Chapter Text
Hurt, betrayal, heartbreak, all of those feelings passed through Joe as his hands wrapped around Beck's throat. Joe squeezed so tight that she looked like a fish out of water. Her eyes were pleading, undeniably terrified of the end because Joe had no choice. She was never going to love him back.
Beck saw everything he did for her and retreated from him. She saw the cage as a prison, rather than an opportunity to see it all from his perspective. Joe wasn't a monster, he was the best boyfriend Beck ever had. And now he was the last she ever would have .
"I'm sorry, Beck. I'm sorry it had to come to this." Joe released his hands and stared down at the woman he tried to love. Her eyes were lifeless and her mouth was still agape as she laid there dead on the floor of the basement.
I really wish you loved me the same, Beck.
4 months later
"Joe, I have to leave early because I've got a wedding to plan. Can you believe it? I'm getting married to the woman of my dreams! Catch you later, amigo!"
Ethan and Blythe's romance was occasionally nauseating, but tolerable for the most part. Joe would go to their wedding and know the food would likely be kale and tofu skewers. Joe opened up a box of books that he needed to put out, only to be distracted by the sound of the bell.
Lately the customers were just annoying millennials looking for memoirs written by shallow and or shitty celebrities who soak up attention like a sponge. Joe stood up and watched the customer walk in and his heart dropped.
Hello…you.
The customer walked into the store wearing a navy blue coat. He was…gorgeous to say the least. Joe noticed how golden the man's hair was, how he radiated confidence with every stride. For a moment Joe could've sworn the man winked at him before walking further into Mooney's. Joe ignored his duties to follow the man, just so he could get a better look.
The way you walk. How you look from behind…I'm sorry but I can't help but notice your body. You want me to undress you in my mind. Your pants are tight right where they need to be and your legs are perfect.
Joe checked the books on a random shelf to play it off like he wasn't indeed following the man. He watched from the corner of his eye as the man thumbed through the memoir section. The way his eyes were carefully trained like he was trying to find the perfect book.
I know you're not one of those assholes looking to read a book by one of the Kardashians. You seem sophisticated.
From the corner of his eye, Joe noticed the man coming towards him and Joe wasn’t fully prepared for the voice that came out of the stranger.
" Hi."
You have an accent. British to be exact. What are you doing in New York?
Joe looked up to find the man smirking at him like he knew all his secrets."Hi. Sorry if I seemed uh, shifty. It's been a long day. I'm Joe Goldberg, I'm the manager."
"Nice to meet you, Joe. I'm Rhys Montrose. I'm staying in New York for a while and someone recommended I check out this bookstore. They said something about you having some of the best rare books in the city. And also that you carry a lot of Stephen King," Rhys chuckled and Joe couldn't help but get caught up in the sound of his laugh.
You keep biting your lip, Rhys. You want me to notice that.
"We certainly do and if you're looking for anything specific, I'll see what I can do for you."
Again with that look. Are you thinking about what I'm thinking about?
"Are you busy tonight?" Rhys got closer and gave Joe a look that was shamelessly flirtatious. His eyes were practically twinkling and maybe that was just because of the illumination in Mooney's. But it didn't matter because Joe was captivated anyway.
We just met and you're already wanting to see me again. I have to say that I'm shocked, Rhys. I had to chase Beck and woo her. But you're not like her. You're different.
Joe's eyes widened and his cheeks flushed red. "Excuse me?"
"I asked if you were free tonight. I'm getting bored of eating alone at the hotel restaurant and I wouldn't mind some company. My treat, of course and if you're not interested that's alright. I know we just met but I get a sense about you."
You have no idea how interested I am, Rhys.
"Believe it or not, I have zero plans for tonight.”
“Marvelous. What’s your number? I’ll text you and we can meet later."
I can’t believe this is happening. I’m meeting someone new, in the same bookstore that I met Beck. Only this time it won't go how it did with her. I get a sense about you too, Rhys.
The moment that Joe got home, he couldn’t stop thinking about Rhys fucking him in his living room. He pictured Rhys pressing him down into the cushions, working him open until he was leaking and begging for it.
Joe had fantasized about men before, but he'd never had experiences. Mr. Mooney wasn't exactly what one might call a very progressive person. So Joe shoved down any desires that bubbled up throughout the years. But Rhys made him want to explore that side of himself.
Rhys, you are special. You make me feel like real love is possible. What I had with Beck wasn't true, because she didn't love me the way I loved her. She didn't accept me for who I am. But I believe you can.
Joe let his fantasies run wild about Rhys touching him and telling him how much they belong together. He would run his fingers through Joe's hair like he was the most precious thing in the world. And they would kiss like it was the first time. Joe pictured Rhys pressing his body against his, letting him feel how hard he was for him.
He slipped a hand down his pants and started rubbing aggressively to the thought of Rhys biting his bottom lip. Joe closed his eyes and the image of Rhys giving him that look made him moan out loud.
You wanted me to think about this. You're clever that way and I appreciate it. Oh the things I want to do to you, Rhys. And the things I want you to do to me make my head sing. Are you thinking about me too? Are you stroking yourself to the thought of me?
Joe came inside his jeans like a horny virgin and wondered if he would last long with Rhys during their first time.
I want to be good for you, Rhys. Will I be? Will you moan just as loudly when I touch you? When I touch your ass which is definitely grabbable. Fuck, I sound like a horny old man…but can you blame me? You wanted me to notice your body.
Joe changed into different clothes and made certain to look presentable for Rhys. He didn’t want to look unimpressive on their first date. Joe even sprayed himself with the overpriced cologne he bought a few weeks ago. It had hints of sandalwood that Joe hoped Rhys would like.
I know. It’s a little soon and maybe this isn’t a date for you…yet. But when we look back months from now, we’ll call this our first unofficial date. We’ll laugh about how we were nervous, but you will smile and tell me it was all worth it in the end. Maybe you’ll even take me back to London to meet the people you love. I did some digging, Rhys and it turns out you are the son of a Duke. I didn't expect that. You also want to write a memoir and I can’t wait to help you.
Just as he was about to leave his apartment, Joe felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. He felt his heart leap when he saw a text from Rhys that said to meet him somewhere else.
Joe: Where?
Rhys: can you meet me outside of Mooney’s and we’ll walk to the restaurant together?
Joe: Gladly. I’ll see you soon, Rhys.
Rhys: see you soon, Joe xo
I’m not trying to read too much into that, Rhys. But you’re making it really hard for me to think this night will end with us just saying goodnight. You would be my first. My first time with a man at least and I’m delighted that it’s you. I hope you’re not too rough with me…at first at least.
Joe’s breath was taken away when he saw Rhys walking down the street towards him. He was wearing a black jacket paired with dark wash jeans and a plain white t-shirt. The outfit wasn't extravagant, but Joe thought Rhys looked beautiful. Actually, he looked hot and Joe almost wanted to say it.
The look on Rhys’ face was nervous, and it made Joe smirk because it meant he anticipated this. Nothing could ruin this night. The heavens could rain blood and rats could invade the streets and Joe would still be elated.
They walked together and talked about all sorts of things. These included how long Rhys has been in New York, what he’s enjoyed most, what London is like, and the books on Rhys’ reading list. Joe hasn’t felt this at peace with someone in…well he never has. He put more effort into his relationship with Candace than she did. Beck was childish and couldn’t love him the way he loved her. He hadn't opened his heart until now. Nobody else caught Joe’s eye until Rhys.
Joe’s eyes wandered from Rhys’ blond hair that was styled perfectly, his lips that curled into the sweetest smile, the freckles that you had to look really closely to see, blue eyes that Joe could get lost in, and that accent…Joe could get lost in Rhys all night.
It took them a bit of walking to get to where Rhys wanted to take them. And Joe was surprised to find that Rhys took them to a shop that sold fried chicken.
“I know it’s not fancy, but their chicken is marvelous and I didn’t want to take you to some stuffy restaurant,” Rhys explained with a nervous smile on his face. “We can go somewhere else if you’re not interested - “
Joe briefly grabbed Rhys’ hand before pulling away to avoid frightening him. “I have no problem eating here. In fact I might feel less like a fish out of water and I’m not exactly dressed for a fancy restaurant.”
“I doubt they would have said anything. My father knows the hotel owner, he actually golfs with him when he travels to London. Not to be one of those people, especially not when I didn’t grow up rich. But we can discuss that later. Let's get some food in us first. Again, my treat.”
You are fascinating, Rhys. And I want to peel back all your layers.
“My mother wasn’t the most stable woman and my childhood was difficult to say the least. When she died it was one of the most devastating moments of my life. And it’s gotten easier to talk about over the years. I’m actually planning to write a memoir and hopefully it won’t be total shite.” Rhys took a sip of his orange soda and Joe watched his throat bob.
Joe gave Rhys a look that he wished someone gave him. A look of understanding without an ounce of pity because neither of them enjoyed being pitied. “I’m sorry about your mom and what you’ve been through. I’ve been through some horrible shit too and I didn't have a stable mother either. At least we have each other to talk to about it, right?”
The sudden feeling of Rhys’ shoe brushing against his ankle under the table made Joe blink. He looked up at Rhys who wasn’t giving anything away in his face. Rhys nodded and drank his soda.
“I never thought I’d meet someone like you, Joe. What we have in common is rare. I don’t take it for granted. I know we just met earlier today and all. So don’t take this weird, but I feel like you really get me.”
I want to kiss you so bad, Rhys. I want to have my moment in the rain with you where it's just us.
He gasped when Rhys reached down and gripped Joe’s knee with a smirk on his face. In Joe’s fantasy, he would reach across the table and pull Rhys towards him. They would kiss and Joe would taste salt and orange soda on Rhys’ tongue. Everything would stop for them.
Reality smacked Joe in the face when Rhys removed his hand and asked if he wanted to get out of there.
Please tell me you want to come back to mine.
The rest of the evening consisted of Rhys touching him a lot, but not giving him much else. It was confusing and frustrating, but Joe could work with it. He would show Rhys that there was no need to tease. They were perfect for each other.
Rhys hailed them a cab that he insisted on paying for. And when the cab stopped outside Joe's apartment complex, Joe asked Rhys if he wanted to come in.
“I’d love to but I have some flats I need to check out tomorrow. I’m planning to stay for a while and then go back to London when I’m ready. Sorry I didn’t mention that earlier. I’ll text you to let you know I got back safely.”
“It’s alright, Rhys. I had fun tonight and I’m glad I met you.”
They both locked eyes and that’s when Rhys leaned in with a dreamy look in those fantastically blue eyes.
This is it. Our moment. I didn’t even kiss Beck this early into things. You don’t know how much I’ve been thinking about this all night.
Instead of kissing him, Rhys leaned into Joe’s ear and told him he couldn't wait for their second date. Before lightly kissing Joe’s neck and leaning over Joe’s body to open the door for him. Joe chuckled a little bit before telling Rhys he’d talk to him later.
You keep teasing me, Rhys. Are you uncertain about me? If you are then I'm going to do my best to make it so you won't be. I'm the one for you and I'm going to prove it.
As soon as Joe got inside his apartment he felt beyond pent up. He flopped onto his bed and immediately took off his jeans and boxers so he could jerk off aggressively to the thought of Rhys’ lips against his neck. How good he smelled up close and the way he smirked in a way that was nothing short of flirtatious.
Joe thought about pinning Rhys down on the bed and pressing his hard on against Rhys’ thigh. So then he could see how hard he was for him, how badly he wanted to be underneath him, on top of him, all over him. Rhys would gasp at the feeling and Joe would smile as he took off Rhys' pants. He would make Rhys wait for the inevitable moment of him touching Rhys' dick for the first time.
You probably look like a God without clothes on. I can't wait to see you exposed for me, vulnerable.
Joe thumbed at his head and moaned as he spread the pre-cum around. He couldn't help but think about Rhys doing it for him and how he would lean down and taste him. His phone dinged beside his head and it was a text from Rhys telling him he had made it home safe. Followed by a voice message that said “Thanks for the date. I’m headed to bed now, sweet dreams Joe.” And somehow just hearing Rhys’ voice made Joe cum all over his hand.
I hope you have sweet dreams too, Rhys. I know I’ll be dreaming of you.