The fact that they somehow managed to slip past his sneaky plans and see through him was something that had him quirking his eyebrow in amusement and shock

They had his attention the moment they defied his subtle commands laced through his honeyed words, and it was only natural for his curiosity to pique

As time went by, he found himself drawn to their brilliance that shown through every idea and thought of theirs that they shared with him, a very eager listener

Proud as he was, Albert was self-aware enough to realize that they were far smarter than he was, the subjects they discussed whenever they met up just barely brushing the surface of the well that is their intelligence

When they started courting each other, he made it very clear that he intended to treat them not only as an equal, but also someone he genuinely looked up to and would trust implicitly with their advice in decisions and choices

Their wisdom is something he looks out for, seeking their opinion and guidance whenever they could give it—and he never does it with any manipulative intent, because he knows that they would easily pick up on it if he ever dared try to con them into it

However, if he ever decided (after lots of lengthy discussions with the entire gang) to let them in on their plans, they were more than likely to agree and chip in with their help whenever they could provide it

A small part of Albert was selfish enough to want to keep them away from staining their hands with the blood of the fallen; if he could protect their innocence in that respect then he would do anything for it

He also dislikes the prospect of making it seem like he’s using them for his own gain, so he’d rather keep their “help” to a minimum

After all, he loves to revel in the privacy of their conversations together, late at night with the lamplight oil burning low and the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on their faces

And if their eyes grow hooded and their smiles more languid as the conversation flowed between them and the words lingered in the warm air, then he would absolutely take them to bed for a proper show of appreciation of their incredibly attractive intellect, and a confession of just how damningly captivating he found them

He’s not much up for challenging them in terms of smarts, given that he’d much rather learn from them than go head-to-head with them, but he’s certainly up for tempting them twice as much with his lips in other ways he knows he reigns superior in

“This year’ll be fun though, because now we’re dating and so it’s different.” While it was worded incredibly ridiculous, Albert did have a point.

“Fine, I’ll go, but I’m just gonna drink a lot.” You said, causing Albert to smile and lean in to kiss you. You closed the gap, and you suddenly realized you and Albert had become every cliche couple ever.

You had met Albert in sophomore year, during Spanish class. He sat in front of you, and you guys started talking immediately. He had this way about him, that made you instantly attracted to him. And it wasn’t until the end of junior year when Albert finally said something. By that time, you and Albert were talking pretty much every day, and you knew you were definitely in love with him. It was a kind of love where you wanted to be with him everyday, and you wanted to know even the weirdest things about him.

The day he asked you out was one of the happiest days of your life. It was after school, and Albert was driving you home, and he just let it slip.

“So, do you maybe wanna go on a date?” He asked you, causing you to choke on your water.

“With you?” You asked. Obviously you, Y/N, you idiot.

“Nevermind, forget it, it was stupid, just forget I said-”

“No! I want to date you!” You exclaimed, smiling once the feeling sunk in that you were gonna date your long time crush.

And now it was almost 6 months and you still felt the same way. Except there was this one tiny thing that made you weary. You’ve told Albert you loved him, multiple times, and he hasn’t. It wasn’t like you were trying to force him to say it, just after saying it to him a bunch of times, it felt as if he didn’t feel the same way you did.

“Hey I gotta go to class, but we’re going tonight?” He asked, rubbing his thumb over your knuckles.

“Yeah, sure.” You said, and he kissed you quickly one more time. “I love you.”

“I’ll see you after school.” He said, starting to walk away, catching up to another one of his friends. You continued to stand there, watching him walk away, trying not to let your smile falter. He had the perfect opportunity to say it back, but he didn’t. It was fine, everything was gonna be fine.

Albert didn’t know anything about love. He grew up in a house full of boys, his mom died when he was six. His brothers and dad didn’t really show much affection towards each other. He had an idea of love, like he loves lacrosse, he loves carbonated drinks, he loves food. But the love he felt towards you was a complete different kind of love. Every time he saw you, he got butterflies in his stomach, and when he saw you smile, he swore it was the most beautiful thing he’s seen in his life. He didn’t know how to express that, because what he felt, was new, and more than love.

You were laying in Albert’s bed with him after school, just scrolling on your phone. He had an arm wrapped around you and the other was holding his phone. The party didn’t start till seven, so the both of you had some time to kill. You turned around, facing Albert and watching his face. You leaned in to kiss him. He reciprocated, pulling you on top of him.

“Are we doing this?” You asked, pulling away briefly to face Albert.

“Are you okay with it?” He asked, massaging your hips. You nodded and leaned back to kiss him.

“Y/N! You made it!” Elmer exclaimed, opening up the door and dragging you inside.

“Okay, how much have you had to drink already, Elmer?” You asked, smiling a little as Albert found another group to talk to.

“Doesn’t matter, we have booze.” He said, giving you a solo cup full of some liquid. “Also, you aren’t dressed up, it’s a Halloween party!”

“I uh, ran out of time.” You said, taking a sip of the mysterious liquid.

“Yeah, we can tell.” He retorted, pointing to a forming bruise on your neck. You laughed with him and continued to make small talk as more people started showing up.

Two hours into the party, everyone was either super drunk or asleep. Like, Race and Spot were on the couch, making out, and Finch and Buttons were curled up on the reclining chair, asleep. You were in the kitchen with Katherine, drinking more. Katherine was drinking lemonade while you downed your fourth cup.

“He won’t even say ‘I love you’!” You exclaimed, throwing the cup on the floor. “We’ve been dating a long time now, like, a million months, and he won’t even say it!”

“Y/N, it’s okay, he’ll get around to it.” Katherine replied, putting a hand on your shoulder. But you jumped off the counter, and in your drunken state, it seemed like a good idea to confront Albert.

“No, we need to talk, right here, right now.” You said, walking toward him.

“No! Y/N, maybe that’s not the best idea, you’re clearly drunk, and we’re at a party!” Katherine said, but it was too late, you were already tapping Albert on the shoulder. Katherine put a hand over her face, not wanting to see how this will end up.

“Why won’t you tell me you love me?” You snapped at Albert, his smile off his face falling once he saw you. His group went silent, practically the whole room went silent. Even Spot and Race sat up, watching the interaction.

“Y/N, what are-what are you talking about?” He said, putting a hand on your shoulder, but you brushed it off.

“I tell you I love you all the time, even earlier, when we were-”

“Okay, you are very, very intoxicated right now, and you don’t know what you’re saying. Let’s go home.” He said, taking your hand.

“No! I want to know why, why, why don’t you love me?” You said, your mood turning from angry to sad. Tears welled up in your eyes.

“Okay, we’re going home. Goodbye everyone, I’ll see you at school on Monday.” Albert said, gently leading you to his car. You were still crying, but mostly confused as to what was going on.

“Where are we going?” You hiccuped, crawling into the car.

“We’re going to my house, and you’re going to sleep for 12 hours.” Albert responded, putting your seatbelt on for you.

The drive to his house was practically silent, except you were humming a tune and tapping the window. Normally, Albert would be smiling, but he was more worried than anything. He was worried that you didn’t want to be with him anymore, he was worried about how long you’ve felt this way. He wanted to ask you, but you were so drunk he didn’t think he’d get an answer out of you.

Arriving at Albert’s house, Albert cursed that his bedroom was up the stairs because it was going to take even longer getting you into bed. There was an option of having you sleep on the couch, but he didn’t want his dad to be shocked in the morning, so he’d make that struggle for you. You put your arms around his neck and he lifted you into his arms, ready to get a semi-workout. What he wasn’t expecting, however, was one of his older brothers to be home and in the living room, the room where he had to walk through to get to his room.

“Hey Al, where you been all night?” His brother asked. “Is that Y/N?”

“Yeah, uh, if you could not tell dad that-”

“Hey! It’s Albert’s brother!” You exclaimed, giggling and awkwardly waving at him. He waved back at you momentarily, before turning to Albert again.

“How drunk are they?” His brother asked.

“Uh, I don’t know.” He replied. “But we’re going to bed.”

Albert walked upstairs slowly, and letting a breath of relief when he got to his room. He gently laid you down on the bed, and took of your shoes.

“Okay just sleep now, we’ll talk in the morning.” He said, kissing you on the forehead, and he pulled the blankets over you.

You woke up in the morning with a killer headache, but the moment you turned your head, there was a glass of water and two ibuprofen next to it. You sat up, looking for your boyfriend, but he was nowhere to be found. But right after that thought crossed your mind, he walked in.

“Good, you’re up.” He said, taking a seat next to you. “Do you remember anything about last night?”

“Uhm, I remember drinking a lot in the kitchen, I remember wondering where Davey and Jack went halfway through the night, I remember Katherine and I talking, and I remember,” You paused, gasping slightly when you realized what else happened that night. “Oh no, Albert, I’m so sorry, I don’t know why I said that.”

“You do know why you said it, what’s going on?” He asked, putting a hand on your leg.

“I don’t know, it’s just, upsetting that I’ve said it a bunch, and you never respond. I don’t want to be in a relationship that’s not going anywhere.” You responded. “But I do wanna be with you, I just don’t know how serious this is.”

“You make me so incredibly happy, and I want to say it, but you make me so nervous.” He said. “Okay, that sounds bad. But, I mean that when you walk into a room, my heart explodes.”

“Albert, it’s okay, it was a lot to ask-”

“No, because I do love you, and I’m just a wimp who can’t express feelings correctly.” He said. “And I should’ve said it a lot sooner-”

And in all honesty, the women had every right to flock around him. The man was as captivating as the Devil himself, his smile equal parts gentle and enticing. He never divulged much about himself, but that only made him more of an enigma that women wished to crack—women whom he clearly had no qualms charming with his soft-spoken words, low voice, and gentlemanly behavior, paired with just the right amount of mischief behind his incredible looks. Really, who hadn’t fallen in love with Albert twenty times over?

Wherever he went, he attracted ladies and gents alike, their bewitched eyes trailing after him long after he’d left the conversation with ease and suaveness like none other could master. Of all things, he most resembled a butterfly; beautiful but out of reach. For some reason, that mask of perfection that always coated his face never slipped. It was both eerie and fascinating.

Watching him at the ball was like torturing oneself. He slipped between people like something of a specter, clasping women in dances just as they asked with eager eyes and pouting lips, and chuckling with the men as charisma embellished his saccharine words. Nearly everyone in the room was willing to do his bidding; anything he asked of they’d do. It was usually only his polite refusal that stopped people from offering him their lives in dedication to him.

All eyes were on him as he gracefully flitted between the crowd, so what was an extra pair to longingly stare at him? Albert was the epitome of class and refinement, yes, but his kindness and playfulness that he sometimes let slip had long enraptured him. He was not that different from his throng of admirers in that regard, except for perhaps the reasoning behind his adoration. His gaze could simply be chalked up to mere admiration.

But only he knew the inner turmoil of being so desperately in love with someone you can’t have; only he saw him laughing in his home amidst his two brothers, only he saw how his emerald eyes darkened considerably at the prospect of teasing him just a little, only he knew what it was like to see him so intimately when he’d just woken up, hair mussed and slightly disrobed as they languidly chatted over tea. Albert’s friendship was something that he considered both a blessing (because truly, that man was enchanting) and a curse (because his very presence so near was nothing if not tantalizing).

He could only watch as he bowed after another dance shared with a stunning women, decked in the most expensive diamonds and emeralds one could afford—her attire clearly some sort of homage to his own crest and color. Her hair was coiffed to perfection, poised elegantly as her clothes both flattered her and served to tease others. Of course, he bitterly thought to himself, when someone like that offered their company and feelings to Albert, his own forbidden love had no place in the nobleman’s heart.

So caught up in his own poisonous feelings and the venomous words on his tongue, he failed to notice the man in question as he walked up to him. Startled by the hand on his shoulder, he turned to face him. “Everything alright?” he asked, furrowing his brows. There didn’t seem to be a reason why he’d suddenly approach him now of all times.

“I could ask you the same question. Care for a walk in the gardens?” Albert’s question was posed politely, but even he could spot the concern in his eyes. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity to spend sometime alone with the man he loved so dearly, he nodded, his heart almost coming to a stop as he got a grin and squeeze to his wrist in return. Dazedly, he could only follow after him and into the calm night outside.

As soon as they walked to the far end of the gardens where no one could possibly interfere, Albert softly said, “You’ve been pretty out of it all night. Is something on your mind?”

Surprised that he had even noticed, he resorted to a simple nod and a vague reply. “I was doing some… self-reflection.”

“In the middle of a ball?” Albert arched his brow at him, a slightly disbelieving look on his face.

He shrugged. “I can’t really choose when to switch off my brain, Al. Though honestly I sometimes wish I could.” His chuckle was a little derisive, and at that, his friend stopped in his tracks.

“Well, in all honesty, I’ve had something on my mind for a while now too. Care to hear me out?”

“Of course,” he instantly replied, turning serious as he faced him, “You could tell me anything. You know that. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“The thing is, that’s exactly the sort of thing we should talk about. I’ve got something to confess.” Albert inhaled sharply, as though steeling himself for a moment as his friend’s heartbeat roared in his ears.

What on earth could he have to say to him concerning their friendship? There wasn’t much to comment on, unless… oh no… unless he knew. Suddenly, he felt rather nauseous, and dreaded hearing what he had to say. Swallowing thickly, he began to prepare himself to hear the words of disgust and disbelief before cutting ties with him. “Yes?” His voice came out small as he urged him on.

“I’ve figured out that I’ve got feelings for you… romantic feelings, that is. For a while now,” Albert softly said, and his mouth flew open in shock. After glancing at him for a moment, the nobleman went on. “I’m sure it’s surprising to hear, seeing as I myself hadn’t foreseen this. However, I’m too far gone to stop myself now. Unless I’ve somehow misinterpreted this, then I do believe you reciprocate these feelings as well, do you not?”

This had to be some sort of prank. There simply was no way in the seven hells that the words Albert was saying were true. No situation could ever be this good and play right into his favor; no way the universe could’ve somehow set it up that the one man he’s so hopelessly in love with just happens to miraculously share the same feelings despite being constantly surrounded by beauties of all shapes and sizes. It simply wasn’t possible. Still, even if it would send the world up in flames and end in his misery, he’d never lie to him. He simply couldn’t.

So with trembling hands to his sides, he managed to choke the words out. “You’re… you’re not mistaken, no.”

Relief seemed to pour out of Albert, and his shoulders sagged just the tiniest bit, a gentle smile making its way on his face. “Thank goodness. Otherwise this would’ve been quite the embarrassment.” He shook his head a little. “In all cases, what I’m trying to say is… would you allow me to formally court you?”

Gaping at him openly now, he wondered if he’d simply snapped and was now hallucinating. How could the figment of his most fanciful dreams become a reality? How could this man, with all his standing and elegance and sheer desirability, be looking at him, with eager eyes and a hopeful smile he’d only ever seen others give him?

He somehow managed to gulp and force his words out. “H-how… I mean, I would love to, but—?”

Shaking his head, Albert interrupted him by clasping his hands in his deft gloved ones, and he somehow felt his warmth through them. “Don’t worry about the hows. Have some faith in me.”

“I do, you know I always have, but the law—“

“Means nothing to me.” His eyes twinkled with something akin to mischief, and he suddenly had the urge to dive in headfirst in whatever this man had prepared in store for him. “I’ve got a penchant for doing what I want. You of all people should know that best, hmm?”

He hummed, incapable of saying much else as Albert had taken a step close to him so that there were mere centimeters between them; certainly not enough to calm the heart hammering in his chest, or to stop his traitorous eyes from flickering to his lips. The wicked mirth in Albert’s eyes only grew as he noticed his lingering glance.

“You seem like you need some time to think things out.” Albert seemed almost like he was about to bow to him, and for a moment he did, causing him to feel a little confused—only to have his heart thrown in for the loop as he brought his hand closer to his lips, pressing the softest kiss against his skin and leaving it tingling.

It pulled a small gasp from the back of his throat, something that Albert clearly delighted in, if the grin on his face was anything to go by. “Let me know your answer soon. I’ll be waiting, love.”

It was that last sweet petname that fell from his lips that had him flushing down till the root of his neck, sending his senses completely into overdrive and his thoughts overtaken by the wonderful man in front of him who had someway, somehow just bared his heart to him in the most enthralling of ways. If he hadn’t already been in love, then he was now completely tied down.

Before he could so much as think of a response past the lovesick, disbelieving haze in his mind, Albert had already slipped past his fingers, a few feet ahead of him and making his way back into the mansion after leaving a storm in his wake raging inside of him as he stood rooted to the spot. This was him clearly promising him a good time, one that he simply wasn’t immune to resisting.

And he didn’t want to resist, either, to be brutally frank. Whisking him away was far too tempting an offer, after all.

You had always been the good girl. You were top of your classes, you never missed a day of school, so how did you and Albert become a thing?

It all started in junior year. You were walking to class and you apparently dropped a piece of paper with all your homework on it. Albert saw it, and he knew you and your reputation, and how upset you’d be if you didn’t have the homework. So, being the good person he was, he returned it to you. You couldn’t stop thanking him, and insisted to make it up to him. So, the two of you went to a deli and became friends. 

And over the summer, you and Albert had developed feelings for each other. And surprisingly, he was pretty open with his feelings and expressed them to you. That’s when the two of you started dating.

Now, it was senior year, and everyone found out about you and Albert on the first day. Albert was very bad at hiding affection, and within the first ten minutes of walking into school, his lips were all over yours.

“Looking good there, sweetheart.” You heard your boyfriend say, wrapping his arms around you and kissing you on the cheek lightly.

“Hey Al, did you want to go out after school? I can’t because I’m tutoring Oscar Delancey after school.” You said, turning to look at him.

“Oscar Delancey? No way Y/N.” He said.

“Al, we’ve been over this, I love you, and only you. No boy is going to change that.” You said. “Besides, why would I be interested in a boy failing simple math?”

“I guess.” He said.

After school, you walked to the library and waited for Oscar. You started by putting papers out and preparing. He walked in five minutes later, smelling like deodorant. But this was like he put too much on. Albert never put this much on, he put just the right amount, making him smell nice. 

“Well hello there, beautiful.” Oscar said and you smiled politely.

“Hi Oscar, let’s get started.” You said opening your textbook.

“Wait, you really thought I was failing? No, Y/N, haven’t you been able to feel the tension?” He asked, moving closer to you. “I just said that so I’d get closer to you, and we could cut that tension.”

“There is no tension, Oscar. I’m dating Albert, and I’m happy.” You said. “Sorry to disappoint you.”

“Well, he doesn’t need to know.” Oscar said, putting an arm around you. You quickly shimmied out of his grasp and stood up.

“I’m not comfortable cheating on my boyfriend, find somebody else.” You said, grabbing your stuff and walking out of the library as fast as you can. But once you got outside, you saw Albert and his motorcycle. You smiled slightly and walked towards him.

“Well that was quick, wanna talk about it?” He asked.

“You were right. Just drive, please.” You said, putting on a helmet and climbing on behind Albert.

Albert pulled up to his house and let you get off the motorcycle.

“I’m sorry, you were right, Al, I should’ve just listened to you.” You said, walking in the house. “He was just a creep that didn’t even need math help.”

“Well, who guessed it?” He asked rhetorically. “I’m just playin’ with ya.”

“Whatever.” You said, kissing him. It was meant to be a simple kiss, but Albert deepened it. The two of you worked on taking off the others clothes and making it to his bedroom.

“You okay with this?” He asked.

“Yes, yes I’m okay.” You said, and he lifted you on the bed, making sure not to disconnect his lips from yours. He pushed you down slightly on the bed and started kissing down your stomach.

“So beautiful.” He said, and you moaned slightly.

“Albert, please, no teasing.” You begged and he complied, lifting up your skirt and starting to kiss your inner thighs. His fingers started to make it’s way up your legs and pulled your underwear down. His lips followed his fingers to your core and soon his mouth was around your clit, sucking on the bud while his fingers teased your entrance.

“Oh my god, Yes! Albert!” You moaned. His tongue piercing would hit the bud, the cold metal making you moan louder. Soon, one finger was inserted into your core, pumping slowly. You kept moaning as his mouth and fingers worked wonders on your core.

“Are you gonna cum soon, Y/N?” He asked and you nodded.

“Yes, only for you, please, make me cum.” You pleaded. Six months ago, you never thought those words would leave your mouth ever. But Albert changed that. He changed a lot of things. He was your first kiss, first time, first person to ride a motorcycle with. He was the only one.

Albert was determined to make you cum. So, he added another finger and curled them slightly, hitting your g-spot. You moaned and gripped his hair, pulling him closer to where you needed him most.

“Albert, I’m- Oh my god, I’m coming!” You yelled, letting yourself go. He didn’t remove his fingers or mouth until you came down from your high. He then sat up and kissed you on the mouth, pulling his pants down.

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“Yes, I trust you, Al.” You said and Albert reached in the bedside table, pulling out a condom. He rolled it on his shaft and lined up with your entrance. He pushed himself into you slowly, making you moan loudly.

“You have to be quiet sweetheart.” He said, kissing your neck. He waited until you gave him a sign to start moving. He started moving, slowly at first, but picking up the pace as he saw your face change in pleasure. You knew you weren’t going to last long, and neither was Albert.

It wasn’t long before the both of you came, moaning out each other’s names. He took off the condom and threw it in his trash can before throwing you one of his shirts. You threw it on and crawled under his sheets. It smelled like Albert, which was your favorite scent. Soon, he crawled next to you, and wrapped and arm around you. You looked up and he kissed you sweetly.

“I love you.” You said, smiling at him.