It was a simple question, one that merely required a simple answer. As with everything else about him, I never predicted he would ask me this. I could feel his gentle eyes stare down at me, his blonde head propped up by one of his strong hands. The hands that could hold you like you weighted nothing, could caress your cheek with a touch softer than silk, or the hands that, when enraged, could tear you to pieces were you not careful enough. It was like playing with fire. Beautiful to behold, but dangerous if you let it catch hold of you.
I was turned away from him, my expression hidden from his knowing eyes. I guess he could already tell what my faced looked like from the way I had started at his question. Since when did he ever become so perceptive? Oh, probably when he learned how to be calm around me. I never knew how nice he looked when his features weren't twisted by rage until things started to change. Come to think of it, even that started with a simple question, one that he proposed to me one rainy day after a long, grueling chase. I realized my snappy answers didn't actually answer the question, so we stared at each other with eyes that were unused to these new sensations. That moment answered more questions I've had about him than I'd ever admit. After that, we weren't quite the same. I slowly stopped taunting him; he slowly stopped chucking things after me.
I absentmindedly gripped one of my arms while my other hand sat near my mouth. Even if he couldn't see my face, my hands told the story. I know what I looked like: vulnerable. My legs were pulled up close to my body, curling me around into an even smaller figure than him. I couldn't hide behind my beloved jacket, my monochromatic outfits or even a cocky smile. My cold gray pullover and shorts exposed my pale skin more than I would normally allow. Earlier I wouldn't have given it thought, but now they served more to further make me appear delicate. Less able.
He shifted and I could feel his breath on my neck. It wasn't intimidating in anyway, though... The way he did it was comforting, almost. His warm breath mimicked the way his body almost wrapped around me protectively. He lay next to me, not too close, but just enough that I could feel his body heat cradle me like a fireplace. A place of home and hearth. A place that I've grown accustomed to be near over the years we've gotten closer.
A small change in his breathing meant he must be worried about my lack of response. Just a little bit. He knows I always over-think things. That must why I was never able to predict him. He was always instinctive and did what his gut told him. It was another thing he did effortlessly while I could never hope to pull it off.
I close my eyes and take a breath. His breathing pauses as he notices. I'm going to respond soon. Our world is silent for a second, and I swear I can hear his heart skip a beat. Or is that mine? The bed doesn't protest when I turn just enough to look him in the eyes. Finally opening my own eyes, I force myself to stare into his chocolate orbs and open my mouth to answer him.
I allow myself to be consumed by his flames.
This was inspired by a picture I found, although I don't know where the original picture is. Anyways, I thought it's about time I submitted something new for you guys. I hope you enjoy~ Please read and review :3