Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Twenty three

Sommer P.O.V.

"Xavier," I murmured. "Wake up."

I heard a soft grunt escape from him as his arms tightened around my waist. I could feel his soft breaths tickling the nape of my neck where he had his head buried. I thought that this would be scary or nerve-wracking for me- to be in this position with him... but after that first kiss, none of those feelings surfaced. It almost felt quite natural. That was the only shocking part of this all- the fact that it's not shocking.

"Xav," I called again, trying to turn my head to see his face. He was holding me to him like I was a teddy bear, pressed up right against the contours of his body so that I could barely move.

He let out another small sound before I felt small kisses trail up the slope of my neck. He was definitely awake now.

"Xavier," I breathed.

"You've no idea how long I've wanted to do this..." he said in a raspy morning voice. "You're so beautiful."

Something bloomed inside my chest at the sweet words. I wiggled against his grasp before being able to turn to face him. My eyes flickered over his golden head of messy hair, shiny blue eyes and sleepy half smile. And again, something bloomed inside my chest, bigger than before. Has he always been like this?

I planted a hand on his cheek before rubbing it over with my thumb. He closed his eyes at the touch and simply smiled. Wow, he's so cute.

"How did you sleep?" Xavier asked, breaking me from my silent examination of him.

"Good," I responded in a cheery tone.

"I'm glad. Thanks for staying."

I chuckled. "Shouldn't I be saying that to you? You offered to let me."

"Well it was late anyway, and I wanted you to. So thanks for saying yes." He shrugged lightheartedly.

"Well, thanks for being on your best behaviour then," I teased.

"Told you I would be," he countered back with a wink. "Innocent as always."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "You and innocent should not be in the same sentence."

"Well, anyway, I had a fantastic sleep if I do say so myself." He grinned, running a hand through his messy hair. He leaned up on his elbow whilst the other rested on my waist.

"Okayyy," I smiled amusedly, before raising my brows. "So are you gonna make me breakfast or?"

"What do I get if I do?" He smirked.

"Nothing." I smiled smugly.

He placed a hand on his chest and gasped in mock-offence. "Baby I don't work for free."

"Baby? No pet names, Xav. Please." I shuddered.

"Whaaaat? You don't like pet names?"

"Not really," I shrugged. "For everyone else, maybe yeah it's cute, but I don't know, not on me..."

He narrowed his eyes at me, as if he was scrutinising or gaging something. "You don't wanna be my lil pumpkin?"

I burst into laughter at that. "Hell no."

"Sugar plum?"

I shook my head.

"Nugget?"

"Xavier, I'm vegetarian." I deadpanned.

"Sweetiekins, angelface, loverlady?"

"Nooooo," I gagged. "What's wrong with my actual name? Or even simpler terms?"