Work Text:
The afternoon sun filled the Heartslabyul lounge with warm light. Being a weekday afternoon, quite a few people were hanging in the lounge. First and second years, who were looking for a little peace in each other's company after club activities. The sound of pleasant chatter and laughter filled the lounge. Someone found a deck of cards, which completely vivified the group, so a lively game was going on in one corner.
Only one thing was missing from this pleasant afternoon. And that was the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. Several people noticed this unusual absence. They kept glancing towards the kitchen and the stairs, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite third year, who always surprises them with a little treat after a tiring day.
“Hey! Does anyone know where Trey-senpai is?”
“Or even any of the third-years?”
They all looked around in confusion. Indeed, not a single third year was in the Hearstlabyul common room.
Firm heels clattered down the stairs and Riddle appeared in the lounge.
“Housewarden! Do you know where the third years are?”
“They have a big exam tomorrow. They'd do well to spend the afternoon studying,” Riddle said, then turning to the kitchen to pour himself a cup of tea.
“Heh, that's why they're not here…”
“Good luck everyone!”
“They'll need it. If I heard correctly, it's a big exam…”
Trey Clover, the vice-housewarden of Heartslabyul, found himself in the same unpleasant situation. His desk was filled with a multitude of books and notebooks. His magic pen was scribbling eagerly on the paper, scribbling magical theory notes, and hadn't stopped for hours. Trey had even forgotten about dinner, so focused on his studies.
He leaned back with a sigh to stretch his aching limbs when he finished the next page. He glanced up at the clock above his desk. Half past six, he noted. He sighed again and picked up his phone in disappointment. His heart sank for a second and an indescribable longing filled him. This was when he usually met his boyfriend. Actually, it was just a random habit. They never made it official that they would meet at the greenhouses at half past six, they both happened to be always there around that time. That's how it later became their secret rendezvous point. It became natural for them. But now Trey had to cancel their usual date and focus solely on studying. Jade was of course supportive, even encouraging and wishing him good luck, but Trey noticed the hint of disappointment hidden in Jade's smile. At the thought that Jade also felt the same loneliness and longing, Trey sighed again. I want to see him... He thought.
A knock broke the vice-housewarden out of his thoughts.
“Yes?” he shouted, and the door creaked open. The protagonist of his thoughts appeared in the doorway. Trey's amber eyes widened.
“Jade...?”
“I'm sorry, Trey, to bother you at such an unusual time.” Jade began, entering the room. “I know you said you wouldn't be available today and wouldn't be able to meet me. But...um…”
Light red roses bloomed on Jade's face.
“I wanted to see you…” Jade finished, breaking eye contact in embarrassment.
Trey smiled. “Me too. I wanted to see you too.”
Jade sat down on Trey's bed with a wide grin and threw down the things he had been holding in his arms next to him - a mushroom encyclopedia and a notebook filled with his previous notes.
“I'm sorry I can't give you my full attention, my dear…” Trey turned back to his study with a frown.
“It's okay. I know this is important to you and I wouldn't want to be the reason for your failing notes.”
I'm already satisfied with just being able to watch you. Jade added in his mind.
A pleasant silence settled between them as they both turned their attention to their own things. Just each other's company gave them complete satisfaction. The steady swish of Trey's pen, the quiet turning of the pages, Jade's humming when he found an interesting piece of information about his favorite types of mushrooms. The atmosphere between them was perfect.
Jade's gaze would occasionally wander from the encyclopedia to his boyfriend. It would rest on the strong lines of his back, the tense shoulders, the firm neck. Jade felt an irresistible urge to run his fingers through his green locks and inhale deeply the vanilla scent emanating from his lover. Jade would never have thought that he could feel such peace just by being in the presence of the other. They didn't have to do anything. Just to feel that the other was there, to hear him breathe, to hear his heart beat to the same rhythm. According to Jade, there was rarely a more perfect moment in a person's life. Jade felt his breathing begin to slow down evenly, the vision before his eyes begin to blur.
After a few hours, Trey declared his work completely finished. He couldn't have continued studying even if he had wanted to. He felt ready for the next day's exam. He felt like his brain couldn't concentrate any longer. He stretched out.
“I'm finally done! I'm sorry Jade for keeping you waiting.” Trey turned and looked at Jade.
The most beautiful sight in the world unfolded before him. Jade settled in comfortably, breathing smoothly. He buried his face in one of Trey's clover-shaped pillows. His turquoise locks spread out on the pillowcase like waves of the ocean. That single black lock hung in Jade's face. The opened mushroom encyclopedia was still lying next to him.
Trey felt an almost magnetic force pulling him towards his lover. Trey quickly tidied up his desk, then placed the encyclopedia and Jade's notebook on it. Carefully, not to disturb Jade's sleep, he covered his lover, then he slipped under the covers too. He wrapped his arms around Jade's waist and slowly pulled him close. Jade only let out a pleasant sigh, showing no sign of waking up.
“I'm sorry I couldn't spend time with you properly, my love.” Trey whispered into the darkness of the room. “But thank you for being by my side. Your presence means more than anything.” Trey pulled Jade even closer to him, if that was possible. “I love you, Jade.”
Even in his sleep, a faint, loving smile appeared on Jade's face, as if he had just heard this secret confession.
Maybe he did.