Small chapter for the night, see yall tmr!
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I sank deeper into the bed, gasping for air. My lungs burned, the edges of my vision darkening like I was seconds away from slipping into that quiet, comforting void.
"Woah, woah—Noah, come here," Elara's voice cut through the haze as she slid down beside me, wrapping her arms around my torso. "I have to talk to you about something."
The back of my head rested against her chest, her heartbeat steady against me. Her warmth bled into my skin, soft and soothing, melting away the chill that crept in from the open window and the night air beyond.
"I know you've gotta go back to school soon," Elara whispered, her breath warm against my ear, "but... do you really have to? Think about it—" her voice softened into a playful hum, "I could take care of you. You could just stay here and be my little house husband. How about that?"
Her hand slid slowly over my stomach, fingertips tracing lazy circles before settling there, holding me with a kind of gentle possessiveness.
I let out a quiet breath, catching her hands in mine. "I'll have to think about it, Elara. I'm pretty sure if I stayed home all day, I'd lose my mind—especially without you around." I glanced back slightly, smiling. "I should probably finish this last year... then maybe I can officially take up that house husband offer."
"Please, Noah," Elara whispered, her voice trembling between desperation and need. "Really think about my offer. I can take care of everything—just say the word. I can't stand the thought of anyone else even talking to you... it fills me with rage."
I turned in her arms until I was facing her, her eyes glinting faintly in the low light. My hands rose to cup her cheeks, her skin warm beneath my palms.
"I won't talk to anyone," I said softly. "Nobody does anyway, and I doubt that'll change now. I'll think about it, Elara. I promise. Just... be patient, okay?"
Her expression softened, and before I could say more, she leaned down. Her lips met mine—gentle at first, tasting faintly sweet, like warmth and honey spreading through the cold room.
This kiss felt different—more possessive, like she was marking me.
"I love you, Noah," Elara murmured, voice low and dangerous. "If anyone even looks at you the wrong way, tell me. I'll make their whole bloodline suffer." She crushed her lips to mine again, harder this time, then bit my lip as she pulled away.
"Damn, Elara, why the hell am I so crazy about you?" I mutter, pulling her close, my smaller body struggling to fully wrap around her taller, broader frame.
She nestles into me, her warmth pressing against mine. "When it's family, the love hits harder, doesn't it?" she whispers, her voice soft but heavy with meaning, as we hold each other tight.
"I guess so..." I mumbled, a yawn escaping my lips. "Goodnight, Elara. Love you..." My eyes drifted shut, surrendering to the pull of sleep.
"I love you so much more, my sweet boy. You're my whole world," Elara whispered, her voice a soft caress in the quiet darkness.