When One Story Should End, Another Begins

Chapter 4: Simple Gestures

Almost a week had passed since you last saw Wade, and you began to fear that his interest in you had disappeared now that he knew you were safe. Fortunately, this anxiety was dismissed when you got a text on the next Saturday, which happened to be a particularly dreadfully rainy day.

Wade: Hey Y/N, not doing anything today and u seemed like u still had more questions last time. If u want u can come over and we can watch movies or something and talk. Up 2 u tho

You didn't want to seem desperate or needy, but your excitement got the best of you and you responded very soon after.

You: Yeah, Sure

Wade: U remember where my apartment is?

Unfortunately, you remembered everything from the night you had to help drag his crippled body home all too well for your liking.

You: Yep, see you in an hour or so?

Wade replied with a simple thumbs-up emoji and a smiley face, making you smile as well. You make quick work of getting ready, enjoying a brisk shower before throwing on a cute and casual outfit and some simple makeup. If nothing else, Wade certainly helped you by motivating you to take care of yourself; most days, it was hard to even get out of bed, but with the promise of seeing a friend, it was made worth it. You slipped on some shoes, grabbed your umbrella and purse, and headed out the door and down the stairs to the street.

The weather was truly disgusting, and, try as it may, your umbrella was no competition for mother nature. The rain was so cold it stung your skin, and you trudged down the street as quickly as you could, desperately wanting to escape the outdoors. It took about 15 minutes to reach Wade's street, but it felt more like 30, seeing as you could hardly feel your fingers or toes. Once you got to his building, you took the elevator up and went to the door that you hoped you remembered correctly as Wade's. You took a deep breath and knocked, and a few moments later, the familiar face greeted you. Or rather, the familiar mask. He was wearing otherwise casual clothes but, as always, kept the mask on.

"Jesus, you look awful," was his first comment.

"Gee. Thanks."

"You know I didn't mean it like that. Here, come in," he stepped to the side and pushed the door open all the way, inviting you. You stepped through the doorway and shivered, wet clothes clinging tightly to your body. After closing the door behind you and disappearing for a moment within his apartment, Wade returned with a towel and a sweatshirt. He tossed the hoodie to you and draped the towel around your shoulders, a sweet gesture that brought a soft smile to your face.

"You much be freezing- if I knew it was so nasty out, I wouldn't have asked you to come. Here, dry yourself off. Your shirt is completely soaked, so you can just wear my sweatshirt instead." You couldn't explain why his proposition made you blush as much as it did, but something about wearing Wade's clothes brought a certain heat to your face. When you didn't respond and didn't move, he added, "Or you can, y'know, freeze. Just figured I'd offer." His voice dripped with playful sarcasm, and you nervously nodded and looked around for a bathroom or anywhere to change. Even though you weren't totally on board with the idea yet, you were absolutely freezing and would do just about anything to bring warmth back to your extremities.

"Bathroom is around the corner, first door on the left. Oh, also, you hungry?" You nodded, more so to indicate that you understood his directions to the bathroom than to say yes to food. Regardless, you found your way to Wade's bathroom, locked the door behind you, and peeled the freezing wet sweater and shirt you'd been wearing off your body and placed them in the sink to dry. Even your bra had managed to get considerably wet, but there was no way in hell that was coming off, so you slipped his hoodie on. Wade was a well-built dude- not fat by any means, but you could tell even under his suit and his jackets that he has some serious muscle, not to mention he was considerably taller than you. Thus, his jacket looked somewhat enormous on you, almost long enough to be a dress. It smelled faintly of cologne and finally brought some much needed warmth to your body, making you sigh as you relished in the sensation.