Pu-erh

"When you see a silent movie, you understand everything that's going on from the images because the images are so strong." - Monica Bellucci

"I thought we could have a nice relaxing day today, what do you think?" Dylan asked me when we woke up.

I nodded, before sighing deeply and closing my eyes. Taking one arm I placed it over my waist and snuggled in close to his body. The need to be close to him just felt so intense that no other thoughts were being formed. Inhaling his masculine scent I settled into another blissful sleep, surrounded by the warmth of his body.

When I awoke again it was late afternoon and the sun was burning my face. The smell of coffee mixed with pot drifted into my nose. Frowning I sat up to see Dylan sitting on the window seat, staring out with a joint in one hand and a mug in the other. He was shirtless with only his sweatpants on, and his hair still scruffy from the bed.

The sun illuminated his fair skin, highlight his muscles and reflecting of his curly mop. The shadows casting in his face defined his pain that marred his handsome face. I slipped out the bed, and strode over to him. Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder I sighed.

His head snapped to me, "sorry, I'll put this out." I shook my head to tell him it was okay. He placed his mug between his legs so his arm was free. I wrapped my arms around his head and shoulders, pulling him closer to me as though I could ease him of some of the pain. I felt my t-shirt getting colder as his arm came around my waist, pulling my body closer to him. This pain we shared was a burden neither of us could handle alone. Together, we were freeing ourselves from the prison that kept us behind all these years.

He cried silent tears till he could cry no more while I stood there being the pillar he needed. When he lifted his head, the pain he had fought so hard to drive away was written so plainly across his face. His cheeks were soft with moisture and his eyes red from exhaustion and sadness. I wiped the salty wetness from his face before kissing him firmly on the lips. It was a completely spontaneous reaction, but since the first time we kissed the urge had only gotten stronger.

Before he could react and I would be lost in the sea that was his eyes I moved away. The coffee pot had just cooled so I heated it up before pouring myself a cup too. Coffee was not something I fancied, too bitter and the after taste lingers for hours. Today I drank in solidarity with Dylan, hoping to understand the hurt he was feeling. To understand the depression that was eating at his brain.

We experienced pain in different ways, dealt with it but never fully killed it. Pain had become a part of us, a part of our identity. A constant in our life we had begun to accept. We needed to cleanse ourselves of this negative energy it gave us. I took my steaming mug of black coffee to the window seat. I sat between Dylan's legs, leaning against the wall so I would be facing him.

We had become intimate with each other in so many other ways than just the physical touch. He had touched my heart and I, his. It was a learning curve for the both of us even if he didn't think so.

"While you were sleeping I went downstairs and bought us some tickets to a movie." He spoke. I raised my eyebrows, urging him to carry on speaking. "I thought it would be nice to relax for sometime. Plus it's been a while since I've seen a movie. They're playing My Best Girl. I'm not sure if you like old movies or..." I put my finger on his lips to stop him from rambling.

It's fine. I like old movies.

"Okay that's good then. Shall we go? I want to get a good space. Plus we still need to buy the popcorn and stuff." He grinned at me, taking my hand. I followed him to his vehicle, noting the back of his truck contained a few blankets and pillows. The ride to the cinema was short but quiet. My eyebrows furrowed as we drove down a dirt road to an open field. A huge screen had been set up, with food trucks lining the edge of the field. There were many cars and trucks already parked in parallel, facing the screen. The trees were lined with string lights, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

"I think I found the perfect spot." Dylan announced as he parked, the back of the truck facing the screen. I shivered as a cold wind blew past my body. "Why don't we get some food. The food trucks here are amazing." I nodded, grabbing my purse.

"I've always loved old movies. This particular movie is silent. I believe that you don't need words to show emotions or to communicate. Our actions speak a thousand words. Trust me, you're going to love this movie." We found out that the movie was going to start in half an hour so we strolled past the food trucks, to find some food. My stomach rumble loudly, as if to remind me I hadn't eaten all day.

"I can't believe we hadn't eaten all day!" Dylan cried. "I feel like I could eat all the food here." We ended up grabbing some hot salted caramel popcorn, nachos and milkshakes. Although I was eyeing the burrito truck I knew we wouldn't have time to get back to the truck and set up our seating arrangement.

"Here you hold the food, and I'll arrange the trunk for us to sit." Suddenly my arms were filled with bags of popcorn. Dylan had just finished arranging the blankets and pillows when we heard the beginning credits of the movie. He outstretched his hand to help me up, once he relieved me of the food in my arms. Dylan sat first, shuffling to find the comfortable position. I pulled the thick fleece blanket over my body as I took my seat beside him. Snuggling close to his warmth, I rested my head on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around me.

The movie started playing and the chattering around us settled as all focus was turned to the huge screen in front of us. The cold of the night was beginning to settle so I pulled the blanket close to my face to shield it from the wind. I looked up to see the lights dancing across Dylan's face, his eyes lighting up with the movements of the actors. He smiled when the couple kissed, teared when they fought, held his breath when they pulled away from their love. I felt their emotions, even if there weren't any words. I concentrated on the actors, watching how they fell in love slowly but surely.

Dylan turned to look at me. We stared into each other's eyes for what felt like forever before he leaned closer to me. My breath hitched as our lips touched just as the music reached its climax.

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Over half way done! I can't believe it. This process is so long, I wish it wasn't. 3rd year is busy, even busier than the last few years so I know that uploads are going to be more erratic that they were before. Sorry!