|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 3:04:10 GMT
River woke up cozy, but somewhat overheated, about an hour later. She was a little disoriented, at first, to wake up in a room that looked like her usual suite but definitely wasn't. She started to sit up and became aware of Hugh Pennington 's head still resting on her chest, snoozing away. She had completely forgotten for a moment--she was engaged! She looked down at the ring on her finger and laughed almost silently. She turned back to Penn and gently pushed a stray lock of hair out of his face. He looked so peaceful, she hated to disturb him, but she was too warm to stay the way she was; she felt almost feverish. Carefully, she lifted his arm and slipped out from under him and off the bed, easing his head down onto a pillow. She watched him for a moment, and when he didn't stir, she was satisfied that she hadn't woken him. The first thing she did once she was free was take off her cardigan and toss it onto the armchair that stood off to the side. She sighed and pinched the collar of her t-shirt, fanning it in and out to cool herself. Then, she crept out into the main room, uncomfortably aware that she lightly looked flushed and rumpled--although not for the reasons anyone might expect. She grabbed her bag, and the one she'd seen Penn bring in earlier, and pulled them back into the room, closing the door carefully behind her without so much as a click. Sadly, the zipper on her hard-shell suitcase was not nearly as quiet as the door, and she winced. Still, she was in desperate need of a hair tie. She rummaged in the mesh pocket on the inner lid, until she was finally able to draw out a bright yellow scrunchy. Pleased, she pulled her hair into a bunch, twisted it around her fingers, and wrapped it into a messy bun on top of her head. Next, she withdrew her glasses case from the pocket, and flipped it open, removing her smaller contacts case from inside. She took her contacts out easily--she had plenty of practice--and dropped them into their little spaces before swapping to her glasses. What a relief. A brief worry crossed her mind that Penn had only seen her looking her best, so far, not her mousy little home self with her hair all over and her glasses on. She remembered the look he'd given her after being frightened by the bird, however, and shook her head. No, she'd be just fine. She tucked the glasses case back into the suitcase and traded them for the book Penn had given her, then rezipped the case. She crept back up onto the other side of the bed, trying not to shake it too much, and leaned down to kiss Penn's cheek before she cracked open the book. |
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 3:19:06 GMT
Penn slept dreamlessly. It was honestly the best sleep he had gotten so far since he arrived on day one despite the fact that it wasn’t for very long. In fact he was in such a deep sleep that he didn’t wake for even a moment as River woke up and moved about the room.
She had probably been reading for about 10 minutes or so when his body finally registered that there was a change from when he had fallen asleep. He slowly woke up enough to realize that River wasn’t there anymore and instantly frowned.
However, his concern was soon settled when he felt her behind him. He rolled over softly and draped his arm over her lap as he kept his head on the pillow, his face near her hip, his eyes still closed.
He snuggled into her hip for a moment before he finally opened his eyes and peeked up at her. He noticed the glasses first and then the hair and he grinned. “You look so cute.” He told her.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 3:52:25 GMT
River slipped her Hufflepuff bookmark back between the pages of the novel when Penn rolled over and snuggled up against her, knowing she was about to be too distracted to continue. She couldn't help giggling softly at his sleepy affection. It was just so cute...although maybe she shouldn't be thinking of a grown man with his face against her hips as cute...but then the alternative was heading off in a direction that she was pretty sure they'd given up for the evening. She shook her head slightly, trying to put that out of her mind.
His compliment shocked her enough to distract her from the thoughts of a moment before, and her mouth formed a soft 'o' in surprise while her cheeks flushed bright red. "Y-you really think so?" she responded automatically, bewildered, then frowned when she caught herself. "Sorry. I mean thank you." She grimaced. "I'm working on it."
She set aside the book and reached down to rub his shoulder affectionately. "Did you sleep well?"
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 13:15:37 GMT
Penn smiled up at her and nodded when she asked if he really thought she was cute. "You've definitely got that hot librarian look down pat, I like it." He said, a sleepy quality still in his voice and with little smirking quality added to his smile.
He glanced at the book she was reading, noting it was the one he had given her and it warmed his heart that she was actually reading it. He had never doubted that she would but it still felt nice all the same.
He rolled onto his back then and stretched his arms above his head , wiggling his toes as he made a stretching noise. "Better than I have in days." He admitted with a grin up at her. "Thanks to you." He added. "Did you sleep at all?"
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 14:31:29 GMT
River scoffed lightly and shook her head at the "hot librarian"comment, but she didn't do a very good job of hiding her smile or the blush that was now creeping down her neck.
"Good," she answered, sliding down on the bed so she could stretch out next to him and rest her head on his chest the way he had done to her. She wrapped her arm around his stomach and curled her leg up over his, just a little.
I slept a little while, but I got too warm. I don't usually--" she hesitated and her voice was a little quieter as she continued. "I don't usually wear more than a t-shirt when I'm sleeping."
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 15:17:06 GMT
Penn sighed happily as she moved to rest against him, his arm wrapped around her and trailed up and down her back. He leaned forward to kiss the top of her head.
As she told him what she normally slept in he rolled his tongue in a playful purring noise. “Mmmm, is that so?” He asked with a grin. “Only a t-shirt?” He asked with an eyebrow waggle.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 15:31:28 GMT
Obviously I also wear underwear," she protested with a laugh, swatting him lightly on the shoulder. "But now I know where your head is at," she joked.
Hmm, now I'm curious though. Do you have a matching set of flannel pajamas or something? How do you normally sleep?"
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 15:41:38 GMT
Penn chuckled as she smacked him, cringing playfully. “Depends on the time of year. If it’s summer, just boxers. If it’s cooler outside then usually a t-shirt and boxers...and maybe socks.” He told her.
“So if you run hot when you sleep, then does that mean that you won’t put your cold feet on me at night? Or am I not exempt from that?” He asked with a playful tone.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 15:51:50 GMT
River grimaced at even the idea of sleeping in socks. How could he survive? She would have kicked them off after the first five minutes.
"You're safe from cold feet at night, but not from cold hands during the day." She giggled. "I haven't the faintest idea why sleeping makes such a difference, but it does. So if you have an issue with me putting ice-cube hands on your stomach, you should let me know now. I've already been daydreaming about it, to go with our balcony-reading and kitchen-dancing. I'll just come up to you and hug you, but I'll sneak my hands under your t-shirt and steal your warmth. It'll be glorious." She gave him a wicked grin.
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 16:01:09 GMT
Penn laughed. “Cold hands huh? Hmmm.”
He reached down and took her hand and slipped it under his shirt to rest on his abdomen. “Something like that?” he asked with an eyebrow waggle.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 16:21:16 GMT
River's eyes widened and she looked at him in surprise. She'd just been joking about it, she hadn't expected him to actually do it. Anxiety said "take your hand back this is a terrible idea!" but as she glanced back down, and felt his warm skin under her palm, she couldn't quite give it up. As she fanned her fingers out, Penn would probably notice that her hands weren't freezing, not right now, but they were definitely colder than his stomach. She pursed her lips for a moment, considering, then slid her other hand up under him to rest against the skin of the small of his back.
"Something along those lines, yes..." She answered, trying to keep herself from laughing.
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 16:34:25 GMT
He looked down at her reassuringly as her eyes widened and he kept his hand on top of hers until he felt her tension start to fade away and he moved his hand away to leave hers there.
“I love that image, of you coming up behind me to warm your hands on my skin. Maybe that will be part of my wedding vows, I’ll swear to always be your heater.” He said, smiling down at her and brushing her hair softly behind her ear.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 17:52:36 GMT
River beamed at him, sliding her hand a little higher towards his heart as she relaxed and laid her head back down on his chest.
"You are so much more than a heater," she told him with a pleasant sigh. "It's funny, in our first date, Blake made up a fake disease. Nervous Constant...something...itis. And he was joking about love being the cure. I think I found it. I think it's you. I'll always have anxiety, don't get me wrong, it's in my brain chemistry...but you make me feel safe."
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 18:30:45 GMT
When River talked about Blake it surprised him how it made him feel. His hand on her back paused to gently squeeze her hip as if he was feeling territorial. Was he feeling territorial? Jealous even? So far he hadn’t looked at any of the other guys as a ‘threat’. Not even Trout when he had told them that he was all in it for Shaan. In fact it was the opposite, Penn had so badly not wanted to get in his friends way that he had completely clammed up with Shaan and essentially just stepped out of Trout’s way. He was still cheering for Trout to get his dream girl.
But when it came to River, somehow just hearing Blake’s name on those beautiful lips made him feel...possessive was a bit strong for how he was feeling but it was along those lines. Besides, Blake was a good looking dude.
He did manage to refocus on her words though before he missed them entirely. “I’ll be the cure for you, my Queen. I hope you never feel unsafe with me.” he whispered to her, his fingers sliding through her long hair.
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 20:51:44 GMT
The way he'd reacted to Blake's name didn't go unnoticed--River lifted her head again to peer at his face in concern. She didn't say anything at first, but once he'd answered about her never feeling unsafe, she took her hand out from under him and sat up to take out her scrunchy, tossed it next to her book, then set her mouth into a determined line. She might regret this later, but for now she was too focused on clearing that worry from his mind to be anxious for her own sake.
She swung one leg up and over him so that she was sitting on his hips with her knees bent on either side, and both hands now on his chest (although one was still under the shirt and the other above) as she looked down into his face. She leaned over him so that more of her weight was on her hands, and her hair fell in a light curtain around her face. Her expression was stern, aided by her dark rimmed glasses, but there was no hiding the more delicate emotions in her voice.
"Hugh Pennington, you better not be thinking that any one of those guys has a chance of separating us," she warned, "I made my choice, and you don't have to worry about me getting distracted. I want you to feel safe with me, too."
She couldn't pin down exactly why she was so upset, but just the thought of Penn being worried that she was interested in someone else made her heart ache. She'd do whatever it took to make sure he knew she wouldn't have a wandering eye or heart.
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 21:11:10 GMT
Penn was a bit surprised by the sudden action as he soon found his fiancee on top of him, straddling him in bed and looking at him with that expression. And how did she make glasses look so sexy. His brows lifted in response to his surprise as he looked up at her, his hands falling to her thighs automatically.
She was already so in tune with him, he hadn't mentioned his feelings aloud yet she had picked up on something. At her words though he couldn't help but smile and bit back a soft laugh. His hands moved up and down her bare thighs, remembering by feel the short little skirt she was wearing.
"My darling, you misunderstand." He told her, one hand moving to her hair as it fell in front of her face. "It's not you I'm worried about, River. It's them." He explained. "I'm not afraid of you getting distracted, I trust with my whole heart. I'm afraid of them seeing what they missed out and wanting to steal you away."
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 21:27:41 GMT
River's near-scowl faded into confusion when he told her she'd misunderstood, then to a pout when he explained. Alright, at least he wasn't worried about her. That was good; she would never want to give him reason to worry. She knew how that felt...and it wasn't something she'd wish on even her worst enemy.
She swallowed hard when he stroked his hands along her thighs, and a glance down at her legs told her that her skirt was hardly covering more than her underwear at this point. Her face turned red, but she flipped her eyes quickly back to his, refusing to get distracted from the issue at hand by silly modesty. If there was anyone she actually wanted to see her like this, it was Penn, but she hadn't exactly meant to be quite that forward--she'd just wanted his full attention. She guessed she had it.
"Even if they did make a move or whatever--which I very much doubt--I would kick them to the curb before they had time to blink. I may be small, but I am exactly the right height for kneeing people in a very uncomfortable spot." A smile started to creep onto her lips as she declared her plans.
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 21:49:54 GMT
Penn was definitely aware of her beautiful body on top of his and the way her skin felt under his hand, but he was currently more focused on her pretty little face and their conversation to act on that awareness. Besides, they were sure to very soon be told it was time to go and if he focused on it much more then it would make it even harder to hold back.
So for now he just enjoyed the weight of her body against his hips, his hand on her soft skin, and her now warmed hand against his torso. That could be enough for now.
He hoped.
His lips curled up into a smile as she replied and then he started laughing happily at her threat. "She maybe be small but she is fierce!" He said with a grin. "I have learned not to doubt your abilities, my Queen."
|
|
|
Post by River Hughes on May 16, 2020 22:15:35 GMT
"Ah, you respect my power, and you made a Shakespeare reference! As expected of my one and only Jedi knight." She grinned, then made a face as she imagined actually having to knee one of the other men. That would not be her favorite activity, although she thought Shaan would probably get a kick out of it. "Please, don't ask me to test that, though! I don't actually want to hurt anyone if I can avoid it." She added with a giggle.
"I had that line on a poster in my dorm room, back during my undergrad. 'Oh, when she’s angry, she is keen and shrewd! She was a vixen when she went to school. And though she be but little, she is fierce.' It's from a Midsummer Night's Dream."
|
|
34Age
311Posts
Software Developer
|
Post by Hugh Pennington on May 16, 2020 22:31:34 GMT
Penn chuckled. "Don't worry, I don't expect you to actually do it. I have the feeling you'd never hurt a fly unless your hand was forced." He said with a loving smile. "You're just so perfect." He added with a soft, dreamy whisper.
"Okay, truth time. I actually had no idea that was a Shakespeare reference." He admitted with a guilty expression. "Are you going to take me to literary jail now?" He asked with an exaggerated pouty face and lifted his hands up, placing his wrists together in front of her as if she was going to cuff him.
|
|
o
c
i
a
l
h
u
b