The warmth of her around my fingers as she came was indescribable. I could almost feel how wet she was, and even the memory of it makes me want to moan out loud.

I don't, not while she's sleeping. She looks so peaceful, curled up on her side with her hair fanned out behind her on the pillow.

I trail my fingers along her arm, up and down softly. I watch the goosebumps spring up along her flesh, and I can't help smirking.

When she said she wanted more, I almost lost it... excitement and need exploded within me. I didn't know how it would work, but I wanted to find out... immediately.

As I'd trailed kisses along her neck, I could almost taste her... it was like a memory just out of reach. A tease of what could be... what almost was. It was like a drug, and I'd had a hard time pulling away.

When she froze and looked directly at me, I felt the world stop for just a moment.

In all the time we've talked her eyes were never on me. She often looked out the window or focused on something else around her.

But not this time. She looked right at me, her eyes slightly unfocused as if she couldn't quite make me out... and yet, she'd held my gaze.

When she reached out to touch my face, my heart jumped into my throat.

Decades... it's been decades of silence. Decades without touch. Decades without being seen.

These past months have been like a drink of cool water after years wandering the desert.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to walk away, even if she asked me to. I was already drawn to her... her beauty, her mind, her weird ass quirks... but now? Now I'm fucking addicted. I'm addicted to her smile, to the way her eyes soften when we talk, to the way she leans toward my touch when I reach out for her...

I'd forgotten what it felt like to love someone. To truly love someone. But as I stare down at her peaceful face... I know I do love her.

She fears love... so I can't tell her. She told me once she couldn't love... that she is broken.

I'm not sure I believe that, but what matters is that she believes it... so I won't push. I won't risk driving her away.

But I'll know.

I reach out and gently rub my knuckles along her slightly pink cheek, and I smile when she hums appreciatively in her sleep.

God she's beautiful... I wish I'd known her when I was alive. I'd have dedicated my life to her the way she deserves.

I feel my smile falter when I realize... what can I really give her? She'll grow old, and one day she'll die... and I'll be left in the same state I've been in for decades. I don't age. I don't change. I can't call for help if she falls and gets hurt. I can't care for her if she's sick.

Is it wrong of me to want this? To want her? To let this continue?

She deserves someone alive.

Except... well, she was alone before, right? It's not like I've walked in and stolen her attention - she was hiding from the world before I found her. If it's me or nothing... maybe... maybe it's okay? She's an adult... she knows what she wants and she's capable of choosing...

Am I talking myself into this or out of this?

Sighing I roll on my back and look up at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of her breathing beside me.

I'm conflicted and I'm confused... but perhaps I don't need to decide anything at this exact moment. Perhaps I can just... wait and see? 

 For right now, in this moment in time, perhaps we can just allow this thing to be... and we can figure the rest out later.

--

Did you know that voting & commenting on the chapter helps writers on the app out a TON? If you liked this chapter and you'd be willing to vote and/or comment, it would mean a lot to me <3

679 Words