killingsoftly | Heading out...

It was Saturday. He'd spent all day Friday packing, just to be ready. Of course, he'd been ready Wednesday night, but for Warren and Alma's sake, he'd curbed his impatience. But the principal's accusations still rang in his ears. The idea that he'd done something to Warren hurt, not entirely because he'd been unable to, even to prove a point. But he wouldn't ever have put them into this situation, even if he could and the fact that she thought he was strong enough to still hadn't registered under the hurt that she thought he could. That he would. It was likely that even if the thought did register, he'd dismiss it as putting on a good show. All show, no substance.

But they were going on tour and so, really, that didn't matter. He could play the game well enough, and had enough natural musical talent, that tour would give him what he needed. What he loved and craved and maybe the hurts would be soothed and insecurities at what he couldn't do be eased. He hoped so, at least. It...felt broken somehow that he didn't know how to fix. Didn't know how to fix himself and...

He pushed the thought away as he started carrying things downstairs to the van. If he got his in and done, they'd have less to do together with Warren's.

He bounced at that thought. They were going on tour. Just him and Warren and the people who thought they were wonderful. The show and the music and the lights and the make up. The groupies and the fans and the energy. And then just the road, and them. Hotel rooms and wide open spaces and something new to see every day. Something new to show Warren, to experience with him for the first time.

He was ready.

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Devin was thrilled that Warren felt he could mention things like that. More thrilled that he felt them. It made other things so much easier.

He slid back and lounged in his seat after a moment, thinking about how much things had changed.

A month ago he probably wouldn't have told Devin that. Three months ago? Definitely not.

Devin wound his fingers through Warren's, holding on as they drove, starting to hit suburbs that would go on for a couple of hours.

Warren let himself drift and think and enjoy the drive, giggling idly at this or that, pointing out the pretty or odd scenery when they passed it.

There was something almost soothing about a road trip with Devin. The enclosed-ness of it. Just the two of them.

Even hauling the bikes, it seemed almost too short a trip for their triumphant first journey. Devin had booked a fairly nice hotel to start out with, just so they could spend that time, this week together.

Warren was pretty happy just to have that time to spend with him, to be with him. Away and apart from everything for a few months, learning something new.

The nice hotel, however, was still a fact worthy of bouncing over. Just a little. Wouldn't want to abandon all dignity.

Devin grinned at the bouncing as he gave the valet the keys and grabbed one of his suitcases and his guitar. They could take the bikes if they wanted to go out for the night, and the valet said he'd get them unloaded and the trailer detached in the parking space next to the van.

Warren grabbed a suitcase, the other guitar, and slung his laptop over his shoulder, wishing briefly that he'd gotten someone's telekinetic powers.

Devin led the way inside, giving the check-in lady his usual charming smile. She didn't look that impressed, but then, she didn't really look up, processing them in with brutal efficiency.

Warren was charmed, but then, he had been for a while. A long while, now. Besides, he had plans for once they got all their stuff up to the room...

There was a bellhop, at least, who looked them over when he claimed their somewhat beatup suitcases and very shiny guitar and laptop case. Devin flashed him the grin to much better effect.

Warren grinned, kept the commentary till they were in the hotel room and their stuff had been dropped off and the bellhop was at least out of earshot.

"Liked him?"

Devin flushed a little, with just a small smile. "He wasn't bad."

Warren smiled softly back.

Then snagged an arm around his waist, tugged him close, and kissed him.

Devin melted into the kiss with a soft sigh.

Warren held the kiss, long, deepening. He walked them down the room until he had Devin against the wall, pressing close against him.

Devin gasped a little, pressing into him and holding on tightly.

Warren's fingers slid down to his waist, found the edges of his shirt, started to pull it up, gently.

Devin purred as he curled his fingers in Warren's shirt, holding on tight. He liked the taking charge, it helped, to feel so wanted.

He pulled up his shirt only so he could slide his palm underneath over skin of stomach and chest, fingers swirling little circles as he kissed him.

Devin slid his free hand into Warren's hair, tracing strands, letting them run through his fingers, curl around, slide free as he submitted to the kiss with a sigh.

Warren smiled briefly against his mouth, deepening the kiss somewhat although he didn't press forward any more than he already was.

Right now, just this was enough. Just being here with him, warm and pressed together and soft and. Blissful.

He smiled against Warren's lips, then kissed him again. His fingers wound their way through his hair repeatedly, stroking, and the palm clutching Warren's shirt smoothed it down and pressed over his heart.

Warren nipped gently at his lower lip, one hand tracing little designs over his chest as he reached up with his other hand to cover Devin's hand over his heart.