![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
freakykatTitle: crumble and fall (like an animal)
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
freakykat
Rating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert
Summary: Kris knew from the first moment he met Adam that they were supposed to be something important.
The arriving signal sounds out in the house at three in the morning and Kris is out of his bed before the first note has faded. He rushes down the hall, waving people back into their rooms. One of the kids runs in front of him towards the doors and he picks her up, whispers that she needs to wait and hands her back to Lil. He waits until the door is securely shut before running down the stairs.
He helps Sarver push the double doors to the rear entrance open, ignores his “Sir, it's raining out there” and stands in the doorway. The men trample in tiredly, some glancing at Kris with small smiles, others bowing before making their way around them. Matt stumbles through, bruises on his arms and face but all in one piece and Kris breathes a little easier. He hears Megan giving orders for coffee and he jerks his head toward the kitchens as Matt grins, walking past him.
He studies them as they limp, saunter, gallop through. There are a few who haven't transformed yet, too tried Kris reckons to expand that energy. He bends when Anoop staggers in, one leg gashed, blood running down to pool on the floor. Kris touches Anoop's head and turns to Sarver, tells him to take all the injured to the infirmary. Allison bounds down the stairs but before she can say anything, Kris holds up a hand. “Alli, go get Dr. Mills. Now.” She turns on her heels and breaks into a run.
Someone pauses in front of him and his heart races for a second before he focuses and realizes it's not who he was expecting.
“Andrew. I'm glad you're okay.”
“Me, too.” Andrew gives him a shy smile, tinged with that slight hunger always present when aimed at Kris.
“Causalities?”
Andrew shakes his head. “None.”
“Injuries?”
“We sustained quite a few but nothing too serious. I think Anoop was our worst.” Andrew smiles a little wryly. “I think we'll be fine.”
Kris breathes easier, pats Andrew's shoulders, gaze flicking behind him every few seconds.
“He's checking in with Katy and the rest of security. Said he wants to make sure we get some more up before the night is over.”
Andrew doesn't say anything more, just moves past Kris, brushing against his arm accidentally. Kris moves back slightly, ignores everything else when he sees Adam saunter up the path and a smile breaks across his face before he can stop it.
Adam looks up at him, freezes when their eyes meet, his own face twisting with so many emotions that it might as well be unreadable. He blinks and Adam is there, pulling him up, arms at Kris' waist. He hugs him in that deep all enveloping way he has and Kris can smell the blood, the wet scent of mud and fur. He shudders a little, clutching at Adam's shoulders, feels Adam's hands tighten on his back. His nose buries itself in Kris' neck.
“Hi.”
Kris laughs at the smothered greeting, runs one hand over the back of Adam's head, pushes him away gently. There's only so much he can take. Really. His gaze roams over Adam, checking for injuries, missing limbs. “You look okay.”
Adam blinks tiredly, raises an eyebrow lazily. “Just okay? Way to make me feel secure, baby.” Adam smiles and then nods. “We're all fine.”
He frowns and leans in, nose rubbing against Kris' cheek, eyes darkening, but he doesn't say anything. They flick over to where Andrew is standing and narrow dangerously. “Do I really need to have a talk with him?” Adam's voice has gone steely, a growl underlining the words.
“It's fine, Adam.”
“I think I may have to set up some rules here.”
Kris is going to say it won't be necessary but Adam looks back at him, cutting him off. “We need to talk to King Neil. Together.”
Kris nods. “After you've rested.”
Adam starts to shake his head but Kris glares, arms folded. “Non-negotiable, Lambert. Bath, food, nap. Then, we'll talk to my father.”
Adam grins at him. “It's really cute how you make that face.”
He doesn't blink. “Don't push me, Adam.”
Kris hears Adam's frustrated growl but ignores it, grabs his hands and pulls him up the stairs.
If he holds his hand tighter than normal, neither one of them say anything.
“Kristopher. You can come in here, you know.”
He folds the tattered and dirty jeans – Gucci, he thinks – neatly onto the chair on the opposite end of the room. Kris closes his eyes and responds, his voice steadier than he expects it to be.
“Are you decent?”
Adam groans. “Honey, I haven't been decent in years.”
Kris doesn't smile. He doesn't.
“You know what I mean, asshole.”
“You've seen me naked before, Kris!”
He's still processing that. They weren't supposed to be that. It was all – everything – was supposed to be in the name of the clan and their duties. It didn't matter that all Kris had ever wanted was for Adam to look at him the way he'd always looked at Adam. He needs Adam to want him. He half-believes that Adam does. But he'd thought that once before. If he's wrong...
Kris can't handle having Adam so close and not close at all.
He doesn't respond and Adam's loud sigh echoes through the door. There are sounds of splashing and then Adam says, “You can come in now. Wuss.”
Kris makes a face, entering cautiously. He sees that Adam has covered up with bubbles and he laughs, ignores the cartwheels in his stomach at the sight of Adam's leg draped over the side of the tub, water dripping slowly off. Kris fights the urge to lap the drops from his skin and forces his eyes to meet Adam's steady blue. The color is deeper than normal, that emotion behind the look that Kris can't decipher because Adam's never aimed it at him before.
Kris moves to the sink, turns and leans against it, keeps his eyes firmly on Adam's face. He raises his brow, waits for Adam to speak. He wants to demand to know why Adam took so long, remind him that he could have sent word or maybe picked up a phone.
Adam narrows his eyes at him. “I wanted to get back here as fast I could. And there was...an unexpected delay in Texas.”
Kris starts to ask but Adam shakes his head.
“I'll explain when I debrief your father.”
Adam shifts, sending water splashing over the rim of the tub, and Kris' gaze follows the reveal of skin. He licks his lips, breathes through his mouth and nods to say he understands. He needs to get out. He meets Adam's dark gaze, swallows at the predatory smile that spreads over his face.
Kris will never understand how someone as beautiful as Adam even exists.
“We took Riverside County.”
Kris startles, heart beats erratically. That meant they had a firm grip on Southern California. He smiles proudly at Adam. “That's great news.”
Adam is watching him, searching for something in Kris' face. He relaxes into the water but his gaze never strays from Kris.
The question surprises him when it comes. It's been many years since Adam had this doubt, this worry.
“You really willing to give up your place, Kris?”
It wasn't like it was his choice. This was the way it had always meant to play out. Adam was alpha. There had never been one moment since Kris had met him that he wasn't aware of that. Kris had never been meant to lead. Not in the way Adam could. So.
“It was never mine to give up. You know that.”
Anger flickers over Adam's face. “But that's what you think? You don't see that you're the other part of it? That's what bonding means. We do this together.”
He pushes past the uncomfortable ache in his chest and gives Adam a half smile, left side curving up. “Now tell me. How did you feel?”
Adam studies him intensely before breaking out into a grin. “Fucking amazing.”
Kris laughs. “Right on.”
He pretends not to notice Adam's gaze fall to his mouth. Smothers the hope that flares at that. Adam grimaces and Kris uses that opportunity to distract himself. Pushing off the edge of the sink, he's kneeling at the tub in seconds, hands tracing the nasty bruise on Adam's right shoulder, the scrape of teeth visible on his neck. He quells his panic but the long scratches down Adam's back make him growl quietly.
Adam's tilts his head up to look at him. “It's not as bad -”
“Shut up,” Kris stands abruptly, marches to their well-stocked medicine cabinet and takes out the first aid kit Cale had made for them. He pulls out ointments, bandages, alcohol, cotton balls – the mundane chore helping calm him, “Why didn't you say you were hurt?”
Adam sighs, “Because it's all superficial, Kris.”
Kris stops and breathes. “I don't care. You need to stay healthy and alive, Adam. Do you understand?”
“Baby -”
Kris cuts off the endearment with a hand gesture. “No. Adam. If something happens to me, that's fine.”
Adam tenses. “The fuck it is!”
Kris ignores him. “You're their leader, okay? I just -” Kris pauses, looks up at Adam and then starts to laugh, his nerves getting the better of him, fear curling up cold and brittle in his stomach. He sees Adam's brow shoot up into his hairline and it gets him going even more. He can't quite tell Adam exactly why he's close to freaking out. When he stops laughing, Adam's got that bemused expression he gives Kris. A lot.
“We are ridiculous.” Kris says, shakes his head as he brings everything over. He pulls up the little stool that Adam keeps in the bathroom. Sitting down, he pushes his fingers gently into Adam's skin, soothing. Adam's breath hitches and Kris frowns, leans in to kiss the bruise, whispers, “I'm sorry. Did that hurt?”
Adam makes a sound at the back of his throat, shakes his head and before Kris even knows what's happening, Adam's hands are on his waist, pulling. He flails, dropping the cotton ball and seconds later he's wet, lying on top of Adam. Kris glances up and the reprimand on his lips freezes at the heat in Adam's eyes. It settles in Kris' stomach when that hot gaze falls to his mouth. One of Adam's hands grips the back of Kris' head, threads fingers through his hair.
Kris can't think with Adam this close. He shuts his eyes, shudders as Adam moves him up, leans his lips against Kris' “Did you miss me?”
He swallows against the response that wants to fly out of his mouth.
Adam's grip tightens and it forces Kris to open his eyes, meet Adam's gaze. There's a tremor in his voice, slight doubt in his stare when he says, “Say something, Kristopher.”
Kris rolls his eyes, pushing up slightly and snorts. “It's a stupid question, Adam.” He gives him an angry glare. “Of course I missed you. I always miss you. I've never stopped missing you when you've been gone.” Kris grits his teeth because sometimes. “Now can I get up, please?”
Adam's stare is probing and Kris doesn't understand. “Adam-”
His words are cut off by Adam's mouth. He pushes up, both hands delving into Kris' hair, holds him steady, tongue coaxing Kris'. He hears a groan escape as he opens to Adam, falls into the space between them, his hands clutching on Adam's shoulders. He arches back and down, his jean-clad thigh (soaked now) rubs against Adam's cock and he sucks in the moan that elicits.
It's heady knowing that he can make Adam come undone like this. He may not own Adam’s heart, Kris doesn't know if that will ever happen, but Adam wants him.
Adam wants him.
There are hands yanking his shirt up and Kris moves back, helps to get it out of the way. His skin meeting Adam's, warm and damp, makes Kris whine, his own hands trailing down Adam's chest to his stomach and further south until he wraps one around Adam’s hard length, leans in to lick a stripe up Adam's neck when he bends back, exposing the skin to Kris. He bites, kisses the mark, letting his mouth linger there.
It's in his head thrumming like a beat, those words he's felt his entire life.
I love you.
He flinches, the thought sharp in his heart and chest, but he can't say them. Adam would feel like he had to return the sentiment even when he didn't mean it the way Kris ached for him to. What they are is more than Kris had ever believed they would be.
Adam is his.
He is Adam's.
That will be enough.
Adam's hands on his face bring him back to the moment. He catches the concerned look on Adam's face, his soft “Hey, baby. You still with me?” makes Kris' pulse quicken. He nods in return, smiles wide and kisses Adam, deepens it, his hand moving over the red-swollen head of Adam's cock, thumb circling over the leaking slit. Adam's eyes flutter closed when Kris starts a steady pace.
“Oh fuck.”
Kris' mouth hovers on Adam's, their harsh breathing mingling together while he works Adam into a crescendo. “Please.”
Adam eyes slit open, bluer than anything Kris has ever seen. There's a question in them, something Kris hoped wouldn't be. He doesn't want doubt from Adam. He stops his movement which elicits whine and he can't help smile into Adam’s cheek, kissing it in apology. His own cock is so hard, it's painful.
Kris pulls away, his hands fumble for his jeans and underwear. It takes Adam a second to gather his senses but when he does, he helps Kris discard his clothes. He opens his mouth to say something, Kris doesn't know what, but it become a strangled gasp when Kris pushes down onto Adam's cock, cutting off his yell with clamped teeth.
Adam starts to panic, tries to pull him off but Kris' fingers dig into his shoulders. “I need – I need you.”
“We need to – oh shit, Jesus, fuck – get you – shit.”
Kris starts to rise and his eyes tear up at the pain but he works through it, slides back down on Adam, easier, smoother. Adam's arms are around Kris' waist, trying to steady the jerky movement of his hips. Kris changes his angle, bends back slightly and –
“Oh, god. That's – I – ”
The head of Adam's dick brushes over his prostate, shooting sparks of pleasure all through his body. It's better than the first time. It's making him want more. Too much. Things that he doesn't think Adam can ever give him. He pushes down hard as Adam's pushes in and they groan in unison. Kris' hands clench on Adam's head, gripping his hair hard, tugging up. Adam's face is buried in Kris chest, his sounds muffled against the flesh there. He opens his mouth over Kris' nipple, flicks his tongue. The sensation sends Kris over the edge and he comes in ribbons between their joined bodies.
He melts against Adam, pliant and yielding. Kris moves when Adam pushes him off, turning him to fall on his back, water splashing everywhere. Adam leans over Kris, enters him in one, long hot slide, Kris' legs flung over Adam's shoulders. He can hear the faint grunting as Adam pushes in harder, faster, losing control. He hides his face in Kris' neck, tightens his hold on Kris' hips so hard Kris knows there will be bruises in the morning.
His movements become stuttered, rhythm faltering and he growls into Kris' skin.
“Mine.”
It sends a thrill through Kris' body as Adam comes inside him.
Kris isn't sure how long they've been lying in the tub, but he figures it's been some time.
The water is pretty cold.
He pushes up on his elbows, meets Adam's half-lidded gaze, receives a sweet smile that makes his heart flutter.
“We should get up.”
Adam makes a protesting noise, cards fingers through Kris' hair, resting his hand on the back of Kris' neck. “I like being here with you. Like this.”
Kris blushes and Adam's smile widens. He traces one finger over the heat spreading down Kris' face and chest. “I always wondered how far your blushes went.” He laughs softly when Kris rolls his eyes, leans up to capture it with his lips. The kiss is slow, gentle and languid. Adam explores Kris' mouth, learns the crevices and curves there. It's every kiss Kris ever imagined and nothing like he ever expected. It's like the first kiss only deeper, more.
By the time Adam's finished, dropping kisses on his cheeks, Kris is breathless and dizzy. He leans down on Adam's chest, sighs happily.
“I missed you.”
Kris smiles into Adam's skin, mumbles. “I missed you, too.”
Adam tries to figure out when he fell so hard. The exact moment he realized what he felt for Kris wasn't just a phase, a crush. That it was something more. Everything more.
Adam thinks that Brad would happily point out that it's been a fact his entire life. He was just too stubborn and scared to see it. Kris walks across the bedroom – their bedroom now – to the closet, pulls out one of his infinitely-numbered plaid shirts. Adam cringes and makes a mental note to have Cassidy update Kris' wardrobe. He knows it's wishful thinking to hope that Kris will actually wear anything Adam gets made for him but he thinks he might be able to get him to change it up every once in a while.
He's in love with a man that wears plaid with Converses on a good day.
Adam grins at the thought and when Kris turns to look at him, he raises an eyebrow in question.
“What's that for?”
Adam shrugs.
He's happy. It's not a feeling he's been familiar with in a long time. It's not a shock, because Kris has always made Adam happy in some way or another. But this is different. This is his completely. Kris doesn't look at anyone the way he looks at Adam. It's something he's learned in the last few weeks but it hits him at that moment.
“Marry me.”
Kris freezes in the middle of tying his shoe, wide stare flicking up to meet Adam's. “What?”
Adam holds his gaze. He recalls what he said to Kris when he left. The cruel words he'd used to push him away. And the deal they'd made for him to come back – his excuse to buy time until he could do this. Ask like he wants to. He holds his breath as Kris' face gives away the full array of emotions he's going through and Adam has never been happier that Kris can't hide anything from him.
Kris looks back down at his shoes, finishes tying them before standing up slowly. His every move seems to be thought out and Adam's stomach drops. He can't say he blames Kris for being – scared? Disbelieving? Untrusting? Kris glowers at him and Adam remembers that he can't hide anything anymore either.
Kris sighs. “I trust you. More than anyone. In this world, Adam. I've never been afraid of what -” He shakes his head, stands in front of Adam. “You don't need to do this.”
Actually he does. But what's more important is he wants to.
Adam wants it more than pretty much anything he’s wanted in his entire life. Kris is his. His mate. Forever. It took him long enough to understand what that meant and how it was everything he'd been missing. But he has this urge to have the world know Kris belongs to him.
“I want to, Kris.”
Adam touches Kris' face, smiles happily. “Think about how awesome that party will be.”
Kris chuckles softly, leans into Adam's hand, turning his face to kiss the palm gently. “It would be, yeah. But it's not necessary. We're together. You and me. You belong to me and I belong to you. That's all that matters.”
“That's not completely true.”
Daniel's voice rings out and they jump, turn to see him leaning in the door frame. Adam lets go of Kris long enough to hug him, clutching for several moments. Daniel pulls away first, looks over at Kris.
“Dad wants to speak to both of you.”
Kris looks at Adam when he flinches, brows furrowed. “Do you know what this is about Adam?”
He doesn't and shakes his head.
But something tells him, it can't be good.
“Wait. Let me get this straight.” Brad leans forward in his chair, glaring at the two Heads of the Lycan House that sat flanking the King. “You're saying that if Cowell wants to he can declare Kris his because he bought him?” They nod calmly and Adam grips the back of his father's chair tighter.
“Well, fuck that.”
Adam loves Brad.
Kris hasn't said a word since they walked in the room. Adam wants to rip someone apart. Preferably Cowell. Or Ted Allen.
They'd known he was an evil bastard. Betraying the clan, overturning his own brother, aligning himself with the likes of Abdul and Cowell. But selling Kris? To that monster?
As cliché as the thought might be, Hell will freeze over before Adam gives Kris up.
“Is this even legit? I mean how could he sell Kris?” Tommy asks the room in general but his stare meets Kris'.
Kris takes a deep breath. “He was the head of the clan. That position gives you a lot of rights, including selling and trading your family like commodities apparently.”
“That's fucking archaic.”
Adam so agrees with that assessment.
“He didn't exactly sell Kris.” Neil steps into the room, holds out a file to Kris, pointing to the middle of the page. “But it's close enough. As far as I understand it, Ted made a pact with Cowell. The throne for money it looks like. Then he broke it, screwed Cowell over and for Ted it was over. The contact was still binding and Cowell was going to get what was promised him. But by the time he tried to lay claim, King Neil had taken back the throne.” He shakes his head as he talks, glancing at Adam, something flicking in his eyes that is close to compassion. “That's around the time he went on his rampage. But the son-of-a-bitch is sneaky. The contract stipulates that he would be owed compensation.”
Kris snorts. “In other words, he got to claim the first son, becoming the alpha.”
“Exactly.
“Why did he wait this long to use this?”
“Because we had nothing before, nothing he really wanted.”
“Now that this clan is established and managed to get a hold of territories he wants, he's going to want to take what's his.”
“It's not that easy.” Adam speaks up and all eyes turn to him. “Kris belongs to me. He's my mate.”
There's a confused murmur from their parents and the Heads all stare wide-eyed at him. Adam flicks his gaze over to Brad who is grinning at him like the idiot he is. He doesn't stop to look at Kris, just forges ahead. “We bonded. Have been since before the Battle at Riverside took place. That counts for a lot more than some purchasing invoice. Doesn't it?”
Adam glances over at his brother who nods, looking a little shell-shocked. “Bonded mates? That's pretty much the mecca right there.” Neil focuses on the two Heads. “That's enough to nullify his claim isn't it?” Adam watches the two men deliberate, talking quietly among themselves for a few minutes while everyone else in the room in waiting. His mother is holding Kim's hand, both of them watching Kris.
When he turns to look, Kris meets his gaze and Adam feels it right in his gut, makes him stagger a little. He smiles, winks at Kris, making him look down and flash a quick grin at his feet.
That's all his.
“We think it is. But to be on the safe side...”
Adam watches Kris, back straight, shoulders tense as he says quietly, “You'll want us to perform the official ceremony.”
The Heads nod at them and Adam pushes down the little victory man dancing around in his head. He walks to Kris, grips his hand and looks steadily at the crowd. “Then let's do it.”
He doesn't let go.
The council doesn't want them to take any chances so Adam puts Alisan in charge of the plans for the wedding and throws Brad at her for assistance. It takes no more than five minutes for them to run off laughing, talking over elaborate details. He sends Daniel after them with a reminder that they don't have the time for anything fancy. Adam always had a picture in his head of what his wedding should look like. What his best person would wear, his own outfit, the ceremony room decorated to the nines in his favorite colors, all those little things that he wanted to have to distinguish it.
He smiles down at the papers in his hand and it doesn't matter that he has none of these details. All he cares about is that he's marrying Kris.
“What's that smile about?”
Kris walks in the door, grins as he makes his way to Adam, glances down at Adam's hands and his smile dims. “I wish we had more time. I know how important --”
He catches Kris words with his kiss, lingers there until neither one of them can breathe.
“What was that for?” Kris caresses his face gently, thumbs tracing under Adam's eyes, over his cheeks and pause at Adam's lips. It's like having his feelings in stereo. Kris touches him, feels it resonate across his skin, inside his bones and with that he can feel the echo of it from Kris. The thrill he gets touching Adam. Addicting doesn't begin to cover it.
“Because I can.”
He pulls Kris down, latches on his mouth and delves in, opens his mind to the ripples it sends through him.
“I need to know something.”
Adam's eyes are almost fully closed, sleep beckoning him. They should be resting. So much to get done in a few days. But he can hear the anxiety in Kris' voice, forces himself to focus and answers back as clearly as he can.
“It wasn't about Drake.”
The question has been on the edge of Kris' mind all day. He's felt it pressing at him while running endless errands and through his meetings with the King.
Kris' breath seems to catch in his throat. He turns to face Adam, one hand falling open over Adam's chest. “What? But you were devastated about --”
“I was. That was true. But that wasn't the reason.” He palms Kris' cheek, tracing circles in his skin and he takes a deep breath. “There was a dream...”
He tells Kris everything. That he'd known without a doubt that they were supposed to be together back when Drake was still alive. He stops Kris from talking with a quick kiss, asks that he let him get it all out. Admits to being angry and jealous when Kris had brought Andrew home. How the decision to use Drake had gotten him killed. Kris' fingers clutch at the blanket, head shaking slightly but he let Adam continue. He didn't delve into that dark time of guilt and self-hatred. Kris had witnessed that.
“When I woke up from all that, you were there and I just – wanted you. So much, Kris, it was hard to breathe sometimes. But I was scared. I'd gotten Drake killed and what I felt for him was nothing compared to what you mean to me.” He shakes his head. “If I lost you I couldn't even begin to recover.”
Kris leans in, peppers his jaw with small kisses, sighing against his face. “I do know, yeah.”
He feels a phantom pain in his heart, knows it's an echo of Kris' remembered heartache at Adam leaving. “I didn't think I had a choice.”
Soft gaze falls on his mouth and it takes Adam every bit of willpower to keep from taking but they need to do this. He doesn't want to marry Kris without telling him the truth. His next question makes his stomach twist.
“Then why did you leave?”
“It's complicated.”
Kris' eyes get wider and wider, shiny wetness filling them as he tells him about Lil's part in it. He doesn't excuse what she had done but he knows that it had been a betrayal to not just him but Kris and the clan. It's worthy of banishment. He sees those same thought flutter through Kris' mind but he knows this man – the one he loves to distraction – and his compassion is greater than any fury he might feel.
“That explains why she wanted to find you so much. It was almost an obsession.”
Adam nods. “She realized when she got Teddy back that it was wrong to keep me believing I would be your destruction.”
Kris snarls and Adam blinks down at him. “Your absence almost was.”
He wants to ask Kris about that time, his abduction and escape, what he'd gone through. Wants to give the comfort he couldn't then, but this isn't the time.
And there's something he wants to make sure Kris understands.
He takes Kris' face between his hands, presses softly until Kris melds into his touch, opens his lips to let him enter. Their bodies seem to fuse, connecting everywhere, and Adam pushes one knee between Kris legs, swallows the groan that seems to come from deep inside, pulling back an inch, just enough to whisper against Kris' mouth. “I love you. You understand that? I'm marrying you because I'm stupid in love with you. I have been forever. Even before I knew, if that makes sense. This isn't about being king or the deal we made. I want you. You're mine. That fact is what I care about the most.”
Kris' eyes glow with happiness, bright with a hope he keeps reign in. “I love you, too.”
Adam laughs, drops head to rest against Kris. “Oh, thank god.”
Kris' own laugh mixes with Adam's and his heart grow lighter. This is how he remembers them being.
The ceremony isn't as long as Adam recalls it being. Maybe it seems longer when you're a kid sitting in the audience of guests and the words exchanges, the vows and promises don't mean the same to you that they do to the mates committing their lives to each other.
Kris's suit is black with deep gray accent lines that he can barely make out. Cassidy places a silver iris in his lapel, the edges colored red. Adam has an identical one. The fit of Kris' suit is perfect, molding to him like a second skin. Adam's mouth goes dry the moment that he sees him. But when he meets Kris' eyes, the radiant grin he receives throws all other thoughts out of his head. Kris belongs to him. No one else will ever touch him, kiss him, love him the way Adam intends to.
And he belongs Kris.
The rush of pleasure and love that comes over him is too much and he closes his eyes to keep from doing something stupid. In the next second, he senses Kris in his mind, radiating comfort and warmth. Adam lets a laugh tumble out, reaches to grip Kris' jacket and pull him forward. “You. You make my heart hurt in the best way possible.”
He kisses him against the protests from Kris and their priestess, clutching harder at Kris until he wraps his arms around Adam and gives in.
The applause roars, washes over them until it's just white noise and Kris is all he can see, hear, taste.
As far as parties go, he has to admit this is by far the best he's ever attended.
The fact that it's to celebrate his marriage is only a bonus, Kris thinks.
Brad has one arm wrapped over his shoulder, happily buzzed as he discusses the fashion faux pas from some of the royals that managed to make it to the wedding on such short notice. Allison snorts out a drink Kris pretends he doesn't see her drinking, falling into giggles, leaning against Tommy who keeps his eyes steady on her. He raises an eyebrow, glances at Ali who gives him a Cheshire grin before hiding it behind her drink.
Adam'll love that when he finds out.
He searches the room, finds his husband – his husband – dancing with his mother, making her laugh as he spins her across the dance floor. His heart fills with love, chest bursting with it so much that Kris has to glance away. Leila catches his eyes, winks as she throws him a kiss. He grins at her, watches as she walks toward Eber, forces him out on the dance floor while Katy giggles. Neil grabs her from behind, nuzzles his face on her shoulder and Kris turns his gaze elsewhere.
He catches movement from the corner of his eyes, the sounds of something and Anoop is talking fast to his father, motioning at the dance floor where Adam is. Kris moves through the crowd, quickly accepting congratulations as he makes his way to where his father and Anoop are. At the sight of Kris, Anoop's face grows tenser. There's fear, real fear in his eyes and Kris releases his own, finds that place where he can be calm, rational.
“What's going on?”
“Cowell.”
Kris stands up straighter, glances behind Anoop. “Here?”
“We caught him trying to get in. Sarver and a few of his men are blocking him out.”
Kris nods. “Go find Katy. Tell Adam. I'm going to go deal with this.”
Anoop starts to argue but Kris is already walking out the door, down the moonlit path that leads to the front gate. Security flanks him as he walks past them, stopping just outside the circle of men surrounding Cowell. He pushes down on the panic that wants to blank out his mind. It's been years since he's had to face this man. Cowell's torture had only fueled Kris. He know that his escape bothers the other man, shows that he doesn't control everything.
His gaze passes over Kris, a snarl just under the polite facade, eyes glowing in the darkness. “It's good to see you again, Kristopher.”
“Cowell. This is a private event.”
He narrows his eyes, mocking Kris with a frown. “I noticed I wasn't invited. I'm sure it was an oversight, of course. I'm willing to overlook it.”
Kris cants his head slightly, his voice falling to a near growl. “It was not an oversight. You're not welcome here.”
His guards move closer as Cowell takes a step forward, the line of men behind him doing the same. He wasn't above throwing down on their property, in their land. It wouldn't end well, but Cowell has gotten too sure of himself. Before Kris can decide what to do, he hears a commotion and when he turns, Adam is striding toward them. His expression is dark, stormy and the moment he sees Kris standing so close to Cowell, it goes to a scary place. He feels the rage hit him all at once.
Kris intercepts before he reaches them, hands coming up to Adam's neck. “Hey. Look at me. Look at me. It's okay.” Adam tries to keep moving but Kris plants his feet firmly, shakes him until Adam's gaze slides down to focus on him. “Calm down. He isn't going to touch us.”
Adam breathes through his nose, exhaling in a long sigh and then nods, hands coming up to Kris’, lacing them together. They don't speak and Kris follows Adam. Except he notices Adam pause so that they're in step when they reach Cowell. Equals.
“Lambert.”
Adam raises an eyebrow. “Party crashing now, Cowell? Didn't think you'd have to stoop that low. But someone like you doesn't get too many invites. Blood-thirsty killers don't make for great company.”
Cowell growls, steps forward and Adam grins, teeth gleaming in the moonlight. “Do it. Give me the pleasure of killing you right now. No one would think twice. None of those council members you pay off would even think of causing me a problem.”
The retreat is slow, reluctant but Cowell hasn't gotten to where he is by picking a losing battle. He bends slightly, aims a predatory smile at Kris before flicking his gaze back to Adam. “I'd be careful, Lambert. You have a lot to lose and no real power yet.” He doesn't wait for a reaction, strolling back out of the entrance, his men following and their security escorting them out. They don't move until they're given the all clear.
Adam reaches for Kris, pulls him in and holds on, breathing into his hair. Kris can feel his heart racing and he soothes hands down his back. He sees Katy escort Johns away, leaving them alone. His fingers work at Adam's shirt, loosening it so that he can rest his palms on Adam's back. He talks quietly into Adam's neck, words muffled by skin but what he's saying doesn't matter. Adam just needs to know he's there.
Kris understands that better than he'll ever admit to Adam.
The sigh Adam lets out trembles with emotion, his hands gripping Kris' waist, and he leans back enough to kiss his forehead. Words tumble out in a rush. “You can't just throw yourself out there like that, okay?”
He tries not to let it bother him because Adam's is scared and every emotion he has about Kris is twice as strong now. He gets that. But he can't have Adam scared every time he has to put himself on the line for him, for their clan. “Listen to me.” He reaches his hands up to touch Adam's face. “This is what we're in for. I'm not going to stop standing up for us. For them. We protect each other.”
Adam's eyes close and he nods, leaning his chin on Kris' head. “We protect each other.”
Kris grins, gripping Adam's wrist and tugging them back towards the party. “Dad will want to know what happened.”
Adam nods.
“Then you're going to forget it for tonight and dance with your husband.”
The smile on Adam's face is wide, even as Kris sees the worry marring his eyes. But he pulls on Kris’ hand and makes him stumble back against his chest. “I can't think of anything I want to do more.”
Tomorrow will be enough time to deal with Cowell. Tonight is about them.
It's actually Kris' idea to take their very short honeymoon in San Francisco.
“It's where I found you again.” Kris tells Adam, shrugs as he glances over at him. There's this look Adam gets sometimes, like he can't believe Kris is his, that makes his stomach churn with want and need and mineminemine. It's that look that makes Kris feel stupid for never quite letting go of the fear that Adam will be taken from him, forced to leave him again. He knows Adam is there for good. Forever.
He just wishes his mind and sometimes his heart wouldn't make him doubt it. He rarely mentions to Adam because it pains him to hear it.
They take a few days to relax at the King's insistence that he's run his kingdom just fine without them for decades. Kris can't disagree with that.
It's worth it for the look on Sasha's face when they walk into the club hand in hand. She raises her hands over her head, whoops loud and every head turns their way. There's a number of catcalls and yells of victory from the staff and some of the regulars. Kris recognizes Darren, nods at the salute he gives him with his beer. Adam's grip tightens and Kris laughs, pulling him down for a kiss.
Adam wants to visit all the same places they had before because “now I'll get to make out with you everywhere, baby. That's on my bucket list.”
“Making out with me at Golden Gate Park?” Kris asks, letting Adam press him up against a tree, linking his arms around Adam's shoulders.
“Kissing you everywhere.”
Kris's laugh is swallowed by Adam's mouth.
The early morning light filters in through the curtains that Adam forgot to close. Kris smiles against his pillow. He always forgets. It's those small details that he loves getting to learn about. Adam's habits that drive him crazy, but make up the whole of this ridiculous man that belongs to him. He turns his back on the light, Adam's hand sliding down his side as he does and Kris opens his eyes to look at him.
Adam finds it creepy to be watched and Kris tends to agree, but he needs that reassurance that it's not all a dream. He used to have so many of them when he was alone. Ones where Adam told him he was loved, ones where Adam stayed, that they were together. And then he'd wake up and Adam would be gone.
But this isn't that. He scoots in closer, buries his face in Adam's neck and breathes and breathes and breathes.
Nothing is going to be easy. Cowell will be coming after them. Sooner rather than later. Their people are unsure of what to do next with that threat looming. His parents are keeping secrets about his father's health that Kris doesn't want to face. Adam and Neil are at each other's throats.
There's so much they have to deal with, but he knows that they can. That even if the world crumbles and falls around them, they'll face it together.
Adam's hand moves down to pull him closer, their legs tangling, and Kris closes his eyes, lets all those thoughts take a back seat. With that in his mind, he kisses his husband's shoulder and smiles at the small pressure against his back.
Here and now is all that matters.
End.
Author:
freakykatRating: NC-17
Characters/Pairings: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert
Summary: Kris knew from the first moment he met Adam that they were supposed to be something important.
The arriving signal sounds out in the house at three in the morning and Kris is out of his bed before the first note has faded. He rushes down the hall, waving people back into their rooms. One of the kids runs in front of him towards the doors and he picks her up, whispers that she needs to wait and hands her back to Lil. He waits until the door is securely shut before running down the stairs.
He helps Sarver push the double doors to the rear entrance open, ignores his “Sir, it's raining out there” and stands in the doorway. The men trample in tiredly, some glancing at Kris with small smiles, others bowing before making their way around them. Matt stumbles through, bruises on his arms and face but all in one piece and Kris breathes a little easier. He hears Megan giving orders for coffee and he jerks his head toward the kitchens as Matt grins, walking past him.
He studies them as they limp, saunter, gallop through. There are a few who haven't transformed yet, too tried Kris reckons to expand that energy. He bends when Anoop staggers in, one leg gashed, blood running down to pool on the floor. Kris touches Anoop's head and turns to Sarver, tells him to take all the injured to the infirmary. Allison bounds down the stairs but before she can say anything, Kris holds up a hand. “Alli, go get Dr. Mills. Now.” She turns on her heels and breaks into a run.
Someone pauses in front of him and his heart races for a second before he focuses and realizes it's not who he was expecting.
“Andrew. I'm glad you're okay.”
“Me, too.” Andrew gives him a shy smile, tinged with that slight hunger always present when aimed at Kris.
“Causalities?”
Andrew shakes his head. “None.”
“Injuries?”
“We sustained quite a few but nothing too serious. I think Anoop was our worst.” Andrew smiles a little wryly. “I think we'll be fine.”
Kris breathes easier, pats Andrew's shoulders, gaze flicking behind him every few seconds.
“He's checking in with Katy and the rest of security. Said he wants to make sure we get some more up before the night is over.”
Andrew doesn't say anything more, just moves past Kris, brushing against his arm accidentally. Kris moves back slightly, ignores everything else when he sees Adam saunter up the path and a smile breaks across his face before he can stop it.
Adam looks up at him, freezes when their eyes meet, his own face twisting with so many emotions that it might as well be unreadable. He blinks and Adam is there, pulling him up, arms at Kris' waist. He hugs him in that deep all enveloping way he has and Kris can smell the blood, the wet scent of mud and fur. He shudders a little, clutching at Adam's shoulders, feels Adam's hands tighten on his back. His nose buries itself in Kris' neck.
“Hi.”
Kris laughs at the smothered greeting, runs one hand over the back of Adam's head, pushes him away gently. There's only so much he can take. Really. His gaze roams over Adam, checking for injuries, missing limbs. “You look okay.”
Adam blinks tiredly, raises an eyebrow lazily. “Just okay? Way to make me feel secure, baby.” Adam smiles and then nods. “We're all fine.”
He frowns and leans in, nose rubbing against Kris' cheek, eyes darkening, but he doesn't say anything. They flick over to where Andrew is standing and narrow dangerously. “Do I really need to have a talk with him?” Adam's voice has gone steely, a growl underlining the words.
“It's fine, Adam.”
“I think I may have to set up some rules here.”
Kris is going to say it won't be necessary but Adam looks back at him, cutting him off. “We need to talk to King Neil. Together.”
Kris nods. “After you've rested.”
Adam starts to shake his head but Kris glares, arms folded. “Non-negotiable, Lambert. Bath, food, nap. Then, we'll talk to my father.”
Adam grins at him. “It's really cute how you make that face.”
He doesn't blink. “Don't push me, Adam.”
Kris hears Adam's frustrated growl but ignores it, grabs his hands and pulls him up the stairs.
If he holds his hand tighter than normal, neither one of them say anything.
“Kristopher. You can come in here, you know.”
He folds the tattered and dirty jeans – Gucci, he thinks – neatly onto the chair on the opposite end of the room. Kris closes his eyes and responds, his voice steadier than he expects it to be.
“Are you decent?”
Adam groans. “Honey, I haven't been decent in years.”
Kris doesn't smile. He doesn't.
“You know what I mean, asshole.”
“You've seen me naked before, Kris!”
He's still processing that. They weren't supposed to be that. It was all – everything – was supposed to be in the name of the clan and their duties. It didn't matter that all Kris had ever wanted was for Adam to look at him the way he'd always looked at Adam. He needs Adam to want him. He half-believes that Adam does. But he'd thought that once before. If he's wrong...
Kris can't handle having Adam so close and not close at all.
He doesn't respond and Adam's loud sigh echoes through the door. There are sounds of splashing and then Adam says, “You can come in now. Wuss.”
Kris makes a face, entering cautiously. He sees that Adam has covered up with bubbles and he laughs, ignores the cartwheels in his stomach at the sight of Adam's leg draped over the side of the tub, water dripping slowly off. Kris fights the urge to lap the drops from his skin and forces his eyes to meet Adam's steady blue. The color is deeper than normal, that emotion behind the look that Kris can't decipher because Adam's never aimed it at him before.
Kris moves to the sink, turns and leans against it, keeps his eyes firmly on Adam's face. He raises his brow, waits for Adam to speak. He wants to demand to know why Adam took so long, remind him that he could have sent word or maybe picked up a phone.
Adam narrows his eyes at him. “I wanted to get back here as fast I could. And there was...an unexpected delay in Texas.”
Kris starts to ask but Adam shakes his head.
“I'll explain when I debrief your father.”
Adam shifts, sending water splashing over the rim of the tub, and Kris' gaze follows the reveal of skin. He licks his lips, breathes through his mouth and nods to say he understands. He needs to get out. He meets Adam's dark gaze, swallows at the predatory smile that spreads over his face.
Kris will never understand how someone as beautiful as Adam even exists.
“We took Riverside County.”
Kris startles, heart beats erratically. That meant they had a firm grip on Southern California. He smiles proudly at Adam. “That's great news.”
Adam is watching him, searching for something in Kris' face. He relaxes into the water but his gaze never strays from Kris.
The question surprises him when it comes. It's been many years since Adam had this doubt, this worry.
“You really willing to give up your place, Kris?”
It wasn't like it was his choice. This was the way it had always meant to play out. Adam was alpha. There had never been one moment since Kris had met him that he wasn't aware of that. Kris had never been meant to lead. Not in the way Adam could. So.
“It was never mine to give up. You know that.”
Anger flickers over Adam's face. “But that's what you think? You don't see that you're the other part of it? That's what bonding means. We do this together.”
He pushes past the uncomfortable ache in his chest and gives Adam a half smile, left side curving up. “Now tell me. How did you feel?”
Adam studies him intensely before breaking out into a grin. “Fucking amazing.”
Kris laughs. “Right on.”
He pretends not to notice Adam's gaze fall to his mouth. Smothers the hope that flares at that. Adam grimaces and Kris uses that opportunity to distract himself. Pushing off the edge of the sink, he's kneeling at the tub in seconds, hands tracing the nasty bruise on Adam's right shoulder, the scrape of teeth visible on his neck. He quells his panic but the long scratches down Adam's back make him growl quietly.
Adam's tilts his head up to look at him. “It's not as bad -”
“Shut up,” Kris stands abruptly, marches to their well-stocked medicine cabinet and takes out the first aid kit Cale had made for them. He pulls out ointments, bandages, alcohol, cotton balls – the mundane chore helping calm him, “Why didn't you say you were hurt?”
Adam sighs, “Because it's all superficial, Kris.”
Kris stops and breathes. “I don't care. You need to stay healthy and alive, Adam. Do you understand?”
“Baby -”
Kris cuts off the endearment with a hand gesture. “No. Adam. If something happens to me, that's fine.”
Adam tenses. “The fuck it is!”
Kris ignores him. “You're their leader, okay? I just -” Kris pauses, looks up at Adam and then starts to laugh, his nerves getting the better of him, fear curling up cold and brittle in his stomach. He sees Adam's brow shoot up into his hairline and it gets him going even more. He can't quite tell Adam exactly why he's close to freaking out. When he stops laughing, Adam's got that bemused expression he gives Kris. A lot.
“We are ridiculous.” Kris says, shakes his head as he brings everything over. He pulls up the little stool that Adam keeps in the bathroom. Sitting down, he pushes his fingers gently into Adam's skin, soothing. Adam's breath hitches and Kris frowns, leans in to kiss the bruise, whispers, “I'm sorry. Did that hurt?”
Adam makes a sound at the back of his throat, shakes his head and before Kris even knows what's happening, Adam's hands are on his waist, pulling. He flails, dropping the cotton ball and seconds later he's wet, lying on top of Adam. Kris glances up and the reprimand on his lips freezes at the heat in Adam's eyes. It settles in Kris' stomach when that hot gaze falls to his mouth. One of Adam's hands grips the back of Kris' head, threads fingers through his hair.
Kris can't think with Adam this close. He shuts his eyes, shudders as Adam moves him up, leans his lips against Kris' “Did you miss me?”
He swallows against the response that wants to fly out of his mouth.
Adam's grip tightens and it forces Kris to open his eyes, meet Adam's gaze. There's a tremor in his voice, slight doubt in his stare when he says, “Say something, Kristopher.”
Kris rolls his eyes, pushing up slightly and snorts. “It's a stupid question, Adam.” He gives him an angry glare. “Of course I missed you. I always miss you. I've never stopped missing you when you've been gone.” Kris grits his teeth because sometimes. “Now can I get up, please?”
Adam's stare is probing and Kris doesn't understand. “Adam-”
His words are cut off by Adam's mouth. He pushes up, both hands delving into Kris' hair, holds him steady, tongue coaxing Kris'. He hears a groan escape as he opens to Adam, falls into the space between them, his hands clutching on Adam's shoulders. He arches back and down, his jean-clad thigh (soaked now) rubs against Adam's cock and he sucks in the moan that elicits.
It's heady knowing that he can make Adam come undone like this. He may not own Adam’s heart, Kris doesn't know if that will ever happen, but Adam wants him.
Adam wants him.
There are hands yanking his shirt up and Kris moves back, helps to get it out of the way. His skin meeting Adam's, warm and damp, makes Kris whine, his own hands trailing down Adam's chest to his stomach and further south until he wraps one around Adam’s hard length, leans in to lick a stripe up Adam's neck when he bends back, exposing the skin to Kris. He bites, kisses the mark, letting his mouth linger there.
It's in his head thrumming like a beat, those words he's felt his entire life.
I love you.
He flinches, the thought sharp in his heart and chest, but he can't say them. Adam would feel like he had to return the sentiment even when he didn't mean it the way Kris ached for him to. What they are is more than Kris had ever believed they would be.
Adam is his.
He is Adam's.
That will be enough.
Adam's hands on his face bring him back to the moment. He catches the concerned look on Adam's face, his soft “Hey, baby. You still with me?” makes Kris' pulse quicken. He nods in return, smiles wide and kisses Adam, deepens it, his hand moving over the red-swollen head of Adam's cock, thumb circling over the leaking slit. Adam's eyes flutter closed when Kris starts a steady pace.
“Oh fuck.”
Kris' mouth hovers on Adam's, their harsh breathing mingling together while he works Adam into a crescendo. “Please.”
Adam eyes slit open, bluer than anything Kris has ever seen. There's a question in them, something Kris hoped wouldn't be. He doesn't want doubt from Adam. He stops his movement which elicits whine and he can't help smile into Adam’s cheek, kissing it in apology. His own cock is so hard, it's painful.
Kris pulls away, his hands fumble for his jeans and underwear. It takes Adam a second to gather his senses but when he does, he helps Kris discard his clothes. He opens his mouth to say something, Kris doesn't know what, but it become a strangled gasp when Kris pushes down onto Adam's cock, cutting off his yell with clamped teeth.
Adam starts to panic, tries to pull him off but Kris' fingers dig into his shoulders. “I need – I need you.”
“We need to – oh shit, Jesus, fuck – get you – shit.”
Kris starts to rise and his eyes tear up at the pain but he works through it, slides back down on Adam, easier, smoother. Adam's arms are around Kris' waist, trying to steady the jerky movement of his hips. Kris changes his angle, bends back slightly and –
“Oh, god. That's – I – ”
The head of Adam's dick brushes over his prostate, shooting sparks of pleasure all through his body. It's better than the first time. It's making him want more. Too much. Things that he doesn't think Adam can ever give him. He pushes down hard as Adam's pushes in and they groan in unison. Kris' hands clench on Adam's head, gripping his hair hard, tugging up. Adam's face is buried in Kris chest, his sounds muffled against the flesh there. He opens his mouth over Kris' nipple, flicks his tongue. The sensation sends Kris over the edge and he comes in ribbons between their joined bodies.
He melts against Adam, pliant and yielding. Kris moves when Adam pushes him off, turning him to fall on his back, water splashing everywhere. Adam leans over Kris, enters him in one, long hot slide, Kris' legs flung over Adam's shoulders. He can hear the faint grunting as Adam pushes in harder, faster, losing control. He hides his face in Kris' neck, tightens his hold on Kris' hips so hard Kris knows there will be bruises in the morning.
His movements become stuttered, rhythm faltering and he growls into Kris' skin.
“Mine.”
It sends a thrill through Kris' body as Adam comes inside him.
Kris isn't sure how long they've been lying in the tub, but he figures it's been some time.
The water is pretty cold.
He pushes up on his elbows, meets Adam's half-lidded gaze, receives a sweet smile that makes his heart flutter.
“We should get up.”
Adam makes a protesting noise, cards fingers through Kris' hair, resting his hand on the back of Kris' neck. “I like being here with you. Like this.”
Kris blushes and Adam's smile widens. He traces one finger over the heat spreading down Kris' face and chest. “I always wondered how far your blushes went.” He laughs softly when Kris rolls his eyes, leans up to capture it with his lips. The kiss is slow, gentle and languid. Adam explores Kris' mouth, learns the crevices and curves there. It's every kiss Kris ever imagined and nothing like he ever expected. It's like the first kiss only deeper, more.
By the time Adam's finished, dropping kisses on his cheeks, Kris is breathless and dizzy. He leans down on Adam's chest, sighs happily.
“I missed you.”
Kris smiles into Adam's skin, mumbles. “I missed you, too.”
Adam tries to figure out when he fell so hard. The exact moment he realized what he felt for Kris wasn't just a phase, a crush. That it was something more. Everything more.
Adam thinks that Brad would happily point out that it's been a fact his entire life. He was just too stubborn and scared to see it. Kris walks across the bedroom – their bedroom now – to the closet, pulls out one of his infinitely-numbered plaid shirts. Adam cringes and makes a mental note to have Cassidy update Kris' wardrobe. He knows it's wishful thinking to hope that Kris will actually wear anything Adam gets made for him but he thinks he might be able to get him to change it up every once in a while.
He's in love with a man that wears plaid with Converses on a good day.
Adam grins at the thought and when Kris turns to look at him, he raises an eyebrow in question.
“What's that for?”
Adam shrugs.
He's happy. It's not a feeling he's been familiar with in a long time. It's not a shock, because Kris has always made Adam happy in some way or another. But this is different. This is his completely. Kris doesn't look at anyone the way he looks at Adam. It's something he's learned in the last few weeks but it hits him at that moment.
“Marry me.”
Kris freezes in the middle of tying his shoe, wide stare flicking up to meet Adam's. “What?”
Adam holds his gaze. He recalls what he said to Kris when he left. The cruel words he'd used to push him away. And the deal they'd made for him to come back – his excuse to buy time until he could do this. Ask like he wants to. He holds his breath as Kris' face gives away the full array of emotions he's going through and Adam has never been happier that Kris can't hide anything from him.
Kris looks back down at his shoes, finishes tying them before standing up slowly. His every move seems to be thought out and Adam's stomach drops. He can't say he blames Kris for being – scared? Disbelieving? Untrusting? Kris glowers at him and Adam remembers that he can't hide anything anymore either.
Kris sighs. “I trust you. More than anyone. In this world, Adam. I've never been afraid of what -” He shakes his head, stands in front of Adam. “You don't need to do this.”
Actually he does. But what's more important is he wants to.
Adam wants it more than pretty much anything he’s wanted in his entire life. Kris is his. His mate. Forever. It took him long enough to understand what that meant and how it was everything he'd been missing. But he has this urge to have the world know Kris belongs to him.
“I want to, Kris.”
Adam touches Kris' face, smiles happily. “Think about how awesome that party will be.”
Kris chuckles softly, leans into Adam's hand, turning his face to kiss the palm gently. “It would be, yeah. But it's not necessary. We're together. You and me. You belong to me and I belong to you. That's all that matters.”
“That's not completely true.”
Daniel's voice rings out and they jump, turn to see him leaning in the door frame. Adam lets go of Kris long enough to hug him, clutching for several moments. Daniel pulls away first, looks over at Kris.
“Dad wants to speak to both of you.”
Kris looks at Adam when he flinches, brows furrowed. “Do you know what this is about Adam?”
He doesn't and shakes his head.
But something tells him, it can't be good.
“Wait. Let me get this straight.” Brad leans forward in his chair, glaring at the two Heads of the Lycan House that sat flanking the King. “You're saying that if Cowell wants to he can declare Kris his because he bought him?” They nod calmly and Adam grips the back of his father's chair tighter.
“Well, fuck that.”
Adam loves Brad.
Kris hasn't said a word since they walked in the room. Adam wants to rip someone apart. Preferably Cowell. Or Ted Allen.
They'd known he was an evil bastard. Betraying the clan, overturning his own brother, aligning himself with the likes of Abdul and Cowell. But selling Kris? To that monster?
As cliché as the thought might be, Hell will freeze over before Adam gives Kris up.
“Is this even legit? I mean how could he sell Kris?” Tommy asks the room in general but his stare meets Kris'.
Kris takes a deep breath. “He was the head of the clan. That position gives you a lot of rights, including selling and trading your family like commodities apparently.”
“That's fucking archaic.”
Adam so agrees with that assessment.
“He didn't exactly sell Kris.” Neil steps into the room, holds out a file to Kris, pointing to the middle of the page. “But it's close enough. As far as I understand it, Ted made a pact with Cowell. The throne for money it looks like. Then he broke it, screwed Cowell over and for Ted it was over. The contact was still binding and Cowell was going to get what was promised him. But by the time he tried to lay claim, King Neil had taken back the throne.” He shakes his head as he talks, glancing at Adam, something flicking in his eyes that is close to compassion. “That's around the time he went on his rampage. But the son-of-a-bitch is sneaky. The contract stipulates that he would be owed compensation.”
Kris snorts. “In other words, he got to claim the first son, becoming the alpha.”
“Exactly.
“Why did he wait this long to use this?”
“Because we had nothing before, nothing he really wanted.”
“Now that this clan is established and managed to get a hold of territories he wants, he's going to want to take what's his.”
“It's not that easy.” Adam speaks up and all eyes turn to him. “Kris belongs to me. He's my mate.”
There's a confused murmur from their parents and the Heads all stare wide-eyed at him. Adam flicks his gaze over to Brad who is grinning at him like the idiot he is. He doesn't stop to look at Kris, just forges ahead. “We bonded. Have been since before the Battle at Riverside took place. That counts for a lot more than some purchasing invoice. Doesn't it?”
Adam glances over at his brother who nods, looking a little shell-shocked. “Bonded mates? That's pretty much the mecca right there.” Neil focuses on the two Heads. “That's enough to nullify his claim isn't it?” Adam watches the two men deliberate, talking quietly among themselves for a few minutes while everyone else in the room in waiting. His mother is holding Kim's hand, both of them watching Kris.
When he turns to look, Kris meets his gaze and Adam feels it right in his gut, makes him stagger a little. He smiles, winks at Kris, making him look down and flash a quick grin at his feet.
That's all his.
“We think it is. But to be on the safe side...”
Adam watches Kris, back straight, shoulders tense as he says quietly, “You'll want us to perform the official ceremony.”
The Heads nod at them and Adam pushes down the little victory man dancing around in his head. He walks to Kris, grips his hand and looks steadily at the crowd. “Then let's do it.”
He doesn't let go.
The council doesn't want them to take any chances so Adam puts Alisan in charge of the plans for the wedding and throws Brad at her for assistance. It takes no more than five minutes for them to run off laughing, talking over elaborate details. He sends Daniel after them with a reminder that they don't have the time for anything fancy. Adam always had a picture in his head of what his wedding should look like. What his best person would wear, his own outfit, the ceremony room decorated to the nines in his favorite colors, all those little things that he wanted to have to distinguish it.
He smiles down at the papers in his hand and it doesn't matter that he has none of these details. All he cares about is that he's marrying Kris.
“What's that smile about?”
Kris walks in the door, grins as he makes his way to Adam, glances down at Adam's hands and his smile dims. “I wish we had more time. I know how important --”
He catches Kris words with his kiss, lingers there until neither one of them can breathe.
“What was that for?” Kris caresses his face gently, thumbs tracing under Adam's eyes, over his cheeks and pause at Adam's lips. It's like having his feelings in stereo. Kris touches him, feels it resonate across his skin, inside his bones and with that he can feel the echo of it from Kris. The thrill he gets touching Adam. Addicting doesn't begin to cover it.
“Because I can.”
He pulls Kris down, latches on his mouth and delves in, opens his mind to the ripples it sends through him.
“I need to know something.”
Adam's eyes are almost fully closed, sleep beckoning him. They should be resting. So much to get done in a few days. But he can hear the anxiety in Kris' voice, forces himself to focus and answers back as clearly as he can.
“It wasn't about Drake.”
The question has been on the edge of Kris' mind all day. He's felt it pressing at him while running endless errands and through his meetings with the King.
Kris' breath seems to catch in his throat. He turns to face Adam, one hand falling open over Adam's chest. “What? But you were devastated about --”
“I was. That was true. But that wasn't the reason.” He palms Kris' cheek, tracing circles in his skin and he takes a deep breath. “There was a dream...”
He tells Kris everything. That he'd known without a doubt that they were supposed to be together back when Drake was still alive. He stops Kris from talking with a quick kiss, asks that he let him get it all out. Admits to being angry and jealous when Kris had brought Andrew home. How the decision to use Drake had gotten him killed. Kris' fingers clutch at the blanket, head shaking slightly but he let Adam continue. He didn't delve into that dark time of guilt and self-hatred. Kris had witnessed that.
“When I woke up from all that, you were there and I just – wanted you. So much, Kris, it was hard to breathe sometimes. But I was scared. I'd gotten Drake killed and what I felt for him was nothing compared to what you mean to me.” He shakes his head. “If I lost you I couldn't even begin to recover.”
Kris leans in, peppers his jaw with small kisses, sighing against his face. “I do know, yeah.”
He feels a phantom pain in his heart, knows it's an echo of Kris' remembered heartache at Adam leaving. “I didn't think I had a choice.”
Soft gaze falls on his mouth and it takes Adam every bit of willpower to keep from taking but they need to do this. He doesn't want to marry Kris without telling him the truth. His next question makes his stomach twist.
“Then why did you leave?”
“It's complicated.”
Kris' eyes get wider and wider, shiny wetness filling them as he tells him about Lil's part in it. He doesn't excuse what she had done but he knows that it had been a betrayal to not just him but Kris and the clan. It's worthy of banishment. He sees those same thought flutter through Kris' mind but he knows this man – the one he loves to distraction – and his compassion is greater than any fury he might feel.
“That explains why she wanted to find you so much. It was almost an obsession.”
Adam nods. “She realized when she got Teddy back that it was wrong to keep me believing I would be your destruction.”
Kris snarls and Adam blinks down at him. “Your absence almost was.”
He wants to ask Kris about that time, his abduction and escape, what he'd gone through. Wants to give the comfort he couldn't then, but this isn't the time.
And there's something he wants to make sure Kris understands.
He takes Kris' face between his hands, presses softly until Kris melds into his touch, opens his lips to let him enter. Their bodies seem to fuse, connecting everywhere, and Adam pushes one knee between Kris legs, swallows the groan that seems to come from deep inside, pulling back an inch, just enough to whisper against Kris' mouth. “I love you. You understand that? I'm marrying you because I'm stupid in love with you. I have been forever. Even before I knew, if that makes sense. This isn't about being king or the deal we made. I want you. You're mine. That fact is what I care about the most.”
Kris' eyes glow with happiness, bright with a hope he keeps reign in. “I love you, too.”
Adam laughs, drops head to rest against Kris. “Oh, thank god.”
Kris' own laugh mixes with Adam's and his heart grow lighter. This is how he remembers them being.
The ceremony isn't as long as Adam recalls it being. Maybe it seems longer when you're a kid sitting in the audience of guests and the words exchanges, the vows and promises don't mean the same to you that they do to the mates committing their lives to each other.
Kris's suit is black with deep gray accent lines that he can barely make out. Cassidy places a silver iris in his lapel, the edges colored red. Adam has an identical one. The fit of Kris' suit is perfect, molding to him like a second skin. Adam's mouth goes dry the moment that he sees him. But when he meets Kris' eyes, the radiant grin he receives throws all other thoughts out of his head. Kris belongs to him. No one else will ever touch him, kiss him, love him the way Adam intends to.
And he belongs Kris.
The rush of pleasure and love that comes over him is too much and he closes his eyes to keep from doing something stupid. In the next second, he senses Kris in his mind, radiating comfort and warmth. Adam lets a laugh tumble out, reaches to grip Kris' jacket and pull him forward. “You. You make my heart hurt in the best way possible.”
He kisses him against the protests from Kris and their priestess, clutching harder at Kris until he wraps his arms around Adam and gives in.
The applause roars, washes over them until it's just white noise and Kris is all he can see, hear, taste.
As far as parties go, he has to admit this is by far the best he's ever attended.
The fact that it's to celebrate his marriage is only a bonus, Kris thinks.
Brad has one arm wrapped over his shoulder, happily buzzed as he discusses the fashion faux pas from some of the royals that managed to make it to the wedding on such short notice. Allison snorts out a drink Kris pretends he doesn't see her drinking, falling into giggles, leaning against Tommy who keeps his eyes steady on her. He raises an eyebrow, glances at Ali who gives him a Cheshire grin before hiding it behind her drink.
Adam'll love that when he finds out.
He searches the room, finds his husband – his husband – dancing with his mother, making her laugh as he spins her across the dance floor. His heart fills with love, chest bursting with it so much that Kris has to glance away. Leila catches his eyes, winks as she throws him a kiss. He grins at her, watches as she walks toward Eber, forces him out on the dance floor while Katy giggles. Neil grabs her from behind, nuzzles his face on her shoulder and Kris turns his gaze elsewhere.
He catches movement from the corner of his eyes, the sounds of something and Anoop is talking fast to his father, motioning at the dance floor where Adam is. Kris moves through the crowd, quickly accepting congratulations as he makes his way to where his father and Anoop are. At the sight of Kris, Anoop's face grows tenser. There's fear, real fear in his eyes and Kris releases his own, finds that place where he can be calm, rational.
“What's going on?”
“Cowell.”
Kris stands up straighter, glances behind Anoop. “Here?”
“We caught him trying to get in. Sarver and a few of his men are blocking him out.”
Kris nods. “Go find Katy. Tell Adam. I'm going to go deal with this.”
Anoop starts to argue but Kris is already walking out the door, down the moonlit path that leads to the front gate. Security flanks him as he walks past them, stopping just outside the circle of men surrounding Cowell. He pushes down on the panic that wants to blank out his mind. It's been years since he's had to face this man. Cowell's torture had only fueled Kris. He know that his escape bothers the other man, shows that he doesn't control everything.
His gaze passes over Kris, a snarl just under the polite facade, eyes glowing in the darkness. “It's good to see you again, Kristopher.”
“Cowell. This is a private event.”
He narrows his eyes, mocking Kris with a frown. “I noticed I wasn't invited. I'm sure it was an oversight, of course. I'm willing to overlook it.”
Kris cants his head slightly, his voice falling to a near growl. “It was not an oversight. You're not welcome here.”
His guards move closer as Cowell takes a step forward, the line of men behind him doing the same. He wasn't above throwing down on their property, in their land. It wouldn't end well, but Cowell has gotten too sure of himself. Before Kris can decide what to do, he hears a commotion and when he turns, Adam is striding toward them. His expression is dark, stormy and the moment he sees Kris standing so close to Cowell, it goes to a scary place. He feels the rage hit him all at once.
Kris intercepts before he reaches them, hands coming up to Adam's neck. “Hey. Look at me. Look at me. It's okay.” Adam tries to keep moving but Kris plants his feet firmly, shakes him until Adam's gaze slides down to focus on him. “Calm down. He isn't going to touch us.”
Adam breathes through his nose, exhaling in a long sigh and then nods, hands coming up to Kris’, lacing them together. They don't speak and Kris follows Adam. Except he notices Adam pause so that they're in step when they reach Cowell. Equals.
“Lambert.”
Adam raises an eyebrow. “Party crashing now, Cowell? Didn't think you'd have to stoop that low. But someone like you doesn't get too many invites. Blood-thirsty killers don't make for great company.”
Cowell growls, steps forward and Adam grins, teeth gleaming in the moonlight. “Do it. Give me the pleasure of killing you right now. No one would think twice. None of those council members you pay off would even think of causing me a problem.”
The retreat is slow, reluctant but Cowell hasn't gotten to where he is by picking a losing battle. He bends slightly, aims a predatory smile at Kris before flicking his gaze back to Adam. “I'd be careful, Lambert. You have a lot to lose and no real power yet.” He doesn't wait for a reaction, strolling back out of the entrance, his men following and their security escorting them out. They don't move until they're given the all clear.
Adam reaches for Kris, pulls him in and holds on, breathing into his hair. Kris can feel his heart racing and he soothes hands down his back. He sees Katy escort Johns away, leaving them alone. His fingers work at Adam's shirt, loosening it so that he can rest his palms on Adam's back. He talks quietly into Adam's neck, words muffled by skin but what he's saying doesn't matter. Adam just needs to know he's there.
Kris understands that better than he'll ever admit to Adam.
The sigh Adam lets out trembles with emotion, his hands gripping Kris' waist, and he leans back enough to kiss his forehead. Words tumble out in a rush. “You can't just throw yourself out there like that, okay?”
He tries not to let it bother him because Adam's is scared and every emotion he has about Kris is twice as strong now. He gets that. But he can't have Adam scared every time he has to put himself on the line for him, for their clan. “Listen to me.” He reaches his hands up to touch Adam's face. “This is what we're in for. I'm not going to stop standing up for us. For them. We protect each other.”
Adam's eyes close and he nods, leaning his chin on Kris' head. “We protect each other.”
Kris grins, gripping Adam's wrist and tugging them back towards the party. “Dad will want to know what happened.”
Adam nods.
“Then you're going to forget it for tonight and dance with your husband.”
The smile on Adam's face is wide, even as Kris sees the worry marring his eyes. But he pulls on Kris’ hand and makes him stumble back against his chest. “I can't think of anything I want to do more.”
Tomorrow will be enough time to deal with Cowell. Tonight is about them.
It's actually Kris' idea to take their very short honeymoon in San Francisco.
“It's where I found you again.” Kris tells Adam, shrugs as he glances over at him. There's this look Adam gets sometimes, like he can't believe Kris is his, that makes his stomach churn with want and need and mineminemine. It's that look that makes Kris feel stupid for never quite letting go of the fear that Adam will be taken from him, forced to leave him again. He knows Adam is there for good. Forever.
He just wishes his mind and sometimes his heart wouldn't make him doubt it. He rarely mentions to Adam because it pains him to hear it.
They take a few days to relax at the King's insistence that he's run his kingdom just fine without them for decades. Kris can't disagree with that.
It's worth it for the look on Sasha's face when they walk into the club hand in hand. She raises her hands over her head, whoops loud and every head turns their way. There's a number of catcalls and yells of victory from the staff and some of the regulars. Kris recognizes Darren, nods at the salute he gives him with his beer. Adam's grip tightens and Kris laughs, pulling him down for a kiss.
Adam wants to visit all the same places they had before because “now I'll get to make out with you everywhere, baby. That's on my bucket list.”
“Making out with me at Golden Gate Park?” Kris asks, letting Adam press him up against a tree, linking his arms around Adam's shoulders.
“Kissing you everywhere.”
Kris's laugh is swallowed by Adam's mouth.
The early morning light filters in through the curtains that Adam forgot to close. Kris smiles against his pillow. He always forgets. It's those small details that he loves getting to learn about. Adam's habits that drive him crazy, but make up the whole of this ridiculous man that belongs to him. He turns his back on the light, Adam's hand sliding down his side as he does and Kris opens his eyes to look at him.
Adam finds it creepy to be watched and Kris tends to agree, but he needs that reassurance that it's not all a dream. He used to have so many of them when he was alone. Ones where Adam told him he was loved, ones where Adam stayed, that they were together. And then he'd wake up and Adam would be gone.
But this isn't that. He scoots in closer, buries his face in Adam's neck and breathes and breathes and breathes.
Nothing is going to be easy. Cowell will be coming after them. Sooner rather than later. Their people are unsure of what to do next with that threat looming. His parents are keeping secrets about his father's health that Kris doesn't want to face. Adam and Neil are at each other's throats.
There's so much they have to deal with, but he knows that they can. That even if the world crumbles and falls around them, they'll face it together.
Adam's hand moves down to pull him closer, their legs tangling, and Kris closes his eyes, lets all those thoughts take a back seat. With that in his mind, he kisses his husband's shoulder and smiles at the small pressure against his back.
Here and now is all that matters.
End.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-08-10 03:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-11 12:06 am (UTC)