When Amy woke the next morning, she jumped out of her skin. Michael was lay facing her just inches away, wide awake. His eyes lit up seeing she was awake as she closed her eyes and tried to compose herself.
"Jesus fuck Michael!" she spluttered, a hand going over her rapidly beating heart. How long had he just been right there staring at her sleeping? His bright smile calmed her nerves though, all boyish and sweet. She couldn't stay mad at him for long.
"Sorry. You're just so pretty when you sleep," he admitted shyly as his cheeks flushed pink. Why did he have to be so damn cute?
"Are you saying I'm not pretty when I'm awake?" she asked with a wry smile. His eyes widened then looking panicked.
"What? No! You're pretty all the time! I just meant that-" he started, looking so horrified with himself. She burst out laughing and he shut up, looking at her confused.
"I'm kidding. Stop being so cute. It's too early for this shit," she snorted. She snuggled into his chest and he beamed a smile as he willingly wrapped his arms around her, fingers stroking the skin of her shoulder blades.
It was nice to lay here with him like this. She'd missed sharing a bed with him. Once again, she felt liberated. Being able to just be with him and damn the consequences. She cared about him. She had finally admitted it. Maybe she would never be capable of love but he was happy to just take her as she was, and that made her happy. She glanced to the clock and heaved a sigh. It was ironic. Once upon a time the boy was concerned with breakfast and how she never ate it. Now he opted for forgoing breakfast to just to spend more time with her. Maybe she was a bad influence.
"I gotta get up, I have history," she said softly. He moved away to look at her and frowned.
"But we don't have classes today," he muttered confused. She sat up and rolled her shoulders a little and he sat up too.
"I know but Myrtles giving me a private history lesson. I've still got shit to catch up on," she gave him a little smile but she knew what was coming.
"Can I come?" he asked with his shiny hopeful eyes.
"I think… maybe you should just stay here. Maybe talk to people. You know, make friends?" she suggested hesitantly. He scrunched his face up like she just asked him to lick a toilet.
"Friends? But I have you," he said quietly. It made her heart squeeze. Why did he have to be so fucking sweet? She could barely handle it.
She heaved a sigh and she shifted to face him more, taking his hand in hers.
"Look, if we're doing… this, then we need to do it right. We can't just keep locking ourselves away. We need to interact with people. Still have lives. It's not healthy like this," she looked at him imploringly, hoping he wouldn't argue. It was hard enough admitting how she felt and going along with this, but she didn't want to fuck it up yet again. She knew what they had been doing was going to lead them down a path of destruction. It would only become toxic if they cased themselves in a bubble and isolated themselves. He watched her for a long while and she stayed silent, watching as he processed her words. She could tell he didn't like it but she hoped he would understand.
"I guess," he muttered petulantly. She felt relief sweep through her that there were no waterworks or tantrums this time. She just wanted this whole thing to feel somewhat normal. Not like she was shacking up with the Antichrist who had serious attachment issues.
"Maybe you should go and spend some time with Mallory and Coco?" she suggested softly as her thumb stroked his palm. His eyes were drawn to the movement and he nibbled his lip.
"Without you? Won't that be… weird?" he asked dryly. She snorted and shook her head.
"They're your friends too Michael. Just hang out with them, I think you'll be just fine," she grinned. He looked at her warily but gave her a little smile and it warmed her heart.
She got up, getting dressed, very aware of his blue eyes watching her every movement. It was so strange now, to know how things had changed between them. That they were a thing. Whatever the fuck that meant. She felt like a weight had been lifted now. He got dressed too and after she put her hair up, he walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She smiled up at him and all he could do was look down at her adoringly.
"You're glowing," he murmured with a smile. She blushed and ducked her head shyly and his smile widened.
"I feel… happy," she admitted, glancing up at him through her lashes. The look on his face made her heart beat wildly and it was so easy for her to see in that moment just how she had ended up handing him her heart. He was breathtaking. He leant down, brushing her lips with a sweet tender kiss and she relished in the feeling. The feeling of being cared about. Of feeling like she meant something.
He pulled away, smiling at her before he stepped back. He wanted so badly to tell her he loved her again but he didn't want to push it on her. As much as he felt good that they were doing this, part of him felt like they were walking on eggshells. His father whispering in his ear to take things slow with her so she wouldn't spook. It was strange really. After his father had been tormenting his dreams and enticing his darkness out of him, now he was helping him. He almost laughed at how comical the whole thing was. Like the father was giving his son dating advice. He wondered if seeing Mallory would actually be a good idea. He had no idea what the fuck he was doing and he needed to speak to someone. And who better than the girl who knew Amy the best?
They left their room and walked down the hall together. Michael's hand twitched by his side with the familiar urge to take her hand in his, and in a moment of boldness, he reached over and took it. He looked at her warily, wondering if she would yank it away from him. They'd never actually held hands before even though he'd wanted to over a million times. He knew she wouldn't have allowed it. Despite how innocent it was, it felt oddly intimate. She glanced at him, a light blush colouring her cheeks and she smiled shyly, entwining her fingers with his. It made his heart skip a beat and he smiled to himself as they walked hand in hand. It was funny. They'd done so many sinful things together and were able to remain friends. Tease each other into a frenzy and then the next day act like nothing happened. But now feelings were acknowledged and added into the mix, she seemed shy about it all. Like they were experiencing it all new for the first time. He walked her to the stairs and let her hand go feeling slightly anxious. He hated being away from her but he did see her point. Things up until now had been hard and fast with them and it hadn't worked out so well. He understood why she felt the need to force him to speak to other people. He didn't like it much though.
He was broken out of his thoughts when she surprised him by leaning up and placing a sweet kiss on his cheek. He blushed like a girl as his shiny blue eyes stared at her adoringly and she smiled at him.
"I'll come find you when I'm done," she said softly. He nodded, watching her turn and walk down the stairs. After a moment of just standing there like an idiot, in a daze from a simple kiss on the cheek, he turned and walked to Coco and Mallory's room. He knocked firmly, partly hoping no one would be in there. But much to his dismay, the door opened. Mallory smiled brightly at him and glanced to either side of him, looking somewhat confused when she realised he was alone.
"Wheres Amy?" she asked softly.
"She's having a private history lesson," he said shyly, his fingers toying with his hoodie. He felt so fucking awkward.
"Do you wanna come in?" she asked, looking almost shocked that he was here without Amy. He nodded and walked in after her, shutting the door behind him. He was relieved to see Coco wasn't here, she was nice enough but sometimes she was too much.
"I'm surprised you're here without Amy. You two are attached at the hip," Mallory smirked teasingly at him. He felt his face flush as he placed himself on the chair by the vanity.
"She said I needed to talk to other people. Make friends," he shrugged. He'd spent a lot of time with Mallory but it was always with Amy around as a buffer. Now with just the two of them, he felt awkward as hell.
"I wanted to ask you for advice," he blurted after a moment of uncomfortable silence. Her eyes widened as she sat back on her bed.
"Sure, what is it?" she smiled warmly at him.
"I just… I wanted to do something, for Amy. Take her out or… I don't know," he mumbled, cheeks pink as he picked at his nails. Mallory's brows rose as he looked at him.
"Like a… date?" she asked carefully. His leg was bouncing anxiously as he glanced at her and nodded. Mallory was silent for a moment and it was making his anxiety claw at him. He felt like he wanted to flee from the room and hide in his bed, waiting for Amy to return.
"Michael… I know you like her but… you know she doesn't do relationships right?" Mallory asked hesitantly. When he looked at her, she looked awkward and uncomfortable.
"I know but we talked last night. We're going to try," he said firmly. He was well aware that Mallory didn't know this and he admired her really for making sure she stood up for her friend. Mallory's face broke out into a smile and it confused him. She looked so happy.
"Really?" she asked excitedly.
It made him relax a little but his brow furrowed in confusion. He nodded and chewed his lip.
"I'm really happy for you guys. I knew she liked you but she had a hard time admitting it. I'm stoked you guys are trying it out," she beamed. Michael couldn't help the dopey grin that graced his face. Like he had the blessing of the best friend. He didn't realise he actually cared what the girl thought of it all.
"So first off, I really think you should take it slow with her. I know things have been a little… messy with you two. But this is new to her. She's never done a relationship before. You don't want her to feel like she's being smothered because she will bolt," Mallory said seriously as she sat forward a little. Michael nodded, eyes fixated on her. He wanted this advice, he needed to know how to keep her because he was clueless. Smothered. That's why she wanted them to still have lives and talk to other people. He had been suffocating her with his neediness. He felt a pang of panic run through him.
"I think she'd like a date, but something super casual, you know? You guys watch movies together all the time, why don't you take her to the movies theatre?" she suggested.
Michael's eyes lit up a little. He'd never actually been to a movie theatre before and the idea excited him. There was so much of life he missed out on due to his random age progressions and being sheltered from the real world. He wanted to share this with Amy. Mallory saw how he looked eager and grinned, deciding to continue.
"I know she's a little… commitment-phobic, but deep down she's a hopeless romantic. She's always wanted someone to come and sweep her off her feet. Things like flowers, little gifts, just nice things to show you care," she said. Michael was taking mental notes, part of him wished he brought a damn notebook. Mallory was actually really good at giving advice.
"Maybe run her a bath some time. Candles and bubbles. She loves baths," Mallory mused, just listing all the things off she knew her friend would like. She wanted this to work for them. Michael blanched a little. She hadn't had a bath in so long because he would be upset about her being away from him. She started to take quick showers instead. Yet another thing he had been depriving her of. The guilt was starting to bloom in his chest. He loved her yet he was making her sad.
"Maybe you could use some of your fancy magic to put on a show for her. I know she loves watching you do that shit," Mallory smirked. Michaels chest puffed with pride for a moment. His mind full of memories of them in their room whilst he did things that made her look at him in awe. He relished in those moments. It always made him feel good.
He stayed in Mallory's room for a little while, soaking up every bit of advice she had for him. She seemed to take pity on him over the fact he really had no clue on what he was doing. And once he left, he felt a little bit better about trying to make this work. He wanted this to work. There was no other option. But he worried about Amy and her fears about this kind of thing. He was scared she'd just run off into the night and never come back if he pushed too hard. He went back to their room and waited for her, sitting on her bed as he thought about his plans for the day with her. His thumb came up to his left wrist as he stroked the heart tattoo absentmindedly. He did that a lot without even realising he was doing it. It soothed him.
After about an hour and a half, the bedroom door opened and he turned his bright eyes to Amy. She gave him a smile and it made his black heart squeeze painfully in his chest. All he could do was grin at her like the lovesick fool he was.
"Enjoy your lesson?" he asked softly. He knew she loved history with Myrtle. He wasn't that into it, mainly because he wasn't actually a witch so it didn't really appeal to him. But he knew just how much she loved the subject, and in turn, that made him love it.
"I did, I filled another notebook up," she snorted as she tossed the notebook onto her dresser. He stood up and walked over to her, eyes shining with nothing but adoration for her as he approached her. She smiled up at him looking radiant as ever as he leant down and kissed her sweet lips. She melted into him, fisting his shirt as their tongues slowly tangled together. Kissing her was one of the best things he'd ever experienced. He didn't know what he'd do if he couldn't taste her.
When he pulled away, he flashed her a boyish grin. His cheeks slightly flushed as his heart thumped erratically in his chest. She always had that effect on him. All he could do was stare at her and she blinked up at him. Since they decided to do this, her hesitance about doing things she normally refused had melted away and it made him so fucking happy. She wasn't denying him anything now.
"What shall we do today?" she asked after a minute of them just admiring each other. He licked his lower lip, feeling his stomach tighten with anxiety. He took a tiny step back as he toyed with his fingers in front of him.
"I was thinking we could watch a movie," he suggested softly. His voice much meeker than he wanted. He felt like such a small boy around her sometimes. He wondered why his darkness couldn't come and at least balance him out a little so he didn't sound so inexperienced.
"Okay, what do you wanna watch? I'll see if I can find it," she smiled as she walked over to her laptop.
"No!" he called out, making her still and turn around. She quirked a curious brow at him as his cheeks flushed. He was already making an ass of himself. Could he just curl up in a ball and hide for a bit?
"I- I meant… see a movie… at the movie theatre," he said carefully. Eyes wide as he looked at her, terrified of rejection. She blinked at him and he could almost taste it in the air. She looked tense, more anxious than he was. He knew this was dangerous territory and he had to navigate it very carefully.
"You mean… a… date?" she asked warily, staring at him. He nodded, the movement jerky. The pair of them were ridiculous.
"That's what people do right? When they're… together?" he asked softly. Eyes looking at her imploringly. The word together hung in the air like he expected it to make her bolt and dive out of the window. With the way her body tensed, he figured that might be just what happened.
There was a tense moment of silence as he stared at her, a weight in his stomach getting heavier by the second. Suddenly her cheeks flushed and she looked shy. He watched her curiously.
"I've never been on a date before," she admitted in a whisper. He figured as much since she'd never had a relationship. But it still confused the crap out of him how she was so new to this with how beautiful she was. She should have had men lining up around the block to date her. She was worth more than just sex.
"Me neither," he gave her a cheeky grin, eyes twinkling as he tried to ease the heavy tension from the room. Her wary face broke out into a shy smile then and his stomach flip-flopped on him as his eager eyes bore into her.
"I'd like that," she said, her smile widening as she seemed to let the situation sink into her brain. He felt the relief flood his body, knowing he managed to ask her on a date and she hadn't ran a mile screaming. This was a good sign. He was grateful for Mallory warning him to be cautious and slow so she didn't spook.
There was something about how innocent she looked in all this. Her long lashes fluttering and her pink cheeks. How new this was to her. It stirred the beast inside of him. Seizing the moment of taking advantage of the pretty young girl in front of him. She looked so pure in that moment even though in reality she was far from that. The beast wanted to corrupt her.
"What do you wanna do until then?" she asked, breaking him from his filthy thoughts.
"Can I watch you sketch in the garden?" he asked shyly. His own words shocked him considering his train of thought but he didn't question it. She beamed a smile at him and nodded as she padded over to her sketchbook and set of pencils. She scooped them up and they made their way downstairs and outside.
They sat under a tree for hours as Amy finished her shading of a picture of Mallory. Michael was always in awe of how talented she was, watching every calculated swipe of her pencil or smudge of her finger. Around lunch, Mallory and Coco joined them with some sandwiches for them all. He was getting used to having friends, being around a small group of people. It was actually nice. Amy, Mallory and Coco were good to him and they never expected anything in return. It was a feeling he wasn't sure he'd get used to. The four of them stayed out there for a while and Michael was happy to just sit there and listen to the girls talk. He'd sit as close as he could to Amy and sometimes lay his head on her shoulder, seeking out her warmth and sweet scent. Then at dinner, they all made their way inside. Amy had mentioned to him they should eat before they went out and he went along with it. He'd do anything she asked of him.
As they entered the dining room, Amy was well aware of the looks Jessica and her sister were throwing their way. Since she had been locking herself away with Michael, the only time she saw the girls were at dinner or in class. But even then she was so wrapped up in Michael she couldn't bring herself to care when they would glare at her. It made her feel smug. She hated Jessica but she was pretty in the conventional sense. It made her feel good that despite her offering herself up on a plate to Michael, he had no desire for her whatsoever. After she finished her food, she whispered to Michael that she needed to get ready for them to go out. He nodded, watching her go with a grin on his face. He felt eyes on him and when he looked, Mallory was giving him a knowing smile and he felt his cheeks get hot. He still smiled though. Maybe this thing would work after all.