chrome hearts, five hargreeves

Chapter 13

Five let out a soft groan as he regained consciousness, his limbs and mind heavy from sleep. He couldn't remember the last time he got a good night's rest, even though this one wasn't under the best circumstances. He shifted slightly and a sharp pain seized his abdomen. He needed to get up, he couldn't lie in bed all day when the weight of the world was on his and his family's shoulders.

His eyes opened slowly, lashes fluttering, adjusting to the rays of the late morning filtering in through his window. He turned his head upon the pillow with gentle care, eyes drifting to his side. Monroe's head rested in the cradling nook of her arms folded neatly at the bed's edge where she sat. Golden tresses spilt over her shoulders and obscured most of her face from view.

Delicately, he reached out and brushed stray wisps of hair from her face with careful fingertips. The strands fell away, soft as silk, revealing her serene features. He traced the line of her brow and cheekbone in thought, admiring every perfect imperfection she may have.

Five was truly smitten with the girl in front of him. It scared him at times how earnestly he cared for her. But, then again, that was the risk of loving someone else more than yourself.

He dropped his hand and moved to sit up, bracing against the subtle ache flaring within his middle as he pushed himself upright. He paid it no mind, swinging his legs over the mattress edge to dangle towards the floorboards below.

The motion roused Monroe from her sleep. Her head rose from where it rested, eyes blinking away the last veil of sleep as her vision focused upon Five's lean form beside her. At first, her gaze held the haze of lingering sleep, soft and lidded in a lethargic manner. In a fluid motion, she arched her back in a catlike motion, extending her arms overhead as she inhaled deeply. Her button-up shirt pulled taut across her torso as she stretched, revealing her midriff to his keen eye.

He traced every line and curve with his eyes, wishing to reach out and trail his touch across her stomach beneath the fabric of her shirt. He wondered what she would do. Would she shiver at the feeling or push him away? Would she fall victim to his touch as he remembered she did? Would she lean closer?

"Are you alright?" Monroe asked, a yawn escaping her as she dropped her hands back at her sides.

Five pushed himself upright, though a faint grimace passed across his features. "I'm okay, all things considered," he replied.

"You're an ass for not telling me you were hurt when I asked." she chided as she rose to her feet, stifling a yawn.

"I thought you were supposed to be nice to me, since I'm injured," Five teased lightly. "You're not a very good nurse, hmm?"

Monroe fixed him with an unamused look. "If you had told us you were hurt, you wouldn't have collapsed like a sack of bricks," she deadpanned in reply.

Leaning in close so that their faces were mere inches apart, Five gazed at her with smouldering eyes. "I thought you loved me," he murmured.

Monroe pushed Five's face away gently with her index finger with a faint pink washing over her cheeks. "And where did you get that idea?" She asked in an amused tone.

Five chuckled softly as he straightened to his full height, looking down at her. "I've seen the way you look at me when you think I'm not paying attention," he replied.

A soft laugh escaped Monroe's lips at his bold claim. "You're just seeing what you want to see," she retorted, turning away from him and beginning to stride towards the doorway. As she grasped the worn wooden doorframe, Monroe glanced over her shoulder at Five.

"I'm going to freshen up. Try not to get into any more trouble while I'm gone," she said, pausing briefly before asking in a feigned innocent tone: "Do you think you'll manage without me?"