PRINCESS
The rain poured down in relentless sheets, hammering against the roof and windows with a force that made the entire building shudder. Each droplet sounded like a tiny hammer, reverberating through the small shop and echoing my growing panic. Outside, the water was rising steadily, creeping up the steps and threatening to breach the threshold. If it got inside, it would ruin everything.
I was busy moving some of the lighter furniture to higher ground, my heart racing, when the door swung open, and CJ stepped in, drenched from head to toe. His dark hair was plastered to his forehead, and his clothes clung to his body, outlining his athletic frame.
"Hey, need a hand?" he asked, shaking the water off his jacket like a dog might, sending droplets flying.
I hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of him before nodding. "Yeah, I could use some help. The water’s rising fast."
Together, we worked swiftly, lifting the heavier pieces of furniture and placing them on more elevated surfaces. CJ’s strength and efficiency were impressive, and despite the urgency of the situation, I couldn’t help but notice how his muscles flexed under his wet clothes. His presence was both comforting and distracting.
"That should do it," CJ said, wiping sweat and rain from his brow. "But it looks like we’re stuck here for the night. The water’s too high to go anywhere."
I glanced out the window, my anxiety momentarily forgotten as I took in the sight of the rising floodwaters. They were now lapping at the bottom of the door, their insistent advance seeming almost malevolent. The shop, my sanctuary and livelihood, was in grave danger. I turned back to CJ, my mind racing with the implications of being trapped here.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," I said, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. "We need to make sure everything important is safe. There's some stuff in the back that I haven't moved yet."
CJ nodded, following me through the narrow corridor to the storage room. As we worked side by side, lifting boxes and securing items on higher shelves, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. The storm outside was fierce, but inside, there was a certain intimacy in our shared effort against the elements.
"Do you think the water will get inside?" I asked, glancing at CJ as we set down another box.
"It's hard to say," he replied, his brow furrowing in thought. "But it's best to be prepared. At least we've got some supplies here if we have to wait it out."
His calm demeanor was reassuring, and I found myself drawing strength from it. We continued working in silence, the only sounds the relentless rain and the occasional crash of thunder. The hours seemed to stretch, the storm showing no signs of abating.
Eventually, we had done all we could. The shop was as protected as it could be, given the circumstances. We sat down on some crates, both of us exhausted. The air was thick with humidity, and the occasional drip from the ceiling punctuated the stillness.
"Thank you for helping," I said, breaking the silence. "I don't know what I would have done without you."
CJ gave me a small smile, his eyes warm despite the harshness of the storm. "No problem. I'm just glad I could be here. It's crazy out there."
I nodded, the reality of our situation sinking in. We were trapped, at the mercy of the storm. But at least we were together. There was a certain solace in that, a shared understanding that made the ordeal seem a little less daunting.
The night wore on, the storm's fury unrelenting. We talked sporadically, our voices low, sharing stories and snippets of our lives. It was strange how adversity could bring people closer, stripping away the superficial and revealing the core of who they were.
I glanced out the window at the rising water and sighed. "Typical Manila. Yeah, I guess you're right. Come on, we can stay upstairs in my room. It’s the only place that’s safe and dry."
He followed me up the narrow staircase to my room. It was a small, cozy space with a single bed, a desk, and a few shelves lined with books and trinkets. As CJ looked around, I felt a pang of embarrassment.
"Nice place," he said, smiling warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that made my heart skip a beat.
"Thanks," I replied, trying to hide my nervousness. "It’s not much, but it’s home."
We settled onto the bed, the only seating option available. The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel my heart racing. CJ leaned back against the headboard, stretching his arms behind his head, his wet shirt clinging to his chest.
"You know," he said, a playful glint in his eye, "do you cuddle? I like cuddles. I cuddle my homies, no homo."
I laughed, the tension easing slightly. "Yeah, I cuddle."
"Good," he replied, shifting closer to me, his gaze never leaving mine. "Because I’m a big fan of cuddles."
Before I could react, he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. The warmth of his body against mine was comforting, and I found myself relaxing into his embrace. His fingers traced lazy patterns on my arm, sending shivers down my spine.
"You’re really warm," he murmured, his breath tickling my ear. "And you smell nice."
"Thanks," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "You’re not so bad yourself."
He chuckled softly, his lips brushing against my temple in a way that felt both innocent and intimate. "You know, I’ve been wanting to do this for a while."
"Do what?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest, the cold air amplifying every sensation.
"This," he said, tightening his hold on me. "Just be close to you."
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, and I was grateful for the dim lighting in the room. "You’re such a tease," I said, trying to sound casual despite the fluttering in my stomach.
"Am I?" he replied, his tone mischievous, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, in that case..."
He shifted slightly, his hand moving to rest on my hip. His touch was gentle but firm, and I couldn’t help but lean into him. The tension between us was electric, and I felt like I was on the verge of something monumental.
"Do you always tease the girls you cuddle?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Only the ones I like," he replied, his voice low and husky. "And I like you, Princess."
My breath caught in my throat at his words. I turned my head to look at him, our faces inches apart. His dark brown eyes were intense, filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite place.
"CJ..." I began, but he silenced me with a gentle kiss on my forehead.
"Shh," he whispered. "Just enjoy the moment."
I closed my eyes, letting myself melt into his embrace. The rain continued to pour outside, but in that moment, it felt like we were in our own little world, safe and warm. The sound of the rain was a constant backdrop, a reminder of the storm raging outside while we found solace in each other's company.
As the night wore on, we talked about everything and nothing, our conversation punctuated by laughter and comfortable silences. CJ’s teasing continued, but it was always playful, never pushing too far. And through it all, his arm remained around me, holding me close.
"So," he said, breaking the silence at one point, "what's the story behind 'Princess'? Is it just a nickname, or is there a royal lineage I should know about?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "No royal lineage, I'm afraid. It's just something my parents called me when I was little, and it stuck."
"Well, it suits you," he said, his voice sincere. "You have a certain grace about you. And you’re kind of bossy sometimes."
"Bossy?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning offense.
"In a good way," he added quickly, grinning. "You know what you want, and you go after it. I like that."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with his physical proximity. "Thanks, CJ. That means a lot."
Eventually, exhaustion began to take its toll, and I felt myself drifting off to sleep. Just before I succumbed to the darkness, I heard CJ’s voice, soft and sincere.
"Goodnight, Princess."
"Goodnight, CJ," I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips.
And with that, I let myself be carried away by the warmth and comfort of his embrace, the sound of the rain lulling me into a peaceful sleep.
****