This Never Happened... Lie Detector

It was supposed to be just another late night.

The quiet hum of electronics, the soft glow of monitors, and the easy comfort of two friends and lab coworkers who'd spent the last years side by side pushing deadlines, trading sarcastic remarks, and pretending that whatever this was between them didn't exist.

Stefan adjusted a wire on the sleek device resting on the table, his tall frame hunched slightly as he focused, dark brows furrowed in concentration. The faint stubble along his jaw caught the light when he leaned back, flexing his fingers after hours of fine-tuning. His dark hair was slightly tousled from running his hands through it too many times a habit Dina always noticed.

"The prototype's done," he finally muttered, more to himself than to her. "It's ready."

Across from him, Dina stretched in her chair, petite frame arching like a satisfied cat. She set her coffee down, the sleeves of her tank top slipping just enough to tease bare shoulders. Tight jeans hugged her hips and thighs, her small stature making her look almost delicate until you caught that glint in her blue eyes. Mischief. The kind Stefan had learned to be wary of.

Her fiery red hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, but rebellious strands framed her face, softening the sharp smirk she shot his way.

"About time, professor," she teased, voice laced with playful sarcasm. "Thought we'd be retired before you finished."

Stefan's lips quirked into a subtle smile as he leaned back, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his t-shirt. Dina's eyes lingered for just a second too long but when he looked up, she was already glancing away, feigning interest in her coffee.

"You know," she continued, casually propping her chin in her hand, "most people would celebrate creating something that's gonna make us rich."

"We will." Stefan's voice was calm, deep, with that usual controlled edge. "After we make sure it works."

Dina let out a dramatic sigh, her bare foot nudging his leg under the table a gesture that could've been innocent if it weren't for the way her toes lingered against his calf.

"And here I thought Emily was the buzzkill in your life," she teased, her voice dancing on that line between friendly banter and something more dangerous.

Stefan's gaze flicked to her, sharp but amused. "Emily keeps me grounded."

"Yeah, I bet she does," Dina replied, a hint of something sharper in her tone though she masked it quickly with a grin. "What's she got you doing this weekend? Farmer's market? Wine tasting?"

He chuckled softly. "Dinner with her parents."

Dina winced playfully. "Yikes. Sounds thrilling."

"What about you?" Stefan countered, folding his arms across his chest, the movement making his biceps flex slightly. "Mark still dragging you to those underground fight nights?"

She laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Jealous? He likes a bit of danger."

Stefan raised a brow. "No, he likes showing you off."

Dina's smirk faltered for just a heartbeat, the truth hitting a little too close. She covered it with another sip of coffee, but Stefan noticed. He always noticed.

There was a brief silence comfortable, but heavy with things unsaid. The kind of silence only two people who knew each other too well could share.

Then Dina's eyes lit up again, mischief returning full force.

"Alright, Mr. Grounded," she said, sitting up straighter, her petite frame barely reaching his chest even when she stood. "Let's test your precious machine. But let's make it interesting."

Stefan tilted his head, sensing the shift. "Define interesting."

Dina leaned forward, elbows on the table, the neckline of her tank top gaping just enough to remind him she wasn't wearing a bra. Her blue eyes locked onto his, daring.

"We hook ourselves up," she said, voice dropping just slightly. "Ask each other real questions. No boring technical crap. Let's see how honest we really are."

Stefan's jaw tightened, his logical mind already flashing warning signs. But beneath that, something darker stirred. Curiosity. Desire.

"We're not doing truth or dare with a lie detector," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

"Why not?" Dina challenged, that wicked smile spreading across her lips. "Scared I'll find out all your secrets?"

"Yeah. We hook ourselves up and ask... real questions." Dina's grin was pure trouble the kind that had Stefan questioning his better judgment more times than he cared to admit. She leaned back in her chair, petite frame relaxed, but her blue eyes sparkled with a challenge that made his pulse tick up. "C'mon, what's the point of a lie detector if we don't push it a little? Scared I'll find out what's really going on in that head of yours?"

He hesitated just for a heartbeat. That was always the difference between them. Stefan calculated risks. Dina invited them.

"You don't know when to stop," he muttered, more to himself than to her.

"That's what makes me fun," she shot back, smirking as she stretched her legs out under the table her bare foot sliding up his calf in a move that felt way too casual to be innocent.

Stefan's jaw tensed, but he masked it with a dry smile. "Fine." He reached for the sensors, already regretting it and wanting it anyway. "But we set rules."

Dina rolled her eyes dramatically, red hair swaying with the motion. "Ugh, you're no fun. But sure rules. What do you suggest, professor?"

"Safe word," he said, glancing at her as he unwound the wires. "If things get too personal, we stop."

Her grin deepened, as if she knew exactly where this was going and had no intention of stopping it. "Alright. What's our word?"

Stefan smirked despite himself, shaking his head. "Pineapple."

Dina burst out laughing, the sound light but edged with something sharper like even this was a game she planned on winning. "Cute. Alright, pineapple it is. If things get too real, we bail. Deal?"

He met her gaze, holding it longer than necessary. "Deal."

But they both knew neither of them would say it.

Ten Minutes Later

The soft beep of the machine echoed through the dimly lit room as Stefan fastened the final sensor to Dina's slender wrist. Her pale skin contrasted against the dark strap, the pulse beneath it fluttering just a little faster than normal not that she'd ever admit it.

They sat across from each other now, wires linking them to their own creation. The prototype glowed between them, silent and waiting like it could sense the storm it was about to unleash.

"Ladies first," Stefan said, leaning back in his chair, trying to project confidence while his gut twisted with anticipation.

Dina tapped a finger against her lips, pretending to ponder but the glint in her eye said she already had her question locked and loaded.

"Okay... easy one to warm us up." She tilted her head, red strands falling over her shoulder as she grinned. "Do you think you will try to lie to me about something tonight?"

Stefan's jaw flexed. The answer was automatic. "No."

PING.

The soft pulse of the machine felt louder than it should've been.

Dina's smile widened like a cat catching sight of cornered prey. "Oof. Starting strong."

Stefan cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as if he could shake off the discomfort crawling up his spine. "Alright, your turn," he shot back, his voice steadying. "Do you think you would lie to me too?"

Dina laughed a little too loud, a little too forced. "No."

PING.

"Stefan" Seems like its a tie with a smirk.

Dina said nervously. I guess so. Lets up the stakes then.

"Have you ever compared your Emilly to another girl?"

Stefan's face more serious now. The answer was automatic. "No."

PING.

Dina was now smirking. You lie again hehe. Seems the machine it working better then we thought.

Stefan cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as if he could now feel the discomfort building up. "Alright, your turn now," he shot back, his voice direct. "Have you ever compared your loved ones performance to an ex's performance?"

Dina whispered almost a soft insecure. "No."

PING.

"Stefan" Seems that the PING works really accurate.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, a rosy hue that spread across her pale skin, but she didn't look away. Instead, she bit her bottom lip, that playful glint turning darker.

"Okay, asshole," she murmured, leaning forward on her elbows, cleavage pressing together in a way Stefan couldn't not notice. "Two can play."

She sat back, crossing her arms under her chest, blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"Have you ever checked out another girl while on a date with Emily?"

Stefan's lips parted, a scoff on the tip of his tongue. "No."

PING.

Dina let out a low whistle, shaking her head. "Tsk, tsk. Emily would not be impressed."

Stefan ran a hand over his stubbled jaw, feeling the heat rise in his neck. "We're not counting harmless looks."

"Please," Dina snorted. "Men don't do harmless."

His eyes narrowed. "Have you ever flirted with a guy just to piss Mark off?"

Dina didn't hesitate. "No."

PING.

She laughed, but this time it was softer like she was savoring how quickly the questions were shifting from playful to personal.

"Alright," she purred, her voice dropping an octave. "Let's turn it up a bit."

Stefan swallowed, sensing the shift but too deep in the game to pull back now.

"Do you think about other women when you jerk off?" Dina asked, her tone innocent but her eyes anything but.

Stefan's breath caught for a fraction of a second before he answered. "No."

PING.

Dina's tongue peeked out to wet her lips, clearly enjoying herself now. "Wow, Stefan. You really are just a man after all."

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, voice low. "Getting cocky?"

"Always," she whispered back.

His gaze raked over her red hair, flushed cheeks, petite frame practically vibrating with excitement. She was thriving in this dangerous little game.

"Do you ever imagine fucking someone else when Mark's inside you?" Stefan asked, his voice sharper than intended.

Dina's breath hitched, her bravado flickering but only for a second.

"No."

PING.

The air between them thickened, both of them acutely aware of the heat pooling low in their bodies, of the way their eyes kept drifting lips, neck, the curve of thighs.

They should've stopped.

But curiosity was a drug neither could resist.

"Have you ever thought about what I'm wearing under my clothes?" Dina whispered, tilting her head, daring him to lie.

Stefan's mouth was dry. "No."

PING.

Dina's legs crossed slowly under the table, her chest rising and falling a little quicker now.

Stefan's voice was rough when he spoke next. "Have you ever worn something tighter around me just to see if I'd look?"

Dina's cheeks darkened, but a wicked smile tugged at her lips. "No."

PING.

They both stared at each other then no more pretending it was just a game. The atmosphere had shifted from playful to electric, a current of tension humming between their bodies, daring them to take that next step.

Dina's voice was softer when she spoke again almost reverent.

"Okay... let's stop pretending we're saints."

Stefan's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of those words crashing over him like a wave.

They'd crossed a line without even realizing it and now, there was no going back.

Dina's gaze locked onto his playful, yes, but beneath the surface was something far more dangerous. A dare. A challenge Stefan could feel in the tightening of his chest, in the way the room suddenly felt too small, too hot.

Her voice was soft, but every word hit like a spark to dry kindling.

"Have you ever thought about fucking me?"

For a moment, silence reigned. The hum of the machine filled the space between them, loud in Stefan's ears alongside the pounding of his heartbeat.

His mouth opened, instinct ready to deny ready to laugh it off like every other time they'd skirted too close to that invisible line.

But this wasn't like before.

The glow of the lie detector, the weight of her stare, the heat pooling low in his gut there was no room for lies now. Not even the small, polite ones that kept friendships intact and relationships safe.

"...Yes."

The machine stayed quiet. No beep. No reprieve.

Dina's breath hitched audibly, her chest rising as if the air had suddenly thickened around her. For the first time that night, the mask of playful teasing slipped not completely, but enough for Stefan to see the hunger lurking beneath.

Her blue eyes, wide and shining under the dim light, flicked down for the briefest second toward his mouth, then lower, as if imagining what that truth might look like real.

Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, a nervous habit or maybe anticipation.

She swallowed hard before whispering, "Your turn..."

Stefan didn't hesitate. Not anymore. The dam was cracked and leaking, and he wanted needed to see just how deep this went.

"Have you ever fantasized about me?" His voice was lower now, rougher, like it scraped against something primal on the way out.

Dina's lashes fluttered as she let out a shaky breath, leaning back slightly as if distance might protect her.

"No."

PING.

The sharp beep sliced through the tension like a knife, and Dina visibly flinched not from fear, but from being caught. The flush that bloomed across her pale cheeks spread down her neck, disappearing beneath the thin strap of her tank top.

Her fingers drummed anxiously on the table, the first true sign of nerves all night.

Stefan's lips curved into something darker than a smirk not smug, but knowing. The kind of look a man gives when he realizes he's not alone in his sins.

"...Dina." His voice held weight now, thick with the gravity of where this was headed.

She avoided his gaze, suddenly fascinated by the wires tangled between them. Her legs shifted under the table, crossing tightly as if that would hide the way her body was reacting.

"It's not like that," she murmured, the defensiveness in her voice undercut by how breathless she sounded.

Stefan's eyes narrowed, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees as he closed the space between them without moving an inch.

"...What kind of fantasies?"

It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command one enforced by the silent threat of the machine still pulsing between them.

Dina's throat bobbed as she swallowed, arms crossing under her chest in a weak attempt to shield herself not from Stefan, but from the truth clawing its way out.

"Just stupid stuff," she whispered, almost too quiet to hear.

PING.

Her eyes slammed shut for a moment, teeth sinking into her lower lip as if she could physically hold back the confession.

Stefan's cock started throbbed painfully against his jeans, but he didn't move watching her squirm was almost as intoxicating as hearing her admit it.

"Tell me," he said, his voice a low growl now, thick with arousal and authority.

Dina sat there for a long moment, her fingers tightening around her own arms like she could squeeze the desire out of her system.

But the machine was relentless. It would keep exposing her until there was nothing left to hide.

Finally, with a shaky breath, she let her arms fall to her sides, her shoulders slumping in defeat or acceptance.

"...Sometimes when I watch porn," she began, voice barely above a whisper, "there's this one guy... looks a little like you."

Stefan felt his pulse hammer in his ears, his breathing steady but deep forcing control he was rapidly losing.

Dina's eyes flicked up, meeting his for a split second before darting away again shame and raw arousal battling behind that ocean-blue gaze.

"And I..." she hesitated, her nails digging into the edge of the table, "I watch cheating porn videos. But like roleplay ones."

Her voice cracked slightly, as if saying it aloud made it real in a way it hadn't been before.

"I like the idea of... doing something I'm not supposed to."

The words hung between them like smoke heavy, suffocating, impossible to clear.

Stefan's jaw clenched as he shifted in his seat, the pressure in his jeans becoming unbearable. Every instinct screamed at him to take to close the distance, to drag her onto his lap and make those fantasies reality.

But his voice stayed level barely.

"So..." he began, his dark eyes raking over her flushed face, "...when you watched those videos..."

His tongue wet his lips, savoring the power he now held.

"Did you imagine me fucking you instead of him?"

Dina's lips parted, a soft, breathy sound escaping half denial, half need. Her fingers gripped the table like it was the only thing anchoring her.

"...No "

PING.

The sound was deafening.

Dina's head dropped, red hair falling like a curtain around her face, hiding the expression Stefan knew was equal parts mortification and dripping arousal.

Her thighs pressed together under the table, as if that would do anything to soothe the ache they both knew was there.

Stefan exhaled slowly, leaning back as a dark smile tugged at the corner of his lips there was no going back now.

And neither of them wanted to.

Dina's thighs pressed together instinctively, a subtle movement she wasn't even conscious of until she caught Stefan's gaze drop. The way his dark eyes flicked to her legs, the corner of his mouth twitching like he'd just confirmed everything he needed to know.

Her cheeks burned, but she forced a glare, masking her flustered state with defiance.

Stefan's voice dropped, smooth and dangerous, like a predator savoring the moment before the pounce.

"Are you wet right now?"

Dina scoffed, rolling her eyes even as her pulse spiked. "No."

PING.

The sound was a bullet to her pride.

Stefan stood slowly, the scrape of his chair echoing in the charged silence. He circled the table like a hunter, his tall frame looming over her petite one, every step deliberate controlled.

When he reached her side, Dina's breath hitched. She could feel the heat radiating off him, the tension crackling between them like static. The word pineapple flashed in the back of her mind, but it felt so far away now. Like a joke from a lifetime ago.

Her lips parted, but no protest came when his hand slid between her thighs, fingers pressing firmly against the denim stretched over her core.

The evidence was undeniable her jeans darkened slightly where his fingers pressed, the heat of her arousal soaking through the fabric.

A low, satisfied growl rumbled from Stefan's throat as he leaned down, his breath ghosting over her ear.

"Liar," he whispered, his free hand gripping her jaw, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Dina's resolve shattered under the weight of his touch, her hips betraying her rocking forward, seeking more pressure like she couldn't help herself.

Her heart pounded as her hand shot out, instinctively grabbing at the front of his jeans half to push him away, half to steady herself.

That's when she felt it.

Her fingers froze, the playful retort dying on her tongue as she realized just how hard he was beneath the denim. Thick, straining against the fabric, radiating heat.

Curiosity sparked in her blue eyes, quickly swallowed by something far more dangerous.

"...You're not hard, right?" she asked, her voice breathless but laced with wicked amusement, fingers deliberately brushing along the outline of his cock feeling how it twitched at her touch.

Stefan's smirk was pure sin. "No."

PING.

Dina let out a shaky laugh, but it wasn't mockery it was disbelief. Excitement. The thrill of discovering just how far this game could go.

Her hand didn't leave him. If anything, she pressed firmer, her palm gliding along the impressive length straining against his jeans. She could feel how thick he was, how badly his cock wanted out and the realization sent a fresh wave of heat pooling between her legs.