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Asa stretched and opened his eyes, taking a moment to adjust to his surroundings.
He smiled when he remembered that he was at Anthony’s apartment.
After they shared a light lunch, Anthony had encouraged Asa to take a short nap after seeing him yawn several times.
"You look tired, darling."
Asa stifled another yawn and explained, "I sometimes have trouble sleeping, and last night was a perfect example."
"Lie down on the couch," Anthony said gently. "I promise I’ll wake you up so you’ll be on time for the afternoon opening."
But Asa shook his head. "No, we’re spending this time together. I don’t want to waste it by sleeping."
Anthony didn't reply, but he stood up, walked around the table, and gently gestured for Asa to get up.
He led his lover to the couch and said kindly, "You won't miss anything. I’d rather see you rest than fight off sleep and only half-listen to me."
"Hey! I was hanging on your every word."
Anthony snorted.
"Oh, really? What did I say before telling you that you were tired?"
"Um..."
Anthony raised an eyebrow. "Well?"
Asa sighed.
"All right..."
Under the gentle pressure of Anthony’s hands, Asa lay down, tucking his feet in and naturally settling his head onto the pillow Anthony had just readjusted. Anthony pulled a blanket over Asa, sat on the edge of the couch, and ran his fingers lightly through Asa’s hair. He said softly, "Get some sleep. I promise I’ll wake you up."
Exhaustion, combined with the hypnotic caress of Anthony’s fingers in his hair, quickly overpowered him, and Asa fell asleep almost immediately.
Asa glanced at the clock and saw that he had slept for about twenty minutes. He stretched again, this time with satisfaction. Even though it had been short, his nap had really refreshed him. Anthony had definitely been right to insist.
The sound of a page turning and a pen scribbling on paper made him turn his head toward the source of the noise. He saw Anthony sitting at his desk, surrounded by astrophysics books and papers.
In the two weeks they’d been together, this wasn’t an uncommon sight for Asa. The start of the academic year was approaching, and Anthony, ever the conscientious teacher, was preparing his lectures with great care. There was no doubt that his lover was passionate about the subject he taught and about sharing his knowledge.
However, after watching him for a few seconds, Asa frowned when he saw Anthony shift uncomfortably in his chair and massage his neck for the second time.
Asa stood up, straightened his clothes, smoothed his hair quickly, and asked softly, "Anthony, are you okay?"
His lover immediately turned toward him and exclaimed, "Oh, you're awake! Did you sleep well? Are you rested enough? You could have stayed asleep. I would have woken you up in time, you know!"
Asa chuckled at the sight of Anthony fussing over him like a mother hen. However, he also recognized his lover's attempt to divert his attention.
After all, in that respect, they were a bit alike. It was a habit of someone who had lived alone for too long and wasn’t used to being taken care of.
Asa didn’t let himself be sidetracked, though, and replied in a soft voice, "I woke up naturally and slept very well. I’m ready to get back to work, and it’s all thanks to you."
"Good to hear."
Anthony looked relieved before rubbing his neck again and wincing.
Asa stepped closer and asked in a slightly more insistent tone, "But you didn't answer my question: Are you okay?"
The professor let out a sigh, took off his glasses, and placed them carelessly on his desk.
"It's just that it's been a while since I've taught a class, and I want to be prepared. I hadn't realized how much work it would be."
When he reached Anthony, Asa leaned in and planted a lingering kiss on his lover’s forehead before saying gently, "Then let me help you, dearest."
He watched with amusement as Anthony’s cheeks flushed at the endearment, as he said, raising an eyebrow, "What, you want to help me with my classes?"
Asa shook his head and replied, "Oh, no. I'm clearly not up to the task. Although, I wouldn't mind a lesson now and then."
He saw the interested gleam in Anthony’s eyes as he began to fidget. However, Asa stepped behind his lover, placed his hands on his shoulders, and forced him to stay put.
Feeling the tension in the muscles beneath his hands, Asa began tracing small circles with his thumbs, applying just enough pressure.
Anthony couldn’t help but let out a small groan of pleasure before protesting, "But my classes..."
He had to stop because Asa had pressed harder on a tense spot and said softly, "Your classes can wait. You just need to relax for now."
Asa pressed a long kiss into Anthony’s hair and added gently, "Let me show you that I can take care of you just as well as I do my most precious books."
Anthony laughed softly as Asa resumed the massage, finding every spot of tension in his shoulders. When Asa touched a particularly sensitive spot, Anthony tried to stifle a moan of pleasure, but Asa said softly, "Don't hold back, Anthony, or it won't do any good." Anthony exhaled deeply and surrendered completely to his lover’s hands. He let the blissful sensation wash over him as Asa’s fingers worked their magic.
Asa hummed with satisfied approval as he felt the tension slowly ease. He said encouragingly, "There, let go. Don't resist."
The delightful combination of Asa's warm voice and his fingers slowly releasing the tension enveloped Anthony in a cocoon of well-being. He surrendered even more to his lover’s enchanting touch.
A few minutes later, Asa eased up on the gentle pressure, but kept his hands on Anthony’s shoulders.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, my dear."
Asa leaned in and kissed Anthony on the temple.
Anthony smiled as he took one of the hands still on his shoulder, brought it to his lips, and rested his cheek against it. Asa traced Anthony’s cheek with his fingertips and said softly, "Come sit with me on the couch for five minutes."
"But the books-"
"Just five minutes," Asa insisted, pulling him over to the couch.
Anthony stopped protesting and let Asa lead him until they were both sitting in their favorite position: Asa snuggled up against Anthony, who had his arm wrapped around his shoulders.
As if to reassure him, Asa said softly, "Five minutes. I'll be at the bookshop on time, I promise."
Anthony, no longer wanting to struggle, closed his eyes and breathed in Asa’s familiar scent. Then he pressed a long kiss to Asa’s hair.
His lover asked softly, "Did that help a little?"
"More than a little, my angel. I’m ready to get back to it as soon as possible."
Asa laughed softly and said, "Just five more minutes. Let me recharge for five more minutes before we go."
Anthony responded with a simple hum of contentment.
If Asa was five minutes late to open the shop, he told himself he could handle a few protests from Derek if it meant spending a few more minutes snuggled up against the one he cared for.