Been You

Chapter 58: Movies With Me

JUSTIN'S POV:

I toss Ely one of my sweaters and she pulls it over her head contently. "You ready, baby?" She asks me. Shit, she looks so cute in my sweater. Her golden skin glowing against the white cable knit fabric. Her curls are messily falling into her face, making her look like a cute little kid on Christmas morning. I smile largely at her.

"You know it, honey. Let's go," I say as I spontaneously sweep her up into a bridal hold.

"How romantic," Ely cheeses before pecking me softly on the mouth. My stomach flips. She's so damn cute. I carry my adorable girlfriend downstairs to the living room and plop her down on the love seat before sliding in next to her. She curls into me, laying her head in my lap. I don't know if she's trying to make me weak, but it's working. She looks up at me as I play in her messy curls before we're interrupted by the presence of someone standing over us. The smiles from both of our faces fall when we look up to see Ryan. Ely sits up, but I wrap my arm around her shoulder protectively. We glare at Ryan, waiting reluctantly to hear whatever he has to say.

"Look, Ely, what I did was really fucked up. I know this is no excuse, but I was - I am - dealing with some personal issues. This," he looks around to see that no one is paying attention to us. With a lowered voice he continues, "I've been struggling with body image issues and... I took my frustrations out on Justin and you. I'm sorry, and I don't expect you to forgive me, but I just thought I at least owed you both an explanation and apology. And I am working on not being such a dick so..." What the hell? Body image? I thought that was like a girl thing. Is he shitting me? I start to feel Ely getting up. Where is she going? I furrow my eyebrows at her when she gets up to hug him. Again, what the hell?

"I know what you're going through, and I know your pain. You're not alone, and if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here," Ely assures him.

"Thank you, Ely. You're a great person. I really am sorry about what I've done. I promise, I'll make it up to you." Ely squeezes his shoulder affirmatively before rejoining me on the couch. Ryan goes over to the television to set up the movie. I turn my body so that I'm facing Ely.

"What the hell, E?" I whisper.

"Justin. You know how bad I got when we broke up. You know how Selena affected me. You had the same effect on Ryan. I can't pretend I don't know how shitty that feels. If I didn't have you, baby? I'd probably be worse off than he was."

"But body image? For real? I mean, it makes sense for you, you're a girl. He's a dude, E. He can't be serious," I say incredulously.

"That's easy for you to say, Justin. I mean, look at you," she answers, looking down at my body. My stomach flips. I don't know how, but being with Ely makes me feel like a middle schooler who just found out his crush likes him back. I must be blushing because she interrupts my thoughts to say, "Don't act all flattered, Bieber. You already know I've got the hots for you." I smirk at her. She's so cute when she's flirty like this. I'm so lucky she's flirting with me. It dawns on me that it's been a while since I've shown my affections for her. Hmm...

Once the movie begins, I stretch my arms over my head while forcing a yawn. I settle my arm around Ely, pulling her in close to me. I cut my eye over to peek at Ely's response. She's smiling knowingly, biting her lip. Yes. She pulls her legs up onto the love seat, resting them on top of mine. I place my free hand on her bare leg, my fingertips brushing her inner thigh. I feel goosebumps arise on her her skin. Yes.

Let the romance begin.