Steve woke up alone in the hotel room. He initially felt disorientated but then remembered everything that had happened and smiled, burying his face in the pillows. One still smelled faintly of Kas, so he held that one the longest.
Finally, he dragged himself from the bed and showered again, if only to wake himself up a little more. The stall felt too big after sharing it the previous evening, and he missed Kas' warmth already. But he tried to shrug it off. Hookups didn't tend to stick around, even if they promised to come back for more.
He wondered if he'd get that promised text and glanced at his phone, happy to see Kas had already messaged him.
Kas - [07:34 AM]
Hope this doesn't wake you, but I wanted to let you know I haven't stopped thinking about you yet.
How are you feeling?
Steve's heart betrayed him, fluttering in response. Hookup or not, Kas was a sweetheart. Steve wasn't used to check-ins, not even from Tommy. But then, he really had been a shitty boyfriend.
Princess - [08:57 AM]
I'm good. A little sore but in a good way, y'know?
Are you okay?
"Don't be clingy," Steve muttered, resolutely shoving his phone into his pocket before he could say he was glad Kas made it home fine.
Instead, he tried to leave the hotel and not look like he'd been railed into next week. He almost got away, but the receptionist caught his eye. She was the same one who had booked them in, and her knowing smile made Steve blush—okay, he almost got away scot-free.
It would not be a walk of shame.
His phone buzzed outside, and Steve read Kas' response.
Kas - [9:12 AM]
Never better, sweetheart.
Enjoy your day.
Smiling, he headed home. Not a walk of shame.
The afterglow faded slowly. Steve held on to the lightness in his limbs as long as possible. It had been the best sex he'd ever had, not that he'd admit that to anyone. Robin didn't need to ask, though. She just smiled, hugged him and made breakfast.
Steve couldn't stop thinking about all those tattoos and piercings. He'd never met anyone like Kas, visually objectionable but so sweet underneath it all, even when he was hurting him. Even after a week, he found himself daydreaming about Kas' piercings and wishing he'd gotten the chance to feel them on his tongue. Maybe next time.
Curiosity winning over pride, he asked Robin about them since she worked at a tattoo and piercing parlor. Ignoring the tornado of clothes strewn around her room and the fact she was standing in her underwear and a skimpy white strap top, he bit the bullet. "Why would someone want to get their dick pierced?"
Robin paused mid-applying eyeliner to glare at him in the mirror. "I'm about to go on a hot date, and you want to talk about dicks with me?"
Steve shrugged. "Yeah. Would it hurt?"
"I've never pierced a guy's dick before, but yeah, it'd probably hurt to get something like that done. And no, I will not do it for you."
He went bright red and stammered, "I-I don't want a piercing, Rob! I was just curious. Does it help with sensitivity or something?"
"Probably. I'm assuming the person being fucked would feel it too." She gagged when his blush deepened. "I didn't need to know that about your fuck buddy. Oh my god, Steve."
"I didn't say anything!"
"It's written all over your face. God, I wish I couldn't read you so well. Ugh!" She threw the eyeliner at him when he explained he hadn't felt it because of the condom.
The conversation did remind him to bring up testing the next time he saw Kas. If they could ditch the condoms, surely he would feel it then? He blushed, realizing how much he'd been thinking about sex again since he met Kas. Robin was always moving from girl to girl, so why wasn't she always talking about it? Come to think of it, who was Robin's latest crush?
"Robin…" He started slowly, a horrible realization dawning. "Please tell me, Chrissy isn't your hot date?"
"Then I would be lying to you."
"No!" He groaned, following her into the bathroom to find her brushing her teeth. "She's basically a parent. I haven't even met Charlie's dad."
She rolled her eyes.
"I know, I know; you're not the teacher. It still feels wrong, though."
"Then I won't mess around with the dad, okay?"
"Just…" Steve sighed, pinching his nose. "…don't be an asshole?"
Robin looked offended for a moment, then gave an agreeable shrug. "Fine. So don't act like I do around you?"
"Exactly."
"Done." She patted his arm, slipping through the door to return to her room. "I don't want to sleep with you, do I? So why would I charm you?"
"And yet, somehow, we live together."
"Blue or red?" She held up two sheer jumpers, raising her eyebrows when he sighed. "I'm going with black leggings if that helps?"
"The red one."
"Thank you." She tossed the blue one at him, shrugging on the jumper. Steve could admit she did look good. "Have you seen my mascara?"
"Yeah, I borrowed it last night," he deadpanned, pointing it out on the messy dresser.
"Don't judge until you try it. Maybe your fuck boy would like it too."
"He's not-" He stopped at her skeptical look. "Whatever. I'm not wearing it."
Eyeliner, though, he could get behind, especially after Kas' suggestion. Robin didn't need to know that, and he slipped the small pencil into his pocket when she was distracted. It's not like she would miss it when there were several more littered around the room.
Robin had barely finished her makeup when the doorbell rang. She gave Steve a nervous smile, running over to open it, and there stood Chrissy. Her blonde hair was tucked into some elaborate bun, and she looked very pretty with her makeup done. Steve was used to seeing her in work mode, not date mode.
Chrissy smiled and gave Steve a small wave. "Hey, Mr Steve. Or should I just call you Steve? Which one is less weird for you?"
"Just Steve is fine away from school," he replied with a grin. "Enjoy your date, ladies. Bring her back in one piece, Robin!"
Robin stuck her middle finger up at him in goodbye before shutting the door.
Steve whiled away the hours by baking, trying to distract himself from the quietness of the apartment. Music helped a little, and he sang along to Tears for Fears. One of the best things about gay clubs was their great taste in music.
He caught his side on the table, wincing at the dull ache from the bruises there, a lingering reminder of his night with Kas. Every time, it made him smile. It had been far too long since somebody had fucked him like that. It was worth waiting another month for. But... what if Kas got bored or decided he didn't want to see him again? Was he just being nice after a good fuck, with no intention of seeing him again?
Steve burned himself on a baking tray, distracted by the negative thoughts and cursed as he lost a few rolls to the floor. With the rest secured on a cooling tray, he stared at the messy countertop in contemplation.
When his thoughts turned bad like this, the only thing he found that helped was baking. During the last few months of his relationship with Tommy, he'd been baking nonstop. As much as their friends had loved the fresh goods, nobody knew how many tears went into making them. Except Robin. Thank god for Robin. She talked him up, helped him leave, and they moved to Chicago together.
A fresh start.
Those dough balls at the restaurant had been amazing. Maybe he could try and recreate them somehow.
Robin eyed the myriad of dishes when she got home, gently rousing Steve from his stupor when she touched his shoulder. "Long night?"
"Rob?" Steve looked around at the plates piled on the countertops and table. "I, uh, needed to bake something."
"Steve…"
"Seriously, it's fine. How was your night?" He picked up the plate of strudels to make space for Robin to sit beside him. "Tell me all about how amazing Chrissy is."
"She is amazing, but we can save that conversation for tomorrow. Come on, time for bed." Robin helped him to bed and kissed his forehead. "Sleep, Steve. It'll be better tomorrow, I promise."
"Love you, Rob."
"I love you too, dingus." He grabbed her hand when she tried to leave. With a smile, she squeezed back. "Let me change first."
Five minutes later, she was back in her flannel pajamas and crawling into bed beside him. She smelled faintly of cigarettes, and it made Steve think of Kas. Cigarettes and something flowery, Chrissy's perfume? But underneath it all, she smelled like Robin, and the comfort of his best friend helped lull him into sleep quickly.
The next morning he woke up alone to the sound of his alarm. Freshly showered and ready for school, he found Robin in the kitchen packing away the treats from his baking frenzy. Feeling a little guilty, he helped fill the Tupperware, almost using all of his extensive collection, which was rather impressive in hindsight.
"You wanna talk about it now?" Robin asked after they worked in silence for nearly ten minutes.
"No." Steve snapped one container shut and started on the scones. The kids were going to have a field day with all this stuff. At least he didn't have to worry about anyone going hungry. Neither did anyone at Robin's parlor. Donations all around. "I should give something to Eddie. A thank you for the brownies. Which do you think he'll like?"
"You're changing the subject."
"It's fine. Just got lost in my head, is all."
"Thinking about Tommy?"
"No. Maybe a little." He stopped when Robin forced him to set the container down, taking his hands between her own smaller ones. Exhaling shakily, he squeezed them tight. "Worried about Kas," he admitted softly, eyes downcast. "That he won't want me now we've…"
"Then he's an idiot," Robin told him firmly, squeezing back just as hard and getting a small smile out of him. "Hookup or not, that guy will treat you right, or you'll kick his ass to the curb, okay?"
"Okay."
"Good." She sighed and surveyed the many, many Tupperware. "Strudels. Chris mentioned they both like them and told me a story about when they were kids and got sick eating too many. I swear I saw some around here earlier."
"Uh, yeah, by the microwave, I think." Steve pulled away to find the plate of strudels. In an attempt to lighten the mood - and given Chrissy was in the conversation now - he asked lightly, "Tell me you didn't sleep with her already?"
"Like you can talk!"
"Kas is a hookup! Sex is the reason we meet up. Chrissy was a date, wasn't she?"
"Yes." Robin stole a strudel, laughing when Steve slapped her away from the rest. "But she invited me back to her place, Steve. How could I say no to an angel like her? Not that she's much of an angel in bed."
"Please keep those details to yourself."
"Like you haven't told me about Kas' dick piercings," she replied scornfully. "Fine. I'll keep the juicy details to myself. All you need to know is that she's fucking amazing."
"Awesome."
"And I met Eddie."
Steve paused for half a second before snapping the container shut. "So?"
"Definitely your type. He looked familiar, but that's probably because he was a rockstar or something. Chris was cagey about it. Either way, it's a good thing those strudels taste good. Makes a good impression." Her smirk only grew wider when Steve scoffed. "I'm telling you, he's what you need, not some random guy to rail you once a month."
"I'm ignoring you now." And he got up to pack the container into his bag.
"Only because you know I'm right."
He chose not to respond to that. Ideal or not, Eddie was a parent, which meant he was unequivocally off-limits. He loved his job and wasn't about to risk it for some guy he didn't know, even if his poems were sweet.
Kas was sweet, too, if in a different way. Steve hesitated as he grabbed his phone, staring at the last text he'd received. Enjoy your day. If he weren't interested, surely he wouldn't have sent that?
Before he could think it through, Steve sent another text.
Princess - [07:23 AM]
Can we talk later? Just want to make sure this is what we both want.
Melodramatic and clingy. Steve at his very core.
Too late now since the message was delivered. So he did what he always did in situations like this; he buried his head and pretended it was fine. No time to bake, though, so work it was.
Charlie was the first to arrive that morning, as usual. She beamed at Steve, hanging up her coat. "Auntie Chris is coming. She's slow this morning because she's sick."
"Sick, huh?"
"Yep. She drank a lot of wine with your friend last night. Daddy said I need to be extra good and quiet today because her head hurts."
Steve had to hold back a laugh when Chrissy walked in. She looked so much worse than Robin. She offered him a pained smile, taking off her sunglasses now she was inside with a heavy sigh. "Robin is a menace."
"Funny. She said you were an angel."
Chrissy blushed. "I probably shouldn't ask this, but... was she happy this morning?"
"Oh, definitely. I wouldn't be surprised if Robin calls you tonight."
"I will keep my phone on me then."
"Oh, wait a moment!" Steve grabbed the container of strudels and handed them over, fighting not to blush. "They're for Eddie, a-and you guys too. Just want to say thank you for the brownies. And the note."
"You got our song?" Charlie came over to inspect the strudels but smiled at Steve shyly. "Did you like it?"
"I did. Especially the part saying I'm as sweet as a brownie. Thank you."
Charlie giggled, turning red. She put her hands behind her back and beamed at him. "Daddy helped. He used to write a lot of songs. He doesn't now, though."
"Alright, kiddo, I'll pick you up later." Chrissy hugged her goodbye and waited until Charlie returned to her book to say softly, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention Eddie's writing when you meet him. He doesn't like to talk about it."
"Sure thing. But he is good."
"Yeah, he was."
Steve nodded. He could understand that. "I have a few of those myself. Don't worry. I won't ask him about it. Will you give him the strudels, though? And my thanks."
"Of course. I better get going before I'm late. I'll see you this afternoon. Bye, Charlie!"
"Bye!"
She didn't have long to wait for the others to arrive, James joining her a few minutes later. Steve had his hands full trying to hand out the baked goods and was relieved when the parents took some too. By the end of the day, they were all gone.
Exhausted after a long day, Steve only wanted to curl up on the couch with Robin and watch some shitty rom-com. Except Robin wasn't home. She usually got back before him during weekdays, so he checked the noticeboard by the fridge where they left each other notes. Sure enough, he found a piece of paper - that looked suspiciously like it had been ripped from one of his notepads - tacked to it.
'Called Chris, going out for dinner.
Be back later tonight.
Love ya x'
p.s. don't hate me for wanting to get laid!'
Steve sighed, crumpling up the note before throwing it in the trash. At least he didn't have to suffer through another film with Kate Hudson. He was more of a Heath Ledger fan, anyway. Which meant he could watch Casanova without her scoffing next to him.
He managed to binge eat a whole Tupperware of cookies during the film and was starting to feel grossed out when his phone pinged. He expected it to be from Robin, so he was surprised when he saw it was Kas and then remembered in embarrassment the text he had sent him that morning.
Kas - [7:57 PM]
Sorry Princess, long day.
Has something happened?
Steve stared at the text, horribly feeling his eyes burn with tears, but he managed to text back.
Princess - [6:00 PM]
Are you sure you want to do this?
Kas - [6:01 PM]
What, with you?
When Steve didn't respond, another text appeared.
Kas - [6:05 PM]
There's no one I'd rather be with.
You're perfect, sweetheart. Don't you dare think anything else.
I've been thinking, I can get away and see you sooner if you'd like?
Princess - [6:07 PM]
How soon?
Kas - [6:07 PM]
Two weeks instead of a month.
On one condition.
Princess - [6:07 PM]
Yeah?
Kas - [6:08 PM]
No more doubting yourself.
You're gorgeous and amazing, okay?
I'd love to see you again. If you want to.
Princess - [6:09 PM]
Two weeks it is then.
Did you have something special planned?
Kas - [6:10 PM]
Why ruin the suspense?
See you soon, Princess.
Thinking of you always.
Princess - [6:10 PM]
Thank you.
Feeling a hell of a lot better, Steve cleaned up and showered.
The next morning, Charlie appeared with a bright smile and a note. "It's from my daddy," she told him, practically shoving the envelope into his hands. "Thank you for the sweets. They were very tasty."
"Oh, no problem. But don't tell the others. I don't want them thinking you're my favorite."
"Even if it's true?"
Well, who was he to say no to her big, brown eyes? He just nodded back, pressing a finger to his lips. Charlie giggled and ran off to do her usual morning routine of reading. Steve was starting to worry his books were too basic for her. He would have to make a request for the next reading level.
Glancing at the envelope, he opened it to find instead of a song. It was a drawing this time. It was a superhero, he thought. Well, the person was wearing a cape with the letters SS on their chest.
'Thank you, Super Steve, the strudels were divine.
Hope this drawing isn't too bad. Not my strong suit, considering I don't know what you look like.
Enjoy your day at work, hope the kids don't drag you down,
- Eddie'
Steve smiled and carefully folded the note to store it in his drawer. It could join the song at home. Looking at the drawing again, he noticed the character was wearing glasses, too, so Charlie must have been involved. It sort of looked like him if you squinted.
"Thank you, Charlie," he called over to her, and she giggled, smiling back. Today was definitely turning out to be a better day.