Chapter 20
Killian
For the next few days, Harvey and I kept in touch, mainly by phone. After our eventful Wednesday, he’d come along with me to the gig. I’d sang, all the while watching him.
He seemed to have a good time, although occasionally I’d see him clench his fist and fold his arms. Was he getting the urges again?
I hated seeing him that way, and I knew it wasn’t something he’d get over easily, if at all, but if between us we could sensitise him, the urges may lessen. They’d never go away, but I was adamant that I would stick by him.
Except Sully had been in touch again. He was eager to get the ball rolling. I’d found someone to look over the contract, and they’d said it was sound. Nothing untoward. A record deal for two albums, appearances, and the songwriters, as Sully had mentioned.
I’d almost fallen over when I looked at the money involved. It was more than I’d ever seen in my life. Hell, if all went to plan and I didn’t fuck up, I’d be able to do all the things I’d only ever dreamt of.
I had demons, too.
“We’re going to be doing some promo once you’ve signed everything.
Start the ball rolling. You’ll be in the studio recording some music and working with a great guy I know who writes the most amazing songs.
It’ll mean you being in London for about a week, maybe more.
Don’t worry about accommodation. We’ll find you somewhere to stay. ”
“Erm, okay. Sounds good. I still haven’t found a manager yet, or an agent, but a guy I know looked over the contract.”
“Get an agent, Killian. They’re worth their weight in gold. Look, gotta shoot. Big clients coming in this afternoon. Get back to me when you can.”
The line went dead before I could say goodbye.
As with Harvey, things were moving quickly. We’d not fooled around since he’d had a meltdown, but that wasn’t because I didn’t want to. We’d just not had time to be together. I needed to rectify that.
I couldn’t invite him over to my place. So, what else could we do?
“Harv, how’d you fancy going out later?” I asked him later on the phone.
“Um, yeah. We can do. What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know.” Something that wouldn’t cost a lot of money. I might have a contract lined up, but I’d see no hard cash until it was all completed.
“There’s a Halloween scare fest if you fancy that,” he suggested.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. There’s a showing of Friday the 13th afterwards. I saw it a while back and was planning on going.”
“Text me the details, and I’ll meet you there. I don’t need to get dressed up, do I?”
“No, come as you are. It starts at six, but the movie doesn’t start until nine. We could grab some food in the meantime.”
“Perfect. Meet you later.”
He sounded brighter than the last time I’d spoken to him, and that pleased me. I worried.
The scare fest was in an old industrial unit. Zombies and ghosts hung around outside, scaring the bejesus out of us as we queued up outside. I pulled him closer and placed my arm protectively around his shoulder.
“Saving me from the big, bad zombies.”
“Hey, I can run faster than you with these long legs.”
He slapped me on the chest. “I can’t believe you’d leave me behind.”
“Nah, I’d pick you up and carry you. I told you before, you’re a short arse.”
He wasn’t really that small, but I enjoyed teasing him.
“You’re what? Five-seven? Eight at a push. I’m six feet three. I’ve got eight inches on you, and believe me, eight inches makes all the difference.”
“Oh my God. You just had to go there.”
“But now you want to find out.” Without thinking, I kissed his temple.
He froze, his body rigid.
“Breathe, Harv. We’re not going to explode. Look around you. No one is taking any notice of us.”
“I know. I’m okay.” He relaxed a little but still carried tension.
“I’m gonna do it again, okay?” I pressed my lips to his forehead a little firmer this time. “All good?”
A subtle nod. That’s my Harv.
The queue moved a little quicker now, and we laughed again as we were jump-scared by another zombie.
“So, I don’t think I asked what this is about.” Maybe I should have done that before agreeing to it.
“We make our way around the building until we get to the other side. There’s scary stuff, but it’ll be fun. I’ve always meant to go, but never really fancied going on my own.”
“Well, now you have me to protect you.”
Turned out I was no use at all. I screamed as loudly as anyone, and Harv laughed louder.
“You said you were going to protect me,” he said as yet another zombie covered in blood jumped out at me. I’d need to change my trousers at this rate.
Harvey gripped my hand, squeezing as a man with a chainsaw approached.
“Um, do you think that’s real?” My heart was pounding so loudly that I was surprised no one could hear it.
But the noise was deafening: the chainsaw, loud heavy metal music, and screams. Jesus fucking Christ, you’d think there was a horde of banshees in here with us.
“It’s not real, Killian. You are such a big baby.” Harvey tugged me along, away from the homicidal maniac.
“Is it almost done?”
“Yes, just one more room.”
The door closed behind us, stealing the little light there was. It was pitch-black and deathly silent.
“I can’t see anything,” I whispered.
“You’re not supposed to.”
Something touched my leg. “Argh. What the fuck?”
“Don’t panic. It’ll be fine. We just need to make our way to the other side, and then we’re free.”
He fumbled around, searching for my other hand, inadvertently touching my dick.
“I’m not sure that’s what you’re looking for.”
“How do you know it’s not? You know no one can see us.”
“And just what do you propose doing?”
Was he going to kiss me? His hand rubbed against my jeans, and my cock hardened.
“I could do this, and no one would see,” he breathed.
“You could, but we don’t know who’s in here, and I’d rather watch you do that.”
“Yeah?”
“Oh, yeah. For now, I want to get out of this fucking room. Did I tell you I was scared of the dark?”
Not just the dark but everything associated with it. I’d spent many a night in a darkened room with nothing but a needle and a bottle for company. I’m not saying it brought back unhappy memories, but nothing good came out of the dark.
“Let’s get you out of here and into the light. I’m hungry anyway.”
“Hungry for what?”
“Oh, you’re full of them tonight.” I heard him chuckle and the shuffle of his feet on the bare floor.
“Do you think we’re alone? Something touched my leg before.”
“That was me, you idiot.”
“Thank fuck. You know, we could have used the torch on our phones to see where we were.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?”
The room lit up, and there in front of us was a door.
“This way,” I said and wrenched open the door. A gang of about five zombies all shouted at once, and at that moment, my life flashed before me.
“Congratulations, gentlemen,” the owner said. “You’ve made it to the end of scare fest. Carriages await this way, and don’t forget to tip your zombies.”
“Killian. Are you okay? You look as white as a sheet.”
“I think I died and came back to life again.” I could barely speak.
“Let’s get a drink down you. You’ll be right as rain.”
How my heart was still beating, I didn’t know. I swear it stopped for a minute, but eventually, it returned to normal.
“What do you fancy eating?” Harvey dragged me through the waiting crowds to a bench and sat me down.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for food right now.”
“Seriously, Killian. If I’d known you’d be this scared, I’d have suggested a merry-go-round or a children’s playground.”
He could barely contain his laughter.
“Fuck you, Harv.”
“Do you still want to do the movie or have some food and go home? I’ve seen it many times, so I won’t be disappointed.”
“No, I said we’d watch the movie, and we will. Just give me a minute.” I leant forward on my knees, my head hanging.
He rubbed my back. “I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re not.” I turned to look at him. Yeah, he was still fucking laughing.
I eventually managed food, and the movie wasn’t so bad. By the time it had finished and we’d left the cinema, the rain was really coming down.
“My place or yours?” he said, his coat over his head. “Mine’s closer.”
It wasn't that late, and the night was still young.
“How about a bar? There’s one nearby, and we can get out of the fucking rain. We could go there if you wanted.”
With the indecision on his face, I almost told him to forget it, and we could go back to his if that was easier, but he surprised me.
“Let’s do that.”
We ran, his shoulder bumping into me. He might not have been happy holding my hand in a public place, but he never strayed far.
“It’s just down here.”
“It’s not that club you went to with Ash, is it?”
“God, no. I’m not sure either of us would survive there. It’s a fucking free-for-all. No, this is quieter. We can talk and warm ourselves by the fire.”
As it was, the place was packed. A live band set up in the corner, singing covers of popular songs. We could barely hear ourselves think.
“Do you want to stay?” I asked, wincing at the noise.
“What?” Harv cupped his ear.
“Stay. Do you want to stay or go?”
“I don’t mind,” he shouted. “It’s so fucking noisy.” There was no way we could have a decent conversation in there.
Maybe it would be best to try somewhere else or go to Harvey’s place.
“Let’s go.” I took his hand and led him outside.
“Wow, you said it’d be quiet in there.”
“I know. What do you want to do?”
“Let’s go back to mine. At least we’ll be able to talk.”
“Among other things.”
“Ooh, someone’s feeling lucky tonight.” He smirked, but he didn’t say no.
“Always at your pace, Harv. You know this. I’ll never push you into anything.” I wasn’t desperate to get him into bed, but I couldn’t deny how much I wanted to see him naked beneath me, panting and writhing as I brought him to the edge.
A taxi ride later, and we were shrugging off our sopping wet coats and shoes.
“I’ll pop the kettle on.” He walked into the kitchen, more confident than I’d seen him in weeks. I sidled up behind him as he stood at the sink and slipped my hands around his waist.
I bent to his neck and placed gentle kisses along the soft flesh. He stopped in his tracks, his body trembling. “Are you okay?” I asked, but continued my onslaught, nipping and licking his warm skin.
“I’m good.” He dropped his head back, his voice hoarse. “Don’t stop.”
I didn’t intend to and placed my hand on his throat. He inhaled sharply and slumped against my chest.
“That’s it, just relax.” I cooed in his ear. “Feel me, Harvey.”
We’d gone from zero to fucking hot in a matter of minutes, but it was too late to stop now. I pressed my body against his, my cock hard against his arse.
I would have loved to take him, but one step at a time. We’d kissed, and other than that night at the top of the stairs, we’d taken it slow, both realising we’d been one step away from a mistake.
But now? His demeanour was different, more open than I’d seen him, especially tonight.
His hands clutched my thighs, but I didn’t relent, raining kisses on his exposed throat.
“I want you,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
“Then let me take you.”