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Eddie lounged on the balcony railing of his apartment, enjoying the sunset. Well, not just his. Eddie cast a glance back into the shared apartment.
He was always grateful for Chris from the very start. His shy nature made getting out in a new place awkward, to say the least. Before Chris, he would much rather hide away in a corner at the post-show parties. Then came along the most handsome, beautiful human that had ever graced his presence. Despite his intimidating presence on and off stage, he really was a gentle, understanding soul. Time spent and drinks shared together lead to a deep trust. Around Chris, Ed felt safer, more willing to let loose a little. Soon enough, he felt right at home with the rest of Pearl Jam. Yet, he always felt drawn towards Chris. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, it just was. And he was ok with that.
The sound of footsteps behind him pulled him from his musings. He felt strong arms snake their way around his slim frame. Chris rested his head on Eddie’s shoulder, gently tugging him to his chest. Ed complied, giggling as Chris smushed his face into the crook of his neck.
“G’evening m’love” Chris mumbled into Eddie’s neck.
“Hello to you too” Ed chuckled, twisting slightly to look at Chris.
He was met with a soft smile and a kiss to the forehead. He took the opportunity to face Chris fully and loop his arms around his neck. He tugged Chris down into a chaste kiss, pulling back but still lingering close. Ed took in the smell of smoke that always lingered on Chris along with whatever shampoo he used to wash his hair the night prior. The golden sun cast a beautiful hue onto the scene, making it seem like Chris’s hair was glowing.
The two stayed like that a moment, doing nothing but enjoying the other’s presence. Chris’s hands began to trace aimless patterns across Ed’s back. His touch feather-light, and probably not putting much mind to it.
On the other hand, the gentle motions had certainly grabbed Ed’s attention. Chris had not yet discovered his greatest weakness: he was deathly ticklish. Before he could even have time to react consciously, Chris’s fingers worked the way down to his sensitive rib area. As much as he willed it not to, Ed’s obliques twitched under Chris’s touch. He silently prayed that Chris didn’t notice.
He did.
Gliding his fingers once again over his abdomen, he felt the smaller man twitch once again. With a knowing smirk, he suddenly dug his fingers into Eddie’s sides. Eddie jerked away with a yelp, attempting to wiggle out of Chris’s grasp. The older man’s eyes shone mischievously as he let out a chuckle at Eddie’s useless efforts.
Chris looped one toned arm around his lower back, pulling him close to his chest. The other one continued on their mission, gliding across his lover’s abdomen as he protested loudly.
“K-knock it off, you ass!” Eddie got out through uncontrollable laughter.
Chris didn’t respond with words. Rather, he moved quickly to swoop Eddie off his feet and into his arms with ease. Ed looped his arms around Chris’s neck as he stumbled back into the apartment. Chris gently placed Ed down on their bed and threw himself next to him, tangling their legs together. He resumed attacking Ed with his deft fingers. Eddie was wiggling, attempting to escape and breathe at the same time. Chris was laughing himself, thoroughly enjoying the situation. Eddie blindly grabbed a pillow above his head and tried to bat Chris away with it. Taking the challenge, Chris stopped tickling Eddie and grabbed his own pillow. Eddie lunged up and landed a blow on Chris’s shoulder before quickly blocking Chris’s attack with his own pillow. Chris decided to try to wrestle Eddie into submission. While Eddie was no doubt much smaller than him, he was still strong and quick. After not having as much success as he had wanted, Chris resorted to playing dirty. Once he found Eddie’s weakness, he felt no shame in exploiting it to get his way. Eddie immediately began to protest which then quickly turned into hiccups and laughs.
“Ok ok, I surrender!” Eddie got out.
Chris persisted for a moment longer before taking mercy and letting go of Ed. The smaller man rolled to his back, a grin plastered to his face as he tried to regain his breath. Chris propped himself up on his elbow and looked at Eddie with a smile before leaning down and pecking his nose.
“Never took you to be ticklish, Ed. Why’d you keep it from me for so long?” he beamed down at the younger’s face.
Ed scowled with fake annoyance “I knew you would take advantage of me”. He crossed his arms and glared up at Chris.
“You’re adorable when you’re angry”.
“Am not!”
“Are too!”
“Whatever”, Eddie huffed. He sat up and ran a hand through his unruly curly hair and stretching. Chris took the moment to admire Ed. He was a beautiful man, really. He was muscular, probably from all the surfing down in San Diego. His hair unkept and wild, much like his own. His eyes were always very expressive, full of curiosity and life. He lay down and pulled Ed down next to him, encircling his arms around him once more. Eddie finally sighed happily and shifted to press his lips against Chris’s. He hummed contently before peppering Chris’s neck with kisses. Chris hummed and rubbed Ed’s back in appreciation. His hand found Ed’s free one, rubbing his thumb over the back of his hand. Eddie shifted down slightly to lay his head on Chris’s chest. His hands tangled in Eddie’s hair, gently massaging his scalp.
He mischievously moved one hand down to Ed’s ribs. Eddie immediately pushed off Chris and gave him a glare.
“Don’t even start,” he warned.
Chris laughed and threw his hands up in surrender, then moved them to cup his lover’s face. He traced his high cheekbones with his thumbs as Eddie closed his eyes with contentment. Eddie moved to lay down next to Chris, pulling him so they were on their sides facing each other. He shifted so their foreheads were touching, their heartbeats in sync.
“I love you,” he murmured, tracing a hand over Chris’s face.
Chris smiled at him, “love ya too, shortstack.”
“M not short. I’m average” retorted Ed without much bite.
“Keep telling yourself that”, Chris whispered as he pulled himself impossibly closer to Eddie, sleep overtaking both of them.