Fade (On Hold)

Chapter Eight:

     Feet slapped the pavement as I ran, a grin alighting my face as I twisted around to search the darkness for the guy who was chasing me. It was midnight, and the two of us were racing around the park, laughing too loudly at the tiniest things. We were high on sugar; giddy, nothing could bring us down.

Two sturdy arms wrapped around my waist and easily hoisted me into the air, warm breath tickling me as I was pulled into a chest. Leo had lost his shirt a while ago, sticky with sweat. According to him, at least.

He carried me to a swing, thumping me down on the seat, but keeping his body behind mine. My face heated up, goosebumps spreading on my skin.

"Cold?" He grinned; removing his body from mine, causing me to tremble from chills.

     "Let's go back to the motel," I suggested, teeth chattering.

"As the lady wishes," Leo abruptly scoops me up, swooping down to retrieve his shirt, cradling me against his warm body.

"Leo!" I shrieked. "I am capable of walking!"

Leo chuckled, and I flung an arm around his neck, terrified, when his grip slipped slightly. But his laughter was contagious, and I started uncontrollably giggling. Lack of sleep tended to make me slap-happy.

He carried me back to the motel, tossing me down onto the tiny bed, his aquamarine eyes lingering on my own olive ones.

He collapsed beside me, rolling over, causing me to fall off with a squeak.

     "Oops," he deadpanned, flinging a blanket over his body. "Come back."

      I peeked up, scowling at his pout. "You pushed me off," I accused, standing up and pushing him. He didn't budge, but caught my wrist, easily yanking me into the blankets.

     "I thought you said sleep was for the weak," I yawned, trying to sit back up.

     "I'm not gonna sleep," Leo snorted.

      "Why are we in a bed then?" I mumbled, my eyelids suddenly feeling heavy. "Please don't try to get in my pants..."

     I heard Leo's deep chuckle, tucking a blanket up to my chin before he answered. "We're in bed so you can sleep. I won't do anything, I swear."

     His breath tickled my ear as he put his forehead against mine briefly, his lips gently pressed against the tip of my nose before he left me alone, falling into a dreamless sleep.

☄💫☄💫☄💫☄💫☄💫☄💫☄

     I jolted awake, sitting up straight, taking in my surroundings. The motel room was a mess, trash and wrappers scattered around the floor, coloring books and colored pencils lying around on the stained carpet.

     My gaze fell on Leo, who was heavily asleep on the bed beside mine, his shirtless state showing off his tan chest and...washboard abs. Well. I guess I hadn't registered those last night.

     I tiptoed out and into the bathroom, taking a quick shower, changing into a shirt that had been lying around, slipping on the previous skinny jeans.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Leo was awake, sitting up on his bed, rubbing his aquamarine eyes. His blond curls spiked up in every direction, a lazy smile spreading across his lips as he gave me a warm once-over.