Invisible Ink

Ack, sorry for not putting this up sooner. But, you know, the holidays... busy things, they are. Anyway. Here's a little bit of fluff, smut and whatever else, along with a new character to play with the boys. :)

Chapter Nine

It wasn’t the light that woke Cid up the next morning. Oddly enough, it was a tickling sensation brushing across his face that just wouldn’t stop. He swiped a hand across his nose, but the feeling wouldn’t quit. “The hell?” he mumbled sleepily, cracking an eye to see what it was that woke him.

He was greeted by an orange ball of fur with a slowly wagging tail. The little cat was purring loudly, his small paws kneading at Cid’s stomach. He twitched his tail, swiping it across Cid’s nose without really realizing or caring.

Cid grimaced. “Fuckin’ cat,” he grumbled, pushing at the fluff ball gently. “Ge’off…”

Red turned his head around to blink at him, yawning widely and showing off his sharp canines. He mewled softly and got to his feet, turning around to face Cid and pushing his head against a slightly stubbly chin.

“Whaddya want?” he said with a grumble. The last thing he had expected to wake to was a cat in his face. He tipped his head away from Red, hoping the cat would get the idea and leave him alone. Red just rubbed his head against Cid’s cheek happily, glad to have a new human to get pets from.

“Would ya leave me the fuck alone?” Just getting tired of waiting for the little animal to listen, he slipped a hand under the soft belly and unceremoniously dumped the creature on the floor. Rolling back over, he bumped against a warm bundle of blankets, long dark hair brushing his face. Only, this time it wasn’t a cat.

Sitting up slightly, Cid squinted at the other in the bed. All he could see was the dark hair and pale expanse of bare back, the memory of earlier that morning flooding back. He was at Vincent’s, in Vincent’s bed, where he had stayed after sleeping with Vincent. He frowned, minutely concerned about why he didn’t really care that any of that had happened when he should have been raising hell and been thoroughly disgusted with himself. But really… Vincent was rather pretty when he slept.

The professor rolled onto his back at the movement, head turned to the side. Strands of black hair draped themselves across his face delicately, some fluttering softly when a quiet breath left his nose. His chest rose and fell evenly with those breaths, lifting and lowering his hand as well, which was resting at the very top of his stomach, which was bare of any blankets.

Cid leaned against the headboard, watching the younger man silently. There was something just… serene about Vincent while he slept and it made a little smile appear on the blond’s face. He certainly could have woken to worse things. Carefully he reached down and brushed the silken strands from the professor’s face, drawing his hand back quickly as if he shouldn’t be allowed to do such a thing. The movement didn’t disturb Vincent, the even breaths continuing to flow from him. Smiling a little more, Cid repeated the movement, this time letting his hand rest on Vincent’s cheek. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that Red had woken him up so early.

Vincent took a deep, slow breath, leaning his head to the warmth of Cid’s hand. His eyes remained closed, though he was slowly starting to return to consciousness. Drawing his hand over Vincent’s collarbone, Cid sat back again. He didn’t actually want to wake Vincent up, but it was hard not to touch him.

Vincent’s slumber was short lived, though, as the alarm suddenly started blaring a harsh beeping noise, making the professor’s eyebrows furrow and grimace as he blinked his eyes open, slowly rolling opposite Cid to turn it off. Keeping his back to the blond, he leaned up on one elbow, lifting his hands to rub the sleep from his eyes, yawning quietly.

Cid sat there quietly, not sure what he should do. He just hoped that when Vincent rolled over and saw him, he didn’t get angry or surprised. He did happen to remember something about the professor being good at some sort of martial arts and he preferred not being injured so early in the morning.

Vincent slowly rolled back onto his back, turning his head and looking up at Cid. After what seemed like a moment’s recognition, he smiled softly. “Good morning.”

The blond returned the smile, though it was more of relief than anything. “Mornin’.” He cast a glance over to the side where a furry head was peeking back up over the edge of the bed. “Cat woke me up. Didn’t expect to see a furry ass in my face this mornin’,” he said with a little laugh.

Vincent laughed quietly too, dangling a hand over the edge of the mattress to give the animal a pat. “He’s very unique,” he said, scratching behind the creature’s ears and receiving an appreciative bout of purring.

“I guess ya could call ‘im that. He about became the world’s only flyin’ cat earlier.” Rubbing the back of his neck, Cid slumped down in the bed until he rested on his back again.

Vincent chuckled again, pulling his hand back and watching the cat jump up on the bed with them. “Well, you’re lucky he likes you. He usually hates strangers.”

“So the cat likes me.” Cid shrugged. “That ‘sposed to mean somethin’?” he said with a yawn, stretching his arms above him. He had never been much of an animal person.

Vincent smiled, watching appreciatively. “They say cat’s are good judges of character.” He rolled onto his side, facing Cid and continuing to watch him. “If your cat likes someone, they’re good to keep around.”

“That so? So he’s tellin’ ya I’m good to keep around…” Rolling over onto his stomach, Cid buried his face in the pillows. “Think your cat’s broken. Why would I be good to keep around?”

“Well… I like having you around.”

“Then ya must be broken too,” Cid said as he tilted his head and peered at Vincent, a little smile on his lips.

“Perhaps,” Vincent said, mirroring the smile.

Cid sighed, stretching himself out fully on the bed. “Yeah, you’re both just broken. Gotta be it. I prob’ly am too.”

The professor’s eyes roamed Cid’s exposed body. “If you’re broken, I don’t even need to see what you’re like fixed.”

“What’s that ‘sposed to mean?”

Vincent moved a little closer, lightly touching Cid’s chest and smirking faintly. “That may just be too much sexy for me to handle if you weren’t broken.”

The blond raised a brow before laughing and stuffing his face back into the pillows to muffle the sounds. “You’re fuckin’ full of it,” he said through laughs, his shoulders shaking as he tried to stop.

“Fine, don’t believe me,” Vincent said as he rolled away and sat up, still smirking to himself.

“I don’t really,” Cid mumbled with a yawn. He pushed himself up a little, leaning on his elbows. “So what was the alarm for?”

“Class,” Vincent said as he got to his feet, stretching his arms far over his head and grunting quietly.

“Fuck. Forgot about that…” Cid rolled back over, idly scratching his chest. “Damn classes.”

“You haven’t missed any, have you?” Vincent asked as he walked across the room to get some clothes.

The blond shrugged, reluctant to move. “Dunno. What time is it?”

“About ten.”

“So much for the first two.” Forcing himself to sit up, he slid off the bed and went in search of his clothes. He finally gathered everything together with the exception of his shirt and sat down to dress himself. “Oh well. Not gonna kill me to not go.”

“You shouldn’t skip class,” Vincent said as he pulled his own pants on. Then he smiled a little. “But I’m glad you did.”

Cid grinned. “Well, in that case, maybe I should start skippin’ class more often.”

Vincent zipped his pants. “As one of your professors, I can’t encourage such behavior.”

“Aw, c’mon. Have a little fun.” Still grinning, Cid slipped over next to Vincent and wrapped an arm around him, pressing close behind him.

Vincent smiled again, letting himself be pulled closer to Cid. “I said I couldn’t encourage it. I didn’t say I would stop you.” He turned in Cid’s hold, wrapping his arms around the blond’s neck and smirking. “Just don’t skip my class.”

“Fine, I won’t.” Suddenly the blond smirked back at him. “But I’m gonna be the only one knowin’ why your voice is all rough. An’ I’m gonna be smilin’ the whole time.”

Vincent leaned forward, brushing his lips over Cid’s. “Good. I like to see you smile.”

Grinning again, Cid slid a hand up Vincent’s back to press him into a kiss. It was still strange to think of them doing things, but he had to admit, he liked it enough to keep dragging the professor closer and doing those things. Vincent smiled to himself, pressing into the kiss. Cid’s hands felt good on his skin, and the professor couldn’t keep in a quiet moan.

Pulling away slightly, Cid glanced toward the clock. “So when’s your first class?”

“Your class, today,” Vincent said. “I like to be up for a couple of hours before I have to teach.”

“So technically ya don’t have to be anywhere ‘til 11:30…” A little smirk slipped onto Cid’s face as he dipped his hands under the hem of the professor’s pants. “Wanna waste some time?”

The professor chuckled. “You’re awfully forward all of a sudden. Especially for a man who was so straight yesterday.” Despite his words, Vincent pressed closer at the beckoning of Cid’s hands, smirking a little.

The blond shrugged. “I guess… I’m kinda seein’ the light a little? Can’t really fight with myself when I wanna like ya so much.” He tipped his head to the side a little. “An’… I guess ya might be somethin’ of an exception? Mean… it’s not like I see other guys an’ feel somethin’.”

“Well that’s good. Then I might get jealous.”

A blond brow rose. “Jealous? Why?”

“Well, maybe not jealous. But I’d be upset that you didn’t like only me.”

“Really?” Cid smirked and pulled him backward, aiming himself for the bed. “Well, good thing you’re the only guy I wanna throw on a bed an’ fuck senseless, huh?”

Vincent shivered a little. “I never expected that something so crude could sound so appealing…”

“Maybe I’m just that good.” The backs of his legs bumped the bed and Cid lost his balance, accidentally pulling Vincent down on top of him. “Well, that works,” he said with a laugh, wrapping his arms tightly around the professor.

Vincent settled his legs on either side of Cid’s. “Yes it does,” he agreed.

His hands tucking themselves fully inside Vincent’s pants, Cid brushed his lips against the other’s neck. “Yep… So about wastin’ time…”

Vincent rolled his hips a little. “I think I’m up for some time wasting…”

“Good with me then…” Nipping at the creamy skin, Cid slipped his hands around to fiddle with Vincent’s pants button. Vincent sat up, straddling Cid’s hips and looking down at him, smirking. A little smirk rode on Cid’s lips as well as he flicked open the button and dragged his fingers around Vincent’s waist. “Comfy up there?” he asked, shifting his hips upward.

“Quite,” Vincent said, still smirking. He rolled his hips in response to Cid’s movement, catching his bottom lip in his mouth.

Cid’s hips moved again of their own accord and he grinned as a hand disappeared inside Vincent’s pants. Fingers tickled and eventually moved around to slide across the professor’s bound length.

“Mm,” Vincent hummed, moving his hips again. He couldn’t understand what it was about Cid that brought out the hormonal teenager in him. Another shift upward and Cid pushed the offending pants down to Vincent’s hips. He leaned up enough to nibble up the other’s chest, running the tip of his tongue along the rise of the professor’s collarbone.

Vincent slid his arms around Cid’s neck, impatient to get his pants all the way off. He lifted himself a little, silently encouraging Cid to help him.

The blond helped as much as he could, sliding the dark cloth down pale skin. He could only push so far though and lay back when he’d done that much, giving Vincent a curious look as if he was interested in seeing what the other would do.

Vincent leaned forward, bracing himself over Cid on his arms. He used the ability to straighten his legs to his advantage, slowly wiggling out of the pants he had just gotten on, before sitting back and settling back down on the blond’s thighs. Fingers dancing down Cid’s torso, they slipped into the hem to slowly open the button and zipper below them.

Cid smirked up at him a little, licking his lips as fingertips brushed sensitive skin. He cared little for the fact that they had just gotten dressed and more for the image of Vincent above him, touching just enough to make him want more.

The professor tucked his index fingers into the side belt loops of Cid’s jeans, leaning back and pulling the pants with him, drawing his body out like a cat stretching. When he got far enough, he dropped the pants on the floor and crawled back to his previous position, resting on the blond’s hips. Sucking in a quick breath, Cid arched his back to force them together. Skin pressed against skin and he gave Vincent a smirk, almost as if daring him to do something. Vincent moved with him, gasping quietly. He reached forward, pressing his palm against Cid’s chest to keep himself up and get a closer angle on the contact.

Cid groaned and somehow managed to slide them further onto the bed, pressing them incredibly close together. Tipping his head back against the covers, the blond blindly wrapped his hand around warm flesh and slid his palm against the underside of the tip. Vincent gasped louder, moving his hips with the touches. His head hung a little as his back arched, pushing him more into Cid’s hand.

The blond moved his hand faster, wishing his could actually reach that little bottle Vincent had handy last night. But that required moving and that also required making the professor stop his display, neither of which Cid wanted to do at the moment.

Vincent bit his lip, a moan echoing from his throat. One hand moving quickly over hot flesh, Cid let his other hand search the bed around them, hoping he would stumble across the bottle. As far as he could remember, they hadn’t actually put the stuff away, so it had to be somewhere in the blankets. If only he could find it…

The professor sat back, leaning his head back a little as his movements sped up a little. Giving an exasperated groan, Cid gave up and slowed his motions. “Fuck… Vince… Where’s the lube?” he mumbled, his hips moving to hit hard against Vincent’s backside.

The professor groaned quietly, briefly tempted to just forgo the lube, but he knew he’d regret that. “It’s… somewhere around here. Check under pillows…”

“Dammit…” Letting out a huff, Cid twisted to try and reach the pillows, shoving his hand under them. Nothing. He almost just decided to get up and find something else, but the tip of his finger brushed cold plastic and he pulled out the bottle with a grin. “Got it,” he said, holding it up victoriously.

Vincent sighed, relieved. “Good…” he said, rolling his hips and resting his hands on his thighs. “How do you want me?” he asked, shaking some hair from his face.

Cid bit his lip, thinking a little. A little smirk slowly took over his face as he shook the bottle, clicking the top open and closed. “Think I like ya right where ya are,” he said, arching his back to grind them together once more. He normally didn’t like it when girls took the initiative or more superior positions, but Vincent wasn’t a girl. It was a little different with the professor and he had to admit, he was curious about seeing the ebony-haired man riding above him.

Vincent smiled a little. “I think I can do that…”

“Good…” Popping the top open, Cid squeezed some of the contents onto his fingers. He dropped the bottle next to him, flinching a little as the chilly container settled against his skin. “C’mere a little,” he said with a soft voice, his free hand grasping Vincent’s wrist and pulling him forward a bit.

The younger man slid forward a little, letting out a breath as he felt Cid’s length rub against him. He leaned over the blond, looking down at him with intense desire. When Vincent moved into just the right position, Cid smirked and sat up enough to kiss him. While the professor was occupied, he wrapped an arm around him and slipped a slickened finger inside, moving it slowly. Vincent moaned into Cid’s mouth, pushing back against Cid’s finger. The blond’s fingers were the perfect length to hit all the good spots inside him, and it always kept him wanting more.

Pressing a little deeper, the blond carefully added a second finger, bending them. He broke the kiss between them and pressed his forehead to Vincent’s shoulder, his fingers slipping deeper within the other. Cid brushed against Vincent’s prostate, making the professor’s body tense and twitch, forcing a cry from his mouth.

A grin appeared on Cid’s face as he pushed deeper still, spreading his fingers as far as they would go. He wanted Vincent right then, but it was still too irresistible to keep pulling those sounds from the younger man.

“Ah, Cid…” Vincent gasped, trying to move with Cid’s fingers and make them go deeper. He leaned his head forward, panting against the blond’s cheek and moaning.

“Gotta tell me when,” Cid whispered harshly against Vincent’s ear, taking the lobe between his teeth afterward. He wasn’t sure how much longer he himself would last just listening to the professor’s moans and cries.

“One more…” Vincent whispered back, arms tightening around Cid’s neck. Hot breaths continuously cast little gusts from his mouth, brushing against the student’s neck and jaw. It was a little difficult adding in a third, but Cid knew that if he didn’t, he would more than likely end up hurting at least Vincent if not both of them. He preferred not walking awkwardly to class and figured the professor would like the same thing. As slowly as possible, he slid it in along with the other two, pressing against that spot to try and lessen any pain he might be causing.

Vincent tensed, hips jerking forward at the feeling and another sudden cry wrenching from his throat. Had he been anyone else, he would have cursed rather loudly. As it was, though, he just concentrated on what Cid’s fingers were doing, and how good it felt.

Cid nearly lost it right there, but he swallowed hard and kept moving his fingers. He buried his face against the professor’s shoulder, hoping he would be allowed to do something more than touch soon.

“Cid,” Vincent breathed, moving his hips. He suddenly felt an overwhelming need to be connected to Cid, to feel the blond inside him. “Now… do it now…”

Something like relief and desire swirled together inside of the blond and he slipped his hand away, nudging Vincent’s shoulder with his forehead to get him to sit back. He suddenly remembered the lubrication and grabbed it to use on himself before the professor could move.

Vincent lifted himself only slightly, leaning back and looking down at Cid with slightly flushed cheeks and parted lips. He waited patiently for Cid to be ready, but he was almost aching to feel Cid make that first move.

The blond let out a long breath as he looked up and caught Vincent’s gaze, his hands moving to settle on warm hips to position him better. Guiding himself, he make a quick shift of his own hips and bit back a gasp as he sank within the professor.

Vincent gasped out a moan, pushing himself down out of instinct. He felt impaled, with Cid suddenly so deep in him, but even any pain he may have been feeling felt amazing because it was coming from Cid, a thought he would reserve for later, when he wasn’t quite so distracted.

The blond’s head tipped back against the covers as he gripped Vincent’s thighs tightly, bucking upward without thinking. His entire mind felt fuzzy and he could only see Vincent, arched above him, could only feel the incredible sensations making him groan and shiver.

The younger man groaned, moving with him and leaning his head back. His hips rolled, creating a friction between them unlike anything else. He put his hands over Cid’s, slowly pulling them up and dragging them against his skin, the warmth from them leaving what felt like trails of fire along his body.

“Ah, fuck…” The hissed curse slipped out of Cid’s lips as he kept them moving. His fingers curled to drag his nails over soft skin, a shift of his hips moving Vincent so he could press his palms against the other’s back.

The professor panted, face turned to the ceiling. “Cid… harder,” he gasped, trying to take his own command and move harder against the blond.

Gasping for a deep breath, Cid moved his hands down to spread Vincent’s legs a little more, making it so he could go deeper and, more importantly, harder. It was strange hearing those sorts of requests coming from the professor’s mouth, but it was the sort of strange that the blond just couldn’t get enough of.

Vincent complied, moving his legs farther apart and moaning at the change he felt. His range of motion increased, giving him more opportunity to control the speed himself. He looked down at Cid, almost wanting to see the desire between them. What he saw was one of the most incredible sights he felt he would ever witness. Cid’s face was set in an expression of pure lust, and Vincent could see his muscles rippling as they moved. He caught the blond’s eyes, and felt a surge of feelings go straight through him.

His eyes locked on Vincent’s, Cid felt a tingling wave of desire roll down his spine. He arched at it, his eyes closing for a moment as he savored the sensations and fought to get more, his hips tilting at an upward angle almost automatically.

Vincent closed his eyes tightly, letting out a quick shout when Cid slammed right into his prostate. His muscles tightened around Cid, his body shivering. “There…” he panted, trying to get that sensation back.

It was hard to think, but that word cleared Cid’s mind just long enough for him to understand what was needed of him. He arched hard again, feeling himself moving closer and closer to the edge until he was just barely wavering on it, unwilling to stop.

When he felt another blow to his prostate, Vincent’s fingers tightened around Cid’s wrist. He pulled one of the blond’s hands over to his erection in a desperate attempt to get Cid to touch him more. He groaned, breaths coming hard and fast around his noises.

His mind wrapping around what he was doing at the same time his fingers wrapped around hot flesh, Cid started stroking more or less in time with their movements. “Vince,” he gasped through a moan as he felt muscles tighten around him, his head swimming in the sheer pleasure building inside of him and threatening to explode.

“Close…” Vincent panted, trying to move harder. Cid’s hand was molten around him, pushing him closer to blissful oblivion. He moaned, squeezing Cid’s other hand as he felt heat pooling in his belly.

“Dammit, Vince…” The blond’s hand moved as fast as he could possibly manage, his mind nearly blanking as he made another hard thrust. He only had a few good motions left in him and he hoped that would be enough. If it wasn’t… he would just have to deal with that problem if it happened.

Vincent shouted as his body gave in. He tensed, his eyes closing tightly as he came hard, riding it out. Hot liquid hit Cid’s skin and he gasped, the muscles around him growing incredibly tight. His own release hit him after a few thrusts into that overwhelmingly constricting grip and his hips jerked upward as he came. A loud groan slipped from him as his fingers entwined with Vincent’s and squeezed hard.

The professor shivered as he felt himself filled, squeezing back. Slowly, he settled down, breathing hard and looking down at Cid, tired, but satisfied. After a few moments, a small smile pulled at his lips.

Panting for air, Cid would have collapsed if he hadn’t already been lying on his back. His hips ached from moving them so much, but he couldn’t deny that he felt amazing. Utterly exhausted, but amazing. Slowly allowing himself to open his eyes, the blond looked up at Vincent, mirroring the little smile he saw on the professor’s lips.

Vincent leaned over, trying not to dislodge Cid just yet. He liked the feeling of connection he was left with when everything was over, and wanted to keep it as long as he could. When he got close enough, he brushed a soft kiss over Cid’s lips, hands resting gently on the blond’s chest to help hold him up.

Sliding his elbows under him, Cid leaned up a little and pressed into the kiss. Something stirred inside him and he shivered, trying to place it. As odd as it sounded to him, it seemed as if he was… almost giddy. But teenagers got giddy, not thirty-two year old men and most certainly not Cid. But still, he felt warm and happy as he laid there, his lips pressed against Vincent’s in their kiss.

Vincent kept the kiss brief because of the strain of holding himself up so awkwardly. When he pulled away, he sat up again, that same small smile on his face. Unfortunately, that motion made his eyes shift to his clock, which was right behind Cid’s head, and he sighed, the smile fading. “I wish we had more time.”

Cid let out a soft groan and tipped his head to look at the clock upside down. “Dammit… almost eleven. When d’ya have to leave to make it on time?” he asked, turning his head back towards Vincent.

“I should leave here at about 11:30. Usually I teach a class before yours, but not today, luckily.” Vincent winced as he slowly pulled off of Cid and moved to the side. “It looks like I’ll need some extra time to get cleaned up anyway.”

Cid stretched a little and leaned up on his elbows again. “Yeah, think I’m in the same boat, ya know?” Giving a slightly awkward laugh, he vaguely motioned to his stomach before sitting up. “Shower, maybe? Would be pretty damn quick compared to other ways.”

Vincent smiled a little. “I do have two bathrooms, but… I wouldn’t be opposed to showering together.”

A grin showed on Cid’s face. “Well, considerin’ half ‘a this is your fault… Kinda owe it to me, hmm?” He sat up and crossed his arms on Vincent’s shoulder, resting his chin on them. “Well?”

Vincent smiled a little more. “Then let’s go together.”

Grinning more, Cid stood and stretched again, raising his arms high above his head. “Fine with me. Could use a hot shower.”

Vincent stood as well, wanting to reach out and touch Cid, but refraining. “Just across the hall,” he said, starting to walk and giving Cid a sidelong glance over his shoulder and swaying his hips slightly as he led the way to the bathroom.

Smirking a little, the blond followed him, glancing down at the fur ball resting next to Vincent’s door. At least the cat hadn’t disturbed them earlier. That might have been disastrous. Turning his attention back toward the bathroom and Vincent, he slipped inside and closed the door behind him.

Vincent reached to start the shower, pulling the curtain shut so he wouldn’t spill water on the floor. He slipped his hand under the spray, judging the temperature, and waited a few moments before slowly climbing in and holding the curtain back for Cid.

Stepping in, Cid felt a shiver run down his back. “Shit. That’s pretty damn warm. Feels good.” Grinning, he tipped his head back under the water, running his fingers through his short hair.

Vincent watched, enjoying the sight. He smiled, again resisting the urge to reach out and run his hands over Cid’s body. He wasn’t sure exactly how comfortable things were between them, and he didn’t want to do anything that Cid might not like, so until he had permission, he resolved to keep his hands to himself.

Wiping a hand over his face to clear his eyes of water, Cid looked at Vincent and smiled before turning around and letting the spray hit his stomach. It was a little strange that the professor was simply standing there when they had just had sex again, but he wasn’t going to say anything about it when he really didn’t understand Vincent’s thinking.

The younger man sidled over to get himself wet. He reached for some soap, lathering it in his hands. Hearing Vincent move, Cid looked over his shoulder and smirked at Vincent before grasping his arm and pulling him close under the shower. “Can’t get clean over there,” he said as he slipped behind the professor, snatching a little of the soap for himself.

Vincent chuckled, staying close to the blond. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to take turns or not. I don’t know how you prefer to do things.”

The blond shrugged as he lathered himself up a little. “Don’t really matter to me. Never had a preference.” He gave Vincent a little look. “If you’re worryin’ about doin’ somethin’ I don’t like, don’t. Not a whole lot that’ll piss me off unless ya outright insult me or some shit like that.”

“Okay,” Vincent said quietly, using the soap on himself. Cid let his eyes wander over Vincent’s back for a moment before turning and finishing washing himself. Normally he would have just rinsed off there, but he supposed it wouldn’t hurt to watch the professor, especially with the way water was streaming over him like that…

Vincent leaned his head back, closing his eyes as he wet down his hair. He ran his fingers through it, straightening and reaching for the shampoo, which he poured into his hands and started lathering. Smirking a little, Cid slipped up right behind Vincent and ran his hands through the silken strands, working the shampoo into a thick lather. If there was one thing he liked about long hair, it was that he could play with it.

Slightly surprised by the touch, but definitely not opposed to it, Vincent leaned his head back into Cid’s hands. He closed his eyes, shivering a little at the good feelings coming from the blond’s fingers.

At least Vincent wasn’t shoving him away. Cid worked his fingers through the lather and long hair, occasionally dragging his nails over the other’s scalp, though he kept it gentle, not wanting to hurt him. Vincent melted a little with each touch. “That feels amazing…” he said quietly.

Grinning, Cid slid himself closer. “Good. Glad I’m not doin’ somethin’ ya hate then.”

The professor shook his head a little, careful not to displace Cid’s fingers. Drawing his hands down, Cid carefully smoothed out the long fall of hair, his fingers dancing a little around the smooth shoulders. “Guess we should prob’ly get goin’ soon, huh?” he said a little disappointedly.

Letting out a disheartened groan, Vincent reluctantly agreed. “Yes, I suppose so.” He slowly pulled away to rinse his hair, taking a few moments to get the soap all out. Then he moved closer to Cid and smiled a little. “Maybe… you’ll just have to come back another time?”

“Guess so,” the blond replied with his own smile as he moved around Vincent to get under the shower and rinse himself. It felt good to be clean, though he had to admit, the way he had gotten dirty in the first place was much more enjoyable than any shower. Unfortunately, the shower would have to do and he nodded toward it, his hand on the handle. “Ya done or ya want me to leave it on a little more?”

“I’m done,” Vincent said, nodding.

“‘Kay.” Switching the water off, Cid stepped out onto the bath rug and ran his hands through his hair, fluffing it up to dry. “So… where’re the towels?” he asked, looking over his shoulder at Vincent.

“There’s one hanging there, and more in that cupboard by the door.” The younger man stepped out of the shower as well, shivering a little now that he was out of the heat of the water.

“Uh…” Grabbing the hanging towel, Cid looked at it before handing it to Vincent. “I’ll just get one outta there,” he said, moving to the cupboard and searching through it to find a towel that he wrapped around his waist soon after finding it.

Vincent took his towel and started to dry off, also wrapping it about his waist. He grabbed a comb and ran it through his hair quickly, making the effort look pointless from how easily he did it. Giving a little smile, Cid dragged the fingers of one hand through his short hair, the blond strands automatically shaping into small spikes. “So how long’s this walk to class? We kinda took the long way ‘round the last time an’ hell if I remember it when I last went home.”

Vincent looked at him through the mirror. “It’s about fifteen minutes. I usually stop and get coffee.”

“Hmm… Don’t like the sounds ‘a coffee, but a cup of tea would be fuckin’ amazin’ right now,” the blond said with a little laugh as he moved back to Vincent’s room. Finding his pants again, he sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled his cigarette pack loose, sticking one between his lips but not bothering to light it.

Vincent followed him, going to get dressed as well. “I didn’t know you smoked,” he commented casually.

“Eh, on an’ off. ‘M tryin’ to cut back though.” Unconsciously chewing on the filter, Cid stood to gather his clothes again. “Ya don’t mind, do ya? I mean, ‘m not gonna light up or anythin’. Just more to have somethin’ there.”

“I don’t mind if you smoke,” Vincent said, pulling his shirt over his head and running his fingers through his hair.

“Just makin’ sure. Some people can’t stand the smoke or some shit like that.” Cid shrugged and pulled off the towel, draping it over his shoulders as he stepped into his pants and fought them up onto his hips. “Damn jeans… always stick when you’re not dry…” he mumbled, bouncing a little to get the pants all the way on.

Vincent watched him, amused. “Maybe your pants are too tight.”

The blond laughed. “Yeah, sure. Too tight, my ass,” he said as he fastened his pants and then bent down to check for his shirt under the bed.

The professor smirked, blatantly checking out said ass. “I didn’t say too tight was a bad thing.”

Glancing up, Cid caught the other looking. “What’s so interestin’ back there?” he asked, standing to cross his arms over his bare chest. “Well?” A blond brow rose as he cocked his head to the side.
Vincent approached him, sliding his hands around Cid’s hips to rest on his backside. “This is what’s interesting back there.”

“That so?” Cid asked with a grin as he copied Vincent’s movement, tucking his hands into the hem of the professor’s pants. “We might just end up followin’ each other in circles sooner or later, ya know?”

Vincent chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind, though I’d like to see your face sometimes too.”

“Ah, whaddya wanna see that for?” A little grin on his face, Cid patted the ebony-haired man’s behind and pulled away. “Don’t ‘spose ya saw my shirt anywhere, did ya? Don’t think anyone’d like me showin’ up to class half-naked.” He bent down again and started looking under things for his lost article of clothing.

“I wouldn’t mind, but it might make people suspicious,” Vincent said with a lilt of humor. He moved around the bed and bent, coming back up with Cid’s shirt dangling on his finger, hips cocked to the side and a smirk on his face.

Snatching the shirt away with his own smirk, Cid slipped it on. “Yeah, be kinda weird if the teacher kept starin’ at me. Dunno if I’d like all that attention.”

“I might not be able to stop staring at you anyway, especially now that I’ve seen all of you.”

“Ah, shit. Now you’re gonna get me all embarrassed.” Giving Vincent a smirk that most certainly wasn’t embarrassed, Cid started buttoning up his shirt. He somehow managed to get it correct on the first try and disappeared back into the bathroom to try and smooth down the spikes his hair was more or less stuck in.

Vincent followed him, leaning in the doorway and watching him. “I wasn’t aware you actually tried to get your hair to look like that,” he said, chuckling.

“Huh?” The blond glanced back over his shoulder. “Whaddya mean?”

“Your hair is always perfectly messy. I thought it was unintentional.”

Cid shrugged. “I don’t mean to have it that way. ‘M always tryin’ to get it to stay down. Too short though, I think.” Turning on the tap, he wet his hands and ran them over his head, hoping that would help some.

“I like the way it looks,” Vincent said. He turned a little, leaning his back against the door instead of his shoulder and keeping his head turned to look at him.

Turning to face Vincent, the blond gave him a curious look. “Ya do? ‘S always buggin’ the shit outta me but it won’t do anythin’ but stick up every which way. Usually just give up on it, though, ‘cause it makes me look like some sorta lazy-ass slacker who ran to wherever right after wakin’ up.”

“Well, now I know what you look like right after waking up, so I can tell the difference,” Vincent said, smirking and putting his fingers in his front pockets.

“In that case, ya can be my witness that I was actually awake then.” Grinning, Cid fluffed his again-wet hair up, droplets of water flying everywhere. “How’s that?” he asked with a laugh. “Good?”

“It’s fine.” The professor smiled, honestly entertained by Cid.

“Good with me then.” He dried his hands on his pants, slipping past Vincent to make sure he had everything he had brought with him.

Vincent followed him still, feeling strange about the fact that he wanted to keep watching Cid, but not questioning it just yet. Sitting on the edge of the bed to pull on his boots, Cid glanced up at the professor. “So what time ya got? Prob’ly should get goin’ soon.”

Vincent peered around Cid’s shoulder. “It’s just about 11:20.” He moved to get some socks and his shoes, bending to put them on. “We’ll have time.”

“Just makin’ sure. Prob’ly look bad for the teacher to show up late with a student.”

“Yes, it would,” Vincent said, sighing quietly. He was still uncomfortable with the amount of potential trouble this could get him in, but he was hoping for the best. “It wouldn’t look bad if we showed up on time together, though. It’s perfectly plausible for us to have met somewhere on the way by coincidence.”

“Yeah, but I’m sayin’ if we were late…” Standing, Cid kicked the toe of his boot against the floor to fix it. “Plus, I really wouldn’t mind some tea right ‘bout now.”

“Well, when you’re ready, we’ll leave and get some.”

“Hey, I’m ready,” Cid said with a grin, folding his arms over his chest. It occurred to him that he had on the same semi-dress clothes from the night before, but he supposed it wouldn’t hurt him.

“All right, then.” Vincent started out of the room, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Cid was following.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets, the blond followed faithfully, his eyes happily set on Vincent’s behind. “Sure is a nice view back here,” he said with a chuckle.

Feeling good about himself because of the appreciative looks he was getting from the blond, Vincent almost unconsciously put a little sway in his walk. Normally, he either didn’t like or didn’t care if people looked at him the way the blond was looking at him, but when it was Cid doing the looking… it made him want to flaunt himself, just to see if he could provoke the other man into losing control.

Cid followed the professor down the main stairs and into the foyer, casting his gaze around a little once they got there. He had been in this room a few times now, but still he didn’t remember much about it. He kept looking as they walked, tipping his head a little as he caught sight of a familiar bag sitting off to the side. “Hey, that mine?” he asked, stepping over to it. “Been wonderin’ where it went.”

“Oh, yes,” Vincent said, leading the way to the front door. “I meant to get that back to you.”

“Huh.” Hefting it to his shoulder, Cid moved to the door. “Guess it’s a good thing I’m here.” He reached around Vincent and pulled the door open, holding it as he fixed his bag onto his back.

The professor smiled a little, walking outside. “I would say so.”

Cid stretched as he stepped out into the sun, waiting for Vincent to lock the door. “So where’s this coffee place ya always go to?” He reached into his pocket and rummaged around to pull out a lighter, holding the flame to the cigarette still hanging from his lips.

Vincent turned to him when the door was locked, eyes lingering on the cigarette briefly before he stepped closer. “You’ve been there before. We ran into each other there after class one day.” The professor smiled. “I had a model plane.”

“Oh yeah, that one.” Pulling the cigarette away and blowing out a stream of smoke, Cid looked around the neighborhood. At least it was a nice day out so they wouldn’t have a horrible walk to class. Then again, Vincent probably owned a car for when it rained. He couldn’t recall a time when the younger man had ever shown up wet when it was raining out.

Vincent stepped down the stairs, making sure to not get too far away from the blond. Glancing over his shoulder, Cid gave him a little grin. “So whatcha gonna do about your voice?” he asked, actually curious about what Vincent would do. “Can’t tell ‘em the truth about why ya sound like you’ve been shoutin’ all night.”

“Is it really that bad?” Vincent asked, smiling a little in amusement. He stopped walking, pulling Cid to a stop too and reached out, slowly taking the cigarette from the blond’s lips and bringing it to his own. He took a deep drag, not taking his eyes off Cid’s until he was done, letting the smoke trickle out from his mouth and nose before putting the cigarette back between Cid’s lips. “I could always tell them I just smoked a cigarette,” he said with a little smirk.

Cid just stood there watching, caught off guard and a little aroused by the sight of Vincent taking that slow drag. “Guess that’d work,” he said softly, having to take his cigarette in hand before it dropped to the ground. “Didn’t think ya smoked. Don’t really look like the kinda guy to do it.”

“I don’t make it a habit, but there’s something so alluring about the act of smoking.” The professor started walking again as if nothing had happened. “It makes you look good.”

“It does? An’ here I was thinkin’ it made you look downright sexy.” Cid gave him a small smile, showing that he was telling exactly what he was thinking.

“Does it?” Vincent asked. “Well, that just proves my point then. Smoking makes people look good.”

“I guess so…” The blond started walking again with a shrug. “There’re some people I wouldn’t wanna see lightin’ up. Don’t think it’d look good with them.”

“Most people, then,” Vincent corrected, walking in front of Cid. “Hang on,” he said, veering off the path and down a little walkway. He stopped at a car and opened the door, pulling his leather bag from the back seat. “All right, now I’m ready.”

Cid stopped and leaned against a tree nearby. “So why doncha just drive to class if ha have a car? Be a lot easier, wouldn’t it?”

“Even faculty has to pay for parking, and I’m not even full-time faculty. I’m just a grad student,” Vincent said, walking back to him with his bag slung over one shoulder.

“Oh. Right.” Cid pushed away from the tree and folded his arms behind his head, matching Vincent’s pace. “Forgot ‘bout the way the fuckers try an’ take every bit ‘a money we might have.” He paused and glanced toward the professor. “Shit. I, uh, didn’t mean that,” he said quickly hoping Vincent didn’t take it to be a direct stab at anyone but the executives of the university. Then again, they were the ones signing Vincent’s paycheck so maybe insulting them wasn’t a good idea in any light.

“Hey, I’m a student too, so I understand completely.”

“Just wanna, ya know, make sure I’m not sayin’ the wrong thing.”

“You’re entitled to your opinions, you know,” Vincent said, sending him a very small smile.

“Yeah, I know. But there’re wrong an’ right times to say opinions an’ wrong an’ right people to say ‘em to.” He gave Vincent a slightly awkward smile. “That’s what usually gets my ass into trouble when ‘m drunk.”

“Well, I suppose it did get you into a lot of trouble last night,” Vincent said, smirking a little.

Cid looked over at him, raising a brow. “I wasn’t really that drunk, ya know. ‘Sides, can’t get into trouble when I’m wantin’ it, I guess.”

Vincent turned a corner, putting them on the main street of town and pointing them towards the coffee shop. “You only didn’t get in trouble last night because I wanted it too.”

“So what kinda trouble would I’ve been in if ya hadn’t?”

“You might have been sent home,” Vincent said, making an educated guess on how Cid would feel about that. He knew what Cid thought of Zack.

They walked a little farther before Vincent thought of something he had been wondering. “Why did you come to me anyway? You never explained what made you decide to find me.”

Cid paused, his steps slowing to a halt. Why had he gone to Vincent’s? He couldn’t tell the professor he had imagined Tifa as him when she had tried to give him head. That was just a little too creepy to tell him and expect to still be able to stick around. He definitely didn’t want Vincent thinking he was crazy if they had just gotten to something, even though he wasn’t sure what it was. “I, uh… was just near there when I left. Didn’t wanna go home an’ saw your place, so yeah.”

“Where were you leaving from, though?”

“Thought I told ya that. Was on a date an’…” He shrugged. “Couldn’t do anythin’ so I left.”

“Oh, yeah.” Vincent pursed his lips, thinking about that. “You were with a girl?”

Cid let out a little sigh. He was supposed to call her. Maybe he would do it when he got home or something. “Yeah. Was just on a date with her. Nothin’ special.”

Nodding, Vincent pulled the door open to the coffee shop. He supposed it wasn’t a bad thing that Cid wasn’t able to stop thinking about him. It had led to last night, after all.

At least Vincent hadn’t asked for details of why he had left and not stayed. A little sigh of relief slipping from his lips, he pulled his cigarette free and ground it out on the trashcan outside before tossing it in. He stepped inside the shop and looked around, the scent of coffee and muffins deliciously strong. Vincent stepped over to the counter, giving an order he seemed to have memorized.

When he was asked for his order, Cid just requested some tea, tacking on a blueberry muffin at a second thought. They hadn’t eaten breakfast and he wouldn’t be able to do so for a while, so better to do it while he could. His stomach was already arguing with him over that morning’s activities before eating.

Vincent paid for his order, taking it over to an empty set of armchairs and putting his bag down, waiting for Cid. Also paying and gathering up his own breakfast, Cid made his way over to the empty chair next to Vincent and flopped down, nearly spilling hot tea on himself. “So ya do this every mornin’ then?” he asked as he stirred his tea, dumping in the contents of several sugar packets.

“Usually,” Vincent said, sitting back in his chair and crossing his legs, watching Cid with a small smile on his face.

Taking a sip of his drink, Cid cursed softly. “Hot,” he mumbled as he blew on it, daring another sip. It was a little too warm to be drinking hot tea in his opinion, but he couldn’t admit that the taste hit the spot just right, making him smile a little.

Vincent chuckled. “I never pictured you as a tea drinker,” he said, watching Cid’s display.

“Why not?” Cid mumbled into this cup, taking another sip and then setting it down to unwrap his muffin. Taking a bite, he looked over at Vincent with an inquisitively raised brow.

The professor shrugged. “I don’t know. You look more like a coffee drinker.”

Cid shook his head, swallowing his bite. “Nah, never liked coffee. Leaves a nasty-ass taste in my mouth.”

Vincent chuckled. “Yes, coffee breath isn’t pleasant. That’s why I carry mints.”

“Pretty good idea, but still. I’ll take my tea over coffee any day.” He lifted his cup to his lips, pulling it back at the last moment. “Least I don’t do the pinky thing,” he said with a laugh. Vincent laughed too, imagining it.

Noticing Vincent’s face, Cid smirked and stuck out his pinky just for laughs, taking a delicate little sip. The professor laughed more, showing a rare side of himself.

Seeing Vincent laugh made the blond start as well and he set his cup down in time to save himself from spilling it into his lap. He looked at the professor with a small grin, feeling incredibly comfortable with the man right then.

The professor sipped his own drink, still chuckling to himself. He felt comfortable around Cid as well, and that hadn’t happened in a while, with anyone. The blond leaned back in his chair and muffled the last of his laughter with his muffin, finishing it rather quickly. He glanced over at a clock on the wall, hating that time was working against them. He wasn’t sure when they would get another chance to be like this, though he had it in mind to make it happen again soon.

Vincent finished his coffee in time, and got up to put his mug in the dish bin. He came back and picked up his bag, looking down at Cid with a small smile. “Ready?”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah.” Cid downed the last of his tea and stood to follow, placing his dishes in the same bin and pushing through the door. “So what’s the easiest way from here?” he asked as he resettled his bag on his shoulder.

Vincent stepped out, starting to walk. “We can just go through the main green. There’s a path that goes straight through.”

“Sounds good to me,” Cid said as he matched Vincent’s pace again, keeping up with him.

They walked in comfortable silence, heading toward the English building. Vincent spent the majority of the time going over exactly what he was feeling for Cid, wary of it but enjoying it immensely at the same time. Cid just walked, not really thinking of much. Sure, he was considering why he enjoyed feeling so comfortable with the professor, but he wasn’t worried enough to try and analyze it right then and there. He just felt satisfied to be near him for some reason. It was strange, but not enough for him to care at the moment.

“I need to run up to my office for a moment,” Vincent said once they got to the building. “The room should be unlocked.” He smiled a little. “Or you can come upstairs, if you want.”

Cid smirked a little. “Wouldn’t mind seein’ your office if ya don’t mind,” he said as he stepped inside. “Empty room’s not even close to bein’ as fun.”

Vincent chuckled briefly and led the way to the elevator. “My office it is, then.”

The blond followed willingly, leaning against the wall as they waited for the elevator. “Didn’t even know graduate students had offices,” he said with a little laugh. “Thought they just kinda mooched off an actual teacher or somethin’.”

Vincent shrugged. “We don’t really have offices so much as shared cubicles, but it’s still considered my office.”

“Oh. So what? A buncha grads just kinda have places in the same area or something? You’re all English majors though, aren’t ya?”

“In this building, yes, for the most part. We also share with the Philosophy and Psychology departments.” Vincent stepped into the elevator when it opened, pushing the right button. “Usually two people share a cubicle.”

“So who ya share yours with?” Cid asked, realizing that his idea of maybe snagging another round of kisses was now out of the question. Might as well sound as if he was interested in something other than Vincent for a little while.

“Aerith Gainsborough. She’s a psychology student. We’ve been good friends for a while.” The elevator dinged, the doors opening slowly. Vincent stepped out and started walking toward his office, starting to slip into teacher mode; a good thing, he observed, since he couldn’t afford to constantly be distracted by Cid.

“The fuck’s psychology got to do with English?” Cid mumbled as he caught up with Vincent, lagging just a bit behind him.

“Well, this is one of the Arts and Sciences buildings.”

“Yeah, but still. English an’ psychology ain’t even close. I can see psychology an’ philosophy, but stickin’ Enlish in there too’s just kinda fucked up.” Sticking his hands into his pockets, Cid kept following until they reached a door that looked like it might be offices, or in this case, cubicles. “This it?” he asked, pointing over the professor’s shoulder at the opening.

Vincent nodded. “Well, the subjects don’t really matter. We just share space, not classes.” He unlocked the door, stepping in and holding it open for Cid. “Mine is just down here,” he said, starting to walk down a long corridor surrounded on either side by grey doors.

“Shit,” Cid said somewhat quietly as he let the door close behind him. “Looks like a damn prison or somethin’. How can ya stand it?”

“I don’t spend much time here,” Vincent said, silently agreeing.

“Don’t blame ya. Wouldn’t last five seconds here, I’ll tell ya that.” He looked from side to side, only seeing the same thing repeatedly.

Vincent led them to one of the grey doors and reached down to unlock it, walking in and flipping on the light. The space was no bigger than a walk-in closet. “Hmm, Aerith must be teaching,” he said as he set his bag on his chair. “You can come in. There isn’t much space.”

Cid did so, shaking his head a little as he looked around the little area. There wasn’t much to the cubicle aside from two desks set at the most convenient angles, each with their own chair. The blond sat down on the other chair, leaning on the back to watch Vincent. “Sure looks homey,” he said sarcastically, noting how dull Vincent’s desk looked compared to Aerith’s book- and decoration-covered one. “Maybe you should hire this chick to do somethin’ for your spot over there. Looks like she’s got enough for the both of ya.”

Vincent chuckled. “She spends more time in here than I do.” Vincent woke up his computer, going through a few files and checking his email. When he was done, he printed something out and put the paper in his bag before turning to Cid. “So, ready for class?”

“Dunno,” Cid said as he stopped flipping through the top book on Aerith’s desk. “What’s ready really entail?”

“I assume you didn’t read the next story, either.”

Cid gave him a blank look. “I… was kinda busy all night, if ya remember. I mean, fuck. I’m not that easy to forget, am I?”

Vincent chuckled. “There was a significant amount of time between yesterday’s class and this morning.”

“Yeah, but I… Fuck. We’re not havin’ another quiz are we? Doncha think I earned an A for last night? I mean, c’mon!” He kept his voice low enough that no one else would hear but Vincent, but he still managed to make himself sound somewhat pathetic.

A black eyebrow lifted. “I’m not giving you an A for sleeping with me,” Vincent said, hiding the little sting he felt from the comment. It occurred to him that that might be a reason Cid had wanted him, but he pushed it aside, preferring to think better of both himself and his student.

“So there is a quiz?” Cid visibly slumped in the chair, folding his arms on the back and resting his chin there. “I’m gonna fail this class, ya know. Can tell already.”

“I wasn’t planning a quiz, but we’re going to have a discussion about it.” Vincent stood, putting his bag over his shoulder again. “And you wouldn’t fail if you did the work.”

The blond sighed. “Prob’ly help if I actually knew somethin’ ‘bout all this shit an’ it actually had somethin’ to do with my major.” He glanced back at Vincent. “Why’s everyone gotta take this class anyway?”

“It’s just a standard class.” The professor walked out of the little room, holding the door open. “And there’s nothing to know. You read the stories, we talk about what you thought of them.”

“Think that requires likin’ to read though,” he mumbled in return, noticing Vincent’s movement and following him out of the office.

The professor locked the door once he was able to close it. “They’re not that long, and it won’t take up too much of your time to read them, Cid. Besides, if you don’t pass, you’ll just have to keep taking the class, and while I’d love to have you in my class over and over again, that doesn’t look so good on your transcript.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” The blond shoved his hands in his pockets, fiddling with his lighter. “Don’t ‘spose ya have a copy I could read before class, do ya?” he asked, not really expecting an answer.

Vincent reached into his bag and pulled out the piece of paper he had printed. “Here,” he said, glancing at Cid and smiling slightly before walking out.

Blue eyes flicked down to the paper, the heat from the printer still lingering. “Ya didn’t print this out just for me, did ya?” he asked as he caught up with Vincent, holding the paper up. “What’d ya do that for?”

“I didn’t print it just for you. I printed it so I would have a copy for class, but I’ve already read it.” He pushed the button for the elevator again. “Keep it.”

“Oh.” Cid looked down at the paper again, for some reason feeling a little disappointed that he had gotten the copy just because Vincent didn’t need it. Shaking it away, he slowly followed, trying his best to read as he walked and not doing a very good job of it.

Vincent stepped into the elevator, pulling Cid with him and chuckling.

“What?” Cid asked as he almost lost his balance, the door sliding shut behind him. His gaze flipped from the doors to Vincent, slightly confused.

“You just seemed like you needed a seeing-eye dog for a minute there.”

“Real funny, Vince.” Looking back at the paper, Cid read a little more, realizing it was the same paragraph he had already read a few times. Vincent smiled to himself, finding Cid endearing.

The blond just happened to look up right then and catch the smile. “What’s that for?” he said with a trace of a smile forming on his own lips.

Glancing up at the numbers on the elevator and determining that he had enough time before the doors opened, the professor leaned forward and brushed a light kiss over Cid’s lips, lingering to speak. “You’re just… kind of charming.”

Cid pulled back out of surprise, his smile growing a little. “Charmin’? You’re kiddin’, right?” he said, reaching out to grasp the strap of Vincent’s bag and tug him closer for his own kiss and breaking away before the elevator opened. “Should warn a guy before you’re ‘bout to do that.”

“Why?” Vincent asked, a little grin on his lips as he stepped out of the elevator. “It would ruin the surprise.”

Laughing softly, Cid moved into the hallway also. “Guess that makes sense. Just… caught me off guard’s all.”

“That was half the point,” Vincent said, nodding hello to some of his other students.

“Guess so.” Cid wondered how well he could get away with only reading the first few paragraphs of the story. Maybe he could make up something that would sound right for discussion. Shrugging to himself, the blond walked down the hallway in time with Vincent, thinking. At least he didn’t have to make up an excuse for the professor this time.

Vincent pulled the door to the classroom open, stepping inside and going to his desk. He pulled some things out of his bag, glancing at Cid as he walked in too and almost wishing he could have skipped class as easily as the blond had that morning so they could spend more time together. He set that thought aside though, and started setting things up, waiting for everyone to show up.

Cid made it to his seat and slumped down in it, looking up at Vincent. And that’s how he pretty much stayed the entire class, even though they did the discussion circle again, students rattling off details and opinions that the blond had no interest in. But through it all, his eyes were locked on the professor until class was dismissed and the other students’ standing and rearranging their desks broke his line of vision.

Vincent sat back at his desk when class was over, watching everyone leave. Whenever he got a clear path, his eyes wandered over to Cid of their own accord, stirring up mixed feelings in him. On one hand, he was happy to see that Cid was there, but on the other hand, he wished Cid found more enjoyment in the subject at hand because it was something that meant a lot to Vincent, and he wanted Cid to appreciate it too.

His attention broken away from Vincent, Cid gathered up his belongings and waited until the room mostly cleared before bothering to get up. He happened to look over and catch the professor’s gaze, smiling a little before getting in the back of the line and stopping near his desk. “So whatcha got planned after this?” he asked casually, making sure no one else was in the room as he jumped up to sit on Vincent’s desk.

“Well,” Vincent said, sitting back in his chair to look up at Cid. “I have a seminar to go to tonight, but that’s not until five.”

“What’s that gonna be about?” Dumping his bag on the floor next to the desk, Cid turned so he was facing the professor, his legs dangling on either side of him. “English stuff?”

“Yes,” Vincent said, chuckling. “English stuff.” He glanced at the door, noting that it was open and cursing whoever left it that way.

Blue eyes followed his gaze. “Oh, yeah. Right.” Sliding off the side of the desk, Cid gathered up his bag again. “Guess I’ll see ya tomorrow or somethin’. Think I should prob’ly, ya know, go home an’ at least get some clean clothes.” Giving a little laugh, he plucked at his button-up shirt.

Vincent kept smiling, but there was a hint of disappointment in it. “Yes… you have been wearing those ones for a while.”

Brushing a hand through his hair, Cid waved a little and turned to leave, stopping abruptly as he came face-to-face with a rather pretty brunet girl who looked distraught about something. “Uh, sorry,” he mumbled out.

“It’s fine,” she said quickly, peeking her head into the room and smiling. “Good, you’re still here, Vincent! I was afraid I might not get to catch you. I’ve got a big problem.” She slipped into the room, hurrying over to the professor’s desk.

Vincent smiled a little for her. “Aerith, what’s wrong?”

“I think I lost my key. I really need to get into the office before my next class, but no one knows where the extra set is so I’m stuck.” Worried green eyes moved to the clock on the wall. “Ooh… I’m going to be so late! I can’t believe I lost that stupid little thing!”

Cid leaned against the doorway, watching. So that was the other student Vincent shared his cubicle with. At least she seemed nice, if not overly anxious.

Vincent stood, handing her his key. “Here, I’m done with it for the day. You can return it tomorrow.” He patted her shoulder, still smiling a little.

“You’re sure?” She took the key uncertainly, looking from it to Vincent. “I don’t want to have you locked out instead of me.”

“I don’t need anything from there. Now go before you’re late,” he said in good humor.

Aerith’s face broke out into a huge smile and she held the key tightly as she leaned down to give him a hug. “Thank you so much, Vincent. I’ll pay you back somehow.” She stood and hurried back to the door, waving. “I’ll see you around!” she said before disappearing down the hall, running as fast as she could without losing her balance.

The blond looked back at Vincent when she had gotten out of sight, the tapping of her shoes still audible. “Good friend, huh?” he said with a little smirk, though he was trying to smother that tiny bit of jealousy he felt.

“Great friend,” Vincent said, packing up his bag. “We’ve known each other a long time.”

“Obviously.” The blond looked back down the hallway again. “Kinda high-strung though, ain’t she?”

“Only when she’s nervous,” Vincent said, standing and putting his bag over his shoulder. “She’s a really sweet girl.”

“Huh. So… just friends?” Cid asked, turning away to move out of the room completely.

Vincent narrowed his eyes, smirking a little. “…Why?”

“No reason. Just wonderin’.”

“Uh huh,” Vincent said, hinting that he didn’t believe him. “Well, she’s been trying to get me to go out with her for a while.”

Cid felt that jealousy rise up a little more, but he swallowed it down with a smug realization. “Yeah, but she hasn’t got anywhere, so ya don’t like her that way, right?”

The professor shrugged. “I was considering it for a while.”

“An’ I can see that went real far,” the blond said with a little smirk.

“I could still be considering it. She’s pretty persistent.”

Cid crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “An’ that’s why ya went an’ slept with a guy, huh? Makes tons ‘a sense right there.”

Vincent grinned a little. “Momentary lapse of judgment?”

Cid’s brow creased a bit. “Well, lapse of judgment or not, ya still did it.” He finally just shrugged and turned away, shifting his bag on his shoulder. “Sad to know I was just a lapse of judgment.”

“I’m kidding,” Vincent said, moving to pull Cid back gently. While he was up, he pulled the classroom door closed as well.

A little confused, Cid stumbled back into the classroom and looked from the door to the professor. “What was that about?”

“Stay for a few minutes…” Vincent said, moving a little closer. “I’m not interested in Aerith,” he said quietly.

A little smile pricked at Cid’s lips. “Then who ya interested in, if ya don’t mind me askin’?”

The professor leaned closer, staying just barely out of kissing range. “I wonder…”

“Dunno. Who is it?” Cid said with a little lilt of curiosity. “‘M not good at guessin’ games.”

“I think you know,” Vincent said as he brushed his lips over Cid’s.

The smile on the blond’s lips grew as he pressed into the kiss, his hands settling at Vincent’s waist to pull him closer. He had been wondering if there would be a chance to snag another kiss before he left; thankfully, it looked like the professor had had the same idea.

Vincent raised his arms, sliding them around Cid’s neck. He parted his lips, feeling like he was going further than he had wanted, but not caring. His arms wrapping around Vincent’s waist, Cid pulled Vincent incredibly close. The kiss increased between them and he felt a shiver run down his back as Vincent’s fingers brushed his nape. He knew they shouldn’t be doing such a thing right then, especially right there, but he couldn’t do anything to convince himself to stop.

Vincent was in the same boat, letting out a little moan because he couldn’t help it. There was something about Cid that he couldn’t place, but it made him almost insane with desire.

That moan, no matter how much it made Cid want the professor right then and there, was what finally snapped his mind back to where it should be. He slowly drew away, looking Vincent in the eye before glancing away. “We, uh… not a good place…” he said softly, wishing they were anywhere but there.

Vincent was panting softly, looking disappointed. “I know…” He was tempted to just keep going, but the thought of someone seeing them and reporting him made him stop. He lowered his arms, sliding his hands down Cid’s shoulders to his elbows.

The blond bit his lip, sucking on it lightly. “I should prob’ly, ya know, go. Got a lotta shit to get done an’ whatever.”

The professor nodded. “Yeah… I… I do too.” He couldn’t understand why he was so reluctant to part from Cid, but it took all his strength to pull out of the blond’s arms.

Far from wanting to do so, Cid let his arms drop to his side as he drew back. “I guess I’ll, uh, I’ll see ya later,” he said, turning and opening the door before he could be tempted to grab Vincent and kiss him again.

“Yes, later,” Vincent said, still disappointed.

Taking a breath, Cid glanced at Vincent one more time before disappearing down the hallway and escaping his own desires for the professor.

Vincent sighed, waiting a few minutes before heading out and going up to his office again. While he was in the elevator, he really tried to pick apart his sudden desire for one of his students. It wasn’t like him to be so unprofessional, but there was just something about Cid that made him turn into someone else.

The elevator dinged and he stepped out, making a beeline to his office. The door to the main hallway opened before he could get to it though, surprised green eyes looking at him. “Oh, Vincent! I thought you weren’t going to be coming back to the office.” She smiled, digging around in her pocket for his key, holding it out to him when she found it.

Vincent jumped a little, not expecting to see Aerith so soon. He took his key and put it back on his set, giving her a little smile. “Hey, I thought you had class.”

She shrugged, giving him a smile. “Well, you know that whole rule about if the professor’s so late…” She sighed. “By the time I made it across campus to the right building, everyone but two students had left. There wasn’t much I could do but come back.”

“I’m sorry,” Vincent said, giving her a sympathetic look.

The brunet shrugged. “I guess it just gives me a little free time. I’m not all that bothered by it and I guess the students could use a break too. We have been covering a lot in a short time. I think maybe I’ve been pushing them too hard.”

Vincent nodded, a little distracted by his previous thought patterns. “Yes, perhaps. It’s only the second week.” That made him think. It was only the beginning of the second week, and already he was involved in something that was so scandalous it could get him fired. He frowned. He didn’t see this ending well.

Aerith looked at him curiously. “So what about you? We haven’t really had a chance to compare students this time around, have we? Classes going well?”

“Um… yes, classes are going fine,” Vincent said, trying to keep his thoughts on the conversation.

“So? Any really outstanding students? I’ve got one, but I’m not sure how serious he is about this whole thing. He knows what he’s doing and has been getting absolutely perfect scores on the quizzes, but he just seems a little too laid back about doing work in class.” The girl shrugged, folding her hands together behind her back. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble like that. So what about you?”

“I’ve… got a few good students, yes.” Vincent didn’t like feeling so distracted. He couldn’t even recall the names of any of his students other than Cid.

“So what was the deal with that one in your class? He the bad apple this time?” she said with a little smile, knowing Vincent always seemed to get one student who just wouldn’t do anything asked of them and pretty much despised the class in general.

“You… could say that,” Vincent said. He doesn’t do any of the readings and…” And he’s great in bed. “And he didn’t do so well on the last quiz.”

“Ooh, that’s got to hurt. I’m sorry to hear that. He looked like he might be a smart young man from the way he dressed.” Aerith gave him a sympathetic smile. She really did hate hearing when Vincent had uncooperative or bad students. He was so passionate about his work that he wished to share it with everyone, but sometimes there was just one who wanted nothing to do with it and Aerith always thought Vincent seemed down when they arose in his class.

“I… think he’ll come around,” Vincent said, hoping his words were true. He really did want Cid to learn from his class, even if they were involved outside of it. That was unchanged.

“Well, I’m hoping he does too,” she said with a bright smile. “So what do you have planned today? I don’t have another class until 6 tonight so would you like to go get a cup of coffee or lunch?” she asked, sticking with her tradition of trying to get Vincent out of the building as much as possible.

“I have a seminar at five,” Vincent said, glancing at the clock in the hallway. It was only 1:25. “I… suppose I could get some lunch.

“All right,” she replied with a smile, clapping her hands together once. “There’s a nice place that just opened on Broad Street. I’ve been meaning to go by and try it out, but I haven’t had the chance. How does that sound?”

“Sure,” Vincent said without really thinking about it.

Another bright smile on her lips, Aerith turned and started to lead the way to the elevator. “I think you’ll really like it,” she added on as she glanced over her shoulder. “It’s kind of like that cafe you’re always talking about, but a little bigger, with more variety.”

Vincent nodded. “It sounds great,” he said, following her into the elevator. He felt like his body was there, but his mind was elsewhere. He glanced at Aerith, mentally sighing. Maybe some distraction from Cid was what he needed anyway.