Not a Fan (Wilbur Soot)

New Beginnings

He looked beautiful.

Even in the dim light, his features were sculptured effortlessly. Strong brows that faded into a noble nose. Two full lips that contrasted with his sharp jawline. He could be her muse for a lifetime and she could never get tired of recreating his face. 

Wilbur was laid on his side, leaning against the back of the sectional. The throw blanket she had wrapped herself in previously was halfway thrown over him. The floor in front of the couch was littered with decorative pillows, Wilbur clearly preferred to use the edge of the couch instead of them. 

Aurora carefully crawled onto the couch, facing away from Wilbur as she let her back mold into his chest. He stirred slightly at the disturbance, wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning his chin onto the top of her head. She did her best to gently place the comforter she brought around them both. Aurora probably wouldn't even need it anymore, the warmth from Wilbur already bringing her back to life. 

Getting comfortable in slow adjustments, resting a hand atop the large one holding onto her stomach, and matching rhythms in breathing- like their chests were connected and breathing as one. Aurora quickly found herself falling asleep. 

-

Soft overcast light filled the room, giving the world a slightly blue hue. Birds chirped on nests made along the window lined walls, and car horns sounded from the streets below. Morning had arrived, gracing Wilbur's apartment with hope for a new beginning.

Aurora tilted her head back slightly. They hadn't moved too much throughout the night. Wilbur had now wrapped both arms around her, one leg lazily tossed over hers. He was in a deep sleep, making it easy for her to crawl out from beneath him. 

He groaned slightly at the commotion, absently reaching out for what he didn't know had left him. Aurora fought back a laugh as she placed one of the forgotten throw pillows against his chest, to which he gladly accepted. Wilbur's face returned to the same undisturbed peace she had witnessed the night before and she knew he had fallen back asleep. 

The chill in the air surrounded her, the comfort from blankets and Wilbur no longer giving her warmth. She stood absent mindedly in the living room for a moment, looking down to her bare legs. 

She tiptoed to the front door, opening it slowly, praying there would be no neighbors in the hall. She stepped out quickly, pulling the door closed behind her as gently as she could. Aurora stepped into her apartment, slightly startled that they had left the door unlocked all night. 

She jogged up to her room, her arms wrapped tightly around her for warmth. Aurora quickly grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a fresh hoodie, making her way down to the bathroom. The bathroom lights filled the room with a golden glow, the hum from the bulbs a barely noticeable haze in her vision. 

Her hands gently peeled back medical tape that had began to fold over on itself, revealing the mistake of a previous night's lapse in judgement. Everything seemed to be healing well enough, nothing that require she continue bandaging it. She slid on the sweatpants and replaced her oversized shirt with the hoodie. The cool fabrics brushed against her skin with little promise of bringing her warmth. 

Aurora leaned over the sink, splashing the warm running water against her face. Droplets ran down her neck, dampening the collar of her hoodie. She washed her faced and brushed her teeth in a rush. She didn't want Wilbur to wake up alone, fearful she had run off again. 

Aurora retrieved her dead phone and keys off her kitchen counter before locking her apartment door behind her. Her pace slowed as she approached his door, the inviting 608B face to face with her. She turned the handle slowly, the sound of metals clicking against each other as the pushed the door open slowly.