Russell Howard and Jon Richardson

Chapter 5

'You told me you liked me.' Jon repeats, now meeting Russell's eyes.

Russell's expression changes, the memories of last night clearly resurfacing. 

Russell sits back down at the kitchen table and looks very sad all of a sudden. 'Right, yeah I did, didn't I? I can see how that must have been upsetting..

He was silent for a second, then continued to think out loud.

 If you want me to move out, I understand. I know it would be awkward for you to date Humphrey with me being there all the time. And you found this apartment so I think you have more of a right to it..' Russell continues.

'So you weren't just saying that because you were drunk? You actually like me?' Jon says, incredulous. 

'Yes, I think maybe I have for a while, but last night really confronted me with those feelings.' Russell says, a tear now slowly rolling down his left cheeck. 'I am afraid we can't be roommates anymore.. I don't think I could handle that. Jon.. I think I'm in love with you.'

Jon is crying too, but the tears now rolling down his cheecks are tears of utter happiness.

Jon walks over to Russell slowly and grabs his hands before saying: 'Russell, I've been in love with you for 3 years.'

Russell moves his head up to face Jon, his face expressing such stupendous surprise it makes Jon laugh. 'You were in love with me all this time?' Russell asks. 'Jon Richardson.. I can't believe you..'

Russell stands up slowly, not breaking eye contact with Jon. They are both smiling now. 

'God, those dimples in your cheeks.. It's like I've never truly noticed them before..' Russell says softly before putting his lips to Jon's. Jon can feel himself melt under Russel's touch. Russell's hands are in his hair. His touch feels amazing. Jon is completely in love. They kiss for a while. Their tongues exploring each other's mouths. Jon has never been kissed like this. So gently and lovingly. He never wants to be anywhere else again.

Russell finally pulls away, much to Jon's dismay, to say: 'Let me take you out to dinner tonight'.

'It's a date.' Jon says happily.

They sit down at the kitchen table and Russell eats his eggs and enquires after how the last 3 years have been for Jon. Russell wonders out loud how he never noticed his flatmate was in love with him and Jon admits he has gone a long way to hide it in order to save their friendship. At hearing this Russell can't help peck Jon on the cheek and repeating. 'I really can't believe you Jon Richardson.'

They make some coffee and move their conversation to the couch. The conversation turns to Humphrey Ker, and Russell seems a little upset to talk about him. 'Other than you just now, Humphrey is the only person I've kissed in the last 3 years.' Jon admits, his cheeks reddening.

Russells eyes grow big with surprise. 'You haven't been with anyone for 3 years?'

'Didn't you suspect so?' Jon asks, 'You teased me about it and everything.'

'I really didn't, I thought you were just really good at keeping your romantic encounters private. That's why I teased you about it, I thought that might get you to open up about your romantic life.' Russell responds.

'Well I honestly didn't have one.' Jon says, still blushing.

'Honestly, I've no idea how anyone could keep their hands off you'. Russell says slowly, moving his hand to Jon's face, pulling him closer.

Their second kiss is different. Russell's hands roam over Jon's back and under his shirt, and Jon feels electricity sparking off every inch of skin that Russell touches. Suddenly Russells lips are on Jon's neck, eagerly kissing, sucking. 'You're mine now' Russell whispers in Jon's ear, causing shivers in Jon's body. Jon can feel Russell slowly unbuttoning his shirt while still kissing his neck, and his heart races to a dangerous pace. Finally Russell agressively casts Jon's unbuttoned shirt aside and pushes him further down into the couch. Russell is leaning over him, supported by his strong muscular arms, his lips making a pattern from Jon's neck, slowly trailing down to his, now bare, chest. His kisses move down over Jon's chest to just above his belt. That's when Russell stops.

'Fuck' Russell whispers, his voice raw. 'Fuck, I'm sorry Jon, this is going too fast.' Jon doesn't recognize this voice, but it's the sexiest thing he's ever heard.

'I know it's been a while for you, so I don't want to rush you in to anything.' Russell continues.

'Maybe I don't mind'. Jon says shyly, his cheeks rosy.

'Jon, can you stop being so..' Russell utters, looking hopeless.

Jon answers by softly tugging at Russell's shirt. Moving it over his head, and casting it aside, like Russell has done to his. Jon feels a little taken aback. Russell's chest and arms are muscular and toned, quite unlike his own. He bites his lip, a wave of insecurity building up in his stomach. Russell seems to notice his sudden discomfort and kisses him softly on both cheecks. Jon then starts slowly kissing Russell's neck, his lips moving down Russel's chest slowly. Russell moans softly. Jon continues moving his kisses down until Russell stops him. 'Fuck.. Jon I was serious..' Jon bites Russell's lip softly in response.

'Well I guess it's your first time with a man, I guess it wouldn't be right to rush things..' Jon whispers into Russel's ear. Russell shivers in response. 

'Yeah Jon, at least buy me dinner first.' Russell responds teasingly.

Jon laughs, and passes Russell his shirt. 'All right, I'm gonna get ready for dinner. You better suit up too.' He says, nodding at Russell's casual jeans and sneakers.

Jon rushes up the stairs and into the shower. He quickly takes off his pants, which have become a little tight around the waist, and finishes off what Russell started. He can't help but wonder whether Russell's doing the same thing downstairs. He showers and puts a towel around his waist and goes to his room to find an appropriate outfit. 

Jon lays a couple of options on his bed and tries to make a decision when Russell walks in unannounced. 'Jon, do you feel more like Indian or French.' Jon quickly puts on a neat white shirt.