Flora and Helia-Art Project
Modern/Real World AU
Helia walked through the college campus one winter morning heading to the art building after his research meeting. Art was a welcome escape from the stresses of his program. Neuroscience had seemed to consume all of his time, that spending time with his hobby and passion made his days much brighter. He had developed a relationship during his undergraduate years with the art department that allowed for him to TA a few of the classes as he was working towards his degree.
Entering the small art building, Helia wiped his boots of the snow from the outside. He walked to the office that he shared with the supervising professor and took off his coat and scarf.
"Good morning, Helia." the older man greeted from his desk.
"Good morning, Dr. Casey." Helia smiled as he re-tied his hair up into a low ponytail.
"I hope that your meeting went well." Dr. Casey said as he stood up to grab a mug and fill it with coffee.
"It was alright, just glad that it is over."
"You need to stop torturing yourself and give in to your passions." Dr. Casey teased as he stirred in some creamer into his mug of coffee.
Helia rolled his eyes as he grabbed his neuroscience department mug and opened a bag of cinnamon tea. He walked over to Dr. Casey and filled his mug up with hot water.
"You know that I can't do that." Helia chuckled, "I am too far in. My second year into my PhD program, I am pretty committed."
"You work way too hard. On top of being a TA." Dr. Casey returned to his desk and pulled out a stack of papers.
"Do you need me to grade those?" Helia asked.
"Didn't I just tell you that you work too hard?" Dr. Casey chuckled.
Helia sat down at his small desk in the corner of the office and sipped his tea.
"Oh, Krystal is sick today so I was wondering if you could take over her photography class and I can lead the lecture in your class."
"Why don't you just take over the class?" Helia asked.
"Because I don't like photography." Dr. Casey chuckled. "You know that I am a graphic design man."
"What makes you think that I like photography or know enough to teach?"
"Who is the professor here?" Dr. Casey raised an eyebrow.
Helia let out a light laugh before rolling his eyes and returning his attention back to his tea.
"Don't worry, Helia. Krystal told me that her students were assigned to work on their final projects. Most of the students won't be in the classroom and you will just be there as a body in the class." Dr. Casey looked up at the clock, "Class starts in ten minutes by the way."
Helia sighed before he picked up his mug and bag. He stood up from the chair and walked out of the office. Heading through the building he watched as students walked past him heading to their classes.
Outside of the class he saw two young women standing outside of the door. He recognized one of the students as Musa. A fine arts major and his younger cousin. However, he didn't know the other woman. All he could see was the back of her head, her long brown hair pulled up into a ponytail.
"What are you doing here, Helia?" Musa asked as he walked up to the door, "Did my dad want you to pass a message along to me?"
"No," Helia gave his spunky cousin a grin, "I am actually filling in for this class today. Are you taking this class? I thought that it was mainly for lower classmen?"
"It is," Musa sighed, "but I need the credit. I thought that another class I took last year in the music department would fill the requirement but it didn't."
"Well don't worry," Helia leaned in, "I don't have the power to fail you so you are safe."
Musa punched him in the arm that didn't hold his hot tea.
"Ow." Helia chuckled.
"Musa," the other woman turned around, "we should head in. Class is about to start."
Helia nearly dropped his mug when he saw her bright green eyes, tan skin, and pouty pink lips. Whoever she was, she was beautiful.
Musa and the mystery woman walked inside of the classroom with Helia following behind them.
He walked up to the desk and set down his bag and mug of tea. He looked out at the class and saw that Musa and the other woman were seated near the back of the class engaged in conversation. The bright green eyes of the tan woman were filled with worry as she looked up to where Helia was standing. Helia looked around and saw that everything looked normal.
Musa walked through the classroom and up to Helia's desk.
"Can I help you?" Helia asked.
"Could you please tell Flora that you aren't some sort of pervert?"
Helia's eyes widened, "What?"
"Well, I told her that Krystal was my teacher and we had arranged for there only to be women in here for today." Musa said, "I guess that message did not get relayed to the department."
Helia looked around the room and noticed that he was the only apparent male in the classroom. He stepped around the desk and walked up to the young woman who he now knew was named Flora.
Reaching her desk, Helia cleared his throat.
"Uh, hi." Helia gave the young woman a small wave and a smile, "Musa told me to come and tell you that I am not a pervert. I don't know why I need to disclose that about myself but I can sense that you are uneasy and she was insistent."
Flora looked up at him and gave him a nervous smile, "I was told that there weren't going to be any men in here today."
"I'm sorry," Helia shook his head, "could you please elaborate on that a bit? I am afraid that I don't understand. Is there a reason that-"
Helia was cut off when he felt a heavy arm around his shoulders and he looked over to his side and found Musa hanging onto him.
"Flora," Musa said, "you will be fine. The art department has seen it all before and so has Helia. Plus as his cousin, I'll beat his ass if he does anything weird."
"What is going on?" Helia asked.
Musa explained, "I asked for Flora to be the subject of my project and we were going to be taking the photos today. She's just a bit nervous."
"Well I don't know what you are doing but you can be sure that the art department strives to make all of the students comfortable with their art." Helia looked down at the nervous woman.
Musa slid off of Helia and walked over to Flora and pulled her to her feet. Grabbing the large black backpack on the floor, Musa led Flora to a small partition in the back of the classroom.
"Just get ready while I set up," Musa instructed. "Let me know when you are ready for me to put everything on you."
Musa walked back over to her desk and pulled her camera bag out of her backpack.
"Helia, can you set up the lights in the corner of the room?" Musa asked as she took out her camera and began setting up the lens.
Helia nodded his head and walked over to the desk and grabbed the key to the equipment closet. Walking to the door at the side of the classroom, Helia unlocked and opened the door before he began pulling out the tall light stands. He walked them over to the back corner of the room where Musa was setting up a table.
"I'll finish hooking this up but you put them where you want." Helia said.
He walked back to the equipment closet and pulled out the cords to attach to the lights.
"Mirta!" Musa shouted, "Do you mind if we dim the lights?"
A girl with short red hair turned to Musa and smiled, "No, I am just editing my film so go ahead and do what you see fit."
"Thanks!" Musa smiled before walking over to the lights and dimming them.
Helia finished connecting the lights and plugged them in, the corner of the room brightening and becoming warmer.
"Here you are." Helia said before he stood to his feet and rubbed his hands on his pants.
"Thanks, cuz." Musa smiled.
Helia rolled his eyes at the informality of Musa's thanks.
"I am ready." a small voice came from behind the small partition.
"Okay, I am on my way."
Musa set down her camera and walked to the partition. Helia walked back to the desk at the front and sat down. He pulled out his laptop to hopefully get some work done for his research while the rest of the class was working on their projects. He took a sip of his now lukewarm tea and began typing out the notes from the meeting.
"Uh, Helia."
Helia looked up and saw Musa standing by the lights, her palms up and out.
"What?" Helia gave an exasperated sigh.
"I need to run to the bathroom to wash my hands. Can you please adjust the lights for me?"
"Musa, you know that I can't do that. You have to do it yourself." Helia groaned.
"Please?" Musa pleaded, "I can't even reach the knob to adjust the height."
"Go wash your hands and if you want my help you will have to instruct me." Helia conceded.
"Thank you!" Musa smiled before running out of the classroom and to the bathroom down the hallway.
Helia threw back the rest of his tea down his throat before he walked to the back corner of the classroom, bringing his research and laptop with him. He sat at one of the desks in the back and opened his laptop again before typing.
He heard the door open and Musa walked back in the room, wiping her damp hands on her blue jeans.
"Flora!" Musa shouted, "Let's get going!"
Flora walked out behind the partition wearing a dark green robe. Her hair was slicked back and coated with mud. She had on a diamond headpiece and mud was artfully placed across her face.
"Come stand over here." Musa instructed. "Helia, we will need your help for the set up."
Helia closed his laptop and stood up by the lights. He waited as he watched Musa help Flora onto the table and began talking about the vision for the project. She still looked nervous as she listened.
"You'll be fine, Flora." Musa gave her a small smile. "You're one of my best friends and I won't let anything happen. We can stop any time you want."
Flora took in a deep breath before she nodded her head.
"Okay," Musa smiled before stepping back behind the lights, "when you're ready."
Helia did his best not to gawk as Flora slowly dropped the green robe. She was nude underneath save for the mud that streaked her body and the jewels that were hanging on her body. The mud and the jewelry artfully covering the places that needed to be covered. His eyes trailed up her body, tracing every smooth curve until his eyes landed on her green ones.
"You okay, Flora?" Musa asked.
"It's just a bit cold."
"Yeah, they keep it cold in here so that you won't boil under the lights." Musa replied as she fiddled with her camera to get everything set up.
"I want to do some test shots so can you get up on the table, Flora? You don't need to pose, just sit there."
Flora gave a small nod and climbed on top of the table. Her body glowed under the lights and Helia never wanted to be a table more in his life.
Musa was right, this was not the first time that had seen a naked woman. He sketched nude models in class before and even took a class on body art. But she was different.
"Helia," Musa said as she looked into the camera's screen to review the photos she took, "can you lower the left light."
Helia walked over to the left light and lowered the black bar that held up the light. He turned to Musa, "Is that alright?"
Musa raised her camera and took a few more shots before looking at her photos, "Perfect. Thank you, Helia."
"Yeah, no problem." Helia huffed as he returned to the desk near the set.
"Okay, Flora." Musa held up her camera, "Time to get started. I will try to be quick but remember your light and what the project is about. Greed and the dirty side of wealth."
Flora took in a deep breath and nodded before she began to pose.
Helia heard the camera shutter go off and the lights flashed as Musa took shots. He did his best to focus on his work before he heard Musa speak.
"Hmm, I am thinking about something more primitive and carnal. You just trudged through the mud for those jewels and you would do anything for riches. Seduce the viewer."
"Seduce?" Flora questioned.
"I don't know." Musa looked over to her cousin, "Help me explain this, Helia."
Helia looked up at Musa, "This is your project."
"Krystal would have helped me."
"I am not Krystal."
Helia heard a small giggle escape from Flora's lips. Never had such a sweet sound landed on his ears.
"Just think of something or someone you desire. Dig deep into your primal urges." Helia explained.
"Thank you, Helia." Musa gestured, "Now was that so hard?"
Helia shook his head before returning back to his work.
"Just think of Karel." Musa teased.
"You know that we are just friends!" Flora exclaimed. "And he doesn't particularly like women all that much."
"Well think about a man or woman that you want to fuck."
"Musa!" Flora blushed.
"I'll just turn on some music." Musa rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone before blasting some music.
"Don't turn on your sex playlist." Flora narrowed her eyes.
"Just get up there and pose. I'm not paying you in tea for nothing." Musa winked at Flora.
Flora readjusted herself on the table and began to pose again. Helia heard the shutter go off a few more times and saw the lights flash in the corner of his eye.
"Ugh, Helia."
"I'm not helping." Helia held up a hand as he continued to work on his research assignment.
"Flora is not getting it."
"Maybe you should find another model." Helia shrugged as he typed.
"Can you stop being so rude and just get over here?"
"I can't as your acting TA."
"As my cousin?" Musa asked.
"I'm less likely to help you then."
"I am going to make winter break Hell for you if you don't help. I'll tell my dad that you really want to go hunting with him and we all know how much you hate it."
Helia slammed his laptop shut and shot up to his feet. He marched over to the lit corner of the room and glared at his younger cousin, "What do you want me to do?"
"Go help, Flora." Musa commanded.
"That's not a lot of direction." Helia rolled his eyes.
"Just go help her." Musa shooed him away.
Helia walked towards the table and did his best not to stare at the naked woman laying across the table. She was on her side and her body looked like waves on a shore. Her curves were beautiful, like she was sculpted by the hands of God.
"I'm not very good at this." Flora held her head down.
"Don't worry about it." Helia gave her a small smile.
"But I don't want Musa to fail because of me." Flora sighed.
"She won't fail. Plus you are just the subject. Mirta took photos of plants and she won't fail because the flower wasn't perfect. It's Musa's assignment to make the photos look good, not your assignment."
Flora looked up at Helia and gave him a smile.
"Are you just uncomfortable?" Helia asked, "I assure you that you don't need to be but I won't judge you if you are. I have to be in the classroom but just know that we all know that what you are doing is art, not an invitation."
"Thank you." Flora whispered.
Helia smiled down at Flora as she blushed.
"Wait!" Musa exclaimed.
"What?" Helia turned to face his young cousin.
"Stay right there, Helia." Musa instructed as she ran to the black backpack and pulled out the small jar of mud. "Take off your shirt, Helia."
"Excuse me?"
"Please please please?!" Musa begged, "I need you in this shoot. The artistic genius came to me. I'll buy you an extra gift for Hanukkah. You'll get an extra night."
Helia looked at Musa and narrowed his eyes, "Fine."
Helia walked over to his desk and quickly took off his dark grey thermal shirt before leaving him in a pair of black jeans. Walking back over to the corner, he stood there with his arms crossed, waiting for more instruction.
Musa walked over to Flora and held out the jar of mud, "Put this on him, I don't want to get my hands messy again."
Flora's breath hitched when Musa walked away.
"Don't worry," Helia said, "I can do it myself."
"No! Flora will do it." Musa exclaimed from the other side of the set as she looked down.
"Why?" Helia asked.
"I want to capture the moment."
"What exactly is this project about again?" Helia chuckled.
"I'll get you the new Rob Cross brushes if you stop asking questions." Musa looked up Helia.
Helia groaned as he turned to Flora, "Sorry about her."
"It's okay, she is my friend."
"And she's my family."
The same sweet giggle came out of her mouth that made Helia's mind spin.
Flora took the jar of mud in her hand and unscrewed the top before digging her hand inside and scooping out some of the deep brown mud.
"It comes from my garden." Flora remarked as she looked down at her hand.
"You garden?" Helia asked, trying to make Flora feel more comfortable.
"Yes, I even have a work study at the greenhouse."
"That must be exciting." Helia smiled. "Is that in your department?"
"Sort of, I major in cell biology and I have been working in the greenhouse since my sophomore year. Now I work with the grad students which is a little annoying since I am the only senior undergrad in the group and they treat me like a baby."
"And how does a baby in cell biology find themselves in a place like this?" Helia chuckled.
"Aren't you a PhD candidate in neuroscience? I have seen your picture outside of the department office in the science building. How does a neuroscience PhD candidate become an art TA?"
"Don't tell my parents this," Helia leaned into Flora, "but art is my true love."
Flora blushed at the close proximity of his lips to her ear. She had to admit that he was attractive and it didn't hurt that he was doing his best to make her feel comfortable.
"I don't have all day." Musa called out as she tapped her foot, growing impatient.
"I...I guess I should start." Flora took in a deep breath.
"Hey, just think of me as an easel and the mud is your paint."
"Easels aren't chiseled like a God." Flora mumbled under her breath.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Flora took a deep breath and slowly dragged the mud across Helia's chest. He shuddered.
"Cold." Helia chuckled. While it was the truth, he wouldn't admit the part where he was shuddering because of her touch.
"Sorry." Flora blushed.
"I'll warm up."
Sensing that she was still nervous due to her shaking hands, Helia drew a smiley face in the mud that was on his chest.
"Art." Helia smiled. Flora laughed at a result.
Flora quickly rubbed more mud on his torso, her hands trailing the muscles on his abdomen. She took a finger and drew a flower and smiled.
Helia noticed the shutters go off and remembered that Musa was standing only a few feet in front of him and Flora. He also noticed the music continuing to play music that would be better played in a club or a bedroom. Helia took a quick glance around and noticed that the room was empty except for him, Musa, and Flora.
"Spread the mud to other areas." Musa instructed.
Flora took her mud covered hand and rubbed it down Helia's arms. Her smile faded and she was now looking into his deep blue eyes. Helia felt something pull him closer to Flora but he resisted. Flora raised her hand and lightly moved her muddy hand across his face. Her breath hit his nose and it smelled of peaches.
She moved closer to him, her lips mere inches away from him. Just a nudge towards her and his lips would be on hers. What did she taste like?
"Helia," Helia's attention was brought back to Musa, "get on the table with Flora."
Helia cleared his throat before he slowly sat on the table next to Flora.
"Okay, Helia lie down." Musa pointed.
Helia did as he was told and laid down on his back, "Now, Flora. Hover above him."
"What?" Flora asked.
"You're an animal going in for the kill. Kind of crouch down and hover above him. Spread the mud around. Be sexy!"
"Calm down, Musa." Helia rolled his eyes.
"Just do it."
Flora crawled on top of Helia and perched above him. She tried to look anywhere that wasn't his eyes, lips, or body. She honestly didn't think that she could look anywhere on him without turning red.
"Hey," Helia whispered, "you're doing fine."
Flora looked down on him and smiled. She closed her eyes and began to smear the mud on his body. Her hands trembled as they made their way across his torso.
"Good, Flora. Look into the camera." Musa instructed. Flora was thankful that she now had somewhere to look that wasn't Helia.
Helia looked up at Flora as her attention was off of him. He examined how her hands sat on his chest, her fingers pressing in slightly. He looked at her legs that were bent crouching behind and above him. His eyes trailed up her body and he gulped when he reached her bare mound between her legs then up to her full and perky breasts. Her stomach was smooth and her arms were limber. Fuck she looked amazing.
His body took over and his fingers lightly dragged up Flora's leg. She gasped but still kept her focus on Musa.
"Oh, Flora! I love that face you just made." Musa smiled.
"Sorry." Helia whispered.
"Do it again." Flora commanded quietly.
"Um..."
"It worked, touch me again."
Helia raised his hand again and ran his fingers on the back of her leg. He felt her shiver underneath his touch.
"Cold?" Helia asked.
"No." Flora sighed.
Helia's hand traveled up further and Flora's fingers dug deeper into Helia's chest.
"Love the tension." Musa said as she snapped more photos. "Turn your body a little more, Flora." Flora turned her body. "Can you straddle Helia? Kind of like you pinned down your prey."
Helia looked up at a nervous Flora, "Musa better be glad that I really want that tea blend."
Helia chuckled, "I can't believe that you are doing this for tea."
"It was one that she got during her study abroad last year." Flora shrugged. "And I can't believe that you are doing this for some art brushes."
"I'm all for doing anything to get an extra Hanukkah gift." Helia shrugged.
Flora giggled before she swung a leg over Helia's body so that she was now straddling him. She placed her hands on both sides of his head and looked down into his eyes. The lights went off as Musa took photos.
"I would love to paint you sometime." Helia said.
"What?" Flora blushed.
"Your eyes are striking." Helia commented.
"T...th...thank you." Flora stammered, a smile creeping up to her face.
"Quit blushing, Flora." Musa placed a hand on her hip and stared at Flora. "Helia, quit talking to her."
"I'm just trying to make her feel comfortable." Helia snapped back.
"Well I need her to be fierce." Musa said, "Flora, just block out Helia. You don't care what he says and all you want to do is fuck him."
Flora tensed up, "Musa..."
"Musa, don't say things like that. She is already uncomfortable." Helia scolded his younger cousin.
"I'm sorry, Flora." Musa groaned, "I just..."
"I think that I want to stop." Flora sighed as she swung her legs off of Helia and hopped off the table. "I'm sorry."
Helia watched as she picked up her robe and walked behind the partition in the opposite corner. He turned and glared in exasperation at Musa.
"Musa-"
"Don't." Musa hung her head down as she began to disassemble her camera and turned off the lights.
Helia rose from the table and walked over to his shirt before pulling it over his body, dry mud flaking off of his skin. He glanced over to the clock and was glad that there was only a few minutes left of class. When he was dressed he helped Musa put away the lighting equipment.
"I just thought that she just needed to loosen up." Musa sighed.
"You shouldn't have pushed her. She was obviously uncomfortable and I don't think that I helped being here. Maybe you should talk to Krystal about an extension." Helia shrugged.
"I'll ask." Musa walked over to her camera bag and put her camera inside before zipping it up and putting it in her backpack.
Musa swung the bag over her shoulder as she walked towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Helia asked.
"I don't think that Flora wants to talk to me right now." Musa looked back at Helia before turning and walking out of the room.
Helia shook his head in disappointment before walking to the desk that had his work on it and brought his laptop and papers back with him to the desk. He sat down and continued to work while he waited for Flora to get dressed so that they could both leave the room.
Hearing footsteps, Helia looked up to find Flora reappear from behind the partition with the black backpack slung over her shoulder. She was back in her pink sweater and blue jeans.
"Where did Musa go?" Flora asked.
"She left."
"Oh," Flora held her head down, "she must be angry with me for ruining her project. Without this class she won't graduate and it's all my fault."
"Don't feel bad," Helia closed his laptop and began packing up his things, "Musa was being ridiculous. It was obvious that you were uncomfortable and as a TA, I should have stepped in and done more to stop her. I am sorry, Flora."
Flora's head rose and she gave a faint smile towards Helia.
Helia smiled at her, "Do you want to go grab lunch?"
"Me?"
"Who else would I be talking to?" Helia chuckled, "Yes you."
"Really?" Flora's eyes lit up.
"Yeah, why not?" Helia chuckled.
"Sure!"
"Mama...no...por favor..." Flora whined into her small pink cell phone.
The semester had ended and winter break was here but Flora had no way home. The blizzard had grounded her flight back home. She knew that she should have left the day before but she volunteered to set up the greenhouse for the break. She was now pleading with her mom to try and find her the next flight out but nothing would get her home in time for Christmas and she would wind up spending only two days at home before she would need to fly back. Something her mother insisted was not the time or money.
Flora sighed as she resigned to the idea of being away for the holidays. Her first Christmas without her family.
She sat alone in an empty dorm room. Her roommate Bloom had already packed up and left for the winter break. Tecna, Aisha, Stella, and Musa were gone as well. She was alone. Nowhere to go and the worst part is that the dorms would be kicking out the students for cleaning.
Flora held her phone to her head as she leaned forward, her elbows on her knees. Taking in a few deep breaths, she thought about what she would do. She could stay in a hotel for Christmas. But that would be more expensive than flying home. Tears began to fall from her eyes as the stress began to mount.
A single ding on her phone sounded and Flora groaned as she brought the phone down from her forehead to look at it. Across the screen she saw Helia's name.
The two had become cordial with each other after Musa's project. After their lunch together, Helia and Flora exchanged numbers. They would silently smile at each other as they passed in the halls of the science building. Helia would text her funny stories about Dr. Casey and his frustrations with his research group. Flora in turn would vent about her friends or tell him all of the interesting things that happened in the greenhouse. They seldom met in person beyond grabbing the occasional lunch either due to time, or as Flora thought, because he just wanted to stay acquaintances.
Opening the message, Flora smiled as she read the words.
Happy Holidays! I hope you have a great time at your family's place. Enjoy the warm sun and say hi to everyone for me. -H.
Flora clicked the reply button and solemnly typed in her reply,
Thanks! You too! Unfortunately I am stuck on campus for the winter break. Flights are grounded.
She hit the send button and fell back onto her bed. Another ding came from her phone.
You too, huh? I am stuck here as well. I was willing to drive to my Oma's house but she insisted that it would be too dangerous and if I showed up alive that she would kill me for making the journey.
Flora giggled as she read Helia's message.
Your Oma sounds like quite the woman.
*Ding*
She is. Don't you live in the dorms?
Flora groaned.
Yes...I have to find somewhere to go before they tell me to leave. I might talk to the RA about options. Maybe Professor Palladium will let me stay with him and his husband.
Sitting up, Flora reached into her bag and pulled out her laptop. She opened and unlocked it before opening up her email to send a message to the RA and then another to Professor Palladium. She hoped that maybe he and his husband would have a place for her to sleep. But she would feel awful asking them during the holiday. They probably had their own plans.
*Ding* Flora looked down at her phone to see another message come through from Helia.
You could always come crash at my apartment.
Flora's eyes went wide. Had he really offered her a place to stay?
I don't want to be any trouble. You probably have your own plans.
Flora began typing her email to the RA. *Ding*
Not at all! I can come and pick you up from your dorm. I live in an apartment off campus. I won't be home with my family and you won't be home with yours. We can do our own holiday celebration.
Flora's smile brightened as she quickly typed her response,
Thank you, Helia! I am already packed but please don't rush. I want you here in one piece.
*Ding*
I make no promises haha I'll be right over
Flora deleted her drafted email before shutting her laptop and putting it back in her backpack. Throwing her backpack over her shoulder and grabbing her duffle bag, she walked out of the dorm room and walked down the stairs to the lobby where she waited for Helia to arrive.
Pulling up in a small black car, Helia arrived in front of Flora's dorm room. Flora slipped on her dark green coat as she picked up her bags and walked outside.
Helia walked out of the car to open the trunk for Flora.
"Thank you so much." Flora gave Helia a look of gratitude as he took her large pink duffle bag.
"You're welcome. I wouldn't want you to be stranded during the holidays." Helia smiled as he threw Flora's bag into the trunk.
"I know but you didn't have to. I would have figured something out." Flora shrugged as Helia closed the trunk.
"Well think of it as skipping a step." Helia chuckled, "You have it figured out now and don't worry about being a bother."
Flora walked around to the passenger seat and sat down in the warm car before she closed the door and put her hands in front of the heater. Helia got into the driver's seat and put the car in drive.
Helia drove through campus and Flora watched as the buildings and trees flew past the window. The snow came down hard forming a thick blanket of white. Flora turned her head and looked at Helia, his eyes focused on the road. She looked at his sharp jaw, the way that his hair fell out in strands from his bun, his deep blue eyes concentrated like they were the first day that she saw him.
"Why did you have to stay here?" Flora asked.
"Research mainly and that I had to administer the last final yesterday afternoon and I wouldn't have made it to the airport in time." Helia replied.
"Are you sad that you are not going to be home for the holidays?" Flora tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Nah," Helia smiled, "my family would have just grilled me on my research, my parents would ask me about job prospects after I am done, and my Oma would guilt me into explaining why I haven't given her any great-grandkids yet. I mean she already has four great-grandkids but she is a fiend for babies."
Flora giggled, "Your family sounds like a lot of fun."
"Oh they are," Helia chuckled, "my cousins and my Opa always have a high stakes dreidel tournament that usually ends in some big fight about cheating though I am not sure how one cheats in dreidel."
"I remember learning how to play that in grade school." Flora replied.
"At the Kauffman home, dreidel is serious business."
"I thought that your last name was Saladin?"
"Kauffman is my mother's maiden name. We usually go to my mom's side. Grandpa Saladin is usually pretty chill about us not coming, especially since he lives abroad." Helia explained.
"Abroad?" Flora asked.
"Has Musa not talked about our family? The Saladin side is from Italy."
"You're Italian?"
"No."
"What?"
"My dad and aunt were adopted. They are Japanese. My grandparents are professors and traveled the world. They couldn't have children and while in Japan they adopted my dad and aunt. They all moved to America when my dad was young and then after my dad and aunt were done having children, my grandparents retired and went back to Italy."
"Ohhh," Flora finally understood, "such an interesting back story."
"And what about you?" Helia turned to Flora.
"You know about my family. Mom, dad, sister."
"Where did your parents meet?" Helia asked.
"College."
"Where are they from?"
"Mom is from the west coast and dad is from the midwest." Flora answered.
"Big extended family?" Helia asked.
"No, mom has a sister with a husband and two children and my tio is single. My dad is an only child."
"Favorite family vacation spot?"
"I didn't know that I was playing twenty questions." Flora laughed.
"Okay okay," Helia smiled and shook his head, "I got carried away."
"That's okay." Flora smiled, "Are we almost there?"
"Not enjoying the ride?" Helia asked, sneaking a glance over to Flora.
"Oh I am, just curious."
"We will be pulling up soon." Helia reassured Flora.
Flora turned her attention back to the car window. She tapped her chin lightly to the music that was on the radio. Helia turned the corner and they entered a large parking garage. Helia drove to a spot labeled with a 6 and parked. Turning off the engine, Helia unlocked the doors and got out of the car.
Helia had carried her duffle bag up the three flights of stairs to his apartment while she carried her backpack.
"Here we are." Helia sighed as he set down Flora's duffle bag to pull out his apartment keys. Placing the key in the lock, Helia turned the lock and opened the door, the warm air hitting Flora's face. It smelled like cinnamon, just like Helia.
She walked in and Helia turned on the light. To her right there was a small shelf that housed various pairs of shoes and hooks above to hang coats and jackets. Helia took off his coat and placed it on the hook.
"I'll go put your bags down and you can make yourself at home." Helia instructed as he picked up the duffle bag and took Flora's backpack.
Flora took off her coat, revealing her soft white sweater and she hung it up on the hook next to Helia's. She unzipped and slid her feet out of her boots.
Walking further into the apartment, Flora noticed the small kitchen to her left. She looked at the wide array of mugs and jars on the kitchen counter. Each jar had a label and held a blend of tea. In the sink there was a jar of colored water with paint brushes sticking it out. She continued to walk until she reached the living room. There was a large black leather couch and chair in the middle of the room. A TV was in the corner and behind the couch was an easel with an unfinished painting.
Along the walls were paintings and pictures hanging in frames.
"I went ahead and put your stuff in Timmy's room. Sorry I didn't have time to clean up before you came." Helia put his hands in his pockets as he re-entered the living room.
"I don't mind." Flora turned to look at him, "I was just admiring your art."
Helia walked up to Flora and stood right next to her, "That one was from my senior showcase during my undergrad."
"You were in the showcase?"
"Dr. Casey allowed me to be in the showcase which I am thankful for."
"Why didn't you just major in art?" Flora asked as she looked up at Helia.
"My parents insisted that I major in something that would give me a job. Plus I love art but that is not to say that I don't like neuroscience."
Flora turned and walked over to the easel in the back of the living room, "What are you working on now?"
"Um," Helia cleared his throat, "just a painting."
"Well what is it?" Flora giggled. "It looks like a pair of eyes."
"Yeah but I can't get them right." Helia sighed, "Do you want some tea?" Helia nervously rubbed the back of his neck.
"Tea sounds nice, thank you." Flora replied with a smile.
Helia nodded before walking into the kitchen.
Flora looked at the painting and noticed that there was something familiar with it. They were just familiar but they were just eyes.
Helia came out with a few jars of tea and two mugs filled with hot water. Flora ran over to him and grabbed the jars of tea.
"You should have told me that you needed some help." Flora scolded as she placed the tea on the coffee table. Helia was behind with the hot water.
"I thought that I could carry it all."
Helia sat down on the black couch before reaching for one of the mugs with hot water. He took a strainer and filled it with tea leaves before putting it in the hot water, the water turning a light amber color.
"You can sit down." Helia chuckled.
Flora slowly sat down on the other side of Helia. She reached for the other mug of hot water. She looked down at the mug and read the "Galleria degli Uffizi" inscription on the black mug. She grabbed the jar of peach tea and filled the strainer. Flora placed the strainer in the hot water.
"Did you ever get your tea from Musa?" Helia asked.
Flora felt a soft blush creep onto her face, "I did."
"Dr. Casey told me that Musa got an A on her final project." Helia leaned forward and took his steaming mug into his hands. He blew across the top, the steam disappearing.
"Did she?" Flora smiled.
"I guess that you were doing something right." Helia smiled before he stood up and walked over to his art station. He picked up a black portfolio and gave it to Flora before sitting back down.
"I was supposed to give this to Musa when I saw her during the break. I picked it up from Krystal. Don't worry," Helia whispered, "I didn't look at them."
Flora opened the black portfolio and saw the pictures of herself. She blushed when she saw her nude body covered with the mud and jewels covering the black pages.
"Is Krystal blind?" Flora groaned.
"No, why?" Helia chuckled as he took another sip of his tea.
"I look terrible." Flora sighed.
Flora continued to flip through the pages. Helia scooted closer to her and looked down at her. He held out his hand. "May I?"
Groaning, Flora held out the portfolio so that the both of them could see. He had already seen everything so what were a few photos?
Helia looked down and nearly dropped his tea when he saw the photos. He needed to stop drinking hot beverages when he was around Flora. He reached forward and began to turn the thick black pages.
"Beautiful." Helia whispered.
"What?" Flora looked up at Helia.
Helia flipped to the last page and the only picture was one of him and Flora. She was on top of him and she was smiling down at him and he was smiling at her. Helia didn't think that he was capable of smiling like that. Flora never realized how close they had gotten.
Flora looked up at Helia and began to study his face again. She always caught herself staring at him. Something about him was magical and she felt herself wanting to be closer to him every time that he was near.
His head turned to look at Flora and she jumped back.
"I can put this away." Helia gave Flora a soft half-smile before he took the portfolio out of her hands. His hands grazed her slender fingers and a tiny gasp escaped her lips. Quickly turning away, Flora grabbed her hot mug of tea and blew across the top before taking a sip.
Helia walked back to his art station and placed the portfolio back on the little table. He opened the black book to the last page again and smiled fondly at the picture. She really did look beautiful. She was radiant and her smile was infectious. Musa definitely deserved an A. He didn't think that he could have done any better.
He shut the portfolio before walking back to the black couch and taking his seat next to Flora. He found himself sitting right next to her, their knees almost touching.
Flora looked around and noticed the small stack of records and CDs by a small stereo system. She rose to her feet and walked over to the collection, carrying her mug close to her chest. Helia stood up and walked over to stand next to Flora as she looked at his collection of CDs and records.
"I have more music on my phone." Helia remarked as Flora ran her fingers along the edge of the CDs.
She recognized most of the artists and bands on the CDs and records but one caught his eye.
"Is this you?" Flora asked as she held up a CD with him on the cover of the case.
Helia groaned, "Yes, that was the band I was in during my undergrad years. It was just something fun that me and my friends did."
Flora opened the CD and pulled out the small silver disc. She pushed the CD into the port and heard the stereo whirring. The first track began to play, a soft guitar melody and steady drum beat filled the air. Flora walked back to the couch and sat down listening to the music and sipping her now temperate tea.
"You guys are good." Flora stated. "Who is singing?"
She listened to the strong baritone and found herself becoming entranced by the voice.
"Uh, me." Helia blushed.
"Really?" Flora looked up at Helia and smiled, "You are really good."
"Ha," Helia scoffed.
"I mean it." Flora turned her body so her legs were now on the couch and her knees pointed to Helia, "it really is good."
"Thanks, Flora." Helia took one last long drink of his tea before his mug emptied.
"Would you ever sing again?" Flora asked.
"I think that I am already pushing it as an art TA on top of my research and dissertation." Helia chuckled.
"Not even for fun?" Flora's eyes softened.
"I'd sing for you." Helia smiled down at Flora.
Flora's cheeks turned pink and her breath skipped a beat. Taking a nervous sip of her tea, Flora averted her eyes from Helia's.
Helia reached forward and grabbed Flora's mug out of her hand.
"Helia?" Flora whispered as she looked up at Helia. His eyes were gleaming and she felt herself under the spell of both his eyes and voice that flowed through the speakers.
Helia held her gaze for a few more moments before he gave her back the mug and stood up. He sighed as he walked to the kitchen to bring the jars of tea to the counter and his mug to the sink. Flora set her mug down, unable to drink any more.
Flora heard the clanking of the mug and strainer in the sink. The water ran and clutched her mug close. He had captured her attention with just his gaze and made her heart flutter. These next two weeks were going to be torture.
A week passed and Helia and Flora had acted as if that first afternoon did not happen. Flora did her best to avoid the subject and avoided any lingering contact with Helia. They made small talk and Helia worked on his research in his room most of the day while Flora got a head up on her readings for the spring semester. It was her final semester and she wanted to end her undergraduate career strong.
Flora sat on the couch in her pink pajama shorts and white camisole wrapped in a plush blue blanket, reading and listening to music when there was a knock on the door. She put the book down and slowly rose from the couch. She looked behind her into the hallway and when Helia did not emerge from his room, Flora walked over to the door and opened it.
There was a mailman in his blue uniform standing in the doorway and holding a large brown package.
"Sign please." the mailman held out an electronic pad and stylus. Flora grabbed the stylus and signed her name. The mailman handed Flora the package and he left the hallway.
Flora walked back inside of the apartment and shut the door. She read the package and saw a package label with Helia's name on it. She set the package on the kitchen counter and went back to the couch.
"Was someone at the door?" Helia asked as he walked out of his room.
Flora turned to see Helia still in a white t-shirt and sweatpants. His hair was in a messy bun and his face looked tired.
"You have a package." Flora replied, "I set it on the counter."
Helia walked into the kitchen and picked up the box. Flora heard a soft chuckle escape his lips before he brought the package in the living room with a knife. He set the package on the floor and sunk down to sit before he took the knife and cut through the brown tape.
Flora looked down at Helia as he pulled out the contents of the box. The first thing she saw him pull out was a stack of cards and small gifts. Next was a bag of what looked to be gold foiled coins and a top. Finally, Helia pulled out a box of long candles and a silver menorah.
"Oh that is lovely." Flora smiled as she looked at the silver menorah.
"I guess Oma and Opa didn't want me to miss out on the celebration." Helia chuckled, "Though they are a few days late."
Flora stood up from her place on the couch and joined Helia on the floor. She took the stack of envelopes, looking at all the different ways that people wrote his name.
"Your family really loves you." Flora smiled as she ran her hands over a silver envelope.
Helia looked over to Flora, her eyes on the envelopes. She was filled with warmth as she caressed the paper and Helia's stomach jumped around as he looked at her. He reached forward and took the stack of envelopes from Flora.
"Sorry." Flora whispered as she held her head down.
Flora wouldn't admit it but she was sad that she wasn't home with her family for the holidays. Christmas was a few days away and she was having a hard time reconciling the fact that she would have to miss being with her family.
"Are you okay?" Helia asked.
Her eyes snapped to him and she gave a small smile, "Yes, I am fine. I guess that I am missing my family."
Helia stood up and placed the menorah on the coffee table along with everything else he received in the box. Flora's eyes followed him as he walked over to the wall and grabbed a painting off of the hook.
"It's not much," Helia sighed as he placed a painting of a dense forest of evergreens onto the table, "I don't have a Christmas tree but I do have this."
Flora smiled as she looked at the painting of the trees, "Thank you, Helia."
Helia sat back down on the floor next to Flora, "If you want, we can eat some latkes, have some wine, and play some dreidel. It will be a real Kauffman party." Helia chuckled.
"I would like that."
Helia and Flora were on the floor, a plate of latkes between them and mugs filled with wine. The lights of the menorah were lit for the fifth day and Flora could feel the warmth of the candles near her face. Flora also found it ironic that Helia had played a CD of Christmas music, the soft piano filling the space.
"So what do you think?" Helia asked as Flora chewed through one of the potato pancakes.
"I like it." Flora smiled.
Helia took a sip of his wine before he stood up and walked back to the kitchen. Opening his refrigerator, Helia took out a half full jar of applesauce and brought it back to where they were sitting. He took the knife from the plate of latkes and put it in the applesauce.
"It isn't Oma's applesauce but it's good enough." Helia shrugged as he smeared applesauce on the latke.
He handed it to Flora and she smiled before taking a bite. Helia watched in anticipation as he watched Flora chew. He held his breath as she swallowed and waited for her consensus.
"It's good."
Helia exhaled as he heard her reaction. "I am glad that you like it."
"I would love to have a whole Hanukkah meal someday." Flora replied.
Helia noticed that there was some applesauce on the corner of her mouth. Without thinking, Helia raised his hand and carefully wiped the corner of her mouth. Flora froze as Helia's hand touched her mouth.
Clearing his throat, Helia quickly pulled back his hand.
"Sorry." Helia whispered as he felt his face heat up.
"I...i...it's okay." Flora stammered.
Helia took his mug in his hand before taking a large gulp of the red wine, the alcohol warming his throat.
"It's a little warm in here." Flora stated, trying to change the subject. She looked at Helia and saw that his skin was turning pink and red.
"Yeah," Helia replied, "I can blow out the candles."
"But they are lovely." Flora glanced over to the flickering flames.
Just like in the art room, Helia's body betrayed him and his hands raised to Flora's chin, bringing her gaze back to him.
"Helia, what are you-"
Flora was cut off when she felt Helia's lips on hers. His lips were soft and his kiss was gentle.
Pulling away, Helia looked at Flora, her lips plump and the look in her eyes were soft.
"Why..." Flora exhaled. Her cheeks began to turn red as she looked at Helia.
"I don't know. I have wanted to do that for a while." Helia answered, "I am sorry if I have made you uncomfortable."
Helia turned and blew out the candles, the glow around them disappearing. He rose from his place on the floor before drinking the rest of his wine and bringing the latkes back to the kitchen. He placed the plate on the counter and placed his hands on the edge.
He ruined everything because he couldn't keep it together. He is twenty-five years old and should know how to control himself, Helia thought. He could do it when she was naked on top of him but seeing her in the glow of the candlelight...fucking idiot.
"Did you mean it?"
Helia turned around and saw Flora standing at the entrance of his small kitchen. Her hands were clasped in front of her and her head was down.
"Mean what?" Helia asked.
Walking into the kitchen, Flora stood in front of Helia.
"The kiss." Flora looked down at her feet, "Did you mean it?"
Helia stepped forward and placed a soft hand on Flora's cheek. Flora looked up and stared into Helia's indigo eyes.
"Of course I did." Helia whispered.
"Why?"
"What do you mean why?" Helia's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"I'm not..." Flora sighed, "Nobody ever shows an interest in me."
"I find that hard to believe." Helia let out a soft chuckle.
"I'm nearly twenty-two years old and I've never had a boyfriend or..." Flora trailed off. "I would see your photo on the outside of the neuroscience office and when I met you in the art room, I never thought that you would be interested in me beyond being your little cousin's friend."
"I don't think that you know what you do to me." Helia wrapped an arm around Flora's waist, pulling her closer to him. "The minute I saw you, I knew that you had to be mine. Your eyes drew me in and then when you came out from the partition...when you touched me with your mud...Flora, you have captured me in every way. I couldn't get your eyes out of my head and I had to paint them but I cannot get them right."
"Helia..."
"I apologize if you don't feel the same way but I needed to tell you."
"I do." Flora flashed Helia a timid smile. "I have been too afraid to tell you because I didn't think that you would ever be interested in me."
Helia's mouth turned up into a large grin, "How could I not be? Can...can I kiss you? Again?"
Flora quickly nodded her head before she placed her hands on Helia's chest and leaned forward. He bent his head down and completed the kiss, their lips connecting softly. Helia brought his other arm around Flora's waist and held her flushed against his body. She moved her hand and wrapped her arms around Helia's neck. She stood on her toes to deepen the kiss, her chest pressing against his. Helia's mind went wild as he took in her scent and felt her round breasts against his chest.
"Flora," Helia's lips moved against hers as he spoke her name, "be mine."
Moaning, Flora tongue grazed Helia's lips, "I am yours."
Helia's mouth opened as he welcomed in Flora's tongue. She tasted of the usual smell of peaches mixed with the apples and red wine from their meal. Helia had found his new favorite flavor. He bent his knees before picking Flora off of her feet and lifting her to sit on the counter. Her hands cupped his cheeks as she kissed him deeper and harder. Small gasps escaped her mouth as she breathed, refusing to be the one to break the kiss.
Flora felt a shiver go up her spine as she felt Helia's hand travel from her waist down her hips and to her bare thighs. Helia slowly ran his fingers lightly up her thighs. He smirked as she felt her shudder under his touch.
"Cold?" Helia teased as he smiled against her lips.
Helia moaned as he brought his lips back to Flora's in a deep kiss. Flora reached down to the bottom of her white camisole and broke the kiss as she pulled the thin shirt off of her body. Helia couldn't help but to look down, her full breasts covered with a dusty rose colored bra. He had already seen her naked before but that was for art and now it was for him.
Their lips came back together as Helia ran his fingers up Flora's bare back, his fingers grazing over the strip on fabric along her back. His hands shook as he fiddled with the hooks on her bra. Fearing rejection, he stopped but when he noticed that Flora was pulling him closer, he continued. The clasps came undone and the bra fell off of her breasts.
"I want you, Helia." Flora moaned.
Helia pulled away from their heated makeout, his face flushed and her lips swollen.
"Flora, are you sure?" Helia looked at Flora.
"I am." Flora caressed Helia's pale cheek. "I have wanted you for a long time. But not here." Flora moaned as Helia began placing soft kisses on her neck and shoulders.
Strong arms wrap around her waist yet again and Flora wraps her legs around Helia. He lifts her off of the counter and carries her through the living room and down the hallway to his room. Helia's lips never left her body and her hands ran through his hair.
Her back met smooth and cool sheets as Helia placed her onto his bed. Flora watched as he took off his shirt, exposing his muscular chest and torso just as he did on that fateful day in the art room.
Through the light coming from the doorway, Helia could see Flora laying on his bed, her breasts exposed for him and he couldn't wait to get the rest of her clothes off. He leaned over the bed and hovered over Flora, pushing her up onto the bed. Crawling between her legs, Helia placed a hand on her breast and another above her head, his lips meeting the soft skin below her ear.
Flora moaned as she felt Helia's lips on her skin and his hand on her breast. She wanted him to touch her in the art room and she was over the moon that he was touching her now.
"Helia..." Flora mewled as she inhaled. Her hands tugging lightly on Helia's hair.
He nipped and sucked at the skin on her neck, sure to leave marks on her beautiful tan skin. But he needed everyone to know that she was his and he was hers.
"Flora," Helia breathed into her ear between kisses, "Flora, Flora, Flora." He repeated her name like a prayer. He had prayed mere hours before at the menorah as he lit the candles but his Oma would throw a fit if he were to admit that his adoration for Flora tasted sweeter on his tongue.
"Helia," Flora whined, "please." Flora's leg began to rise as she felt herself becoming wetter and wetter. Her hips began to grind slowly against Helia's growing erection.
"Fuck, Flora." Helia growled, "You are going to have to stop doing that or I don't think that I am going to last much longer."
Flora's hands moved down to the waistband of Helia's sweatpants and pulled down. Helia sighed as he felt the cool air hit his cock. A gasp escaped his lips when he felt Flora's soft hand around it. She slowly began stroking, eliciting a groan from Helia.
Helia's hands reached below and pulled her shorts down along with her pink lace panties, leaving them both nude and hungry for each other. He turned onto his side and reached over to his bedside table. He opened the drawer and found that it was empty.
"Shit." Helia groaned. "I don't have any condoms."
Flora rolled off of the bed and Helia's heart sank. Maybe this wasn't going to happen because he didn't think to buy condoms. He didn't think that Flora would have stayed with him during the break or that she would be interested in him.
Running back into the room, Flora smiled before crawling back onto the bed.
"Here you go." Flora smiled as she handed Helia a square piece of foil. Helia's eyebrow cocked as he looked at the foil and back to her.
Answering his silent question, Flora blushed, "When I heard that I was going to be spending winter break with you I got...hopeful."
"Hopeful?"
"A girl can dream. And I dreamt a lot." Flora sighed, "I have been dreaming about you since that day I was naked above you in the art room. I wanted you to just take me then and there but I knew that you wouldn't. I tried to control myself but you are so fucking sexy and smart and kind and..."
Helia placed his lips on Flora's in a gentle kiss. He tore open the condom wrapper before taking out the small piece of latex. He pulled away from Flora before rolling down the condom onto his hard member.
Flora's legs raised and Helia positioned himself in between. He placed his hands on Flora's hips, lining himself up at her slick entrance. Flora hissed at the feeling of his cock rubbing against her clitoris. Helia pushed forward, breaking through Flora's entrance and stretching her walls. She gasped as she felt Helia enter her.
Helia pulled out slightly, a moan escaping Flora's lips. He looked down at her and watched as her face scrunched up, getting used to the discomfort. His left hand moved from his hand to her cheek, holding her face and lightly rubbing her cheeks to relax her.
Moving his hips slowly, Helia felt Flora tighten around him, the muscles of her vagina clenching.
"You feel amazing, Flora." Helia ran his fingers through her hair. She opened her eyes and looked up at Helia.
Helia looked down into her bright green eyes and just like outside of the art room, he became transfixed.
"You are the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen in my life." Helia sighed as he continued to rock in and out of her.
"Helia..." Flora moaned as she gripped Helia's arms. His muscles are tight and hard.
Helia placed another kiss on her lips as his movements became faster and faster. Flora's nails dug into the pale skin on his arms. Helia hissed as her sharp nails scratched through his skin. Her moans grew louder and placed his lips onto hers, muffling the sound of her moans.
Christmas music could be heard but the sound of his skin hitting Flora's and her moans drowned out any other noise.
"I want to be on top." Flora panted as her lips moved against his.
Helia had no objections and quickly pulled out of Flora and rolled over to the other side of the bed. He propped his torso up on a pile of pillows and held out his arms. Flora crawled on top of him and lined herself up. A moan escaped both his lips and hers as she slowly slid down to the base of his wet cock.
Flora slowly began to roll her hips as Helia's hands reached around and grabbed her round and firm ass. Her moans turned into breathy pants as she stared into his eyes. Helia dared not to break eye contact with her in fear that if he looked away that she would disappear. She had him under her spell and Helia didn't want it any other way.
"You're mine." Helia growled into her ear, repeating what he had told her in the kitchen. "Don't leave me. Please don't leave me."
Helia closed his eyes as he felt a tightening in his abdomen that was begging to be released. He didn't want it to. He never wanted this to end. He never wanted Flora to leave his arms.
Flora placed a kiss on Helia's lips as she continued to rock her hips faster and faster. Helia's hands moved from her ass to her back, wrapping his arms around her as he felt himself about to explode. He felt as though he could feel the blood coursing through his body and his brain had never been so blank. He knew a lot about the brain being a neuroscience PhD candidate but what Flora did to him defied everything that he had ever learned. She was pure magic and art.
"Helia, I am going to..." Flora pressed her fingers into Helia's skin.
"Let it go, Flora. Come for me." Helia instructed.
As he felt Flora's sex clench down on him one last time, Helia quickly buried his head in the crook of Flora's neck and bit down on her shoulder. Flora let out a loud moan but Helia did nothing to stop it as he was trying to focus on remembering how to think and breathe. He didn't care if the whole apartment complex heard.
Flora huffed as she fell into Helia, out of breath and wanting to be close to him. Helia fell back onto the pillows and pulled her close to him as he breathed heavily. His cock was becoming limp as he had regained his composure. Sliding out of Flora, Helia picked her up and placed her on the other side of the bed before getting off the bed and discarding the filled condom.
Picking up his sweatpants, Helia put them back on before walking back over to the bed, his face concentrated and somber. The same face that he would make walking through the halls of the science building and not a face that she would have thought Helia to have after sex.
Flora looked at him tentatively, not sure what he was thinking. Had he enjoyed it as much as she had? Did he realize that he just made a huge mistake? Did he not think anything of it? Flora sat up on the bed and pulled the blanket over her body, feeling as self-conscious as she had in the art room the first time they met.
"Did...did you not...enjoy it?" Flora asked, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
Helia's heart ached as he looked down at the naked woman in his bed. He quickly sat down on the bed and wrapped his arms around Flora.
"No no no no, I have never felt anything like that before in my life. Flora, I want you, every part of you. I told you that you are mine," Helia ran a hand through her thick and messy hair, "and I am yours."
"So you want to be with me? Even after we..."
"Of course or else I wouldn't have-wait. Do you not want to be with me?" Helia's eyebrows furrowed.
"I do!" Flora exclaimed, "I do want to be with you."
Pulling her close to him and laying down on his bed, Helia kissed the top of Flora's head. He pulled the soft, blue, blanket over their bodies. Flora nuzzled into her chest and she kissed his bare chest.
"Sweet dreams, Helia." Flora smiled as she closed her eyes.
Helia placed another kiss on the top of Flora's head. He was afraid to fall asleep in fear that this was actually the dream and when he wakes up she would be gone. But he had faith that she would still be there in the morning. Fate brought her to him once in the art room and fate brought the blizzard that gave her to him for the holidays.
"Goodnight, Flora."
Sorry that this is so long. I have another version of the same story with an alternate-ish ending. Let me know if I should post that. Also, when I think of what Helia might sound like when he sings the first artist that I think of is Hozier. I just think that they share similar vibes haha.
Let me know if you want me to post the alternate story and keep the suggestions coming!