If You Tell Me To Stay

Chapter 24

Author's Note:

Got a nice fluffy chapter for you. (This is going to be a pun, once you read this chapter. *winky face*) Also today's chapter comes with a Turkish lesson. "Veli" means "Guardian" in Turkish. You'll see why this matters shortly. Enjoy!

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Previously:

They both registered the sound of loud applause, hoops, and hollers from around the restaurant. They broke apart and could tell the people were not applauding the song that had already ended a minute before, but their own performance on the dance floor.

Sanem once again turned the shade of her dress. She put her hands over her face and hid against Can's chest. He wrapped one arm around her and guided her off the dance floor. He could hear her giggling, so he knew she wasn't completely traumatized. Can gave little waves to everyone as they cheered for them as they made their way back to the table.

Sanem sat in her chair and kept her gaze down. She was still blushing, but continued smiling despite the embarrassment.

Can leaned in closer to her, "You're okay, right?"

She looked up at him to see he was truly worried. She put a hand on his cheek and stroked his face with her thumb, "Yes. I'm okay." He let out a relieved sigh and turned his head to kiss her palm. She stopped smiling and gave him a serious look before she continued, "and I'm going to be okay, Can. Everything is going to be okay."

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Can and Sanem were walking out of the restaurant, hand in hand. Sanem noticed the large smile on his face and couldn't help but gloat a little, "Didn't I say you would have a nice time?"

"You did and I did have a nice time. I loved hearing you sing. I've heard you sing a little before, but tonight I realized, you can SING."

Sanem laughed at how impressed he sounded, "Thank you, Can. Seeing you smile at me on stage really helped. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Or Leyla."

"Ha! Yes, and pushy Leyla. But her plan worked."

"Yeah. Osman and Deren left together. Seems like tonight was a success."

"Yes, her plan there worked and the reasoning behind the karaoke worked too."

"And what was that?"

"To help us feel... more... invincible."

Can smiled at that, "Is that how you feel?"

Sanem straightened her shoulders, "Yeah. Like Aziz always tells me about how real courage is when you do something even if it frightens you. Nothing is more scary than being handed a microphone and getting on a stage with a spot light shone on you. But now that I've done it, I feel more courageous. Like I can do anything."

Can snuck a glance at her to see her smiling to herself. Seeing her so confident helped his own confidence in himself, in her, in the situation. Like she said before, 'everything is going to be okay.' He saw her shiver as a cool breeze swept down the street. He let go of her hand and took off his jacket. He held it behind her so she could put her arms in the sleeves.

Sanem slid her arms in, "You really are a gentleman."

Can stood in front of her and tugged on the jacket, wrapping it around her a little, "Or I just love seeing you wear my clothes." Can looked at her in his jacket that was way too big for her and gave her a devilish smile.

Sanem blushed and nudged him playfully, "Caannn..."

They were standing at the edge of the parking lot, Can still in front of her, admiring how beautiful she looked, even more so with her rosy cheeks, "Have I told you how stunning you look tonight?"