Level the Playing Field

Distance

A/n: enjoy I guess?

Water droplets trickle down her body from the gentle spray of  the shower head above. The liquid swirls around rapidly at the opening of the drain. The water tinges pink for a brief moment and she wants to throw up, a shiver racing up her spine. Not because of any profound feeling of dread after what she just did, but simply because blood makes her queasy. A big, warm hand clutches at her chin, tilting her face upward. Jude's brows are furrowed in concern.

"Do you regret it?" His voice floats softly between them, barely louder than the water hitting against the tub.

"Um... not really." She keeps her eyes on his chest as she answers. And wow, he's divine. His physique is the type that would've inspired ancient sculptures. From the width of his shoulders to the narrowing of his hips, body lithe and muscular.

"What do you mean?" The insecurity is subtle but still noticeable.

"Not for the reasons you think. I just..." she drops her head against his wet chest.

"Just what, Sadé?" He asks impatiently though his hand massages the back of her neck.

"It was so good, Jude. Why was it so good? It's just going to make everything harder for me." She confesses quietly. He doesn't respond, he just continues to rub at every inch of her body he can reach. The steam is starting to make the small space too humid.

"We should wash up, it's starting to get stuffy in here." Sadé makes no move to get out of his arms despite her words. She's feeling particularly clingy and she has a slight idea why.

"You have to stop hugging me for that." He says with a chuckle.

"Ugh, don't wanna yet."

"The faster we're done here the faster we'll be in bed cuddling."

That's all she needed to hear.

**********

Mikayla [9:10 pm]: Are you okay?! I heard you scream like you're being murdered.

The message was sent thirty minutes ago and she knows her friend well enough to know she's probably a pacing, anxious mess waiting for her response. Was I really that loud?

Sadé [9:41 pm]: I'm fine don't worry

Mikayla [9:41 pm]: Then why did you scream like that?!

She just stares at the message, knowing her friend will eventually realize. She just needs a minute.

Mikayla [9:42]: Oh my God, Sadé?!!

Sadé giggles, tossing her phone to the side to snuggle deeper into Jude's side. She'll tell her friend all about it tomorrow.

"What are you giggling about?" He asks absentmindedly. His chest rumbles against her cheek and Sadé hums at the sensation. She could stay like this for an eternity.

"Nothing, just Mikky."

"She heard you huh?" The smirk on his face is full of mischief. Sadé ducks her head to slap at his bare chest.

"Was I really that loud?"

"I swore you would've shattered the window. I'm really surprised no one called campus security, actually." He says nonchalantly.

"That's so embarrassing." She whines, burrowing her face in his armpit like she wants to merge into his body to hide. She wishes she could.

"Not at all, I like knowing I made you feel that good."

Something flutters in her lower belly.

"I just hope I find someone else just as good. I need it to be like that all the time."