Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 32 ^.^

I'd placed the plates in the sink and began to do the washing as Luca continued to bring me the last couple of things from the table. When he is done clearing the table I tell him to start drying but instead of grabbing the wet plate on the right, he steps closer to me from behind, wrapping his hands around me to grab the one I'd just cleaned and causing me to almost drop it in surprise.

"Luca - move" I whisper, nudging my elbow back into him. He chuckles and complies but it's too late. Lea's eyes catch mine and I curse under my breath. Great. I sigh and finish cleaning them before grabbing another drying towel to help him. He finishes his last plate and takes a seat with Lea and Ethan first but I follow soon after. Unfortunately, the only space is on the couch where Luca is sitting so I take a seat beside him - as far as possible of course.

We flick through netflix and finally settle on the movie 'Mall Cops' which we all agree on. It was hilarious and one of my favourite comedy movies but half way through I am feeling drowsy. Luca had behaved and kept to his side of the couch so far - but when I yawn, I feel him shift beside me  as he grabs my hand, tugging it towards him. I try to pull it back but he just rolls his eyes, gently forcing me towards him so I am lying down with my head on the cushion he'd placed on his lap. This time I dare not look at Lea as I give in, shifting until i'm comfortable. Luca places one arm on my shoulder and the other one runs repetitive circles on my skull. The last thought before I drift off to sleep echoes in my mind.

'I could get use to this...'

***

Luca's POV

I feel a nudge on my shoulder and open my eyes slowly, finding Lea hovering over me with a finger to her mouth.

"Shhh.." She points down at Cyan which I now recall had fallen asleep on my lap during the movie. I look at the screen and noticed its paused on the credits. Luca is fixing up the couch they'd been on and Cyan hasn't moved from her cuddled up position. Her hair is swept to one side so that she isn't lying on it and my fingers are threaded through it. I carefully untangle my hand under Lea's guidance. "Ethan is going to stay over since its late... Are you ok getting her to bed on your own?" She whispers and I nod, shooing her away before she can say more.

She walks over to the kitchen and quietly pours herself a drink as I try and figure out what to do with Cyan. Part of me wanted to take her to bed with me and keep her close but I wasn't sure she would be happy with that. I sigh and gently lift her head off me, laying it on the pillow after I get up. Once I am standing I bend down and place an arm under her legs and one on her bag, lifting her up carefully and resting her head on my shoulder as I had last time. She cuddles up to me, making my sensible decision to take her home even harder. 

I turn and walk towards the entrance and I signal to Lea for help opening the door. Instead of helping she hurries over and whispers "What are you doing." 

I raise a brow and whisper back, "Taking her home - what do you think I was gonna do?" 

She rolls her eyes, "Why don't you just let her use your bed?" 

"Her house is right there?" I reason. 

"Yeah but aren't you--?" She stops as Cyan stirs in my arms. We both freeze but I breath out a sigh of relief when she doesn't open her eyes. She looked so cute with her cheek squished to my chest and I feel my heart beat a little faster than normal as It always did when I was with her.

To answer Lea, I shake my head but before I can answer she hushes me and nudges me towards my room. Even though I knew I could resist - I don't and comply,  willingly. I slowly walk into my room and Lea opens the door for me. I walk to my bed and rest Cyan down carefully, making sure not to pull her hair or make any sudden movements. When I step away she stirs and frowns but doesn't seem to wake up. Lea is waiting for me at the door so I step away and walk out quietly. Cup in her hand, she follows me to the breakfast bar and takes a seat opposite me in her usual spot.