Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 27 ^.^

We walk a couple of minutes in silence and I feel myself shiver from the cold night air. I think I've done a good job hiding the fact that I'm cold until I feel Luca wrap an arm around my waist and pull me closer as we walk. His warmth helps me relax my tense shoulders and I find my body responding on its own and leaning against his.

I'd let myself feel this, if only for tonight.....

We both don't say anything as we walk back but the walk feels eternal as my feet hurt. Maybe I could ask him for.....nah that would be bad.....but.....

"Hey Luca?" I make my voice extra sweet and he pulls away slightly to look down at me as I come to a stop. "I know I'm not as light as other girls and I get it if you say no but I was wondering if - well - i was wondering-"

"Just ask--" He cuts me off chuckling. I guess He was becoming used to my nervous rambling.

"Well. Can you give me a piggyback ride?" I don't dare to look at him but I can tell he is probably smirking. This was the first time - and last time - I would ask him for one I'd promise myself that much.

"In tha?" He points at my dress and I take a moment to understand what he means. The dress was pretty short....if I wrapped my legs around his brad back It would surely ride up.

"Oh yea... Well yes in this. I'll be on your back so not like you can see anyway and its 2am." I look around and see no one but ourselves walking in this direction. 

"Nope no way. " He answers. I am about to insist but instead he grabs me princess style once again and I find myself wrapping my arms around his neck reflexively. 

"Luca! This isn't what I had in mind...." I grumble stubbornly. But in all honesty, It was better than a piggy back. I lean my head on his chest comfortably but can't help but feel guilty that he has to carry my weight.

"You aren't heavy..." He says after a while. I shrug and don't answer because I feel as if it isn't true.

Its only five minutes before I make out where we are and I feel relief flood me knowing we are close to home. This is followed by a little sad feeling knowing I will have to leave Luca's strong warm hold soon. Ofcourse I push these feelings away and tap his chest so that he lets me down. 

He places me down on the ground and I take a second to regain my balance before we make our way to the door. He keeps an arm around my waist for warmth which I am silently thankful for.

"Finally," I sigh taking the last couple of steps onto my front porch.

"It's been a long day," He says. Luca follows me up, walking me right up to my door before unwrapping his arm from my waist.

"Yep maybe I won't have trouble sleeping tonight" The thought slips out of my lips before I can say anything and I laugh awkwardly. Standing in between Luca and my door - I hesitate.

Should I hug him goodbye? No right? Did I believe that seeing Marie on him was one-sided?

"What do you mean?" He asks, actually looking concerned.

"Nothing." I say quickly, inching towards the door. He grabs my arm and tuggs on it, making me look up at him. There was longing in his eyes but this time it was for information. For me to share more with him - and that scared me. "You know...I just have nightmares sometimes so its hard to rest" I answer briefly.