Page 46 of My Demon Neighbor
"I'm sure."
Codie nodded, then took my hand and led me to his bedroom. While I'd been here before, I hadn't really taken the time to look around, and as Codie went into his bathroom with some clothes to change into, I took my time taking in his room.
It was pretty sparse, all things considered, but there were little signs of Codie all over. Like the sketchbook lying on a desk in the corner, and the mug full of pencils and markers. There were two large paintings on the two bare walls that I assumed were his. One was a beach scene, with waves that looked just like the real thing, while the other was a starry night sky. They were equally beautiful, and showed off my mate's talents well.
The window beside his desk had no blinds, and I would've wondered how he slept with the light from outside spilling in, but I knew he liked sleeping with the lights on. It'd annoyed me, back before I knew him, but knowing why, knowing what he was scared of... I just felt angry.
I pushed those feelings back as the bathroom door opened, not wanting Codie to think they were directed at him. I liked how easily and completely Codie trusted me, and I never wanted to do something that would damage his faith in me.
"Comfy?" I asked, eyeing his soft-looking hoodie and sweatpants. He'd left his coat in the bathroom, and it made me feelsomething. I felt proud of him, but the look on his face told me mentioning it wouldn't be the best idea, so I simply smiled as he nodded, then waited for him to climb into bed.
Before I could join him and hold him like I'd promised, Hella clambered onto the bed, spread out beside Codie, and went right to sleep. I glared at her, more than a little miffed since she'd taken all the empty space, and Codie laughed.
"Looks like I already have a cuddle buddy," he joked, and I smiled despite myself.
"You're replacing me with this hound?" I asked, making him snicker.
"She is pretty warm. And softer."
Growling softly, I picked Hella up, carried her over to the bedroom doorway, and placed her in the hallway before quickly joining Codie.
She hurried back to the bed a few seconds later, but I was already in. Disgruntled, she decided she'd sleep on our legs, and proceeded to pin us to the mattress.
"That okay?" I asked, not wanting him to feel trapped.
"Hmm..." he agreed sleepily as he curled against my chest, and I wrapped my arm around him as he quickly drifted off to sleep.
Codie
The day before, I'd finally done it. I'd made it out of the gated community. Sure, we hadn't gone anywhere, just walked alongside the road until I got tired, but I'd still taken a step forward. I was slowly making my world bigger, and I was proud of every new step I took.
That wasn't the only step I'd taken. I'd shared my bed with Pythor too. Sure, he'd spent time in my room while I slept before, but not in my bed. Not with his arms wrapped around me.
He hadn't stayed the night, but that nap before dinner had been the best sleep I'd had in a long time. I'd felt so warm and comfortable, so safe, it'd barely taken me a few minutes to fall asleep.
A knock on my door made me glance up, and I wondered when my heart had stopped racing at that sound. When had I stopped fearing it and started expecting it?
Placing my pencil and sketchbook on the coffee table, I stood up and headed to the front door, checking the security feed even though I knew it was Pythor. Unless it was the weekend,he was the only one who visited me, the only one I'd open this door for.
"Hey," I greeted as I opened the door, and he smiled widely.
"Hey, Codie. Do you have any plans for dinner?"
"I was just about to start making something. Any requests?"
"Yep. Will you come over to mine for dinner?"
That wasn't what I'd expected. Pythor loved my cooking, and he usually jumped at the chance to have dinner I made.
"Um, sure. I should change," I said, glancing down at my sweatpants and hoodie outfit.
"You don't have to. You look great."
I doubted it, but I shrugged. If he didn't care what I wore, I didn't either.
"Give me a minute," I said, and he nodded as I headed back inside, grabbed my phone and keys, and pulled on my coat before returning to him, ushering Hella out as I locked up.
The sun had already set, which made me realize some time had passed between when I thought I'd make dinner after I finished a 'quick sketch' and when Pythor came over.
