Come Closer

10.

Hi everybody..
I know... it's been a while, but here you go. I have no excuses, just writers block.
Heh-heh ...awkwaaaarrrd🥴

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JULES' P.O.V.

I awaken to a bright sun, shining directly into the room. The curtains were parted and my eyes are victimized by the blinding light. I stretch lightly, letting out a soft yawn before staring up at the Manila colored ceiling. I feel so rejuvenated and refreshed; like I can jump out of bed and start a day filled with productivity. I slept through the whole night. No nightmares. No cold sweats. Just peace.

I suddenly feel the bed shift as the blankets slowly pull away. I follow the covers and my eyes land on Nicolette's sleeping face, just inches from mine. I immediately sit up, startled at our close proximity, and puzzled as to how we ended up this way.

Flashes of our night cycle through my mind. I recall how we joked and laughed as our ice cream cones started to melt; how we attempted to watch a cringey movie but couldn't stop talking down on all the characters lack of acting ability. We settled on lofi music as we swapped fantasies and preferences on our ideal pets, vacation spots, and even shared our worse fears. Towards the end of the night, Nicolette's head found its way onto my shoulder.

I feel my stomach swirl with butterflies all over again as it had done last night. Her skin was so warm, her hands were soft as she traced outlines around the tattoos on my arm. When the inviting silence fell on us, we both must have finally fallen asleep.

I slowly lay myself back down beside her, my eyes never leaving her gorgeous face. Without even trying, she had taken my mind away from everything that's burdened me all these years. It was relieving; much like the night we sang in the streets.

   "What are you doing to me?" I whisper softly as I slowly reach to touch her cheek.

   She suddenly starts to stir in her sleep and I quickly drop my hand and close my eyes.

   How odd would it be for her to catch me watching her sleep?

   I feel the bed shift slightly before all movements stop. I wonder if she only adjusted to get comfortable before dozing back to sleep. I peel open one eye to take a peek only to find an empty space beside me. I open both eyes and immediately notice her sitting on her knees, arms over her head as she clutches a pillow high in the air.

   "Caught you!" She shouts before bringing the pillow down onto my face.

   I gasp before the impact, the harsh blow stunning me only briefly before I feel the urge to take my revenge. I soon find myself grabbing hold of the nearest pillow. I swing it horizontally, sending a heavy strike into her ribs. She falls over with a strained squeal, smacking me across the head once more before rolling off of the bed just in time to avoid my next swing.

   "Come here!" I growl as I scramble to get off of the bed as she jolts out of the room with hysterical laughter. "Don't you run away from me! You started this!"

   My socks cause me to slip, skidding across the carpet as I round the corner out of the bedroom. Luckily, I manage to see the pillow she is still holding smack against the banister as she descends the stairs, her loud giggles filling the house. I am out of breath by the time I reach the bottom of the stairs, the pitter-patter of her bare feet on the hardwood of the first floor acts as a compass; guiding me to her whereabouts.

   "You can't hide from me!" I call out menacingly, taunting her. "I'm gonna' need my lick back, so you might as well come out and take one to the face!"