Chapter 1
The first time Charles and Erik met had been a few weeks after Charles started his third year at university. He had gone out drinking with some classmates.
Even at two in the morning, after saying goodbye to his classmates, he left, walking in the opposite direction to the area that consisted only of pubs and a 24hs pharmacy on the corner.
The streets were deserted due to the heavy rain that had caught them all around midnight. Now there were only large puddles of water and small raindrops wetting his hair randomly and occasionally.
After the second block, Charles took the opportunity to sit on the sidewalk. He was drunker than he wanted to admit, and with no taxi in sight, he began to feel dizzy and more anxious than before. The muffled music coming from the pubs and clubs, the shouts of joy, or the insults from drunken fights could no longer be heard.
No matter how long he looked to the side of the street, there was no one there. If Charles had been more superstitious, he would definitely say something wasn't right; it was too quiet.
"I think it's a bit dangerous to be out so late." The hoarse voice repeated made Charles jump. Instinctively, he regained all his strength and stood up, now looking even more closely at the stranger who had been standing behind him. "Especially on a night as wide awake and cold as this. Something could happen to you."
"I know, I know. I... I lost track of time." He let out a humorless laugh and ran a hand through his damp, slicked-back hair. "He's just trying to get home, but it seems all the fucking taxis have conspired to avoid me tonight."
The stranger gave a small laugh, took a step away from the shadows where he'd been leaning against the wall, and approached Charles with soft movements, his footsteps barely audible.
In the new light, Charles was able to better distinguish his features. The face of this unknown man was handsome, striking. He couldn't have been older than Charles, perhaps around twenty-one. A high, straight, handsome nose. Thin lips with a pronounced Cupid's bow, a well-defined, strong jaw, recognizable and attractive features. He was tall, taller than Charles, and dressed elegantly and formally, too much for someone so young.
Charles ran his tongue over his lips and bit the inside of his cheek. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't envious of this man. Charles, who was constantly dissatisfied with his own appearance, definitely wouldn't complain if he were half as attractive. And he definitely wouldn't complain if he had the chance to get into someone like that's pants.
The stranger's shoulders were square, his posture perfect. His gaze hadn't left Charles's since he approached, and he felt proud to have this man's full attention, which made him want to be bold and hint that he would let himself be fucked right there if the man asked him to.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to accompany you. I can't imagine sleeping peacefully if something were to happen to you, Sir..."
"Please, only Charles is fine."
The stranger offered his hand to Charles, and he took it, impressed by how cool it felt against his.
"Charles. A beautiful name. Elegant and strong." He repeated, letting the word roll around in his mouth. The man smiled and squeezed Charles's hand before bringing it to his lips, placing a small kiss between his knuckles. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Charles. You can call me Erik."
Charles, of course, melted at that alone, and flirted, still nervous and half-drunk, with Erik, who was more than happy to play along.
After that night, what followed was two months of constant flirting, teasing, and inappropriate innuendos from both of them, spending time together when they both had the night off.
Charles didn't want to seem desperate, but spending so much time with Erik, making it so clear he was interested, but without receiving an advance from Erik, was making him impatient.
The problem was that on one of their first dates, Charles had been foolish enough to indirectly tell Erik he wasn't available. Erik had said that if he changed his mind, he would consider him for the boyfriend position, but at the time, Charles had dismissed it as another attempt by Erik to tease him.
He had spent the last week touching himself, in every way possible. In the morning, he would stroke his hard cock in the middle of the shower, moaning Erik's name. Then he would clean up and go to class, more frustrated than before.
At night, when Erik left, Charles would run back to his room, strip completely naked, and spread himself with his fingers. He imagined Erik fucking him slowly the first time, whispering to him how tight and good he was.
Erik would say that It felt like being inside him is the hottest thing ever. Charles would beg him to fill him, to come in all his face, legs and abdomen, and he would let all his moans be swallowed by Erik amid the desperate kisses Charles had desired from the beginning.
So he decided. That same night, as they strolled across the bridge on the way to the park, he asked Erik if he was seeing someone, then told him he liked him, that he wanted him.
Charles shifted his feet nervously, his back stiff, his fingers gripping the wooden bench. The anticipation of hearing an answer he didn't want gnawed at his good posture. His gaze flicked up again as Erik's cackle echoed between them. Charles gritted his teeth as he watched him mockingly gloat over his question.
Erik just clapped hysterically, as he burst out laughing, and then another. His eyes stung, and small tears welled up from the sudden fit of laughter. He was euphoric, excited, simply happy and hyperactive.
He tried to take a breath and calm his newfound happiness. He shook his head to himself, wiped a few tears from his face, and met Charles's gaze once more.
Suddenly, his nose itched, his eyes glazed and glittered, his emotions racing, choking his breath with each pounding heartbeat he felt trapped in his chest. He swallowed hard and curved his lips into a small smile. He felt shy because now Charles's eyes were on his, and somehow that question gave him hope for them/for their future together.
"I'm not dating anyone, but I've recently become interested in a beautiful man. I don't think either of us needs to mention it, because you and I both know it's about you, ever since I tried to flirt with you the first time we met."
Erik looked at him fondly, completely lost in the beauty of Charles's freckled skin and gorgeous pink lips, contrasted with the shine of his navy cardigan. His brown hair looked as soft as ever, and his gaze so full of life, which sometimes made him envious of Charles.
"Anyway, I think I perfectly understood the point: you don't want anyone interfering in your life. 'Completely focused on my studies and all the money I can earn,'" —he deepened his voice, imitating the English accent that now so enchanted him.— "and I told you that when you changed your mind, I'd be willing to ask you out again. That didn't change."
Charles wasted no time; he stood up and jumped on Erik to steal a kiss, then another, and another, until the short kisses they'd given turned into a desperate and anxious play of tongues.
He was so happy and amused by the delicious taste of Erik's lips.
