chapter 13 / too long* [ 18 + ]

Shubman entered Verena's flat with his usual casual charm, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto the couch. "I missed you," he said, his voice low and sincere as he walked toward her.

Verena was standing by the kitchen counter, her hair loose, wearing one of his oversized training jerseys that barely skimmed the tops of her thighs. She turned to him with a playful smile. "Missed me or my cooking?"

"Both," he teased, closing the distance between them.

Before she could retort, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her—softly at first, then deeper, more intense. His fingers tangled in her hair, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"God, you taste good," he muttered against her lips, his voice thick with desire.

She laughed breathlessly. "That's the mint I just chewed."

"Whatever it is, it's addictive," he replied, kissing her again.

As their lips moved together, he guided her backward toward the living room, their bodies pressed tightly against each other. The back of her knees hit the couch, but he didn't stop, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her into the bedroom.

"Shubman," she gasped, but it was half a protest, half a plea.

"Shh," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. "I've got you."

He laid her gently onto the bed, hovering over her as his hands roamed down her sides. Her jersey had ridden up slightly, revealing smooth skin and toned thighs. He paused to take her in, his eyes dark and full of admiration.

"You're unreal, Verena," he said, his voice a low growl. "Do you even know what you do to me?"

She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "I think I have an idea."

He leaned down, kissing her neck, trailing down to her collarbone. She arched into him, her hands running over his back, under his shirt, feeling the taut muscles beneath.

"Shubi," she whispered, her voice soft and full of affection.

Hearing her say his nickname like that sent a thrill through him. He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "You're trouble, you know that?"

She smirked. "And you love it."

"Damn right, I do," he said, his lips crashing back onto hers as the world outside her flat melted away.

Shubman's lips moved with fervor against Verena's, his hands sliding down her sides, tugging slightly at the oversized jersey she wore. The fabric lifted higher as he kissed her, revealing more of her smooth skin. His fingers brushed the curve of her waist, and she gasped softly against his mouth.

"Shubman," she whispered, her tone teasing but breathless.

"What?" he asked, his voice low and husky as he trailed kisses along her jawline and down her neck.

"You're—" she began, but her words were cut off by a sharp inhale as his lips found the sensitive spot just beneath her ear. "You're being very distracting."

He grinned against her skin, his breath warm and intoxicating. "Good. That's the plan."

Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she arched beneath him. "You're so full of yourself, you know that?"

"You love it," he murmured, his lips tracing a path down to her collarbone.

As he kissed her, his hands slipped under the hem of the jersey, caressing her thighs and traveling upward. She shivered under his touch, her skin tingling with anticipation. Her fingers found the hem of his T-shirt, and she tugged it upward, breaking their kiss for a moment to pull it over his head.

"God," she said, her eyes raking over his body, every muscle and line sculpted to perfection. "How is it even legal to look like this?"

He chuckled, leaning back down to capture her lips again. "I could say the same about you."

Her laughter was swallowed by his kiss as he pressed his body against hers, the warmth and weight of him grounding her in the moment. His hands explored her curves with reverence, as if memorizing every inch of her.

The oversized jersey slipped higher until it was bunched at her waist. He paused, pulling back slightly to look at her, his dark eyes smoldering with affection and desire.

"You're perfect, Verena," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

She blushed, a rare moment of vulnerability in her usually confident demeanor. "You're not so bad yourself, Shubi."

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Tell me to stop if this is too much."

Her eyes met his, full of trust and love. "Don't stop."

At her words, his lips were on hers again, and the rest of the world faded away. The air in the room grew heavy with the sound of their breaths and the soft rustle of fabric as they lost themselves in each other, their connection as undeniable as it was unbreakable.

Shubman's hands slid under the hem of Verena's jersey, his fingers warm against her skin as he slowly lifted it over her head. The garment fell to the floor, leaving her in a delicate lace bralette and matching shorts, her cheeks flushed from their heated exchange.

"Verena," he murmured, his voice filled with awe as he looked at her. The way his gaze lingered on her made her heart race.

"You're staring," she teased softly, though her voice betrayed her shyness.

"Can you blame me?" he replied, his tone husky as his fingers traced lazy patterns along her waist. "You're stunning."

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her shoulder, then her collarbone, his lips gentle and deliberate. She tilted her head back, letting the sensation consume her, her fingers gripping his strong shoulders.

"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Gill," she whispered, her voice breathless.

Shubman smirked, his confidence unmistakable. "Not so bad, huh?"

Before she could respond, he scooped her up, laying her gently on the bed. The soft mattress cradled her as he hovered over her, his body a perfect mix of strength and tenderness. His fingers brushed the edge of her bralette, hesitating for a moment as his eyes met hers, silently asking for permission.

She nodded, her lips parting as she whispered, "Shubi, I trust you."

That simple statement made his chest tighten with emotion. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both passionate and reverent. His movements were slow and deliberate, every touch a testament to how much he cherished her.

Her hands roamed over his toned chest, her nails grazing his skin lightly, eliciting a soft groan from him. His reactions sent a thrill through her, and she smiled against his lips.

"You're trouble," he muttered, pulling back slightly to look at her.

"Only for you," she shot back, her grin playful.

He chuckled, leaning down to kiss her again, deeper this time, his hands exploring her body with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

Shubman leaned back, his dark eyes searching Verena's for any hint of hesitation. Instead, he saw a glimmer of trust, affection, and something deeper—desire that mirrored his own. His breath hitched as she cupped his face, her thumb brushing gently over his jawline.

"It's been a while," Verena whispered, her voice soft but tinged with anticipation.

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribcage. "Too long," he admitted, his voice rough with longing.

She smiled, a small, secret smile, before tugging him down into another kiss. This one was different—slower, deeper, and laced with a sense of urgency they'd both been holding back for months. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, while his hands skimmed down her sides, mapping every curve.

"Are you sure?" he asked softly, his forehead resting against hers. Despite the heat coursing through him, he needed her to confirm, to be certain this was what she wanted.

Verena met his gaze, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from their kisses. "I've never been more sure," she replied, her voice steady and full of conviction.

That was all he needed.

Shubman kissed her again, his movements growing more purposeful. His hands worked deftly to unclasp her bralette, his fingertips brushing against her skin as he slid the delicate fabric away. 

Her sharp intake of breath sent a shiver down his spine. He drank in the sight of her, his admiration evident in the way his eyes roamed over her.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Verena laughed softly, a sound that was both nervous and delighted. "You're biased."

"Damn right, I am," he said, his tone teasing but his expression serious. "And I'm not wrong."

He trailed kisses down her neck and along her collarbone, his touch reverent as he took his time exploring her. 

Verena's hands roamed over his broad shoulders and down his back, her touch igniting a fire beneath his skin.

Shubman sat back for a moment, his hands moving to his waistband as he kicked off his shorts and boxers in one swift motion. 

Verena's eyes flickered down, her cheeks heating as she took him in. She bit her lip, her pulse quickening.

"You're still not used to this?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

She rolled her eyes, laughing softly. "Shut up."

He leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. "Your wish is my command."

Their laughter melted into soft moans and gasps as they moved together, their bodies perfectly in sync. 

The months of longing, the tension, the unspoken connection—it all came to a head as they let themselves fully give in to each other.

The room was filled with the sound of their breaths mingling, her soft sighs, and his whispered endearments. 

He kissed every inch of her, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he were trying to memorize every detail. She clung to him, her nails grazing his back, her whispered words urging him on.

They took their time, savoring every moment, every sensation. It wasn't just about the physical—it was about them. 

About reconnecting after months of stolen moments and hurried goodbyes. It was about everything they felt but rarely said aloud.

When they finally collapsed together, their bodies entwined, Shubman brushed a strand of hair away from her face. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips curved into a small, content smile.

"You okay?" he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

Verena nodded, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his chest. "More than okay."

He smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. "Good. Because you mean everything to me, Verena."

She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. "And you mean everything to me, Shubi."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, the world outside their door fading into insignificance.

SOUP RANTS!

the thirteenth chapter is here!
did we like it?
do comment your favorite part
what do you think will happen in the next chapter?

until then
yours lovingly,
soup <3