"Love is like a cigarette.
It is fun at first but kill you later!"

                                  ~trust_is_Venom
...

PEARL's P. O. V

Suddenly I felt elephants jumping in my stomach. Okay Jeez!! I mean rats! I'm hungry. But the question is again?Jesus!!

I love sleeping but these elephants... Oops! I mean rats won't let me sleep. All this while me being lazy, my eyes were closed. But they snapped open when I sensed something traveling up my legs to my knees. I was terrified but soon calmed down as it was 'him'. Damn this time I'd ask his name for sure.

Hey, wait! What on earth is he doing with my legs?I slowly shifted my gaze.
Oh no!! What!? Is he for real?
He is still massaging my legs!!! And that too with a smile!!!!

Christ, I may not be a burden but I sure feel like that now. I quickly moved my gaze towards the window. It's still dark. What time is it?
Then I saw a clock hung over the wall... It was looking magn-
Forget it!! My eyes widened. It showed three past in the morning. This means he massaged the whole damn night! Nearly 6 hours!!
He is making me feel guilty now. I quickly pushed off my feet from his lap. He was startled. No that's an understatement!

"Why on earth are you up till now?" I asked him. God!! He had been doing that since hours without any sleep. I'm really an idiot. No more than an idiot. I shouldn't have let him. My fault!!
'No it's not' my innervoice had to cut into! I rolled my eyes mentally.
Weird? Uh - I just did it!!

I tried to get up in order to sit and he was quick to come beside me and helping me but I was beyond furious so I slapped his hand away. How dare he!!?
I'm feeling giddy in my heart for his care but I can't help my anger too. He literally ignored his health for me! Now that's not acceptable to me!

"Don't you dare!" I warned him.

"Angel are you -"he started but I was pissed.

"Answer me! " I demanded.

"You were sick so... "he started again and I stopped him mid sentence again.

"So..? You would do such things?" I asked.

"No angel it's not that. It's just like.." he trailed off.

"Even if I was sick, who gave you the permission to ignore your health? 6hours huh? Now this time you would catch a fever!" I shouted. And why wouldn't I? He is going to make himself sick. That too because of me?
I won't let that happen.

"Angel, I'm fine."he tries to reason. Why is he so good? He is stretching himself... No!! He shouldn't. This brought tears to my eyes. His eyes widened.

"Angel.. angel?? You are crying! I made you cry! I.. I... What's wrong angel?"he asked me while panicking. He cupped my cheeks and slowly wiped my tears by his thumb which were soon replaced by more.

He is so damn caring!!

"Angel are you hurt? Does your legs hurt? Are you feeling pain?"he asked breathlessly. But I couldn't respond. These loving gestures does nothing but overwhelms me. When I don't answer, he appears to be more panicked.

"You're scaring me angel! Please tell me!" he pleaded. Now I've to say something. My silence is doing nothing but worrying him.

"Why didn't you sleep?" I asked. My voice came out very soft as if I'll cry all over again.

"Angel because I needed to take care of you. How can I possibly sleep knowing that you may want something at night!"he answered.

"In this process you are ruining your health. Do you even realise that?"I enquired.

"I do. "he whispered, again wiping my tears away.

"If you realise then why did you do that?"I asked him. This man is something different.

"Because angel my health doesn't matters to me when it comes to you!" he exclaimed as if he was saying something about weather. Great! What now??

"Oh is that so? Then Neither my health matters to me."I replied. This man is not a creature born on earth maybe Pluto? Pluto exists anymore? Who cares!

"Don't you dare say that!"he warned me.

"You act as if I'm dyin-"I started but hushed me by placing his forefinger in front of my lips effectively hushing them. I looked at him puzzled.

"Don't even try to complete it!" he said and I sighed. Now there is no use. I give up! Is there anyway to win over him in these matters? Pfft! God knows!
When he becomes sure that I've no further plans to protest he removed his finger slowly
But I don't get him! Why is he so concerned for me? He is not even my family. Heck! He knows me for barely some hours.

"Don't do that again." I stated.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"Foot massage." I answered.

"No promises angel!" he answered back.

"Why is that?"I asked again.

"I'll do it over and over again, if I need to."he replied. What the heck! Here goes nothing!!

"What if I won't allow?" I teased.

"Who needs your permission?" he smirked. What!!? My mouth hung opened . He is..... an alien!! Ugh!!

"Close your mouth angel. You'll catch flies."he said as he closed my mouth by gently pressing his index finger under my chin. I know I wouldn't win. No chance! He is really very determined at this. Sensing my silence he declares, "So I win, my Pearl?"

"You are annoying!!" I complained. He just winked.

"Idiot." I muttered lowly.
And I bet that I heard a faint ' yours ' but I think I'm really sick. Gosh! First I was imagining endearments and now words! Jesus! I'm going crazy!
Oh yes, ' his ' name. I reminded myself.

"What's your name?"I asked out of blue. He was taken aback by my sudden idiotic question.

"My name?"he reconfirmed.

"Yes I know it's weird but I don't know your name. So..? "I asked now totally embarrassed. How stupid of me! I've not known his name all this time! I came with him to his home and I don't even know his name.
' Good going stupid ' my inner voice popped into my head. I looked down unable to match his eyes intensity.

"Angel look at me."he demanded while taking my small hands into his big ones, giving it a gentle squeeze. I loved the warmth. No, what am I thinking!?

"No." I refused. He then let's go my hands and uses it to cradle my face into his palms. Wow! He covered almost my whole face. He is really big. He forces me to look into his eyes. This can't be anymore embarrassing!! I'm definitely a different creature.

He turned my face towards him but I can't see directly into his eyes so I closed my eyes. I felt him leaning. Finally,I sensed him hovering over me. What is he doing? I thought to myself.
' You think a lot ' my inner voice said sarcastically.
Uggghh!! She definitely annoys me.

Then out of nowhere he kissed my eyes, each one gently. His lips were so soft against my eyelids. I felt the tingling sensation. My eyes were surrounded by the warmth of his lips. I wanted to protest. How come he kissed me? But my body still hurts too much to make any sudden movements. And I suppose it's a gesture of showing friendliness, isn't it? That doesn't count as a kiss and he has behaved as a gentleman all over.

"Open your eyes angel."he commanded but it seemed more of a request as his voice was so soft and affectionate. His every move shows affection.
What! Did I just said that? Just scratch it... you know pretty well that I'm sick, don't you?

I slowly opened my eyes to meet his piercing crystal blue orbs which were filled with emotions. I felt like I can drown into those deep blue half moons.

"Don't hide from me angel because it hurts."he said and that brought a smile to my face knowing that I'm something important to him.. No! I should get a grip. I'm just a friend! Damn me now!!

"Your name?"I reminded him and he chuckled softly.

"Sherhoey Slivervans."he answered while caressing my cheeks.

"Oh, it's beautiful!"I remarked.

"No angel, you're beautiful! " he objected while tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I should really mention that my hair don't cooperate with me anytime, they are another pain in my ass.

"You are a good liar." I teased.

"No beautiful, it's true."he said with a serious expression letting me know that he is indeed saying the truth.Now here comes my new nickname! I'll definitely discuss this nickname topic. But presently, listening his comment blood rushed to my cheeks. They were indeed red by now.

"Your cheeks remind me of a name for you."he said thoughtfully.

"And what's that?"I asked out of curiosity. He might be thinking that I'm a gorilla or something like mongoose but he surprised me.

"Sweet cheeks." he answered.
What!!!!?????

"That's for me?" I asked him stunned.

"Yes my Angel, for you!"he stated.

"I really wish to witness the scolding" I teased him.

"Scolding? By whom??"he asked. He was surely confused.

"Yes, by your girlfriend!"I smirked. Now my turn! But he started laughing like a maniac. This wasn't funny I suppose! I feel like he too needs to consult a psychiatrist along with me. He was still laughing so I raised one of my eyebrows questionably.

"I don't have a girlfriend, angel."he said still laughing.

"Oh!!" That's all I said. How come such a handsome man doesn't have a girlfriend but that's a question for another time.

"We will discuss about my nicknames tomorrow, okay?"

"I see you like your nicknames, don't you? He smirked again. Err....... MEN!!

"Not exactly!!"I lied and he frowned. Jesus, maybe I made him feel sad. Christ!! I'm so dumb.

"Okay, we'll see then if you say so"he replied disheartedly
Oh! wow!!great!! Clap clap!! I ruined his mood.

"Hey!! Don't be sad"I requested. He smiled instantly.

"As my angel commands!! "he said and this time it's my turn to smile.... He is definitely very cheesy...... Oops! I'm hungry. Now how am I supposed to ask him that? It doesn't sound well. He 'll most probably think me as an eating balloon. I can't help it. I know. I have eaten just few hours ago but I guess the medicines made my hunger reappear. Here we go..... now!!

"Can I ask you for something? "I asked hesitantly

"Anything, my angel !!"he assured.

"At this hour?? "I reassured.

"Yes, anything and anytime."he assured again.

"Okay, well then,don't think me as an eating balloon but I'm feeling hungry." I said shyly.
"again" I added.

He chuckled. What's there so amusing? That too every time ?? I'm seriously a joker or what??

"What's so funny?? "I enquired

"Really? Eating balloon? Angel?"he voiced his amusement. I blushed. What more could I do? I know very well about my idiocy.

"Yeah. "I accepted and looked down at my lap.

"Hey, don't be embarrassed angel! It's because of medicines. I understand love. And your know I love watching you eat, my angel."he said softly making me look into his eyes.

"You are not mad?"I blurted out.

"Why would I be?"he questioned back.

"I'm disturbing you!"I answered sheepishly.

"Never, my Angel. Never. Don't even think like that. You only need to command me okay?" I nodded.

"Err... So what would my angel like to eat?"he asked and my eyes flickered with an idea. He definitely understood my plans.

"No sweetcheeks .Don't ask for an ice cream."he said.
Really? Sweetcheeks!?I shook my head. Later I'll think.

"No, please!! "I whined.

"Sweetcheeks!!he said again. I pouted.

"Please!!"I pleaded.

"Pearl don't do that!"he warned this time. Okay so now as my name comes I think he is very serious. Besides, he is right so I let it go.

"Okay, so how about spaghetti??"I suggested.

"Sounds good. Wait and rest here. I'll cook it for you angel." he instructed.

"I will accompany you." I stated.

"No my Angel. You're sick so you better lay down. I'll not bare is you'll give pain to your legs."he replied. He is damn right. My body still hurts like anything by what would I do alone here?

"No, I don't want to be alone here. I'll get bored. You have some snacks or candies?" I said.

"Yes, I have candies angel. I'll get it for you." he offered and went to get those.
After a while he came back with a bowl full of candies. Geez, I love them! I got excited.

"Thanks." I mumbled when he handed me the bowl.

"Anytime at your service,love!" he replied. I motioned him to sit down beside me on the bed and he obliged. I offered him too. We both ate those in silence. Let's say I ate and he just watched me.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing angel. I just love watching you sleep, eat, talk, everything." he answered.

"You're so cheesy!" I remarked while wiping my mouth a tissue paper kept on the bedside table.

"Only for you angel."he said and I blushed.

Jeez! What's there with me for blushing so many times today. Oh! Well I'm sick.
' Indeed! ',my subconscious said sarcastically and I ignored her.

" Okay ,so now sleep angel." he said taking me out of my daze.

"And you?" I glared him as he was again moving towards my leg. He shrugged.

"Don't even think of that. You too need rest." I stated out to him as a matter of fact. Bit deep down I knew I was concerned.
But why??

"Angel, my rest is nothing like important. You health matters the most to be. If you are well then I'm too."he said casually as if it's nothing.

"No, your health surely matters." I argued.

"You matter to me the most." he reasoned back.

"If you don't listen then I won't rest." I blackmailed him. Not my fault. I've no choice left. He will fall sick if he continues like this.

"My stubborn angel!" he replied.

Just that?! No effect of my blackmailing!!?

"I'm being serious. Either you rest or I'll also not." I repeated my threat.

"Love, don't do that. You know very well that I can't even stand the mere thought of you in pain." he tried to reason.

"So, you agree?" I asked him. He sighed. God! He doesn't get it. He will definitely become ill.

"I command." I commanded. I was struck. He was not getting and he said that I could command. Those words slipped my tongue without knowledge.

"Okay angel. How could I deny your command? You can even ask for my life and I'll happily obey." he said softly. I sighed. Finally, he agreed.

"But angel there is a problem. I can't go to other room knowing that you are sick. It'd not let me sleep." he said.
Oh that could be solved. I can command him.

"Done worry, it could be solved." I smirked knowingly.

"No angel. Don't try to command me because of course I'd oblige and leave the room but I'll just sit outside the door watching you. I can't and I won't leave you on your own." he explained.
My eyes widened. Will he? I looked at him and I saw the determination pooling in his eyes. He too looks very tired. How can I sue him or let him sleep outside the door on floor?

"You can sleep here with me." I said to him while patting the empty side of my bed. Don't ask why. I know very well that the couch is very uncomfortable to sleep and it's so very cold outside that I can't let him sleep on floor. So, bed is the only option left as he is not ready to leave. Besides, I think I can trust him. He didn't do anything to make me suspicious of him. Did he?? The answer is no.

"You sure angel?"he asked once more.

"Yes. Don't tell me that I can't trust you and only this time." I replied.

"You can trust me angel. I'll rather face death than to lose your trust."he said so sweetly that it warmed my heart.

He got to his closet and returned in his boxers and he was looking hot!

Hot?! Get a grip woman!!
' Okay we'll drool later!' my innerone commented.
' Just shut the hell up!!' I snapped at her.

He quickly got under the covers as I was already laying down. Just as I was about to turn the other side...

"Angel can I ask you one thing?" he asked. I nodded. How can I refuse? He has accepted my every wish.

"Please can I hold you in my arms while you are asleep?" he requested and it looked like he was dying to hold me in his arms. My eyes widened. He must be joking!

"Angel, please!! I need to ensure that you are sound and safe in my arms or else I wouldn't be at peace. It'll chew me up. I need to reassure myself that my angel is here with me." he almost whispered as if afraid that I would deny.
But can I agree? In his bed? In his arms?? His eyes were pleading me. I can see the need in his eyes to hold me. Maybe due to his grandpa he is feeling insecure? Maybe he needs comfort?

Just as I was thinking, my mind shutted down due to headache. I then decided it won't hurt if it comforts him. Would it?

"Okay!" I agreed. I just hope that I wouldn't regret it.

"Thanks angel. It really means a lot to me." he said now relieved. I smiled.

He wrapped his arms around my waist gently like he is holding a glass doll and pulled me towards his chest as if I would disappear in thin air, if he loosens his hold. I rested my head on his chest and snuggled closer to him. He kissed my forehead and rested his head over me.

"Good night, love"

"Night!"

We both drifted to sleep in each others embrace.

But the question still lingered at the back of my mind.

Why is he so concerned for me??

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Hi chocokins, here is the next update. Let me know if y'all like it. Is it okay this far?
Again I'd repeat it's cliche and it'll continue like this no matter what.

Do vote and comment.

Love y'all chocokins!😘😘

Evening glitters!😊😊