The Butterfly Effect (2020)

fifty four

TW: mentions of old gunshot wound, mentions of old sword wound, mentions of almost dying

A soft kiss to my forehead was what woke me initially. I managed to slowly peel open my eyes just in time to catch Lloyd leaving the room.

I must've fallen back asleep because when I roused once more, he had returned with damp hair. Lloyd crouched, sending a smile that had my heart fluttering.
"Morning, sunshine," he murmured, lifting my hand to press a soft kiss to my fingers.
"Mornin'," I replied, humming in bliss.
"How are you feeling?" Lloyd asked, shuffling onto the bed beside me. I stretched my arms before draping them over his chest. His grin grew as I slumped over him, snuggling in close.
"Fine," I replied within a sigh, dropping my head under his chin. The venom's side effects from before seemed to have been totally eradicated from my system. "I feel normal."
"That's good," Lloyd smiled, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
"I see you've washed your hair," I mused, digging my hands into his wet locks gently.
"Only took me a week and a half," he teasingly grinned. I stuck out my tongue in mock disgust.
"Gross, Lloyd."
"You still kissed me," he pointed out, grin growing.
"Alright, fair," I caved with an amused roll of my eyes. "Only because I love you."

His face softened at my words, smile growing warmer. His eyes turned a pretty shade of crimson pink. I'd have no qualms to losing myself within them.
"You can't imagine how nice it feels to be wanted," Lloyd sighed, closing his eyes and threading his arms around my waist to pull me into a hug. "When I've been pushed away my entire life. Thank you."
"You're welcome. My payment is undying affection."
"Done."
"Also free access to your closet."
Lloyd peeked an eye open. His red iris shone with giddy amusement.
"You've already got two of my hoodies at home," he countered.
"True," I shrugged before brightening. "And pizza! Definitely pizza."
"You're pushing it, sunshine."

I nudged his shoulder with a sneaky grin, enjoying how his fingers began tracing light patterns on my back absentmindedly. It made my spine shiver with delight.
"I'm just messing with you," I grinned, pressing my face deeper into the pillow. "Except for the undying affection."
"I promise to love you 'till my dying days," Lloyd vowed with a cheeky smirk. I smiled sweetly, hooking my finger under his chin and pulling him into a short kiss.
"That's a long time, mr. demigod," I reminded, looping my arms around his neck. His hand slid down to rest against my waist and a trail of fire that danced upon contact followed the movement. "You sure you can love me for that long?"
"Without a doubt," Lloyd reassured. "Besides, who else would be stupid enough to love me?"
I hummed, nuzzling into his chest.
"True," I murmured, teasing. He pulled away with a snicker and my eyes shot open once I had ran the words though my head once more. "Wait- did you just- hey, OI!"

But he was already halfway down the hallway. I scrambled after him with a yell, pulling the duvet with me. It rustled behind my feet as I raced after him, kicking at the back of his calf when I caught up. He easily dodged with a giggle.
"Bully!" I shouted. Lloyd laughed, the sound of it pitched in glee as he caught my body.
"Aheh," he chortled, pulling me forward into his chest. My foot stumbled and I collapsed against him. "Sorry, sweetheart. I'm sure you're very smart."
"Smarter than you at least," I pouted. "You and your D grades."
"Oh, ouch," Lloyd hissed, grinning. "Maybe I just need a really pretty tutor to help me raise them."
"I'll keep an eye out for one," I said with a snigger as I pulled the duvet tighter around myself.
"Don't bother," Lloyd shook his head. "I've already found a really pretty tutor. Cole."

"Have fun fighting Naomi for him," I singsonged, turning away to trudge with my oversized blanket to the kitchen. Lloyd caught my waist and pulled me back with a sharp yank. I yelped a laugh.
"I'm talking about you."
"You don't say!" I giggled as Lloyd swayed us from side to side. "I hardly qualify."
"How about study buddy, then?" Lloyd bargained, his cheek against my ear.
"Like we'd actually get any work done," I snorted.
"You're right," Lloyd sighed despondently before a curling smile pressed against my temple. "I'm too distracting. Isn't that what you said?"
"I don't recall ever saying that ever," I chirped with an abrupt shake of my head. He snickered, pressing a kiss to my head before stepping away.
"C'mon," Lloyd gestured with a tilt of his head. "Let's get some breakfast."