The stairway journey happens way too fast that I finally feel Brahms put me down. I struggle to stand straight as I feel slightly dizzy from him carrying me from a few flights of stairs. When I finally get my shit together, I realize my hand is gripping Brahms' arm. He's a little hairier than I thought.
That weird sensation overcomes my whole body, making my heart pound, once I realize what just happened seconds ago. Brahms carried me all the way down to the first floor. Him carrying me over his shoulder might be the closest we've ever been physically. I shudder mentally at the thought.
"...thanks...I guess." I say and make my way into the kitchen. Thank goodness he didn't bring the wheelchair.
I look around the kitchen, looking for an alternative to cook food on. I spot the microwave and thank the heavens.
I hear steel click behind me. Once I turn around, I see Brahms had just carried the wheelchair downstairs. Perfect. I sigh.
"I really don't need that wheelchair, you know." I say and turn around as I struggle with every move to try to cook us dinner. I glance behind me and watch him watch me try to cook.
After a minute, I glance behind me and see Brahms still standing next to the wheelchair. He's patiently waiting, watching, observing.
"Are you really just gonna stand there and watch?" I ask him, and he does not seem to get the picture. He just nods at me as a response. I click my tongue and slowly turn completely around. "Brahms," I sigh and try not to snap at him, "would you mind helping me with dinner?"
He pauses. Probably thinking about whether he's gonna plop me to the wheelchair or let me cook. I chuckle at the thought. He still hasn't answered me. I approach him and slowly reach out for his arm. Julie, what the hell are you doing?
He allows me to grab his wrist. I slowly look up at him, realizing he's really damn tall. I feel my stomach. Probably just hungry...I mean I'm really tired, too. I need to snap out of this. Say it, Julie. Say it.
"H-here." I manage to speak out as I put the ramen plastic bowl in his hand. I watch him observe the instant ramen. I chuckle again. "I'll teach you how."
Guess this guy must have read all the books in his library, but have not read one about cooking instant noodles.
I make a loud, slurping sound as I drink from my bowl. Brahms sits across me. His cold noodle soup in front of him, untouched. He watches me finish my food. "You should go ahead and eat, too." I say even though I know he won't touch his food unless I'm out of sight.
He stands from his seat and approaches me. I watch him as he unlocks the wheelchair I am sitting on and pulls me out of the dining room.
I look up at Brahms pushing me along the corridor, "Where are you taking me now?"
"Upstairs."
Oh no no no. He is not carrying me again. "You won't carry me, will you?"
"I need to carry you backwards. Safest."
I roll my eyes. "No."
He keeps pushing me towards the stairs. "Stop."
Brahms ignores me, "Brahms. Stop. I don't want you to carry me."
He stops pushing and walks in front of me, "Allow me to help, Julie."
"I am not letting you carry me upstairs."
He gestures to carry me but I move away, "Stop. Didn't you hear what I just said? I don't want you to carry me upstairs. Let me walk."
He moves away from me. I realize I was kinda a little harsh there. I gulp, trying to think about what I just did. I realize I'm biting my lip. Brahms is just looking at me. "I-I can handle this myself. You can help me..." I struggle to pull myself up and finally stand on my feet without wincing, "...with other things."
No way in hell I'm gonna let him carry me. I know for sure I'm heavy. Brahms carrying me all the way up there is just gonna give him trouble. Even though he does seem a little...built. God knows what's underneath that sweater. I shake my head and try to take one step.
I take another step and I completely feel a quick sting on my back. I lean forward a little then start taking another, but after that I just felt every pain in my body. I quickly turn around and force myself downstairs.
"-Julie," Brahms says as I force myself to take one last step downwards,
"No," I say and finally land back on the first floor, "I'm staying downstairs."
"Julie."
"Brahms!" I turn quick to face him with a glare, "I am staying downstairs. Do you understand?"
He stops completely and nods.
"Thank you." I say, unable to look away. He's slumped his shoulders and looked down. Oh no. I didn't hurt him, did I? Brahms slowly steps back, reaches for the wheelchair and pushes next to the couch. He turns around and ascends the stairs, leaving me alone in the living room.