It's Alright to be Together

Chapter 18

Finally. A moment to relax. You sighed deeply as you laid back on your bed. Things had been hectic after your visit to Zane's. You had come home, slept for just a few hours before waking up early to help Jenny pack. It wasn't until mid-morning that you sent her on her way with teary goodbyes, hugs, and her promises of being home soon. By that time, you were exhausted and hungry. Grabbing some snacks, you wolfed them down before collapsing on your bed just as Zoey called. It seemed like the world didn't want you to sleep.

All Zoey said was you had the day off and Jenny could take as much leave as possible; however, it wouldn't be paid. It was more or less what you had expected from her-Zoey was really kind at heart-but you wondered if part of her kindness was to persuade you to forgive her. But it was Zane you were mostly mad at so it wasn't particularly necessary.

Your eyelids felt heavy and eagerly shut. The tenderness of sleep started to consume you in the warmth of your bed. It felt so good. So relaxing...

Knock. Knock.

You tightly closed your eyes, hoping the person knocking would give up and leave you alone. Didn't they know how tired you were?

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Leave me the fuck alone, you thought grudgingly but forced yourself out of bed anyways and stumbled to the doors. Normally a cup of coffee would cure it, but you hadn't brewed any since you were going back to sleep and Jenny planned on buying it from the airport. So there you were: messy hair, t-shirt with no bra, shorts, bad breath, and in desperate need of a shower as you trudged with rage that followed exhaustion.

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

The person knocked louder on the door before you opened it. Jason stood there holding a dozen roses. If you hadn't been so tired, you may have found the motion romantic.

"Hey Y/n. I heard about Jenny and everything from Zoey this morning, so I brought these by to cheer you up. And I figured we could go out. Ya know, to keep your mind off things." He smiled sweetly, before quickly changing his words, "Or we could stay in. We could watch movies or something." He clearly read the fatigue in your face and probably figured you would almost definitely say no to going out. The man wasn't wrong.

"Jason..." you started, too tired to really think up the words. "I really..." Your mouth opened in a large O and your hand moved to cover your yawn.

"I know, you're tired. At least let me put these in a vase so they stay fresh. You can just sit on the couch and I'll be out of your hair in no time." His smile grew to convince you, and you caved. It was obvious he would say whatever needed to get inside. If you said no, he'd keep asking, and you really did not have the energy to argue with him.

"Fine. But that's all." Granted, you were more than a bit blunt-possibly to the point of rude-but you were too exhausted to care

At least he had one thing right: sitting on the couch sounded nice. In fact, since you were on it, you might as well lay down...

~*~

~Jason's POV~

"Hey, Y/n, do you know where a vase..." my voice drifted off as I noticed her passed out on the couch. I smiled. Damn is she cute. I was a bit embarrassed for clearly waking her up when she clearly needed sleep, but it was worth it to see her like that: being herself, albeit worn out, but without a care in the world. For once, she didn't wear her mask. She didn't hide her true emotions-her pain, her loneliness, her joy-she was tired, pissed and damn right she was going to show it, even if it was rude.

I walked around a bit, looking in the kitchen cabinets and pantry. Finally, I found one tucked away in a certain place the author will come up with later maybe. I filled it part way with water and put the roses inside before placing it on the table.