Left Hand on Heart | Pinto | NC-17 | Part 1/2
Title: Left Hand on Heart
Author: lalazee
Beta: rainbowstrlght ; How do I liiiive without you(r editing)? I want to knoooow! How do I ever, ever surviiiiive?!
Series: Pinto
Rating: NC-17
Length: ~10,000
Disclaimer: This may or may not have happened to someone else; but likely not Pinto.
Summary: Twister shenanigans & hijinks. You heard!
Click Here for Part Two!
Author's Note: Um. My first Pinto? And Chris gets an owwie.
Zach’s stomach was pressed flush against Chris’ back. His shirt pooled down around his chest; a ramification of the downward, sloping position of his body. Chris’ ass and hips jut into the air, and he could feel Zach’s chin brushing the curve of his backside.
One of Zach’s lithely toned arms was pressed intimately between Chris’ legs; and the other arm was on the opposite side of one of his thighs, elbow brushing knee. Zach’s muscles vibrated with taut control, and consequently shuddered directly against Chris’ slightly swollen bulge.
Chris’ head was wedged right between Zach’s thighs, and the lanky actor’s crotch was pressed hotly against the nape of Chris’ neck. He could look down, and see a pair of Converse planted near his outstretched hands. Zach’s stomach, thighs, arms -everything- was pressed devastatingly close to Chris’ back.
Both bodies strained against each other, with effort. They were so fused that Chris could feel every shuddered breath from Zach’s lungs, and every tight bunch of muscle rippling against his back, and between his legs.
And they were cackling like fools. Chris hiccupped around insatiable giggles, his fingers digging into the mat; in fervent prayer that he simply didn’t collapse here and now. Zach’s body undulated against his back, as the older man sucked in precious air around another howl of laughter.
They were inreverse sixty-nine, for fuck’s sake! Both faced downwards, with their bodies overlapped, and torso-to-torso; each with their heads sandwiched between the others’ legs. It was absolutely ridiculous -and, in Chris’ case, absolutely distracting.
But the last thing he wanted to do was give away the game. He was a competitive guy, after all.
With the pleasant cushion of alcohol buzzing in his head, and the laughter of his former cast-mates pleasantly enveloping him, Chris was having a hard time taking any of this too seriously. Even if the otherwise intimate press of his first, and only, male crush was unconsciously grinding against him.
Zoe’s voice cut through the whirlwind of stifled laughter from both men on the Twister mat, as well as the smirking from John and Anton. “Okay, okay. Come one guys, this is serious business! How are we going to know who reigns supreme, if I can’t even breathe enough to call out the next move?”
“I’m pretty sure Pine’s been making enough moves on me, as it is.”
As Zach turned his head to look at Zoe, Chris unmistakably felt the drag of Zach’s chin against his ass. Thank God I’m slightly inebriated.
“Um - excuse me? I’m not the one being mounted here.”
“What kind of preposterous ‘mounting’ have you been getting yourself up to?” Zach said, and laughed incredulously.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Zoe intervened once more. “Okay boys; simmer down. Save it for the mat.”
Chris could only stare at the brightly spotted Twister mat, and Zach’s shoes; while he listened to the shift of the plastic arrow around the board.
“Oh dear.” Zoe snorted a laugh. “I don’t think this is humanly possible, but we’ll give it a go. Right foot on red!”
There was a pause, as everyone in the room attempted to fathom the movement.
John was the first to mutter, “Oh shit, son. It’s on like Donkey Kong.”
Anton and Zoe murmured in wonderment.
Zach was already moving, though. He was a spindly sonofabitch, Chris had to admit. Zach had legs up to his ears - and years of yoga practice - to boot.
All around, Zach Quinto was like some mythical, unbeatable ninja of Twister. Twister Ninja.
Chris was shocked he’d managed to stay in the game this long. Normally, he was a bit clumsy with his bulk. His legs might have been long in their own right, but he wasn’t particularly talented with them -unless he was dancing.
At this point in the game, the only thing Chris imagined he had going for him was his stamina. He could hold himself up for an indeterminate amount of time; whereas Zach was struggling a bit. Chris knew this because, dammit, the guy’s body was on him like a second skin.
Committed to victory, Chris gritted his teeth, and prepared to twist his leg at an impossible angle beneath his body.
At the same moment, Zach’s knee came up -and cracked Chris squarely on the nose.
He saw stars. Chris released a rather feminine yelp, as he promptly collapsed to his knees. He sat back on his heels, one hand clasped protectively over his throbbing nose, and keened quietly.
Maybe his eyes watered, just a little -but he wasn’t crying, okay? His bridge of his nose just felt like it had been jackhammered - Chris had his fair reasons.
Everyone burst into motion, rushing to Chris. They scrabbled with questions of his well-being, all of which he promptly blocked out. Chris crushed his eyes shut, and winced from the pain that closing his eyes had incensed.
When he opened them, he found himself drowning in dark, liquid pools of concern.
“Oh my god, Chris -I’m so, so sorry!” Zach looked truly distraught about the entire calamity.
To be perfectly honest, it kind of made him feel better. Not that Chris wanted Zach to feel bad -it wasn’t his fault. That was the price Chris had paid for taking his chances, and battling out a Twister Ninja on his home turf.
What made him feel better was the anxiety darkening Zach’s expression; which was entirely for him. Chris frowned, admonishing himself for the immature thought. The frown brought out another blinding flash of discomfort, and he winced once more.
“S’okay.” Chris murmured from behind his hand.
Chris blinked at Zach, and then looked away, as he felt movement beside him. Zoe’s arm was wrapped around his shoulders, and he could hear John and Anton muffling sighs of relief, when they realised he was essentially fine.
Chris noted Zach’s hand reaching for the one he’d cushioned over his nose; and he jerked back with uncertainty. Chris disliked people touching his injuries, even doctors. When he was pain, he simply wanted to curl into himself for a moment, and will it away. Depending on others to help him out was not exactly his forte.
Zach gave him an admonishing look. “I need to see if it’s broken.”
“Dun fink i’ is.” Chris garbled from behind his palm. He could feel one hell of a headache coming on, but his nose didn’t feel broken. Not that he’d know what a broken nose felt like, but probably worse than the splintering ache behind his eyes. “Jus’ leaf it.” He murmured, shifting to stand.
Zach frowned, and recoiled slightly. He stood in time with Chris, but made no more move to touch him.
Zoe wrapped a steadying arm around Chris’ waist, and shook her head with a laugh. “Trust you boys to turn Twister into an all-out war zone. Gotta love you. Now, let’s get you taken care of.”
Chris allowed himself to be ushered into his kitchen , pleased to find that the four beers he’d downed through the extent of the evening had muted the pain radiating from the centre of his face. Chris allowed himself to be ushered into his kitchen. He sat down on a kitchen stool, and slouched his back against the edge of the counter.
Zach immediately began to buzz around Chris’ kitchen. He grabbed a hand towel, and moved to the freezer for some ice.
John and Anton followed closely. Anton was the first to speak up, and his eyes were a little glassy. He was the smallest of them all, save for Zoe, and he’d drunk the most.
“John’s gonna gimme a ride home now.” He announced, slinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “Gotta meetin’ w’my agent t’morrow.”
John chuckled and shook his head. He leaned to one side, clearly holding up most of Anton’s miniscule weight. “This is the price I pay for being the designated driver.”
Chris mustered a painful grin, and his nose pulsed. “S’cause er’ryone hates you, John. You get ta be designated drifer f’the rest uff your life.”
John clenched his free hand over his heart, in mock pain. “I feel the love, really I do.”
Zoe placed a chaste kiss on both John and Anton’s cheeks; her dark eyes lit with laughter. “Say hello to the wife and kid for me, Cho. And don’t forget.”
“Zoe, my mind is a steel trap.”
Chris muffled a chuckle. “Nuffin’ in an’ nuffin’ out.”
John sighed. “I’m not standing around here and taking this abuse; I have a wife for that. G’night guys. Take care of yourself, Captain. Can’t wait to see those papz pictures.”
Everyone called their goodbyes, as John and Anton saw themselves out.
Zoe rounded on Chris. “Okay, let’s see that nose.”
“Dun wanna.”
She aimed a narrow look at Chris, and he did his damndest not to wither beneath the stare. “Stop being a baby, you idiot. Even if it’s not broken, you need to get something cold on that, to bring down the swelling. We don’t want that pretty face of yours all messed up, now do we? What would the fangirls do?”
Chris was silent. She made sense. But he knew she would go poking around his face, if he moved his hand. Bless Zoe - she was a wonderful woman - but she was nosy as hell. And put the ‘nosy’ up with a real nose, and things could only end in disaster.
Zach stepped into Chris’ line of vision, and the hair on Chris’ arms stood on end. He could never reason out the exact cause of the reaction. He’d never been so attracted to someone that he got goose bumps; but around Zach, this was a common occurrence. A disconcerting occurrence.
“Zoe.” Zach’s voice was a soothing balm, more quelling than any ice pack.
Speaking of, Zach handed Chris a damp towel wrapped around some ice; and his gaze remained on Chris’ face as he spoke to their friend. “Pine’s a big boy; he’ll be fine. He’s buzzed, anyway. Probably can’t feel the half of it.”
Zach aimed a small, warm curve of lips Zoe’s way. “You head on home, hun. Take a cab and surprise your man. I’ll make up for my mishap here.”
I’m a mishap? Chris repressed the urge to sulk, as he replaced his hand with the ice pack. The outline of unforgiving ice cubes pressing through the cloth was uncomfortable against the sensitive skin of his nose; but the overall effect was calming. Anyway, the ache was beginning to dull; so that was promising, at least.
It didn’t take long to usher Zoe out the door. The quick click of the lock behind her rang in Chris’ head, with finality.
In the past weeks, Chris has stolen himself away from Zach as much as possible. He made no blatant performance of avoidance -he was a better actor than that, he liked to think- but Chris also understood self-preservation.
He was an introverted person by nature; and though his public persona exerted confidence, inside he was often a bundle of insecurities and goofiness. Chris was certainly cautious enough to convince himself that he could never pursue any personal relationship with Zach, beyond friendship. The very idea was ridiculous, in the extreme.
That didn’t mean his body wanted to listen, though - or his heart, for that matter. Zach was a generous, vibrant human being with a sharp tongue and a clever mind. And Chris found himself lacking in those qualities; he’d always been his own worst critic.
Chris could hear Zach’s lanky steps stride down the hallway, as the man returned to the kitchen. Chris offered a small smile around the cloth at this face. When his nose didn’t smart with the facial expression, Chris felt some relief. “Does this mean I win by default?”
Zach stared blankly at him, before cracking a reluctant smile. He laughed in that husky tone that Chris couldn’t help but appreciate. “Yeah. You win this round, Pine - but there will be others.”
“Damn straight there will be. Winning dirty is entertaining and all, but sometimes it’s just not as satisfying as honestly whuppin’ your ass.”
“Yeah, yeah, tough guy.” The older man rolled his eyes, and sidled up before Chris. He leaned forward suddenly, with quiet intensity in his eyes, as he searched Chris’ face.
Chris swallowed, and resisted the urge to squirm. He wasn’t a fan of being closely inspected; it always made him worry that a person would finally realise his numerous imperfections.
“You’re going to get an ass-whuppin’, if you don’t stop staring at me like that.” Chris warned.
Wordlessly, Zach placed his hand atop the one that held the cloth to Chris’ face. Chris froze; a sliver of heat shooting into his veins at the unexpected touch. The tender brush of fingertips upon the back of his hand held more sensation, and acute awareness, than their time spent flailing playfully on the Twister mat.
Chris was so bewildered by the touch, that he made no struggle to stop Zach from pulling the cloth away from his face.
Zach’s emotive, amber eyes flickered; and his breath hitched. Chris quirked a brow; he attempted an amiable expression and airy tone to his voice -their faces were far too close for comfort.
“So, what’s the damage, doctor? Am I too far gone? Will I be a shunned from society for the rest of my days, left only to play Quasimodo -”
“Christopher.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry.”
Why did Zach always have to be so, well - sincere? How was Chris meant to remain funny and cool and silly, if the guy he unquestionably adored insisted on being so fucking candid? What a pain.
It was too bad that even Chris knew he was lying to himself - because he loved that about Zach. He loved that Zach never said a word he didn’t mean; that he was earnest and vivacious. That even his oft-made sarcastic jibes had an undercurrent of affection in them. Okay, so he could totally be a stubborn ass from time to time, but Chris liked that they had their fair share of disagreements, too.
Chris sighed, and offered a smile. “You’ve got a severe predilection towards taking things too seriously, man. I’m fine. Sore, but fine. I think you should wear knee-pads at all times, though; you’re knees are awfully bon -”
“Predilection?” Zach laughed. “Really?”
“I call ‘em like I see ‘em.” Chris was pleased to feel the tension subsiding. Not that Zach was feeling tense, or anything - but he sure as hell had been feeling the heat. Zach’s stare was like a furnace, sometimes.
“Yeah, well, I see some serious bruising coming around.” Zach leaned forward to closer inspect the damage, and Chris suddenly found himself caged between Zach’s arms; as the man’s hands gripped the lip of the counter on either side of him.
Chris sucked in a sharp breath and leaned back as far as possible; which was, unfortunately, not very far from those probing eyes at all. Chris endeavoured to look anywhere but at Zach’s curvaceous lips.
“I’m currently repressing the urge to say, ‘take a picture, it’ll last longer.’ What exactly are you so interested in? I’m sure it’s not the first nearly-broken nose you’ve seen before.”
“You hate getting your picture taken.” Zach met Chris’ eyes. “Does it hurt badly?”
“It’s fine.” Chris slid his glance away, and drilled holes into Zach’s shoulder instead.
“You don’t seem fine.” Zach noted plainly; his voice low and leathery.
“You’re a bit close for comfort. We’re starting to reboot that SNL skit with Steve Martin, and the close talkers,” Chris replied dryly, and raised a brow.
Seriously - talk about invasion of space. Chris knew he used to be okay with this; in the days when they’d run around the world for press junkets, and interviews, and Chris had simply imagined Zach as his best friend. Back when that little nagging attraction had been something easily swept under the carpet.
“It didn’t use to bother you.” The man was reading his freaking mind, apparently.
Chris rolled his shoulders; his back dug uncomfortably into the lip of the unforgiving countertop. His friend was still devastatingly close. “Are we having different conversations, here? I feel like I’m missing something. Are you okay, Zee?”
Zach appeared to be struggling with a reply. His chin fell, and he was basically looking straight down at Chris’ lap. The top of Zach’s head was so near to Chris’ face, that he could smell the warm, pleasant perfume of the man’s numerous styling products.
The question came from Zach, in an almost reasonable tone. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”
When Zach’s gaze searched out his friend’s, Chris found himself speared with an all too forthright expression. Zach ploughed forward. “I mean -crap- I sound like a stalker, don’t I? I’m probably imagining things. It’s just -” Zach worried his bottom lip with his teeth for a moment. “It’s just - tonight, when we were all playing Twister and you were laughing so naturally - I couldn’t remember the last time I’d heard you laugh like that.”
Zach pushed off the counter, and spun away from Chris. One on Zach’s hands slipped to the back of his neck, and massaged at the invisible tension; as he began to pace the kitchen.
“And when I tried to help you up, you looked like I was the last person you wanted near you. Maybe it was just the physical discomfort of the moment, and that’s probably the reasonable explanation. But when we were on set, and you got injured by one of the stunt doubles - or Eric, or whoever - you never minded my -” Zach came up for breath. “T-touching you.”
Chris’ heart was lodged in this throat. He couldn’t have spoken if he’d wanted to. Carefully - very carefully - he set aside the damp towel that had spent the last several minutes icing his hand numb. His thoughts weaved in and out of uncertainty -and hope, and disbelief.
Had he really been so transparent about his feelings? Truth be told, despite his experienced acting career, Chris had never been particularly skilled with handling his own volatile emotions. Those who were close to him often bore the brunt of his tumultuous moods. Some called Chris a drama queen; Chris simply saw it as riding the tide of his feelings.
He ran his tongue across his suddenly chapped lips. “Zach, uh - we’re friends. You are, essentially, my best friend. Okay?” Chris offered a lopsided smile, and hoped he wouldn’t crack. “Where ever you’re getting these ideas from, well - they’re a misconception.” He held out his hands, and shrugged easily. “I’m here now, aren’t I? With you. I didn’t flip out and kick you out of my apartment after you kneed me in the face, or anything. Though I probably should have - what, with you bruising my pride and my face.”
Zach appeared dubious. He propped his fists on his hips, and stared Chris down. “So there’s nothing wrong?”
“Nope.” Chris lied. “Aside from my ugly-ass honker.”
His friend quirked a brow. “You could never be ugly. In fact, I think you need some ugly in your life, pretty boy.”
“Nah. I already have that. You’re here, aren’t you?”
“Chris?”
Chris repressed the urge to sigh. He’d just managed to lead them out of Awkward City; it would be nice if they didn’t make a return trip for some time.
“What?”
“I know a remedy for bruises that my Ma used to use, when I was a kid. Would you like it?”
Chris’ eyes lit up, and he cracked a grin. “Hell yeah! What is it?”
Time slowed, dragged through molasses, as Zach approached him silently. His eyes were veiled by dark lashes as he leaned forward, and brushed his lips tenderly across the bridge of Chris’ nose.
Okay, so this was unexpected -but good. More than good. Definitely not what platonic friends do for each other, right? And Zach’s worry from moments before -that had to mean something, didn’t it? Sharing feelings and kissing; unless Chris’ past relationships had utterly lied to him, this had to be promising, didn’t it? Even Chris -who was so unsure of his footing in this relationship- understood that this was more than just a ‘kiss my owwie’ kiss. This was more-
He was going to stop over-thinking this now.
The kiss felt like warm butterfly wings brushing his skin. Chris’ lips parted, but no sound would come. His lids fluttered shut; and with one pensive breath, he cracked the padlock on his emotion.
Chris reached up, and linked his fingers behind Zach’s neck. He effectively kept Zach bent towards him, and led the man’s lips straight to his. His mouth was delectable and soft; velvet left in the sunlight for too long.
Zach sighed against his lips, and canted his chin to deepen the angle of the soft, explorative kiss. Once more, those sinewy arms were on either side of him; a gilded cage that Chris had no intention of escaping. Chris parted his legs in a single, smooth motion; and Zach stepped between his thighs, like it was the only place he ever wanted to be.
When the hot tip of Zach’s tongue flicked lightly along the crease of Chris’ lips, an unexpected shot of heat hurtled straight through him, and travelled straight to the tingle in his toes. His heart stuttered. Chris groaned appreciatively, and welcomed the moist warmth of Zach’s tongue into his mouth.
This was... different, from locking lips with a woman. Transcendent. The raspy scratch of a five o’clock shadow against his chin; firm, yet yielding lips; a volatile slash of tongue that left a wet burn in its wake.
Zach’s nose brushed Chris’, and fervent pain shattered the moment before it could deepen. Chris yelped, and jerked back against the counter. Zach’s eyes flew open, and his hands clasped Chris’ shoulders to steady him.
“Oh my god, I forgot! I’m so sorry, Chris. Again.”
Even as the discomfort rattled his system, a laughed bubbled in Chris’ chest. Nerves, relief, and a pure sense of glee wracked his shoulders; as he pressed a hand to his eyes and allowed the unfettered giggles to overwhelm him.
Of course. Of course, Chris would finally get the chance to kiss the man he’d been mooning over for well over a year, and he literally had the inability to kiss him. Excellent.
Unshed tears of mirth clung to his lashes, as he looked up at Zach’s mildly horrified expression. His friend appeared unsure whether he should laugh or cry. Chris was with him on that one.
Chris felt another lie climb up his throat. His lashes lowered demurely, and he cursed the blush that burned his cheeks. “S’Alright. I’ve waited long enough for that to happen. I can wait a bit longer.”
“That long?”
The question was so quiet, that Chris nearly missed it. He peered up quizzically, and Zach was rapt upon his face. Chris’ heart lurched. Despite the fleeting kiss they’d shared -which he could still feel in his toes- it wasn’t like he could lay it all out on the table, here and now. Well, he could, but Chris just wasn’t that brave.
“Don’t let it go to your head, or anything.” He attempted to find his footing on the crumbling ledge beneath him. Of course, Chris knew Zach was the last person to let praise go to his head. All the same, he didn’t want Zach realising just how terrifying this was for him.
Being gay - er, bi? Uh, Quintoesxual - was not just something you dove right into without checking the water first. It could turn out that the pool was only two feet deep, and you could end up cracking your head open and dying - or something.
… Okay. Clearly he was escaping to the manic reaches of his mind, rather than coming to terms with the situation.
Chris ploughed on before Zach could reply. “But, hey, what about you? You, uh -” Chris waved a hand between them, attempting and failing to insinuate the kiss. “You kind of...reciprocated.”
Zach’s brows raised; and he cocked a hip and crossed his arms. “’Reciprocated’? And by that, you mean kissed you? I guess I thought I’d take the chance. The worst that could have happened was that you’d ignore me, and you were already doing that to begin with.”
Chris ears burned. He looked down at his hands, and picked at a hangnail. “I don’t -I was unaware you felt that way. Uh, however it is - what you feel - I mean.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I prefer ‘masterful’, or ‘brilliant’, but I’ll bite. Why am I ridiculous?”
“Because you’ve been playing the straight Hollywood Playboy for nigh on two years, Chris.” Zach dropped his hands to his sides, in exasperation. “How exactly was I meant to simply stroll up to you and declare my l -feelings for you? Catastrophe wouldn’t have been able to even cover it.”
Chris resisted the urge to pout. “You don’t know that.”
“I think I do. I think that if we’re best friends, like you say, and you’re still this terrified of -”
“Woah. Woah, woah - hold up.” Chris leapt to his feet, and went toe to toe with Zach. “I’m not scared, I’m just -“ scared. “Cautious. This could ruin everything. You know -our careers, our image. It could be a disaster. ”
Zach’s eyes softened, his voice laced with assurance. “Or it could be beautiful.”
Beautiful?
Fuck. How could he refute a rebuttal like that?
Chris searched Zach’s eyes, a frown of doubt tugging at his lips. “Maybe. Maybe not. I’ve never done this before.”
Zach snorted a quiet laugh, his fingertips searching out the pulse at Chris’ wrist. “I think you have. In fact, I know you have. I’ve had the distinct pleasure,” sarcasm and humour dripped from his tone, “of being regaled by your tales of conquest on more than one occasion.”
“That’s not what I meant, dickhead.” Though he couldn’t help but crack a grin, as he knocked his knee against Zach’s in mollification. “I mean, with you -with a guy.”
“So, I’m going where no man has gone before?”
Chris twisted his lips in a futile attempt not to smile. “Shut up.”
Zach rolled his eyes up, in thought. “Hmmmm... Make me?” His hands dipped at Chris’ waist, and nestled warmly above his hip bones. Chris leaned into him; and it felt like that first moment of collapsing atop of a freshly made bed -he simply wanted to sink in forever.
“I would, but your nose is too big.”
Zach gasped. “Why, you little brat. Just because I don’t look like a Ken Doll -”
“Zach?”
“What?”
“I’d like to kiss you again.” Chris was elated that his voice didn’t crack. Looking back, he was hardly sure if he’d even proclaimed such a simple request to any of his past partners. He’d been so much more confident with them, so sure of himself, in several respects.
But this was a whole different ballgame. Chris realised Zach couldn’t be the only one stepping up to the plate.
“You sure my nose won’t interfere?” Zach inquired dryly.
“It might.”
Before Zach could retort, Chris had softly met his parted lips. Careful not to bump noses, Chris tipped his chin at a safe angle, and Zach followed suit. Their torsos merged in tandem; arms banding around each other’s waists like promise rings.
Chris grazed his teeth across the silken bow of Zach’s top lip, with his tongue avidly sampling the feast of Zach’s mouth - the sharp point of his canines, the sensitive corner where his lips curved. Zach’s breath huffed quietly into Chris’ mouth, and filled him with a heady sense of wonderment. Doubts receded with the languid advancement of tongue and lips and fingertips and hips.
Zach’s smooth, slender palms were on his cheeks; and that sinful mouth became intent on simply devouring him. The heat from his hands fanned the fire in Chris’ chest, and deftly stole his breath. Chris choked out an indistinguishable cry against Zach’s slick lips, as he revelled in the blaze that insisted on engulfing his every nerve. His hands restlessly tore beneath Zach’s shirt - palms and fingertips, a scrape of a knuckle - all mapped out the subtle contours of Zach’s hips, stomach, and chest.
Anywhere Chris could reach was where he wanted to be. For the love of God, he wanted to be around this man; in him - discover every valley, plain, and peak of him. His world was Zach; his heart gravitated towards the man with exquisitely painful insistence. There was no other home, but here.
His thumbnail grazed Zach’s nipple, eliciting a pulse and firm press of his stiff and ready erection against Chris’ thigh. The dragging undulation of Zach’s hips against his own sparked something raw and unrecognisable within him. Chris plastered himself against Zach like a second skin; and his nails nipped at Zach’s shoulder blades. His fingertips travelled south, and slid past the low band of his jeans to grip the very small of his back.
Zach hissed something that vaguely resembled Chris’ name, and plunged his tongue past Chris’ swollen, quivering lips.
Then a symphony of motherfucking hurt erupted from the centre of his face.
“Owmotherof -” Chris grit his teeth and jerked his head back; although he refused to break away from Zach’s hold.
It was Zach’s turn to chuckle breathlessly. “You big baby. You look like a mess.”
“Gee, thanks Zee. You really know how to charm the pants off a guy. How am I not already buck-naked and gagging for it?” Chris scrunched his nose like a scene straight out of I Dream of Jeannie, as he tested its sensitivity.
Dammit, it ached like a bitch. But it was a still only runner-up next to the hard, unrelenting throb between his legs. “Anyway, I feel like someone is trying to tell us something.”
Zach frowned; his hold clamping with renewed firmness. “What do you mean by that?”
The sharp edge of panic that Zach had attempted - and failed - to mask had Chris mimicking the man’s perplexed expression.
When it dawned on Chris what his friend must have gathered from his comment, his lips curled in that charming, kittenish grin. Chris was selfish enough to be pleased that he hadn’t been the only one squirming all this time.
“I mean, clearly some higher -and blatantly sinister- power is manipulating the situation so that I’m not even allowed to make-out properly.”
“Too much Star Trek for you, and not enough reality TV.” Relief tinged Zach’s voice, and his grip around Chris’ waist relaxed.
“Mmmm,” Chris assented with a light shrug. “Anyway, I was attempting to allude to the embarrassingly high-school option that we, uh - take it slow.”
Chris couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so ridiculous. He enjoyed physical humour, and getting a laugh out of people - his close friends might even refer to him as shameless, from time to time. But when it came down to serious matters, Chris was unsure of his footing. He only hoped Zach would be his crutch for the time being.
Zach nodded. “I think that’s a pretty wise suggestion.”
Chris flicked his gaze up. “Really?” He stumbled upon his own words; schooling his features into something less, well - hopeful. “I mean, obviously. I’m a very wise guy; in case you haven’t noticed.”
“You’re a wise-guy, all right.” Zach chuckled, refusing to let go of Chris; even as he began to squirm.
Heart-to-hearts weren’t exactly his element; even though he was the one to instigate this conversation in the first place. This whole situation was new territory; although Chris was experienced in relationships. But a relationship with a man -with Zach- that was practically an alternate universe.
Okay, maybe he had been watching too much Star Trek.
“So, all of this.” Chris gestured between them; while his heart flipped languidly in his chest. “We’re going to try this?”
Zach replied simply, “Yes.”
“Okay.” Chris linked his arms around Zach’s neck, his lips curving gently.
“See, the relationship talk wasn’t all that excruciating, was it?”
“Says fuckin’ ninja-knees over here. I think my nose would disagree with you.”
“Diva.”
Author: lalazee
Beta: rainbowstrlght ; How do I liiiive without you(r editing)? I want to knoooow! How do I ever, ever surviiiiive?!
Series: Pinto
Rating: NC-17
Length: ~10,000
Disclaimer: This may or may not have happened to someone else; but likely not Pinto.
Summary: Twister shenanigans & hijinks. You heard!
Click Here for Part Two!
Author's Note: Um. My first Pinto? And Chris gets an owwie.
Zach’s stomach was pressed flush against Chris’ back. His shirt pooled down around his chest; a ramification of the downward, sloping position of his body. Chris’ ass and hips jut into the air, and he could feel Zach’s chin brushing the curve of his backside.
One of Zach’s lithely toned arms was pressed intimately between Chris’ legs; and the other arm was on the opposite side of one of his thighs, elbow brushing knee. Zach’s muscles vibrated with taut control, and consequently shuddered directly against Chris’ slightly swollen bulge.
Chris’ head was wedged right between Zach’s thighs, and the lanky actor’s crotch was pressed hotly against the nape of Chris’ neck. He could look down, and see a pair of Converse planted near his outstretched hands. Zach’s stomach, thighs, arms -everything- was pressed devastatingly close to Chris’ back.
Both bodies strained against each other, with effort. They were so fused that Chris could feel every shuddered breath from Zach’s lungs, and every tight bunch of muscle rippling against his back, and between his legs.
And they were cackling like fools. Chris hiccupped around insatiable giggles, his fingers digging into the mat; in fervent prayer that he simply didn’t collapse here and now. Zach’s body undulated against his back, as the older man sucked in precious air around another howl of laughter.
They were inreverse sixty-nine, for fuck’s sake! Both faced downwards, with their bodies overlapped, and torso-to-torso; each with their heads sandwiched between the others’ legs. It was absolutely ridiculous -and, in Chris’ case, absolutely distracting.
But the last thing he wanted to do was give away the game. He was a competitive guy, after all.
With the pleasant cushion of alcohol buzzing in his head, and the laughter of his former cast-mates pleasantly enveloping him, Chris was having a hard time taking any of this too seriously. Even if the otherwise intimate press of his first, and only, male crush was unconsciously grinding against him.
Zoe’s voice cut through the whirlwind of stifled laughter from both men on the Twister mat, as well as the smirking from John and Anton. “Okay, okay. Come one guys, this is serious business! How are we going to know who reigns supreme, if I can’t even breathe enough to call out the next move?”
“I’m pretty sure Pine’s been making enough moves on me, as it is.”
As Zach turned his head to look at Zoe, Chris unmistakably felt the drag of Zach’s chin against his ass. Thank God I’m slightly inebriated.
“Um - excuse me? I’m not the one being mounted here.”
“What kind of preposterous ‘mounting’ have you been getting yourself up to?” Zach said, and laughed incredulously.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Zoe intervened once more. “Okay boys; simmer down. Save it for the mat.”
Chris could only stare at the brightly spotted Twister mat, and Zach’s shoes; while he listened to the shift of the plastic arrow around the board.
“Oh dear.” Zoe snorted a laugh. “I don’t think this is humanly possible, but we’ll give it a go. Right foot on red!”
There was a pause, as everyone in the room attempted to fathom the movement.
John was the first to mutter, “Oh shit, son. It’s on like Donkey Kong.”
Anton and Zoe murmured in wonderment.
Zach was already moving, though. He was a spindly sonofabitch, Chris had to admit. Zach had legs up to his ears - and years of yoga practice - to boot.
All around, Zach Quinto was like some mythical, unbeatable ninja of Twister. Twister Ninja.
Chris was shocked he’d managed to stay in the game this long. Normally, he was a bit clumsy with his bulk. His legs might have been long in their own right, but he wasn’t particularly talented with them -unless he was dancing.
At this point in the game, the only thing Chris imagined he had going for him was his stamina. He could hold himself up for an indeterminate amount of time; whereas Zach was struggling a bit. Chris knew this because, dammit, the guy’s body was on him like a second skin.
Committed to victory, Chris gritted his teeth, and prepared to twist his leg at an impossible angle beneath his body.
At the same moment, Zach’s knee came up -and cracked Chris squarely on the nose.
He saw stars. Chris released a rather feminine yelp, as he promptly collapsed to his knees. He sat back on his heels, one hand clasped protectively over his throbbing nose, and keened quietly.
Maybe his eyes watered, just a little -but he wasn’t crying, okay? His bridge of his nose just felt like it had been jackhammered - Chris had his fair reasons.
Everyone burst into motion, rushing to Chris. They scrabbled with questions of his well-being, all of which he promptly blocked out. Chris crushed his eyes shut, and winced from the pain that closing his eyes had incensed.
When he opened them, he found himself drowning in dark, liquid pools of concern.
“Oh my god, Chris -I’m so, so sorry!” Zach looked truly distraught about the entire calamity.
To be perfectly honest, it kind of made him feel better. Not that Chris wanted Zach to feel bad -it wasn’t his fault. That was the price Chris had paid for taking his chances, and battling out a Twister Ninja on his home turf.
What made him feel better was the anxiety darkening Zach’s expression; which was entirely for him. Chris frowned, admonishing himself for the immature thought. The frown brought out another blinding flash of discomfort, and he winced once more.
“S’okay.” Chris murmured from behind his hand.
Chris blinked at Zach, and then looked away, as he felt movement beside him. Zoe’s arm was wrapped around his shoulders, and he could hear John and Anton muffling sighs of relief, when they realised he was essentially fine.
Chris noted Zach’s hand reaching for the one he’d cushioned over his nose; and he jerked back with uncertainty. Chris disliked people touching his injuries, even doctors. When he was pain, he simply wanted to curl into himself for a moment, and will it away. Depending on others to help him out was not exactly his forte.
Zach gave him an admonishing look. “I need to see if it’s broken.”
“Dun fink i’ is.” Chris garbled from behind his palm. He could feel one hell of a headache coming on, but his nose didn’t feel broken. Not that he’d know what a broken nose felt like, but probably worse than the splintering ache behind his eyes. “Jus’ leaf it.” He murmured, shifting to stand.
Zach frowned, and recoiled slightly. He stood in time with Chris, but made no more move to touch him.
Zoe wrapped a steadying arm around Chris’ waist, and shook her head with a laugh. “Trust you boys to turn Twister into an all-out war zone. Gotta love you. Now, let’s get you taken care of.”
Chris allowed himself to be ushered into his kitchen , pleased to find that the four beers he’d downed through the extent of the evening had muted the pain radiating from the centre of his face. Chris allowed himself to be ushered into his kitchen. He sat down on a kitchen stool, and slouched his back against the edge of the counter.
Zach immediately began to buzz around Chris’ kitchen. He grabbed a hand towel, and moved to the freezer for some ice.
John and Anton followed closely. Anton was the first to speak up, and his eyes were a little glassy. He was the smallest of them all, save for Zoe, and he’d drunk the most.
“John’s gonna gimme a ride home now.” He announced, slinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “Gotta meetin’ w’my agent t’morrow.”
John chuckled and shook his head. He leaned to one side, clearly holding up most of Anton’s miniscule weight. “This is the price I pay for being the designated driver.”
Chris mustered a painful grin, and his nose pulsed. “S’cause er’ryone hates you, John. You get ta be designated drifer f’the rest uff your life.”
John clenched his free hand over his heart, in mock pain. “I feel the love, really I do.”
Zoe placed a chaste kiss on both John and Anton’s cheeks; her dark eyes lit with laughter. “Say hello to the wife and kid for me, Cho. And don’t forget.”
“Zoe, my mind is a steel trap.”
Chris muffled a chuckle. “Nuffin’ in an’ nuffin’ out.”
John sighed. “I’m not standing around here and taking this abuse; I have a wife for that. G’night guys. Take care of yourself, Captain. Can’t wait to see those papz pictures.”
Everyone called their goodbyes, as John and Anton saw themselves out.
Zoe rounded on Chris. “Okay, let’s see that nose.”
“Dun wanna.”
She aimed a narrow look at Chris, and he did his damndest not to wither beneath the stare. “Stop being a baby, you idiot. Even if it’s not broken, you need to get something cold on that, to bring down the swelling. We don’t want that pretty face of yours all messed up, now do we? What would the fangirls do?”
Chris was silent. She made sense. But he knew she would go poking around his face, if he moved his hand. Bless Zoe - she was a wonderful woman - but she was nosy as hell. And put the ‘nosy’ up with a real nose, and things could only end in disaster.
Zach stepped into Chris’ line of vision, and the hair on Chris’ arms stood on end. He could never reason out the exact cause of the reaction. He’d never been so attracted to someone that he got goose bumps; but around Zach, this was a common occurrence. A disconcerting occurrence.
“Zoe.” Zach’s voice was a soothing balm, more quelling than any ice pack.
Speaking of, Zach handed Chris a damp towel wrapped around some ice; and his gaze remained on Chris’ face as he spoke to their friend. “Pine’s a big boy; he’ll be fine. He’s buzzed, anyway. Probably can’t feel the half of it.”
Zach aimed a small, warm curve of lips Zoe’s way. “You head on home, hun. Take a cab and surprise your man. I’ll make up for my mishap here.”
I’m a mishap? Chris repressed the urge to sulk, as he replaced his hand with the ice pack. The outline of unforgiving ice cubes pressing through the cloth was uncomfortable against the sensitive skin of his nose; but the overall effect was calming. Anyway, the ache was beginning to dull; so that was promising, at least.
It didn’t take long to usher Zoe out the door. The quick click of the lock behind her rang in Chris’ head, with finality.
In the past weeks, Chris has stolen himself away from Zach as much as possible. He made no blatant performance of avoidance -he was a better actor than that, he liked to think- but Chris also understood self-preservation.
He was an introverted person by nature; and though his public persona exerted confidence, inside he was often a bundle of insecurities and goofiness. Chris was certainly cautious enough to convince himself that he could never pursue any personal relationship with Zach, beyond friendship. The very idea was ridiculous, in the extreme.
That didn’t mean his body wanted to listen, though - or his heart, for that matter. Zach was a generous, vibrant human being with a sharp tongue and a clever mind. And Chris found himself lacking in those qualities; he’d always been his own worst critic.
Chris could hear Zach’s lanky steps stride down the hallway, as the man returned to the kitchen. Chris offered a small smile around the cloth at this face. When his nose didn’t smart with the facial expression, Chris felt some relief. “Does this mean I win by default?”
Zach stared blankly at him, before cracking a reluctant smile. He laughed in that husky tone that Chris couldn’t help but appreciate. “Yeah. You win this round, Pine - but there will be others.”
“Damn straight there will be. Winning dirty is entertaining and all, but sometimes it’s just not as satisfying as honestly whuppin’ your ass.”
“Yeah, yeah, tough guy.” The older man rolled his eyes, and sidled up before Chris. He leaned forward suddenly, with quiet intensity in his eyes, as he searched Chris’ face.
Chris swallowed, and resisted the urge to squirm. He wasn’t a fan of being closely inspected; it always made him worry that a person would finally realise his numerous imperfections.
“You’re going to get an ass-whuppin’, if you don’t stop staring at me like that.” Chris warned.
Wordlessly, Zach placed his hand atop the one that held the cloth to Chris’ face. Chris froze; a sliver of heat shooting into his veins at the unexpected touch. The tender brush of fingertips upon the back of his hand held more sensation, and acute awareness, than their time spent flailing playfully on the Twister mat.
Chris was so bewildered by the touch, that he made no struggle to stop Zach from pulling the cloth away from his face.
Zach’s emotive, amber eyes flickered; and his breath hitched. Chris quirked a brow; he attempted an amiable expression and airy tone to his voice -their faces were far too close for comfort.
“So, what’s the damage, doctor? Am I too far gone? Will I be a shunned from society for the rest of my days, left only to play Quasimodo -”
“Christopher.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry.”
Why did Zach always have to be so, well - sincere? How was Chris meant to remain funny and cool and silly, if the guy he unquestionably adored insisted on being so fucking candid? What a pain.
It was too bad that even Chris knew he was lying to himself - because he loved that about Zach. He loved that Zach never said a word he didn’t mean; that he was earnest and vivacious. That even his oft-made sarcastic jibes had an undercurrent of affection in them. Okay, so he could totally be a stubborn ass from time to time, but Chris liked that they had their fair share of disagreements, too.
Chris sighed, and offered a smile. “You’ve got a severe predilection towards taking things too seriously, man. I’m fine. Sore, but fine. I think you should wear knee-pads at all times, though; you’re knees are awfully bon -”
“Predilection?” Zach laughed. “Really?”
“I call ‘em like I see ‘em.” Chris was pleased to feel the tension subsiding. Not that Zach was feeling tense, or anything - but he sure as hell had been feeling the heat. Zach’s stare was like a furnace, sometimes.
“Yeah, well, I see some serious bruising coming around.” Zach leaned forward to closer inspect the damage, and Chris suddenly found himself caged between Zach’s arms; as the man’s hands gripped the lip of the counter on either side of him.
Chris sucked in a sharp breath and leaned back as far as possible; which was, unfortunately, not very far from those probing eyes at all. Chris endeavoured to look anywhere but at Zach’s curvaceous lips.
“I’m currently repressing the urge to say, ‘take a picture, it’ll last longer.’ What exactly are you so interested in? I’m sure it’s not the first nearly-broken nose you’ve seen before.”
“You hate getting your picture taken.” Zach met Chris’ eyes. “Does it hurt badly?”
“It’s fine.” Chris slid his glance away, and drilled holes into Zach’s shoulder instead.
“You don’t seem fine.” Zach noted plainly; his voice low and leathery.
“You’re a bit close for comfort. We’re starting to reboot that SNL skit with Steve Martin, and the close talkers,” Chris replied dryly, and raised a brow.
Seriously - talk about invasion of space. Chris knew he used to be okay with this; in the days when they’d run around the world for press junkets, and interviews, and Chris had simply imagined Zach as his best friend. Back when that little nagging attraction had been something easily swept under the carpet.
“It didn’t use to bother you.” The man was reading his freaking mind, apparently.
Chris rolled his shoulders; his back dug uncomfortably into the lip of the unforgiving countertop. His friend was still devastatingly close. “Are we having different conversations, here? I feel like I’m missing something. Are you okay, Zee?”
Zach appeared to be struggling with a reply. His chin fell, and he was basically looking straight down at Chris’ lap. The top of Zach’s head was so near to Chris’ face, that he could smell the warm, pleasant perfume of the man’s numerous styling products.
The question came from Zach, in an almost reasonable tone. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”
When Zach’s gaze searched out his friend’s, Chris found himself speared with an all too forthright expression. Zach ploughed forward. “I mean -crap- I sound like a stalker, don’t I? I’m probably imagining things. It’s just -” Zach worried his bottom lip with his teeth for a moment. “It’s just - tonight, when we were all playing Twister and you were laughing so naturally - I couldn’t remember the last time I’d heard you laugh like that.”
Zach pushed off the counter, and spun away from Chris. One on Zach’s hands slipped to the back of his neck, and massaged at the invisible tension; as he began to pace the kitchen.
“And when I tried to help you up, you looked like I was the last person you wanted near you. Maybe it was just the physical discomfort of the moment, and that’s probably the reasonable explanation. But when we were on set, and you got injured by one of the stunt doubles - or Eric, or whoever - you never minded my -” Zach came up for breath. “T-touching you.”
Chris’ heart was lodged in this throat. He couldn’t have spoken if he’d wanted to. Carefully - very carefully - he set aside the damp towel that had spent the last several minutes icing his hand numb. His thoughts weaved in and out of uncertainty -and hope, and disbelief.
Had he really been so transparent about his feelings? Truth be told, despite his experienced acting career, Chris had never been particularly skilled with handling his own volatile emotions. Those who were close to him often bore the brunt of his tumultuous moods. Some called Chris a drama queen; Chris simply saw it as riding the tide of his feelings.
He ran his tongue across his suddenly chapped lips. “Zach, uh - we’re friends. You are, essentially, my best friend. Okay?” Chris offered a lopsided smile, and hoped he wouldn’t crack. “Where ever you’re getting these ideas from, well - they’re a misconception.” He held out his hands, and shrugged easily. “I’m here now, aren’t I? With you. I didn’t flip out and kick you out of my apartment after you kneed me in the face, or anything. Though I probably should have - what, with you bruising my pride and my face.”
Zach appeared dubious. He propped his fists on his hips, and stared Chris down. “So there’s nothing wrong?”
“Nope.” Chris lied. “Aside from my ugly-ass honker.”
His friend quirked a brow. “You could never be ugly. In fact, I think you need some ugly in your life, pretty boy.”
“Nah. I already have that. You’re here, aren’t you?”
“Chris?”
Chris repressed the urge to sigh. He’d just managed to lead them out of Awkward City; it would be nice if they didn’t make a return trip for some time.
“What?”
“I know a remedy for bruises that my Ma used to use, when I was a kid. Would you like it?”
Chris’ eyes lit up, and he cracked a grin. “Hell yeah! What is it?”
Time slowed, dragged through molasses, as Zach approached him silently. His eyes were veiled by dark lashes as he leaned forward, and brushed his lips tenderly across the bridge of Chris’ nose.
Okay, so this was unexpected -but good. More than good. Definitely not what platonic friends do for each other, right? And Zach’s worry from moments before -that had to mean something, didn’t it? Sharing feelings and kissing; unless Chris’ past relationships had utterly lied to him, this had to be promising, didn’t it? Even Chris -who was so unsure of his footing in this relationship- understood that this was more than just a ‘kiss my owwie’ kiss. This was more-
He was going to stop over-thinking this now.
The kiss felt like warm butterfly wings brushing his skin. Chris’ lips parted, but no sound would come. His lids fluttered shut; and with one pensive breath, he cracked the padlock on his emotion.
Chris reached up, and linked his fingers behind Zach’s neck. He effectively kept Zach bent towards him, and led the man’s lips straight to his. His mouth was delectable and soft; velvet left in the sunlight for too long.
Zach sighed against his lips, and canted his chin to deepen the angle of the soft, explorative kiss. Once more, those sinewy arms were on either side of him; a gilded cage that Chris had no intention of escaping. Chris parted his legs in a single, smooth motion; and Zach stepped between his thighs, like it was the only place he ever wanted to be.
When the hot tip of Zach’s tongue flicked lightly along the crease of Chris’ lips, an unexpected shot of heat hurtled straight through him, and travelled straight to the tingle in his toes. His heart stuttered. Chris groaned appreciatively, and welcomed the moist warmth of Zach’s tongue into his mouth.
This was... different, from locking lips with a woman. Transcendent. The raspy scratch of a five o’clock shadow against his chin; firm, yet yielding lips; a volatile slash of tongue that left a wet burn in its wake.
Zach’s nose brushed Chris’, and fervent pain shattered the moment before it could deepen. Chris yelped, and jerked back against the counter. Zach’s eyes flew open, and his hands clasped Chris’ shoulders to steady him.
“Oh my god, I forgot! I’m so sorry, Chris. Again.”
Even as the discomfort rattled his system, a laughed bubbled in Chris’ chest. Nerves, relief, and a pure sense of glee wracked his shoulders; as he pressed a hand to his eyes and allowed the unfettered giggles to overwhelm him.
Of course. Of course, Chris would finally get the chance to kiss the man he’d been mooning over for well over a year, and he literally had the inability to kiss him. Excellent.
Unshed tears of mirth clung to his lashes, as he looked up at Zach’s mildly horrified expression. His friend appeared unsure whether he should laugh or cry. Chris was with him on that one.
Chris felt another lie climb up his throat. His lashes lowered demurely, and he cursed the blush that burned his cheeks. “S’Alright. I’ve waited long enough for that to happen. I can wait a bit longer.”
“That long?”
The question was so quiet, that Chris nearly missed it. He peered up quizzically, and Zach was rapt upon his face. Chris’ heart lurched. Despite the fleeting kiss they’d shared -which he could still feel in his toes- it wasn’t like he could lay it all out on the table, here and now. Well, he could, but Chris just wasn’t that brave.
“Don’t let it go to your head, or anything.” He attempted to find his footing on the crumbling ledge beneath him. Of course, Chris knew Zach was the last person to let praise go to his head. All the same, he didn’t want Zach realising just how terrifying this was for him.
Being gay - er, bi? Uh, Quintoesxual - was not just something you dove right into without checking the water first. It could turn out that the pool was only two feet deep, and you could end up cracking your head open and dying - or something.
… Okay. Clearly he was escaping to the manic reaches of his mind, rather than coming to terms with the situation.
Chris ploughed on before Zach could reply. “But, hey, what about you? You, uh -” Chris waved a hand between them, attempting and failing to insinuate the kiss. “You kind of...reciprocated.”
Zach’s brows raised; and he cocked a hip and crossed his arms. “’Reciprocated’? And by that, you mean kissed you? I guess I thought I’d take the chance. The worst that could have happened was that you’d ignore me, and you were already doing that to begin with.”
Chris ears burned. He looked down at his hands, and picked at a hangnail. “I don’t -I was unaware you felt that way. Uh, however it is - what you feel - I mean.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I prefer ‘masterful’, or ‘brilliant’, but I’ll bite. Why am I ridiculous?”
“Because you’ve been playing the straight Hollywood Playboy for nigh on two years, Chris.” Zach dropped his hands to his sides, in exasperation. “How exactly was I meant to simply stroll up to you and declare my l -feelings for you? Catastrophe wouldn’t have been able to even cover it.”
Chris resisted the urge to pout. “You don’t know that.”
“I think I do. I think that if we’re best friends, like you say, and you’re still this terrified of -”
“Woah. Woah, woah - hold up.” Chris leapt to his feet, and went toe to toe with Zach. “I’m not scared, I’m just -“ scared. “Cautious. This could ruin everything. You know -our careers, our image. It could be a disaster. ”
Zach’s eyes softened, his voice laced with assurance. “Or it could be beautiful.”
Beautiful?
Fuck. How could he refute a rebuttal like that?
Chris searched Zach’s eyes, a frown of doubt tugging at his lips. “Maybe. Maybe not. I’ve never done this before.”
Zach snorted a quiet laugh, his fingertips searching out the pulse at Chris’ wrist. “I think you have. In fact, I know you have. I’ve had the distinct pleasure,” sarcasm and humour dripped from his tone, “of being regaled by your tales of conquest on more than one occasion.”
“That’s not what I meant, dickhead.” Though he couldn’t help but crack a grin, as he knocked his knee against Zach’s in mollification. “I mean, with you -with a guy.”
“So, I’m going where no man has gone before?”
Chris twisted his lips in a futile attempt not to smile. “Shut up.”
Zach rolled his eyes up, in thought. “Hmmmm... Make me?” His hands dipped at Chris’ waist, and nestled warmly above his hip bones. Chris leaned into him; and it felt like that first moment of collapsing atop of a freshly made bed -he simply wanted to sink in forever.
“I would, but your nose is too big.”
Zach gasped. “Why, you little brat. Just because I don’t look like a Ken Doll -”
“Zach?”
“What?”
“I’d like to kiss you again.” Chris was elated that his voice didn’t crack. Looking back, he was hardly sure if he’d even proclaimed such a simple request to any of his past partners. He’d been so much more confident with them, so sure of himself, in several respects.
But this was a whole different ballgame. Chris realised Zach couldn’t be the only one stepping up to the plate.
“You sure my nose won’t interfere?” Zach inquired dryly.
“It might.”
Before Zach could retort, Chris had softly met his parted lips. Careful not to bump noses, Chris tipped his chin at a safe angle, and Zach followed suit. Their torsos merged in tandem; arms banding around each other’s waists like promise rings.
Chris grazed his teeth across the silken bow of Zach’s top lip, with his tongue avidly sampling the feast of Zach’s mouth - the sharp point of his canines, the sensitive corner where his lips curved. Zach’s breath huffed quietly into Chris’ mouth, and filled him with a heady sense of wonderment. Doubts receded with the languid advancement of tongue and lips and fingertips and hips.
Zach’s smooth, slender palms were on his cheeks; and that sinful mouth became intent on simply devouring him. The heat from his hands fanned the fire in Chris’ chest, and deftly stole his breath. Chris choked out an indistinguishable cry against Zach’s slick lips, as he revelled in the blaze that insisted on engulfing his every nerve. His hands restlessly tore beneath Zach’s shirt - palms and fingertips, a scrape of a knuckle - all mapped out the subtle contours of Zach’s hips, stomach, and chest.
Anywhere Chris could reach was where he wanted to be. For the love of God, he wanted to be around this man; in him - discover every valley, plain, and peak of him. His world was Zach; his heart gravitated towards the man with exquisitely painful insistence. There was no other home, but here.
His thumbnail grazed Zach’s nipple, eliciting a pulse and firm press of his stiff and ready erection against Chris’ thigh. The dragging undulation of Zach’s hips against his own sparked something raw and unrecognisable within him. Chris plastered himself against Zach like a second skin; and his nails nipped at Zach’s shoulder blades. His fingertips travelled south, and slid past the low band of his jeans to grip the very small of his back.
Zach hissed something that vaguely resembled Chris’ name, and plunged his tongue past Chris’ swollen, quivering lips.
Then a symphony of motherfucking hurt erupted from the centre of his face.
“Owmotherof -” Chris grit his teeth and jerked his head back; although he refused to break away from Zach’s hold.
It was Zach’s turn to chuckle breathlessly. “You big baby. You look like a mess.”
“Gee, thanks Zee. You really know how to charm the pants off a guy. How am I not already buck-naked and gagging for it?” Chris scrunched his nose like a scene straight out of I Dream of Jeannie, as he tested its sensitivity.
Dammit, it ached like a bitch. But it was a still only runner-up next to the hard, unrelenting throb between his legs. “Anyway, I feel like someone is trying to tell us something.”
Zach frowned; his hold clamping with renewed firmness. “What do you mean by that?”
The sharp edge of panic that Zach had attempted - and failed - to mask had Chris mimicking the man’s perplexed expression.
When it dawned on Chris what his friend must have gathered from his comment, his lips curled in that charming, kittenish grin. Chris was selfish enough to be pleased that he hadn’t been the only one squirming all this time.
“I mean, clearly some higher -and blatantly sinister- power is manipulating the situation so that I’m not even allowed to make-out properly.”
“Too much Star Trek for you, and not enough reality TV.” Relief tinged Zach’s voice, and his grip around Chris’ waist relaxed.
“Mmmm,” Chris assented with a light shrug. “Anyway, I was attempting to allude to the embarrassingly high-school option that we, uh - take it slow.”
Chris couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so ridiculous. He enjoyed physical humour, and getting a laugh out of people - his close friends might even refer to him as shameless, from time to time. But when it came down to serious matters, Chris was unsure of his footing. He only hoped Zach would be his crutch for the time being.
Zach nodded. “I think that’s a pretty wise suggestion.”
Chris flicked his gaze up. “Really?” He stumbled upon his own words; schooling his features into something less, well - hopeful. “I mean, obviously. I’m a very wise guy; in case you haven’t noticed.”
“You’re a wise-guy, all right.” Zach chuckled, refusing to let go of Chris; even as he began to squirm.
Heart-to-hearts weren’t exactly his element; even though he was the one to instigate this conversation in the first place. This whole situation was new territory; although Chris was experienced in relationships. But a relationship with a man -with Zach- that was practically an alternate universe.
Okay, maybe he had been watching too much Star Trek.
“So, all of this.” Chris gestured between them; while his heart flipped languidly in his chest. “We’re going to try this?”
Zach replied simply, “Yes.”
“Okay.” Chris linked his arms around Zach’s neck, his lips curving gently.
“See, the relationship talk wasn’t all that excruciating, was it?”
“Says fuckin’ ninja-knees over here. I think my nose would disagree with you.”
“Diva.”