Chapter Text
Eames nudged the scrambled eggs onto two plates beside the toast and then walked the plates to the living room. Arthur looked up over the back of the couch to watch him approach. His face was still very pale with dark smudges under his eyes but Eames doubted he himself looked any better. Both of them were still horribly hung-over to the point that painkillers wouldn't even touch their headaches.
They both knew that they needed to have a serious conversation, but now wasn't the right time. Not with their heads pounding, their eyes stinging and their stomachs unable to decide if they were hungry or nauseous. When they woke up in each other's arms it didn't feel like they needed to say anything. Eames just found Arthur an extra toothbrush he got from his last dentist visit and told Arthur to call his friends to assure them that he was alive as promised.
Eames forced himself into the kitchen while Arthur locked himself away in the bathroom. Dom and Mal were both gone from the apartment, though Eames didn't know where they might've gone. Not that Eames was unhappy about having a quiet apartment alone with Arthur for a few hours. Eames made toast first, knowing that would be best for their stomachs, and then prepared the eggs for a bit more substance.
He could hear Arthur talking on the phone with his friends – Ariadne, Eames assumed. Eames didn't even bother trying to not listen in, and was relieved when he heard Arthur assuring Ariadne that he was fine, that Eames had been a gentleman, and that... Arthur's voice turned quieter and Eames strained to hear... Arthur hoped he might not be back until later in the afternoon. Eames pretended he hadn't heard this when Arthur ended the call and entered the kitchen. He just told Arthur to pour whatever he wanted to drink and get comfortable on the couch.
Arthur had grabbed a blanket and bundled up in it, which he was still curled up in when Eames handed off the plate of food. "Thanks," Arthur mumbled. He looked over the food for a moment before taking a tentative bite of toast, cautious of his stomach rebelling.
With his headache still pulsing behind his eyes, Eames wasn't at full capacity to feel as nervous as he would've otherwise felt. Maybe he was somewhat reassured by the fact that Arthur had willingly spooned with him for a few hours in Eames' bed. Not bothering to second-guess himself, Eames lifted the blanket just long enough to sneak under and sit beside Arthur on the couch. Their thighs brushed and since Arthur didn't withdraw, Eames didn't either.
After a bit of channel-flipping Eames found a movie that they both agreed on. He left it running and turned it to a reasonable volume considering their hangovers. They watched the movie in silence while they ate and although Eames knew that there was a lot they needed to talk about, it didn't feel uncomfortable. When their plates were empty Eames took them quickly to the sink and refilled their glasses of water before returning to the couch.
His heart began to stutter a short while after he sat back down on the couch. Arthur had been curled up against the far armrest of the couch, but after a few shy glances, Arthur moved to lean against Eames' side. Eames ended up leaning against his arm rest with an arm wrapped around Arthur's body, holding him close while Arthur lay against him and the rest of the couch. Eames didn't mind when Arthur dozed, merely drawing small circles on his arm in what he hoped was a comforting manner. Eames didn't even realize when he was beginning to drift off as well.
Eames woke up when he heard the apartment door clicking closed. Eames looked up and saw Dom and Mal walking towards him cautiously, raising questioning eyebrows. Not wanting to wake Arthur up, Eames pressed a finger to his lips and pointed downward. Dom and Mal were close enough now that they could see Arthur curled up against Eames, asleep under the blanket. Mal smiled and left to their shared bedroom while Dom lingered. "You didn't...?"
Eames scowled. "No. We slept. Have a little faith in me," he hissed.
"I know, I know," Dom whispered back, holding up his hands in surrender. "Sorry, we'll give you more time alone. Mal and I are going to study at the library; we just came back to grab our laptops."
Eames nodded his understanding and relaxed back on the couch, holding Arthur a little closer against his chest. He listened to Dom and Mal whispering to each other as they moved around the apartment and then left. As soon as the door closed behind his two roommates, Eames felt Arthur shifting as he blinked blurry eyes open and looked up at Eames. "Will they judge me for last night?"
Eames looked down at him in surprise. "Of course not. We're in college. Making mistakes and getting drunk is what we have a tendency to do; that's why the hangover is there to teach us a lesson."
Arthur didn't seem convinced. "What could you possibly be thinking of me? Pushing you away and then getting drunk and forcing myself on you..."
"I can't say I really understand your thoughts," Eames admitted, running his fingers through his hair. "But it's not like I'm going to think less of you for last night. I got drunk too; I just didn't make it halfway across town."
Arthur blushed and sat up. Eames would've tried to stop him except Arthur only put enough space between them for them both to sit looking at each other, and didn't leave the couch entirely. Eames felt his affection swell when Arthur kept the blanket around his shoulders. "I owe you an explanation."
"No you don't," Eames said. "Do I want to understand? Yes. But you don't need to explain yourself to me if you don't want to."
Arthur reached over and cupped Eames' face between his warm palms. Not knowing what else to say, Eames merely moaned softly when Arthur leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. The kisses they had shared last night had been like fireworks, setting Eames' body aflame. But this was different, what Eames had been dreaming of for the last few weeks. The kiss was chaste and gentle and it had Eames' heart swelling in his chest as he slid his fingers into Arthur's hair and kissed him back.
When they pulled apart Arthur met his gaze. "I want to explain," Arthur said seriously. If that was the case, Eames wasn't going to interrupt. He sat back on his heels and Eames let him withdraw in order to focus on their conversation. "I was bullied for most of my childhood by assholes who thought it would be funny to stuff me in my locker because I couldn't fight back, and got a kick out of flirting with me to fluster me when it came out that I was gay."
Eames closed his eyes as guilt tore at his heart. "Fuck."
"Yeah," Arthur huffed, though he didn't move away and Eames was grateful for that. "So I think it's pretty obvious why I was unimpressed when I first met you. And why I hated you for hanging around expecting me to like you back just because you were a bit nicer to me. I told myself people like that would always be the same and that they weren't worth my time."
"Arthur, I'm sorry—"
"Then you proved me wrong," Arthur spoke over him, and Eames' eyes flashed open in surprise. "Regardless of your feelings for me, or my rejection, you realized you wanted to change for yourself, and you have. I didn't want to like you because I kept wondering how I could forgive you so easily," Arthur explained, eyes turning downcast. "And I am... I was scared that it was all just a ploy to lure me in like a conquest."
Eames swallowed hard and brushed his hand down Arthur's arm, drawing his eyes. "Let me prove otherwise," Eames requested. "I'll be honest; I didn't start with good intentions. But I've never felt this way for anyone else before, and I like who I'm becoming after meeting you. I look forward to seeing you and just being around you."
Arthur hesitated, biting his lip. "I'll be busy..." he warned, "I'll have homework and drum corps practices."
"And I'll have my football," Eames reminded him. His hand traced up Arthur's arm to cup the column of Arthur's neck, thumb brushing Arthur's jaw tentatively. "I'm not asking you to drop everything for me. I just want a chance to get to know you better and to make you happy if I can."
After a moment of consideration Arthur turned his head so that his lips brushed the pad of Eames' thumb. "I think you can." Then Arthur's eyes darkened slightly as he looked up at Eames through his lashes. "Do you want to take me back to bed?"
Eames wasn't sure if it was an offer, a question, or a test. Eames decided to answer honestly and hope for the best. "Yes, very much so," he said seriously. "But more than that right now, I want to rest with you on the couch and watch another movie and then take you out to dinner." The memory of Arthur rutting against Eames was still fresh in his mind from last night, but despite Eames' building desire over the last few weeks for Arthur, Eames realized that right now he just wanted to rest with Arthur in his arms. Not to mention the fact that they were both feeling pretty rotten thanks to their hangovers.
Arthur hummed thoughtfully and then offered a small smile. "I like you, Eames."
"I like you too, Arthur," Eames breathed, caressing Arthur's bottom lip with his thumb. This time he was the one to reel Arthur in for another kiss, brushing their lips together sweetly. Eames loved the way Arthur relaxed and moulded to the shape of Eames' body, wrapping his arms loosely around Eames as their lips locked. The kiss was one of affection and tentative claiming, though Eames recognized the potential for it to turn passionate when they both chose that direction.
Eventually Arthur pulled away and requested more painkillers. Eames grabbed the bottle from the washroom and each of them took another one, nursing their headaches. They found another movie to put on in the background even though they ended up chatting through most of it over the next few hours while curled up in the blanket together. They talked about their majors in school, their friends and their hobbies – drum corps and football becoming the predominant topic over time.
Before Eames even realized it, he noticed that the sky was beginning to grow dim as the day got late. His stomach growled at the first thought of food and Arthur's stomach grumbled in response. Their eyes met and both of them chuckled. "How about dinner? I could take you to my favourite pub on campus," Eames suggested a bit shyly.
"I'm not exactly dressed for it..." Arthur balked, looking down at himself. It wasn't that his clothes weren't acceptable; Arthur had dressed up before going to the party last night. But after their grinding and wandering hands last night, and Arthur sleeping and cuddling in the same clothes all day, the fabric had gotten quite rumpled. Not that Eames minded in the slightest.
"I don't think you understand. This pub is specifically for us college kids," Eames laughed. "Many people go in their pyjamas halfway through studying for an exam or something like that. You're almost overdressed."
"If you're sure." Arthur still looked uncertain.
"I am," Eames insisted. "But if you'd be more comfortable I could drive you back to your residence room to change clothes before we go."
Arthur looked like he was considering it but then shook his head. "I'll be fine as long as you don't mind me being in the same clothes as yesterday. And I'm getting too hungry to wait that long anyway."
Eames rolled his eyes and crowded into Arthur's personal space, feeling bold as he gently pinned Arthur's back to the couch cushions. Eames' hands snuck beneath Arthur's shirt and skimmed over the warm skin of Arthur's stomach. "If it bothers you so much I'd be happy to remove them for you," Eames smirked.
He could feel Arthur shiver beneath him and saw the arousal in Arthur's eyes, though their stomachs interrupted a second time. "Maybe after, Mister Eames," Arthur teased as he pushed lightly at Eames' shoulder, hinting that he wanted to stand up. Eames let him up and Arthur attempted to smooth out his shirt. "I'm just going to grab my things and call Ariadne to let her know I won't be over tonight. Otherwise she'll come hunt you down."
"She acts like your mother," Eames teased as he trailed behind Arthur, wanting to grab his phone and wallet from where he had deposited them last night.
Arthur snorted. "More like my sister, but it's practically the same. She's protective since we've been best friends since middle school. But ever since she started dating Yusuf he's calmed her down a bit. Anyway, mind if I call...?"
"Yeah, no problem," Eames said, stuffing his phone and wallet in his pockets and leaving Arthur alone in the bedroom. He liked how comfortable Arthur acted about walking around Eames' apartment; polite, but still doing what made him feel at home. Eames quickly stepped into the washroom to brush his teeth and try to pat his hair down and then pulled out his phone by the front door.
"Eames, you alright?" Dom asked when he answered the phone.
"Yeah," Eames said, knowing his smile was probably audible in his tone. "Arthur and I are going out to Gracie's pub to get some dinner. You and Mal don't need to hide out in the library anymore if you want to come home."
"How generous of you," Dom chuckled. "Honestly though, we didn't mind. I'm glad you two seem to have figured things out. Have fun tonight."
Eames was grinning now, even as Arthur stepped out of Eames' bedroom and raised an eyebrow upon seeing him. "Thanks, you too."
"You seem happy," Arthur said as Eames hung up his phone, stepping closer.
"How could I not be?" Eames purred as he wound an arm around Arthur's lower back and dipped him slightly, pressing warm kisses up his neck and then catching his lips.
Arthur moaned and kissed back, looking a bit dazed when they finally stopped to breathe. "Is this what I have to look forward to?"
Eames trembled nervously. "Too much?"
Instead of moving away, Arthur cupped the back of Eames' neck and brought their lips back together. This time it was Eames moaning as he held Arthur's body against his own, his heart fluttering madly in his chest. "Not what I'm used to," Arthur said when they paused. "But I like it. I like being held like this by you."
Eames hugged Arthur against him as tightly as he dared, breathing Arthur in. "Thank you for giving me another chance."
Arthur hugged Eames back, chin resting on Eames' shoulder. "You deserved it." Arthur's stomach decided to make more noise and Eames smiled against Arthur's neck. "Now let's get dinner." Eames was surprised but pleased when Arthur held his hand out invitingly, and Eames didn't need any prompting to lace their fingers together before leading Arthur outside and across campus towards the pub.
It was a little loud in the pub when they arrived – as it always was – but Eames requested a quieter booth near the back. As their hands slid apart when they sat on opposite sides of the booth Eames was immediately filled with longing. For weeks he had thought Arthur would never even talk to him, let alone give him this sort of chance despite Eames' obvious feelings and time of self-reflection. Now that Arthur was here, giving Eames this opportunity, Eames only wanted to feel Arthur's body against his own. When Arthur hummed or laughed Eames wanted to feel the vibrations, and soak in Arthur's warmth.
"You look a little pained," Arthur commented after the waitress had brought them their cheeseburgers and fries. Although it was obvious by his voice that he was teasing, real concern was visible in Arthur's eyes.
Eames leaned back against the booth seat, suddenly feeling self-conscious because really, there was a limit to how corny you could sound in one day. "I'm fine."
Arthur's amused smile fell as he glanced around slowly, nervously, before looking back at Eames. "What's wrong? Should I...?"
Arthur began to stand up and Eames rushed to catch Arthur's hand, keeping him from leaving. "Arthur, no please, just sit. I promise everything is okay," Eames stumbled over his words trying to explain himself. He decided to throw his pride away if it meant his honesty would make Arthur feel more secure. "I just really miss lying down with you against me, that's all." Eames could feel the heat in his face and he ducked his head, trying to hide his blush.
For a long second that felt like a lifetime Arthur was completely silent. Then Arthur snorted, failed to contain himself, and burst out laughing. "You're too much, you know?" Arthur said, brushing away a few stray tears at the corners of his eyes from laughing so hard. "You sound like a cheesy romance novel."
"Wouldn't you have needed to read said cheesy romance novel to know I sound like them?" Eames pointed out, trying to cover up his own embarrassment.
Surprisingly, Arthur merely gave him a knowing smirk. "No one said I didn't."
Eames was startled to laughter as well, and the embarrassing moment fell away unnoticed. Conversation continued more easily as they ate and fought over the bill. In the end Eames paid after accepting Arthur's demand that he be allowed to pay next time – truthfully, Eames was just giddy at hearing Arthur so easily mention a next time.
"I'll drive you home," Eames offered as they stood from the booth and headed for the door, hand in hand.
Arthur didn't argue and together they walked back towards Eames' apartment to get Eames' car from the underground parking garage. Arthur directed Eames to the parking lot for his residence building when they arrived, and gave Eames a sidelong look as he unclipped his seatbelt. "You should walk me to my door."
"My pleasure, darling," Eames said, not missing Arthur's shy smile at the pet name before they both exited the car and headed inside.
Outside Arthur's door, Arthur turned and leaned his back against the door, looking Eames over. When their eyes met, Arthur released a heavy breath, betraying his nerves. "Would you think less of me if I asked you inside after our first date?"
Eames' heartbeat was racing in his ears. "Not at all."
Arthur smiled in amusement. "That's just because you want me to invite you in."
"True," Eames chuckled, stepping closer so that their chests were pressed together. Eames could feel Arthur's chest in its quick rise and fall, matched by Eames' own. "But if you asked me to leave, I'd do that too. Whatever you choose, I will respect."
"Aren't you not supposed to sleep with someone after your first date?" Arthur tried to joke, though it was obvious that he was genuinely feeling uncertain.
"Says who?" Eames wondered.
Arthur thought about it for a moment. "No one, I guess. Society."
Eames pressed a kiss to the corner of Arthur's mouth. "I only care what you're comfortable with."
"Well then..." Arthur trailed off and turned around, working the lock and pushing the door open. Before Eames could begin to worry if he was being told to leave, Arthur grabbed the front of his shirt and dragged him inside, locking the door behind them. "Ariadne?" Arthur called out, with no response. "She must still be out with Yusuf, good," Arthur said. He toed off his shoes and Eames copied the action, his nerves bubbling up inside him.
"Arthur..." Eames began but Arthur was already walking further into the apartment. Eames trailed behind Arthur until they entered a bedroom he assumed belonged to Arthur. Everything was coloured a crisp blue or gray, with a pile of books on the desk by a laptop organized neatly and everything else in its proper place. Eames could only imagine what Arthur had thought of Eames' messy bedroom this morning when he woke up. Regardless, Eames' main concern was Arthur, who seemed stiff and distant when he sat on the edge of the bed. "What's wrong?"
Arthur looked up and then away quickly, weathering his bottom lip. "I haven't... uh, I haven't done this before. I don't want to be a disappointment."
Eames stepped closer slowly, not wanting Arthur to feel crowded. When Eames cupped Arthur's jaw and tilted his face up, Arthur met his gaze willingly. Eames swallowed. "Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?"
Arthur blushed and ducked his head, but Eames caught his smile. "Not really, no."
This time Eames waited for Arthur to look up on his own when he was comfortable. Eames was waiting with a warm, affectionate smile of his own. "You're so beautiful." Eames had shared a bed with other boys before, but he knew this would be different. He didn't care if it was awkward or they fumbled. It didn't need to go perfectly. Eames realized that he wasn't actually nervous; he was giddy. "There are no expectations," he assured Arthur. "I just want to be with you. If you want," he added, trying not to put pressure on Arthur.
Boldly Arthur's hands held Eames' hips and tugged him a little closer, his eyes dark. "I want."
Not needing more reassurance, Eames leaned over Arthur and kissed him deeply. They both leaned into it and Eames quickly found himself breathless as their lips found the perfect angle. While they kissed Eames reached down and caught the hem of Arthur's shirt. They separated just long enough for Eames to remove Arthur's shirt and throw away his own before their lips reconnected.
Eames trembled with need when Arthur's warm hands teased over Eames' bare stomach, exploring curiously. Feeling more direct, Eames traced his fingers up from Arthur's stomach to his chest, tweaking both of Arthur's nipples at the same time. Arthur arched in surprise and gasped into the kiss, sending heat racing down Eames' spine to pool in his groin where he felt his cock beginning to swell against his pants.
"Let's get more comfortable," Eames suggested even as he moved to hook his hands on Arthur's hips. With a bit of squirming they both managed to move up to the middle of the bed, Arthur spread out on his back while Eames kneeled above him. Eames caught Arthur's lips again and brushed his tongue against Arthur's bottom lip. Slowly Arthur parted his lips in offering and Eames felt a swell of adoration fill his whole body when he dipped his tongue into Arthur's mouth and brushed the roof of Arthur's mouth.
As they kissed Arthur's fingers moved across Eames' back, following each rise and dip of his body. And then, before Eames could even prepare himself, Arthur scraped his nails down the column of Eames' spine. With a choked groan Eames arched down and dragged his clothed erection against Arthur, moaning louder when he felt Arthur's own tented pants indicating his own pleasure and excitement.
"Fuck," Eames broke away from the kiss to pant, mouthing open-mouthed kisses along Arthur's neck. "Please tell me you have a condom and lube."
Arthur nodded but knotted his fingers in Eames' hair, keeping his mouth against Arthur's warm skin. "Bedside table."
Eames continued to kiss and suck at Arthur's neck, loving the way Arthur's hips rose against him and his breathing grew short at the attention. He could only wait for so long though with his cock pulsing with desperation, so Eames leaned back and pulled open Arthur's bedside drawer. Inside he found a small packet of condoms and some lube, which he grabbed and set on the bed by Arthur's elbow.
Slowly Eames kissed from Arthur's neck down to his chest, sucking one of Arthur's nipples into his mouth just to make Arthur squirm. Arthur groaned and dug his nails into Eames' skin, hips rising with more determination. "Eames, I want to feel you."
Eames moved back up to kiss Arthur hard enough for both of them to see stars. Then he trailed kisses down Arthur's chest and stomach and mouthed teasingly at the skin just above the waistband of Arthur's pants. Slowly, giving Arthur a chance to change his mind, Eames popped the button of Arthur's pants. Arthur raised his hips off the bed to make it easier for Eames to peel off his pants and underwear, and Eames wasted no time in stripping off his own clothes so that they were both naked.
Knowing what they both wanted, Eames grabbed the lube and coated two fingers as he knelt between Arthur's legs. He could see Arthur blushing as he watched Eames with hooded eyes, and Eames ducked down to nip little love bites onto Arthur's hips. "I've thought about this for a long time," Eames told Arthur openly. "Have you done this to yourself before?" Arthur shook his head quickly and Eames felt excited knowing Arthur was trusting Eames with this. "It'll feel a bit weird at first," he warned. "But tell me if it hurts. I'll go slow."
"It's okay, I trust you," Arthur murmured.
Eames looked up and their eyes met and they shared a smile. Then Eames turned his attention downward as he pressed one finger slowly into Arthur's body. Immediately Eames groaned at how hot and tight Arthur felt around his finger, but the noise wasn't nearly as loud as Arthur's breathless whine as his hips shifted, first up and away and then down to take Eames' finger further inside his body.
Wanting to distract Arthur while he adjusted, Eames leaned down and dragged his tongue along the underside of Arthur's cock. It twitched at the attention and Eames repeated the action, lapping at Arthur's pulsing flesh while Eames worked one and then two fingers in and out of Arthur's ass. Despite it being Arthur's first time it didn't take long to stretch him open, especially with Arthur rocking down on his fingers while Eames fully sucked Arthur's cock into his mouth.
"Eames..." Arthur groaned as his heels dug into the mattress, hips canting up. "I can't last if you keep doing – ah! That."
Eames chuckled and withdrew both his mouth and fingers, ignoring Arthur's bereft whine. With trembling fingers Eames tore open the condom and rolled it onto his cock, using all of his willpower to avoid stroking himself. He was so wound up and aroused that even the touch of his fingers had him hissing as his balls tightened with pleasure, but he wanted to come inside Arthur's body. He wanted them to be joined.
Eames grabbed more lube and coated himself liberally, scared of hurting Arthur. He positioned himself with his cock nudging against Arthur's hole but Eames paused, looking up Arthur's body to meet those lovely brown eyes. "I really like you," Eames said, too scared to use heavier words but wanting Arthur to know his feelings, and that this coupling was about far more than just shared physical pleasure. "I want to make you happy."
Arthur smiled softly. "You do," he promised. "And I like you too, so get on with it," he added with a bit of a challenge in his tone.
The first push into Arthur's body was tight, Eames purposefully going slow until Arthur naturally relaxed around him and let Eames' cock sink into his body. Eames struggled to not come too quickly as he felt Arthur clenching and loosening around him rhythmically, adjusting to the sensation of being so full. It didn't help that Arthur was moaning breathlessly while his cock twitched and dribbled precome on his stomach.
Once Eames was fully buried inside Arthur's hole he stilled for a long moment, letting them both gain some control. However, there was nothing Eames could do to hold back when Arthur started to thrust down onto Eames' cock, hinting that he wanted more. Eames angled his weight forward and held himself up with one hand on each side of Arthur's body as he pulled out and thrust back in hard, shuddering as his cock dragged against the burning walls of Arthur's insides.
Eames grunted when Arthur reached up to grab his shoulders and drag Eames down until Eames' body was covering the length of Arthur's own. Pleased with this, Arthur hooked his arms around Eames' shoulders to hold him down and then angled up to get Eames' cock moving inside him. Eames easily began to grind against Arthur's ass, slamming his hips hard against Arthur's body. He tried different angles until he heard Arthur's breath hitch, his eyes opening wide. Eames grinned and kissed Arthur's collarbone, repeating his angle to hammer against Arthur's prostate on each thrust.
Arthur hiccupped as the air was knocked from his lungs, body moving at a frenzied rhythm in search of his completion. Eames could feel the way Arthur's body was tightening around him, signalling Arthur's building pleasure. And each thrust of Eames' cock through that clenching heat had Eames spiralling closer to his own orgasm. By now he was desperate for it, for their shared release as he held Arthur's body tightly against his own.
"Fuck, I—I'm so close," Arthur whispered, eyes clenched closed and lips parted. "Please," he started to beg, and Eames thrust harder at the simple sound of it, "I—I need, ah, Eames!"
It was over in a rush. Arthur bucked violently beneath Eames but remained pinned to the mattress with Eames' weight, writhing in place on Eames' cock as he hit and tumbled over the edge of his climax. Eames could feel Arthur's come spilling between them, hot and sticky, and Arthur's ass began to milk Eames in time with Arthur's hurried heartbeat. It only took a few more thrusts for Eames to feel something break inside him, his spine bowing as he spilled his seed into the condom.
"Fuck," Eames groaned when he was finally spent. It took all of his remaining energy to pull out, roll over and collapse onto the bed beside Arthur instead of on top of him. "That was so good." Arthur hummed his agreement and watched with hazy eyes as Eames tied off the condom and walked it over to the trash bin to dispose of it. As Eames walked back to the bed he watched Arthur pull the blankets over him, leaving the edge turned over welcomingly. "How are you feeling?" Eames asked as he lay down next to Arthur and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
"A little sore," Arthur admitted, stretching out his limbs as he yawned widely. "And tired, but really good." Arthur looked dangerously close to falling asleep. "Are you staying over?"
"If you'll have me," Eames said shyly, hand resting on Arthur's hip below the blankets.
"Don't be stupid," Arthur chided as he rolled over, pressing his back against Eames' side. Taking the hint, Eames moved onto his side and spooned Arthur from behind, hand splayed lovingly across Arthur's stomach. "Goodnight, Eames."
Eames pressed a kiss to the back of Arthur's neck. "Sleep well, Arthur."
#
Eames was sitting in the front row of the bleachers. Although he knew he would get a better view of the drum corps' formations from higher up in the stands, he was unwilling to be so far away from the field. It was early spring but the air was still chilly, and Eames bundled his Crown State blue and white scarf tighter around his neck. Arthur had given it to him as a sort of joke-gift at Christmas, but Eames had made sure to wear it to each one of Arthur's performances he had a chance to come and watch.
Football season was over by now, giving Eames a little more free time on the weekends. Which worked out perfectly since the drum corps groups were beginning to prepare for their competitions in late spring. Whenever Eames had the time he would be there listening to Arthur and his group practice. He still experienced a rush of barely-contained energy whenever he listened to the drum corps perform; especially when Arthur did a solo. Eames couldn't help himself; he always took Arthur home and rocked into him demandingly after witnessing one of Arthur's solos.
Maybe it was the music, or seeing Arthur in his element and completely owning it. Regardless, Eames didn't really care and Arthur showed no signs of complaining either, digging his nails into Eames' back and pulling him closer each time.
The performance had ended and the bleachers were emptying out, crowds dispersing across campus. Eames remained seated where he was, knowing Arthur knew where to find him when he was finished changing out of his uniform and packing his drum away for safekeeping until his next practice. Eames checked his phone for messages and then looked up when he heard shoes approaching on the cement path in front of the bleachers.
"How was it?" Arthur asked as he stepped closer.
Eames laughed and smiled widely. "You didn't see my jaw dropping from the field?"
Arthur gave a self-satisfied smile. "Maybe I like hearing you say it."
"Phenomenal," Eames praised immediately, no hesitation in his voice. "You know how much I love hearing your solos."
Arthur stopped walking when he was standing purposefully between Eames' spread knees. His eyes dipped down to Eames' crotch knowingly before glancing back up to Eames' eyes. "I thought you said something about dinner and a movie night," Arthur said in amusement. "Ariadne and Yusuf have probably already ordered the pizza by now."
Eames groaned and leaned back to get a better view of Arthur's beautiful body. "And Dom and Mal are probably halfway to your apartment. Fuck."
"Come on, Mister Eames," Arthur beckoned with an outstretched hand. Eames didn't make Arthur wait before taking his hand in his own and standing by Arthur's side. He hummed happily into Arthur's mouth when Arthur pulled him into a kiss, the meeting of their lips familiar and warm. "I'll make it up to you later," Arthur whispered playfully against Eames' lips when they parted.
"Nothing to make up for, darling," Eames kissed Arthur's forehead and squeezed Arthur's hand fondly. "Let's go; we don't want to be late for the movie night and make all our friends come up with outlandish assumptions about how we spend our time alone." He winked.
"As if they'd be wrong," Arthur said with a laugh as they headed across the football field towards Eames' car together.