Strings of Fate

55–Bedrooms and boundaries

I wake to a light tugging in my hair. The room is still dark, so I have no idea how long I’ve been asleep.

“Hello.” Bellamy says quietly, stroking my hair. I guess that explains the tugging. I stop and take in my situation. Once again, while sleeping we have moved around so that I am lying half on top of him, one leg pulled up and crossed over his. One of his arms is wrapped around my waist while the other is stroking my hair. I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I don’t know why I’m so freaked out. This is very different to the other times we woke up next to each other. Those times Bellamy backed off as soon as he realised what was happening, but

now…

“Hi?” I answer him nervously. Bellamy doesn’t say anything. He just keeps lazily stroking my hair and lets out a deep breath. He moves a little adjusting his legs, shifting me slightly.

“Sorry, I’m probably crushing you, I’ll move 1-” I am about to roll off of him when he runs his hand down from my hair. He runs it lightly over my shoulder, down my side and it lands on my thigh. He holds it lightly to stop me moving away, although not so tight I couldn’t pull

away if I wanted to.

“Don’t go.” His arm tightens around my waist.

“I can finally touch you. It’s how I know this is real.” He murmurs. I flush bright red and hide

my face against his chest.

“Just for a little longer then.” I mutter. We lie there in silence for who knows how long, thirty minutes? An hour? Eventually the sound of Bellamy’s phone vibrating on the table by the bed. is enough to force him to move. With a sigh he releases me, sits up and checks his messages. He groans in frustration.

“Word has gotten out about what happened to Tristan, apparently his mother is demanding to see me. It hasn’t occurred to her that I might not be home.” he groans again.

“Does that mean you need to go?” I ask, still lying down in the pillows, reluctant to get up. Bellamy eyes me up and down, something in his gaze I don’t quite understand.

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55–Bedrooms and boundaries

little longer.” He moves closer, leaning over me. I stare up

it important?” I

he answers smoothly. He’s so close now. He leans in, his lips just brushing

takes in my expression. Then with a half–smile he moves back a little. He’s still

of

my

the edge. bed. I sit up. Well, this is awkward. I climb out of bed and make my way to the kitchen. I don’t know what time it is, but I’m hungry, Bellamy probably is too. I open my fridge and stare at the empty shelves. I’m a bit overdue to do the grocery shopping. I close the door and jump in shock when I realise Bellamy

I step around the tiny kitchen to move

keep talking, well, more like

I want to check

stop for a second would you?” he asks.

I blush and stare at the floor. Bellamy likes

entire situation is uncomfortable. I don’t know how I’m supposed

starts. I shrug, that much

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

I blurt out. I don’t even know what I’m comfortable with so how can I tell him? Bellamy watches my face and seems to understand my internal dilemma. He runs a hand through

how Shifters like to be close to those they care about. For me, being close to you is something that comes as easily as breathing, I crave it. I’ve chosen you and as far as I’m concerned that’s the only decision I needed to make. I know it isn’t the same for you and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. If you can’t tell me what you’re okay with, then you’re going to have to tell

reach out and touch

He smiles and slowly reaches out

little closer and places

he checks. I’m

this tall? I feel so

don’t answer, I just lean into him further and lie my head against his chest. He wraps his arms tightly around me and I can feel him press a kiss in my hair. We stand there for a minute before

it. Bellamy seems to take my silence as a refusal. He pulls away, clearing his throat, clearly also feeling nervous. His discomfort oddly enough is exactly what I needed to help me. conquer my own. Before I can talk myself out of it I

chin. Then he leans down and lightly presses his lips to mine in a gentle kiss. He pulls back, lingering for a moment a few centimetres from my face. Then pulls

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

grin.