Call Me Yours [BL]

Chapter 6

Ardyn stays the night.

Well, he means to.

It's well past 12 when his eyes open and he's met with the white and seemingly endless expanse of their ceiling. There's an ache in his legs that he doesn't mind as he pushes back the covers and carefully sits at the edge of the bed. Kahili sleeps soundly behind him. His arm lies slack on his naked chest, dipping and rising with every gentle exhale.

Ardyn stares longer than he means to.

He pries his eyes away and runs a hand through his hair.

When the deafening silence gets too much to bear, he stands and feels around the nightstand for his phone. His screen is bright when he turns it on, and his eyes squint. He knows it's late but he doesn't expect the 1:13 that glares back at him. s**t— there's at least ten texts from Prince, all staggered and progressively more irritated than the last. The last one is worried.

Ardyn chews at his lip and sends a hurried text back.

He doesn't have to search for his clothes when he goes to leave. He put them on fairly fast after they'd all come down for their highs, and had sat with that post orgasm silence where nothing had to be said. They talked for a long time afterward, too.

How was it? Valen asked.

Ardyn's mind felt too heavy to answer fully then, too dazed. Good, he said, then let them hold him. He didn't expect it—the touches that came after. The praises, the water bottle Kahili raised to his lips, how gently Valen held him after. He expected maybe a towel to wipe himself down, but no, Kahili did that, too.

They didn't boot him like he was fully prepared for.

It's just s*x, he reminded himself, when he started to get lost in their embraces, too caught up in their scents. Still, when the night bled darker and their voices gradually died out and Kahili fell asleep, Ardyn almost let himself, too.

He was on the cusp of sleep when he felt Valen get up. He was careful, slow and deliberate to not wake the two of them when he slipped out of bed and left the room. Ardyn waited for him to come back. He had no way of telling the time, but as minutes ticked by and he stared into the dark abyss of their room he finally realized Valen wasn't.

He smells vanilla before he hears him. "Can't sleep, darling?"

Ardyn's breath catches.

He's not prepared for how ethereal Valen looks. He's not doing anything grand, lounging on the couch beside their cat, but the moon's airy light shines on him favorably. It caresses each of his features so delicately through their grand windows. He soaks in it. His eyes are more lidded than Ardyn's used to seeing, mesmerizingly dark, and he's watching Ardyn carefully.

Ardyn swallows and shakes his head, can't tell where his sudden nerves come from. "No—um," he struggles for something to say. "I don't..."

Valen extends a gesture for him to sit down. Ardyn sits.

Valen pets their cat mindlessly, gentle strokes to her back so similar to the ones he gave Ardyn only hours before. "Sneaking off?" Valen teases quietly. His voice startles Ardyn through the silence. The hybrid's ears perk and he can't hide himself from Valen watching him.

"I'm—" Ardyn fishes for something to say, then inevitably confesses, "Yes..."

Valen hums.

There's that silence again, deafening to Ardyn. He drowns in it.

"Can I ask why?" Valen asks softly.

Ardyn considers lying. School, he could blame it on, he should blame it on, considering his morning classes. Work is his next excuse. Both go left unsaid, because he's not entirely sure himself why he's leaving. He says the first thing that comes to mind, "You weren't in bed..." It's not an explanation but he offers nothing else, wouldn't even know what else to say if Valen pressed.

He doesn't press. Of course, he doesn't.

"I have trouble sleeping," Valen confesses. It feels oddly intimate to Ardyn. "I'm sure you could tell, but Kahili can fall asleep anywhere." Ardyn sees his lips curl up at the mention of his husband, so unconscious and small. "His head just has to touch the pillow and he's out till the morning."

Valen shakes his head and stretches, something slow and delicate, before he shifts his body toward Ardyn. He brings his leg up on the couch. "How are you feeling?" Eyes run over Ardyn, more awake and missing the tired glint.

Ardyn flushes despite his efforts not to. "Good. I feel— good." He wants to say something more, anything more, but Valen's staring like this is the first time he's seen him. "...How are you?"

Valen's lips pull into a slow smile. "Good," he says, and it sounds a whole like he's teasing.

Ardyn fidgets, nods, and parrots like an i***t, "Good."

Valen's laugh sounds so sweet to Ardyn. Quiet and delicate, hidden behind a hand. "What happened? You're being so shy. Was it something I did?"

"No-!" Ardyn exclaims, almost shocked Valen could possibly think he did anything. He's watching Ardyn with a gentle smile and tilt to his head, so patient for more of an explanation. "You're just.." Ardyn's hand waves around and his face grows warm with heat. "You're really.. pretty. It makes me nervous," he admits.

Ardyn's palms curl into fists on his lap and he's forced to sit with an unwanted blush on his cheeks. It's the truth, he realizes after he says it. He feels the urge to sit a little straighter when he's around Valen. To fix his hair and make sure his clothes are sitting properly. It all looks so effortless on Valen, the elegance he carries himself with. It's breathtaking. It's intimidating.

"Pretty?" Valen echoes. He's smiling. "We just had s*x and you're nervous because you think I'm pretty?"

"..Can it be both?"

"It can," he replies, calmly. Then, "You say it like you don't realize how pretty you are." Ardyn's nose scrunches, immediate doubt written in his features, and Valen drawls an unconvinced noise. "Really? I couldn't get you out of my head the first time I saw you."

Ardyn's breath catches again, soft and silent under Valen's watch. He's not sure what to say, shoulders hunched as bashfully as they are. He manages a shy thank you that barely carries to Valen's ears. And only to get the attention off his looks, he says, "I liked it."

He swallows again, then continues, "The s*x—everything. I've never subbed for someone before, but... I really liked it. I felt like—like I didn't have to think? If that makes sense." He attempts a small smile. "It was good, really. You were.. good." It's too much, it's not enough, but it's all he offers Valen. Hopes it conveys that he felt taken care of all night, so spoiled and doted on. The memories already have his stomach in knots.

Valen nods slowly as he listens. He breathes out a soft noise when Ardyn's done. "Good."

Ardyn waits.

He stares at Valen and in turn, Valen stares at him.

"..Is that all?"

"I'm joking," Valen says immediately, realizing it fell flat. He sees Ardyn's face momentarily falter and reaches over to secure his hand. He squeezes, persistent. "Bad joke, I'm sorry. You were—" There's a shake to his head, as if he can't believe that Ardyn doesn't already know. "—a natural. I've never seen someone slip into submission so beautifully like that before. It suits you."

Ardyn wears praise just as well as pleasure, Valen thinks. "Really?" he asks, and it sounds so hopeful.

"Yes," Valen nods. "I almost don't believe it was your first time."

"It was," Ardyn insists. He subtly shifts closer, unaware of the movement himself. "I've never done anything like it. But.. I did good?"

Valen watches him carefully. The hopeful expression on his face, gentle pink hue settled on his face, and his pupils— Valen can't look away from them. They look exactly as they did when they had s*x, unmistakably dilated. "You were perfect," Valen says, knowing it's what Ardyn wants to hear. His guess is right. Ardyn's eyes dilate even further, and it's such a mesmerizing thing to be able to witness.

"You were such a good boy, weren't you?" Valen muses lowly. The praises flow from his mouth so easily—all honest. And Ardyn reacts so earnestly to each one, so expressive with his body. "I can't wait to see you like that again."

He's closer, Valen notes. He sees that same dazed expression on Ardyn again, and isn't that something, he thinks.

"Can I see you again?" Valen asks. "Did you like it enough to come back?"

"Yes," Ardyn breathes out, and almost as an afterthought, he adds, "Please."

And how could Valen possibly say no after that.

Conversation flows naturally from there. Ardyn relaxes and there's more of those boyish mannerisms Valen's come to associate Ardyn with. He's vibrant and animated, using his hands to talk just as much as his mouth, and he rambles on more than he probably should, but Valen listens all the same. Relaxed on the couch, he smiles encouragingly and listens. He reminds Valen of Kahili.

"Sorry," Ardyn's cheeks puff before he smiles sheepishly. "I haven't really let you get a word in."

"No," Valen says, and means it, "Keep going."

Ardyn fidgets, smile turning a little unsure. "I've been wondering since dinner. Is this—Do you guys do this a lot? The whole," his hand waves around. "Sugar baby thing."

Valen takes a moment to answer. "Yes and no. I wouldn't necessarily say 'a lot'. It's more that we keep in contact with the same person for a long period, but we never have an arrangement with more than one person at a time."

Something inside Ardyn relaxes. "I see," he mumbles, hoping it comes off casual. It must not considering Valen's lip twitch. "Can I ask why? I'm not judging! It's just.."

"It's unconventional," Valen agrees. "It's okay to be curious. I don't mind you asking. There's not some deep-rooted reason, though. Kahili and I both enjoy s*x, but we have similar interests that clash," he explains. "We're both more dominant in bed."

Ardyn bobs his head, genuine curiosity on his face. His previous tiredness is long forgotten. "That makes sense," he mumbles, thoughtfully. "And you don't get jealous?"

Jealous, Valen muses. A beat of silence passes. "No," he smiles. "It's not romantic, remember?"

Ardyn bobs his head again.

Valen changes the subject. "How were you expecting to get home so late with no car?"

"Uber?" Ardyn says, though it sounds a lot like a question to Valen. "Or.. my roommate could pick me up."

"Nonsense." Valen stands and carefully maneuvers around their cat. "Kahili will take you home."

He stirs when they wake him up.

Ardyn protests the whole way back to the bedroom, his voice gradually lowering in fear of waking Kahili but never losing its urgency. Really, he begs. I don't need him to. It falls on deaf ears.

Kahili blinks blearily. Valen explains to him in such a sweet voice that he'll be taking Ardyn home, now. Kahili blinks again. He stares at Valen like he's a figment of his imagination. "Okay?" Valen asks, his voice soft, soothing.

Finally, Kahili nods. Ardyn doubts he knows what he's agreeing to until Kahili looks past Valen and his eyes settle on Ardyn. He's shifting from foot to foot nervously as Kahili gets out of bed and reaches onto the floor for his shirt. "C'mon." His voice is laced with sleep, a deep husk to it that sounds a shiver down Ardyn's spine.

While Kahili grabs his keys, Valen reaches out to Ardyn. It startles the hybrid, not expecting the gentle stroke on his head, but he can't stop himself from leaning into it. Valen's lips pull into a smile and Ardyn finds himself copying him. "So pretty," Valen praises softly. "This was a nice night, wasn't it? I hope it wasn't too fast for you, sweetheart."

"Not at all," Ardyn rushes out. "I enjoyed myself. I—I'm excited to see you guys again," he confesses shyly, and Valen all but coos at him.

He leaves shortly after, joining Kahili in the elevator. Apologies instantly tumble from his mouth. Part of him wishes he'd just forced himself to go to sleep, to close his eyes and ignore how Valen slipped out of bed. But it didn't feel right— Valen's absence.

"It's not any trouble," Kahili assures, glancing down at him. "I didn't mean to fall asleep, actually, I'm sorry. I was planning to take you home earlier so you didn't get home so late." His lips thin like he wants to say more, but he shakes his head. Apologies again, "I'm sorry."

Ardyn waves him off quickly. "This is usually when I sleep anyway."

The ride home is relatively quick. The music is low and there's minimal conversation, but Ardyn feels peaceful as he stares out the window and appreciates the stillness of the night.

"Thank you, I— what are you doing?" Ardyn asks, confused after they've pulled into his apartment complex's lot. Kahili's seatbelt unbuckling matches his own.

Kahili looks just as confused. "..Walking you inside?"

Ardyn blinks, then tries to suppress a smile. "Do you walk all your sugar babies inside?"

"Just the ones with no car."

His smile falls flat while Kahili laughs at his own joke. "I'm kidding." He doesn't answer Ardyn's question, but he does turn the car off. "It's late and it's dark. Let me walk you inside."

A little petulant, Ardyn says, "Not gonna open my door, too?" He gets out as he says it, and he's not sulking.

"Don't be like that," Kahili chuckles again, rounding the car in a light jog to get to him. He catches Ardyn's arm and brings him to a stop. "I'm sorry, that was mean." The grin on his face says otherwise, but he likes the way Kahili holds his shoulders, refusing to let him go. "You didn't even give me the chance to open your door, I was gonna."

"You're just saying that."

Kahili raises an eyebrow like it's a challenge.

Ardyn puts up little fight when Kahili gently nudges him backward, each step guided and slow until Ardyn's back softly hits the car. He says nothing, can't quite tear his gaze from Kahili's face when the elder reaches around Ardyn and grabs the passenger side door. He watches Ardyn as he does, a playful, dark glint in his eyes that stays, even after he guides Ardyn back into the car.

The door shuts with a click.

Ardyn bites back his smile.

It opens again, this time with Kahili's arms spread wide in exaggerated invitation. "Please, after you."

It's stupid. It's dumb. And it makes his heart race.

🍃🍂🍃

Ardyn tiptoes into his apartment after bidding Kahili goodbye. The door shuts with its usual loud creak. Ardyn cringes and glances over his shoulder, then breathes out a sigh of relief when he sees Prince is wide awake.

"Back from the dead," Prince teases, but it sounds more like he's scolding him.

"Sorry, sorry." Ardyn cringes again. He slips his shoes off, doesn't set them on the shoe rack because it's broken and they haven't bothered to fix it. He nudges them aside instead. "I didn't even see you texted."

Prince hums, a small, unimportant noise. He glances at Ardyn from his spot on the couch, not nearly as soft or plush as Valen and Kahili's, but he looks relaxed playing video games. "How was it?"

"Good," Ardyn breathes out. He dumps himself on the couch next to Prince feeling exhausted, but never tired enough to skip their nightly talks. Prince hands him a controller. It's natural, the routine they fall into. "You were right. They just wanted sex."

Prince can smell it on him. Someone else. "You reek."

Ardyn grunts, ignoring the insult in favor of checking the notification he just got. "Holy s**t," he exclaims, sitting straighter. "They paid me 1,000 dollars!"

Prince feels similar disbelief. "What the hell? For what?"

Ardyn's lips purse.

Slowly, he reveals the entirety of the night until Prince is speechless. "Jesus," Prince laughs. "Now I regret not flirting with them, too."

Ardyn dies on the hill that he was never flirting and Prince rolls his eyes. "You were dripping wet every time they came in."

Ardyn denies this too.

"Must've really liked you," Prince muses, tapping away at his controller. Ardyn shrugs, but he hopes so. "Are you gonna keep seeing them?"

"Yeah," he mumbles. "It's.. money."

And Prince gets that. He doesn't need to look around to see the s**t hole they live in, it's his reality as much as it is Ardyn's. "Can you f**k them again so we can get a new tv?"

Ardyn snorts despite himself. "Oh, it's only 'we' when it comes to the money?"

"What?" Prince smirks. "Did you want me to f**k them, too?"

Ardyn shoves his shoulder. "Absolutely not."

Prince kicks his foot. "Then get to work. You're supporting both of us now."

They don't play long. Ardyn feels that familiar tiredness tugging at his eyelids. When he yawns enough times for Prince to point it out he stands up and stretches. "I'm gonna go shower." He's tired and he has class in the morning, but he f****d up his sleep schedule long before this. So, it's not a surprise when he asks Prince, "Wanna watch a movie after?"

Prince nods and Ardyn sings a little cool.

His feet pad down the hall, his door clicks shut, and Prince's gaze lingers. His thumb taps against his controller once, twice. He finally looks away and focuses on the TV. Silently, he unpauses.