I'm really sorry this took so long, but here's an insight to my life: I write all my stories on my ancient, decrepit Dell laptop from 2003 (which, by the way, has no backspace, number keys, or internet). I have to transfer all my documents via memory stick to the computer downstairs, and I have to do this on the DL because I think my parents get concerned for their teenage daughter when they ask her what she's doing and she replies "fanficcing". XD Good news is, this chapter is done and ready for reading. :D So, enjoy!
The next few weeks passed by in a blur; an exciting, romantic, heated, happy blur. We were right about the teasing from the Glee kids. Rachel and Kurt made an appointment with me with the main objective of getting info.
"So, what can I do for you kids? Problems with each other, peer pressure, a communal bully?" Rachel shook her head.
"No, we actually wanted a little bit of advice on appropriate songs for regionals. You are the guidance counselor and we thought you could help on this sort of thing." I nodded.
"Hmm, well, I guess I could help…" Kurt took out a manilla folder.
"Here are some that we were thinking of." I opened it, seeing that they were all selections from Phantom of the Opera. "We know you liked these because we saw you at the play on Saturday… You and Mr. Schue seemed to particularly like the Point of No Return. But the innuendo might make that one inappropriate." He smirked at his clever association psychology. I knew it was too late to stop the heat flooding my face.
"W-well, yes, that is a nice song… but you might be right…" Rachel interrupted.
"So, was it your favorite? You and Mr. Schue." I knew what she was trying to make me confess, even if I didn't do it directly.
"I wouldn't sing that song, if I were you." Kurt folded his hands.
"What about Music of the Night? Do you like that one?" I stuttered.
"Um, not that one." I looked at the clock. "I hope I could be of help, but I have another appointment." They stood, linking arms and leaving with grins. I saw a clump of Tina, Finn, Mercedes, Artie and Quinn waiting for them. I heard squeals and laughter as Rachel and Kurt repeated their conversation. I nearly died.
Puck's visit was worse.
"Hey Ms. P, can I talk to you for a sec?" I smiled, gesturing to the chair across from me.
"What's bothering you, Noah? I don't think you've ever come to see me voluntarily. You can take as long as you need." He twisted his hands, acting nervous.
"Well, it's just… I'm a little worried. About girls." Funny. He had seemed to be the major 'stud' of his class.
"Oh really? What's got you down about them?" He sighed.
"Ok, I'm going to be specific. It's about sex." I blinked a few times. I think two students have ever come into my office before about intercourse. Teenagers seem to think that they are all-knowing in this area, offended if anyone offers advice.
"Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to be a little bit more specific, Puck. Is it contraception, or more along the lines of… anatomy?" I reached backwards and whisked out a pamphlet on teenage sex safety, with a chock-full FAQ section. He bit his nails, something out of character for him.
"Ms. P, are you… a virgin?" He looked at me in the eyes, with an almost… hopeful glint. My mind stopped in horror somewhere along with my pulse and stomach.
"Um, I… I don't-thi…" He kept staring, but the nervousness was gone. He looked triumphant.
"Because, you know, I thought you could give me some personal advice. Especially if you're in a sexual relationship right now…" Again, my cheeks flooded with head, giving me away.
"W-well. I, um, don't think that that's really appropriate… but um…" I paused. "No. I am NOT in a relationship right now. So, I think you should take the…" I handed the pamphlet. "Read it over and think of questions. You should go to class now." He snatched it, saluting with two fingers.
"Thanks, you really helped me today, Ms. Pillsbury." I watched him go with my jaw dropped. The titters that followed me past the choir room confirmed that they had dug up enough information to determine that yes, I was seeing Mr. Schuester, their Spanish teacher.
I forced myself to ignore the kids, and to try and go about my business normally. But dating Will involved a lot of between-class visits, I discovered.
He walked me to and from lunch, out to the parking lot in the evening, carried whatever I was holding in the halls, and texted me during his study halls. It was just enough affection to be the sweetest thing in the world, and I never got a creepy possessive vibe from him. Secret kisses were shared after quadruple checks that absolutely no one could possibly be watching, because we agreed that we wanted to keep our co-working relationship professional. The only public display of affection we showed was holding hands as we ate. Sure, the faculty gossiped about it for awhile, but eventually no one seemed to notice and we faded into the background again as friends who really liked to hang out.
My piano lessons continued every Monday afternoon, sometimes carrying on into very late hours. We would play for around an hour or two, and then go out somewhere, watch a movie, prepare dinner together, or just make out on the couch for awhile. But, true to our word, he always gave me a kiss goodnight no later than midnight.
Weekends were spent taking walks, window shopping in nearby towns, bowling, sipping coffee in cafes and other common date activities. I really think the only thing keeping us from spending every free hour together was him visiting with his sister and newborn niece, Clarisse. He showed me pictures of her after returning to Lima one afternoon, his face glowing and eyes jubilant.
"She's so sweet, Em, and really smart. She makes little noises like she's trying to figure out how to talk, but just can't quite do it yet. I can make her laugh just by crossing my eyes. Such an amazing baby." His eyes misted over, and I felt a pang of sympathy. He wanted so badly to be a father, and thought he was going to become one. What a great dad he would be someday.
Basically, I was in the healthiest, best relationship of my life with a man who adored the ground I walked on. And somehow we were managing quite well to keep things slow. And even though things weren't moving as fast as we both wanted to, things were definitely moving in a direction we liked. Kisses were getting longer, hands were getting farther, desire becoming more heated. Yes, slow torture was nearly unbearable. But I was waiting for him to make the move; I was still embarrassed from my first attempt at speedy seduction.
One Friday afternoon, as I was cleaning my writing utensils with a Clorox, I heard the familiar buzzing of my phone. I knew it was him before I picked it up, and a smile spread across my face.
hey hon can u bring me that behavior report u did the other day? i need it b4 nxt period.
-w
I slid open the keyboard, thinking of where I put that particular piece of paper.
Sure thing rnt u in class tho? y cant it wait?
It was his study hall period, and we usually exchanged sweet little texts, but this was the first time he asked me to come to his classroom. Maybe it was extremely urgent.
I snagged the file and made my way to his Spanish room, quietly opening as to not disturb the busy students.
He was sitting at his desk, reading over sheet music and reprimanding the more disruptive of the group. I set it on his little paperwork tower, smiling and mouthing 'Here you go'. Just as I turned to leave I felt his hand on my arm.
"Hey, Em… you free for dinner tonight?" He had stood, and was ever so quietly whispering in my ear. I restrained a giggle, his warm breath tickling my neck.
"Oh, I don't know… I'm kind of going out with this guy tonight…" I winked, murmuring into his shoulder. He sighed.
"That son of a bitch. I guess you'll have to choose." I nodded.
"Whichever one pays more for the meal, probably." I began to notice that our professional 'teacher-on-teacher-official-business' façade was fading. I think his fingers lightly trailing up the sensitive skin on my inner arm did it. I swallowed.
"Or the one who treats you the best at the end of the night." He winked, turning away. "Thank you, Ms. Pillsbury. Have a nice afternoon." I nodded blankly, stumbling casually towards the door.
"Yeahhhh, Schuester!!!" Finn was at the back of the room, clapping wildly. The rest of his football buddies joined him, wolf whistling. Will gave a stern look.
"Watch it, Hudson, this behavior report is mostly about you." His eyes, dancing in joy, gave him away. Funny, I didn't know Finn's hearing was that advanced.
At exactly five thirty Will was at my door, coat on and ready to go. I laughed a little.
"Eager much?" He nodded.
"We'll miss our reservations. We have to go, fast, Em!" I slid into my pink coat and picked up my bag, taking his hand as we walked out.
"So where are we going? I'll follow." He shook his head, grinning wickedly.
"Your car can stay here for the night. This is a surprise." I blinked.
"All right then." He opened the passenger door on his car, and I slid in with a half smile. Our fingers stayed clasped between us as he twisted the key and flicked on the radio. Before he shifted the car, he laughed.
"Oh wait, almost forgot." He reached into his briefcase and yanked out a Ziploc baggie; inside was a dark green tie. He took it out, pulling my head close.
"Will! What…?" He kissed my forehead, holding my chin still with one hand.
"It's okay. I hand-washed this three times before school and blow dried it. Perfectly germ free." The last thing I saw before he slipped it over my eyes was his adorable excited smile. He tied it into a tight knot on the back of my head.
"And why do I have to wear this in your car?" The world was completely dark; I felt around blindly and his hand caught mine.
"Well, you'd know where we were going if you saw what route I was taking." He settled our hands between us again. "It's a surprise." I crossed my legs, mumbling sullenly.
"It'd better be good." The car rumbled and began vibrating beneath me, and I felt the world lurch as he pulled out of the parking lot.
He hummed softly on the car ride, stroking my hand gently. I tried to discern where we were going by the pauses and turns he made, but I honestly couldn't tell.
He braked unexpectedly. Somehow I assumed that his trip would be longer, but apparently not. He dashed around to open my door, taking both of my hands, then sliding his arm around my waist. I gripped on his hand, trying to catch my balance without the aid of eyesight.
"Any clues?" He blew cool air on my neck.
"No." I giggled.
"Come on, I want to know!" He began walking me slowly, and I realized we were on concrete. I heard a door opening, and he lifted me quite effortlessly over a step.
"Okay… open." He slid the tie off my head and I opened my eyes, surveying… his apartment.
I had been here before, but only a few times. We both decided that my place would probably be better for a home base because I always felt a little uncomfortable in other peoples' houses. It was small and sweet, if not a little boring, and not as messy as you might think (young guy, living alone, high-maintenance girlfriend). But this was not how I remembered it.
He had painted the formerly white walls in the living room a pale yellow, covered the couch and gotten new carpeting. Everything was absolutely spotless. There wasn't a speck of dust in sight. The closet in the corner was opened, revealing a shiny new vacuum and lots of cleaning products. I could very faintly smell something Windex-y in the air, but it was masked by the bouquet of Father Hugo roses on the coffee table.
The lights were turned down low, and there was a blanket on the middle of the floor; on it were dishes, set like a fancy restaurant table-for-two. A candle flickered atmospherically in the middle, and a tray bore herbed potatoes, nicely cut chicken, a salad, bread, wine, and various dressings.
I turned to him, my mouth agape. He grinned.
"I skipped the last two periods of school so I could cook, but I've been cleaning and redecorating for about a solid week. Every inch of this apartment has been scrubbed free of anything offensive to you. I got a new vacuum and carpet, because the orange shag wasn't really attractive." He rubbed the back of my hand gently. "I just wanted to make it nice here, to make you comfortable with either of our places. I thought a nice dinner would be a good introduction." I couldn't move.
"Will…" The words got stuck in my throat. He brushed a curl of hair away from my face, staring me in the eyes.
"Do… you, um, like?" He was nervous. Worried. I swallowed, falling into him and nestling my head under his chin.
"I don't deserve you," I mumbled into his chest. His arms curled around me, holding me tight and rocking back and forth.
"Oh Em… what did I do so right to have you? I'm so lucky." He kissed the top of my head gently. I gave a choked laugh.
"Lucky??? Will, you're so insanely out of my league… it's a miracle that you even noticed me. You are the kindest, most amazing man I've ever met." I felt heat rush to his face.
"Well, as much as I'd love to disagree with you and prove exactly how much that statement isn't true, because you are a stunningly beautiful woman and it would be impossible not to notice you, our meal will get cold if we don't eat it soon." He pulled me back, kissing my hand. I blushed, feeling almost shy, and he led me to his romantic indoor picnic.
I was extremely grateful I'd chosen a flowing, loose summer skirt this morning instead of one of my usual tight pencil skirts as he sat me down on the green plaid blanket. I sat on the side of my legs, feeling rather comfortable, and picked up my fork, beginning to load my plate. He sat across from me, copying my actions.
Conversation melted from our tongues much too easily, because I didn't have to carefully think about what I was going to say around Will. I could just let free all my normal censorships (trying not to sound mental when you are mysophobic is a challenge, take my word for it) and be exactly who I am. And he hung on to every word, laughing and talking back.
The whole meal was incredibly romantic, peppered with sweet little compliments and flirtations. He made me feel like a goddess, something no other man had ever done before. And, I didn't want to seem selfish, but I adored being treated like a deity. His eyes followed my hand as it brought the fork up to my mouth, then indulgently raked up my arm, down my neck, chest, hips, and legs. I felt gorgeous.
I swallowed my last bite of bread, sighing contentedly. He reached out and brushed my cheek, taking my hand. I smiled, kissing one of his fingers as it passed my mouth. Standing abruptly, he yanked me to my feet and led me to the couch.
"Are you tired?" I shook my head, closing my eyes when I felt his lips under my jaw. "Wanna watch a movie?"
"Mhm." I knew he had a secret stash of romances; the kind of movies where we could easily stay busy as the characters played out their lives. He leaned over across me, pulling a DVD case out of a little cabinet at the end of the couch. He unzipped it, flipping through.
I stuck my finger out to stop him when I saw a title I liked: The Notebook, a classic. I grinned at him, sliding the disc out of its' plastic pocket. He kissed my ear.
"Whatever you want is fine." He got up and knelt in front of his TV, fiddling with buttons, then coming back next to me. He wrapped me up into his arms and hit play. I cuddled into him, and he yanked a blanket off the back of the couch to cover us, bringing our bodies closer. "Don't worry, I washed every piece of cloth in this house yesterday."
I was very right in my prediction; our lips locked just before Allie and Noah began dancing in the street. When we pulled away simply gasping for breath, nearly twenty straight minutes had passed. He moved to my neck.
"Rachel McAdams is so hot in this movie…" I giggled, ticklish when he migrated to my shoulder.
"Oh really?"
"Uhuh. I like sexy redheads." I went pink.
"Ah. Of course." He slipped one of the sleeves of my green cardigan down, kissing my shoulder very gently. I felt myself falling, dragging him to be horizontal with me. He continued a line down my throat, all the way to the other side of my neck. I felt my breathing becoming heavy, and I fumbled with the top button of his shirt.
We'd surpassed second base a little while ago, and it was absolutely heavenly. He jabbed pause on the remote and the background noise stopped, leaving only the sound of our breath and the rasp of cloth. He jerked my blouse out of my skirt and I giggled at his forwardness, coyly slipping a leg around his calf. His leg rubbed against mine and I felt his warm hands brush against my belly. I twitched, involuntarily ticklish, and he glided up over my ribcage, kissing my lips once more.
A finger slipped under the wire of my bra, touching the skin he found as the other went around my back. I swatted his hand away and undid the clasp myself; I couldn't help but to be eager. He nipped my lower lip and pushed the bra up over my chest, hands cupping my now exposed breasts. I gave a little moan of approval as his fingers began touching the sensitive skin, and my hands went temporarily limp in their attempt to get his shirt off. Pianists have very skillful fingers.
I undid the last button, pushing back the crisp dress shirt to find something much nicer. I dragged my fingertips down his chest, enjoying the warmth and the way he tensed at my touch. To my dismay his hands stopped moving and left my shirt, brushing my cheek. In response I took away mine, closing my eyes and finding the first button on my shirt.
His face buried in my neck, smelling my hair and planting hot kisses on the soft skin he found. I wiggled out of my sweater and finished the row of buttons, opening my shirt shyly. He pulled back to look, then caught my eyes in wonder. I blushed heavily, not entirely comfortable with my small B-cups, even if he didn't seem to care one bit.
He curled an arm around my back and pulled me close, flesh meeting flesh as my breasts crushed into his chest. The amount of warmth we were sharing was astonishing; and yet we were grabbing, wanting more, pushing closer…
He pulled his face away from mine, breathing heavily on my cheek. My eyes flickered open and saw that the sky outside the window had gone dark.
"Do you want to go to the bedroom?" His murmur was soft and gentle, not entirely coaxing but cleverly masking eagerness. I nodded, knowing exactly what he was asking.
My stomach twisted as I felt his arms wrapping tight under my thighs, sitting up and carrying me like a child. I furled my arms around his neck, kissing lovingly. He stood, walking in the least awkward possible way out of the room.
Aaaaaaand… I'm going to hang you on a cliff for awhile. :D