arranged extra, sleep, fluff
Thandi pulls her husband into the bed, despite his arguing. “I don’t—I don’t use the bed, it’s…!”
“It’s what, Charlie?”
“I. It’s… I don’t like it.”
“And the couch is so much better?”
“No, but…”
“Sleep in bed.”
“I don’t…” When did he start getting so weak for her demands? He doesn’t have a lot of resistance in him anymore, not when it came to her. She so desperately seemed to… care. “It’s… I’m…”
It’s too big. It’s too vulnerable. He’s spent so many nights terrified of what he’d find waiting for him. Or who. He can avoid it all by simply refusing to dress down and sleeping on the couch. Room only for one, and he can bolt in a heartbeat.
Sometimes Thandi doesn’t seem to think until he shows his fear. This is the case today as she unbuttons his vest, chastising him. “Mr. Vanderbee, how are you supposed to overcome anything without rest?”
He’ll poke back today. “Well, Mrs. Vanderbee seems intent on picking up the slack.”
Ahha. She freezes, cheeks reddening dramatically. If he didn’t know any better, he would say that he’s embarrassed her. He does, though, and she must be incredibly angry. She puts a hand to his chest and pushes him backwards into the bed.
His heart seems to stutter at the excitement—
Excitement?
No, no.
…perhaps?
His eyes slide down her body, almost like seeing her for the first time. The dip in her dress, her chest hanging over him, exquisite hips, her deep, glittering eyes. He didn’t so much mind her touch anymore.
And they had already raised a child together.
Would it be so bad to…
“Charlie! Did you hear what I said?”
“I… sorry, no.”
“Why are you so frightened of comfort?”
“I’m… just…” Say it. “Lonely.”
She’s going to get the wrong idea.
“You poor thing. Let’s get Camellia inside, and—”
“No… just… I… not that I would be against her coming in, but—sleeping is… vulnerable.”
“You haven’t had a problem sleeping around me.”
“…yes.”
“There you go! It’s just fine, darling.”
He pinks. He pinks a lot. He could be her darling once in a while. “I mean… it’s not. Safe.”
“Then I will watch over you!”
“Wh—”
“I’ll be right here! And then you’ll see that’s it’s all okay.”
Charlie nods reluctantly, and she tucks him in tightly. He closes his eyes, feels her hand stroking his cheek. This is… nice.