Dixison: Roommates

Bruises

Addison's POV

"Wake up, lovebirds!" Charli burst into the room, hands thrown into the air. "It's meet and greet day!"

Dixie groaned into my shoulder, face pressed into the back of my neck, arm draped across my waist.

I rubbed my eyes, sitting upright, sheets billowing under the cool breeze of the fan. 

"Oh my God," Charli's eyes went wide, gaping at me.

"What?" I mumbled, still half asleep.

"Dixie, you dumb ass!" she cackled, doubling over in laughter.

"Charli, get the fuck out of my room," Dixie chunked a pillow at her, missing the younger girl entirely.

"Good luck with that, Addison," Charli laughed, bare feet scampering out the door as more pillows flew her way.

"What is she talking about?" I gazed down at Dixie, whose face was smushed into the blankets, attempting to save any last bit of sleep that remained.

"I don't know," she groaned. "She's so annoying."

"No she's not," I smiled, fingers running through Dixie's tangled bed head.

She turned over, eyes opening and meeting my own for the first time that morning.

"Hi," I grinned, tracing over her freckles. 

"Hi," she smiled back, reaching up and entwining our fingers.

I leaned down, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. 

"I'm going to take a shower," I whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.

She closed her eyes, humming as I placed another kiss on her forehead. 

"Be back soon."

Dixie's POV

I dragged myself out of bed and walked slowly down the long staircase.

"Morning, Dixie," a deep voice came from the living room.

"Hi, Griffin," I replied, voice scratchy from sleep.

"How are you? I haven't seen much of you this week," his voice sounded unsure, choosing his words carefully as I turned the corner to see him.

"Good, yeah, I've been busy—you know, being a Tik Toker and stuff," I smiled, hoping his mood would lighten.

He laughed, brow unfurrowing. "I get that. I kind of thought maybe you were avoiding me."

I studied his face. "I'm sorry, Griffin—I know I sort of led you on last week."

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking at the ground.

"But I still really like you—as a friend. I hope you're not mad."

He gave a heavy sigh. "No, I'm not mad. I wish things were different, but I respect you and your decisions. I'm glad we can still be friends."

I smiled a genuine smile. "Me too,"  I said, fist bumping his knuckles.

Addison's POV

The mirror was completely fogged as I stepped out of the shower, water dripping onto the cold tile floor.

Thoughts of Dixie flooded my mind. Holding hands at the snow cone stand, her head on my shoulder as we looked at the stars, the way her eyes darkened when I bit my lower lip, and softened when I pouted, begging her to drive us to Disneyland.

"I'm already in the happiest place on Earth," she had said, grinning a dopey smile. "I'm here with you."

I had laughed, letting her pepper my face with kisses.

I was happy. Granted, I was usually in bright spirits, but this was different—I felt seen—known. Like when she peered into my eyes, she could see the real me—carefree and unburdened. 

I smiled to myself, wrapping my hair into a towel as I crossed the tile to swipe my hand over the mirror.

As the fog cleared, I stared at my own reflection, eyes immediately drawn to the purple bruise adorning the side of my neck.

Oh, fuck.