Elias
ELIAS
When he’d been younger, had tried cocaine on a whim. He’d never wanted to touch anything as potentially mind-warping as hallucinogens. had never trusted anything that could make him see or feel things that didn’t have a basis in reality. He’d been willing to try cocaine, though, despite how horrible some adults in his life made it out to be.
It ultimately hadn’t been to his liking, but he still remembered the feeling. How it felt like his entire body had become a livewire. Sounds and colors had sharpened, becoming more interesting as his mind surged with processing power he’d never felt before. The room had felt like it had come to life, beating with the pulse of life and energy unlike anything he’d ever known.
As he stood there, staring down at Cade after having just kissed him, found his memories drifting back to that party. Just like then, his heart felt as though it were going a mile a minute. His lips tingled, and he barely noticed they were still standing in a jam-packed crowd.
Cade stared up at him dumbly, eyes wide, and his arms slack at his side. supposed the one comfort he could take from the storm in his head was that it looked like Cade wasn’t faring much better. His friend’s mouth was moving, though it was too noisy to tell if Cade was making a sound or just uselessly flapping his lips.
Before was forced to find something to say, he realized a chorus of catcalls was coming from behind them. turned, facing the group that had come for the so-called celebration, watching them intently with grins on their faces, except for Christine, who looked a lot like Cade in expression and manner, and Matt, who just stared at them with wide eyes.
Clearing his throat, he nodded his head back toward the group, earning a jerky nod from Cade. Unsure it was what he should be doing, he reached down to take Cade’s hand and lead him away from the dance floor. Cade’s fingers flexed but didn’t pull away. The man’s skin was hot, and could feel a slick layer of sweat against his palm as they walked out of the dancing crowd.
“Well, that was certainly something to see,” Christine said when they reached the group.
Matt’s brow was practically in his hairline as he spoke. “That was...something alright.”
shot him a look. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
Matt slid two more glasses across the table. “Got these while you two were, uh, busy. Figured you might want some more.”
Cade reached out and snatched up one of the glasses. “Thanks.”
’ brow pinched, but he said nothing as he reached for the remaining glass. He wasn’t sure what bothered him more, that Cade seemed extremely interested in getting even more drunk after what had happened or that the thought bothered in the first place. Considering that was the first time they’d ever done anything that physically...intimate, he should have been in the same boat.
Yet even the haze of alcohol wasn’t enough to shake the electric feeling of Cade’s body against his. Sure, his friend wasn’t the world’s most stellar dancer, but the dance had been...strangely erotic. shook his head, not listening to the conversation as he realized where his thoughts were going.
It had all been for show, a way to make Christine ease back or at least calm her down for a while. Hell, it was just supposed to be a dance. Yet as the two of them had ground and danced together, following only the rhythm of the music rather than any established pattern, had found himself lost in it. The feel of Cade’s body against his, the grip of his fingers on ’ hips and shoulder.
And then he’d...kissed Cade.
An elbow pushed into his side, and straightened. He blinked down at Cade, who was staring up at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Uh, what?” asked dully, looking around.
Christine cocked her head, smirking. “I was just asking you where you learned to dance like that.”
“And I said it was a good question,” Cade added.
thought Cade was remarkably composed for someone who had not only spent the past forty-eight hours fretting about the party but also someone who, only minutes before, had looked like he’d taken a good clubbing to the back of the head. Yet, as watched him, he could see the cool, casual, and friendly persona that Cade so often wore when he was out and about. could see something else, a remnant of what had happened on the dance floor, burning in Cade’s eyes.
“Ah, just a...natural talent, I guess?” offered lamely.
Christine smiled. “A talent indeed. I’ll admit, I rarely find myself...endeared to this sort of dancing. Club dancing.”
Cade snorted. “Fucking with your clothes on.”
To ’ surprise, Christine’s nose didn’t wrinkle in distaste. Instead, her eyes widened in what he thought was a genuine expression of delight.
“Exactly,” she answered.
Huh, maybe didn’t have her figured out as much as he thought.
Christine waved a hand. “That said, I can almost understand why some people enjoy it. And all because of you, .”
“Uh, me?” asked.
Matt snorted softly to his left. “That’s a polite way of saying she appreciates the way you move your hips and take over.”
blinked. “Oh.”
Christine looked at Matt. “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with you, but I must say, I’m growing to like you.”
Matt eyed her and, with an expression of pure innocence, smiled. “I’m the original homosexual member of our station. I thought that’s why you brought me to this little celebration of inclusivity and diversity.”
Christine’s face blanked. “I see.”
“Oh shit,” Cade snorted into his drink.
Even broke out of his bewildered reverie to shoot Matt an appreciative smirk. Not once would he have thought that Matt had claws, subtle or otherwise, lurking beneath the surface. But as he watched Christine struggle to find the proper response to cover up her mistake, had to appreciate the subtlety of Matt’s work.
That was until a drunken Cade leaned against him, burying his face in ’ arm as he tried to cover his laughter. sucked in a breath, stiffening as another electric jolt shot through him. Cade didn’t seem to notice as he used his free hand to hold onto and snigger quietly. ’ heart thumped as he looked down at his friend, wondering what the hell was going on.
Cade looked up at him, and ’ chest clenched as he realized the burning spark from before was still in his friend’s eyes. It was buried under amusement and a haze of alcohol, but it was there all the same. The two of them stared at one another for what felt like forever. Eventually, Cade pulled away, his fingers the last to drift, almost reluctantly, from ’ arm before facing Christine.
“Well, this gives you time to get acquainted with Matt,” Cade said, eyes darting not to Matt but .
Christine brightened at the offered save. “Yes! Yes, of course. I’m so sorry I never noticed before. Perhaps you three...have some stories?”
Matt snorted, scooting aside to make room. “I’m sure we have a few. C’mon, you two drunk asses, sit next to me and be all couple-like while we regale Christine with some stories.”
“There are more than enough funny stories,” said, mainly as a subtle reminder that perhaps, considering what the night was about, bringing up the likes of Davis and Keith wasn’t the best idea.
“Only the best,” Matt promised.
chuckled, sitting beside him and trying his best not to stiffen again as Cade scooted closer. A glance toward Cade told he wasn’t the only one suddenly aware of their proximity. Yet the look of heat and wariness disappeared as Cade turned his attention to Christine across the table. He barely flinched when made a show, taking a breath before touching Cade’s thigh.
The feel of Cade’s leg was warm and welcoming. And it terrified almost as much as it interested him.
* * *
honestly wished he could say the night had grown easier. Instead, it seemed like the universe and everyone at their party was intent on keeping Cade and as close as possible. was never given the chance to fully process what they’d done, what he’d done, when he and Cade had been on the dance floor. All he knew was the feel of Cade’s body pushed against his. The brush of his fingers sent another warm tingle through his body that drove straight to his groin.
What the hell was happening to him?
The answer didn’t seem too interested in showing itself as the night continued. Not when he was forced to stand with his arm around Cade’s waist, realizing how well Cade fit against him. His head felt like it was swimming when Cade leaned against him or laid a hand on him casually. It seemed like the more they drank, the more they forced themselves to play up the situation, and the more found himself constantly touching and holding onto Cade.
almost breathed with relief when it came time for the club to close and all the patrons to be shooed out. That was until he stood on the sidewalk outside the club, with Cade leaning against him and Matt smirking at them.
“What?” asked.
“Nothing. I called you guys a cab,” Matt told him.
“Oh. Thanks.”
“Figured it would be easier than you guys going separately,” Matt said with a glance toward Christine, who was chatting with someone else.
“Mm, good point. Gotta be seen leaving with my hunky boyfriend, right?” Cade asked from beside him. His words were slurred, and there was obvious amusement in his voice.
“Hunky, huh?” Matt asked.
“Very hunky. Big, tough, strong. Hunky.”
“He’s drunk,” said needlessly.
“And so are you. Just get home safe, guys. Text me in the morning,” Matt said as the cab pulled up.
“You’re so sweet, Matt. That’s why I like you. You’re just...so fucking nice. I’m sorry Davis and Keith are assholes to you, you don’t deserve that. Imma kick their asses the next time I see them,” Cade promised as he worked his way carefully toward the cab.
“He’s...drunk,” said, unable to help his smirk.
Matt patted his arm. “He’s said something like that to me when he’s sober too...just with less slurring. So, not just drunk.”
“No, he’s…” began.
Matt shot him a look that wasn’t sure was understanding or commiseration. “He’s Cade. Go on.”
Cade leaned out of the cab. “Let’s go, . I wanna go cuddle.”
“He’s just saying that because she’s right there?” Matt asked, glancing over his shoulder as he spoke in a whisper.
chuckled, leaning in close. “No, he’s actually pretty affectionate when no one else is around. He’s just too drunk to realize he’s announcing it to everyone right now.”
Matt patted him. “Then get going before he starts professing his need for your hunky body or something.”
jerked. “I...what?”
Matt pushed him. “Go before Christine tries to interfere.”
That was all needed to ignore anything weird and hop into the cab. barked his address at the driver before closing the door and slumping in his seat. He only got a glimpse of Christine as she turned with a look of surprise on her face, watching the cab pass her by.
“Christ,” muttered, covering his face.
Warmth pressed against his side, and the familiar scent of Cade’s cologne filled his nostrils. had never bothered to find out what it was Cade wore but damned if he didn’t recognize it immediately. It was somehow spicy and earthy at the same time, and while he didn’t know the exact scent, he realized it was one he immediately associated with Cade.
Cade leaned against his arm, sighing. “God, it’s over.”
reached over, albeit a little hesitantly, and patted Cade’s chest. “It is, buddy.”
“Now we can go back to our place and just be us for a little bit. That’ll be nice.”
hadn’t missed the peculiar phrasing, though he said nothing. Since when had Cade started thinking of ’ apartment as theirs? Then again, did it bother him all that much? Cade spent most of his leisure time at ’ anyway. wasn’t going to pretend to be surprised by his friend’s attitude. Still, it was nice to hear, much like the feel of him leaning against for physical support was nice.
“Why are you so warm?” Cade muttered as he pressed closer.
“Latin blood,” teased.
“Mmm.”
It was all Cade had to add to the conversation as he continued pressing against . For his part, was left with his thoughts as the cab twisted and turned through the city streets, taking them back to his apartment. His thoughts settled on the feel of Cade against him, how weirdly pleasurable it had felt to hold his friend close and, even more so, to kiss him. had no intention of kissing Cade; he only wanted to dance with him. But when the moment gripped him, he bent low and claimed Cade’s lips for his own.
shook his head slowly, trying to figure out his thoughts or, more specifically, his feelings. A twinge of what he realized was regret passed through him as they stopped outside his apartment complex, and he was forced to pull away from Cade. God save him, he was drawn to the man and wanted to feel his touch.
“C’mon,” said, helping Cade out.
The brief nap seemed to have done the trick for Cade, however. He stepped out of the cab without a problem, though the same goofy, drunken smile was still on his face. wasn’t sure what the man was laughing at as they trudged up the stairs, but he said nothing as he let them into the apartment. However, he raised a brow as he watched Cade disappear into the kitchen and reappear with two open beers.
“Haven’t had enough?” asked.
“Oh c’mon, it’s just a couple of beers. In the sea of booze we’ve drunk tonight, what’s two beers while you and I just...be?”
He couldn’t argue with the logic and took the beer. Their fingers brushed, and he’d swear Cade’s eyes flashed to his face with that same burning look from before. Rather than think about it too much, marched into the living room and plopped onto the couch. Cade was right behind him, mindlessly humming a tune as he followed suit, sitting on the middle cushion right next to .
“Think she’s happy?” Cade asked as he took a deep drink from the bottle.
“Who, Christine?”
“Yeah.”
shrugged. “I don’t know. For the moment.”
Cade took another deep drink and belched. “Well, fuck her. I had fun.”
“Did you now?” asked in amusement, thinking of how nervous and fretful Cade had been at the start of the evening.
Cade set the beer down on the coffee table with a hard thump, nodding. “Damn right, I did.”
“I’m sure the alcohol helped.”
Cade sagged, laying across the couch until his head was in ’ lap. He stiffened as Cade’s head lay against his legs, his hand gripping ’ thigh. His heart began to thud as his mind raced back to the feeling of Cade’s body against him, the pure electric pleasure of the kiss they’d shared.
“Alcohol was good. But I had fun,” Cade said, wriggling into a more comfortable position.
Jesus, was he getting hard?
Yessir, his pants were starting to feel constricting.
“I’m...glad you enjoyed yourself,” said through a tight throat.
Cade nodded. “I did. Thank you.”
“Why are you thanking me?” asked, taking a drink.
“Because you were there. You were with me. You helped.”
“Don’t think I did all that much.”
Cade patted his thigh. “Don’t be like that. You were a lot of help.”
God, the tightness in his pants was becoming painful.
“Well, fine. I’m glad I could help,” said.
Cade made a happy humming noise, his fingers stroking the inside of ’ thigh. stared down at his friend, watching his fingers grow closer. The outline of ’ cock was spreading down his pants, and the thought that Cade might reach it with his fingers made it grow even more. As he predicted, Cade’s fingers brushed over the hard length a few times, drawing a low breath from .
Cade’s movements stopped. A frown creased his brow, and his fingers stroked the area of ’ thigh again. ’ sucked in a breath, knowing he should tell Cade to stop, that…that was his dick. But instead, he watched, waiting as Cade’s fingers slowly, carefully, but inevitably traced the outline of ’ cock.
“Oh,” Cade whispered.
“Yeah,” said, voice shaking.
Cade’s fingers didn’t leave, though. They didn’t move but stayed where they were, resting against the now completely hard outline of ’ cock.
“I guess…” Cade began.
raised his brow, wondering what was coming next from his friend’s mouth. Before he had to reply, however, Cade’s fingers closed around ’ cock, squeezing it tentatively. A low groan escaped ’ lips before he could think what he was doing, and he felt Cade’s body stiffen against him.
“Oh,” Cade muttered.
, through half-lidded eyes, looked over Cade’s body and remembered what it felt like to have it against him. His eyes felt drawn to his friend’s groin, breath catching as he caught sight of a bulge that hadn’t been there before. Feeling like he was back in the dream state of the dance floor, reached out, cupping Cade’s crotch. Cade’s breath was sharp, but he didn’t pull away as ’ fingers curled around his cock.
God, Cade was hard.
He was hard.
They were both enjoying this.
Not knowing or caring if it was the alcohol in their system, grasped the button of Cade’s jeans and pulled it. Next came the zipper, the sound filling the air alongside their heavy breathing. Cade’s hands never moved away from his groin, only his grip around ’ cock tightening as ’ hand slipped beneath the band of Cade’s underwear.
And there it was.
His fingers brushed the steel-hard length of Cade’s cock. It was the first cock other than his own that had ever touched. Instead of the expected repulsion, felt a surge of excitement as he wrapped his hand around the shaft and pulled Cade’s cock free.
“Oh, God,” Cade muttered, pushing into ’ touch.
It was then that felt his own pants loosen, Cade’s hand rooting roughly inside. gave a choked gasp as Cade’s hand wrapped around his cock, pulling him free and letting out a moan as the pressure was released.
“Jesus, Eli,” Cade said.
“Sorry.”
“No wonder the ladies like you.”
couldn’t help his laugh. His dick wasn’t huge, but it was certainly in proportion to the rest of him. Yet for the first time, he wasn’t bathing in the attention of a woman over his dick, but a man, and not just any man. God, it was Cade with his fingers wrapped around ’ cock, holding it tightly, looking at it in awe. And in turn, he had Cade’s cock in his own grip.
God, what were they doing?
Yet the moment he moved his hand, jerking Cade slowly, he got his answer. Cade’s low moan and the shudder that pulled through him were enough to wipe all worry and concern from ’ throat.
In turn, Cade’s hand stroked his cock, and between the sensation and the knowledge that it was Cade, let out a deep groan. Neither seemed to be thinking too hard about what they were doing. Instead, Cade pushed himself upright, so he sat next to , careful not to break their hold on one another.
“Oh shit,” moaned, leaning forward and claiming Cade’s lips.
Again, he hadn’t planned on it, but he felt the electric surge of pleasure rip through him.
“,” Cade moaned, thrusting against ’ touch.
felt Cade’s cock throb against his palm, and he knew what was happening. His own body responded, pleasure ramping up as Cade’s grip tightened. Warmth spread over his fingers as Cade came with a low groan, pressing closer to him. was not far behind, making a deep noise as he came over his shirt and Cade’s grip. For one moment, they shared their pleasure, their ecstasy, in a way neither of them had ever done before. Shared it in a way had never dreamed of doing.
Yet—
“,” Cade gasped, his pupils swelling.
stared at him, his mind seizing as his body had only moments before. Shaking his head, he smiled.
“Sleep,” told him.
“But…” Cade began, looking down at their cum covered hands, their cocks now wilting since the moment had passed.
“Tomorrow,” said, even as his mind screamed for answers.
God, he’d wanted it just as much as Cade. But they were...they weren’t like that, especially not with one another. Yet they had. They’d done it.
“I don’t know…” Cade began.
And spoke the truth he knew deep inside. Knowing that no matter how much their stuporous minds might try to scream otherwise.
“Booze will get us nice and sleepy,” told him.
And maybe it would bring the oblivion of forgetfulness. Maybe they could forget this ever happened or the whole damn night. Above all else, maybe could forget the feeling of his best friend’s cock in his hand while Cade’s was wrapped around his. Maybe he could forget the intoxicating feel of Cade’s mouth against his and the sheer pleasure of hearing Cade call out his name.
“Sleep,” said, helping get them to bed.
But the question was, did he want to forget?