Friends Become More Ch. 09

***Alex's Point of View***

"Kiss me." Ben said.

"No."

"Kiss me!" Ben begged.

"No!" I laughed.

"Please kiss me?" He asked softly.

"Aw, baby..." I leaned in. "When you say it like that... no." I teased him.

"You are a big jerk." He said.

"So you think I'm big?" I joked. He playfully punched my pec.

"Kiss me, damn it." He laughed.

His laugh is so adorable I couldn't help but give in to his demand. I wrapped my arms around his back and pulled him in, then dipped him back far, kissing him passionately. After a long, deep kiss, I pulled him back up. "There. Happy now?" I breathed.

He just stared at me, breathing heavily. He finally managed to nod. "That was quite a kiss." He smiled.

"It was."

"We should get going, gotta get everything ready downstairs." He said.

"I can't believe it's Thanksgiving already! I can't finally turn on the fireplace and not look like a weirdo!" I laughed.

"You've waited all year, you can finally thrive again." He laughed. "Now I have to go out the turkey in the oven. Plus, your family's gonna be here by 8 to watch the parade and the living room is still a mess."

"Babe, it's not a mess, it's spotless. But if it'll make you feel better I'll do another once-over."

"Thanks."

"Not that it matters, the kids will have it a mess in 20 minutes."

"As long as it's clean when they get here." He laughed as we walked downstairs. "And you really think they'll be alright spending Christmas at the beach house?"

"They'll love getting out of the city, going on a little trip for Christmas. They'll get to play in the snow, everyone will love it."

I was right, my sister, brother-in-law, and parents all loved the idea. We told the kids and they seemed excited too.

***

Two days before Christmas, Ben and I drove down to the beach house for Christmas and to decorate before everyone else arrives Christmas Eve. We brought up all of the Santa gifts for the kids so my sister wouldn't have to worry about it.

We bought a huge, 14 foot fake pre-lit Christmas tree and set it up in the living room. We left it bare to decorate with the whole family, the kids, James and Rebecca, will love having another tree to decorate.

"Everything looks great, thanks honey." He gave me a side hug. I put my arm around him and kissed the top of his head.

"Happy Christmas, Harry." I said in my best mock Ron/British accent.

"Let's go for a sunset walk..." he took my hand and pulled me towards the door.

"Where to? The beach? Or the land side?"

"Land side." He smiled.

We got our shoes and coats on, heading outside and towards the beautiful hilly landscape. This neighborhood is beautiful, only a few houses along the street. His house on the end, right next to stunning hills and tall grass, with over 300 feet of private beach, is definitely the best.

On our walk we enjoyed the fresh air. Surprisingly, it's not freezing tonight.

"Oh, I heard the neighbors are selling." He mentioned."

"Why would anyone want to sell a place like that?"

"I guess they wanted a change. I think they actually sold it before it hit the market, a very secretive deal according to the other neighbors."

"When did you hear that?" I laughed.

"I have friends in very high places... on the HOA." He made me laugh,

We reached the top of the highest hill, turning to look at the water and sunset. "Look at that." I sighed, sitting down.

He sat next to me. "I love the city, I really do. But sometimes this just steals the show."

"It does. It really does."

"Want some candy?" He asked randomly, pulling out a bag of M&M's.

"Heck yeah, I do." I held my hand out so he could pour some, but he instead put the whole bag in my hand.

"I actually have two. Sharing is not caring, buying double is." He explained.

"I knew there was a reason I love you." He smiled at that.

After we finished the candy, we got back up and continued walking. I let him go in front of me so I could snap a few pictures of him walking in the landscape.

"Catch up!" He turned around smiling at me. I took another picture, making him laugh more. I turned on the video setting and began filming him. He turned around again and held out his hand to touch the tall brush. I'm no filmmaker, but it's quite a beautiful shot.

We decided to make our way back home before the sun fully sets. "I'm getting hungry, can't wait to make some homemade pizza." I said.

"Same, it'll be fun! I've never made pizza from scratch before."

"It was a staple growing up in my house." I told him.

"Why don't we do it tomorrow night with everyone then? We had enough for everyone and we bought plenty of other food today." He offered sweetly.

The way he suggested doing something with my whole family because he thinks they'll enjoy it just brings my heart so much joy. "That would be great, thank you." I reached for his hand and gave it a light squeeze.

We had a delicious stir fry for dinner. Afterwards, he pulled out a board game we play often, Trouble, and a deck of cards.

"Best two out of three for Trouble? Then we can play some cards?"

"You're on."

He won the first game, I won the second, leaving it down to a third and final game. "Wanna make a bet?" I asked.

"Sure, I'll bet you five bucks I'll beat you."

"Deal."

It was close, but I beat him.

"Ah-Ha!" I smiled. "Pay up!"

He got up and grabbed his wallet and pulled out a 5, then put it in mine. "I'm more annoyed I have to wash my hands now." He joked.

"I love that your level of hate for touching cash is unmatched." I joked. "But I totally don't blame you, thanks for not making me touch it." I laughed.

"You're welcome. Now let's play some card games."

"You really do love getting your ass whooped! And not just in the bedroom." I teased him. He rolled his eyes at me.

We played for a couple of hours, then called it a night. We got in bed under the warm covers, I wrapped my arms around him. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

***

The rest of my family got here around 9. James and Rebecca are really happy being here, they loved decorating the tree. We made hot chocolate and cookies galore, ready to leave them out for Santa.

Ben has to stop me from eating too many cookies, especially when the kids were only allowed a few before dinner.

Soon, it was time to start making dinner. Everyone was so excited. "I want Uncle Alex to help me!" Declared James.

"Can you help me too, Uncle Alex? Please?" Rebecca looked so worried I wouldn't be able to help her.

"I'll help both of you, I promise." I laughed. I sat between them at the table, working my own dough. The kids worked on their own, I helped them when they needed it. I helped them put the sauce on, adding the toppings they wanted.

Ben put them in the oven for us, then the rest of them made their own pizzas. "This was such a good idea, Alex. Just like when we were kids." My sister said.

"We were gonna make them last night, but it was actually Ben's idea to wait to do it with everyone tonight." I said, looking at Ben.

"Well, thank you, Ben." She said. "My kids are loving playing with the dough."

After dinner, we helped the kids set out all of our stockings on the fireplace and set out cookies and milk for Santa.

"Alright, kiddos, time for bed." Their father picked them both up, one in each hand. "Unless you don't want Santa to come!"

"We'll go to bed!"

"Yeah, we promise! Tell Santa to come!"

"I thought so!" He tickled them lightly before carrying them up the stairs, my sister in tow to help.

20 minutes later they came downstairs. "They're so excited, it'll take them a while to actually fall asleep." My sister announced. "We should wait an hour before setting everything up."

"Sounds good." I said.

"How about some tea for everyone?" Ben asked.

We all responded in agreement. I got up to help him while Lydia and Ali sat down with my parents in the living room.

Ben got hot water and started steeping two huge pots of tea for everyone. "Hey look, it's snowing!" He left the pots to steep and snuck out the sliding door. I followed him.

"I heard it was gonna snow. Quite a bit actually." I wrapped my arms around him from behind. "Means we'll have a White Christmas and we can have a snowball fight..."

"Now I'm really excited for tomorrow." He held onto my arms and kissed my hand.

We didn't stay out long cause of the cold, but it's good cause we have fresh tea.

We poured it out into 6 cups and brought them to the table where everyone assembled. We sat around and talked and sipped until we felt it was safe enough to get out the gifts and set everything up.

It took almost two hours to make everything perfect, but finally we were all set and ready for the morning.

6 am sharp, the kids came running into our room, jumping on the bed and waking us up. "Come on! Wake up!" They giggled.

"It's Christmas! Time to go downstairs!!" Rebecca said.

"Alright, I'm up! I'm up!" I sat up, rubbing my eyes. "Merry Christmas, kiddos."

"Let's go wake up Grandma and Grandpa!" James said to Rebecca. Just as soon as they came in, they ran out.

"It's only acceptable because they're so cute." Ben laughed. We got out of bed and slipped into slippers. "Still love these matching pajamas, don't you?" He laughed.

"So freaking much." We took turns using the bathroom and brushing our teeth before meeting everyone in the hallway, as per instructed last night.

Lyd took photos and videos as the kids walked into the room to see all the presents from Santa.

I turned to Ben, watching him watch the kids. He caught me looking at him. "Merry Christmas, kid." I wrapped my arm around his back and pulled him closer next to me.

"Merry Christmas."

***

I began getting ready for the New Year's Eve Party we and all of our friends are going to tonight. It's a formal party, black tie, and taking place in the Plaza's ballroom. Since it's New York City and Nee Year's Eve, we figured we'd just book a hotel room for two nights, avoiding traffic, making it convenient, and making a mini-vacation out of it. Tomorrow we're gonna spend the entire day in the spa, I can't wait to get a massage and spend all day with my boy.

I finished getting ready while Ben showered, moving to the living room to sit and wait for him. I sat and scrolled through my phone while he got ready.

When he came out, I looked up. He took all of my attention. "You look absolutely stunning." He stood there in the most incredibly well-made, well-fit tux. His shoulders, his legs, everything looked great. Best of all he has a sparkle in his eyes telling me he knows how good he looks.

"You look so handsome, baby." He walked towards me and pulled me in for a kiss.

"Mm, better save that for midnight." I said. He grinned, squeezing my butt. "And that for after the party..." I laughed.

We had a ridiculously delicious dinner with our friends, making it worth the price we paid per plate. After dinner our whole group got on the dance floor, having a blast. I did not care who saw us, I'm gonna take advantage of all these dances with my boy.

Midnight approached and we counted down. When it reached midnight I pulled Ben in, dipping him slightly as I aggressively pressed my lips to his. "Happy New Year, sexy." I whispered to him.

"Happy New Year." He kissed me. "Ya know what they say? New Year, new boyfriend. Guess your times up." He gave me a dirty grin that I couldn't fight. I broke out into another smile.

"First joke of the year and I already want to punch your face." I resented my forehead against his.

"Well of course, wouldn't be a joke if it didn't make you want to punch me in the face."

For a moment I forgot we weren't alone, getting interrupted by our friends for celebratory kisses on the cheeks. "Happy New Year!" was bounced between people as we all celebrated the new year.

We stayed until past 3 in the morning, partying and dancing to the music. We definitely had a good amount to drink, but not too much.

The group all headed upstairs to our respective rooms, somewhat stumbling as we moved. In between laughing we complained about how we're too old to dance like that anymore, but still want to return next year.

We said goodnight to everyone as we reached our rooms, all in the same hallway.

Shutting the door behind me, Ben turned to face me. "Let's get back to that after the party butt grab." He said drunkly.

"I'd rather not do anything when we are both way to inebriated for our own good." I reasoned.

"You're right, you're right..." he walked to the bedroom, peeing off his clothes. I followed him, doing the same. "But tomorrow, or later today whatever, youanme..." He slurred, "it's so on!" He whispered, giggling.

"Alright. Sounds like a plan, baby." I helped hang up his tux before hanging mine. "I clearly take my alcohol way better than you!" I teased. "Of course I do, you rarely drink and you're lighter than a feather, even if you are tall."

"You're so smart! And handsome!" He was now in only his underwear, flopped on the bed. "I love you."

I joined him. "I love you, too, drunkso." I helped him get under the covers, struggling myself as I'm not of sober mind either. "Lay on your side, baby. I don't want you to choke if you throw up."

"You're so good to me..." he mumbled, already falling asleep. I snuggled up to him and fell asleep too.

***

I woke up before Ben, getting him water and aspirin for when he wakes up.

"Baby?" I lightly caressed his arm. "You should wake up, we have those lovely massages to look forward to."

"Mmm, Alright. I'm up."

"How are you feeling? I don't think I've ever seen you drink that much. I have aspirin for you."

"Thanks." He swallowed the pills. "I'm actually feeling fine, just a little headache this should take care of. I'm not letting any hangover ruin our relaxing spa day."

"Good." I chuckled.

We enjoyed brunch in a restraint in the hotel before spending the day in the hotel's spa. We got a couples massage, weird-yet-soothing acupuncture treatments, facials, and then soaked in a "anti-aging" hot bath thing that is probably fake advertisement but was included with the spa access. After all of our spa treatments, we headed over to the real pool, spending a bit of time enjoying each other's company.

"We should probably rinse off all this chlorine and stuff, then grab some dinner in the hotel. I bet you're just as starving as me." He said.

"Yeah, lets do that. I'm getting hungry, yeah." I smiled.

We got out of the pool, drying off and putting our t-shirts and flip-flops on, returning to the spa area right next door, walking through the lobby to the men's locker room.

There was only one older gentleman in the locker room when we entered, grabbing towels before heading straight for our lockers.

As we peeled off our shirts he quietly asked, "So, are you a get naked and saunter to the showers kinda guy or wait til you're behind the curtain?"

"Well, the former. I'd wrap my towel around me but I don't want a clean towel around my dirty body."

"Ok, same! I personally feel using the towel like that defeats the purpose!" He laughed. "But naked walking is not fun."

"Nobody gives a crap." I said. "Well, most don't." I gave grin as I peeled off my damp bathing suit, making sure to keep my feet from touching the ground.

The older man left, leaving us to ourselves. "Fair enough." He shrugged.

"Nows your chance, babe. Saunter naked all you want before someone else comes in." I suggested. "You have nothing to be shy about..."

I watched him strip naked, almost falling as he made sure his feet didn't touch the ground. He let out a laugh when I caught him. "Thanks. Guess I'll give it a try. It's something like this, right?..." he grabbed his towel and headed towards the showers. He over-exaggerated his walk, leaning back and swinging his arms, walking like a 'real bro' and making me laugh.

I grabbed my towel and headed towards the showers, watching him get in one and closing the curtain. I stepped into the one next to him, getting the water just right.

"Even the soap here smells amazing." I said over the water to him.

Ben pulled my curtain open. "I thought you were gonna join me?"

"I, uh, I... public?" I stuttered as he stepped in.

"Don't worry, nobody's in here right now, I left my curtain closed too so it looks like two are being used." He stepped closer to me, kissing me passionately under the water.

"You sneaky little boy."

"I did tell you about this fantasy when we celebrated our anniversary, did I not?" He kissed my neck, then moved down my most, kissing his way over my chest and abs. "This shall be interesting, gotta squat so I don't touch the shower floor." He smirked, looking me in my eyes as he kissed the spot between my leg and where my balls hang.

"Holy fuck, you are a real naughty boy... and that saunter, damn did your ass look good." I moaned as he took my cock in his mouth.

The situation made me hard in seconds, I watched as the water fell down my body and onto him as he moved back and forth over my cock.

"Yeah, that feels good." I moaned.

It didn't take long to make me cum, shooting thick ropes of cum in his mouth, moaning lightly. He cleaned me up, rising back up to kiss me. "We'll finish this upstairs after dinner." He bit his lower lip, then kissed me on the cheek.

He peeked his head out before sneaking back into his own shower stall. I finished cleaning up and returned to our lockers. A few men were now in here, but we thankfully did not get caught.

Ben soon followed me back, I noticed one of the men checking Ben out. That made me grin. I sneakily peeked at the young guy, about our age, as he sneakily watched Ben drop his towel and set himself.

We changed back into normal clothes, nice chinos and sweaters perfectly suitable for dinner. I leaned in and whispered, "Good thing you have clothes on now, I thought that dude was gonna get on his knees right here and eat that cute ass of yours." He blushed.

"He was probably looking at you." He shrugged. I shook my head at him. We headed out, the guy gave one last look, even giving a smile at Ben.

Exiting the locker room, I couldn't help but laugh. "Still think that?"

"Alright, I mean, I do have a great ass." He whispered. I gave him a small pat on his butt as we headed out of the spa area.

"Let me run upstairs and drop these wet bathing suits off and I'll meet you at the restaurant, sound good?"

"Yeah, sounds great. Thanks, baby."

***

***Ben's Point of View***

After a nice dinner, Alex led me back upstairs to our room. Sadly, we were not alone in the elevator so we had to act a bit more respectable than we wanted.

"Have a wonderful evening, folks." Alex said to the older couple exiting the elevator, oozing his natural southern charm.

They smiled politely at him. "You as well." The woman responded.

We reached our floor, he took my hand and led me down the hall. "Finally, our room." He turned to grin at me, swiftly unlocking the door behind his back and pushing it open. He held the door open with his back, letting me enter the room. He closed the door behind us as I walked into the room before he pulled me back towards him. "Where you think you're going?" He whispered, leaning in and kissing me. His hand slid under the back of my sweater, warming the small of my back. His lips devoured mine, intensely begging for more. He pulled back, leaving me wanting more. "I'm gonna give you a little show tonight." He stated.

"Like a one-man play?" I teased, following him into the living room. We both kicked off our shoes.

"Shut up and sit down." I sat on the couch. He pulled out his phone and started playing a song I recognized. He placed his phone on the coffee table between us, then stepped back to stand in the open space.

"Wait... is this the song form 13 Going on 30?" I laughed. "You're not gonna..."