You and I [Desami Fanfiction]

Chapter 19: Stay With Me Tonight

Asami

I held back the tears that threatened to fall down my cheeks as I buried my head in my pillow. I knew that there was no way I was going to sleep tonight, but I still tried to block out my thoughts.

It’s only for a short time, I told myself, but I knew it wasn’t true. I had no idea when I’d see Desna after tomorrow, and that scared me more than anything. We had already been apart once. Could I handle it again?

He was going to be out there, risking his life for his father and his sister while I sat here, not helping either side.

After lying there a while, I heard a noise come from the other side of the room. I popped my head up, and saw Desna standing in my doorway.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” he asks in a whisper.

“No, I’ve been up,” I explain. He comes into the room and sits as the foot of my bed.

“Me, too. I’ve had trouble sleeping,” Desna says. I can tell by his eyes that he doesn’t want to leave me either.

“Come here,” I say, and he listens. He sits next to me and looks at me. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

Without a moments hesitation, Desna responds, “Of course.”

I feel Desna’s warm body up against mine as I lay back down. He slides his arm around me, and I lean on his shoulder. The sound of his breathing makes me instantly sleepy.

“I love you, Desna,” I say quietly, just as I drift off. I feel him stiffen for a moment, and then he softens again.

“I love you, too,” he says. His voice sounds vaguely different than before, but then maybe that was just sleep getting in the way.

Desna

I feel Asami start to fall asleep under me and I smile to myself. It was hard to think that I wouldn’t have her after tomorrow, but it was nice to have her now.

“I love you, Desna,” I hear under me. I almost get up to look at her, to make sure she’s serious. But then I remember that this is Asami and that she always meant what she said.

“I love you, too,” I tell her. For the first time in a long time, I’ve said this and meant it. Sure, I love Eska and Father, but Asami was different. I didn’t have to love her, but I still did. I needed her like I didn’t need anyone else.

I feel Asami’s breathing change, and I know she’s asleep now. I should do the same, but I can’t bring myself to give up this moment.