My Scumbag System Chapter 481: The Winter Queen’s Christmas Movie

I face-planted onto my bed, my body still throbbing from the duel with Reyna, even Emi’s healing couldn’t completely erase the damage. Every small movement sent jolts of pain through my screaming muscles, and I suspected several of my internal organs were still attempting to reorient themselves within my body.

Nel’s voice echoed in my mind.

"Get lost," I grumbled into the soft fabric of my pillow.

With a groan, I rolled over. The room tilted precariously before slowly stabilizing. Perhaps a concussion was in play. I probably should have mentioned that possibility to Emi.

A gentle rapping at my door cut through my self-pity session.

"Enter," I managed, making no move to sit up.

The door swung inward, revealing Celeste. She had swapped her formal attire for an outfit I’d never seen her wear before—plain gray sweatpants and a baggy white sweater that slipped off one shoulder. Her signature silver-white hair, usually impeccably styled, now cascaded freely around her shoulders. She appeared… ordinary. Still stunning, but ordinary.

"You are meant to be resting," she stated, closing the door softly behind her.

"Resting is precisely what I’m doing. Horizontal and everything."

She glided towards the bed, her bare feet making no sound on the polished wood. "Your idea of resting involves conversing with yourself?"

"My internal monologue is quite stimulating, thank you."

A faint smile touched her lips. "I can only imagine." She paused at the bed’s edge. "It is… my turn tonight."

Ah, right. The rather peculiar arrangement the girls had devised. Wednesdays belonged to Celeste.

"You are not obligated—" I began.

"I wish to." She settled onto the edge of the mattress. "Unless your injuries prevent it?"

Ignoring the sharp protest from my ribs, I propped myself up. "I am quite alright."

"A falsehood." Her cool hand met my cheek. "Natalia informed me you sustained three fractured ribs, internal hemorrhaging, and a minor fracture in your arm."

"‘Sustained’ being the key word. Your sister’s favored healer saw to my mending."

Celeste’s fingers drifted down, tracing the line of my throat to find my pulse. "Your heart rate is elevated."

"You have a knack for that effect."

She smiled again, this time more broadly. "You remain charming even when near death’s door. It is rather vexing."

"It’s part of my considerable charm."

She moved closer, her leg brushing against mine. "I did not wish to… I mean, I am aware that we have…" A delicate flush crept up her neck. "What I am attempting to convey is—"

"You do not desire intimacy tonight."

Her blush intensified. "That sounds dreadfully common when articulated aloud."

A laugh escaped me, quickly followed by a wince as my ribs reminded me of their presence. "Then what did you have in mind, Winter Queen?"

Her eyes sparkled with the inquiry. "As a matter of fact, I brought something." Reaching into her sweater pocket, she produced a small data chip. "Films from before the Rupture. True classics. I thought we might watch one together."

"Films? This is your preferred activity for the evening?"

She looked down, a hint of uncertainty in her expression. "I never… I did not have the opportunity for ordinary experiences growing up. No slumber parties, no movie nights, or…" She offered a small shrug. "It is likely foolish."

A peculiar warmth spread through my chest, unrelated to my injuries. "It is not foolish at all. What cinematic selections did you procure?"

Her face brightened considerably. "A variety of genres. An action piece concerning a police officer trapped in a skyscraper during a holiday. A romance detailing two individuals repeatedly encountering each other across decades. A science fiction narrative about a rogue artificial intelligence on a starship—"

"Die Hard," I declared without hesitation. "We shall be watching Die Hard."

"Is it considered a notable selection?"

"It is, without question, the pinnacle. Rely on my judgment."

Her smile widened, reaching the depths of her eyes. "I do."

Damn. That shouldn't have caused my heart to perform such a frantic rhythm.

I shifted on the bed, attempting to clear space, a grimace betraying the cost of the movement. Celeste slotted the chip into my tablet, propping it against the pillows. Then, with a touch of unexpected hesitation, she settled onto the bed beside me.

"Is this arrangement… acceptable?" she inquired, poised somewhat awkwardly.

"Closer, please." I extended my arm, beckoning her nearer.

She leaned against me, her head finding a resting place on my shoulder. Her touch remained cool, as it always was, but not unpleasantly so. It was a welcome sensation against my feverish skin.

"Are you comfortable?"

She nodded, the gentle brush of her hair against my chin conveying her contentment. "Very."

The film commenced, the iconic 20th Century Fox fanfare gracing the screen. Celeste observed with an intensity akin to diligent study, rather than passive enjoyment.

"You may permit yourself to relax," I advised. "It is merely cinematic entertainment."

"My apologies." She consciously eased the tension in her shoulders. "I am not particularly adept at… this."

"Adept at what, precisely?"

"Ordinary activities. Being… casual." She cast a brief glance in my direction.

That statement resonated more deeply than anticipated. I tightened my arm around her. "You are managing admirably."

We watched in comfortable silence as John McClane made his dramatic arrival at Nakatomi Plaza. Gradually, Celeste’s form softened against me, conforming to my side. Her hand found its place upon my chest, settling directly over my heart.