - and failed - again to get up off of the couch.
“Oh, babe, I’m sorry. Let me help,” Steve offered and tried to move. “Um … slight problem,” he said after a few moments of wiggling around.
“Problem?” Christian ground out, “what fuckin’ problem?”
“My entire left side is numb and my right side is staging a revolt in sympathy with you,” Steve moaned. “Tonight we’re sleeping in a bed, right?”
Christian chuckled. “Yes. We are. Now to the more immediate problem …” He tried again, actually managing to get into a sitting position, and paused to let his body adjust to being upright. When he finally pushed himself to his feet he stood swaying for a moment before taking off in a slow hobble down the hall.
Steve had barely made it to his own feet when he caught sight of Christian limping back towards him. His mouth fell open and his knees gave out dropping him back to the couch. “Y - y - you,” he stammered as he gaped at Christian who appeared to be wearing a bath towel, a smile, and nothing else. Steve tried again, “Y - y - you want me to help you in the shower?” he squeaked.
“Nope,” Christian smirked and came closer. “Had me a better idea.” Steve’s eyes widened and he gulped audibly. “We got us a nice hot tub out on the back deck and I think both of us could use a long soak before breakfast.”
“O - okay,” Steve said weakly.
“All right then,” Christian drawled and rubbed his hands together.
“Um … I didn’t pack my trunks …” Steve’s brain hadn’t quite caught up to this mouth yet.
“Really?” Christian snorted and raised an eyebrow; the way he was standing showed off one leg - tanned and enticingly bare - at least up to the top of his thigh.
Blushing from his neck to the roots of his hair, Steve smacked himself in the forehead as he realized what he’d said. “Duh,” he chuckled.
“Now you go do what ya need to do. I’ll be out revving up the bubbles,” Christian dropped a quick kiss on Steve’s forehead over the spot where he’d hit himself and headed out the sliding glass doors dropping the towel as he went.
“Son of a …” Steve started and pushed himself off the sofa and trotted down the hallway. Two could play that game.
Christian was already in the hot tub with his eyes closed in pleasure when he heard the door slide open again. “It’s about damned t -“ he stopped speaking and slid off the seat in shock slipping completely under the water at the sight of Steve sauntering through the door - grinning and stark naked with his own folded bath towel in hand.
Steve reached in the water and grabbed a hand to pull a spluttering Christian up to the surface. “You were saying?” he laughed as he lowered himself into the hot tub completely submerging himself before moving to sit thigh to thigh with Christian.
“You have no shame, do you?” Christian observed and pushed his wet mop of hair out of his face.
“You complaining?” Steve countered cheekily.
Before Steve could draw another breath, he found himself with a lapful of wet, naked, wriggling Christian. “You tell me,” Christian breathed. “Am I complaining?” he sealed his mouth over Steve’s and straddled Steve’s thighs bringing them together full on skin to skin for the first time ever. Steve drew in a deep breath and buried his face in Christian’s neck as he squirmed just a little. “Am I too heavy for you?” Christian nuzzled Steve’s left ear.
“Don’t. You. Move …” Steve growled and shifted just a bit more. Their cocks came into perfect alignment between their bellies and both men groaned at their most intimate contact yet. “That’s better,” Steve sighed and licked at Christian’s left earlobe before sucking it into his mouth and nipping the soft flesh.
Christian shuddered in pleasure and goosebumps broke out all over his body. “Oh … My …God,” he whimpered. He gave his own little shimmy and nearly came unglued from the delicious friction. “Are you okay with this?” he asked and nosed his way through Steve’s hair to suck gently at the pulse point under his ear.
“Oh, I am so much more than okay with this,” Steve responded and fitted his hands around the muscular globes of Christian’s ass to pull him even closer and began a slow, sweet thrusting motion as he captured Christian’s mouth using his tongue to mimic the rocking motion of their hips.
They broke for air and a particularly forceful push from Christian brought a sharp cry from Steve’s lips. Christian cupped Steve’s face between his strong hands and kissed him softly. “Shhhhh. We have to keep the noise down, babe. The neighbors can’t see us but they’re still close enough to hear us. Okay?”
Steve grinned wolfishly and upped the ante by renewing the stroking motion of his hips; he muffled his groans by sucking on Christian’s collar bone. Christian subdued his own moans in the crook of Steve’s neck and moved in counterpoint to Steve. The rhythm was as old as time itself and as their pace increased the water slopped over the edges of the hot tub, drenching the deck in chlorinated water. Christian stiffened first as he fell over the precipice; Steve watched his lover’s face as he came and that was enough to send him over the brink as well.
Their shudders eventually subsided and they finally settled into their original position with Christian still straddling Steve’s lap and their heads resting on each other’s shoulders as panted breaths wafted over goose pimpled flesh which still twitched in reaction to their explosive climaxes. Eventually they recovered enough to lift their heads and it only took a moment before their mouths reconnected with hungry wet kisses while their hands explored everywhere they could reach.
Steve sniffed noisily and used one hand to wipe at his eyes.
“Babe?” Christian asked worriedly.
“God! I feel like such a girl, Chris,” Steve choked out. “Sorry about that.”
Christian shook his head, “No need to apologize. You went through hell with all of this. I get it. Like I said, now it’s my turn to take care of you.”
A shaky smile accompanied Steve’s nod, “After the past few days … Honestly? … I never thought this could happen.” A shadow passed over Steve’s face as the remembered stress and strain of the week flitted through his mind.
“Shhhh, darlin’, come here,” Christian pulled Steve into a protective embrace. “It’s over and done with. Now it’s me … and you … together. Okay?” Steve nodded but didn’t trust his voice to make it past the huge lump in this throat; moisture welled once more in his eyes. “Aw hell,” Christian murmured and kissed away the impending tears. “Now what do you say we finish our soak. Then we go out to breakfast before we hit the road and I show you around my home away from home.”
“Sounds good to me,” Steve grinned and blushed a little. “Wanna share the shower?”
Christian barked out a deep belly laugh, “We may never get past the bathroom if we do that but I’m game if you are.”
“Cool!” Steve responded and tangled their fingers together. He raised them out of the water to plant a soft kiss on their joined knuckles and then brought them back underwater still entwined.
Christian finally shifted off of Steve’s lap and helped the younger man rub the pins and needles out of his thighs. They settled in to soak quietly for a while and didn’t even move when the Portland sky blessed them with a slight drizzle. The feel of the cool droplets on their faces was an amazing contrast with the warm jets of bubbles fizzing around their bodies.
When the two men finally went inside, the answering machine was showing four messages waiting. Christian headed for the machine as Steve passed him by and grabbed orange juice and glasses for both of them. As they drank their juice they listened as Eric, Dean Devlin, Tim Hutton and John Rodgers checked in to see how they were doing.
Christian chuckled at the chagrinned look on Steve’s face. “You - uh - forget something?”
“Kinda?” Steve squirmed. “I was supposed to call them and let them know how you were doing. The last anyone heard was when Tim and John were here the other day.”
“Oops!” Christian snorted. “I’ll take John and Dean, you call Eric and Tim. Whoever’s done first gets to warm up the shower.”
Steve skidded down the hall to grab his cell phone nearly losing his loosely wrapped towel in the process. His phone calls only took a few minutes each but he knew Christian would be a while since his conversations would be more business oriented. As soon as he hung up he started the shower, climbing in once the water warmed up enough to suit him.
A waft of cool air heralded Christian’s arrival into the warm, steamy cubicle and soon Steve was enveloped in a strong embrace with Christian’s heat plastered all down his back.
“You tryin’ to start without me?” Christian purred and nuzzled Steve’s damp hair to bite his earlobe.
“No-o-o-o,” Steve shuddered as Christian palmed his nipples coaxing them into hardened peaks. He tried to turn around to face his tormentor but Christian held him firmly in place.
“Where d’ya think you’re goin’?” Christian growled. “I got you right where I want you.” Giving a pinch to each sensitive nub, Christian trailed his fingers down Steve’s sides circling his right hand around Steve’s cock while his left hand played with his heavy balls.
When Steve tried to bring his own hands around to join Christian’s, Christian bit his earlobe again saying, “Let me do this for you, okay?” Steve nodded and moved his hands back so he could anchor himself with a firm grip on Christian’s hips as Christian increased the pace of his hand. Steve moaned and he began thrusting to match the rhythm of Christian’s strokes. “That’s it, baby,” Christian whispered and tongued the side of his lover’s neck. “Let me hear you.” A loud groan came from deep in Steve’s throat and his head fell back to rest on Christian’s shoulder.
Christian was beyond turned on by the reactions he was getting from Steve but as close as he knew Steve was he knew he was even closer himself. It would take so little to tip both of them over the edge. He stopped fondling Steve’s balls just long enough to guide his cock between Steve’s strong thighs giving himself the sweet friction he craved; the feel of the head of his penis nudging against Steve’s balls with every thrust was an added bonus.
“Chris! … God! … Chris!” Steve called out hoarsely as the movement of his hips became more and more erratic.
“Fuck yeah! That’s it,” Christian rasped, his hands blurring on Steve’s shaft as he pounded faster into the warm slick tunnel of Steve’s thighs. “Come for me, Stevie!”
Steve cried out sharply as his entire body convulsed and shuddered through his climax. Christian was right there with him, biting on Steve’s shoulder blade as he came and locking his legs to keep both of them from taking a tumble in the aftermath. Christian leaned wearily against the back wall of the shower to help support Steve who was a wrung out rag doll in his arms.
“Sweet Jesus, Chris,” Steve finally said as he regained his senses and the use of his limbs. He turned and took Christian into his arms to kiss him soundly.
Christian smiled into the kiss and threaded his fingers through Steve’s hair to prolong the contact. Pulling away gently he said, “Let’s finish up here. I think I know where I wanna take you for breakfast. And don’t forget to bring your camera for after.”
“Sounds nice,” Steve smiled lopsidedly and handed Christian the shampoo as he grabbed for the body wash.
The place Christian chose for breakfast was a tiny hole in the wall family owned restaurant that served country breakfasts that rivaled his mama’s special meals. Christian was a regular there and Keri and her husband spoiled him and Steve rotten from the time they walked through the door with a never ending supply of hot coffee and plates piled high with enough food to feed a small army. They were even sent on their way with more coffee in ‘to go’ cups and a big bag of fresh sweet pastries for the road.
As Christian pulled the car smoothly out of the parking lot, Steve loosened his belt and popped open the button on his jeans. “I don’t know how in the hell you stay in shape if they feed you like that all the time,” he signed and rubbed the slight belly bulge he was now sporting.
“It ain’t easy but you know we got that great workout room on set,” Christian smiled. “And I been meaning to tell ya, you’re not doin’ too shabby in the gettin’ in shape department. The yoga and workouts are lookin’ good on you.”
Steve blushed and ducked his head as he fiddled with the camera Christian had insisted he bring. “So … where’re we going?” he reached out and grasped Christian’s right hand with his left and twined their fingers together.
Christian chuckled at the playful tone and said, “I know you usually don’t have any extra time to spend when you come up here to play to I thought I’d take you on the ‘Infinity Loop’ drive. There’s a bunch of waterfalls along the way and if you don’t mind a bit of a hike there’s a spot you can go and see most of the biggest mountain peaks on a good day.” A frown crossed Steve’s face at the last comment. “What? What’s with the look?” Christian asked.
“Ease up there, cowboy,” Steve countered. “I’m just thinking that you’re still not one hundred percent - and I’m not afraid to admit that neither am I - so the hike might not be the best idea yet … for either of us.”
“Good point,” Christian agreed. “It’s not like we won’t have time … Wait … Did you call me ‘cowboy’?”
“If the boot fits,” Steve said with a straight face and snapped a quick picture of the incredulous look aimed at him from the other side of the car.
“I’ll show you exactly where my boot can fit, Carlson,” Christian smirked and pulled into the first vista point on their route.
Both men were pleasantly tired at the end of their long day of sightseeing. It was late and they were looking very much forward to locking up the house and heading to bed for a good night’s sleep. They had stopped in at a little Italian place for pizza so their first top was the kitchen to put the leftovers away and grab some water for the bedside tables.
Steve was nearly asleep on his feet so it surprised him when Christian grabbed his hand to lead him to the guest room. “Um, Chris? What’re we doin’ in here?”
Christian rolled his eyes, “Your stuff - it’s all in here, man. We need to move it back to where it belongs. C’mon, Sleepy … Or would that be Dopey?”
“And that would make you … Grumpy?” Steve snorted and skipped out of the way of a head slap.
A deep sigh passed Christian’s lips followed by a snort of laughter. Life with Steve was gonna be anything but boring.
It took very little time to move Steve’s things - including the ‘burn your fingers off’ photo - in to Christian’s room. And not long after that they were a comfortable tangle of naked limbs in the middle of Christian’s big bed exchanging sleepy, toothpaste flavored kisses. Pulling away slowly, Steve made sure he had Christian’s full attention when he said, “Thank you so much for today. It was really nice.” He paused briefly and continued, “I love you so damned much, Christian Kane.”
The breath wooshed out of Christian with an audible sound. In his mind he knew - hell he and Steve had both said the words the day before even if in jest. But to hear it said now - and with such ocnviction - rocked him to his very core. A sensation of deepest warmth worked its way from his chest and infused his entire body with a feeling he was pretty sure he’d never experienced before. He kissed Steve soundly and then looked him directly in the eyes when he responded, “I love you too, Steven Paul Carlson.”
“Wow … Wow!” even in the darkened bedroom Steve’s smile was blinding.
Christian held him closer and whispered, “What? You didn’t think I could say it?” he dropped another kiss on Steve’s throat.
“No! Nothing like that,” Steve replied with a hint of embarrassment as he started to squirm.
“Calm down,” Christian said gently and started a soothing petting over the bare skin of Steve’s stomach. “Hey! Didn’t you say Eric cleared the books for us for the next two weeks?”
“Um … yeah?” came the sleepy response. “Why?”
“I’m thinking that sounds like the perfect honeymoon to me.”
“Awww. My boyfriend is genius,” Steve turned on his side and looped his arm around Christian’s waist as his leg draped across the strong thighs.
“Boyfriend?” Christian continued his calming touches on the smooth skin of Steve’s hip.
“Yeah. S’at okay?” Steve’s words were slurring more as he moved closer to sleep.
“That is very okay,” Christian affirmed as he finally felt Steve relax into the arms of Morpheus. “For now,” he smiled.
&&&&&&&
The End
http://hollylyn1217.livejournal.com/97564.html
Author: Holly Lyn
Rating: NC-17 (eventually)
Pairings: Chris/Steve
Word Count: 23,616 (total)
Summary: When friendship becomes something more and is tested by outside influences can two souls remain true or will the fates step in and divide them?
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone ... damn it! It's all fictional and just for fun.
The question Christian had been about to ask died on his lips as he re-entered the entertainment room to find Steve dozing on the couch. They had finally moved from the music room after Steve’s emotional catharsis and Christian was doing his best to entice Steve to kick back and relax in the aftermath with an afternoon of music, conversation, and gentle, reassuring touches.
He placed a large platter of peanut butter, crackers, cheese, grapes, cubed honeydew melon and apple slices on the coffee table within easy reach of the sofa and reached to drape an afghan over the sleeping man, trying not to wake him from his much needed rest. He made one more trip to the kitchen to bring out some large bottles of icy cold water and found two sleepy blue eyes watching him as he put the bottles on coasters to protect the wood grain surface of the table. “I didn’t mean to wake you, babe,” he smiled and sat down, raising Steve’s legs to slide in under them.
“I was lonely,” Steve murmured and sat up so that they were shoulder to shoulder, “not to mention hungry.” He leaned in to nuzzle Christian’s cheek.
“Sounds like someone is feeling better?” Christian asked and popped a grape into Steve’s mouth. “Not so queasy any more?”
“Yup,” Steve responded and fed an apple slice topped with peanut butter to Christian and followed that up with a kiss. “Um,” he smiled and licked his lips, “Reese’s got it all wrong. Kane and peanut butter. Definitely the way to go.”
A chuckle rumbled deep in Christian’s throat as he leaned in to press butterfly soft kisses to each of Steve’s eyelids. His callused palms cupped Steve’s jaw while his strong fingers wound their way through the tousled blond hair to begin a gentle knead to the base of his skull. As the touches continued, Steve sighed going completely boneless under the soothing massage. His head bowed down to rest on Christian’s shoulder; his hands were lying warm and lax on the top of Christian’s thigh.
Reaching out with his left hand, Christian put a slice of cheese on one of the crackers and brought it up under Steve’s nose, “C’mon, babe, let’s get some food in you. Now you’re feeling better the last thing you need is for a headache to settle in because you haven’t eaten.”
Steve’s head rose slowly; his eyes were hazed over in relaxation and a dopey grin spread across his lips. He didn’t speak but just opened his mouth looking a lot like a baby bird waiting for food from its parent. He took the cracker halfway into his mouth but made no move to chew or swallow. Instead he looked at Christian and waggled his eyebrows. Christian took the hint, leaning in to bite the other half of the offered treat. Their lips met in the middle setting off another round of lazy kissing.
Steve’s stomach chose that moment to let out a healthy sounding growl that sent both men into gales of laughter. Christian held his hands up in a ‘time out’ motion and pulled the entire tray over onto his lap. “You want somethin’ more substantial or is this gonna do it?”
“I don’t wanna risk anything more until we know how this is gonna settle,” Steve responded.
“All right then. Let’s dig in and see if we can find somethin’ to watch on TV.” Christian grabbed the remote and started channel surfing.
“Wait!” Steve called out as Christian flipped past the SyFy network. “Back up a sec,” he reached for the remote.
Christian batted his hand away, “I got it, man. You just … you get to work on feeding that noisy beast there.” He surfed back a couple of stations and blinked at what was on the screen. “Dude … Seriously?” he asked as both of his eyebrows disappeared under his shaggy bangs.
A playful pout settled on Steve’s face complete with a quivering lower lip. “I’ll bet they’re doing a disaster movie day,” he said and gave a ridiculous bat of his eyes. “I love disaster movie days.”
“You’re creepin’ me out here,” Christian chuckled. “If I leave this on will you promise to never do that again?” he gave an exaggerated shudder.
“Cool!” Steve grinned and sat back with a handful of grapes.
Christian shook his head in amusement before he leaned back and snuggled up into Steve’s right side with his head on the other man’s shoulder. The only noise in the room for a while were the sounds of chewing and the occasional snort or chuckle as the implausible plot of a massive earthquake demolishing New York City played out.
“Know what this movie needs?” Christian finally asked as he sucked peanut butter off of his finger. Steve groaned deep in his throat and shivered. “What?” Christian asked as he brought another sticky finger up to his mouth. “You okay, man?”
Steve grabbed Christian’s hand and stared at the peanut covered digits. “You really don’t know?” he asked hoarsely. Christian looked puzzled as he shook his head prompting Steve to bring the tasty fingers up to his own mouth and sucked the rest of the peanut butter off himself. He smiled smugly as Christian’s eyes rolled back in his head and a breathy moan escaped his parted lips. With one final swirl of his tongue around the pad of Christian’s finger, Steve finally released it with a soft, wet popping sound. “So now do you get it?” he asked with an evil grin.
“Ungh,” Christian responded with a hazy, blissed out expression.
For a brief moment, Steve wished he had the nerve to snap a quick photo of Christian’s face but he didn’t want to risk getting a black eye or a broken nose when Christian came back to his senses. He settled himself back on the couch and said, “I’m almost afraid to ask … but what was it you were saying about the movie needing something?”
“Hnnnh … what?” Christian’s eyes slowly came back into focus.
“You said the movie needed ….. “
Christian blinked and looked at the television. “Needs …” he cast his mind back to before Steve melted every brain cell he owned. “Zombies!” he finally remembered.
“Zombies?” Steve burst out laughing. “Dude, it’s a disaster movie. Earthquake? … New York in ruins?”
“I’m telling you zombies could only improve it … or at least you wouldn’t be able to tell if the acting really is as bad as it is. And - yeah - they got one thing right. It is a disaster.” Steve couldn’t respond through his giggles so Christian continued but this time his voice was soft and raspy, “By the way, that finger suckin’ thing? Soon as both of us are feeling up to it …” he punctuated the insinuation with a cocky smirk.
Steve drew in a deep breath and gulped. His pupils dilated so only a slim ring of blue showed and his nostrils flared.
“Good,” Christian acknowledged the stunned silence. “Now you relax and watch your disaster of a movie. I’m goin’ in the kitchen to throw together some Texas hash. I’ll leave out the chili powder but the rest should be mild enough for you.” He leaned in and claimed a long, slow kiss before pushing himself off the couch and sauntering out of the room.
Christian had been right. The simple dish of hamburger, rice, tomatoes, onions, and green pepper had been easy on his stomach and now that he was comfortably full, Steve was feeing much more like his old self again.
Coming back into the entertainment room after cleaning up in the kitchen, Christian placed more bottled water with easy reach and asked, “Is New York still crumbling?”
“Nope,” Steve grinned. “Now there’s a volcano wiping out Los Angeles.”
A long-suffering sigh escaped Christian’s lips, “It’s a good thing I love you, Carlson,” he smiled and wandered over to dim the lights.
Steve’s eyes were wide and luminous with emotion, “I - I love you too, Kane,” he said huskily.
Christian dropped to his knees and moved in again for some chaste kisses while Steve’s hand threaded through his hair to pull him closer for more heated interaction.
It was Steve who drew away first. “That can’t be comfortable on your knees, dude, and you’re still healing. Come up here and get comfy with me. We can share the afghan, too.” Steve lay full length on the couch propped up on his left side and pulled Christian into position in front of him. Christian’s head was pillowed on Steve’s left shoulder and Steve’s right arm draped over Christian’s waist. “Oops, just a sec,” Steve murmured and reached for one of the small throw pillows. He placed it under Christian’s right arm saying, “Don’t want to strain your shoulder, babe.”
“Thank you,” Christian signed and turned his head to bring their lips together again.
Steve slipped his right hand under Christian’s shirt and began a soothing petting motion over the warm smooth skin of his belly. Both men relaxed immediately and neither of them could think of anywhere else they’d rather be.
“So … volcano in L.A.?” Christian asked and snuggled closer.
“Um hmm,” Steve breathed into the other man’s ear.
Christian chuckled softly. “I’m tellin’ ya, man, zombies … I’m just sayin’.”
“Whatever you say,” Steve said and nuzzled his way across Christian’s jawline to his already kiss swollen lips. It didn’t take long before all thoughts of volcanoes and zombies were very distant memories.
>^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<
Christian woke slowly the next morning, still wrapped in Steve’s loving embrace, his entire body basking in warmth and contentment. There wasn’t a spare inch between them from chest to toe and at some point during the night Steve’s right leg had insinuated itself between Christian’s legs and was wrapped securely around Christian’s left shin to hold him even closer. From the deep, even puffs of warm air periodically blowing across his right ear, Christian knew Steve was still sleeping and he hated to wake him but his bladder was about ready to burst and he really didn’t want to have to have the couch cleaned not to mention explaining how the embarrassing stain got there in the first place.
He slowly, gently raised Steve’s right arm from his waist and placed it on Steve’s own thigh then he nudged Steve’s right leg out from between his. Unfortunately when he tried to push himself into a sitting position he realized that sleeping on the sofa together - while romantic as all hell - had done nothing for his still healing body. “Ooowww!” he groaned and subsided back on the couch.
“Chris?” Steve’s sleep drowsy voice was muffled in the back of Christian’s neck. “Is so’thin’ wrong?”
“I need to pee,” Christian growled in frustration.
“S’go,” Steve said and burrowed deeper into the back of the sofa.
“Wish I could,” Christian whined. “I can’t move.” He tried - and failed - again to get up off of the couch.
“Oh, babe, I’m sorry. Let me help,” Steve offered and tried to move. “Um … slight problem,” he said after a few moments of wiggling around.
“Problem?” Christian ground out, “what fuckin’ problem?”
“My entire left side is numb and my right side is staging a revolt in sympathy with you,” Steve moaned. “Tonight we’re sleeping in a bed, right?”
Christian chuckled. “Yes. We are. Now to the more immediate problem …” He tried again, actually managing to get into a sitting position, and paused to let his body adjust to being upright. When he finally pushed himself to his feet he stood swaying for a moment before taking off in a slow hobble down the hall.
Steve had barely made it to his own feet when he caught sight of Christian limping back towards him. His mouth fell open and his knees gave out dropping him back to the couch. “Y - y - you,” he stammered as he gaped at Christian who appeared to be wearing a bath towel, a smile, and nothing else. Steve tried again, “Y - y - you want me to help you in the shower?” he squeaked.
“Nope,” Christian smirked and came closer. “Had me a better idea.” Steve’s eyes widened and he gulped audibly. “We got us a nice hot tub out on the back deck and I think both of us could use a long soak before breakfast.”
“O - okay,” Steve said weakly.
“All right then,” Christian drawled and rubbed his hands together.
“Um … I didn’t pack my trunks …” Steve’s brain hadn’t quite caught up to this mouth yet.
“Really?” Christian snorted and raised an eyebrow; the way he was standing showed off one leg - tanned and enticingly bare - at least up to the top of his thigh.
Blushing from his neck to the roots of his hair, Steve smacked himself in the forehead as he realized what he’d said. “Duh,” he chuckled.
“Now you go do what ya need to do. I’ll be out revving up the bubbles,” Christian dropped a quick kiss on Steve’s forehead over the spot where he’d hit himself and headed out the sliding glass doors dropping the towel as he went.
“Son of a …” Steve started and pushed himself off the sofa and trotted down the hallway. Two could play that game.
Christian was already in the hot tub with his eyes closed in pleasure when he heard the door slide open again. “It’s about damned t -“ he stopped speaking and slid off the seat in shock slipping completely under the water at the sight of Steve sauntering through the door - grinning and stark naked with his own folded bath towel in hand.
Steve reached in the water and grabbed a hand to pull a spluttering Christian up to the surface. “You were saying?” he laughed as he lowered himself into the hot tub completely submerging himself before moving to sit thigh to thigh with Christian.
“You have no shame, do you?” Christian observed and pushed his wet mop of hair out of his face.
“You complaining?” Steve countered cheekily.
Before Steve could draw another breath, he found himself with a lapful of wet, naked, wriggling Christian. “You tell me,” Christian breathed. “Am I complaining?” he sealed his mouth over Steve’s and straddled Steve’s thighs bringing them together full on skin to skin for the first time ever. Steve drew in a deep breath and buried his face in Christian’s neck as he squirmed just a little. “Am I too heavy for you?” Christian nuzzled Steve’s left ear.
“Don’t. You. Move …” Steve growled and shifted just a bit more. Their cocks came into perfect alignment between their bellies and both men groaned at their most intimate contact yet. “That’s better,” Steve sighed and licked at Christian’s left earlobe before sucking it into his mouth and nipping the soft flesh.
Christian shuddered in pleasure and goosebumps broke out all over his body. “Oh … My …God,” he whimpered. He gave his own little shimmy and nearly came unglued from the delicious friction. “Are you okay with this?” he asked and nosed his way through Steve’s hair to suck gently at the pulse point under his ear.
“Oh, I am so much more than okay with this,” Steve responded and fitted his hands around the muscular globes of Christian’s ass to pull him even closer and began a slow, sweet thrusting motion as he captured Christian’s mouth using his tongue to mimic the rocking motion of their hips.
They broke for air and a particularly forceful push from Christian brought a sharp cry from Steve’s lips. Christian cupped Steve’s face between his strong hands and kissed him softly. “Shhhhh. We have to keep the noise down, babe. The neighbors can’t see us but they’re still close enough to hear us. Okay?”
Steve grinned wolfishly and upped the ante by renewing the stroking motion of his hips; he muffled his groans by sucking on Christian’s collar bone. Christian subdued his own moans in the crook of Steve’s neck and moved in counterpoint to Steve. The rhythm was as old as time itself and as their pace increased the water slopped over the edges of the hot tub, drenching the deck in chlorinated water. Christian stiffened first as he fell over the precipice; Steve watched his lover’s face as he came and that was enough to send him over the brink as well.
Their shudders eventually subsided and they finally settled into their original position with Christian still straddling Steve’s lap and their heads resting on each other’s shoulders as panted breaths wafted over goose pimpled flesh which still twitched in reaction to their explosive climaxes. Eventually they recovered enough to lift their heads and it only took a moment before their mouths reconnected with hungry wet kisses while their hands explored everywhere they could reach.
Steve sniffed noisily and used one hand to wipe at his eyes.
“Babe?” Christian asked worriedly.
“God! I feel like such a girl, Chris,” Steve choked out. “Sorry about that.”
Christian shook his head, “No need to apologize. You went through hell with all of this. I get it. Like I said, now it’s my turn to take care of you.”
A shaky smile accompanied Steve’s nod, “After the past few days … Honestly? … I never thought this could happen.” A shadow passed over Steve’s face as the remembered stress and strain of the week flitted through his mind.
“Shhhh, darlin’, come here,” Christian pulled Steve into a protective embrace. “It’s over and done with. Now it’s me … and you … together. Okay?” Steve nodded but didn’t trust his voice to make it past the huge lump in this throat; moisture welled once more in his eyes. “Aw hell,” Christian murmured and kissed away the impending tears. “Now what do you say we finish our soak. Then we go out to breakfast before we hit the road and I show you around my home away from home.”
“Sounds good to me,” Steve grinned and blushed a little. “Wanna share the shower?”
Christian barked out a deep belly laugh, “We may never get past the bathroom if we do that but I’m game if you are.”
“Cool!” Steve responded and tangled their fingers together. He raised them out of the water to plant a soft kiss on their joined knuckles and then brought them back underwater still entwined.
Christian finally shifted off of Steve’s lap and helped the younger man rub the pins and needles out of his thighs. They settled in to soak quietly for a while and didn’t even move when the Portland sky blessed them with a slight drizzle. The feel of the cool droplets on their faces was an amazing contrast with the warm jets of bubbles fizzing around their bodies.
When the two men finally went inside, the answering machine was showing four messages waiting. Christian headed for the machine as Steve passed him by and grabbed orange juice and glasses for both of them. As they drank their juice they listened as Eric, Dean Devlin, Tim Hutton and John Rodgers checked in to see how they were doing.
Christian chuckled at the chagrinned look on Steve’s face. “You - uh - forget something?”
“Kinda?” Steve squirmed. “I was supposed to call them and let them know how you were doing. The last anyone heard was when Tim and John were here the other day.”
“Oops!” Christian snorted. “I’ll take John and Dean, you call Eric and Tim. Whoever’s done first gets to warm up the shower.”
Steve skidded down the hall to grab his cell phone nearly losing his loosely wrapped towel in the process. His phone calls only took a few minutes each but he knew Christian would be a while since his conversations would be more business oriented. As soon as he hung up he started the shower, climbing in once the water warmed up enough to suit him.
A waft of cool air heralded Christian’s arrival into the warm, steamy cubicle and soon Steve was enveloped in a strong embrace with Christian’s heat plastered all down his back.
“You tryin’ to start without me?” Christian purred and nuzzled Steve’s damp hair to bite his earlobe.
“No-o-o-o,” Steve shuddered as Christian palmed his nipples coaxing them into hardened peaks. He tried to turn around to face his tormentor but Christian held him firmly in place.
“Where d’ya think you’re goin’?” Christian growled. “I got you right where I want you.” Giving a pinch to each sensitive nub, Christian trailed his fingers down Steve’s sides circling his right hand around Steve’s cock while his left hand played with his heavy balls.
When Steve tried to bring his own hands around to join Christian’s, Christian bit his earlobe again saying, “Let me do this for you, okay?” Steve nodded and moved his hands back so he could anchor himself with a firm grip on Christian’s hips as Christian increased the pace of his hand. Steve moaned and he began thrusting to match the rhythm of Christian’s strokes. “That’s it, baby,” Christian whispered and tongued the side of his lover’s neck. “Let me hear you.” A loud groan came from deep in Steve’s throat and his head fell back to rest on Christian’s shoulder.
Christian was beyond turned on by the reactions he was getting from Steve but as close as he knew Steve was he knew he was even closer himself. It would take so little to tip both of them over the edge. He stopped fondling Steve’s balls just long enough to guide his cock between Steve’s strong thighs giving himself the sweet friction he craved; the feel of the head of his penis nudging against Steve’s balls with every thrust was an added bonus.
“Chris! … God! … Chris!” Steve called out hoarsely as the movement of his hips became more and more erratic.
“Fuck yeah! That’s it,” Christian rasped, his hands blurring on Steve’s shaft as he pounded faster into the warm slick tunnel of Steve’s thighs. “Come for me, Stevie!”
Steve cried out sharply as his entire body convulsed and shuddered through his climax. Christian was right there with him, biting on Steve’s shoulder blade as he came and locking his legs to keep both of them from taking a tumble in the aftermath. Christian leaned wearily against the back wall of the shower to help support Steve who was a wrung out rag doll in his arms.
“Sweet Jesus, Chris,” Steve finally said as he regained his senses and the use of his limbs. He turned and took Christian into his arms to kiss him soundly.
Christian smiled into the kiss and threaded his fingers through Steve’s hair to prolong the contact. Pulling away gently he said, “Let’s finish up here. I think I know where I wanna take you for breakfast. And don’t forget to bring your camera for after.”
“Sounds nice,” Steve smiled lopsidedly and handed Christian the shampoo as he grabbed for the body wash.
The place Christian chose for breakfast was a tiny hole in the wall family owned restaurant that served country breakfasts that rivaled his mama’s special meals. Christian was a regular there and Keri and her husband spoiled him and Steve rotten from the time they walked through the door with a never ending supply of hot coffee and plates piled high with enough food to feed a small army. They were even sent on their way with more coffee in ‘to go’ cups and a big bag of fresh sweet pastries for the road.
As Christian pulled the car smoothly out of the parking lot, Steve loosened his belt and popped open the button on his jeans. “I don’t know how in the hell you stay in shape if they feed you like that all the time,” he signed and rubbed the slight belly bulge he was now sporting.
“It ain’t easy but you know we got that great workout room on set,” Christian smiled. “And I been meaning to tell ya, you’re not doin’ too shabby in the gettin’ in shape department. The yoga and workouts are lookin’ good on you.”
Steve blushed and ducked his head as he fiddled with the camera Christian had insisted he bring. “So … where’re we going?” he reached out and grasped Christian’s right hand with his left and twined their fingers together.
Christian chuckled at the playful tone and said, “I know you usually don’t have any extra time to spend when you come up here to play to I thought I’d take you on the ‘Infinity Loop’ drive. There’s a bunch of waterfalls along the way and if you don’t mind a bit of a hike there’s a spot you can go and see most of the biggest mountain peaks on a good day.” A frown crossed Steve’s face at the last comment. “What? What’s with the look?” Christian asked.
“Ease up there, cowboy,” Steve countered. “I’m just thinking that you’re still not one hundred percent - and I’m not afraid to admit that neither am I - so the hike might not be the best idea yet … for either of us.”
“Good point,” Christian agreed. “It’s not like we won’t have time … Wait … Did you call me ‘cowboy’?”
“If the boot fits,” Steve said with a straight face and snapped a quick picture of the incredulous look aimed at him from the other side of the car.
“I’ll show you exactly where my boot can fit, Carlson,” Christian smirked and pulled into the first vista point on their route.
Both men were pleasantly tired at the end of their long day of sightseeing. It was late and they were looking very much forward to locking up the house and heading to bed for a good night’s sleep. They had stopped in at a little Italian place for pizza so their first top was the kitchen to put the leftovers away and grab some water for the bedside tables.
Steve was nearly asleep on his feet so it surprised him when Christian grabbed his hand to lead him to the guest room. “Um, Chris? What’re we doin’ in here?”
Christian rolled his eyes, “Your stuff - it’s all in here, man. We need to move it back to where it belongs. C’mon, Sleepy … Or would that be Dopey?”
“And that would make you … Grumpy?” Steve snorted and skipped out of the way of a head slap.
A deep sigh passed Christian’s lips followed by a snort of laughter. Life with Steve was gonna be anything but boring.
It took very little time to move Steve’s things - including the ‘burn your fingers off’ photo - in to Christian’s room. And not long after that they were a comfortable tangle of naked limbs in the middle of Christian’s big bed exchanging sleepy, toothpaste flavored kisses. Pulling away slowly, Steve made sure he had Christian’s full attention when he said, “Thank you so much for today. It was really nice.” He paused briefly and continued, “I love you so damned much, Christian Kane.”
The breath wooshed out of Christian with an audible sound. In his mind he knew - hell he and Steve had both said the words the day before even if in jest. But to hear it said now - and with such ocnviction - rocked him to his very core. A sensation of deepest warmth worked its way from his chest and infused his entire body with a feeling he was pretty sure he’d never experienced before. He kissed Steve soundly and then looked him directly in the eyes when he responded, “I love you too, Steven Paul Carlson.”
“Wow … Wow!” even in the darkened bedroom Steve’s smile was blinding.
Christian held him closer and whispered, “What? You didn’t think I could say it?” he dropped another kiss on Steve’s throat.
“No! Nothing like that,” Steve replied with a hint of embarrassment as he started to squirm.
“Calm down,” Christian said gently and started a soothing petting over the bare skin of Steve’s stomach. “Hey! Didn’t you say Eric cleared the books for us for the next two weeks?”
“Um … yeah?” came the sleepy response. “Why?”
“I’m thinking that sounds like the perfect honeymoon to me.”
“Awww. My boyfriend is genius,” Steve turned on his side and looped his arm around Christian’s waist as his leg draped across the strong thighs.
“Boyfriend?” Christian continued his calming touches on the smooth skin of Steve’s hip.
“Yeah. S’at okay?” Steve’s words were slurring more as he moved closer to sleep.
“That is very okay,” Christian affirmed as he finally felt Steve relax into the arms of Morpheus. “For now,” he smiled.
&&&&&&&
The End
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