Work Text:
January 4th, 2026
20:23pm
"Over here, Emmrich!" Arendil waves to the approaching man, smiling widely. "I'm so excited for you to have our first game night with us."
Emmrich reins in his wildly beating heart, greeting the other man with a small nod. "Believe me, I am intrigued to see what you all get up to." He notices Bloom and Bessie watching them through the bakery window and waves to them, earning tail wags in return. "Will Bloom and Bessie be joining us at some point?"
Arendil nods, turning around to lock his store up. "Once I get them fully vaccinated in the next few weeks, I'll bring them over. I bet Assan will love them!" Once he was sure his door was locked he pockets his keys and offers his arm to the Professor. "Shall we?"
Emmrich, absolutely blaming his blush on the cold night air, takes it and the two start heading over to Davrin's place.
—
20:54pm
Davrin's home is a cosy modern cabin, set on the very outskirts of the city. The large back garden was Assan's favourite place to be, while Davrin fell in love with the window nooks in the master bedroom. The curtains were shut but there was light and sound coming from behind the door.
As Arendil and Emmrich approach, the sounds get louder and louder, until the voices of Davrin and Lucanis can be made through the cedar. They sounded happy, playful and full of affection.
"Let's not just walk in and ruin their moment." Arendil teases, reaching over his free arm to press on the doorbell. A chime rings throughout the cabin and then, a smiling Davrin opens the door.
"Arendil! Emmrich! Come on in!" He gestures for them to enter, closing the door behind them. "You two are the first to arrive. The others will be here soon, but apparently, traffic is a little…bad."
Emmrich hums, raising an eyebrow. "They're driving here?"
"Neve offered, and Taash will never say no to being driven somewhere." Lucanis explains, handing Emmrich a steaming cup of mint tea and Arendil a can of raspberry soda. "I got a message from them not long ago. In their words: 'Traffic is like someone took a monster shit on the road and left everyone else to clean it up.'"
Arendil chokes on his drink, breaking out into loud laughter while Emmrich covers his mouth to try and hide his smile.
Davrin chuckles, gently bumping his hip against the Professor's. "No matter how hard you try to be polite, we can see right through you. We know you have to be pristine and proper for everyone else, and you do an amazing job," He nods towards Arendil and Lucanis who are in deep conversation. "but you don't have to do it for us."
Emmrich sighs, shaking his head as he smiles, sheepishly. "Force of habit, I'm afraid."
"Can't wait to see you curse for the first time." Davrin teases, turning his head as the sound of paws charging towards them fills his ears. "Assan, careful!"
The German Shepard ignores him, choosing to stop in front of the Professor and nudge at his legs. He whines and barks, his tail wagging swiftly.
Emmrich doesn't hesitate to shower the dog with affection. "There you are! Who's a good boy?" He coos, earning a happy bark in return.
Arendil walks over, joining in by smothering the dog's snout with kisses. "There's my good boy!"
Davrin shakes his head with a sigh whilst Lucanis simply chuckles at his boyfriend's defeat. "You know better than to believe that everyone will stop spoiling him, amor."
Assan's ears suddenly perk and his attention turns towards the front door. Seconds later, it swings open with force and Taash steps inside, two bottles of ale in their hands.
"What's up, bitches?!" They shout, Bellara, Neve and Harding stepping in behind them with warm greetings.
"Ready for this, Emmrich?" Arendil whispers, watching in delight at the look on the Professor's face.
—
21:27pm
"Read em and weep!" Neve declares as she places down her cards.
A Royal Flush.
"How the fuck do you keeping winning these?!" Harding shouts, throwing her cards up into the air.
Neve simply shrugs, taking her winnings in the form of the pile of sweets in the centre of the table. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just lucky."
Lucanis frowns, seeming to be trying to read her. "I know you're cheating, I just don't know how."
Arendil laughs, shaking his head. "But Lucanis, I thought you have a profile on everyone?" He teases. It earns one of Lucanis' arms around his neck and a hand ruffling his hair playfully.
Bellara giggles into her hands whilst Taash chuckles into the glass. Emmrich finds himself smiling at the scene, his heart warming at their interaction.
Davrin takes all of the cards back and starts to shuffle the deck. "Alright, this time, we're doubling the sweets."
—
22:08pm
"Alright, Lucanis, you're turn to pick a card!" Bellara says as she holds out a fan of cards to him. "Take your pick and do the dare!"
Lucanis hums, looking over the fan carefully before reaching over and pulling one card free. He turns it around and starts to laugh at the prompt writing on it. "Maker, of course." He mutters, smiling too widely to be upset.
"What did you get?" Arendil asks, happily leaning against Emmrich as he munches on a slice of the Lemon Meringue Fridge Cake he had brought for them all. Emmrich's cheeks were flushed brightly, but he insists it's because of the wine he had earlier.
"Listen to this. 'Makeout with your partner (if you have one) or take two shots.' Easiest card ever." Lucanis states as he tosses the card down.
"Ooohhh, I like that one." Davrin purrs as Lucanis proceeds to straddle his lap and pull him into a deep kiss.
The room is full of whistles, cheers and laughter at the display.
—
23:23pm
Emmrich was buzzing.
After two glasses of wine, three shots and one glass of whiskey, he was very much drunk. Not drunk enough to be unaware of his actions, but drunk enough to be relaxed and enjoy the moment.
After several games: three drinking games, two card games and one board game, the group decided to end the night with a movie.
Harding chose 'Beetlejuice' as it was her turn to pick the movie, and Emmrich was more than ready to pay attention.
Except, that never happens.
Instead, all of his focus was on Arendil. The man had quickly fallen asleep as the movie played and he had slumped over to rest his head against the Professor's shoulder. Emmrich at first chose to leave the man be. He ignored his racing heart and Arendil's breath against his neck. But, as the movie played, he found himself turning to watch the man sleep, scanning over every freckle along the man's nose and counting his eyelashes.
Emmrich wasn't even aware that he had lifted an arm to allow the man to fully lean into his side, holding Arendil by the waist. His other hand reaches up to tuck a caramel curl behind the man's ear, sighing softly as he finally allows himself to look at Arendil with affection.
Stunning emerald eyes.
Lovely golden skin.
Such beautiful freckles.
Delicate, kissable lips-
Emmrich realises he was leaning in and straightens himself up, fighting back a wave of embarrassment. He scolds himself, forcing himself to pay attention to the movie playing.
It wasn't long before the exhaustion hit them all, one by one, until the whole team was out for the count.
—
January 5th, 2026
8:34am
Emmrich rubs at his temples as he closes the door behind him. Manfred meows in delight, happy that his owner was home. Despite the pounding in his head, he reaches down and picks up his beloved feline, nuzzling his nose between Manfred's ears. "Hello, my sweet boy." He kisses the cat's head before carrying him into the kitchen. "Let me take some aspirin and then we can cuddle in bed for a few hours, alright?"
Manfred purrs in agreement, leaning up to nuzzle Emmrich's chin.
The Professor chuckles, setting the cat down on the kitchen island before heading over to the pantry. As he was looking for his medicine box, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. "Did I leave something behind?" He questions, pulling his phone out and looking at the screen.
Davrin sent: 1 Image
1 Message From: Davrin
Emmrich raises an eyebrow in question, typing in his password and checking the message.
His eyes widen at what he sees.
~~
Davrin
You and Arendil looked adorable last night ;)
(Sent at: 8:36am)
~~
Accompanying Davrin's text was a photograph.
An image of Emmrich laid on his back on the couch with Arendil on top of him, burying his head underneath the Professor's chin. The two of them were fast asleep, completely unaware of their cuddling.
When Emmrich awoke that morning, Arendil was already mulling about in Davrin's kitchen, making breakfast for everyone with Lucanis.
Arendil didn't say anything, but he must know about their position that morning!
He finds himself typing before he can even think.
~~
Davrin
You and Arendil looked adorable last night ;)
(Sent at: 8:36am)
DON'T SHOW THAT TO ARENDIL!
(Sent at 8:37am)
Sorry! Too late, lol.
(Sent at 8:38am)
~~
Emmrich locks his phone and places it back in his pocket, groaning in embarrassment.
He knew he was being reckless!
He can't afford to slip up like that again!
Arendil deserves better than him, someone more handsome, someone younger!
There is no way in Maker that Arendil would ever fall for him!
…Right?
—
8:38am
"Hi girls!" Arendil calls out as he shuts the bakery door behind him. Bloom and Bessie circle him with happy whines, their tails wagging happily. He reaches out and showers them both with love, cooing and praising them for being good girls whilst he was gone all night.
He eventually manages to force himself towards his kitchen, taking his apron off of the hook and tying it to his waist. He may be closed today, but he has to prepare some sweet treats for tomorrow's morning rush.
Just as he was about to start, his phone vibrates. He pulls it out and smiles when he sees a message from Davrin.
~~
Davrin
So, mind telling me what this is all about?
[Image]
(Sent at 8:38am)
~~
The text was followed by an image of him and Emmrich cuddling on the couch.
Arendil feels his cheeks heat up but his lips break out into a wide smile. He sends an explanation back to Davrin, simply saying Emmrich was comfortable to lay on. He locks his phone and starts working.
Bowl mixed.
Crust prepared.
Tray buttered and parchment paper in place.
Oven gloves, on.
He carries the pie tray over towards the preheated oven, looking forward to seeing how this sweet treat will blend in with his upcoming menu change.
Mid-step, everything suddenly clicks.
The tray clatters to the ground as he finally realises everything.
"Oh shit…I have a crush on Emmrich!" He shouts out loud, before slapping his hands over his mouth. His face turns a bright red as he connects the dots.
The urge to check on the Professor with every waking moment.
The desire to bake for him, just to see him smile.
Wanting to be around him, always dragging out the conversation just to keep him a few extra minutes.
The urge to straighten his tie when he rushes in from his morning classes.
The thought of bringing him flowers whilst he was working, just to see him light up.
The need to feel his touch, his body, his lips-
Arendil slides down the edge of his kitchen island, pulling his knees to his chest as he loses himself in his thoughts.
His lean fingers tracing along his throat.
His hazel eyes staring deep into his own.
His lips parting over soft gasps and breathy moans-
Arendil clenches his eyes together as he feels his cock throb in his boxers. "Shit…" He mutters, trying to break free from his desire. He fails, miserably, clenching his thighs together in desperation. "Fuck it."
He quickly stands, picks up his ruined pie and tosses it onto the counter as he leaves his bakery and races upstairs to his apartment. He leaves Bloom and Bessie to their teething toys as he locks himself in the bathroom and attempts to take a shower.
He refuses to let anyone know that he jerks off twice to the thought of Emmrich's lips on his neck and his fingers buried inside him.