A Lingering Embrace

Thea watched as Adrian stirred slightly in his sleep, his fever finally subsiding after a long night. His breathing was steady now, his face peaceful in the dim light of the room. A wave of relief washed over her. She had never seen him look this vulnerable before, and it stirred something deep within her.

She carefully placed the empty bowl and glass on the bedside table after making sure he had eaten and taken his medicine. Just as she was about to stand and leave, her gaze lingered on his face. The usually sharp lines of his features were softened by sleep, making him look almost boyish. Without thinking, she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Just as she was about to pull away, a strong arm wrapped around her waist. Before she could react, she was pulled into the warmth of Adrian's embrace.

"Thea…" His voice was low and husky, laced with sleep.

Her heart pounded as she realized he wasn't letting go. His grip was firm yet comforting, as if he had no intention of releasing her. She felt the warmth of his body seep into her own, and for a moment, she didn't move. The past and present seemed to blur together in that instant.

She remained still, listening to his steady heartbeat, unsure if he was even fully awake. Minutes passed, and eventually, exhaustion took over her as well. With a sigh, she let her eyes drift shut, falling into a peaceful slumber in his arms.

---

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Adrian stirred, his body feeling lighter and more refreshed than it had in days. The fever was gone, and for the first time in a long while, he felt truly rested.

A soft warmth against his chest made him pause. He glanced down and found Thea still nestled against him, her dark lashes fluttering slightly as she slept. A slow smile spread across his lips as he brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.

For a brief moment, he thought he was dreaming. This felt like old times, like something that had been lost but had found its way back.

His fingers grazed her cheek lightly, and Thea stirred, slowly opening her eyes. The realization hit her all at once—where she was, how close they were. She jolted upright, her face heating up instantly.

"You—" She swallowed, flustered. "You pulled me into your arms."

Adrian smirked. "You kissed me first."

Thea's eyes widened. "I—I was just checking your fever!"

"Right," he drawled, clearly amused. "And checking my fever involves a forehead kiss?"

Thea groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Forget it. I shouldn't have stayed here."

Adrian chuckled, sitting up as well. "Relax, Thea. It's not like I minded."

She turned away, trying to compose herself. "You're feeling better now, right? No fever?"

Adrian stretched, testing his strength. "Yeah, I feel fine. Thanks to you."

"Well, good," she muttered. "I should go."

But before she could move, Adrian swung his legs off the bed and stood up. "Not before breakfast."

Thea blinked. "You're cooking?"

Adrian shrugged. "I owe you."

Curious and slightly skeptical, she followed him to the kitchen, watching as he moved with practiced ease. Minutes later, he placed a plate in front of her—perfectly toasted sandwiches and a steaming cup of coffee.

Thea picked up the coffee, inhaling its familiar aroma before taking a sip. She looked at him over the rim of her cup, raising an eyebrow. "You finally learned how to make coffee."

Adrian smirked, sliding into the seat across from her. "Thanks to you."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Well, I'm impressed."

"Coming from you, that means a lot," he teased, leaning in slightly. "I still remember how you used to complain about my terrible coffee."

She chuckled, taking another sip. "It was undrinkable."

He feigned offense. "And now?"

She tilted her head, pretending to consider. "It's… acceptable."

Adrian laughed, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

They finished breakfast in comfortable silence, the air between them lighter than it had been in a long time. Once they were done, Adrian grabbed his keys. "Come on, I'll drop you home."

Thea hesitated. "You don't have to. You should rest."

Adrian waved off her concern. "I feel fine, Thea. And besides, I insist."

With a sigh, she relented, following him to the car. The drive was quiet at first, a lingering warmth from the morning's events still present between them. As they stopped at a red light, Adrian glanced at her, his eyes holding a familiar glint.

"So, does this mean you'll be taking care of me every time I fall sick?" he asked, his voice teasing.

Thea scoffed. "Don't push your luck."

He chuckled, his gaze lingering on her. "You looked good this morning."

Thea turned to him, her cheeks heating up. "I just woke up."

"Exactly," he murmured, his eyes locked on hers.

Her breath hitched slightly, but before she could say anything, the light turned green, and Adrian drove forward as if nothing had happened.

When they reached her apartment, Thea quickly undid her seatbelt. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime," Adrian replied smoothly, watching her intently.

She hesitated before stepping out, feeling his gaze still on her. Finally, she turned back, meeting his eyes. "See you at university."

Adrian smirked. "I'll be looking forward to it."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips as she shut the door and walked inside. As she entered her apartment, she placed a hand over her chest, her heart still racing.

What was happening between them?

And why did she feel like she was falling all over again?