The New Neighbor

Feelings Exposed

-Ash's POV-

**time skip an hour**

She was still asleep. I have been watching her intently just in case any change came over her.

Her hand was still laying next to her. I couldn't resist myself when I reached out and put my hand over hers. It was very cold.

"I'll always be here no matter what, Xena. I care too much about you to let me do anything else. You can always count on me," I said, whispering to the best of my abilities.

She didn't move.

"Damn it Mari, you look beautiful even in a hospital gown. You would look even better if you just open your eyes and were able to talk to me," I whispered.

About two minutes later, she started to move. I suddenly realized that I was still holding her hand, so I quickly let go.

"Xena," I said.

She was still trying to get used to the lights in the room.

"Ash! Ow. Fuck," she muttered as she tried to sit up.

I put my hand on her shoulder making sure I didn't hurt her and slowly pushed her down against the bed again.

"You need to be careful Xena. I was worried sick about you."

She paused before looking into my eyes and saying, "You saved me."

I starred right back into her eyes and said, "Yea. But I care a lot about you. I would do anything for you. Your the only person, other than my grandparents, that I have closest to my heart. I try my best to protect all of you the best I can. Sorry if it sounds cheesy, but it's the truth."

Tears started to form in her eyes as she spread out her arms for me to hug her. I smiled like a fool and carefully hugged her. She continued to cry.

Holding her like this made me give in, making me start to cry as well. My tears rolled down my face and onto her shoulder.

I guess she noticed me crying and held me tighter. I did the same because, who wouldn't to this beautiful girl in her arms?

In that very moment, the one and only true feeling for her kicked into my soul. It was only natural to tell her right then and there.

I hesitated before I said, "I think I love you."

I regretted saying that at first when she stiffened up, but then she eased up and said, "I love you too."

It actually sounded more as if it was a relieved sigh once she said it.

I lifted my head off from her shoulder to look her in those memorizing brown eyes. Tears were still present on both of our faces. I couldn't resist myself any longer.

I pressed my lips upon her soft ones. I felt myself melt completely inside. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else at that moment. With our bodies being this close, just the fact of being able to actually hold her so close to me, it was all I ever needed.

I brushed my tongue against her bottom lip to expand the pleasure of kissing her. She instantly parted her lips for me.

After about 5 minutes of the amazing experience, we parted just to look into each other's eyes. She's the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Even in this condition of hers, I think she's perfect.

I sniffed from crying and backed away slowly after a few seconds. I quickly wiped the tears that were still on my flushed cheeks and stood there, smiling from ear to ear, staring at the floor like it was the most interesting thing I've ever seen.

Not long after our moment of silence, the nurse from before came into the room.

She looked over at Xena and asked, "Need anything?"

"No. I have everything I need right here."

I finally looked up from floor with, what I assume, the happiest grin I've ever had. As if it were a tradition now, my face grew warm with her sweet words. What can say? She made me get butterflies in my stomach every time I even think of her. She makes me so happy..

I placed my hand on the back other hand. She turned it over so we were finally holding each other's hand. Her touch sent a tangling sensation through me. I loved it.

This made the nurse smile and say, "Aww. Well ok. Just let me know if you need any assistance."

With that, she nodded in departure and left.

I turned back to her and said, "You should get some rest, Xena."

"Ok. I actually do feel sleepy."

We let each others' hands go.

"Go ahead and sleep. I'll be right here by your side when you wake up," I said with a reassuring smile.

She nodded and fidgeted a little in the bed before falling asleep.

I took my seat in the chair next to the bed. I eventually dozed off after watching her for about 20 minutes. Turns out, that wasn't such a good idea. I was not ready for what I woke up to.

It's raining like a motherfucker outside right now. And motherfuckers rain... A lot. I don't-I don't know if you know about that, but uh.. In early 2016, motherfuckers used to rain a lot. Like, A LOT. I'm talking like, 30 feet of rain PER motherfucker. Ah see what I did there??? ;D I changed it up so it fit my situation here x)))))). If you don't get it ignore that. But yea.. It's really bad. At least three tornadoes so far.. But I'm ok:) Sorry I've taken so long for this update! I've been busy with finals and it's killing me. Hope you're having a better day than I am! Love y'all!! Don't forget to vote!!