Fic: I've Been Waiting
Title: I’ve Been Waiting
Word Count: ~7,200
Pairing: Kris|Adam
Type: AU | Romance | Schmoop
Rated: R (mostly for language)
A/N: For catalm who donated money in the krisfansunite DonorsChoose Dollar Drive. She asked for a sequel to I’ll Be Waiting, so here it is.
Thank you to: pennilesspoet17 for always being the Ernie to my Bert. Oh, and for reading this over. Love you!
Disclaimer: This is not true. This did not happen...obviously. Final mistakes are mine, and mine alone.
**
TMZ.com
Flirting with Disaster?
The rumors are flying again that actor Adam Lambert, oh wait, our bad…Oscar “nominee” Adam Lambert…is back to his crazy, outrageous, diva ways. On the Portland set of his new film, Lambert’s been said to be flirting shamelessly with some of the local crew members and then partying away the nights at hot spots around town. He’s away, so he plays? What about his poor boyfriend? Say it isn’t so!
RadarOnline.com
Whoa, Hey Now Lambert! Don’t You Have a Cute Boyfriend?
Actor Adam Lambert can’t seem to stop. We’ve always known about his wandering eye, but the question now is, how serious is it? The normally notoriously-private actor (well, recently) is in Portland filming his new movie, and sources tell us he’s taking complete advantage of being off his leash and away from his boyfriend.
~*~*~*~
“Nury,” Adam said blowing out an exasperated breath. “Slow down and enunciate, darling. I can’t understand a thing you’re saying.”
He tossed his room key onto the small table next to the door and stuck the cell phone between his ear and shoulder. Switching on all the lights in the darkened suite, Adam carefully removed his jacket without dropping the phone.
“Oh, Adam, darling, what are you talking about? I’ve only had a couple of cocktails.”
Adam chuckled, “Only a couple?”
“I’m pretty sure it was a couple,” Nury replied. “You really expect me to keep track?”
“Of course not, honey. Why would you do that?” Adam asked wryly. “It’s only three in the afternoon on a Tuesday.”
“Exactly!” Nury crowed. “I’m so glad you understand, darling.”
“So, what can I do for you Nury?”
“Well, I came up with a brilliant idea!” she squealed, followed by a pause that sounded like she was taking another sip of her cocktail that sloshed over her hands. “Cale, that sweetie, mentioned that he and Brad were coming up with some ideas for Kris’s birthday, and I wanted in. You know, since I have a fabulous idea and all.”
“Uh, what?”
“Kris? You’re boyfriend? His birthday?”
“I know, it’s in two months, but why…”
“So, since it’s his birthday and if I’m not mistaken, close to your first anniversary being together and all, I think an amazing party is in order. I’m offering my place…”
“Nury…”
“The backyard is…”
“Nury!”
“What, darling?”
“Why are all of you trying to plan a birthday party for Kris? He hates parties.”
“That’s why it’s a surprise,” she retorted as if Adam was slow on the uptake.
Maybe he was. He shook his head trying to figure out what was going on and why people, including Nury, Cale and Brad were attempting to plan a surprise birthday party for Kris.
“Uh, let me get back to you, okay? I need to regroup with Brad and Cale about this.”
“Oh, of course, darling. Just remember, my backyard would be perfect for everything they’re talking about. Plus, it’ll be private, just close friends and family, and best of all, no nasty paps to get in the way.” She paused, “Well, unless you strategically want them there.”
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose, “Thank you, Nury. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Where are you anyway?” Nury asked. “Why did you answer the phone? Aren’t you on set?”
“Got done with my scenes, so I wanted to crash,” Adam replied. “I have to get back around midnight and we’ll be shooting until seven or eight in the morning. Couldn’t sleep in the trailer.”
“You poor thing,” Nury tsked. “At least you have a nice hotel room.” A short pause as she ordered another drink. “Anyway, I need to get going. I’m being rude to my friends.”
After disconnecting the phone, Adam sat heavily on the couch. “Brad, what the fuck are you up to?” he asked the empty room.
~*~*~*~
Kris sighed as he woke up to soft fingers flitting down his bare back and moaned as fingers turned into the press of a warm hand sliding and rubbing slowly over his shoulders. He shifted closer to the warm body next to him, turned his head on the pillow and smiled.
“Are you trying to seduce me?” he murmured sleepily.
“Is it working?”
“I don’t think my boyfriend would approve,” Kris answered.
“Boyfriend?”
Kris nodded sluggishly, “Yeah. And he’s the jealous type.”
“He’s sounds like a jerk.”
Kris huffed out a laugh, “He’d kick your ass.” Kris raised his head a little, “Actually, that would be kinda hot to watch.”
“I think you should dump him.”
“Nah,” Kris replied pushing his face down into the pillow. “I’m kind of in love with the jerk.”
Kris closed his eyes as he reveled in the sensation of his back being rubbed. Soft, warm hands were touching his skin gently; fingertips faintly scratching along his ribcage.
“Mmmm,” Kris moaned. He shifted his arms to hug the pillows to his face, “You woke me from a perfectly amazing dream you know.”
“Yeah?” Adam asked. “Was I in it?”
“Couldn’t tell if it was you per se, but I was being ravished by this ridiculously hot guy, an actor-type, I think. You know, tall, dark and gorgeous. I was stopped at a light, and he jumped into my car. For some reason I pulled into a parking garage, and next thing I know he was all over me,” Kris said breathlessly and deliberately shivered.
“You’re an ass,” Adam complained as he slapped Kris’s ass.
Kris laughed and rubbed his face into the pillow, “What are you doing up so early?” He reached out to grab his phone, “It’s not even eight.”
“It’s ridiculously bright in here,” Adam said lazily as he returned his hand to stroke Kris’s back. “You need better window treatments.”
“Stop complaining about my place. Not all of us can have fancy mansions.” Snuffling, Kris burrowed deeper into the pillow and comforter, “You just got back into town last night and finally have a few days off. Go back to sleep. Besides, it’s Sunday, we can sleep for a few more hours. Then once we get up, I’ll make you an amazing breakfast of coffee and Pop-Tarts.”
Adam burst out laughing, “You’re too good to me.” He wrapped his arms around Kris and pulled him close, so they were face-to-face.
Kris breathed out and smiled, the warmth of Adam’s arms and body something he’d been missing over the last couple of weeks while Adam was away shooting his latest film in Portland. They talked every night, even fell asleep on each other with phones still in their hands or on the pillows next to their heads.
After a few minutes of silence, Adam cleared his throat, “So, uh…”
Kris lifted his head, “Yeah?”
Twisting his body so his body laid flat on the bed, Adam stared up at the ceiling, “Um, I was wondering if…well, things are good, right? Between us…”
Crinkling his brow, Kris leaned up on an elbow to look down at Adam, “Yeah.” He reached out to grab Adam’s hand. “Things are better than good.”
Kris felt Adam’s body tense up.
“You’re happy, right?” Adam asked hesitantly.
“Adam…”
“Um, nothing, really.”
Kris gripped their hands together tight, not liking what was going on. “You know I have no problem letting you or anyone know if I’m not happy.”
Adam chuckled and moved his thumb over Kris’s finger, “Yeah, I know.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“It’s not a problem. It’s just that…well, um. Uh, since you’re over at my place most of the time. And, it’s not that I don’t like your place, but it’s…”
“What? You want to ‘Extreme Home Makeover’ it or something?”
Adam shook his head, “No, no. And, it’s not that I don’t like spending time here, but…” Adam started.
Kris leaned over and laid his head down on Adam’s chest, “But what?” he asked softly. He felt Adam’s deep intake of breath and waited.
Adam rushed out. “I want you to move in with me.”
“Um…oh.”
Kris grimaced as Adam’s hand clenched tightly over his.
“Oh,” Adam said forlornly. “That’s a no, then?”
“It’s not a no,” Kris tried to reassure him. “It’s just…can we talk about this later?” Kris asked nervously.
Adam forced a smile, “Yeah. Not a problem.”
~*~*~*~
Adam scowled as Brad moved around the kitchen, chatting on the phone. He watched as Brad flitted from the counter to the table to the refrigerator and back to the table, hands full, laughing softly. As he placed food onto the table, he reached up to click the button to hang up and tossed the Bluetooth headset from his ear and down onto the empty chair.
“What?” Brad demanded.
“Nothing.”
“Then why do you look like you just ate something sour and nasty?”
“I’m in a bad mood, how else am I supposed to look?” Adam replied.
“You? In a bad mood?” Brad retorted, rolling his eyes. “Now, that’s a shocker.”
“What? Come on…”
Brad walked to where Adam was sitting at the counter and patted his shoulder, “You’ve been in a pissy mood for the last few weeks.” He held up his hand before Adam could speak. “I know Kris is out of town for that conference this week, but this started way before then.”
“Just in a bad mood,” Adam grunted out. He stood up and grabbed a wine glass from the cabinet and uncorked the bottle of wine sitting on the counter. “I’m allowed to be in a bad mood every once-in-a-while.”
“Uh-huh,” Brad snorted. “For a couple of days? Yes, then you’re usually over it.” He leaned over and snagged the wine glass. “For this long? No…something happened.”
Adam sighed and went to get another glass, “We…we had a fight.” He raked his fingers through his hair, “It wasn’t even a fight. Just…awkward. And, now, things are weird, and he away at this conference. We haven’t really talked since…”
Taking a sip from his glass, Adam watched Brad quirk his lips and cock an eyebrow.
“I…I asked him to move in with me.” Adam looked down at the counter, not wanting to tell Brad the truth…that he’d chickened out of what he was really wanted to ask.
“And?”
“He said no.”
Brad pursed his lips, “So?”
Adam slammed the glass down and threw his hands up, “What do you mean ‘so’? He said no to moving in with me. I thought we were on the same page, that we have something special…”
“Adam,” Brad interrupted. “Shut up and think about it.”
“Think about what?”
“Think about everything that’s changed in puppy’s life since he’s been with you,” Brad said slowly. He walked back to the table and opened the bag of chips.
“What do you mean?”
Brad rolled his eyes, “Since when have you been this dense, sweets?”
Scowling again, Adam leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, “What are you talking about?”
“How are you even…” Brad shook his head. “Okay, think about it. Puppy’s life has undergone a 180, flipped every which way and upside down. The time you guys have been together, for you is might feel like a long time, but for a civie? Going through a relationship is hard enough as it is…remember how ours imploded and exploded spectacularly?” Brad said snidely. “But under these conditions? For him?”
Adam nodded slowly and motioned for him to continue.
“It’s all new to him, sweets,” Brad said with an exasperated breath. “Well, not new new at this point, obviously. But, come on, think about how low-maintenance he is, so this,” Brad flails out his hands, “the lifestyle, the attention. He probably wants to hang on to the one thing that’s normal to him.”
Adam hung his head down and rubbed his face, “I’m an idiot.” He really was an idiot, as he didn’t consider all this before he spurting out the first thing he could think of when he froze.
“Good thing you’re a decent-looking, sorta talented idiot, isn’t it?”
~*~*~*~
PerezHilton.com
Trouble in Paradise for La Lambert and Le Cutie-Pie?
Sources are telling us that Adam Lambert and his boyfriend, Kris Allen, are having relationship problems. We’re hearing that since the Oscars, to whom Lambert lost ‘Best Actor’ to Ewan McGregor, La Lambert’s been on a major rampage with his demands and being even more diva-ish than usual. And, naturally cutie-pie Allen isn’t having it. Hard to leash your inner diva. We’re wondering if there isn’t a grain of truth to it, since the lovebirds haven’t been seen together in public in a while. Love is a fickle thing, isn’t it?
The Awful Truth
So, an Oscar nominee is in the dog house with his significant other. Hollywood is both tittering with joy and in slight shock that the fairly new romance is already on the rocks considering how much the private actor had been flaunting it around town. Rumors of on-set infidelity have been swirling in the tabloids for weeks. Personally, we were hoping for a happy ending and want them to get through it, especially since they’re one of the cutest couples around.
~*~*~*~
Picking at the platter of fried food in front of him, Kris ignored the calls and texts from Brad as he tried to focus on the game.
“So, you and Adam good again?” Cale asked munching on the fried zucchini strips that hadn’t been touched.
Kris shrugged as he played with the condensation on the beer bottle, “I think so?”
“What’s that mean?”
Sliding the bottle along the bar between his hands, Kris answered, “It’s been a little weird.”
Cale laughed, “Well, duh, you dipshit. He asked you to move in with him, and you said no.”
“I didn’t say no!” Kris shouted. He bit his lip and looked around the bar sheepishly. “I didn’t know how to answer. He just dropped it on me. And, my answer was more of an ‘I’ll think about it’ more than anything.”
“Have you?”
“Have I what?”
“Thought about it?”
“I don’t really want to think about it.”
“What’s the big deal? If you don’t want to, then don’t,” Cale said reasonably. “Just tell him one way or another.”
Kris sighed, “Yeah, but…”
“But nothing…hold that thought,” Cale said, pulling out his phone. “I have to take this,” as he held up a hand.
Kris nodded and watched as he slipped out the door to go outside. He stared up at the big screen, unseeing. He should give Adam an answer, but he hadn’t brought it up since he asked, and Kris felt stupid approaching the subject again. It was like Adam forgot about it, and since he didn’t have a solid answer…
The hand on his shoulder startled him, making Kris jump and nearly topple from the stool. Strong hands gripped his shoulder and waist preventing him from falling over.
“Fuck,” Kris grumbled as he grabbed the edge of the sticky bar with his hands. He quickly righted himself and turned to yell at the person who scared the shit out of him and nearly made him fall over.
He opened his mouth to let out a litany of curses, but instead nearly fell over again seeing Adam. Adam, his Adam, inside Q’s, wearing jeans, a faded t-shirt and a battered baseball cap low over his eyes, was in his neighborhood bar.
“Hey,” Adam said shyly. “Sorry about that.”
“Wha…what are you doing here?” Kris finally managed to say. He unconsciously gripped at Adam’s arm that had wound its way around his back. “I thought you couldn’t fly down this weekend.”
“I pulled some strings,” Adam shrugged and closed the space between them. “Wanted to surprise you. Then, I got home and it’s empty and quiet, since usually you and Cale are there yelling at my TV or each other.”
Kris leaned his head into Adam’s shoulder, “Thought you’d want some time alone since we went a little overboard during March Madness. I thought Brad was going to have a stroke.” He turned into Adam’s chest, “Plus, the house is too big when you’re not there.”
Instead of answering, Adam laughed and placed a small kiss on Kris’s temple and sat on the empty stool. Kris bit his lip as Adam looked around the bar, “So, this is Q’s, huh?” Adam asked.
“Yeah,” Kris nodded, looking at the giant, wood-lined room. “Fried food, beer and giant televisions with sports galore.”
“Very you.”
Kris reached out to bring Adam’s face down to his and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “Do you want anything? Beer? Food?”
Adam smiled and returned the kiss, “No, I’m good.” He shook his head, “Is there ever a weekend when there’s no sports on television?”
Laughing, Kris leaned his elbow onto the bar, “Not really, there’s always something on. Now, whether I understand the sport or not, that’s a different question.” He looked at Adam, clearly uncomfortable in the darkened bar, baseball hat nearly covering his eyes. “Let me get the check, and we can go somewhere else.”
“What about Cale?”
“He’s outside. We can let him know as we leave.”
“Your place?” Adam asked leaning into Kris’s ear.
Kris shivered at the tiny lick on the tip of his ear, “Yeah. Come on.”
~*~*~*~
Nury lifted her hand to get the waiter’s attention and motioned with her fingers that she wanted a refill. Seeing his nod, she beamed at Brad and Cale, “Now, where were we?
Brad quirked his lips, “We,” he said motioning between him and Cale, “were talking about the guest list.”
“You think Adam or Kris want a big party like this?” she asked.
Cale shook his head, “Definitely not. Plus, it’s not even a big birthday; he’s only turning 29.”
Brad clapped his hands and squealed, “That’s the best time to throw a random surprise party.”
“How did it turn from me asking you about decent restaurants for a small birthday dinner into a full-blown, crazy surprise party?” Cale asked.
Brad shrugged as he took a small sip of water, “Because it’s what I do. And, besides, puppy won’t expect it, which makes it even better.”
“Boys,” Nury interrupted. “What if Adam and Kris have something already planned?”
Blowing out a raspberry, Brad reached over for another piece of bread, “If I know Adam, which I do, he has nothing planned. Tatiana will probably remind him in a couple of weeks, then make the arrangements for him.” He paused, “Wait, I don’t even think he’ll be in town. He’s still shooting that lame film. He’s going to be in San Francisco.”
Cale leaned back and placed his hands on his stomach, “And that’s why I just wanted some restaurant recommendations. It was going to be just a few of us taking Kris out to dinner.”
Brad waved his hand, “Oh pooh with that nonsense. Puppy deserves to have a nice birthday evening with his friends. Not a lame-ass restaurant dinner. It should be festive and shit.”
“Has something been off with them?” Nury asked, then stopped to smile at the waiter as a new pink liquid in a martini glass was set on the table. She waited until he was out of earshot and leaned in. “There isn’t something wrong between them, right?”
Cale bit his lip and played with his napkin as he said, “What makes you say that?”
Nury narrowed her eyes, “The tabloids, I hear the gossip. Is there any truth to what they’re saying?”
“Nury,” Brad huffed. “Of course not!” He clasped her hand, “You, of all people, should know better.” He kissed her hand before letting it go. “There’s been a little miscommunication, but it’s nothing major. They’re fine and saw each other last weekend. It’ll blow over.”
Cale nodded in agreement, “Yeah, what he said.”
~*~*~*~
UsMagazine.com
Caught!
Actor Adam Lambert’s boyfriend of little over a year, Kris Allen (son of uber-producer Neil Allen), was caught getting cozy with a stranger at Q’s, a neighborhood bar in Westwood (Los Angeles). In this exclusive photo (obtained by Us this week), Kris Allen can be seen up close and personal to the stranger. Rumors have been circulating about the couple’s strained relationship. Lambert is in Portland shooting the new Albert Burton film and reports have been coming in about clandestine hook-ups in the Pacific Northwest. Though reps for both men have denied the gossip, patrons at the bar confirm Allen left the bar with the unknown man.
PerezHilton.com
Trouble in Paradise
So, it turns out La Lambert’s little cutie-patootie is sneaking around with a new man. Adam Lambert’s boyfriend, Kris Allen was caught with a not-so-strange man, as this camera phone photo obviously shows. Taken by a customer of a grungy bar in West Los Angeles, Kris Allen thought he was being sneaky. Poor thing needs some real loving and is finding it in seedy bars.
~*~*~*~
Tatiana smirked as she entered the den and saw Adam asleep on the couch, legs propped on the coffee table, script off to the side. She bit her lip to not laugh as she tiptoed close enough to drop the package onto Adam’s lap.
Adam yelped as he jumped awake. “Hey, watch it, you brat.”
“You shouldn’t be sleeping, then, should you?” she giggled. “Especially, at…” she looked at her watch, “Four in the afternoon.”
“I’m tired,” Adam pouted.
“Where’s Kris?” she asked looking around.
“He went to the game with Cale, Matt and Mike,” Adam groused, rubbing his face. He picked up the package that fell to the floor. “What is this?”
“Your delivery,” Tatiana answered in her “duh” voice. “The one I just signed for. The one marked ‘URGENT’ in giant red letters and all caps.”
Adam palmed the box carefully in his hands as smile slowly broke out on his face.
Tatiana sat down next to him and poked his shoulder, “What?”
“I’m going to need your help with something,” he said leaning into her. “And, you have to promise to keep it to yourself no matter what.”
She smiled and bumped his shoulder, “Of course.” Tatiana started jumping while she sat, “Tell me, tell me, tell me.”
“How much do you know about San Francisco?”
“Uh,” Tatiana said. She reached over to grab the laptop and her phone, “Well, depends. I haven’t been there in a while, but what are you thinking?”
“Something cute and under the radar. Nothing trendy or flashy, just nice. I don’t have time to research since I’m leaving tonight.”
Tatiana started typing, “Okay. Uh, what’s this for?”
“Kris’s birthday,” Adam replied. “I’m going to fly him up for the weekend, since I’m going to be up there for a few weeks while we’re shooting. I know it’ll be short and quick, but…”
“Got it,” Tatiana stated. “Sent to your email. Let me know if it’s okay, and I’ll take care of the details for you once you give me a date and time.”
“That was… wow, already?” Adam said startled as his phone beeped. He leaned over and gave her a sloppy, wet kiss on the cheek, “You’re awesome.”
Tatiana laughed, “I’ve been telling you that for years.”
~*~*~*~
Kris turned on his phone as the wheels of the plane screeched onto the tarmac. The minute he got signal, the ringtone for his texts came through, one after another after another. He pressed the text application to stop the backlog and saw…
You here yet?!?!?!
Guess you’re still on the plane. But the website says the plane landed. Turn on your phone!!!
You better text me the second you get these!
Where are you??? I shouldn’t be worried, right?
Kris rolled his eyes and typed in a quick message. He wanted to call, but didn’t want to be one of those people who let everyone on the plane know his business.
Landed and here. Haven’t reached gate yet. Will grab a cab and see you soon. Send me hotel info
Not two seconds later, his phone vibrated.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! followed by No! No cab! Arranged car. Driver waiting. Hotel is a surprise!!!!!!!!!!
Kris quickly texted back, Why’d you do that? I told you I can take a cab?
FUUUU, I get to spoil my boyfriend for his birthday. Suck it up
Kris started to type out a response when his message got overrun by Or better yet, you’ll be getting sucked, so deal ;p
Choking back laughter while trying not to blush, Kris quickly clicked the screen off and stood up as the plane’s door opened. Smiling at the flight attendant, Kris grabbed his bags and made his way through the airport.
Kris sighed and shook his head as he saw the driver dressed in all black holding up a sign with “Mitchell Neil” in giant block letters. Ignoring his phone’s continuous buzzing in the back pocket of his jeans, he forced a smile on his face as he approached the man.
“Hi, I’m, uh, him,” Kris said pointing to the sign.
“Mr. Neil?”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Do you have luggage? We can head over to the carousel.”
Holding up his worn leather duffel bag, Kris replied, “Nope, I’m good.”
“Very well, sir,” the man replied. He reached out for Kris’s bag, “If I may…”
“Nah,” Kris said. “It’s all good. I got it.”
“Of course, sir. If you will follow me…”
“Let’s go.”
Trusting the driver to get him to the hotel, he sat back into the plush, cushioned, leather seats and closed his eyes. As tired as he was, he was excited to have the weekend with Adam. He was upset that Adam’s shooting schedule wouldn’t allow him to come down to LA the following weekend for his birthday, but was secretly excited that Adam made these plans.
Friday night traffic through downtown San Francisco was as congested as West Hollywood. Cars honked at pedestrians, while buses blocked cross-traffic lanes while trying to catch the tail end of the yellows.
Kris scrunched his face trying to remember what Tatiana or Brad said about Adam’s hotel while in San Francisco. He tried to figure out the route the driver was taking with the various hotels he knew that were in the area, but his unfamiliarity with the city quickly ended that line of thought.
As the car turned the corner, Kris nearly plastered his face to the tinted window to gawk at the giant columns bathed in soft lights that marked the entry to the Ritz Carlton. The car pulled into the driveway as Kris tried to compose himself. He shook his head at the extravagance and beauty of the hotel. Smiling nervously, he walked into the lobby trying to figure out if he needed to check in or if he should call Adam to get a room number and just go up. They hadn’t discussed this.
“You’re here!”
Kris barely had time to turn around and face the voice as he choked back a gurgled shriek as he was being hugged from behind. Arms pinned to his sides, Kris helplessly tilted his head to the side as Adam planted light kisses along his jaw and throat.
“Come on,” Adam said impatiently, tugging on Kris’s hand. “Why haven’t you been texting me back? I thought you’d never get here. Isn’t it gorgeous here? Not that you’ll see much of it. Is that all you brought? We’ll have someone bring it upstairs.”
“Adam…” Kris tried to interrupt. “Adam!” Kris pulled his hand back and wrapped it around Adam’s waist. “Breathe…and geez, give me a minute, okay?”
Adam stopped squirming as Kris face planted into his shoulder. “Sorry, sorry,” he said hugging Kris tight to his body, arms tight around Kris’s shoulders.
Kris laughed, “It’s okay. Just…hi.” He looked up and smiled.
Squeezing Kris again, Adam placed a small kiss on Kris’s temple, “Hi.” He took a breath and reached over to grab Kris’s bag. “I’m just excited you’re here.”
“I know,” Kris said, moving the bag away from Adam’s outstretched hand. Instead, he took Adam’s hand into his own, “Ready?”
~*~*~*~
“You didn’t want to actually, you know, see the city, did you?” Adam asked as he put down the mug of coffee on the table.
“I don’t think I can move,” Kris groaned from the bed.
Adam moved around the food-laden cart and smirked, “I think you can. Since, you know, you were moving around fine just a little bit ago.”
“You’re an ass.”
“And I love yours.”
“I bet you say that to all the boys,” Kris murmured as he shifted onto his back.
Grabbing a small plate of fruit and a glass of water, Adam walked back to the bed and sat on the edge. He nudged Kris’s hip to move over, as he placed the water and plate onto the bedside table. “At least sit up so I can feed you,” Adam laughed.
Kris glared, but gingerly sat up, leaning his back against the headboard. “Why am I always naked while you have clothes on?”
“As discreet as the staff of the Ritz are trained to be,” Adam replied, “Even I don’t think they’d appreciate me opening the door to get our breakfast buck naked.”
“But you’re so pretty naked.”
“Shut up, and…” Adam leaned over to lick Kris’s bottom lip, “Open up.”
“There are so many dirty places to go with that statement,” Kris chuckled.
“Perv,” Adam admonished as he placed a strawberry by Kris’s mouth.
Adam stared as Kris bit into the strawberry, the excess liquid dripping out of the corners of his mouth and down his chin. The tip of Adam’s tongue lapped at the juices, licking leisurely until he reached Kris’s mouth. Pressing Kris into the headboard, Adam moved forward and kissed him, nipping until his mouth opened wide as their tongues clashed. His hands gripped the sides of Kris’s face, possessive in their hold along his jaw and neck.
Pulling back to breathe, Adam panted as he planted tiny kisses along Kris’s throat, “God, Kris Allen, you’re going to be the death of me.”
“You’re…” Kris groaned. “You’re one to talk.” Adam grunted in surprise as Kris pushed him back onto the bed in a mass of tangled limbs until he blinked to see Kris’s face staring down at him intently.
“I love you,” Kris whispered.
Adam stared into Kris’s eyes, so steady and warm and intense. He had to look away and took the time to study Kris’s face, the whisker burns along his cheeks, shining swollen lips. Just seeing him look like this, Adam felt himself harden. He moved his hands along Kris’s back and over his shoulders as he pulled himself up to chase those lips again.
“I love you, too,” Adam said back.
~*~*~*~
“So, did you guys do cheesy tourist things like ride a cable car or go to the Golden Gate Bridge and take some tacky pictures?” Cale asked as he drove along Wilshire.
Kris quirked his lips, “No, nothing like that. It was really mellow, actually.”
“Good restaurants? Clubs?”
Shaking his head, Kris leaned over to wipe an imaginary smudge off his shoe, knowing he was blushing. It was all he could do whenever he thought about the weekend.
Cale glanced over, and his eyes widened as he spied the flush around Kris’s ear. “Oh god, you didn’t even leave the room, did you?”
“What?” Kris shrugged. “And, we so did!”
“I hope you guys left the housekeeping staff with a huge tip, because dude…”
“Again, what?!?!”
“That’s just plain, old nasty debauchery right there.”
“Jealousy doesn’t become you, Mills,” Kris retorted. “Just because Adam and I enjoy each other’s company…”
“One thing to enjoy each other’s company,” Cale interrupted. “But, seriously, doesn’t your ass have to rest or something?”
Kris choked as he tried to utter a response, then turned his head to glare at Cale. Seeing Cale choke back tears of laughter, “I hate you.”
“You are…I don’t…” Cale laughed. He fell onto the steering wheel, “You did have sex all weekend! But, your…” Cale tried to breathe. “Your face…you’re so red.” He wiped his eyes, “Is it healthy to be that red?”
“Shut up.”
“I’m just glad you had fun,” Cale said somberly after wiping the tears away. “It’s been weird between you two lately, you know?”
Kris sighed, “Yeah. Between the movie, me working on this new project and him asking me to move in…” He leaned back and closed his eyes, “I like the way things are, you know? It’s been working.”
“Except lately when it wasn’t. I don’t see what the big deal was, him asking you. It’s like you’re practically living there anyway,” Cale stated. “Well, you, me and the rest of the guys.”
Kris snorted, “I don’t think he’d enjoy having that around full-time. I know Brad wouldn’t.”
“Well, actually…”
“He enjoys it more when we’re playing flag football in the backyard, not when we’re shouting and belching at the big screen.”
“Would you?” Cale asked.
“Would I what?”
“Move in with him if he asks again.”
“Don’t know.”
“Eh,” Cale laughed. “We’re here, and it’s your birthday. Let’s not think about it and have some fun instead.”
“Uh, Cale?” Kris asked as he got out of the car.
“Yeah?”
“Why are we at Nury’s?”
~*~*~*~
Adam checked his pocket again to reassure himself the box hadn’t slipped out or gotten lost.
“Geez, stop fidgeting!” Tatiana said as she cut across two lanes.
“Then stop driving like you’re a NASCAR driver,” Adam retorted as he grabbed the holy fuck handle by the door tighter. “Why are you driving like a lunatic?”
“I’m not!” she exclaimed as she honked and flipped off a minivan as she cut it off. “All I’m trying to do is make sure you get to the party on time. San Francisco and its stupid fog. Can’t believe your flight was delayed an hour.”
“I’m just glad it wasn’t cancelled,” Adam grumbled.
“Yeah, that too.”
“Tati, please slow down,” Adam pleaded. “I’d like to actually arrive at the surprise party in one piece.”
“Fine,” Tatiana pouted. “But don’t blame me if everyone is too drunk to even realize you showed up. Then this surprise will all be for nothing.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“I have to say,” Tatiana started again as she veered into the slow lane. “This is the most romantic thing ever.”
Adam smiled, “Well, let’s hope Kris thinks the same.”
Tatiana reached across to swat his arm, “Of course he will! Why wouldn’t he?” She sighed, “I want a boyfriend like you one day.”
“Aww, would you like me to set you up with someone?”
“Fuck no!” she cried out laughing.
“Brat.”
“Now shush, you know how I hate these hills.”
Adam shook his head as he leaned back into the seat. Closing his eyes, as he really didn’t want to see how Tatiana would be handling the curved road of Hollywood Hills, he fingered the box in his pocket again. He had planned to propose while Kris was in San Francisco, but the weekend got away from him. Now that principle shooting was done, Adam had a couple weeks off until they finished filming, and he’d pretty much be local. He’d still be away from home for three weeks, but Palm Springs was closer than Portland and San Francisco.
Adam’s body jerked forward with the sudden stop of the car.
“Woman!”
“What? The driveway is shaped weird!”
Rolling his eyes, Adam unsnapped the seatbelt and gingerly stepped out of the car. “Not that I don’t appreciate you doing this, Tatiana, but I think I’m going to get you driving lessons for your birthday.”
She stuck out her tongue, “As if.” She scurried around the back of the car and grabbed his arm, “Come on!”
The door opened before they even lifted a hand to ring the doorbell.
“Darling! You made it!” Nury grinned in greeting. She leaned in for a hug and whispered, “The birthday boy is in a contemplative mood, so you arrived just in time.”
“Did something happen?” Adam asked.
“No, I think he just misses you,” she sighed. “You two are just too adorable and sweet, I think I’d be sick just looking at you both if I didn’t like you so much.” She turned to Tatiana, “Hello, darling. Go see the birthday boy and cheer him up, will you? I have to talk to Adam for a bit.”
“Of course,” Tatiana said throwing her sweater and purse to the side. She looked to Adam, “Don’t take too long.”
He waved her off, “I’ll be right there.”
“You’re not drunk yet, what’s going on?” Adam asked Nury as she walked him into a side room.
“Oh, I want to be sober to see this surprise,” Nury purred. “Then, I’ll get as drunk as I want to as I help you celebrate.”
Adam blew out a breath, “Thank you, for this.”
Nury waved a hand, “No big deal.” She grabbed his shoulders and brushed his hair off his face. “You ready for this?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Good,” Nury smiled. “I never thought I’d see the day, but I’ve also never seen you happier. He’s good for you.”
Adam dipped his head, “Yeah, despite everything…”
Nury pulled him into a hug, “We’re not thinking of anything else. You do this and make this boy of yours happy, and most of all, make yourself happy, okay?”
Kissing her cheek, Adam nodded and took another deep breath, “Thank you. Again.”
“Okay,” Nury said grabbing his elbow. “Everyone’s out back with the barbeque. Did you know that it uses both charcoal and propane?”
Adam laughed out loud as he was led through the house.
~*~*~*~
Kris played with the label of the beer bottle as another plate of barbequed something was plopped down in front of him. He smiled in thanks as whoever it was sauntered away.
“Why are you faking your smiles, puppy?” Brad asked as he sat next to him and swung his leg over Kris’s lap. “Don’t you like your birthday party?”
“It’s great. You and Cale…” Kris smiled and leaned his head into Brad’s shoulder. “You guys didn’t have to go through all this.”
“Aww, puppy,” Brad cooed as he petted Kris’s hair. “It was fun.” He bumped his shoulder so Kris would lift his head, “Now, you at least have to show your appreciation by having a good time…”
“I am!”
“Not pretending to have a good time, but really have fun. Get drunk, be stupid and regret it all tomorrow. Then, when Adam calls you to wish you a happy birthday, you’ll be too hung-over to even remember he called.”
“Fine,” Kris pouted and leaned into Brad again. “I’ll have a few more beers and eat whatever that…” he pointed to the plate of burned stuff “…is. Happy?”
Brad kissed his temple, “Perfect.” He stood up and twirled, “Oh, and smile for the cameras!”
“Wait, what?” Kris turned around confused and blinked hard. Though he was only nursing his second beer, he could swear Adam had just walked in with Nury.
“Hey,” the man who looked uncannily like Adam said to him.
Kris looked up, confused. “Adam?”
The man sat down next to him as the squeals, laughter and cheers died in the background of Kris’s ears.
“Uh, were you expecting someone else?”
He sounded like Adam. Kris leaned forward and sniffed him, he smells like Adam, Kris thought.
A nervous laugh, “Are you smelling me? If so, I’m sorry, sweetie, I stink like airport and plane.”
Kris fell into the man’s arms, head resting in his place between the shoulder and collar bone.
“You’re really here?” Kris asked, voice muffled. Kris curled in closer as Adam’s arms wound tight around him.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Kris sighed with relief as he felt Adam’s lips graze his temple and heard the whispered words, “Happy Birthday, Kris.”
~*~*~*~
Kris wouldn’t move from his spot, glued to Adam. As Adam tried to move, Kris clung tighter, arms coiling around his waist, unyielding.
The smile he’d given Brad earlier never reached his eyes, and Adam couldn’t bear to see that. Seeing Kris’s unhappy face had hurt him as he rushed to Kris’s side. The immediacy in which Kris grabbed onto him only reaffirmed that he had to do this tonight.
“It’s only been a week, you know,” Adam whispered.
“I know,” Kris whimpered. “I wanted you here, even though I knew you were busy.”
Adam moved his arms to encircle Kris’s shoulders, “Well, I’m here.”
“I’m glad.”
Reaching down into his pocket, Adam gripped the soft leather box. “I need to ask you something.”
He laughed as he felt Kris’s nod against his chest. “You might have to look up for this.”
“No,” Kris mumbled. “Comfy.”
“Well, let’s see if this works, shall we?”
Adam maneuvered his arm so the box could be positioned between them. Kris finally backed away a little, making space between them.
He looked down at the box and up to see Adam’s face, “What is this?”
With his free hand, he cupped Kris’s cheek. “I meant to do this last weekend, but somehow…” Adam leaned forward, their foreheads touching. “I’m kind of glad I didn’t now, the timing seems better.”
Kris’s hand shook as it touched the box, “Adam…”
“Kris Allen,” Adam whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Adam Lambert.”
“Good,” Adam laughed out nervously. “That definitely makes things easier.”
“Just ask him already, you asshole!” someone who sounded like Cale shouted out.
Brad, most definitely Brad, chimed in, “The champagne’s getting warm and the cupcakes are melting!”
“Darling, I’ve been sober for way too many hours now. Perhaps you should ask him and put me out of my misery?” Nury chimed in.
Kris lifted his head and looked around. Adam beamed as he saw the confusion play across Kris’s face.
“Wha…what’s…what’s going on Adam?” Kris asked hesitantly.
Adam smiled at their friends and family members who gathered around them, leaving enough of a distance to watch and listen, but giving them the illusion of privacy. He turned back to Kris, who was staring at him, and lifted open the top half of the box.
The streamlined ring of pave black diamond from David Yurman sat cushioned in between padded silver velvet. The band of diamonds sparkled off the soft lights in the backyard.
“Since you won’t move in with me, I figured I’d force the issue,” Adam laughed nervously. “Will you marry me?”
Adam’s smile faltered as Kris alternately looked down at the ring in the box and up at Adam. His hands shook as he touched Adam’s face.
“Uh, Kris? You okay?” Adam asked.
“I think you’ve finally discovered a way to make him speechless, my dear boy,” Neil Allen shouted out. Laughter filled the backyard.
“You…this…what…” Kris stuttered.
“Kris?” Adam repeated, his voice going higher.
Adam refused to look around, as he concentrated on trying to read Kris’s expression, his eyes. As Kris lifted the ring from the box, Adam let out a small sigh of relief, which bled into a longer, deeper sigh as Kris put the ring on his finger. He barely saw the nod, but nearly fell over as Kris launched himself onto Adam.
“Yes,” Kris whispered.
~*~*~*~
~the.end~
Word Count: ~7,200
Pairing: Kris|Adam
Type: AU | Romance | Schmoop
Rated: R (mostly for language)
A/N: For catalm who donated money in the krisfansunite DonorsChoose Dollar Drive. She asked for a sequel to I’ll Be Waiting, so here it is.
Thank you to: pennilesspoet17 for always being the Ernie to my Bert. Oh, and for reading this over. Love you!
Disclaimer: This is not true. This did not happen...obviously. Final mistakes are mine, and mine alone.
**
TMZ.com
Flirting with Disaster?
The rumors are flying again that actor Adam Lambert, oh wait, our bad…Oscar “nominee” Adam Lambert…is back to his crazy, outrageous, diva ways. On the Portland set of his new film, Lambert’s been said to be flirting shamelessly with some of the local crew members and then partying away the nights at hot spots around town. He’s away, so he plays? What about his poor boyfriend? Say it isn’t so!
RadarOnline.com
Whoa, Hey Now Lambert! Don’t You Have a Cute Boyfriend?
Actor Adam Lambert can’t seem to stop. We’ve always known about his wandering eye, but the question now is, how serious is it? The normally notoriously-private actor (well, recently) is in Portland filming his new movie, and sources tell us he’s taking complete advantage of being off his leash and away from his boyfriend.
~*~*~*~
“Nury,” Adam said blowing out an exasperated breath. “Slow down and enunciate, darling. I can’t understand a thing you’re saying.”
He tossed his room key onto the small table next to the door and stuck the cell phone between his ear and shoulder. Switching on all the lights in the darkened suite, Adam carefully removed his jacket without dropping the phone.
“Oh, Adam, darling, what are you talking about? I’ve only had a couple of cocktails.”
Adam chuckled, “Only a couple?”
“I’m pretty sure it was a couple,” Nury replied. “You really expect me to keep track?”
“Of course not, honey. Why would you do that?” Adam asked wryly. “It’s only three in the afternoon on a Tuesday.”
“Exactly!” Nury crowed. “I’m so glad you understand, darling.”
“So, what can I do for you Nury?”
“Well, I came up with a brilliant idea!” she squealed, followed by a pause that sounded like she was taking another sip of her cocktail that sloshed over her hands. “Cale, that sweetie, mentioned that he and Brad were coming up with some ideas for Kris’s birthday, and I wanted in. You know, since I have a fabulous idea and all.”
“Uh, what?”
“Kris? You’re boyfriend? His birthday?”
“I know, it’s in two months, but why…”
“So, since it’s his birthday and if I’m not mistaken, close to your first anniversary being together and all, I think an amazing party is in order. I’m offering my place…”
“Nury…”
“The backyard is…”
“Nury!”
“What, darling?”
“Why are all of you trying to plan a birthday party for Kris? He hates parties.”
“That’s why it’s a surprise,” she retorted as if Adam was slow on the uptake.
Maybe he was. He shook his head trying to figure out what was going on and why people, including Nury, Cale and Brad were attempting to plan a surprise birthday party for Kris.
“Uh, let me get back to you, okay? I need to regroup with Brad and Cale about this.”
“Oh, of course, darling. Just remember, my backyard would be perfect for everything they’re talking about. Plus, it’ll be private, just close friends and family, and best of all, no nasty paps to get in the way.” She paused, “Well, unless you strategically want them there.”
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose, “Thank you, Nury. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Where are you anyway?” Nury asked. “Why did you answer the phone? Aren’t you on set?”
“Got done with my scenes, so I wanted to crash,” Adam replied. “I have to get back around midnight and we’ll be shooting until seven or eight in the morning. Couldn’t sleep in the trailer.”
“You poor thing,” Nury tsked. “At least you have a nice hotel room.” A short pause as she ordered another drink. “Anyway, I need to get going. I’m being rude to my friends.”
After disconnecting the phone, Adam sat heavily on the couch. “Brad, what the fuck are you up to?” he asked the empty room.
~*~*~*~
Kris sighed as he woke up to soft fingers flitting down his bare back and moaned as fingers turned into the press of a warm hand sliding and rubbing slowly over his shoulders. He shifted closer to the warm body next to him, turned his head on the pillow and smiled.
“Are you trying to seduce me?” he murmured sleepily.
“Is it working?”
“I don’t think my boyfriend would approve,” Kris answered.
“Boyfriend?”
Kris nodded sluggishly, “Yeah. And he’s the jealous type.”
“He’s sounds like a jerk.”
Kris huffed out a laugh, “He’d kick your ass.” Kris raised his head a little, “Actually, that would be kinda hot to watch.”
“I think you should dump him.”
“Nah,” Kris replied pushing his face down into the pillow. “I’m kind of in love with the jerk.”
Kris closed his eyes as he reveled in the sensation of his back being rubbed. Soft, warm hands were touching his skin gently; fingertips faintly scratching along his ribcage.
“Mmmm,” Kris moaned. He shifted his arms to hug the pillows to his face, “You woke me from a perfectly amazing dream you know.”
“Yeah?” Adam asked. “Was I in it?”
“Couldn’t tell if it was you per se, but I was being ravished by this ridiculously hot guy, an actor-type, I think. You know, tall, dark and gorgeous. I was stopped at a light, and he jumped into my car. For some reason I pulled into a parking garage, and next thing I know he was all over me,” Kris said breathlessly and deliberately shivered.
“You’re an ass,” Adam complained as he slapped Kris’s ass.
Kris laughed and rubbed his face into the pillow, “What are you doing up so early?” He reached out to grab his phone, “It’s not even eight.”
“It’s ridiculously bright in here,” Adam said lazily as he returned his hand to stroke Kris’s back. “You need better window treatments.”
“Stop complaining about my place. Not all of us can have fancy mansions.” Snuffling, Kris burrowed deeper into the pillow and comforter, “You just got back into town last night and finally have a few days off. Go back to sleep. Besides, it’s Sunday, we can sleep for a few more hours. Then once we get up, I’ll make you an amazing breakfast of coffee and Pop-Tarts.”
Adam burst out laughing, “You’re too good to me.” He wrapped his arms around Kris and pulled him close, so they were face-to-face.
Kris breathed out and smiled, the warmth of Adam’s arms and body something he’d been missing over the last couple of weeks while Adam was away shooting his latest film in Portland. They talked every night, even fell asleep on each other with phones still in their hands or on the pillows next to their heads.
After a few minutes of silence, Adam cleared his throat, “So, uh…”
Kris lifted his head, “Yeah?”
Twisting his body so his body laid flat on the bed, Adam stared up at the ceiling, “Um, I was wondering if…well, things are good, right? Between us…”
Crinkling his brow, Kris leaned up on an elbow to look down at Adam, “Yeah.” He reached out to grab Adam’s hand. “Things are better than good.”
Kris felt Adam’s body tense up.
“You’re happy, right?” Adam asked hesitantly.
“Adam…”
“Um, nothing, really.”
Kris gripped their hands together tight, not liking what was going on. “You know I have no problem letting you or anyone know if I’m not happy.”
Adam chuckled and moved his thumb over Kris’s finger, “Yeah, I know.”
“So, what’s the problem?”
“It’s not a problem. It’s just that…well, um. Uh, since you’re over at my place most of the time. And, it’s not that I don’t like your place, but it’s…”
“What? You want to ‘Extreme Home Makeover’ it or something?”
Adam shook his head, “No, no. And, it’s not that I don’t like spending time here, but…” Adam started.
Kris leaned over and laid his head down on Adam’s chest, “But what?” he asked softly. He felt Adam’s deep intake of breath and waited.
Adam rushed out. “I want you to move in with me.”
“Um…oh.”
Kris grimaced as Adam’s hand clenched tightly over his.
“Oh,” Adam said forlornly. “That’s a no, then?”
“It’s not a no,” Kris tried to reassure him. “It’s just…can we talk about this later?” Kris asked nervously.
Adam forced a smile, “Yeah. Not a problem.”
~*~*~*~
Adam scowled as Brad moved around the kitchen, chatting on the phone. He watched as Brad flitted from the counter to the table to the refrigerator and back to the table, hands full, laughing softly. As he placed food onto the table, he reached up to click the button to hang up and tossed the Bluetooth headset from his ear and down onto the empty chair.
“What?” Brad demanded.
“Nothing.”
“Then why do you look like you just ate something sour and nasty?”
“I’m in a bad mood, how else am I supposed to look?” Adam replied.
“You? In a bad mood?” Brad retorted, rolling his eyes. “Now, that’s a shocker.”
“What? Come on…”
Brad walked to where Adam was sitting at the counter and patted his shoulder, “You’ve been in a pissy mood for the last few weeks.” He held up his hand before Adam could speak. “I know Kris is out of town for that conference this week, but this started way before then.”
“Just in a bad mood,” Adam grunted out. He stood up and grabbed a wine glass from the cabinet and uncorked the bottle of wine sitting on the counter. “I’m allowed to be in a bad mood every once-in-a-while.”
“Uh-huh,” Brad snorted. “For a couple of days? Yes, then you’re usually over it.” He leaned over and snagged the wine glass. “For this long? No…something happened.”
Adam sighed and went to get another glass, “We…we had a fight.” He raked his fingers through his hair, “It wasn’t even a fight. Just…awkward. And, now, things are weird, and he away at this conference. We haven’t really talked since…”
Taking a sip from his glass, Adam watched Brad quirk his lips and cock an eyebrow.
“I…I asked him to move in with me.” Adam looked down at the counter, not wanting to tell Brad the truth…that he’d chickened out of what he was really wanted to ask.
“And?”
“He said no.”
Brad pursed his lips, “So?”
Adam slammed the glass down and threw his hands up, “What do you mean ‘so’? He said no to moving in with me. I thought we were on the same page, that we have something special…”
“Adam,” Brad interrupted. “Shut up and think about it.”
“Think about what?”
“Think about everything that’s changed in puppy’s life since he’s been with you,” Brad said slowly. He walked back to the table and opened the bag of chips.
“What do you mean?”
Brad rolled his eyes, “Since when have you been this dense, sweets?”
Scowling again, Adam leaned against the counter and crossed his arms, “What are you talking about?”
“How are you even…” Brad shook his head. “Okay, think about it. Puppy’s life has undergone a 180, flipped every which way and upside down. The time you guys have been together, for you is might feel like a long time, but for a civie? Going through a relationship is hard enough as it is…remember how ours imploded and exploded spectacularly?” Brad said snidely. “But under these conditions? For him?”
Adam nodded slowly and motioned for him to continue.
“It’s all new to him, sweets,” Brad said with an exasperated breath. “Well, not new new at this point, obviously. But, come on, think about how low-maintenance he is, so this,” Brad flails out his hands, “the lifestyle, the attention. He probably wants to hang on to the one thing that’s normal to him.”
Adam hung his head down and rubbed his face, “I’m an idiot.” He really was an idiot, as he didn’t consider all this before he spurting out the first thing he could think of when he froze.
“Good thing you’re a decent-looking, sorta talented idiot, isn’t it?”
~*~*~*~
PerezHilton.com
Trouble in Paradise for La Lambert and Le Cutie-Pie?
Sources are telling us that Adam Lambert and his boyfriend, Kris Allen, are having relationship problems. We’re hearing that since the Oscars, to whom Lambert lost ‘Best Actor’ to Ewan McGregor, La Lambert’s been on a major rampage with his demands and being even more diva-ish than usual. And, naturally cutie-pie Allen isn’t having it. Hard to leash your inner diva. We’re wondering if there isn’t a grain of truth to it, since the lovebirds haven’t been seen together in public in a while. Love is a fickle thing, isn’t it?
The Awful Truth
So, an Oscar nominee is in the dog house with his significant other. Hollywood is both tittering with joy and in slight shock that the fairly new romance is already on the rocks considering how much the private actor had been flaunting it around town. Rumors of on-set infidelity have been swirling in the tabloids for weeks. Personally, we were hoping for a happy ending and want them to get through it, especially since they’re one of the cutest couples around.
~*~*~*~
Picking at the platter of fried food in front of him, Kris ignored the calls and texts from Brad as he tried to focus on the game.
“So, you and Adam good again?” Cale asked munching on the fried zucchini strips that hadn’t been touched.
Kris shrugged as he played with the condensation on the beer bottle, “I think so?”
“What’s that mean?”
Sliding the bottle along the bar between his hands, Kris answered, “It’s been a little weird.”
Cale laughed, “Well, duh, you dipshit. He asked you to move in with him, and you said no.”
“I didn’t say no!” Kris shouted. He bit his lip and looked around the bar sheepishly. “I didn’t know how to answer. He just dropped it on me. And, my answer was more of an ‘I’ll think about it’ more than anything.”
“Have you?”
“Have I what?”
“Thought about it?”
“I don’t really want to think about it.”
“What’s the big deal? If you don’t want to, then don’t,” Cale said reasonably. “Just tell him one way or another.”
Kris sighed, “Yeah, but…”
“But nothing…hold that thought,” Cale said, pulling out his phone. “I have to take this,” as he held up a hand.
Kris nodded and watched as he slipped out the door to go outside. He stared up at the big screen, unseeing. He should give Adam an answer, but he hadn’t brought it up since he asked, and Kris felt stupid approaching the subject again. It was like Adam forgot about it, and since he didn’t have a solid answer…
The hand on his shoulder startled him, making Kris jump and nearly topple from the stool. Strong hands gripped his shoulder and waist preventing him from falling over.
“Fuck,” Kris grumbled as he grabbed the edge of the sticky bar with his hands. He quickly righted himself and turned to yell at the person who scared the shit out of him and nearly made him fall over.
He opened his mouth to let out a litany of curses, but instead nearly fell over again seeing Adam. Adam, his Adam, inside Q’s, wearing jeans, a faded t-shirt and a battered baseball cap low over his eyes, was in his neighborhood bar.
“Hey,” Adam said shyly. “Sorry about that.”
“Wha…what are you doing here?” Kris finally managed to say. He unconsciously gripped at Adam’s arm that had wound its way around his back. “I thought you couldn’t fly down this weekend.”
“I pulled some strings,” Adam shrugged and closed the space between them. “Wanted to surprise you. Then, I got home and it’s empty and quiet, since usually you and Cale are there yelling at my TV or each other.”
Kris leaned his head into Adam’s shoulder, “Thought you’d want some time alone since we went a little overboard during March Madness. I thought Brad was going to have a stroke.” He turned into Adam’s chest, “Plus, the house is too big when you’re not there.”
Instead of answering, Adam laughed and placed a small kiss on Kris’s temple and sat on the empty stool. Kris bit his lip as Adam looked around the bar, “So, this is Q’s, huh?” Adam asked.
“Yeah,” Kris nodded, looking at the giant, wood-lined room. “Fried food, beer and giant televisions with sports galore.”
“Very you.”
Kris reached out to bring Adam’s face down to his and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “Do you want anything? Beer? Food?”
Adam smiled and returned the kiss, “No, I’m good.” He shook his head, “Is there ever a weekend when there’s no sports on television?”
Laughing, Kris leaned his elbow onto the bar, “Not really, there’s always something on. Now, whether I understand the sport or not, that’s a different question.” He looked at Adam, clearly uncomfortable in the darkened bar, baseball hat nearly covering his eyes. “Let me get the check, and we can go somewhere else.”
“What about Cale?”
“He’s outside. We can let him know as we leave.”
“Your place?” Adam asked leaning into Kris’s ear.
Kris shivered at the tiny lick on the tip of his ear, “Yeah. Come on.”
~*~*~*~
Nury lifted her hand to get the waiter’s attention and motioned with her fingers that she wanted a refill. Seeing his nod, she beamed at Brad and Cale, “Now, where were we?
Brad quirked his lips, “We,” he said motioning between him and Cale, “were talking about the guest list.”
“You think Adam or Kris want a big party like this?” she asked.
Cale shook his head, “Definitely not. Plus, it’s not even a big birthday; he’s only turning 29.”
Brad clapped his hands and squealed, “That’s the best time to throw a random surprise party.”
“How did it turn from me asking you about decent restaurants for a small birthday dinner into a full-blown, crazy surprise party?” Cale asked.
Brad shrugged as he took a small sip of water, “Because it’s what I do. And, besides, puppy won’t expect it, which makes it even better.”
“Boys,” Nury interrupted. “What if Adam and Kris have something already planned?”
Blowing out a raspberry, Brad reached over for another piece of bread, “If I know Adam, which I do, he has nothing planned. Tatiana will probably remind him in a couple of weeks, then make the arrangements for him.” He paused, “Wait, I don’t even think he’ll be in town. He’s still shooting that lame film. He’s going to be in San Francisco.”
Cale leaned back and placed his hands on his stomach, “And that’s why I just wanted some restaurant recommendations. It was going to be just a few of us taking Kris out to dinner.”
Brad waved his hand, “Oh pooh with that nonsense. Puppy deserves to have a nice birthday evening with his friends. Not a lame-ass restaurant dinner. It should be festive and shit.”
“Has something been off with them?” Nury asked, then stopped to smile at the waiter as a new pink liquid in a martini glass was set on the table. She waited until he was out of earshot and leaned in. “There isn’t something wrong between them, right?”
Cale bit his lip and played with his napkin as he said, “What makes you say that?”
Nury narrowed her eyes, “The tabloids, I hear the gossip. Is there any truth to what they’re saying?”
“Nury,” Brad huffed. “Of course not!” He clasped her hand, “You, of all people, should know better.” He kissed her hand before letting it go. “There’s been a little miscommunication, but it’s nothing major. They’re fine and saw each other last weekend. It’ll blow over.”
Cale nodded in agreement, “Yeah, what he said.”
~*~*~*~
UsMagazine.com
Caught!
Actor Adam Lambert’s boyfriend of little over a year, Kris Allen (son of uber-producer Neil Allen), was caught getting cozy with a stranger at Q’s, a neighborhood bar in Westwood (Los Angeles). In this exclusive photo (obtained by Us this week), Kris Allen can be seen up close and personal to the stranger. Rumors have been circulating about the couple’s strained relationship. Lambert is in Portland shooting the new Albert Burton film and reports have been coming in about clandestine hook-ups in the Pacific Northwest. Though reps for both men have denied the gossip, patrons at the bar confirm Allen left the bar with the unknown man.
PerezHilton.com
Trouble in Paradise
So, it turns out La Lambert’s little cutie-patootie is sneaking around with a new man. Adam Lambert’s boyfriend, Kris Allen was caught with a not-so-strange man, as this camera phone photo obviously shows. Taken by a customer of a grungy bar in West Los Angeles, Kris Allen thought he was being sneaky. Poor thing needs some real loving and is finding it in seedy bars.
~*~*~*~
Tatiana smirked as she entered the den and saw Adam asleep on the couch, legs propped on the coffee table, script off to the side. She bit her lip to not laugh as she tiptoed close enough to drop the package onto Adam’s lap.
Adam yelped as he jumped awake. “Hey, watch it, you brat.”
“You shouldn’t be sleeping, then, should you?” she giggled. “Especially, at…” she looked at her watch, “Four in the afternoon.”
“I’m tired,” Adam pouted.
“Where’s Kris?” she asked looking around.
“He went to the game with Cale, Matt and Mike,” Adam groused, rubbing his face. He picked up the package that fell to the floor. “What is this?”
“Your delivery,” Tatiana answered in her “duh” voice. “The one I just signed for. The one marked ‘URGENT’ in giant red letters and all caps.”
Adam palmed the box carefully in his hands as smile slowly broke out on his face.
Tatiana sat down next to him and poked his shoulder, “What?”
“I’m going to need your help with something,” he said leaning into her. “And, you have to promise to keep it to yourself no matter what.”
She smiled and bumped his shoulder, “Of course.” Tatiana started jumping while she sat, “Tell me, tell me, tell me.”
“How much do you know about San Francisco?”
“Uh,” Tatiana said. She reached over to grab the laptop and her phone, “Well, depends. I haven’t been there in a while, but what are you thinking?”
“Something cute and under the radar. Nothing trendy or flashy, just nice. I don’t have time to research since I’m leaving tonight.”
Tatiana started typing, “Okay. Uh, what’s this for?”
“Kris’s birthday,” Adam replied. “I’m going to fly him up for the weekend, since I’m going to be up there for a few weeks while we’re shooting. I know it’ll be short and quick, but…”
“Got it,” Tatiana stated. “Sent to your email. Let me know if it’s okay, and I’ll take care of the details for you once you give me a date and time.”
“That was… wow, already?” Adam said startled as his phone beeped. He leaned over and gave her a sloppy, wet kiss on the cheek, “You’re awesome.”
Tatiana laughed, “I’ve been telling you that for years.”
~*~*~*~
Kris turned on his phone as the wheels of the plane screeched onto the tarmac. The minute he got signal, the ringtone for his texts came through, one after another after another. He pressed the text application to stop the backlog and saw…
You here yet?!?!?!
Guess you’re still on the plane. But the website says the plane landed. Turn on your phone!!!
You better text me the second you get these!
Where are you??? I shouldn’t be worried, right?
Kris rolled his eyes and typed in a quick message. He wanted to call, but didn’t want to be one of those people who let everyone on the plane know his business.
Landed and here. Haven’t reached gate yet. Will grab a cab and see you soon. Send me hotel info
Not two seconds later, his phone vibrated.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! followed by No! No cab! Arranged car. Driver waiting. Hotel is a surprise!!!!!!!!!!
Kris quickly texted back, Why’d you do that? I told you I can take a cab?
FUUUU, I get to spoil my boyfriend for his birthday. Suck it up
Kris started to type out a response when his message got overrun by Or better yet, you’ll be getting sucked, so deal ;p
Choking back laughter while trying not to blush, Kris quickly clicked the screen off and stood up as the plane’s door opened. Smiling at the flight attendant, Kris grabbed his bags and made his way through the airport.
Kris sighed and shook his head as he saw the driver dressed in all black holding up a sign with “Mitchell Neil” in giant block letters. Ignoring his phone’s continuous buzzing in the back pocket of his jeans, he forced a smile on his face as he approached the man.
“Hi, I’m, uh, him,” Kris said pointing to the sign.
“Mr. Neil?”
Kris nodded, “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Do you have luggage? We can head over to the carousel.”
Holding up his worn leather duffel bag, Kris replied, “Nope, I’m good.”
“Very well, sir,” the man replied. He reached out for Kris’s bag, “If I may…”
“Nah,” Kris said. “It’s all good. I got it.”
“Of course, sir. If you will follow me…”
“Let’s go.”
Trusting the driver to get him to the hotel, he sat back into the plush, cushioned, leather seats and closed his eyes. As tired as he was, he was excited to have the weekend with Adam. He was upset that Adam’s shooting schedule wouldn’t allow him to come down to LA the following weekend for his birthday, but was secretly excited that Adam made these plans.
Friday night traffic through downtown San Francisco was as congested as West Hollywood. Cars honked at pedestrians, while buses blocked cross-traffic lanes while trying to catch the tail end of the yellows.
Kris scrunched his face trying to remember what Tatiana or Brad said about Adam’s hotel while in San Francisco. He tried to figure out the route the driver was taking with the various hotels he knew that were in the area, but his unfamiliarity with the city quickly ended that line of thought.
As the car turned the corner, Kris nearly plastered his face to the tinted window to gawk at the giant columns bathed in soft lights that marked the entry to the Ritz Carlton. The car pulled into the driveway as Kris tried to compose himself. He shook his head at the extravagance and beauty of the hotel. Smiling nervously, he walked into the lobby trying to figure out if he needed to check in or if he should call Adam to get a room number and just go up. They hadn’t discussed this.
“You’re here!”
Kris barely had time to turn around and face the voice as he choked back a gurgled shriek as he was being hugged from behind. Arms pinned to his sides, Kris helplessly tilted his head to the side as Adam planted light kisses along his jaw and throat.
“Come on,” Adam said impatiently, tugging on Kris’s hand. “Why haven’t you been texting me back? I thought you’d never get here. Isn’t it gorgeous here? Not that you’ll see much of it. Is that all you brought? We’ll have someone bring it upstairs.”
“Adam…” Kris tried to interrupt. “Adam!” Kris pulled his hand back and wrapped it around Adam’s waist. “Breathe…and geez, give me a minute, okay?”
Adam stopped squirming as Kris face planted into his shoulder. “Sorry, sorry,” he said hugging Kris tight to his body, arms tight around Kris’s shoulders.
Kris laughed, “It’s okay. Just…hi.” He looked up and smiled.
Squeezing Kris again, Adam placed a small kiss on Kris’s temple, “Hi.” He took a breath and reached over to grab Kris’s bag. “I’m just excited you’re here.”
“I know,” Kris said, moving the bag away from Adam’s outstretched hand. Instead, he took Adam’s hand into his own, “Ready?”
~*~*~*~
“You didn’t want to actually, you know, see the city, did you?” Adam asked as he put down the mug of coffee on the table.
“I don’t think I can move,” Kris groaned from the bed.
Adam moved around the food-laden cart and smirked, “I think you can. Since, you know, you were moving around fine just a little bit ago.”
“You’re an ass.”
“And I love yours.”
“I bet you say that to all the boys,” Kris murmured as he shifted onto his back.
Grabbing a small plate of fruit and a glass of water, Adam walked back to the bed and sat on the edge. He nudged Kris’s hip to move over, as he placed the water and plate onto the bedside table. “At least sit up so I can feed you,” Adam laughed.
Kris glared, but gingerly sat up, leaning his back against the headboard. “Why am I always naked while you have clothes on?”
“As discreet as the staff of the Ritz are trained to be,” Adam replied, “Even I don’t think they’d appreciate me opening the door to get our breakfast buck naked.”
“But you’re so pretty naked.”
“Shut up, and…” Adam leaned over to lick Kris’s bottom lip, “Open up.”
“There are so many dirty places to go with that statement,” Kris chuckled.
“Perv,” Adam admonished as he placed a strawberry by Kris’s mouth.
Adam stared as Kris bit into the strawberry, the excess liquid dripping out of the corners of his mouth and down his chin. The tip of Adam’s tongue lapped at the juices, licking leisurely until he reached Kris’s mouth. Pressing Kris into the headboard, Adam moved forward and kissed him, nipping until his mouth opened wide as their tongues clashed. His hands gripped the sides of Kris’s face, possessive in their hold along his jaw and neck.
Pulling back to breathe, Adam panted as he planted tiny kisses along Kris’s throat, “God, Kris Allen, you’re going to be the death of me.”
“You’re…” Kris groaned. “You’re one to talk.” Adam grunted in surprise as Kris pushed him back onto the bed in a mass of tangled limbs until he blinked to see Kris’s face staring down at him intently.
“I love you,” Kris whispered.
Adam stared into Kris’s eyes, so steady and warm and intense. He had to look away and took the time to study Kris’s face, the whisker burns along his cheeks, shining swollen lips. Just seeing him look like this, Adam felt himself harden. He moved his hands along Kris’s back and over his shoulders as he pulled himself up to chase those lips again.
“I love you, too,” Adam said back.
~*~*~*~
“So, did you guys do cheesy tourist things like ride a cable car or go to the Golden Gate Bridge and take some tacky pictures?” Cale asked as he drove along Wilshire.
Kris quirked his lips, “No, nothing like that. It was really mellow, actually.”
“Good restaurants? Clubs?”
Shaking his head, Kris leaned over to wipe an imaginary smudge off his shoe, knowing he was blushing. It was all he could do whenever he thought about the weekend.
Cale glanced over, and his eyes widened as he spied the flush around Kris’s ear. “Oh god, you didn’t even leave the room, did you?”
“What?” Kris shrugged. “And, we so did!”
“I hope you guys left the housekeeping staff with a huge tip, because dude…”
“Again, what?!?!”
“That’s just plain, old nasty debauchery right there.”
“Jealousy doesn’t become you, Mills,” Kris retorted. “Just because Adam and I enjoy each other’s company…”
“One thing to enjoy each other’s company,” Cale interrupted. “But, seriously, doesn’t your ass have to rest or something?”
Kris choked as he tried to utter a response, then turned his head to glare at Cale. Seeing Cale choke back tears of laughter, “I hate you.”
“You are…I don’t…” Cale laughed. He fell onto the steering wheel, “You did have sex all weekend! But, your…” Cale tried to breathe. “Your face…you’re so red.” He wiped his eyes, “Is it healthy to be that red?”
“Shut up.”
“I’m just glad you had fun,” Cale said somberly after wiping the tears away. “It’s been weird between you two lately, you know?”
Kris sighed, “Yeah. Between the movie, me working on this new project and him asking me to move in…” He leaned back and closed his eyes, “I like the way things are, you know? It’s been working.”
“Except lately when it wasn’t. I don’t see what the big deal was, him asking you. It’s like you’re practically living there anyway,” Cale stated. “Well, you, me and the rest of the guys.”
Kris snorted, “I don’t think he’d enjoy having that around full-time. I know Brad wouldn’t.”
“Well, actually…”
“He enjoys it more when we’re playing flag football in the backyard, not when we’re shouting and belching at the big screen.”
“Would you?” Cale asked.
“Would I what?”
“Move in with him if he asks again.”
“Don’t know.”
“Eh,” Cale laughed. “We’re here, and it’s your birthday. Let’s not think about it and have some fun instead.”
“Uh, Cale?” Kris asked as he got out of the car.
“Yeah?”
“Why are we at Nury’s?”
~*~*~*~
Adam checked his pocket again to reassure himself the box hadn’t slipped out or gotten lost.
“Geez, stop fidgeting!” Tatiana said as she cut across two lanes.
“Then stop driving like you’re a NASCAR driver,” Adam retorted as he grabbed the holy fuck handle by the door tighter. “Why are you driving like a lunatic?”
“I’m not!” she exclaimed as she honked and flipped off a minivan as she cut it off. “All I’m trying to do is make sure you get to the party on time. San Francisco and its stupid fog. Can’t believe your flight was delayed an hour.”
“I’m just glad it wasn’t cancelled,” Adam grumbled.
“Yeah, that too.”
“Tati, please slow down,” Adam pleaded. “I’d like to actually arrive at the surprise party in one piece.”
“Fine,” Tatiana pouted. “But don’t blame me if everyone is too drunk to even realize you showed up. Then this surprise will all be for nothing.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“I have to say,” Tatiana started again as she veered into the slow lane. “This is the most romantic thing ever.”
Adam smiled, “Well, let’s hope Kris thinks the same.”
Tatiana reached across to swat his arm, “Of course he will! Why wouldn’t he?” She sighed, “I want a boyfriend like you one day.”
“Aww, would you like me to set you up with someone?”
“Fuck no!” she cried out laughing.
“Brat.”
“Now shush, you know how I hate these hills.”
Adam shook his head as he leaned back into the seat. Closing his eyes, as he really didn’t want to see how Tatiana would be handling the curved road of Hollywood Hills, he fingered the box in his pocket again. He had planned to propose while Kris was in San Francisco, but the weekend got away from him. Now that principle shooting was done, Adam had a couple weeks off until they finished filming, and he’d pretty much be local. He’d still be away from home for three weeks, but Palm Springs was closer than Portland and San Francisco.
Adam’s body jerked forward with the sudden stop of the car.
“Woman!”
“What? The driveway is shaped weird!”
Rolling his eyes, Adam unsnapped the seatbelt and gingerly stepped out of the car. “Not that I don’t appreciate you doing this, Tatiana, but I think I’m going to get you driving lessons for your birthday.”
She stuck out her tongue, “As if.” She scurried around the back of the car and grabbed his arm, “Come on!”
The door opened before they even lifted a hand to ring the doorbell.
“Darling! You made it!” Nury grinned in greeting. She leaned in for a hug and whispered, “The birthday boy is in a contemplative mood, so you arrived just in time.”
“Did something happen?” Adam asked.
“No, I think he just misses you,” she sighed. “You two are just too adorable and sweet, I think I’d be sick just looking at you both if I didn’t like you so much.” She turned to Tatiana, “Hello, darling. Go see the birthday boy and cheer him up, will you? I have to talk to Adam for a bit.”
“Of course,” Tatiana said throwing her sweater and purse to the side. She looked to Adam, “Don’t take too long.”
He waved her off, “I’ll be right there.”
“You’re not drunk yet, what’s going on?” Adam asked Nury as she walked him into a side room.
“Oh, I want to be sober to see this surprise,” Nury purred. “Then, I’ll get as drunk as I want to as I help you celebrate.”
Adam blew out a breath, “Thank you, for this.”
Nury waved a hand, “No big deal.” She grabbed his shoulders and brushed his hair off his face. “You ready for this?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“Good,” Nury smiled. “I never thought I’d see the day, but I’ve also never seen you happier. He’s good for you.”
Adam dipped his head, “Yeah, despite everything…”
Nury pulled him into a hug, “We’re not thinking of anything else. You do this and make this boy of yours happy, and most of all, make yourself happy, okay?”
Kissing her cheek, Adam nodded and took another deep breath, “Thank you. Again.”
“Okay,” Nury said grabbing his elbow. “Everyone’s out back with the barbeque. Did you know that it uses both charcoal and propane?”
Adam laughed out loud as he was led through the house.
~*~*~*~
Kris played with the label of the beer bottle as another plate of barbequed something was plopped down in front of him. He smiled in thanks as whoever it was sauntered away.
“Why are you faking your smiles, puppy?” Brad asked as he sat next to him and swung his leg over Kris’s lap. “Don’t you like your birthday party?”
“It’s great. You and Cale…” Kris smiled and leaned his head into Brad’s shoulder. “You guys didn’t have to go through all this.”
“Aww, puppy,” Brad cooed as he petted Kris’s hair. “It was fun.” He bumped his shoulder so Kris would lift his head, “Now, you at least have to show your appreciation by having a good time…”
“I am!”
“Not pretending to have a good time, but really have fun. Get drunk, be stupid and regret it all tomorrow. Then, when Adam calls you to wish you a happy birthday, you’ll be too hung-over to even remember he called.”
“Fine,” Kris pouted and leaned into Brad again. “I’ll have a few more beers and eat whatever that…” he pointed to the plate of burned stuff “…is. Happy?”
Brad kissed his temple, “Perfect.” He stood up and twirled, “Oh, and smile for the cameras!”
“Wait, what?” Kris turned around confused and blinked hard. Though he was only nursing his second beer, he could swear Adam had just walked in with Nury.
“Hey,” the man who looked uncannily like Adam said to him.
Kris looked up, confused. “Adam?”
The man sat down next to him as the squeals, laughter and cheers died in the background of Kris’s ears.
“Uh, were you expecting someone else?”
He sounded like Adam. Kris leaned forward and sniffed him, he smells like Adam, Kris thought.
A nervous laugh, “Are you smelling me? If so, I’m sorry, sweetie, I stink like airport and plane.”
Kris fell into the man’s arms, head resting in his place between the shoulder and collar bone.
“You’re really here?” Kris asked, voice muffled. Kris curled in closer as Adam’s arms wound tight around him.
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Kris sighed with relief as he felt Adam’s lips graze his temple and heard the whispered words, “Happy Birthday, Kris.”
~*~*~*~
Kris wouldn’t move from his spot, glued to Adam. As Adam tried to move, Kris clung tighter, arms coiling around his waist, unyielding.
The smile he’d given Brad earlier never reached his eyes, and Adam couldn’t bear to see that. Seeing Kris’s unhappy face had hurt him as he rushed to Kris’s side. The immediacy in which Kris grabbed onto him only reaffirmed that he had to do this tonight.
“It’s only been a week, you know,” Adam whispered.
“I know,” Kris whimpered. “I wanted you here, even though I knew you were busy.”
Adam moved his arms to encircle Kris’s shoulders, “Well, I’m here.”
“I’m glad.”
Reaching down into his pocket, Adam gripped the soft leather box. “I need to ask you something.”
He laughed as he felt Kris’s nod against his chest. “You might have to look up for this.”
“No,” Kris mumbled. “Comfy.”
“Well, let’s see if this works, shall we?”
Adam maneuvered his arm so the box could be positioned between them. Kris finally backed away a little, making space between them.
He looked down at the box and up to see Adam’s face, “What is this?”
With his free hand, he cupped Kris’s cheek. “I meant to do this last weekend, but somehow…” Adam leaned forward, their foreheads touching. “I’m kind of glad I didn’t now, the timing seems better.”
Kris’s hand shook as it touched the box, “Adam…”
“Kris Allen,” Adam whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Adam Lambert.”
“Good,” Adam laughed out nervously. “That definitely makes things easier.”
“Just ask him already, you asshole!” someone who sounded like Cale shouted out.
Brad, most definitely Brad, chimed in, “The champagne’s getting warm and the cupcakes are melting!”
“Darling, I’ve been sober for way too many hours now. Perhaps you should ask him and put me out of my misery?” Nury chimed in.
Kris lifted his head and looked around. Adam beamed as he saw the confusion play across Kris’s face.
“Wha…what’s…what’s going on Adam?” Kris asked hesitantly.
Adam smiled at their friends and family members who gathered around them, leaving enough of a distance to watch and listen, but giving them the illusion of privacy. He turned back to Kris, who was staring at him, and lifted open the top half of the box.
The streamlined ring of pave black diamond from David Yurman sat cushioned in between padded silver velvet. The band of diamonds sparkled off the soft lights in the backyard.
“Since you won’t move in with me, I figured I’d force the issue,” Adam laughed nervously. “Will you marry me?”
Adam’s smile faltered as Kris alternately looked down at the ring in the box and up at Adam. His hands shook as he touched Adam’s face.
“Uh, Kris? You okay?” Adam asked.
“I think you’ve finally discovered a way to make him speechless, my dear boy,” Neil Allen shouted out. Laughter filled the backyard.
“You…this…what…” Kris stuttered.
“Kris?” Adam repeated, his voice going higher.
Adam refused to look around, as he concentrated on trying to read Kris’s expression, his eyes. As Kris lifted the ring from the box, Adam let out a small sigh of relief, which bled into a longer, deeper sigh as Kris put the ring on his finger. He barely saw the nod, but nearly fell over as Kris launched himself onto Adam.
“Yes,” Kris whispered.
~*~*~*~
~the.end~