Needing is One Thing

Chapter 22. Dark days but it's alright.

Mika stopped at the door and turned to look back at James as he slept. He was lying on his side, facing her, an arm tucked under his pillow. The sheets had slid down to his waist, just barely covering his hips. It made her bite her lip as she remembered the feel of those muscles, his body with hers.

James still looked exhausted but the smile on his lips warmed her heart. He had returned to his human appearance, his glasses folded and placed safely on the table beside him. She liked how he looked without them, especially as he lay there. It made him look softer, a little vulnerable, more...him. A secret side of him just for her to see. They always say you look younger when you sleep, whoever "they" were, and this is no exception. There was a boyish charm to James' features, his mussed hair, that was a little reminiscent of Matthew. It made her smile.

Mika watched him sleep for a few seconds more. You still haven't managed to talk to him. You did everything but talk. It felt like the more she tried, the less likely it would happen. She still couldn't believe what they'd done together and she wouldn't change any of it. She wanted to crawl right back into that bed and do it all again. We're still out in limbo. But she hoped their bodies said what their lips wouldn't.

With a sigh, Mika stepped out into the hall and softly closed the door behind her before heading to her room for a shower and change of clothes. The world went on and she had to get to school.

Refreshed and running downstairs, Mika saw that the dining room was empty, the house quiet. The boys aren't around. Feeling more than a little embarrassed, she was glad they weren't. She and James weren't exactly quiet last night and his brothers likely heard most, if not all of it. It made her blush but a part of her wanted to chuckle. If anyone would understand, it would be a family of incubi.

Still, she had to wonder. Are they out hunting Malix already? Wouldn't they have waited for James? She hoped the boys were safe, were being careful. Of course they would be, they were training all week. Sam, himself, said they were ready yesterday over breakfast. Mika had every faith that they would find and defeat those devils, especially with James feeling better. Then maybe, just maybe, she could ask them to stay. Maybe they'll want to.

She moved into the kitchen, her stomach growling. Opening the refrigerator door, Mika saw a plate of cheese and sliced fruit on the shelf, a card propped on the cover over it. Her name was scripted across the envelope in flowing, elegant letters. Erik? Surprised, Mika took out the plate, set it on the counter, and made herself a mug of coffee before sitting down. She was already munching a slice of apple as she tore the envelope open. A small white card dropped out.

Tell him.

-D

Damien. Erik wrote the card for his brother. She smiled, thinking of the quiet youngest brother. He didn't speak often but when Damien did, it was always of import. Tell him. Two words that looked so easy to write and yet were so difficult to accomplish. Her whole world was at risk with those two words but nothing had a chance to change without them and everything she wanted lay within them.

Tell him. Mika picked up the card, tucking it into her pocket. She remembered what James said to her the night before. Just go. Go to him. He had tried to push her away. Again. She would confront him and tell him how she felt but not yet. First, she had to talk to Andrew. Mika knew where her heart lay and she had to remove any doubt of that. James deserves no less.

*

James woke to find his bed empty, his heart giving a sad lurch. He slid one hand over the sheet beside him, under the covers. Cold. Mika had left a while ago. Their night together was over and only the scent of her remained.