B I R T H D A Y S U I T
Isabelle
Clouds of icing sugar puff up into the air as I start measuring it out into a bowl. I blow out, swatting my hands in front of my face to get rid of it. Carefully, I wiggle the rest of it out until it's at the right amount. My phone starts buzzing on the counter and I see a facetime call from Eva. I prop it up so I'm in frame and answer it.
"Hey!" She greets me. "Oh is this a bad time?"
"No! Not at all. How are you?" I smile, moving the bowl out of view so I can lean my elbows on the work top.
"Yeah we're good thanks. What are you making?" I start to tell her about the cake but a distant voice catches my attention.
"Hang on. Is that Violet?!" A smile etches onto both of our faces.
"It is. Violet come here!" She beckons her over and she pops into view. "We worked things out and she's given me another chance."
"Oh guys, that's so great." I beam, genuinely happy for them. "Well now that everything is sorted, you've both got to come to Sam's birthday dinner. It's a surprise. Wesley is also having a party at his house afterwards but don't say anything to Sam."
"Ooh, that sounds fun!" Violet chimes.
At that moment, Thomas waltzes into the room and I stand up straight looking to him. He smiles and then points to my face.
"You've got a little-." He uses his thumb to brush some of the icing off of my cheek, taking it into his mouth afterwards. Without realising he's in frame, he hooks his arm around the back of me.
"Looking very cosy over there!" Eva shouts out, startling him.
"Oh hi guys!" He laughs and then suddenly stops, pointing at them. "Hold on a second."
"Yeah. We worked everything out." She reiterates.
"Oh sweet, that's awesome." He points to them. "You better be coming tonight."
"Yeah. Isabelle just told us about it so we'll definitely be there." He quickly plants a kiss on my cheek, subtly patting my ass on his way past, after letting me go. He goes around to the other side of the kitchen so I lean forwards again.
"What's the dress code?" Violet asks, hugging Eva from the side as the pair of them sway side to side.
"Nothing too fancy but still nice. Formal but something you can wear to the party afterwards."
"So nothing too casual but nothing too slutty?"
"Sure." I nod with a chuckle.
"Great! Text us the details." They both look to each other, wiggling their eyebrows. "We have some time to catch up on."
"Okay. Have fun. And don't be late!"
**
I adjust my hair, flicking it behind my shoulder as I assess my outfit in the mirror. I've picked out a black, velvet mini dress with long sleeves and a triangular cut out on the thigh. I've paired it with some dainty, golden jewellery and a pair of black strappy heels.
A low whistle sounds, followed by Thomas who enters the room. He has a white shirt on with the top two buttons undone and open, exposing the tanned skin of his toned chest. He's wearing smart, navy pants with a brown belt that matches his shoes.
"Wow. Look at you." I compliment, smiling at him.
"Are you kidding? You look beautiful." His hand finds my side and he goes in to kiss me but I quickly back away.
"Nope. You'll ruin my lipstick." I cry out.
"You can put it back on." He argues back. I roll my eyes and pucker up.
After a short kiss, I wipe his lips with my thumb as he fishes his phone out of his pocket. I turn my back on him, picking up my clear lip gloss and rolling it on. Spinning back around I catch him taking a picture of me with the flash on. I shy, ducking out of the way and snatching his phone from him. I angle the picture onto his face, holding his chin in my hand as I take a photo. He tugs me towards him, taking the phone back. He positions us in front of the mirror, my head resting on his shoulder as he snaps a third picture.
"Right. Come on." I pat his chest. "We can't be late." I grab my things and then his hand, leading him out.
**
After sitting in the back of the Uber together and telling the driver about the surprise birthday celebration for fifteen minutes or so, we get to the restaurant. Thomas hops out and holds the door open for me to get out. We thank the driver and then head on inside. We're met with a sleek, reception desk, a well-dressed woman stood behind it to greet us.
"Table reserved under the name Dunn." I tell her. She politely smiles, checks the systems and then picks up the menus to start leading us through the restaurant.
"After you." Thomas gestures, letting me follow her on through. She takes us past a few tables with couples on them, engaging in light, happy conversation. We get to a door and she opens it for us. The private room holds a long, white clothed table with several burning candles and dim lighting that's enough to still see in.
There's fake plants and flowers dotted through the centre of the table. The finest silverware is set out for each place. We thank her before moving around to take choose our seats. We pick to sit opposite each other, in the middle of the table. Just as I start to move my chair out, the door swings open.
"Hey guys!" Violet and Eva's grins walk in before they do, the both of them excited to greet us. Violet has pinned her hair up and back, showing off her colourful makeup that compliments her purple dress. Eva's long, black jumpsuit comfortably hugs her body.
"You look great!" I embrace them one at a time before sitting down. They fill the chairs either side of me, Violet looking at the menu straight away.
"God, I'm so hungry." She exclaims, putting a hand to her stomach.
"You're always hungry." Eva laughs and we all chuckle. Surprisingly, Charlie turns up next and he isn't late. He's in a navy top and black trousers, holding a giftbag with a bottle in it.
"Thought I'd get him something he could share out." He remarks and I shake my head at him. He clasps Thomas' hand, taking a seat across from us girls. It seems like the girls have chosen one side and the boys have been left with the other.
We quickly catch up, making small talk when Wesley and Paige come through into the room. They take their places after greeting everyone. A short debate about where Sam should sit erupts but the only and obvious answer is head of the table.
The next few times we hear footsteps, we all fall silent, trying to make sure we can surprise him when he comes through. All at once our eyes are drawn to the handle the rattles as the door begins to open.
"This is all a bit excessive, don't you thin-."
"Happy birthday!" Everyone shouts out, cutting Sam off. He jumps, his hand flying to his chest as he bumps into Owen who's stood behind him.
"Oh my god!" He cries out, a grin spreading across his face. Thankfully, he does seem surprised. "This is so awesome!"
"Take a seat. Take a seat." Charlie ushers him, gesturing to the head of the table. He shuffles comfortably into the chair, still chuckling.
Everyone beams up to look at him. As if on cue a waitress comes in with glasses of champagne on a tray. She hands them out to everyone and I frown to myself, thinking on whether or not I can remember asking for that.
"Nice touch huh?" Thomas nods over to the drinks and smiles, happy with himself. Of course it was him.
Everyone quickly settles down and starts browsing through the menu. There's a lot of listed dishes, some that I have absolutely no idea of what they are. We decide to go for the shared starter of the balsamic vinegar and caramelized onion bread.
After a short period of time, the food is brought out. Both of the breads are cut into eight pieces which we share out, giving the extra slice to Sam. The restaurant is so nice, it feels wrong to eat with my hands so I cut each slice up and eat it off of my fork. It's delicious, the warming sweetness sitting on my taste buds. The conversation flows as we all enjoy the food.
Once I've finished, myself, Eva and Violet get up to go to the restrooms. There's three stalls opposite three sinks in a long counter top that's against a wall that's filled with a whole mirror.
"God. I'm so glad you guys worked things out." I beam, excitedly after washing my hands. We embrace into a tight hug, squeezing onto each other. I'm happy for them, obviously, but a part of me is relieved that I don't have to be the middle man anymore.
"Yeah. Sam. We're still learning a lot from each other but I'm glad we're good again." Eva smiles to Violet as we all break away. "Come on. We better get back to everyone."
The service here is pretty quick, it's not long before our mains are being served. My duck breast with apricot chutney gets placed in front of me. The smell rises up, meeting my nose, making my mouth salivate slightly. Patiently, I wait until everyone else's meal has been given to them before I dig in. The food is heavenly, better than anything I've ever made.
"What did you get?" I ask, peering over the table at Thomas' plate.
"Sweet and sour chicken with some sticky white rice." He explains, holding his hand up in front of his face as he speaks.
"Ooh. What's it like?" With my question, he cuts up a mouthful, stabbing it onto the end of his fork. He stretches over the table, offering it to me. I bite it off, the tangy, delicious flavors exploding in my mouth. I make happy noises as he has his own mouthful.
"Oh my god. That's really good." He nods in agreement.
I continue eating but I can't take my eyes off of him. He looks so good in his unbuttoned shirt, his jawline sharp and his sparkling eyes concentrating on whatever story is being told. His lips curl up into a laugh, showing off his white smile. I'm consumed by everything about him, a tightness curdling in my chest.
Without making too much movement, I take my foot out of my heel and chew on the inside of my mouth. Slowly, I start tracing it up the inside of Thomas' thigh. His face subtlety contorts with surprise and then his jaw clenches.
He's desperately trying to pretend that it's not taking an affect as Owen makes a joke with him. He lets out a long, shaky breath, a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth. I grin to myself, loving the idea of how much I can tease him.
Suddenly, he catches my foot and yanks on it which pulls me further down my chair, almost underneath the table. I let out a shriek, my arms flattening on the surface to catch myself, the plates and cutlery clattering with my force. Everyone's eyes shoots in my direction.
"Oh my god." I flush, feeling my cheeks go red. "Sorry. My chair slipped." I sit myself up and clear my throat. Thomas is avoiding looking at me in my eyes, desperately trying not to laugh behind his glass of champagne. "Carry on."
Thankfully, they continue with the conversation that was happening beforehand and I politely listen while finishing my meal.
While the blush fades out of my cheeks, I'm one of the first to finish because I'm not busy talking like everyone else is. I wipe the napkin over my lips glancing over at Thomas' also empty plate.
He notices me and quickly winks to me. I tilt my head, an idea popping into my mind like a lightbulb switching on.
"Two minutes after me." I mouth to him. He frowns, not understanding what I said.
I tap my wrist, where I could be wearing a watch but I'm not. I subtly stretch out two fingers, point to myself and then nod my head out the door. This time he realizes, surprise growing across his face. He shakes his head with a light laugh. I raise my eyebrows in question and he gives me a confident nod.
"I'll be back. I need to pee." The chair scrapes against the floor as I scoot out.
"Again?" Paige questions looking up to me as I stand and brush off my dress.
"Yeah. It's all this champagne." I excuse myself and slip out of the room.
I go back into the restroom, checking it's empty. Thankfully it is. I stand in front of the mirror to assess my appearance while patiently waiting. I adjust the strand of my hair that's fallen over the front of my face. Rolling my shoulders, the door clicks open and Thomas' head pokes around the corner.
"What's gotten into you?" He grins devilishly, sneaking up towards me to catch my waist.
"I can't help it. You look so good." I pull the collar of his shirt towards me, latching onto his lips.
My arms loops around his wide shoulders as he presses us chest to chest. He takes my mouth in a deep and reckless kiss. He lets out a low moan before I feel his tongue slipping inside my mouth, introducing hints of champagne. Heat floods my body like a dam that's broken. It's not long before he lifts me, clambering me to sit on the edge of the counter.
"We've got to make this quick." I pant, unbuttoning his shirt in between his mouth.
"It will be. You're killing me." He hitches the skirt of my dress up, moving my underwear to the side so he can begin to stroke the pad of his fingers against me.
I lean my head forwards, resting into his shoulder, writhing and panting for breath. In record time, I unfasten his belt, desperate to feel him. His fingers move in tighter, more rapid circles that cause me to bite my lip to keep myself from making a sound. His toned chest rises and falls in rhythm with each of my strokes along him.
"You're so fucking hot." I mutter to him and he lets out a satisfied groan.
He grapples at my sides, bringing me down and spinning me around, his fingers digging into my sides. He pins me there, moving in closer to nibble on my earlobe.
"Watch yourself." His eyes are filled with a lustful darkness, staring at me in the mirror. "I want you to watch yourself come."
He shoves his pants down a little and grips onto my hips, dropping me right onto where he's rock hard between his legs. I gasp, clinging onto the edge of the counter.
His thrusts are quick and rough, my moans punctuating each one despite his hand over my mouth in his best attempt at muffling the sound. He's watching me watch myself in the mirror, making sure that I do.
His lips meet the exposed skin of my neck, kissing, biting, licking playfully where ever he can. My whole body tingles, my nerves curling up into flames. Desperation drives us further, faster and deeper until it's impossible to keep my eyes open any longer.
I cry out just before he stiffens behind me and then slumps his chest against my back. After taking a moment to collect ourselves, he spins me around, his hands softening at my sides but remain there.
I search his eyes and then let out a series of breathless giggles which he reciprocates. I shuffle my dress back down and he fastens up his pants back up.
"You need to go so no one suspects anything." I whisper, patting his shoulder.
"Okay." He murmurs but instead of leaving, he tugs me closer for a lengthy, gentle kiss.
"Get lost." I playfully shove him off of me. He grins, taking a last look at me before swiftly leaving. I close my eyes and let out a long, steady breath.
After a few minutes of getting myself ready, I return to everyone, casually sitting down without bringing too much attention to myself. No one really takes any notice until Eva bumps into my shoulder.
"Your lip gloss is all gone." She whispers to me in which I press them tightly together. The girls give me a knowing look and a chuckle. The rest of the guys are clueless, as per usual.
**
Everyone is too full for dessert so we sit around and talk while we finish our drinks. Sam seems to have be really happy, it's been non-stop laughter and story telling the whole time. Over the last twenty minutes, I've noticed he's seized up a little.
At the head of the table he clears his throat, grabbing our attention when he stands.
"Hey. I just want to thank you guys for doing this. It means so much." Everyone smiles at his words but it's almost as if all of the color washes out of his face. "I want to say something and it's kind of... God. I don't know, it's like I've forgotten how to speak." He lets out a sharp breath, pulling himself together.
"I'm bi." He blurts out, the abruptness of his words widening his own eyes.
Silence.
A deafening quietness settles over everyone. Glancing to the side, Eva and Violet are both grinning at Sam who looks shit scared, scanning the room.
"Okay." Thomas says nonchalantly.
"Cool." Owen nods and takes a sip to finish his drink. Sam looks to each and every one of us, gaging and processing our reactions. He sinks down into his chair again.
"I was expecting... a little more than... that." He explains. I give him an encouraging smile. "I don't know, I thought you guys would think it was a big deal."
"Bro, we don't care." Thomas shrugs. "It's none of our business who you want to have sex with or not."
"So you're not going to unfriend me or anything?" Sam ask nervously, his eyes welling up.
"We love you man, no matter what." Wesley adds. Sam's head tips back in relief and a single tear falls down the side of his face. Eva and Violet jump up and run around to hug him.
"We're so proud of you." Violet beams at him as he holds onto them. I lean forwards, reaching for my glass.
"To Sam." I raise it in the air as everyone else gets their own.
"To Sam!"
**
Thomas
We each take an uber back to Wesley's place, Owen driving Sam himself to make sure they take the long way so they turn up last. As soon as Isabelle and I turn up, the house is already packed and overflowing with people ready to surprise him. I spend five or so minutes saying hello to all the familiar faces.
"He's on his way. Everyone quiet!" Wesley shouts over everyone after reading his phone. The music turns off and everyone freezes. Listening out, I can hear the muffled sound of Sam talking as they make their way up to the door. The handle rattles and it cracks open.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" The crowds of people shout as he appears in the door frame. As if on cue the lights go down as Wesley carries the cake Isabelle made towards him, the candles lit up. Everyone starts singing, Sam's grin reaching his eyes. He waits until the song is finished before squeezing his eyes shut and then blowing the candles out.
"I just want to say, thanks everyone for being here today!" Someone passes him a drink which he raises into the air. "Now let's fucking party!" Cheers erupt through Wesley's house and the music starts thumping.
The groups of people disperse and Isabelle wraps Sam into a hug before taking the cake back off to the kitchen with Sam and Wesley. I shift my weight, folding my arms across my chest as I turn to Eva and Violet. I go to speak when my voice is cut off.
"Yo. Who was that girl you came with?" I look down to a short and stocky guy with a blonde perm sat on his head. I don't think I recognise him from anywhere. I frown.
"Isabelle?" I question, her being the only person he could possibly mean.
"Yeah. She's hot. Is she single?" I'm taken aback, instantly irritated by him. I'm not sure how to answer the question. We're not together as boyfriend or girlfriend but we're not exactly dating anyone else.
"No. Well, she's actu-." I start to correct myself but I get interrupted for the second time.
"Oh man. Shame." The idiot take a swig from his cup. "Though it's never stopped me before." He pats my shoulder and struts away. I gape over to Eva and Violet who are both shocked, the pair of them witnessing that whole interaction.
"What an asshole." I shake my head, scoffing.
"I can't believe that just happened." Eva rises on her toes to look over the countless heads, trying to get a better look at him.
"Keep your eyes peeled Thomas. Seems like some serious competition." Violet teases. I let out a chuckle.
"Hmm, consider me worried." I shrug it off, not bothered. But then I am suddenly bothered. "I am going to go and find her though." They laugh and I leave them, circling around the house, fist bumping a few guys and politely smiling to a handful of girls that say hello. Eventually, I spot her in the kitchen.
"Cake?" She holds out a fork, offering me a bite of hers. I take it off of her.
"Mmm." I hum, happily. She wipes a bit of icing off of the side of my mouth. "That's delicious."
"Thanks! Did you see where Eva and Violet went?"
"I just left them back where we were. They won't have gone far." I gesture over my shoulder.
"Great. I'm going to hang with them so I'll come and find you later on." She picks up her cup of alcohol, raising it to me slightly.
My stomach drops at the idea that I'm going to be without her. I catch her arm after she passes, reluctant to let her go, especially now I know other eyes are on her. I gently yank her in for a quick kiss.
"Miss you already." I whisper. She smiles from underneath her eyelashes and slips away.
**
I hang around in the basement for a while but then for the next few hours, me and a few of the others stay in one of Wesley's room in his house it can just be us. It's early into the morning now but the party is still raging on in the backyard and basement. Sam was with us in the beginning but got carried off to another one of the many games he's been dragged into.
I glance into the bottom of my empty cup as Wesley starts to tell us about how he met Paige's parents. They've made things official between them. It's Wesley's first proper girlfriend which he's excited about. Listening to him has made me realise how backwards Isabelle and I have worked out. Suddenly, Eva busts into the room, catching her breath.
"Thomas! I've been looking for you everywhere." She starts to explain and concern riddles through me. "Isabelle is wasted. Totally wasted."
"Right. Okay." I stand up, brushing my pants off.
"She's also decided to get into the hot tub." Eva continues, gesturing over her shoulder. I step forward, ushering her to lead the way.
"I haven't even turned the hot tub on." I hear Wesley say.
"I might be back." I call to them just before exit the room. Eva squeezes past people on the stairs, leading the way. As I get to the hall, a body throws themselves into me. Jumping back, I see that it's Sam.
"Thanks for being my best friend, man." He embraces me into a big hug, patting my back. "You've done so much for me. I love you." I laugh at his drunkenness.
"Love you too. I've got to go and find Isabelle. I'll see you in a bit, yeah?" I have to shout over the volume of the music. He nods and I leave him to continue on to the outside area where Eva points to Isabelle.
She's in the corner of the hot tub, still in her dress, opposite the jackass who spoke to me earlier. He is adjusting the controls while she's looking into her drink. I'm sure he was happy enough to take all of his clothes off except for his trunks before getting in.
"You have fun with that one." Eva chuckles and stands back with Violet to watch.
"Only joking. Only joking." I pick up on the guy's voice as I make my way over. I flinch at the possibilities of what he could've said but I focus on her.
She hasn't noticed me yet. Her dress is soaked through and her hair is damp and wavy from the steam which has also caused some of her makeup to slide down her face a little. She looks like she's in her own little world, not able to pay much attention to anything in particular but still with a content look on her face. I clear my throat and she lights up like a kid in a candy store at the sight of me.
"How many drinks have you had?" I narrow my eyes at her.
"More than you." She slurs as I finally reach her.
"Hmm. That sounds about right." I lean over to give her a peck, tasting the sweet alcohol off of her lips. I don't bother looking at the guy even though I feel his eyes burning into me.
"Are you going to join me?" She tilts her head, smoothening her voice out to try and seduce me. Her wet hand touches my side as I shake my head at her.
"I'm good, thanks baby. I'm going to sit with Eva and Violet for a bit. I'll just over there so shout if you need me." I gesture over my shoulder.
Only now do I turn to look at the guy, giving him a stern, warning nod. My eyes sharpen in his direction and I watch him tense up underneath my hard stare.
With a short smile to Isabelle, I pat the side of the hot tub and gradually retreat, joining the girls who have sat themselves down on a set of chairs, still linked to each other as Eva holds Violet's hand in her lap.
It's good seeing them back together, they look happy. Even happier than they were before. Though I suppose they say absence makes the heart grow fonder for a reason which is so true. I can't even imagine going a day without seeing Isabelle at all.
I insert myself into the conversation, every now and then checking on Isabelle and the guy across from her. He's speaking and mainly laughing to himself while she nods along politely. She doesn't seem very engaged in whatever he's saying. A few other people have joined them in the hot tub since I last looked which I'm happy about because it's separated her and the guy.
Ten or so minutes have passed when I look up to see Owen and Sam sauntering over, side by side. Sam's balance is off and he's wobbling around a little with a happy, contagious grin on his face.
"Hey. We're thinking about heading off. I haven't been drinking so I can take people home if you need me to." Owen offers.
"Yeah. I think it's about time." I stand up, as do Eva and Violet who explain they've already called an Uber. "I'll just get Isabelle." I go over to her, gently tapping on her shoulder. "Is, everyone's going home now."
"Okay." She immediately stands up, all of the water flooding out from her dress. I hold out my arm for her to steady herself on as she struggles to step out. Her clothes are clinging to her, absolutely soaking wet. I don't have anything that I can give for her to wear.
Taking her cold hand, we follow the others, making our way through the still crowded house. Stepping out onto the street, Owen clicks the keys to his car and I lift my hand up to wave goodbye to Eva and Violet who are going the opposite direction.
After only letting go of Isabelle for a matter of seconds, I hear her muttering from behind me. I twist around, catching the sight of her trying to strip out of her drenched dress.
"What on earth are you doing?" I move forwards, trying to stop her. "No, no, no." She steps back, tripping on the edge of the sidewalk. Despite my best efforts in catching her, she clatters to the ground, cracking herself up with laughter. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She manages to say through her giggles. I can't help but smile as Owen and I help her to her feet. I brush her body off and then lead her to car.
Taking a hoodie from the back, I lay it across the back seats to protect them. I settle her over the space. Getting in the other side, she rests her, thankfully, dry head on my lap.
"Drive safe." I say nodding to Isabelle as Owen starts up the ignition. Sam starts to mess around with the music until he finds something he can shout along to. I stroke Isabelle's soft hair, while she has her eyes shut, her croaky voice singing mostly in tune.
**
Owen stops off at our apartment first because Isabelle is in worse shape than Sam is somehow. He pulls up outside the building and I carefully scoot out, Isabelle's head flopping down to where I'd just been sitting.
I move around the other side of the car, opening the door. Wrapping my hands around her ankles, I tug, sliding her out to me which makes her shriek in shock.
"Woah. We do have an audience." She jokes through a laugh. I roll my eyes with a smile and slowly haul her over my shoulder. "Bye guys. Happy birthday Sam."
She slumps her weight onto me as I carry her up to the apartment. She lets out a few giggles as she sways side to side. I take her straight into the bathroom, placing her on the counter, beside the sink. I button my shirt, throwing it to the side because she's made it wet where I was holding her. Finding a clean towel, I cocoon it around her.
Squirting a line of toothpaste along the bristles of her brush, I begin to brush her teeth. She keeps closing and opening her heavy eyes, her head often dropping back. She tries to speak and I let out a laugh.
"Is. I can't understand you because I'm brushing your teeth." I shake my head. "Spit." I instruct when I'm done. She leans over to the sink and does while I grab her makeup wipes. I support the back of her head as I gently clean her face.
"Ouch." She complains a few times even though I'm definitely not hurting her.
"Stop it." She gives me a playful, glee smile. I soften at her, remembering back to when I did this for her when we first knew each other. The night Sam and I practically saved her outside of the club.
She breaks my train of thought, hounding me for a kiss which I eventually give to her. I quickly rub the towel over her before scooping her up and carrying her into our bedroom. Her feet touch the floor at the end of the bed and I remove the towel, her teeth chattering.
"You'll warm up in a minute." I peel her wet dress off of her tanned, slim body, chucking it in the corner of the room. She perches and I kneel down, taking her heels off. I leave a line of kisses up her leg while I do it. Briefly meeting her lips, I expertly unclip the back of her bra with one hand.
"You're too good at that." She slurs, resting her elbows back against the mattress.
"Yeah, well I've had the pleasure of taking your clothes off many times." I reply with a smirk. "Now get your hips up for me." She does as she's told, biting down on her lip. I wiggle her underwear off of her. "Arms up."
She sits back up at the end of the bed and I fit one of my hoodies over the top of her. I adjust it around her neck before ruffling my hand into her hair. She laughs and I playfully push on her head so she falls back into the mattress, bouncing off of it. She reaches out, summoning me.
I fit myself over her and she lifts her head to catch my lips with hers. She lazily edges her tongue along mine as our hands casually stroke and squeeze each other. Pulling away, I place one last peck on her mouth before staring down at her while she looks up at me in a drunken awe.
I struggle to say anything because the words I really want to say are teetering on the edge of my tongue, preparing to slip out.
"What are you doing?" She questions sadly when I get off of her.
"Getting ready for bed." I answer. "I'll be back in two minutes, okay?" I smile and slip out of the room, leaving her in there. I wash my face, brush my teeth and get changed into a clean pair of Calvins before returning.
The door creaks open as I poke my head through first. I find her practically asleep at the bottom of my bed, not to my surprise – I could tell she was tired.
Gently, I hook my hands underneath her arm pits so I can easily shift her up to the top of the bed. I bend the covers back, slotting her bare legs under them. I place a kiss on her forehead before clambering in beside her. Straight away, I reach out to turn the light off and settle down on my side, watching her.
I lightly brush a few of her dark waves off of her closed eyes. Her pink lips are parted, her breathing in a steady rhythm.
"Goodnight." I whisper through the night. She doesn't respond, fast asleep.
****
-Frankie Kate