【ｐａｙｔｏｎ】

it was supposed to be a chill, fun day with your bestfriend.

the sun had been out all morning, sky cloudless and the kind of breeze that made walking around the city actually enjoyable. so obviously, you and riley decided to go outside after classes, grab overpriced smoothies, and maybe blow too much money on shit you two don't even need. then you ended up at the beach, swimming and getting tan which was your favorite activity.

but that good weather didn’t last.

now you were walking soaked under the small awning of some closed boutique, thunder rumbling above you like the damn apocalypse was starting. you both regret the brilliant decision of walking, which seemed like a great idea this morning, but now with your hair plastered to your faces, clothes clinging uncomfortably to damp skin, and shoes literally making that wet slap sound with each step, you'd rather get hit by a bus. you loved rain, but not when you weren't in your cozy room with a cup of tea under the blanket watching movies.

you'd already passed two stores on this street, one closed and the other one crammed full of people hiding from the storm. no space, literally, so you haven't even tried to get inside. the main road was a solid ten minutes walk and you wish you had a car right now. there was literally nowhere to go.

"...'let's spend some time outside' you said," riley keeps complaining. "'we gotta touch some grass' you said. and what now? now the only thing that will touch you is gonna be when you get struck by lightning."

"you also wanted to go to the beach," you shot her a look. "'let's get tan, i'm too pale'," you repeated her words and scoffed. "and look what you got."

she groaned, arms crossing across her chest as she glared at the sky. "tell me why couldn't we drive here again?"

"'cause it was sunny twenty minutes ago. besides, my car is getting fixed."

"now my hair will have to get fixed, 'cause i look like a wet dog."

"girl, you're not alone in this."

you sigh, looking back at your phone and trying to wipe the water off it. for the past five minutes you tried to call an uber, but your screen was going crazy because of the rain, constantly switching between every app and glitching. riley's phone died an hour ago so it was no use either.

"this is fucking bullshit," you curse giving up and pocketing your phone. it was probably already broken anyway.

a loud crack of thunder broke the sky making riley jump and immediately cling onto your side, like you could save her from it. while you were always the type who loved storms, she was scared of them.

"fuck, let's stay here," she mutters, narrowing her eyes to see better.

you frowned, "here? let's keep going so maybe there will be some open store on the main road so we could hide."

she shaked her head, urging you to stop under a tree. you immediately tugged on her hand, making her move. "girl, not here. did you not listen at school, like, ever? i don't wanna fucking die."

"i hate this," she complains.

you took only a few steps when the sound of a car slowing to a stop right beside you makes you glance to the side. a black car that you somehow already recognize, headlights piercing through the rain, the passenger's window rolling down slowly. you grimaced, bending down slightly— not exactly a crouch, more like a quick lean — just enough to see who was inside.

of course.

"well, well, well," he calls out, voice smug as always. "forgot to check the weather?"

he had his one hand on the steering wheel, the other adjusting the hoodie that was pulled over his head. his sleeves were pushed up just enough to show the veins on his forearms and making your knees weak. his gaze slid over both, but settled on you— his signature smirk growing the second he saw your expression.

riley, who already saw and recognized him as well, looked like she just got a birthday gift. "chris? oh my god— thank fucking god!" the girl already lets go of your arm and moves towards the car. you blinked, stopping her. "what the fuck are you doing?"

"what?" she looks over at you. "sorry, babe, but i don't wanna drown here."

"yeah, get in," he says, already unlocking the doors. "before ya get electrocuted."

you watch with wide eyes like riley immediately opens the door and gets inside to the backseat without hesitation.

mind you, this girl literally talks shit about chris and the whole frat house all the time, and even if she was the one convincing you to have fun with chris, she also never missed an opportunity to make fun of him. she had to interact with him on a few frat parties you went to with her, and each time either she was annoyed to no end or he was.

"traitor," you hissed flatly, then glared back at chris. he just raised an eyebrow, amused by your stubbornness.

you still didn't forgive him for what happened two days ago on your own couch with his brothers next to you. chris believes he never heard you insulting him this much like that night later on a facetime call, but once he reminded you how you enjoyed and let it happen, he shut you up. and even if you're still annoyed with him for god knows what, you're at least not dry texting him anymore and don't give him that mean attitude— or, well, not as much as you did the past week. so clearly him getting you off under that blanket helped.

"clock's tickin', smartass."

the thunder cracked again, louder this time, the rain getting you wetter with each second. riley called our your name from inside the car, wanting you to get in already. you rolled your eyes so hard it nearly gave you a headache, then stomped through the puddles and yanked the passenger door open. you sank into the seat, slamming it shut behind you and glaring draggers at your bestfriend in the rearview mirror.

"what?" she asks.

you just huff, crossing your arms over your chest and ignoring chris' stare.

"seatbelt," he says.

you blinked, looking down and realizing you haven't buckled it. chris starts driving again just as you click the seatbelt into place.

the heat in the car was turned up, but it was nothing to calm the shivers in your body or the goosebumps crawling up your skin. you were sitting there soaked to the bone with chris beside you, radiating heat and cockiness. you hate how the universe had to sent him.

"damn, you two are grumpy," riley mumbles under her breath.

now chris is the one who throws her a glance into the rearview mirror, "m'not grumpy. m'drivin' two drenched brats for free. i'm literally a saint."

you scoff, "do you even know what saint means? cause i'm considering walking into traffic because of you."

chris smirks, eyes flicking over to your bare legs before looking back at the road. "If you did that, who’d beg me to fuck 'em in two days or less?”

you snapped your head toward him so fast that your wet hair slapped your cheek. "you're fucking crazy. i don't beg you." you turned to look at riley, needing to clarify that. "i really don't."

riley just nods, raising her hands in surrender. "i'm not saying anything."

the amusement on her face and chris' smirk, both annoy you to no end.

chris casually reached out and turned the heat up more, his knuckles grazing your thigh on purpose. you clenched your jaw tighter, looking at him.

"cold?" he asks sarcastically.

"yeah, no shit," you scoff. "we're gonna soak your seats."

chris raised an eyebrow, glancing over at you for a second and it was enough for you to know that he's about to say some insane shit.

"i mean, don't really mind you soakin' them."

riley fake gagged from the back. your hand shot up to turn the music louder. "drive, sturniolo. before i jump out this window."

he snorts, shifting into gear, his gaze moving toward you every few seconds. "so why the fuck were you two walkin' around in a storm? you brainless or somethin'? could've called an uber."

"oh, thank you. i'd never think of that," you reply sarcastically. "it was nice when we left earlier, riley's phone died and mine was glitching. probably still is..." you take your phone out of the pocket, wiping the rain off it and trying to dry it. "so no, we couldn't call an uber. why are you out though?"

"don't be too curious, gonna think you care," he teases.

you side eye him. "i don't. asking just to be polite."

"damn, you know how?" he looks over at you with a grin as you flip him off. he adds, "had to get some shit for the party later."

"oh my god, wait," riley suddenly says from the backseat, peeking between the front seats. "i forgot it's friday. we're going to the party tonight, right?"

you sigh, staring at the rain blurred window. "do we have to?"

you couldn't let yourself get too comfortable with chris, that's for sure, but you also didn't really want to make a big deal out of it either.

you talked with riley about this earlier and decided not to play a detective and stick your nose into chris's life. you didn't care about that girl nancy, didn't care what chris does or does not, didn't need to know him better and couldn't let yourself to even try to get to know him. you needed to stay in control.

"don't be lame," riley groans dramatically.

"you actually have to," chris cuts in, eyes on the road, amusement written all over his face. he already knows he'll annoy you. "i'm givin' you a ride so you owe me."

you scoff, "i knew you're not doing this for free."

"you know me soooo well, m'proud."

the corner of your lips twitches upward even if you try to hold it. "shut up."

the rain had fully taken over now. fat, heavy drops drummed against the car roof, drowning out the music playing low through the speakers. the windshield wipers squeaked every few seconds, working overtime. all three of you were silent for a moment, but chris obviously can't keep his mouth shut for too long.

"you think cows get confused durin' thunderstorms?"

you blink, turning your head to look at him.

"...what?"

"like, they just out there in a field. sky’s flashin' and they’re just standin' there." he shrugs, keeping one hand on the wheel, the other resting lazily on the gear stick. "i dunno, lowkey crazy."

you stare at him for a moment, looking at your bestfriend, silently asking if she's hearing the same shit, and then back at him again.

"what the fuck are you talking about?" you ask, genuinely baffled.

riley bursts out laughing in the backseat.

"what?" he fires back, glancing at you with a smirk. "i wouldn't wanna be a cow right now. in this weather? illegal."

you shake your head, giving up. "i mean, yeah, sure."

"you already experienced bein' outside for like, what? twenty minutes? and look at you. so imagine if you were—"

"chris," you cut in. "stop talking."

he wets his bottom lip with his tongue, trying not to find this situation too funny for your sake. "still lookin' sexy like that though."

"i always do?" you raise an eyebrow.

he hums, "yeah, you do, but don't be so cocky."

"clearly i learn something from you."

"guys, please, i'll puke," riley grimaces. "i don't wanna hear any of this."

"cover your ears then," he remarks. riley fake smiles and flips him off, making sure he sees it in the rearview mirror. then suddenly she remembers something and puts her finger down, smiling even wider.

"heeeey chris, so..." riley leans forward, elbows on the back of your seat. "could you maybe drop me off at mia's place? it’s just past the gas station by that ugly ass yellow building.... close to campus so it's not like i'll make you drive god knows where..."

you twist around. "mia?"

"yeah," riley nods, then looks at you like duh. "i didn’t tell you?"

"no?" you raise an eyebrow. mia was some random girl from uni that riley had a crush on for over two months now.

"well, we’ve been texting."

you stare at her, stunned. "texting? and you didn’t say anything?"

"it didn’t come up!" she defends herself, then adds with a smug smile, "plus, i knew you’d make this exact face."

"this is my betrayal face," you deadpan.

"yeah, reaaaal betrayal, her ditchin' you in a storm and leavin' you alone with me," chris says, tone mock sweet, clearly pleased with that idea. "what's the address again?"

you slowly turn back toward him, lips tightening. once riley gives him the address, she mutters, "i'll come to that party later though. i'll get ready at her place. maybe she could come too?"

"yeah, yeah, whatever. i dont even know if i will go anyway—"

"you will." both chris and riley say at the same time.

you blink, "alright, jesus..."

the street riley had mentioned was really close, barely five minutes away. the rain showed no signs of stopping, if anything it came down harder now, wind picking it up and slapping it sideways across the windshield. visibility was shit and chris had to lean forward a little to actually see where he was even going.

"isn't it just so romantic though?" riley mumbled sarcastically, peering out the fogged up window. "pouring rain, dark sky, me leaving you two alone... literally a romcom."

“yeah, more like a horror movie," you muttered back.

"not you sayin' that like you won't enjoy it," chris scoffs, knowing you're full of shit. you roll your eyes, adjusting your soaked shirt. your clothes felt uncomfortable.

as chris pulled up in front of a house with string lights barely visible through the rain, riley reached for the door handle. "do i need to remind y'all about protection?" she said, glancing between you two.

you glare at her. "go already."

she grins, opening the door. "wish me luck."

"i hope you fall on your way there," chris says instead.

"thanks, asshole," she scoffs.

and with that, riley slipped out, running toward the house, her silhouette barely visible in the downpour.

the car door shut behind her with a soft thud.

chris glanced over his shoulder, then slowly turned toward you with that smug, knowing look already forming.

"don’t," you warned, staring at him.

he didn’t say anything. just chuckled under his breath and pulled the car back onto the road, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. outside, the storm raged harder— loud thunder rumbling somewhere far above, raindrops pounding against the windows like small stones.

“jesus," chris muttered, squinting through the windshield. "it’s like the sky’s pissed at me personally."

you hummed. "wouldn't be surprised. you piss off everyone."

"damn, what'd i do now?" he asks rhetorically. "figured our little blanket session would’ve fixed that attitude by now."

you feel a wave of heat crashing over you as you think about that situation on the couch. no matter how hard you tried to be mad about it, that was the hottest thing you've ever done with someone.

"i still can't believe you did that with your brothers next to us."

"i can't believe you let me," he remarks.

right.

you don't reply, clearing your throat casually. you still weren’t anywhere close to dry, the heat had been on since you've entered the car, but the dampness clung stubbornly to your skin, hair still dripping at the ends. chris glanced sideways at you, like he was about to say something, but then the car jolted.

a weird thump and a faint grinding sound. then nothing.

"fuck," he curses, a frown growing on his face as he steers just enough to roll into the roadside before the engine gave one last, pathetic whine, then dying completely. the car coasted to a stop.

"what's going on?" you ask, shifting in your seat. chris groans painfully, rubbing his temples and unbuckling his seatbelt. "great," he mutters flatly.

outside, the storm had only gotten worse, the rain not just falling now, but slamming into the car. the sound so loud it almost drowned out the low rumble of thunder. water pooled in the street, forming deep ripples each time a car sped past.

there's no way you're both stuck now.

"please tell me you know how to fix this," you look at him, his jaw clenched. he shoots you a look, equally unimpressed and deadpan. "i know how to fix it when the problem isn’t this much water trying to drown my car."

"so… no." you sigh, leaning back in the seat, the windows fogging faster now that the heater wasn't running.

chris tries the ignition again, but nothing. just that sad clicking noise like the car was laughing at him. he lets out a sharp sigh, leaning back in his seat as well, and running a hand over his face, clearly trying not to lose his shit. you'd always be the first to annoy and tease him, but in that moment you didn't even dare to open your mouth, so for a moment you both stayed quiet, your eyes watching his every move. and you started to get even colder now.

he finally looks at you— wet hair plastered to your face, arms wrapped around yourself— before rolling his eyes like you were some inconvenience he couldn’t shake. without a word, he pulled at the hem of his hoodie, tugging it over his head in one quick motion.

he tossed it toward you, the fabric still warm from him wearing it. "m'gonna go check that shit. don't move your ass."

you frowned, catching his hoodie. "what—"

but he was already opening the door before you could finish that sentence. it shoved cold rain instantly into the car, a few drops landing on your legs as he stepped out.

once he leaves, you just stare at the closed door for a second, hoodie heavy in your lap, brain catching up.

he just gave you his hoodie so you wouldn’t freeze, which meant he’s now out there getting more soaked, because he's literally only in a shirt. actual lunatic behavior.

rain smeared the glass, but you could still make out his figure moving around the front of the car. he yanked the latch and lifted the hood like he could somehow fix an engine while the sky was dumping an entire ocean on him.

you shook your head, muttering under your breath, "crazy…"

the hoodie felt ridiculously warm against your hands, and the cling of your drenched shirt was getting unbearable. with a quick glance around, just to make sure no one's watching, you peeled off your wet top, then unhooked your soaked bra, tossing both into the back seat. slipping into his hoodie was instant relief— it was huge on you, soft and smelling like him, heat from his skin still trapped in the fabric. the sleeves swallowed your hands, and for the first time since the storm started, you didn’t feel like your bones were turning to ice.

you let out a breath, sinking back into the seat, eyes inevitably drifting back to where chris was leaning over the engine like some stubborn mechanic who refused to acknowledge the obvious. it takes him about two minutes to give up, the passenger door yanking open, wind shoving a fresh wave of rain inside before he slid back in.

he was soaked. hair dripping, shirt plastered to his skin in a way that was both ridiculous and… okay, wow.

"are you insane?" you blurted the second the door shut.

he gave you that sideways look, water still running down his jaw. "what?"

"you’re dripping. the fuck you gave me that hoodie for?"

"oh, please," he scoffed, voice dripping with sarcasm. "next time m'gonna just let you sit there freezin' your ass off."

you rolled your eyes, hugging the hoodie tighter around you, but he didn’t miss the way it swallowed you whole. his mouth twitched.

without another word, he dug his phone out of his pocket, screen lighting up against his wet fingers.

"what are you doing?"

"callin' matt," he muttered, already scrolling for the contact. "he gotta come pick us up. 'n get this piece of shit towed before the flood swallows it."

you glanced at the rain hammering the windshield. "in this weather?"

he shot you a flat look. "yeah, it’s gonna be fun."

the call barely rang twice before it was picked up, matt's face appearing on chris' screen. "what'd you want now?"

“good evenin' to you too, sunshine," chris drawled, leaning back in his seat. rain drummed against the roof so loud you almost couldn’t hear. matt frowns, "the fuck happened to you?"

"oh, nothin'... m'just stranded in the middle of nowhere in a storm with a dead car."

there was a long pause. "...are you serious?"

"dead serious," chris said, lips quirking as his eyes flicked to you. "got company too," he adds, angling his phone so matt could see you.

"hi, matt, sorry in advance. chris is just an idiot, y'know."

"how is this my fault?"

"don't know, but it's always yours."

he scoffs.

"so i'm riskin' hydroplanin' through a hurricane just to get you two?"

“exactly." chris's tone was pure smug.

"i literally hate you," matt grumbles, and you could hear the sound of keys and movement on his end. ljust send me your location,” matt sighs, "and pray i don't crash on my way here 'cos i'd kill ya."

“gotcha," chris hums, sending matt the location once he hangs out.

chris set his phone down on the console, the screen casting a brief glow across the interior before going dark again. the quiet after the call was immediate, only filled by the steady, relentless drumming of rain against the roof. he let out a long breath, leaning back into his seat, and turned his head toward you. "how long you think it'll take him?" you ask, meeting his gaze.

he shrugs, "'round fourty minutes, probably."

you groan dramatically. "this is hell."

"could always be worse. at least you're here with me," he says playfully.

"yeah. that's why this is the worst, chris. can't get any worse."

he huffs, amused. "'n now it definitely will 'cos you said that shit."

you roll your eyes, adjusting the hoodie, the hem brushing high on your thighs. his gaze flicked there for a second before going back up, but you caught it.

"soooo...." he starts, turning toward you. another crack of thunder rolls overhead, closer this time. "we've got plenty of time to do stuff."

"yeah, to talk maybe," you reply without missing a beat.

"nahhh," he clicks his tongue against his teeth. "you're too scared of findin' out we can get along to talk t'me."

you raise an eyebrow. "i'm not scared of anything." then you add, "but i have to admit that getting along with you sounds unlikely."

"mhm. you're smilin' though."

"i'm not—"

"yeah, you are." his voice was teasing, but there was that undertone that made your chest feel uncomfortably warm.

"how do you even have friends if you're this annoying?" you ask, leaning your head back.

"m'like this only when i got good company," he says without hesitation. "which, luckily for ya, is right now."

you shake your head, "you and your ego..."

but the corner of your mouth tugged upward anyway.

"m'just sayin'. you always either insult me or moan my name. which is kinda charmin' by the way."

your eyes narrow, heat creeping up your skin. "shut up. and i don't insult you this much."

"yes, you do."

"i could always do more."

"m'sure," he smirks. "keep goin' then. that's hot."

you hum, your brain tripping for a second because of his words and that intense gaze. "hm, that's a first. jake always used to say i'm too intense, but i guess charming and hot works as well."

"your ex?"

"yup," you nod. "the one you smacked the shit out of."

"almost forgot 'bout that," chris says casually like he was talking about the weather. "he deserved it though."

"yeah, he did," you admit. "but i still think that you didn't have to get your hand dirty like that."

"i mean, it jus' pissed me off that he acted like it wasn't his fault," he shrugs, eyes flicking to the fogged window before moving back to you. "classic move, really. mess somethin' up, then act innocent when someone's mad at you."

you hum, voice sarcastic. "know it from your own experience?"

the corner of his mouth twitches upwards. "m'not even surprised you think of me so low." there's an edge of teasing in his voice, like he's trying to sand down the sharpness with humor, but it doesn't quite work. "but no, when i fuck up m'not tryna hide it. like, that's just a coward move, i ain't a coward."

"oh, no? shocking," you reply playfully, but listening to him a bit too focused, not wanting to miss a word.

"yeah, no," he drawls. "guess some people just got this talent... y'know, the whole victim complex type shit. it's cute in a pathetic kinda way."

you raise a brow. "cute?"

"mm," he hums, leaning back against the seat, the rain outside picking up, each drop hitting harder against the car. "i mean, you gotta admire the confidence. takes a special kind of delusion to fuck someone over 'n still keep a straight face while you tell ’em it’s their fault."

you tilt your head to the side slightly, noticing how he's looking straight ahead with his jaw tight, the air suddenly feeling a bit personal which keeps you quiet for too long. before you can dig, he looks back at you, smirking just enough to break the tension. "anyway," he says. "your ex is just a dick. i did you a favor."

"you almost broke his nose."

"yeah, and?" he raises an eyebrow, eyes locking on yours. "could've done worse."

you roll your eyes, but the way he said it makes your chest feel all weird. "okay, tough guy."

a low rumble of thunder shakes the car, making you flinch slightly. chris glances up at the windshield like it's personally offending him.

"awesome, this shit's gettin' worse," he mutters. "matt better gets here without any surprises."

you hum, sinking a little deeper into his hoodie which annoyingly, has his scent. "i'm gonna get fucking sick," you complain. "how could it go from such a sunny day to this?"

"oh, don't be ungrateful," he looks back at you. "you wearin' my shit again so y'warm. also, ever plannin' on givin' me my shirt back?"

"hmmmm....—" you tap your finger thoughtfully against your chin, exaggerating the motion. "i don't know. do you really need it?"

"yeah, i liked that one."

"good thing you used past tense for that."

"a'ight, smartass, keep it. but you better get me a new one."

"with a big ass text 'assholes live forever' on the back, how about that?" you ask sarcastically.

he smirks. "sure."

lighting flashes, and for a second the inside of the car feels smaller, the only sounds the pounding rain and chris' slow tapping on the steering wheel. and maybe the idea of knowing him past all the teasing and stubbornness doesn’t seem quite as unbearable as you’ve convinced yourself.

you push the thought away quickly.

chris shifts in his seat, dragging one hand through his hair. it was messy from the rain, but no longer dripping, strands starting to fall into place now that they'd dried enough. you narrowed your eyes, leaning a little closer without even realizing it.

wait.

chris looks over mid motion, catching you stare. "what?" he asks flatly, eyebrows raising just enough to make it sound like you were the weird one here.

you tilted your head, squinting at him with exaggerated suspicion. before you knew it, your fingers were reaching over, brushing through the still damp strands at the side of his head. he freezes.

your touch wasn’t even deliberate — just the kind of thing you'd do when you were too focused on inspecting something to realize how weird it looked. his eyes move all over your face, studying you.

"...did you get a haircut?"

he blinks, his heartbeat coming back to normal when you finally pull your hand away.

"no shit, sherlock," he scoffs, mouth twitching like he wanted to grin, but couldn't let himself do so.

the fact you noticed.... yeah.

"took you long enough," he adds.

"you always got a hat on," you defend yourself, leaning back into your seat.

"since when you don't fuck with my hats?"

you shrug, "it's not that i don't fuck with them, but how could i see your hair when you alwsys hide it?"

"if we fucked tonight, you'd see it. always tuggin' on it 'n shit."

heat rushes up your neck so fast it’s almost dizzying, but you refuse to give him the satisfaction. you keep your expression as unimpressed as possible, even though you can feel that stupid warmth blooming across your cheeks.

"who said i'd let you hit tonight?"

"still tryna stay in denial?" he raises a brow. "always actin' like you ain't cravin' my dick."

"oh my god, shut up."

"what?" he grins. "m'right and we both know it."

"whatever."

"speakin' about that... i finally thought of—"

he's interrupted by a faint glow of headlights cutting through the sheets of rain in the rearview mirror. the beam grows brighter, until the silhouette of a car slows to a stop right behind you. chris glances over his shoulder, exhaling like the whole damn weight of the situation just rolled off him. “’bout time,” he mutters, already reaching for the door handle.

"matt?” you ask, peering past him through the downpour.

“yup,” he says, popping the door open and letting a rush of cold air and rain spray into the cab. you pull his hoodie tighter around yourself as he steps out into the storm without another word, jogging toward the figure climbing out of the van.

you kinda wished matt took longer to get here.

the drive back to the frat house was quick and hilarious. you'd agree to go there only because your apartment was farther away, and neither of you wanted matt's car breaking down in the rain the way chris's had— leaving you stranded with no one to help.

you were also able to see some more of the dynamic between matt and chris, and they didn't fail to make you laugh with their bickering.

once matt dropped you two off, he went to his own dorm while you went inside with chris. he closed his bedroom door shut behind you, peeling his damp shirt over his head and tossing it somewhere near the desk. you kicked your shoes off, momentarily distracted as he casually starts unbotting his jeans.

"stupid ass weather," you complain, plopping down onto his bed, arm draped over your eyes. "i'm so not over the fact i had to walk around in a storm. and i don't even have any clothes to change into."

chris gives you a look. "my car literally died on the side of the road, but yeah, let's focus on your tragedy."

"it's serious..." you mutter, cutting yourself off when the mattress dips beneath the weight suddenly pressing down on you. slowly, you peel your arm away, looking up— breath hitching, realizing he was right here, hovering over you with that cocky grin of his.

chris keeps as close as he can, making sure you feel his presence above you. it looks like he's about to kiss you, or maybe lean in and suck on your neck which could lead his lips moving lower down your stomach until he gets to the waistband of your shorts and then starts placing hot kisses against your thighs, his hands spreading your legs, his lips moving up to the heat between them until he—

"just grabbin' a charger," his teasing voice gets you out of the trance. you blink as he reaches for the charger on his nightstand, then casually straightening up like nothing happened.

nothing did actually.

you sit up as he plugs his phone. "your shit's workin'?" he asks.

you completely forgot about that.

you take your phone out of the pocket, checking if it's working and thankfully the screen isn't glitching anymore. "yeah, looks like it," you reply, wiping off the screen just in case and putting it down.

"i'm not going to the party looking like a drenched rat, by the way."

he rolls his eyes, grabbing some clean clothes from his drawer. "drama queen," he mutters, heading towards the bathroom, not even bothering to close the door.

you sigh, grimacing a little as you feel your shorts clinging to your skin. "ya left some stuff here last time," he calls over the sound of running water after a few minutes. "c'mere and get y'self together."

you raised a brow, trying your remember if you actually left some of your things in his room. you tried not to do this, cause it'd just feel.... strange. everything feels strange actually. it's like your brain tells you to push him away and end this before shit gets too comfortable for you, but all you wanted to do is to pull him closer and straddle his lap anytime you'd seen him.

"i did?" you frown, already making your way over there and stepping inside the bathroom seconds later, the warmth hitting you instantly. chris was already in the shower, his outline was blurred through the glass, but not that blurred. you blink, moving to stand at the sink, your eyes kept at the mirror as you pretend to rummage through the cabinet where your small makeup bag sat on the second shelf.

"right, i forgot to take it last time," you say, dabbing a bit of concealer under your eyes. "clearly i'm too often here."

"not complainin'," he replies. "when you ain't here the memory of your pussy keeps me up at night anyway."

"wow, you're literally so romantic," you say sarcastically, swiping on lip balm.

"not even tryna be," he teases.

you scoff.

the hoodie hung warm and oversized over your frame, but your shorts were still clinging cold and wet to your thighs. you brushed your damp hair, twisting them into a tie. you caught yourself glancing sideways at the glass again, just long enough for your brain to register shape and movement before you forced your eyes away.

you sighed. "chris?" you called over the hiss of shower. there was a muffled, "hm?"

"these fuckass shorts are soaked. give me some sweatpants or whatever, please?"

he teases, "yeah, lemme just put 'personal stylist' on my resume."

you roll your eyes, already moving back to his room. "i'm just saying, i don't have shit to wear. and i'm not going downstairs like this anyway, so i can at least get comfortable."

you find some pair of clean sweatpants on his chair. you grab them, coming back to the bathroom to finish making yourself look presentable. "found some," you tell him.

"you're welcome," he huffs sarcastically. you slid the wet shorts down your legs, the hoodie long enough to cover your ass, but you still caught the flicker of his shadow shifting behind the fogged glass. he probably realized what you're doing.

you tugged on sweatpants, the waistband sitting loose on your hips.

"just take my whole fuckin' closet at this point," he says, turning off the water.

you grabbed your mascara, putting some on your clumped lashes. "i'll consider that, thanks."

he steps out, steam rolling into the rest of the bathroom. he grabs the towel, wiping his dripping hair first, shamelessy standing there naked. you didn't miss the opportunity to take a look.

duh.

"ya really bailin'?" he asks, wrapping the towel around his hips.

"yup," you nod.

"you literally don't look bad at all," he takes a step closer. and then another. "and you owe me, remember?"

"for what?" you frown, looking at him in the mirror and putting your mascara back into your makeup bag.

"for the ride. and for lettin' you wear my stuff. told ya, this costs." he tilts his head, standing right behind you. he braced his hands on the counter beside your hips, leaning in just enough that you could feel the heat coming off him. "'n you promised you'd come tonight."

you blinked at him in the mirror, ignoring the way your pulse kicked up. "that was before your car broke down and i didn't know i won't be able to go to my place and change."

he hums, brushing your hair off your shoulder and leaning in, pressing his lips against your neck, just like he knew he might convince you quicker like that. your breath catches, heat flooding your cheeks as his mouth moves lower, kissing your collarbone.

"chris—"

"yeah?" his voice is low, teasing against your skin.

"this won't convince me," you mutter, but your body is proving otherwise.

"sure," he replies, smirking when your body leans back onto him, his fingers dip just under the hem of the hoodie at your hip, barely grazing skin like he's savoring the tease. you exhale slowly, letting your head tilt back on his shoulder while he sucks and bites lightly on your skin.

"i'm... i'm serious...—" you choke out, trying to keep your voice steady even if your heart is in your throat.

he looks at you in the mirror, his lips drag one last, lazy kiss across your neck. something in his cocky expression tells you that it's not over yet, and he punctuates it with slowly moving his fingers from your hip, letting them trail down your thigh before stepping back completely.

"a'ight," he mutters, walking toward the door. "let's make it fun then."

you frown, pretending not to watch the way his towel hangs low on his hips before he disappears into his room. you follow him, walking in just in time as he drops the towel and starts getting dressed for the party. you inhale deeply, looking anywhere but at him, which he obviously notices and finds amusing.

"that deal," he speaks up, zipping up his jeans. "the one ya lost. remember?"

you look at him again, thinking of how you lost the bet that he wouldnt be able to make you come more than five times in a row.

"...yeah?"

he tilts his head like he's trying not to laugh at how you're blinking at him. "c'mon, got somethin' for ya."

after putting on a shirt, he walks over to his dresser.

"what?" you shoot back, trying to sound annoyed instead of curious, but the heat between your legs was starting to make it harder to focus. he just grins and bends down, pulling open the bottom drawer of the dresser, and comes up with a small black box. the kind that looks way too innocent to be anything good.

your eyes narrow immediately. "what is that?”

he doesn’t answer. just walks toward you slow, until he’s close enough to press it into your hands. you glance down, then back up at him, suspicious. "go on," he says, that grin stretching wider now. "open it.”

your gut twists, because the last time he smiled like that, you ended up with his fingers deep inside your cunt while his brothers were right next to you. but you flip the lid anyway and freeze.

because inside is a sleek orange vibrator and a pair of puff cuffs. "are you—" you choke on a laugh, on the sheer audacity. "are you out of your fucking mind?"

he bites back a laugh. "what? you lost the deal. remember what i said? i'd tell when i figured out what i wanted." he leans in just enough for his breath to brush your cheek, voice dropping to something low and smug. "guess what? i did."

you snap the lid shut like that’s going to make the whole situation disappear. "absolutely not."

"absolutely yes." his smirk could light up the whole damn storm outside. "see, you’re stayin’ in tonight, and m'gonna be busy… i don't want you to be bored."

"chris."

"don't thank me all at once." he mutters, grabbing your chin and tracing his thumb across your lips before putting it inside. "suck on it," he commands. your tongue immediately swirls around his finger, your eyes locked on his. "mhmmm, see? ya greedy for it..." he keeps his thumb in your mouth for a moment, before letting it slip past your lips. "on the bed," he says, voice low. you blink, heart thumping just like the storm outside. "i don't gotta say it twice, do i?" his grin is gone now replaced with someting that makes your pussy clench. and maybe thats why your legs moved before your brain could catch up. a few steps and you feel the mattress hit the backs of your knees.

"goooood girl,” he murmurs, and it’s so soft you almost miss the way he’s already taking the box from you.

"you, uh... you're not going to the party?" you blurt, like saying it out loud will remind him about his plans and maybe save you from getting absolutely ruined tonight.

he’s crowding in, making you lay down, hands braced on either side of your thighs, and all you can feel is the weight of his stare. "oh, i'm goin'," he says. "but first...—"

his hand slides up your leg slowly, until it’s under the sweatpants. you suck in a sharp breath when his fingers graze the inside of your thigh. "--let's check somethin'."

you swear you might combust when he presses two fingers against your underwear, right where you don’t want him to notice. expect, of course, he does— finding a wet spot on your panties.

"well, well, well…"his chuckle is low and smug as hell. "ya got a real funny way of actin' unbothered."

“chris—" it's supposed to sound like a warning, but it’s breathless and pathetic instead.

"mm, thought so."

then the pressure is gone, replaced by the sound of metal clicking— cuffs. you barely have time to process before he’s taking your wrists and snapping the first one on, then the other, chain sliding against the headboard like it was made for this.

"you're joking—" you tug at the cuffs, pulse slamming.

"relax." he picks up the toy like it’s nothing, clicking it on so the low buzz fills the room, and your stomach flips. "you lost the bet. and you still owe me for the ride and borrowin' you my clothes. so this is what i want in return. you okay with that?"

you open and close your mouth as he slides the vibrator along your thigh, teasing, not quite where you need it. you're craving anything he wants to give you.

so you nod your head.

he grins. "now, sweetheart, here’s the deal— the more times you come while m'gone..." his eyes move up to yours, sharp and glittering. "--the better s'gonna be when i get back."

your lips part right as he presses it against your pulsing cunt through the thin fabric, enough to make your whole body jolt.

he adds, lips curling slow, "wanna see what a mess you can make. ya hear me?"

he presses the toy harder against you, the low hum vibrating straight through your core, making you whimper. "fuck—"

"don't fight it, c'mon," he mutters. "feels good, hm? yeaaah... i know it does..."

you're about to tell him where he can shove that advice— except then he hooks his finger into the waistband of your borrowed sweats and drags them down, slow and mean, until they’re pooling at your ankles. you're too busy choking on air to stop him.

"god, look at you." his tone is mocking, his fingers trail over your bare thighs, stopping just where you’re already throbbing. "tryna play hard to get while your body’s beggin' for it."

"i'm—" the denial dies in your throat when he slides down your panties, exposing your glistening pussy to his gaze. the toy suddenly buzzes harder as he puts it directly against your clit, the vibrations shooting straight through you. you gasp, back arching, tugging at the cuffs. "chris!"

"yeah?" he’s asks innocently, "somethin' wrong?"

"turn it— fuck—turn it down—”

"oh, you don’t like it?" he smirks, thumb circling lazily along your hip like he’s petting something fragile. "could've fooled me."

and just when the pleasure sharpens, the toy goes almost silent. barely there— enough to tease, not enough to give you anything.

your head snaps toward him, breath ragged.

he grins, holding up his phone, screen glowing with the app that controls your sanity. "ain't technology a bitch?"

"you...—"

"mm-mm." he shakes his head, sliding the vibrator past your folds and slowly pushing it inside you, getting a breathless moan in response. he licks his lips, seeing how your pussy sucks the toy in, your slick dripping onto the mattress.

he stands up, towering over you with that smug look of his. "gonna control it the whole night. i'll be checkin' on ya every now and then." he clicks on his screen and the vibrator kicks back on at full strength and your whole body jerks against the cuffs, a strangled sound tearing out of you. he watches, eyes dark, lips twitching upwards.

"fuck, that’s pretty." his voice drops, thick with want as he drags his knuckles down your stomach under the hoodie, stopping just above the toy. "could stay and watch ya come apart all night."

"then stay," you gasp, hating how desperate it sounds.

he hums. "tempting, but…" he plucks his phone off the nightstand and tucks it into his back pocket. "nope. i'll go 'n have fun. you'll have some too.

"chris, i swear..."

he's already opening the door when he throws over his shoulder. "oh, 'n don't worry 'bout bein' too loud. the storm will cover any noise."

and then he just left you there, spread out on his bed, wrists bound to the headboard, that toy snug inside you humming low and making your toes curl.

the first thirty minutes were brutal. every nerve in your body was on fire, thighs trembling, back arching against the sheets as the vibrator thrummed deep and steady— except when he decided it shouldn’t.

because of course he couldn’t just leave it alone and he was controling your pleasure from downstairs. every time you got close he slowed the vibration to a maddening crawl, almost like he knew you were just right on the edge. you cursed him out loud, losing your mind, nails digging uselessly into your skin, breath coming in shaky gasps as your body betrayed you.

when you did finally come, it was intense and overwhelming, like a punch to the gut. you couldn't even catch your breath when the vibrations spiked so high that you screamed, coming again and again from overstimulation.

you didn’t even know how long it had been when the door opened again, and you barely registered it through the haze clouding your head. he looked perfectly put together, smelling faintly of beer and weed, while you were a wreck— sweaty, flushed, eyes glassy, moaning pathetically.

chris slowly walked in, his eyes dragging over you slowly, taking in the mess you'd made of yourself.

"well," he drawled, shutting the door behind him with a soft click. “havin' fun?"

you shot him a weak glare, though it didn’t land— not when your thighs squeezed together involuntarily as another small pulse tore through you. he chuckled low and made his way over, undoing the cuffs with deliberate slowness like he was savoring the moment.

"you good?" he asked, mock innocence dripping from his tone. your breath hitched when he clicked on his screen and the toy vibrated harder, making your pussy clench. "or should i ask how many?"

your voice cracked when you muttered, "fuck you."

but he only smirked.

"that many, huh?" he clicked the button one last time, making the toy jump to its highest setting for a single second before shutting it off completely. the sudden silence made your ears ring. you exhaled deeply, cracking the bones in your wrists when he released your hands.

he unbuckles his belt slowly, leaning down close to your ear to murmur, "bet she's all creamy f'me now."

the heat in your cheeks was nothing compared to the rush low in your stomach when he slid his hand between your thighs, and began to ease the vibrator out so slowly that it made you whimper and arch as it dragged against every sensitive spot on the way out. then his fingers traced along your folds.

"fuckkk," he hisses satisfied, dragging his fingers back slowly to look at the mess glistening on them. "you really did put on a show f'me, huh?"

he let his fingers trail down your thigh one last time before straightening up, his gaze never leaving yours as he hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his pants.

"you look wrecked," he said, voice low and ragged as he slid the fabric down slowly, like he wanted you to see every second of it. the outline of his dick pressing against his boxers left nothing to the imagination, and the smile curling his mouth told you he knew it.

"been thinkin' about this the whole fuckin' night," he added, kicking the jeans aside. "drivin' me crazy knowin' you were up here like this.”

your breath caught when he leaned down, one hand braced by your head, the other gripping your jaw so you couldn’t look anywhere but at him. "you tired yet?"

you shake your head, biting down on your lip which told him more than enough. he places his thumb on your bottom lip, tugging it down to make you stop and pressing his own lips to yours, tongue sliding in all messy and desperate. his hand was still holding your jaw, his other one dragging down your body to squeeze your thigh hard enough to leave marks. he likes when you're marked by him.

"y'have no idea," he rasped against your lips, pulling back just enough to get a breath. he removes his boxers, your eyes following his movements to find him hard as rock, leaking with precum and your mouth goes dry. he smirks when he catches you staring and he spreads your legs, settling between them.

"yeah," he hums. "been like this all this time. couldn't even think straight down there, 'cos all i saw in my head was you spread out on my bed."

he runs his tip through your wet folds, coating himself completely in your arousal. he uses his tip to circle your clit, knowing how crazy it makes you. "oh..." you whimpered, your hips lifting up.

"ah, ah," he cooed. "be a good girl 'n try not to move too much."

you let out a deep breath, completely at his mercy, just as always. you were dripping onto his sheets which makes him smirk, his cock moving through your sticky folds again before pressing hard against your clit, making your body jerk. "gonna ask nicely for what you want or should i pull back?" he raises an eyebrow, sliding just the tip inside.

your eyes roll back, your walls sucking him in, causing him to hiss at the sensation. "oh, she happy to see me, huh?"

"chris," you whine.

he looks down at you, his hands moving up and down your thighs, the look in his eyes dangerous like he knows he's gonna ruin you. "use your words, pretty."

"please," you looked at him with pure desperation in your eyes, face all flushed.

he lets out a low chuckle. "suchhh a needy girl," he mutters, continuing to tease your entrance with his tip. he holds your hips down to keep you from pulling him inside fully. "should i fuck you now? or should i keep playin' with you?"

"just fuck me, chris, please... i can't..." you whine again, trying to reach for him like it could help you.

he groans, towering over you and giving himself a few strokes before guiding himself against you. he pushes inside slowly, making your breath stutter. "fuck," he braces himself with one hand beside your head, brows furrowed as if the sound of him sliding in was too much. "always feels like she was made f'me."

you clawed at his back when he pushed deeper, making you feel every inch until he was fully there, stretching you, and stealing the air from your lungs. his grip on your thigh tightened, knuckles white, as he pulled back only to thrust in harder this time, pulling a broken sound from your throat.

"there it is,” he rasped, lips dragging over your jaw as his pace started to build. "soundin' so fuckin' good.”

the bed creaked under the rhythm he set, each thrust sharper than the last, like he was trying to make up for every second he’d been gone. each thrust tore breathless sounds from your lips that only spurred him on.

"keep 'em eyes on me," he ordered, hips snapping harder when yours tried to pull away. "wanted me here, remember? every time you came f'me while i was downstairs...you were beggin' f'this."

you could only nod, moaning out his name when his rhythm grew rougher, each drive of his hips pulling another wave of pleasure from you.

his hand leaves your thigh and you feel him slowing down, grinding deep enough to make you whimper, but desperate for more. he reaches blindly for the vibrator, lifting it into your view, his mouth curving into a smirk.

"y'know, this is what i wanted for winnin' the bet," his voice husky, making you shiver. your pulse jumped when the vibrator buzzed in his hand. "so tell me..." he mutters, thrusting deep, his cock hitting your g-spot. "gonna lemme use it while i fuck you? we'll see if your pussy can handle it, hm?"

everytime he mentioned it before you'd say no, but mostly because you knew he wanted it badly, and you like to refuse giving him what he wants for as long as you can— but you can't lie that you like the idea. you caught yourself fantasizing about it once or twice when he'd text you about it.

the tip of the toy grazed your oversensitive skin, sending sparks shooting through your veins. you could barely breathe, let alone answer, and he noticed. his grin widens, "c'mon."

"fuck," you breathe out, gripping the sheets hardly. "i...— okay, yeah."

"see?" he grins in victory. "you can be good when you want to be."

he drags the toy slowly between your folds, moving up until it touched your swollen clit. it sends a shockwave through your core, hips jerking in reflex. he set the previous rhythm, starting to move faster again and the combination of his dick with the sensation on your bud makes your vision white out for a second.

"fuck, feel that?" he groans against your ear. "oh, you like it? i knew you would."

your body convulsed as the vibrations dragged up against every swollen nerve he was already pounding into. every thrust, him pressing it harder against your clit, it all felt like fire in your veins, too much and not enough all at once. you tried to squirm, but his free hand wrapped around your neck now, forcing you to stay still as his hips slammed into yours.

"c-chris..." you moaned, gripping his wrist, feeling like your pussy clenches around him when his hand stays on your throat. he wasn't even really doing anything, just holding you, but it turned you on even more.

he frowns fully focused, circling the vibrator over your clit and studying your face. he notices the change in your reactions as he holds your throat lightly. he sees how your eyes fluttered and pussy squeezes around him.

he chuckles. "oh shit— you into this? fuck, that's..." he pushes into you deeper. "fuckkkk...."

"mmmhp, oh god... feels so good, just..."

just give me more, you thought, but your pride didn't let you ask for what you needed in that moment exactly.

"just what?" he tested the waters, squeezing your throat a bit as he thrust into you, watching for your reaction. "you want that?"

you nod weakly, face flushed from embarrassment and pleasure. he grins, applying a bit more pressure as he continues to fuck you deeply, the vibrator buzzing against your clit relentlessly, driving you closer to the edge. he leans down to whisper in your ear, "want me to choke ya while i fuck you?"

you gasp for air, hand moving to the back of his head to tug on his hair— which, as he said earlier, was your favorite thing to do.

"y'know, orange is my favorite color," he mutters, his breath hot against your skin. "so every time you gonna use this alone..." he grinds the toy against you faster which makes your legs shake. you can't tell where his thrusts end and the buzz begins. "-- you'll think of me. isn't that jus' such a generous gift?"

his words and the way his hand felt around your throat, it makes you cry out his name, your walls clenching down around his cock, getting a groan from him. "yeaaaah, there ya go," he hisses, pounding into you hard while the toy pulsed against your overstimulated clit.

"jesus...— chris, fuck— oh my—"

then you completely shattered, body writhing, every muscle tensing as pleasure tore through you. he holds you down as you ride it out, thrusting into you through your high until it feels endless, leaving you shaking under him.

and he doesn't stop. he keeps the toy on your swollen bud, pressing it right where you're most sensitive while pulling out just far enough to slam in with bruising force.

“one more,” he demanded, voice rough. “gimme one more like that."

"chris..." you mewl.

"nuh uh," he starts picking up his pace again, the room filled with the wet slap of skin meeting skin, every thrust echoing loud enough to drown out your broken moans. "y'know what i wanted from the start?" he mutters, keeping his grip on your throat. "to feel you take all of me while this is workin' you over. 'n look how good y're takin' me and your new little toy... needy much?"

you let out another moan, nails clawing at his back when he tilted the toy just enough to make the vibrations pulse through every nerve, syncing with the brutal snap of his hips. “y'can handle it, i know you can... fuckkk, squezzin' me so tight...—"

your body was trembling uncontrollably, his rhythm stayed relentless, overstimulating every inch of you.

"holy shit-” he groaned, his breath hot and ragged as he drove into you harder. “said you wouldn’t let me, remember? tried to act like the idea of me usin' this on you... like it wasn't drivin' you crazy..." his voice broke into a laugh as you clenched so tight around him he had to grit his teeth. “and now look— drippin' all over my cock. been wantin' this, huh? admit it.”

you couldn’t even form words anymore, just cried out his name, body jerking helplessly when the toy’s vibration spiked again. he twisted it against you deliberately, making your hips buck and your legs kick against the mattress as another orgasm slammed into you without warning.

"yeaah, that’s it. come f'me again,” he growled, his thrusts getting sloppier now. “been holdin' out on me, actin' like you didn’t want me fuckin' you with this, and now you can’t even stop cummin'." he grins seeing tears streaming down your face, nails leaving marks on his back as your walls fluttered hard around him. “god, look at that. ruinin' my fuckin' sheets... shittttt— ”

you were gone— mind blank, body arching off the bed. he bites down on his lip, brows furrowed, his dick pulsing inside you as he sees how you cry because it feels that good. a deep sense of satisfaction settles in his chest. "you cryin'?" he lets go off your neck, putting one hand beside your hand, muscles flexing as he pounds into you deeper and faster, chasing his own release. "feels that good? cute."

his cock twitched inside you and you knew he was close with the way he panted against your neck, letting out low moans into your ear from time to time, which sends shivers through you.

your body convulses violently around him again as another orgasm ripped through you. he just sounded so sexy, it made you insane. he cursed, burying himself in deep as he spills inside you, hips jerking through the aftershocks while you trembled beneath him, whimpering into his shoulder.

"fuckin' shit..." he hissed, chest heaving as he collapsed beside you, turning off the vibrator and dropping it onto the mattress. both of you are breathing heavily now, your head still spinning while he smirks, fully satisfied.

"that was so much more entertaining than the party," he says.