Fucking Movie Stars
They entered the Archer family home and Jamie’s eyes were wide with wonder. Craning his neck to take in as much as his eyes could stretch to see. Dean smiled behind him. He was jealous of Jamie now and then. Finding delight and excitement in absolutely everything he set his eyes on.
They were met by Barbara, the long standing house manager. A surrogate grandmother to Dean for many years. The keeper of childhood secrets and gatekeeper of the stories behind every bump and scar. Jamie was informed his assistance was required in Henry’s bedroom. His girlfriend, Emily, was struggling with a dress choice for the evening. Audrey had offered his expert eye in advance.
Jamie leapt, quite literally at the chance. “It’s the sixth door across the landing.” Dean directed.
“Oh only the sixth? Gosh.” Jamie rolled his eyes in a tease. He was gone. Jumping steps of the stone staircase to quicken his arrival.
He slowed on the landing and ran a hand over the stonework balustrades and oak panelling of the walls. He closed his eyes for a gleeful moment. His mind wondered to those who’d live here before. He imagined busy maids, elegant footman, beautiful society women and their handsome husbands. He gave out a little giggle. If you could see what we get up to in Archer Abbey now?
The sixth door across the landing was in front of him. He knocked lightly. A small voice called “oh do come in. I’m descent of a fashion.” With a bubbly trill.
Jamie smiled brightly and opened the door.
Emily was in a dressing gown of cornflower blue silk. All hair clips and dangling tresses. “Hello Emily. Jamie, Dean’s boyfriend. Lovely to meet you. I hear Audrey offered for me to help you with a look for this evening?”
“Oh Jamie! Fabulous to meet you! How brilliant, would you mind? I know it’s very assumptive that you haven’t got more important things to be doing.” She stumbled with the fabric of the dressing gown.
He was in love. A little English rose of light brown hair, bee stung lips and rosey cheeks. Her eyes matched the dressing gown. She was tiny, a whisper over five foot. All the Archer’s were in deed big boys in their own right, he hoped Henry was good to her. “Oh god no, this will be fun. Dean’s got the luggage. I’m free to explore.” He waltzed in.
“Oh you’re sweet. Well these are my options. Help me!” She pleaded theatrically clasping her hands together.
“Ok. Let’s have a look. You’ve got wonderful skin, it’s pale, in the best possible sense, almost editorial. This ink blue one? Perfect against your skin tone and that gorgeous hair and eyes. I wouldn’t go heavy with make up either. You don’t need it. Natural beauty for sure.” Jamie draped the dress over his arm as he complemented her. She recoiled. Jamie’s energy was clearly something she hadn’t experienced before.
“Wow, I’m thirty two and never been hugely confident but you’ve managed to make me feel like I can take on the fucking world in thirty seconds! Thank you Jamie. Why do I think we’ll get on very well?” She smirked at him conspiratorially. He winked at her.
“Let’s make pact. Me and you versus this band of brothers. Deal?” He dropped the dress on her hand.
“Deal. Ok let me get this on. Excuse my bum!” She giggled. Jamie warmed to this sweet little thing. She shuffled into the dress and paused. Jamie frowned. He watched her move with interest. All of a sudden she seemed heavy in thought. Then she did it, moved her hand over the feminine swell below her belly button. A protective caress. He knew. He went to her, a delicate hand on her shoulder.
“Emily? How long?” He waited for an answer. Maybe she wouldn’t offer one. He hoped she trusted him. A friend. A confidante. Thick as thieves.
“Oh gosh Jamie what do I do? I’m in a little pickle. I’m about six weeks late. Hen has always wanted children but never got past talking about that or marriage. We’re happy just floating through life. What should I do?” She turned to him and pleaded.
“Emily, I can’t answer that. You and Henry seem to be a brilliantly solid couple though? Not everything in this life that brings us joy is planned.” He bit his lip. Overwhelmed with the subject matter and the conviction with which he made his claim. The unplanned and joyous reason he was here, in this home, this bedroom, was out walking with his father and brothers right now. He reached forward and kissed her temple. “I’ve known you what, ten minutes? I already know you’d be a wonderful mother Emily.”
She turned to him and hugged him, her heavy dress falling around her legs. “Oh Jamie, am I going to be a mother? I have to break this to Henry before tonight.”
He smiled into her hair. She smelt of summer flowers. A summer baby maybe? Jamie wished. “Only you and your Archer can decide that. I need to go and find mine.”
She would. She’d wear the dress. Not too much makeup, she was already radiant. She’d tell Henry he was to become a father the following year. They’d sit on their news until February.
Later, Dean and Jamie were getting dressed for the evening. Jamie kept stealing glances at Dean. Every zip fastened, button pulled, cuff link clipped, god he wished they had time for everything he was witnessing to be reversed.
Dean looked dangerously good. His stubble, rough against the crisp white shirt - Jamie wished that stubble was dragging across his neck. His jaw, flirting with his bow tie - Jamie wished that jaw was in between his cheeks. The trousers, wrapped tightly across his behind - Jamie wished he was knelt in front of Dean, kneading those cheeks and bringing him to a shuddering end. The finale? The thumbs pulled under his lapel as he pulled on his jacket - Jamie wished they were pulling him to the bed. He licked his lips. Dean noticed. Mr IT never missing a detail.
“Why is it Trouble, that I think you’re planning or conspiring something? Huh?” The final tug of the lapel and Jamie moved to him. Only in his shirt, undone and nothing else but a smirk.
“Oh Big Boy. You look to good to share.” He kissed the underside of his jaw. “I was just thinking on how it would be wonderful if this family was to grow one day.” He let the words hang in the air between them.
“It already has, you’ve joined… Shit! Is Em…” The penny dropped with Dean. Jamie winced. He gave Emily his word. Surely Dean was a safe ear.
“I love you but for fuck’s sake keep your voice down.” Jamie put a hand to his mouth. “Breathe. I cannot have you panicking. Yes, Emily is pregnant. They didn’t plan it, but since when does that matter these days? She’s in the process of telling your brother. Do not say a word, you let them announce this. It’s not time yet, so let them be.” He whispered. His mouth so close.
“How did you get that information out of her? You know they’ve been together since they were 17? I love her. She’s a like sister to me.” Dean began to speak slowly, free of Jamie’s hand.
“I just knew. She was trying dresses on and kept cradling her stomach. Dean, you’re so rubbish at this gay thing. Haven’t you been privy to female conversations ever? Jesus gay guys and straight women, we could take over the fucking world. We have CIA levels of intel at our fingertips. Us bitches could bring down governments. It’s actually quite alarming.” He smirked again. He had a stealthy confidence since arriving at the Archer family home. He felt new somehow.
“I know I am. I don’t really have any female friends. I have my brothers, rugby guys, Harry and then work. I know I’m boring.” Dean bit his lip again. Always doubting.
“You’re not boring. Far from it.” Jamie let his hand slip to Dean’s crotch. “We don’t have time but I want every inch of this later. Sorry. I’m getting you warmed up. But if you dress like that what am I supposed to do babe?”
“Keep going. I love it.” Dean rolled his head back and closed his eyes.
“You do huh?” Just then Dean’s zip snapped down, Jamie would have his way, Dean caved.
Jamie whispered in his ear. “Happy Birthday again Big Boy.” He began to tug hard. Heavy breaths at Dean’s ear. Dean grabbed at Jamie’s behind as he squirmed.
“Are you going to fuck me later? Impress me Archer.” He licked his ear lobe.
“Yeah.” All that Dean could muster.
“I’ll be thinking of your cock in me all night. Don’t hold back babe. I can take it. I want to take it.” He held the lobe between his teeth.
“Fuck Jaim.” Dean was lost in the moment.
“You’re going to fill me up. Leave me fucking shaking. Go deep. Hands, tongue, this dick. I want it all.” He kissed Dean’s Adam’s apple. Tugging faster and faster. He’d take him in his mouth but they daren’t spoil their tuxedos.
A knock came at the door. “Guys we’re heading down. See you in there.” Lee’s voice travelled to them but they did nothing to stop.
“Yeah, we’re coming!” Dean shouted breathlessly. And so he did. Wet, warm and powerfully into Jamie’s fist.
Jamie laughed into his chest then pushed him away. He looked at Dean defiantly. Collecting every errant part of Dean on his hand with his tongue and swallowing before his smile spread again. Satisfied and full of Dean.
Welcome distractions now negotiated, they were ready for the evening. Dean too was smitten with Jamie’s finished look. His hair slicked back. His face shone.
“I’m so glad this is a family event. I’d be worried about still being able to call you mine by the end of the night.” Dean mumbled as they walked to the front door. Audrey requested they both stay back and wait for all guests to arrive. Jamie stopped him at the foot of the grand staircase. His soles echoing through the house as they slapped the flagstone floor.
“Stop. Why would you say that?” Jamie smiled because it was kind but he wanted to extract the doubt from deep inside Dean and flick it hard into the cold night with his finger. Dean shuffled and grabbed his hands.
“Sorry. I’m just lucky to have you. And don’t tell me to shut up. The point of being in love with someone is every now and then you do have to remind yourself they chose you. Thank you for choosing me. Eventually.” He giggled. “I must say I was expecting you to feel less comfortable today but you’ve just embraced everything. It’s brilliant to see.”
“Then I won’t. Dean, in Paris I wished we could escape into a Disney film. Live a life with those magical characters in that perfect life. I’m in a castle here, right now, in front of my own Prince Charming. Dean, you’ve given me my Disney film. I’m living and breathing it.” He leant forward and kissed his Prince softly on the lips. Their eyes closed at the moment their faces joined. Just as they do in those films.
“Well. You’re welcome Trouble. I’ll jump when you’re ready.” Dean squeezed his hands.
“I can’t wait Future Boy.”
They walked between the house and the hall. The sound of guests laughing, a band thrumming, glasses clinking delicately. Gravel crunching under their loafers and their path was lit by torches, flames dancing.
They were silent. They didn’t need to say anything. Jamie looked up into the night at the navy blue sky, a maroon snuck in underneath, the last light of 2010. Jamie smiled into Dean’s shoulder and squeezed his hand. The last colours of this year’s sky were theirs.
A gust of wind passed over him. He felt the old him be carried away in it and bid him farewell. He’d got him to this point after all. Now it was this Jamie. The confident, strong, in love Jamie who would see in the new year. Despite his evolution, he’d always be Dean’s Trouble.
They entered to a raucous cheer of “HAPPY THIRTIETH DEAN!” from everyone inside. Both smiled and basked in the well wishes.
Henry grabbed Jamie aside. “Good to meet you finally. Jamie, thank you for being such a gentleman to my Em earlier. Looks like next year is going to be busy. Don’t react, we’re sitting on this for a few more weeks. Thanks again though, uncle Jamie.” Henry grabbed him for a hug. Jamie held him.
“Oh Henry I’m touched. My pleasure. She’s a doll. Congratulations. I can’t wait to meet the little one.” His eyes threatened tears.
He caught his mother and father. He laughed as they forged friendships with the Archers before him. Despite the intelligence, wealth and power between them, they were still human beings laughing, joking and being silly. It was wonderful to watch.
Later, Jamie spotted Audrey with his mother, Martha Arden, Mrs Arden whispering in her ear and cackling together. Girls will be girls.
A little later, taking time out at the bar he felt a hand around his waist, threateningly close to his crotch. He knew the owner immediately. “Baby.”
Dean’s nose and lips on his ear. “Sorry I just have so many people to speak to. I just needed to grab you. Fuck.”
“Babe, you’re ok. I’m ok. This so your night. Have fun. I’ll be here later.” He loved Dean clawing at him like this but was painfully aware of the familial presence in the room.
“I’m just thinking about how I’m going to have my way with you later. Jaim, I just want to eat you out from now until New York.” Dean pulled him in hard.
“Dean Archer. Control yourself.” He spun and slapped his chest and laughed.
Before they could verbally fuck any further, “SPEECH, SPEECH, SPEECH!”
“Ok, wash your mouth out. You’re up. I love you.” Jamie pushed him in front of his well wishers.
Dean signalled everyone to quiet with his hand. “Alright alright. Mum told me I had to do this. I rolled my eyes at the thought before but I got to thinking about what to say. I don’t need a speech. This one is easy.” He sighed, laughed under his breath and ran his thumb along his lip.
“Firstly thank you to mum and dad, I’m forever grateful for how much love you shower me, Hen and Lee with. We love you so much. But, I need to say something else. I’m not normally a mushy guy so please allow me this.” Jamie tensed and the crowd gave out a collective “aww.”
“I started this year single, kind of happy, I had my family, my friends, my work. But that’s not everything. Not to me anyway. Jamie, Trouble. I know I pursued you relentlessly this summer. Guys, I think he was terrified of how boring it would be to date an IT guy to be honest.” Everyone laughed.
“But, you went on that first date with me and I’ve been obsessed with everything about you ever since. You’ve saved me in more ways than one. You know what I mean. You’ve made me look on life more positively. You’ve made life exciting again. You write me poetry. I’m not even joking. He does.” He told everyone proudly. “You’re one of a kind. I love you.” Dean walked back to him and hugged him tightly. Everyone cheered. He went back to his spot in front of everyone.
“I do want to raise a glass. Not to me. To those less fortunate. Those who don’t have the love and acceptance of the people in their lives. I never have to think about being accepted for who I love. It might be the twenty first century but it’s still rare to have this. I raise my glass to them.” Everyone was serious for a moment. It was profound. Everyone echoed:
“TO THEM.”
“Thank you everyone. Let’s party!” Dean roared and grabbed Jamie.
“FUCK YES!” Harry’s voice boomed and everyone laughed.
“Well done baby. That was fantastic. Proud of you.” Jamie kissed him hard.
“I’m gonna love you hard Arden. You ready?” Dean shamelessly grabbed his behind. Dean was hungry.
“Fighting talk Archer. I’m game.” Jamie pulled him in again.
“Oh I had something else to tell you. I made some more friends this year. But I can’t claim them as my best friends. They call you that. Come with me.” Dean grabbed his hand and took Jamie out into the drive way.
“You look like fucking movie stars!” Trix screamed. Her, Gabby and Lars were waiting for Jamie on the gravel.
“Babe. You invited them? You’re too fucking cute. Yes love me hard tonight. You’re everything to me. I fucking mean it. Everything.” Jamie kissed him and ran to his friends.
Dean looked on smiling. Jamie was happy. He was happy.
The night escalated into more and more merriment. Dean was bouncing between friends and family.
Jamie danced with his friends, commanding the dance floor. Teaching Audrey and his mother new moves and them failing miserably. Everyone laughed at the champagne laced efforts.
It was almost midnight. Jamie saw him. Their eyes met. Jamie grabbed him. “Come outside with me.”
He pulled Dean with him. They stole themselves away to the edge of the woods behind the hall. “Fuck Jaim it’s dark.”
“Dean, I love you. Thank you for the past few months. I’m where I never thought I’d be and I’ve never been happier. You’re responsible for the me I’m going into the new year being. I want to be yours forever. Will you have me? I know I’m Trouble but…”
“2,1…”
“Shut up. Don’t say another word. Yes I will. Happy New Year Trouble. I love you.” They kissed by the edge of the woods, while everyone poured out onto the gravel in front of the hall as fireworks erupted above them. Dean and Jamie ignored the commotion. They were already starting 2011 as they meant to go on.
Everyone began to fall away into waiting cars, certain party animals were keeping the night going.
“Dean, we’re heading back to our cottage with your rugby team and Harry. Fuck these guys are wild.” Trix grabbed him for a hug. “Happy New Year babe. We love you.”
He laughed into her wild blonde hair. Wondering exactly how long she would last. The thought of them and Harry together made him want to run and take cover. One party animal was notably absent. He knew where he’d be. He needed to go to him.
Dean made his way to his bedroom door. He knocked. Jamie answered. “Dean?”
Dean opened the door and locked it. He had to make his eyes focus. Jamie had his back to him. Naked. Peering through the curtains out into the night. Jamie’s hands were moving over his shoulders. “Come here Dean. Kiss my neck and take me to bed.”
Dean said nothing. Jamie was taking the lead. He was always happy to oblige. His lips crashed against Jamie’s neck, next a dagger sting of stubble scraped his shoulder. The hands found his middle and pulled him back against Dean’s firmness. Jamie had to turn and face him. Dean pulled him up around his waist.
“Fuck me. Fuck me all night. I love you.” Dean took him to the bed and dropped him to the mattress. The tuxedo was gone. No distractions. Christmas was delicate and drawn out. Maybe it was the promise of the new year, but they were animals that night. Fighting with each other for dominance. Hands left marks. Absolutely each other’s territory. They eventually rested at 4 AM.
New York was calling.
