[Automatic] (An Aarmau AU)

[Chapter 18] Midnight Wishes

I looked up at Aaron, not sure if I had heard correctly. His arm was still loosely draped around me, and I could feel the heat coming from his body. In that moment I wasn't sure what was real or not.

"H-Huh?", I asked, sounding like a complete idiot. I knew what he had said, but I wanted him to repeat it. I wanted to know I hadn't imagined it.

"I want you to come live at the castle for a few weeks", he told me. "I'm not going to force you or anything, I'm just really worried for your safety"

We stood there in silence, for what seemed like eternity. Of course I wanted to live in the castle, who wouldn't. But living in the castle would make it easier for Aaron to figure out about my arm. Then I would not only lose him, but also a place to live.

I felt Aaron's arm drop, and he turned away. "I know it's a big request, and it's ok to say no, I just want to make sure you're safe"

I hesitated a moment, before grabbing his hand. He quickly turned around to face me, surprise written across his face. Maybe it was the night talking, or maybe I was just tired of being afraid.

"I'd love to", I whispered, hoping he heard me.

Hearing my words, he pulled me into a tight hug. After everything that had happened in the past forty-eight hours, there was nothing more in the world that I needed then a warm embrace.

After pulling away from the hug, I suddenly realized how tired I was. According to the clock on Katelyn's wall, it was three in the morning. We had been so engrossed in our movie we didn't realize it was past midnight.

"You should go to sleep", Aaron whispered, letting a small yawn slip from his lips. "Tomorrow will be a big day, and you should get your rest"

I yawned, and laid my head down on Aaron's shoulder. "You should sleep too", I murmured. "Princes need their beauty sleep"

I heard a quiet chuckle, before I felt a blanket being pulled over us. My mind realized I was cuddling with Aaron, but I was to tired to care.

"Good night", I whispered, before drifting off to sleep.

***

I woke up the next morning to a knocking on the door. It woke me out of a dream that involved castles and for some reason, a dog.

I sat up, only to realize Aaron's arm was around my waist. I felt my cheeks go bright red as I remembered last night, and realized it wasn't all a dream.

I heard the knock again, and carefully pulled away from Aaron's embrace. Luckily he didn't wake up, and I pulled the remaining blanket over him.

The knock sounded again, only faster and louder. Whoever was at the door was getting really impatient, and was determined to wake up everyone in this house.

I groaned and walked over to the door. Katelyn was clearly still asleep and I didn't need all the knocking to wake up Aaron. I pulled it open to be greeted by a stern looking woman. I could tell from her uniform that she was with the guard.

"Hello", I croaked, wondering what the guard was doing here so early. "Can I help you?"

She looked behind me, scanning around the house. "Yes", she said, looking at my bed head and pajamas. "I'm looking for prince Aaron, last I heard he was... here"

I rubbed my eyes, trying to gain back my sight. I took a glance back at Katelyn's wall clock and found it was seven in the morning.

I was about respond when I felt an arm drape around my shoulder. "Yeah I'm here", Aaron yawned. "What's up Amber?"