Seeing the Thing

Chapter 9

warnings: angst, fluff, panic attacks, and smut

***

Tom: u up?

Tom: Do you like my costume

Tom: I got to put on the winter pants and coat

Tom: but i think this makes a good first few layers

Tom: what do you think???

You roll your eyes as you place your computer on your desk before sitting back down on your bed.

You: did anyone tell you it's rude to send a thousand messages instead of just one long one?

Tom: i only sent 5

Tom: do i need to send 995 more???

Tom: okay i get your point

Tom: but this is how i talk

Tom: text whatever

Tom: I think I look hot

You sigh, he does look hot. That wasn't the problem. He looked like an annoying fuck boy. Which wasn't that far off from the truth.

Tom: do you think I look hot??

You: you're so fucking annoying

Tom: come sit on my face and shut me up

Tom: that's totally a yes btw

Tom: come on, come visit and check it out in person

Those last three texts were sent in quick succession and you did a double-take at the first one.

Your fingers hovered over the screen to type but you genuinely had no words.

***

Tom smacked himself at his first text. Too forward. Way too forward.

He watched as the grey bubbles popped up and then disappeared several times. He knew you weren't going to respond, probably weirded out.

He sent the next two texts and had several drafts after that.

I'm sorry

No, he knew how if he didn't specify what he was sorry for you'd give him shit and that was the last thing he needed right now.

That was weird just ignore that

Nope, you wouldn't be able to ignore that so it was pointless to suggest it.

He attempted to think of another thought, anything really to relieve the tension he felt rising in his chest.

Maybe he'd wait for you to respond. It was a strategic plan, other than the fact that your possible responses were gnawing at his insides.

***

You were about to respond, a quick omw because fuck it right? When your phone died.

So you hastily changed into a matching set of underwear, white with a lilac lace trim, determined to confront him about his message in person since your poorly timed phone dying left you no other choice.

You took a deep breath as you smoothed down your T-shirt, you weren't going to let your nerves get the best of you, not today. It's been nearly a year since you've had sex and although yes, you would admit that you wanted to have sex with Tom, you had no idea if you were ready. So after brushing through your hair quickly you figured you would show up at his dorm, work through whatever haze of feelings were bubbling up inside you, and make your decision then. You checked your phone to see if he replied, if actually wanted you to go to his dorm or if he was fucking with you.