Now I'm Here (a Brian May fic)

Chapter 10

January 28, 1976 (Waterbury, CT)

Beams of sunlight danced across Katie's eyelids, the warm glow slowly bringing her back to the realm of consciousness. Stifling a yawn, she attempted to stretch the fatigue out of her legs, and in the process she felt her toes brush against what felt like someone's leg. What the- Cracking one eye open, she peered curiously to her side. Memories of last night flooded back to her as her eyes came to rest on the man sleeping beside her. He was facing her, face buried in his pillow. Twisting carefully under the sheets so not to disturb him, she propped herself up on her elbow to get a better look. His curls were strewn across both the pillow and his face, forming an angelic halo to match his peaceful expression. Little breaths, almost inaudible, exited his mouth in short puffs. Soft yellow beams of the morning sun highlighted his angled nose. He looked so serene––Katie wanted to reach out and trace every line of his beautiful face.

So last night was real. She couldn't suppress the giddiness swelling in her chest as she recalled how perfect it was. The man she had been pining after for years now lay sleeping next to her. This must be what it feels like to be in a cheesy rom-com, she smirked to herself, amused at the situation. Normally she didn't allow herself to become emotionally attached to someone so quickly, but something about Brian allowed him to bypass her carefully-constructed defenses with ease. A glimmer of apprehension dwelled in the back of her mind, but she was in too good a mood to care. What was it that he said? "I haven't been able to forget you." So the infatuation wasn't one-sided. That validation boosted her confidence tremendously, and she smiled to herself as she watch his scrawny chest rise and fall with each breath.

The cool morning air was getting to her and the thin cotton sheet wasn't enough to keep warm. Drawing herself toward Brian, she wrapped one arm around his waist and snuggled into his chest, basking in the heat radiating from his body. She felt him stir and his hand reached down to tangle itself in her hair.

"Morning," Katie whispered, smiling against his skin. She glanced up to see him rubbing his eyes.

"Mmm." Humming low in response, he stroked his fingers through her hair and squinted down at her, eyes still blurry with sleep. She chuckled, resting her chin on his chest and tracing his ribcage with her finger. His hand slid from her head down her cheek, cupping her chin gently. "C'mere." She didn't need to be told twice. Scooting up until her head was level with his, she happily let his lips capture hers in a slow kiss. His touch was warm and soothing, broad hands taking their time to thoroughly explore her body. It was as if he was constructing a mental map––committing her to memory––and this thought sent her heart reeling. She melted into his touch, feeling her control slip further and further from her grasp. They took their time, savoring the intimacy they were creating in the shelter of the cozy suite. Katie wondered briefly if it was possible for lips to bruise.