❝ Every night, she sings lullabies to her burdens and fears, because that's what has to be done.

The demons have to fall asleep, before she can❞

Somewhere in between that long night, my phone started buzzing at the nightstand, startling me with it's sudden noise, pulling my eyes away from the window, I reached out to grab it.

"Disappearing without letting people know is your definite skill, isn't it?" His soft voice, wrapped around me like a warm blanket, taking me away from the cold night air.

"Well, hello to you too."

His chuckle swirled, before he rasped out "Hey, sorry to disturb you. Were you asleep?"

"No, I am always awake at 3 AM," I muttered as I rolled over to glance at the clock, to see those shining digits.

"Yeah, no need to be sarcastic" But the thing is, I wasn't.

"So, what did you call me?" I asked him, settling comfortably with a pillow, hugging close to my side.

"No reasons, to be honest. Just felt like it." His honeyed voice, did things to my body and it made me feel dizzy. He was so unexpected, I really didn't expect him or his effects on me.

"Well, how was your day?" Hesitant yet confidently, I inquired. Trying to keep the conversation going and going, until I turn into a goner.

I heard his breath, exhaled out gently, then some shuffling sound followed. I pictured him, laying on his bed, his naked torso against those messy sheets, his firm arm dangling on the side, while the other holding the phone pressed up against his ear, faint light highlighting his breathtaking features.

"It was good, I guess, kinda boring, but I survived. What about you?"

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't bother to hide the small smile, finding its way on my lips "It was.. nice"

"Just nice? Well, I am not surprised. Must be hell without me. Tell me, did ya missed me?" His voice oozed cockiness, but it was gentle and humble. My heart thud against my ribs loudly, trying to be free.

"Yes, I did. I missed you just as much as I miss my dead cat," I replied nonchalant, not wanting my real feelings to creep up my throat and satisfy his cruel curiosity.

"Let me guess, you never had a cat?"

His quiet husky laugh touched my ear drums, caressing, just as I said "Exactly" and I felt myself, letting out a satisfied sigh.

Then, silence fell into our brisk intimacy, filling all the gaps, that were left blank. But, as the silence stretched, I started to get anxious

"You are not going to hang up, are you?" I asked him, maybe, just maybe there was a hint of plea in my tone, but I ignored it and hoped he would too.

"Do you not want me to?" He replied lowly.

I took a deep breathe, before admitting shyly and honestly "No"

"Then, I am not"

My heart swelled with appreciation and I felt a warm feeling tickling in my belly. I rolled to my side, with my phone still touching my ear.

"So, why are you awake this late?" I furrowed my eyebrows, when I checked the time and realized that he must have classes, next morning.

"I honestly don't know. I was thinking and thinking, and then here we are"

"Thinking about what?" I frowned, curiosity nipping my skin as I cuddled to myself.

"It's for me to know and you to never find out, darling" He responded and let out a chuckle, when I giggled at his reply. Right

"Though, I am genuinely curious now. How come you are always awake at night, no matter what time?" His question hit me like a hammer.

I could blame insomnia, but in reality, I knew, it was my troubled thoughts that kept me restless all night, wondering if I would ever find peace with my mind.

"I don't know. I just couldn't sleep" I admitted, taking my lower lip in between my teeth, nibbling on it.

"I wonder why that is. Do you want me to sing you to sleep?" He said seriously, before his tone turned into a melodious chuckle.

"No, it's all right"

"Seriously, I can." He insisted teasingly, before continuing "You spotted snakes with double tongue"

"Thorny hedgehogs, be not seen"

A loud bubbly laugh escaped my lips, filling the room as I instantly realized those familiar lines, when he started singing. His voice was tender, yet so teasing and I loved it, every second of it.

"So you've read it, huh? Who would've thought?" I couldn't help but ask, with a small smile still lingering on my lips.

"Once, only" He replied, then continued the lullaby, making me laugh again " Newts and blind-worms, do no wrong"

"Come not near our fairy queen"

"You can stop," I muttered, amused.

"Why? I am enjoying myself, thank you"

I buried my face in my pillow with a smile, and for a second wished for him to be there, in my bed, beside me. I instantly stopped my train of thoughts, when his quiet voice tickled my senses

"Philomele, with melody"

"Sing in our sweet lullaby"

"Lulla, lulla, lullaby, lulla, lulla, lullaby"

"You are insane, do you know that?" I said, but my voice was muffled by the pillow and I doubted, if he even heard me.

"Never harm, nor spell nor charm"

"Come our lovely lady nigh"

"So, good night, with lullaby"

I closed my eyes, picturing his shining hazel gaze on me and listened intently. His voice was like the calming sound of the light, pitter-patter of drizzle on a lazy Sunday morning, in my brutal, destructive hurricane.

And so the night went on, and with every joke and laugh shared, it became more and more lucid. Clearly, he meant so much more to me, than he should've been

- and clearly I would rather choose death over admitting it out loud.

Don't start guys, just fucking don't.

I've been so much busy lately, it felt like I had to take a moment to remind myself to breathe, ugh. Anyway hope you liked the chapter and their 'talky feels' haha and if you didn't, then join the club love, we are on the same page.

Also the lullaby that Ethan sang is a Shakespeare reference from his comedy 'A Midsummer's Night Dream'

That's all, Bye! Vote and comment, if you'd like. A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose :)

Love, Zee..