Work Text:
"Click."
The sound of your keys echoed throughout the hallway as you locked your apartment. As you stepped back from your door, the cold mists of the night clung onto you. It was quiet, momentarily breaking only from your footsteps and occasional chirps of the crickets outside.
You scratched your head, a bit perplexed as to why out of all the times Pierre had invited you to go somewhere, it was nearing midnight. He had invited you before, however that confusion remained consistent throughout. You had to admit though, you liked it when Pierre invited you to his unusual sightings.
Pierre, in general, was usually very reserved. He often kept to himself, mostly giving mono-toned answers and short head gestures. You wondered why he had invited you this time again, but regardless, you had accepted it and were on your way continuing with your stroll.
The heart of Wuhu felt peaceful, the lack of chaos and rush from aspiring athletes from during the day made the journey for you safer. From a distance, your eyes caught onto the Wishing Fountain, indicating that your destination was half-way completed. Right away, you took out your phone and contacted Pierre. As expected, he answered right away, hearing his monotone and soft voice.
"I believe you've happened to arrive at the fountain Y/N?"
"Yes Pierre…"
"Very well, I will see you shortly. Glad we're in sync."
Shortly after, the call ended. You hear the trickles of the water flowing behind you as you sat by the fountain. From the text Pierre sent, you were to look out for a black jeep to arrive parallel to the large clock building staring at you. Knowing him, it wouldn't take no longer than five minutes.
Unsurprisingly, the jeep had arrived on time. As the front window rolled down, you see Pierre's sapphire eyes locking with yours, his usual poker face plastered on him.
"You're here. Please enter."
You let out a soft groan before you entered the vehicle, getting more pissed off my his extreme formalities. He slightly frowned a bit, seeing your reaction.
"You don't seem that thrilled Y/N. Is the time of inconvenience?"
"It isn't." you confirmed. "But do you have to be this formal, now?"
"Y/N.." his frowned deepened. "I'm sure you're aware of my speech style by now."
You simply sighed as you entered the vehicle, sitting next to him. As he began to drive, the Wishing Fountain faded behind the two of you.
For a while your mouth became slightly agape, unable to utter any words your brain was trying to cohere. The air felt a bit thick, you pondered if your comment was the reason. Pierre remained silent as the two of you drove through the Wuhu bridge.
Trying to distract your thoughts, you looked outside the window. Your eyes caught on to the illuminating full moon that reflected on the ocean. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed you watching the moon and lowered the window on your side. Your eyes widened for a brief moment before you fully embraced the beauty surrounded you. The cool wind hugging you intensified it.
"It's amazing, isn't it Y/N?"
"It… it is. Certainly divine." You didn't realize you were using his style of speaking. You turned to Pierre, who was still focused on the road. His brown hair danced with the wind, and to your shock, you saw a small smile form around his lips.
"Wuhu Island around this time… it's beautiful and serene, especially around the full moon phase. It's peaceful whenever I do night drives." Despite the monotone voice, you could've felt him pouring his heart out talking about something he loved. This was a side of Pierre very few saw, you being one of them who had the privilege of such. Seeing his smile made your earlier tension with him slowly evaporate but you felt a bit of guilt now.
"It's a side of Wuhu you don't see."
"I know right??" his tone became more ecstatic. "Not much people know about it either… I'm glad. The less, the better.."
"The less? Why's that?" you asked.
"Then it would be meaningless, no?" Pierre paused. "These drives would mean nothing to me."
"I see…"
"Then it would be insignificant to show it to those I care about. It wouldn't be special…. and I want to show how special it is….. especially to the one… I-"
Pierre's phone began to ring. With one hand on the wheel, his other hands sifted his pants pocket finding the phone to give it to you.
"Can you take the call for me? It's the receptionist for where I've booked. If not, place it on speaker."
"Uhh." you hesitated.
"It's okay if you can't, Y/N." he chuckled a bit. "Just place it on speaker."
You nod and answered, placing it on speaker.
"Hello?"
"Good night. Is this Mr.Choinière?" the caller from the other side asked.
"Speaking."
"Great, we're confirming about-"
"About that. Yes… yes, I'm on my way to the hotel."
"Very well sir, see you there."
The call then ends. After you hand Pierre his cellphone back, silence filled the room for a bit. As you traversed, you took in the seaside view until you spotted a grand hotel where Pierre had entered in front of the entrance of. You watched in awe as the palm trees and floral decor adorned the building, defining the tropical tone of Wuhu Island. You turned to Pierre,
"I thought you didn't like the hot spots."
"That only applies to the peak hours of the day. I prefer to visit in the night."
"Oh really? In the night?"
"I don't see the issue." Pierre raised his eyebrows. "Unless you're thinking of something else."
"Oh come on, visiting a hotel in the night?"
"Hmm?" he raised his eyebrows. "I doubt we'll resort to whatever 'acts' you have in mind… unless you suggest otherwise."
"W-what???" your face reddened. "I was not thinking about that!"
Pierre laughed. After his vehicle was parked, the two of you entered the entrance of the hotel. Cocoba Hotel was the most popular hotel residing the east of Wuhu, especially towards tourists and locals who clearly had the money to go there. It was also popular among the higher ranked athletes of the island, however you found it surprising that Pierre was also interested in this place despite his avoidance for the "known" spots.
It became clear to you why it was a main attraction. As you entered the reception area, your eyes caught the chandeliers and the Roman figures accompanying the floral decor. The marble tile and the rich leather furniture complemented the accent wall behind it. It was small yet you felt the elegant ambience surrounding you. You sank in the leather couch, waiting for Pierre to check in with the room he booked.
"Y/N." Pierre called to you softly.
"Are we ready, Pierre?"
"We are. Follow me."
You got up and walked towards Pierre. The receptionist smile at you as you passed by.
"Enjoy your night here at Cocoba Hotel. Do use the room service if you are in need of some... essentials..." The receptionist looked at the both of you
"Essential…. Oh for fuck sake." Pierre mumbled to himself, after clicking on to the implications of the receptionist. You swore this was the first time you heard him curse. After a little distance away, he expressed his annoyance.
"God forbid I just prefer to be here during the night."
"Did they assume we're going to hook up or something?"
"Y/N!" Pierre's face reddened. "Don't be so blunt about it."
You chuckled a bit. Then Pierre had directed you towards an elevator indicating his room was at the top floor. The elevator ride was silent. Pierre looked at you as you stared into the zone, folding your arms. Pierre softly called you,
"All good Y/N?"
"Y-yeah!" you snapped out of your zone. "Almost there?"
"A few seconds again." he affirmed.
After a few minutes, you had arrived in front of the room door. Pierre took out his key card and scanned the door, opening it. As you entered, your eyes widened in awe. It was a spacious penthouse with a futuristic touch yet the essence of Wuhu still ingrained it with its floral streams. A large picture of the Maka Wuhu volcano was also displayed above the couch set.
"W....wow..."
"Quite immaculate, no?" Pierre replied.
As he went to sit on the sofa, you follow along, sitting next to him. The coldness and texture of the leather couch felt unusual to the sofa you had back at home, making you instinctively shift closer to Pierre. He placed one of his hand behind you to make space.
"Are you comfortable Y/N?"
"Y-yeah." you nodded, then switched the subject. "I didn't think you'd like this… kind of place Pierre. It looked like it came from a cyberpunk show."
"That's exactly what drawn me to here. It's quite surprising how easy it was to book this place."
"Really?" you whistled. "I'd think here would always be booked out."
"Too niche for some folks at Wuhu I suppose… but it works out for me, I get to enjoy it even more." he leans forward. "And even more because I'm with you Y/N."
"Me?" you were shocked.
Pierre simply nodded.
" Why me?" you questioned.
"Because…." He leaned even closer. "You're special to me."
You blinked twice, feeling the heat on your face as you blushed profusely. Pierre was usually not the type of person to say those kind of words, making your heart flutter. Suddenly he got up, offering a hand to you.
"Pierre…"
"Come with me. I want to show you something."
You placed your hand on his, holding it as you got up and followed him along outside to the extended balcony area. When you had arrived, you watched in awe, seeing the moon much bigger as it hovered and shone over the rest of the resort and the sea beyond. You could've also seen the table tennis area, which was empty during this time.
"It's much better up here, don't you think?" Pierre smiled even more. "It's beautiful."
Pierre then looked at you, his face reddening even more. You leaned on the railing, watching Pierre while secretly admiring the beauty radiating from him. For a man who only wore blues and neutrals, he stood out contrasting the hyper-saturated neon surrounding you both.
"Y'know… Pierre?" you looked at him. "Why me?"
"Hmm?" Pierre raised his eyebrows, at your rather redundant question.
"Out of everyone you could've invited here, why… me?" your eyes averted from him.
"Because… you mean a lot to me…" Pierre paused. "And… I wanted to… show a way to… appreciate that…"
"Well, I'm honored." you smiled.
"And…" Pierre hesitated, looking down appearing a lot nervous now, then looked up towards you once again. "Y/N…"
"Pierre…"
"There isn't much I explicitly say I am fond of in my life…" he paused. "But I watch the moon, and watch its beauty, shining at it's peak. It's serene, grand, something I can never look away from."
You became a bit puzzled but Pierre continued on.
"It… it makes my heart and my soul at peace. Something I truly adore." Pierre blushed as he stared at you. "It reminds me of you."
"Of me?"
"Yes. It reminds me of all the times you made me feel… happy, at peace, understood…." Pierre breathed a bit. "Someone I wish to spend more time with…"
"Pierre.."
"How… how do I say this?" Pierre sighed once more as he gave in the courage to say how he felt. "I wasn't expecting to do all this, I just wanted to show you the moon from this view… but… it's.. inevitable."
"Huh?"
It was clear to you that Pierre felt awkward trying to confess what he was saying. The long pause felt daunting. You felt your own heartbeat rapidly multiplying, and your body queasy. Was Pierre about to admit what you had hoped?
Finally, after a short breath, he confessed.
"Y/N. I have feelings for you."
It took you a while to register what he has just said. Even though it was the very thing you had wished to hear, a pang of perplexity overtook you.
"I don't expect you to say anything, or even reciprocate, but it was bothering me for a while now and just needed to let it out."
"Pierre…"
Pierre looked at you as he awaited your response. You didn't say anything afterwards. Instead, you gently rested your palm on his cheek, leaning closer to him.
" I didn't think you'd said that…. but…" you paused, feeling your heartbeat stronger. "I feel the same way."
Pierre placed his hand over yours, happy to hear your reciprocity… but he held a lingering doubt inside that overshadowed his joy.
"A…are you certain?"
"Pierre…"
"Please Y/N. Be transparent with me." Pierre pleaded. "I want to know you're being genuine with me and not… playing along…"
You frowned a bit. You understood this was from a previous heartbreak Pierre had experienced, and knew the anxiety barricaded on his ability to be rational. You looked at him, reassuring your love for him is genuine.
"I'm certain Pierre… what I feel is real…" you leaned closer, your faces barely an inch apart. "And I know… I love you…"
You feel the humidity between your faces from your breaths and the mist of Pierre's tears slowly streaming down. The two of you remained like that for a minute before you both leaned closer, puckering your lips about to kiss.
You feel a soft, warm feel on your lips, smelling the faint vanilla-scented lip-balm Pierre applied. Pierre sank in, engaging in a deeper kiss while you tightly clutched onto him with your other hand. After a brief moment, you pulled back a bit, smiling.
"I… I wasn't expecting to confess so early, Y/N." Pierre said.
"I know Pierre."
"But… I didn't think you'd reciprocate these feelings." Pierre smiled. "I'm just happy."
"Me too…" you responded.
Pierre wipe the single tear from his face then rested his back on the railings, tilting his head back as he allowed the cool breeze to cover him. You leaned over, watching him as he stared at you.
"So… now what?" you asked him. "What are we?"
" What are we?" Pierre raised his eyebrows, confused. "We're lovers... aren't we? Didn't our kiss solidify that?"
"Yeah yes… but… I just… needed confirmation." you laughed sheepishly.
"Ah right… I forgot dating is different here…" Pierre scratched his head. "We're lovers, that's for certain. But… There's no need for us to rush. We can take things slow." Pierre smiled at you.
"That sounds nice." you nod.
Pierre approaches you again, holding your hand, and bringing it up to give it a small peck. He then nudges his head at inside.
"Your legs must be tired, Y/N. Let's sit inside." Pierre suggested.
"Sure!" you agreed.
On the cold sofa you sat a bit, leaning onto Pierre for his warmth as it battled the cold, leather couch. Pierre simply fidgeted with your hand as he relaxed, enjoying the futuristic ambience of his suite. The moon's prime view had already passed, but the two of you decided to hang out more. In between, each of you took turns taking subtle glances of one another… until Pierre broke the silence.
"Hmm? Something's on your mind Y/N?"
"Oh!" you paused. "N…nothing."
"I see…" Pierre circled his fingers on your knuckles. "Let me know if you want to do anything else."
"Well… actually… I do have something in mind." you leaned closer, whispering in Pierre's ears, watching his face gradually turn a cherry red once again.
"I… I like the… idea… but.." Pierre itched on the mole on his lower chin. "Not too… intense."
"Of course… It's way too early for that." you chuckled.
Pierre's hand then gently glided on your back, pulling you close to him as your lips connected once again in a kiss. It was more intense, feeling the pent up passion and feelings poured out as your tongues intertwined with each other. The temptations arose, both of you feeling the desire to resort to the actual act. However, you both made it clear it was too early for that dance of passion, especially for your newly blossomed relationship.
You gently held on the back of Pierre's head, feeling the softness of his hair buried between your fingers. You gripped it a bit tighter before you straddled yourself on his lap, continuing embracing the warmth on your lips. Pierre pulled back a bit, ensuring you were positioned comfortably.
"Better Y/N?" Pierre asked.
"Much better." You smiled.
Shortly, the French kisses shifted as he began planting small pecks on your cheek, lowering down to the side of your neck. Your body shivered from the proximity of his breath on your neck, making you gasp a bit. Then you saw Pierre's eyes look up at yours.
"Are you okay with this?"
"Y…yes" you replied.
With confirmation, he pressed his lips once again, gradually nibbling on the section.
"W…woah!"
In between, he planted several kisses on your neck as he continued. He shifted up again, returning to your lips as he kisses it one more time, this time a long, passionate one. You released your grip from his hair, lowering it to his upper back as you held onto him in an embrace.
It wouldn't have been until after you had completely finished your session that you feel a little sting on your neck. Seeing the bruise on your neck, Pierre's eyes widened as he slowly turned away, laughing sheepishly.
"Ah… I got… carried away." Pierre blushed.
"It's not too bad." You watched the hickey he had given you through the small mirror you had instinctively held up right after. "I don't think anyone would notice."
"I hope so." Pierre replied.
Unfortunately, you both were going to find out how sharp-eyed folks in Wuhu, actually were the next day while on your baseball training.