Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

45

"Hey, Xena. Gray and I were about to head out for dinner." I leaned backwards on the couch to see my mom standing there a smile on her face.

"Sounds good Ma. Don't worry about coming home late. I'll have the house locked up and I'll be fine."

"I know, baby. There are some leftovers in the fridge. And some stuff to make if you're feeling brave." I smiled as she pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Y'all go have fun!" I shout as Gray whisks her away. I looked at him and tapped my ring finger his head shaking 'no' as I sighed and returned to reading my book on the couch.

Once they were gone, I ran upstairs and grabbed the real book I wanted to read. If anyone caught me reading this I'd be mortified. Not because the book was silly, but because this book was the definition of raunchy in some of the scenes.

The type of book readers say has a good plot. Spoiler alert, definitely not the only reason they're there and you can quote me on that.

I settled down in my nest of blankets and finished where I left. The sky darkened outside as I got hooked on the book.

The was a faint tapping on wood but I ignored it thinking it was the wind. My brain full absorbed in reading. I gasped jumping upright at the harsh pounding of the front door. My heart rate accelerating as I took a moment to assess the situation.

I regretfully stuck my bookmark in the middle of a chapter, the scene definitely not where I wanted to stop. Then I pulled the blankets off me and made my way over to the door.

I bent slightly at the knee to look at who was at there, my hand drifting into a fist as a stayed quiet.

I frowned, seeing the distorted back of a person. Their light blue shirt all I could see as they stood too close to the peephole.

I examined their shirt, annoyance filling my face as I realized that was a polo collar. And the only person coming to my door this late at night wearing a polo was someone I didn't care to see.

"Xena, I know you're in there." My eyes widened at his call. He turned, his chest now eye level with the peephole. I stayed quiet, not sure if he knew how close I was.

"Xena." He sighed laughing quietly. "God, I can't believe I actually came here." He started talking to himself, backing up slightly making me gasp as I saw him. His eyes were watery, bloodshot and when he rose a hand to push his hair back I brought a hand to my mouth.

"Xena?" His head snapped to the door as I shut my eyes and rested my head on the door.

"Rafe. What happened?" He was quiet, but when he spoke I knew he was up against the door.

"Um. Can you, um. Can you open the door? I promise this isn't some funny business. I just, I can't-" I cut him off, unlocking the door and opening it. The cool night hitting my bare legs as I stepped back.

Rafe didn't waste a second, stepping into the foyer as I closed the door behind him. Locking the door before leaning backwards against it.

"Alright. You're inside. What's going on?" I crossed my arms, still managing to feel intimidating even thought the hoodie swallowed me. Rafe was frozen as he tried to find the words.

"You know what? Come on." I moved past him hoping he'd follow me into the kitchen. "I can't believe you came to my house. I can't believe I let you in." I raved as I got him a glass of water and made him sit at a stool. "Show me your arm."

He didn't move, he wouldn't even look at me. I sighed moving around the counter and standing beside him. I carefully turned the stool so he was face to face with me.

"Rafe." My voice was so gentle I could have been talking to an injured puppy. "You came to me for a reason. So I'm asking you once more. Please tell me so I can help you." He rose his head, his eyes narrowing yet they held confusion.

"Did you- you want to help me?" I gave him a soft smile, we were the same height thanks to the stool, and he was about as intimidating as a puppy right now.

"I can't tell you why. In fact, I'm still confused as to why I opened the door. But you came here for a reason and you haven't told me yet. I can only begin to assume. And the first thing I'm assuming is that wound on your arm needs to be taken care of."

I steadily moved my hands, gently grabbing ahold of his hand and arm as I pulled it up to see better. A hiss leaving his lips as I ran my hand over the burnt flesh.

"Rafe. Who did this to you?" I surprised both of us with how hostile I sounded. My eyes widening as I took a step back, "I'm sorry. I-"

"No, Xena, it's okay. I, I really shouldn't have bothered you." He rose to stand but I pushed him back down.

"Look, Rafe, you're hurt. And sue me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's just physical. I'm gonna go upstairs, I'm going to grab my burn stuff, stay here. Please." A small smile pulled at his lips as I said please. He nodded, not saying anything as I ran upstairs. Sprinting like it was a life changing event.

Only when I had my large medkit out did I look in the mirror. My eyes trailing over my cozy attire. Messy bun, the oversized hoodie Wheezie had loaned me, pajama shorts, glasses and fuzzy socks.

"What are you doing?" I asked myself as I shouldered the bag, pushing my glasses back up on my nose.

What happened to you throwing punches at the guy. Cussing him out for being an asshole.

"I don't know." I whispered turning away from the mirror.

But I guess I was trying to do what I suggest Kie and Sarah do. Call a truce, make a deal.

For the sake of my own sanity, maybe I didn't want to fight with him every time I saw him.