A night unexpected (Aesop Sharp X Reader)

20- Vulnerability

"Sharp!...Sharp!"

You yelled into the empty classroom when you arrived.

"Sharp?"

After a moment of silence you realized he wasn't there. It was evening now, he must be in his chambers, since he had no idea you were stopping by.

When you found your way to his door a part of you stopped before knocking. Were you afraid? Excited? You couldn't tell what you were feeling...but it was time to talk.

You knocked on his door rapidly. "Sharp!"

You heard a shuffling and then the familiar uneven gait. Sharp opened the door with surprise in his eyes- his arm was raised above his head and leaned against the door frame as he balanced himself in front of you. He must have been getting ready for bed, he was only wearing his slacks and a white shirt again but this time half the buttons were undone. You could see his chest...his scars...his skin...slight patches of hair that went from the center and kept going down. 

'Focus. FOCUS.' You thought to yourself.

"Lutea? I-"

"I'm coming in."

You didn't wait for him to answer as you carefully pushed the door to go forward, making sure to not knock him down in the process. He moved swiftly to avoid contact and shut the door behind you.

"What-"

"Tell me. Tell me why you didn't want me to be an Auror. Tell me why you have been so difficult and stubborn with me when all I've been was honest?" You didn't plan this out, there was no plan, so you let your mouth speak whatever felt right.
"Tell me why you keep shutting me out when I think you're opening up to me. Tell me why you sent me those gifts and that letter and-"

"I love you."

You froze. Your entire being felt like he casted Glacius as you stood there. Your heart stopped and you weren't sure you were breathing anymore.

"I love you...earnestly. With all of my being. Despite my better judgement, despite my age, despite the insecurities I have within myself. I love you. I love you so much it hurts. I love you so much that I can not continue without you by my side."

The earth stood still for you. All you could do was stare at him as he continued.

"You must know...surely you must know that all I do now is for you...Although I am an insufferable fool, my entire being is for you. You have been too generous to tolerate me."

Your feet seemed glued to the ground as he walked towards you, his face full of sincerity, his voice soft and calm like the waters of the lakes at night.

"A part of me did not want you to become an Auror because...because I can not lose you. Not just by violence...but by your own accord. You know what you want...and you want me. That terrifies me because...because you do not need me. But I need you. Whole heartedly. I need you."

The words echoed within you as he said them.

I need you.

He raised his arm slightly, as if to test your response, when you did not step back his hand found your face and his thumb rubbed your cheek. You could feel the callouses on his fingers but he himself was so gentle as he looked into your eyes.

"I'm sorry. For everything. If you...if you still want me...or if you have had enough...please let me know. I will do as you wish. You have me. All of me. Until I die."

You finally took a breath as he finished. Your heart was pounding and you felt like he took all the air out of you. You had no words, so instead, you kissed him.