Because It's You - English Version

¤ 30 - Longing

Julian jumped up in his bed. He opened his eyes with his heart pounding and sweat pouring down. His body was still shaking as he remembered how Keith, the man who had destroyed his marriage, kissed Nate in front of his eyes. Julian buried his face in the pillow to get the dream out of his head. No, it felt so real to him.

Julian finally forced himself to get up, and reached for his phone on the bedside table. It was already two in the morning. He knew Nate must be asleep, but he wanted to get this anxiety off his chest as soon as possible. He put the phone to his ear, waiting breathlessly for the dial tone.

"Matilda?" called Julian as soon as he heard his call answered.

"Yeah, Ju?" Nate replied hoarsely.

"Are you sleeping?" Julian asked. Nate just mumbled in response. "Who's keeping you company there?"

There was a pause for a few moments. "Don't scare me like that. You know I sleep alone."

Julian took a deep breath. Of course, it was just a dream. He shouldn't have asked. "I had a bad dream."

"Do you want me to accompany you to sleep?"

"I'll be right there."

Julian ended the call without thinking. He got out of bed and grabbed his coat. He headed to Nate's place, half running. She was standing in front of her flat building waiting for him. She had heavy-eyed when he arrived.

"What did you dream about?" Nate asked as they climbed into her unit.

"I'll tell you tomorrow. Now, just go back to sleep," replied Julian.

Once they arrived at her place, Nate watched as Julian suddenly checked every corner of the room. Including her shoe rack, her hanging coat, her wardrobe, and even her bathroom.

"What are you looking for?" Nate finally asked after Julian pulled back the duvet to look under the bed.

"Nothing," Julian replied as he forced Nate onto the bed.

"Good night." Nate gave Julian a kiss on the cheek before she got under the duvet.

Julian felt restful than before. Nate was by his side, without any other men accompanying her. However, he couldn't rest his eyes anymore. They hadn't seen each other for a few days since their last walk around Gamla Stan. He looked at Nate sleeping beside him with longing that was so suffocating. She suddenly stretched and turned her back to him.

Julian clutched the duvet, remembering what she had done when she was still his wife. She often pretended to sleep with her back to him, when in fact she was secretly texting that Keith guy while hiding her phone under her pillow.

Julian moved towards Nate and hugged her waist. He buried his face in her back with pain in his heart. Don't do that to me again...

"You still can't sleep?" Nate asked all of a sudden.

Julian didn't answer, enjoying Nate's caress on his arm. He wanted to hug her a little longer.

"Matilda?"

"Hm?"

"Can I sleep in your arms tonight?"

Nate turned to face Julian and opened her arms. Julian immediately went into her embrace and wrapped his arms around her waist. He laid his head on her chest, looking for the safest place he had ever been. No one could give him this kind of warmth other than her...

"I can hear your heartbeat," Julian whispered, while Nate caressed his hair gently.

Nate cleared her throat. "I feel nervous when I keep you close to me."