I let my mess of thoughts trickle down the drain with the hot water from the showerhead, watching my breath mist in the air. For once, my mind was blissfully empty. I was calm, at ease. Untroubled by what sometimes seemed like the weight of the world on my shoulders.
It was only after I climbed out that I realized—my pyjamas were still in my wardrobe, on the other side of my bedroom. Shit. When I teased Romeo about his 'raging hormones', I had been joking, bluffing. But now….
I told myself that it wasn't a big deal as I dried myself off and wrapped my largest white bath towel around my body. It wasn't as if either of us wanted to do anything. Right? But when I re-entered my room, my eyes fell on Romeo. Sleeping, peaceful, shirtless Romeo.
Crimson bloomed across my cheeks.
Dreams were elusive to me. I either had nightmares or nothing. But tonight, apparently, was different. Juliet had eased my mind into bliss. I was standing on a beach, far away from the usual turmoil I faced daily. The warm sand soothes the soles of my feet and salty air revitalised my lungs. It was like breathing for the first time again. I let out a sigh, basking in the warmth of the sunlight.
I fixed my eyes to the floor, hurrying across the room. My cheeks burned form the sight of his bare chest.
But I realized quickly that my clothes were kept underneath my pillow…. the same pillow Romeo was currently sleeping on. It took me a moment to gather the courage, but after a few internal pep talks, I reached down and shook his shoulder.
The sensation of being gently shaken awake forced my eyes to open. My blurry gaze focused on Juliet and a warm smile found its way to my lips. “Hey…” I croaked, still half asleep.
“Hey…” I smiled weakly, hugging the towel with one arm. “My pyjamas are under the pillow..”
I rubbed at my eyes, finally realizing Juliet was only in a towel. I felt my face burn red as I averted my eyes. “Oh-Uh… gotcha.” I sat up and scooted backwards a little, giving her access to her pillow. “Sorry bout that.”
“Where’s your shirt?” I asked teasingly, attempting to lighten the mood as I slipped a hand underneath the pillow.
“Uh… in the blankets somewhere.” I glances over at the rumpled pile of sheets I had kicked off moments before. “I was hot cause… well, I don’t think I have to explain that, but…”
I offered a flustered smile as I retrieved my pyjamas, but I couldn’t keep myself from reaching forward with my free hand to cup his cheek.
I closed my eyes as I felt Juliet’s hand cushion my cheek. I hummed in content, leaning into the palm of her hand. “I love you.”
I brushed my thumbs over his cheekbones, releasing a soft exhale. "I love you, too."
I kept my eyes closed, a wry smile forming on my lips. “Now go get changed so I can stare at your beautiful face without feeling like a pervert.”
Heat bloomed across my face.
"Yeah, yeah…" I muttered, pulling away. "Are you in control of your raging hormones yet?"
“I would love to say yes, love, but my eyes are closed for a reason.” I smiled teasingly, but my cheeks flushed a light pink.
"Oh, shut up…" I muttered, taking a couple steps backwards. My cheeks burned—how was he keeping his composure this well?
“Make me.” I teased again, well aware she wasn’t going to do anything until she had clothes on.
I stifled a low growl. “Just you wait, Romeo.”
I was in and out of the bathroom before he could reply, wearing nothing but my simple, knee-length nightgown overtop of a bra. “You can open your eyes now.”
My face burned a bright red at Juliet’s words. I tentatively opened my eyes, rubbing at my face. “Is this what you sleep in every night?” I let my jaw drop, my cheeks flushing red all over again.
“It’s just a nightgown, love.” I seated myself directly beside him, purposely leaning against his bare shoulder.
I chewed my lower lip, pulling it between my teeth. “You’re not helping the raging hormones very much, Jules…”
I tucked myself beneath his uninjured arm and pressed my ear to the spot above his heart, breathing him in. “Mm. Cuddle me?”
I hummed in reply, shifting in order to draw Juliet close to my chest and snuggle. “You’re so adorable.”
I tried to make the most of his warmth, entangling our legs and pressing closer. “If my father caught us like this….”
“Then I’d still be the happiest dead man on earth.” I replied calmly, nuzzling close to Juliet.
"Don't say that…." My throat tightened. "You're not going to die, even if we're found out."
(ha ha, joke's on you, Juliet)
