Stockholm Syndrome? ✔

S.S 23

Felix's POV

Vanilla

It was all because of him. I opted for scents that didn't draw much attention, be it my cologne or my shower gel. They were subtle and allowed me to drift through without people noticing much of me. It was the art of being invisible, something I was good at.

It was of course only when I donned my camouflage, because how else would I have descriptions such as tall, dark, handsome and mysterious and some detailed ones such as having the right amount of devil in my smooth grin?

Even as myself I tried not to draw attention. I kept my look simple and my scents simpler. Vanilla was slightly sweet, something I would never have gone for. Then Archer came into my life. I could remember the first time I'd held him in my arms. He'd been unconscious; something not even remotely romantic, yet his scent had stayed with me. It was alluring, and lately I'd found it arousing.

I'd been skeptical about adding it to my shopping cart when I decided to buy scented candles instead of normal candles, but I hadn't regretted it one bit. The scent was calming just as it was arousing. A lot of that had to do with the person who'd unknowingly introduced me to it. As I smelled the combination of scents I'd smelled on him, it made me remember him.

Sometimes I liked to light the candles and just reminisce. It was beyond my mind's comprehension but it seemed to enjoy it nonetheless. Being able to do that was what stopped me from seeking the boy. It wasn't enough, but it also reminded me why I couldn't be in his life.

I'd lit the candles that night to calm myself down. I doubt he'd seen, but I had been getting a little agitated. I was worried about him being there with me. I loved having him there, but being with me wasn't safe at that moment. What if the Vasiliev brothers decided to pay me a little visit?

It was unfounded fear but I couldn't help wondering. What if I couldn't protect him? My safety didn't matter, his was top priority.

I was saddened he was leaving the next day more than I was glad. But I couldn't make him stay, not that he'd want to anyway. He acted a little strange, suddenly announcing that he wanted to go to bed. I hoped he didn't think I was trying to seduce him with the candles, even though admittedly they turned the room into a romantic setting.

Had he rejected the romantic setting? Because even that stung too. Sure it hadn't been what I was going for, but the thought of him rejecting me left me disappointed. I didn't get why since I hadn't made any advances and didn't think of making any. Or did I want to?

I loved Archer's company. He was feisty with a little bit of dorkiness. He blushed easily. I could tell he was strong and stubborn. He still had a little bit of naivety to him, awaking my desire to protect him. I was drawn to his feistiness and his ability to make me laugh. His good looks were a bonus. He was overall a great package and Damian or whoever would be lucky to have him.

I thought back to our talk about chemistry. We had it. It wasn't something I could explain, but there was this ease about being with him, holding him and teasing him. It was just so natural, and having spent a great deal of years shunning human relationships, it was surreal. He wasn't the first guy to talk to me and some like Ricky had spent time at the house.

There was just something with Archer. He had something on me. He just didn't know. I didn't know what it was.

==

The next morning I woke up later than usual. Archer was lying next to me on the bed. He was still asleep, facing me after turning the previous night. His mouth was curled in a cute pink pout. His skin looked so soft, and glowed a little with the sun's rays as they entered the room. He was still in my embrace.