More than Expected

Part 2

May 10, 2012
     This is the third morning in a row that she's woken up in Rick's arms, and every morning it gives her butterflies. He hasn't left her side since he arrived at her house Monday night. Her parents seemed very understanding as her and Rick were the closest to Royce. She rolls over in her bed and watches him sleep. Even when he's sleeping, he looks like he's in pain. She wishes she could take his pain away. She wishes she could take all of their pain away. She wishes Royce was still here, wishes he didn't go to that party.
     She's gently tracing the outline of his lips when he stirs awake. His ocean blue eyes open to meet her golden green hues. "Morning." He mumbles, his voice still thick with sleep. "Good morning." She says as her hand moves to cup his cheek. He presses his lips to her wrist before wrapping his arms tighter around her waist and burrowing his face into her neck. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses his forehead. He looks up at her, "How're you feeling this morning?" He asks. Her eyes well up with tears.
     "I still can't believe it." She chokes out. He scoots up in bed and pulls her into his chest. Her body shakes with her sobs. He presses gentle kisses to her forehead and cheek, "I'm so sorry, baby." He whispers. "I want him back, Rick." She cries, "I want him back too." He agrees with her. His hand cups the back of her head. She moves her head away from his chest and looks up at him, "Kiss me." She whispers the request, "Kate-," "Please. It makes me feel better." She whimpers. He can't deny her, has never been able to and probably never will be able to.
     He leans down and presses his lips to hers, "Kate, what're we doing?" He asks, "Whatever you want." She whispers, "You mean that?" He asks and she nods, "I want you." He whispers, "I want you too." She replies. He smiles before kissing her again, "I'm yours." He promises, "And I'm yours." She replies. They share another kiss before they cuddle back under her covers, "Rick?" "Hm?" "Will you come with me to see Royce's parents?" She asks, "Of course. Jeff and Sarah need our support." He says and she nods, "Can we cuddle for a little longer before we go though?" Kate asks. He chuckles, "Whatever you want, beautiful."
     It's around noon before they're ready to go and are on their way to the Royce residence. Rick pulls into the driveway and the two walk up to the door hand-in-hand. Before they knock, Kate slips her hand out of Rick's, "Hey, look, I'm happy we've figured everything out and we're gonna be together now, but maybe let's wait before everyone else finds out? I feel like this time should really be about Royce and honoring him and his memory." Kate offers.
     Rick nods, "Of course. We're doing this at your pace, Kate." He informs her, "I appreciate that, but I want you to be able to ask stuff of me. This relationship is a two way street." She says. He smiles and nods before she knocks on the door. A woman opens the door and immediately pulls the teenagers into her arms, "Thank you both for coming." Sarah says, "We wanted to check on you and Jeff. We know this is difficult for you guys." Kate says as her and Rick enter the house, "I keep waiting for Michael to walk down the stairs at any moment." Sarah says staring at the staircase.
     Rick and Kate sit side-by-side on the couch as a man enters the room, "Hi guys. Thanks for coming." He says as he shakes Rick's hand and hugs Kate, "Of course. Royce meant so much to us." Kate says. Sarah chuckles, "Michael always liked how you called him 'Royce'. Said it felt like you were preparing him for the Army." His mother says. That was Royce's plan after high school: to join the Army. When he told Kate that she cried for hours thinking about the man who had basically become her big brother deploying for months on end.
     She would take that deal now. "I'm gonna miss calling him that." Kate says as a tear slips down her cheek. Sarah hugs her to her chest. Rick and Kate stay for a few more minutes before they leave, "Kate, Rick, would you let everyone know that Michael's funeral will be the 12th at Blessed Sacrament?" Sarah asks and the two nod. Something Royce's mom and Kate's mom had in common was that they're both devout Catholics. After leaving Jeff and Sarah's, Rick and Kate climb into his car.
     "I'm gonna drop you off and then drive home. I need to shower and change clothes." He says, "Oh okay." She says, "What's wrong?" He asks. She shrugs, "I'm just gonna miss you." She says, "Do you want to come with me?" He asks. She looks at him with wide eyes, "Really?" She asks and he nods. She smiles and nods as he backs out of the driveway.
Part 2! Let me know what you think!