Backstage

sequel to far along this road

Adam isn't too nervous about the show. He's playing the lead, but it’s not a big deal; this isn't really a major production. It's actually pretty modest compared to some of his previous work. The only thing that sets this apart from the ones before is the fact that Kris will be in the audience watching, but Adam has performed in front of critics and celebrities and his dreadful Aunt Helen, so this should be a walk in the park for an old pro like him.

But then somehow the whole thing turns inexplicably complex, and he gets heart palpitations and then manages to sleepwalk through the whole show, finding himself unable to recall what he did on stage once it's all over. No one is throwing tomatoes at him, so he figures he couldn't have screwed up too badly, but still, it’s worrying.

He goes backstage and grabs a bottle of water. He's parched—which is a good sign, it means he must have at least sung something. Then he takes his jacket off, which suddenly weighs a ton, and sits down in one of the empty make-up chairs. He lets himself get lulled by the usual cacophony of backstage after the opening night show; people running around half-naked, cheers and flowers and champagne everywhere. A man in a suit is kissing one of the girls—Julienne, Adam thinks her name is. Jack passes by them, hugging a huge teddy bear to his chest, a stupid smile stretching his lips wide. There is a delivery guy, holding a large bouquet of red roses, asking around for someone, probably the female lead, Rebecca. Then he moves away from Adam’s line of sight, and reveals Kris standing there with a sheepish look on his face, hands buried deep in his pockets, looking like a fish out of water.

It takes him a while to spot Adam, but his face breaks into a grin as soon as he does. Adam finds himself grinning back, feeling elated and completely relaxed all of a sudden. Kris often has that effect on him. His instincts have more control over his body than his brain it seems, so before Adam even decides to get up, they are meeting somewhere in the middle, and Kris is looking up at him, all bright eyes and lopsided lips.

"This is for you," Kris says shyly, holding out a yellow flower. It looks a little worse for wear. Kris' brow furrows when he notices the condition of it, and he tries to fix the leaves, but they end up falling down again as soon as he lets them go. "Sorry," Kris says sadly with a shrug. "I think I killed it."

Adam pries it from his hand and places it behind his ear. "It's perfect. Thank you."

Kris reaches up to fix his hair around it nervously. His hand lingers a little longer than is strictly necessary and brushes his neck on its way down.

"You were amazing," he says. "I didn't realize...I mean I guessed that you'd be good, but I didn't know you were crazy good."

Kris has big brown eyes that just can’t lie, so this is probably the most honest review Adam has ever gotten from anyone. It’s also one of the few that ever mattered. Adam’s hand goes to the flower behind his ear unconsciously. The most important things in life come in the most unassuming packages.

"Thank you," Adam says, leaning down to hug Kris. His arms envelope Kris’ smaller frame and Kris fits comfortably against him, so familiar and right. Hugging Kris is an experience, a hobby, Adam’s new favorite thing, and pulling out of those hugs is always so very difficult. When Adam finally manages to make himself take a step back, Kris follows, and he rises up on his toes to press their mouths together in a sweet kiss. Adam's hands bury themselves in Kris' hair and his mouth opens to invite Kris in, and they end up kissing until breathing becomes a problem.

Kris licks his lips, trying to catch his breath. "So. Any other talents I don't know about?"

"I can tie a cherry stem with my tongue," Adam offers.

Kris rolls his eyes at him. "Well, I could guess that."

Adam grins and puts an arm around his shoulders to give him a squeeze. He looks around, spotting a few of his friends scattered here and there. Then he squares his shoulders and takes a plunge.

"You wanna meet the guys?"

Kris smiles, pleasantly surprised. He nods. "But I’m gonna need another kiss first."

Adam leans down gladly. The guys can wait a couple more minutes.

The End

September 22nd, 2009