I struggled against the suffocation hope that rose inside me, knowing it would bring nothing but pain and shattered expectations. But, here's the thing about hope. You're given the tiniest taste, and you become an adding, chasing after every last shred until your hands are raw, bleeding…. and empty again.
And when Romeo was concerned? I didn't stand a chance.
"It is…."
“I love being with you. No matter how this ends. Know that I’ll never regret any of this.” I breathed, staring into her eyes. I wanted to get lost in them. I wanted to feel my heart pound until everything went numb with exhilaration.
And just like that, all doubts faded to a mere echo in the back of my mind.
"You're amazing," I whispered, scooting forward and into his arms.
“Ow, watch the cast.” I winced a little, pulling my injured arm away from contact. I took a step closer to her, using my other arm to envelop her into a hug.
“Sorry..” I apologized, grimacing a little at my own clumsiness. “My bad. Are you hurt?”
“Stop apologizing and hold me.” I whispered faintly, peppering her face with light kisses.
I did as I was told, pressing closer to his warm body. “You’re so comfortable…”
“Am I putting you to sleep?” I chuckled, holding Juliet close and closing my eyes.
“In a good way…” I mumbled, breathing him in. “Do you really think Mercutio likes my best friend?”
“I… I think it’s possible.” I whispered back soothingly. “I know him pretty well, and this is a first for him. But I could be wrong, we’ve all been under a lot of stress lately.”
I pushed him carefully back against the cushions, curling up beneath his uninjured arm. “Do you think he’d ever act on his feelings?”
“Last week I would’ve said no, but now…” All I could do was place a gentle kiss on the top of her nose. “Do you think Marina likes him?”
"I know she likes someone," I murmured, letting my eyes drift shut once more. "Maybe him… though she really does seem to hate him. Then again, that's how I used to act with you."
“My charms are irresistible.” I teased, my voice a mere whisper. “I guess we’ll have to do some snooping on our friends.”
I let a small chuckle slip past my lips. "If you'd like…"
“Juliet, doing whatever I’m not supposed to is my passion.” I announced, my voice soft and quiet.
“Yeah, I figured that one out when you broke into your father’s office to find out what started the way instead of asking me,” I snorted, but there was an undertone of pain in my voice. It was the first time I had seen him so broken….
“I didn’t want to upset you.” I hummed, lifting my arm up to run my fingers through her hair. “I thought you hated me still.”
“I would rather you had asked me than risked your life and come out with a broken arm…” I sighed, but I understood where he was coming from. “How’s the arm, by the way? Healing?”
“I hope so! It’s been trapped in here forever. I’m gonna be so pale.” I blanched a little at the thought.
I laughed softly, shaking my head in amusement. "You're ridiculous, Romeo."
“How will I ever convince you to date me if I’m not the most handsome guy in school?” I protested, ignore how my heart started to beat a little faster with anxiety.
"You're still the most handsome guy, love. I'm not going to break up with you because your arm is paler than the rest of your body," I chuckled, tightening my arms around him.
“God, I love you.” I felt my heart warm as Juliet’s arms subtly tightened around me. I lifted my arm from its place on her back, running my fingers through her hair.
“I love you more,” I hummed, snuggling closer. “Why are you so comfortable?”