Dawn Is Coming

Chapter 6

Grant

My heart jumps into my throat as I feel a familiar pair of arms wrap around my neck, the smell of wildflowers filling my nose as I inhale sharply. I crane my neck around, letting out a flustered groan as I see my favourite shirt covering Akira's slender frame, hanging off a creamy shoulder. In a desperate attempt at decency, I had dragged her to the bathroom and took off, knowing that my control would have snapped if she stayed a moment longer. Now she shows up smelling like heaven itself, wearing my favourite shirt, and looking absolutely stunning.

It suits her perfectly.

My hands grip her waist and haul her into my lap, covering her body with mine as I wrap my arms around her, cradling her smaller body in mine. I feel a strong, inexplicable urge to keep her close, safe. Her face nuzzles into my neck, my nose getting a good whiff of the shampoo. I'm struck with a sudden pang of deja vu, my arms tightening around her. Every night when I shower, I stare at the bottle, regretting bowing out on gifting it. With each day that passed, however, I grew more and more discouraged to give it to her until I simply gave up. I'd imagine the look on her face if I had given it to her, her sweet lips curving into a beautiful smile and thanking me. Maybe even given me a hug. Last night, I'd imagined smelling the shampoo on her when she sat in my lap on the MV, despite how chaotic it had been after the bombing.

The bombing.

Her body is still against mine, the only movement of her chest with every soft breath she takes. The warm air brushes my neck as she breathes – slow, steady, relaxed.

My body, on the other hand, is a coiled spring, feeling ready to snap. My hand is splayed across her back, holding her close to me, overwhelmed with the urge to slide lower. But Akira's only seventeen, and she's been released by General Flynn only last year, meaning that she's definitely still.. innocent, probably never even had a first kiss.

And I wouldn't dream of forcing myself on her.

Everyone is scared shitless right now, especially Akira. My heart still pounds whenever I remember how I had caught her at the base of her cliff, a sheer second away from a meet-and-greet with the Grim Reaper. Now that she's here with me, safe and sound, I feel the urge to spill my feelings. To tell her how beautiful and smart she is, how much she means to me. But more than anything, I'm scared to ruin the moment.

"Can I stay the night?" My heart starts pounding embarrassingly loud at her whispered words, so much so that I'm afraid she can literally feel the thuds of my heart against my ribs.

"Of course," I murmur. The words slide smoothly off my tongue, sounding as nonchalant as I can get them.

But I'm burning inside.

"Thank you."

My hand moves in circles on her back, smoothing over the back of her – my shirt.

"Where should I sleep?"

I pause at her question, feeling ashamed of my response.

"This couch is actually the only comfortable sleeping space."

She pauses.

"Where will you sleep, then?"

"I'll find a place. Don't worry, you need the rest."

Before Akira gets a chance to reply, I press a finger to her parted lips, silencing her with a gentle look. Although I have some mouldy, dirt-covered mattresses on the upper floors, I'd much rather sleep on the floor. It's warm, at least.

And I'll be sleeping next to her.

I keep my finger on my lips until her honey eyes finally lose their conviction, gazing at me instead with unspoken gratitude. Mustering up courage, I slip my fingers into the waterfall of her golden strands, pulling the back of her head closer to me to rest my lips upon her forehead. Akira shivers at the touch, bringing a smile to my lips. Just as I start to pull back, I feel her small hands close around the nape of my neck, bringing me in for a crushing kiss. My eyes fly open in shock before fluttering shut, my lips melting into the kiss. Right away I can tell she's never kissed before, her velvety pillows staying shut despite my telltale invitations to open. I can't say I'm an experienced kisser myself, having done nothing more than awkward kisses in school when my rowdier friends insisted on playing silly games like 'truth or dare' or 'spin the bottle'.

But no one even comes close to her.

I feel starved of Akira – pushing tighter against her, my tongue nudging her lips apart and finally achieving entrance. My arms close tight around her waist, pulling her body flush against mine. Her lips are confused, inexperienced, but there's no going back now. I have no idea what Akira's released, but it's hungry for her.

And it's not planning on backing down.

My teeth clamp loosely around her bottom lip, tugging and letting go. Before I get the chance to lean in for more, Akira's pulled back, eyes wide and chest heaving. I chuckle at the astounded look on her face, my eyes lingering on her swollen lips.

"I'm sorry," Akira murmurs suddenly. My brows rise, head tilting as I gaze at her guilty expression, fidgeting hands.

My hand finds its way into her hair, smoothing it around her head. Of course she'd apologize for kissing; Akira usually doesn't do anything without permission.

And yet, she kissed me.

Deciding against replying with vocal cords that I don't trust right now, I respond with my mouth, pressing my lips against hers in a gentler kiss, spilling gratitude into hers. Akira eagerly responds, wrapping her arms around my neck as I lower her onto the couch. My hands, my whole body is itching to do more, but I can't bring myself to even brush my fingers against the hem of her shirt. She's so innocent, so precious.

I need to protect her.

Burying my face in her neck, I inhale deeply, relishing the floral aroma. My brain easily connects this scent to her, having dreamed of smelling it on her ever since her birthday. I relax in her arms, bracing part of my weight on my own arms to keep from crushing her. My lips graze the delicate skin of her neck, lingering over a small scar.

Eventually, I feel Akira's breaths even out, her soft chest moving up and down in a slow and steady rhythm. I give her one last kiss, whispering 'good night' to her soft, parted lips before sliding off the couch and getting as comfortable as possible on the floor.

Sleep soon finds me, only Akira never leaves my mind.