“Do you ever think about kissing your friends?”
The question came out of left field as Henry and Eddie sat together on the couch in Henry’s apartment. The air had been filled with sounds of an aquatic documentary up until then - Henry’s voice cutting through the lull in narration. Eddie’s head cocked to the side as he looked over at his viewing companion. On screen, a jellyfish floated past.
“Not usually - why?”
“I just think it could be nice…,” Henry said, voice quiet though even as usual, “to maybe kiss or something. I mean, if it’s something everyone wanted and-”
“Charmer.” Eddie cut in with a smirk.
The reply garnered a shy smile from Henry as he turned his gaze to the floor, reflexively bringing his hands together to fidget. He wasn’t used to those kinds of words or implications. It was the kind of thing that reminded him of Cynthia - a sad, far away memory - where he’d felt the discomfort from her words though still felt a little flattered all the same. He didn’t want to do things like that with folks he didn’t know. Though he always felt like it could be nice with a friend.
And he certainly considered Eddie as much.
It took a lot for Henry to make friends - in his mind, at least - and outside of Eileen, he hadn’t had many others to put on the ‘friend’ list. He recalled how Eileen sank into his couch one evening making complaints about it.
“I love you, Henry,” she'd said, “And I love being your friend, but please, get someone else to watch Blue Planet with you, will ya?”
Henry knew she wasn’t being mean - he trusted her like that - and so it was a remark he’d kept tucked away. He cleared his throat then, bringing himself back to the present. His eyes were trained on his hands; fingers working without thought to rub and press at his cuticles and calluses.
“S-sorry,” Henry began, “it was kind of a weird question…”
Eddie stretched out - arms over the back of the couch and legs spread casually. He cocked his head to the side in thought before eyeing Henry. The taller man was hunched in his natural way next to him, messy hair partly obscuring his face. For being so tall, he could become surprisingly well-hidden. It was something that’d caught Eddie off-guard about six months back when they first met in the apartment elevator. Henry had been there; leaning against the railing as Eddie shuffled in - no one but the two of them. Henry’d been the first to speak after noticing Eddie’s socks; which had a print of some kind of squid. This bold move nearly gave Eddie a heart attack as he'd been entirely convinced he was the only one on board… though he wasn't entirely observant, himself. And then, the rest was history.
“It’d be like ‘friends with benefits’, basically.” Eddie said, scratching his stubbled cheek.
Henry glanced over as Eddie continued.
“Like, friends messing around or whatever but that’s it. It doesn’t change anything else about what they do or anything, right?”
Henry offered a little nod, “Yeah. That kind of thing.”
Eddie nodded back, taking in the idea carefully before shifting forward. He swung his knee playfully into Henry’s - a small, gentle jostle.
“Wanna try?”
Henry’s eyes widened, “Wha-?”
“A kiss, maybe…? I dunno...”
Henry could count on one hand the times he’d kissed anyone and the memories failed to impress each time. There hadn’t been fireworks, or butterflies, or anything of the things movies and books and people had hyped up. However, with Eddie’s pretty, blue eyes trained on Henry’s face, a fizzle erupted in his stomach. And this new sensation spurred Henry’s quick, soft reply.
"Okay."
With a nod, Eddie leaned in closer. It was a new perspective that Henry became aware of as the other entered his personal space. The two had gotten fairly used to touch by now - sitting close on the couch, pats on the shoulder, the occasional hug - though the intention shifted everything. The world seemed quieter like this. The only thing to worry about was the moment at hand and how soft Eddie’s lips were against Henry’s. It was almost surprising enough for Henry to pull back but instead, he laced his fingers together tightly in his lap and leaned into the touch; eyes fluttering closed. As the moment lingered, Henry got used to the warmth on his lips and noticed how it seemed to radiate throughout his body.
His hands clenched together tighter and his brows furrowed as he angled his head the other way in time with Eddie. A little jolt came from Henry as Eddie’s tongue darted out; a new, puzzling sensation. Hot breath filled the space between them which made Henry’s head grow lighter by the second. It seemed like Eddie was holding himself back which made Henry wonder how long it’d been since he’d been kissed, too. Eddie pulled back in the next moment, the look in his eyes hard to read, though he managed a small smile.
“So?”
Henry’s fingertips went to his lips - instant recognition of the lost connection - though he smiled, too.
“It was good,” he said, “Your lips are soft - kissing you feels easy.”
The blunt remark made Eddie scoff; if only to distract from the sudden bright color erupting along his cheeks. The usually cool and detached demeanor Henry was used to seemed to dissolve as Eddie scratched his cheek absentmindedly.
“You gotta be careful with what you say, man…”
Henry’s brows furrowed, “S-sorry. Did that make you uncomfortable?”
Eddie shifted as his hand moved from his cheek and through his hair in a fluid motion.
“If by uncomfortable, you mean turned on, well, yeah. A bit”
Henry blinked a few times. He wasn’t used to this at all. Yet, when he looked over his friend, he noticed it. The way Eddie couldn't seem to sit still, the creeping flush running up to his ears… Henry's cheeks flushed to a degree at the thought of what to do next. The little fizzle from before was renewed as he imagined how it might feel to make Eddie feel good. To be a part of him getting some release. Henry cleared his throat. His curiosity was blooming and he wanted to see where it would lead.
“Should we keep going then?” he asked carefully, shifting in his seat to angle toward the other.
Eddie’s eyes widened at that.
“Well, if you want to…”
Henry’s lips thinned as he leaned in closer, “I think, with you, I do.”
A quiet ‘okay’ slipped from Eddie’s lips as Henry’s met his in earnest. Before, it had been careful, soft, uncertain, but now there was direction and purpose. There was something to motivate and Henry’s usually reserved, somewhat shy self could be pushy and persistent when needed. And pushy he was, hands finally bridging the touch that lips had started, palms finding purchase on Eddie’s sides as anchor points.
“If I overstep,” Henry breathed between kisses, "tell me, okay…?”
"Yeah, yeah,” Eddie panted in return, “I’ll say if it’s no good…”
A sound of affirmation came from Henry and his hands went to work roaming up and down - wherever they could - though being mindful not to travel below the belt. His craving for touch meant their positions shifted on the couch naturally with Eddie leaning back against an armrest as Henry straddled him. His hands slipped under Eddie’s shirt, crossing into new territory, yet exploring carefully. His hands were rough compared to Eddie’s skin and it caused goosebumps to tingle along his arms. Henry’s fingers ghosted over the curvatures of Eddie’s body as his mouth stayed focused on the task at hand. It was all so politely infuriating between the constant kisses and enthusiastic fondling. Enough for even the blond’s hips to roll into Henry’s direction - begging for more.
And in the next moment, Henry pulled back. A healthy flush dusted his cheeks while his lips had brightened beautifully from use. Half-hooded eyes looked down at the handy work that’d been accomplished, a vague expression of satisfaction across his face. Eddie had a hard time meeting that gaze.
Henry was giving him ‘the look’, after all.
The one Eddie had noticed a few times in the past where those light green eyes glittered with intense consideration. The subtle shift in focus and purse of the lips - and what lovely, full lips they were, too - as Henry thought and thought. This intense scrutiny at what seemed an easy interaction made doubts bubble up in the back of Eddie's mind. It was the perfect pause to give them an opening which made his brows drawn in a touch. Surely a guy like Henry wouldn't be serious about going further than this. He was way too handsome, way too kind, way too wonderful. Maybe he was just curious about what it’s like to kiss a fat guy. Now, he's satisfied. After all, there's no way someone like him would ever want someone like you. Hell, he's probably not interested in fucking in the first place. What are you thinking? It’s all a waste of time on a fat, disgusting piece of-
"Eddie?"
Henry's gentle voice coaxed the other from his thoughts as his eyes snapped to a now concerned gaze.
"You okay?," Henry started, voice thick with concern, "You look kind of upset."
Eddie's blond head shook carefully as he shifted, as if to move out from under the other. But, Henry shifted in kind, not seeming to want to untangle himself.
"It's fine," was Eddie’s reply, voice admittedly a little quieter than he'd hoped.
Henry made a sound at that - something between acknowledgement and doubt. He leaned in slowly and waited for the other's reaction. There was a touch of hesitation before Eddie angled his face closer and Henry stole a quick kiss.
"Sorry," he began, "I didn’t mean to just stare…”
“No, no, you’re good…”
It was all Eddie could muster as he attempted to gather himself. He was waiting for the disengagement, the admittance of what he’d assumed, another screw up to add to the list.
It was something he’d gotten used to.
“I don’t know the best way to say this but-,”
Henry considered his words another moment. Eddie’s eyes shut and he let his head fall back against the headrest. He could easily end this before it went too far.
“I think we should probably…
“I think we oughta…”
“...go to my bedroom."
“...stop for now.”
“Huh-?”
The last bit came out in tandem as Henry scratched the back of his head and Eddie looked up. The two locked eyes for longer than was warranted before they couldn’t take it any more, laughter erupting out of nowhere. Perhaps it was awkwardness, or nervousness, or even familiarity. However, it didn’t seem to matter much as the mood lightened and Eddie rubbed the corner of his eye.
“You first...”
With a nod, Henry took in a breath and repeated the words Eddie least expected to hear.
“I was hoping we could go to the bedroom… and keep going. But…"
Eddie picked up the thread of uncertainty in Henry's voice and wanted to kick his own ass for it. His tendency to assume the worst had never helped in the past and a curious something inside wanted to see if he could salvage this. It was a fluttering, fragile hope that'd been stomped on one too many times.
However, this felt different.
And so, he tried.
"I'm gonna be real," he blurted, "I really didn't think this would be happening."
Henry's gaze was steady as he listened.
"Not hard to guess but I've never been one to have people come on to me before. Not like in a serious way, you know? Always a joke or whatever. Like, I never really gave a shit about that anyway but it gets to ya...Makes it messy up here."
Eddie made a vague gesture toward his head which garnered a nod from Henry.
"I'm still sorting through that stuff sometimes and it's…not easy. So, I think - just now - I got sort of…"
Henry's brows furrowed as Eddie searched for the right word. It was a little heartbreaking to come against such a look but Eddie knew he had to finish the thought.
"Freaked out?," he admitted, "Scared, maybe…I dunno…"
A moment or two passed as Henry took in what the other had put on the table. It wasn't a complete spread by any means, a bit rushed and jumbled, but was a heavy burden all the same. He carefully got up now - legs having gotten a little tired, admittedly - and offered a hand to his friend. It was a simple thing though it felt right.
"I think words might fail me, so maybe I can show you with actions… if that's okay?"
"There you go again…" Eddie said, shaking his head, "Smooth talking like no one's business."
Henry smiled sheepishly, "I'm just being honest."
"Yeah, yeah, let's go."
And so, Eddie took Henry's hand, and the pair made the short journey to the bedroom. The door closed with a soft click behind Henry as Eddie had gone in ahead. It was a simple space which housed necessities like a bed, a desk, and a chair. Nothing more or less than what one needed. The real flavor came from the variety of photos on the wall - all from Henry. They showed his view of the world; his perspective, and what he thought important. Eddie's eyes roamed the walls and his chest tightened when he noticed a bad selfie of his next to a similar picture of Eileen.
"I'm hoping to replace those," Henry explained, as he watched the other, "I think it would be fun to get both of your portraits sometime."
The blond offered a lopsided smile to mask his nerves. The thought of his picture being taken fired off mixed signals in his brain especially paired with the fact that Henry had somehow lost his shirt. Must have been when Eddie was looking at the photos… He couldn't help but hold a steady gaze as Henry undressed further, somewhat unaware. His button up and undershirt had found a spot draped over the desk chair while he unbuckled his belt. He moved almost as if Eddie wasn't there - natural, fluid, relaxed. It made Eddie a bit jealous as he wondered what to do with himself. Henry settled on the bed, stripped to his underwear, sitting up with his legs tucked beneath him.
"Come sit?"
The question was answered with a nod as Eddie did just that - taking up the space on the bed next to Henry. The photographer reached out, fingers edging under the hem of the blond’s shirt and pulled up slowly, tentatively. Eddie finished the job, shirt shedding easily and landing somewhere on the floor, though his eyes avoided Henry’s. It was exposure on many levels - all of which Eddie wasn’t used to, or frankly, avoided. It was years of negative reception, unkind words, scornful looks, and it wasn’t as easy to discard as his clothing. However, the gentle, warm touch on his skin coaxed out some comfort. It was Henry, after all, who was behind it. And his light eyes almost looked dark with how blown his pupils were - as if his mind and body were trying so hard to take in as much as they could.
“Do you mind?” he asked, hands dipping low to near Eddie’s waistband.
Eddie felt a rush of heat at his cheeks, eyes flicking away from Henry’s, as he replied.
“Go for it…”
The attempt at nonchalant posturing was bad enough that even Henry saw through it and a chuckle left his lips.
“It’s okay if you want to take it slow…” he said, hands traveling down along Eddie’s clothed thighs. The gentle pressure from Henry’s hands made the blond pull his lips together - frustration welling up again at his core. Henry took his time for a reply and busied his hands by running them back up the other’s thighs. He appreciated their generous swell and how soft yet solid they were. He admired the curve where they joined Eddie's hips and the waves of his body as he traveled up further. The touches drew out groans of mock agitation and as Henry settled his palms on Eddie’s chest, the blond finally had enough.
“Okay, fuck it -” he said suddenly, sitting up a bit, “let’s just have fun, huh?”
The statement was punctuated with action as Eddie shifted, hips tilting up, hands deftly undoing his shorts before slipping them down - underwear and all. He let these fall where they may, not caring as much for tidiness as Henry, and settled against the pillows with a sigh. It was like the relief of ripping off a bandaid even if the cut hasn’t fully healed. Everything out in the open, getting room to breathe, even if it might sting a little. Yet, the sting was dull - almost nonexistent - as Eddie chanced a glance at Henry as he spread his legs a bit. One thing Eddie let himself have a little pride in was what hormones had done. Even if he hadn’t bothered with his chest - it wasn’t weird for a fat dude to have boobs, after all - he did appreciate the growth that’d happened downstairs. It was enough for his dick to peek out a bit even when not aroused though, now, it demanded attention.
And Henry’s eyes were certainly giving it - roaming up and down - causing some embarrassment to creep up though not in an entirely unpleasant way. The moment lasted a beat, Henry almost entranced, until Eddie cleared his throat a bit.
“You can keep touching me,” he offered, “...and maybe I can do the same?”
Henry sucked in a quick breath as he settled at the other’s side, “Y-yeah-! Yes, that sounds good…”
Tucked in close, they shared in each other’s heat. Henry’s hand splayed across Eddie’s chest, working down through the fine body hair and along his skin, as the photographer inched closer for a kiss. The blond turned his head in kind, their lips meeting and parting as before. The solid press of Henry’s erection against Eddie’s thigh spurred him a bit - deepening the kiss to feel the pulse of arousal in reply. And from that, Eddie’s own arousal intensified, warmth spreading and joining with Henry’s hand as it crested over his stomach and below. The ghost of a touch against his swollen dick made his hips jump and thankfully, Henry’s hand didn’t leave. Instead, the touch continued - the V of Henry’s index and middle fingers edging along Eddie’s heat.
The pair let their foreheads touch - a needed break from kissing - as Henry's fingers dared to roam further. He slid two digits along the folds; hot and slick. A jolt of fuzzy warmth balled in Eddie's stomach as Henry worked him into a whining mess - two long, thick fingers slipping inside. Henry stroked carefully inside the other; somehow hitting all the right places. His face was painted with concentration, mouth parted slightly as his focus was trained on where his hand was.
"How do you feel?" he breathed, words leaving his lips almost in awe.
"Like, really fucking embarrassed…" the other admitted, cheeks punishingly warm.
"Should I stop?"
"If you stop now," Eddie moaned, "I don't think I could forgive you."
Henry replied with a wanting sound of his own, nodding a little acknowledgement against Eddie. His hips joined in and the delicious tease of throbbing touch gave Eddie reason to contribute more now - shifting to hook a thumb in Henry’s underwear and tug. The signal was received though Henry chose to thrust his fingers in Eddie’s warmth a moment longer; coaxing out more gratifying sounds of pleasure. It was hard to resist indulging in Henry’s attention though the other wanted to at least try and reciprocate. He rolled a bit towards his friend - causing Henry to slip his fingers out with a sound of disappointment - and found his hand palming the other’s erection. Eddie applied a bit of pressure which gave Henry cause to jolt; swallowing a moan.
“Take those off, already, would ya?”
The request was met with another nod and a verbal acknowledgement just under Henry’s breath as he maneuvered himself away to strip down fully. It also gave him time to reach into the bedside table to get some much needed lube.
“Here,” Henry offered, “use some of this.”
Eddie reached over to take the lube, waiting for Henry to get comfortable before popping it open. The cool liquid came out easily despite its viscosity and a liberal amount soon found its way to Henry’s skin. The small shock of coolness against hot skin gave rise to pricks along his arms as a shiver ran up his spine. In Eddie’s grip, the lube soon warmed - aided greatly by the movement of the blond’s hand along his dick. The slick friction and touch of pressure had him rolling his hips in no time and his brows drew together as he did so. He wanted to keep touching Eddie too but was thwarted as the blond angled away.
“Let me do this…” he said, voice low, “Just for a bit.”
“Mmh…’kay.”
The soft, clipped reply made Eddie’s chest tighten with affection as he angled back, pressing himself closer and trailing kisses along Henry’s collarbone and up his jaw. The touches drew forth sweet moans that got caught in Henry’s throat as his lips thinned. It was a crime not hearing those sounds to their full potential and - while Eddie didn’t want to push it - he did want to see if he could get a moan or two from the other. So, he added a little more pressure to his grip, hand focusing more at the head of Henry’s dick, and brought his kisses to the other’s lips. Kissing seemed to be something he appreciated and Eddie was happy to oblige - teeth coming into the equation as he nipped the other’s lower lip. Henry’s dick spoke for itself, jumping at the bite, and Eddie hummed with satisfaction, lips parting so their tongues could mingle.
A moan was nearly there from the building whines and whimpers and when the pair broke for air, Henry was panting hard, eyes misty and face heavily flushed.
“Can I touch you too now…?” he nearly begged, dick throbbing in Eddie’s hand.
Eddie’s own dick twitched at that - figuring it wouldn’t make sense to deny the natural end on the horizon. He kissed Henry’s neck once more as he spoke.
“Yeah, you can.”
Almost before Eddie finished, Henry’s hand was eagerly on him, fingers honing in on his tender dick. The stimulation almost proved a distraction until Henry’s erection called the blond’s attention back to it. Their motions matched in time as a good rhythm was set - Henry’s hips rolling into Eddie’s touch easily as Eddie’s did the same under Henry’s fingers. Kissing was on hold as they focused, breaths beating against skin with Eddie’s head nestled under Henry’s chin. This position and lack of kissing was perfect, however, as Henry finally let a few sounds loose from his lips. The feedback loop of pleasure worked well for them as Henry was spurred by Eddie’s responses and Eddie appreciating the attention on him. Henry’s high, thin moans were an added bonus, of course.
“I’m-” Henry tried, words dissolving into a whimper.
“Got it…” Eddie replied, breathing hard, “Me too…”
The swell of hardness and heat in Eddie’s hand signaled Henry was near his end - hips bucking earnestly in the other’s grip. It meant a little less work as Eddie held the pressure and let Henry thrust - the intervals slowing into more deliberate bucks until a red hot surge filled the blond’s palm. Henry panted heavily - hips still rocking gently - as his fingers dipped into the other. The slick, warm depths enveloped his fingers easily and Eddie let out a groan of his own with the fullness. He hadn’t realized his own limit was so close and, with a few precise passes, was tensing against Henry’s fingers. In spite of this, Henry absentmindedly continued to slowly stroke and thrust Eddie’s now soaking insides. His body jolted from the overstimulation and a quick moan mixed with a yelp left his lips as he let go of Henry.
“Shi-!” Eddie exclaimed, now cooling cum threatening the sheets below.
The near expletive brought them both back fully as Henry nearly leapt up to grab a spare towel to take care of the mess - doing his best not to trip along the way. The display nearly brought Eddie to tears as he compared it to ‘some shit out of Bambi’ while wiping cum from his hand. Henry, thankfully, was a good sport and laughed along as he stooped down to start getting dressed again.
“Hey.”
Henry glanced over in time to catch the towel thrown at his face. And, Eddie finally looked more himself again - casual, spread out, smiling.
All while beautifully nude, at that. Henry swallowed carefully.
“Yeah?”
“We’re still hanging out tomorrow, yeah?”
“Y-yeah!” Henry nodded, “Of course.”
“Good.” Eddie concluded, stretching carefully as he got up, “Maybe we can get that picture taken then, huh?”
Henry’s smile was bright enough to blind Eddie, whose only defense was to throw his friend his missing underwear.
End.