First Punch ➟ Kellic

F O R T Y T W O

When I wake up, my emotions are numb from the long night of crying. I still manage to smile though, feeling Jake's body over mine and arm around my waist as he lies on his stomach, totally smothering me. I can feel his breath on my neck, butterflies filling my entire body. He'd forced me to keep my sling on, meaning he's lying over my folded arm and I'm honestly surprised that it's comfortable for him.

My freehand finds his, interlocking our fingers. I can't help but want to be touching him at all times. I missed being close like this. Laying in bed was always my favourite thing to do together. Well...mostly my favourite thing to do together. I turn my head to look at him, sighing in complete and absolute comfort. For a while, I lay there contently, trying not to worry about how today is going to go. For now, I'm in bed with Jake, and that's all I choose to focus on.

Jake wakes up before Lucas does, stirring next to me and groaning slightly before tightening his grip on my hand. I smile at him, his warm brown eyes fluttering open.

"Hey," his groggy voice mumbles, cuddling closer.

"Hey," I reply, my gaze automatically falling to his lips. We always used to kiss in the morning, so I can't help myself. It feels so natural. I remind myself that Jake isn't ready though, and look back into his eyes.

"How are you feeling?" I wonder, worrying as per usual.

"Um..." he starts, rolling off of me and onto his side, thinking for a moment. "I'm okay."

His response kind of worries me. I feel like he hasn't had time to breathe. He spent the whole night comforting Lucas, and when his brother finally drifted off Jake was too exhausted to do anything other than collapse on top of me.

"Really?" I wonder, needing to make sure. Yesterday was a complete mess, not to mention all the shit that went down before it.

"Really," Jake nods.

I smile again, but my expression fades. There's still so much to be worried about. Lucas killed someone last night. Actually...two people I guess.

"And Luke..." Jake sighs, reading my mind and pausing for a moment as he looks over at his sleeping brother. "He's been so different to the kid I remember...and it's kind of scared me. I thought I lost him. When he apologized to you though... I think he'll be okay too."

I smile and nod, trying to reassure him. "He has you, so I know he'll be okay."

Jake smiles, looking at our connected hands for a moment before back into my eyes. "Are you okay?" he wonders, his smile gone and expression replaced with a concerned one.

I keep the smile on my face, nodding and repeating the words I'd told him what feels like so long ago: "You're all I need."

Jake smiles again, giving me butterflies. He leans in, pressing his lips to my forehead. I close my eyes, taking in the feeling and once again craving the touch of his lips on mine. I really want him to kiss me again. I'm really trying to be patient, but it's slowly becoming a need.

"I missed you," I admit when he pulls away. "I really missed you."

Jake smiles, making my heart skip a beat. I always loved his smile. I'm so happy that I get to see it again.

"Thank you for forgiving me," I tell him again, feeling like I need to say it everyday.

"I love you," he reminds me, dropping my hand and running his fingers through my hair. "I'll always forgive you."

I instantly tear up at his words, wanting to say it back so, so badly. I still can't believe it. "You'll never have to forgive me again. I promise. I'm so sorry that I hurt you."