The Next Stage - 44. New Boundaries

“So, you’re going to be a coach on The Voice, huh?” Ryan asks as he climbs into bed beside Jasper.

“Apparently. I don’t know. That feels like one really insane fever dream, honestly. I haven’t really processed it. How was your night? I barely saw you.” Jasper moves closer to Ryan in bed.

“Well, mostly mingling and being lectured by Elliott about our privilege.” Ryan sighs, staring up at the ceiling. “I’m thinking of quitting the show.”

“What? Because of Elliott?” Jasper scoffs.

“He had the role of Rocky but they recast it because he’s trans and they found the scars on his chest ‘uncomfortable’. I can’t in good conscious continue playing a role he rightfully deserves because of something so discriminatory. What would that make me? I don’t want to be complicit in silencing him.”

Jasper’s mood changes. “Okay, wow. That’s intense. Let me think about it for a minute.” Jasper stares up at the ceiling too. “He had the role first?”

“Mm. But he’s my understudy now. So if I quit the show, he’d have to take the lead role.”

“Ryan, I know you’re trying to do the right thing here, but this is more complicated than right and wrong. I mean, we still get our share of people hating us for being together, but we’ve got enough support that it doesn’t hurt us. Elliott is a young performer in a huge industry where he has the pressure of on an entire cast on his shoulders. You’re taking a massive gamble in your faith in people if you want to drop out and make him step up into a role that will have him shirtless on stage for much of the production.”

Ryan sighs. “It shouldn’t matter.”

“It shouldn’t. And maybe he can take whatever comes. He’s certainly got his walls built high, but he’d want a back-up career for if it doesn’t go over well, because the industry will just drop him. I mean, you were dropped from Chicago when I was in controversy. Seems like if the drama Isn't scripted and bringing them money, they don’t tolerate it.”

“I guess.” Ryan shrugs. “He deserves the chance though, doesn’t he?”

“Of course. But maybe that problem is bigger than you can control. You can’t change an entire industry.”

“Maybe.” Ryan nods. “How are you feeling about Beth coming home?”

Jasper sighs. He’d love to say he’s excited, but it’s a complicated excitement. He’s excited that she might come home and fall in love with her daughter and Jasper and Ryan might not have a newborn in the house anymore because three kids is three more than Jasper ever expected to be raising. But on the other hand, he’s scared that won’t happen. He’s scared his long-time friendship will be forever changed by the fact he’s stuck raising her baby. He loves that little girl so much the thought of her leaving breaks his heart, but he’d rather miss his niece, then lose his friend because she can’t cope with the child she wanted so desperately to have.

It’s so long before Jasper finds the words for his response, that Ryan is asleep and softly beginning to snore beside him. Jasper moves closer and spoons Ryan. Kissing the back of his neck and running his hand down Ryan’s arm until he can hold Ryan’s hand until he falls asleep too.

**** 

Jasper wakes to the feeling of Ryan’s tongue teasing his nipple. It’s been a long time since intimacy hasn’t been rushed straight to sex because of a lack of time. Right now, the pleasure is simmering in an addictively mild way. Though Jasper is already looking forward to more, to everything, he’s also letting out a gentle moan at how slow and delicate each movement of Ryan’s tongue and lips are on an area that is often ignored. In fact, Jasper can’t remember ever feeling this sensitive.

Ryan’s hand slides up Jasper’s thigh, grazing over his crotch and his fingers wrap around the taut material, moving slowly up and down as he works Jasper up even more. His lips travel down, nipping as he passes over areas he knows he’ll get a reaction out of. It’s like Ryan has mentally mapped out all the places on Jasper’s body that makes him shiver, flinch and moan, and he has a skill for timing the touch of each spot in a way that torments Jasper beautifully.

The heat of Ryan’s breath through the material covering his erection makes Jasper’s hips arch with want. Ryan obliges, tugging his underwear down and catching Jasper’s full attention as he gives him what he’s aching for. Jasper closes his eyes, and his fingers thread through Ryan’s hair, not daring to take control of this even though Ryan’s lips feel like they are moving in slow motion. Jasper is reminding himself every few moments that there is no rush. They could drag this out for the entire morning if they wanted. From the content, pleasure filled moans Ryan keeps letting out, Jasper gets the feeling he’s enjoying taking his time.

It’s unfair how fast Jasper can feel himself building to an orgasm, considering the pace, but all control of himself is lost the moment Ryan’s fingers...

“Are you kidding me?” Leo states Jasper’s exact sentiments the moment he and Ryan have to pause what they are doing because he’s burst into their bedroom.

“What’s up Leo?” Jasper groans as Ryan moves back up the bed, pulling the sheets with him to cover Jasper.

Leo turns around and points to his airpods. “Listen, you’re talking about the TV debut of the man who has held a solid spot in tabloids for the last 7 years. What having him on the show will do for your ratings is worth more than that. Try harder.”

“I’m gonna kill him.” Jasper mutters, hanging his head.

“Me too.” Ryan laughs.

“Tell you what, you call me when you have a better number to offer.” Leo presses his airpod and grins at Jasper. “Good morning.”

“No. Not good morning. First you ruin the only chance I have for sex today, probably this entire week, and then you ruin the chance I have for getting that position on The Voice.” Jasper rolls his eyes. “This manager thing has gone to your head in a single week.”

“I’ve ruined nothing. Fuck away, and thank me when I get a call back telling me they’ve raised their offer to match the person they’re hiring.” Leo shrugs, crossing his arms.

“Leo?”

“Yeah?”

“Get out.” Jasper orders.

Leo smirks, turning around and walking out. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“I shouldn’t have promoted him. He’s way too cocky.” Jasper sighs, relaxing against Ryan.

Ryan says, kissing Jasper’s neck and reaching his hand down to get Jasper back in the mood. “Just you and me. No distractions.” Ryan’s lips follow the trace of his fingers.

Jasper closes his eyes, giving his full attention to the pleasure Ryan’s giving him, but his indulgence is cut short as Leo swings the door open again and struts in.

“Guess who just called back offering an extra $50 grand to your paycheck and an exclusive performance with you and Luke on the second night. I told you! I am on fire!” Leo punches the air.

Jasper throws a pillow at him. “Speaking of fire, you cockblock me one more time and I’ll absolutely fire you as my manager.”

“I’m sharing good news, it should be getting you hyped.”

“What gets me hyped is a kid-free morning where my manager keeps work out of my bedroom, kapeesh?” Jasper says, giving Leo a glare.

“Sorry.” Leo nods.

“You can make it up for me by sorting out breakfast for when we are done here.”

Leo shrugs. “If only you had a personal assistant.”

“The ice you’re on is so thin you look like you’ve learned to walk on water.”

“Are you saying I’m Jesus?”

Jasper glares. “Yes, right now I’m picturing you nailed to a cross, slowly dying like my hopes for fucking my husband this week.”

Leo raises his hands guiltily and walks out.

Jasper and Ryan share a look as if deciding whether it’s worth attempting this a third time.

“I’m not in the mood anymore, but I don’t know how much longer I can live without having an orgasm.” Jasper sighs.

“Right?” Ryan laughs and kisses Jasper’s hip. “What’s Leo even doing here?”

“Oh, I promoted him impulsively to my manager. I think the power has gone to his head.” Jasper sighs, looking down into Ryan’s gorgeous eyes.

“Elliott mentioned something about that last night. Do you think that’s a good idea?” Ryan asks, seemingly giving up on the idea of anything sexy this morning.

Jasper sighs and props himself on his elbows. “He’ll be the best person for the job, just as soon as I set some more professional boundaries.”

“I don’t know if Leo can even do ‘professional boundaries’,” Ryan laughs.

“Well, he’s still my best friend, so it’s going to be a challenge for both of us to work out the new expectations,” Jasper says. He and Ryan just look at each other for a few good moments before Jasper sighs. “One day we’ll have no interruptions.”

“One day. It would be nice.” Ryan sighs then moves back up the bed, kissing Jasper sweetly. “You better go have a chat with your manager.”

**** 

“Leo, I need to have a chat with you about this promotion I’ve given you.” Jasper walks into the kitchen. Leo holds out a steaming cup of tea.

“I’m sorry. I got over excited.” Leo smiles.

Jasper accepts the tea. “Well-”

“Okay, so this morning I’ve got some plans for you.”

“No, Leo. Beth is coming back today, I need to be home and available.”

Leo’s shoulders sink.

“Leo, about this manager thing...”