[personal profile] jule1122
Title: Deeper Than Skin
Fandom and Pairing: Figure Skaing RPF Ben Agosto/Johnny Weir
Rating: PG
Timeline: Summer 2008
Summary: Stephane’s arrival gets Johnny thinking
Notes: For [livejournal.com profile] mosca. Someday I’ll have your birthday fic. Title taken from the Barenaked Ladies song “Beautiful.”
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I have no personal knowledge of any one in this story. No harm is intended and no money is being made.


Johnny wasn’t sure if he was more surprised by Stephane kissing him, or by the fact that he kissed him back.

He knew why he did it, of course. Sometimes he’d be skating, and out of the corner of his eye he’d catch sight of a dark figure flying across the ice. And just for a second, there would be something in the movement, the line of the body, or maybe simply Johnny’s habit of watching for another dark haired skater, and he’d think it was someone else out there on the ice. It was just a second, but long enough for his heart to speed up, for his body to anticipate kisses, and more.

But now that he was being kissed, it was all wrong. The scent was different, the angle was off, there was no teasing, no laughter between kisses. He didn’t feel stubble against his cheek. Johnny pulled back, “Sorry.”

Stephane cocked his head and feigned confusion, “You didn’t like? We could try again.” He smiled and took a step forward.

Johnny rolled his eyes. He’d known Stephane was a flirt, but he hadn’t realized how obvious of one until it was directed at him. “No, it’s not that. It’s just I’m with someone.”

Stephane immediately dropped back, his expression contrite. “I’m sorry. I did not know.”

“It’s okay,” Johnny waved away his apology. “It’s pretty new.” Only since Harlem when Ben told him he’d being coming to PA alone. “Not many people know.”

“Friends are good, though?”

“Friends are great,” Johnny surprised himself again by giving Stephane a quick hug. “Have a great trip.” They were both leaving the next day for shows. Johnny grabbed his bag and waved on his way out.

He spent the drive home thinking about how that moment with Stephane had clarified some things for him. He’d been careful so far with Ben not to give too much of his feelings away. Johnny had learned the hard way to guard his heart, and knowing Ben had never had a relationship with a man before made him even more cautious. But he realized that the choice to be with him, the choice to find a way to make it work despite the need for secrecy, despite their schedules, despite the fact that training and the Olympics had to come first, said more about his feeling than any words could.

When he got home, he looked at the clock and did some quick calculations. Ben should be up. “I miss you,” he said in lieu of a greeting.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Stephane kissed me.” Johnny wanted to downplay it. He knew Ben’s insecurities, but the kiss wasn’t really the important part.

“I’m surprised it took him this long,” Ben laughed.

Johnny wasn’t sure if he should be relieved or annoyed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Stephane’s always looking for sex. How did you not know this?”

“Just because I don’t spend all my time gossiping with the other ice dancers,” Johnny began defensively.

“Not all my time,” Ben said, cutting him off. “And that’s how I know things like Stephane has slept with almost every male ice dancer who’s gay, bi, or not picky.”

“Including you?” Ben had never been specific about what other guys he’d slept with.

“I always had Merrie,” Ben said quietly.

“And if you hadn’t?” Johnny asked, not sure what he wanted to hear.

“Like I said, Stephane’s always looking for sex. I’ve never been interested in anything that casual.”

Johnny leaned back on the couch, relaxing for the first time during the conversation. “I understand.”

“Good,” Ben replied warmly.

“So how’s Korea?”

“It sucks right now. Most of the other skaters aren’t here yet. Do you think Stephane will feel guilty enough about kissing my boyfriend to act as my beard?”

“What?” Johnny asked, laughing and sitting up again.

“Baldwin’s not here, and I need a buffer between me, Tannith, and ‘Ev,’ or I’m going to end up killing someone.”

“Poor baby,” Johnny teased. “Stuck with America’s first couple of figure skating.”

“You’re so not funny. And I have to go. I’ll talk to you soon. Thanks for calling.”

“Yeah, soon. Bye.” Johnny hung up and wondered if he could get Stephane to deliver a few surprises to Ben. Having Stephane around might work out better than he’d thought.

Date: 2008-07-23 12:09 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
I don't think I've ever read figure skating RPS before -- you've popped a cherry for me. ;-) I enjoyed it!

Date: 2008-07-23 06:37 pm (UTC)
ext_7696: (johnny and ben are totally in the same f)
From: [identity profile] mosca.livejournal.com
I feel like I should be giving coherent feedback about how emotionally honest this piece is, but I... just really like the idea of Stephane as Ben's beard.

Thank you for this. It is wonderful.

Date: 2008-07-23 07:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jule1122.livejournal.com
you've popped a cherry for me
I'm honored. Seriously, thank you so much for giving this a chance. I don't know how much sense it makes if you don't know the skaters, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Date: 2008-07-23 08:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jule1122.livejournal.com
I'm so glad you liked this! I figured Ben needed someone to hang out with in Korea and using Stpehane helped wrap the story up.

Date: 2008-07-23 11:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
Well, I do know who the skaters are (though not too much about their personal lives). I love figure skating. :-)

Date: 2008-07-24 01:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jule1122.livejournal.com
I ama huge skating fan. Who are your favorite skaters?

Date: 2008-07-24 02:15 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
I don't watch as much as I used to, so many of my all-time favorites are retired now -- Kurt Browning, Kristi Yamaguchi, Ilia Kulik, Gordeeva and Grinkov, Bourne and Kraatz, Michelle Kwan. I'm also a fan of Sale and Pelletier -- not sure if they're skating these days or not? Of the more recent crop, Sasha Cohen (when she's on) is one of the most exquisite skaters I've ever seen. Belbin and Agosto are lovely. I really like Evan Lysacek's heart. Evgeny Plushenko blows me away.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but those are the ones coming to mind. :-) You?

Date: 2008-07-24 02:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
Oh, and Elvis Stojko! *hearts him*

Date: 2008-07-24 10:19 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jule1122.livejournal.com
We have pretty similar taste is older skaters. I love Kurt Browning, Gordeeva/Grinkov will own me forever, and I haven't really loved a ladies skater since Michelle Kwan. I tend to favor ice dance and pairs. Some of my other favorites: Torvill/Dean, Anissina/Peizerat, Rocca/Sur and of course Belbin/Agosto. In pairs I liked Ina/Zimmerman, Shen/Zhao, and Berezshanya/Sikharulisze. There is a good American pair now too McLaughlin/Brubaker. In men's I don't like Plushenko or Lysacek for stylistic reason, but love Yagudin and Weir. I also really like Stephane Lambiel, Jeff Buttle, and Daisuke Takahasi. As you can tell I watch a lot of skating. I'm very excited for the new season and am actually going to US nationals this year.

Date: 2008-07-26 02:59 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
Oooh, so awesome that you're going to Nationals!! I will have to tune in more often this year. I miss figure skating. (Though I'm limited sometimes since I don't have cable and can only watch when things are aired on ABC or another basic network.)
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