The Bonds of Blood" [Fem OC X AOT]

Chapter 21: I love you so

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Annie blinked her eyes open, her vision slowly adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The first thing she noticed was warmth—a comforting warmth that enveloped her like a cozy blanket.

It took her a moment to realize that her head was resting on something firm yet gentle.

Turning her head slightly, Annie's breath caught in her throat as she found herself nestled against Rae, her cheek resting on Rae’s arm.

Rae’s other arm was draped around Annie, holding her close in a protective embrace. Rae was still asleep, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, her lips curved into the faintest of smiles.

Annie’s heart fluttered at the sight.

She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment, but the feeling of Rae’s gentle embrace made her heart swell with an unfamiliar but welcome warmth.

Rae mumbled something incoherent in her sleep, her grip tightening ever so slightly around Annie, as if instinctively knowing she was there and not wanting to let go.

Annie couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. It was almost endearing how Rae, even in her sleep, seemed to be looking out for her.

Carefully, Annie shifted her position so she could gaze up at Rae’s face. The soft morning light highlighted Rae’s features—the delicate curve of her lips, the way her eyelashes rested against her cheeks. Annie found herself mesmerized, her heart beating just a little faster as she took in the peaceful expression on Rae’s face.

For a moment, Annie forgot about everything else. It was just her and Rae, wrapped up in this quiet, tender moment. She allowed herself to relax into Rae’s embrace, closing her eyes and letting the calm wash over her.

Rae stirred again, and this time, her eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times, still groggy from sleep, and then her gaze settled on Annie. A sleepy smile spread across Rae’s face, and she tightened her hold on Annie, pulling her just a little closer.

“Morning,” Rae murmured, her voice soft and warm, like a gentle melody.

“Morning,” Annie whispered back, her cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of pink.

Rae chuckled softly, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down Annie’s spine. “Comfy?”

Annie nodded, feeling her usual stoic facade crumble just a bit in the face of Rae’s kindness. “Yeah… very.”

Rae’s smile widened, and she leaned in to press a soft kiss to the top of Annie’s head. “Good,” she whispered, her lips lingering against Annie’s hair for just a moment. “I’m glad.”

Annie felt her heart skip a beat at the tenderness in Rae’s voice, and she found herself melting further into the embrace.

She never thought she’d enjoy something like this, but being held by Rae made her feel safe, cherished… loved.

Annie lay still, savoring the warmth of Rae’s embrace, knowing deep down this moment couldn’t last.

She wished she could wake up like this every morning, but the guilt inside her whispered cruel truths.

Rae didn’t know what Annie had done, and Annie knew if she ever found out, Rae would hate her.

She couldn’t get attached, couldn’t afford to let herself fall any deeper.

But for now, she ignored the voice telling her to get up, to leave, to stay away from Rae.

They lay there, wrapped up in each other, for ten precious minutes before Annie finally pulled away.