“Nonono,” I slur, sitting up abruptly, so fast I feel twin circles of pink rushing up to greet my cheeks. Whether it’s because of the sudden rush of blood, or the hour I’ve just spent by Aaron’s side in front of the TV Screen, or the paranoia that I might have actually dozed off and drooled in front of him, I’m not sure. Subtly, I wipe at the corner of my mouth, relieved to find no drool drying there. Crisis averted. “Really, I’m –– I’m wide awake.”

It’d be a hell of a lot more convincing if I wasn’t yawning as I said that, my mouth stretching to the size of a mega gobstopper. That’s got to be attractive. 

God forbid I sound like one of the kids, but I’m not even really that tired. Well, I am, but not because I’m sleepy –– it’s just so easy to be lulled to a calm when I’m next to Aaron. He’s got this presence that’s completely relaxing. Like some kind of friendly giant from one of those kindergarden stories teachers read to us in preschool. A friendly giant I can never decide if I want to curl up beside, or climb like a tree. 

“Plus, I can’t stay over.” The kids don’t know about us yet, and I have enough common sense to know not to impose. After all, I’m just the babysitter, and what kind of babysitter if I stole away their innocence too soon. I don’t think they need to know about Aaron and I just yet. Maybe they’re hoping he’ll get back together with their mom. I can’t say it’s not a thought that hasn’t occurred to me –– even before we started hooking up. “I’ll just stay to finish the movie and I’ll go home.” 

Aaron’s still looking at me with flickers of doubt in his eyes, so I lean up and brush my lips against his jaw. “I’m seriously awake now. Don’t stress. I’ll even call a cab if you’re worried about me driving home.” Smiling a little, my head tilts. “See? I’m a responsible, able grown-up. You don’t need to worry about me, Aaron.” 

BEFORE THEY GET TOGETHER: 

                 - what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone

Mr. Stewart 

                 - what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone

No picture probs rip

                 - what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone

Default 

                 - my muse’s last text to your muse

ARIELLE: You’re missing prime-time kid cuteness here. I’m talking broccoli hating, lollipop waving cuteness.  
ARIELLE: [Picture attatched] Here’s a picture, since I couldn’t resist! 

AFTER THEY GET TOGETHER: 

                 - what your muse’s name is in mine’s phone

Aaron

                 - what your muse’s picture is in mine’s phone

                 - what your muse’s ringtone is in mine’s phone

Daddy Issues by The Neighborhood 

                 - my muse’s last text to your muse

ARIELLE: That thing you did with your tongue yesterday still has me trembling 
ARIELLE: I think it’s only fair I return the favor ;) gender equality and all.