For the Sake of Breathing

Chapter Three

    We make it back to Lake's house, and I have skinned knees from falling on some rocks. Once inside, I kick off those horrid shoes, and yawn. "Long day?" Lake chuckles, turning on the lights in the front room. 

        Snowy slinks in, her green eyes wide with curiosity. I bend down to stroke her fur, nodding. "Yeah."

        "How're your knees?"

        "Fine. Just a little scraped up, that's all," I laugh. "See, they're not even bleeding." 

        He nods, face twisting into a soft grin. "Go ahead and change," he mutters, exiting into the living room.

        "A third time?" I groan.

        "You're not going to sleep in that, are you?"

        I roll my eyes. "Whatever. This is the most I've changed my clothes all week." 

        "You can stay in that outfit if you want," he murmurs. But the way he's looking at me makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable. 

        "No... no, I'll change," I say in a voice that's just a little too high-pitched.

        "You're blushing again," he observes.

        "Shut up. I'm going to change," I retort, face hot. With that, I make my escape into the bathroom. It's pitch-black. I fumble around for the lights, and turn them on.

        "Wait," he calls through the door, "What are you changing into?"

        "The other set of clothes you bought me," I snort, "Why?" 

        "I bought six sets." 

        I suck in a breath, and poke my head out of the door. "You did?"

        He nods, and glances down, seeming weirdly disappointed for a moment. "Want me to show you?" he adds, smiling.

        I step out, and he leads be back to the front room, presenting me to a large plastic bag. I pick up a pair of thicker pants, some socks, and a pair of brand-new running shoes. There's also a long-sleeve shirt, and a leather coat. Then there's some shorts and a t-shirt. I freeze, lifting the next item up with my hand. "What is this?" I demand, raising an eyebrow.

        "Your pajamas," he explains trying to maintain a serious composure, but his face betrays him.

        "These are the sluttiest pajamas I have ever seen. I might be broke and homeless, but I'm not that desperate," I scoff, throwing the "pajamas" at him. 

        "Seriously? You're entirely oblivious to anything suggestive that people do to or around you, but you don't go for the clothes? I really don't understand you," he laughs. 

        I roll my eyes. "You're a pervert."

        "Not really," he murmurs, setting the skimpy violet "pajamas" aside.

        And then there's just a second set of casual clothes. But there's something else in the bag. I pull it out, and my eyes water. It's the blanket I was holding when we met the second time. I glance at him, unable to breathe. Then I hug him. "Thank you," I choke out. It's honestly the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. He hugs me in return.

        "So, you're still against the whole pajamas thing?" he whispers into my hair. "No? Bad timing?"

        I pull away. "Horrible timing," I respond flatly. 

         "Can we-can we just go back to hugging?" he queries in a hushed voice.

        "No," I grunt, pulling away.