Know Me (College AU)

15. Apprehensive

Fandy tried not to let his relief show to either Zach or Nick, but he was happy to be... home. Zach eagerly ate his plate, then brought the pan to the table to serve Fandy and Nick more before himself. Fandy kissed his cheek, making Zach turn to smile at him.

Nick didn't mind being the third wheel. He couldn't complain, especially not since Zach was such a good cook.

He eventually parted ways at the end of dinner, leaving Zach and Fandy to do the dishes. They worked well, creating a system in which Zach washed, and Fandy dried, putting away as well. They chatted idly while they performed this task.

"We should go for lunch tomorrow." Zach said, then bit his lips. "Sorry I keep bugging you about that. I forget that you're busier than me sometimes."

"Just today." Fandy responded, looking down at the pan he was drying. "Tomorrow we can get lunch."

Zach smiled, draining the sink of water and drying his hands. He then hugged Fandy's back, rubbing his nose against his neck. This made Fandy giggle. "Stop! I'm ticklish!" Zach only tightened his grip, making certain that Fandy couldn't get away.

They stumbled into the bedroom, Zach letting go and pushing Fandy down on the bed. He stood above him, watching the boy open his eyes and catch his breath. He was still giggling when Zach collapsed on him, framing his face with two hands and kissing every inch of it, until Fandy was grinning so widely his cheeks hurt.

Zach pulled away, staring at a breathless Fandy for a second. Suddenly, Fandy spoke, raising his arms to hug Zach closer, still looking him in the eyes.

"You should move in with me." The words felt sweet on his tongue when he said them, and Zach was wide eyed.

"What?" He stared into Fandy's face, trying to find the lie in it. But his aura was completely honest, and Zach had known him long enough to tell when he was joking around or not. "You're serious?"

"Of course I am!" Fandy grinned, moving out from under Zach. "I'm tired of switching dorms every other night. You take your stuff and you move here with me." Zach moved up too, laying beside Fandy now.

"You're sure?" Zach was slightly panicked. They had been dating for less than a month and Fandy was asking him to move in? He felt rushed, but at the same time, he had never felt more right with another person but Fandy.

Fandy answered him by leaning over and kissing him. Zach moved his hands to Fandy waist, running his hands up and down Fandy's t-shirted back. The muscles underneath were firm, a warm heat radiating from that part of his body.

As Zach fell into lust, Fandy fell into guilt. He couldn't get the fact off his mind that he had done something with someone else. Even if it wasn't his fault, he still felt dishonest not telling Zach. Who knows what Chi Chi would try to do next? Would he tell Zach then? When would the last straw be?

Zach pulled away, immediately moving to his neck, kissing down. He paused, looking up at Fandy. "Can I leave a mark?" He kissed again, then muttered against Fandy's Adam's apple. "Wanna let the world know you're mine."

Fandy sighed, the feelings of guilt only worsening as Zach caressed and kissed his body. He grunted in response, allowing Zach to latch onto his neck.

It hurt at first, but then Zach sucked and kissed the spot, the bit it again. He continued this twice more, until the spot on Fandy's neck was bright red and shiny with saliva.

When he pulled away, Fandy's eyes were sad and unreadable. Zach immediately leaned closer, moving a hand upwards and caressing his cheekbone.

"Baby." Zach said, tilting his head to look deeper into Fandy's eyes. "What wrong?"

Fandy sat up, avoiding his eye. He knew if he even glanced at those eyes, he would fall apart and tell Zach everything.

"Fandy." Zach said the name firmly, his eyebrow raising. "I can tell when something is on your mind." Fandy turned, looking at his lips instead of his eyes.

"Nothing's wrong." He muttered, biting his lips. Zach felt as if he looked like a lost puppy. He wondered if it was something he had done. The feeling of lust dissipated quickly, replaced by an apprehensive wonder as he probed further into Fandy's emotions. "Just tired."

"Okay." Zach said, the syllable feeling heavy in his mouth. "Let's get ready for bed, then."

Fandy met forgiving eyes, and almost gave in. "Good idea." He murmured, heading to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Now, Zach was baffled. Fandy's mood had changed three times in the last hour. He thought it would be easier to be with a man than a woman, but Fandy was proving him wrong.

With a frustrated sigh, Zach went to his backpack, changing into grey sweats and a white t-shirt. He still wasn't ready to sleep shirtless with Fandy, especially not tonight, when it felt like Fandy was so delicate he would break at any moment.

They switched places, Fandy changing into pyjamas and Zach brushing his teeth.

Fandy was pulling back the covers when Zach came out of the bathroom, looking like a man on a mission. In three quick steps, he maneuvered around the bedside and wrapped Fandy up in a tight, warm hug.

Fandy hugged him back, burying his face in Zach's shoulder. Zach moved one hand to the back of Fandy's head, holding him there as he whispered into his ear.

"Know that you can trust me." He said. "Know that I'm here for you when you need me. Know that I'm willing to listen to you." He kissed the side of Fandy's head, then released his grip so Fandy could look into his eyes. "Fandy, know me."

Fandy swallowed. It hurt to know he couldn't.