Cover Your Tracks [HS][2014 VERSION]

40. Iris

"All I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life. And sooner or later, it's over. I just don't wanna miss you tonight . . ."

It was hard to distinguish the difference between being awake and asleep. I floated through various forms of consciousness throughout the night, distorted images dancing in my vision. The most prominent was the light from the TV, the scenes playing on the screen having been long forgotten. I had fallen asleep and instead of watching TV, Harry was watching me.

I would wake up every now and then, disturbed by the shift of his body or the rise in temperature. The air was hot and thick between us but I didn't dare move and change the atmosphere. I would simply awake to see his blurry figure above me, fingers absentmindedly running through my hair. The room was so dark that I was sure that he couldn't notice me staring at him before drifting back off to sleep.

I could see him clearly thanks to the soft light from the TV illuminating his face. I watched tiredly as different colors and images danced across his skin, reflecting in his dark eyes. I took note of the way some hues brought him to light while others left him in the dark. Hours pass like this, him watching me as I sleep while I admire him between states of consciousness.

I never truly escape the hold sleep has on me until a pair of strong arms wrap around me, lifting me gently from the couch. I keep my eyes closed and succumb my senses to strictly that of hearing and touch. My body is like a rag doll in Harry's muscular arms, my limbs falling limp as he carries me. He seems accustomed to the dark atmosphere that I blindly float through as he maneuvers easily around the room.

My head rolls back. Soft curls tickle at my right cheek, brushing lightly against my skin. Harry grunts as he adjusts me, pulling me higher up into his body. My head is placed to rest comfortably in the crook of his neck as he climbs the staircase, the wooden steps creaking beneath our weight.

My pulse and breathing have changed dramatically since awakening and I pray he doesn't notice. He seems to be oblivious as he pushes my door open with the side of his body, shielding my own in determination not to disturb me.

He awkwardly leans down and pulls my bedsheets back, almost dropping me in the process. My head rolls off of his shoulder and I start to slide until he tightens his grip, readjusting me back into my previous position. His quiet laughter rings throughout the room as he does so and I bite back my smile.

He seems to make up for his mistake, gently lowering me down onto the mattress. The covers are then pulled over my body. I curl myself into a ball, absorbing the warmth.

Fingers brush my hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. Cold lips press to my forehead and linger there for a moment before pulling back. It takes everything in me not to smile or squirm at the coolness of Harry's mouth against my warm skin.

A few seconds pass. His presence withdraws from me and my eyes flutter open to see the vague shape of his silhouette nearing the door. His long fingers wrap around the handle, slowly twisting.

I find my voice.

"Harry?"

He spins around to face me. I can picture the look on his face, even in the dark; eyebrows furrowed and mouth frowned in concern as he strides over to my bedside.

I reach out to him. He takes my hand in his, gently squeezing

"Were you going to leave without saying bye?" I ask, failing to hide the sadness in my voice.

"Baby," Harry whispers, leaning down. "I didn't want to wake you."

"It wouldn't have bothered me if you did," I admit honestly, yawning.