You Catch Me. I Catch You.
“Hi Jamie. How’s the move in gone? Are you all settled?” Fiona, Jamie’s boss asked. She was a warm woman. Softly spoken but a sureness in her voice meant you knew not to upset her. She had cropped brown hair, a neat style that absolutely reflected who she was. Feminine and strong. A long elegant face and always impeccably swathed in cashmere. “Take a seat.”
“Thanks Fiona, it’s gone well. I’m really happy thanks. We’re just adjusting to life together but it’s really great.” Jamie sat tentatively. He smiled broadly, he loved discussing how his relationship had progressed with anyone who would listen.
“Good to hear. Happy home, happy workforce is always how I approach things. Look, I’ll cut to the chase. You’ve impressed us here ever since you bounded through the front door four years ago as an intern. Look at you now. Managing clients, strategising new directions for them. It’s brilliant to see. They also trust you implicitly, which is priceless.”
Jamie recoiled. He always thought praise came with a but.
“There is a but.” There it was. Fiona ran her blush nailed hand over her notes. “I think you need something else. I know your mind, and don’t give any apology. I won’t hear it. It’s brilliant and got you where you are. I want to give you something new.” Fiona shifted, she looked out of her window, deep in her thoughts.
“Oh wow, Fiona thank you. I’m intrigued.” Jamie straightened.
“Good good. So. Here it is. Social Media is something that is growing at an alarming rate. Globally. I say alarming because I don’t understand it. But I’m also a businesswoman, I need my best people to get us a piece of that pie.” Fiona brought her eyes back into the room.
Jamie inhaled excitedly. “I’m listening.”
“We have our stock of clients, we’ve always aired on the side of caution here, gone for safe strategies to expand client outreach but I think we need to develop social media strategies and bring them kicking and screaming into the new decade. They’ll thank us eventually.” Fiona got up and leaned on her desk. “I may not know that much about social media and it’s true impact is still being assessed, but this could be a massive disruptor in our industry. Self marketing for example could put us at risk. We need to be front and centre. I need to speak with finance but I’m willing to trust you and let you run with this. Jamie, I want to offer you a promotion. Social Media Lead. Save me another evening agonising over a bottle of red and tell me you’ll do it for me?” Fiona looked square into Jamie’s eyes and pursed her thin red lips hoping for the answer she was looking for.
Jamie jumped and ran round Fiona’s oak desk and hugged her. She hated affection but made allowances for him. Everyone did. “Oh Fiona, absolutely! I won’t let you down.”
“That’s my boy.” She tapped his back, a signal to settle. He returned to his chair. “I’ll arrange a salary increase but I trust this figure will work?” She tore off a piece of paper and dropped it in front of Jamie.
£80,000. Plus expenses up to £20,000. P/A.
Jamie covered his mouth. “Are you serious?!”
“This is going to be a ridiculously competitive market to crack. I need you all over it. I trust you. Don’t go mad with the expenses account, but there will need to be schmoozing. Our clients are shallow bastards let’s be honest so butter them up. Woo them, get them to give us the business and take them into this new universe before some other agency gets their claws in.”
“I’m speechless. Thank you.” Jamie got up to leave.
“Take care of your home life too Jamie. You’ve done all this alone, promotion means adjustment. Be there for Dean, I know he’s doing well too. Trust me, balance home with all this. I will never forgive myself if work got in the way of this new relationship of yours. Ask my ex husband.”
“His loss Fi! Thank you! See you Monday!” He was gone.
She broke character and giggled as he left.
Jamie skipped from the tube to the apartment. He walked in. “Babe? I’m in the mood to celebrate. You’re going to love this.” He turned the corner and Dean was rocking back and forth on the bar stool by the island.
He dropped his bag and ran to him. “Dean? What the hell happened? What’s wrong?”
“I can’t. I can’t. I…” Dean was stiff with panic and wouldn’t make sense.
“Dean look at me. I want you to breathe slowly. Move to the sofa so you don’t fall. I’m getting you water. You’ll drink it. When this is passed, we’ll talk. Can you manage that for me?” Jamie held Dean’s cheeks. Dean’s eyes were manic and watery.
Dean nodded slowly and slouched to the sofa.
“My god. Come here. Quiet. Just speak when you’re ready. I’m here. Just close your eyes for a moment.” Jamie pulled Dean to him. Holding him tight. The quiet made them both fall asleep briefly.
Jamie woke. Dean was still asleep. He wasn’t sure what had happened but he knew he needed Dean to open up eventually. He felt uneasy, not at Dean’s state but that he didn’t know what he’d just witnessed. He went to grab a blanket and came back. As he tucked Dean in, he was met with those eyes. Red and puffy but still brilliant. “Oh god I’m so sorry. I’m such a fucking disaster.” Dean turned into the sofa, embarrassed.
Jamie tapped his arm firmly. “Excuse me. That’s my boyfriend you’re talking about there. Don’t chat shit about him. Not even I do that. Yet.” Jamie giggled and kissed Dean’s head. “Can you you sit up and tell me what’s going on?”
“Alright.” Dean got up and sighed. “I should be happy. I’ve been offered promotion in work. It’s overseeing a group of consultants at the company. It’s fucking insane money but I got home and had a panic attack. I froze. Couldn’t breathe. Can I tell you something?” Dean grabbed Jamie’s thigh and looked down. He needed to be honest with Jamie. Jamie did it for him.
“That’s amazing news! But tell me what happened. I can’t help if you won’t tell me. Don’t be scared. I’m here for you. Like you are for me.” He wanted Dean to lean on him. Trust that he can be there for him as much as Dean was for him.
“I know that. Ok, you’ve commented before how I’m strong and always there for everyone. I put myself under immense pressure to be that person. I am that person, I pride myself on being him but it comes from a place of worry and overthinking everything. My thoughts can spiral and sometimes they explode. Like now. I have extreme anxiety and I’m prone to panic attacks. They’re more manageable than they used to be. You’ve helped with that more than you know. But they still hit me like a bus. I’m sorry. I’m not entirely who you…” Jamie watched Dean crumble in front of him. It was a moment that Jamie cherished more than any other intimacy. He swallowed a lump in his throat. His man was hurting. Time to step up.
“I think you might need this.” Jamie placed his palm on the back of Dean’s neck. He’d learnt from the best. And it worked. Dean’s tightness loosened into a smile. “Don’t you dare apologise to me. You’re a brilliant man. You can fucking rock this new job. We just need to make sure our home is a place we can forget all that and just be ourselves. No pressure. All calm. Remember to rub Cinders like Ali said?” He hugged him tightly, giggling, hoping his optimism would transfer. Dean trembled. “Dean you’re shaking. What can I do?”
“I’m sorry. I’m meant to be your big boy and look at me. A fucking mess.” Dean started to cry, still not wanting to give in.
“Come here. I love you. You’re not a mess. That’s my title, I’m not willing to give it up either. Find your own.” Jamie laughed, his chest jerking made Dean laugh. A Breakthrough.
“You were fucking incredible just then. You knew exactly what to do. No-one has pulled me out of an attack like that quicker. You saved me Arden.” Dean gripped Jamie’s sides. For the first time in his adult life he leaned into someone, letting them carry him for a moment. The relief and the fact it was Jamie made him feel immediately lighter.
“Well it’s my job. You catch me. I catch you. Simple. Dean, this doesn’t change anything. I’m glad this happened in front of me. Have you hidden one these from me before? Tell me how they make you feel, so I can understand what you’re going through when it happens.” Jamie wanted to know how he could understand this hidden, fragile part of him.
“Maybe. I’m sorry. I should have been honest.” Dean went bashful. Like he’d hidden a broken vase as a child and just been found out.
“Stop apologising. Tell me what happens.” Jamie squeezed his hand. Willing the information out of him.
“You’re bossy when you’re looking after people. Christ.” Dean smiled and squeezed his hand back. “I uh, I fixate on the extreme of something and it starts to infect in my head and before I can do anything I’m drowning. I can’t move. My arms and legs lock, my chest closes, it’s awful. God it’s so embarrassing telling you this.” Dean raised a hand to his face in shame.
“It’s not embarrassing. In fact it’s really important I know. Thank you for being so vulnerable and letting me in. Do you feel better now?” Jamie rubbed Dean’s solid arm. So much strength hiding so much fragility.
“I’m getting there. I haven’t had one like that in a while. Last time was before you came here for the first time. Not because of you, it was me spiralling.” Dean smiled and his eyes wanted Jamie to tell him it didn’t matter.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past. What is more embarrassing is you can pull off a meal like that after having an attack and I can barely boil an egg. Does that make you feel better?” Jamie grabbed his cheek and laughed.
“Yeah. It does actually.” Dean smiled and kissed Jamie’s hand. He loved Jamie’s self depreciation to make him feel stronger. That was love. Demonstrated right there in front of him.
“Don’t push my kindness arsehole.” They slumped into laughter.
They settled into a lull of quiet for half an hour. Then Dean shook Jamie.
“Hey, how was your day?” Dean spoke from Jamie’s assumed position as little pillow.
“Oh god this is rubbish timing. Want to know?” Jamie pulled himself up to prepare his awfully inconvenient happy news.
“Yes. Tell me.” Dean’s hands tightened on Jamie’s waist.
“I had a promotion today. Pay rise, the works. I’m so excited, you’re looking at my company’s new Social Media Lead.” Jamie smiled flatly. He wanted to curb his happiness to give Dean’s attack space to simmer down.
Too late.
Dean launched himself over him and flattened him to the sofa. “Congratulations! Amazing! This is the best news! You’re going to be incredible!” He kissed Jamie all over his face, neck then he slowed as he continued down his chest and stomach. “Babe, I need to congratulate you properly.”
Jamie couldn’t deny, this tortured soul version of Dean was a sight to behold. He looked like a worn out warrior. Red eyes and cheeks, like he’d been to battle. He had in a way. Jamie couldn’t resist the face looking up at him.
“Ok big boy. Don’t let me stop you.” There was no room for foreplay. Dean needed to show Jamie his pride and appreciation immediately. It was rough, shirts scrunched, stubble stinging flesh, hands around necks. Dean crashed into Jamie. Filling him, Jamie clawed at Dean’s back as he reached his climax. He was rendered useless every time Dean got his hands on him.
Moments later as breaths became more regulated.
“We need promotions more often if it ends like that.” Jamie whispered. “Don’t hide from me again. Never feel ashamed of who you are, babe. Let me be here for you.” His eyes lit up at a thought. “Isn’t that mad? My head means I can’t hide, but yours means you do. What a pair we are.” They both laughed.
A little later.
“Dean? Come here please.” Jamie shouted from the bathroom.
Dean startled, He ran like a guilty teenager to the bathroom. “What?” He came round the door. “What’s this?” His eyes wide.
“You need to relax. I’ve run you a bath. There’s a beer ready. Radio is set to TalkSport. Get naked, get in. Shut up and chill out. I’m closing the door and going for a run. I love you. Goodbye.” Jamie kissed him and left.
Later, Jamie returned. “Babe?” He wiped his forehead of sweat.
“I’m here. Where you left me. I haven’t moved honestly.” Dean announced proudly.
Jamie crept to the door. “How’s my big boy? All soapy and relaxed I hope? Fuck you look good.” Jamie wen to him and bit his lip with a smile.
“You’re the sweetest to me. The best.” He grabbed Jamie’s arm and pulled him into the bath. Water splashed everywhere. They both laughed goofily.
“You arse! I’m soaked!” Jamie pushed himself to the side of the tub.
Dean’s eyes went heavy. “That’s the point. Look.” Dean pulled on his cock playfully.
“Dean Archer seriously? Naughty boy.” Jamie leant in and kissed him hard. Dean peeled back Jamie’s shorts and took him in his mouth. Jamie was more slight but his manhood was impressive. Dean never bored of giving Jamie attention. Jamie squirmed, runnning hands through Dean’s waves.
Jamie became ravenous, pulling Dean back and forth hard, he wasn’t sure it was what Dean exactly wanted but an answer came. Dean swung his palms out and back against Jamie’s cheeks. A sting. Carry on.
Jamie grabbed both sides of Dean’s head in fists and came in his mouth. Dean wouldn’t let go. Holding Jamie warm and wet as he burst all over his stomach.
Dean sighed and released. “Fuck, your cock is so thick. Love it when you take control of me.” They kissed through heavy breath.
“I like to keep you on your toes.” Jamie got up and grabbed a towel.
November 5th
“Good morning handsome.” Jamie kissed Dean as they woke together. “How are you feeling about tonight? Are you sure you’re up for it? I can cancel if you would prefer?”
Dean flung his body out of bed. “See. THIS is why I didn’t want to say anything or let you see that side of me. You think I’m weak now you saw me like that yesterday. I work hard every single fucking day to make sure I’m the strong and steady one. To make sure you’re happy and everything is perfect for you.” Dean stood at the foot of the bed. Muscles tense with anger.
“Dean what the hell? I was just asking if you’d rather leave tonight I was trying to be kind to you.” Jamie pulled the duvet up to his chin and trembled.
“No. This is it. You’ll start with this and then I’ll just become a fucking pathetic annoyance in your life. Jamie I’m not stupid, I know I’ve done my best to make you feel like you can be you around me but I know you’d rather be out with your friends. Up to whatever time, taking whatever and still be able to go and get a promotion the next day. I’m not wired that way. It’s not who I am. I’m terrified you’ll get bored of me here. I’m going to the gym.” Dean grabbed at his gym kit.
“No. Wait. Dean please.”
Jamie ran to him. “What’s the matter with you? Why are you being like this? I don’t feel or think any of those things.” Jamie’s heart was pounding. He didn’t know or understand what was happening.
“It’s me and my head. Just let me go and work out. Please? I need some space.” Dean pulled his arm away and slammed the door. Jamie sat on the edge of the bed and hugged his arms and stared. A tear rolled down his face.
Half hour later, trying to compose himself. He rang Gabby. “Hi. What are you up to? Can I come over?”
“Jamie why are you crying? What’s happened? Of course I’m just in the flat.” Gabby switched from nonchalant to alert in seconds.
“I can’t betray Dean’s trust but he’s woken up a different person this morning. I feel really lost and don’t know what I’ve done wrong. I need to get out of here. I’m packing a bag can I crash for a little while with you? I don’t know what happened.” Jamie put his hand to his head.
“Oh my god. Of course. Jamie just get here and be careful. Has he hurt you? I’ll murder him if he has. I’ll do time for it.” Gabby sounded like she was going to jump through the phone.
“No, no. Nothing like that. I’ll explain what I can when I’m with you. Ok give me an hour. Bye.” Jamie packed a bag in between bursts and went into the kitchen and wrote a note.
‘My Big Boy,
You need space. So here it is. I was trying to be kind this morning. I’m sorry if that didn’t come across in the way I intended.
I’ve gone to stay with a friend.
I’ll never leave you. Don’t be terrified. I’ve never been happier than here with you.
All my love,
Trouble.’
Dean returned an hour later. His eyes dropped to the note on the island. He scrunched it up, cried and gripped it.
He called the one man he knew would tell him what to do.
“Lee. How are you?” Dean called his older brother. Always wise, always detached from frenzy and drama.
“Bro, all good. Sounds like you’ve been in the wars. What’s up?” Lee delivered his lines dryly with a hint of actual concern.
“I had one of my attacks yesterday. After promotion in work. You know me. Immediate pressure on myself and my body tells me to fuck off.” Dean was back on the bar stool. Gripping the note in his hand.
“Well done. Chuffed for you. I know how that could have triggered you but why are you so glum now? Jamie said the wrong thing or what? He doesn’t mean it. He’s mad but not stupid. He…” Even Lee was on Jamie’s team. His spell transcended zones across London. They hadn’t even met.
“The opposite. He brought me out of it. He was actually incredible. He just started saying we can cancel our evening with his friends and I blew up. Said he’s treating me like I’m weak and he sees me as pathetic now.” Dean slammed his hand on the island.
“Christ sake D boy. So you’re with someone who loves you, knew how to handle your attack with no previous experience, tells you to cancel on his friends if you’re not up to it and he’s the bad guy?” Lee laughed. “Fuck. I’d hate to live in your head sometimes. That being said, he needs to appreciate these attacks are always going to be connected to you. You don’t like to show weakness, it scares you. He has to understand that. He wasn’t to know you’d react that way though.” Lee did little to hide his laughter.
“I fucked up. I have to apologise. He looked fucking terrified this morning. But I had to get out.” Dean tried to explain but he knew there was some work to do to get Jamie back.
“Don’t beat yourself up. It’s miscommunication at best. You’ll be ok. He might need some time though. Be prepared. Fights happens. Life happens. Shit happens. Sorry D boy, you’re not perfect, thought you should know.” Lee always knew how to make Dean laugh eventually and bring him back down to earth.
Dean clutched his neck. The thought of Jamie not being here made him light headed and forget about laughing a moment.
“Thanks Lee. I’ll keep you updated.” Dean needed to spring into action.
“Calm down. Bye.” Lee hung up.
Dean paced clutching the note and his phone. He sent a text.
DEAN: I’m so sorry about this morning. I’m a dick for the way I spoke to you. Please come home or tell me where you are. I love you more than anything. X
Dean didn’t have a response from Jamie all day. He decided to go for a walk, he’d prepare the evening as if it didn’t hang in the balance. He prepared an indoor barberque for everyone to enjoy. He was silent all day. In a daze. He sent another text. This time accompanied by a photo.
DEAN: You’re friends are welcome at our home. It kills me to think you might think otherwise. They’re great people and I’m really struggling here without you. Please come home. I love you. X
Dean sent a photo of the meal prepared and the drinks along with the sparklers he’d purchased.
Jamie opened his phone and showed Gabby. “Oh Jamie. This man is hurting. Please can you go back to him. Look, he wants you to have your night. Go now, talk it over, give us the all clear, we’ll come. If not, we’ll stay away. We’re all single, we need to respect this new dynamic. Also, our secret. If we come over, I won’t mention it ok?” She hugged and kissed his head.
“He scared me. I don’t want to stay away. He’s my home not Nottingham Hill. Him. Yeah, I need to go. Thank you, I’ll keep you updated. Love you.” He hugged her and grabbed his bag and darted for the tube.
He ascended the stairs and got to their door. He timidly came in and rounded the corner.
He watched Dean for a moment. He was beautiful. Wide shoulders, his wavy cropped hair disheveled, Jamie knew he’d been rolled up on the sofa all afternoon in between making another perfect evening. Then, the most awful sound. Dean sniffling back tears. Jamie simply couldn’t allow it.
He walked into the kitchen. “Whatcha makin me?” He leaned on the island and grinned. Dean spun round and his voice broke.
“You came home. Hi. Babe I’m so sorry. I….” Jamie stopped him. He placed a palm over Dean’s mouth.
“Dean, it’s ok to be vulnerable. It’s not a weakness, it’s honesty. Will you promise me to be honest with me when you feel this way? Let me see this part of you. Don’t be ashamed. Never be ashamed. I love you. We will fight in the future, of course we will, as much as you like to think we are, we are not perfect.”
Dean tried to speak but was muffled by Jamie’s hand. “Ah ah ah. Let me finish. When I take my hand away, I want you to repeat after me. Normal. Is. FUCKING. Boring. Anyway. Dean Archer, say it loud enough for people in Wembley to hear!”
He took his hand away and Dean mumbled the words.
“I can’t hear you.” Jamie pointed his palms at the ceiling while walking backward slowly grinning.
He repeated.
“Hmm what’s that sound.” Jamie put his hand to his ear.
“NORMAL IS MOTHERFUCKING BORING ANYWAY.” Dean laughed.
Jamie joined in. “That’ll do.” Then Dean chased him to the sofa.
“Don’t you dare get that marinade on my shirt. Fuck it. Kiss me.” Jamie pulled Dean to him. “God I love you so much.”
“Sorry I hurt you this morning. I need to work on myself. Less pressure. Will you help me? I took your offer as a sign of me being weak. That was shitty.” Dean nuzzled Jamie’s neck with his nose.
“Of course I will. Stop saying sorry remember? I can’t handle your face when you’re upset. It’s heartbreaking but gorgeous. I just want to hug you all the fucking time. Are you doing this on purpose so I do?.” He laughed into Dean’s ear.
“I’ll try to look more sad then?” Dean giggled into Jamie’s chest. “Babe, I want your friends to come over. I’m not going to ruin your evening.”
“Ok here goes and again. What I meant this morning was that I want you to be ok with them being here. That wasn’t calling out weakness, I was trying to help.” Jamie ran his hands through Dean’s hair.
“I know that and thank you. I knew that this morning. I’m just learning to let you and only you into that part of me. I’m a nightmare.” Dean sighed.
“Well, we can be nightmares together. I like that idea.” He kissed Dean’s head. He could lie like this forever. “What do you need me to do for this evening? Bless you, going to such effort.”
“I checked with everyone and they’re not vegetarian or have any allergies.” Dean felt almost embarrassed at his level of detail.
“You did what? You asked dietary requirements of them? Dean stop. You’re too fucking cute.” Jamie got up and pushed Dean to the sofa and traced a hand around his face. “Dean you’ll never understand how much you mean to me. I don’t want you to. I don’t want to have to ever explain it. It’s so big and complex to put into words.”
“Your mind. I love it.” Dean finally settled. A sigh that signalled a return to calm.
“Right chef. Get going. I’ll tell everyone to come by 7:30?” Jamie, like a dynamo, sprang into action.
“You got it boss.” Dean smiled, they were back on track, just like that. Even closer. Even stronger.
7:30 PM
Jamie laughed, he could hear the gaggle of his friends coming down the hall. He checked himself in the mirror. Black turtle neck, leather trousers. Hair neat. Dean passed him on the way to the kitchen. “Fucking knock out. Go get um.” He smiled at him in the mirror. Dean smacked his behind. “Fucking knock out!” Dean’s swagger was back.
“Love you.” Jamie called after him.
He opened the door. “Oi, you lot get in here before downstairs calls the police!” He shouted.
“There he is!” Trix crashed through the door with Lars behind her. Gabby was a little behind.
“You didn’t need to bring anything?” He hugged her.
“These aren’t for us. These are for Dean. I know he’s a beer guy and he’s my friend now too, I want him to be ok.” Gabby said into his ear.
Jamie’s eyes welled. “You’re the best. I love you.” He kissed her cheek and let her in.
“Dean! There’s nothing sexier than a gorgeous man handling his meat in the kitchen! Thank you for inviting us. This place is perfect!” Lars thanked him and hugged him shamelessly. Jamie laughed. Lars was a flirt and a menace.
“Haha, you’re welcome. We love our little piece of Notting Hill don’t we babe?” Dean called out.
“We do!” Jamie shouted, arranging a glass of wine for Trix.
“Dean? Can I borrow you away from your lovely meal prep for a sec?” Gabby grabbed his arm and pulled him to one side.
“Of course. Everything ok?”
“Oh yeah everything is fine. Listen, Jamie came to me earlier when you fell out. He gave me a little intel about the attack. I got you these. I know you’re more of a beer guy than the rest of us. Also, you have an absolute friend me. I get them too. Pick up that phone when you feel yourself spiralling. I want to help. Don’t be hard on yourself. Look at you both now. You’re ok Dean. You’re ok.” She hugged him tightly. She went to let go but Dean gripped her.
“Thank you Gabby. That means so much.” Dean took the beers. “That’s very sweet. I’m touched.” Dean realised what came with Jamie wasn’t just love, passion and chaos, but an extended group of friends. He felt warm at the thought.
Jamie looked over at the interaction and smiled proudly. Is there anything more precious than seeing friendships form before your eyes?
A little later they were sitting at the dinner table. The beginning of crackling and popping in the skies of London above them.
“How did you guys all meet?” Dean asked while rubbing Jamie’s shoulder. Jamie smiled at them all and Dean’s return to comfort.
“Me and Jamie go way back. We were in school together, we ended up in London after uni. I went to Central St Martins. I’m working as an assistant at the moment for a stylist. Loads of rich bitches and nasty celebs. I love it. We always said we would do London together didn’t we?” Trix knocked back more wine.
Dean was a little scared of her. She had wild blonde hair, huge blue eyes and a confidence that made him physically step back to give it space. He laughed, she was Harry in a dress.
“We did. Thick as thieves my girl.” Jamie wiggled his eye brows.
“These two on a night out Dean, wow. All I’m saying.” Gabby chimed in. “They like their fun that’s for sure. I met Jamie on our English course in uni. At Exeter. It was love at first sight.” Gabby smiled warmly.
“And I came crashing in on a night out during first year I think it was? And just can’t get rid of them. So annoying.” Lars teased.
“These guys undersell themselves babe. Trix over here is going to be a designer one day. Her parents have a wonderful summer home down in Cornwall, it’s beautiful. Gabby is our PR girl. You think I’m good with words, watch this one. And my Lars. My little horror. A genius in law now. Terrorising stuffy old barristers down on Fleet Street. Remember us getting totally wrecked in that old bar? We turned it from quiet after court drinks into Heaven. God we’re ridiculous. But I love you all.” Jamie grabbed Dean’s hand as he smiled at his friends.
“Well it’s fantastic to have you here.” Dean meant every word.
“Oh my god! My parents will be away next spring. Shall do a weekend at the house? I’ll bring the sweets.” Trix laughed.
“What does that mean?” Dean leaned into Jamie.
“I’ll explain later. Don’t worry.” He looked at Trix. “Beatrix Miller, will you behave.” He tapped her arm and giggled. “Yes that would be amazing. Can I bring this one? I want him to see it.” He squeezed Dean’s thigh.
“Of course! Wouldn’t have it any other way!”
They all cheered and clinked their glasses.
Later, they wrapped up in coats and took to the balcony. Gazing up at the fireworks over London. Something about the crisp air, the fluorescence of the explosions and crackles made Jamie lean into Dean more tightly. For a moment he forgot about his friends. “I love you so much. I feel like we’ve grown the last couple of days. Like we’re stronger or something. Do you feel it too?”
“You’re right. I’m not going to be hung up on not being weak around you. I never actually said thank you for yesterday. I could have hurt myself but you saved me. Can I kiss you please?” Dean pulled Jamie’s chin up to meet his face.
“Yes big boy. You can.” There was a collective sigh of happiness from his friends.
Everyone left at 11. Trix attempted to get everyone to stay out but not even Lars could be tempted.
“Well, what did you think? My crowd?” Jamie sat on the sofa opposite Dean.
Dean grabbed Jamie’s foot and rubbed his toes. “They’re very entertaining. Trix is totally bonkers and a little scary. But I’ll learn to love her I’m sure.”
“Mmm that’s nice. Oh you will. We get a little wild but we’re careful. Don’t worry.” Jamie shifted and went to open his phone.
“Yeah. I get that. Like I said before, if you end up in trouble, I want to know about it.” He pinched Jamie’s big toe.
“Ow! Yea of course. Christ I sound like we’re drug addicts. It’s every now and then we just have a bit of fun. Can I tell you about the house and what I want to do with you there?” Jamie crawled up to Dean and kissed him.
“It’s by the beach. You’ll have your most ridiculously small speedo on. I’ll just stare at you just about keeping yourself inside it.” He kissed again and pulled Dean’s t shirt off.
“I don’t own any but carry on.” He pulled Jamie’s jumper off.
“Don’t ruin my story.” He slapped Dean’s chest. “You wont need them for long. We’ll jump into the sea and kiss, and kiss and kiss. I’ll tease you and get you all wound up.”
Jamie pulled Deans’s jeans down and removed his trousers and briefs. Rubbing his behind against Dean’s growing mound. “Fuck babe. I love it when you’re on top.”
Jamie slammed Dean’s hands above his head and pointed at him. “Shut up. I’m not finished.” Dean bit Jamie’s finger. “You’ll chase me up the beach and we’ll get lost in the woods. I’ll fall, deliberately. You’ll crash down on top of me. Will you fuck me there, on the floor Dean? Pine needles scratching our skin?” Jamie let Dean sink into him. “Fuck yes. Lie back, let me do the work for you. You’ve done enough today babe.” Jamie arched backward, lifting his hips up and down. Crashing hard onto Dean. Dean looked on, mouth open, letting Jamie take the lead. Dean took him in. All muscle, all lean. Moving smoothly, strongly, like a wave above him. Jamie was perfect to him, despite what he claimed earlier.
“Babe, you’ll make me cum.” Dean dragged nails down Jamie’s thighs as he filled Jamie. Jamie hissed and moved back and forth as he erupted over Dean’s face.
Jamie settled and laughed through heavy breaths. “Ooopsie, sorry I didn’t plan on doing that.”
“I don’t fucking care. Kiss me.” Jamie crashed his face against Dean’s and they kissed through his mess.
