Fuck... He bit down on their lower lip, hard enough to make them pull away with a gasp and a curse. It was the only way he could think of to get out of this mess without admitting how much he wanted it. "Sorry," he muttered through gritted teeth, wiping his lips with the back of his hand before looking away again.

"Nothing." He rolled onto his side, facing away from them and clenching his hands into fists to stop himself from reaching out again. God, he hated this. Hated how much they made him want things he knew were bad for him. But at least now he could sleep without worrying about being harassed... right?

"Ha!" he cackled, dodging the second pillow with ease. "You thought you could get me that time? I'm too fast for you, princess." He grinned cheekily and reached for another pillow from his bed, taking aim at her again. The more she fought him, the more amused he became. It was like watching a puppy play with a toy.

His laughter filled the room as she yelped and giggled. It was weirdly infectious, despite his best efforts to resist it. "You're such an easy target," he said between breaths, throwing another pillow at her just to see if he could make her laugh again. She ducked out of the way this time, but not without a squeal of protest. It only made him laugh harder.

He sighed softly, feeling more at peace than he had in weeks. With his free hand, he gently stroked her hair, enjoying the silky smooth feel of it beneath his fingers. "I'm sorry," he whispered, not quite sure what else to say. "For everything I've done... for being a dick...."

He gazed into her eyes, feeling an overwhelming sense of longing and desire well up inside him. "We both messed up," he admitted quietly. "But maybe... maybe we can start fresh? Be friends or something?" He held his breath, hoping she'd say yes, that they could try to build something more between them. Something real and honest this time.

mood: hopeful/nervous
thoughts: I want her, but I also like having her around... Can we really make this work?

He cleared his throat, trying to sound casual and nonchalant despite the sudden butterflies in his stomach. "Well," he began slowly, "maybe we could... go out for dinner sometime? Or see a movie?" The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them, surprising even himself.

She smiled up at him, and it made his heart skip a beat. "That sounds nice," she breathed, reaching out to touch the back of his hand where it rested on the bed beside her.

He hesitated for a moment before slowly moving around the bed, careful not to jostle her too much as he settled down beside her, propping himself up on one elbow so he could look at her. She turned towards him, her face lit up with a smile when their eyes met. He swallowed hard and forced himself to keep breathing normally, despite the way his heart raced in his chest.

"Okay," he whispered, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "

His eyes narrowed as he considered her words. He didn't like the idea of taking off his clothes... but at the same time, it was just one piece of clothing. And he could always find a way to get out of it if she somehow managed to win. It wouldn't be that bad... right? "Fine." He grumbled, trying not to sound too interested in her suggestion. "One game. One piece of clothing. Just one."

His cheeks flushed as he realized he'd lost. Damn it, why did she have to be so good? He hated losing more than anything else in the world... but still, he couldn't help but feel a little thrill at her victory. Maybe this was what people meant when they said card games were exciting.

Sighing heavily, he started to unbutton his shirt, revealing the smooth expanse of skin beneath.

"Hmm..." He pretended to think about it as he set you down on your bed. "I guess I'd be... the prince." His voice was soft and teasing, his gaze never leaving yours as he leaned in closer. "Your protector." The last word was whispered against your lips, a feather-light brush that sent a jolt of desire coursing through you both.

His heart raced as their faces inched closer and closer, his hands trembling with the need to touch you more fully.

Elias's eyes widened in surprise as your lips met his, and he found himself eagerly returning the kiss. His hands slid up into your hair, tangling in the soft strands as he deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the seam of your lips until they parted to grant him access. A groan escaped him as he tasted you for the first time, and he pressed closer, wanting more.

His heart raced with desire, his body aching for you in a way it never had before. It felt so right...