For The Love Of Talent

Asa heard Anthony curse in the bathroom from the bedroom. Since this was a rare occurrence, Asa was curious. He got up and went into the bathroom. 

He leaned against the doorframe and watched Anthony examine himself in the mirror, sighing again. 

Asa asked him gently, "What’s wrong, love?"

Anthony shrugged and rubbed the light stubble on his chin. 

"I let things slide a bit this weekend. I’m going back to work tomorrow morning and I don’t like looking scruffy, which means I have to shave. But I don’t have my razor. So, I’m going to have to go home."

Asa asked kindly, "Don’t you want to use mine?"

He pointed to his shaving kit on a shelf: a straight razor, a shaving brush, and shaving cream, all perfectly maintained.

Anthony chuckled softly and said, "I don't feel confident enough to use this kind of equipment. You might have to take me to the ER because of excessive bleeding."

Asa shook his head.

"Idiot."

He stepped forward, stood behind Anthony, wrapped his arms around his waist, and rested his chin on his shoulder. They shared a tender glance in the mirror as Anthony leaned against Asa.

Asa’s gaze fell on the shaving kit he had shown Anthony. He whispered in Anthony’s ear, "What if I were to do it?"

Anthony turned his head and asked, looking surprised but also longing, "You'd do that for me?"

Asa gently kissed Anthony’s neck, just below his ear, and replied, "Of course. With great pleasure, actually.

Anthony turned around in his arms and nodded. "Okay, you do it."

Asa slid his arms along Anthony’s and took his hands, guiding him to sit on a stool near the bathtub.

He went back to the sink, soaked a towel in warm water, and returned to Anthony; he cupped his chin and dabbed the lower part of his face with the towel before setting it down beside him. Asa returned with shaving cream and applied it to the areas where Anthony’s stubble needed to be shaved.

After putting the cream away, he washed his hands, picked up the razor, and stood facing Anthony. Holding Anthony’s chin with one hand and the razor with the other, Asa locked eyes with him and asked gently, "Do you trust me?"

Without looking away, Anthony replied firmly, "Intimately."

Asa smiled, brushed a light kiss against Anthony’s forehead, and got started.

Anthony watched as his lover brought the blade close to his skin and carefully ran it along the left side of his face. After the second stroke, Anthony closed his eyes, trusting his lover completely.

The only sounds were the razor gliding against his skin and Asa’s soft humming. About fifteen minutes later, Asa let out a satisfied sound. Anthony opened his eyes to see his lover return to the sink with the towel, which he dipped into the warm water once more. Asa returned to Anthony and gently wiped away the remaining shaving cream. Then, cupping Anthony’s chin, he turned his head from left to right to examine the result. With a slight smile on his lips, he murmured, "Perfect."

Anthony had never felt so pampered. He was about to thank Asa, but Asa didn’t give him a chance, capturing his lips in a tender, lingering kiss. Anthony didn’t think for a moment about resisting as their tongues entwined and the kiss shifted from tenderness to something deeper that made everything else disappear. 

He surrendered to his lover’s attentions, wrapping his arms around Asa’s neck and tangling his fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. He pulled Asa closer, anchoring himself in the heat of the moment.

When they pulled apart to catch their breath, they both smiled. Asa traced his fingertips along the freshly shaven line of Anthony’s jaw with a feather-light touch before sliding his thumb over Anthony’s slightly swollen lips.

With a teasing glint in his eyes, he leaned back just enough to survey his work. "There you go, Professor Crowley," he murmured, his voice low and vibrating with mirth. "You look perfectly presentable for your students. Very dignified."

Asa caressed his lover’s chin and continued, "Though I really did love the touch of rebellion that stubble gave you."

A rush of heat rose to Anthony’s neck. He seized Asa’s hand mid-caress, pressing it firmly against his cheek before bringing it to his lips. He kissed the palm of Asa’s hand, gazing deeply into his lover’s eyes while his own darkened with desire. 

Instead of letting go of Asa’s hand, he gently pulled him toward the cozy refuge of the bedroom.

Turning his head toward Asa, he flashed a smile just as teasing as his lover's and said playfully, "How about we make the most of the rest of the weekend? You can check out just how soft my skin feels against yours."

Asa let out a delighted little giggle and let himself be led toward the bedroom.

A few minutes later, the moans and gasps of pleasure echoing from behind the door made it clear that the examination was more than conclusive. 

Much later, they remained entwined, the silence of the room now filled with the soft sound of their breathing returning to normal.

Anthony rested his head on Asa’s chest and playfully rubbed his smooth chin against his lover’s damp skin. 

"So, what’s your verdict after the inspection, Mr. Fell?"

Asa chuckled softly and replied with feigned seriousness, "It's close to perfection, but we'll probably need to conduct more advanced research. There are still a few gray areas that require in-depth study."

He raised his hand and gently caressed his lover’s cheek, tracing the curve of his jaw and lingering on his soft skin. 

"I would be happy to be your test subject again," Asa added. His eyes sparkled with mischief and tenderness as he spoke, provoking a chuckle from his lover that he soon joined.

Then, little by little, the laughter died down, replaced by a soothing sense of contentment. Anthony reached up and captured Asa’s wandering hand, interlacing their fingers. He brought their joined hands to his lover's chest and pinned them gently against it. 

They gradually let themselves be carried away by the gentle drowsiness overtaking them, enjoying the time they had left before the week began again and the daily grind set in.

_________

Still not beta'd (because I want it so)

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

Asa had fallen asleep on the couch and Anthony, who had just finished grading his papers, was emptying the wastebasket when he spotted those words written on a crumpled piece of paper. He immediately recognized Asa’s handwriting. Setting the wastebasket down, he sat against the wall with the crumpled paper in his hands.

Slowly unfolding it, he carefully smoothed it out with his hand and began to read.

Dear Anthony,

You’re probably wondering why I’m writing you a letter when I have much more modern ways to communicate. Or even talk to you. But, as you always say, my slightly old-fashioned side is part of my charm. So what could be more old-fashioned than writing my thoughts down with one of my quill pens?

Anthony smiled tenderly as he ran his fingertips over the words. The old-fashioned nature of certain aspects of Asa’s life was indeed one of his many charms.

Anthony, when you walked into the bookshop, nothing could have prepared me for you. You could say I wasn’t expecting you, or us.

When Derek encouraged me to go after you, I didn’t expect you to come halfway toward me. Honestly, I didn’t expect us to have dinner together, let alone end up where we are today.

I didn’t expect to find a second home.

I’m grateful for many things in my life: for Derek, who looked out for me when I had no one else; for my job, which brings me so much joy; for all the small joys that life brings me daily; for the pastry chefs who are always creating new desserts

Anthony couldn't help but chuckle softly. Asa's love of food, especially sweets, was endearing. It was another one of his many charms, along with his endless capacity to rejoice in the little things that often went unnoticed by others.

and above all, I'm grateful that you love me.

Thank you for loving me, my dear, dear love.

Anthony was almost breathless at this outpouring of love on paper. 

Then, he felt slightly uncomfortable, realizing that what he was reading wasn’t meant to be seen. After all, he’d found it in the trash, meaning Asa hadn’t intended to send it to him.

But there it was, on paper, his lover opening up to him in a way he’d never seen before. Despite his unease, he really wanted to keep reading.

I can hardly believe I'm writing this, but it's true, even if it sounds incredibly sentimental. 

I love being the last person you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning. I also love that you're the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night before closing my eyes.

You’re strong, and I know I can lean on you when I’m weak. But I’m also glad you show me your vulnerabilities. I’m glad to be the only one who knows when you’re hurting, afraid, or doubting yourself. Thank you for letting me be your strength, support, and comfort in those moments. 

I have so much to tell you; a lifetime wouldn't be enough.

Sometimes I wish we had met much sooner so we could have spent even more time together. But then we wouldn't have become who we are today. Besides, it means we have to make the most of all the time we’ve been given.

I could go on and on about how much I love you, but it would take ten pages to explain the depth of my feelings and the reasons behind them. Now that I’ve reached the end of this page, I realize that's an absurd idea. 

I'm going to throw this piece of paper away and tell you all this in person when I have the courage. Not if, but when. 

That courage you gave me the day we met. 

The courage to run after you.

I love you more than anything.

Your Asa.

Anthony dropped the hand holding the letter and leaned his head back against the wall. His cheeks flushed as a gentle smile spread across his lips.

Asa...

Only someone like him could write something like that and make it so endearing. His sweet bookseller.

Anthony stood up, carefully folded the sheet of paper, and slipped it into the back pocket of his jeans. He walked toward the living room and called softly, "Asa?"

There was no answer; Asa must still be asleep. 

He entered the room and approached the couch.

His lover was lying on his back and seemed to be still asleep. Anthony couldn’t help but smile tenderly as Asa’s words echoed in his mind.

I love you more than anything.

Your Asa.

He approached silently and knelt down beside Asa’s head. Reaching out, he gently ran his fingers through his lover’s slightly tousled hair. Asa smiled and opened and closed his eyes several times to adjust to the light, slowly emerging from sleep. He turned his head toward Anthony and nestled against the hand stroking his hair.

When his gaze met Anthony’s, now very close, his smile widened.

"Anthony?"

"Shh..." Anthony placed a finger on Asa’s mouth before speaking, his gaze locked on Asa’s.

"My dear Asa, I received your letter, and you were right. At first, I wondered what had come over you. But it only took a few words for me to stop asking myself that question."

Asa's eyes widened, and he began to fidget. "How..."

Anthony shook his head, stroked Asa's hair soothingly, and continued, "Let me finish, will you?" 

"The first thing I felt after reading your letter was your love. You say that I gave you a second home, but you’ve done the same for me. Without you here, it wouldn't feel like home. I have my parents, of course, but when I think of ‘home,’ I think of you sitting on my couch reading while I prepare for class. When I think of 'home,' I think of you picking me up after class. When I think of ‘home’, I think of me looking for you at the end of your workday at the bookshop. When I think of ‘home’, I think of our evenings with our friends. When I think of ‘home’, I think of you asleep in our sheets, right after we’ve made love."

Anthony paused and pressed a long kiss on Asa’s forehead. Then he continued, "You bring me joy, Asa. You make me smile when I can’t do it on my own. I’m not afraid of failing because I know you’ll be there to catch me. When a challenge seems insurmountable, you’re the one who gives me the strength to keep going. I love that we take care of each other and can count on each other. I love that you need me and aren't afraid to show it. Finally, I’m going to be as sentimental as you. I also love that you’re the first thing I see when I open my eyes in the morning and the last thing I see when I close them at night."

Anthony leaned in and whispered against Asa’s lips, "I also love you..." He brushed a light kiss against his lover's lips and added softly, "More than anything." 

With shining eyes, Asa whispered, "My Anthony," and pulled him close, pressing his lips against Anthony’s. They shared a lingering kiss. 

Then, Anthony pulled back slightly and said to Asa in a playful tone, "I'll wait for you." Asa noticed that his lover was using the same words as when they first met. 

Anthony, always waiting for him. 

At his pace. 

Asa gently stroked Anthony's cheek with his knuckles as his lover said, "Until you tell me all of this in your own voice."

Asa smiled and replied softly, "I promise I will. Soon." 

Then, he leaned in to kiss Anthony, expressing through the kiss everything he couldn’t put into words. For now.

_________

Still not beta'd (because I want it so)

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

The wind was cold and biting, something Asa hated. But having Anthony by his side made it bearable. His warm hand in Asa’s almost made him forget the cold.

They had gone out to dinner at the Dirty Donkey and were now walking back to Asa’s apartment. 

Asa stole what he thought was a discreet glance at his lover, admiring his handsome features, which he never grew tired of. Even though they’d been together for six months, he still found himself wondering how he could have been so lucky to meet the man walking beside him.

Asa glanced again at Anthony’s hair, ruffled slightly by the wind, whose beautiful, warm color shone in the light of the streetlamps. His eyes drifted to the soft smile on his lips.

"Asa?"

Anthony’s voice snapped Asa out of his thoughts. He looked up at Anthony. His lover's smile took on a slightly more playful edge when he stopped, forcing Asa to stop as well.

"Yes?"

Anthony turned fully toward Asa, a slight, teasing smile on his lips. "Are you going to keep checking me out like that the whole way?"

Asa felt his cheeks flush and gave Anthony a light tap on the shoulder.

"So what? Am I not allowed to stare at my partner?" 

No matter how nonchalant he tried to seem, he knew he’d been caught red-handed.

Anthony chuckled softly, lifted Asa’s hand, which was still in his, and gently kissed his knuckles. Then he said, "You're really too adorable, you know."

Asa pouted, making Anthony laugh even more. 

When he calmed down, he added, "It doesn't bother me. I’m always checking you out, too; you just don’t notice."

"Of course. You’re checking me out. Do you think I’m going to believe you?"

Anthony's cheeks flushed slightly as he replied, "Ask Derek. He's caught me red-handed more than once."

"Are you kidding?"

Anthony shook his head, looking sheepish. "I wish I were. But no. In fact, he never misses a chance to tease me about it when you’re not looking."

"But what is there to check out about me?"

Anthony glanced around to make sure no one else was on the street. Then he wrapped his arms around Asa and whispered in his ear, "Lots of things, and some that decency prevents me from revealing here."

Asa started laughing against him.

"You idiot!"

He tried to pull away, but Anthony tightened his embrace and slid his hands down Asa's back to his buttocks, applying just a little pressure.

"Professor Anthony Crowley, you're going to stop that right now!"

Anthony let go of his lover and laughed, pleased with his little joke.

Seeing him laugh like that, Asa couldn’t stay mad at him. It was such a joy to see him like that, just like on the first day, when he’d accepted his invitation to dinner.

Asa said softly, "Actually, you’re the one who’s adorable."

Anthony shook his head and, stopping his laughter, said, "Oh no, you're the cute bookseller, my angel."

He wrapped his hand firmly around Asa’s neck and ran his fingers through his soft hair. He pulled his lover closer, closing the remaining distance between them. Asa let out a small cry of surprise, immediately muffled by the touch of Anthony’s lips, before eagerly returning the kiss. As soon as Anthony’s tongue brushed the curve of Asa’s lips, Asa parted them slightly, inviting Anthony to deepen the kiss. When their breaths mingled, Asa let out a soft, muffled moan. In response, Anthony’s hands slid down Asa’s back and pulled him close, closing the distance between their bodies. For a moment, they forgot about the world, the street, the few passing cars, and the wind that was still creeping into the folds of their clothes. 

Only when they pulled apart to catch their breath did they become aware of where they were, and they laughed softly.

Anthony said, panting, "How about we continue at home?"

Asa nodded.

"Well, boys, it's about time. I thought I was going to have to call the police for indecent exposure in a public place."

Asa and Anthony spun around and saw Derek coming up right behind them. 

"Don't look so embarrassed. It’s just me. Besides, it’s Pride Month, so if you can’t do this now, when’s a better time?"

He winked at them and kept walking, teasing, "But you’re right; you should really continue at home."

"Derek!"

Derek walked past them, chuckling. The two men heard him add, "Ah, to be young again and relive this." He waved and continued, "Enjoy it, boys. Enjoy it!"

They watched him disappear around the corner.

"Shall we go home?"

Anthony nodded and replied in a teasing tone, "If you want to keep going, my angel, we'd better."

Asa grabbed the lapel of Anthony’s jacket and pulled him toward him abruptly. He pressed a long, slower kiss on his lover's lips, full of promise rather than haste. 

"I want to keep going," Asa murmured against his mouth. "As our old friend said, let's enjoy ourselves." 

He took Anthony’s hand, and they almost broke into a run, laughing knowingly. 

When they reached the apartment door, calm returned, charged with electric anticipation. Anthony closed and locked the door behind them, shutting out the outside world. Then, he turned to Asa, who was waiting for him in the middle of the room. 

Asa approached Anthony and, with a slow, deliberate motion, began to unbutton the top button of his shirt. They never took their eyes off each other. 

"Derek really gives good advice," Anthony joked, his breathing becoming ragged as Asa planted light kisses in the crook of his neck.

"So let's do what he said and enjoy ourselves," Asa whispered against his lover's neck. 

Anthony didn’t need to be asked twice. He pushed Asa back until his legs hit the edge of the couch. They collapsed there in a tangle of limbs and sighs.

Much later, in the silence of the night, Asa lay against Anthony and listened to the steady rhythm of his breathing.  Anthony shifted slightly and wrapped an arm around Asa’s waist, pulling him closer. 

"Are you asleep?" he whispered.

"No," Asa replied, pressing a kiss to his lover's chest. "I’m just enjoying the moment."

A faint smile touched Anthony’s lips in the darkness. He murmured, "Thank you, Derek."

A soft laugh answered him.

He kissed his lover's head, pulled the blanket over their entwined bodies, and they both drifted into a gentle slumber, lulled by the tenderness of the moment.

_________

Still not beta'd (because I want it so)

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here