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“There's another blanket,” he whispered and pulled one over top of me. Even though I wasn't cold, I clung to it.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
We were both silent, but I could tell from Addy's breathing that he was still awake.
“I'm not mad at you, you know.”
Only once the words were said did I realize that was my true reason for asking him to join me in here.
I wanted to talk to him openly. In the dark seemed like the most comfortable place to do it.
“You're too kind, Lili,” he said, his voice chastising. “You should hateme.”
I shut my eyes because there was just no way.
“I could never hate you,” I found myself whispering. “You're Addy.”
I felt a puff of air as he snorted and realized that he was on his side facing me.
Glancing over I realized that I could make him out. Not any details, but his large shoulders and his nearness. I could reach out and touch him so easily. I barely needed to shift.
“Perhaps you've always been a little hard-headed and easily persuaded,” I chuckled. “I do recall you being convinced to climb to the top of the fountain in the town square when we were children.”
“I had no choice. Latif said I couldn't do it.”
I laughed, shaking my head.
“He only said that so that you woulddo it and get in trouble.”
Addy snorted again.
“Well, it worked.”
I shut my eyes. It was so nice to talk to him like this. With nothing between us and no one to hear us. It was like reconnecting with an old friend after years... I supposed that was exactly what it was.
“You know...” he began. “I was devastated when I couldn't play with you anymore.”
He shifted and suddenly his fingertips touched my arm, a gentle, purposeful brush of claws and skin.
My breath audibly caught in my throat and Addy pulled back.
“Sorry,” he muttered.
I didn't say anything. Neither did he, but after a long stretch I knew that neither of us were about to sleep.
“I was sad too,” I said, breaking the silence. “You and Latif were everything to me.”
“Really?” Addy asked.
“Of course. We had such fun. Didn't we?”
“We did,” he agreed.
“Why are you so mad at him now?” I asked. “I know you always butt heads a little, but it always seemed to be in a friendly way to me. Just like all siblings do.”
“I don't think I can say,” Addy whispered after a moment.
I was surprised. This felt more honest than any conversation I could remember having in a long time. I wanted him to feel as open as I did right now.
