The scent of burning paper filled my dorm room as I held Lena's latest note over the candle flame. The edges curled black, her pathetic little words - *"We need to talk about her"* - disappearing into smoke. I smiled as the last corner ignited, dropping the ashes into my crystal ashtray.
*Sweet of her to try.*
My phone buzzed on the vanity. Kieran's name flashed across the screen, right on time.
*"Still on for tonight?"*
I let it sit for exactly two minutes before responding. *"Of course. Wear the navy sweater - it brings out your eyes."*
Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.
*"Okay. See you at 8?"*
I traced my finger over his name. He didn't even question it anymore. The first few times I'd "suggested" his outfits, he'd laughed nervously. *"You're kinda particular, huh?"* Now he simply obeyed.
*Progress.*
---
The restaurant was one of my family's holdings - discreet lighting, soundproof booths, staff who knew better than to look too closely. I arrived exactly seven minutes late, savoring the way Kieran's shoulders tensed when I appeared.
"You look perfect," I murmured, brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve. My fingers lingered at his pulse point. *Thump-thump-thump.*
He swallowed hard. "You too. Always."
The waiter brought my usual without asking. Kieran stared at his menu like it held the secrets of the universe.
"Order for me?" he asked after a moment.
I smiled. *Exactly what I wanted to hear.*
The salmon, barely seared. No heavy sauces. A glass of the pinot noir I'd been slowly acclimating him to. Watching him suppress his instinctive grimace at the first sip sent delicious warmth through my veins.
"Good?" I prompted.
He nodded, forcing another swallow. "Yeah. Different, but... good."
I reached across the table, tracing the stem of his glass. "You'll acquire the taste. I know you will."
His fingers twitched toward his phone when it buzzed. Lena's name flashed.
I didn't react. Simply took another sip of wine.
After a long moment, he flipped it face-down on the table.
*Very good boy.*
---
The real test came later, outside his apartment.
Rain sheeted down, catching in his dark lashes as he hesitated under the awning. "Do you... want to come up?"
I pretended to consider, watching the way his knuckles whitened around his keys.
"Not tonight," I finally said, stepping close enough to feel his breath hitch. "But soon."
My fingers curled around his tie - the one I'd given him last week - and pulled him down to my level. The kiss was soft, calculated. Just enough pressure to make his hands tremble at his sides.
When I pulled away, his lips chased mine for half a second before he caught himself.
"I'll text you when I'm home," I whispered, brushing my thumb over his bottom lip.
The dazed look in his eyes lasted exactly until my taillights disappeared around the corner.
---
My burner phone buzzed at 2:17 AM. Lena's number.
*"We need to talk about you and Kieran."*
I rolled onto my stomach, typing one-handed. *"Oh?"*
*"He's not himself lately. You're changing him."*
I laughed aloud in the dark.
*"People change for those they love,"* I sent back. *"Don't worry. Soon you won't have to think about it at all."*
I blocked the number before she could respond.
Outside, the rain continued to fall. I imagined it washing away everything that didn't belong - Lena's influence, Kieran's resistance, all the little pieces of him that weren't yet *mine.*
Soon.
Very soon.