Mr. I Don't Smile

25. honest

25. honest

Ciera

Something was fatally wrong with me.

When I woke up this morning I was actually . . . happy? Almost everything wrong occurring in my life was fixed.

I didn't even want to bitch slap the sun, which was saying something.

Theo and I had kissed. Amélie Delacroix had been alerted of my artwork being stolen. And my irritating parents were still gone.

I skipped down to the kitchen after getting ready to make myself some breakfast. I had decided to make pancakes and bacon for everyone.

When I was always done making all the food, I suddenly felt a presence behind me. I hesitantly turned because I already knew who it was, and I had no idea how to interact with him now that we had kissed.

Theo greeted me with a wide smile. "Good morning, chérie," he said cheerfully.

"Good morning."

"What are you making?"

"Pancakes."

He looked down at the pan. They were nowhere near finished. "Can we talk for a second?"

"Sure." My heart was beating rapidly out of nervousness, but as he interlaced our fingers and led me to the living room, my anxiety melted away. Theo sat down on the couch, but my body tingled in anticipation so I remained standing.

"It's clear how I feel about you now, right?"

I chuckled. "More than enough."

"Good. I didn't want to have an awkward conversation."

"Oh, we can still have it. You like me."

"Yes," he nodded. "I do."

"And when did you start liking me?"

"Does that matter?"

"You were a dick to me at first. I want to know when that changed to you pining and longing over me," I teased.

Theo ran his hands through his hair before they covered his face. It did nothing to hide the redness that appeared. "I don't think there was a specific moment when I began liking you. It was gradual. A shift I can't perceive. But I saw your kindness towards others and your determination for all your passions. I admired you. And then I witnessed your pain. How you thought you were unlovable and I barely restrained myself from hurting anyone that made you feel that way. And then I got to make you laugh, and the way your eyes crinkled when you smiled. I always wanted to make you feel that way. I didn't understand how I could have ever been so cold to you. But I wasn't sure if you felt the same way.

"But then last night, when you were belittling yourself to not being worthy of a fight, I had to show you how much you meant to me. So I kissed you. My intentions were to show you that you are worthy, but I can't say I'm not glad that you return my feelings." He looked up at me "What?"

I was at a loss for words. I joined Theo on the couch, and perched myself on my knees so we were face to face. Then I reached out and cupped his cheeks. It squished his face together, and he looked so adorable, and he had just said all those beautiful words, and I was allowed to do this now so I couldn't resist giving him a peck on the lips. "I like you, Theo. A lot."

"Do I only get one?"

"What?"

"Do I only get one kiss? After all of that?"

I giggled, and leaned forward again. When I tried to pull back, however, Theo kept pushing forward, until my back hit the couch. He kissed me hungrily, with unkempt desire.