CLOVE

twelve

⨯ brennan ⨯

I slowly open my eyes, feeling a warm weight resting on my chest. I look down to see Clover's head lying on my shoulder, her face relaxed and peaceful in sleep. I can't help but smile at the sight of her like this, so relaxed and content in my arms .I gently stroke her hair, feeling the soft strands slipping through my fingers.

I'm suddenly aware of the feeling of her skin pressed against mine, her soft curves fitting against my body like two pieces of a puzzle. I can feel her breath against my chest, slow and steady, her body rising and falling with each inhale and exhale .The realization that we're both half-naked in bed together sends a shiver down my spine. But at the same time, there's something strangely intimate and comfortable about the situation.

I can't resist the urge to press a soft kiss to her forehead, my lips lingering against her skin. She stirs slightly at the touch, a soft sound escaping her lips. But she doesn't wake up, and I can feel her body relax against mine once again.

I take a moment to just enjoy the feeling of her body against mine, the sensation so unexpected and yet so wonderful. I can smell her hair, a faint scent of shampoo intertwined with something that's uniquely hers. Her body is soft and yielding in my arms, her weight a pleasant pressure against my chest. I can feel myself getting lost in the moment, in the sensation of her body against mine, and in the simple joy of holding her close. I can't help but wonder what it would be like if we could stay like this forever.

But then a thought occurs to me, and I can't shake it off. The realization that this isn't just a friendship, that there's something more between us. Something that goes beyond the physical attraction and the comfort of her body against mine. I look down at her face, at the way her eyelashes flutter against her cheeks as she sleeps, and I know that there's more to it. That there's a connection between us, something deeper and more intimate than just desire.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts as I feel Clover stirring in my arms. Her eyelashes flutter against her cheeks as she slowly opens her eyes, and a sleepy smile lights up her face as she looks up at me. "Good morning," she says, her voice soft and raspy from sleep. I can't help but grin in response, feeling a warmth spreading through my chest. "Good morning," I reply. "Looks like you had a good night's sleep."

She nods, snuggling closer against my chest. "I did," she says. "I didn't have any nightmares. "I can feel the relief and surprise in her voice, and I tighten my arms around her in response. "That's great news," I say. "How do you feel?"

"I feel... rested," she replies, her voice sounding almost surprised. "Like I actually slept through the night for the first time in years. "I can see the relief in her eyes, and I know how much this means to her. She's been struggling with nightmares for so long, and to hear her say she slept through the night is like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

I reach out a hand, gently brushing some hair away from her face. "I'm glad to hear that," I say, my voice low and affectionate. "You deserve a good night's sleep."

She nuzzles into my chest again, her head resting against my shoulder. "I guess that means we should do this more often," she says, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

I laugh softly at her comment, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "I'm not opposed to that idea," I say, my hand rubbing slow circles on her back. "In fact, I might insist on it."

"Might insist on it, huh?" she says, lifting her head to look at me with a smirk. "Sounds like you're getting bossy."

I grin down at her, unable to resist the playful glint in her eye. "Hey, I'm just looking out for your well-being," I say, my hand moving up to lightly pinch her side.