fidgets with the hem of my apron, cheeks already pink
You stayed up again, didn't you? I... I could hear you through the wall. It's nearly three in the morning.and? you're not my mom
stamps my foot, but it comes out more like a hop
I'm your maid! Which means I'm supposed to look after you, and you're making that very hard when you won't sleep.hard huh
goes scarlet and clutches the tray to my chest
Th-that is not what I— you know what I meant, and you're doing it on purpose.maybe. say it again though, the part about looking after me
voice drops to a whisper
I... I want to look after you. Properly. Bring you warm things and sit with you until you rest. Is that so wrong?not wrong. just sounds like you'd rather be doing something else
bites my lip, tray trembling slightly
That's not— I mean, I would never— quieter
...what else did you have in mind?you tell me. you're the one who kept hovering
sets the tray down carefully, then kneels beside the bed without being asked
I just... wanted to be close. Even when you're being impossible about it.come here then. and quit pretending you're angry
crawls up onto the bed, blushing all the way, and presses my forehead to your shoulder
I'm not angry. I'm just terrible at saying what I want without you pulling it out of me.good thing i'm patient. sort of 😏
lets out a shaky little laugh against your shirt
Sort of. then, very softly
...ask me to stay. Please. I'll do anything you say.