14

Chapter 13

Crowley watched me intently the entire time he talked. His eyes flickered with concern every time that I looked as though I were close to tears and he moved closer to put a comforting arm around my shoulders, pressing his lips softly against my temple in comfort as he rubbed small soothing circles on my upper arm.

"I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't have told you like this. It's just…the last thing I want is for you to lose all hope, especially when you've been looking forward to watching the rest of your show," he whispered tenderly as he brushed his thumb over my cheek. He lifted his head slightly and stared directly into my eyes, cupping the side of my face in his free hand.

I sighed softly and nodded, squeezing his hand tightly and forcing a weak smile on my face. "No, it's…fine. Thank you," I murmured softly, brushing my free hand across his cheek affectionately.

Crowley returned my expression, smiling at me lovingly and leaning forward once more to give me a gentle kiss.

"Do you wanna talk about it or…?" he whispered, tilting his head to the side curiously.

"Not…yet…please," I pleaded softly, lowering my gaze to my lap. I bit my bottom lip anxiously and clenched my fingers into fists in my lap.

He nodded understandingly and kissed my knuckles.

"Whatever makes you happy, darling."

"I…don't know where to begin…" I murmured under my breath, staring helplessly out the window, thinking furiously. My eyes scanned the room frantically as I racked my brain for ideas; something that wouldn't make me seem like an insane person to the one person in the world who truly mattered.

After another moment of silent contemplation, I suddenly remembered something.

"Wait here," I mumbled, sliding out of his lap, running into the kitchen and rummaging through my cupboards until I finally found what I was looking for.

I rushed back into the living room where he sat patiently waiting for me. He raised an eyebrow questioningly and quirked a questioning eyebrow at me. I ignored his question completely and handed him a glass of water.

"Here. Drink some," I instructed him with a soft smile as I took a seat beside him. He looked puzzled, and I couldn't help chuckling at his expression.

"What is it?" he asked, looking at me quizzically.

"Drink," I repeated softly, handing him the glass.

He shrugged and drank obediently, holding the glass to his mouth, allowing me to take the glass from him and replace the glass on the coffee table, where it rolled down the surface several times before stopping at its destination. He placed both his hands lightly on either side of my face as he leaned towards me and smiled warmly, studying my eyes carefully as he spoke gently.

"Is everything alright? Is something bothering you? You look so pale, angel," he murmured as he lowered his forehead to rest against mine. My heart fluttered nervously and I could feel my body shiver in response. I closed my eyes briefly and felt my eyelashes caress the skin of his forehead as they trembled slightly.

"There's nothing to bother me," I answered calmly, gazing into his eyes, trying to hide the sudden nervousness rising inside me. "Just tired," I added quickly as I looked away.

He gave me a faint smile and pressed his lips lightly against my nose. He reached down to my hand resting on the sofa and entwined our fingers firmly, squeezing gently and bringing their tips together.

I squeezed his hand lightly in return