Different

15.

When I wake up, I'm grateful for the painkiller I took last night. I managed to get some decent sleep, and aside from a slight dizziness, I feel surprisingly okay. My hand brushes over the bed instinctively, expecting to find it empty—but to my surprise, Jace is still there, lying beside me, sound asleep.

I get butterflies at the sight of him. Even half-covered by the sheets, his back to me, he somehow looks annoyingly perfect. Peaceful. I reach out and trace a finger gently along his spine, just to convince myself he's real. I don't want to wake him—I just want to stay in this quiet, safe moment a little longer.

Eventually, I have to pull away and grab my phone. I scroll through Instagram until the clock hits 10 a.m., and then decide I can't just lay here any longer. I slip out of bed as carefully as I can, trying not to disturb him, and tiptoe into the kitchen, still in Jace's oversized t-shirt. No pants. Nothing he hasn't seen before.

The fridge is nearly empty—figures. Probably why he had to run out for pancakes last weekend. I spot a lone carton of eggs in the back and decide to scramble them. It's the least I can do after last night.

As I move around the kitchen, the embarrassment of everything I said and did starts creeping back in. Why do I only get deep and emotional when I'm tipsy? And Jace—he's always sober, though not always calm. The contrast makes it worse somehow. I need to cut back on drinking. Just thinking about alcohol makes my stomach twist.

Cracking the eggs and whisking them quietly, I try to make as little noise as possible. But the moment they hit the hot pan with a loud sizzle, I hear his voice.

"What are you doing?" 

I turn and see Jace sitting up in bed, rubbing his eyes groggily. "Making breakfast" I say, a little unsure. "Hope that's okay."

He yawns and walks over, dropping a casual kiss on my head. My cheeks flush instantly when I realize he's still only in his boxers. He smirks, noticing.

"That's fine - as long as you promise to come back to bed after," he teases before heading to the bathroom.

I laugh quietly, feeling stupidly giddy. I finish plating the eggs, find two forks, and make my way back to the bed. Jace lifts the covers for me as I crawl back in beside him.

 "Thanks. You didn't have to do that" he says as he digs in.

"No problem," I reply with a smile.

"How are you feeling?"

"Really good, actually. I slept like a baby." 

He nods, satisfied. "Good. I'm glad." 

After a moment, I glance over and add, "I'm still really sorry for last night. I didn't mean for any of it to happen."

"Don't worry about it," he says with a a laugh. "But maybe we should stop hanging out when you're drunk. Though.. now that I think about it, you do always seem to be in the mood when we're in that room."

I groan. "Stop, please." He chuckles again but lets it go. 

When we finish eating, he takes our plates and sets them on the nightstand, then grabs his phone and checks his messages. I try not to wonder if they're drug requests.

"I hope you don't have any plans today. If you do, cancel them," he says suddenly, putting his phone away.

"What? Why?"  Of course I don't have plans. I'm not visiting home until next weekend and Bree is probably busy.

"It's a surprise," he grins. "I'm gonna shower. Want to come?" 

I almost choke on my scrambled eggs. "What?"

He laughs. "Kidding. Sort of. But really, I'll be quick." I roll my eyes, still blushing, as he disappears into the bathroom. 

The shower starts, and I take the chance to check my phone. The group chat with the girls is full of responses to the message I'd apparently sent about leaving with Jace last night. Sarah wrote, "Get it girl." I laugh. No one's getting anything, girl. Bree wrote, "Be safe!" and I'm grateful for both of them.

I text my mom a quick good morning and decide to check in with my sister too, even though we don't talk that often. It feels like the right time.

Jace returns after five minutes, a towel wrapped around his waist. The sight makes it hard not to stare - and the scent of his cologne makes me forgot what to do with myself.

"Bathroom's yours," he says, heading to the closet.

If I take a shower now, I would have to put on my clothes from last night. That would involve my underwear. So I hesitate.

"Actually... do you mind if I get ready at the dorm? I'd hate to clean up only to put those clothes back on."

"Of course. No problem." He grabs some clothes and heads back into the bathroom to change privately—probably knowing I'd be uncomfortable otherwise.

When he emerges, fully dressed and still smelling unfairly good, he smiles. "You ready?"

"Yeah, sorry" I say, pulling on my pants and grabbing my jacket. I leave Jace's shirt on.

We take his car back to the dorm together. He follows me up, planning to wait while I shower. Bree isn't here, again.

"Where's your roommate?" Jace asks, sitting on my bed, waiting for me.

"Probably at  Austin's place. They've been seeing each other for a little while."

He looks up, surprised. "What's her name?"

"Bree."

Jace laughs. "Shit. That means you're talking about my Austin. He's my best friend. Talks about her all the time."

"Small world," I grin. "She'll be excited to hear that." I grab my towel and fresh clothes to change into. 

"You know, I could still join you" he jokes.

"It's a girls shower room, so... no" I laugh, blushing again. I head out, wondering what this mysterious plan of his could be. I take the quickest shower ever and head back ten minutes later. He's still in the same spot, lounging on my bed.

"Ready?" he says, eying me up and down. 

"Yeah, just need to dry my hair," I say. "You gonna tell me what these plans are?"

"Nope. No chance. Just wait and see," he smirks.

I sigh dramatically as I get ready, but inside I'm buzzing with nerves and anticipation. If only he knew how anxious he's making me.

___________________

Where are Mila & Jace going? 

Please remember to vote :)x