More Than Just Friends

by Max Hudson

  Lance let out a soft, lovely moan as he swallowed Stefan's seed. He seemed to be enjoying it. As Stefan felt the last drops burst forth, Lance licked Stefan's cock like it was some sort of ice cream or candy, devouring each and every tasty droplet, relishing it. As Stefan felt his body relax, he knew there was still more to do, but he felt so exhausted.

  Falling on his side, Stefan grasped Lance's thighs, rolling Lance so they were both laying side by side, Lance's head resting on Stefan's thigh, Stefan's face between Lance's legs. Lance reached down and caressed Stefan's soft hair as Stefan planted kisses up and down Lance's inner thighs, each time moving closer and closer to his goal.

  Returning his mouth to Lance's cock, Stefan tried to take it all the way in. After all, Lance had done the same for him. It was difficult, but not too bad. Lance seemed to love it. It was only fair.

  Lance's voice, his mouth now clear, echoed through the room, his moans deep and lustful, his gasps sharply breaking his breaths. Every little sound from Lance's lips made Stefan want to go further and further, give him more and more, win his lover over in mind, heart, soul.

  Lance grasped Stefan's hair hard, pushing Stefan's head down until Stefan couldn't move back. Stefan found himself gagging on Lance's cock, but he didn't fight it. Holding his head there, he made every effort to breathe through his nose, feeling Lance's cock throb in his throat. The sensation of being overpowered and controlled was turning him on more than ever before, and he wanted to completely give himself to Lance. As Lance used Stefan's mouth like a toy, Stefan felt himself getting hard again. It was too good.

  Noticing Stefan's cock hardening, Lance took one hand from Stefan's head and wrapped it around Stefan's growing erection, beginning to pump again in time with the movements of Stefan's mouth and tongue. Still oversensitive from his last orgasm, Stefan found it almost impossible to resist Lance's gentle touch. When Lance began to buck hard into Stefan's mouth, neither could hold back.

  As Lance came, Stefan tried his best to swallow it all, but it was difficult. There was just so much, and it was so thick, coming out so fast. He was already having a hard time with Lance's cock in his throat and Lance's hand milking him so eagerly. Lance released his grip on Stefan, and Stefan came up for air, gasping and panting as he felt Lance's cum dripping down the corners of his mouth.

  Each collapsing on their sides, they lay like that for a moment, both panting heavily, both in a daze at what they had just done again. Stefan propped himself up and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before smiling. "So, how was that?"

  Lance sat up, flushing, and nodded. "Good," was all he managed.

  Before Stefan could see what was happening, Lance swung his legs over the side of the bed and reached for his t-shirt from where he had thrown it on the night stand.

  "No," Stefan muttered sitting up.

  "Huh?" Lance asked, pulling his t-shirt over his head before turning to look over his shoulder. "No what?"

  Wrapping his arms around Lance's waist, Stefan pulled Lance in close, holding Lance in place. "Stay," he whispered. "Stay in my bed for a bit."

  Lance seemed a little surprised, but smiled. "You really want me to?"

  "Yeah, I'm tired," Stefan replied.

  "And?" Lance asked.

  Stefan pulled Lance back onto the bed. "And I want to take a nap with you."

  "I guess, if we can't spend an actual night together," Lance replied with a chuckle.

  Stefan nuzzled Lance's neck. He smelled so good, especially after sex. Lance's scent was a smell Stefan had always enjoyed, but it was only now that he could admit this to himself. He had always found some comfort and some pleasure in the smell of Lance's skin. Now it was all right to admit it to himself.

  He thought he wouldn't be able to sleep with someone he loved so much next to him, but it was actually easy this time. Easier than sleeping alone. It felt right. He would never have guessed that one day he would meet a person he actually wanted to share a bed with.

  Normally the heat of another person, the weight of a body against his own, the pressure of it was just too much for Stefan. It was like all his senses were overwhelmed. With Lance, it was like all the outside world was shut off, like Lance was a warm blanket keeping out the cold and the noise.

  As Lance scrolled on his phone, Stefan snuggled up to Lance's chest, his eyelids growing heavy.

  Chapter Thirteen

  After the nap, they still spent the night in their own rooms. Lance wasn't sure if Stefan wanted to keep it secret or if it didn't matter, but it wasn't worth worrying about. The important thing was that they were a unit again. For good this time, hopefully. When Lance woke up the next morning, Stefan's mother was at work and Stefan had already gone to his lecture. Lance sat bolt upright, realizing he had overslept for his own lecture.

  Stefan might have woken Lance up if they had been in the same bed overnight but, as it was, Lance had been left to his dreams. They were so wonderful, full of visions of a future by Stefan's side, that it was impossible to wake up. By the time Lance came to his senses, he knew he had very little chance of making it in time for his lecture. Even so, he had a sense of duty that compelled him to at least try and get ready for his classes. That was how he had lived most of his life, always reaching a little bit further, just in case things worked out. They rarely did, but he felt better about it.

  Lance realized he hadn't even sorted his laundry yet. He only had a few different items to wear. He made his way over to the washing machine, stepping carefully in case Stefan or Mrs. James were home. The last thing he wanted was for them to insist on doing his laundry too. Nobody seemed to be around, so he loaded the machine up and went back to his room to get his shoes and bag ready.

  As he'd suspected, by the time he was dressed and ready, he'd barely make it to the lecture in time for the last third. Besides, he wanted to run the laundry through a dry cycle before someone else did it for him. He owed them way too much already. To pass the time, he got himself a bowl of cereal.

  Finally, sitting down on the sofa, he heard a door open. It was Mrs. James, already dressed for whatever work she had today. She had way too many jobs. She smiled at him. "Good to see you finally up," she said.

  "Good morning, Mrs. James," he said. "Or good afternoon? Is it past twelve yet? I'm just having breakfast so I guess it's morning for me."

  "Of course, Lance," she replied, walking into the kitchen and putting a cold cup of coffee into the microwave.

  It was always weirdly awkward, being home with a friend's parent, even as an adult. He wasn't sure what else to say, so he focused on his cereal instead.

  Mrs. James swiftly swallowed her warm coffee, then grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter before stopping right at the door.

  "Want anything from the store?" she asked. "Any special food or toiletries, just to make you feel more at home?"

  Lance shook his head. "No, everything is just perfect already."

  "Are you sure? It would be no trouble if it means making you happier," she insisted. "Nothing I can do at all?"

  "Well, there is one thing. You still got that spare key?" Lance asked as she made her way toward the doorway. "I just have a lecture and some shopping and I dunno how late I'll be. I don't want to wake you up, or wait at the door, or whatever."

  Mrs. James nodded. "Sure thing," she said. "It's the least I can do for you."

  "You can do for me?" he asked nervously. "You guys have done so much for me. I owe you, if anything."

  "No you don't," Mrs. James replied. There was an odd look in her eyes as she spoke. "Truth be told, you are the only true friend I think Stefan has ever had. You are like a son to me. And I want nothing more than to see you both be happy."

  Lance wasn't sure what to say to that. Other than his own parents, he had never thought anyone would want nothing but his happiness. Even as she left for work, he couldn't think of anything to say. Instead, he set off to get some stuff for himself, again, before they would do it for him.

  Wander
ing around, everything was Valentine themed. If he had still been attached to Millie, it might have been hard to see. Now, it was perfect. He found himself wondering what he could do to celebrate Stefan, to make up for all the years of friendship which could have been so much more. Lance felt lightheaded, exhilarated, eager to impress Stefan. He knew, after all these years, that Stefan was not the type for ostentatious displays of love, or the type for fuzzy sweet romantic gifts. At the same time, Lance wanted to do something. He wanted to see the look of surprise and joy on Stefan's face as he accepted the Valentine’s Day he deserved.

  Wandering into the candy store, he was briefly overwhelmed by the number of choices. Shopping for Millie had been way too complicated. Whatever she got, she always wanted something else. Lance knew that Stefan would be pleased just to receive a gift. Lance wanted to do more than that. He wanted to make Stefan genuinely happy. Lance searched until he found a huge box of chocolate coated ginger. They were Stefan's favorites. Lance felt proud he remembered all Stefan's favorites. Then again, he remembered everyone's. It's just that Stefan's favorites felt like they mattered. What else?

  Flowers. Lance always got flowers for whoever he was seeing. He knew Stefan had outgrown his childhood hay fever, but Stefan didn't have a favorite flower, but it was tradition. He wasn't sure how well they'd last, even overnight, so he went for some rose buds. They were still cute, and they didn't have to be perfect, just present. Stefan would understand.

  Taking the flowers to the girl at the counter who was wrapping them, he wondered if Stefan would be upset if they were obviously romantic. It was a niggling worry in the back of his mind, that Stefan was keeping this secret, that some flowers would blow his cover entirely. He would have to sneak them into Stefan's room privately. Or gift them during the dinner.

  "You picked a ribbon yet?" the wrapping girl asked, looking obviously bored.

  Lance realized how long he had been standing there and laughed nervously. "Uh, tie it with the silvery hearts one?" he asked, not quite sure. This was something he didn't know about, but he didn't want to waste any more of her time.

  Watching her expertly envelop the flowers in pink crepe paper and the silver ribbon, he felt a sort of fulfillment he wasn't sure was possible. It was like watching a whole project come together. He wanted to get a card too. Something a bit more personal, so he could draw a little sketch or write something sweet.

  Perhaps to the outside world, this might seem like acting too quickly. But Lance was celebrating more than just their blossoming romance. He was celebrating such a powerful bond that it had withstood years of distance, personal growth, and self-discovery.

  Carefully selecting a card that was sweet, not too cutesy, and had a blank space in it, Lance processed his order and wondered what he would do for the card. He wasn't bad at writing poetry, but he wasn't good at anything resembling a romantic note or poem. He was terrible at art, but he felt sort of inspired to paint a few flowers and cutesy little animals too. It was a matter of finding the time and space to get it done.

  Lance dropped off the gifts at Stefan's house, in the spare room, behind the desk chair in case someone wandered in and might see them. He would have just enough time to make it to his second lecture if he ran a little, so he tightened his laces, made sure his bag was zipped up, and sprinted to the building, arriving out of breath but before the lecturer.

  Immediately after this, he had another lecture, and then a painting club to go to. He was actually a bit angry at himself for being so busy all the time, but now it would work out. He could make a small painting and glue it inside the card, which was still at home. It was simple enough to do.

  At least, it was until he tried it. He worked carefully on the card stock. He was not great at any of the things he went to clubs for. But he liked to think he was learning. Gently, he painted the flowers and stars and little animals with single drops of paint, slowly building up the color to what he wanted. Even with his utmost care, he was not managing to get things quite right.

  "That is pretty cute," the instructor said with a smile, leaning over his shoulder. "For your girlfriend tomorrow?"

  Lance chuckled. "Kind of," he replied.

  "Well, I'm sure she will love it," the instructor replied.

  Lance found himself smiling the whole time he stayed, painting until the club ended at midnight. It felt good to be so absorbed in something and lose track of time, but it didn't feel quite so good to be walking home down empty and half-dark streets in the freezing night air.

  By the time he got back, Stefan and his mother were both in bed and asleep. The lights were all out already. Lance felt a bit bad for spending so much time on something silly for tomorrow when he could have spent the night with Stefan. At least he had a key to let himself in.

  Walking into the kitchen for a cup of chamomile tea, Lance noticed a little note on the counter, alerting him that there was a bowl of chili in the fridge for him to have for supper. Come to think of it, he hadn't had anything since his late breakfast. He was starving.

  The note even included instructions on how long to heat it for, and where the good bread was for some toast to dip, if he liked that. Mrs. James was way more considerate than anyone he had known. Lance ate his chili leaning over the counter, keenly aware of the fact it was not healthy to eat so late at night, but enjoying his food even more due to the dark and cold he had just come in from.

  Lance washed the bowl and spoon, wiped down the counter, and made himself that chamomile tea. The smell alone was already very relaxing. He took the mug to his room, changed into his pajamas, and sat up in bed, drinking his chamomile. As his eyelids grew heavy, he reached to turn out the light and go to sleep, then he stopped. He felt alone, and he didn't want to. He wanted to feel safe and warm and happy with the man he loved.

  Stefan seemed to be keeping their relationship secret, and Lance wanted to respect that, but Stefan had also said it would be OK if Lance wanted to sleep in Stefan's room. Lance wanted to sleep by Stefan's side.

  Lance turned off the light and, using the light of his phone in the dark rooms, went to Stefan's door. The handle turned silently and the door opened without resistance. Stefan mumbled something at the disturbance, but rolled over and remained asleep. In the faint glow, Lance could see Stefan begin to smile in his sleep again. Lance walked up to the bed, feeling a little nervous, but determined not to spend the night alone.

  Silently, he crept in under the covers, moving up under Stefan's armpit, resting his head on Stefan's chest. Stefan's arm swung around and heavily landed on Lance's torso, pulling Lance in close and squeezing him in a warm hug. For a split second it felt as though Stefan would wake up, but after the squeeze and a soft kiss, Stefan relaxed and fell back into the deepest depths of sleep. Lance sighed and relaxed into Stefan's embrace, finally feeling calm and safe enough to go to sleep.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Stefan roused a little with the strands of sunlight that broke through the curtains. His bed felt oddly warm, but he wasn't about to complain. He rolled from his side onto his back and slowly blinked at the ceiling, trying to wake himself up enough to get his day started. Or, that failing, to make himself tired enough to go back to sleep again.

  "You're up!" he heard from across the room before a weight landed on him.

  Stefan found himself tensed up, confused, trying to work out who was in his room, how, and why. Then he realized. Lance. Stefan grumbled.

  "Good morning!" Lance said, straddling Stefan's chest and leaning in to kiss his forehead softly. "And happy Valentine’s Day!"

  "Good... Good morning...and happy Valentine’s Day..." Stefan said with a sigh. "When did you?"

  "You said I could come in if I needed to. And I needed to," Lance replied. "I got home and felt lonely."

  Stefan couldn't help but smile. "Is that so?" he asked, petting Lance's hair gently. "I am glad I left the door unlocked, then. Now, back to bed."

  Lance laughed. "But I've been up for ages."

&nbs
p; "And I've been up for seconds, let me sleep," Stefan replied.

  "Don't you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with me?" Lance asked.

  "We can start celebrating by chilling out. I like to stay in bed on my holidays," Stefan said, rolling over and pulling the pillow onto his head. "Why don't you stay in bed? Let's just relax."

  Stefan had not expected this to work, but Lance climbed into bed with him, moving up against Stefan's chest. Stefan sighed contentedly and wrapped his arm around Lance's back, placing his hand on the back of Lance's head, holding his lover as close as possible, ready to drift off again.

  "You are really going back to sleep?" Lance asked, prodding Stefan's ribs hard.

  "I was until you interrupted," Stefan replied, opening his eyes just enough to watch Lance again.

  "I got you some presents, though," Lance insisted, still poking Stefan in the ribs roughly. "Come and look at them. They're nice, I hope you like them."

  Stefan opened his eyes properly. He was way too awake to go back to sleep anyway. Plus, it seemed Lance was really happy about these gifts he had prepared for Stefan. "Okay then," Stefan said, sitting up as Lance rolled out of the bed. "Can you bring them in here?"

  Lance chuckled. "Okay, yeah," he said. "Just wait here for me."

  Stefan stayed sitting up as he heard Lance moving around in the spare room. Less than a minute later, Lance came back into Stefan's room holding a small bag. From the top of the bag, the red and green tips of rose buds poked out. Stefan felt his face flushing hotly as he realized Lance had actually got him flowers.