Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

41) Reoccurring Horrors

Aris’s P.O.V

She was already up by the time I awoke, sitting on the ground and reading. Seeing as she was already dressed and her hair was done, I sat up, expecting there to be any kind of light.

It was completely dark. Besides the handheld lamp for her book, the world was still sleeping. All of it except her.

When’d she manage to sneak out of my arms? How’d she get ready without waking me once?

I guess she's used to sneaking around. I just didn't think it’d be a skill that would get used on me.

“Y/N,”I mumbled, rubbing my eyes as I yawned.

“Go back to sleep,”She said simply.

“Come back to bed.”

“I’m not tired,”She insisted.

“I can make you tired,”I absentmindedly promised, only hearing what the words sounded like when I spoke. My face instantly burned at the unintentional innuendo while I cringed at myself, wondering if there was a way to hit myself out of embarrassment without looking either insane or like I needed to kept away from sharp objects.

“Oh?”

“By talking. I can wear you out by talking,”I clarified.

“Oh, I’m sure you could,”She said in a way that couldn't be taken as anything but teasing flirting.

“No, not like that,”I promised.

“Not like what?”

“Y/N,”I groaned, burying my my face in my hands.

“What? Ya’ don't wanna make me tired anymore?”

“Y/N.”

“Aris.”

“You should really try and sleep. We have to get up soon,”I pointed out.

“I can't,”She shrugged, turning the page.

“Why not?”

“I had a nightmare.”

She still didn't look at me as she said it, but I could hear the fear in her voice. She was almost monotone yet was still so full of emotions.

“I’m sorry,”I whispered, already having a pretty good guess on what it was about. She didn't acknowledge my words or me as I took a seat beside her. Her eyes were glued to the page, but she didn't seem to be taking any of it. She just sat there, almost holding her breath.

Pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, I saw her eyes glass over. There weren't any tears, but that somehow made the pain in her gaze feel like an absolute gut punch. You can always fake tears. You can't fake holding them back.

“It's stupid. Letting memories I made get to me.”

“It's not stupid at all,”I promised, lightly running my hand through her hair.

“It feels stupid.”

“But it's not.”

“It's the same one I always have. I’m standing in a house I’ve never seen. It’s empty but in good condition. The lights go out before I can truly check anything on. A voice starts telling me I’m covered in blood. It yells at me and tells me I can never repent for what I’ve done. The lights come on. I’m in a bathroom, washing my hands. The blood doesn't come off. It goes down the sink, but there's always the same amount on me. The voice gets louder. I never find out who's speaking. I just know they're angry at me. As I stand there crying, they're reminding me of horrible things I’ve done. The lights go off just as I realize there's blood on my clothes. Then, I wake up.”

I sat there as silence filled the room. I tried to think of something to say. Anything comforting at all. Any words in general.

“That's terrifying. Just hearing it.”

“It's whatever,”She shrugged.

“You can be hurt about things. You know that, right?”

“You should get some sleep. So you ain't tired tomorrow.”

“Come back to bed with me first,”I bargained.

She stared at me, her face concentrated in thought. Sitting there, I just waited for the answer on how I’d spend tonight.

Slowly nodding her head, she stood up, taking a spot inside the bed instead of her usual one with an easy escape. Shutting my mouth about it, I just crawled in next to her.

Pulling the blanket over us, I made sure not to completely press against her back as I wrapped my arms around her waist. Taking my hands, she laced my fingers through hers.

Kissing the top of her head, I mumbled an, “I love you,” as my eyes seemed to shut against my will.

Still, as I was drifting off, I heard her quietly say it back. Something that made me fall asleep with a dumb smile on my face.