Hi,
I hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy Chapter 27!
Always and Forever,
Ari.
Warnings for all chapters: Mentions of anxiety, parental arguing, silent treatment, bullying, emotional abuse, discussion of death, implied sexual relationships, unwanted touching, sexual assault, suicide attempt using a medication, suicidal ideation, manipulation, panic attack, abandonment, stress, abandonment.
Disclaimer: I only own my OCs and parts of the plot you do not recognize from the Twilight Saga.
Chapter 27: We Are Real
"When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable."
― Jess C. Scott, The Intern
3:53 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington
Death is not the end.
Or so I was told multiple times when my dad died. I could still feel the people's cool hands grasping mine after they buried him. I couldn't recall the faces or the voices, but I could remember the words and various hands that reached for mine. For me, his death felt like the end, like nothing would ever get better, and the once bright paints were now dull and lifeless.
Life didn't feel as hard or as dull as it once did. Not when I realized that I had myself and others who I loved. Yet, as I listened to Sue's wails and the howls of the boys surrounding us, I felt like the world had turned dark again, and I could feel a small semblance of her pain at losing a loved one. She lost the love of her life, and my heart was breaking for her. I never wanted to know that pain.
I kneeled behind her on the gravel, ignoring the sharp rocks digging into my knees as I wrapped my arms around her shaking shoulders as her world broke. I tried to keep my sorrow buried deep, to be strong for her like she often did for me. After a while, Sue's wails died to soft cries as she grabbed my arms tightly like I was a lifeline holding her here. Embry came rushing out of the woods, looking at me, questioning if he was okay to come forward. I nodded, whispering, "Sue, Embry is here. I think he has news."
Embry kneeled beside us, reaching out to set his hand on her knees. His eyes were sad, and I knew he could feel Seth and Leah's pain as if it were his own. "My heart aches for you." Sue set her hand over his, tears streaming down her face. "We are taking care of them and hopeful they will change back soon. I will keep you updated."
Sue squeezed his hand, her sniffles producing more tears. "The boys are taking good care of them," I tried to reassure her as I squeezed her tighter.
"He's gone... He's gone. My love." More tears cascaded down her cheeks, and her breathing came out quick. She was spiraling, and I didn't know what to do besides try and hold her together.
"Physically, he may not be with us-" My panicked eyes shot to Embry, and he kept his gaze on her, "But you can feel him everywhere, especially when the wind blows, the sun shines, and the rain touches your skin. They are reminders that all those who passed on are with us."
I felt the first drop of cool rain against my skin and the cool breeze the rain brought. "Close your eyes," I murmured, and Sue closed them, her breathing still rough as she laid her head on my shoulder. "Do you feel him?" The wind blew against her face, brushing her hair away. The drizzle from the rain mixed with her tears, taking care to carry them away. Sue let go of Embry's hand, drawing her hand back to hold my arm again. I nodded to him, and he stood jogging back to the forest. I rocked her back and forth, letting the drizzle and breeze comfort her. I heard the tires on the gravel, and Emily pulled up in her pickup. Sue kept her eyes closed, continuing to be rocked. Emily held up an umbrella, and I shook my head. Emily set it back on the truck and walked toward us. She kneeled beside Sue, putting her hand on Sue's knees, taking my hand, and squeezing it. I squeezed hers back, hoping that Paul was able to calm Jay.
5:33 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington
I dried Sue's hair, gently rubbing the fluffy towel on her scalp. "I'm sorry." I looked at her through the mirror, noticing her eyes downcast. I understood how she felt, and I felt my throat close up. The woman I looked up to was reduced to feeling like a burden.
I set the towel down, wrapping my arms around her shoulders, "You have nothing to apologize for. It's okay to give yourself permission to grieve, to feel." I squeezed her tightly, trying to let all of my energy go to her. "Don't shut the grief in; it will tear you apart."
She rubbed my arms and met my eyes through the mirror, "The kids?"
"Nothing new yet," I squeezed her one last time, grabbing her brush. "I'll go check in a minute," I started brushing her hair. Emily knocked on the door, "come in."
Emily poked her head into the room, "Embry is here with an update." Sue took a deep breath, "Should I send him in?" I nodded, continuing to brush her hair. Emily opened the door, and I could smell the pancakes and bacon.
Embry knocked on the door, and Sue beckoned him in. "Seth changed back a few minutes ago, and he's staying with Leah." Sue nodded, moving to stand. "Thank you," She moved toward him, pulling him into a quick hug. Embry hugged her back, waiting until she pulled back. "Let them know I'm here when they are ready." Embry squeezed her arms, nodding, glancing at me. "I need a few moments alone."
"Of course," I set her brush down, moving towards the others. "We will be out here," I put my hand on the doorknob, closing it with a soft click. I trailed after Embry, grabbing my coat and following him outside as Emily made her way back into the kitchen. "Everyone with them?"
Embry nodded, stopping at the bottom of the porch steps, the breeze not affecting him. "Leah is struggling with everything, and I guess it doesn't help with knowing about Sam and Emily." I walked down, rubbing his arm, knowing he had a front-row seat to the whole situation. "Seth's trying to be supportive, but his thoughts keep straying to being nervous about how Jay reacted."
I let out a heavy sigh, tipping my head back. My poor brother freaked when Seth turned into a fluff ball. I hoped Paul was having better luck being able to talk with him. "He's going to be so pissed at himself, especially with how he screamed and ran." Embry straightened when Sam came out of the woods, and he headed straight for us, and I felt a little intimidated. He looked upset, and I suppose I would be too if my ex was suddenly a part of my pack and I had to share all my thoughts; then I had a kid freak out and run away with the secret he wasn't supposed to know.
"The most important thing is if he can keep our secret," Sam's deep voice caused me to straighten up. I suddenly felt like I needed to protect him and tried to keep my face blank. I didn't like the hardness of his voice, and I was nervous about what he would do if he believed Jay wouldn't keep the secret.
"Of course, he can," A female voice bit out, and I straightened, peering around him and seeing Seth and Leah. The knot I didn't know I had was loosened in my stomach when I saw their tired faces. They were both pressed next to each other with their separate blankets. "Where is mom?" Leah stared at me, and I took them in, seeing the twigs and leaves in their hair.
"Inside," I said, moving around Sam when I noticed Seth's downcast eyes.
Sam set his hand on my shoulder as I passed. I paused, staring at him, "They are still new. You must be careful; any signs of strong emotions put space between yourself and them."
"I will." I glanced at Leah, silently asking to move forward, "She's in her room." Leah nodded, gesturing to Seth, and I moved forward, holding my arms out for Seth. Seth sank his weight into my arms, tucking his face into my neck, and I faltered slightly at how heavy and taller he was. He had to lean down to rest against me. It was odd since I was slightly taller than him just a few days ago. "I got you, little one," I murmured, wrapping my arms around him tightly. Leah looked at me, and I could see the unshed tears in her deep brown eyes. Her gaze flickered to the house and back to Seth. "Let's get you inside and cleaned up," I whispered, feeling his nod.
Sam moved out of my peripheral vision, and Leah bristled, glaring at him. Someone stepped beside me, and I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. I glanced at Jared, and his eyes stayed on Leah. "Remain calm." Sam's authority was chilling; I felt Seth tense and move to glance at Leah. Her jaw tightened, and Embry came to stand beside me. "Remember what I said."
Leah adverted her eyes, and I hated that she was forced into this. I stared at Sam; even though his voice was firm, he looked pained when he looked at her. "I can stay with them." Embry piped up, and he moved towards Leah. He held his hand out, and Leah nodded stiffly, giving him permission. Embry gently put his arm around Leah and started guiding her toward the house. I felt something wet on my neck, and I peered down, seeing the tears leak out of his eyes. I wiped his eyes, ushering him after Leah and Embry. I could faintly hear Embry's soothing voice as he guided Leah up the steps.
"Rys," I glanced at Jared, and he gestured to the stairs, and his arms reached out to help if needed.
"Think you and I can make it up, or do we want Jared's help," I asked Seth softly, rubbing his shoulder, letting him choose.
"You and I," Seth said quietly, gripping my coat tightly. "Jay?"
As Seth and I slowly walked to the stairs, I waved off Jared. "He should be at home. I wouldn't worry, Seth," Seth gripped my jacket as we took the stairs one by one. "Doing good, Seth, one at a time." He breathed hard, and I held onto him as tight as possible.
"He seemed really scared. I didn't mean to," Seth took a deep breath at the last step. I rubbed his back, congratulating him for making it. "They said after a few days, I should be okay, and it won't hurt as much."
"I know, sweetheart. He knows that, too," I reassured, hoping that Jay wouldn't be scared. "I hope you are not in too much pain," I said, opening the door and seeing Sue and Leah hug. Sue whimpered, seeing Seth as she held Leah tightly. She opened her other arm to him, and Seth moved quickly to her side, embracing her tightly. I shut the door, standing next to Embry, trying my best to keep my sadness at bay. The three broke apart, and Leah narrowed her gaze at Emily in the kitchen. Sue kept her arms tightly around Leah and Seth, "Leah, Seth, are you hungry?"
Seth's stomach rumbled on cue, and I moved to the kitchen, taking care to place myself between Leah and Emily. I knew they could change in the blink of a second, and the last thing we needed was more carnage. "Let's get you guys cleaned up first." Sue started guiding them down the hall. "Rys will make your plates."
I nodded, moving around the kitchen and hearing their respective doors shut. "I should go," Emily murmured, "I know it must be hard."
I knew it would be for the best, and all the hurt wasn't in their control. I put my hand on Emily's shoulder, letting her know I understood. "Thank you for all of this and for being here."
Emily smiled, squeezing my hand. "See you soon."
8:33 p.m. Clearwater House, La Push, Washington
I sat beside Seth, watching him inhale the food. Embry was pacing back and forth, listening to Sue and Leah's serious discussion in her room. "I need you to cut my hair." I glanced at Seth, seeing his wet armpit-length hair. It was beautiful, and I felt my eyes water at it. He needed to do it for his dad. I nodded, blinking rapidly to clear the tears. I stared at him, and I realized how older he looked. The traces of his baby face were starting to sharpen.
"Are you still hungry," I asked when his plate cleared. He nodded, eyeing his mom and sister, seemly to get more frustrated as the conversation continued. I rested my hand on his face, stroking his cheek, noticing his temperature had increased. I wished I could take the burden from him.
I stood up, gathering more eggs, bacon and pancakes for him. "Do you remember that day in the car? Jay asked me if I believed the legends were metaphors." I hummed, setting the full plate in front of him. "I was right, and you were wrong," Seth grinned, and I couldn't help but grin back. The voices grew louder, and I tugged his hair to distract him. The door slammed, and Embry cursed.
Seth paused, eating, getting ready to stand up. I set my hand on his shoulder, hoping to keep him eating and calm. Embry glanced at Seth, then the door, and I could see the panic on his face. "Go Embry, I've got it here. Seth will stay calm and not turn into a fluff ball, right?"
"Right," Seth stuffed more food in his mouth, and I immediately felt for Sue. The food bill was going to be higher.
Embry hesitated, "I'll call Paul. We are going to be okay." Embry nodded, rushing out the door. Seth stood up suddenly and rushed to the bathroom, and I darted after him, pulling his hair back as he emptied his stomach. The door banged, and Sue stared down at Seth. "We need to call one of the guys." I rubbed Seth's back, listening to him crying as he threw up. His skin was burning up. Sue kneeled next to us, wiping his mouth, humming a lullaby. Sue took his hair, and I grabbed my phone.
I pushed Paul's number, "Hi baby, we are all okay here."
"Paul, I need you to come to Sue's. Embry is with Leah, Seth is burning up, and he can't hold down any food," I murmured, wetting a towel in the tub and placing it on his neck. "Hurry, please."
"Get him to the beach. He is overheating; the water will help him. Wait for me," Paul ordered, and I mumbled a quick reply hanging up the phone. Seth leaned back into his mom. I placed my hand on his neck and chest, wincing at how hot he was running. "Seth, talk to me."
He panted, and I pulled down another towel to wet it. "Everything hurts," He whimpered, tucking his face into his mom's neck. "It's hot."
"Okay, we have to meet Paul at the beach. He's going to help," I set the cool, wet towel on his chest. Seth whined when Sue started to move. "I know it hurts, but think of the cool air outside." Seth nodded, and Sue and I moved toward him, hauling him up quickly and throwing the warm towels on the floor. Seth collapsed against me, and I winced, holding his full weight. "Sue, get the keys and coats." I wrapped my arms around him, hauling his weight outside, and Seth hummed deliriously at the cool air. "We are almost there, Seth." I felt bad as I pulled him down the stairs and all but pushed him into the back seat. I flinched when headlights shined on me. They turned off quickly, and Chief Swann stepped out of his cruiser. Sue stopped at the top of the steps giving me a concerned look. She looked between the Chief and me. "Hi, Chief," I murmured, listening to Seth whimper quietly in the back.
He nodded to me, turning to Sue. "Laryssa, take care of Seth. I'll be by in the morning, and Sam and Billy will be by in a bit to talk about the funeral," Sue called, tossing me the keys.
"Call me if you need me," I called back, getting into the car, and pulling away from the Clearwater house. I hated that I couldn't turn on the heater. "Hold on, Seth." I felt my stomach twist uncomfortably at the cold air and the fact that we were almost to the beach. I was thankful that they lived close to the beach as I pulled up to the beach, not seeing anyone in sight. I got out, helping Seth out of the car. Whispering encouragement as he moaned in pain.
"I need to get in the water," Seth pulled away from my grip, sluggishly walking to the water. I slammed the door, following him, ensuring he didn't fall. We needed to wait for Paul; I thought he would've been there already. "Paul, when he changed, his body hurt, and Jared helped him in the water." Seth's legs gave out just as he reached the water, and he hurled expletives. He started dragging himself in. I glanced back at the car, and I didn't see anyone. I cursed as I tossed my phone, shoes, socks, and long sleeve into the sand. Goosebumps trailed up my arms, and I wished that I had put on another long sleeve above my tank top. My hands started to shake when I grabbed Seth's molten body and hauled him into the freezing water. I held my whimper, wading us out, and rested Seth on me. "You're going to freeze."
"Don't think about me," I whispered through clenched teeth. I knew that Paul would be here soon. "I'll be okay; I'll do anything for you besides walk through fire. That's where I draw the line."
Seth laughed, resting his head against my shoulder, and I kicked my legs to keep us afloat. "My body felt like it was breaking, and this feels so good." The water splashed on my face, and I tried to concentrate on the warmth I had left. I was relieved when I realized that Seth was finally cooling down. "My dad died. What will I do now?"
I froze, knowing how much he loved his dad, and I never wanted him to experience losing a parent. I blinked rapidly, unsure what I could say to comfort him. "You mourn and allow yourself to feel all of it, and then as time goes on, it doesn't hurt as much."
"Is that what you did," Seth whispered, staring up at the stars. I didn't want to tell him what I did and how I handled my dad's death. "Right now, it doesn't feel real." Seth sniffed, and tears trailed down his cheeks. "I really want my dad."
"I know." I reached over, trying to wipe his face, only to drip water over his face. "Sorry," I winced, pulling him tighter against me. I fought against the drowsy feeling. "It won't feel real for a while. Then it will come out of nowhere. It will hurt Seth; there is no easy way to put it. You'll feel lost. But he's always with you."
Seth sniffed and stayed quiet. We floated in the water, letting the cold waves brush against us. He closed his eyes, and after a few minutes, he started breathing hard. "I got you, sweetheart," I stared up at the moon, sending prayers to our ancestors for strength. "C'mon, Paul," I whispered, taking deep breaths and ignoring the strain from my muscles. I didn't know how much longer I could go.
I leaned my head against Seth's, "Babe!" I jerked from my drowsy state, seeing Paul heading towards us. I could see my brother waiting at the edge of the sand. Paul reached us, and I immediately felt his warmth. I leaned my head on him, greedily taking his warmth. "You are going to the death of me." I felt him starting to pull us back to the beach. "You were supposed to wait for me, sweetheart."
"He was in pain, and I wasn't about to let him go by himself," I said, "It helped him."
I glanced back at the beach, seeing Jay toeing the water. "Jayden, don't you dare," Paul hollered, and Jay backed away, holding his hands up. "Looking after you, Chiago siblings, will be my death..."
Seth jerked in my hold, standing up. "I'm okay. It doesn't hurt."
"Good," Paul said, keeping his hands on me as I felt the sand between my toes. Paul put his arms around me, crowding me with his warmth. "Seth, you're coming back with me to the house. You need to sleep."
"Seth!" Jay flew into him, keeping his arms tight around his neck. "I'm sorry."
Seth placed his arms around Jay, hugging him back. He pulled back after a while, staring deeply at Jay before a sad look crossed his face. "You're my best friend. I don't want you to be scared of me, and I wouldn't hurt you." The longer I stared at Seth, the more I realized Seth may have harbored some deeper feelings than friendship. They both started talking rapidly, and I couldn't keep up.
"Did he just-" I turn to look up at Paul, and he cut me off.
"We can talk about it after we get you warmed. You're freezing. Boy's get in the car," Paul kept me cocooned in his body heat. "Jay, grab your sister's stuff."
9:53 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington
Jay paced back and forth when Paul closed the door to his dad's room. I pulled the blanket closer and stood up, passing Jay. "His body is still adjusting, and the water helped."
"Good," I leaned against Paul, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. "He asleep?"
"No, not yet," Paul wrapped his arms around me. I closed my eyes, listening to his heart. I didn't want to imagine Paul in pain; the only way to soothe him was in freezing water. I relished being in his arms. "Are you warm?"
"Yup," I pulled back to stare at him. In my heart, I knew I would do anything for him, and I'd wade in freezing water and walk through fire. "I love you, and I'd do anything for you."
Paul grinned at me, smushing my cheeks. "Even walk through fire? I know you have that weird thing about that." I laughed at him, nodding before pulling him down for a kiss. "I love you too."
"Gross... really," Jay complained, stopping his pacing. I pulled away from the kiss, rolling my eyes at Paul. "I just threw up in my mouth." I didn't bother turning around as I flipped him off. "Can I see Seth?"
"He wants to see Rys first," Paul pressed a quick kiss before he opened the door. "You can see him after. Besides, you lost the bet and are on sandwich duty."
"It's like 10. You guys didn't eat yet," I asked, staring at them and their bashful expressions. "I don't wanna know. Jay, make two for Seth."
I closed the door, seeing Seth sitting up on the bed, staring out the window. "Everything looks different." I moved into the room, feeling slightly awkward about how bare it was. I sat on the bed, opening my arms to him, and he moved quickly, resting against me. I ran my fingers through his hair, rubbing his shoulder. "Do you hate me?"
I paused, pulling his head back so he could look up at me. "So much. I do this with everyone I hate." I said, biting my lip to keep from smiling. He sent me a tiny grin, "I could never hate you."
"Paul said that you saw me trying to see if he was my imprint," Seth whispered, but it sounded loud in the quiet room. "Secrets out for everyone to know. I like Jay. But I like girls too, and I-"
"Breathe..." I squeezed him closer, knowing he was like my little brother as Jay. "No judgment here. Anyone gives you shit, tell me, and I'll kick some ass for you." I didn't know how Jay would handle it, and part of me was terrified to find out.
"No one did. But it might be because Leah changed, but I'll keep it in mind." Seth chuckled, hugging my arm to his chest. "I'm not really hungry. Can I start fresh with Jay tomorrow? I just need to clear my head." I understood what he needed, and if I needed to keep Jay at bay, I would do what he needed.
"Of course. You want to be alone?" Seth shook his head, holding my arm tighter. "Paul, no need for the sandwiches."
"He said okay," Seth mumbled, and I felt tears fall on my arm.
I pulled him closer, tightening my arms around him, giving him all the comfort I had to offer. "I got you, sweetheart. Let it out."
11:23 p.m. Lahote House, La Push, Washington
Jay sat up when I opened the door. "Seth's asleep," I said, closing the door. Jay's face contorted, and I prepared myself for an argument.
"You knew I wanted to talk to him. What the hell Rys," Jay whispered through clenched teeth. I was grateful at least he was taking care to be quiet. "I have to make up for what I did to him. What kinda best friend does that!"
I clicked my tongue, moving to him, setting my hands on his shoulders. "You know how sometimes you need to talk to Leah without anyone else. Seth needed the same thing. Right now, Jay, what Seth needs is sleep. Tomorrow is a brand new day; just give him some time. Get some sleep." I pressed a kiss on his forehead, ruffling his hair. I held his shoulders, silently urging him to rest.
"Why didn't you tell me... about any of this?" I glanced at Jay seeing his crestfallen expression. "How could you leave me in the dark?"
I faltered knowing how much he believed in our stories. "Jay... I couldn't. I'm sorry." Jay scoffed, pushing me back. "It was not for me to share. For what it is worth, I am sorry."
"Keep your apologies," He laid back on the couch, pulling the blanket over his head. "I never want to hear them again."
I stared at him, pressing my hand against my heart. I inhaled deeply, turning to walk outside. I sat down on the top step, staring at the dark forest. I hoped Leah was okay. "What are you doing outside?"
"Torturing myself," I said, feeling Paul's warm body sit beside me. "He's pissed at me, and I understand, but damn." I leaned into Paul, seeking his warmth. "Mhm, you're so freaking warm," Paul snorted, wrapping me into an embrace and rubbing my bare arms. "He's really upset."
"Yeah, he is. He was pissy at me, too," Paul rested his head against mine. "He'll get over it. It may take time, but he will."
I intertwined our hands, "thank you for taking care of Jay,"
"It's what family does," Paul murmured, rocking us. I didn't know what I would do without him. I didn't know what to do when Jay started screaming and sprinting. All I could do was hold Sue as her legs gave out at the news. Paul glanced at me and followed Jay, hauling him over his shoulder, protecting and calming him. I shivered at the gust of wind. Paul maneuvered himself so he was pressed against my back, and his arms were caged around me. "I know today must be hard. Are you okay?"
"I haven't really thought much about it. I need some time to process, but I think I am," I answered truthfully, resting against Paul, listening to his heartbeat. I had been too busy to think. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay," His arms tightened around me. "We should go back inside. Jay's asleep." I let go of his hands, holding his arms. "C'mon, we should get sleep while we can. It's going to be a long few days." I tilted my head up, brushing my nose against his neck. I didn't want to think about the next few days and the pain that was sure to follow. My stomach groaned, "did you eat?"
I had a few bacon pieces but was too anxious to keep them down. "A little bit," I answered, not wanting to move. It was way too late to eat.
"So that means not really. Let me make you some eggs," Paul kissed my cheek before urging me to stand up. "No shells, I promise." I chuckled, turning around to throw my arms around his neck. "You need to eat, don't try and distract me."
I let him go, smiling at him. "I wasn't trying to." I stepped on my tiptoes, brushing my nose against his, "Eggs sound really nice."
"C'mon," He linked our fingers, tugging me inside. He kissed me quickly, letting me go. I watched him move around the kitchen; the navy shirt complemented his beautiful tan skin, and he looked at ease in front of the stove as he whisked the eggs in a bowl. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his broad shoulders.
I closed my eyes, shaking my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I busied myself with going around the house, checking the locks and windows. Deep down, I knew we were safe, and there was no reason, yet the ritual had been ingrained in my system. I checked on Seth, seeing him still passed out. I moved into the room, tugging the sheet up to his chin. I gently moved his hair from his mouth, backing out of the room. I closed the door, "Bad dreams, go away. Good dreams, here to stay." I whispered the mantra three more times. I turned to Jay, seeing him still buried under the blanket. I turned the lamp off, tugging the blanket down gently. His eyes stayed closed, but I knew he was awake. I felt guilt settle in my stomach. "I know you said to keep my apologies. I am sorry; I never meant to hurt you. I hope you can forgive me." I tucked the blanket closer to him, "Bad dreams, go away. Good dreams, here to stay." I whispered the mantra three more times. "Sweet dreams." I kissed my fingertips, pressing them lightly to his forehead.
I stood up, moving to Paul's room. I sat on his bed, taking my shoes off and wiggling my sore toes. I stood up, moving to dig through his bottom drawers, finding a thick long sleeve. I shrugged off my shirt and felt a warm hand rest on my lower back. I held the long sleeve to cover my front as I turned my head. Paul kissed my shoulder, and a shiver tore through my body. His warm hand trailed to my side and eased over the scabs. "Does it still hurt?"
"No," My voice sounded different to my ears. I turned to face Paul, staring up at him. "We can never find the right time." His fingers left my side, and his hands rested on my back.
"I know," He brushed his lips against mine. His fingers traced my skin as they made their way to the long sleeve. Paul pulled away, taking the long sleeve from me as he pushed it over my head. My stomach grumbled in protest, and he grinned down at me. "I have your eggs, and they are really tasty because they were made by your lover."
"You are so weird," I leaned to kiss him before pulling away. I moved to sit in the middle of his bed, and he grabbed the plate of eggs and toast, settling himself next to me. I grinned, looking at the plate of scrambled eggs arranged in a heart with the toast in the middle. "Thank you, lover."
Paul grinned, setting the plate in my hands. He took my phone, unlocked it, pulling up the last show we were watching. Paul held up the phone, so I could see it, laying his head on my thigh. I hummed at the warm eggs and buttered toast. "Good?"
"They are tasty," I stated in between bites. I leaned down, "my lover made it." I giggled when he gently bit my thigh and pressed a quick kiss where he bit me. "They are really good, Paul." I rubbed his shoulder, warmth flooding my stomach when he flushed at the praise. I admired him as he focused on the show. His long lashes brushed against his cheek each time he blinked. I didn't think I would ever get used to the idea that I was his and that he was mine to cherish. I finished eating, setting the plate to the side. I leaned down, brushing my lips against the side of his head. "Thank you for making me something to eat." I wrapped my arms around his shoulder, holding him close to me. It was awkward bending over him, yet, it couldn't feel more right.
Paul let out a deep breath before pausing the show and sitting up. I grabbed the plate, setting it off to the side. I leaned against the headboard, watching as he stripped off his shirt. Paul returned to the bed, settling on the pillows beside me. He moved again, pressing his ear to my heart. I ran my fingers through his hair, noticing how long it was. "Laryssa?" I hummed, glancing down at him, watching him bite his lip. It was something he always did when he was nervous. I rubbed his scalp, trying to soothe his worries while he took the time to gather his thoughts. "I've wanted this for so long." I trailed my finger against his cheek, stroking my finger against his skin, silently urging him to continue. "Sometimes it doesn't feel real."
I smiled down at him, "I know what you mean." I pulled him tighter against me, "It's real, and we are real." Paul turned on his side, pushing his arm under me, getting himself comfortable. I continued to rub his skin, watching his eyes droop.
