Kiss me

Chapter 12

Turns out, Axel and Ellis got along quite well. I spy them finishing up as I walk towards the bleachers. They're preparing for one last sprint together. Oh, a treat, I get to watch Axel in action.

Ellis was extremely fast, in my opinion. He was like a little bullet, it was insane.

I hear a quick and loud, On your mark! Get set!

Go!

They burst up, their spikes digging into the track as the propel themselves forward, practically neck in neck. I watch in awe. Wouldn't it be cool to be able to move that fast? I can see Axel taking the lead. The race is over practically as soon as it begun, Ellis sagging in defeat. Axel let's out a laugh, patting him on the back.

"Next time." I'm glad to see that he's a gracious winner.

Our eyes lock, an even bigger smile adorning his face. Ellis too, looks up. Waving both hands.

"Aw yea baby, third wheel time" Ellis grabs his bag as I skip down the bleachers.

"You're so weird." I flick his shoulder, and walk over to Axel.

He wraps his arms around my waist and leaves a gentle kiss on my lips. I taste the salt of sweat, but it's surprisingly pleasant, however gross it may sound.

"How was ballet?"

"Hard, but I enjoyed it, as always. I saw your last race. You're like hardcore fast."

"You seem surprised."

I lean in for another quick kiss, and turn around to see Ellis making smooching noises behind us.

"Whatever." I suppress my laughter.

He's so immature.

Together, we leave the track after they quickly change in the locker room.

I suggest the ramen bar down in the square, their heads nodding in unison. We're all clearly famished.

I do my best to be aware that Axel and I don't leave Ellis out, but it's surprisingly easy. Conversation flows easily and I find myself constantly laughing. Ellis brings out the immature side of Axel.
I'm interested, and find myself even more attracted to him.

Our bellies full, we lay out on a soccer field, currently not in use.

It's silent as we look up at the starry night sky.

Axel slides his arm around me, the warmth of his body making me feel all cozy inside. I listen to the slow rythm of his heartbeat, the smell of laundry detergent and mint filling my nose. I feel so peaceful.

Conversation starts as Ellis brings up Fly. I should go home soon to walk her.

"Wanna come back to my place? I have a bottle of unopened wine.

"Getting wine drunk at your place? Yes please." He plays with the little ringlets in my hair.

"Ew, you guys are so cute. It makes me wanna barf." I roll over and lightly kick Ellis in the side, he stands up, putting his hands in the air.

"I'm just speaking the truth."

Axel laughs, rolling around on the ground as I playfully glare in Ellis' direction.

We start making our way to the car, laughing the whole way.

▪ ▪ ▪

I lay on Axel, while Fly lays on top of me. Ellis waves his glass around, declaring, "I'm not that drunk!" While he slurs on his words.

We polished off the first bottle, plus my backup bottle. I'd say we're all pretty drunk. Axel plays with my fingers as we hold hands, humming into my hair.

I rock my head slightly back and forth over his chest to the rythm.

He's humming Under The Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Sometimes I feel
Like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel
Like my only friend--

His voice is soothing, I could listen to him sing all day. I can feel the vibration of his chest throughout my head. Ellis sits with his eyes closed, listening.

--Is the city I live in
The city of angels
Lonely as I am
Together we cry

"That's my favorite song."
"Me too."

I look up, surprised. He smiles, leaving a kiss on my forehead.

"Honestly, yall are too good to be true. I'm gonna cry." I giggle at his statement, only to realize he's actually crying. Drunk Ellis is honestly, my favorite Ellis. He lays his head down on fly.

"Fly, will you find me a boyfriend?" She licks his forehead as he closes his eyes.

My own eyes were drooping and I lay my head on Axel's shoulder, doing my best to fight the tug of sleep.

The next thing I know, I'm in Axel's arms, I look down to see Ellis fast asleep with Fly.

"You stay with him tonight, toots."

Axel giggles at the nickname and carries me to my room.

"You're so warm." I snuggle into him.

He squeezes me a bit tighter in recognition before he lays me down on the soft mattress.

His eyes flit over me.

"I'll uh, sleep on the floor then."

My eyebrows furrow. I can't make him sleep on the floor, and he's had a few too many glasses to drive home. Ah, fuck it.

I pull him down beside me and crawl into his arms. I know what you're probably thinking. Why is it such a big step to sleep beside someone? Well, when you sleep, you're leaving yourself vulnerable. You really need to trust someone, and they should trust you in return.

Plus, I have a problem with kicking in my sleep.

I drift away to his steady breathe, once again surrendering to sleep.

Wait.

I open my eyes, sitting up.

"Have to get changed." He too, sits up.

"Me too."

I pad over to the bathroom, grabbing my boxers off the corner of my dresser.

Shutting the door, I strip down and slip on the boxers. I put my packer in the drawer. My breath begins to pick up. My boxers feel empty. I don't want him to see me without it, but I also want him to know the whole me.

With a quick brush of my teeth, I finally open the door to see Axel lying in his underpants. He's so hot. I crawl over and nuzzle back into his arms.

"Goodnight" I trace my fingers over his collar bones.

"Goodnight."