Work Text:
“Fancy meeting you here.”
The question is whispered softly in Chris' ear, a little flirty, a little teasing, just audible over the loud music. It makes Chris chuckle, and he leans back, trusting his weight to the man standing behind him.
“Amazing coincidence, isn’t it?”
He can feel the warmth of the hands wrapping around his waist even through the mesh fabric of his corset belt and top. Gared pulls him a little closer, gently but possessively, and Chris is only too happy to lean more heavily against him. It's only the first stop on this multi-day festival tour, but that doesn't make it any less exhausting – and sometimes it's just nice to be able to lean on someone and know that no words are needed.
Lips touch his cheek, accompanied by the still unfamiliar tickle of beard. "You look stunning today," Gared murmurs to him. "I could have dragged you right off the stage."
"Very discreet," Chris comments, even though the compliment flatters him. "I don't think they'd book us here again so quickly."
"Hence my almost superhuman restraint." Gared sounds amused. One of his hands moves from Chris' waist forward, resting on his stomach. "Who helped you with the laces?"
"Klaas." Chris puts his hand over Gared's, simply because it feels good and right. "Our bassist has many talents."
Gared's breath warms Chris's neck and cheek as the keyboardist laughs softly. "That's him."
Chris turns his head slightly, just far enough to look at Gared. He looks relaxed, satisfied with the show they played. In the gloom of the night and the stage lights, his eyes still darkly made up, he looks almost a stranger. The way he returns Chris' gaze, in contrast, is very familiar. No further words are needed; Gared knows what Chris wants anyway – and he doesn't hesitate. His lips are a little dry, a little rough, but his kiss is as loving as ever. Chris sighs against Gared's lips and closes his eyes, savoring the moment.
"Come on." Murmured words, close to Chris' mouth. "I 'll help you out of your clothes, and then we should plan on getting some sleep before we need to leave tomorrow."
Chris makes a reluctant face, but Gared is right, as he often is. "All right."
Gared laughs softly again and grabs Chris' hand, not letting go until they're backstage in their dressing room. They're all sharing a room today, but the rest of the band seems to be either in the hotel and hopefully in bed or still at the festival; in any case, no one's there. Chris takes the opportunity and pulls Gared close again. "Kiss me again," he asks softly.
"Hmmm, gladly." Gared touches Chris' lips with a fingertip, laughing when Chris playfully nips at it. "Come here."
This kiss, too, is slow and gentle, almost innocent. The potential for more is there, in the touch of Gared's hands on Chris' waist, in the way Chris sucks Gared's lower lip between his teeth — but it remains only that. Even when Gared's hands unlace Chris' corset, pull the garment off, and caress the warm skin beneath, the touch is gentle, full of tenderness, but not designed to arouse. Chris sighs softly as their lips part, resting his cheek against Gared's shoulder.
"Thanks."
For everything. For you, your care, your understanding. Your love.
"Always."
I know.
Chris closes his eyes again. "Are you sleeping with me tonight?"
They each have a single room, as they have had for the past few years, despite their relationship. Chris needs his privacy, and sometimes their circadian rhythms are just too different. It also helps their relationship if they don't get on each other's nerves.
"I'd love to." Gared presses a kiss to his forehead. "If we share a shower, we'll get to bed faster," he whispers to Chris, laughter evident in his voice. Chris grins.
“Will we sleep then…”
“Questionable,” Gared agrees, laughing.
They still share a shower, take turns under the warm water, and then fall into bed, skin to skin, because it's still warm enough in Spain even late at night.
"One more week," Gared murmurs in his ear, while Chris pulls him into his arms and pushes a knee between his legs. "Then I can take all the time in the world with you."
Chris grins and closes his eyes. "Only if you're faster than me."
Gared laughs sleepily. "Challenge accepted."
He's already half asleep, but Chris is grinning anyway. He'll take some of today's stage outfit with him on vacation... and is looking forward to Gared's reaction.