For The Love Of Talent

Anthony slumped back against the plush velvet sofa. He had planned to finish preparing his lessons, but he was lacking the motivation. 

Across from him, Asa sat in his armchair. He had started reading, but he’d set his book aside long ago and was now staring blankly into space. 

Suddenly, wanting to break out of the lethargy that had engulfed them both, Anthony sat up and asked, "Want to play a game of chess?"

Asa looked at him and shook his head. 

"No, I want to play a game where I have a chance to win."

Anthony couldn’t help but let a small, smug smile spread across his lips. Some time ago, he’d found an old chess set among his clutter-hoarding lover’s accumulated things and challenged him to a game. It turned out that Asa had bought it more for its decorative value than for his love of the game. He knew the basics, but Anthony had been playing for a very long time; his mother being an avid player. So he understood his lover’s reaction. 

He replied with a chuckle, "Be my guest."

Asa stood up and walked over to a small chest of drawers in the corner of the room. Intrigued, Anthony watched him rummage through the drawer for a moment.

"Found it!" Asa stood up straight, turned around, and showed off his find with a triumphant air.

He walked back to Anthony and placed a checkers set on the coffee table.

Anthony glanced at the board, then looked up at Asa. His expression was a mix of amusement and mild skepticism. 

"A checkers set?" Seriously, Asa?"

Asa crossed his arms stubbornly and retorted, "We're going to play checkers. If the game isn't challenging enough for you, then we're not playing."

Anthony laughed, leaned forward, and gestured toward the coffee table with a sweeping, theatrical motion. 

"Go ahead, my angel. I wouldn't want to stop you from winning. Go on; let us have fun."

Asa hummed with satisfaction, pulled the armchair closer to the coffee table, and sat down across from Anthony. He began arranging the pieces with meticulous precision, causing Anthony to raise an eyebrow. Maybe this won't be so easy after all.

The first few minutes were lighthearted, punctuated by the soft clatter of pawns moving across the board. Anthony played with a relaxed, almost distracted ease. He was convinced that he could steer the game toward a stalemate or an honorable defeat, which would flatter Asa’s ego. But little by little the atmosphere changed, and Anthony realized that the game was far from won either way.

Unlike during their previous chess match, Asa was perfectly at ease and confident. He was methodical and patient and watched the board with piercing eyes.

With his fingers hovering hesitantly over a red pawn, Anthony murmured, "This isn't your first game."

Asa replied with a hint of smugness, "I've probably been playing this game as long as you've been playing chess with your mom."

Anthony moved a pawn, feeling a sudden, intense rush of adrenaline. He watched Asa maneuver a black pawn diagonally with absolute confidence, slipping through his defensive line with remarkable ease. When the pawn reached the edge of Anthony’s side and touched the pawn twice, crowning it with a second pawn to symbolize its third king, Anthony felt his breath catch.

"Even in a game of checkers, you manage to surprise me again." 

Anthony couldn’t hide the wonder in his voice. 

With no other choice, he moved his last available pawn and watched Asa’s face as he considered his next move. A slow, radiant smile spread across Asa’s lips—the same smile that had made Anthony’s knees go weak six months ago when he accepted his invitation to dinner. He knew then that the game was over.

In three quick, ruthless moves, Asa swept the board, capturing Anthony’s last pawn.

"Checkmate," Asa murmured, even though the term didn't apply to checkers. 

Anthony shook his head with a smile and said, "I have to say, I’m blown away."

Asa tried not to let his satisfaction show, but he didn't quite succeed. Anthony couldn't bring himself to hold it against him, though. He was also perfectly capable of recognizing talent when he saw it. 

And then, there was something incredibly endearing, even alluring, about the look on his lover’s face. 

The gloomy atmosphere that had hung over them before their game had vanished completely, and Anthony no longer wanted to play, or rather, he wanted to play something entirely different.

He stood up in one fluid motion, walked around the coffee table, and, before Asa could pick up a piece to start the next round, he was there. He leaned over Asa for a moment, noting the surprise in his eyes, and then simply sat down on his lap.

Asa let out a small, surprised laugh and instinctively rested his hands on Anthony’s waist to hold him back. Anthony wrapped his arms around Asa’s neck, his fingers digging into the soft hair at the nape of his neck.

"What's gotten into you, my dear? Need some comfort after losing the game?"

In a slightly hoarse voice, Anthony replied, "I can’t help it. You’re absolutely irresistible when you win."

He leaned in and trailed light kisses along his lover’s jawline. When he reached his lips, he whispered, "I like you so much that I've decided never to win again."

Asa’s laughter caught in his throat. He tightened his grip on Anthony’s waist and pulled him close until there was no space between them. 

Asa whispered playfully, "So the winner is..."

But he couldn’t finish his sentence because Anthony leaned in, and their lips met in a slow kiss, despite the palpable energy bubbling within them. Asa’s hands clung tightly to Anthony’s hips as the kiss intensified.

Anthony’s fingers dug further into the nape of Asa’s neck, holding him back as if he couldn’t bring himself to let go. Asa’s hands roamed over his lover’s back.

When they finally pulled apart, they were breathing heavily, their foreheads almost touching. A heavy silence settled in.

Anthony let out a shaky sigh. A smile played at the corners of his lips, and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "Want a rematch?"

Asa, his eyes half-closed, still savoring the taste of his lover on his lips, laughed softly. He placed a tender, lingering kiss on the corner of Anthony’s mouth before replying, "I’m afraid your kiss has rendered my brain incapable of thinking, Anthony. I can't think straight enough to make a move on this chessboard."

Anthony leaned back against Asa, resting his head on his shoulder. He felt Asa’s hand slide up his back and into his hair. He let out a sigh of contentment.

"Then let’s just stay like this."

Asa hummed, and they stayed that way, entwined on the large armchair. They listened to the rain pounding against the windows and silently agreed that this afternoon, which had begun under gloomy circumstances, was ending in a thoroughly satisfying way.

_________

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 didn’t recognize Anthony’s voice as he spoke those words in a monotone. Then he continued, "I thought you'd be entertaining. But actually, you’re just boring."

Seeing his beloved's face wear a mask of coldness and detachment while he spoke those cutting words broke Asa’s heart.

He wanted to reason with him, to beg him.

"Anthony, don’t say that! Don’t leave!"

But the words got stuck in his throat as Anthony walked away without looking back.

Asa woke with a start, gasping for breath as his heart pounded.

He blinked rapidly to adjust to the dawn light filtering through the bedroom curtains.

His heart leapt in his chest.

The spot in the bed next to him was empty.

He rolled onto his side and brushed the spot where Anthony usually slept with his hand, but the sheets were cool and untouched. Staring at the empty space, his usual insecurities rose to the surface, and the memory of his nightmare clung to him.

He called softly, "Anthony?"

He strained his ears and heard the clatter of dishes, the beep of the kettle, and a voice humming. Little by little, his nightmare and its remnants faded away as he heard footsteps approaching. Finally, the door opened quietly, revealing Anthony.

It was a dreamy sight: his hair tousled, loose sweatpants slung low on his hips, and an old, baggy, faded T-shirt.

He was carrying a tray loaded with two steaming mugs of coffee, the aroma of which was already wafting toward Asa. On the tray was a plate piled high with pancakes and other things Asa couldn’t see from where he was sitting.

"Oh shoot, you're already awake! I was hoping to surprise you! How long have you been awake?"

He set the tray on Asa’s lap, and Asa looked in amazement at the thoughtfully prepared breakfast spread, which included all his favorite foods.

He shook his head and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Not for very long."

Looking up at Anthony, his gaze lingering on his lover’s face, Asa asked, "All this for me? What’s the occasion?"

A shy, wry smile spread across Anthony’s face. Then, his lover leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"It's actually for us. Because today..."

Asa gasped when he realized the date and finished Anthony’s sentence: "We've been together for six months."

The thoughtfulness of the gesture was the last straw in the whirlwind of emotions swirling through Asa. A tear rolled down his cheek before he could stop it.

Anthony’s joyful expression immediately turned to concern. He took the tray and set it gently on the floor. Then he climbed onto the bed.

Kneeling beside Asa, he wiped the wet track on his lover’s cheek with his thumb and asked softly, "Hey, hey, what’s wrong, my angel?"

He brushed his lover’s hair back, cupped his cheek, and added, "Talk to me, please."

Asa leaned his cheek against Anthony’s hand and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "I just had a nightmare, the kind that feels real, you know. Sometimes in nightmares, you know it’s a certain person, even though they don’t physically look like that person. But this one felt very real. You were telling me that I was boring and that you were leaving me. I know that’s not true. I know it. But the contrast between that nightmare and your current kindness made me a little emotional. Sorry for ruining the moment."

Anthony shook his head and replied, "Don't be sorry. You haven't ruined anything. You feel what you feel, and you’re sharing it with me."

He traced Asa’s lips with his thumb and continued, "But even if it's a nightmare, let me reassure you. Look me straight in the eyes, listen to what I’m saying, and believe it. You’re the least boring person I’ve ever met. The things you do, the way you think, the way you move... I get thrilled every time I know I’m going to see you..."

He pressed a kiss to Asa’s forehead and nose before brushing his lips against Asa's. Then he continued, "These past six months with you have been more exhilarating than all the years before I met you. I’m not about to turn my back on you and walk away...ever."

Asa let out a trembling, relieved laugh and grabbed Anthony’s hand, which was still on his cheek. He brought it to his lips, pressing a long kiss into his palm. Then he said softly, "Thank you for always telling me what I need to hear. These last six months have also been the happiest of my life. I’m glad you found the courage to step through the door of the bookshop and meet me."

Anthony leaned forward and captured his lover’s lips in a kiss that was gentle and reassuring at first, but which quickly deepened. He pressed his lips against Asa’s tenderly and determinedly, as if to persuade him, while his tongue traced the edge of Asa’s lips, inviting a more intimate dance. Asa’s hands slipped into Anthony’s hair, pulling him closer and the kiss lingered until a rumbling sound forced them apart.

Asa blushed, put his hand to his stomach, and Anthony burst out laughing.

"Boring? Absolutely not, my angel."

He jumped out of bed, picked up the tray from the floor, and placed it on his lover’s lap. Then he sat down beside him again, and they both leaned against the headboard.

For the next hour, there was no more talk of nightmares or insecurities. Only the clinking of cutlery, Asa’s moans of delight with every bite of pancake, and Anthony’s with every sip of coffee could be heard. Their laughter and conversation were joyful and carefree.

Asa realized that the nightmare was just that—a nightmare—and that, while it had perhaps revealed a hidden fear, that fear had been wiped away for the moment.

He loved Anthony, and he was deeply loved in return.

He took a big bite of another pancake and said, with his mouth half full, "You know, your pancakes are delicious but you made a lot.

Anthony chuckled softly and said, "My mom always said it's better to make too many than not enough. Worst case, there'll be some left for tomorrow."

"I could get used to this, you know."

Anthony wiped a crumb from the corner of his lover’s mouth with his thumb before pressing a kiss to his lips.

Then he whispered, "I'm counting on it."

_________

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 was sitting with his back against the headboard, a book resting on his lap. 

He turned a page, then looked down at Anthony, who was sleeping beside him.

His lover was still fast asleep, his copper hair forming a lovely mess on the white pillow. There was a vulnerability in his features that only appeared when he slept: the wrinkles around his eyes were smoothed out and a soft smile adorned his lips. As he watched him, a familiar, comforting warmth spread through Asa's chest. 

The edge of the comforter had slipped down to Anthony’s waist, leaving his shoulder exposed to the morning chill. Asa reached out gently, grabbed the corner of the comforter and pulled it back up, carefully tucking it around Anthony. He smoothed the fabric over Anthony’s shoulder delicately, to which Anthony showed no reaction. 

Seeing that his lover was still asleep, Asa took the liberty of tucking a strand of hair behind his ear and adjusting the pillow beneath him, trying to create a cozy little nest for his beloved. 

He watched for a moment as Anthony’s chest rose and fell steadily and rhythmically. It was like a hypnotic cadence: inhalation, brief pause, gentle, almost imperceptible exhalation. 

Asa smiled softly, leaned back against his pillow, picked up his book, and resumed reading. His eyes followed the lines, though he often found himself shifting his attention back to his lover.

It had only been four months since their first date, and he never tired of discovering new things about Anthony and finding out how they fit together. 

Ten minutes passed, perhaps twenty. 

Asa was so engrossed in his reading that he didn’t notice the comforter slipping slightly or the change in Anthony’s breathing pattern. 

Anthony’s eyes fluttered open and landed directly on Asa. A slow smile stretched the corners of his lips. He remained perfectly still, however, taking pleasure in watching his lover surreptitiously.

Asa, unaware that he was being watched, turned the page, mechanically reaching out to pull the comforter up a little while continuing to read. 

Avant Asa, Anthony ne s'attardait jamais dans son lit le matin.

Before Asa, Anthony never lingered in bed in the morning.

Why would he linger in a bed where the spot next to him was cold every morning?

But ever since he started waking up next to Asa more often, mornings had become one of his favorite times of day.

There was Asa’s smile when he opened his eyes and met Anthony’s gaze. It was a gentle, warm smile that made Anthony feel extraordinary.

There was also the way Asa's hands would slip under the covers to cling to Anthony’s body, seeking a little more warmth before getting up.

There was the way he would wrap his arms around Anthony and entwine his legs with his, savoring the last moments of sleep.

There was the way he kissed Anthony’s neck as Anthony held him tighter in a final embrace before their morning routine.

There was the way he whispered, "Good morning, I love you," and how those words always warmed Anthony’s heart, as if it were the first time, even though he said them often.

There was the way Asa stretched just before getting up, the comforter slipping with his movement to reveal his gorgeous body.

"What a sight to wake up to..." Anthony said hoarsely.

"Mornings are a lot better with you," he added.

Asa startled slightly and looked down from his book with a surprised chuckle. He turned his head, their eyes meeting, and the book slipped from his lap onto the mattress, though he didn’t seem to notice. 

"I didn't realize you were awake. How long have you been watching me?"

"Too long..." Anthony murmured. 

His hand moved up to caress the back of Asa’s neck. His thumb brushed the sensitive skin beneath Asa’s ear and Anthony was pleased to see Asa react with a soft gasp. 

The distance between them vanished as Anthony slid his hand around Asa’s neck, pulling him closer in a slow, deliberate motion.

Asa let out a hoarse breath as Anthony drew closer, their foreheads touching, their breaths mingling. 

"Anthony…" Asa whispered, his voice choked by a sudden, intense wave of emotion.

Anthony responded by tilting his head and capturing his lover’s lips in a slow, deep kiss, his hands wrapping around his lover’s body to pull him even closer. 

Their bodies aligned with natural ease, the result of four months of intimacy. At their age, they knew each other's bodies, limits, and desires. There was no hesitation or pretense. There was just that visceral need to be as close as possible.

Anthony’s hands slid up Asa’s shoulders and pressed him firmly against the mattress. Asa buried his fingers in Anthony’s hair and kissed him with a depth that took his breath away. Every caress was deliberate: the brush of skin against skin, the weight of their bodies, and the way they moved in harmony, anticipating each other’s rhythms. It was intense, slow, and filled with deep tenderness.

When they finally collapsed onto the pillows, their chests heaving and their limbs entwined, silence returned. It was heavier and more soothing than before. The sunlight had climbed higher, bathing the room in a brighter glow.

"There," Anthony murmured, his voice muffled against Asa's shoulder. "That's exactly why I love mornings with you. I wish it could be like this every day. Forever."

Asa felt his heart swell. He raised his hand and caressed Anthony’s face, brushing away a few damp strands of hair stuck to his forehead.

He replied, his voice hoarse, "I'd like that, too." 

They didn’t say the words outright, but the idea lingered in the air as a wonderful, silent possibility that didn’t need to be rushed. They were both past the age of making impulsive decisions, yet they were also past the age of fearing their desires.

Asa looked out the window at the waking city, then turned his gaze back to Anthony, who was already drifting into a lighter sleep. Asa knew their lives were two separate entities for the moment, but they were beginning to blend into one another. 

As he held Anthony close and felt his comforting presence, Asa realized it wouldn't take much for them to merge completely.

He closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of Anthony’s breathing wash over him. It lulled him back into a peaceful, contented sleep, filled with the promise of a future taking shape.

_________

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

It had all started out so well. They’d invited Nina and Maggie over to Asa’s place for a movie night. After dinner and drinks, they settled into the living room to watch a movie on Asa’s old TV.

A movie whose plot Anthony couldn’t even remember anymore.

It was all because of Asa, who, after having a few too many drinks, lost all inhibitions and started clinging to Anthony. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't have bothered Anthony at all, except they weren't alone. 

Nina was sitting at the other end of the couch, and Maggie was on the floor at her feet, leaning against her legs.

Although their friends were fully aware of their relationship, Anthony had no desire to display their intimacy in this way.

Anthony tried to move closer to the edge of the couch to create distance between himself and his lover, but it was impossible. Asa slid his head under Anthony’s arm until it rested on Anthony’s chest. Anthony had no choice but to wrap his arm around his lover's shoulders. 

Maggie seemed fascinated by what was happening on TV. Anthony glanced at Nina, hoping she was also absorbed in the movie and hadn’t noticed anything. But, of course, he wasn’t that lucky. Even though her eyes were glued to the screen, her expression made it clear that she hadn’t missed a thing happening next to her.

The problem was that Asa wasn’t just rubbing against Anthony like a cat; he was now showering Anthony with butterfly kisses along his neck, sending shivers down his spine.

Anthony tried to gently push Asa away, whispering in his ear, "Asa, please. The movie isn't over yet. More importantly, we're not alone. Remember? Maggie and Nina are here." 

He saw Maggie’s shoulders shake as she struggled to hold back a giggle.

"Okay, love..." Asa replied in a loud enough voice that no one could ignore it. 

The giggles at his feet and the stifled chuckle to his left proved that Nina and Maggie had heard him perfectly well. Anthony couldn’t stop the heat from rising to his cheeks. Asa hadn’t moved an inch and continued to sprinkle kisses on Anthony’s neck and face.

Anthony tried to reason with him again. "Asa, we’re not alone. Stop, please."

Asa looked up and pouted. "But honey..."

Honey! Asa had never called him that before!

Anthony regretted even more that they weren’t alone.

Asa continued, "I only see you, so it's like we're alone."

Maggie giggled again. When Anthony turned toward Nina, she was smiling mockingly and mouthing, "Honey..." 

Anthony tried to look scornful, but the blush on his cheeks made it difficult to believe.

His attention shifted to Asa, who was tracing his face with his fingertips, pausing at his lips. "Hmmm . . . Those lips. I want to kiss them so badly. Please, Anthony. Honey . . ."

It was too much! Anthony tried to push Asa away harder, but the man wrapped his arms around his neck, bringing his lips almost against his own. In a pleading voice, he said, "Please… please… love me."

Anthony would have given in in an instant if they had been alone, but that was out of the question. So, he pulled Asa close and whispered in his ear, "Asa, just a little patience, okay? I swear, soon we'll be able to do whatever you want."

Anthony was afraid his lover would persist, but when he felt Asa nod against him, he sighed with relief, happy to see that Asa was snuggling up to him without trying anything more.

Maggie took Nina’s hand, which was resting on her shoulder, and said softly, "Nina, I think it's time to go." She turned her head toward Anthony and winked. "We'll watch the rest of the movie together next time."

Nina leaned toward Maggie, pouting, and said, "Too bad. The show on my right was almost as interesting as the one on TV." 

Maggie let out a little laugh. "I think the rest of the show isn't for us to watch." 

Then, she stood up and approached the couple embracing each other. She leaned in to kiss Anthony on the cheek and whispered, "You two are adorable. I’m happy for you. For both of you." 

Then, still with that sweet smile on her lips, she walked away.

Nina stood up and stopped in front of Anthony, simply squeezing his shoulder. "I had a lovely evening. It's also the first time we've seen Asa let his guard down completely." Her expression was serious as she added, "And that's thanks to you." 

Then Nina’s expression turned mischievous as she added, "Thanks for the entertainment... ho-ney." She chuckled softly before joining Maggie. They left Asa’s apartment and closed the door gently behind them. 

Anthony didn’t take offense at Nina’s last taunt. What she had said earlier, along with Maggie’s words, had left him with a feeling of gentle warmth.

He was happy that Asa had such friends and that they had accepted him into their circle.

"You're so warm, Anthony. Can I stay like this forever?"

Asa had now climbed on top of him and wrapped his arms around his neck.

Anthony laughed softly, raised his hand, brushed his lover’s hair back, and replied gently, "Whatever you want, my angel." 

He tenderly kissed his lover’s forehead. Asa closed his eyes and a contented smile spread across his lips. Then he buried his face in the crook of Anthony’s neck and snuggled closer.

To Anthony, the movie on TV was now nothing more than a source of flickering light, casting shifting shadows across the room. His attention was entirely captivated by Asa’s weight against him, his breath against his neck, and the warmth of his skin against his own.

Asa shifted slightly, seeking a more comfortable position. Anthony tightened his arms around Asa’s waist and held him close to his chest. 

He rested his chin on Asa’s silky hair and inhaled the familiar fragrance. He felt Asa grow heavier against him and whispered, "Sleep, my angel." 

He closed his eyes, and soon, lulled by his beloved's steady breathing, he, too, slipped into that blissful feeling of serenity.

_________

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