Lilo & Stitch

Stinky

For probably the hundredth attempt tonight, I checked the time, willing myself to recognize how late it was. There was a storm brewing heavily outside, rain so thick against my window I could hear the soft 'shhh' noise from my bed. With a huff, I got up and sat by the window on my chair, tugging my knees up to my chest. I couldn't sleep.

It was stupid really, a silly excuse that I couldn't sleep without something that felt so childish. But it was so special to me, and I'd been dumb and left it at the Chateau when I came home this morning. I shouldn't have brought it with me in the first place, but I was worried JJ might not be staying the night with me there and I couldn't sleep without it if he wasn't there.

I let out a long sigh, hugging my legs against myself to try and quell the lonely feeling. Staring out at the rain, I scolded myself. This was so dumb, I was being childish, I–

My phone buzzed. I lifted it up to my face, wincing and almost dropping it at the brightness before I could get it turned down. There was a text from JJ.

Birdshit: hey, just letting you know I made it back from work okay. At the Chateau tonight. I love you.

I smiled softly at the screen, typing up a quick response. Thanks for checking in. I love you too

But before I could put my phone down and go back to my sulking, it buzzed again. I quirked an eyebrow in confusion; usually, JJ would be going to bed now and just let me know where he was when he could.

Birdshit: What are you still doing up pretty girl?

I sighed. Can't sleep. I'm okay though.

There was a quick "Why? What's wrong?" and then before I could respond, the little typing bubble popped up again. A photo slid up into the chat, and there it was.

Birdshit: Oh, baby. Does this have anything to do with it?

The photo showed his messy bed in the Chateau, sheets still haphazardly strewn from both of us sleeping in it last night. In the forefront, there was JJ's hand holding up the little Stitch plushie he'd saved up for and bought for my birthday, months ago. Its little blue head was wrinkled from laying amongst the blankets all day, looking ragged and tugging at my heartstrings. The little floppy ears were waterfalling over JJ's calloused hand that held it up as gently as he would a baby. I loved that stupid thing.

As if he were actually able to see me, my lip instinctively pouted out the tiniest bit and I nodded. I huffed out a sigh.

Maybe... I'm sorry, Jay. I forgot him when I left this morning.

After a moment, the typing bubbles popped up a few times, then disappeared. I knew he wasn't upset with me, probably just worried I'd end up having another sleepless night. This wasn't the first time this happened, and once or twice JJ had had to hide the poor thing under his bed and hope his dad wouldn't see if he came home. More than that even, John B had brought the stuffed animal back to me after I'd left it at his house from spending the night. Luckily, he only teased JJ and me about it when it was just the two of us, and didn't judge me for clinging to the raggedy birthday gift.

Fifteen or so minutes passed and JJ still hadn't replied, so I assumed he'd fallen asleep. I knew he was often really tired after work, and I didn't want to bug him. The rain was peaceful at least, and I thought maybe it could lull me to sleep if I just closed my eyes and tried hard enough. I'd see JJ tomorrow, at least then maybe I could take a nap on him.

My eyes squeezed shut and I hung my head over my knees, letting my brain drift in and out of an exhaustion purgatory. Sleep still wouldn't come, but just when I'd decided to move back to bed, my phone started ringing.