He shouldn't have been bothered about Helen and Orion. She was his cousin, why couldn't he get that through his head. Still watching him kiss her, even if it
was just on the cheek, was painful. It wasn't just that he could kiss her, it was that he could be that close and not have to worry about his families
disappointment. It was unfair. He loved her, so much more than anyone knew. He doubt even she knew how much. She sat down at the seat opposite him and
looked up under her lashes smiling shyly in his direction. Was that because she liked it? He was driving himself crazy thinking about her. He still crept into her
room in the night. Now that she could dream she looked much healthier and he couldn't help staring at her while she dreamed. Though, it was becoming harder
and harder to keep away from her bed. Helen looked beautiful in front of him. It was Christmas and there was something in the air that made her… more. He
couldn't say what it was. He thought back to the present hidden under his bed, he still wasn't sure whether to give it to her. There would definitely be others
that thought it was unreasonable, like Jason. Lucas smiled wearily back at her and joined into the conversation again.
The day had dragged on, full of small talk and happiness. Helen and Lucas were barely near each other, careful not to make anyone worry. But not talking to
Lucas meant she would spend more time with Orion. Eventually they all left or went to bed. Lucas closed the door to his room. He would have to wait a few
hours before he could leave for Helen's.
He climbed through her window. It was always unlocked, a part of him thought maybe she was waiting for him, but he always made sure she slept; he didn't
want to make things worse. She was led in her short Christmas pyjamas, smiling in her sleep. Lucas wondered if she was dreaming of him. He lived for the
nights where he didn't have to pretend to not care. He could think what he wanted when alone with her. Although she never knew he was. Helen looked so
peaceful; the urge to curl up in bed with her was strong. He had fought every night he came but it was Christmas and the merriness was getting to him. The
last bit of restraint faded away when a frown appeared on Helen's face. Lucas wanted to smooth it away. Taking off his shoes he crawled on top of the
covers and held her. Helen's restlessness slipped away and she smiled again, like with just a touch he could make her problems go away. Lucas drifted into a
peaceful sleep.