A Series Of Emotions

Ch 7: The Morning After.

——————alexander's pov——————

I woke up first. The bright light trickling into my room was my favorite part about waking up at 11am. The sun has finally shifted towards my window and I am rested enough to not be mad.
Looking down in front of me, I take in how beautiful Leo looks when she's sleeping. Maybe it's the fact that the way her hair looks like warm coffee, or how soft and quiet she breathes in her sleep is actually louder than her awake. I'm not sure what is so beautiful on her, but the glow of inner peace and calm makes her absolutely gorgeous. The way her silky hair spilt like the coffee color it was across her warm, lightly tanned skin was just stunning. I moved a few strands of hair that lay across her face, only to take in the endless patterns her freckles could create. Everything felt so warm, so peaceful for a late spring morning. Until I heard someone clear their throat.
Matt Tyler and Penelope staring back at me from the pull out couch across my room. I shook my head and slid out of bed with Leo, taking my blanket with me. I wrapped myself up, and walked towards the door. With a wave of a hand, they followed.
At the breakfast table, I sat down across from the two and let out a groan as they smiled at me. With my mom at work, I knew this was as far as anyone would know of what happened upstairs. I had so much explaining to do, but where would I start. How do I say, Leo asked me to cuddle her? It was nothing? She meant to text Savannah, clearly. I couldn't put her vulnerability out on the spot though, not again.

"So you wanted her to sleep in your bed, so that you could cuddle with her?" Penelope laughed, shaking her head and kissing Matt Tyler on the cheek. "I didn't think you had it in you. When did you make your move last night?"
I sighed and shook my head before realizing I could end this here with very few exposure. "No, I didn't have intentions of cuddling her. It literally just happened." I shrugged. "The floor was uncomfortable and I asked her if I could lay on the bed. That's all." I started, shrugging my shoulders as I tried to maintain a relaxed vibe.
Matt Tyler stared at me, and I tried my best to maintain eye contact. I knew though, that he could read me like a beginners book. "Liar."

"Matty m'not lyin." I challenged, raising an eyebrow. "It was just uncomfortable. That's all." My eyes darted from his to Penelope's and back. "And Penny, please let's not let anyone else know about this? Okay?" I was met with content as the two of them nodded. Matt Tyler following along, understanding I would tell him later, and Penelope just blindly.

——————leo's pov——————

The bright sun finally began to shine onto my eyelids, ripping me from my half-sleep slumber that I keep forcing myself back into. If I was in my bed, that means it's roughly 1:28pm. In this bed, I know not of what time it means, but I can only hope it's early. The earlier I wake up, the earlier I can leave. As I sit up in Alexander's bed, I noticed three things. He's gone. Matt-Tyler is gone. And Penelope is gone. They're downstairs, but I have no clue who was awake first. I know not if anyone saw Alex cuddling with me.
As quietly and as quickly as I can, I grab my bag and sneak into the hallway bathroom. I change from my powder blue pajama shirt and gray striped pajama pants into my go-to leggings and a dark green and black striped pocket tee. I brush my hair, my teeth, and even start to do my eyebrows. Everything I can think of to distract myself. If Matt Tyler and Penelope saw, it's worse case scenario, as they'll never let me live it down. Penelope is the lesser of the worst, but only because I have more control over her mouth. I can only hope Alexander left the bed before anyone woke up.
It's all interrupted by a light knock on the bathroom by the door. My thoughts come to a halt, as I try to process who's knock it is; it's neither of the girls. They knock again, and with a soft whisper I hear my name.

"Leo," Alexander sighs from the other side of the door, "Savannah's up and ready. We need our editor to lead us." I can hear the resignation in his voice as he tries to coax me out. "Also, Penelope made your favorite... coffee with a little bit of milk." He chuckled softly. 
I give into the temptation, opening the door and nodding softly. "Of course. I was just on my way down. Sorry for taking so long." I mumble, a smile pulling at the corners of my lips.

——————third person——————

Alexander is only able to nod in response, as he expects silence from this point. The shock and confusion that spreads like a wildfire on his face is partially why Leo's next move happens.
Leo leaned in close and pressed her lips ever so gently to his cheek and gave a small hum as she pulled back. To add emphasis to the charm Leo was playing harshly against Alexander, she tucked back a stray strand of hair behind her ear before leading forth and down the stairs.
And in all honesty, Leo doesn't quite comprehend the other emotions that compelled her to kiss him. Was it admiration? A simple thank you? She knew not of the reason why she had done what she did. No, the girl just barely registered it happened before going on downstairs to engage in work and conversation with her yearbook staff.
And for Alexander, who was over the moon yet extremely lost, he tried his hardest to fight off any feelings he's held to Leo prior to his Sophomore Valentine's Day. Those were supposed to be forbidden. She was just another classmate. Another peer. His equal in high school, but superior in grade, age, and yearbook staff position. If Leo liked him, he'd know through Savannah, Penelope and Matt-Tyler.