Something tickled Eric’s nose, and his eyes fluttered open. The morning sun, filtered through the blinds, cast stripes across the hairy chest Eric had his face up against. A muscular arm was still around him like a comforting weight. That’s when he remembered where he was, and with whom.
Eric let out a satisfied sigh, aware that he had slept like a log in the comfort of another man’s arms. And not just any man. It was Kyle. Eric couldn’t help but smile. He shifted, just enough to see Kyle's peaceful face. His breath was even, his hair was back to its tousled look.
It felt… right. After the events of the night, being here, tangled together on the couch, was a quiet balm. Kyle stirred, a low groan escaping his lips, and then his eyes lazily opened, dark and warm. A sleepy smile spread across his face, and he tightened his arm around Eric.
"Morning", he mumbled, his voice rough.
"Morning", Eric whispered back, his own voice a little shaky.
Eric used his free hand to touch Kyle’s chest, slowly, his fingers running through the hair. He contoured the collarbones, caressed the skin of the neck, and reached for the shoulders. He couldn’t get enough of how the muscles felt under his palm.
Kyle let out a sigh, content like a cat being scratched just right. The hand that was wrapped around Eric stroked whatever skin it could reach. They cuddled for a while, enjoying the warmth of their bodies and the touch of each other.
Eventually, Eric's stomach rumbled, pulling them back to reality.
Kyle chuckled. “Well I had a snack last night, so I’m good.” He winked. “But we should get you fed.”
Eric remembered and felt his cheeks burn. He felt a bit guilty about their interaction having been pretty one sided the night before, and vowed to correct that at the first opportunity.
They untangled themselves, a bit awkwardly for Eric. He kept a bit of the blanket on his body as he sat up, self-conscious about being naked in the light of day, without the haze of arousal.
Kyle got up, comfortable in his body, his perfect cock and low hanging balls at eye level. He stretched his arms up, arching his back, every muscle on display. Eric couldn’t do anything but stare. Kyle went to the closet in the corner of the small apartment, and fished out some loose sweat shorts.
That's when Eric noticed the little things: there was no bedroom, and the pillows and throws were carefully placed around the couch. So this wasn't just a sofa – it was Kyle's actual bed. That understanding added a whole new layer of intimacy.
“I can make us an omelette”, Kyle offered as he headed to the kitchen.
“Sounds great. Anything I can do to help?”
“No need. I make it often, I got it down to a science.” Kyle assured. “Coffee?”
“Yes please”, Eric yawned.
He got dressed while Kyle was busy brewing the beans, choosing to leave his shirt open to show that he wasn’t completely going back into hiding. He sat at the small kitchen table just as Kyle brought him a steaming mug.
“How was your sleep?” Kyle asked.
“Surprisingly great.”
Kyle, cracking eggs into a bowl, arched an eyebrow. “Surprisingly?”
“No no, not like that”, Eric added, giggling. “Just that I haven’t spent the night this close to someone in a long time, and I didn’t know how much I missed it.”
A slow smile spread across Kyle’s face. “It was some of the best sleep I’ve had recently. You’re really warm, it’s like having my own personal heater. It was great.”
Eric grinned, realizing that for the first time in years, someone saw his body as a feature, not a flaw. Something in Kyle’s eyes planted a seed in Eric's mind: maybe his own perspective was the one that needed to shift.
"So", Kyle said as he chopped tomatoes. "What kind of work do you do in a newsroom? Are you on TV and you didn’t tell me?"
"I’m the executive producer. I take care of my team so they can do the work they were hired to do."
“That’s impressive. Mr. Bossman”, Kyle joked, giving a quick, faked salute with the spatula he was holding.
Eric shook his head with an amused smile. “More like the supervisor. I get all of the trouble, and none of the glory. It’s like herding cats.” They both chuckled. “What about you? What kind of work do you do?”
“In a warehouse, lifting and moving stuff, and dealing with my foreman. Basically, I'm a human forklift”, Kyle replied with a grin and a shrug. “It's tough work, lots of guys end up looking like they wrestled a bear, but it pays the bills. Being a personal trainer, though? That would be the real fun stuff because I love fitness and helping people so much. Plus, I would get to boss people around, which is always a bonus”, he added, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
“No complaints, that’s for sure.”
Kyle laughed quietly, expertly flipping the omelette in the pan. “What do they say in all those videos? ‘Don’t forget to like and subscribe!’”
“I could leave a review”, Eric snickered. “5 stars treatment. Would recommend.”
Kyle gave Eric a playful wink. “And there’s more to me than just my cheerful disposition. Music is my life, and I'm also a huge fan of sci-fi and fantasy movies. Mike and I practically grew up on the Alien series. Don't tell anyone, but I used to pretend my cat was a facehugger. Some fantasy books too, when I'm not busy saving the world, or, you know, lifting heavy things.”
“Ah, so you're a nerd”, Eric said, attempting to sound serious, but mostly trying not to swoon.
“You can say that”, Kyle teased, setting a plate with a mountain of delicious food in front of Eric. “Though I prefer 'aficionado of intellectual pursuits with a penchant for the fantastic.’”
They spent the next hour or so, easy conversation flowing between them, discovering shared interests.
Eric learned that Kyle was the youngest of 4 kids, his family still living in his hometown an hour away. And that he grew up wanting to be a wrestler, but an injury forced him to quit after high school. And that his biggest pet peeve was when people didn’t know how to form a basic lineup, like at the grocery store or the movie theatre.
They talked about their favorite movies, shows and books, their dream travel destinations, even their preferred types of pizza.
It was exhilarating, discovering that this connection, this spark Eric felt with Kyle, wasn't just about physical attraction or the comfort of his presence during a workout. It was deeper, like he was meeting up with a best friend he didn’t know he had.
He hadn't realized how starved he'd been for this, for someone to truly see him, beyond the surface and the long-carried insecurities. Eric was used to making himself invisible, to hide his likes and his passion for fear they’d be used against him.
With Kyle, it felt like he was finally shedding his defenses, breathing easy for the first time in ages.
A peaceful silence had settled between them as they savored the last bites of breakfast and the warmth of their coffee. When the plates were cleared, Kyle leaned back, stretching languidly.
“Alright”, he said, his eyes twinkling, “after all that work, I'm thinking a shower might be in order. Unless you prefer to keep that charming 'just-woke-up' aroma?” he teased gently.
Eric chuckled, feeling a blush creep up his neck. “A shower sounds good.” He suddenly felt the stickiness of sleep and the lingering scent of last night's passion.
“Great”, Kyle said, pushing himself off the chair. “Bathroom's just there.” He pointed towards a door near the kitchen. “Help yourself to a towel from the shelf above the toilet. And…” he paused, heading towards a small cabinet, “I think I have a new toothbrush in here somewhere.” He rummaged for a moment before pulling out a small, still-packaged toothbrush. “Ah, here you go. Make yourself at home.”
Eric took the toothbrush, recognizing the simple, thoughtful gesture. It wasn't just a place to sleep; it was an invitation to truly be there. "Thanks," he said with a soft smile.
*****
Eric slipped into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. The small space was clean and functional. He started with his teeth, to get rid of the morning breath and the coffee. He felt a twinge when he put his toothbrush in the empty space in the holder, next to Kyle’s.
Eric then grabbed a towel, undressed and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water wash over him. He scrubbed away the lingering scents of last night, feeling truly refreshed and clean.
Just as he was about to turn off the water, the curtain rustled, and Kyle stepped in behind him. Eric jumped, startled, but then relaxed as Kyle's warm body pressed against his back. Kyle's arms came around him, pulling him gently closer, and Eric leaned back into the embrace.
“Mind if I join?” Kyle murmured, his voice a low rumble against Eric's ear, sending shivers down his spine. Without waiting for an answer, Kyle took the soap from Eric's hand and began to lather it, his strong fingers working it over Eric's shoulders and down his arms.
The water poured over them, mingling with the steam as Kyle's hands moved with a tender, deliberate touch. He worked the soap down Eric's back, then around his sides, his thumbs tracing the shape of Eric's chest. Eric closed his eyes, humming softly, completely lost in the sensation. Kyle's touch was firm but gentle, and Eric felt every muscle in his body relax.
Kyle's head dipped, and he kissed Eric's wet shoulder, then his neck, trailing soft kisses up to his ear.
Eric shivered, turning slowly in Kyle's arms so they were face-to-face under the spray. The water ran down Kyle's sculpted chest, and Eric reached up, tracing the muscles he'd admired so much. Kyle's eyes, dark and intense, met his, and Eric felt a familiar rush of desire.
“You feel so good”, Eric breathed, his fingers tangling in the wet hair on Kyle's chest.
Kyle's hands cupped Eric's face, tilting it up. “You too.” Kyle's gaze dropped to Eric's lips, then back to his eyes. Eric leaned in, pressing his mouth to Kyle's.
It was a slow, deep kiss, infused with the steam and the scent of soap, the taste sweeter than Eric had ever hoped for, laced with comfort and growing affection. Kyle's lips were soft, warm, and utterly captivating.
Eric's hands slid from Kyle's chest, wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them. Kyle responded instantly, his arms tightening around Eric's waist, pressing their bodies together. The kiss deepened, becoming more insistent, more hungry.
Kyle broke the kiss and took a step back, handing the soap back to Eric with a knowing smile.
He took the soap hesitantly, but then got right to washing Kyle, his touch gentle but sure. He took his time, washing him thoroughly. Eric got him to raise his arm so he could clean the armpits, and that sight made his knees weak. He couldn't resist inhaling the intoxicating scent, wanting to savor it before the soap washed it away.
His hands moved down, then found Kyle's soft cock, making sure every inch of him was clean, tracing every line like he was learning a map by heart.
Kyle turned around, so Eric focused on lathering up his muscular shoulders and defined back. His hands found Kyle's perfectly round ass, and he hesitantly soaped up the crack, a thrill running through him at the boundary he was testing.
He massaged the hairy legs, trying to avoid tickling the feet. Once he was done, having explored Kyle's body in a way he hadn't last night, Eric stood back, a satisfied smile on his face.
Once they were both clean and rinsed, they dried off, still in that charged silence that said a lot.
Kyle then grabbed Eric's hand, softly but without any hesitation, and led him back to the bed, to continue what they had started.
****
Kyle pulled him down, their cold skin meeting the warm bedding as their mouths merged and their hands continued to explore each other's bodies. Eric straddled him, melting into the embrace, his arms framing Kyle’s head, their tongues going deeper with every kiss.
But this time, Eric decided it was his turn to give Kyle the attention he deserved.
On all fours, he kissed his way down to the perfect pecs, licking the perky nipples. Eric pressed his face in, sucking it, his hand working on the other side, causing Kyle to exhale sharply and a deep moan to rumble in his chest.
He continued his journey down, a trail of kisses and licks, until Kyle’s hard cock brushed hotly against his cheek. Eric had seen a glimpse of it erect yesterday before the focus turned to him, but now, up close and throbbing, he could truly appreciate its delicious length and heft.
Long, at least 8 inches, fairly thick, with a smooth shiny head that was shaped, Eric observed with amusement, like the xenomorph Kyle was coincidentally such a big fan of. He hid his smile, gripping the warm shaft, and kissed slowly all around it. He then paid careful attention to the heavy balls, drawing out Kyle's ragged breaths.
Eric opened his mouth, his lips pressing around the leaking tip, tasting it. Sweet and salty, he discovered with a soft moan. He went a bit deeper, taking more of Kyle's cock, feeling the gentle pressure of Kyle's hands in his hair, stroking him, encouraging him down.
Eric quickly realized that he really was out of practice, and that he wouldn’t be able to take it all the way down. So he stopped where it felt comfortable, right before he’d gag, and just started sucking. His tongue, all slick and eager, twirled around the head on the way up, and his lips tightened on the way down, pulling a soft moan from Kyle.
“Oh my god, Eric, yes”, Kyle hissed.
Eric’s head bobbed as he quickened the pace, slobbering all over Kyle as he gripped the base with one hand and tugged in a rhythmic fashion, the other softly playing with the balls, feeling their warmth and weight in his palm.
Eric looked up, and Kyle was staring right back, mouth slightly agape, hands hooked behind his head, making his muscular biceps bulge. Eric couldn’t quite comprehend the sight: was he really blowing the hottest man he had ever seen? A powerful wave of desire surged through him. He wanted Kyle so intensely, wanted to make him feel good, to give him pleasure, to taste him, to be consumed by him.
But the hunk had other plans. Without a word, Kyle grabbed Eric’s arms, pulling him back up, leaving his mouth suddenly empty and wanting. Kyle brought him into a deep, wet kiss, their bodies aligning perfectly, Eric moaning with each flick of their tongues.
Without pulling their lips apart, Kyle spun them around so that he was on top. He scooched his knees in under Eric’s legs, lifting them slightly to get a better angle. Eric felt Kyle's weight settle over him, a delicious pressure, and a shiver of anticipation ran down his spine as Kyle's hips shifted, grinding their cocks together.
With a growl, Kyle straightened up slightly, his gaze locked on the meeting of their bodies. Eric felt Kyle pump his hips forwards, slowly pushing his own cock inside the circle he’d made with his fingers around them, the friction causing Eric to gasp.
The pleasure was interrupted by that little voice in his head. He had lusted over Kyle’s body when he was on top, but now, he was in full display, and his own body would certainly elicit a different reaction. He felt incredibly vulnerable.
Like on cue, Kyle’s gaze moved up along Eric’s belly, his chest, and finally met his eyes. But they were filled with passion and a hunger that made Eric’s heart flutter. Kyle dove for Eric’s lips, pressing their bodies together, their breath short.
Kyle’s hand moved down, towards Eric’s hole, now available with his wide open legs. Eric felt the fingers rub the entrance, lightly at first. It sent a rush of need through him.
Eric exhaled loudly, interrupting their kiss. Kyle took advantage of his freed mouth to bring his hand up and make his fingers wet, before going back to exploring. He pushed one in slightly, his eyes searching Eric’s, his other hand working his own cock lightly.
“Fuck you’re tight.”
Eric smiled. “Yeah, it’s been a while.” It suddenly hit him that he hadn’t had sex since his ex. So more than two years ago. And even then, he hadn't been allowed to do much. No wonder he felt so clumsy.
“We don’t have to…” Kyle offered.
“I want to. I’ll just need patience. And a lot of lube”, Eric joked.
Kyle chuckled, looking excited. He bent over to grab a little storage box from under the bed and pulled out a bottle of lube. He coated a finger, and moved back in, spreading it around Eric's hole.
He pushed one finger inside, slowly, his gaze locked on Eric’s.
Kyle shifted to the side so he could bend down and take Eric in his mouth while still working with his finger. Eric moaned loudly when a second finger made its way inside.
“Yeah baby”, Kyle purred, encouraging.
Eric melted into the careful, patient rhythm of Kyle's touch. He was whimpering in pleasure after a third finger was added, feeling his breath shorten.
He knew he wouldn’t last long. But he couldn’t finish first again. So he grabbed Kyle by the shoulders and pulled him up into a kiss, wrapping his legs around his waist.
Kyle kissed back, one hand positioning his cock at the entrance, the other hooked behind Eric’s neck. After adding a bit more lube, Eric felt the slow, warm push of Kyle entering him.
Eric took a breath against the pain, and tried to relax. He stopped kissing, but their faces remained close, their breath mingling, staring into each other’s eyes. Kyle’s were steady and reassuring, as he waited for Eric to relax around him.
When he did feel a bit more comfortable, he used his heels to push Kyle in a bit further. He wanted it all.
“You feel so good”, the hunk whispered.
Eric felt Kyle’s body completely pressed up against him, warm, hard, his full length inside of him, throbbing. He could feel his own muscles start to relax, as he exhaled loudly, his hands bracing on the big arms. He nodded quietly, the pressure turning into pleasure.
Kyle got in a more comfortable position, and started to move his hips, going out, then back in. Eric whimpered, the though of the muscle hunk actually taking him was bewildering. Kyle went slowly at first, but in response to Eric’s moans, at an increased pace.
He fucked him tenderly, his hands never leaving a part of Eric’s body. “Fuck you’re driving me crazy”, Kyle moaned.
They kissed more as Kyle continued pushing himself further with every stroke.
"Oh, Eric…" Kyle murmured, his voice thick, the sound almost lost in their shared breaths.
Kyle fucked harder, and grabbed Eric’s cock to jerk him off as he filled him. Eric was squirming with pleasure under him. But he couldn’t be the first, again.
“Oh God, Kyle. I’m close. If you continue…”, Eric breathed.
“Come with me”, Kyle commanded.
Eric clenched, in the hope of taking Kyle over the edge. After a few pumps, Kyle’s mouth opened, Eric saw his eyes widen, and heard his breath catch.
“Oh shit!” Kyle cried out as he climaxed inside, his hips slowing, his whole body twitching. Eric, his goal accomplished, was finally able to give in to the wave of pleasure he’d fought to resist. He joined Kyle in release, his body convulsing as thick ropes of cum hit his chest and belly, under the hunk’s satisfied gaze.
After catching his breath for a moment, Kyle gently lowered himself onto his side, facing Eric. They lay sweaty and tangled together, the air still humming with intimacy. Eric held his gaze, Kyle’s eyes filled with a soft, lazy contentment, and kissed him gently, their mouths lingering, savoring the moment.
****
A comfortable silence settled over them, broken only by the slowing thud of their hearts. Eventually, Kyle stirred, pressing a soft kiss to Eric's temple. "Feeling good?" he murmured, his voice husky.
Eric just hummed, burying his face deeper into Kyle's chest. "Better than good. Amazing.”
Kyle chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through Eric. "Me too." He ran a hand through Eric's hair. "As much as I'd love to stay here all day, I’m thinking we should plan lunch. And I bet you could use some energy after that workout."
Eric giggled. "You're not wrong." He pulled back, propping himself up on an elbow, a soft smile on his face. "So, what's on the menu? Can I help this time?"
"Nah, I'm thinking we venture out," Kyle said, swinging his legs off the couch and standing, grabbing a pair of underwear. "There's a great little cafe a few blocks from here. Best sandwiches in town." He turned, catching Eric's still-lingering gaze. "Unless you'd rather just stay in?" There was a playful glint in his eye, a hint of a challenge.
Eric felt a pleasant warmth spread through him. The idea of stepping out, of being seen with Kyle, felt overwhelming, but also liberating. "The best sandwich in town, you say? I’m in."
They got dressed. Eric felt lighter, more confident than he had in years as he pulled on his clothes. He caught Kyle's eye as they were about to leave, Kyle holding the door, looking impossibly handsome even in a simple t-shirt and jeans. They shared a quiet smile.
The air was crisp and bright as they stepped out of the apartment building, the city already buzzing with life.
They walked easily side-by-side, Kyle's arm casually brushing Eric's, their conversation light and easy. Eric felt a thrill at the casual intimacy, the way Kyle would occasionally glance down at him, a warm smile on his face, or reach out to nudge his arm playfully. This felt so natural, so right. He found himself laughing more freely than he had in a long time.
They were turning onto a busier street, heading towards the main drag, when Eric saw someone familiar in the distance.
Armand.
He was standing outside a small coffee shop, his blonde hair perfectly coiffed, dressed in a sharp blazer despite the early hour, scrolling on his phone. His expression was bored, almost disdainful, until his eyes landed on Eric and Kyle. His head snapped up, and his jaw went slack. The bored expression was instantly replaced with a flicker of something sharp and unpleasant.
Eric’s stomach clenched. He hadn't expected to see Kyle's friend this soon, after he’d made it pretty clear the night before that he thought Eric wasn't good enough for Kyle.
Kyle, sensing the shift in Eric's demeanor, squeezed his arm gently. "Everything okay?"
Eric nodded. “It’s nothing.”
Armand, already recovering from his surprise, straightened up, a thin, almost-smile stretching his lips. He started walking towards them, his eyes darting between Eric and Kyle, lingering on Kyle with a pointed, assessing gaze.
"Well, well, well," Armand drawled, stopping a few feet away, his voice dripping with false cheer. "Hello Kyle. Looks like I should have stayed longer last night. I see you could have needed a chaperone.”
His eyes darted to Eric. “Fancy seeing you here. And... still with Kyle, I see." His dismissive eyes raked over Eric, lingering on his body.
Eric felt a blush creep up his neck, a mix of embarrassment and anger.
Kyle stepped in. “Come on Armand, cut it out. Eric’s great. You don’t have to act so protective.” He sounded exasperated.
Armand merely chuckled. “But had I not left early, I wouldn’t have met this wonderful guy at the club. We got to… talking. And he told me all about you.” He paused, his gaze fixed on Eric, a knowing glint in his eye.
“What?” Eric’s mind reeled. What could Armand be getting at?
Just then, the door to the coffee shop opened, and a man walked out, looking around, a smug expression on his face. He was tall, almost handsome, with a lean muscled build. He spotted Armand and approached them.
Eric’s blood ran cold.
“Kyle, this is Dominic.”
Eric barely recognized Dominic, he looked so different. They hadn't spoken in over two years, not since their divorce. Not since Dominic had lost a lot of weight and become... different. He had become the bully Eric had feared all through his teens.
Armand's cold smile remained fixed as he gestured vaguely towards Eric and Kyle. "Dominic, this is Kyle, the one I was telling you about. And his… new friend. I believe you two know each other?”
Dominic's eyes landed on Eric with a flicker of disdain, before his face settled into a practiced indifference. "Oh. Eric. Fancy running into you here." His voice was flat, devoid of warmth.
"Dominic," Eric said, his throat tight, feeling small and exposed.
Dominic then turned to Kyle with interest, ignoring Eric. "Armand and I bonded over something truly profound at the club last night," he said, giving Armand a conspiratorial wink. "We discovered we both absolutely loathe Celine Dion."
Armand giggled. Eric felt like he had been punched in the gut. He was right back in high school.
Armand turned to Kyle, his smile returning, sweet like honey. "Some people don't change, no matter how much they pretend. There's a lot Eric doesn't talk about. A lot he keeps hidden. Doesn't he, Dominic?"
Dominic offered a small, knowing smirk, but said nothing, simply enjoying Eric's discomfort.
Kyle's hand found Eric's, squeezing it. "I think we're done here, Armand. And you too, Dominic." His voice was firm, his eyes narrowed. "Walk away, both of you."
Armand's smile didn't waver, but his eyes hardened. "Just a friendly word of advice, Kyle. Some people carry more baggage than you can imagine. And sometimes, that baggage is just too heavy. Maybe you could settle with someone who is lighter. In more ways than one."
He gave a final, knowing smirk, then turned and strolled off with Dominic falling into step beside him, leaving Eric trembling slightly next to Kyle, the quiet threat hanging in the air.
Eric couldn’t move, couldn’t think. Dominic’s unexpected reappearance in his life hurt more than he thought, pulling him back into a past he'd tried so hard to escape. The only thing that mattered was getting away.
Kyle grabbed his shoulders, his voice laced with concern. “Are you ok? I have no idea what that was about. Armand has always been intense with the people I date, but this is something else.”
Eric could only shake his head, his gaze darting around, searching for an exit, a way out. He didn't want Kyle to see him like this, broken and vulnerable.
"I... I need to go. I'm sorry," he stammered, pulling free before Kyle could ask more questions. He mumbled a quick goodbye, not daring to meet Kyle's eyes, and then he was walking, fast, almost running for the safety of his apartment. Hiding was his default setting, and in that moment, it was the only defense he had left.
(To be continued)
