Title: S.W.A.K.: Return to Sender
Author: Veet Voojagig
Pairing: Zach/Bennet
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Nothing would make this confrontation easier; I just have to get it over with.
Prompt:
slashyheroes15: Fear
S.W.A.K.: Sealed With a Kiss I look up as the door opens. A pair of eyes meet mine briefly-one I’ve been hoping to see, yet dreading at all at once. The boy flashes me a nervous smile, one easy to read, and heads quickly to the stairs.
“Zachary,” I call after him, standing slowly. His steps falter, and he turns to me. His panicked gaze nearly unhinges me. I smile warmly, hoping to put him at ease. “Can I have a word with you?”
He looks ready to flee, but he nods. I lead him to my office without looking back.
“Have a seat,” I say softly as I shut the door behind us. He perches gingerly in an armchair and I take one opposite. Leaning forward slightly, I study him, wondering what he’s thinking. Is it my presence alone that makes him so anxious?
My hand slips into my pocket, closing around the square of rough-edged paper resting there. Nothing would make this confrontation easier; I just have to get it over with.
I pull the boy’s letter out of my pocket, my fingers curled tightly around it. Calmly, I gaze into his eyes, far more calmly than I actually am. “I thought you might be looking for this.”
As I finish speaking, my hand opens, revealing the object resting in my palm.
He blanches; it’s clear that he means to bolt. However, my reflexes are faster. Before he’s halfway out of his chair my hands are on his shoulders, pushing him back down. He stares up at me with such stark terror in his eyes that I can’t resist.
I bend my head and take those lips that have been begging to be kissed for months.
The sound he makes is one of shock, but he’s open and willing beneath my touch, his lips soft and pliant against mine. As I explore every inch of his mouth, he moans. I know he’s never been kissed like this. Boys his age don’t have the skill-enthusiasm is no substitute for finesse.
Not that I’m criticizing his technique. He seems like a quick learner. One he’s over his shock he starts responding, hesitantly at first but with growing boldness as he gains confidence. The movements of his tongue don’t quite sync up with mine, but it’s still very nice.
When I finally pull back, he gazes up at me, drawing in quick breaths. I’m struck by how vulnerable he looks. It would be so easy to take advantage of him.
I slide my thumb over his cheek, rubbing gently. “Zachary,” I murmur.
“I-I-Mr. Bennet, you-” he stutters. It’s alluring, somehow, in ways I hadn’t expected.
But, although it may seem otherwise, I do have some control over myself.
I pull my chair closer and sit back down. “I think,” I say slowly, allowing a hint of amusement to color my voice, “that, under the circumstances, it would probably be permissible for you to call me Noah.” I lean forward, placing a finger on his too appealing lips to forestall any stammered comments. “Don’t speak,” I murmur. I press his letter into his palm and close his fingers around it.
“Ah, Zachary,” I say quietly. “If you were a few years older I wouldn’t hesitate a moment. I want you to know that. But…”
He pulls his hand in, cradling the letter against his chest. “But?” he repeats in a dejected tone.
A sad smile flickers across my lips. “You’re not a few years older.”
“It… it doesn’t matter. I want-I love you. Mr. B-” He pauses and licks his lips quickly. “Noah,” he says breathlessly. “Please.”
My name in his mouth is like a soft caress along my spine. I close my eyes briefly; that may have been a mistake. “No, Zach,” I answer after a moment, brushing my fingers against his clenched fist. “It’s best you forget this.”
I stand and move to the door. “Claire’s probably waiting for you,” I say before stepping out of the room.
I’m afraid to stay any longer. I can’t be sure I would hold out.