Chapter 3 - Chapter 2

@International_Pen

(CLAIRE)

I woke up breathless to a man's limbs on top of me. I tried to thrash myself free from his weight and felt shame creep up fast to my cheeks when I realized I was naked.  

Naked!  

My movements woke him up and before he could take a gaze at me, I pulled the blanket up to my body. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw who it was. It was him.

"Zhi-zhio.." I stammered at him who just stared back without saying a word.

I tried to just leave but strong arms pulled me back beside him.  

"…stay," he whispered as he hugged me tight and lulled me back to sleep.

I let my drowsiness take over and shut my eyes whilst his lips kissed my forehead gently. His warmth was comfortably good until it made all the memories surge back

altogether.

My eyes flung open as fast as thunderbolt as I recalled what happened between us that night. It suddenly felt like a joke.  

I stood abruptly and screamed on top of my lungs, distancing myself from him while holding the blanket tight around me.  

"Take one more step or.." I threatened.  

He just smiled at me with that smile that I couldn't resist.

"Or?"

(ZHIO)

I looked at the woman as she warned me not to take a step closer. My drunkenness has worn off and I could see clearly who she was. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of Claire who was adorably flushed as she spoke in dread. It was really her all along. And it made my smile widen.

"Seems I have a really good morning," I emphasized 'good' with such enthusiasm that made my eyes light up.

"Good morning, Claire."

She absentmindedly took a pillow to hit me with. As if that thing would hurt. It was a little foolish. And cute. I got the chance to step closer at her and pulled her by the hand.

"Let go of me Zhio!"

She went silent when I kissed her again in the forehead.

"You're mine now, Claire."

My lips lowered down to meet hers. She had that habit of expressing surprise through wide eyes and that moment she was undeniably readable. The silence was romantic and I anticipated her to give back the kiss or least hold herself from resisting. I leaned in more to deepen the kiss, only to be met with a slap that surprisingly hurt.  I just smiled in response.

"I deserved that, I know"

I said in realization that I went too far but also in disguise for another surprise kiss.  

"Are you still dreaming?!"she slapped me in both cheeks, repeatedly.

"Wake up Zhioooo!"

"I'm perfectly conscious. Want some more?" I teased.

Slap.

"Do you think I'm fooling around?" she was annoyed.

I smiled to annoy her more.

"Do you think I'm fooling with you?"

I stole one more kiss on her cheeks before I stood up and looked at her,

"You're not a toy so why would I?"

She remained quietly gazing at me longer than usual. And that I know was a good kind of surprise. I slipped my robes on and winked at her before leaving for the toilet. She was still yelling at me and I couldn't help but smirk at the thought. I caught her reflection in the mirror, shrugging her head with a big genuine smile on her face.  

Splashing cold water on my face, a thought popped in.

Who among my two foster fathers planned this?

@International_Pen