Mr & Mrs Fake

Chapter 14

I'm hit with a sudden wave of shyness, and I freeze by the edge of Theo's bed. He's hopped up and patted the spot next to him like it's the most normal thing in the world. My heart starts to race. This feels way too real. Theo and I are acting like a couple in love, and it's all getting a bit overwhelming. This is just temporary, after all, not something serious.

"I think I'm gonna crash in the living room tonight," I say, trying to sound casual, but I'm pretty sure my voice shakes a little.

Theo looks at me, clearly confused. "But why?" he asks, his brow furrowing.

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "I don't know. Just a little too selfish to share the bed" I joke.  "Besides, Klaus is probably scared sleeping in the living by himself."

Theo nods, "You take the bed. I'll take the couch and keep him company," he offers grabbing a pillow and blanket. I hate to kick him out of his room but I'm relieved. I need to keep some distance. If I let myself get too close to him, I don't even want to think about what might happen.

I watch him go and sit down on the bed, feeling the silence start to close in on me. A few minutes later, I hear Theo yelling from the living room. My heart leaps into my throat, and I rush out to check what's going on. When I get to the living room, I can't help but laugh. Theo is standing on the couch, looking like he's in a battle with Klaus. Klaus is barking like crazy and nipping at Theo's feet, who's trying to get away while simultaneously playing "the floor is lava". Every time he goes to step down, Klaus lunges at him and tries to bite his toes.

"Go away! Shoo!" Theo shouts, but Klaus doesn't back down. Theo loses his balance, tipping over the couch and ending up in a heap on the floor.

I rush over, trying to stifle my giggles as I help him up. "Oh my God, are you okay?" I ask, half laughing.

Theo gives me a sheepish look, brushing himself off. "Bad Klaus! Go to bed," I scold Klaus, who glares at Theo and prances over to his bed in the corner. Everyday I'm reminded why the name Klaus is so perfect for him. Theo, still on the floor, looks up at me with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment . "I'm fine. Just tried to pet the little demon, and he bit me."

I can't help but laugh, the tension from earlier melting away. "Maybe Klaus just didn't want to share the living room."

Theo chuckles, shaking his head. "Seems like it. Or maybe he just doesn't want to share you" he says quietly.

I glance back towards the bedroom, feeling a bit more confident. "You know, if you're having trouble out here, there's still space on the bed. I'd hate for you to be attacked by my demon dog all night."

Theo's eyes widen a bit, and he looks shy. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

I nod, . "It's fine. I'd rather have you there than deal with Klaus's chaos."

Theo hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Alright, then. Lead the way."

We head back to the bedroom, and the mood feels a little lighter. Theo sits on the edge of the bed, and I sit next to him. There's a shy, awkward silence as we figure out how to navigate this new closeness.

Theo's hand brushes mine, and my heart skips a beat. I look at him, my voice soft. "This is... kind of new for both of us, huh?"" Yeah," Theo says, his voice just as soft. "How many people can say they faked a marriage?"

We sit there, the awkwardness slowly fading. Theo's hand gently covers mine. Theo's hand stays in mine as we move closer. We settle into the bed together, the warmth of Theo beside me feeling comforting and reassuring. Tomorrow, boundaries will be set.