A Study of Love

by NowOrNever_phantom

Summary:

Paul gets caught in a lie about where he's been every night, and asks Hugh to pretend to be his boyfriend so he can keep destroying his sleep schedule for school.

Feelings happen, realizations are had, and everyone is a disaster

Notes:

Another College AU... I know...

Tags may update as the story progresses

Chapter 1: Setup

“Paul, you have got to stop staying up all night to study. It’s not healthy.” Justin grumbled after Paul accidentally woke him up while sneaking back into their room. He had been studying for his classes in the school library for the fourth time this week.

 

“I haven’t been!” Paul lied. 

 

Justin narrowed his eyes at him. “So where have you been for the past week? You haven’t been coming back to our dorm until it’s well past one in the morning.” 

 

“Well…” Paul scrambled for a cover. “I’ve started seeing someone,” he blurted out. 

 

Justin’s eyebrows shot up. “You started seeing someone?”

 

“Yes Justin, I’ve started seeing someone,” Paul huffed. “Is that so unbelievable?” He just needed Justin to buy the lie and leave him alone.

 

Justin studied him for another moment before smiling. Paul let out a breath of relief. He believed him. 

 

“No you’re right, it’s not unbelievable. He just better not be an asshole.” 

 

“He’s not, don’t worry,” Paul said. Once Justin was satisfied with his answer, Paul got ready for bed to get what few hours of sleep he could. 

 

He pulled out his phone and started scrolling his contacts, trying to figure out who he could rope into pretending to be his partner so that he could continue to study. He had essentially no friends besides Justin, just acquaintances from different classes. One contact caught his eye, however. If anyone would be receptive to this idea, it would be him. 

 

He clicked on his name and hovered his thumbs over the keyboard while trying to think of what to say. They didn’t know each other that well, but they’d worked as lab partners several times and he’d been agreeable enough to work with. 

 

Paul: hey, so I may need a favor 

 

Paul clicked the power button and set his phone down on his bedside table, not expecting to get an answer at this ridiculous hour. Surprisingly though, his phone buzzed not even a minute later. He picked it back up and opened up his messages. 

 

Hugh: What's up?

 

Paul: i may have told my best friend that i’m seeing someone instead of staying up late and studying

 

Hugh: Weird thing to cover up with, but continue

 

Paul: i need to pretend to date someone so that he’ll stay off my back. i was wondering if you’d be down?

 

Hugh didn’t start typing right away and Paul started second guessing himself so he rushed to fill the empty space. 

 

Paul: we don’t even have to do anything 

Paul: i was thinking we could just study together 

Paul: cause i know you’re a med student and that takes lots of studying 

Paul: if you don’t want to you don’t have to 

 

Paul was typing out another message when Hugh finally messaged again. 

 

Hugh: Calm down, I can feel you hyperventilating through my screen 

Hugh: I don’t mind pretending to date you. I could use the excuse to stay out late and study too

 

Paul: oh thank stars. i did not want to have to deal with the embarrassment during our lecture tomorrow if you had said no

 

Hugh: Hey, what are lab partners for?

Paul: …probably not this

 

Hugh: Okay true. My point stands though 

Hugh: What’s your coffee order? 

 

Paul: triple espresso with four sugars

 

Hugh: You’re insane 

 

Paul laughed lightly. 

 

Paul: well whats your coffee order then?

 

Hugh: It varies, but since it’s cold out, I like a good caramel macchiato with extra caramel and chocolate drizzle

 

Paul: that sounds so sickeningly sweet, how can you possibly drink that?

 

Hugh: Says the guy that drinks the most bland coffee ever 

Hugh: I’ll bring you coffee tomorrow morning, sound good? 

 

Paul stared at his phone for a moment in shocked silence. Nobody had ever offered to bring him coffee, not Justin, or even his past boyfriends. And Hugh wasn’t even his real boyfriend, they were just pretending. 

 

Paul: sure, that works 

 

Hugh: Cool

Hugh: I’ll see you tomorrow then. I have to sleep now or else I’ll be a disaster tomorrow 

 

Paul: okay! see you tomorrow 

 

Paul switched off his phone and put it down again, closing his eyes. Before he could sleep, his phone buzzed again. 

 

Hugh: Night x 

 

Paul didn’t know how to respond to Hugh’s message. He knew they were only pretending, but something still fluttered in his chest. 

 

It was probably just anxiety though. This was a very unique situation and Paul didn’t know what to expect, and that stressed him out. 

 

He switched off his phone again, and was able to go to sleep this time without any interruption from Hugh, getting his blissful four hours of sleep.

Chapter 2: Coffee

Paul woke up the next morning to his alarm blaring in his ear, still feeling utterly exhausted. He could never get enough sleep. Granted, last night he stayed up late messaging Hugh. 

 

He dragged himself out of bed and gathered up his things for the day before leaving his dorm. He pulled his jacket tight around himself as the crisp winter air hit him. It had snowed a few days ago, and from the looks of the sky, it was gearing up to snow again. 

 

Once he finally reached his lecture hall that was on the other side of campus, he was free from the cold. He was also waved down by Hugh who was sitting in one of the middle rows. Paul joined him, sitting in the open seat next to him. 

 

“Morning,” Hugh said with a warm smile. 

 

Paul smiled back. “Morning.” Hugh handed him a cup that presumably had his coffee order inside. Paul gratefully accepted it and took a sip. “Oh that’s so good. Thanks for this.” 

 

Hugh smiled wider. “I figured if we’re going to do this, we might as well fully commit.” 

 

Paul nodded. “That’s a good plan.” They sat there in silence for a minute, drinking their coffee, unsure of what to say. 

 

“So, what gave away that I’m gay?” Hugh asked lightly to break the silence while they waited for their professor. 

 

“Oh my god, I never even thought to ask you if you were okay pretending to date another guy,” Paul groaned.  

 

“It’s okay,” Hugh laughed. “I would have said no if I wasn’t comfortable with it. 

 

“Still,” Paul mumbled, hiding his embarrassment behind taking a drink of his coffee. 

 

Hugh just smiled at Paul until his attention caught on something else. “Cute sticker,” he said, pointing to a mushroom sticker with the colors of the trans flag on his laptop. 

 

“Oh, thanks!” Paul said. “My sister got it for me when I came out to her.” 

 

“That’s sweet of her.”

 

Paul hummed in agreement. Hugh looked at Paul for a moment more and was about to say something else when their professor started talking at the front of the room. 

 

They were mostly quiet for the rest of the lecture, each taking their own notes until the lecture came to a close. 

 

“I don’t really know what we’re supposed to do now…” Paul said awkwardly as he packed up his bag. 

 

“We should definitely work some of this out. You have my number, so text me and we can brainstorm some ideas.” Hugh responded. 

 

“Good idea.” 

 

Hugh began to move towards the exit, but turned around and walked back over to Paul. “How do you feel about physical touch?” 

 

“Uh,” Paul stuttered, caught off guard. “Yeah I’m fine with physical touch.” 

 

“Cool.” Hugh pulled out his phone and pressed himself up against Paul’s side. “Smile!” He said, holding out his phone to take a selfie of them. 

 

Paul smiled brightly, and then Hugh kissed his cheek.

Chapter 3: Flirt

Notes:

Double post in one day woo

Just as quick as Hugh had initiated the touch, he ended the physical contact. Paul’s mind was currently racing as he was trying to figure out what had just happened. 

 

Hugh had kissed him on the cheek. He shouldn’t have butterflies in his stomach but he did. Paul tried to shake it off as anxiety again. This was all so bizarre and Paul didn’t like anybody touching him unexpectedly anyways. 

 

Paul felt his phone buzz in his pocket and was snapped back to reality as Hugh started talking again. 

 

“There. Now we have a cute couple picture in case anyone asks questions,” Hugh explained. He looked up and his smile wavered. “You’re really red, you okay?” 

 

“I- uh…” Paul stuttered, too flustered to form words. 

 

Realization dawned on Hugh’s face. “Oh my gosh I’m so sorry, that was probably way overstepping, I should have been more clear about what I was doing before I just did it,” he rushed. 

 

Paul cleared his throat and shook his head. “No, It’s okay. I mean, yes, you probably should have been a little more clear but- I just get flustered easily,” Paul said, feeling his face heat up even more. “I’m not flustered because I liked it–not that it was bad that you kissed my cheek–I’m just really awkward about any sort of physical touch and…” 

 

Paul heard himself trailing off as Hugh tilted his head and gave Paul an amused smile. Paul ducked his head as his cheeks burned with added embarrassment. Now Hugh was going to think he was weird, and he had just admitted Hugh flustered him. 

 

“I get what you mean, it’s okay,” Hugh said kindly. “And… sorry about not asking,” Hugh apologized, cringing slightly. “I’m also sorry if I’m being weird or way too forward with this and acting like we’re actually dating… I’m also assuming a lot and I’m just now realizing I should be asking about boundaries instead of whatever the fuck I’m doing,” Hugh rambled on with an awkward laugh. 

 

Paul shook his head again. “No no, it’s alright. I haven’t been really upfront about what any of this means anyways, I don’t blame you for assuming.” Paul checked his phone to see what time it was, and noticed that Hugh had sent him the picture. That would have to wait a little bit though. After his momentary distraction, he got back to his original train of thought. “I have to go in a minute so that I can get to my next lecture in time, but how about we meet up in the library tonight to study and go over some boundaries?” 

 

Hugh nodded. “That sounds like a good plan. Text me what time and I can grab us some food from the dining hall?” 

 

“Sounds like a plan,” Paul confirmed. Paul gave Hugh a little wave and headed out of the lecture hall. He made his long walk across campus to one of the other buildings, where he met Justin. The two exchanged a few sarcastic remarks as hellos, then settled into their seats for their shared chemistry lecture. 

 

Paul’s mind kept wandering to Hugh throughout the hour, however. They were awkward and navigating their fake relationship was a little clunky so far, but Hugh was being so kind and understanding already. It was sort of endearing. 

 

Paul pulled his phone out and looked at the attachment Hugh had sent him. The picture he had snapped earlier. 

 

Paul found himself smiling upon seeing them together. Hugh was smiling despite planting a kiss to Paul’s cheek, joy radiating off of him. 

 

Paul’s stomach swooped a little bit as he realized how genuinely happy he himself looked in the picture. Very few people could bring out the brightness in his smile, and Hugh had done it effortlessly. 

 

“You two are cute,” Justin deadpanned, making Paul jump and nearly drop his phone. Justin was leaning over to look at the picture of Hugh and Paul together. 

 

“Quit snooping,” Paul whispered, tilting his phone away from Justin. 

 

Justin sighed. “You’re the one making googly eyes over your phone right next to me. Can you blame me for being curious?” Paul rolled his eyes. “You know, I thought maybe you were lying last night,” Justin continued and a burst of anxiety rushed through Paul. “You two look like you’re absolutely insufferable to be around though. I’m glad you’re happy.” 

 

Paul turned to look at Justin. “Really?” 

 

Justin nodded. “Yeah, I mean it. I’m happy for you.” 

 

Guilt began to claw at his chest as he realized how far he was taking this lie with his best friend. Was it really worth it just to stop hearing Justin berate him for staying up too late? He shook those thoughts away. It didn’t matter right now. It was a harmless lie, anyways. 

 

“So, when can I meet him?” Justin asked, voice still quiet. 

 

“Hmm, how about never?” Paul responded. “I know how you get with my boyfriends.” 

 

Wow, the word boyfriend slipped out so easily.

 

Justin narrowed his eyes. “How do I get?” 

 

Paul sighed. “You give them the creepiest shovel talks and then they’re always afraid to come around my place in fear of running into you. I’m not letting you scare Hugh away.” 

 

“What if I promise not to be intense?” Justin pleaded. 

 

Paul considered this for a moment. “Maybe. I’ll think about it. You should meet his roomate though. I think you two would get along.” 

 

Justin scoffed. “Don’t pair me up with his best friend, you weirdo.” 

 

Paul laughed softly. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

 

“Oh yeah? What did you mean then?” 

 

Their quiet bickering continued for a while, back and forth about each other’s love live’s until people started giving them annoyed looks and they fell quiet. 

 

Once they were out of their lecture, they went and had lunch together in the dining hall. Hugh sent him another message, and Paul got distracted from his conversation with Justin. 

 

Hugh: Saw this mushroom on campus and thought you might find it cool! 

 

Justin paused in what he was saying and gave Paul a look. “Did your boyfriend just send you a dick pic?” Justin asked. “Your whole expression just lit up.” 

 

Paul reached across the table and smacked Justin’s arm. “No, asshole. He sent me a picture of a mushroom.” 

 

“Ooh, flirty,” Justin teased, taking a bite of his salad. “That’s practically second base for you.”

 

Paul rolled his eyes. “You’re insufferable.” 

 

Paul: mushroom pics are always appreciated!! 

 

Hugh: Thought so :) 

 

Paul went into his contact for Hugh, and added a little heart next to his name. He smiled to himself before turning his phone off and turning his attention back to Justin. He had a lot to talk about with Hugh that night.

Chapter 4: Boundaries

Hugh: I’m in study room number three 

Hugh: No rush though

 

Paul: on my way now! 

 

Paul had just finished up a virology lecture, and was very tired. But he had to study tonight, and he had already agreed to meet Hugh in the library to discuss their arrangement. He made his way across the campus quickly, the cold biting at his exposed skin. The looming clouds from earlier were looking darker, threatening to open up any minute, and Paul wanted to get inside before that happened. 

 

Once Paul was inside, he easily found the room Hugh had reserved for them to study in. He gently knocked, then opened the door and found Hugh inside. Hugh looked up from his laptop and smiled at Paul. 

 

“Hello.” 

 

Paul smiled back. “Hi.” He opted to set up across from Hugh, the table was very small, just like the rest of the room, and he wanted to give Hugh his space. He got out his various textbooks and laptop. 

 

“There’s pizza in that box for us to share,” Hugh said, gesturing at the box sitting on the far end of the table. “Sorry if it’s kinda cold, I got it before I came to the library.” 

 

“Oh, that’s fine,” Paul reassured. 

 

They both fell silent again, but the silence felt awkward as opposed to comfortable like it had earlier that day. Once the quiet got too itchy for Paul to stand, he said something. 

 

“Okay, can we talk about our… arrangement before we get to studying? It’s gonna bug me all night if we don’t.” 

 

Hugh closed his laptop with a sigh. “Oh good, it was going to drive me insane too. I didn’t want to immediately jump into that if you didn’t want to though.” 

 

Paul pushed his own things to the side so that he could put his full attention on Hugh. “Boundaries first?” 

 

Hugh nodded. “Why don’t you set your boundaries and then I’ll see if I have anything to add? I have a feeling I’m gonna be a lot looser in what I do and don’t want.” 

 

“Sure.” Paul stood up and began to pace around the small room to try and rid himself of his ever-persisting anxious energy. “So far I’ve been okay with what’s been happening. Also, sidenote, you bringing me coffee this morning was sweet,” he said, and Hugh flashed him a warm smile. “I think the only thing I want to put in place is if you’re going to do anything physically affectionate, just ask, or even pause a moment to give me time to back out if you don’t want to directly ask. Cause I don’t mind the physicality. You’re different from other people for some reason, I don’t think I mind your touch.” Paul felt himself going slightly red as Hugh’s expression melted into something soft. 

 

“Just keep in mind, this is all fake so that our roommates will stay off of our backs and we can study in peace. No falling for me,” Paul joked with a strained laugh. 

 

“Only if you don’t fall for me either,” Hugh laughed, but his laugh also felt stiff. Maybe that comment was unnecessary. It’s not like Hugh would have fallen for him anyways, but he had to go and say it and make everything weird. 

 

“Those are good boundaries though,” Hugh continued. “Are we pretending in front of everyone, or just our roommates?” 

 

Paul thought for a moment and paused in his pacing. “I would think in front of everyone so that word doesn’t get around to Justin and Tracy that we’re faking.” Paul faltered. “Does this feel a little silly? We’re not taking this too far, are we?” 

 

Hugh shrugged. “Maybe it’s a stupid way to go around it, but I don’t think it’s doing any harm. And once it’s not needed anymore, we can come clean. Tracy might give me a little shit about lying to her, but I think she’d mostly find it ridiculous. It’s not too late to back out if you’re worried about it.” 

 

Paul continued to pace. “I guess you’re right. I just feel a little guilty, you know?” 

 

Hugh nodded. “Yeah, I get that. If it makes you feel better, it’s not entirely a lie. We are hanging out and doing stuff together.” 

 

Paul gave a short laugh. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m overthinking this too much.” He sat back down across from Hugh, bouncing his leg instead of pacing. 

 

“You’ve got a lot of anxiety about everything,” Hugh noticed, but not unkindly. 

 

Paul nodded slowly. “Yeah. My anxiety is a bitch sometimes.” Paul felt himself growing uncomfortable again. People noticing him and being kind about it instead of rude and mean like he was used to was weird. That’s why he and Justin worked. They were rude and snapped at each other a lot, but there was also love and care behind their snark. 

 

“Was there anything else you wanted to make sure we went over?” he asked, trying to change the topic away from him. 

 

Something shifted in Hugh’s expression. He had noticed Paul’s deflection. To Paul’s relief, he didn’t say anything, but he still had to sit with the fact that Hugh had noticed. 

 

“I just wanted to ask if pet names were okay. Just for fun, I would mostly use them to tease you.” Paul wrinkled his nose and Hugh laughed. “Is that a no?” 

 

“It depends on the pet names honestly,” Paul said. “Some really weird me out.” 

 

“How about babe?” Hugh asked. 

 

“Never,” Paul said with a glare. “I will gag if you ever seriously call me babe.”

 

Hugh tried to hide his amused smile. “Noted. Sweetheart?” 

 

Paul considered it for a moment. “That one isn’t awful.” 

 

“Good to know.” 

 

They held eye contact for a few seconds, just smiling at each other. Paul was glad he had asked Hugh to be his fake boyfriend. The two already had the makings of a good friendship even after just the first day, so if nothing else came of it, he would have another friend. 

 

“Oh I didn’t tell you earlier, but Justin thinks we’re an insufferable couple already,” Paul said with a laugh to break the silence.

 

The tension dissolved as the two began to just talk, any expectations of who they were to each other gone in the privacy of their study room. Eventually, they transitioned to actual studying and were mostly quiet, munching on cold pizza as they worked. Paul was reviewing his virology notes from earlier and writing up a sheet to have better access to in the future, and Hugh was trying to memorize the locations of muscles from his anatomy textbook.

 

“Can you help me for a second?” Hugh asked after about an hour of silence, beckoning Paul to come sit next to him. Paul obliged, and leaned in close to see what Hugh was trying to figure out.

 

“I can’t get some of these terms down, I was wondering if you had any good way to study them?” 

 

“I usually map it out on my own body,” Paul said. “I find it easier to remember my own body rather than a diagram. I know some people who have written down names of muscles onto their skin, but that’s up to you if you want to go as far as that.” 

 

Hugh hummed in acknowledgement. “That’s smart. Thanks.” 

 

Paul nodded and fought back a yawn. It was almost midnight by now, but Paul still had a lot of work he needed to do. He was too tired to drag himself up out of the chair and sit back across from Hugh, so he remained next to him and pulled his textbooks and laptop to where he was. 

 

Eventually, words started to get blurry and Paul couldn’t focus. He tried to push on, but it wasn’t working. He was too tired. His eyes began to shut, and the last thing he remembered before falling asleep was falling sideways and his head landing on something soft. 

Chapter 5: Sleep

Paul was woken up by Hugh softly speaking to him a few hours later. “Paul?”

 

“Hm?” Paul hummed, still drifting between asleep and awake. 

 

“I hate to wake you up, but we should probably go back to our own rooms and sleep.”

 

Back to their rooms. They were in the library, and Paul had fallen asleep. 

 

Paul opened his eyes, and found himself leaned against Hugh’s shoulder. He shot up and rubbed his eyes. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

 

Hugh laughed softly. “It’s okay. You were really tired and I didn’t mind being a pillow for a few hours.” 

 

Paul’s cheeks flushed pink. “Still… I barely know you.” 

 

Hugh shrugged. “We probably should get going though. Curfew is soon and we should really sleep somewhere that’s not a library study room.”

 

“Oh shit, you’re right,” Paul muttered as he began to gather up his things. “What time is it now?” 

 

Hugh checked his phone. “Ten minutes to two.” 

 

Paul stopped packing his bag. “I’m not gonna make it back to my dorm in time, it’s all the way across campus.” He sighed and sat back down. This was just his luck. 

 

“Come crash in my room tonight. I’m sure Tracy won’t mind.”

 

Paul eyed Hugh warily. “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.” 

 

Hugh shook his head. “You wouldn’t be intruding. Plus, I’m not going to leave you here to sleep in the library.”

 

“Okay,” Paul said eventually. “Sure.”

 

The two left the library in silence, both trying to stay awake long enough to make it back to Hugh’s room. It had been such a long day for the both of them and all they wanted was to sleep. Luckily, they made it to the entrance of the north residence hall right before the curfew went into place, and they were able to make their way up to his room. They tread quietly once Hugh opened up the door. Tracy was already asleep in the bed on the far side of the room. 

 

Paul put down his things by the door and yawned, swaying slightly from tiredness. He waited for Hugh to finish getting ready for bed, sitting in the uncomfortable chair at his desk. He looked around the room and took note of all the little decorations on Hugh’s side of the room. The dim string lights hanging from the ceiling, a few little succulents strewn around tops of dressers and tables, and a few pictures of Hugh and his family. He looked so happy in each of the pictures, a bright smile stretching across his face. 

 

Hugh emerged from the bathroom, and gave Paul a strange look. “Why are you sitting in the chair?” he asked softly. Paul hesitated, unsure of what Hugh was really asking. “I invited you over for the night, you’re allowed to sit in my bed. You didn’t have to wait for me. Especially since you’re going to be sleeping here tonight too…” Hugh continued. 

 

Paul’s mouth fell open into a little ‘o’ as he glanced over at Hugh’s bed. It was tiny, only meant for one person. He hadn’t really thought much about what staying the night actually meant. 

 

Hugh sat down on one side, and gestured for Paul to join him. Awkwardly, Paul sat down next to him, trying to put as much space as he possibly could between them. He went to lay down, and accidentally found himself nose to nose with Hugh. His eyes went wide and his cheeks grew hot. 

 

Hugh laughed lightly. “You look terrified.” 

 

“Well, this is really awkward,” Paul mumbled in embarrassment. “How is this not awkward for you?” 

 

Hugh blinked slowly and yawned. “I’m too tired to be awkward about sleeping in the same bed as my fake boyfriend.”

 

Paul’s tired brain was suddenly more awake. Fuck. He’d forgotten about the fake dating part in his exhaustion, and now it was going to be the only thing he could think about. They were so close. 

 

“Plus you’re warm, so I don’t mind,” Hugh said, resting his head closer to Paul and shutting his eyes. 

 

Paul held his breath as they suddenly had a point of contact between them, Hugh’s forehead resting on his own. It was kind of nice, not to mention how his heart had swooped in his chest upon hearing Hugh mutter about how it was nice to be so close to Paul. 

 

Eventually, Paul relaxed as Hugh’s breath evened out. He felt calm next to Hugh, even if they didn’t know each other that well, and even if Paul was slightly panicking about their proximity. 

 

Sleep overtook him once again shortly, and the two slept peacefully together until the morning.

Notes:

and there was only one bed....

Chapter 6: Tease

Paul slept throughout the night without any disturbances, something that was rare for him. When he finally did wake late the next morning, he was disoriented. The bed felt the same as his, since he and Hugh both had the school issued mattresses, but when he opened his eyes it wasn’t his room. 

 

He tried to sit up, and found himself stuck. He tried to figure out what was wrong, and as he oriented himself, he remembered the events from last night. Some of them. He had been so delirious with exhaustion that a lot was lost. 

 

As his eyes focused, he found was currently tangled up with Hugh. Their legs were intertwined, and Hugh had an arm draped over Paul’s chest. A blush spread across Paul’s face for the millionth time in the past two days. He really needed to get a handle on that. It’s not even like he was falling for Hugh, so why was he blushing so much?

 

He tried to get up again, but Hugh grumbled something and tightened his arm around Paul’s chest. “I wouldn’t try to get up when he’s cuddling you so hard,” someone said from across the room. Paul froze before realizing it was just Hugh’s roommate, Tracy. 

 

“Why not?” Paul asked softly, trying not to wake Hugh. 

 

Tracy tilted her head with a smile. “He’ll get grumpy. I’m Tracy, by the way.” 

 

“I’m Paul,” he said awkwardly. He wasn’t good with new people, and Tracy looked two seconds away from giving him a shovel talk. 

 

“I’m assuming you’re the boyfriend? Or has Hugh decided to hook up with someone random?”

 

Paul’s face went bright red. “We did not hook up last night.” 

 

Tracy laughed. “I’m just messing with you, don’t worry. You are his boyfriend though, right? I don’t want to assume.” 

 

“Uh, yeah, I am.” Hugh curled closer to Paul and Paul nearly had a heart attack as his heart fluttered in his chest. 

 

Tracy leaned up against her bedframe. “So how long have you two been together? Hugh hasn’t really talked about you much which is a little unusual for him.” 

 

Shit.  

 

They hadn’t gotten this far in figuring out their cover story. Luckily, Hugh stirred and started to mumble something before Paul had a chance to blurt out something stupid. 

 

“What’re you two talkin’ about? S’early,” Hugh sleepily complained. 

 

“I’m just making small talk,” Tracy responded. “Go back to sleep.” Tracy leaned down and loudly whispered so that Hugh could clearly hear her. “He’s a drama queen when he doesn’t get enough sleep.” 

 

Hugh sat up, (accidentally dragging Paul with him because of how they were situated) let out a little “Hey!” and threw a pillow at her. Tracy narrowly dodged it and threw another pillow back, knocking Hugh squarely in the head. 

 

Paul laughed at how chaotic their friendship was and how at ease they seemed with each other. 

 

“This is what I have to deal with every day,” Hugh huffed at Paul. He sighed and rested his head on Paul’s shoulder. “Anyways, good morning.” 

 

Paul rested his head on top of Hugh’s. “Morning.” 

 

“You two are a gross couple,” Tracy said with a teasing smile. 

 

Hugh rolled his eyes and shook his head. “We can be more insufferable.” 

 

Tracy narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you dare.” 

 

Hugh tilted his head so that he could see Paul, and leaned forward a bit before pausing to let Paul back out if he wanted to. Paul felt a rush of gratitude towards Hugh for remembering that he asked him to check to make sure it was okay before initiating any physical affection. He closed the space in between them and gave Hugh a quick kiss. 

 

Just to annoy Tracy. No other reasons. 

Chapter 7: Talk

When they drew apart, Paul smiled at Hugh. Hugh smiled back, and the two shared a moment. The way they had become friends so quickly and felt so comfortable immediately around each other was so strange to Paul. That never happened. But he didn’t want to question it with Hugh, because he didn’t even mind how fast they were fast-tracking friendship. He liked their unusual relationship. 

 

Hugh seemed to get that from Paul’s expression. His smile softened and he rested his head back on Paul’s shoulder. 

 

“Well, I’ll leave you two alone now. I gotta get to my job. No having sex in here unless I’m well aware. I do not want to walk in on that,” she said firmly. 

 

“Oh my god Trace, shut up,” Hugh laughed. 

 

Tracy grabbed her bag and headed out the door. “Remember, condoms are important even if-”

 

“Goodbye Tracy!” Hugh shouted over her last few words. Once she closed the door, he shook his head against Paul’s shoulder with a nervous laugh. “Ignore her.” 

 

Paul remained silent. Having sex with Hugh was not something that had crossed his mind whatsoever. Was that something people assumed they were doing just because they were ‘dating?’ Paul wasn’t sure how he felt about that. 

 

“You okay?” Hugh asked, nudging Paul. 

 

“Just thinking,” Paul said quietly. Panicking was more accurate. 

 

“Tracy was just messing around,” Hugh reassured. 

 

Paul nodded just to acknowledge Hugh. It wasn’t quite something he could just brush off. But it wasn’t important right now. This was something he could worry about at another time. 

 

“Are you hungry? I’m hungry,” Paul asked to deflect, untangling himself from Hugh’s embrace. 

 

Hugh eyed him cautiously, slightly jarred by the sudden shifts in Paul’s mood. After a moment, he responded. “Yeah, I could eat. We don’t really have anything though… Tracy and I haven’t gotten around to shopping this week yet.” 

 

Paul looked around for anything he could throw together as a meal, but came up short. “Hm, I can see that. We can go around my place and I can make us pancakes?” 

 

Hugh blinked at Paul. “Uh, sure, we could do that.”

 

Paul started to gather his things, but paused when he realized Hugh was still sitting in bed. “You okay?” he asked. 

 

“You’re a nerd and you can cook?” Hugh asked. 

 

Paul’s cheeks flushed pink. “You don’t have to say it like that,” Paul mumbled. 

 

Hugh tipped his head to the side. “Like what?” 

 

“Like it’s some amazing trait of mine. Neither of those things are.” Paul instantly felt self conscious about himself under Hugh’s soft gaze. Suddenly, their comfortability with each other felt a little suffocating. “Come on. We should go.” 

 

“Don’t do that to yourself,” Hugh said softly. Paul’s gaze snapped up to Hugh. He hadn’t expected Hugh to say anything in response to his walls going up.

 

“Do what?” Paul asked innocently. He felt too seen. They were too comfortable. Maybe this fake dating thing was a mistake. Their relationship was something more than just friends already, but still less than dating, and Paul felt so exposed. 

 

“Just… don’t put yourself down when you get a compliment. I don’t think you realize how amazing you actually are.” 

 

Oh.  

 

Paul’s walls came down a little upon hearing that. Damn Hugh and his soft smile and kind eyes and sweet words. 

 

“Yeah. I guess I don’t.” 

 

Hugh gave him a smile. “Breakfast?” 

 

Paul cleared his throat as they broke eye contact. “Yes, breakfast. Let’s go.” 

Chapter 8: Falling

The pair made their way down to the entrance of the residence hall, and Paul groaned when he opened the door. “It snowed last night.” 

 

Hugh peeked out behind Paul with a little gasp. “It did?” 

 

Paul nodded and stepped aside so that Hugh could see. “I hate the snow,” he grumbled. 

 

“What? How could anyone hate the snow?” Hugh asked. He didn’t even wait for a response before taking one of Paul’s hands in his own and gently dragging him out into the snow. “It’s so pretty!” Paul did hate the snow… but he loved the way Hugh’s expression lit up. Hugh let go of Paul’s hand and spun around with his arms spread outwards, laughing with joy. Paul couldn’t help his smile. 

 

“It’s just so cold and wet,” Paul said. “I’d prefer to be warm and dry inside.” 

 

“Ugh you’re so boring,” Hugh teased, walking over to Paul and bumping his shoulder. Paul rolled his eyes and bumped Hugh’s shoulder back, but accidentally bumped him too hard. Hugh stumbled backwards, and reached out to grab Paul to stabilize himself. Unfortunately, they were standing in the snow, and neither of them had very good footing, so Paul wasn’t able to save them both from crashing to the ground. The weight of their bags wasn’t helping either, and those ended up on the ground next to them as they landed in the snow in a tangle of limbs. 

 

Hugh started laughing as Paul huffed in frustration, chin resting on Hugh’s chest. 

 

“Don’t laugh!” Paul said, trying to hold back his own laugh. “You dragged me down, you asshole.” 

 

“You pushed me!” Hugh protested. 

 

“Uh correction, you pushed me first,” Paul quipped. “I was just getting you back.”

 

Hugh rolled his eyes and shoved Paul off of him, landing Paul in the snow again. “You still pushed me too hard,” he pointed out. Hugh stood up and offered a hand for Paul to take, then hauled him to his feet. “You have snow all over you,” Hugh giggled, brushing his hands over Paul’s shoulders to get rid of the powder. “It’s in your hair too.” Hugh ruffled Paul’s hair, and Paul swatted Hugh’s hands away, and Hugh’s hands came to rest on Paul’s shoulders. 

 

Hugh then slid his hands down Paul’s shoulders and down towards his hands, when he suddenly stopped to just look at Paul. Paul smiled shyly as they stood there together, savoring the moment. Warmth spread through his chest, combating the cold around them, and Paul didn’t even mind that he was standing in the snow with Hugh. 

 

And then Paul was very aware of what he was suddenly feeling. His cheeks flushed pink and he looked away. He was not going to fall for Hugh. Absolutely not. 

 

He took a step back and went to retrieve his bag. “We should probably head inside before one of us catches a cold.” 

 

Paul tried not to look at Hugh, but he couldn’t help stealing a glance over towards him. What he wasn’t expecting to see was Hugh trying to hide that he looked sad. 

 

What would he be sad about?

 

Paul brushed those thoughts off and started walking so that Hugh would follow. 

The rest of the walk to Paul’s room was mostly in silence. Paul was shoving down any feelings that had started to surface, and Hugh looked lost in his own thoughts as well.

 

When they finally got there, Paul opened the door to his room to find it empty. Justin must have left for the day already, and wouldn’t be back until late, which was good for him and Hugh. Paul didn’t have the energy to deal with a weird interaction between Justin and Hugh right now. 

 

“So how are you going to make pancakes for us?” Hugh asked as he set his bag down and perched on the edge of Paul’s bed. “There isn’t exactly a kitchen in your room.” 

 

Paul shrugged. “I have homemade pancake mix and a microwave. That’s how I usually do it.”

 

Hugh laughed. “You let me think you could cook and didn’t correct me?”

 

Paul scoffed. “I can cook. I just don’t have access to a kitchen, so I make do. What do you make for breakfast wise guy?”

 

Hugh looked down at the ground and mumbled something Paul couldn’t hear. 

 

“What was that?” Paul teased. 

 

“I said, ‘I heat up frozen food.’” 

 

“That’s what I thought,” Paul laughed. “I’m already doing better than you by using fresh ingredients instead of frozen food from a box.” 

 

Hugh crossed his arms. “Alright fine, if you think you’re so much better than me, then make the pancakes.” 

 

“Fine, I will,” Paul said, grinning at their banter. “Grab me a plate from over there?” Paul asked, gesturing to a small cabinet across from the microwave. Hugh passed Paul one of their various mismatched plates, and Paul showed him how he prepared pancakes in the microwave. 

 

“A little bit of pancake mix on the plate, add some water, then stir it up, and stick it in the microwave for a minute or so. That’s how I do it. Just one at a time until you have as many as you want.” Paul stuck the first plate in the microwave and turned it on. “It’s not perfect, but it’s better than food that tastes like cardboard,” he said with a shrug. 

 

“That’s actually really smart,” Hugh admitted. 

 

Paul grinned in satisfaction. “Told you.” 

 

They kept making pancakes one at a time until they each had enough, then they set up on the floor with their pancakes and ate. 

 

“Were you planning on doing anything today?” Hugh asked in between bites. 

 

Paul shrugged. “I was just thinking I would study some more. That biology exam that’s in a week and a half is scaring me.” 

 

“I’m sure you’ll be fine,” Hugh reassured. “You need a break from all the studying.” 

 

Paul shook his head. “No, I can’t stop. I have to keep going.” 

 

Hugh frowned in concern. “That’s not healthy.” 

 

Paul let out an annoyed breath. “You sound just like Justin. He’s the reason I needed an excuse to stay out and study more. He would force me to take days off, but I would just be anxious the entire time because he wouldn’t let me study.” 

 

“Well, he’s not wrong,” Hugh pressed. “Look, what if we went and did something today, and studied tonight? Just to give you a little bit of a break, it doesn’t have to be the whole day.” When Paul was hesitant to respond, Hugh continued. “I could definitely use a break too.”

 

Paul sighed as he caved. He clearly didn’t have a very strong resolve against Hugh, and he didn’t even want to think about the implications of that right now. “Okay, fine. But promise you’ll let me study tonight?” 

 

“Promise,” Hugh nodded.

Notes:

who knew that starting college would make it harder to write the college au....

Chapter 9: Craft

The two didn’t end up going out anywhere, but instead had a day in. Paul got out one of his crochet projects and leaned against the side of his bed on the floor. Hugh sat across from him with his sketchbook, occasionally looking up but mainly keeping his focus on whatever he was drawing. 

 

“What are you crocheting?” Hugh asked, pausing in his sketching. 

 

“A sprout. My headphones are really boring, I thought I’d put a little sprout on the top.” Paul held up his half-finished sprout in a dark green yarn for Hugh to see. 

 

Hugh smiled fondly. “Plant nerd.” 

 

Paul rolled his eyes and worked in another stitch. “You like that I’m a plant nerd.” 

 

Hugh tilted his head in acknowledgement. “Yeah, I do.” 

 

“What are you sketching?” 

 

Hugh leaned his sketchbook away from Paul at the question. “It’s a secret.” 

 

“Hey no fair, I showed you my crochet!” Paul complained. 

 

“I don’t like showing people my art until it’s done,” Hugh explained, erasing something on the page. “I’ll show you eventually though,” he promised. 

 

They both fell into a comfortable silence again, working on their own projects across from each other. 

 

Double crochet. Yarn over, put it through the stitch. Yarn over, pull it through two loops. Yarn over… 

 

Paul’s train of thought was interrupted when he realized Hugh was focused on him. He fumbled the stitch, and had to pull it out and try again. 

 

Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two. Yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch-

 

Hugh was still looking at him and Paul felt his face heat up. He had to put all of his focus into the stitches in order to keep going and stop messing up. He was finally able to finish crocheting the sprout, and was able to cut the end of the yarn and sew in the tail. He felt Hugh’s gaze land on him several more times, but other than a slight blush on his cheeks, Paul didn’t react. 

 

“Look!” he said, holding up his headphones for Hugh to see when he finished looping the sprout onto the top. 

 

“Oh that’s so cute,” Hugh said. “What does it look like on?”

 

Paul put his headphones on and gave Hugh a questioning look. “Any good?” 

 

Hugh studied him for a moment, penciled something into his drawing, then turned his attention back to Paul. He nodded with an encouraging smile. “It’s perfect. You’re really good at crocheting!” 

 

Paul smiled widely. “Thanks!” He took his headphones off so that he could hear Hugh better. 

 

Hugh stopped drawing and looked at his paper, a look of slight concern on his face. 

 

“Everything okay?” Paul asked. 

 

Hugh nodded. “Yeah, just worried this doesn’t look good.” 

 

“I’m sure it does,” Paul reassured. “Do you want any feedback?”

 

Hugh bit his lip. “Well…” 

 

“It’s okay if you don’t want to show me. Just an offer.” 

 

Hugh sighed and held out his sketchbook to Paul. Paul took it and flipped it over to see what Hugh drew. He couldn’t help it when his mouth fell open in surprise. On the page was a drawing of him, a beaming smile across his face. Hugh had even included his headphones with the little sprout he had crocheted. Paul couldn’t look away from the drawing. Hugh had captured his features perfectly. 

 

“This is incredible,” he whispered. “You just did this today?” 

 

Hugh shook his head. “I worked on it a little bit yesterday when we were in the library.”

 

“It’s amazing. Seriously, this is so cool.” 

 

Hugh ducked his head shyly. “I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure you would.” 

 

“I love it.” 

 

“Here-” Hugh took back his sketchbook, scribbled something at the bottom of the page, and tore out the page. “Now you can have it!” He handed the paper back to Paul, and Paul saw Hugh’s signature at the bottom, with a little heart tacked onto the end. Paul’s heart skipped with a surge of affection towards Hugh. 

 

He glanced back up at Hugh, and saw adoration in Hugh’s eyes. 

 

Oh no.  

Chapter 10: Lab

Notes:

Some of you may have noticed, but I deleted the original chapter 10. It really just wasn’t working with the way I wanted the story to go, so I took it down and re-wrote it into this chapter. I’m gonna hopefully rework some of the things that were in that chapter into the future story, and I’m also working on posting the missing chapter on tumblr for anyone who is curious. I hope you enjoy this chapter, cause I certainly do now!!

Somehow, Paul managed not to make a fool of himself for the rest of the day. He and Hugh mainly chatted while doing their own things, and once Hugh left, Paul found himself inexplicably drawn to the sketch Hugh had done of him. 

 

There was something incredibly intimate about the care Hugh had taken with each line, capturing a look that Paul didn’t reveal to many people. He usually hated portraits of himself in any capacity, but this… this was different. 

 

————————

 

The next time they saw each other was for their evening biology lab together, much to Paul’s reluctance. 

 

“Okay, now we have to cut through the heart from the base to the aorta-” Hugh started to do this with his scalpel, but stopped when Paul gagged and turned away from their lab station.

 

“You okay?” Hugh asked in concern. 

 

Paul held up a hand and took another step back. “Just… give me a second.” Paul took in a few deep breaths and shook his hands out. He exhaled deeply one last time, then walked back over to their station. “Okay. I’m fine.” 

 

Hugh eyed Paul cautiously. “You sure? You didn’t sound fine.” 

 

Paul nodded. “I’m fine. I just don’t have a strong stomach when it comes to dissections.” 

 

Hugh paused. “I would have never guessed that.” 

 

Paul held his hand out for the scalpel, and Hugh handed it to him. Paul grimaced as he continued the incision Hugh had started. “Yeah. I know it’s a little weird for someone super interested in biology. I could study pictures of dissections all day if I wanted to, but as soon as it’s right in front of me… ugh, can you finish it?” Paul handed Hugh back the scalpel and took a generous step back. “It grosses me out for some reason.” 

 

“Is that why you’re not interested in the medical field?” 

 

Paul shrugged. “Partly. I’m interested in other aspects of biology though, specifically mushrooms.” 

 

“That makes a lot of sense- here can you wipe this off for me- you really do have a thing for mushrooms.” 

 

Paul laughed as he cleaned the scalpel. “Yeah, I do.” He handed it back to Hugh, then stepped back again. “God, how is that smell not making you nauseous?” He asked, voice strained.

 

Hugh shrugged. “It just doesn’t bother me.” 

 

“That’s a good thing for someone who wants to become a doctor,” Paul commented. “What’s the reason for that by the way?” 

 

“Last year someone saved my life after I did something stupid, and something clicked. I realized I wanted to help people. I was actually a physics major last year, but I switched to biology this year.” 

 

“Oh, wow,” Paul said in surprise. 

 

Hugh smiled. “Yeah. Probably not what you were expecting?” 

 

“Not at all. I don’t know what I was expecting, but that makes a lot of sense.” 

 

Hugh set down the scalpel and turned to Paul. “I hate to say this… but I’m gonna need your help for the last part.” 

 

Paul scrunched up his nose. “I hate labs.” 

 

Hugh laughed lightly. “It won’t be too bad. But now that I’ve dissected the heart all the way, we have to pin all the parts of it” 

 

“Can’t promise I won’t throw up.” 

 

“You better not throw up on me,” Hugh warned. 

 

Paul shrugged. “Like I said. No promises.” 

 

Paul managed to not to get sick for the rest of the lab, though they had some close calls and Hugh had checked up on him and made sure he was alright before proceeding. It was sweet. 

 

“We have to study tonight,” Paul said while wiping down their station. “Our biology exam is next week, your anatomy exam is in three days, and I have like four quizzes happening this week.” 

 

Hugh groaned. “I have a ton of quizzes this week too. Sounds like we’re gonna be up for a while tonight.” 

 

Paul nodded. “Yeah. Might have to be an all nighter” 

 

“Well, at least I have good company,” Hugh said, bumping Pauls’ shoulder. Paul smiled and bumped Hugh’s shoulder back, relishing the physical contact between them. Hugh checked the time on his phone. “Should we grab some dinner and head to the library for the night?”

 

“Sure, let’s do that.” 

 

Hugh held out his hand to Paul. Paul tilted his head to the side in question, and Hugh wiggled his fingers at Paul in response. 

 

Oh .

 

Hugh was inviting Paul to hold hands with him. Paul slipped his hand into Hugh’s, and oh did it feel right how their hands fit together. 

 

Fuck. 

 

He was supposed to be stopping any feelings he had for Hugh, and it was not going well today. With how Hugh was looking out for him during their lab, and now holding hands? 

 

Hugh was going to be the death of him. 

Chapter 11: Cuddle

Notes:

Short and sweet update :)

Paul woke up in Hugh’s arms. After a long night of studying, they had come back to crash at Hugh’s dorm again. Paul gave a weak excuse about how it would be easier for them to walk to their biology class together the next morning, and Hugh hadn’t questioned it. So here Paul was, entangled with Hugh in his bed. Tracy was nowhere to be found this morning, and Paul was slightly relieved by that. Tracy was nice and all, but he did not want to have to splutter through an awkward conversation with her again. 

 

Paul lay there, studying Hugh’s face as he slept. His head was rested close to Paul’s, mere inches away. His entire face was relaxed and peaceful as he slept, and Paul thought it was adorable. Paul shifted the hand that lay on Hugh’s chest to pull himself slightly closer. He was playing a very dangerous game here. The goal was to not fall for Hugh, but he was indulging himself… 

 

A few minutes later, Hugh slowly began to wake up. His eyes fluttered open and he squinted when he saw Paul glancing at him. He offered Hugh a soft smile, and Hugh’s expression melted when he processed what was happening. He stretched and then closed his eyes again, nuzzling closer to Paul. 

 

“G’morning,” he mumbled sleepily. 

 

“Morning,” Paul responded softly. “Tired?” 

 

Hugh nodded with a hum. “Very.” 

 

“Go back to sleep then.” 

 

“What time is it?” Hugh asked. Paul rolled over to grab his phone from the side table, earning a grumble of annoyance from Hugh when their embrace was broken. 

 

“It’s almost eight,” Paul said. He rolled back over and immediately Hugh wrapped his arms around Paul again. 

 

“Can’t go back to sleep. Our class is at nine, remember?” 

 

Paul groaned. “I almost forgot. I wish we could just stay here forever.” 

 

Hugh opened his eyes and looked at Paul. “You do?” he asked softly. 

 

Shit. Paul hadn’t meant to let that slip out. But Hugh’s response was… not what Paul had been expecting. There was a hopeful smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and… were his pupils more dilated than they had been a minute ago? Paul couldn’t be sure. 

 

Instead of brushing off what he had said, Paul decided to be a little bold. “Yeah,” he said, returning Hugh’s smile. “This is nice.” 

 

Hugh lifted one of his hands away from Paul’s torso and reached forward to push a loose strand of hair behind Paul’s ear. Paul felt his ever-present blush creeping back up onto his cheeks. Surely Hugh wasn’t picking up on Paul’s feelings? 

 

Before anything could happen, both of their alarms went off simultaneously, creating a noisy chaos as they both were startled and scrambled to turn their alarms off. Once they had and the room fell quiet again, they both glanced at each other and started giggling. 

 

Hugh stretched his arms over his head, stood up from bed, and held his hand out to Paul. “Come on. Let’s get ready for the day.”

Chapter 12: Morning Routine

Since that first night Paul crashed at Hugh’s place, they made sure Paul had a toothbrush, hair gel, and a few outfits so that he didn’t have to cross campus to get ready in the mornings. 

 

Paul hopped in the shower first, letting Hugh tidy up his room in peace. He cleaned when he was stressed, and Paul didn’t want to get in the way. As Paul finished up in the shower, he realized he forgot to grab his clean outfit to change into. He sighed, wrapped a towel around his waist, and opened the door to the bathroom. 

 

Hugh was sitting on the edge of his bed, looking very tired as he sipped from a mug of fresh coffee. He looked up when he heard Paul exit the bathroom, then promptly choked on his coffee as his eyes scanned up Paul’s body. 

 

Paul suddenly felt very vulnerable and his face turned bright red. “Sorry, I’m just grabbing my clothes.” 

 

Hugh nodded as he continued to cough over his coffee. “Yeah you’re all good,” he choked out, eyes darting everywhere but on Paul. 

 

“You’re allowed to look at me,” Paul said shyly as he moved to take his clothes out of Hugh’s closet. 

 

“I know,” Hugh mumbled, still very much averting his eyes. 

 

“Okay,” Paul laughed softly. “I’ll be back out in a minute.” Hugh just nodded and went back to sipping his coffee. 

 

A few minutes later, Paul emerged once again, this time fully clothed. 

 

“Don’t forget to take your meds,” Hugh said as he gathered his things to go take a shower. “And I made you coffee if you want it,” he continued, pressing a kiss to Paul’s cheek as he walked past. It was Paul’s turn to freak out.

 

“Thanks?” he sputtered, not meaning for it to come out as a question, but he was too flustered. 

 

“Ah- fuck, sorry. Instinct,” Hugh rushed to explain. 

 

Paul waved his hands and shook his head. “It’s fine. You just caught me off guard is all.” 

 

They stood there for a few seconds, neither of them making eye contact before Hugh silently nodded and went to take a shower. Paul let out a long exhale and sat down on the edge of Hugh’s bed. 

 

What the fuck was happening?

 

Paul was pretty sure he zoned out thinking about Hugh, because the next thing he knew, Hugh was out of the shower and was standing right in front of Paul. 

 

“Should I have asked before I made coffee?” He asked, eyeing Paul’s still full mug of coffee on the table next to him. 

 

“Oh, no, I appreciate it, but I brush my teeth first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything.” 

 

Hugh tilted his head with a puzzled expression. “Why?” 

 

Paul shrugged. “It’s the way I’ve always done things. Plus, morning breath isn’t fun.” 

 

Hugh shrugged. “Fair enough.” As Paul stood up to go back into the bathroom, Hugh reached out to tousle Paul’s hair. 

 

“Your hair is all floppy. It’s weird.” 

 

“That’s because it’s all wet right now instead of styled, you dork,” Paul laughed. 

 

“I know that,” Hugh said while rolling his eyes. “I just think floppy hair looks cute on you.” 

 

Paul smiled brightly at Hugh before making his way into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Hugh sidled up next to him to do the same, and the two of them awkwardly brushed their teeth in silence next to each other. Except the awkwardness faded away after just a few moments. In its place was a warm feeling in Paul’s chest. 

 

He could picture himself waking up next to Hugh each morning and having little interactions like they had been having all morning, followed up by a domestic moment of getting ready side by side. 

 

Oh. 

 

Paul could imagine this in his future, with this same person. 

 

He wanted Hugh to be in his future like this. 

 

“Everything alright there?” Hugh asked, snapping Paul out of his trance. 

 

“Hm?” Paul asked around his toothbrush. 

 

“You zoned out and had this really dopey smile on your face,” Hugh said, expression full of affection. 

 

Stars above, Paul had fallen for Hugh. 

 

Paul nodded vigorously. “I’m fine.” 

 

Hugh’s smile lessened, but it still remained. 

 

Fuck. Had Hugh wanted Paul to say something more? 

 

“Hugh?” He asked softly, heart pounding in his chest. 

 

“Yeah?” Hugh asked, eyes bright and hopeful. 

 

“I…” Paul swallowed and took a deep breath. Before he could say anything, another alarm on his phone started going off. He scrambled to shut it off, and saw the time. “Shit Hugh, we’re going to be late!” 

 

Whatever spell the two of them were under was suddenly broken. They rushed to grab the rest of their things for the day, make themselves look half presentable, grab a quick breakfast from Hugh’s mini fridge, and run to class. 

 

They made it on time, but whatever softness had been there this morning had vanished, taking with it the ability for Paul to voice what he had wanted to say earlier.

 

The universe was messing with Paul at this point. 

 

Notes:

I’ve added a new tag. You’ll notice that it’s the one called “slow burn” ;)

Chapter 13: Text

Notes:

*drops a second chapter in one day and runs away*

The day dragged on painfully slow after the two went their separate ways after their shared lecture ended. All Paul could think about was seeing Hugh again, to the detriment of his classes unfortunately. He couldn’t pay attention to save his life. 

 

Justin texting him was a very welcome distraction from thoughts about Hugh. Well, at least in the beginning. 

 

Justin: So I saw you weren’t home again last night

 

Paul: you are correct 

 

Justin: Were you hooking up with your boyfriend?

 

Paul: absolutely NOT 

 

Paul: dude do you even know me? 

 

Justin: I know you enough to know that me suggesting sex annoys you ;) 

 

Paul: …fuck off 

 

Justin: Love youuuu

 

Paul: love you too

 

Justin: But seriously, that’s like the third time in the last week you haven't been home because you’ve been with Hugh. I’m happy that you’re happy with him 

 

Paul: thanks justin :) 

 

Justin: So… can I meet him yet?

 

Paul: nope. still not yet

 

Paul: and if you keep pestering it’ll be a no for longer

 

Justin: Ugh. Fine. 

 

Justin: By the way

 

Justin: Introducing me to his roommate has only led to scheming between us 

 

Paul: oh great 

 

Paul: no meddling in our love life 

 

Justin: No promises ;) 

 

Paul: don’t you have class in a few minutes? 

 

Justin: Yeah I was just about to go

 

Justin: You going to be home tonight? 

 

Paul: i was hoping i could bring hugh around 

 

Justin: Got it. I’ll go crash with someone else tonight

 

Paul: youre the best 

Notes:

Tiny little filler chapter, but I PROMISE things are going to happen in chapter 14 :))

Chapter 14: Admit

Once Paul was finished with his class, he went to work on some homework at the campus coffee shop. Hugh’s class ran 45 minutes later than Paul’s did, so they had some time before they would see each other again. In the meantime, Paul was able to get one of his chemistry assignments done so that the two of them could focus on Hugh’s anatomy exam when they studied together. 

 

When it was closer to Hugh’s class finishing, Paul went and ordered them both coffee. Despite the fact that Paul had called Hugh’s regular order a sugar overload, he got one for himself as well to try it. Just as he was picking them up from the counter, he saw Hugh pop into the coffee shop and wave to Paul. 

 

Paul smiled and walked over to Hugh, handing him one of the coffees. Hugh tilted his head at Paul. “What’d you get me?” 

 

“Caramel macchiato with extra caramel and chocolate drizzle.” 

 

Hugh’s smile softened. “You remembered my order?” 

 

Paul shrugged. “Maybe.” 

 

“And I’m assuming that’s your usual caffeine overload?” Hugh laughed, gesturing to Paul’s cup. 

 

“Actually, I decided to give your order a try,” Paul said. 

 

Hugh laughed again. “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find out it’s extra sweet,” he teased. 

 

Paul rolled his eyes and took a sip, then immediately grimaced at how overpoweringly sweet it was. “God, how do you drink that?” Paul asked. 

 

Hugh shrugged. “I have a sweet tooth.”

 

“You definitely do,” Paul laughed. “Come on, let’s get you and your ridiculous coffee back to my dorm so that we can study,” Paul said, holding out his free hand to Hugh. 

 

Hugh intertwined their fingers, and they walked hand in hand across campus to Paul’s dorm. It was nice. Unfortunately, Paul had to let go of Hugh’s hand to unlock the door, and they each awkwardly took a step away from each other, avoiding eye contact. 

 

Why did this feel different than any other time they had hung out? 

 

Paul cleared his throat and opened his door, then they both entered. “Uh, you’ve been here before, so make yourself right at home. Just don’t sit on Justin’s bed. He’s a bit weird about others messing up his blankets.” 

 

Hugh nodded with a curious look. “Good to know.” He gingerly set his bag down and stood at the back of the room as Paul busied himself with unpacking his bag. Eventually, Paul noticed that Hugh was standing unmoving. 

 

“Uh, Hugh? Everything okay?” 

 

Hugh nodded. “Yeah yeah. Just don’t know where to sit.” 

 

Paul titled his head in confusion. “You were here on Saturday and were just fine then.” 

 

Hugh shrugged. “I know. Something just feels different today.”

 

So Hugh had noticed the shift in energy between them too.

 

“You can sit at my desk if you want. I’ll probably sit on the floor, my back is bothering me.” 

 

“Do you need anything?” Hugh asked with a look of mild concern. 

 

Paul shook his head and began to do some simple stretches. “I’m fine. This is just what it’s like sometimes to be hypermobile.” He sighed as the stretches helped loosen some things up. “Hence the floor time so that I can lay down for a bit.” 

 

Hugh watched Paul for another moment to make sure he was okay, then began to set up his study materials on Paul’s desk, while Paul did the same. Hugh slumped down into the chair sitting by Paul’s desk and let out a groan. “I don’t want to study anymore.”

 

“I would say ‘then don’t,’ but I’m pretty sure that’s not what you need to hear right now.” 

 

Hugh laughed lightly. “Definitely not what I need to hear right now. You’re supposed to convince me that studying is super important and I have to do it.” 

 

Paul grinned. “Studying is super important and you have to do it,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. 

 

Hugh opened his eyes to glare at Paul, and Paul giggled. 

 

Paul switched his tactic as he laid down on his stomach on the ground. “Well, if you study and learn enough of the material, we can go do something.” 

 

Hugh’s expression brightened. “Oh yeah? Like what?” 

 

Paul shrugged. “Might be nice to go to dinner.” 

 

Pick up what I’m putting down, Paul silently thought. 

 

Hugh’s eyes widened for a moment. “We-we could go out for dinner.” He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah, that would be fun.” 

 

Did he just fluster Hugh?

 

They both looked away from each other as soon as they locked eyes. The tension in the air was so thick. 

 

“Uh but you should get to studying if you want to have any hope of going to dinner with me,” Paul said, opening his own textbook.

 

“Yes, right,” Hugh said. He opened his laptop and flipped to the page in his textbook with the anatomy terms he needed to study. “Can… can you help me study?” 

 

Paul looked up from his textbook with a curious look. “I mean, that was the plan, wasn’t it?” 

 

Hugh looked down and cleared his throat again. “Uhh yeah, yeah, of course. I just meant- remember that method you told me about the other day? Mapping it out on your body? I was wondering if I could map it out on your body…” 

 

Paul immediately flushed a brilliant red color, probably a deeper blush than he had ever felt around Hugh. 

 

“For studying purposes! That’s what I meant to end that sentence with,” Hugh rushed to explain. “That’s weird isn’t it? It’s weird, yeah. Forget it, I-“

 

“Hugh. Slow down. It’s not… sure. You can do that. It’ll probably help more to see it on another person than on yourself anyways, right?” 

 

Hugh nodded vigorously. “Exactly.” He got up and stepped towards Paul as Paul sat up. “Come here,” Hugh said, taking Paul’s hand and leading him to sit on the edge of the bed. “Pretty much all I need you to do is sit there while I name bones on your upper body. That sound good?” 

 

Paul nodded as Hugh got up in his space, sat legs crossed right across from Paul. “Yeah.” 

 

His breath hitched as Hugh gingerly lifted Paul’s hand and gently traced along Paul’s palm. The touch sent shivers up his spine as Hugh muttered the names of the bones under his breath.. The feather light touches started to move higher, up his arm and onto his chest. 

 

Hugh’s eyes darted up to Paul’s to check and see if it was okay to keep going, hovering his hands over Paul’s chest momentarily. Paul gave Hugh a nod, and Hugh placed his hands on Paul’s chest, letting them rest there for a moment. They both breathed in sync. 

 

“Your heart rate is really high right now,” Hugh muttered. “Are you okay?” 

 

Paul swallowed and nodded. “Yeah. Yeah I’m fine,” he said on an exhale. “Keep going, no distractions from studying,” he teased. 

 

Hugh looked up to meet his eyes, and Paul saw his own love reflected back in those beautiful amber eyes. 

 

He hoped Hugh felt the same. 

 

Hugh reached one of his hands back to trace up Paul’s neck. Paul let out a little noise as the touch sent an unexpected chill down his body. A smile tugged at the corners of Hugh’s mouth as he kept going, naming the bones his hands came in contact with. 

 

Paul wasn’t even sure if Hugh was getting the names right or not. He was too mesmerized by Hugh’s touch and the steady focus he kept on Paul. 

 

Hugh’s hand skated back around to Paul’s jaw, cupping it and running his thumb along the edge. Hugh paused in his recitation, and let his eyes meet back up with Paul’s.

 

“Hi.” 

 

Paul swallowed again, nervous about what was happening. “Hi.” His heart was racing. 

 

“You have really pretty eyes,” Hugh whispered. 

 

Paul blushed and felt a soft smile appear on his lips. Hugh let his hand that wasn’t cupping Paul’s cheek slide down Paul’s arm and land on his knee. 

 

A spike of anxiety and anticipation shot through Paul’s chest, making him take in a shaky breath. “Hugh-” 

 

“Can I kiss you?” Hugh asked. 

 

“I thought you’d never ask,” Paul said. Instead of either of them meeting in the middle to kiss, Paul scrunched up his face and Hugh tried to hold back a laugh. 

 

“That was the cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard,” Hugh giggled, unable to hold back his laugh any longer.

 

“I know, I regretted it as soon as I said it,” Paul said with a groan as he leaned his forehead on Hugh’s shoulder. He sat back up after a moment, laughing with his face hidden behind his hands. 

 

Hugh gently took Paul’s hands in his own so that he could see Paul’s face. “You’re such a dork and it's adorable.” 

 

Paul blushed furiously and tried to bury his head in Hugh’s shoulder again. Hugh stopped Paul by putting a hand on either side of Paul’s face, thumb idly brushing against Paul’s cheek. The softness in Hugh’s expression made his heart melt. “I was being serious though. I think I started falling in love with you day one, and it’s just been getting stronger since then. I really like you Paul.” 

 

Paul let out a laugh on an exhale. “Oh thank stars. I couldn’t tell if you felt the same but I knew there was something going on.” 

 

Hugh laughed and they leaned their foreheads together. 

 

“So we’re just dumbasses?” Hugh joked. 

 

“We really are,” Paul said. 

 

They leaned back and just looked at each other for a few moments, taking in this moment. It was Hugh who spoke first, breaking that silence. 

 

“Can I kiss you for real this time?” He asked softly. 

 

Paul grinned at Hugh. 

 

“Yes.” 

Notes:

I'd love to hear what you think!!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Phantom's Disco College AU (Take 2)