[ she selfishly likes clinging to this, these tender exchanges of affection in the aftermath that she doesn't always get — but at the same time, she doesn't pursue them with just anyone either, intentionally maintaining some distance between herself and those she hasn't opened up to enough or considered a person she can trust. the fact that he's lying in bed with her right now is proof that he's one of those few for her, and sure, part of the reason he's here is because she's super into him, but some of it also has to do with the part where he's never touched her, looked at her with anything but respect and admiration. turns out that kind of thing goes a long way with her.

she can feel the places where she's still sweaty, where that stickiness hasn't dried to cool on her skin yet — and it might not, fully, until she extricates herself from his embrace. too bad she doesn't want to yet. ]

Just gimme a minute or two to get my second wind. [ she giggles lightly, tipping her chin down as she looks at him with a more serious expression — but then that smile reappears soon after, hopeful and spreading. ]

Well, sure. You know how I feel about those apartments, they suck. And not nearly enough space for a guy like you, even when you're not crammed in there with someone else. And... I'd like that. [ her voice softens, and for a second she sounds more vulnerable besides. ] Havin' you here with me.