[Fic] Kradam -- Kiss the Boy, PG-13, One Shot
Title: Kiss the Boy
Fandom: American Idol
Pairing: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert, Kris Allen/Katy Allen, mentions of Matt Giraud
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,205
Summary: The five times Kris and Adam have kissed since they met.
Notes: This was originally written as a warm-up for my aiholidaybash fic. Unfortunately, my long fic never happened. However, my recipient is still willing to accept this. So, here are five Kradam kisses for you. Enjoy!
Kiss the Boy
Their first kiss was innocent and completely Adam's fault.
On the Saturday morning after Matt was eliminated, an exhausted Kris refused to both get out of bed and open his eyes. "I'm checking the lids for light leaks," he mumbled into the pillow that he hugged.
Scoffing, Adam took a hold of the blankets on Kris's bed and yanked. Kris, who had wrapped himself in a cocoon in his sleep, hit the floor with a groan. Adam was chuckling when he received a retaliatory kick at his ankles, which knocked his feet from beneath him. Adam fell, with a startled shout, face-first onto Kris's bed. Kris's fingers were poised for revenge when he pounced on Adam. Ticklish, Adam giggled hysterically as he fought against Kris, who laughed and crowed, "Sweep the leg!"
After a struggle, Adam pinned Kris back to the mattress. Adam wheezed for breath as he straddled Kris; the wrestling match hadn't been easy. Kris stuck out his tongue and facetiously blew a kiss. Smiling wickedly, Adam bent low to breathe, "I win," into Kris's ear, and claim a kiss.
Kris tensed and recoiled when their lips tangled. Adam broke away immediately, his face flushed.
Sheepish, Adam kept his eyes ducked as he removed himself from the bed. His fingers fidgeted with the belt loops of his tight, black jeans. He felt like an ass. Kissing Kris, who was his married roommate and closest friend in the Idol bubble, was reckless and stupid. To say the kiss was a "bad idea" would be a severe understatement.
Unfazed, Kris lazily sat forward. "Well," he drawled, "that's the second time I've ever been kissed by a dude." He shrugged. "Want some breakfast? I'm starving, man."
∗ ∗ ∗
Their second kiss was not-so innocent and totally Kris's doing.
Two weeks into the Idols Live! tour, Adam (as promised) took Kris to some clubs in West Hollywood. It was a gig night and the Viper Room was crowded to its gills. People were herded close enough in proximity to share the same breaths. Colored light flashed over dancers, fans, loiterers, and wallflowers alike as the live music pounded from the tiny stage at the front of the milling madness.
Tipsy, Kris dragged Adam to a corner of the main room to drop onto the recently vacated edge of a black couch. Kris didn't mind the warmth from the previous occupants. He was happy to finally be sitting -- though, half of him was in Adam's lap.
"Whoops!" Kris hissed in shock when his weight landed on Adam's leg. He quickly realized that simply sitting next to Adam wasn't an option. There was a glaring young woman blocking his path. Kris giggled and breathed, "Jeez! This place is nuts!"
"What?" Adam asked over the din, which Kris heard clearly. (Somehow, being drunk made it easier for Kris to focus on Adam's voice.) Smiling, Adam shifted to press himself against the wall and give Kris more room.
"I said-" Kris began, louder, as he turned. Adam adjusted himself. Kris paused abruptly and grinned. Adam had a crush and it made Kris cocky.
Rolling his lips together, Kris leaned into Adam. "Am I making you hot, right now?," he asked with a sly wag of his chin. He rubbed his thigh against Adam's. The smile thinned on Adam's face.
Dang! If the club's lighting was just a tad brighter, Kris could see how deeply he was making Adam blush. He could tell from the queasy expression that Adam was sweating his flirtatious behavior.
"Like a Wham! video," Adam sarcastically replied with a pointed, "knock it off" look.
Kris snuggled his clean-shaven cheek to Adam's chest. Adam's breath hitched. Kris's eyelids slipped to half-mast. A slow, lopsided smile crossed his lips as he mused, "Remember when you kissed me?"
Adam looked exasperated. It was the perfect time to strike.
Smirking, Kris twisted to put a hand to the back of the couch. Adam's expression went from concern to shock when Kris gripped his knee and leaned-in for a long, soft kiss. It wasn't reciprocated. Adam seemed too stunned to react. Kris brushed his lips over Adam's jaw anyway.
Eyelashes fluttering, Adam deadpanned, "You're drunk," when Kris sat back.
"Nah," Kris replied with a shake of his head. "But now, we're even."
∗ ∗ ∗
Their third kiss was when Adam took things too far.
The tour was winding down (there was one week to go) and the tension on the Dude Bus was at an all-time high. Adam sat on the bus couches with Kris; he was attempting to relax after another argument with Danny. Kris tried to steer the conversation to something lighthearted by making dry-humored cracks, but Adam was at his wit's end. He needed to vent. He could not tolerate living in close-quarters with the vacuum of negative energy that was Danny Gokey.
"At some point, ignorance has to become a handicap," Adam said with a disgruntled glance to the curtain that led to the back of the bus.
Kris ran his right-hand over the back of his neck. "Preachin' to the choir, man," he replied with a sigh. "I don't get it, either. It's like he refuses to do something about his clueless-ness."
"I should just switch buses."
Kris laughed. "Oh, come on, how many times have you said that in the past three months?"
"Too many."
"Darn tootin', dude."
Adam's lips flattened into a line as he struggled to hold-in a snort, and he shot Kris a dubious glance. Kris winced and gave Adam a pained smile. Adam started to chuckle. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Did I just say 'darn tootin'?" Kris hesitantly asked.
Adam let out a loud, giggly laugh. "I can't believe you just said 'darn tootin'," he echoed.
Kris threw up his hands in defeat and shrugged. "Well, you know..." he drawled.
"You're from Arkansas?," Adam finished for him.
Kris's mouth clapped shut. He frowned, wounded. "No, I was going to say 'I'm just cool like that.'" He couldn't keep a straight face and started giggling before he finished "cool."
Their shoulders collided when they both pitched forward to laugh until they were breathless.
Kris was shifting to itch at his knee when Adam caught the side of his face. Kris hummed a few more chuckles before his eyelids became heavy. Adam ran a thumb over Kris's cheekbone. Kris's breathing was shallow when Adam inched forward. Adam paused to study Kris's face. He licked his lower lip in anticipation -- he saw no fear or protest in Kris's eyes. Kris's mouth dropped open to pant, which was enough of a invitation for Adam. Kris met the earnest kiss half-way, inhaling sharply through his nose.
Adam's heartbeat slammed at the back of his ears. He gripped both sides of Kris's face and deepened the kiss. Kris pushed forward; his hands fumbled for Adam's upper arms. Adam gasped and pulled Kris closer when fingers bit into the freckled flesh of his biceps. Kris crawled into his lap. Adam hungrily pulled another kiss from Kris's lips and bit down on Kris’s full bottom lip. Kris responded with a tongue flick.
"Kris..." Adam began quietly when the kisses finally stalled, but words escaped him. Kris nuzzled his forehead against Adam's and heaved for air. Adam rubbed his palm into Kris's neck. Kris smiled.
And then the world crumbled.
"Hey -- Whoa!," said a familiar, but startled breathy voice.
Adam froze. Kris grimaced and pulled away to turn his attention to Matt, who was poking his head through the sectional curtain.
Gaping at them, in utter shock, Matt sputtered, "I'm -- uh -- sorry to interrupt your -- uh -- fun. Yeah. Wow," and disappeared to the back of the bus.
Adam braced for the worst. He wanted to continue the impromptu make-out session, but he doubted that would happen. His suspicions were confirmed when Kris slid off his lap and turned to him with a sad, guilt-ridden expression.
"I have to tell Katy," Kris said in a solemn tone that made Adam want to pitch himself underneath the bus.
∗ ∗ ∗
Their fourth kiss made Kris question his morals.
Nearly a month and a half passed before Kris called Adam. He'd wanted to make contact sooner, but he didn't know what to say. Telling Katy that he'd cheated on her had been the single most difficult day of his life.
Kris didn't like to make assumptions, but when Adam hadn't tried to contact him either, he guessed that Adam was in the same boat or maybe, didn't want to be a bother. They had avoided each other after the "kiss heard around the buses." Kris was disappointed with Matt for telling the rest of the guys, but it was no more than he rightly deserved. Adultery was both a sin and just flat-out wrong in his book. His friendships had been damaged and Katy's trust in him was broken. It certainly was a mess and he couldn't run from it forever. Leaving problems unresolved was not how Kris functioned.
Now, his first single was on the charts and the album drop was looming. Kris knew Adam was just as busy as he was -- it was difficult to avoid the media coverage of a fellow chart topper. Making the phone call had been painstaking. Kris second-guessed himself so many times that he'd lost count. Though his mind was worried, his anxious heart was elated when Adam had agreed to lunch at Kris's Los Angeles apartment. Kris was surprised when Katy vacated the premises earlier that same afternoon. He didn't know what to make of her absence and it made him all the more nervous about the meeting.
Kris had difficulty reading Adam's face when he arrived. Adam looked calm, but ultimately guarded as he entered the apartment. He stood several feet away from Kris in the foyer as Kris shut the door, which put the kibosh on Kris's instinct to give Adam a welcoming hug.
Kris didn't even have a chance to lead them away from the door before Adam announced, "I'm not staying for lunch," in a hollow tone.
Kris's thin, forced smile fell and he nervously rolled his lips together. "I understand if you're upset--" he began, but Adam cut him off.
"Don't patronize me, Kris," Adam said flatly.
Kris sighed and his head drooped in shame. "I just don't want us to be all weird around each other," he said with a waving hand gesture. "What we did was wrong, but I'm willing to move past it, if you are." He swallowed. "I'm willing to move past it, if you aren't," he added quietly.
Adam frowned. "You're treating this like it's just some misunderstanding," he replied with a pointed stare and shake of his head. "It's not that simple."
"I know," Kris said with a sigh. "I'm sorry. I just don't know what to say."
"And you think I do?"
Kris’s hands flopped down against his thighs. "No. I don't know what to think." He paused. "I told Katy everything," he said tentatively.
"And?," Adam prompted, crossing his arms over his chest.
"We're working through it," Kris said and shrugged. He nervously scratched at his neck. "She's not happy about it--"
Adam rolled his eyes. "No shit."
"But she's dealing -- we're dealing. It's rough, but we're not getting a divorce or anything." Kris surreptitiously licked his lips before hesitantly adding, "If you were wondering."
"Of course, I am." Adam shook his head in offended disbelief. "This isn't a love triangle of scorn, Kris. I care about both of you. I love both of you."
Oh, gosh. Kris drew a shaky breath. "This is so stupid. I can't stand not being able to talk to you."
Adam blinked. "Who's stopping you?"
The question struck Kris speechless. He hugged his arms to his chest and ran his hands underneath the sleeves of his t-shirt. Katy hadn't ordered him to not speak to Adam. In fact, she was the one that encouraged him to do so. Kris hadn't because...
Kris realized he hadn't called Adam because he was scared Adam wouldn't want to talk to him.
Shaking his head, Kris heaved a shrug. He didn't know what he was doing or why he thought inviting Adam here was a good idea. He just wanted things to go back to the way they used to be, but he knew that could never happen.
"I'm sorry. I'm just being dumb," Kris whispered to his feet. His sad eyes lifted when he heard Adam move closer. There was a moment where they traded hesitant stares and then they were hugging.
Adam rested his chin to the top of Kris's fluffy head. Kris buried his face into Adam's shoulder and squeezed Adam's ribs until Adam laughed.
"I still need to breathe, Kris," Adam said, brushing his lips into Kris's hair.
Kris relaxed his hold and slowly pulled back. After carefully considering his words, and the painful palpitations of his heart, he upturned his face to Adam, who was watching him with a kind, resolved expression.
"Just one more?" Kris tried timidly, his voice shaking with anxiety. He knew it was a stupid move, but he was terrible at holding back his emotions.
Adam averted his eyes as Kris held-on with bated breath. With a sigh, Adam turned back and slammed a rough and dirty kiss on Kris's mouth. Kris didn't even get a chance to reciprocate before Adam was pulling away, and opening the door.
"Adam," Kris earnestly said as he caught the door handle. Adam halted. Kris swallowed hard. He didn't want to say goodbye, but he knew Adam needed to go. This wasn't going to work. Being just friends was no longer an option, and he had Katy, so being something more than friends wasn't an option either. "I -- I love you, too," Kris stammered.
Adam left without looking back. In a daze, Kris walked to his couch and sat down. He dropped his chin onto his fists, and waited for his wife to return home.
∗ ∗ ∗
Their fifth kiss came as a surprise to them both.
Katy had patiently awaited Kris’s homecoming for two weeks. He was off promoting his single. She’d busied herself with her own career aspirations and a handful of acting classes. It was still unclear whether things were going to pan out for her in Hollywood, but Katy was eternally optimistic. She would make it work, somehow -- just like she was working with Kris to make this marriage function. Katy would not allow them to fail.
The apartment was decorated from front to back, floor to ceiling with tasteful flourishes of ribbons, bobbles, and light. Bronze and cream were Katy’s chosen theme and she was particularly proud of herself for choosing the majority of the decorations, including the tree, on her own. Though they didn’t have a fireplace, Kris had still insisted that socks were hung and she’d tacked several throughout the apartment to tease him once he arrived. The presents were still hidden and would be until Christmas Eve -- save for the one sitting next to Katy on the couch.
Buzzed and content, Katy giggled into her mug of warm eggnog as Adam sang along to "O, Christmas Tree” in his best Donald Duck impression, which was fairly spot-on. It was his retaliation for her refusal to sing with him -- citing that she was tone-deaf and he was "so not.” Adam had scoffed and been talking in the cartoon-voice ever since. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself and that pleased Katy. She was happy he’d accepted her invite.
Adam abruptly stopped singing when there was a jangling of keys in the front door. An uneasy expression crossed his face and Katy pressed a reassuring hand to his shoulder as she sat her mug onto a coaster on the coffee table. They traded smiles and she put a finger to lips. Katy took off at a sneaky-trot to meet her husband when he opened the door.
Kris puffed out a relieved sigh when saw her. He wheeled in his bags and dumped an armful of packages to the floor. He didn’t stop to close the door before he was gathering Katy into his arms for a bear-hug. Katy giggled and strained to reach the door, which she managed to poke closed with her outstretched fingers.
"I missed you so much,” Kris breathed and clung to her, tighter.
Katy cooed and hugged him back. She loved how needy he could be. "Mmm, welcome home, rock star,” she mused.
Kris put a hand to her face and pulled her into a kiss. He tensed when his tongue touched her lower lip. His brow was fretted when he pulled back to look at her. "Are you drunk?,” he deadpanned in concern.
Katy snorted. "Yes! I’ve been drowning my sorrows,” she crowed with a grin. She leaned up to nuzzle her nose against his. "No, it’s just eggnog.”
"Oh.” Kris’s brow relaxed and he licked his lips. "Are you drinking alone?” He pushed out his bottom lip in a worried pout. "You know that’s how bad country songs happen.”
Katy giggled. "I happen to love those country songs, mister music snob,” she replied with a toss of her hair. She glanced back over her shoulder. "But no. I’m not drinking alone.” Katy cleared her throat. "Hey, stranger! Get out here and introduce yourself to the rock star.”
Seconds later, Adam appeared with a tight, hesitant smile on his face. Kris’s grip on Katy tightened when he nearly jumped out of his skin. He traded stares with Adam and neither seemed willing to say a word. Eventually, Katy rolled her eyes.
"Oh my gosh, you two,” she chided lightly. "You’re worse than girls -- just hug and make-up already.”
Kris seemed reluctant when he let Katy slip free. She looked between them, saw the duplicate remorseful expressions, and promptly pushed Kris in Adam’s direction.
"And I thought ‘I Love You, Man’ had a corny ending,” she huffed.
"Okay, okay. Jeez,” Kris finally relented with a sigh.
Katy watched-on in anticipation as they approached one another and muttered their apologies. When they hugged, she threw hands up in victory and gave a whooping cheer.
Kris and Adam both winced. Kris glanced back and stared at her in disbelief. "Liar. You are drunk.”
"Nope!,” she said with a furious shake of her head. She grinned wickedly. "But I am about to become the luckiest Kradam fangirl, ever.”
Adam laughed and put a hand to his face. Kris’s cheeks flushed as he gawked at her. "Okay, not drunk -- crazy pills. What the heck?”
"Mistletoe!,” Katy crowed and pointed above their heads.
Both Adam and Kris dumbly stared upward at the strategically placed leaves hanging from the hallway ceiling.
"Oh, shit,” Adam whispered and glanced down at Kris in shock. "Seriously, I had no idea that was there.”
"I believe you, man,” Kris said with a sigh. "She’s tricksy.”
Katy started clapping in-time with "Deck the Halls," which was playing in the next room. "Kiss, kiss, kiss!,” she chanted.
She cheered, again, when Adam and Kris obliged.
Fandom: American Idol
Pairing: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert, Kris Allen/Katy Allen, mentions of Matt Giraud
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,205
Summary: The five times Kris and Adam have kissed since they met.
Notes: This was originally written as a warm-up for my aiholidaybash fic. Unfortunately, my long fic never happened. However, my recipient is still willing to accept this. So, here are five Kradam kisses for you. Enjoy!
Kiss the Boy
Their first kiss was innocent and completely Adam's fault.
On the Saturday morning after Matt was eliminated, an exhausted Kris refused to both get out of bed and open his eyes. "I'm checking the lids for light leaks," he mumbled into the pillow that he hugged.
Scoffing, Adam took a hold of the blankets on Kris's bed and yanked. Kris, who had wrapped himself in a cocoon in his sleep, hit the floor with a groan. Adam was chuckling when he received a retaliatory kick at his ankles, which knocked his feet from beneath him. Adam fell, with a startled shout, face-first onto Kris's bed. Kris's fingers were poised for revenge when he pounced on Adam. Ticklish, Adam giggled hysterically as he fought against Kris, who laughed and crowed, "Sweep the leg!"
After a struggle, Adam pinned Kris back to the mattress. Adam wheezed for breath as he straddled Kris; the wrestling match hadn't been easy. Kris stuck out his tongue and facetiously blew a kiss. Smiling wickedly, Adam bent low to breathe, "I win," into Kris's ear, and claim a kiss.
Kris tensed and recoiled when their lips tangled. Adam broke away immediately, his face flushed.
Sheepish, Adam kept his eyes ducked as he removed himself from the bed. His fingers fidgeted with the belt loops of his tight, black jeans. He felt like an ass. Kissing Kris, who was his married roommate and closest friend in the Idol bubble, was reckless and stupid. To say the kiss was a "bad idea" would be a severe understatement.
Unfazed, Kris lazily sat forward. "Well," he drawled, "that's the second time I've ever been kissed by a dude." He shrugged. "Want some breakfast? I'm starving, man."
∗ ∗ ∗
Their second kiss was not-so innocent and totally Kris's doing.
Two weeks into the Idols Live! tour, Adam (as promised) took Kris to some clubs in West Hollywood. It was a gig night and the Viper Room was crowded to its gills. People were herded close enough in proximity to share the same breaths. Colored light flashed over dancers, fans, loiterers, and wallflowers alike as the live music pounded from the tiny stage at the front of the milling madness.
Tipsy, Kris dragged Adam to a corner of the main room to drop onto the recently vacated edge of a black couch. Kris didn't mind the warmth from the previous occupants. He was happy to finally be sitting -- though, half of him was in Adam's lap.
"Whoops!" Kris hissed in shock when his weight landed on Adam's leg. He quickly realized that simply sitting next to Adam wasn't an option. There was a glaring young woman blocking his path. Kris giggled and breathed, "Jeez! This place is nuts!"
"What?" Adam asked over the din, which Kris heard clearly. (Somehow, being drunk made it easier for Kris to focus on Adam's voice.) Smiling, Adam shifted to press himself against the wall and give Kris more room.
"I said-" Kris began, louder, as he turned. Adam adjusted himself. Kris paused abruptly and grinned. Adam had a crush and it made Kris cocky.
Rolling his lips together, Kris leaned into Adam. "Am I making you hot, right now?," he asked with a sly wag of his chin. He rubbed his thigh against Adam's. The smile thinned on Adam's face.
Dang! If the club's lighting was just a tad brighter, Kris could see how deeply he was making Adam blush. He could tell from the queasy expression that Adam was sweating his flirtatious behavior.
"Like a Wham! video," Adam sarcastically replied with a pointed, "knock it off" look.
Kris snuggled his clean-shaven cheek to Adam's chest. Adam's breath hitched. Kris's eyelids slipped to half-mast. A slow, lopsided smile crossed his lips as he mused, "Remember when you kissed me?"
Adam looked exasperated. It was the perfect time to strike.
Smirking, Kris twisted to put a hand to the back of the couch. Adam's expression went from concern to shock when Kris gripped his knee and leaned-in for a long, soft kiss. It wasn't reciprocated. Adam seemed too stunned to react. Kris brushed his lips over Adam's jaw anyway.
Eyelashes fluttering, Adam deadpanned, "You're drunk," when Kris sat back.
"Nah," Kris replied with a shake of his head. "But now, we're even."
∗ ∗ ∗
Their third kiss was when Adam took things too far.
The tour was winding down (there was one week to go) and the tension on the Dude Bus was at an all-time high. Adam sat on the bus couches with Kris; he was attempting to relax after another argument with Danny. Kris tried to steer the conversation to something lighthearted by making dry-humored cracks, but Adam was at his wit's end. He needed to vent. He could not tolerate living in close-quarters with the vacuum of negative energy that was Danny Gokey.
"At some point, ignorance has to become a handicap," Adam said with a disgruntled glance to the curtain that led to the back of the bus.
Kris ran his right-hand over the back of his neck. "Preachin' to the choir, man," he replied with a sigh. "I don't get it, either. It's like he refuses to do something about his clueless-ness."
"I should just switch buses."
Kris laughed. "Oh, come on, how many times have you said that in the past three months?"
"Too many."
"Darn tootin', dude."
Adam's lips flattened into a line as he struggled to hold-in a snort, and he shot Kris a dubious glance. Kris winced and gave Adam a pained smile. Adam started to chuckle. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Did I just say 'darn tootin'?" Kris hesitantly asked.
Adam let out a loud, giggly laugh. "I can't believe you just said 'darn tootin'," he echoed.
Kris threw up his hands in defeat and shrugged. "Well, you know..." he drawled.
"You're from Arkansas?," Adam finished for him.
Kris's mouth clapped shut. He frowned, wounded. "No, I was going to say 'I'm just cool like that.'" He couldn't keep a straight face and started giggling before he finished "cool."
Their shoulders collided when they both pitched forward to laugh until they were breathless.
Kris was shifting to itch at his knee when Adam caught the side of his face. Kris hummed a few more chuckles before his eyelids became heavy. Adam ran a thumb over Kris's cheekbone. Kris's breathing was shallow when Adam inched forward. Adam paused to study Kris's face. He licked his lower lip in anticipation -- he saw no fear or protest in Kris's eyes. Kris's mouth dropped open to pant, which was enough of a invitation for Adam. Kris met the earnest kiss half-way, inhaling sharply through his nose.
Adam's heartbeat slammed at the back of his ears. He gripped both sides of Kris's face and deepened the kiss. Kris pushed forward; his hands fumbled for Adam's upper arms. Adam gasped and pulled Kris closer when fingers bit into the freckled flesh of his biceps. Kris crawled into his lap. Adam hungrily pulled another kiss from Kris's lips and bit down on Kris’s full bottom lip. Kris responded with a tongue flick.
"Kris..." Adam began quietly when the kisses finally stalled, but words escaped him. Kris nuzzled his forehead against Adam's and heaved for air. Adam rubbed his palm into Kris's neck. Kris smiled.
And then the world crumbled.
"Hey -- Whoa!," said a familiar, but startled breathy voice.
Adam froze. Kris grimaced and pulled away to turn his attention to Matt, who was poking his head through the sectional curtain.
Gaping at them, in utter shock, Matt sputtered, "I'm -- uh -- sorry to interrupt your -- uh -- fun. Yeah. Wow," and disappeared to the back of the bus.
Adam braced for the worst. He wanted to continue the impromptu make-out session, but he doubted that would happen. His suspicions were confirmed when Kris slid off his lap and turned to him with a sad, guilt-ridden expression.
"I have to tell Katy," Kris said in a solemn tone that made Adam want to pitch himself underneath the bus.
∗ ∗ ∗
Their fourth kiss made Kris question his morals.
Nearly a month and a half passed before Kris called Adam. He'd wanted to make contact sooner, but he didn't know what to say. Telling Katy that he'd cheated on her had been the single most difficult day of his life.
Kris didn't like to make assumptions, but when Adam hadn't tried to contact him either, he guessed that Adam was in the same boat or maybe, didn't want to be a bother. They had avoided each other after the "kiss heard around the buses." Kris was disappointed with Matt for telling the rest of the guys, but it was no more than he rightly deserved. Adultery was both a sin and just flat-out wrong in his book. His friendships had been damaged and Katy's trust in him was broken. It certainly was a mess and he couldn't run from it forever. Leaving problems unresolved was not how Kris functioned.
Now, his first single was on the charts and the album drop was looming. Kris knew Adam was just as busy as he was -- it was difficult to avoid the media coverage of a fellow chart topper. Making the phone call had been painstaking. Kris second-guessed himself so many times that he'd lost count. Though his mind was worried, his anxious heart was elated when Adam had agreed to lunch at Kris's Los Angeles apartment. Kris was surprised when Katy vacated the premises earlier that same afternoon. He didn't know what to make of her absence and it made him all the more nervous about the meeting.
Kris had difficulty reading Adam's face when he arrived. Adam looked calm, but ultimately guarded as he entered the apartment. He stood several feet away from Kris in the foyer as Kris shut the door, which put the kibosh on Kris's instinct to give Adam a welcoming hug.
Kris didn't even have a chance to lead them away from the door before Adam announced, "I'm not staying for lunch," in a hollow tone.
Kris's thin, forced smile fell and he nervously rolled his lips together. "I understand if you're upset--" he began, but Adam cut him off.
"Don't patronize me, Kris," Adam said flatly.
Kris sighed and his head drooped in shame. "I just don't want us to be all weird around each other," he said with a waving hand gesture. "What we did was wrong, but I'm willing to move past it, if you are." He swallowed. "I'm willing to move past it, if you aren't," he added quietly.
Adam frowned. "You're treating this like it's just some misunderstanding," he replied with a pointed stare and shake of his head. "It's not that simple."
"I know," Kris said with a sigh. "I'm sorry. I just don't know what to say."
"And you think I do?"
Kris’s hands flopped down against his thighs. "No. I don't know what to think." He paused. "I told Katy everything," he said tentatively.
"And?," Adam prompted, crossing his arms over his chest.
"We're working through it," Kris said and shrugged. He nervously scratched at his neck. "She's not happy about it--"
Adam rolled his eyes. "No shit."
"But she's dealing -- we're dealing. It's rough, but we're not getting a divorce or anything." Kris surreptitiously licked his lips before hesitantly adding, "If you were wondering."
"Of course, I am." Adam shook his head in offended disbelief. "This isn't a love triangle of scorn, Kris. I care about both of you. I love both of you."
Oh, gosh. Kris drew a shaky breath. "This is so stupid. I can't stand not being able to talk to you."
Adam blinked. "Who's stopping you?"
The question struck Kris speechless. He hugged his arms to his chest and ran his hands underneath the sleeves of his t-shirt. Katy hadn't ordered him to not speak to Adam. In fact, she was the one that encouraged him to do so. Kris hadn't because...
Kris realized he hadn't called Adam because he was scared Adam wouldn't want to talk to him.
Shaking his head, Kris heaved a shrug. He didn't know what he was doing or why he thought inviting Adam here was a good idea. He just wanted things to go back to the way they used to be, but he knew that could never happen.
"I'm sorry. I'm just being dumb," Kris whispered to his feet. His sad eyes lifted when he heard Adam move closer. There was a moment where they traded hesitant stares and then they were hugging.
Adam rested his chin to the top of Kris's fluffy head. Kris buried his face into Adam's shoulder and squeezed Adam's ribs until Adam laughed.
"I still need to breathe, Kris," Adam said, brushing his lips into Kris's hair.
Kris relaxed his hold and slowly pulled back. After carefully considering his words, and the painful palpitations of his heart, he upturned his face to Adam, who was watching him with a kind, resolved expression.
"Just one more?" Kris tried timidly, his voice shaking with anxiety. He knew it was a stupid move, but he was terrible at holding back his emotions.
Adam averted his eyes as Kris held-on with bated breath. With a sigh, Adam turned back and slammed a rough and dirty kiss on Kris's mouth. Kris didn't even get a chance to reciprocate before Adam was pulling away, and opening the door.
"Adam," Kris earnestly said as he caught the door handle. Adam halted. Kris swallowed hard. He didn't want to say goodbye, but he knew Adam needed to go. This wasn't going to work. Being just friends was no longer an option, and he had Katy, so being something more than friends wasn't an option either. "I -- I love you, too," Kris stammered.
Adam left without looking back. In a daze, Kris walked to his couch and sat down. He dropped his chin onto his fists, and waited for his wife to return home.
∗ ∗ ∗
Their fifth kiss came as a surprise to them both.
Katy had patiently awaited Kris’s homecoming for two weeks. He was off promoting his single. She’d busied herself with her own career aspirations and a handful of acting classes. It was still unclear whether things were going to pan out for her in Hollywood, but Katy was eternally optimistic. She would make it work, somehow -- just like she was working with Kris to make this marriage function. Katy would not allow them to fail.
The apartment was decorated from front to back, floor to ceiling with tasteful flourishes of ribbons, bobbles, and light. Bronze and cream were Katy’s chosen theme and she was particularly proud of herself for choosing the majority of the decorations, including the tree, on her own. Though they didn’t have a fireplace, Kris had still insisted that socks were hung and she’d tacked several throughout the apartment to tease him once he arrived. The presents were still hidden and would be until Christmas Eve -- save for the one sitting next to Katy on the couch.
Buzzed and content, Katy giggled into her mug of warm eggnog as Adam sang along to "O, Christmas Tree” in his best Donald Duck impression, which was fairly spot-on. It was his retaliation for her refusal to sing with him -- citing that she was tone-deaf and he was "so not.” Adam had scoffed and been talking in the cartoon-voice ever since. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself and that pleased Katy. She was happy he’d accepted her invite.
Adam abruptly stopped singing when there was a jangling of keys in the front door. An uneasy expression crossed his face and Katy pressed a reassuring hand to his shoulder as she sat her mug onto a coaster on the coffee table. They traded smiles and she put a finger to lips. Katy took off at a sneaky-trot to meet her husband when he opened the door.
Kris puffed out a relieved sigh when saw her. He wheeled in his bags and dumped an armful of packages to the floor. He didn’t stop to close the door before he was gathering Katy into his arms for a bear-hug. Katy giggled and strained to reach the door, which she managed to poke closed with her outstretched fingers.
"I missed you so much,” Kris breathed and clung to her, tighter.
Katy cooed and hugged him back. She loved how needy he could be. "Mmm, welcome home, rock star,” she mused.
Kris put a hand to her face and pulled her into a kiss. He tensed when his tongue touched her lower lip. His brow was fretted when he pulled back to look at her. "Are you drunk?,” he deadpanned in concern.
Katy snorted. "Yes! I’ve been drowning my sorrows,” she crowed with a grin. She leaned up to nuzzle her nose against his. "No, it’s just eggnog.”
"Oh.” Kris’s brow relaxed and he licked his lips. "Are you drinking alone?” He pushed out his bottom lip in a worried pout. "You know that’s how bad country songs happen.”
Katy giggled. "I happen to love those country songs, mister music snob,” she replied with a toss of her hair. She glanced back over her shoulder. "But no. I’m not drinking alone.” Katy cleared her throat. "Hey, stranger! Get out here and introduce yourself to the rock star.”
Seconds later, Adam appeared with a tight, hesitant smile on his face. Kris’s grip on Katy tightened when he nearly jumped out of his skin. He traded stares with Adam and neither seemed willing to say a word. Eventually, Katy rolled her eyes.
"Oh my gosh, you two,” she chided lightly. "You’re worse than girls -- just hug and make-up already.”
Kris seemed reluctant when he let Katy slip free. She looked between them, saw the duplicate remorseful expressions, and promptly pushed Kris in Adam’s direction.
"And I thought ‘I Love You, Man’ had a corny ending,” she huffed.
"Okay, okay. Jeez,” Kris finally relented with a sigh.
Katy watched-on in anticipation as they approached one another and muttered their apologies. When they hugged, she threw hands up in victory and gave a whooping cheer.
Kris and Adam both winced. Kris glanced back and stared at her in disbelief. "Liar. You are drunk.”
"Nope!,” she said with a furious shake of her head. She grinned wickedly. "But I am about to become the luckiest Kradam fangirl, ever.”
Adam laughed and put a hand to his face. Kris’s cheeks flushed as he gawked at her. "Okay, not drunk -- crazy pills. What the heck?”
"Mistletoe!,” Katy crowed and pointed above their heads.
Both Adam and Kris dumbly stared upward at the strategically placed leaves hanging from the hallway ceiling.
"Oh, shit,” Adam whispered and glanced down at Kris in shock. "Seriously, I had no idea that was there.”
"I believe you, man,” Kris said with a sigh. "She’s tricksy.”
Katy started clapping in-time with "Deck the Halls," which was playing in the next room. "Kiss, kiss, kiss!,” she chanted.
She cheered, again, when Adam and Kris obliged.