Plus One - Chapter 3: Bruises

[deedee_sims]

Warnings: Nightmares, injuries, peas, cupcakes, Rhett being Rhett, mentions of sexual activities (and shaving), some of Oliver's skin



"The... first one?"



"But that was the worst one!" she huffs.
"Then why did you ask for my opinion?!"



"Whatever!" She waves dismissively. "I think that’s enough for today."
I couldn't agree more.

***



"No!" I shout fearfully, and sit up fast, just to fall off the bed the next moment. A sharp pain shoots into my elbow. Fuck. I start massaging my hurt body part to ease the pain.





I prop myself up and realize that somehow while sleeping, I got flipped around so my head was at the foot of the bed. And now I’m tangled in my sheets, which is also not optimal. The epic fight I had in my dream with a huge bee (or was it a wasp? I don't really care, it was ugly), seems to have made me actually move.
Maybe I exaggerated a bit with the epic part, it was mostly me running away and screaming like an idiot. I just hope I didn't scream out loud.
My elbow, though, still hurts. I rub it some more, but maybe I should check if I cut it or something?
I finally push myself up from the ground, untangle my body from the damp sheets, and head to the bathroom.



Seems like I survived the dream encounter without any major injuries, but I already see a little area of skin turning to reddish purple on my elbow. I wash it with some cold water, and I also splash some on my face. At least I got away from that giant bug. Maybe I spent too much time debugging yesterday. Or today? I don't even know what time it is. Whatever, it's time to go back to bed, hopefully bug-free.



As I open the bathroom door, I hear a bang and a loud yelp from the other side. Watcher, I just killed someone with a door. I quickly jump there with a rapidly beating heart, to see the damage.



Rhett’s crouching there, holding his nose.



"Watcher, I'm so sorry, I didn't think you'd be there!" I blabber, while in my panic, I try to remember all the things I've learned in emergency lessons, only to realize that I've taken none.
"It's fine, but I think you broke my nose."
"Let me see it!" I demand, stepping closer.



"It hurts like hell," he whines as he puts his hand down. "Do you think crooked noses are sexy?"
It takes me quite an effort to stop myself from saying his face would be handsome with any kind of nose.
"It doesn't seem broken. No sight of blood-"
"Thank Watcher."



I lift my hand up to his nose, and he winces a bit, but lets me touch it. Thankfully, it doesn't feel swollen or broken. As I run my fingers along his nose, our gaze meets for a moment and I suddenly feel very hot. I never thought inspecting noses could be that sensual.
I withdraw my hand, before he can figure out that I actively enjoy touching his nose.



"Maybe you should put some ice on it or something," I suggest, before the silence between us stretches too long.
I escort him to the kitchen, and make him sit down. Meanwhile I fish out some frozen peas from the fridge and give them to Rhett.



"Fuck, that's cold," he states, when he pushes the peas to his nose. "My face is freezing."
"I'm sorry for hitting you with that door, I swear -"
"Nah, I should've known you're awake, the lights were on." He shrugs, and lowers the peas. "How does it look?"
"A little red?"



"Eh, I'll survive." He drops the peas on the table, then looks at me. More like, stares at me, which makes me quite uncomfortable.
"Is there something on my-"
"You never have your hair like this."



I can't stop myself from quickly raking through my locks. "Like what?"
"Like this!" I still don't get it. "You always tie it up and stuff!"
Ah, it just occurs to me that he probably hasn’t ever seen me with my hair let loose in about three weeks I’ve been sharing an apartment with him.
"Yeah, I don't want it all over me, and in my food. Especially in my food."



"You have nice hair."
Watcher. He looks at me intensely, while he's grazing his lips with his fingers. Why the hell am I looking at his lips? I'm pretty sure my cheeks are once again matching his nose in color. Damn, he has nice lips.



He finally averts his gaze, to look right at the peas.



"Why do we even have peas? I hate peas!"
"Well, I don't."
"You have strange taste," he declares.
"In peas?"
"In everything! Are you still listening to that garbage music of yours?"



"If you mean metal, then yes," I say with an eyeroll.
"See? Now I'm wondering… what's your taste in men like?!"
"Well, I like the ones that come home at a reasonable time, so I don't accidentally de-nose them with the bathroom door!" I snap, but I immediately regret it.
Rhett doesn't say anything for a few moments, which feel like they stretch to eternity - but then he starts to laugh.



I can't help but start laughing too.



"You're a little shit, Oliver," he smirks when he finally catches his breath.
"Why, thank you. Now, can I finally get back to bed, as I intended to before you snuck up on me?"
"Yeah, of course. Thanks for the-," he points to his nose, "disgusting peas, and everything."
"Anytime," I say, and pat his shoulder.



"Wait, what's that on your elbow?" His question surprises me as I almost forgot about my own injury.
"It's just... I hit it on the bed or something. I was having some kind of nightmare."
"Fuck, you're a dangerous one," he laughs and reaches for the peas again. "You should put these on it, no?"
"No, I already washed it and everything."



"Then, should I give it a healing kiss or something?"
He looks at me expectantly, his trademark smile playing on his lips. Damn him.



"N-no, thanks, it'll be fine." I state, and I think I'm going red again.
"Alright, but next time you need it, I'll charge for it!"
I roll my eyes as I announce, "I'm going to bed."



"Good night," he smiles, and I leave the kitchen.

***



Mom finally finds time to visit me on Saturday. She's even busier than before, now that she lives alone. I can't help but feel a bit guilty about not being able to help her out with the daily stuff.



I give her a quick tour - I'm getting quite good at it lately - then we settle down in the kitchen.



"I brought you some food," she begins, as she unpacks a couple food containers. "Only stuff you like!"
"Mom, you really didn't-"
"I'm just not used to cooking for only one person, so I always end up making too much!" She smiles. "I miss cooking for you, honey."



"And I miss your meals," I admit. I'm not totally lost in the kitchen, but I'm far from being as good as her. "But now I have some!" I say, and start to stock the boxes into the fridge.



"I made some cupcakes too!" She takes out one more box from her bag. I wonder, where did she get her Mary Poppins-esque powers when it comes to packing a lot of stuff into small bags?
"You're really spoiling me."



She places a small kiss on my cheek. "You're my only child, who else should I spoil?!"
"Okay, that makes sense," I chuckle.
"How's Lainey?"



"Very excited. Last week she lured me to go to a wedding dress store. And then she got all angry when I said she looked good in all the dresses. Then she got even angrier, when I told her which one I liked the most. Women are so complicated."



"Don't worry about it, she'll be able to choose one in the end," she reassures me. "I don't really know why she thought about bringing you, you've never had an eye for fashion."
"Hey!" I grunt. "I can see the difference between good clothes and bad clothes at least!"
"Really?" she muses, and I cross my arms.



"Yes! I can tell that Rhett dresses ridiculously, for example!"
"I see!" Somehow I don't think she believes me. "And? Where is your infamous flatmate?"
"He's probably in his room. I can fetch him," I offer as I step towards the door.



"I hope he likes cupcakes," Mom says, as she starts making the table.
"He loves them, don't worry!"
I knock on Rhett's door, and he peeks out.



"Um, I'd like to introduce you to my mom."
"Oh, we're at this stage already?" he beams, and I can't stop myself from an eyeroll.
"She has cupcakes."
"I'm coming!" he shouts, and darts towards the kitchen.



When I catch up with him, he’s already made his introduction, and is currently being escorted to the cupcakes.
It takes him about two seconds to finish the first one.



"This is very good, Emma," he notes, his mouth still full of cupcake. "Olls, you need to learn how to make this!"
"I'm not a great cook," I admit, as I sit down and grab a cupcake as well.



Mom raises her eyebrows. "Don't be shy, you're pretty good!"
"Is this some kind of conspiracy against me?"
"Too late, she got you," Rhett laughs, and I let out a desperate sigh. I can't believe my own mom is against me.
She changes the subject. "Have you talked to Harry lately?"



I take a contemplative bite of my cupcake.
"I have," I admit when I manage to swallow the sweet pastry, "on his birthday, last week. He said law school is kicking his butt."
I realize that thinking about Harry doesn't make me sad anymore… more like, nostalgic. That kind you can reminisce about when you grow old. You know there was that cute blond guy you dated in your teens, and thought he was the love of your life. Until he decided to move towns, and you had absolutely no say in it.



"When is he going to graduate?" Mom's question snaps me back from my thoughts.
"Next year."
"Is there any chance he'll move home after that?"
"Don't think so. He already has a part time job next to some very famous lawyer I've never heard of," I explain with a shrug.
"That's a shame. You two were cute together."



"Mom! We're not alone." I point at Rhett, who seems to be chewing on the same bite of cupcake over and over.
"Oh, I'm sure he’s heard weirder things than that." She flashes a smile at him.
"I don't think that's weird at all, for a start?" he mumbles.
"I'm not talking about any weirdness, it's just my personal life we're discussing!"



"Since you live together, you ought to get into each other's personal lives to an extent."
"To an extent," I emphasize angrily.



"I think I have something to do... in my room," Rhett intervenes. "It was nice to meet you, Emma. Thanks for the cupcake!"
With that, he leaves the kitchen in hurry.



I shoot Mom a disapproving look.
"He seemed interested." She raises her eyebrows.
I keep the straight faced eye contact, to which she puts up her hands.



"Okay, I didn't say anything."
I let out a sigh. Why does everyone want to play matchmaker? I can manage my love life perfectly, thank you very much. Considering that I have no love life at all, it’s very easy to handle all by myself.



"You never really talk about him, you know."
"What should I tell you about him?"
"Is he any good as a flatmate?" she begins. "Does he make much noise? Tell me you're not the only one who does the cleaning!"



"No, he's fine," I explain grimly. "We take turns cleaning. And no, he doesn't make much noise. He doesn't cook, but it's probably for the best."
"Don't look at me like that, I'm just glad you're settling in well, honey!" She smiles kindly, and strokes my arm. "I was a bit worried about you, being on your own. But I'm not anymore."
"Thanks, Mom," I say, returning the smile.



"It's just a bit tough to realize that my boy is a grown up man now! But I'm so proud of you!"
"Mom, stop being so sappy!" I protest, but I feel something prickling my eyes. When did I become so sentimental?
"Alright, I think it's time for me to leave you be." She stands up, and grabs her bag.



It's a strange feeling seeing her go. I walk her to the door, and she gives me a rib cracking hug, and plenty of kisses.



"Bye, dear, be good!" she waves.
"I'm always good!"
"And don't forget to return the containers!" she adds, before she starts descending the stairs.
As I close the door and turn, suddenly Rhett's face appears in front of me, and I jump, rather dramatically.



"Your mom is quite something," he declares.
"Please tell me you weren't eavesdropping."
"Me? Never! Did she leave some more cupcakes by any chance?"
"Yeah, they're in the kitchen."



"Amazing!" He beams and starts skipping towards the aforementioned room. "How can I adopt your mother?"
"You can't," I say matter-of-factly.



"You don't like sharing, huh?" he teases, then takes a cupcake.
"Well, not my mother."
"So, what do you like sharing then?" he asks curiously. This question feels too damn suggestive.
"You really want me to say 'a flat with you', don't you?"



"Aw, that would be a cute thing to say!" He puts on that radiant smile, and reaches for another cupcake. "I can't stop eating this shit."
"Be grateful that I like sharing my cupcakes," I snort, and he starts laughing too.

***



"OOOOOLLLS!"



I almost fall off my chair, but I manage to stay on the seat. Of course it’s Rhett, who managed to invade my personal space once again.



"Watcher, Rhett, when do you learn how to knock? I was watching porn." I grunt with a disapproving glare.



His face lights up. "Wait, really?"
"No, but I could have been."
"Nah." He pulls the other chair here and sits down. "You’re clever enough to lock your door, when you’re beating your meat."



"Or maybe you could finally learn how to knock!" I point out, but he seems to ignore my offer, and my disapproval altogether.
"What are you doing?" Now he’s looking at my screen.
"Just a school project, nothing interesting. It’s a jigsaw," I explain.



"Whoa, cool! But these numbers are boring. Wouldn’t it be much better if the solution was a picture of my lovely face?" He shoots me that radiant smile of his.
"No?"
"Oh, c’mon, don’t you get extra points for design or whatever?"



"Um, no?"
"Watcher, that course sounds boring." He sighs dramatically. "Is that thing urgent?"
"I have a couple days to finish it, but it’s mostly done anyway."
"Awesome! I’m going out, you wanna come?"
"Not particularly."



"Noooo," he whines. "You never go anywhere! Okay, except classes, but that doesn't count!"
I feel personally attacked by this statement.
"I was just out with Lainey on a cake tasting a couple days ago!" I point out.
"And you didn't even bring me a slice?!"



"Well, maybe because it wasn't allowed!" I snap back and he starts laughing. "I think I even got diabetes from all those cakes!"
"Boo you!" He's still smiling, and somehow I feel like smiling too. "Come with me, pleeeeease! You backed out once! You owe me one! We're going to have fun, I promise!"



He grabs my shoulder and starts shaking it, while he looks at me with puppy eyes. Ugh, I can’t say it’s not working.
"Okay, whatever, I'll go," I surrender against my better judgment. I do still feel a little guilty about last time.



"Amazing!" He claps his hands excitedly, then makes a weird move, like he wants to hug me, but in the end he just jumps up from the chair. "We'll leave in an hour, make yourself presentable!" he announces, then slides out the door.



Damn this man.

***



There's really not much I can do about my hair, other than wash it, which I indeed do. When I'm done drying it, I look at my pale face in the mirror. Should I do something with my face? I suddenly think about Rhett's perfect eyebrows. Should I pluck my eyebrows? I've never done such a thing. Does it hurt? What if I just mess it up and end up without half my eyebrows?
I end up giving up on the idea, but then immediately another, more unsettling one takes its place.
Should I shave my balls?



Well, this is something I've done before, which reduces the chance of amputating one of them. But is it really necessary? I'm not planning to jump into bed with anyone tonight. But that little thought is prickling in the back of my mind, in which my future self comes home with a mysterious handsome guy (who apparently looks a lot like Rhett himself). Nah, I shake my head, not going to happen.
I shave my balls anyway.
Going out requires much more effort than I’ve remembered.



The next step is choosing the appropriate attire. Unlike Rhett, I'm not keeping tons of clothes for these kinds of occasions, so there isn't much to select from.



I try on a handful of t-shirts, one which has a hole on its side - I need to remember to lure Lainey into fixing it for me. And some others. I find a blue one that's not half bad.
Or should I wear something else, like a shirt? First I put on a white button-up, which makes me look like an exam attendee, then settle for a plaid one.



Why is it so hard to decide? Now I understand why women spend so much time choosing clothes.

---
Remember when I told you that not always the better looking choice is the better? :P
Anyway! We have a new voting HERE, where you can choose Oliver's clothes! This is my favorite one actually, because Rhett will react completely different to the two, and I absolutely love how both of them turned out, so I will be sad no matter which wins lol. So choose the one you like, I guess! (or the one you don't like, it's up to you, really) The voting will be closed on the 21st of March!

As usual, many thanks to Anachronisims for fixing my weird English and questioning Oliver's sleeping position!
Honorary mention to the anon who suggested more food tops for Rhett! I made the banana henley just for you!

I really enjoyed writing this chapter (I absolutely love Emma, pls bear with me), I didn't always enjoy taking the pictures XD Especially when I spent a lot of time putting those freaking cupcakes here and there, meanwhile all I wanted to do is to put them in my mouth!

But! We're finally going clubbing, and I will suffer! I mean the last time I did a club scene was in 2013, so I guess I got out of practice well enough XD But I'm absolutely hyped for the next chapter, because it'll be fuuuuuuun!

As usual, any comments, remarks, notes, thoughts are appreciated! You can also ask stuff from the characters on my dumblr, and they will answer honestly (or not honestly)!
Thank you for reading!
And of course, don't forget to vote! :)
 

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Hello DeeDee! Just a lurker checking in to tell you that I really love the way your pictures look! You are truly nailing every facial expression! All of them are absolutely great but I particularly love Ollivers expression after Rhett offers to kiss his arm better. Idk why. It is so good that I feel uncomfortable alongside Olls (lol). The poor man has to truly suffer (but it is so entertaining).
Also, anecdotally, the plaid shirt makes him look like every guy at my uni that studies computer science (or engineering) and is just learning how to dress for a party. :D

Emma is a lovely character as well! And I feel Laney on the difficulties of dress shopping. I hope we will see both soon again :)

Tldr: Youre doing great and I am (im)patiently waiting for more :)

[deedee_sims]

Hi! Thank you so much! I spend a ridiculous amount of time on their expressions, haha! Oliver is suffering so we can be entertained XD
Well, Oliver is studying computer science and has no idea how to dress for a party, so I think I nailed it lol
I'm glad you like the women too! They'll definitely have some more impact on the story! :)
Thank you again! I'm not sure when the next chapter will be done, but hopefully sooner than later! :D

[(Anonymous)]

LOL - Rhett eating cupcakes is me.

Loving your characters. Oliver's mom is suuuch a mom!!! Curious to see how Oliver handles being out in the world! Hoping he has fun! -NikkaSimms

[deedee_sims]

We all love cupcakes! (especially the ones made by Emma, hehe!)
Ollie is still getting used to being independent, but he'll get there ❤
Thank you for your comments! ❤