Читать книгу The cold warmth - Victoria Goerk - Страница 9

Braylon woke up snuggled in white, clean covers only to see the other side of the bed empty. He slowly sat up, stretching himself with a yawn before sleepily walking out of the room to look for Jaylon.

He found the ghost sitting straight up on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV screen where Iron Man was being played. Braylon could feel a smile creeping up on his lips while he stood there, leaning on the doorframe just to watch the younger. It took a few minutes for the spirit to notice him, but when the kid did- “Oh! You’re awake”, with a grin blooming on his face.

“Morning, watching movies so early? Didn’t we watch it last night?”

The half demon greeted, squinting at the screen which was now paused. Jaylon chuckled at his words, jumping up to float closer.

“You fell asleep! So I carried you to bed.” The spirit says, puffing out his chest proudly.

Braylon made a small noise of acknowledgement, suddenly realizing that he didn’t remember going to bed by himself. He sent a small smile to the ghost, patting his chest softly.

“Well thanks. Sorry for that though… you could just leave me there next time.”

Jaylon frowned, making a face like Braylon just said that he killed his dog or something. “I can’t do that! Come on, I made breakfast.”

The younger grabbed Braylon’s shoulder, turning him around to push him to the kitchen. The half demon let himself be maneuvered easily, entering the kitchen to see a plate of toasted bread, scrambled eggs and some sausages. All of it was a little burnt, but it still looked edible. The florist didn’t have the heart to tell the other that he usually doesn’t eat much in the morning. The spirit prepared all of it for him, there’s even a small cup of steaming black coffee on the side.

Braylon turns back to look at the ghost, who was fidgeting on his spot with round, eager eyes. He was clearly waiting for a reaction.

“Bend down a bit,” The demon beckoned.

His roommate raised an eyebrow at him but obediently lowered his head down for Braylon to reach up and ruffle his hair fondly.

“Thanks, you did a good job.”

The ghost instantly lit up at the praise, beaming brightly and sat across from the florist to watch him eat it all up. After that, Braylon went on with his morning routine while Jaylon returned to his movie. Right before leaving for work he popped in the living room, clutching his bag nervously.

“Jaylon?”

The younger hummed in response, one hand grabbing the remote to pause the movie.

“I’ve got something for you.”

“Really? Another one?” Jaylon stared at him with wide eyes, looking a bit hesitant. Braylon didn’t miss that. He curled in on himself, feeling really uncertain.

“Um, if you don’t want it-“

“What? No- I mean- I do want it!” Jaylon rushed up to him, waving his hands around in panic. “I just- you know… you already gave me these movies and I… I’m really really grateful for that.”

“Is that why you made breakfast for me?”

Braylon peered up at him, feeling a bit better that Jaylon still wanted his gift.

“Yes, but- I wanted to do that, with or without the gifts. You’re here to help me and you have other work too while I’m doing nothing.”

The ghost mumbled with his head down. Braylon felt bad, seeing him like this, so different from his usual playful self. “I feel like I’m receiving so much from you and I can’t return all of that… I don’t like it…”

Braylon sighed quietly, stepping forward to cup Jaylon’s cheek with one hand and gently pushing his head up so that they can see each other properly.

“Please don’t think like that, ok? You can return the favor by not thinking of unnecessary things like that and focus on what you want to do.

Cooking, cleaning, sleeping- anything. You do your best and I’ll try to do that in my end too. Alright?”

Braylon didn’t know what he was saying, he certainly wasn’t a man of wise words, but he is trying to convey his feelings and comfortable the other at the same time. It looked like it worked though, Jaylon looked like he was going to cry and slowly leaned in, wrapping Braylon in a chilly hug and pressing his face into the older’s neck.

The half demon squirmed at the sudden coolness on his neck. The hug though, was kind of comforting and Braylon didn’t even feel cold due to the sudden flustered feeling he was experiencing.

He cleared his throat, awkwardly patting the younger’s back. “So… do you still want my gift?”

“Yes of course☺.” Jaylon mumbled into his neck, still not moving.

“Ok… well, I have a gaming console for you.”

“What!?” Jaylon literally shouted, startling the older as he pulled away from the hug to stare at the half demon. “A-Are you kidding me? Please say that you’re not.”

Braylon couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle, shaking his head and finally pulling the console out of his bag.

Jaylon watched him with wide eyes and a gaping mouth, whispering a small ‘wow’ at the sight of it and suddenly hugging him again tightly.

This time, Braylon swore he felt the small tinge of warmth hidden beneath the coldness.