Beyond Siblings Feelings.
Leonardo’s POV
I woke up in a cold sweat, my heart beating. I sat up in bed and rubbed my face, trying to shake off the vivid dream.
My body felt tense, and I could still feel the dream's lingering sensations. I took deep breaths to calm down.
"It was just a dream," I told myself.
The morning light came in through the curtains, shining bright inside my room. I checked the clock too early for anyone else to be up.
I decided to take a shower, hoping the cold water would clear my head. As I stood under the icy water, I tried to make sense of the dream.
The feelings, the moments with Aurora. It all felt too real.
After my shower, I got dressed and went for a run to clear my mind. The forest trails were quiet, with only the sound of birds chirping.
I ran hard, trying to outrun my confusion and guilt. As I ran, I thought about the past few days - Lena's accusations, her tears, and my connection with Aurora.
When I returned to the pack house, the sun was up, and the others were waking up. I headed to the kitchen for water, hoping to avoid interactions.
But Aurora was already there, making breakfast. She smiled warmly. "Good morning, Leonardo. You're up early."
I forced a smile in return, trying to act normal. "Yeah, couldn't sleep. Figured a run might help."
She nodded, looking concerned. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just... stuff on my mind," I replied, not wanting to get into details.
"How about you? You seem chipper this morning."
Aurora laughed lightly. "Just trying to start the day on a positive note.
Breakfast?"
I glanced at the table where she had laid out a spread of eggs, bacon, and toast. "Sure, thanks."
We sat down together, and as we ate, I couldn't help but notice how comfortable and natural it felt to be with her. She had a way of making everything seem lighter, easier.
"Leonardo, can I ask you something?" Aurora said, breaking the comfortable silence
"Of course," I replied, bracing myself.
"Have you talked to Lena since yesterday? She seemed really upset."
I sighed, putting down my fork. "Yeah, we talked. It's... complicated. After I scolded her for ruining mother’s favorite lasagna recipe, she stormed out of my room and we haven’t seen or spoken since then.”
I picked up my fork and continued eating, savoring the taste of the food.
"Oh, I'm so sorry about that, Leonardo," she apologized, her voice filled with concern.
I waved my hand dismissively. "It's not your fault, Aurora. She's just feeling insecure and thinks I have feelings for you beyond step-sibling feelings."
As I spoke, I noticed Aurora's eyes lighting up with a bright, curious glow that I didn't understand. It was as if a spark had ignited within her.
Does she have feelings for me too? I wondered, my mind racing with the possibility of it.
I shook my head, trying to brush off the thought. Nah, I don't think so. She's just free-minded and open, I told myself, trying to convince myself that it was nothing more.
But the seed of doubt had been planted, and I couldn't help but sneak glances at Aurora, trying to read her expression and understand what was going on behind those piercing eyes.
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Aurora's eyes held mine for a moment, and I felt like she could see right through me.
Then, she looked away, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"I'm glad you talked to her," she said, her voice a little softer. "Maybe things will get better now."
I nodded, taking another bite of my breakfast. The silence between us was comfortable, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted.
That spark in her eyes had ignited a curiosity in me, and I found myself wanting to know more about her thoughts and feelings.
After breakfast, Aurora started cleaning the table. I helped her, and our hands touched for a second. It was a surprise, and I felt a sudden jolt. Then I remembered the dream, and I pulled my hand away fast.
Aurora looked at me with a shocked face. "Is everything okay, Leonardo?" she asked softly.
I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to tell her about the dream. So I just nodded.
"Yeah, everything's fine. I was just thinking."
Aurora looked at me like she didn't believe me. But she didn't say anything else. She just kept cleaning the table, and I helped her in silence. My mind was racing with thoughts and feelings that I couldn't understand.
"Thanks for breakfast, Aurora," I said, trying to sound casual. "You're a great cook."
She smiled, her eyes shining at the corners. "Thanks, Leonardo. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
We stood there for a moment, the silence was uncomfortable Then, Aurora broke the silence.
"Um…I'm going to go for a walk in the forest. Want to come with me?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do.
But then, I nodded. "Yeah, sure…. I could use some fresh air."
As we walked out of the pack house together, I couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring. And whether that spark in Aurora's eyes would grow into something more.
When we reached the rock, she sat down and took a sip from the water bottle in her hand.
Then, she offered it to me. But I waved my hand dismissively, indicating I was fine.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks."
Aurora nodded and took another sip, her eyes gazing out at the forest. I sat down beside her, leaving a little space between us.
The silence was comfortable, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to our moment together.
As we sat there, I noticed the way the sunlight shined through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Aurora's hair shone like gold in the sunlight, and I found myself wanting to reach out and touch it.
"So, what's on your mind?" Aurora asked, turning to me with a curious face.
I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. Did I tell her about the dream, about the feelings I couldn't shake? Or did I keep it locked away, hidden behind a mask of sister and brother?
"Just enjoying the view," I said finally, gesturing to the forest.
Aurora smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
We sat there for a moment longer, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Then, Aurora stood up, brushing off her pants.
"Want to keep walking?"
I nodded, and as she got up to leave, I decided to muster up the courage to express my feelings.
“Aurora?” I called out, my voice a little shaky.
She turned to face me, her eyes questioning.
“Yeah?” she responded. I took a deep breath and let my words spill out:
“I'm in love with you.”