[: Gordo's P.O.V :]

The pain was overwhelming. How could Lizzie do this to me? I thought I meant something to her..

Just then, I woke up in a cold sweat. A dream? It was a dream? I felt my once broken heart jump for joy.

My blue eyes sought the sleeping form of Lizzie, adjusting in the dark.. There she was and she had curled up on her bed. I was content in watching her, but suddenly, I realized that someone was missing..

I got up and went to Lizzie's bedside. I shook her arm gently, whispering, "Lizzie? Lizzie?"

She seemed slightly startled as she awoke, but squinted in the darkness. "Gordo? What is it?"

I asked quietly, "Where's Miranda?"

Lizzie frowned. "Oh.. At around nine, Miranda's parents came and told her that her abuela is very sick. They took Miranda and had to leave for Mexico to see her immediately. Miranda was really shook up.. After she left, I waited up for my parents and Matt, but they still aren't back from Gammy McGuire's.. I'm guessing they decided to stay the night."

My expression mirrored hers. Poor Miranda.. We were quiet for a few moments. I looked to the floor and suddenly said, "Lizzie, we never finished watching our movies.."

I looked up to see her eyes widening. She was speaking in a high, frightened voice. "No way! I hate scary movies, Gordo! You know I do! And Miranda isn't here for me to hide my face on her shoulder.."

I grinned and taunted, "Aww.. Come on, McGuire. Too chicken to watch a wittle, scawy movie? Plus, I'm here to protect you."

Lizzie sat there a moment, contemplating this. I watched her get up and lock her bedroom door. She turned and mumbled, "Just in case.."

I laughed slightly and shook my head. I put in a horror video and we clambered onto her bed, lying on our stomachs. It was one I'd seen only once before, but I knew every special effect they used, so in no way was I scared.

Every few minutes, I'd look over at Lizzie and she'd be biting her lip or covering her eyes.

Halfway through the movie, I heard tiny whimpers.. I looked to Lizzie in confusion and abruptly turned the movie off. Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around her and tried to soothe her. "Lizzie? Lizzie? I'm sorry.. We don't have to watch any more."

She showed no sign of getting beneath the blankets, though she was shaking.. I wasn't sure if it was because she were cold or if she were still scared. Worried, I carefully picked her up, cradling her slender body in my arms. I carried her to the head of the bed, putting her under the blankets.

I heard her whimpers start to slow, but out they came. She looked into my eyes and asked, "Gordo? P-Please don't leave me.."

I shook my head and frowned. "Lizzie, I won't leave you.."

She shook her head in return, as if I hadn't understood. "No.. I mean.. Will you sleep in my bed w-with me? Please? I don't wanna sleep alone."

I felt my heart beginning to thump.. Sleep with her? I felt hesitance enveloping my mind, but when I looked into her frightened face, I couldn't say no. "Don't worry, Lizzie.. I'll be here."

I stood next to her bed for a minute as if thinking about it more.. She looked at me, scooting over with pleading eyes. I smiled faintly and slid next to her, beneath the blankets. As soon as I did, Lizzie drew closer and hugged me tight with her whimpers having ceased.

I felt excitement growing within me.. I could feel her warmth against me and I could feel her body pressed closely with my side. I felt a smile cross my face before my eyes started to flutter closed..

- - -

[: Narrator's P.O.V :]

The birds were chirping outside.. It was morning.

Lizzie awoke, but refused to open her eyes as she felt so comfortable. Thoughts ran through her head and she realized that her arms and legs were entangled with another person's. Her eyes snapped open and she was looking at Gordo's face. She didn't move anywhere.. She just craned her head about to see what position they'd gotten themselves into.

Lizzie felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks.. They were lying on their sides and her arms were around Gordo's neck; his arms were around her waist. Their legs were tangled together, as if to bring them even closer.

Even though she was embarrassed, for some reason, Lizzie didn't want to move. She felt so secure and protected in his arms.. She just lay there with him, closing her eyes. It was too perfect.. Wait. Had she just thought that?

She then heard Gordo starting to wake.. Lizzie kept her eyes closed, wanting to see what he'd do in finding them this way.

- - -

[: Gordo's P.O.V :]

I yawned and opened my eyes only to be looking right at Lizzie's sleeping face.. I felt a bit of panic and I looked at our position. We were so close.. My blush was growing, but I felt myself relishing the moment.

I had the strongest urge to run my hands down her curves. That was something that I'd wanted to do ever since they started to form.. I bit my lip.. Would she notice? No, Gordo.. Respect her.

I sighed and pulled her closer to me, feeling our chests and then the entires of our bodies meet. I snuggled into her shoulder and breathed in her scent.. She was so beautiful and angelic as she slept.

As I smiled slightly with my eyes closing, I heard a little giggle.. I suspiciously opened my eyes again to see Lizzie smiling cheerily at me, eyes dancing as she laughed softly. I was a little embarrassed, but I smiled nonetheless. I finally had to ask, "What are you laughing about?"

She snuggled close to me, despite the fact that we were only friends, giggling all the while. "You are such a cuddly person.. I never noticed that before."

I grinned at her words and let them run through my mind once over. "A cuddly person? You have no idea.."

And with that, I began to tickle her.. Her squeals and laughter echoed through her room, whilst the birds outside sang on in their lilting voices.