Hi! Okay, I'm on a posting streak tonight...here's the next chapter and since many of you asked--no, this story is not over yet. However, there are only 3 more chapters plus an epilogue to go. I'm actually kind of sad to see this story come to an end, I've grown to really like it, and you guys have been so supportive of it the whole time. It amazes me, you all are truly the best. I'm considering doing a sequel but it depends on how much time I have and how inspired I am by the new season!
But it's not over yet. In fact, aside from the whole Truth or Dare chapter, this next update might be my next favorite. Nothing really happens, it's just so cute and sweet, I love it. I'm clearly a romantic and overly sappy! This is the last scene in Jude's room that night/morning--after this, we go back to the rest of the house. I hope you all love it just as much as I do. So without further ado...Enjoy!
The buzz from Tommy's watch echoed in their ears promptly at 6:15am. They both heard it but neither one moved.
"No…." Jude mumbled quietly, not wanting to budge.
It continued to chime, as Tommy groaned and sat up, grabbing the watch and turning it off. He looked down at Jude, who was in the same position she had been when they had fallen asleep, arm draped over the bed where Tommy had been laying. He gently brushed her hair out of her face and sighed, not wanting to get her up. He leaned over and placed soft kisses along her ear and her cheek, causing her to grin in her half-asleep state. She shifted on to her back with her eyes still closed and wrapped her arms around him. He continued to trail kisses on her cheeks, her nose, and then her lips. She kissed him back through her smile, still not opening her eyes. After a few minutes of kissing affectionately, he pulled back, resting his head on her shoulder and looking at her.
"Can you wake me up like that tomorrow?" she asked softly, still grinning.
He chuckled quietly and said, "Sure. You take care of your mom and I'll be here."
She hesitantly opened her eyes, blinking a few times at the ceiling before turning to look at him. She smiled at him and brought her hand to his face, feeling the roughness of his unshaven skin.
"Hi," she said, still somewhat in disbelief that he was actually there with her.
"Hi," he returned, reaching up to hold her hand that was stroking his cheek.
She continued to grin looking at him, desperately not wanting to get up. She turned on her side and moved in closer to him, so that her head was up against his chest. She sighed and put her arms around him, he returning the gesture and kissing the top of her head.
"Can't we just lock the door and stay up here?" she asked earnestly.
"We could, but that may require a lot of explaining once they realize we're in here."
"Good point. Guess that's not such a great idea."
"Not unless you're ready to give up so soon."
"Me? Give up?" she asked, pulling back to look at him. "I'm not giving up. Sorry, Quincy, but you're stuck with me now."
"I thought I was stuck with you before."
"You were. Now it's just more."
"I think I can handle it," he replied with a grin. "Besides, you're stuck with me too. If you think I was a perfectionist before, just wait. Now my expectations are higher."
"Oh great. Now instead of fifty takes, it'll be a hundred," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Maybe, but that means we'll be in the studio longer," he said suggestively.
"Ohhhh…," she said, realizing where he was going. "Okay, well then, a hundred takes it is."
He laughed and pulled her in closer. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, gently at first but then intensifying it by sliding his tongue into her mouth. She gripped his t-shirt and followed his lead, falling deeper into the kiss. He held on to her and shifted to hover over her, seizing her lips and kissing her hungrily. She slipped her hands under his t-shirt and ran her fingers along his bare back, feeling the curves in his body as he moved with her. He felt chills go up his spine at her touch, as his hands trailed down her back to the clasp of her bra. Starting to undo it, he suddenly realized that her mom would be awake shortly. Resisting the urge to keep going, he freed his hands and pulled back slightly.
"We probably shouldn't," he said breathlessly. "We only have a half hour."
She nodded in understanding, though disappointed. He then turned over on his back next to her, exhaling deeply. They lay there speechless, not wanting to move but knowing that they had to. He reached for her hand and held it next to him.
"We have to get up," he said, muttering the dreaded words.
"I know," she said regretfully. Neither one budged.
She turned on her side to look at him. "Five more minutes?" she asked sweetly.
He smiled back at her and pulled her arm, bringing her closer to him.
"Five more minutes," he agreed as she settled against him once more in an embrace, trying to savor their last few minutes of peace together.
Five minutes later, like clockwork, they were both up and cleaning up the room. He made her bed while she pulled herself together. Once the room was back to normal, they went towards the door. He opened it slightly and saw that the house was completely empty.
"It's all clear," he whispered, back inside her room and holding on to the door.
"Okay," she said with a deep breath. "Ready?"
He looked at her standing before him, her hair messy but eyes glowing. "No," he said stepping in to her and giving her one more kiss. He then stepped back up to the door. "Okay, now I'm ready."
She smiled at him and grabbed his hand. He slowly opened the door, peeked outside again, and then stepped out, with her following. They quietly made their way down the steps. She felt sad knowing this was the point at which they had to separate and stopped to look at him as they reached the edge of the living room. She glanced around, making sure everyone was asleep, and stood up on her toes to give him a quick kiss goodbye, followed by a tight hug.
He smiled at her gesture and leaned down towards her ear to whisper, "Love you."
She melted at his words and visibly blushed. She leaned back into him and whispered back, "Love you too." They gazed at each other for a few moments, gave each other one final kiss, and separated, watching each other retreat to their respective rooms.