Fic: Obsession 10/13
Title: Obsession
Rating: Adult
Summary: Kris never realised one friend could mean so much, until one day he sees that Adam isn’t just a friend - he’s an obsession and one he’ll do anything for.
Disclaimer: I know none of these people, nor do I own them, they own themselves. This never happened.
Previous Parts
Part 10
As the property pages in the newspaper caught his attention, Kris realised they had never discussed their living arrangements after the show. He had assumed they would be living in Adam’s current home rather than getting somewhere new together but what if Adam didn't want to?
“Adam, are we living at your place once the show’s over?” Kris questioned.
As he placed the last of the chopped fruit into two bowls Adam said carefully, “I kinda assumed so, don’t you want to?”
Kris reassured quickly, “I want to; I just wanted to make sure it’s okay. I didn’t want you to think that I was invading your space or anything.”
Adam said confused, “Baby boy, we’re already living together so why would I be upset or suddenly think you are invading my space? I love living with you.”
“I was just worried,” Kris said with a shrug.
“You have nothing to worry about, I would tell you if something was wrong.” Adam said as he placed the bowls on the table.
Kris smiled as he placed a quick kiss on Adam’s cheek before starting to eat the fruit salad Adam had prepared. Kris wasn’t particularly hungry but Adam has insisted they needed to eat before they left the house.
********
Kris smiled widely as he walked out of the house, one hand holding Adam’s and the other holding a pair of sunglasses. He was feeling incredibly relaxed considering it was a results day but since the amazing blow job he felt as though he was floating.
“Where are you going today, gentlemen?” Robbie asked leaning against the car and looking at his charges. Unlike the other minders who were only on duty during taping or American Idol staged events, he was on duty whenever Adam was in public.
“We’re going to chill in WeHo so you can have a wonderful hassle free day without us,” Adam announced knowing they were unlikely to be hassled by homophobes.
Robbie nodded knowing it was probably easier for the couple to walk around West Hollywood than other parts of LA. His duty was to protect Adam, and by extension Kris; but he could see the reasoning behind allowing them to spend time alone. He would have hated to be in their position, not being able to spend any time with his lover without being accompanied by a minder.
“Okay, I will have my phone and pager with me at all times. If you start to feel at all threatened or uncomfortable contact me,” Robbie instructed.
“Thanks. We’re getting a cab so we’ll see you at the studio tonight,” Adam said with a grin.
Robbie nodded and watched with a wide grin as the couple walked out of the grounds with their arms brushing together as if they wanted to walk down the streets holding hands.
*******
Getting out of the cab, Kris looked at his partner noticing how relaxed Adam was in West Hollywood. He was pleased that Adam had this city available to him and resolved to make sure they spent a large amount of time in the area in the future.
Kris asked, “Where do you want to go first, Adam?”
Adam shrugged answering, “I don’t mind. We’ve got to go to Zeke’s Smokehouse for lunch, the barbecue may not be as good as in Arkansas, but it is the best I’ve found in LA.”
Kris smiled at Adam’s thoughtfulness; months ago he had mentioned how much he missed the comfort food from home and couldn't believe Adam remembered.
Adam said thoughtfully, “We can wander around for a little. We have to go to the Beverly Center mall it is a sort of gay Mecca with lots of different stores. We can go to the Museum of Contemporary Art West, if you want. I love it and it will give you a chance to relax when you’re all shopped out, I know how annoying I can be to shop with.”
Kris nodded in agreement, “That’s sounds good and you are not annoying when you shop, just focused. How about we have a quick look around here, go to MOCA, have lunch and head to the Beverly Center mall? I like shopping with you, it is an adventure.”
“That’s one way to describe it. Let’s get started then,” Adam said before placing a quick arm around Kris’ shoulder and turning him around so they would be heading in the right direction.
Kris followed Adam’s lead it was great to spend time with Adam, just strolling around the city without having to worry about a schedule. Kris just hoped they wouldn’t be photographed, wanting Adam to have the dramatic coming out they had planned. His partner was so excited at the thought of coming out on live TV and Kris wouldn’t let anything stop it from happening.
*******
Hearing the distinctive sound of Adam’s phone, Kris looked up from his perusal of the shelves at Circus of Books, pleased that Adam had suggested visiting the book emporium known for its gay and lesbian sections. Adam had whispered there were a number of books he had found useful when coming out that he wanted Kris to have a look at. Kris was shocked when Adam casually commented that he had been online and found some new ones aimed at gay men who realised their sexuality after being married to a woman. Kris knew it was Adam’s way of helping without pressurising him.
Looking closer he picked a book that looked like it would be useful, ‘Just Tell the Truth: Questions Families Ask When Gay Married Men Come Out’ by Terry L. Norman. He wasn’t sure how useful it would be now that he had told his immediate family about his relationship with Adam. Deciding that they would probably have more questions once they had processed everything, Kris added the book to the growing pile in his arms.
Kris nodded when Adam gestured that he was going outside, watching Adam walk outside seemingly ignoring the appraising looks he was receiving. Knowing his lover would tell him about the phone call if it was important, Kris quickly moved to the music section. Picking up a music history book and a book of sheet music, he added them to the pile.
“Hi, they are some great books. So do you play guitar?”
Kris was pulled from his daydreams by a low southern twang male voice coming from his left. He looked up to see a bronzed, redhead man with a wide grin looking at his face. Kris smiled politely, beginning to feel uncomfortable by the continuous staring.
“I know you from somewhere, right?” The stranger said with an engaging smile.
“No idea,” Kris said with a shrug, hoping the man would get the hint and leave him alone.
Kris smirked when he heard the familiar sound of Adam coughing impatiently as the strange man turned and swallowed nervously.
“You ready to go?” Adam asked his partner with a suggestive smile.
“You’re on American Idol! I love you, you sound amazing and those pants you wear are sex personified! It’s Adam, right?” The man squeaked with a coy smile as he looked at Adam, ignoring Kris who was looking on in amusement.
“Thanks, man.” Adam replied with a sincere smile, always happy to meet a fan even if that fan was hitting on his partner.
The redhead begged earnestly, “Can you sign something for me? Make it out to Eric!”
“Sure, what do you want me to sign?” Adam said, taking out the marker that he now carried at all times.
“Er....you can sign this!” Eric replied holding out a music sheet for Nickelback’s Too Bad.
Adam nodded and signed the piece of paper before saying, “I’ve got to go but thanks for watching.”
Seeing he was in the way, Eric nodded and moved back to allow Kris to get past. He knew there was something familiar about the brunette he had been hitting on but he couldn’t work out what.
“That was my mom on the phone, she wants to meet you.” Adam said seriously.
Kris nodded, “That’s good. Any idea when?”
“Yeah, tonight before the results. She had wanted to make it after the results but I convinced her otherwise.” Adam said softly, knowing his mom had been a bit upset but he and Kris has developed a post results show routine that he didn’t want to change.
By the time the contestants had been whittled down to the final ten, Adam and Kris had developed their own post results show ritual. First, they would go and have something to eat with whoever got eliminated, which was normally over by eleven at the latest. Once back at the mansion, Adam and Kris went to their room, changed into their nightwear before stretching out on one of their beds talking. One of them, normally Kris would get tired so they would get into their respective beds and lie there talking about everything. Even after they got their own bedrooms, they kept most of their ritual intact. The only difference being that they didn’t chat in bed as they fell asleep. They often talked until two or three a.m., their subjects ranging from clothing to music to their dreams, hopes and fears.
“Oh, okay. She’s not really as bad as you said, right?” Kris asked needing some reassurance.
“She can be but she will soon see what an amazingly beautiful, charming, elegant, and talented man you are.” Adam said reassuringly. He knew that his mom would quickly see just how perfect Kris was for him and how happy he was.
*******
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Kris whispered nervously, ignoring the amusement in Adam’s eyes.
Adam grinned, “My mom has asked to meet you and you don’t argue with my mom when she uses that tone. Just don’t be too nervous and it’ll stop you worrying about the show. Smile and be prepared for some weird questions.”
Kris rolled his eyes at Adam’s suggestion, there was no way he could be anything but nervous about meeting them. He knew Adam was close to his mom and was terrified that if she didn’t like him it would put a lot of strain on his and Adam’s relationship.
Adam knocked on his parents’ hotel room door, pleased that his mom had made the overture about meeting Kris. His mom was always the most critical one when he had brought his last two serious boyfriends home. One ex, Tom, had even remarked on the way back to his apartment that he didn’t know how Adam could be so warm and loving with his harridan of a mother. Needless to say, Tom hadn’t been very happy when Adam had kicked him out of the car but what had the man expected after insulting his mom? He hadn’t seen Tom since that night, breaking up with the man by phone.
“Hey son, come on in.” Eber said with welcoming smile, he saw how Kris was holding onto Adam’s hand as though it was only thing keeping him from bolting.
Just hours earlier, Eber had called Neil to find out what his son had managed to find out about Kris on a mission spearheaded by Leila in an attempt to protect Adam. She had insisted Neil should be the first one to meet Kris since he would be more relaxed about meeting his boyfriend’s brother than his parents. Neil had told them that Kris was passionate but apparently annoyed by people making the assumption that he couldn’t deal with having a male lover.
“Dad, this is my partner, Kris Allen.” Adam said with a wide grin.
Shaking the offered had Kris found himself relaxing at the welcoming smile saying, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr Lambert.”
“Likewise and you can call me Eber. Adam said that you write your own songs, do they take long?” Eber said trying to find a way to make Kris relax.
Kris shrugged, “Sometimes it can be done in a matter of hours and sometimes it can take weeks to find something that just fits. It’s hard to describe really, sometimes I don’t know if a song is complete until I hear it again.”
“I get what you mean. There’s no need to look so scared, I'm the nice one. Do you want a drink?” Eber said pleased to see that talking about music had slightly relaxed Kris.
“Some water would be good,” Kris said softly, worried about just how bad Adam’s mom was if her own husband said he was the nice one of the couple.
“Let’s sit down,” Adam suggested with a comforting smile.
Adam led the way to the sofa and pulled on Kris’ hand for the man to sit down next to him. He took Kris’ hand and squeezed it to let his lover know that he was there and they would deal with any apprehensions his parents had about their relationship together.
“So what are your plans for the future?” Eber asked Kris, mentally smiling at how Kris had practically melted into Adam’s side.
Kris said softly, “On a personal level, I want to be with Adam. I don’t care where we are so long as we are together. Career wise, I want to have a successful music career.”
“If Adam wins the competition, will that change your feelings for him?” Eber asked bluntly.
“DAD!” Adam said angry that his father could ask such a question. He knew his parents were looking out for him but that was a very insulting question.
“It’s cool, love.” Kris reassured his partner before answering, “Of course it won’t change anything. Regardless of who wins the competition, we will both have successful careers. To be honest, I accepted a long time ago that I probably wouldn’t win, I can’t out sing Adam and he’s got that unique factor.”
Shaking his head at Kris’ assumption Adam said shrugging, “You appeal to more people. I don’t fit into a safe little category and that’ll probably freak people out. I'm a square peg in a round hole and people don’t like square pegs, especially ones that get in their faces.”
“Who cares what bigots like that think, you are wonderful as you are.” A woman said as she walked into the room.
Adam smiled widely and let go of Kris’ hand to quickly walk over the room and give his mom a big hug. He had missed her, it wasn’t the same talking to her over the phone and having rushed visits but he had known being part of the show meant sacrificing some of your personal time. He was happy to do it if it meant he could have the career that he had dreamed of since he was a child. Now his deepests desire had been fullfilled, he had Kris in his life as the partner, lover and confidante he had always wanted. He had brought his music to people and he had a shot at a record contract.
Walking over to Kris, Adam pulled him up before wrapping an arm around his waist saying possessively, “Mom, this is my Kris. He’s amazing in every way and I love him.”
Leila could see that Adam was devoted to Kris and she could count the men Adam had brought to meet the family on one hand but did that mean Kris had a place in Adam’s life or in their family? Leila looked Kris and saw the man who had come out of nowhere to break her son’s heart and she couldn’t let that happen. She had been there to see how destroyed Adam had been when he had involved with a married straight man before, it had only been for six months but that was enough to make her vow that Adam would never be in that situation again. She would do anything to protect her son, even from himself if necessary.
Kris smiled saying sincerely, “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs Lambert. Adam’s been talking about you. Adam said that you would have some embarrassing baby photos of him. I’d love to see them; my mom is going through our photo albums for my really embarrassing baby pictures to show him.”
“I will have a look later. Adam, why don’t you and your dad go talk? Kris and I can get to know each other,” Leila said brightly
Reassuring Adam with a glance and a hand on his knee, Kris watched as father and son left the room. Smiling cheerfully Kris waited for the interrogation to commence. Leila was smiling at him but in a cold manner, apparently she taken an instant dislike to him and he really didn’t know how he was going to make her like him.
Leila moved to look Kris Allen in the eyes saying frostily, “Let me make one clear, Kristopher Allen, I don’t trust you or the relationship you have with my son. I like you as a friend for Adam but not as a partner. You have known each other for a long time and you never once questioned your feelings for Adam. Now just a matter of weeks before the finale, you have decided that you love him. It doesn’t wash with me, I will not let you use Adam’s feelings for you to give you an advantage on the show.”
Angry at the accusation but knowing he couldn’t mention it to Adam, Kris said seriously, “I love Adam with every fibre of my being. I did not know how I felt for him until recently. His attack, our performance and the help of a good friend made me realise my feelings. Just because it took me a while to realise my feelings doesn’t make them any less sincere.”
Leila sighed saying, “Fine, you have my blessing to date him but I will be watching you. The second you mess up, I will be advising my son to end your relationship.”
Bemused at the warning and begrudging acceptance from the woman Kris nodded in agreement, surprised at how quickly the cold look disappeared from her face.
There was a knock on the door seconds before it was open with a key card and Adam walked in with his dad. Kris smiled in relief at seeing Adam, wanting some time to relax with Adam away from everyone else before they had to start taping. Looking into Adam’s eyes, Kris was pleased to see his own needs reflected back at him.
“Mom, Dad, I'm sorry but we’ve got to go. We need to get ready for filming.” Adam said apologetically, moving to give each of his parents a hug before grabbing Kris’ hand.
“Okay, we’ll speak to you tomorrow. You boys should spend tonight celebrating.”
Kris smiled at Eber’s words, pleased that at least Adam’s dad seemed to like him. He just hoped that in time Leila would as well, he knew it would upset his partner if the two of them didn’t get along.
*******
As Adam came to join him in the coveted seating area, Kris felt like he was going to explode with happiness. He had hoped that he would make it into the finale with Adam but deep down he had thought it was a pipedream. Kris tuned out the sound of Danny singing and placed an arm around Adam, pulling his partner close to him. He needed to touch Adam, to know that this was really happening.
“Cameras, lovebirds!” Ryan hissed, not reacting when the couple stopped touching each other and pretended to listen to Danny.
As soon as the cameras were switched off, Adam looked at Kris and couldn’t resist the need to pull his lover closer. He smiled when Kris’ face fell into his neck and shivered slightly as he felt Kris’ breath against his skin. They were brought back to the real world by Ryan pointedly clearing his throat causing them to break their hug with a sigh. Still standing as close to Adam as possible, Kris looked at Ryan to find out what he wanted.
“Try not to fuel any more rumours,” Ryan said a hint of laughter in his voice tinged with envy.
Ryan admired how they didn’t care about PDAs letting people know about their relationship before they were ready. Ryan would bet his last dollar that they would be coming out soon since Adam had confided he would not go back into the closet for anyone. Ryan only wished that he could be so free with Simon, not having to worry about people catching them. Ryan knew it wouldn’t happen anytime soon. They had talked about coming out shortly after starting their relationship, a couple of months after Idol started, agreeing that it would damage their careers so they would have to stay in the closet, at the time Simon was trying to make Idol a success and Ryan just been catapulted into television.
“You okay there, Ry?” Adam asked worriedly seeing a flash of pain in his friend’s eyes.
“Yeah, I'll make excuses for you if you want to sneak out,” Ryan said with a grin at the barely contained excitement in Adam’s posture.
Kris sighed in regret, “We’ve got the press horde to get to, I don’t think anyone would believe it if one of us suddenly got ill.”
“Hey, I'll have you know that I can BS with the best of them,” Ryan said indignantly.
“I'm sure you can but save it until it’s really needed.” Adam said dryly.
Ryan nodded asking, “I guess you’re right. So how are you going to celebrate?”
Eyes glazing over as he thought about celebrating with Kris by fucking until they were unable to move, Adam gave a safe answer, “We’ll probably have a joint family meal, get the whole meet the family thing over at once.”
“As for the rest, I wouldn’t want to traumatise your innocent ears,” Kris said with a smirk.
Adam looked at his lover, shocked at how playful he was being and loving the spark of naughtiness in Kris’ eyes. He loved that Kris was relaxing in front of Ryan, clearly starting to think of the man a friend. Spying Robbie walking over, Adam smiled at the man amused at how the minder was watching the crowd of people.
“Apparently, you’re due for a press conference in five minutes,” Robbie said, his displeasure at being used as a messenger evident in his voice.
“Let’s go and meet our ever so adoring press,” Adam said with a smirk.
“Right,” Kris said with a nod, he just wanted to go back to mansion and lie in Adam’s arms.
*******
Lying in bed with Kris’ head on his chest and arm around his waist, Adam had never felt so serene and happy. It was amazing to think that by this time next week one of them would be crowned the 2009 American Idol and have a signed contract. Adam wasn’t worried about which of them won since he was sure that they would both have successful careers in music.
“Kris, do you think we would have fallen for each other if we hadn’t been roommates?”
Kris stopped to consider Adam’s slightly weird question, it was something he had never considered. The thought that he could never have fallen in love with Adam was incomprehensible.
Kris said thoughtfully, “I think we’d still fall in love, it just might have taken us longer. The connection between us is so strong; I know it couldn’t be denied. I still would have spent months annoying you whenever I needed someone for any reason.”
Adam said brightly, “Baby boy, you didn’t annoy me. Every time you came to me for any reason, I loved it because I got to spend time with you and I did my share of annoying you as well.”
“I can’t believe I'm in the final!” Kris said still bemused as to how it had happened.
Running his hands through Kris’ hair Adam said seriously, “You are in the final because you are a fantastic artist and the public can see it. You do know that you have as much of a chance of winning as I do, right? Our styles are so different that there is no way of comparing us.”
“Thanks, Sweetie,” Kris said softly, placing a kiss on Adam’s chest.
Seeing the clock on Adam’s bedside table read 03:30, Kris groaned knowing they would have to be up at 07:30 meaning he would be tired and grumpy. It wasn’t unusual since every Thursday he and Adam woke up in a bad mood. Apparently, the other contestants had some sort of secret pact because every Thursday morning he and Adam were left alone. After the second week of this occurrence, Kris had mentioned it to Adam, who had smirked saying at least he didn’t have to put up with loud inane chatter and got to spend time with the hot one in the house.
End Part 10