1| WAKE UP LITTLE ONE ( zalfie)

Chapter 6

When the movie finished, Alfie and I staggered up to bed.

"Those clothes look uncomfortable, Zo," Alfie commented, looking at my disco pants and floaty black and white top. "Do you wanna borrow something of mine?"

"That would be great, Alf, thanks so much," I sighed in relief.

Alfie chucked a huge hoodie and sweatpants on the bed.

"Would you rather have a t-shirt in case you get too warm?" asked Alfie sweetly.

"Aw, no thanks, Alf. I'm freezing. I'll just go to the bathroom and get changed," I beamed at him.

I skipped to the bathroom and locked the door. I felt kind of dirty from today so I took a quick shower. I hoped Alfie wouldn't mind. I got changed into the hoodie and pants, which were so big on me they trailed behind me. I rolled up the sleeves, giggling, and put on some cleanser before I went to bed to help my skin. I brushed my teeth and tied my hair into a quick messy bun before hurrying back to Alfie's room.

"Hey Zoe," Alfie smiled at me.

He had made himself a bed on a pile of cushions on the floor, a sheet wrapped over him. He must be so cold! I felt so horrible.

"Alfie..I feel awful making you sleep on the ground. It must be so uncomfortable. You take the bed, I'll sleep on the floor. Please!" I begged.

"No, Zoe. I'm not letting you sleep on the floor. I'm fine, I promise. It's not that uncomfortable. Please just let me be a gentleman and you take the bed," Alfie laughed.

I bit my lip. "Are you sure you're OK?"

"Positive," Alfie said, and burrowed under the sheets.

"I hope you don't mind I took a shower," I said, changing the subject.

"Of course I don't mind!" Alfie said. "Feel free to use anything in the house. If you're up earlier than me, which you most likely will be, use anything here. The shower, my clothes, food...And don't worry about waking me up. I've had plenty of food."

"Aw, thanks, Alfie," I smiled at him, before drawing back the covers of Alfie's double bed and climbing in.

I tucked myself up in the fluffy duvet and rested my head on the pillow.

"Goodnight Alfie," I said. "Have a nice sleep."

"Goodnight, little one," Alfie replied.

I smiled into my pillow. Alfie was such a sweetheart. I tried my best to fall asleep but the storm was still coming down and troubles raced through my mind now Alfie wasn't holding me. I felt so stressed and scared without someone holding me to make me safe.

"Alfie?" I whispered pathetically.

"Are you alright, Zo?" Alfie asked groggily, sitting up.

I could just make out his figure in the dark.

"Gosh, sorry I woke you up," I said. "I feel awful. It's just I can't sleep. Im scared and stressed and it makes me feel worse than I'm taking this big bed and you're on the ground. Will you sleep with me in this bed? Oh God, I don't mean sleep with me like you know. I just mean lie in this bed and go to sleep. I feel so much safer with you," I admitted shyly.

Alfie's POV

She felt safer around me? My heart was thudding. And she wanted me to lie with her in the bed? This was more than I could ask for, but I kept my cool.

"Sure, Zoe," I said softly. "One second."

I went downstairs and heated up some milk in the microwave. Then I drizzled honey over the top and brought a mug up to Zoe.

"Zoe?" I called. "I made you warm milk and honey. It should help you sleep better."

"Alfie! That's so thoughtful," Zoe exclaimed. "Thank you. Now I feel like I owe you so much."

"You don't," I told her. "Just being here with me makes us even. You're a great friend, Zoe."

I added the friend part so she wouldn't think I was being too forward, although I'd have liked to say 'because I think I'm falling for you'.