Warning: More 'mature' content. Our favorite couple has had a dry spell, and wouldn't you go at it if you were them?

Yes, there is a Jets player named Sauce Gardner. No, I didn't realize it before I made up Erik's last name. It's nice when there are happy accidents, isn't it?

Chapter 12

Erik would have kept Christine up all night if it hadn't been so apparent that she needed to sleep. He woke her once with kisses when he could see her sleep was fragmented by nightmares. He stilled her with skillful caresses to her back and kisses to her neck and lips that eventually drifted south. She responded to his kisses enthusiastically and reached for his cock, rapidly hardening between them. When she squeezed him, he growled playfully and pressed her down into the mattress. He held her arms above her head and entered her swiftly. Her legs wrapped around his back as he brought them both to a swift orgasm.

This time he turned on the bathroom light so that she could make use of it and got her a glass of water. When she returned, he pulled her close, his arms around her middle holding her against his chest.

"Are you feeling better?" He asked.

"You could say that." He heard the smile in her voice. "I think I needed to that."

"So did I. Glad to oblige."

"Ha, I'm sure you are." She wiggled her ass against him, and his cock responded, the minx. He pinched her bottom in revenge making her laugh. When they lapsed into silence, she asked. "What happens now? Between us?"

"I can only tell you what I would like to happen. I've been told I'm too demanding, so I want to hear what you want as well." He nipped at the nape of her neck. "I would like to be in a relationship with you, but I'm also afraid that I won't be able to be a proper…"

"Boyfriend?"

"Something like that." He hedged, "Christine, I can't take you out on dates or meet your friends. We can't go out dancing. You'll never be able to post photos of me on social media…"

"I already told you," She cut him off, "I'll take what you can give."

"You say that now but there may be a time when it's not enough." This was his worst fear. One day he wouldn't be enough for her. She would want to see the world and his corner of it would seem more like the prison that it had become for him.

"I can't promise how I'll feel in the future. None of us can. You might tire of me eventually. For right now, I'm so happy in this room, in the dark, with you."

Erik's grip on her tightened, imperceptibly. "So am I."

I'll never tire of you, Christine.

When the morning dawned bright and clear Erik and Christine agreed by mutual decision that it would be better to get through their day of work instead of what they both really wanted to do, which was stay in bed all day. Erik looked at her regretfully, his mask back in place.

"It's been a long time since…" He watched her gather her pajamas from the floor of his bedroom, completely nude.

"Me too, believe it or not." When Erik gave her a questioning look, she smiled. "I told you; I haven't had the time to be a proper 25-year-old."

"All work and no play, Christine." He admonished her.

"You're one to talk. When's the last time you had any fun?" She was sitting on the edge of the bed, putting on her pajama bottoms.

He crawled up behind her, massaging her shoulders. "Before last night? Before Halloween? I honestly can't remember."

"Mmmm…." She rolled her head to the side at the pressure of his touch. "Well, that's something for us to look forward to then."

Erik wanted to take Christine on a proper date but with most typical dates out of the question he needed to get creative. A normal date was going out to dinner. It was a movie and a walk in the park. Maybe he could take her hiking one day? The weather was already too cold for that.

Inspiration came by way of a cooking segment on the morning news. Maybe they could cook together? A decade lived largely in solitude and an enjoyment of Top Chef had cultivated an ability to follow a recipe but not the ability to adjust when things went awry. Perhaps between the two of them they would manage to muddle through.

"I'd like to cook tonight. That's normal, right?" He interrupted her while she was booting up the laptop that Garret had just dropped off. His normally taciturn assistant had let out a quizzical grin at Christine before quickly making himself scarce.

She looked up and considered his suggestion. "That's a normal sixth date activity - the kind you do when you are hoping to sleep with someone for the first time."

"What kind of date happens after you've already slept w someone?"

"As I understand it, usually, you take in pizza and have more sex. But that's not a hard and fast rule."

"Well, it's not like we were going for typical anyway. I'll have Garret run to the store and pick up some ingredients."

"Or, here me out, I'll go to the store, and you let Garret enjoy his weekend."

"I feel bad making you go out on your own."

"Why?"

"I guess I'm so used to not going out. It feels odd forcing you to do something I'm not willing to do."

Christine pulled him close and kissed him on the lips. "I told you I was willing to do this on your terms. I'll tell you what, you promise to chop the onions and we'll call it even. Now, let me get my work done."

They decided on a basic stir fry recipe. The local Whole Foods was 10 blocks away, so Christine went to the store and picked up the necessary ingredients paying special attention to the vegetables and proteins. She thought she might do a shellfish dish but considered what Erik might like.

Christine: are you allergic to anything?

Erik: Yes, shrimp

Ok, so it would be a beef stir fry then. She was excited to treat Erik to something. She picked up a couple of slices of cake – chocolate fudge and strawberry cheesecake in hopes that he would be partial to one. When she passed a liquor store, she decided to replace the wine she drank last night.

"I think it was called opera one? It was a Chardonnay, and the label had the silhouette of two faces back-to-back."

"I think you might mean Opus One. I think we have that…" the older woman at the wine shop smiled. Christine watched as she went to a cabinet and produced a key. Since most of the wine was readily accessible, she had a sinking feeling in her stomach. Perhaps it was the woman's private stock?

"Yes, that's it! Can I buy it?"

"Yes, I should tell you we don't take American Express."

"Oh, that's okay. I have cash."

"Great! That will be $447.83."

"Beg your pardon?" Christine was certain she misheard but when the very nice lady repeated herself Christine realized that there was no way she could afford to replace Erik's wine. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea it was so expensive. I'm not going to be able to afford it."

"No problem, dear, you'd be surprised how often that happens. Might I recommend Stags Leap instead? It's another Napa Chardonnay and much more reasonably priced. I have one already chilled."

"Thank you! I really appreciate you being so understanding."

Christine paid the $28 and brought her loot back to Erik, entering through the hidden garage entrance - wary of the paparazzi that had driven her from her apartment.

"You know, you could have told me that the bottle of wine from last night cost you over $400."

"To be fair you didn't ask me before you opened it." He smiled at her as he set the table. "Did you want me to take it out of your salary?"

"Touché" she grinned, ruefully. "I'd offer to buy you a new one, but I have this strong desire to make rent this month." She kissed him on his unmarred cheek and began unbagging the groceries.

"You know you don't have to live in that closet. You have a very rich boyfriend." He leaned against the kitchen counter and watched her as she familiarized herself with the kitchen.

"Now Erik you're doing so well being a normal boyfriend, don't start love bombing me now."

"I'm normal? Could have fooled me. Anyway, why is that love bombing? You literally had an asshole try to plant a listening device in your home. I just want to see you somewhere marginally more secure."

Christine considered his position. "I won't say you don't have a point. I'll start looking for new places after the gala. Maybe my boyfriend will let me crash here until then."

"It depends, "Erik placed his arms around her waist.

"Depends on?"

"How well that girlfriend sees to my not inconsiderable needs." He placed open mouth kisses on the underside of her jaw. "Do you think she would be willing to do as I demanded?"

"I think she'd be willing with the proper reciprocation."

Erik's had unbuttoned her jeans and was caressing the silken wetness he found there. He barely had to touch her, and she was ready for him. Christine mewled softly as Erik played her body with expertise.

"Tell me more…" Erik voice was nearly a growl. "Tell me what you want me to do to you."

"What you're doing now," she sighed as his thumb passed over her nub ever so briefly. "Is working pretty well."

"Now Christine, I want you to use that imagination of yours." His fingers stilled and she writhed in frustration. "If you want me to continue this," He barely grazed her center, "You're going to have to tell me what gets you off."

She sighed, shakily as her mind revisited some of the naughtier fantasies she'd had of Erik in the last few weeks. "I…I want you to boss me around. It was so hot last night. I want you to do that again." Her face was burning, "I want you to fuck me against a wall."

"Both of those have promise…" Slowly he began to move his fingers again. "Keep going."

"I… I want to come riding your thigh. Ah!" He slipped one finger inside of her and continued to play with her clit. "I want to take you in my mouth. I want to make you desperate for my mouth you put your hands in my hair while I…"

"Fuck Christine!" His fingers were inexorable now. "Such a good girl to want to take care of me."

"I want you to fuck me now," She placed her hand on his, stilling him. "Please."

She felt him spin her around. "Is that what you want?" He was hard against her stomach, and she unbuttoned his jeans.

"Yes, that's what I want." She looked at him in the eyes, thrilled at the craving she saw there. He grabbed her hair and pulled her head back, kissing her deeply. He captured her lower lip between his teeth and bit down slightly and she panted in response aroused beyond all imagination.

"What was it you said about fucking against a wall?" He forced her backwards until they were in that large main room of his home. Without asking he pulled down her jeans and underwear, taking a moment to slip his fingers back inside of her. She wailed at his touch, so pleasant that it teased her unutterably.

"Erik, you need to fuck me right now!" She needn't have bothered with the demand. Erik was inside her, pressing deep insider her. Reflexively, her arms and legs wrapped around him. As he entered her, she felt him press against her center in interesting ways and the pressure built up far quicker than she could have imagined.

"Is this what you wanted?" He was growling in her face. His lips pulled back fiercely; his forehead pressed against hers.

"Just want you." She was with him, taking him as deep as he would go. He was pressed against her, caging her in with his body that was well formed and hard all over. Her breasts felt exquisitely sensitive, everything felt pulled taught. She was near tears with frustration. Her eyes met Erik's, conveying her frustration.

"Sing for me, Christine."

She came with a scream she didn't know she could make. Some fantasies were better in her head, but this had not been one of them. She felt Erik press his head into her neck as he brought himself to orgasm in motions that showed had he held back for her sake. His voice was always beautiful, but nothing prepared her for the sounds he made as he climaxed. As he quieted down, his arms took her to the floor with him, holding her close as if prolong the moment as long as possible.

Dinner had been delayed by both their impromptu coupling and a needed shower but ended up being quite tasty. Erik preferred the strawberry cheesecake to the chocolate fudge, but both got eaten over the course of the meal. After dinner they debated which film to watch before settling on Ghostbusters which neither had seen but both had heard was a 'classic.' Erik turned off the lights and Christine cuddled against him. Erik would have thought this a successful date were it not for the growing irritation of the mask on his skin. As the movie continued, he found himself getting itchy and it was difficult to resist the urge to scratch.

"Am I too heavy on you?" She asked, picking her head up to look at him. His fingers were dancing restlessly on the arm of the sofa. "Erik, is something bothering you?"

Erik sighed and paused the movie.

"I'm not used to wearing the mask this much. The material irritates my face."

"Oh! Why didn't you say so?"

"I wasn't ready to - show my face around you."

"Oh." Christine's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't seem upset. "What if I lay down on the other side of the couch. We can put a pillow between us so I wouldn't be able to see anything. This way you can take off your mask and not feel so exposed."

Erik considered her suggestion. She was so good at respecting what he was willing to give her that he felt himself grow brave. If she could understand him so readily, didn't he owe it to her to try to make it easy for both of them?

"I appreciate that. But I think I'd rather just take it off now."

"Take it off?" Her eyebrows raised high in surprise.

"If it's okay with you." He was feeling shy. He hoped he hadn't misread her. What if she told him she'd prefer he left it on. Instead, she kissed him gently.

"I think that's a great idea."

Erik slowly removed the straps from the side of his head. He closed his eyes, terrified of seeing pity or shock on her face. Yes, she had seen his face before, but it had been so brief. She hadn't really gotten a good look. He felt so open, like Prometheus on the rock waiting for the eagle to pick out his liver.

When he felt her lips on the ravaged side of his cheek and his fingers thread through his hair, he opened his eyes to see her smiling at him.

"There you are!" She kissed his lips lightly again and he deepened the kiss, his tongue entering her mouth. It felt more than erotic, he felt made whole. When they parted, he could see she was blushing.

"Let's watch the rest of the movie." He said but he was smiling broadly, and it had nothing to do with the antics of Bill Murray on the screen.

Things were quiet. Too quiet. Reza Khan was not used to going so long without hearing from Erik. Even after work hours were done, Erik usually texted him about some issue that had to be resolved. Reza occasionally sent jokes in case Erik should ever decide to find them funny. During the season they often texted about football, but he'd heard nothing since Thursday morning not even when the Bills lost to the Browns on Thursday night. He wasn't worried so much as confused. Erik was a grown man in good health, but he had the tendency towards dark moods and Reza was frightened that would be what he discovered when he arrived Sunday at noon for the 1 PM Jets/Eagles game.

He texted Garret the night before to ascertain if he had heard from Erik either. Garret had been asked to run a couple of quick errands and all seemed well.

Well? What the hell kind of answer was that? Erik was never 'well'.

So it was with trepidation that he walked up to Joe at the concierge desk that Sunday carrying two six packs of Stella.

"All good, Joe?" He asked in an attempt at conversation.

"Seems it, Mr. Khan. Mr. Gardner is waiting for you." Reza nodded thinking it was the longest elevator ride of his life.

The first thing he noticed when he walked in was the smell. Something was cooking in the oven which was new. It didn't smell bad. It smelled like…

"Pigs in blankets." Erik said with a smile (A SMILE!) on his face. "She said that was how she and her father watched the games as a kid. I think she's also putting together nachos."

"She?" Reza asked, certain he had walked into a parallel universe. Erik was wearing a Curtis Martin jersey that looked like it was from the early aughts. His face was on display, which was nothing new for football, but if someone else was here?

"Hi Mr. Khan, it's good to see you!" Christine walked out of the kitchen with oven mitts on and wearing a Sauce Gardner jersey.

"Christine…" Reza's jaw was slack, but he recovered. "It's so good to see you!" He couldn't help himself; he hugged her fiercely. "Please, call me Reza." He embarrassed himself when he felt his eyes watering as he embraced the young woman for far too long. When he finally let go, he surreptitiously wiped at his eyes. Christine was polite enough to pretend not to notice. Reza could practically feel Erik's eyes rolling in response.

Christine laughed. "Ok, Reza. I hope you're hungry. Food will be ready soon. Erik, can you help me set everything out" Erik nodded and followed her into the kitchen. Reza smiled stupidly to see "Gardner #1" on the back of her jersey.

"She picked that jersey herself. I was the one he made go get it." A gruff voice came from the couch. Reza spun around to see Garret Dixon and his wife sitting there with matching Eagles jerseys and soft drinks. "She made me go get her a frickin' Jets jersey and I think she did it because he told her I'm an Eagles fan."

"I like her even more now." Reza said only half joking. Like her? He would canonize her if he could and by the begrudging smile on Garret's face Reza could tell he felt the same. "You could have told me what I was walking into today?"

"And miss the stupid look on your face? Not on your life. I only wish I could have recorded it."

"Reza, it's good to see you." Garret wife, Wendy, said. "I was hoping we would see Sarah here as well."

"Julia is under the weather, so Sarah is on mommy duty today. She's going to be so pissed to have missed your little stunt. She'll make me repeat this ad nauseum for the next week."

"Will we see you at Thanksgiving?" Wendy asked.

"Thanksgiving?" Reza turned as Erik reentered the room carrying a platter of food.

"I was thinking of hosting this year. I know it's short notice but if you are around, I'd love to have you."

"But you can't cook!"

"Why do I feel like I'm the one who is going to be picking up the catering?" Garret grumbled.

"Perhaps we can do potluck style?" Wendy suggested. "Garret makes an amazing roasted brussel sprouts and I've been wanting to try my hand at brioche."

"I like that idea." Christine offered, picking up a chip and popping it in her mouth. "I make a pretty good pumpkin pie."

"I'll talk to Sarah." He barely needed to bother. No way in hell would she miss seeing Erik with a smile on his face.

"It looks like the decision is out of my hands." Erik looked completely at ease. Christine was leaning against him on the couch while the rest of them acted like it was normal for them to do so.

Reza spent the next four hours watching Christine and Erik more than the football game. It took some practice to remove the stupid smile that had been plastered on his face. He didn't want either of them to feel self-conscious, but he felt a certain amount of pride knowing that he had a hand in pushing them (ever so slightly) together. If all continued to go well, he would be sure to rub that in liberally.

At half time Erik asked him to help him in the office and Reza was thrilled when his friend took out a bottle of Macallan 30-year scotch. The Jets were up by 10 and the mood was celebratory to say the least (except for Garret and his wife who were pouting and complaining about the officiating). Pouring them each two fingers, Reza gave him a look.

"I'm going to have to Uber back to New Jersey."

"You can pick up your car in the morning."

Reza nodded and took a sip. "So how did this happen? I'm beyond thrilled but it seemed like you two would never get to this point."

Erik proceeded to tell the amazing story of how the paparazzi forced their hands and Christine became his house guest.

"And then?" Reza asked, knowing Erik would always be a gentleman.

"And then none of your business." But Erik smiled into his drink as he sipped. "But there is something I was wondering you could help me with this week." His smile lessened somewhat, becoming shy. "Can you arrange for me to meet with that doctor who specializes in facial prosthetics?"

Reza had tried and failed to get Erik interested in the research he had done with regards to facial deformities for over ten years. Erik had met with a handful of doctors in the years immediately after his accident but had never been satisfied over what could be done. Eventually anything that Reza brought up was derided. Anytime Reza tried to broach the topic, Erik would go dark for a week or more and eventually Reza stopped bringing it up.

"It's just, the mask I use now irritates the hell out of my skin. I'm not saying I want to go out to be interviewed by Jim Cramer wearing one of those things, but it would be nice to accompany Christine to the grocery store or for a walk. I don't know - maybe I'll take one look and decide it's a waste of time, but I have the time to waste." Erik shrugged. Reza could see that tentative hope blossoming inside his friend.

"I'll call her first thing tomorrow." What Reza neglected to say was that he had Dr. Carmichael's name on speed dial. Not only had he been following her research, but he had been actively investing in it. He'd never given up hope that this day would come and when it did, he would be prepared. "I'm sure we can get something set up soon."

"Good. Don't tell Christine. It's not that I don't want to get her hopes up, but it would be a nice surprise if it works out, right?"

"Your secret is safe with me."