Mr. Americana and the London Boy 05

***Eric's Point of View***

My entire team goes berserk, they do everything in their power to have the article taken down, release a strong statement completely refuting the claims, but the media still runs with it. And the internet follows suit, a lot of nasty comments are thrown at me.

It's the afternoon now, my team is at my house having an emergency PR meeting. Matt finally calls me back. "Eric?" It's Matt's voice on the phone. He was busy at work so he wasn't able to talk all morning. I already feel some of the stress leave my body.

"Hi Matty. None of it is true, I-"

"I know, love. I know it isn't. I know you. I know you'd never do that. Don't worry, we're good."

I feel myself break down. "Thank God." I genuinely was concerned he might've believed it, but only because I was scared. I know he'd never fall for things like this without first talking to me.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't talk sooner, work kept me busy."

"I understand. I just really wish you were here." I say softly.

"Of course this would drop once I've left. You shouldn't go through this alone."

"It'd be nice." That's an understatement, but I can't make him drop everything at the drop of a hat for me all the time, that's not fair. "But I know you need to focus on work. I can handle this, I have my team here, they're doing everything they can."

"Any idea who made the story up?"

"Jack. Or his team."

"Why would they lie like this?"

"To flip the story, the truth. He was starting to come off as too much of a playboy, I'm guessing."

"I should've punched him that night." I laugh. The first time all day. "Glad to hear you laugh. Wish I could hear it in person."

"Only three months until I'm back there." I say, telling myself more than him.

"By the way, that color looks good on you."

"What color? What are you talking about? The article?"

"Turn around."

I do, he's standing right there in the hallway leading to the garage, Liz right behind him.

I drop my phone on the table and run to him. My light tears are now heavy ones. He opens his arms and takes me in them. I cling to him so tight. He smells like airplane, but he still smells good. "How?"

"Liz called me first thing this morning, told me what happened. I immediately got on a flight, I have no intention of leaving you on your own if I can help it." He's holding me so tight.

"But work? You've been gone for so long already."

"I got what needed to be done taken care of. Friends are helping, I took what I could, it's fine."

"Thank you."

"Thank Liz, she booked it for me."

"Thanks, Liz." I grab her hand. She nods at me, then walks back to the table.

"I have to go back tomorrow, but I'm here for now, tell me what I can do to help."

"Just stay with me, that's all I want. That's more than I even expected."

I hold his hand and lead him to the table. We finish the meeting, he holds my hand under the table the entire time. He only talks once, asking something legal related. "Sorry, don't mind me, not my place."

"No, no, please we don't mind, any input you have, please share." My publicist Kelly responds.

We come up with some plans of how to try to calm the rumors down. Everyone leaves, it's just me and Matty.

"You came." I look at him, the exhaustion from the day finally reaching the breaking point. Tears fall down my face. "I feel so bad, you just took a long flight home and then you immediately came all the way back on another long flight." He wraps one arm around me, pulling me sideways into him. I rest my head on his shoulder. "Why did you do that?" I cry.

"Because it's you." He says softly. "And I just couldn't do nothing." He wipes away some of my tears.

"Thank you." I swing my arm around him and hug him tight.

"I'm here for you, just like you're always there for me." He kisses the top of my head. "Let's go upstairs, love."

"I could use a bath."

"I'll draw you one, then." He kisses my head again, then he leads me upstairs to my bedroom. He gets the water going. "Do you want anything, a book, food, drink, tv?"

"Maybe some wine." I say. "I'm sorry, it's all the way downstairs, don't bother."

"It's not a bother, I'm here for you. I can't imagine how this must feel right now."

"Thank you." I squeeze his hand.

I wait for the water to get high enough to get in while he grabs wine. I strip out of my clothes, then wash my face with cleanser. The water is high enough now, so I step in.

"Alright, love. Here you go." He is holding two glasses and the bottle of white he knows I like. He sets them down and pours two glasses, handing me one.

He sits on the floor next to the tub. "Thank you. Aren't you gonna join?"

"I was just gonna let you be. Plus, I smell like plane right now."

"Just hop in the shower real quick, if you want, then join me, please."

"Alright, if you don't mind."

"A free shower show? I don't mind." I grin at him. He kisses me before stripping out of his clothes and getting in the shower. He's much quicker in there without me, who'd've thunk?

Three minutes later, he's stepping into the tub, right behind me. He smells good, it's the soap I bought for him earlier this week. As soon as he settles around me, I let out a deep breath. I didn't realize he has such a calming influence on me, I mean, not like this. Not in this type of situation.

"How are you feeling?" He asks.

"Stressed, tired. But I feel better with you here, I don't think I can explain just how much you being here makes a difference for me."

"I'm glad to hear that. The stress, hopefully that will go away soon. And we'll get a good nights sleep, face tomorrow as best we can."

"Mmm. I'll sleep well with you next to me."

"And I have a feeling things will turn around tomorrow."

"I like that you think that, I could use some of that hope. But unfortunately, I've been moved up and down the flagpole of public opinion so much, it really doesn't matter. Jack will just find another way to get to me."

"Oh, my love." He presses his cheek to mine. "I know your goodness, the world does too, even if they're forgetting right now."

"I love you."

"I love you, too." He kisses my temple.

The next morning, I wake up late. Matty is already out of bed. I find him downstairs in the kitchen, on his laptop with a cup of coffee. He's talking on the phone, he smiles and waves as I enter. I kiss him on the cheek, then make a cup of coffee for myself.

By the time I sit down, his call is over. "Good morning."

"Good morning." I give him a real kiss this time. "I slept so late."

"You needed it."

"I did."

"Did you see the news this morning?" He asks, grinning.

"No, why?"

He turns his laptop to show me. It's a video from the Met. There's background noise, but you can clearly hear the entire interaction Matt and I had with Jack inside. Someone must've sneakily recorded it, filming is not allowed.

After it finishes, Matt explains, "I actually saw someone acting a little weird as if they were recording us right as Jack walked away and I remembered who they were with. So I asked Liz to do some asking around and some digging, and somehow, someone, somewhere, released this video footage. And everyone is learning how nice of a chap Jack really is, and how, based on this interaction, that little story yesterday is almost certainly fabricated."

The stress lifts off my shoulders. Goosebumps cover my body. "I'm so relieved." I sigh. "But even more than that, I'm so in awe of you. Thank you, you really are my hero."

"I'm just glad I was able to help, I didn't want to get your hopes up last night, but that's what I was alluding to when I said I thought things would get better."

"You're incredible. I love you." I jump up and hug him, he hugs me back.

"Love you, too, baby." He kisses me.

"Were these flowers here last night?" I ask, noticing the fresh bouquet on the table.

"No, they're from me. I picked them up on the way here last night, but left them in the garage when I came in."

I think I might melt from his sweetness. "You're adorable, oh my gosh." I kiss him in thanks. "Thank you."

"Just happy I got to be here for you, and happy the situation seems to be resolved."

"What time is your flight?"

"At 3. I'll try to sleep on the flight, then I can head straight to work when I land. So don't worry, I've only really missed half a day. Speaking of which, I should make this call."

"Ok, I'll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything, Matty." I give him a quick kiss, then get up.

I call Liz, we go over a few things and then I ask her to make sure Matt's in first class on the way back. Knowing him, he probably flew coach, much like when I offered to upgrade him when he flew home the other day. He can afford it himself, but won't get it for himself, so it's up to me to make sure he has no choice this time. He did all this for me, the least I can do is make him at least somewhat comfortable enough to get a good sleep on the flight.

That afternoon, I get a text from him.

You didn't need to do that, but thank you. Sleep well, love. I know I will now. x

Since I'm filming in Vancouver for three months, I won't be able to visit him until mid August, just in time for his birthday. Thankfully, I'll be able to spend a bit of time there with him. I don't have any commitments until October, just meetings and audition tapes and little things I don't need to leave England for.

***

***Matt's Point of View***

August 15th

"Matty!" I see Eric coming out of the terminal. He runs up and hugs me.

"Hey, my love." I hug him back. There's a few cameras, he warned me there would be. But I don't care. I wanted to pick up my boyfriend at the airport, so I am here, regardless of any cameras.

"Two months, I'm not leaving this country for two whole months. And no filming, I'm all yours."

"Let's get you home." I grab his suitcase and carry on, leading the way.

Back in my apartment, there's fresh flowers and some of his favorite foods on the counter. "Matty...you're spoiling me too much."

"Welcome home." I kiss his temple. "And yes, I want you to call this place home. It's not your place in the Hollywood Hills, but..."

"But it's better." He gushes, making me feel so proud.

"My family can't wait to see you again." I roll his suitcase down the hall. He follows me into the room. "They're holding a dinner for my birthday on Saturday the 18th."

"I'm excited to see them too. And I'm excited to meet your friends on Friday. I feel bad I never got to meet them earlier this year."

"Don't' feel bad, they understand. And Sam has threatened them all not to grill you, and since we're all scared of Sam, they should be on their best behavior."

"But I want them on their regular behavior. That's where I'll get all the stories about your wild college days." He teases.

"I was quite the same when I was in Uni. No wild side."

"No? Not even one shirtless dance on a bar counter?"

I chuckle. "That's what you pictured me doing during my uni days?" I ask.

"Well, it was just an example." He's bashful.

"God." I look up at the ceiling. "I've missed you and your adorable self." I hug him again. "Now, I'm gonna make us some lunch. If you want to nap or shower or watch tv, do whatever you'd like. But food in 20."

"I think I'll shower, thanks."

"And then we could go for a walk in St. James' if you'd like. Or go shopping, or go to the cinemas, you name it."

"Could we have a picnic in the park for lunch?"

"Brilliant. Yes, I'll get that set while you shower."

In the park, we spread out a big blanket and open up the big wicker basket. Not to brag, but I've made a lovely spread of fruit and cheese, some sandwiches, and cookies.

It's a perfect, slightly hot summer day in London. There's dozens of other groups of people relaxing on the beautiful green grass. Some are feeding the ducks at the edge of the pond. It's almost like it's out of a movie, that's how pretty the scene around us is.

"This is delicious, you're a real chef."

"Thank you, glad you're enjoying it. It's nice to be out of the office on a weekday. These parks can get mobbed, especially on the weekends."

"I see why, it's so pretty here."

"See that row of houses down there?" I point to a nearby street of beautiful white townhouses, all with black iron gates and pretty flower boxes in front. "I would come here as a kid and see them, and think they were the biggest, prettiest buildings in the city. I'd see the perfect families and dream of living in one with my perfect little family, though, even then I knew I wanted a husband and not a wife." I look down at my own hands, I've unconsciously been rolling the stem of a weed flower in my hand.

"They're beautiful, and that dream is beautiful. I don't think I was as young as you, but I knew I didn't know what I wanted."

"And now?"

"And now I want you." He says matter of factly. My face scrunches into a big smile.

"I love you."

"I love you." He pops a grape in his mouth.

We enjoy the scenery as we eat the rest of our lunch.

"I ate too much." I declare. "My stomach might burst." I rub my stomach. "I think I should have a lie down." I slowly lean into him, further and further until I've fall over onto his lap.

"You poor thing." He laughs.

I grab his arm and put it on my stomach. He naturally brings his other hand to my head, caressing it.

"There's photographers behind those bushes." He informs me.

"Sorry, I'll get up." I start to sit up, but he keeps me down.

"No, don't. Unless you care. Just wanted you to know."

"Thanks, let them watch, the cheeky pervs." I declare. He looks down at me, our sunglasses making it hard for eye contact. "We're really doing thrilling stuff here."

"Oh, yes. We've run wild." He grins. "Oh, what do you want for your birthday? I'm still waiting for your answer."

"I don't want anything. There's nothing I need, I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life."

"Your sweetness is so enduring, but you didn't answer my question."

"Fine. I want a full day of you wearing your glasses."

He pulls his sunglasses up so I can see his eyes, a look of 'are you kidding me' on his face. "Alright, if that's really what you want. Weirdo." He pulls his sunglasses back down.

"Nerd." I retort. He pulls on my hair a little, making me laugh.

My birthday arrives, I'm woken up bright and early by an adorably half-naked Eric. I usually take my time scanning the length of his beautiful body, but today, I don't. I'm stuck on his face, his beautiful face, he's wearing his glasses. The black rims of his glasses perfectly compliment his stunning cheekbones, already a shade more red than usual. "Good morning, birthday boy!" He's now straddling my lap, smiling at me. I'm suddenly much more aware that the only thing he has on is a skimpy pair of white underwear.

"Good morning!" I smile back at him. He lowers himself and gives me a long, passionate kiss. I make a very audible moan when he pulls off of me. "Can you pass me my phone please?"

He leans over and grabs it off the bedside table. He hands it to me, I immediately unlock it and snap a photo of him.

"Hey!" He turns his face to hide.

"No, you're so cute I need a photo to remember this day!"

"You're so annoying!" He throws a pillow between us.

"Hmm, is that really how you want to treat your boyfriend on his birthday?" My voice thick with sass as I ask this.

He drops the pillow. "You're a dick." He frowns at me, but he looks so cute even when frowning that it doesn't really make me feel bad.

"Fine, I won't take any pictures of you." I drop my phone.

"Fine, you can take one. But let me get dressed first."

"Another loss for the birthday boy."

"I just don't need a stupid hacker to hack your phone and see a photo that looks somewhat compromising and then leak it to the media who will proceed to call it a full blown sex tape."

I'd never thought about it like that. It makes me feel sad that he's always thinking like that. His brain chemistry has been altered in ways mine might never be.

I shake the thoughts and quickly think of something to make him laugh. "Love, I hate to break it to you, but I'm fairly confident there are more compromising photos of you on my phone." I pull up an album of silly photos of him I've been stockpiling. They are all very wholesome, but in each one he is making a silly face or in a silly position. "Like these..." I swipe through the album to show him. "Hmm, yeah, that's a keeper." I say on one where he has bulging eyes and looks like he's imitating a T-Rex. "Damn, I get to sleep next to that gorgeous beauty every night." It's a photograph of him in an oversized onesie with a face mask on.

"Today I might not be able to touch you, but tomorrow you are so dead." He shakes his head but I see his smile.

"It's settled, then." I set my phone down and focus on him.

"Sorry, I know that's such a random thing to be worried about. And it's your birthday, no stupid thoughts like that."

"I appreciate you explaining your concerns. It helps me understand you more, and that's what I want. The more I understand you, the better of a partner I can be."

"That extra year is already making you more emotionally intelligent." He grins.

"Oi, I've always been this emotionally intelligent."

"Eh..." He shrugs playfully. I hit him with a pillow.

"Compliments only! And preferably over breakfast!"

"Am I not filling enough?" He smirks. "What would you like?"

"Pancakes. With fruit. And a massive cuppa."

In the kitchen, both in comfy clothes now, he makes me what I requested. I'm able to get a cute photo of him over the stovetop, flipping a pancake and looking up at me with a side eye, his glasses half way down his nose.

The day goes by so quickly, it's so lovely spending it with him. And now, my mates are here for a lovely birthday dinner.

Sam is going around introducing Eric to the others. She must've scared them well, they are all very calm and unlike themselves.

"And, remind me, why have you decided to date this wanker?" Tom asks Eric as I approach.

"I'd like to hear this, myself." I say.

"Because he's great." Eric answers. "And he has a really BIG...heart." He jokes.

"Okay, fair enough."

"But in all seriousness, he's just a genuinely good human and he's funny and not full of himself."

"You tell me if he hurts you." Tom tells Eric. "I'll hunt him for ya."

"What about me? You gonna hunt Eric if he hurts me, your mate of 20 years?"

"And why would I want to do that?" Tom asks nonchalantly, playing the joke very well.

Dinner goes well, everyone laughs and eats way more than necessary.

"Alright, let's get down to business." I announce. "Game time!" I pull out Monopoly.

"All 6 of us. No alliances, no thievery. Pure deal making capitalism."

Sam shakes her head. "This is gonna ruin our first impression as a group for Eric."

"Eric, prepare yourself. You're about to see a new side of them." I tell him. "The real them. No more good behavior."

"Don't get intimidated, we are all aggressive when it comes to games." Ali warns Eric.

"Don't scare him, we're not that bad." Grace tells off Ali.

"Guys, you've got this wrong." I hold my hand out to settle the group down. "Eric, here, sweet little Eric isn't so innocent. No, he's just as evil as the rest of you. And me."

They all just look at Eric, not sure if I'm telling the truth.

"He's telling the truth, I'm quite a competitive person." Eric chimes in.

"Yeah, but you're so nice, we're gonna crush you." Tom said.

An hour and a half later, Eric is taking the last of Tom's money and he's officially won. "I warned you all!" I chuckle.

"Okay, fine, maybe you guys are a perfect match." Grace says. "You two deserve each other after that game."

"I just had to land on all of his properties, ridiculous." I'm still a little annoyed that he managed to mostly avoid my expensive properties.