「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(253) Prim and Demure

Lynn's POV

I gazed weakly into Charles' eyes, blatantly allowing him to see through me like a transparent sheet.

The surge of unyielding defeat, the onslaught of overpowering fear, and the blitz of escalating withdrawal.

Rapidly, Charles recognised how the wretched desires of my compromised soul translated into such dire compulsions that severely clouded any rational judgment, even readily trouncing my resentment of the proposed meeting, and his face saturated with pure empathy.

"Oh, Lynn," Charles whispered dearly, drawing me comfortably into his arms, and diligently stroked my back as I my trembling frame reclined drowsily against his.

"Don't leave me home alone, Charles. I can't do this on my own," I confessed in a timid tone.

"I don't care where you're going. I just want to make sure I'm by your side. I just want to be with you," I persuaded determinedly but my croaking voice was faint, lethargic, and everything that lacked convincing tenacity.

"I need to be able feel like I can protect you," I confided honestly, shakily, but hysterically and desperately.

"I don't mean to defame your best friend but I really can't trust him anymore..." I admitted frankly.

"He's done awful things to people and he'll do awful things to you," I whimpered miserably.

"I get it. I get it, love. Just calm down," Charles coaxed softly and his eyes, magnificently crystal blue, glazed in sheer tenderness poured dedicatedly into mine, evoking a rush of refreshing sensations as pleasant adrenaline pumped through me.

"We'll get Jubilee to pack your things and she can come with us, alright?" Charles suggested in a compassionate tone and pecked a delicate kiss to my forehead, fuelling the smile the resurfaced on my face.

"I can handle myself, Charles. I think we should leave her with the kids," I appealed sincerely, doubtlessly doubtful to have the children freely wandering about without the presence of a responsible, and reliable, adult.

"I'm sure they'll be fine with Peter," Charles declared without hesitation.

"And Logan," he reiterated, but bearing a partially mocking expression that was not all too credible in reality, and I could not curb the genuinely giggles that undeniably yearned to be blurted from within.

"I'll be surprised if he doesn't claw up our cartons of chocolate milk when he goes around searching for cider," I teased in a jocular tone, rolling my eyes, and Charles smirked, chuckles escaping, as he gently caressed my cheek.

"Promise me, that whatever happens, you will never lose that laugh, nor that smile," Charles urged keenly, staring at me with everlasting devotion brimming from his intent gaze.

"Then make sure you're here with me, to make me laugh, and make me smile," I pleaded avidly in return, staring at him with utmost adoration.

"I want the reason that I can laugh and smile, to hear me whenever I laugh, and watch me whenever I smile," I stressed with a determined expression and Charles grinned gladly as I leaned into his intimate space, pressing my lips sweetly onto his.

"I'll be sure to live..." Charles vowed quietly as we broke apart an inch.

"As long as you never lose that kiss," Charles taunted cheekily as he brushed his thumb along my chin and I flashed him an astonished face, playfully slapping his firm and muscular bicep.

"That, you need to lose," Charles chastised in a stern but clearly teasing tone as he gripped tightly onto my hand and lovingly intertwined our fingers.