FAKE

twenty seven

so I found this version of wildest dreams and I think I like it a lot better than the original. not only that, I listened to it a lot while planning/writing this chapter, so I'll just leave it attached here.

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One Month Later

I wake up to a warm quilt and Ross' back facing me. Sunlight tries to filter in through the closed blinds over the window, creating a soft light in my room.

I run my fingers over the rose tattoo inked on his bare shoulder. It's small, and rather minimal, but I can't help loving its simplicity.

He suddenly rolls over and pulls me into his arms. His warm skin on mine is soothing, and almost convinces me to let it lull me back to sleep.

"Good morning," He mumbles under his breath, and I peck his lips softly. The corners of his mouth turn up in a smile.

"When did you get that rose tattoo?" I ask him, letting my hand wander back to the shoulder I know it's on. "I didn't get to ask last night." He snorts lightly at that.

"I got it about a year ago. It's supposed to relate to the quote from Romeo and Juliet," His fingers slide into my hair and he gently massages my scalp as he speaks. "From the balcony scene, 'That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.' It was just a reminder that I was still me under all the bad things pinned to my name."

"You're still you," I echo him and smile at the face that is still his, that I still recognize and love.

"How are you feeling?" I ask and touch the new scar on his stomach.

"Fine," He shrugs. "Have been for the past week, and you know that."

"I'm just making sure, that last thing you need is to overwork yourself or something-"

"I've done plenty of strenuous activity." He smirks and I gasp at him.

"Oh my God!" I shove him back in surprise and he laughs. "You're awful!"

"You don't believe that." He grins and kisses me. My lips move against his slowly and he shifts to hold himself over me. I pull away and chuckle at him.

"Alright, alright, slow down. You have things to do today," I remind him. He collapses on top of me with a groan. "Ow!" I shove him off of me.

"I don't want to go," he whines. I roll my eyes.

"It needs to be done, you need your own place eventually."

"Why can't I live with you?"

"Because.. we're starting over, remember? Moving in together is going too fast-"

"Oh, but fornication is fine-" He jokes.

"Okay, shut up. And don't ever use that word again." I shake my head and push him away. "Go get dressed."

He groans again and stands reluctantly, then drags his feet dramatically as he leaves the room.

Once he's gone, I get up and get dressed too. I walk to my bathroom and pull my hair up into a loose ponytail. Once I'm done, I go back out to the kitchen and see him already there making himself a bowl of cereal.

He's still missing a shirt, like he hadn't bothered to use the few seconds it takes to throw one on.

"I thought I told you to get dressed?" I ask and cross my arms.

"I am." He shrugs and takes a bite of cereal.

"You're going to meet with the realtor like that?"

He shrugs and nods. I hold back a laugh and head back to the guest room. I find a t-shirt and bring it back, then throw it at him.

He fumbles with it and nearly drops it. I laugh and go to start a pot of coffee.

He pulls on the shirt and goes back to his cereal.

"I have to meet with the realtor at 12:00," He says through a spoonful of cereal.

"It's 11:30." I point at the clock on the stove.

"Damn," He hisses and sets down the bowl suddenly. "I gotta go." He leaves the kitchen to grab his phone and keys to the used car he had bought two weeks ago.

He stops by me for a moment and kisses me quickly.

"I'll see you later."

"Tell me how it goes," I smile and reach up to ruffle his hair.

The smile on my face spreads to his. He takes my hand and presses his lips to it.

"I love you," He admits, still beaming at me.

"I love you too," I answer. He lets go of my hand and heads for the door, grabbing his jacket on the way out.

He glances back and flashes a grin at me just before he closes the door.