Fic: Twisted Fate | 1 of 2
Title: Twisted Fate
Word Count: ~13,100
Pairing: Kris/Adam
Type: AU | Romance-type thing
Rated: R
A/N: A little something for catalm, christig428 and pennilesspoet17 as part of their holiday gifts this year. Um, loosely, and I mean loosely based on the Adam Sandler movie “Just Go With It.” (Please don’t ask, and uh, just “go with it” heh.) Happy Holidays! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This is not true. This did not happen...obviously. Also, completely un-beta’d so if it’s ugly in there, don’t hate.
**
Adam tried to suppress the yawn. He really did, but it came out loud, to the point of obnoxious; and to top it off, he had tears in his eyes from it. The sound cut through the monotone voice that was addressing the conference room.
The man standing at the front of the room froze amidst the giant projection screen, the wavy shapes of excel numbers and pie charts on half his face and body emphasizing the look of shock. The other eight executives at the giant table turned to Adam at the same time, each with stunned looks on their faces.
Feeling contrite at the unwanted attention, Adam felt the blush creep over his face and held up a hand, “Sorry about that,” he mumbled. He motioned to the man in the front, “Please, continue.”
With a brief nod, the man regrouped and started to drone on again. Adam couldn’t remember the guy’s name, but he was talking about forecasts and trends and who knows what else with a German accent. Adam leaned back into the leather chair and slid halfway down, subtlety wiping the corners of his eyes to prevent the eyeliner he put on in the morning from running and making him look like a raccoon. He had to cover up yet another yawn with his fist, trying to hold it in this time.
Damn he was bored. Adam didn’t know why he was sitting in on this meeting. Well, other than the fact that it was the company’s quarterly business operations review, and a worldwide one at that. He shifted in his chair and stared out the windows. The sun was beginning to set in Los Angeles. From the 32nd floor of the Century City high-rise building that housed the headquarters of Lambda Investments, Adam stared longingly outside at the hills and traffic lights.
“Thanks, Frank,” Neil’s voice interrupted Adam’s reverie. “Things look like they’re in good shape for your team in Europe.”
Adam reluctantly turned away from the window and plastered a small smile on his face. He watched Neil shake Frank’s hand and took the spot at the front of the room. Adam felt nothing but pride as he watched his younger brother command the room full of executives twice his age. Neil stood brimming with poise and confidence. His normally unruly hair was trimmed close to his head, dark suit and conservative tie giving him an air of seriousness that belied his age.
People thought that Adam would feel jealousy or anger when Neil was named the president of the company. In fact, it was just the opposite. He preferred this; there was no way Adam was capable of heading a worldwide operation like this. Nor did he want to. Despite his executive vice president title, Adam liked having nothing to do with the family business except in name and title only. Oh, and the salary. He would never pass muster or be taken seriously in the finance industry. He was too artistic; he dyed his hair too much, loved messing around with make-up and clothes, plus the fact that he didn’t know shit about numbers helped when their father was making the decision before his early retirement.
“I think we’re all set for the day,” Neil was saying. “We have dinner at Craft down the street, so you’re all welcome to hang out here until then; or you can head back to the hotel, freshen up and meet there at eight.” He looked around the room and smiled. “Thanks everyone and see you at dinner.”
People slowly packed up their laptops and notepads, turned on their phones and took the last sips of their sodas, coffees and teas.
“Adam, hang out a bit, will ya?” Neil asked as he arranged the papers in front of him and leaned over to shut off the projector.
Adam nodded and sat back in the chair. He watched and nodded at the men and women as they left the room.
“What’s up?” Adam asked once the room was empty and the door closed.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Neil blurted out.
Adam frowned, “What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t I be here?”
Neil rolled his eyes, “Since when do you care about these review meetings? You usually come to one dinner, when you even remember we’re having one; then proceed to get drunk and we don’t see you again for days, maybe even weeks. Since when do you even sit in on these meetings?”
Adam shrugged, “I thought I’d contribute.”
“By yawning and interrupting Frank’s presentation?”
“That was an accident!”
“Uh-huh. Seriously. Why are you here?”
“I’m bored,” Adam answered, sprawling on the chair. He tapped the table with his pen. “Obviously,” he added dryly.
Neil sighed, “Figures. You’ve been back in LA less than a week, and you’re already bored. So, what? You’ve decided to wreak havoc by being coming to the office.”
“Hey…”
“You didn’t find anything to do while you were out traveling the world the last eight months? A new hobby? What about a boyfriend?”
“I found plenty of fun things to do and people to hang out with. I had a great time…It was just time to come home,” Adam said shrugging. “Missed my place, mom, dad, friends…even you.”
“God, I swear, if I roll my eyes at you anymore, they’re going to be stuck up there permanently.”
“And you all call me a drama queen,” Adam drawled.
“Whatever. Come on. Dinner, drinks, then go home.”
Adam smirked, “How can I refuse such an invitation?” He stood up and tugged on his lapels.
“Bite me, Adam.”
“Been there, done that. I remember one particular time when you were five and have the scars to prove it. Don’t want to relive the experience.”
**
After coffee and dessert and having said goodbyes to everyone at dinner, Neil and Adam stayed behind and headed to the bar. They sat in a darkened corner next to the fireplace, sipping brandy in the hushed room. Adam felt Neil staring and tried not to wiggle under the scrutiny.
“What?” Adam demanded, breaking the silence. He couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Does he know you’re back?” Neil asked.
“We, uh…we traded some texts.”
“Is that why you came into the office today? To see him?”
Adam scowled, “He didn’t say anything. If I knew he wasn’t going to be in...” Sometimes he hated his brother because he knew him so well.
“He didn’t know until late yesterday. And, if you’d have asked, I could have told you he wouldn’t be in,” Neil sighed. “You wouldn’t have had to waste your time by showing up.”
“And miss a fabulous dinner and enthralling conversations about securities, new algorithms for estate planning and pork futures?”
Neil laughed, “Yeah.”
“I’m proud of you, squirt.”
“Shut up.”
Adam leaned forward and patted Neil’s knee, “Seriously. You’re doing an amazing job. Better than I ever would. And, despite what people think, I do read the reports that get sent my way, so I know this as a fact.”
Neil rolled his eyes and snorted. “No shit.” He took a sip and cocked his head. “He won’t be back until Thursday night.”
Adam smiled softly, “Is he…is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s…well, you know…Kris.”
“And the brats?” Adam laughed. “How are the little spawns of Satan doing?”
“Seems like they’re settling in and being less of a pain,” Neil answered. “Of course all the gifts you sent made you, like, a saint in their eyes.” He paused, then said quietly, “I never should’ve introduced you to him.”
Adam turned his head sharply, “Why do you say that?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” Neil put his glass down and rapped his knuckles on the table before standing up. “I gotta get going. Another round of meetings start at nine.” He grinned at his brother, “I take it you won’t be showing up?”
“Yeah, I think I’ll have to miss it.”
“Pity,” Neil laughed. He punched Adam in the shoulder lightly, “Dinner on Friday?”
“Yup. Thai or Chinese?”
“There’s a difference?”
“Shut up, asshole.”
Neil smiled, “Good night, Adam.”
**
Kris watched Adam from across the room with a tired eye. Black hair slicked up in a gravity-defying pompadour, long-sleeve t-shirt and vest to go with a pair of jeans that looked painted on. He shook his head wondering how Adam even breathed wearing clothes that tight all the time.
Exhaling, Kris let his head fall back against the back of the uncomfortable chair, which thankfully had some cushioning. He watched as shiny, happy people around him continued to drink, laugh and enjoy the party. Checking his cell phone for the time, Kris slowly calculated how much time he had before he needed to head home.
“Kris!” Adam laughed loudly as he fell into Kris’s lap. “What are you doing? Why don’t you have a drink in your hand? Is something wrong? Why are you sitting here like a lump on a log?”
“Jesus, Adam,” Kris grunted and shifted uncomfortably. “A little warning next time.” He gripped Adam’s waist to keep him from slipping to the floor. “Your scrawny ass bone is digging into my thigh.”
“Kris, you know you can grab my ass any time and move it wherever you want.”
Kris forced himself to keep smiling as he moved in the chair to accommodate Adam’s larger body in his lap. “Funny.”
“Why aren’t you mingling?” Adam asked, taking another sip from his glass. “You don’t look like you’re having fun.”
“I’m fine,” Kris sighed. He gave Adam’s waist a little squeeze, “I’m having fun, promise.”
Adam stretched out, legs going in one direction and arms in another, nearly toppling over to set his drink down onto the floor, making Kris scramble to keep him upright. Adam straightened up and narrowed his blue-gray eyes, studying Kris’s face, “You look like shit.”
Kris rolled his eyes and knew he wasn’t succeeding in holding back the blush under Adam’s scrutiny, “Yeah, well you would, too, if you had to work a ten hour day, make sure two obnoxious kids ate dinner, then go to a house party for one of your best friends knowing he’d throw a bigger tantrum than the kids if you didn’t show up.”
“Aww, how are evil spawns one and two?”
Chuckling, Kris answered with fondness, “They seem to like this new babysitter…finally.” He grinned at Adam’s shocked face. “Well, from what I can tell, they haven’t been plotting her downfall…yet. No screaming out of the house in terror.”
Pulling at Kris’s neck, Adam snuggled his face under Kris’s ear and sighed, “Good. And, despite you being tired and looking like a fucking zombie, I’m glad you’re here. You deserve a night out.”
Kris snorted.
“What?” Adam asked raising his head.
“What I deserve is one night of uninterrupted sleep for at least fifteen hours.”
“Stay over, then.”
Kris smiled and petted the side of Adam’s head, deftly avoiding the shellacked product in his hair. “As much as I would love to participate in one of your sleepovers…between you and your friends that would end up crashing here, I doubt I’d get any more sleep at your place than I would at mine.”
Adam leaned his head against Kris’s shoulder, “I would kick them out.” At Kris’s silence, Adam rolled his eyes. “Fine. Be a selfish jerk and go home to those brats, when all I was doing was offering a warm bed and no screaming kids. This is what I get for trying to look out for you.”
Kris choked back a moan as Adam wiggled his hips and adjusted his body as he tried to get comfortable. He looked up to see Neil’s too perceptive eyes watching them and quickly ducked his head.
“Adam…um…”
“Adam, what the fuck are you doing?” Neil’s voice boomed out as he loomed over the two of them. “It’s bad enough you keep stealing my friend away from me, but now you’re snuggling in his lap?”
“I always snuggle with Kris,” Adam said, curling in tighter. “Besides, he’s comfy.”
“I never should have introduced you to him,” Neil said in an obvious mocking tone. He arched an eyebrow as one of Adam’s arms moved from Kris’s neck to wrap around his shoulder, practically strangling him as he hugged Kris in closer.
“You did, and you can’t take him back,” Adam pouted.
“Yeah,” Neil laughed eyeing the two of them. “Kris, I apologize for that.”
“Uh,” Kris tried to say, but was stifled by Adam’s arms.
“Kris looks as comfy as a wrestler trying to put on a pair of stiletto shoes,” Neil chuckled. He paused, “I changed my mind. Sorry, Kris, but I don’t want Adam to move. I want him to stay like that until Milo sees this.”
Adam scrambled off Kris’s lap as if he was burned and spun around. He pulled at his shirt and vest as Neil and Kris started to laugh.
“Shit,” Adam exclaimed, looking around the room guiltily. “Is he here?”
“No,” Neil said between breaths of laughter. “But…oh my god…” he bent over to catch his breath. “The look on your face…”
“Asshole.”
“Friend stealer.”
“Not my fault Kris likes me better,” Adam retorted. After grabbing his drink from the floor, Adam placed a cursory kiss on Kris’s temple, then stuck his tongue out at Neil and walked away.
“You have no idea,” Neil muttered under his breath.
**
Adam paced the length of Kris’s office, waiting for him to come back from wherever he was in the building. Every footstep or shuffling noise made him look out the glass walls, but instead of seeing Kris, he kept making eye contact with Francine, Kris’s assistant, who was side-eying him from her desk as she answered calls.
“There you are!” Adam cried out with relief. He quickly scanned Kris’s hands to see if he held a mug of coffee before pouncing on him with a giant hug.
“Jesus,” Kris laughed as he stumbled through the door. “You’re like an overgrown Labrador or something, fuckhead.”
“Except I’m cuter, you asshole,” Adam said with a smile. “Plus, I don’t drool.”
“As much,” Kris retorted. He shook Adam off his back and shoulder. “What do you want, you oaf? Some of us actually have to work for a living, you know.”
“Uh…”
“Uh-oh.”
“I kinda, maybe, sorta need your help.”
Kris put down his laptop and dropped an ominous looking stack of folders on his desk before sitting in the chair. Adam closed the door deliberately, to block out nosey ears. Everyone in the company loved to gossip about him, and if he was in the office, it was even worse.
Watching as Adam paced the floor of his office, Kris frowned. He was nervous about something…
All the years he’d known him, Adam Lambert was many things, but never as jumpy or nervous as this. Oblivious, yes; anxious, no. Kris thought they were past the uneasiness that appeared briefly when Adam came back from his eight month “sabbatical” two months ago, but maybe not.
“What?” Kris asked, exasperation in his voice. “You’re going to wear out the carpet, and I’m getting dizzy.”
“So, I met someone.”
Kris froze. Oh.
“Um, isn’t that a…” Kris paused to clear his throat. “That’s supposed to be a good thing. Why do you need my help?”
Adam blew out a breath, long and slow as he sat down in front of Kris and leaned on the desk. “I did something stupid.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “Of course you did.” He studied Adam’s face and burst out laughing. “Oh, shit, you didn’t!”
“What?”
“You had the ring, didn’t you?”
“It was in my pocket, and he found it when we were, you know…” Adam scowled, “I didn’t actually have it on my finger! And then he got all mortified and upset, and was making accusations of how I was totally taking advantage and being a dickhead…”
“Serves you right,” Kris admonished. “Didn’t I warn you…”
Adam continued, ignoring Kris, “Then he asked me about it, and I froze. I couldn’t…I didn’t know how…he wants to meet you.”
“I can’t believe you tried to pull that shit again. I told you…” Kris stopped laughing abruptly as the last part of Adam’s statement hit him. “Wait, what?!”
Adam shot up from his chair and waved his arms, “I didn’t know what else to say! Next thing I know, I was telling him how the relationship didn’t turn out how we thought it would, and that I was in the middle of an amicable separation and…”
“What’s all that got to do with me?”
Adam bit his lip and scrunched his face, “Please?”
“Oh my god,” Kris bellowed. “Please what?”
“Can you pretend to be my ex? Please, please, please?”
**
“Kris!” Adam shouted. “Kris Allen! Where the fuck are you?” He ignored the people who popped their heads up over their cubicle walls. Instead, he checked Kris’s office again to see if he magically appeared in the last two minutes.
“What?” Kris yelled back as he rounded the corner, a large cup of coffee in his hand. “I thought we were meeting at my place later.” He took a sip and shook his head, “And, you know…we’re in an office setting, try to keep your voice down.”
Following Kris in the office, Adam dismissed the notion with a wave of a hand. “Whatever, I’m the poster boy for how nepotism should work.” He grinned and sat in the visitor’s chair, placing his feet on the edge of the desk. “Plus, what are you going to do, report me and have me fired?”
“Don’t tempt me, Lambert.”
“Oooh, get a manager title, and you’re all professional now, huh?”
“Hey, without this job, I’d probably be…” Kris trailed off and pushed the thoughts out of his head. “Yeah, I don’t want to think about it.” He leaned back in his chair, “Now, what is it that has you bellowing in the sacred halls of Lambda Investments?”
Adam shrugged, “Bored. Wanted to see you.”
Kris burst out laughing, “Seriously?”
“What?” Adam pouted. “I can’t come see you?”
“And you came to the office for that?” Kris asked raising a brow. “We’re having pizza at my place in a few hours.”
“Yeah, but the kids are gonna be there, and we won’t be able to talk.”
“Aww, I’m touched,” Kris said putting a hand over his heart. Seeing the coffee, he quickly abandoned the move and grabbed the mug. After a couple of sips, he peered over it at Adam. “You need a boyfriend.”
“I’m fine.”
“Ever since you broke up with Milo…”
Adam stood up abruptly, “I’ll see you later, yeah? I’ll bring dessert.”
Kris tried to get up, but his feet got tangled between the foot of the chair and edge of the desk. “Adam…” he called out. “Shit.”
**
Glaring and scowling, Adam crossed his arms in a huff as he watched Neil and Kris laugh and fall to the floor. They literally rolled off the sofa from laughing so hard that they landed on their sides on the floor, then laughed even harder when they both moaned out in pain.
“I can’t believe you’re both laughing at me.”
Neil tried to crawl back up onto the sofa, but gave up and fell backwards and laughed again. “That…was,” he breathed. “The…funniest…oh my god…I can’t breathe.”
Adam pouted as he fell into the worn brown leather recliner in Neil’s townhouse. He somehow got custody of it from their parent’s divorce-not that Adam fought hard for it-but it was fucking comfortable and took it over whenever he visited. “Kris…why…”
“I couldn’t…I had to…” Kris breathed out heavily as he managed to sit up and heave his arms onto the seat of the sofa, hugging a stray cushion. “I mean, seriously, Adam.”
“Dude, why Kris?” Neil asked. “Don’t you have other friends who could do this? I’m sure some of those drama queens you hang out with would love the challenge. And, aren’t some of your friends actual actors?”
Adam sighed and massaged his temples, “I panicked and blurted out Kris’s name.”
“So, I was on your mind when the horror of what you did came to light?” Kris’s voice was incredulous. “Seriously?”
Ignoring Neil’s sudden, intense gaze, Adam pushed back in the chair to have it fall back until the head of it hit the wall, stopping its process. He stared up at the ceiling, “Shut up.”
Neil climbed back onto the sofa and patted Kris’s head, “You should do it. It could be hilarious.”
“Neil…” Adam growled softly.
“I mean, we’d both get major mocking material out of this. And, as Adam’s ex, wouldn’t you be dressed to the nines, be a label-whore and all that? One of his ex’s would never be caught dead wearing suits from Banana Republic or something bought from Macy’s,” Neil continued as if Adam didn’t make a sound. “I mean, god forbid his soon-to-be-ex be less than fabulous, right?” He paused and looked at Kris, “Uh, no offense.”
“None taken,” Kris chuckled and banged his head against the seat cushion. He lifted his head, “There is this Gucci suit that I’ve been eyeing...”
Neil grinned evilly and glanced at Adam, “Exactly.”
“I hate you both.”
**
“Adam, I totally appreciate you doing this for me,” Evan said patting Adam’s hand. “I know we haven’t been dating long enough for me to be asking this of you. And, it has to be totally uncomfortable for you and your ex, but…”
Adam smiled fondly and squeezed Evan’s hand, “No, I get it. It’s okay. I told you, it’s all cordial. Kris is…Kris is great, and he understands.”
They were sitting in the fading sunlight, the gorgeous May afternoon fading slowing to make way for the sunset. They were shaded strategically by giant pink and green umbrellas on the back patio of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Neil and Kris thought it would be funny for the meeting to take place here, glamour meeting old-school tacky, and the fact that Adam hated it with a passion actually made their decision easier. In the end, Adam bit his tongue and made the arrangements.
The waiter placed the pitcher of water and two cocktails down when everyone, well, what seemed like everyone, turned towards the entrance of the hotel at some commotion.
It took everything Adam had to keep his jaw from dropping at the sight.
Kris had just come through the wide open French doors, nodding to the attendant who obviously went out of his way to help him with directions. And, now, Kris was walking through the crowd, making heads turn. Naturally, Kris was oblivious to the attention as he kept walking and moving his head around looking for their table.
Aviator sunglasses on, the sun highlighted his soft brown hair. He had on his new tan Gucci suit with a crisp white shirt and brown suede Junya Wantanabe bucks with no socks, a sliver of tan ankle showing with every step. He smiled when he spotted them, but Adam could see that it was a nervous smile. Adam couldn’t smile back, he was too busy trying not to stare and drool.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Kris said, taking off his sunglasses. “Had a last-minute call in the office.”
Adam stood up shakily and grabbed Kris’s shoulders, kissing him on the cheek, but didn’t let go until he took in a deep breath and tried to discretely take Kris’s scent in.
“Not a problem,” Adam replied, pulling out a chair. He turned to Evan, whose bright cornflower blue eyes held a hint of trepidation. “Evan, this is, uh, Kris.” Watching Evan sit up a little and extend his hand, Adam studied the contrast between the two men; Evan with his wispy, California blond surfer boy looks and Kris with his soft brown hair and eyes. One was tall and lanky, the other shorter, but fit and trim. Adam shook his head to clear his thoughts, “Uh, Kris, this is Evan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kris said with a smile, taking Evan’s hand with a firm shake.
Adam sat down and finished his martini in one giant gulp, then waved to the waiter for a refill. “Kris?”
Kris looked up from playing with the crease of his slacks, “Oh, just club soda and lime for me, please.”
“If you need anything else,” the waiter said, staring directly at Kris with a hint of wink. Adam gaped as Kris blushed and bit back a smile.
“I can’t place the accent,” Evan remarked.
“Oh, Arkansas,” Kris answered. “Lost a lot of it the last few years living out here, but it seems to come back with a vengeance when I go home to visit.”
Evan grinned, “Well, it’s adorable.” He reached over to hold Adam’s hand and patted it. “I can see why Adam was so taken.” Adam could feel himself blushing at Evan’s words and Kris’s smirk.
They took a few sips of water as the waiter brought refills and Kris’s drink, the man’s hand brushing slightly over Kris’s. Adam held back the sudden urge to push the waiter into the pool.
“Adam hasn’t really said much, but then, we haven’t really known each other for long,” Evan said. “I just…I just like knowing as much as possible about people before moving forward, you know? When there’s a connection…and with the way Adam and I met, and then…well. I know this is awkward, so I appreciate you humoring me.”
“It’s okay, really,” Kris said, smiling. “I get it.”
Evan bit his lip and looked nervously at them. “Um, I hope you don’t mind, but how did you two meet?” he asked.
“Evan…”
“It’s okay, Adam,” Kris interrupted. He leaned back in the chair and chuckled. “It’s not that big of a deal.” Taking a small sip from his glass, Kris continued, “We, uh, his brother introduced us, actually, a few years ago. I met Neil at a party of some mutual friends. We hit it off, then next thing I know, I meet Adam and then…well Neil gives us shit about it all the time.”
“That’s so cute,” Evan squealed. “You two make a gorgeous couple by the way. It’s kind of sad.”
Kris waved a hand, “These things happen. We’re still friends, aren’t we sweetheart?”
Adam choked on his drink, “Of course we are.”
**
As the staff started to light the gas-heated lamps around the patio, Kris looked at his watch. “I need to get going,” he said as he scooted the chair back. “This was nice.”
“We’ll walk out with you,” Adam replied, standing up. “We have a dinner to get to.”
Evan got to his feet and grinned, making his eyes squish. He leaned over to kiss Adam on the cheek, “I’m going to the restroom, meet you out front at the valet?” Adam nodded and watched him go.
Kris and Adam walked through the hotel.
“He’s nice,” Kris said. “But, Jonas Brothers, really?”
“Just…” Adam paused. “Shut up.”
Kris laughed when Adam bumped into his shoulder. “I hope he learns about real music from you, because…”
“He’s a little young,” Adam admitted. “But…”
Kris held up a hand, “As long as you’re happy, Adam. That’s all that matters.”
As they got to the door, each pulling out a valet ticket, Kris stretched out and shook out of his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves. With the bustling noise around he thought he heard a moan, but when he looked, Adam was handing his ticket to the attendant.
He jumped when he felt Adam’s body next to him. “I didn’t get a chance to say it earlier, but you look hot,” Adam whispered into Kris’s ear.
Kris willed the blush down and turned to say something when his phone rang. It was the kids’ ringtone. “I gotta…”
“Okay, I’m ready,” Evan said, jumping excitedly between them.
“Kris, don’t answer…”
“Sam, what’s the matter?” Kris said into the phone. “Why exactly did your brother lock himself into the bathroom? Grab the extra key from the kitchen drawer and tell Jared he better get his butt out of there by the time I get home.”
Kris tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder as he struggled to pull his wallet from his pocket. “No, Sam. You and your brother need to stop this nonsense,” he was saying. “I’m coming home and the house still better be in one piece. Both of you better be clean and ready for dinner.”
Smiling apologetically, he handed a couple of bills to the valet attendant. Kris grabbed his keys as he put his phone away, and turned to face Adam. “Uh, sorry about that…” His eyes widened at Adam’s grimace as Evan’s grip on his arm tightened.
“You have…you have kids?” Evan asked.
“It’s not…” Adam started.
“Totally not…” Kris said at the same time. He tried to catch Adam’s eyes to apologize. “Shit.”
Evan pulled away from Adam and stood in front of Kris, “How many kids?”
“It’s…Adam’s not…” Kris started to say.
“No, no, it’s okay. I love kids,” Evan said smiling. He looked at both of their alarmed faces fondly. “Can I meet them? Or would that be weird?”
“No weirder than this entire situation,” Kris mumbled.
Evan sidled up to Adam’s side and played with his collar, “Come on, please? I should meet them, right?”
Kris bit back a laugh as he watched the growing alarm on Adam’s face. “Um, I need to get going.”
“Kris, uh, I’ll call you and maybe we can arrange an afternoon?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, let me know,” Kris called out before jumping into his car and driving off.
**
Adam punched the cushion under him as he tried to block out the noise around him. Usually the clamor and clatter of Kris’s cozy house didn’t annoy him, but this afternoon, every toy crashing onto the floor and slam of the door was driving him crazy.
“Uncle Adam!” Samantha shouted through the screen door in the backyard. “Uncle Kris wants to know if you’re sleeping!”
Turning over onto his side on the couch, Adam watched Kris stop in the doorway between the kitchen and patio. “Sam!” Kris scolded, voice low. “Don’t shout. I asked you to check and see if he was sleeping.”
“It’s okay, Kris,” Adam said. “I wasn’t sleeping. Why are the spawns so loud today?”
“Ice cream!” Jared screamed in glee as he zoomed between the tiny space between Kris’s body and the edge of the doorway. “Ms. Molly didn’t come, and Sam got the new babysitter to give us chocolate ice cream! Lots of ice cream!”
“Crap, the hamburgers,” Kris said running back out of the door.
“Ooomph,” Adam groaned as Jared landed on him. “Jared!”
Jared’s arms wrapped around Adam’s hips and rubbed his face into Adam’s side. “Your shirt’s soft, Uncle Adam.” The boy sniffed, “And you smell good.” He looked up and smiled, showing missing teeth.
Adam ruffled Jared’s sandy brown hair and laughed, “Uh, thanks?”
“I want to swim with dolphins,” Jared stated matter-of-factly.
“That’s…” Adam looked around to find Kris. “That sounds like fun.”
“Uncle Kris said we can’t.”
“I’m sure Uncle Kris has his reasons.”
Jared slid his body behind Adam and popped his head out, “Will you take me?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because your Uncle Kris already said you can’t.”
Jared stuck out his lips in a pout, “But, you’re rich.”
“And what does that have to do with anything?” Adam laughed, then put Jared into a headlock, pulling the boy until he was half stretched over Adam’s body.
“Uncle Adam!” Jared’s peel of laughter echoed through the room. “Stop!”
Kris came into the house with his arms full of food, “Jared, quit bothering Adam.”
“Yeah, Jared,” Samantha chimed in as she slid the screen door closed. She ran to the couch and jumped into the melee.
“Come on guys,” Kris said raising his voice. “Dinner. Let’s eat.”
**
“Why are you hiding out here on the roof?”
Kris turned his head to see Adam walking over with a bottle in his hand.
“Neil’s friends are a little…” Kris’s voice trailed off.
Adam snorted, “Well, duh. Politics, finance, environment…enough to drive anyone crazy.”
“I mean, I know I work at Lambda, but don’t they do anything else? Like, for fun? Music? Movies?” Kris asked as he waved a hand in frustration, “I think I just need some more sleep.”
“The evil spawns are at it again, uh?”
“They’re getting settled in,” Kris answered. “It’s been tough, and I think it’s finally hit them that they won’t be taken away, you know? But, they still get freaked out when I leave. Their therapist says it’s getting better…”
“It’s a shit situation, losing parents like that,” Adam said gently. “Then, having to go back and forth between you and the grandparents for months, then the court shit...” He nudged Kris’s shoulder, “Come on, let’s relax a bit.” With his free hand, he tugged on Kris’s hand and pulled him over to the futon. “You deserve a break, and with your parents in town watching over the little spawnlings, you can be a little irresponsible…at least for one night.”
Kris sighed, “Yeah, I guess.” He tried to read the label on the bottle, “What is that?”
“Whiskey.”
“Shit, Adam, no,” Kris protested. “You know that fucks me up.”
“That’s the point asshole,” Adam said taking a swig. He handed it to Kris, “Come on.”
Kris shook his head, “Fuck no.”
“It’s a warm summer night. You’re sitting on a futon. There’s a trash can just a few feet away.”
“You’re saying you’re all prepared for me to be a fucked up mess?”
Adam nodded, “Damn straight. If you can’t walk, you lie down here. You need to barf, right over there. You got trustworthy babysitters at home, so you can crash here if you need to. And,” he said reaching under the frame. “Yup, water. We’re good.”
“No,” Kris laughed, pushing the bottle away. “Nothing doin’.”
“Just a couple of sips, then,” Adam pleaded. “Don’t make me feel even more pathetic by making me drink alone.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “Just a little, okay?”
With three-fourths of the bottle gone, they agreed to call it quits…an unspoken agreement as they fell back onto the futon and stared up at the sky. Kris tried to get up after a while, but he swayed and landed on Adam’s chest. Instead of trying again, he settled himself onto Adam’s body, eventually falling asleep.
The honk of a car horn startled Kris awake. Opening his eyes, his saw the black night sky, then felt Adam staring at him.
“Wha…what time is it? Kris croaked out.
“Not even midnight,” Adam answered quietly, eyes not leaving Kris’s face.
“Adam…” Kris whispered.
Adam leaned over slowly, slow enough for Kris to move. When he didn’t, Adam’s warm hand cupped his face, turning it to meet his lips.
Kris sighed and moaned at the same time, the strangled noise sounding weird to even his own ears, as Adam’s lips brushed his, slow and soft. Closing his eyes, Kris lifted himself up to meet Adam’s lips and the silky press turned demanding. Adam groaned and pushed down harder and deeper, adding pressure until Kris yielded and opened his mouth letting their tongues meet.
“Adam? Kris? You guys up…oh shit.”
They pulled away, scrambling to opposite sides of the futon, staring alternately at each other then at Neil.
“I…I gotta go,” Adam said, jumping off the futon and past Neil into the house.
**
“Okay, you promised to behave,” Kris said patiently. “Be nice.”
“Isn’t this lying?” Samantha asked.
“No,” Adam piped in immediately.
“Yes, but…” Kris glared at Adam before facing Samantha. “It is, but we’re doing this for a good reason, okay?”
“Why?”
Sighing, Kris sat on the bench and pulled Samantha to stand between his legs. “Because Uncle Adam’s new friend wants to meet you and Jared. And, Evan, that’s Uncle Adam’s new friend, is…confused, I guess, because of what he was told.”
“He thinks you and Uncle Adam are married, and we’re your kids,” Samantha stated.
“Where’d you…”
“Uncle Neil told us last night,” Samantha said, rolling her eyes. “We’re not babies.”
Kris shook his head and wondered why he bothered sometimes. Nodding, he merely said, “Yeah. So we have to play along for just a little bit so that Uncle Adam doesn’t look bad.”
“How come Uncle Adam lied?” Samantha asked. “How come?”
Kris scrunched his face and inhaled deeply so he wouldn’t jump over the picnic table and strangle Adam. Then he heard Adam laugh softly from the other end of the bench. “Adam lied so he could get a new boyfriend,” he said giving Adam a dirty look.
Samantha turned to Adam and cocked her head, “How come you want a new boyfriend, Uncle Adam? Isn’t Uncle Kris your boyfriend?”
Adam’s sudden choking and coughing fit made Kris smile for the first time in days. He cupped Samantha’s face, then pulled at her ponytail and replied, “We’re not boyfriends, Sam. Uncle Adam and I are just really good friends, just like Uncle Neil and me. And right now Adam wants a new boyfriend who really wants to meet you and Jared. So, can you two be good and play pretend with me?”
He pulled Samantha to him as she nodded.
(Part II)
Word Count: ~13,100
Pairing: Kris/Adam
Type: AU | Romance-type thing
Rated: R
A/N: A little something for catalm, christig428 and pennilesspoet17 as part of their holiday gifts this year. Um, loosely, and I mean loosely based on the Adam Sandler movie “Just Go With It.” (Please don’t ask, and uh, just “go with it” heh.) Happy Holidays! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This is not true. This did not happen...obviously. Also, completely un-beta’d so if it’s ugly in there, don’t hate.
**
Adam tried to suppress the yawn. He really did, but it came out loud, to the point of obnoxious; and to top it off, he had tears in his eyes from it. The sound cut through the monotone voice that was addressing the conference room.
The man standing at the front of the room froze amidst the giant projection screen, the wavy shapes of excel numbers and pie charts on half his face and body emphasizing the look of shock. The other eight executives at the giant table turned to Adam at the same time, each with stunned looks on their faces.
Feeling contrite at the unwanted attention, Adam felt the blush creep over his face and held up a hand, “Sorry about that,” he mumbled. He motioned to the man in the front, “Please, continue.”
With a brief nod, the man regrouped and started to drone on again. Adam couldn’t remember the guy’s name, but he was talking about forecasts and trends and who knows what else with a German accent. Adam leaned back into the leather chair and slid halfway down, subtlety wiping the corners of his eyes to prevent the eyeliner he put on in the morning from running and making him look like a raccoon. He had to cover up yet another yawn with his fist, trying to hold it in this time.
Damn he was bored. Adam didn’t know why he was sitting in on this meeting. Well, other than the fact that it was the company’s quarterly business operations review, and a worldwide one at that. He shifted in his chair and stared out the windows. The sun was beginning to set in Los Angeles. From the 32nd floor of the Century City high-rise building that housed the headquarters of Lambda Investments, Adam stared longingly outside at the hills and traffic lights.
“Thanks, Frank,” Neil’s voice interrupted Adam’s reverie. “Things look like they’re in good shape for your team in Europe.”
Adam reluctantly turned away from the window and plastered a small smile on his face. He watched Neil shake Frank’s hand and took the spot at the front of the room. Adam felt nothing but pride as he watched his younger brother command the room full of executives twice his age. Neil stood brimming with poise and confidence. His normally unruly hair was trimmed close to his head, dark suit and conservative tie giving him an air of seriousness that belied his age.
People thought that Adam would feel jealousy or anger when Neil was named the president of the company. In fact, it was just the opposite. He preferred this; there was no way Adam was capable of heading a worldwide operation like this. Nor did he want to. Despite his executive vice president title, Adam liked having nothing to do with the family business except in name and title only. Oh, and the salary. He would never pass muster or be taken seriously in the finance industry. He was too artistic; he dyed his hair too much, loved messing around with make-up and clothes, plus the fact that he didn’t know shit about numbers helped when their father was making the decision before his early retirement.
“I think we’re all set for the day,” Neil was saying. “We have dinner at Craft down the street, so you’re all welcome to hang out here until then; or you can head back to the hotel, freshen up and meet there at eight.” He looked around the room and smiled. “Thanks everyone and see you at dinner.”
People slowly packed up their laptops and notepads, turned on their phones and took the last sips of their sodas, coffees and teas.
“Adam, hang out a bit, will ya?” Neil asked as he arranged the papers in front of him and leaned over to shut off the projector.
Adam nodded and sat back in the chair. He watched and nodded at the men and women as they left the room.
“What’s up?” Adam asked once the room was empty and the door closed.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Neil blurted out.
Adam frowned, “What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t I be here?”
Neil rolled his eyes, “Since when do you care about these review meetings? You usually come to one dinner, when you even remember we’re having one; then proceed to get drunk and we don’t see you again for days, maybe even weeks. Since when do you even sit in on these meetings?”
Adam shrugged, “I thought I’d contribute.”
“By yawning and interrupting Frank’s presentation?”
“That was an accident!”
“Uh-huh. Seriously. Why are you here?”
“I’m bored,” Adam answered, sprawling on the chair. He tapped the table with his pen. “Obviously,” he added dryly.
Neil sighed, “Figures. You’ve been back in LA less than a week, and you’re already bored. So, what? You’ve decided to wreak havoc by being coming to the office.”
“Hey…”
“You didn’t find anything to do while you were out traveling the world the last eight months? A new hobby? What about a boyfriend?”
“I found plenty of fun things to do and people to hang out with. I had a great time…It was just time to come home,” Adam said shrugging. “Missed my place, mom, dad, friends…even you.”
“God, I swear, if I roll my eyes at you anymore, they’re going to be stuck up there permanently.”
“And you all call me a drama queen,” Adam drawled.
“Whatever. Come on. Dinner, drinks, then go home.”
Adam smirked, “How can I refuse such an invitation?” He stood up and tugged on his lapels.
“Bite me, Adam.”
“Been there, done that. I remember one particular time when you were five and have the scars to prove it. Don’t want to relive the experience.”
**
After coffee and dessert and having said goodbyes to everyone at dinner, Neil and Adam stayed behind and headed to the bar. They sat in a darkened corner next to the fireplace, sipping brandy in the hushed room. Adam felt Neil staring and tried not to wiggle under the scrutiny.
“What?” Adam demanded, breaking the silence. He couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Does he know you’re back?” Neil asked.
“We, uh…we traded some texts.”
“Is that why you came into the office today? To see him?”
Adam scowled, “He didn’t say anything. If I knew he wasn’t going to be in...” Sometimes he hated his brother because he knew him so well.
“He didn’t know until late yesterday. And, if you’d have asked, I could have told you he wouldn’t be in,” Neil sighed. “You wouldn’t have had to waste your time by showing up.”
“And miss a fabulous dinner and enthralling conversations about securities, new algorithms for estate planning and pork futures?”
Neil laughed, “Yeah.”
“I’m proud of you, squirt.”
“Shut up.”
Adam leaned forward and patted Neil’s knee, “Seriously. You’re doing an amazing job. Better than I ever would. And, despite what people think, I do read the reports that get sent my way, so I know this as a fact.”
Neil rolled his eyes and snorted. “No shit.” He took a sip and cocked his head. “He won’t be back until Thursday night.”
Adam smiled softly, “Is he…is he okay?”
“Yeah, he’s…well, you know…Kris.”
“And the brats?” Adam laughed. “How are the little spawns of Satan doing?”
“Seems like they’re settling in and being less of a pain,” Neil answered. “Of course all the gifts you sent made you, like, a saint in their eyes.” He paused, then said quietly, “I never should’ve introduced you to him.”
Adam turned his head sharply, “Why do you say that?”
“Nothing. Never mind.” Neil put his glass down and rapped his knuckles on the table before standing up. “I gotta get going. Another round of meetings start at nine.” He grinned at his brother, “I take it you won’t be showing up?”
“Yeah, I think I’ll have to miss it.”
“Pity,” Neil laughed. He punched Adam in the shoulder lightly, “Dinner on Friday?”
“Yup. Thai or Chinese?”
“There’s a difference?”
“Shut up, asshole.”
Neil smiled, “Good night, Adam.”
**
Kris watched Adam from across the room with a tired eye. Black hair slicked up in a gravity-defying pompadour, long-sleeve t-shirt and vest to go with a pair of jeans that looked painted on. He shook his head wondering how Adam even breathed wearing clothes that tight all the time.
Exhaling, Kris let his head fall back against the back of the uncomfortable chair, which thankfully had some cushioning. He watched as shiny, happy people around him continued to drink, laugh and enjoy the party. Checking his cell phone for the time, Kris slowly calculated how much time he had before he needed to head home.
“Kris!” Adam laughed loudly as he fell into Kris’s lap. “What are you doing? Why don’t you have a drink in your hand? Is something wrong? Why are you sitting here like a lump on a log?”
“Jesus, Adam,” Kris grunted and shifted uncomfortably. “A little warning next time.” He gripped Adam’s waist to keep him from slipping to the floor. “Your scrawny ass bone is digging into my thigh.”
“Kris, you know you can grab my ass any time and move it wherever you want.”
Kris forced himself to keep smiling as he moved in the chair to accommodate Adam’s larger body in his lap. “Funny.”
“Why aren’t you mingling?” Adam asked, taking another sip from his glass. “You don’t look like you’re having fun.”
“I’m fine,” Kris sighed. He gave Adam’s waist a little squeeze, “I’m having fun, promise.”
Adam stretched out, legs going in one direction and arms in another, nearly toppling over to set his drink down onto the floor, making Kris scramble to keep him upright. Adam straightened up and narrowed his blue-gray eyes, studying Kris’s face, “You look like shit.”
Kris rolled his eyes and knew he wasn’t succeeding in holding back the blush under Adam’s scrutiny, “Yeah, well you would, too, if you had to work a ten hour day, make sure two obnoxious kids ate dinner, then go to a house party for one of your best friends knowing he’d throw a bigger tantrum than the kids if you didn’t show up.”
“Aww, how are evil spawns one and two?”
Chuckling, Kris answered with fondness, “They seem to like this new babysitter…finally.” He grinned at Adam’s shocked face. “Well, from what I can tell, they haven’t been plotting her downfall…yet. No screaming out of the house in terror.”
Pulling at Kris’s neck, Adam snuggled his face under Kris’s ear and sighed, “Good. And, despite you being tired and looking like a fucking zombie, I’m glad you’re here. You deserve a night out.”
Kris snorted.
“What?” Adam asked raising his head.
“What I deserve is one night of uninterrupted sleep for at least fifteen hours.”
“Stay over, then.”
Kris smiled and petted the side of Adam’s head, deftly avoiding the shellacked product in his hair. “As much as I would love to participate in one of your sleepovers…between you and your friends that would end up crashing here, I doubt I’d get any more sleep at your place than I would at mine.”
Adam leaned his head against Kris’s shoulder, “I would kick them out.” At Kris’s silence, Adam rolled his eyes. “Fine. Be a selfish jerk and go home to those brats, when all I was doing was offering a warm bed and no screaming kids. This is what I get for trying to look out for you.”
Kris choked back a moan as Adam wiggled his hips and adjusted his body as he tried to get comfortable. He looked up to see Neil’s too perceptive eyes watching them and quickly ducked his head.
“Adam…um…”
“Adam, what the fuck are you doing?” Neil’s voice boomed out as he loomed over the two of them. “It’s bad enough you keep stealing my friend away from me, but now you’re snuggling in his lap?”
“I always snuggle with Kris,” Adam said, curling in tighter. “Besides, he’s comfy.”
“I never should have introduced you to him,” Neil said in an obvious mocking tone. He arched an eyebrow as one of Adam’s arms moved from Kris’s neck to wrap around his shoulder, practically strangling him as he hugged Kris in closer.
“You did, and you can’t take him back,” Adam pouted.
“Yeah,” Neil laughed eyeing the two of them. “Kris, I apologize for that.”
“Uh,” Kris tried to say, but was stifled by Adam’s arms.
“Kris looks as comfy as a wrestler trying to put on a pair of stiletto shoes,” Neil chuckled. He paused, “I changed my mind. Sorry, Kris, but I don’t want Adam to move. I want him to stay like that until Milo sees this.”
Adam scrambled off Kris’s lap as if he was burned and spun around. He pulled at his shirt and vest as Neil and Kris started to laugh.
“Shit,” Adam exclaimed, looking around the room guiltily. “Is he here?”
“No,” Neil said between breaths of laughter. “But…oh my god…” he bent over to catch his breath. “The look on your face…”
“Asshole.”
“Friend stealer.”
“Not my fault Kris likes me better,” Adam retorted. After grabbing his drink from the floor, Adam placed a cursory kiss on Kris’s temple, then stuck his tongue out at Neil and walked away.
“You have no idea,” Neil muttered under his breath.
**
Adam paced the length of Kris’s office, waiting for him to come back from wherever he was in the building. Every footstep or shuffling noise made him look out the glass walls, but instead of seeing Kris, he kept making eye contact with Francine, Kris’s assistant, who was side-eying him from her desk as she answered calls.
“There you are!” Adam cried out with relief. He quickly scanned Kris’s hands to see if he held a mug of coffee before pouncing on him with a giant hug.
“Jesus,” Kris laughed as he stumbled through the door. “You’re like an overgrown Labrador or something, fuckhead.”
“Except I’m cuter, you asshole,” Adam said with a smile. “Plus, I don’t drool.”
“As much,” Kris retorted. He shook Adam off his back and shoulder. “What do you want, you oaf? Some of us actually have to work for a living, you know.”
“Uh…”
“Uh-oh.”
“I kinda, maybe, sorta need your help.”
Kris put down his laptop and dropped an ominous looking stack of folders on his desk before sitting in the chair. Adam closed the door deliberately, to block out nosey ears. Everyone in the company loved to gossip about him, and if he was in the office, it was even worse.
Watching as Adam paced the floor of his office, Kris frowned. He was nervous about something…
All the years he’d known him, Adam Lambert was many things, but never as jumpy or nervous as this. Oblivious, yes; anxious, no. Kris thought they were past the uneasiness that appeared briefly when Adam came back from his eight month “sabbatical” two months ago, but maybe not.
“What?” Kris asked, exasperation in his voice. “You’re going to wear out the carpet, and I’m getting dizzy.”
“So, I met someone.”
Kris froze. Oh.
“Um, isn’t that a…” Kris paused to clear his throat. “That’s supposed to be a good thing. Why do you need my help?”
Adam blew out a breath, long and slow as he sat down in front of Kris and leaned on the desk. “I did something stupid.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “Of course you did.” He studied Adam’s face and burst out laughing. “Oh, shit, you didn’t!”
“What?”
“You had the ring, didn’t you?”
“It was in my pocket, and he found it when we were, you know…” Adam scowled, “I didn’t actually have it on my finger! And then he got all mortified and upset, and was making accusations of how I was totally taking advantage and being a dickhead…”
“Serves you right,” Kris admonished. “Didn’t I warn you…”
Adam continued, ignoring Kris, “Then he asked me about it, and I froze. I couldn’t…I didn’t know how…he wants to meet you.”
“I can’t believe you tried to pull that shit again. I told you…” Kris stopped laughing abruptly as the last part of Adam’s statement hit him. “Wait, what?!”
Adam shot up from his chair and waved his arms, “I didn’t know what else to say! Next thing I know, I was telling him how the relationship didn’t turn out how we thought it would, and that I was in the middle of an amicable separation and…”
“What’s all that got to do with me?”
Adam bit his lip and scrunched his face, “Please?”
“Oh my god,” Kris bellowed. “Please what?”
“Can you pretend to be my ex? Please, please, please?”
**
“Kris!” Adam shouted. “Kris Allen! Where the fuck are you?” He ignored the people who popped their heads up over their cubicle walls. Instead, he checked Kris’s office again to see if he magically appeared in the last two minutes.
“What?” Kris yelled back as he rounded the corner, a large cup of coffee in his hand. “I thought we were meeting at my place later.” He took a sip and shook his head, “And, you know…we’re in an office setting, try to keep your voice down.”
Following Kris in the office, Adam dismissed the notion with a wave of a hand. “Whatever, I’m the poster boy for how nepotism should work.” He grinned and sat in the visitor’s chair, placing his feet on the edge of the desk. “Plus, what are you going to do, report me and have me fired?”
“Don’t tempt me, Lambert.”
“Oooh, get a manager title, and you’re all professional now, huh?”
“Hey, without this job, I’d probably be…” Kris trailed off and pushed the thoughts out of his head. “Yeah, I don’t want to think about it.” He leaned back in his chair, “Now, what is it that has you bellowing in the sacred halls of Lambda Investments?”
Adam shrugged, “Bored. Wanted to see you.”
Kris burst out laughing, “Seriously?”
“What?” Adam pouted. “I can’t come see you?”
“And you came to the office for that?” Kris asked raising a brow. “We’re having pizza at my place in a few hours.”
“Yeah, but the kids are gonna be there, and we won’t be able to talk.”
“Aww, I’m touched,” Kris said putting a hand over his heart. Seeing the coffee, he quickly abandoned the move and grabbed the mug. After a couple of sips, he peered over it at Adam. “You need a boyfriend.”
“I’m fine.”
“Ever since you broke up with Milo…”
Adam stood up abruptly, “I’ll see you later, yeah? I’ll bring dessert.”
Kris tried to get up, but his feet got tangled between the foot of the chair and edge of the desk. “Adam…” he called out. “Shit.”
**
Glaring and scowling, Adam crossed his arms in a huff as he watched Neil and Kris laugh and fall to the floor. They literally rolled off the sofa from laughing so hard that they landed on their sides on the floor, then laughed even harder when they both moaned out in pain.
“I can’t believe you’re both laughing at me.”
Neil tried to crawl back up onto the sofa, but gave up and fell backwards and laughed again. “That…was,” he breathed. “The…funniest…oh my god…I can’t breathe.”
Adam pouted as he fell into the worn brown leather recliner in Neil’s townhouse. He somehow got custody of it from their parent’s divorce-not that Adam fought hard for it-but it was fucking comfortable and took it over whenever he visited. “Kris…why…”
“I couldn’t…I had to…” Kris breathed out heavily as he managed to sit up and heave his arms onto the seat of the sofa, hugging a stray cushion. “I mean, seriously, Adam.”
“Dude, why Kris?” Neil asked. “Don’t you have other friends who could do this? I’m sure some of those drama queens you hang out with would love the challenge. And, aren’t some of your friends actual actors?”
Adam sighed and massaged his temples, “I panicked and blurted out Kris’s name.”
“So, I was on your mind when the horror of what you did came to light?” Kris’s voice was incredulous. “Seriously?”
Ignoring Neil’s sudden, intense gaze, Adam pushed back in the chair to have it fall back until the head of it hit the wall, stopping its process. He stared up at the ceiling, “Shut up.”
Neil climbed back onto the sofa and patted Kris’s head, “You should do it. It could be hilarious.”
“Neil…” Adam growled softly.
“I mean, we’d both get major mocking material out of this. And, as Adam’s ex, wouldn’t you be dressed to the nines, be a label-whore and all that? One of his ex’s would never be caught dead wearing suits from Banana Republic or something bought from Macy’s,” Neil continued as if Adam didn’t make a sound. “I mean, god forbid his soon-to-be-ex be less than fabulous, right?” He paused and looked at Kris, “Uh, no offense.”
“None taken,” Kris chuckled and banged his head against the seat cushion. He lifted his head, “There is this Gucci suit that I’ve been eyeing...”
Neil grinned evilly and glanced at Adam, “Exactly.”
“I hate you both.”
**
“Adam, I totally appreciate you doing this for me,” Evan said patting Adam’s hand. “I know we haven’t been dating long enough for me to be asking this of you. And, it has to be totally uncomfortable for you and your ex, but…”
Adam smiled fondly and squeezed Evan’s hand, “No, I get it. It’s okay. I told you, it’s all cordial. Kris is…Kris is great, and he understands.”
They were sitting in the fading sunlight, the gorgeous May afternoon fading slowing to make way for the sunset. They were shaded strategically by giant pink and green umbrellas on the back patio of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Neil and Kris thought it would be funny for the meeting to take place here, glamour meeting old-school tacky, and the fact that Adam hated it with a passion actually made their decision easier. In the end, Adam bit his tongue and made the arrangements.
The waiter placed the pitcher of water and two cocktails down when everyone, well, what seemed like everyone, turned towards the entrance of the hotel at some commotion.
It took everything Adam had to keep his jaw from dropping at the sight.
Kris had just come through the wide open French doors, nodding to the attendant who obviously went out of his way to help him with directions. And, now, Kris was walking through the crowd, making heads turn. Naturally, Kris was oblivious to the attention as he kept walking and moving his head around looking for their table.
Aviator sunglasses on, the sun highlighted his soft brown hair. He had on his new tan Gucci suit with a crisp white shirt and brown suede Junya Wantanabe bucks with no socks, a sliver of tan ankle showing with every step. He smiled when he spotted them, but Adam could see that it was a nervous smile. Adam couldn’t smile back, he was too busy trying not to stare and drool.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Kris said, taking off his sunglasses. “Had a last-minute call in the office.”
Adam stood up shakily and grabbed Kris’s shoulders, kissing him on the cheek, but didn’t let go until he took in a deep breath and tried to discretely take Kris’s scent in.
“Not a problem,” Adam replied, pulling out a chair. He turned to Evan, whose bright cornflower blue eyes held a hint of trepidation. “Evan, this is, uh, Kris.” Watching Evan sit up a little and extend his hand, Adam studied the contrast between the two men; Evan with his wispy, California blond surfer boy looks and Kris with his soft brown hair and eyes. One was tall and lanky, the other shorter, but fit and trim. Adam shook his head to clear his thoughts, “Uh, Kris, this is Evan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kris said with a smile, taking Evan’s hand with a firm shake.
Adam sat down and finished his martini in one giant gulp, then waved to the waiter for a refill. “Kris?”
Kris looked up from playing with the crease of his slacks, “Oh, just club soda and lime for me, please.”
“If you need anything else,” the waiter said, staring directly at Kris with a hint of wink. Adam gaped as Kris blushed and bit back a smile.
“I can’t place the accent,” Evan remarked.
“Oh, Arkansas,” Kris answered. “Lost a lot of it the last few years living out here, but it seems to come back with a vengeance when I go home to visit.”
Evan grinned, “Well, it’s adorable.” He reached over to hold Adam’s hand and patted it. “I can see why Adam was so taken.” Adam could feel himself blushing at Evan’s words and Kris’s smirk.
They took a few sips of water as the waiter brought refills and Kris’s drink, the man’s hand brushing slightly over Kris’s. Adam held back the sudden urge to push the waiter into the pool.
“Adam hasn’t really said much, but then, we haven’t really known each other for long,” Evan said. “I just…I just like knowing as much as possible about people before moving forward, you know? When there’s a connection…and with the way Adam and I met, and then…well. I know this is awkward, so I appreciate you humoring me.”
“It’s okay, really,” Kris said, smiling. “I get it.”
Evan bit his lip and looked nervously at them. “Um, I hope you don’t mind, but how did you two meet?” he asked.
“Evan…”
“It’s okay, Adam,” Kris interrupted. He leaned back in the chair and chuckled. “It’s not that big of a deal.” Taking a small sip from his glass, Kris continued, “We, uh, his brother introduced us, actually, a few years ago. I met Neil at a party of some mutual friends. We hit it off, then next thing I know, I meet Adam and then…well Neil gives us shit about it all the time.”
“That’s so cute,” Evan squealed. “You two make a gorgeous couple by the way. It’s kind of sad.”
Kris waved a hand, “These things happen. We’re still friends, aren’t we sweetheart?”
Adam choked on his drink, “Of course we are.”
**
As the staff started to light the gas-heated lamps around the patio, Kris looked at his watch. “I need to get going,” he said as he scooted the chair back. “This was nice.”
“We’ll walk out with you,” Adam replied, standing up. “We have a dinner to get to.”
Evan got to his feet and grinned, making his eyes squish. He leaned over to kiss Adam on the cheek, “I’m going to the restroom, meet you out front at the valet?” Adam nodded and watched him go.
Kris and Adam walked through the hotel.
“He’s nice,” Kris said. “But, Jonas Brothers, really?”
“Just…” Adam paused. “Shut up.”
Kris laughed when Adam bumped into his shoulder. “I hope he learns about real music from you, because…”
“He’s a little young,” Adam admitted. “But…”
Kris held up a hand, “As long as you’re happy, Adam. That’s all that matters.”
As they got to the door, each pulling out a valet ticket, Kris stretched out and shook out of his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves. With the bustling noise around he thought he heard a moan, but when he looked, Adam was handing his ticket to the attendant.
He jumped when he felt Adam’s body next to him. “I didn’t get a chance to say it earlier, but you look hot,” Adam whispered into Kris’s ear.
Kris willed the blush down and turned to say something when his phone rang. It was the kids’ ringtone. “I gotta…”
“Okay, I’m ready,” Evan said, jumping excitedly between them.
“Kris, don’t answer…”
“Sam, what’s the matter?” Kris said into the phone. “Why exactly did your brother lock himself into the bathroom? Grab the extra key from the kitchen drawer and tell Jared he better get his butt out of there by the time I get home.”
Kris tucked the phone between his ear and shoulder as he struggled to pull his wallet from his pocket. “No, Sam. You and your brother need to stop this nonsense,” he was saying. “I’m coming home and the house still better be in one piece. Both of you better be clean and ready for dinner.”
Smiling apologetically, he handed a couple of bills to the valet attendant. Kris grabbed his keys as he put his phone away, and turned to face Adam. “Uh, sorry about that…” His eyes widened at Adam’s grimace as Evan’s grip on his arm tightened.
“You have…you have kids?” Evan asked.
“It’s not…” Adam started.
“Totally not…” Kris said at the same time. He tried to catch Adam’s eyes to apologize. “Shit.”
Evan pulled away from Adam and stood in front of Kris, “How many kids?”
“It’s…Adam’s not…” Kris started to say.
“No, no, it’s okay. I love kids,” Evan said smiling. He looked at both of their alarmed faces fondly. “Can I meet them? Or would that be weird?”
“No weirder than this entire situation,” Kris mumbled.
Evan sidled up to Adam’s side and played with his collar, “Come on, please? I should meet them, right?”
Kris bit back a laugh as he watched the growing alarm on Adam’s face. “Um, I need to get going.”
“Kris, uh, I’ll call you and maybe we can arrange an afternoon?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, let me know,” Kris called out before jumping into his car and driving off.
**
Adam punched the cushion under him as he tried to block out the noise around him. Usually the clamor and clatter of Kris’s cozy house didn’t annoy him, but this afternoon, every toy crashing onto the floor and slam of the door was driving him crazy.
“Uncle Adam!” Samantha shouted through the screen door in the backyard. “Uncle Kris wants to know if you’re sleeping!”
Turning over onto his side on the couch, Adam watched Kris stop in the doorway between the kitchen and patio. “Sam!” Kris scolded, voice low. “Don’t shout. I asked you to check and see if he was sleeping.”
“It’s okay, Kris,” Adam said. “I wasn’t sleeping. Why are the spawns so loud today?”
“Ice cream!” Jared screamed in glee as he zoomed between the tiny space between Kris’s body and the edge of the doorway. “Ms. Molly didn’t come, and Sam got the new babysitter to give us chocolate ice cream! Lots of ice cream!”
“Crap, the hamburgers,” Kris said running back out of the door.
“Ooomph,” Adam groaned as Jared landed on him. “Jared!”
Jared’s arms wrapped around Adam’s hips and rubbed his face into Adam’s side. “Your shirt’s soft, Uncle Adam.” The boy sniffed, “And you smell good.” He looked up and smiled, showing missing teeth.
Adam ruffled Jared’s sandy brown hair and laughed, “Uh, thanks?”
“I want to swim with dolphins,” Jared stated matter-of-factly.
“That’s…” Adam looked around to find Kris. “That sounds like fun.”
“Uncle Kris said we can’t.”
“I’m sure Uncle Kris has his reasons.”
Jared slid his body behind Adam and popped his head out, “Will you take me?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because your Uncle Kris already said you can’t.”
Jared stuck out his lips in a pout, “But, you’re rich.”
“And what does that have to do with anything?” Adam laughed, then put Jared into a headlock, pulling the boy until he was half stretched over Adam’s body.
“Uncle Adam!” Jared’s peel of laughter echoed through the room. “Stop!”
Kris came into the house with his arms full of food, “Jared, quit bothering Adam.”
“Yeah, Jared,” Samantha chimed in as she slid the screen door closed. She ran to the couch and jumped into the melee.
“Come on guys,” Kris said raising his voice. “Dinner. Let’s eat.”
**
“Why are you hiding out here on the roof?”
Kris turned his head to see Adam walking over with a bottle in his hand.
“Neil’s friends are a little…” Kris’s voice trailed off.
Adam snorted, “Well, duh. Politics, finance, environment…enough to drive anyone crazy.”
“I mean, I know I work at Lambda, but don’t they do anything else? Like, for fun? Music? Movies?” Kris asked as he waved a hand in frustration, “I think I just need some more sleep.”
“The evil spawns are at it again, uh?”
“They’re getting settled in,” Kris answered. “It’s been tough, and I think it’s finally hit them that they won’t be taken away, you know? But, they still get freaked out when I leave. Their therapist says it’s getting better…”
“It’s a shit situation, losing parents like that,” Adam said gently. “Then, having to go back and forth between you and the grandparents for months, then the court shit...” He nudged Kris’s shoulder, “Come on, let’s relax a bit.” With his free hand, he tugged on Kris’s hand and pulled him over to the futon. “You deserve a break, and with your parents in town watching over the little spawnlings, you can be a little irresponsible…at least for one night.”
Kris sighed, “Yeah, I guess.” He tried to read the label on the bottle, “What is that?”
“Whiskey.”
“Shit, Adam, no,” Kris protested. “You know that fucks me up.”
“That’s the point asshole,” Adam said taking a swig. He handed it to Kris, “Come on.”
Kris shook his head, “Fuck no.”
“It’s a warm summer night. You’re sitting on a futon. There’s a trash can just a few feet away.”
“You’re saying you’re all prepared for me to be a fucked up mess?”
Adam nodded, “Damn straight. If you can’t walk, you lie down here. You need to barf, right over there. You got trustworthy babysitters at home, so you can crash here if you need to. And,” he said reaching under the frame. “Yup, water. We’re good.”
“No,” Kris laughed, pushing the bottle away. “Nothing doin’.”
“Just a couple of sips, then,” Adam pleaded. “Don’t make me feel even more pathetic by making me drink alone.”
Kris rolled his eyes, “Just a little, okay?”
With three-fourths of the bottle gone, they agreed to call it quits…an unspoken agreement as they fell back onto the futon and stared up at the sky. Kris tried to get up after a while, but he swayed and landed on Adam’s chest. Instead of trying again, he settled himself onto Adam’s body, eventually falling asleep.
The honk of a car horn startled Kris awake. Opening his eyes, his saw the black night sky, then felt Adam staring at him.
“Wha…what time is it? Kris croaked out.
“Not even midnight,” Adam answered quietly, eyes not leaving Kris’s face.
“Adam…” Kris whispered.
Adam leaned over slowly, slow enough for Kris to move. When he didn’t, Adam’s warm hand cupped his face, turning it to meet his lips.
Kris sighed and moaned at the same time, the strangled noise sounding weird to even his own ears, as Adam’s lips brushed his, slow and soft. Closing his eyes, Kris lifted himself up to meet Adam’s lips and the silky press turned demanding. Adam groaned and pushed down harder and deeper, adding pressure until Kris yielded and opened his mouth letting their tongues meet.
“Adam? Kris? You guys up…oh shit.”
They pulled away, scrambling to opposite sides of the futon, staring alternately at each other then at Neil.
“I…I gotta go,” Adam said, jumping off the futon and past Neil into the house.
**
“Okay, you promised to behave,” Kris said patiently. “Be nice.”
“Isn’t this lying?” Samantha asked.
“No,” Adam piped in immediately.
“Yes, but…” Kris glared at Adam before facing Samantha. “It is, but we’re doing this for a good reason, okay?”
“Why?”
Sighing, Kris sat on the bench and pulled Samantha to stand between his legs. “Because Uncle Adam’s new friend wants to meet you and Jared. And, Evan, that’s Uncle Adam’s new friend, is…confused, I guess, because of what he was told.”
“He thinks you and Uncle Adam are married, and we’re your kids,” Samantha stated.
“Where’d you…”
“Uncle Neil told us last night,” Samantha said, rolling her eyes. “We’re not babies.”
Kris shook his head and wondered why he bothered sometimes. Nodding, he merely said, “Yeah. So we have to play along for just a little bit so that Uncle Adam doesn’t look bad.”
“How come Uncle Adam lied?” Samantha asked. “How come?”
Kris scrunched his face and inhaled deeply so he wouldn’t jump over the picnic table and strangle Adam. Then he heard Adam laugh softly from the other end of the bench. “Adam lied so he could get a new boyfriend,” he said giving Adam a dirty look.
Samantha turned to Adam and cocked her head, “How come you want a new boyfriend, Uncle Adam? Isn’t Uncle Kris your boyfriend?”
Adam’s sudden choking and coughing fit made Kris smile for the first time in days. He cupped Samantha’s face, then pulled at her ponytail and replied, “We’re not boyfriends, Sam. Uncle Adam and I are just really good friends, just like Uncle Neil and me. And right now Adam wants a new boyfriend who really wants to meet you and Jared. So, can you two be good and play pretend with me?”
He pulled Samantha to him as she nodded.
(Part II)