My eyelids, which had been drifting slowly shut, flew open. I blinked owlishly at him for a few seconds, holding my breath. Had I heard him correctly? Or had I finally been pushed over the edge of insanity.
"You want me to do what?" If anything, I sounded more surprised than angry, barely remembering to keep my voice down.
“You didn’t punch me, so this is already going better than expected.” I looked back at her, kind of wishing I kept my mouth shut.
"You want me to…. oh. Uh—" I swallowed, hard. "Romeo…. I don't want you to expect anything from me in the future……. but fine. Just this once. Because it's cold, and it's my fault that you're out here."
“You’re agreeing to this?” I couldn’t stop the wide smile from slipping onto my face. “You won’t regret it, I promise. Won’t hear a word from me!”
"I just feel like I owe you…" I answered quietly, slightly uncomfortable. "This doesn't mean anything. Please don't get your hopes up. Okay?"
I nodded. “You don’t have to if you really don’t want to. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” I reassured her quickly, nervous that Juliet felt obligated to be around me, Like a liability. That’s all I am to her.
"I don't want you to be cold….." I muttered, slowly and tentatively shifting forwards until my forehead was almost touching his chest. "Is this weird? This isn't weird, right?"
“It’s not weird.” I chuckled, tilting my head to look down at her. “Just make sure to stick to my right side. My snapped bones don’t like being poked at.”
"Right…." I shut my eyes, unable to look up and meet his gaze. I was afraid…… afraid of watching his eyes light up with that same hope, that lovesick expression that make my stomach turn, not from disgust, but because it was something I could never give him.
I forced myself to breath evenly, my breath still hitching if I focused on Juliet too much. There was no doubt in my mind now that Juliet had turned me into some kind of addict. Having her so close. Cuddled as near to me as she likely ever get. Hell, the the whole was intoxicating. I shut my eyes to try and calm myself. It didn’t work.
A shiver passed through me, the cold slicing straight to my bones, and I found myself burrowing deeper into the loose half-embrace, almost against my will. "You won't tell anyone?"
“I’ll take it to my grave.” I pulled Juliet closer with my hand. “You were never here. My girlfriend Aurora was.”
I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.
"That…. You know that was my mother's name… right?"
“Oh fuck, it was?” I groaned in embarrassment. “God, I’m an idiot.”
I snorted quietly. It wasn’t a laugh… but it was close enough to be some sort of accomplishment.
“It’s fine…”
“Did you just snort?” I teased, raising my eyebrows at her in amusement.
“Shut up….” I muttered, shoving his chest with one hand.
“Hey! Careful. I’m bruised, you know.” I smiled, grateful that my cheeks were already red from the cold.
“Right, sorry… but it’s not my fault you’re being stupid….” An icy wind cut through my blanket, causing me to shiver noticeably.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m stupid, I got it.” I grumbled playfully, watching Juliet shiver from the cold. “Come on, you know I’m going to say anything. Let me warm you up.” I gave her a pointed look and tapped her arm.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this… what exactly do you want me to do? Just…” I raised a hand to rub by nose, which was starting to run. “Just be careful what… what you touch.”
“I’m tired and cold, not perverted, you weirdo.” I teased gently. “Just get closer so you can steal some of my heat. I can tell you’re cold, dummy.”
“I feel bad…” I murmured sleepily, scooting forwards and into his loose embrace. “You shouldn’t be out here…. why are you doing this for me?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do.” I slid forwards a bit until I felt Juliet against my chest. I secured the blankets around us, trapping in any warmth. “And you deserve it, whether you see it or not.” Also I’m in love with you… I pushed the thought away.
(G’morning)
“I don’t understand you….” I whispered, my words slightly muffled by the fabric of his shirt. Almost unconsciously, I found myself inhaling his scent, oblivious to the fact that our legs had already become entangled.