Velvet Chains
Chapter 2: Stitch and Spark
Ayden stabbed the needle through the muslin fabric harder than necessary.
"You're going to pierce the table next," Camille muttered nearby, not looking up from their laptop.
Ayden ignored them.
Across the room, Luca was laughing with a group of students like he belonged there already. His laugh—rich and a little too loud—grated on Ayden's nerves. He was supposed to be temporary. An intruder. A distraction.
"Your lines are clean," Luca said suddenly from behind him, peering over his shoulder.
Ayden didn't flinch. "I don't need your approval."
"You've got a stick so far up your—" Luca grinned. "Relax. We're partners now."
Ayden turned, face unreadable. "I don't relax. I deliver."
Chapter 3: Close Proximity
Duval handed them a challenge: share a studio space for the rest of the semester. Joint sketches. Shared fabric budgets. Complete transparency.
Which meant Ayden now had to tolerate Luca's humming. And his cologne. And his infuriating habit of working shirtless when the room got "too warm."
"You're distracting," Ayden snapped one afternoon.
"That's rich, coming from you," Luca said. "Do you walk around on purpose like a Dior mannequin who knows how hot he is?"
Ayden stared at him blankly.
Then turned and walked away — but not before Luca caught the slight pink rising on his ears.
Chapter 4: The Thread Between Us
Late one night, Ayden stayed behind after Luca left. He touched the sketch they'd done together. It was good — better than anything he'd designed solo lately.
Why did his lines feel more alive when Luca's rougher hand was there to challenge them?
Camille's voice echoed in his head from earlier:
"You're either going to fall for him or murder him. Or both."
He didn't answer.
He didn't want to admit how much that possibility scared him.
Chapter 5: Buttoned Up Hearts
Luca noticed things.
The way Ayden's hands trembled slightly when cutting satin. The way he touched velvet like it was something sacred. The way he flinched when anyone raised their voice.
Luca didn't push. But he started showing up early. Bringing coffee. Complimenting little things. Ayden pretended not to care, but the cup always disappeared. And once, he answered:
"Black, two sugars. Don't mess it up again."
But his voice was softer than it should've been.
That night, Ayden dreamt of fingers brushing against his jaw and woke with sweat-damp sheets.
🔥 Bonus Spicy Interlude (Mini Scene — "Dream of Heat")
The room is dark.
Ayden stands in front of the mirror, only in his robe.
Behind him, a phantom presence. Strong hands slide down his arms.
"You always pretend to be cold," Luca murmurs into his ear, breath hot against his neck.
"But I can feel the fire under your skin."
Ayden turns — but he doesn't push him away.
He lets Luca tilt his head up.
Their mouths meet, not soft. Hungry.
Ayden shudders.
Fingers slip beneath silk.
Breath catches.
Then he wakes up, alone.
And hates himself for wanting it to be real.