Black Elm College | 18+

Chapter 42 | Part 1

⋰Elsie⋰

A kiss on my forehead, and fingers playing with my hair tugs me out of peaceful dreams.

I groan, snuggling up to T, not wanting to wake up.

Bloody morning person.

That's when I'm reminded of the soreness in my body.

"Sore." I grumble, strangely feeling very peaceful despite it. Waking up next to T is guarantee for a good day.

I hear a chuckle then feel gentle tugging at my hair, separating my face from his chest. There is a smugness in his smirk that makes me glare a little.

He kisses the tip of my nose, and I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips..

"We should talk. Now or later?"

I immediately tense, actually hating those words. Let's go back to bed.

My parents always use them, and it either consists of having to sit quietly while they tear your actions, projects, or self-esteem, to pieces. Or it's to announce horrendous news. 'But it's for your own good.'

I know it will be different, but still, my face drops. "Better option; never."

He lets out a deep chuckle. "Not now, understood. Over breakfast, then." He hugs me more firmly, lightly caressing my hair. "There is nothing wrong, Sunnish. It might only take two minutes and it won't be bad." He adds, knowing I don't like the words.

His hold doesn't make me relax, so his hand moves to massage the weak spot on my neck.

It takes a few seconds and I'm begrudgingly melting into him. He chuckles. "Success."

He goes to sit up, but I don't let go. And he doesn't loosen his hold either, so I end up in his arms, straddling him, feeling very warm.

He grazes my neck, tickling on purpose. I squirm, running my hand along the newly cut hair, probably messing it up a little. The idiot isn't ticklish though, he just wraps his hand around my throat.

I gulp, trying to tame down the rising arousal. This feels safe.

Being denied really messes with my head.

"Dirty little girl." He smiles. Almost... lovingly?

And that's when my finger runs across the patch of skin just a little bit different, the one I remember from yesterday, barely below his hairline. I push myself up on my knees and look over his shoulder, spotting black ink. My eyes widen.

I had no idea he had a tattoo, a small one but still. It was hidden by his hair before he got it cut.

"Oooh..." I mutter, running my index over it. It looks like an intricate set of wings of a particular species. Although one wing is made of feathers, the other of duller, damaged ones and letters. 'Blue Jayce', I think I can read.

"Does it have a meaning?" I ask, setting my head on his shoulder to have a better look at it.

It must have, given the design, and I wonder why he never brought it up. He pulls me back against his chest and stands up. "Yes, a story for another day."

Judging by how more serious he is as he walks to the kitchen, I can tell it's a touchy subject. I nod. "Have you had it for long?"

He sits me on the kitchen counter, looking me in the eyes. "I don't want to talk about it, Sunnish."

Ooh. He really doesn't. I give him a sorry face, a bit embarrassed. "Oops, okay." I'm curious, also confused at the abrupt change of behavior, but I don't want to pry.