AHH GUESS WHO'S BACK ! So yes, I decided to finish this fic, and I truly wasn't expecting anyone to respond so I'm so glad some of you guys are still out there. Thank you for being so sweet and supportive about it, I will try my best to deliver, and not let you down! Btw a short little rant is coming up, feel free to ignore if you want haha.
Firstly, sorry this took me over a week to post, basically when I had posted the last chapter, I'd already written some of the next chapter, but obviously that was years ago and for anyone who doesn't know, fanfiction deletes documents uploaded after like a year (I think it was shorter back then like 100 days or something). So since I had some of it written but it was all gone, I was kinda stuck trying to remember what I had planned, and I think for the most part it was similar haha. As I said ages ago this fic was planned to be up to 30 chapters, and I still stand by that because trust me I'm only getting started. I have a lot of the ending plots figured out and chapters literally written in my head, but the middle part for me is always the hardest especially since it's been so long. Luckily, I did leave some subtle clues for myself within earlier chapters that reminded me of a lot of things I had lined up, so I'm pretty confident that this is gonna work out. Also, I forgot how infuriating writers block was so this chapter was really just one of those that I had to write and kinda get over, but I tried to make it kinda long. As far as the story goes, at this point I just wanna make it clear that they're barely even friends and so they won't realise or accept their own feelings for a couple more chapters at least, but that doesn't mean there can't be some unintentional flirting and confused feelings. For Stella, her interest in Brandon at this moment is just curiosity to be honest, which is why she's acting weird, like she's confused at the fact that she's actually interested in him as a person since she's never felt anything like that towards him (but not anything more just yet). Idk if that makes any sense I just wanted to try to explain since it's been long and even I had forgotten what exactly was going on, and I don't wanna rush it because that would make 0 sense lol. Lastly, yes I PROMISE a Brandon POV chapter is coming soon, i feel like it's essential at this point bc no one knows where his heads at and I really want to properly explore his character because I feel like it's not that clear rn. I think most likely it will be in the next chapter. I plan to update once a week, or at least try to, I will try my best to be consistent despite my track record lol. Sorry for the rant, I felt like weird just suddenly diving into the story again without saying anything. And thank you again for being so kind, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and it's not too shitty for a comeback haha, please let me know what you thought!
Stella's P.O.V.
"Dude! Would you quit throwing skittles at me?"
"They're M&Ms, you uncultured swine! And keep it down you're gonna wake Stel up!"
"Yeah right, it would take a bulldozer to wake up that girl, I- LIAM! I'm serious, stop it man"
The muffled voices became clearer to me as I started to wake up.
God, my eyelids feel heavy, my head is pounding and i'm pretty sure I sweat through my blanket. I don't think I'm getting any better to be honest.
As my vision started to get clearer, I saw Brandon at the edge of my bed with a textbook in his hand, and Liam sitting opposite him, obviously bored out of his mind with nothing else to do but piss him off.
"Well look what you did now, all that yelling woke her up!" Liam said.
"I wouldn't have had to yell if you weren't throwing those damn skittles at me!" Brandon replied.
"I swear to god Brandon, say that one more time! They are M&MS!" He said.
"What the hell are you guys doing in my room - or well, your guest room?" I asked, sitting up.
"Brandon's parents had to leave early for a work trip this morning and told us to check up on you" Liam said, sitting next to me.
"And you couldn't wait until I woke up? You had to watch me sleep?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We weren't watching you sleep, I was trying to study in the comfort of my own room but my mom forced me to stay here" Brandon said.
"Whatever, am I allowed to brush my teeth in peace, or do I need to be escorted to the bathroom like an inmate?" I asked, getting up.
"Go ahead Stel" Liam said, making a random pattern on the bed with his M&Ms.
Don't ask me, I really don't know what his infatuation with them is about.
I made my way into the bathroom, grabbing my toothbrush from the rack. You see, when you're as regular a guest as I am, you tend to already have all your own stuff. I glanced in the mirror, turning on the sink and splashing my face with cold water before brushing my teeth.
Boy, do I look rough..
Despite the monstrous hair day, I looked kinda pale and worn out. Maybe I really did get the flu? I don't know, I just feel and look awful.
"What's for breakfast?" I asked, joining them as I sat back down on the bed.
"Stel, where'd you get that shirt? It's not mine." Liam asked, eyeing me curiously.
I've been wearing it all night and now he brings it up? Maybe he was too tired to notice it last night.
"It's uh.. Brandon's" I shrugged.
He looked over to Brandon, whose nose was still in that book.
"You let her wear your shirt?" he asked.
"Yeah? It's not a big deal man, it's just a shirt. Leave it alone" Brandon said.
"But you don't even let ME borrow your clothes! And now you're just donating your entire closet to her?" Liam asked, confusion painting his face.
"I'm not donating anything, it's just a lousy shirt. What are you, jealous?" Brandon scoffed.
"Uh, yeah!" Liam said, crossing his arms like a kid. "A couple months ago, you guys could barely be in the same room without attempting to commit murder, and now she's suddenly allowed access to your closet? I've known you, what, 17 years, and you still won't even let me go near-"
"Fine! You can take anything you want, dude" Brandon sighed in defeat.
"Uh Liam, you never answered my question, what's for breakfast?" I interjected.
"Pancakes?" he asked. I nodded, about to get up before he quite rudely shoved me back down.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To get breakfast?" I said, stating the obvious.
"Not in your condition, I don't think you should be walking around in this state. You're staying in bed until you're better" Liam said, pulling the blanket back over me as I shot him a confused look.
What is he, my doctor?
I'll admit, I do feel ill but not enough to be bedridden!
"Come on Stel, you can't argue with breakfast in bed, can you?" He grinned.
He does have a point there...
"Brandon stay up here and keep her company while I make breakfast" Liam ordered.
"Why do I have to stay?" he whined.
"Because someone needs to watch her, make sure she doesn't leave the bed" Liam retorted, heading towards the door. "Besides, since you're suddenly so keen on sharing your clothes with each other, it shouldn't be such a problem, should it?"
And then there was just a bunch of awkward silence..
Why did Liam have to bring that up?
I mean before it seemed fine, but now Brandon keeps like, looking at me oddly...
Plus, I feel weird wearing this, like it just dawned on me that I'm wearing something that was on his body? I know that makes no sense, but like it's true, just months ago we were fighting 24/7 and now we're at this weird limbo place and I don't know how to act.
Especially with all these new thoughts I keep having about him. I mean last night, the way I was totally snuggling into it and inhaling the scent, it's like I actually enjoyed it or something?! It was completely unintentional, I swear! But I'm just so confused right now, and the way he's staring at me certainly doesn't help.
"You can like, change, if you want.." Brandon said.
"Oh, um no it's fine. He's just being weird.. anyway, I don't think you'd want this back anytime soon since I'm apparently gravely ill and probably contagious" I laughed.
Shit, now I probably seem desperate to cling onto it...
"Unless, you want it back? It's yours, I mean I know you're not too eager about lending it to me in the first place. I could take it off right now and give it back! If that's what you want? Oh, I mean- not like right this second, that would be a little weird, what I meant was I'd wash it and give it back to you as soon as I could!" I rambled.
Oh my god, what the fuck am I thinking?
Did I just offer to strip right in front of him? Why am I mentally incapable of thinking before speaking?!
Judging by the amused expression on his face, I'm probably as red as Bloom's hair right now.
"Its fine Stella, really, just keep it on" he chuckled. He probably thinks I'm an idiot.
"So, um, what are you studying?" I asked, desperately attempting to change the subject.
"History. We have that assignment due and I haven't read any of the content but it's getting way too boring" he said, putting it aside.
"The Cold War paper? I've done that one" I said.
"You read the entire chapter already?" he asked.
"What? No, of course not, stupid. What makes you think I'd waste my time with that when I could easily just watch the documentary?" I laughed. "But I am insulted at your bewilderment of me actually doing work"
"I think I'm justified, considering I sit behind you and I've never once seen you focusing or taking notes" he said.
"That is such a lie, I take notes all the time!" I huffed, crossing my arms.
"Yeah, playing noughts and crosses with Bloom doesn't count.." he chuckled.
"Whatever, it's still more interesting than the actual lesson" I shrugged.
"Speaking of school, when do you want to start tutoring? We could do it today since you're probably gonna be here the entire weekend" he asked.
"No way! You can't torture a sick person, that's a human rights violation and I won't stand for this abuse" I retorted.
"It's not torture, it's just math" he said.
Math is torture, and a very brutal form of it. I honestly can't think of something worse than exiling someone off to do equations for the rest of their life.
"There is literally no distinction between the two! If you're gonna make me do something as treacherous as math then at least wait for me to return to full health or I may have a stroke just looking at a formula!" I exclaimed, throwing my head back on my pillow dramatically.
"God, you're going to be a real delight to teach" he uttered sarcastically.
"Wait you haven't changed your mind have you?" I asked, sitting back up. "You can't Brandon, you don't understand how screwed I am if I fail one more time, I mean you promised and your mom said you would, so you better not back out because I-"
"Relax, I never said I wouldn't. Besides, there's no need to beg, I know how much you need me" he smirked.
Oh the nerve of this boy.
"I don't need you! I could've easily picked someone else. You're just...the lesser of three evils, that's all" I said
I'm sure the fact that I will very soon be subjected to his guidance is doing wonders for his ego. Ugh, why do I have to be bad a a subject he just happens to excel in?
"Breakfast is served!" Liam chirped, coming in with a tray of delicious food.
Wow, I should really be sick more often..
"Now I could get used to this" I grinned, as he set down the tray and sat opposite me.
"Brandon could you get some ibuprofen from the medicine cabinet?" Liam asked, dividing out the stack of pancakes onto some plates.
"Really? What am I, your maid? Get it yourself dude" he replied.
"I just made a gourmet meal, okay? I'm doing my part for Stel, all I'm asking you to do is grab a bottle"
Brandon narrowed his eyes at him.
"I made you some pancakes too" Liam smiled, lifting up a plate.
"Fine" He sighed, getting up.
"Make sure you get the right bottle please, I don't want to end up drugged and unconscious!" I shouted as he left the room.
"You should really pursue cooking, kid. Become a world renowned chef and don't forget me when you're famous" I said, digging into my food.
"You give me too much credit, it's really this fancy authentic Canadian syrup I ordered, it tastes like heaven" he laughed.
"Here you go" Brandon said, chucking me the bottle before sitting down next to me.
"And since I'm such a gentlemen, I got you water too so you don't choke" He smiled jokingly, passing me a water bottle.
"What did I do to deserve such royal treatment" I teased, taking out two pills.
After a couple minutes of us eating, the doorbell rang.
"You expecting someone?" Brandon asked, looking out the window. "Sierra's car is parked in the driveway"
I raised an eyebrow at Liam, who didn't seem to know anything about it, until he suddenly gasped.
"Oh shit. I totally spaced. Sierra and I had plans today.. I can cancel if you want, I'm sure she'll understand"
"No! Liam don't be ridiculous, I'll be totally fine. Go out with her!" I said.
"Are you sure? I mean you're still running a fever and I don't think Brandon here is as good as me at playing doctor" he said.
"Yes! I swear, I won't do anything dangerous or stupid and I won't leave bed. Go have fun" I said.
"Fine. I'm still worried though, call me if you get worse?" he asked, and I nodded in response.
"Brandon, can you remind her to take her medicine? And order some food, because I don't want her to get worse by contracting food poisoning if you attempt to cook. And if her fever doesn't break try and get her cooled down, and please avoid getting into any physical altercations because that'll be terrible for her blood pressure-"
"Dude relax I'm not planning on having a wrestling match anytime soon, she'll be fine" Brandon said. "Just do us a favour and go before we have to hear you whine for three hours about how bad you feel for cancelling"
"Okay okay, I'll get dressed and leave in a minute. Bye!" He waved.
"Have fun! And be safe!" I winked.
"Ha! I beat you again! How does it feel to be a sore loser?" I teased, putting my controller in my lap.
After breakfast, I somehow convinced Brandon to play Mario Kart, and let me just tell you, he sucks. Like big time.
We were both in his room since the guest room didn't have a TV. And yes, I know I told Liam I wouldn't move from bed, but technically I'm in a bed..just not mine.
"I'm letting you win because you're sick, okay?" he said, narrowing his eyes.
"Sure, and the earth is flat. Come on, just admit it, I'm awesome." I said, elbowing him.
"You know I think there's some technical issue, this game must be busted." He said, refusing to accept his loss.
I rolled my eyes, before grabbing his controller and passing him mine.
"Rematch. If there's something wrong with the controller then I'll lose, but I'm telling you, I'm just better at this than you" I smirked, restarting the game.
"Fine, you're on" He said.
"If I win, then you have to be my personal errand boy all day and do whatever I say" I instructed.
"As if I haven't been doing that already all day, but fine. If I win, you'll get your first lesson in calculus" He challenged.
Ew, never gonna happen.
Well, it will happen soon because I can't be flunking in the middle of the semester, but preferably when I'm not struck with the plague.
"Hey, if you're so confident you're going to win, it shouldn't be a problem, should it?"
"Deal.." I said, pressing the play button.
I was in the lead, as expected, until suddenly I slipped over a banana peel. Gee, I wonder who put that there..
"Hey! You can't do that, you're playing dirty!" I whined, looking at him, but he just seemed amused.
I'm gonna wipe that smug look right off his face.. let's see how he likes a spiky shell
"Hm, who's laughing now?" I giggled, as his kart spun out of control.
"Still me" he said, catching up to me again as he gained a star power up, whizzing through the course.
Damn it, I can't let him win, there's no way I'm letting him have the satisfaction of beating me.
A mischievous grin painted my face as an idea popped up in my head.
I moved forward near the edge of the bed, sitting directly in front of him in hopes to block his view.
"Hey blondie, get out of the way, I can't see!" He said, trying to push me out of the way.
"I'm sorry did you say something? I can't quite hear you over the sound of my success" I boasted, getting back into the lead.
"Stella I swear to god I will move you myself" he threatened, as I kept moving my head from side to side, making sure I was directly blocking him.
What? He wanted to play dirty, fine..
Suddenly, I felt Brandon literally pin me down on the bed, flat on my stomach, as his arms hung over my shoulders with his controller in his hands. His elbows were on either side of my arms, propping him up, and his chin was leaning on the top of my head. He was seriously like one movement away from putting me in a headlock, this is dangerous territory.
"Brandon! You're gonna crush me, you're like 50 times my weight" I exclaimed still trying to play as my arms were still flung out on the edge of the bed, desperately trying to play, but it was pretty hard since I couldn't freaking see anything with Brandons arms obstructing my vision.
"Relax Sunshine I'm not even leaning on you" He said.
Sunshine? What, is that his new insult now, mocking me with pet names?
Oh, and for the record, he basically was leaning on me, like he was hovering above me but I could still feel his body on top of mine which was WAY too close for comfort if you ask me. It really doesn't help that I've been having these insanely weird thoughts about him either..
If this was to knock me off course, it was definitely working because my brain felt like a blender, whizzing around a million thoughts per second. If this happened before I'd probably be throwing a hissy fit but I noticed I wasn't even protesting it. Like what the hell is wrong with me?
You know what, if he thinks a little combat can stop me, he's way off.
I reached my hand up and covered his eyes - or tried to at least, I couldn't exactly see.
"Stella what the hell?!" He exclaimed, suddenly dropping his controller to the floor as he used his hands to try and yank my hand off his face.
But it was too late, the race was finished, and guess who won.. yet again.
Yes moi, what else did you expect?
"In. your. face!" I cheered, flipping over to my back as I was still under him, and quite literally was face to face with him.
"You cheated! It doesn't count" He said, furrowing his brows.
"You cheated first! I won fair and square, considering you decided to play dirty" I stated.
"God you really are hot, aren't you" he whispered, before backing off me.
"What?!" I spluttered, my eyes going wide.
"Your temperature, idiot, I can feel it from here. Don't flatter yourself" he scoffed.
Asshole.
That's right, I forgot, he can only compliment me when he's drunk.
"What?" he asked.
Shit did I say that out loud?!
"Nothing! Nothing, I didn't say anything" I said, clearing my throat. "So since I won, my first request of order is you get me some ice cream to cool down this incredibly hot fever you claim I have"
"To eat here? No way, I don't want you dropping ice cream in my bed" He said.
"Well that sucks for you because I'm not moving" I said, as I crawled back up to the front of the bed, burying myself in the covers.
I forgot how comfortable Brandon's bed was compared to the guest bed and Liam's, even my own, there's just something about his bed that feels so incredibly cosy.
Plus it smells great.. but only because his mom uses really good detergent, nothing else.
"Fine, but I'll be watching you. If you spill a single drop and I mean a single drop, I will kick you out" he said.
"Now, is that any way to treat your sick neighbour? Need I remind you, you did break my poor wall merely months ago. It's only fair that you treat me with the utmost hospitality" I smiled.
"As you wish, your highness" He replied sarcastically.
It was getting really late, and Brandon and I were watching some random romcom while sharing a tub of Ben and Jerrys.
Yeah, sharing. Who would've thought?
Apparently I can't be trusted holding anything that could cause a potential mess on his bed, so I could only eat as long as he held the tub. But hey, it's better than no ice cream, right?
"This is so cliché I don't understand how you could possibly like it. I mean it's excruciatingly predictable and just plain unrealistic" he complained.
"They're not supposed to be realistic, they're supposed to set unreasonably high standards so we can feel bad about how mundane and unfulfilling our own lives are, striving for a perfect sense of happiness we will never get" I smiled, licking my spoon.
"Okay.. I think that's enough ice cream for you" he said, grabbing my spoon and setting the ice cream aside.
"Shouldn't Liam be back already? He's been out like all day" I asked.
"He's probably with Sierra waltzing in a park or some corny shit like that" he said. "He's probably not gonna be home until 2am"
Ah, young love.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Almost 11. You should probably take your meds again. How do you feel?" He asked, bringing the back of his hand to my forehead.
"Just fine, doctor" I scoffed,
"Seriously Stella. You're still warm, do you have a headache?" He inquired. "Does your body hurt? Do you feel dizzy at all?"
"I swear I'm fi-"
"And don't say you're fine, because your face is all flushed and your cough sounds terrible" he interjected.
I rolled my eyes, "What are you, pre-med?"
He shot me another serious look.
"Okay okay, relax. My throat still hurts, my muscles are a bit achy and I feel warm...but also cold?" I said.
"Probably because you inhaled a pint of ice cream like a damn vacuum" he said.
"Hey! I only had like half, okay? And that was my dinner" I replied.
"Do you want anything else to eat?" he asked. "We have that Belgian hot cocoa that you like"
"Ooh yes please" I beamed. "Can you make it with the marshmallows pretty please"
"You know that stuff is just blown up sugar right?" He said.
"Yup, that's what makes it good. Please?" I begged. "If you make it for me I promise I will not pester you for the entire night"
"We both know that's a lie, but fine" He sighed, finally relenting. "Take two of these first"
He handed me two tablets and I took them, swallowing them down with water, as he made his way downstairs. I went back on my phone and saw a couple miscalls from Musa, and so I called her.
"Stel? Finally, God, I thought you were dead"
"Very funny. Whats up?"
"Uh, more like what's up with you? Are you feeling any better? I tried calling you but when you didn't pick up I figured you slept through the day"
"I'm still sick but it's fine, I'm at Brandon's house"
"What? Why?"
"Long story short I came over for dinner yesterday and forgot my keys, but I was locked out since my parents are out of town. So I crashed here"
"Are you with Liam? I've been calling him all day too"
"Oh, no. He's out with Sierra so he's been MIA all day."
"Do you want me to pick you up? You can spend the night here"
"No don't worry Muse, I'm fine. I-um.. I'm with Brandon"
"Brandon? Yeah Stel, you really should spend the night with me"
"It's not that bad, we've been like.. hanging out all day, watching movies and playing video games and stuff. He's being nice, don't worry"
"Well he better be, or I will personally unleash a can of whoopass on him"
"Trust me, I'm okay, Liam put me on bedrest before he left so I haven't left his room all day"
"Who's room... Brandon's?! Stella, why the hell are you resting in his room? Wait, oh my god, are you on his bed?"
"Muse, it's no big deal! I swear, we only came here because the other room doesn't have a TV"
"What does it feel like? I've always wondered, I mean I've always pictured it to be a stereotypical man-cave"
"It feels like a bed, okay? It's surprisingly clean though...you're right, I wouldn't have expected this. Much more polished than I anticipated"
"Is he there right now?"
"No I forced him to make hot cocoa"
"Wow, I never thought I'd see the day. Brandon Shields with a girl in his bed"
"Muse, shut up, he could hear you! Walls are thin around here, remember? And that's so gross! I may be able to tolerate him, but never in a million years would I EVER in my lifetime even consider-"
"Oh no need to be so defensive, point taken. So what, since you've taken over his bed is he going to sleep in Liam's room?"
"Probably, I mean the whole house is practically empty since his parents left for a work trip and Liam's still not back. Should we be worried?"
"Mustard's probably fine, he wouldn't dream of doing anything remotely dangerous or impulsive if he's with Sierra. Mind you, he might not be back until the morning, if you get what I mean"
"C'mon, we're talking about Liam here, he'd probably pull some romantic gesture in preparation for something like that. He's totally head over heels in love with her. Aw... just like Romeo and Juliet"
"Girl, did you even finish the book. Or, well, the movie, in your case? They both die at the end, but Leo probably distracted you from that"
"I knew that, I meant like before all the dramatics. Anyway, it's getting late Muse, I'll call you in the morning, okay?"
"Okay, get some rest and feel better! And have fun in Brandon's bed!"
"Hanging up now.."
"For real, though. Take care of yourself, okay Stellie? I love you goodnight!"
"Night"
"Who was that?" Brandon asked, coming in with two mugs.
I hope he didn't hear any of that...
"Just Musa" I said, as he handed me my mug.
"It probably doesn't taste like Liam's because he puts like five tonnes of sugar in there, but-"
"No it's perfect, thanks" I smiled.
This is even better than Liam's. I don't know what the hell he did, but it's so damn good. I'm obviously not telling him Liam that or he'd crucify me, but wow..
"Do you need anything else? Like extra blankets or something warmer to wear?" He asked.
"No really, you've done enough, I'll be fine." I said, looking down at the marshmallows as they melted into the steamy beverage. "Thank you, for like, not ditching me today"
"Isn't that what friends are for?" He smiled playfully.
He looks kinda cute with whipped cream all over his lips...
STELLA! Snap yourself out of this weird ass daze!
"So, should I get back to the guest room? I don't wanna invade your space, although technically I have been all day.. " I said, attempting to stray from my own thoughts.
"No, I'll go. You're already settled in, I'm not gonna make you leave"
"That's ridiculous, I'm the guest here I should leave!" I disagreed.
"That's precisely why you should stay, it'd be rude to make you go" he said.
"No, it would be rude to force you out of your own room!" I countered.
"Stella, stop being so stubborn. Stay here, I'll go" he argued.
"You stay here, I'll go" I insisted.
"Are we seriously arguing about this?" he asked.
"Look, how about.. I stay, and you stay too?" I suggested.
"What?"
"I won't leave and neither will you. Then we both get our way" I shrugged. "Unless you're too afraid that I'm contagious"
"It's not that. Are you sure you'll be comfortable? You don't need to do this, I could easily just go-"
"Dammit Brandon just sleep with me!" I blurted out.
I did not just say that.
Did I just say that?
Oh god, this is so embarrassing.
"Wow Sunshine, no need to be so hasty" he smirked.
Stupid smug jerk, I probably multiplied his ego by 10 and made myself look like a complete fool, a win-win for him.
"Oh shut up, you know what I meant" I muttered, putting my mug aside. "Completely dumb choice of wording, that's all"
"And here I thought you couldn't get any redder" he said.
I swear I'm not blushing at what I said, I'm just completely humiliated at who I said it to!
"I'm not- i-it's the fever okay?!" I said, collapsing into my pillow, as I pulled the covers over my shoulder.
"Whatever you say. Night" He said, turning off the lamp as he settled in beside me.
I expected to knock out straight away considering how tired I was, but for some reason I couldn't go to sleep.
Despite the warmth of the blankets, and my own body heat, I was still cold. I think it's my body trying to cool down the fever, but it's clearly backfiring since now I'm shivering like a damn popsicle - if popsicles could shiver.. whatever, the point is I'm freezing.
"Brandon!" I whispered. "Are you awake?"
"No, I'm clearly fast asleep" he muttered.
"I'm cold" I stated.
"Hey Stella. Remember that nice conversation we had, barely even 10 minutes ago? 'Do you need anything? Any extra blankets?' 'No, I'll be fine, absolutely fine I swear...'" he said, mocking my voice.
"That was then, asshole, I'm colder now, I can't control this!" I whined.
"What you want me to do then?" he sighed, turning to face me.
"I don't know" I whispered.
"I'm tired Stel" he whispered, seeming to go back to sleep.
"Fine, let me freeze to death!" I huffed, turning around.
I felt the bed shift for a brief moment, as if he was hesitating, and then he moved closer to me.
"Just relax, don't like, scream or try to punch me or anything.." he started.
"Why the hell would I-"
Suddenly, I felt his arms tentatively wrap around my waist, encompassing me in his heat. His embrace instantly elevated my temperature, but also my nerves too.
My breath hitched, the words got stuck in my throat as I felt his breath fanning against my neck, his heart beating in a slow rhythm against my back. His movements were extremely gentle and slow, as if he was apprehensive about being too daring. His touch felt tender and soft, it was such a foreign feeling to associate with him?
"Is this okay?" he murmured into my hair. He was so close, I'm sure he could hear my pulse intensifying, my heart was literally hammering at my ribs.
"Um- yeah.." I managed to breath out, just barely audible.
I couldn't even comprehend what was going on. Well, in simple terms, he was just a friend trying to toast me up, right? But it still baffled me - why he of all people would do that, I mean given his history, he's not the most affectionate person around. And then there was the way it made me feel, it shouldn't be this big of a deal, right?
I should just ignore it, I'm probably overreacting and reading too much into it. Although, I can't deny, it's probably the most comfortable I've ever been, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel, like, good..
"You really are cold, huh?" He whispered, the scent of hot cocoa lingering on his lips.
"I told you" I mumbled, slowly melting into his hold.
"Well... do you feel any better now?"
"Yeah, much better. Thank you" I whispered, my thoughts slowly fading as I lulled into a deep sleep.
Yay here it is! I hope this was okay, I couldn't resist adding some fluff here and there since this was literally just a Brella packed chapter lol. Please do continue to review I'd love to hear what you guys think, and also anything you'd like to see, I could really use the inspiration :) Love you all 💖