cw: use of feminization terms, choking, Tommy Hagen

...

Robin came back on Boxing Day to find Steve half alive on the couch with a severe hangover.

She busied herself in the kitchen as he slowly got upright, bringing him a coffee and painkillers after a few minutes. Once the pounding in his head had somewhat subsided, Steve looked at her questioningly, only to smirk at the sight of fresh bruises on her neck, barely hidden by her shirt. "Good night?"

"Yes. I take it yours wasn't?"

He had to consider that. "Yes and no," he finally said, delaying the inevitable interrogation by sipping his coffee.

Robin scoffed. "Mr Wiles was worried about you. Waved me over before I could get in. He said he saw you come home last night with a strange man?"

It was Steve's turn to blush. "It was Kas. He brought me home, but he didn't stay."

"Good. I would've had to kill him if he took advantage of you."

"He didn't."

Looking him over, Robin seemed satisfied because she relaxed. "So what did he want?"

"He's calling later. Wanted to wait until I was sober to talk."

"I keep telling you, forget Kas and give Eddie a chance. At the very least, you can then brag about sleeping with two rockstars." Robin's eyes widened at Steve's guilty smile. "No?"

"It would actually be three."

"Who?"

"I don't remember- no, seriously. This was, like, ten years ago." He could see Robin wouldn't let it go and, resigned to his fate, told her everything. "It was some sort of function in Chicago. My dad insisted I attend. Tommy was there too, and we, uh, slipped out. Went to some high-end club instead that he knew about. Kinda figured it was a date, but he went off with some other guy. Fucking prepped myself for him too because I knew - or thought I did - what was going to happen."

"Oh, Steve…" Robin found his hand and held onto it tight.

He laughed and squeezed back. "I'm over it, him, Rob. Anyway, I wanted to get back at him and make him jealous. I took something, god knows what, and flirted with this guy at the bar. Ten minutes later, he was fucking me in one of the back rooms. Don't remember him much, but he definitely mentioned being a famous rockstar at the time."

"You're a slut."

"Was a slut, thank you. Anyway, it worked. Tommy got super pissed at me, and that was the night I found out I liked submitting." Robin pulled a face so Steve pinched her cheek. "You asked."

"Not about your kink discoveries."

"Part of the story. Point is, Eddie would be the third rockstar, not second."

"What are you, some sort of rockstar magnet?"

"Apparently. Besides, who said I'm going to sleep with Eddie?"

Robin groaned, but Steve was saved from her tirade by his phone ringing. He snatched it up and hurried away, ignoring Robin's disapproving expression as he went. She could lecture him about Kas later. He answered as soon as his bedroom door was shut, trepidation sinking in, but he tried not to think about it. "Hello?"

"Hey, Princess, how's the head?"

Well, Kas didn't sound mad, which was a start.

"Pounding. And, um, thanks for getting me home."

"Anytime." He paused for a long moment, long enough that Steve began mentally preparing himself for a letdown. "So about that date?"

He couldn't help laughing, earning himself a chuckle from Kas. "How does Saturday night sound? I'll text you the address. It's a steakhouse, so dress nice, please."

"Got it. No leather."

"The jacket's fine."

"I will keep the jacket then." His knowing tone had Steve blushing. "Wear something pretty."

"Okay."

"And Princess?"

"Yeah?"

"Get some rest, okay? I'm sorry I made you feel so shitty. I won't do it again."

The sincerity in his voice was palpable, and it soothed some of the ache still lingering in Steve's chest, but he decided to go with light teasing rather than anything heavy. They had a whole night to talk. "You better not, or you're paying. I'll see you soon."

"Bye, Princess."

Steve hung up, rejoining Robin with a smile that wasn't indicative of his shitty condition. "I've got a date."

"A date date or a hookup?"

"A date date."

She looked surprised, which stung a little, but then she smiled. "About time. So where are you going?"

"The steakhouse we like, Benny's."

"Bring me some back."

"A doggy bag?" Steve ducked, laughing when she swatted at him, but he quickly stopped when it made his head spin. Groaning instead, he rested his head in her lap, relaxing as she brushed his hair back. "I think it's different this time. I think Kas wants more than sex. He said he was sorry for being so shitty to me and promised he'd do better."

"And if he doesn't, you're going to meet Eddie, okay?"

Steve huffed, cracking one eye open to look up at her. Surprisingly, she didn't seem to be joking. Her face was dead serious. "Why?"

"Because he'd treat you right. Trust me, Eddie is a sweetheart." High praise coming from Robin.

"Maybe," Was all Steve said. He wasn't ready to give up on Kas yet. Having the promise of a real relationship helped. This time, it would be different.

"You're impossible."

"That's why you love me."

Robin only rolled her eyes, going back to petting his hair. He relaxed, melting into the touch, and was almost asleep when a cold, dreadful feeling tightened his chest. He sat up so suddenly that Robin flinched. "What?"

"I need to call my mom."

Her expression immediately soured. "Why?"

After he'd explained what had happened at dinner, she was even more annoyed. The thought of calling his mom and saying no made him feel nauseous. Thankfully, he had Robin to hold his hand as he pulled out his phone, and they listened to it ring and ring. Please don't answer, was all he could think. But he could never be that lucky.

"Hello, Stephen?" His mother's voice rang through cheerily, and Robin squeezed his hand. "Is that you?"

"Hi, mom."

"Oh, good, you're okay. Honestly, Stephen, we need to work on your attitude. Storming off like that during dinner, what a spectacle! As soon as you're home, we can work on it."

Robin rolled her eyes, which gave Steve the courage to speak. "I'm not leaving."

There was a long pause.

"Stephen-"

"No, Mom. There's nothing you can say to make me change my mind. I'm staying."

"But we're your family. You belong with us."

"I'm your son, but that doesn't mean I owe you my life. I mean, I have a great job and an amazing friend. I've got a date this weekend. I don't want to give it all up to work for Dad." He took a deep breath and nodded as if only just coming to the decision. "So, I'm staying. There's nothing you can use to make me go."

"Stephen, you're making a mistake."

"Maybe. But it's my mistake to make. Goodbye, Mom." He hung up before she could say anything else and didn't realize he was crying until Robin took his face in her hands and brushed the tears away. "I want to stay."

"So stay, dingus."

"They tried to bribe me with Tommy."

"Yeah." Her dark expression returned, but then she blinked and smiled at him. "You don't need him."

Steve didn't. He lay back down in Robin's lap, letting her soothing touch keep his headache at bay. Falling asleep after a little while, it had gone midday when Steve woke up properly, feeling a lot better. Robin had put a blanket over him, and he could smell bacon, so he dragged himself up to go see. Two plates had been placed on the side, piled high with bacon, and a bottle of maple syrup sat between them. Smiling at the sight of his comfort food, he took the plates to the table as Robin got the drinks.

"I still think this is disgusting," Robin told him as he poured the syrup on the bacon.

"And yet you still eat it."

"Guess I love you or something."

"Or something."

"Shut up and eat your bacon."

Steve did as he was told, the greasy food doing wonders for his shitty hangover. By the time he was finished, he felt almost normal again, aside from the lingering anxiety surrounding his parents, but that would fade soon enough. He'd never been their ideal son, and he doubted that would ever change.

"Kas asked me to wear something pretty."

"Like what?"

"I dunno, but it's a date, so not leggings."

Robin considered him and then, nodding to herself, got up and went into his bedroom. Confused, Steve just waited at the table, and after a few minutes, she returned with a set of clothing. His white henley shirt and a pair of black slacks he usually reserved for meetings. Steve looked at them doubtfully.

"Your shoulders look good in this shirt. Very broad."

Good enough. Steve accepted the shirt.

The week seemed to fly by, the prospect of seeing Kas again and going on an actual date keeping Steve going. His parents hadn't tried to contact him again, but a letter arrived stating he was being taken out of his father's will. Steve wasn't prepared for it to hurt so much, but still, it cut deep, even if it was expected. At least he didn't need the money.

Robin had ripped the letter to shreds, tossed it, and proclaimed Steve should change his last name to Buckley. He was honestly considering it because Robin, ever the greatest wingman he could ask for, had been right about his outfit. Far more comfortable than a suit, and he did look good in the shirt, even if he rolled his eyes in exasperation when she undid another button. "Really?"

"Yes. You've got a good chest. Show it off!"

"I'm not trying to pull. I've already got a date. And if you undo any more buttons, it'll show."

Robin rolled her eyes and snapped the strap of the lace undergarments she'd helped Steve pick out two nights ago. He was still unsure how Kas would respond but had to admit he felt pretty wearing them. Laughing at his flinch, she patted his cheek. "You'll be fine, Princess."

"Shut up."

Steve hugged her tight when his Uber arrived, laughing as Robin took the opportunity to finish tucking his shirt in. "Okay, okay, thank you. I think I'm ready."

"Go get him."

Arriving first, it seemed, Steve ordered a drink at the bar and sat down to wait. Their reservation wasn't for another half hour, so he had some time to kill. Idly swirling the drink to watch the olives spin around and around, he glanced up and almost dropped his glass when he saw Kas walk in.

Kas was wearing all black except for the silver of his piercings and jewelry. His hair was tied back, his face framed by a few loose curls and his bangs, and to Steve, he'd never looked more attractive. Heart thumping so loud it must be audible, Steve swallowed his nerves and, putting on a smile, approached Kas, whose eyes lit up when he noticed him, a familiar grin stretching into place. When Steve reached him, Kas caught his hand and lifted it, brushing his lips over his knuckles.

"You look good, Princess," Kas said appreciatively, straightening up to take in Steve's outfit. "No sweaters tonight?"

"Wanna know a secret?" Steve leaned in close, voice dropping to a whisper as he hooked a finger under Kas' necklace to keep him there. "I'm wearing lace."

Confusion gave way to surprise and desire in such a fast procession; Steve was surprised Kas didn't jump him immediately. Instead, he swallowed thickly, and his hands slowly slid down from Steve's waist to feel him through the slacks, a quiet groan escaping his lips when he felt the panties. "Fucking hell, Princess. You're killing me."

"It's a set." Steve guided Kas' hands to his chest and the snug bralette, reveling in the way his eyes darkened. "If the date goes well, I might let you see it."

"Tease."

"That's why you like me." He leaned in to kiss Kas, frowning when he pulled away quickly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. You've been drinking?"

"Only one." Steve hesitated, remembering how Kas had reacted similarly after the disastrous Christmas dinner.

Sensing it, Kas smiled and squeezed his waist, hand splaying across his lower back to keep him close. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart. Besides, I've heard wine goes really well with steak. Forgive me for drinking something less strong, though?"

"Nothing to forgive."

Their table ready, Steve settled in the cozy booth, smiling when Kas slotted their legs together as he took his seat. His order was already memorized, so Steve didn't bother looking through the menu but took the time to watch Kas study his. The freckles across his nose were noticeable again, and had his eyes always had that golden hue? Steve realized he'd been caught staring, but instead of looking away, he only smiled. Surprisingly, Kas blushed, hiding behind his menu again with a shy smile. Yeah, Steve was a goner.

"You should try the queso. It's amazing."

"Come here often?"

"A few times, with Rob." Steve almost laughed when Kas' eyebrows constricted but quickly set the record straight. "Just a friend, I promise."

"I hope so since we're officially dating now."

It was Steve's turn to blush, and he hid in the useless menu. "You know, cranberry juice works just as well as wine."

"I guess we'll see." Setting down the menu, Kas reached over to lower Steve's, too. His soft smile was entirely too intimate, making Steve's heart race. "I trust you, by the way. Is Rob the one you've got a matching tattoo with?"

"Yeah." Steve flipped his wrist over, and Kas stroked a thumb over the ice cream. It sent tingles up his arm.

"How long have you known each other?"

"Mmm, since I was eighteen? Well, we went to the same high school, but we weren't friends until we worked at Scoops, the uh, ice cream place. I used to be this total asshole in school, always acting like I was better than everyone else because that's what my parents taught me to do. Never show weakness to anyone, so I didn't. Getting that job was my first taste of freedom, something they couldn't control for me, and I'm so glad I met Rob." Steve laughed in embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm rambling."

"No, keep going. I want to know what happened next. How did you end up in Chicago?"

Not ready to dive into that hornet's nest, he simply said, "We ran away."

Kas leaned in close, expression concerned but also understanding. "Sounds like you've been through a rough time."

"It's not so bad now."

"No?"

Steve slid his hand down so their fingers could interlock. "What about you? Why Chicago?"

"Kinda just ended up here after a very long pilgrimage around the country. Flew too close to the sun and crashed here more like."

"Should I start calling you Icarus?"

Kas laughed, and then a softness crept into his expression, voice barely louder than a whisper. "You're something else, Princess. Of all the places to land, I think Chicago might've been the first right choice I've made in a long time."

Fuck, if Kas was good at giving orders, he was just as sweet with his compliments. Steve couldn't think of anything to say and was glad they were interrupted by the arrival of their drinks. He had ordered cranberry juice, too, not wanting to be the only one drinking.

Sipping his drink, Steve scanned the bar as he tried to regain his composure. He wasn't looking for anyone in particular, so he almost choked when he saw Tommy sitting at the bar alone. And by a horrible chance, Tommy glanced his way, their eyes meeting.

"Princess?" Kas asked, regaining his attention. "Is everything okay? You've gone kinda pale?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just, um, give me a sec." Steve got up, slowly approaching the bar, and the whole time, Tommy never took his eyes off him. When he slid into the seat next to him, Tommy was grinning. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you were in town, and this is your kind of place." Tommy raised his drink as if in toast, even though Steve's hands were empty.

"So my parents haven't given up then?"

"Of course not. They won't stop until you agree to go home. They sent me to convince you since you're being silly and throwing a tantrum about it." Tommy glanced over Steve's shoulder, presumably at Kas because he was frowning. "On a date?"

"None of your business."

"Careful, Stevie. You know I like it when you're bratty."

Steve almost gagged but managed to swallow it back. Damn, Robin, for making him so expressive. "Not interested."

When he turned to leave, Tommy grabbed his wrist and pulled him back so hard it hurt. "We're not done. Sit down, Stevie. You know better than to walk away from me."

In an instant, an arm was around his waist, and Tommy's hand was wrested from Steve. "Is everything okay?" Kas asked, voice calm despite the fire in his eyes and the grip around Steve.

He wasn't exactly caging Steve in but guarding him from Tommy, a barrier between them. Steve could easily walk away if he wanted to, but he found himself relaxing into the hold and, uncaring of Tommy, leaned close to murmur in Kas' ear, "It's nothing. Tommy's an old friend."

"Friend?" Kas looked unconvinced, but he caught Steve's playful expression, and understanding crossed his face. He relaxed, too, smiling wide at Tommy, but there was nothing friendly about it. His thumb rubbed soothingly over Steve's hip, pulling him closer to his side, and Steve went all too willingly, placing a kiss on Kas' cheek. "Maybe you can catch up another time. We're busy."

Steve hummed, stepping away, and Kas moved with him.

"You can't be serious. This is who you're sleeping with?" Tommy asked incredulously, and Steve was surprised when he laughed. "Using an actual user? Now, that's just cruel. Baby, you're gonna end up breaking his heart and killing him in one fell swoop."

Resenting the use of the nickname, Steve ignored the comment. "Let's go."

Kas didn't object, allowing Steve to pull him away back to their table. "Old friend?" He asked dryly as they sat down.

"Something like that." When their food arrived, there was a new sour taste to it, and Steve had trouble swallowing, especially when he looked up to find Tommy still watching him from the bar. Finally, he explained, "My parents sent him. A way to convince me to leave."

"And?" Kas looked up, and Steve couldn't help reaching over to squeeze his hand at his worried expression.

"And it doesn't mean anything. I'm on a date with my boyfriend. I'm not about to go anywhere."

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah, if you want to be?"

Kas considered him, but the playful glimmer was back in his eye. "Boyfriend sounds good." He reached over to tuck a lock of Steve's hair behind his ear and winked. "Is he still looking?"

"Yes."

"Good, let him. Nothing he can do to you now, Princess. Let him know you're over it."

Steve caught Kas' hand and kissed it. "Thank you."

Ignoring Tommy proved far easier after that, and Steve didn't even notice he'd left. It was only when they stood to leave that he noticed Tommy was gone. It was another low blow from his parents, but again, Steve refused to let it get to him. He hadn't worn the lace underwear for nothing.

It was hard to keep his hands to himself during the drive to the hotel. He kept playing with Kas' hands and stealing chaste kisses because it was too hard to resist.

As soon as the elevator doors shut inside the hotel, Kas had him pressed up against the wall, their lips meeting bruisingly. When his thigh pushed between Steve's legs, he didn't hesitate to rut against it, growing harder with each passing second.

"Look at you, all riled up," Kas cooed, nipping at Steve's ear to make him gasp. "Can't even wait to get to our room."

"You started it," was all Steve managed to say before they were kissing again, and he forgot what they were even talking about. Back thumping against the room door, he fumbled in Kas' back pockets for the keys, not missing the chance to grind their hips together and feel how hard Kas was. "Just as bad as me."

"Can't help it. You're too much."

The door finally open, Steve broke free and stepped back, smiling at Kas' confusion. He pulled off his shirt, watching with satisfaction as Kas' eyes went wide, drinking in the sight of him in the lacy bralette. "Like it?"

"Oh my god, baby, your tits."

Steve laughed even as his cheeks warmed, moving closer to grab Kas' hands and pressing them to his chest. "Maybe I should've shaved."

"Don't you dare," Kas told him sternly, pinching his nipple through the lace, and Steve's cock jolted. "Take off your pants. I want to see the whole thing."

Shoved down on the bed, Steve did as he was told and shimmied out of the slacks before leaning back on his elbows. It was definitely a good idea to wear the set because Kas couldn't take his eyes off him, stumbling in his haste to kneel over him. Steve laughed softly but was quickly cut off by another hard kiss.

"How does it look?" he asked breathlessly when they finally broke apart.

"You're like a real Princess," Kas murmured, kissing down Steve's neck. "God, you're so pretty. Can't believe I get to have you." Steve's legs were trembling by the time Kas reached his crotch, mouthing over his cock through the lace. "Look how hard your clit is, bet your pussy is just soaked through by now."

Steve was surprised by the strangled noise that left his throat, face burning, but it sent a shot of arousal to his very core. Kas looked up, gauging his reaction, and smirked, thumb slipping under the panties to rub over his hole.

"Want me to stop?"

"No. I like it."

With a disapproving click of his tongue, Kas sat back. "Think you need some help, Princess. Don't wanna break your pretty pussy, do we?"

Too dumbstruck to speak, Steve just shook his head. Everything was turning fuzzy. The only things that mattered were Kas' words and the warm hands spreading his thighs and forcing his hips up. Kas had, at some point, removed his shirt, and God, did his tattoos look good in the dim lighting. He tried to touch Kas, only to have his wrists pinned above his head.

"Stay still for me, okay?"

Steve did as he was told, clenching his hands into fists to keep them there, and watched Kas produce a bottle of lube from his back pocket.

Sitting back on his heels, he smiled and squeezed Steve's thigh. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

"That's my girl," Kas crooned. His fingers nudged aside the panties, pressing into Steve with little resistance since he'd prepped earlier, making Kas raise an eyebrow. "Why am I not surprised?"

He pushed another finger in, and Steve keened, already worked up by Kas' words. It only took minutes before he was wriggling his hips, fucking onto Kas' fingers and panting. He was so hard it was starting to hurt, and it was a relief when Kas pulled on the elastic band of the panties to let his cock spring free, smearing precum on his stomach.

"Look at you, baby, so wet. You're just begging for it, aren't you?" when Steve didn't - or rather, couldn't - respond, Kas frowned and pinched his nipple again. "Hey, Princess, you gotta answer me, or I'll stop."

"S'good."

"Are you sure?" Steve's eyes rolled back when Kas teased his prostate, and then they snapped open at the sharp sting to his thigh. Kas raised his eyebrows, soothing the reddened skin, and repeated firmly, "Are you sure?"

"Yes!" He didn't mean to shout, but Kas had thrust hard against his prostate, and pleasure like lightning shot up Steve's spine, his hands coming down to grab something, anything to anchor himself. In an instant, his wrists were pinned again, and the feeling of Kas' still-clothed legs pressed against his almost naked skin was driving him insane. "I need it. I need you."

Kas raised an eyebrow. "Which part of me?" and he guided one of Steve's hands to his crotch to feel his erection. "This part?"

Steve shook his head. "Everything."

That made Kas pause. For a moment, he dropped the act as his expression became indescribably soft. He leaned down and kissed Steve sweetly. "Greedy." He tried to chase Kas for more but was pushed down with a firm "Stay."

Doing as he was told, Steve watched through lidded eyes as Kas got up to strip, revealing more tantalizing skin. He smirked, catching sight of Steve's expression, and kneeled back on the bed, pumping his cock slowly as he took him in.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," Steve teased.

"Can I?"

"Sure." He laughed when Kas immediately got up to find his phone, awkwardly holding his cock to stop it from bouncing. It was still kind of adorable, which Steve knew was only because he was in deep. "Would you like me to pose too?"

"Hell, yes." Kas threw aside his phone when he was done, ignoring it sliding off the chair and clattering to the floor in favor of kissing Steve again. "Thank you. I'll make good use of that."

"Make good use of me now while you're at it." He spread his legs invitingly and laughed when Kas tugged on one to get him closer to kiss him again. He was so much warmer now they were skin to skin, and Steve reveled in the closeness, the feeling of their cocks sliding together, slick with his precum and lube. After what felt like a lifetime and a whine later, Kas sat back to pull aside the panties and line himself up.

"You're keeping these on," He told Steve conversationally as if he was listening when all he could feel was the stretch of Kas' cock inside him. "And we're going to ruin them."

"K-kas!"

"That's it, baby, say my name." His hand resting lightly on Steve's neck, he asked, "Color?"

"Green." Whatever part of Steve that was still aware fell away when Kas squeezed, making his head spin. He came crashing back down a few moments later, gasping for air before choking on it as Kas thrust inside him, hitting his prostate dead on and facing a moan out of him.

"You like that, huh? Taking my dick raw in your pussy? Wanna end up pregnant?" Kas' teasing questions, punctuated by each hard thrust and squeeze of his hand, made it too hard to think, so Steve nodded back, head hitting the pillows as his back arched into the thrusts. He still had his hands raised, gripping at the pillows to keep them there in an effort not to touch his leaking and twitching cock. Kas snapped the elastic band of the panties again and grinned. "You're soaked through, Princess. Gonna have to get you a new pair. Would you wear them for me? I'd buy you something real pretty."

"Yes!" Steve forced out his answer with another twist of his nipple, remembering the rule. "I'll be your pretty Princess. So fucking pretty."

"The prettiest," Kas agreed, leaning in to kiss away the last of Steve's senses. When he pulled back, his face was flushed, and he groaned, "Fuck, Princess, gonna fill you up, make good and sure you're knocked up. Gonna carry my babies."

The words had Steve cumming so fast he didn't even know what had happened. He let out a strangled moan, collapsing back on the sheets as Kas held him up by the hips, still fucking into him and ruthlessly chasing his own orgasm. A moment later, he stilled, spilling inside Steve, who hummed dazedly, dragging his hands down Kas' chest to rest on his heaving stomach.

"Jesus Christ," Kas sighed, and he surprised Steve by squeezing his chest, voice becoming mournful, "I should've fucked your tits first."

It forced a burst of laughter out of him, and he slapped Kas' hands away. "Next time."

"Mhmm. How do you feel?"

"So fucking good." He winced as Kas pulled out, rolling his eyes when he saw him fixated on the cum dripping out of him. Before he could say anything, Kas was fucking it back into him with his thumb, drawing an overstimulated whine out of Steve at the sudden and sharp pleasure. His hips jerked up, forcing Kas' thumb deeper. "Asshole!"

"You love it."

He did. No point denying it. The bed bounced as Kas fell beside him, and Steve laughed giddily. Still too loose-limbed to roll over, he managed to turn his head to smile at Kas. "You think it worked?"

Kas snorted.

"Don't think I'd be a good father to your babies?"

"Would you?"

Steve considered it, surprised when Kas moved closer, so close their noses were touching. There was an intensity to his gaze that Steve had never seen before, and he felt like they were standing on the end of a precipice, about to take the leap into something unknown. "I'd like to think so. I want to have kids someday. Do you?"

"Sure." And back to the closed-off responses. Not taking the leap today. Steve huffed, finding the energy to roll over, but he didn't shrug Kas off when he followed by draping an arm around his waist and kissing the back of his shoulder. "Maybe someday."

"Maybe." He turned back around and began tracing an idle path over Kas' chest and his dragon tattoo. Tommy's words came back to him, and he wondered if it was true because his father had also alluded to Kas being an addict. "Answer me honestly… what Tommy said about you being a user. Was it true?"

Kas frowned thoughtfully, and he was quiet for a moment as he considered Steve. When he spoke, the words were so soft that Steve barely caught them. "I'm an addict. Or was. But I think I always will be, really. Just because I'm not using, doesn't mean I'm not one."

Steve nodded. He didn't dare mention his father on top of Tommy. "You don't drink either."

"Mhmm, but mainly, it was the drugs. I've told you I used to be quite big? I was into all sorts of shit back then. Couldn't quit. Not when I overdosed, not when my family begged me to stop. Circumstances changed... I had to get clean, so I did." He smiled, proud but also a little shy. "I celebrated six years sober recently."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Not something you normally discuss with your fuck buddy."

True, but the words still stung.

"But that's not what you are." Kas was brushing back his hair, oddly reminiscent of Robin, and Steve relaxed. "I like you, Princess, a lot. I want to be honest with you, and I hope telling you this isn't going to scare you off."

Steve couldn't help laughing. "It doesn't scare me. There's nothing you can say that would hurt more than a lie. I've been lied to and manipulated by too many people I loved. Whatever the truth is, I can handle it.

"I know the feeling. So I'll be honest with you if you're honest with me, okay?"

"Okay. And since we're being honest with each other, you should know I feel really gross and sticky right now. So help me get in the shower."

Kas rolled his eyes but helped Steve to his feet and into the bathroom. "You know, there's such a thing as too much honesty."

"Shut up and help me out of this bra." Steve was surprised at how quickly Kas managed it and turned to look at him incredulously.

"What? I've been around real tits before."

"Of course you have, Rockstar."

"Hey, less of that rockstar bullshit."

"Should I call you Kas the Betrayer then?"

Surprise and then genuine joy filled Kas' expression, and he crowded Steve against the sink, kissing him hard. The shower had warmed by the time they broke apart, filling the bathroom with steam. "Get in the shower so I can blow you already."

Steve laughed but did as he was told. Kas made good on his promise, cleaning Steve up before sinking to his knees and giving him the best blow job of his life. Steve returned the favor, fulfilling Kas' wish to fuck his chest, and was delighted to find he could. Sated and tired, all he wanted to do was sleep, but first, they had to change the bed sheets before finally, mercifully, he crawled under the clean covers with a groan and collapsed.

Kas joined him a moment later, kissing the back of his shoulder with a hum. "Okay?"

"Very okay. Bedtime."

"Alright. Get your beauty sleep, Princess."

Steve smiled, pressing back into Kas' chest, and felt an arm around his waist before falling asleep. When he woke up, Kas was still there and still wrapped around him. It was warm in his embrace and the sunlight, and Steve felt no desire to get up or move. It was only when one of their phones started vibrating that he stood to find it, Kas mumbling something as he was inadvertently woken up.

It wasn't his phone, but Kas' and Steve looked at the number curiously. "It's someone called Chris?"

Kas sat up so fast it startled Steve, and he wordlessly handed the phone over, getting a swift smile before answering it. "Is something wrong?" After a moment, he relaxed and huffed. "Really? That's why you're calling? Fine, but tell her to wait until I'm back. Yeah. Uh-huh. An hour? Cool, bye."

"Everything okay?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah, just my cousin." Kas patted the spot beside him, so Steve returned to the bed and was rewarded with a kiss. "Calling first thing in the morning and wondering why I'm worried. Got a whole shopping list to get when I leave now."

"She sounds like Rob," Steve chuckled, happily cuddling into Kas' side again in the warm bed.

"Annoying?"

"Of course. But we love them anyway."

Kas kissed his head, nosing in his hair with a hum. "I have to go soon."

"Five more minutes." He got ten, reluctantly letting Kas up to change. At least the view was enjoyable. His eyes caught on the bra hanging off the bed stand, and he had a wicked thought, throwing off the covers. He shoved the bra into Kas' back pocket and kissed his cheek. "Something to remember me by. I'll see you soon?"

"Definitely." Kas kissed him for real and then was gone, leaving Steve with the promise, "I'll message you when I get home this time!"

Sighing heavily, Steve fell back on the bed and stared at the faded ceiling, a smile pulling at his lips. He felt so goddamn happy it was silly. Kas was his boyfriend. His boyfriend. Not even the appearance of Tommy could dampen his mood. His parent's latest attempt to make him conform had failed. Maybe he should ask Kas to film them fucking and send it to his mother since he had her number now. That should stop them.

He could discuss that plan later with Robin. She could help him with the finer details. With a heavy sigh, he got up to change.

When Steve got home, he found Robin was out, presumably with Chrissy. He spent the time preparing for Monday since he'd taken Saturday off for his date. Definitely worth it.

He had just finished the worksheets when Robin appeared, singing loudly, "I bring gifts!"

Curious, Steve went to investigate and found Robin holding a large pie with a big grin. "Compliments of Chef Charlie and her assistant, Eddie."

It smelled amazing, and Steve followed Robin into the kitchen, mouth-watering. The way Charlie was going, she would be the best chef in America before she finished school.

"This is for you." And she handed him a note in a familiar italic writing, which he read.

'Thank you, Mr Steve, for all the lessons. I love baking now. Daddy helped me write this note because he writes nicer. I hope you like the pie. We made it especially for you.

Love Charlie x

P.S. Charlie loves your brownies the most and has been mourning their loss. Just a thought. Enjoy the pie,

Eddie x'

Steve smiled and folded the note, grabbing a fork to try the pie. It was perfect. He would have to make a lot of brownies as a thank you, he realized, but then again, he didn't really mind. He liked making Charlie happy, and by extension, Eddie.

A little bubble of guilt at the thought of Kas seemed to sour the taste, and Steve set down the fork, swallowing thickly. Before, he'd been able to push away the thoughts of flirting with Eddie because he hadn't really been trying. But this thing with Kas was important. Steve wanted it to work. So he couldn't keep doing this, especially because Eddie was a parent. A fact he somehow kept forgetting.

"So, how is it?" Robin sat down next to him and began to dig in, moaning at the first taste on her tongue. "Oh my god, you need to marry Eddie already."

"Nope. I have a boyfriend."

Robin stared at him.

"You look surprised."

"Because I am. Can't believe he finally stepped up. He actually said that, boyfriend? Out loud?"

"Yes. So no, I'm not going to sleep with, or marry, Eddie."

Robin looked down at the pie, back up at Steve, and shrugged. "Shame because this pie is amazing. Can Kas bake?"

"I'll ask him."

"He better, or else you're making a serious downgrade. So when do I get to meet him?"

Steve took that as her blessing and dug in, too.

The pie really was perfect.