A Little Sane

Chapter 73

Mercedes's eyes fluttered opened. Her favorite shade of red slightly clouded her vision. She buried her face in his hair and smiled. She leaned back to look at his face. Jerome was fast asleep with his head on her collarbone. She gently kissed his cheek. Jerome had an arm wrapped around her and their legs were intertwined. Mercedes figured Jerome must have gotten hot in the middle of the night, because he was now in nothing but his boxers. She ran her fingers through his hair and watched him peacefully sleeping.  

The world has seriously fucked you up... All you wanted was your mother to love you.. I can't fix you either.. but I will never give up on you.. Everyone thinks I need someone normal.. but I'm not normal.. no one else but you would make any sense.

Jerome shuffled even closer to her and tightened his grip. Mercedes couldn't help her smile. She turned her head towards the side table where her phone was lying. She reached out her hand and used her powers to get her phone. She normally didn't use her powers in small mundane situations, but she couldn't move or miss the opportunity to take a picture of Jerome. She felt he looked adorable. Jerome was addicted to cuddling, but he didn't want anyone to know it. He didn't want to seem weak or soft. He loved Mercedes holding him just as much as he loved to hold her. It was the attention and affection he desperately craved. Many times Mercedes would sit on their bed to read a book and Jerome would squeeze under her arms and scrunch around her like a Great Dane that thought it was a Yorkie. Mercedes would laugh to herself and read while Jerome would play with her hair, trace shapes on her skin with his fingers or take full naps in her arms. Mercedes took the picture and set her phone next to them on the bed. Jerome shuffled again and slowly opened his eyes. Mercedes smiled.

"Good morning my handsome cuddle bug. You are the most adorable husband in the world."

Jerome groaned slightly embarrassed. He chuckled a little. 

"Don't make me feel embarrassed.."

He buried his face in her neck. Mercedes closed her eyes. His soft kisses made her smile. A small moan slipped from her lips. Jerome chuckled and pulled away.

"Nope. That's enough for you."

Mercedes laughed. Jerome rested his head on her chest. It had been a while since the two of them had sex. Mercedes understood why Jerome wanted to, but also didn't. She also didn't have a want for it. A lot was going on. They could hear the kids in the hallway.  Jerome jokingly groaned. 

"Now I have to get up.."

Mercedes laughed. She lifted his chin and gently kissed his lips. They both set up as the kids ran into the room and jumped on the bed. They could also hear Ed and TaTyana walking around the house.

"Did you two wake up Aunt TaTyana and Uncle Ed?"

The twins shook their heads no. Aislinn jumped at Jerome. He groaned and pretended to be hurt. 

"You.. got me..."

Aislinn laughed as she hugged him.

"Hi daddy!"

Jerome smiled.

"Goodmorning Aisie bear."

The twins smiled as they jumped on the bed. 

"Uncle Ed and aunt TaTyana are awake mommy."

Mercedes smiled brightly at Jessie. 

"Well, then I guess me and daddy better get up. How about you guys go find them and see if you can help with anything." 

The twins happily ran from the room. Mercedes turned to Jerome.

"So um... when we go home tomorrow.. I have some business to attend to.."

Jerome tilted his head. Mercedes sighed.

"Not right when we get home, but.. in the coming days.. I have to try Jerome.. I don't trust him. And.. there's something else I have to do.. but.. if I tell you what that is.. you'll try to stop me.."

Jerome set up straighter and sighed. His expression showed that he wasn't too happy to hear what she had just told him. Mercedes caustiously straddled his lap and cupped his face. Jerome gently shook his head. Mercedes sighed.

"Please... trust me.. I really believe that I am doing the right thing..."

Jerome watched as she moved closer to him. He rested his hands on her hips. He raised his right hand to gently grab her chin. His thumb slowly rubbed across it's edge. Mercedes gave him a small smile. It was hard for Jerome to not smile back. Mercedes leaned forward and Jerome gladly deepened their kiss. Mercedes laid her head on Jerome's shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her. Mercedes closed her eyes. Despite everything, she felt completely safe and unbothered by their problems. TaTyana cleared her throat causing them to jump. 

"The kids want chocolate chip waffles. That okat?"

Mercedes smiled brightly.

"Of course! Need some help?"

TaTyana gave her a small smile.

"No that's okay. That kids want to help."

TaTyana laughed as she shut the door walked away. The twins were yelling at her from the kitchen. Jerome couldn't help but stare at Mercedes as she got out of bed. She was in nothing but his t'shirt and her underwear. Mercedes could feel his eyes. She laughed without even turning around. 

"Something look good to you?"

Jerome chuckled. 

"Maybe."

She turned around and shook her head.

"Come on. Get dressed!"

Mercedes watched her kids happily eating their waffles. She enjoyed their smiling faces. Every moment of happiness she had with them was a moment she cherished above anything else.