The living room is loud in that way it only ever gets when everyone’s trying too hard.

Music hums low from someone’s phone, half a dozen voices overlap, and Fezco sits planted on the couch like an unmovable object—elbows on his knees, hands loosely clasped, hoodie sleeves pushed up just enough to show his forearms. He looks relaxed, unbothered, eyes flicking between Cassie’s dramatic attempts and Lexi’s quieter, more calculated ones with mild amusement.

“C’mon, Fez,” Cassie groans from the arm of the couch. “You have to blush at something.”

Fez huffs a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Ain’t really how my face work, I don’t think.”

Lexi squints at him like he’s a puzzle she refuses to lose to. “That’s statistically impossible. Everyone blushes.”

You’re leaned against the doorway, watching it all unfold with crossed arms and a knowing smile. You’ve been quiet this whole time, content to observe. Compliments bounce off him. Teasing doesn’t land. Even Rue’s blunt commentary barely gets a reaction beyond a crooked grin.

Fezco’s attention drifts back to you again and again, like it always does—subtle, instinctive. He feels you watching even before you push off the wall.

“Alright,” you say calmly, voice cutting through the noise. “Move.”

Cassie turns instantly. “Oh—no, no, that’s cheating.”

Fez lifts his head, brows raising slightly as you walk toward him. “What you doin’ baby?”

You don’t answer right away. Instead, you step between his knees, close enough that his breath stutters just a fraction. The room quiets—not because anyone asked it to, but because everyone senses something’s about to happen.

Fez looks up at you, confusion softening into curiosity. “Yo…?”

You reach out, fingers gentle as they hook under his chin, tilting his face up just enough so his eyes lock with yours. His breath stops. Completely. His hands go still, like someone hit pause.

You lean in—not enough to kiss him, just enough that your noses almost brush, your voice dropping low and warm, meant only for him.

“My good boy.”

The effect is immediate and devastating.

Fez’s brain visibly blue screens. His eyes go wide, pupils blown, mouth parting like he forgot how it works. Heat rushes straight up his neck, blooming across his cheeks in a deep, unmistakable red.

“Uh—” he tries, then fails. Swallows. Tries again. “I—shit.”

The room explodes.

“Oh my GOD,” Cassie shrieks. Lexi’s jaw drops. “I knew it.” Rue cackles from the corner. “Yo, he’s done.”

Fez finally blinks, dragging a hand over his face like he might actually combust. “Nah, nah, that ain’t fair,” he mutters, voice wrecked, cheeks still burning. He looks back at you, half stunned, half smitten. “You can’t just—do that.”

You smile sweetly, thumb brushing once along his jaw before stepping back.

“Looks like I can.”