I mustered up all my courage and crawled into bed, lying close enough to Dean that I could see the book. He looked down at me, smiling, and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. I snuggled up right next to him when he began to read.
I kept my eyes on the page, listening intently as his velvety smooth voice enunciated each word. I wasn't sure how I'd ever learn to read when he was teaching me; he was so distracting. The light danced over his face, revealing barely visible freckles. The candle flickered as the night grew and my eyes began to droop. I willed myself to stay awake. My eyes were strained and my vision began to blur. I knew it would only be a matter of time before I fell asleep.
My mind began to wander, "He's so kind and sweet, so gentle and caring. I'm so lucky to have him as my house guest. His eyes are the most beautiful shade of green, his skin is the perfect complexion, and his..." I began to drift off, "His lips.."
Dean continued to read until he heard a very faint snoring sound. He glanced down to find Elizabeth, head rested on his chest, asleep. He smiled and kissed the top of her head. Dean, careful to not wake her, sat the book down and blew out the candle. He shifted his position ever so slightly and went to sleep.
I awoke the next morning with the sunlight streaming into the room. Blinded by it, I shielded my eyes. As I moved to create a barrier between myself and the sun, I noticed Dean's arm wrapped around my torso and resting on my stomach. Butterflies built up in me as I remembered the previous night. I scolded myself for falling asleep on him, literally. He was actually taking the time to teach me, a girl he hardly knows, to read and I had to go and fall asleep during the lesson!
I rose carefully from the bed and changed out of my nightgown and into my older dress I usually wore when I knew I'd be in the garden or cleaning. I exited my room quietly, leaving a still sleeping Dean in my bed.
"Good morning, Elizabeth. Did you sleep well?" my mother greeted me.
"Yes, mother. Thank you." I replied.
"Good. And I trust you did as Dean asked? You did treat him, correct?" she asked, causing me to blush. She soon came to realize I hadn't treated him, "Well, I expect you have good reason to not! He is fighting for our freedom and you don't treat him?"
"He never asked, or even brought it up." I defended.
"Young lady, you best apologize for your ungrateful mannerisms! And take this with you." she ordered, handing me a tray with Dean's breakfast on it.
I nodded my head and walked back to my room, finding Dean beginning to wake.
"Good morning, sir. I brought your breakfast." I said softly.
"Elizabeth, please, call me Dean," he smiled.
I could feel my cheeks growing hot and the butterflies returning to my stomach. I sat the tray in front of him and he invited me to keep him company.
"Sir- I mean, Dean, I'd like to apologize for my actions last night." I started.
"What's there to apologize for?" he asked, taking a bite of eggs.
"Well, you've taken the time to teach me to read, and I fell asleep in the middle of our lesson. And-" I continued before he cut me off.
"Hush now, reading makes people tired. So, naturally you would fall asleep." he explained.
"Well, thank you for your forgiveness, but I also wish to apologize for my ungrateful mannerisms," I quoted my mother. His eyes grew soft with confusion, "I never.. I, I never expressed my gratitude to you for fighting for our freedom."
"I'm lost. You did express your gratitude, you are right now! You have allowed me to stay with your family, sleep in your bed, and eat your food." he said.
"Well, I didn't, er, treat you." I said, my voice going soft.
"That's what this is about? Elizabeth, I would never ask anything of that sort from you." he said, seeming slightly offended.
"But, aren't you supposed to?" I asked.
"Absolutely not! Some of the other soldiers have different values and view the women they stay with differently. To them, your just here for service. To my father and I, well, we see it as being lucky to even get to reside with a family! We understand that after we leave, the young women, such as yourself, hope to be courted. So, one must take that into account and avoid spoiling the woman's chance at finding a nice suitor." Dean elaborated.
"You are very kind," I said after a moment of silence to let his words sink in. "Your father is, too."
He laughed, "Thank you."
Dean and I continued to converse while he finished his meal. We talked about his family. He told me he had a younger brother, named Sam, and his mother, Mary, awaiting his and his father's return home. I smiled as he told stories of his dad teaching him and his brother to hunt.
After a few extra minutes of talking, a went to remove Dean's tray from his lap. I glanced over at him as I reached for it, stopping midway. His eyes were really shining in the light cast over us by the sun. His face looked so soft, I had to resist the urge to stroke his cheek. His lips, were full and a lovely shade of pink. I could imagine gingerly meeting mine with his.
Every part of me screamed to lean in a kiss him, but I knew better. He, however, must have felt the same feeling, for he gently leaned forward and touched his lips to mine.
A/N: I know I promised to have it up by 11, but my parentals kinda ruined my plan to just sit on the computer and type all afternoon... Sorry it took so long! Check out my profile for images of Dean and please send me an idea of who to portray as Elizabeth! Who do you envision? I would really like to know!