Chapter 40
Forty
DECLAN
We had an early start to our morning. Felix and I were up before the sun, shaving, showering, doing laundry, and just generally getting our shit together so we can full force help Blue.
While I was up, I chatted with my store manager, double-checked some numbers that confused my staff, and sent out messages of appreciation. I feel bad that I've been so distracted from work when people need me, but my family comes first. Blue comes first.
Jared was moving around shortly after we woke up. He came down just as the sun was rising with a clean face, clean clothes, and a sparkly smile. Like a breath of fresh air, it felt like a normal morning.
You know, besides the underlying anxious need to get to Blue.
Levi texted me this morning, letting us know that he and Kevin would be visiting Blue around noon today, which I relayed to Felix. Who, you guessed it, didn't care and said we would be there too.
Roman made banana bread at two in the morning, which he now has tucked against his chest as we ride the elevator up to Blue's level.
It's just past seven a.m., so as we enter the code to the apartment, we attempt to stay quiet. Blue and Violet should still be sleeping, and our plan isn't to wake them up.
Except, our assumption was not the case. At least half of it.
"Bee?" Jared murmurs, rushing forward when we see Blue slumped against her kitchen table.
She lifts her head, bloodshot eyes on full display as she blinks at us. "Oh," Blue breathes, sounding pained and exhausted.
"What are you doing awake?" Felix snaps, setting his bag of our sweatshirts down beside her bare feet. Yes, he's been reading the same books I have, and yes, he came prepared to douse her in our scents.
Jared pushes my boyfriend aside and crouches beside Blue. "It's early, Blue. You okay?" he asks, brushing the hair away from her face.
"Couldn't sleep," she wheezes and swallows, making Felix stiffen and cross his arms. "Then fell asleep." Blue points at the small drool spot on the table.
"How long have you been out here?" Jared continues to prod.
Probably for the best too because the vein in Felix's neck is about to burst, Roman doesn't look much better, and I enjoy watching how we all interact differently with her. If this is going to work, we each need to have our space with her. Right now, it's Jared's turn to take the lead.
Blue shrugs and rubs her eye, careful not to touch the yellow bruise on her cheekbone and the cut on her eyebrow.
Jared lays a hand on her thigh. "Hungry?" She nods. "Thirsty?" Another nod this time accompanied with a sigh.
I can't imagine how she must feel. Blue is the most independent person I know, so passing out on the kitchen table and waking up to men wanting to take care of her must be a tough pill to swallow.
"Snuggles?" Jared asks, sounding hopeful.
I laugh when Blue narrows her eyes at him.
"Come on, snuggle me, Bee? You're tired, I'm tired, you're hungry, I'm hungry, Rome made banana bread, and Felix brought cozy sweatshirts.
Oh, and Declan told me about this new movie that started streaming a few days ago. "
As soon as Blue looks at me, I know my vow to never watch a horror movie again disappears. Anything for Blue. And I doubt it will be that bad—I'll just close my eyes.
Blue's eyes widen and snap to me. I nod, knowing what she's asking me. "Yup. Our favorite!"
Roman curses and stomps to the kitchen to dish up breakfast. Felix groans but moves to the living room to get the movie set up. Jared laughs and slowly scoops an excited Blue into his arms.
Horror movies were something Blue and I used to bond over. Pissed the older two right off every time we demanded a movie night because they knew there would be no relaxing.
What a perfect way to start the day. Ignoring the trauma in the room, reluctant cuddles, delicious banana bread, and jump scares with our woman.
What I thought would be perfect is actually a fucking disaster. The banana bread was good, obviously, but every time Jared jumped at the movie, he jostled Blue hard enough that she would hiss in pain.
Fast forward to now, I'm realizing what a damn idiot I was to agree we watch this. Blue tenses as the girl in the movie screams and falls to the ground. I'm holding my breath, thankful when the actress stands back up and continues stumbling through the woods.
"Blue," Felix rumbles, glancing from the screen to her. Blue jumps in response to his deep voice. "Okay, that's enough."
Roman immediately turns the TV off, and twists to watch as Felix pulls Blue onto his lap. His face is like stone beside me, but once he has Blue straddling his thighs, he relaxes and tucks her face into the crook of his neck.
She goes willingly, snuggling into Felix for comfort. It was a bad idea. Even if we had only meant to watch the first ten minutes so as not to hurt her concussion, I should have known it started with the scary stuff right away.
"I'm sorry," I whisper, fidgeting in my seat. Fuck, I triggered her. I'm such an idiot.
"Enough," my brother scolds, drawing Blue's attention. Roman continues as Blue twists her head to look at me. "I can hear the shitty thoughts in your head. It's fine. Now we know not to watch this crap. Like ever again."
Blue sits up with an indignant look on her face as she pushes back from Felix a bit. "Not crap."
"Shh," Felix coos, eyeing her abused neck.
"It's not crap. I like it," she whispers defiantly at my big brother. She bats Felix's hand away when he tries to press his finger to her lips. "Stop," she huffs.
"You aren't supposed to be talking, Blue."
Completely ignoring the hostile man beneath her, she turns back to Roman. "You aren't ba-anning scary movies." Her hand flies up, probably to make another point, but Felix snatches her wrist. Angry, she snaps, "Felix!"
I watch, amused and turned on as Felix presses his lips to hers. She gasps, thankfully not coughing this time, and sinks further onto his lap. The kiss only lasts half a second.
Blue sucks in a breath and pries herself from Felix's lap. "I-I—"
Felix curses, sounding a little remorseful but I know he doesn't regret the move he made. Just how it made her feel so uncertain.
Standing in front of us, she looks lost and scared. Nothing like the Blue from a few weeks ago who would have verbally kicked Felix's ass for that kiss.
"It's okay," I murmur, reaching to hold her hand. I'm mindful of the bandages still on her four fingertips.
She shakes her head, tears filling her eyes. "It's no-ot. My mind’s not o-okay."
I nod, understanding her dilemma. "You liked the kiss, but you aren't sure if you're ready yet? I know you're not pushing us away, pretty girl, but we're just trying to hold you closer."
Nodding ever so slightly, Blue squeezes my hand loosely.
"It's okay not to have the answers right now. We're just working with what feels right." I hope I'm making sense because I really don't want her to run from us. Felix kissing her could have sent her sprinting for the hills.
"I just—" she hesitates and bites her lip while glancing over at Felix every other second. "I'm not sure."
"Alright," I acknowledge and smile. "Hey, where's your vacuum? I want to clean up our mess in the kitchen from last night's soup."
She frowns but points at the door in front of the entryway. There's no mess, but I figure if I tell her I would like to clean her apartment to help out, she won't let me. Plus, Blue needed a change of topic, and I gave it to her.
"Soup?" She sounds confused and adorable.
Roman nods and stands. "I'll make you a bowl," he murmurs and kisses the top of her head as he passes by.
Our morning derailed pretty fast, then reached a whole new level. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm ready for anything.