about to play my ace

Dreams

Tyler's p.o.v.
•••

When you're dreaming, you seem to be watching what's happening from somebody else's point of view. You can see yourself, but you can't see what the dream version of yourself looks like. At least, that's what my dreams are like.

•••

I'm in a sandbox. Why am I in a sandbox?
"Dig holes. Holes will help you remember."
How will holes help me remember? Answer me! Hello? I'm here! What do I need to remember? I haven't forgotten anything.
"You aren't digging deep enough!"
I'm trying. Stop! Don't push me! Everything went black, I was falling down the hole. I tried to hold on, but there was nothing to hold on to. I'm going to stay like this forever.

•••

"Tyler, are you okay?" Brad asked, turning on the lamp next to the bed.

I slowed my uneven breathing, and realized I was covered in sweat.

"I don't know." I said, still out of breath.

"Do you want me to get your parents?"

"No. Can you get me some water?"

"Sure." He left to get me a glass of water. I don't know what that dream was about.

"Here." He said, handing me my water.

"Thanks." I don't know if I should tell him about my dream...

"You scared me, I thought something was wrong."

"Something is wrong, but that was just a nightmare. Is it hot in here?"

"I didn't mean... I don't know what I meant, sorry. You're sweating."

I went to take off my shirt, but I noticed Brad stopped looking at me so I kept it on.

"Tyler, it's okay. Go ahead."

I am so confused. I mean, first he says he just wants to be friends then I fall asleep in his bed. I woke him up during my nightmare, and he's taking care of me.

"I was digging holes." I said, leaving my shirt on. "I had to dig deeper or I wouldn't remember. I didn't dig deep enough and they pushed me into the hole. I didn't know how to get out. I just kept falling." I was playing with my hands. Even though we are friends or whatever, I still hardly know him.

"Oh." He said.

"If I get all of my memories and everything back, do you think I'll remember this stuff?"

"I don't know."

"Everybody else will though."

"Most likely."

"It's still hot in here."

"I said you could take off your shirt. It's covered in sweat, anyway."

"I think I'll leave it on." I don't want anything to be awkward. Well, more awkward.

"Tyler--"

"I'm leaving it on." I said, my voice breaking. Why do I feel like I want to cry?

"I'm sorry." He said, over and over. "Please, don't cry. I hate when people cry."

"I don't know why I'm crying."

"You're probably stressed."

"What time is it?" I asked. Brad looked at the clock.

"3:15."

"Oh. You can sleep. I didn't mean to wake you up. Sorry." I said, wiping my tears. I'm pathetic.

"No you aren't."

"What?"

"You're not pathetic."

"Did I say that out loud?" I asked. He nodded, smirking.

"I'm going to sleep." I said, turning over. I knocked my empty cup off the bed. At least it was empty, right?

"Night."

•••

When I opened my eyes, I noticed there was an arm around my waist. I shifted slightly to see Brad spooning me. I'm getting mixed signals... again.

"Brad." I said, trying to wake him up.

"Mmmph five minutes." He mumbled.

"Brad, wake up. Now."

"What?" He slowly opened his beautiful eyes. Tyler, stop. He's just a friend.

"Brad, are you cuddling me?"

"Sorry." He blushed.

"It's fine. I just, I don't think I've ever cuddled somebody before."

"What? But you're so cuddly." He said, burying his face in my neck.

"As much as I hate to say this, I don't think you should be doing this."

"Why not?"

"Brad, you obviously don't want to be more than friends. Well, that's what you say. I don't want to feel like I can't-- I want you to stop cuddling me. Please."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I just... It's like you say one thing, but you do another. I don't want to feel like I can do these things with you. Because I can't."

"I don't mind if we cuddle." He said after a few minutes.

"What are you saying?"

"I like cuddling with you."

"Just cuddling."

"I-- yeah."

"Okay." I got up and locked the door.

•••
Brad's p.o.v.

"Why did you lock the door?"

"So we can cuddle."

I know I shouldn't be thinking this, but I really want to cuddle with Tyler.

"That's okay, right?" Tyler asked.

"Definitely. I'm still tired."

"Then sleep."

"Right." I snuggled up to Tyler. It might have been totally awkward and inappropriate, but it was nice. I was almost asleep when I felt Tyler shift positions. He whispered, "sweet dreams." in my ear. He buried his face in the crook of my neck and pressed his lips against my skin. I got instant goosebumps. I opened my eyes, no longer tired, and started playing with Tyler's hands. I don't know if I like him, but if I do, how will Claire feel?