Preying Eyes Chapter 6
Mar. 30th, 2017 03:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
asphaltcowgrrlTitle: Preying Eyes Chapter 6
Fandom:
Pairing: Adrien Lupei/Elliot Deacon
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,317
Summary: Things are starting to get interesting. I hope.
Author’s Note: Nothing much to add here for now. It’s windy as hell here today – predictions of 60 MPH gusts and a wind advisory until 11 PM – so if you don’t hear from me for a few days, check Kansas because that might be where I wind up.
Continued from here.
“Uh, Adrien?”
“Yeah,” he said, poking his head into the kitchen. “What’s up, Kel?”
“Did you have another one of your late night writing sessions?” The redhead raised his eyebrows in question.
“No, why?” Adrien came all the way into the kitchen and refilled his coffee cup. He hadn’t had a chance to catch up with Kelley in person for months and it was a refreshing change to have his best friend in his home for the day.
“From the look of your trash can, you had one of everything John serves down at the spur,” he laughed, pointing at the evidence. “That usually indicates a massive creativity spike. Or a drinking binge.”
“Stay out of my trash you weirdo,” Adrien joked, knowing that Kelley couldn’t help but notice all the containers he’d tossed out last night. You’d have to be blind to miss the pile of Styrofoam and plastic bags. “And I wasn’t drinking, either. You know how John is, always giving me more food than I ordered.” Which wasn’t a complete lie.
Kelley scoffed. “Yeah, and he’s lucky you’re not home half the time or he’d be out of business by now.” He looked at the trash can a second time before directing his gaze at Adrien again. “Did you seriously eat all that though?”
Adrien felt the heat rise in his cheeks. He couldn’t lie to Kelly, mostly because John would rat him out in a hot second if asked. “Not exactly.”
“Oh really?” Kelley rested his arms against the countertop, waiting. “And?”
“And I had help?” Adrien forced a noticeably fake smile onto his face.
“Is that a question, Adrien, or do you not remember?” Kelley’s green eyes flashed with amusement. If there was one thing the guy never missed, it was an opportunity to harass Adrien. Honestly, Adrien missed his friend’s digs when he was away.
“You can be a real jerk sometimes, Kelley,” Adrien laughed. “And no, it’s not a question. I had – I had someone over for dinner.”
That caught Kelley’s attention. The redhead straightened, an odd look on his face. “Please tell me your dinner date wasn’t Bella.”
“No, not Bella,” Adrien said, unable to say more.
“Hmm,” Kelley murmured. “I see. And how long will I have to wait until I find out who you had dinner with last night?
“I don’t know,” Adrien said, giving his friend a sad smile. “Give me some time to figure out if it’s going to work or not, first?”
Kelley nodded. “I can do that,” he said. “But don’t keep me in suspense forever, okay? It’s been like two years since you’ve dated anyone.”
“And can you blame me,” he asked, thinking about how badly that last relationship had gone. A shudder crept up his spine just thinking about his ex.
“No,” Kelley said without hesitation. “Jackson was an asshole of the highest order and you were right to kick his skeevy ass to the curb. But I hate to see you alone.”
“That makes two of us,” he said, giving his friend a hug. “But Jackson kind of soured me on the idea of relationships in general.”
Hugging Adrien back, Kelley nodded. “I can’t fault you for that. But it’s been almost two years. You deserve to be happy. It’s time you put yourself out there again.”
“I’m trying,” he said. “I like this guy a lot, but I don’t really know him very well either. We’re taking it slow, I guess.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Kelley agreed. “Promise me you won’t push him away before you can get to know him?”
“I’ll give it my best shot,” Adrien said, not sure if he was being truthful or not. There had been too much bullshit in his life up to this point to make any promises.
“Great,” Kelley said, pounding Adrien on the back. “I’ve got good news. The setup you asked me about for your bus is ready. You can get your furry little assassins from Bella and take them on the road with you when you leave in a few days.”
Adrien smiled. “Thank you, Kel, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I get so lonely on the road that they’ll make it easier.”
“Even if they’re biting your hair in the middle of the night?”
“Even if,” Adrien agreed.
**
Setting the cat carriers on the floor of the living room, Adrien opened the one belonging to the grey monster first. Smokey was a Maine coon and therefore the largest cat he’d ever seen. But he was also the sweetest cat Adrien had ever met, too. So, it worked out in the moose’s favor. Smokey stuck his nose out and turned his green eyes on Adrien. He gave a high-pitched meow and settled down for a nap.
“You are the oddest cat ever,” Adrien said, moving to unlatch the second carrier. “Never have I seen a cat that likes to be in a carrier. Now you,” he said to the fluffy calico, “are a normal cat.”
The second he’d gotten the door open, she shot out of the carrier and raced around the room like someone had set her tail on fire. Although the lady at the shelter had told him her name was Patches, he tended to call her la Diabla because she was the devil in a kitten suit.
Letting the cats readjust to their surroundings, Adrien hauled his suitcase into his room. He’d go through his clothes later, washing as needed. But first, he needed to text Elliot to let him know that he was home again. This being home for only a day or two at a time was for the birds and Adrien was grateful that his tour was over for the foreseeable future. He had at least six glorious months without a damn thing to do. Although that wasn’t entirely true. Soon, he’d have to start sorting through the songs he’d written and those that his manager had forwarded to him so that he could begin working on his next album. But that could wait until he’d gotten some rest and a little time alone with his favorite detective.
Even though Adrien wasn’t in town much, he and Elliot had kept in touch, getting together for dinner as often as they could. Adrien was hoping now that he didn’t have anywhere to be for a few months, that they could push their relationship to the next level. The thought chilled his blood because it meant it was time to come clean with Elliot. Not just about his alter ego, but about the other, dreadfully important thing he’d been keeping from Elliot.
His stalker.
There’d been another incident, in Los Angeles, about six weeks ago. Adrien was convinced it wasn’t related to the incident in Denver because none of his stalker’s signatures were present. No dead flowers. No decapitated stuffed animals. No threatening messages scrawled on the bathroom mirrors. Instead, what he’d found was his clothes strewn across the bed, and a handful of fresh, live roses.
It still disturbed him greatly, but not as much as the sight of his room in Denver had. That had freaked him out, leaving him in a panic. This, however, looked to be the work of some crazed fan desperate for a piece of him for a souvenir. Adrien wasn’t sure if it was good or bad that he was starting to get used to finding his hotel rooms tossed. Maybe his mother was right – if you see something often enough, it becomes commonplace.
The safety of Smokey and Patches, however, was a major priority for him from the get go. Before he’d ever left, Kelley had searched out pet friendly hotels, finding ones with optional pet sitters for when he was performing and unable to be with them. It eased his mind somewhat to know he wasn’t going to return to his room and find his kittens gutted on his bed. That wasn’t something he thought he could handle. Whatever he had done to enrage this psychopath, the felines hadn’t had a hand in any of it.
Despite the one minor incident, Adrien considered this last leg of his tour a success. Now that he was home again, he could work towards making other things a victory as well, starting with his budding relationship. But first, he needed food – for him and the cats, both – and then a nap.
Remembering he needed to text Elliot, Adrien removed his phone from his pocket.
I’m home, he typed, hitting send.
The speed of the response made him smile. Beautiful. Dinner tonight?
Of course. I’ve missed you.
The admission was more than he’d planned to say, but it was out there now and nothing he could do about it. But Elliot didn’t let him down.
Right back atcha, honey. Mickey’s at 7?
Perfect, Adrien replied, smiling.
He set his phone down on the coffee table and started towards the kitchen to procure the three of them some nourishment. Adrien stopped a minute later, the sound of his phone vibrating against the wood catching his attention. Excited that Elliot wasn’t ready to stop chatting, he rushed to grab his phone.
Hey Austin baby. Long time, huh? I heard about Denver and LA, how awful that had to be for you. Can’t believe this jerk is still after you.
Adrien felt his body go still, his muscles clenching. Why was he texting now?
Jackson, you know I hate to be called that. Please stop.
Aw, c’mon, baby. It’s just a name.
Maybe, Adrien thought, but it wasn’t his name. Not really anyway. Damn, he wished Kelley was with him right then. Kel never put up with anyone’s crap, least of all Jackson’s. He’d been the catalyst that had instigated Adrien’s breakup with Jackson, something he’d forever be grateful to Kelley for.
I only just got home Jackson and I’m exhausted. Did you need something?
Just making sure you’re okay. Saw a story about the break-ins on the news and thought I’d offer my services.
Services? What the hell was Jackson on now?
I don’t understand. What services?
Protection services, Austin. I can keep you safe from whatever is chasing you.
Yeah, but so could Elliot and he wouldn’t make Adrien crazy in the process. Plus, Elliot was cute and cuddly and a great kisser. Feeling the heat rise in his cheeks, Adrien shook off his thoughts and stared at his phone, trying to figure out how to get the message across without being an ass.
I’m plenty safe now that I’m home, Jackson. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine.
As a matter of fact, as of seven o’clock that evening, he’d be better than fine.
I don’t like you being alone, Austin. He could get you at any time and then where would I be without you?
Adrien wasn’t sure he cared where Jackson would be ever again. But his mother had raised him better than to say as much out loud.
I’m not alone, he typed, then thought he ought to clarify before Jackson’s jealousy got the better of him. I have Kelley, Bella, my mother… don’t worry a about me.
Adrien didn’t wait for a reply. He tossed his phone back onto the coffee table and called out to his furry companions. “So, who’s up for a little grub?”
**
Checking his watch for the fiftieth time that afternoon, Adrien reminded himself it was still too early to leave for Mickey’s. Although he knew Bella would love to see him, he didn’t want to come off as being that damn desperate. Growling in frustration, he threw himself into his favorite recliner. He was lifting his wrist for another peek at the time when a knock sounded at his front door.
“Who the hell’s here?” Everyone that would visit him wouldn’t bother to knock. Kelley, Bella, his mother – they all let themselves in, whether he was home or not. It was both a perk and an annoyance because it meant he had to wear pants to bed. No sleeping in his skivvies. He forced himself to his feet and looked through the peephole. Seeing a face he hadn’t expected, Adrien threw the door open. “What are you doing here?”
Shrugging, Elliot motioned to the box he held in one hand. “Change of plans,” he said. “I figured you’d be tired so I took a chance and picked up a pizza. But only after checking with Bella the Boisterous in regards to pizza toppings first. I hope you don’t mind.”
Chuckling, Adrien took the pizza and carried it into the kitchen, making him think of the first night they’d shared a meal in his living room. “Of course I don’t mind,” he said, reaching for two plates. “I’m kind of relieved you did, actually.” He was more than tired, he was exhausted to the marrow of his bones, but he wasn’t going to tell Elliot that. Adrien didn’t want the detective to bolt home as soon as they’d finished dinner. If he had his way, he’d do anything to get Elliot to stay longer. All night even. Adrien tilted his head, looking past Elliot.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just thought –”
Elliot frowned. “There’s someone at your door. Would you like me to answer it?”
Again, he thought about the fact that no one of importance would actually knock. But Kelley might, if he saw an unknown vehicle in Adrien’s drive. His mother and Bella on the other hand, they’d have burst into the house screaming his name if they thought he was entertaining a prospective boyfriend. “Please? And if there’s a loud redhead on the other side, let him in. He’s mostly harmless.”
“Mostly,” Elliot snickered, wandering into the front room. Adrien heard the front door creak as Elliot opened it. “Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Austin,” Jackson said, pushing past Elliot and letting himself into the living room.
“Is he expecting you,” Elliot asked, placing himself between the kitchen and the interloper.
“He’s my boyfriend, silly,” Jackson laughed. “Of course he’s expecting me.”
“I see,” Elliot said, giving the guy a once over before turning and heading into the kitchen. “Gee, Adrien, your boyfriend’s here.”
Adrien looked up from the salad he’d been putting together from the supply his mother had stocked his refrigerator with. “My what? I don’t –”
“Whatever,” Elliot said, holding up a hand to stop any further protest. “I’ll leave you to him.”
“Please,” Adrien said, reaching for Elliot’s arm. “He is not my boyfriend, you have to believe me on this. We were together for a bit, but broke up close to two years ago.” Adrien looked towards the living room and sighed. “He texted me earlier, offering to protect me. I don’t think he quite got the hint when I said I was fine.”
“What does he want to protect you from,” Elliot asked, his eyes locking onto Adrien’s.
“If you stick around, that’s something I think we need to talk about.” Adrien shook his head, refocusing on Jackson. “Besides, he’s started calling me nothing Austin and it’s a little weird since we’ve known each other since long before I ever became Austin Ricci.”
Elliot blinked. “I knew something was off when he asked if you were home. It didn’t register at the time, but he called you Austin then, too. Not Adrien. Some lousy detective I am.”
“Austin and Adrien sound a lot alike,” Adrien said, smiling. “Sometimes I think a fan is calling me by my given name and it freaks me out.”
“Austin, baby,” Jackson called from the living room. “I know you’re home sweetheart.”
Help me, he mouthed. “I’m in the kitchen, Jacks. I’ll be right out.”
“No need,” Jackson said, letting himself into the kitchen. “Oooh, you ordered from Pier 45,” he cooed, reaching for the pizza box.
“Jackson, no,” Adrien snapped. “Is there something you need that can’t wait until I’ve had some sleep?”
His ex-boyfriend had the nerve to look hurt. “I thought that we’d agreed earlier that I’d come by and keep you safe.”
“We did not agree to that,” Adrien said, teeth clenched. “I told you I was fine and I am fine. Would you please leave so I can have my dinner in peace?”
“I’m not going anywhere until I know for a fact that you’re safe, Austin.”
“Stop calling me Austin,” he roared, slamming a fist onto the countertop. “You know I hate that, Jackson.”
“Okay, I’ve had enough,” Elliot said, stepping between Adrien and Jackson. “You need to leave like Adrien asked you to do.”
“I’d like to see you make me leave,” Jackson sneered.
“Jacks –”
Elliot held up a hand. “I’ve got this,” he said, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing his badge. Holding it in Jackson’s face, he repeated, “You need to leave, now, or I’ll call for backup and forcibly remove you from the premises.
Jackson glared at the gold shield in his face for a long moment. Shoving the offending item away from him, he looked at Adrien and said, “We’ll talk about this later, baby. When you don’t have a dissenting voice in your ear.” He flicked his eyes at Elliot and stormed out of the kitchen.
Adrien held his breath until he heard the door slam, indicating Jackson’s angry exit. “Thank god,” he breathed. “Thank you for not leaving me here with him.”
Elliot made a face and looked away. “I’m sorry I reacted the way I did but sometimes well, sometimes I think this is all too good to be true.”
“And me having a boyfriend would have proved that to you?”
Shrugging, Elliot pointed at the salad. “You going to finish that so we can eat and have that talk?”
Chuckling, Adrien grabbed the cucumber off the counter and slapped it onto the cutting board. “Any other requests I should know about?”
When Elliot turned his eyes on Adrien next, they danced with unspoken promises. “Oh, I’m sure I could think of quite a few things to ask you for, but let’s stick with dinner first, okay?”
“I can do that,” Adrien agreed. Heaven only knew that the time for seriousness wasn’t very far away. They could both use a little light hearted conversation until then.
“Does he bother you often,” Elliot asked as they took what had become ‘their spots’ on the couch, albeit closer and closer every time they shared a meal.
He shook his head. “Oddly, no. It’s been probably fourteen months since his last call, a year since his last text.”
“So, his showing up out of the blue is unusual,” Elliot muttered, poking at his pizza.
Adrien’s heart sank. Elliot knew something, he was sure of it. He should have seen it coming, the guy was a detective after all, and was dating a virtual stranger. “You ran a background check on me, didn’t you?”
“Not exactly,” Elliot said, lifting his eyes to meet Adrien’s. There was a spark of something – understanding or pity, maybe – there. “But I did look into you, trying to figure out who your public side was. I was curious.”
“And it led you to more than you wanted to know,” Adrien guessed. He felt ill.
“Actually, I learned most of what I needed to know in order to go into this relationship with my eyes open,” Elliot said, resting a reassuring hand on Adrien’s knee. “Now what I need is the full story so I – we – can put together a plan of action to keep you safe.”
Adrien smiled at him, wondering how he’d gotten so lucky. “The only way to keep me safe is for you to go on tour with me.”
Laughing, Elliot leaned in and kissed Adrien. “I wish that was an option,” he said. “But since it’s not, how about we work on a Plan B?”
Continues here.
Fandom:
Pairing: Adrien Lupei/Elliot Deacon
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,317
Summary: Things are starting to get interesting. I hope.
Author’s Note: Nothing much to add here for now. It’s windy as hell here today – predictions of 60 MPH gusts and a wind advisory until 11 PM – so if you don’t hear from me for a few days, check Kansas because that might be where I wind up.
Continued from here.
“Uh, Adrien?”
“Yeah,” he said, poking his head into the kitchen. “What’s up, Kel?”
“Did you have another one of your late night writing sessions?” The redhead raised his eyebrows in question.
“No, why?” Adrien came all the way into the kitchen and refilled his coffee cup. He hadn’t had a chance to catch up with Kelley in person for months and it was a refreshing change to have his best friend in his home for the day.
“From the look of your trash can, you had one of everything John serves down at the spur,” he laughed, pointing at the evidence. “That usually indicates a massive creativity spike. Or a drinking binge.”
“Stay out of my trash you weirdo,” Adrien joked, knowing that Kelley couldn’t help but notice all the containers he’d tossed out last night. You’d have to be blind to miss the pile of Styrofoam and plastic bags. “And I wasn’t drinking, either. You know how John is, always giving me more food than I ordered.” Which wasn’t a complete lie.
Kelley scoffed. “Yeah, and he’s lucky you’re not home half the time or he’d be out of business by now.” He looked at the trash can a second time before directing his gaze at Adrien again. “Did you seriously eat all that though?”
Adrien felt the heat rise in his cheeks. He couldn’t lie to Kelly, mostly because John would rat him out in a hot second if asked. “Not exactly.”
“Oh really?” Kelley rested his arms against the countertop, waiting. “And?”
“And I had help?” Adrien forced a noticeably fake smile onto his face.
“Is that a question, Adrien, or do you not remember?” Kelley’s green eyes flashed with amusement. If there was one thing the guy never missed, it was an opportunity to harass Adrien. Honestly, Adrien missed his friend’s digs when he was away.
“You can be a real jerk sometimes, Kelley,” Adrien laughed. “And no, it’s not a question. I had – I had someone over for dinner.”
That caught Kelley’s attention. The redhead straightened, an odd look on his face. “Please tell me your dinner date wasn’t Bella.”
“No, not Bella,” Adrien said, unable to say more.
“Hmm,” Kelley murmured. “I see. And how long will I have to wait until I find out who you had dinner with last night?
“I don’t know,” Adrien said, giving his friend a sad smile. “Give me some time to figure out if it’s going to work or not, first?”
Kelley nodded. “I can do that,” he said. “But don’t keep me in suspense forever, okay? It’s been like two years since you’ve dated anyone.”
“And can you blame me,” he asked, thinking about how badly that last relationship had gone. A shudder crept up his spine just thinking about his ex.
“No,” Kelley said without hesitation. “Jackson was an asshole of the highest order and you were right to kick his skeevy ass to the curb. But I hate to see you alone.”
“That makes two of us,” he said, giving his friend a hug. “But Jackson kind of soured me on the idea of relationships in general.”
Hugging Adrien back, Kelley nodded. “I can’t fault you for that. But it’s been almost two years. You deserve to be happy. It’s time you put yourself out there again.”
“I’m trying,” he said. “I like this guy a lot, but I don’t really know him very well either. We’re taking it slow, I guess.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Kelley agreed. “Promise me you won’t push him away before you can get to know him?”
“I’ll give it my best shot,” Adrien said, not sure if he was being truthful or not. There had been too much bullshit in his life up to this point to make any promises.
“Great,” Kelley said, pounding Adrien on the back. “I’ve got good news. The setup you asked me about for your bus is ready. You can get your furry little assassins from Bella and take them on the road with you when you leave in a few days.”
Adrien smiled. “Thank you, Kel, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I get so lonely on the road that they’ll make it easier.”
“Even if they’re biting your hair in the middle of the night?”
“Even if,” Adrien agreed.
**
Setting the cat carriers on the floor of the living room, Adrien opened the one belonging to the grey monster first. Smokey was a Maine coon and therefore the largest cat he’d ever seen. But he was also the sweetest cat Adrien had ever met, too. So, it worked out in the moose’s favor. Smokey stuck his nose out and turned his green eyes on Adrien. He gave a high-pitched meow and settled down for a nap.
“You are the oddest cat ever,” Adrien said, moving to unlatch the second carrier. “Never have I seen a cat that likes to be in a carrier. Now you,” he said to the fluffy calico, “are a normal cat.”
The second he’d gotten the door open, she shot out of the carrier and raced around the room like someone had set her tail on fire. Although the lady at the shelter had told him her name was Patches, he tended to call her la Diabla because she was the devil in a kitten suit.
Letting the cats readjust to their surroundings, Adrien hauled his suitcase into his room. He’d go through his clothes later, washing as needed. But first, he needed to text Elliot to let him know that he was home again. This being home for only a day or two at a time was for the birds and Adrien was grateful that his tour was over for the foreseeable future. He had at least six glorious months without a damn thing to do. Although that wasn’t entirely true. Soon, he’d have to start sorting through the songs he’d written and those that his manager had forwarded to him so that he could begin working on his next album. But that could wait until he’d gotten some rest and a little time alone with his favorite detective.
Even though Adrien wasn’t in town much, he and Elliot had kept in touch, getting together for dinner as often as they could. Adrien was hoping now that he didn’t have anywhere to be for a few months, that they could push their relationship to the next level. The thought chilled his blood because it meant it was time to come clean with Elliot. Not just about his alter ego, but about the other, dreadfully important thing he’d been keeping from Elliot.
His stalker.
There’d been another incident, in Los Angeles, about six weeks ago. Adrien was convinced it wasn’t related to the incident in Denver because none of his stalker’s signatures were present. No dead flowers. No decapitated stuffed animals. No threatening messages scrawled on the bathroom mirrors. Instead, what he’d found was his clothes strewn across the bed, and a handful of fresh, live roses.
It still disturbed him greatly, but not as much as the sight of his room in Denver had. That had freaked him out, leaving him in a panic. This, however, looked to be the work of some crazed fan desperate for a piece of him for a souvenir. Adrien wasn’t sure if it was good or bad that he was starting to get used to finding his hotel rooms tossed. Maybe his mother was right – if you see something often enough, it becomes commonplace.
The safety of Smokey and Patches, however, was a major priority for him from the get go. Before he’d ever left, Kelley had searched out pet friendly hotels, finding ones with optional pet sitters for when he was performing and unable to be with them. It eased his mind somewhat to know he wasn’t going to return to his room and find his kittens gutted on his bed. That wasn’t something he thought he could handle. Whatever he had done to enrage this psychopath, the felines hadn’t had a hand in any of it.
Despite the one minor incident, Adrien considered this last leg of his tour a success. Now that he was home again, he could work towards making other things a victory as well, starting with his budding relationship. But first, he needed food – for him and the cats, both – and then a nap.
Remembering he needed to text Elliot, Adrien removed his phone from his pocket.
I’m home, he typed, hitting send.
The speed of the response made him smile. Beautiful. Dinner tonight?
Of course. I’ve missed you.
The admission was more than he’d planned to say, but it was out there now and nothing he could do about it. But Elliot didn’t let him down.
Right back atcha, honey. Mickey’s at 7?
Perfect, Adrien replied, smiling.
He set his phone down on the coffee table and started towards the kitchen to procure the three of them some nourishment. Adrien stopped a minute later, the sound of his phone vibrating against the wood catching his attention. Excited that Elliot wasn’t ready to stop chatting, he rushed to grab his phone.
Hey Austin baby. Long time, huh? I heard about Denver and LA, how awful that had to be for you. Can’t believe this jerk is still after you.
Adrien felt his body go still, his muscles clenching. Why was he texting now?
Jackson, you know I hate to be called that. Please stop.
Aw, c’mon, baby. It’s just a name.
Maybe, Adrien thought, but it wasn’t his name. Not really anyway. Damn, he wished Kelley was with him right then. Kel never put up with anyone’s crap, least of all Jackson’s. He’d been the catalyst that had instigated Adrien’s breakup with Jackson, something he’d forever be grateful to Kelley for.
I only just got home Jackson and I’m exhausted. Did you need something?
Just making sure you’re okay. Saw a story about the break-ins on the news and thought I’d offer my services.
Services? What the hell was Jackson on now?
I don’t understand. What services?
Protection services, Austin. I can keep you safe from whatever is chasing you.
Yeah, but so could Elliot and he wouldn’t make Adrien crazy in the process. Plus, Elliot was cute and cuddly and a great kisser. Feeling the heat rise in his cheeks, Adrien shook off his thoughts and stared at his phone, trying to figure out how to get the message across without being an ass.
I’m plenty safe now that I’m home, Jackson. I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine.
As a matter of fact, as of seven o’clock that evening, he’d be better than fine.
I don’t like you being alone, Austin. He could get you at any time and then where would I be without you?
Adrien wasn’t sure he cared where Jackson would be ever again. But his mother had raised him better than to say as much out loud.
I’m not alone, he typed, then thought he ought to clarify before Jackson’s jealousy got the better of him. I have Kelley, Bella, my mother… don’t worry a about me.
Adrien didn’t wait for a reply. He tossed his phone back onto the coffee table and called out to his furry companions. “So, who’s up for a little grub?”
**
Checking his watch for the fiftieth time that afternoon, Adrien reminded himself it was still too early to leave for Mickey’s. Although he knew Bella would love to see him, he didn’t want to come off as being that damn desperate. Growling in frustration, he threw himself into his favorite recliner. He was lifting his wrist for another peek at the time when a knock sounded at his front door.
“Who the hell’s here?” Everyone that would visit him wouldn’t bother to knock. Kelley, Bella, his mother – they all let themselves in, whether he was home or not. It was both a perk and an annoyance because it meant he had to wear pants to bed. No sleeping in his skivvies. He forced himself to his feet and looked through the peephole. Seeing a face he hadn’t expected, Adrien threw the door open. “What are you doing here?”
Shrugging, Elliot motioned to the box he held in one hand. “Change of plans,” he said. “I figured you’d be tired so I took a chance and picked up a pizza. But only after checking with Bella the Boisterous in regards to pizza toppings first. I hope you don’t mind.”
Chuckling, Adrien took the pizza and carried it into the kitchen, making him think of the first night they’d shared a meal in his living room. “Of course I don’t mind,” he said, reaching for two plates. “I’m kind of relieved you did, actually.” He was more than tired, he was exhausted to the marrow of his bones, but he wasn’t going to tell Elliot that. Adrien didn’t want the detective to bolt home as soon as they’d finished dinner. If he had his way, he’d do anything to get Elliot to stay longer. All night even. Adrien tilted his head, looking past Elliot.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just thought –”
Elliot frowned. “There’s someone at your door. Would you like me to answer it?”
Again, he thought about the fact that no one of importance would actually knock. But Kelley might, if he saw an unknown vehicle in Adrien’s drive. His mother and Bella on the other hand, they’d have burst into the house screaming his name if they thought he was entertaining a prospective boyfriend. “Please? And if there’s a loud redhead on the other side, let him in. He’s mostly harmless.”
“Mostly,” Elliot snickered, wandering into the front room. Adrien heard the front door creak as Elliot opened it. “Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Austin,” Jackson said, pushing past Elliot and letting himself into the living room.
“Is he expecting you,” Elliot asked, placing himself between the kitchen and the interloper.
“He’s my boyfriend, silly,” Jackson laughed. “Of course he’s expecting me.”
“I see,” Elliot said, giving the guy a once over before turning and heading into the kitchen. “Gee, Adrien, your boyfriend’s here.”
Adrien looked up from the salad he’d been putting together from the supply his mother had stocked his refrigerator with. “My what? I don’t –”
“Whatever,” Elliot said, holding up a hand to stop any further protest. “I’ll leave you to him.”
“Please,” Adrien said, reaching for Elliot’s arm. “He is not my boyfriend, you have to believe me on this. We were together for a bit, but broke up close to two years ago.” Adrien looked towards the living room and sighed. “He texted me earlier, offering to protect me. I don’t think he quite got the hint when I said I was fine.”
“What does he want to protect you from,” Elliot asked, his eyes locking onto Adrien’s.
“If you stick around, that’s something I think we need to talk about.” Adrien shook his head, refocusing on Jackson. “Besides, he’s started calling me nothing Austin and it’s a little weird since we’ve known each other since long before I ever became Austin Ricci.”
Elliot blinked. “I knew something was off when he asked if you were home. It didn’t register at the time, but he called you Austin then, too. Not Adrien. Some lousy detective I am.”
“Austin and Adrien sound a lot alike,” Adrien said, smiling. “Sometimes I think a fan is calling me by my given name and it freaks me out.”
“Austin, baby,” Jackson called from the living room. “I know you’re home sweetheart.”
Help me, he mouthed. “I’m in the kitchen, Jacks. I’ll be right out.”
“No need,” Jackson said, letting himself into the kitchen. “Oooh, you ordered from Pier 45,” he cooed, reaching for the pizza box.
“Jackson, no,” Adrien snapped. “Is there something you need that can’t wait until I’ve had some sleep?”
His ex-boyfriend had the nerve to look hurt. “I thought that we’d agreed earlier that I’d come by and keep you safe.”
“We did not agree to that,” Adrien said, teeth clenched. “I told you I was fine and I am fine. Would you please leave so I can have my dinner in peace?”
“I’m not going anywhere until I know for a fact that you’re safe, Austin.”
“Stop calling me Austin,” he roared, slamming a fist onto the countertop. “You know I hate that, Jackson.”
“Okay, I’ve had enough,” Elliot said, stepping between Adrien and Jackson. “You need to leave like Adrien asked you to do.”
“I’d like to see you make me leave,” Jackson sneered.
“Jacks –”
Elliot held up a hand. “I’ve got this,” he said, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing his badge. Holding it in Jackson’s face, he repeated, “You need to leave, now, or I’ll call for backup and forcibly remove you from the premises.
Jackson glared at the gold shield in his face for a long moment. Shoving the offending item away from him, he looked at Adrien and said, “We’ll talk about this later, baby. When you don’t have a dissenting voice in your ear.” He flicked his eyes at Elliot and stormed out of the kitchen.
Adrien held his breath until he heard the door slam, indicating Jackson’s angry exit. “Thank god,” he breathed. “Thank you for not leaving me here with him.”
Elliot made a face and looked away. “I’m sorry I reacted the way I did but sometimes well, sometimes I think this is all too good to be true.”
“And me having a boyfriend would have proved that to you?”
Shrugging, Elliot pointed at the salad. “You going to finish that so we can eat and have that talk?”
Chuckling, Adrien grabbed the cucumber off the counter and slapped it onto the cutting board. “Any other requests I should know about?”
When Elliot turned his eyes on Adrien next, they danced with unspoken promises. “Oh, I’m sure I could think of quite a few things to ask you for, but let’s stick with dinner first, okay?”
“I can do that,” Adrien agreed. Heaven only knew that the time for seriousness wasn’t very far away. They could both use a little light hearted conversation until then.
“Does he bother you often,” Elliot asked as they took what had become ‘their spots’ on the couch, albeit closer and closer every time they shared a meal.
He shook his head. “Oddly, no. It’s been probably fourteen months since his last call, a year since his last text.”
“So, his showing up out of the blue is unusual,” Elliot muttered, poking at his pizza.
Adrien’s heart sank. Elliot knew something, he was sure of it. He should have seen it coming, the guy was a detective after all, and was dating a virtual stranger. “You ran a background check on me, didn’t you?”
“Not exactly,” Elliot said, lifting his eyes to meet Adrien’s. There was a spark of something – understanding or pity, maybe – there. “But I did look into you, trying to figure out who your public side was. I was curious.”
“And it led you to more than you wanted to know,” Adrien guessed. He felt ill.
“Actually, I learned most of what I needed to know in order to go into this relationship with my eyes open,” Elliot said, resting a reassuring hand on Adrien’s knee. “Now what I need is the full story so I – we – can put together a plan of action to keep you safe.”
Adrien smiled at him, wondering how he’d gotten so lucky. “The only way to keep me safe is for you to go on tour with me.”
Laughing, Elliot leaned in and kissed Adrien. “I wish that was an option,” he said. “But since it’s not, how about we work on a Plan B?”
Continues here.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2017-03-31 12:58 pm (UTC)