Nina and Ian: Reclaiming

Chapter 4: Red Evening Golden Light

Nina woke up in warmth.

Her body felt so relaxed and comfortable, and she sighed in solace. Opening her eyes, Nina stretched, but felt herself being restrained by an arm being wrapped around her waist. Nina's breathing stopped. The room was slightly illuminated by the sunlight outside the window, and Nina turned to see a dark mess of hair cuddled into her shoulder.

Ian.

Although a spark of embarrassment came tingling at her spine, Nina smiled at the realization that he had stayed with her the whole night. Nina's alarm clock broke her out of her dazzled thoughts as the alarm wailed annoyingly. Ian woke with a start and slightly pulled away from Nina, to her dismay.

"Hmm, damn that alarm," Ian tiredly mumbled.

Nina smiled, and lightly ran her fingers through Ian's dark locks of hair. It was just like she remembered it; soft, silky, and the aroma of shampoo always smelled stronger when she combed through his hair.

Feeling Nina's fingers running through his hair, Ian almost forgot about the alarm clock and his complicated life.

"Thank you." Nina whispered.

"For what?" Ian asked, still enjoying Nina caress.

"Staying with me. You didn't have to." Suddenly, Nina pulled her has away, as she remembered Nikki. Suddenly self conscious, she pulled away from Ian and nearly jumped off the bed. Ian, confused, leaned up on his elbows and looked at Nina worriedly.

"You okay?"

Nina, flustered and worried, shivered and went to the door and opened it. Standing to the side, Nina motioned Ian to leave.

"You, you should leave." Nina stated.

"Okay, what's wrong Nina? One second you're snugly and relaxed and now you look like you're gonna explode. What's wrong?" Ian asked, getting up and walking cautiously towards Nina.

Nina flinched, and took a step away from Ian. "We can't do this.." Nina mumbled, just loud enough for Ian to hear.

"And what exactly are we doing?" Ian asked and took another step towards Nina, causing her to inhale sharply.

"Dam, why does he always do this to me?" Nina thought.

"You know what we're doing, and we can't,..do this." Nina said.

Ian's eyes watched Nina's with no change; his eyes always looked at her that way. Wonder, curiosity, admiration. Noticing this, Nina again stepped towards the door, and pointed outside for Ian. This time, Ian seemed to understand, and walked outside. As Nina was closing the door, she caught a glimpse of Ian staring back at her. His eyes still read of wonder, curiosity, and admiration.

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Today had been extremely long. It was Friday, the last day of the week of shooting until Ian got a break, and he couldn't wait to spring back in his bed at his apartment and relax. Except, relaxation wasn't coming. After the incident that morning with Nina, he plodded around all day wondering what he had done wrong. He did what she wanted, didn't he? Friends can do things for each other like that, right?

"Guess not." Ian thought; a frown forming on his face. He knew how risky staying with Nina last night would be, but she seemed so sad. How could he walk out of the room with her crying like that? What kind of man would he be if he did? Ian's mind was running with questions until his phone vibrated in his pocket as he was walking towards the next set.

Ian pulled out his phone. "Nikki" it read. Ian sighed, relieved that he could forget about his questions for a couple seconds.

"Hello?"