After I Chose You

F i v e

With much convincing, I persuaded Dmitry to take the bed every other night.

Sure, it meant I had to sleep on the floor, but I wasn't about to take advantage of my husband-to-be's selfless gallantry.

I slept well, or as well as one can on the floor, but nevertheless, it was peaceful. Without nightmares to plague my sleep or dreams to distract me from my rest, I slept soundly and undisturbed. The quality of my rest, however, was merely satisfactory. My back ached and with every passing hour the floor seemed to grow harder. But it was alright. I'd get the bed tomorrow. And besides, Dima needed his rest.

It was his first day of work.

I had planned the whole event out in my mind before falling asleep. He'd get dressed and comb his hair and then I'd survey his appearance and fix the little things. Maybe button the button he missed or remind him to double knot his shoes because they always came untied with one...

My eyes were sealed shut, my breathing steady, and my mind half awake, half asleep. I could swear I felt gentle yet strong arms wrap around my frail body and pick me up, but I was too tired to open my eyes and check. I figured it was my imagination, as always. Then after a few seconds or so, the feeling left me and the floor somehow became comfortable. I felt sheets being pulled over me and I snuggled into them, a content smile playing on my lips, not really comprehending that someone had covered me with them.

Two soft lips then pressed a gentle kiss on my cheek and my sleepy blue eyes fluttered open. I found myself now lying in bed rather than on the floor and Dima hovering above me, dressed for the day and handsome as ever. His warm brown eyes met my dazed blues and he smiled before tucking some of my copper colored locks behind my ear. "Good morning?" I breathed, it sounding more like a question than a greeting.

Dima sat himself on the side of the bed. "Good morning, lyubimaya moya," he whispered, "It's nearly five."

"Five? In the morning?"

He nodded, pushing the covers over me just a little more, "Yes, Anya."

"I'm too late then. I wanted to help you get ready," I said sleepily, "You should've woken me earlier. It's your first day, after all...and...I..."

He chuckled lightly and began to stroke my brow, "It's alright, Anya. I'm ready. Besides, you need your sleep."

I placed my hand lovingly in his and we intertwined our fingers. "Have a wonderful day, Dima," I yawned before melting into a small smile, "I'll miss you."

"Thank you. I'll miss you too," he nodded, beaming, "But I'll see you tonight. You have a great day as well."

Dmitry glanced at the closed bedroom door and then back at me.

"I should be going," he informed before kissing my cheek again and giving my hand a little squeeze, "I'll see you soon, Anya."

"Goodbye, my handsome prince," I drifted in a soft tone.

He blushed and stood up, "Sweet dreams, lyubimaya moya."

•••

I buttoned up the rose colored blouse I had just slipped on and then tucked it into the hazelnut colored skirt, which fell inches below my kneecap. Jean had given us our day clothes last night so that he wouldn't have to wake us and I have to say, it was very convenient.