Twilight Imagines

35. Rest in Peace (Quil Atera)

(Published December 9, 2024) 

   Quil was pretty much falling asleep when I pulled my little rattling Dodge Dart up in front of his house.  Just from glancing over at him a few times during the drive, I knew he was struggling to keep his eyes open.  The poor kid was all worn out.  Sam had him running through the woods all day long, and then he usually chose to spend the evenings hanging out with me.  I felt bad about it, but I was his imprint, which meant it was hard for him to stay away from me.  Shifting my vehicle into park, I sat back in my seat and gazed at my curly haired wolf boy.  

   It only took him a moment to sense that we had stopped moving.  He jolted up from his slouched position and ran a hand through his hair.  Trying to wipe the sleep from his features, he sent me a sheepish grin.  

   "I'm sorry, Jen, I think I dozed off on you," He stated with a small laugh.  

   "Don't be sorry, you're exhausted." I have his arm a reassuring squeeze.  "It's no big, really." 

   He shook his head aggressively.  "No, it is a big deal.  I don't want to be that boyfriend who keeps falling asleep on dates.  It's rude." 

   "You have a good excuse," I pointed out.  

   "Maybe so, but it doesn't work for m-me." His words were cut off by a yawn, which seemed to irritate him even more.  "I need caffeine.  Want to come inside for a few minutes?  I'll make up for my lack of conversation on the drive here." 

   Before I could object, he was out of the car and hurrying around to open my car door for me.  I shut off the engine, knowing I had to at least try to talk some sense into him.  He pulled the door open and I climbed out into the chilled air.  Taking my hand in his wonderfully warm one, he began leading me up to the front door.  I couldn't help but chuckle at his quick pace.  

   "Quil, slow down!" 

   "Sorry, sorry." 

   We ducked inside his little home, the heated living room engulfing us in darkness.  He flipped on a light and beelined for the kitchen.  I hurried after him and somehow managed to make it to the fridge first.  Putting my arms out, I blocked his access to the door.  

   "What are you doing?" He asked with a grin, still trying to blink the sleep from his eyes.  

   "I'm making sure you don't get any caffeine.  You really ought to get some sleep, hun." 

   "But I'm missing out on time with you," He whined.  

   "We spent a whole evening together!  I think you can catch some sleep without feeling guilty." I gently grabbed his arm and wrapped my own arms around it in a strange hug that I liked to give him.  "It's okay, really." 

   He frowned.  "You're amazing, you know that?  Most girls aren't this understanding." 

   "Most girls don't get devoted wolf boyfriends, either." I giggled.  

   "Well, let me w-ahhhh-walk you to your car," He yawned again.  

   "No!"  I began dragging him down the hallway to his room.  

   "Hey," He protested with a chuckle.  

   "Get in bed," I demanded when we finally reached his open bedroom door.  

   He rolled his eyes.  "You're so bossy." 

   "I wouldn't have to be if you'd listen the first time," I teased.  

   He wandered through the clothes piles on the floor and managed to pull back the wrinkled covers on his bed before returning his attention to me.  

   "Are you sure you don't want me to walk you out?" 

   "I'm positive." 

   I wove through the piles as well and threw my arms around his neck so I could give him a goodbye kiss.  He kissed back, smiling a little against my lips.  His warm arms wrapped around my waist under my coat, making me with I didn't have to brave the cold again tonight.  But he really needed to get some sleep, especially since Sam already had a shift lined up for him in the morning.  Pulling away, I gave him a loving smile.  

   "Will you get into bed already?" I demanded playfully.  

   "Yes dear," He chuckled again.  "I love you." 

   "I love you, too." 

   He released me and climbed onto the squeaky mattress.  I marched back to the doorway before glancing back at him.  

   "Goodnight, Jen." 

   "Goodnight, Quil.  Rest in peace." 

   He frowned at me.  "That just...  Sounds so wrong." 

   I giggled, shrugging.  "I know."  

   Shutting his bedroom door, I moved quietly through the house back to the front door.  After turning out the living room lights, I snuck out into the chilly weather.  It was only when I was safe in my semi warm car that I paused to glance back in the direction where my soul mate finally slept.  Sure, it was a bummer when he slept through parts of our dates.  But I loved him enough to understand that he needed the sleep.  He clearly didn't want to doze off on me, he just couldn't help it.  Once the vampires figured their messy lives out, he could hopefully get back on a normal schedule and we'd be free to hang out for hours.  As for right now, I'd take the time with him that I could get and make sure he got enough sleep, too.  He deserved it.  

   "Goodnight, my love." I whispered into the night.  "See you tomorrow."