You look at the clock, only an hour left until Benedict arrives. You've been frantically cleaning your flat all day, and now you just needed to clean yourself up. You grab a quick shower and try on about five different outfits before you decide on a bright tank, a pair of black leggings, and, of course, Benedict's jacket that he gave you. You take one last look in the mirror, decide to blow dry your hair, throw it up into a ponytail, and put on a little makeup, then smile.
This is the first time Benedict has come over to spend a night in with you, and you can barely contain your excitement. You were supposed to be doubling with Martin and Amanda tonight, but the storm that rolled in today put a major damper on your plans; so, here you were, getting dressed for your night in.
You were rearranging the throw pillows on the sofa for the sixth time, when the anticipated buzzing finally rang through the speaker by the door. You sprint to the speaker and buzz him in, then wait by the door, trying desperately to catch your breath. His rhythmic knock on the door sets your heart into hyperspeed, and you can't stop the radiating glow coming from your face as you open the door. "Hey," you blush as he kisses you on the cheek and walks in carrying a drink tray. You close the door and he sets the drinks on the coffee table. "So we have a couple of mov-" You turn around to walk towards the sofa, but are unable to finish your sentence before you find your lips locked with his and his hands on your hips holding you against his warm body.
He pulls away gently, hands still on your hips, and whispers, "Hello beautiful." You chuckle involuntarily, amused by his spontaneous greeting. Wrapping his arm around your waist, he guides you over to the sofa, sitting down beside you, and handing you a warm cup labeled AC. "I hope you like it, you did say apple cider right?"
You smile at his child-like need to please you, and take a sip. "It's wonderful! Did you add an extra shot of carmel, as well?"
His eyes light up at your attention to detail, "I'm glad you noticed."
You set your drink down and walk over to the movie cabinet, and pull out the few movies you had chosen earlier that morning: Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice, and Moulin Rouge. Setting them on top of the cabinet, you turn to him to have him take a look inside, but he already has Moulin Rouge in his hands, and was opening the case. "I've always loved a good musical, and this one is definitely one of my favorites." Your heart flutters at his declaration of admiration toward your favorite movie as you slip it into the dvd player, and return to your seat beside Benedict. As the movie begins, he takes the blanket from the back of the sofa, and wraps it around the both of you, pulling you down to lay beside him.
As the movie begins, you faintly hear him humming right above your ear, and your breathing comes to an abrupt stop. Realizing your reaction, he clears his throat to cover his humming. Turning your head, you give him a sad grimace, "Why'd you stop?"
He forces a grin onto his lips, "I'm sure you don't want to hear me singing. It's not very pleasant."
You're practically glaring at him now, as you turn all the way over to face him. "Why would you say that about yourself?"
"Because it's true," his gaze drops from your eyes and away from your face. He almost looks to be in pain at the mere idea of singing in front of you.
You change your position until you're looking straight into his eyes, "If you're not a talented singer, then, I'm not a talented actress."
"But-"
"Nope. I don't want to hear it. Besides, even if you don't believe you're talented, what makes you think I would judge you?"
"I just don't want to disappoint you." He's staring into your eyes now, and a small smile forms across your lips.
You lean in and caress his lips gently with your's. "You're going to have to do a lot worse than sing unpleasantly to do that." You wink at him, and he grins back at you. "Now, back to the movie," you declare as you roll back over and snuggle into him.
The next ninety minutes, or so, are spent singing and humming along to the songs, and cuddling. Benedict's arms are always around you, hugging you closer to him every minute, until you are fully engulfed in his warmth and strength. You feel his fingers tracing the curvature of your arms and neck, and slowly drift off into a light slumber in his arms...
The next morning, Benedict's soft whispers coax you back into reality. "and the freckles on your nose. And I love the crinkles next to your eyes when you laugh, and-" You interrupt him with a muted laugh.
"How long have you been going on like that?" You smile as you blink your eyes open to realize you're facing him with your face burrowed into his chest. You turn your face up to look at him, and see him smirking down at you, his cheeks a light pink.
"Oh, just a small while," you both laugh, and his lips tenderly brush the top of your head. "Good morning, by the way," he says with a laugh.