Stolen (Joe Sugg AU)

Chapter Twenty-One: One Last Time

Light filtered in through the window. I squinted against it, and wondered why it was so bright. I looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was nearly one in the afternoon. I’ve overslept, but I think I have the right to after what had happened. Plus, I still crave a bit more rest.

                Over the night, Joe and I must have shifted because now his face was nestled against my neck. His breaths warming my neck and now being awake, made me feel ticklish, but I didn’t pull away.

                His head was over my arm and I shifted lightly so I could face him. I remember before when I saw him asleep, he looked so stressed and anxious, but now he looked peaceful. His lips twitched and his arm moved, draping over me and pulling me towards him.

                “Alex,” he murmured. “Stay…”

                What was he dreaming about?

                “I’m not going anywhere Joe. I promise,” I whispered, knowing he can’t hear me. I kissed his nose lightly, and he was jerked awake.

                He looked around the room, and when he saw me, he closed his eyes and sighed.

                “It’s just you,” he whispered.

                “Sorry I woke you,” I apologized. He shook his head and pulled me even closer.

                “No, I’m glad you did. I thought I lost you again,” he mumbled against my shoulder. “Don’t leave me ever again, okay?”

                “Joe, what happened? What did you dream about?” I asked.

                “Promise me first you won’t leave,” he said, pulling back to look me in the eyes.

                I sighed and smiled. I brought my hand up to cup his face. “I promise I won’t ever leave you again.”

                He smiled. “Thank you.”

                “So what happened in your dream?”

                “We were at the café, and you were dressed in the same thing I first met you in. But we were together already. We were having coffee and laughing and just having such a great time. Your eyes were lighting up and the way you looked at me made me melt.

                “Then you suddenly stopped talking and laughing. I asked you what was wrong but all you said was ‘it’s for the best’ and I was so confused. But you got up and started to walk away. I tried to go after you but something felt like it was holding me back.

                “Finally, I was able to catch you outside the café, but we were no longer at the café but at an airport. There was a plane in front of us and you had your bags. You looked back at me and mouthed ‘sorry’ and boarded the plane. Then I woke up.”

                I envisioned his dream in my mind, and thought about how similar it was to what had happened.

                “That didn’t happen and it won’t happen, understand? It’s all over now, so you don’t have to worry about me leaving you ever again,” I reassured him. He smiled.

                “I know you won’t because if you ever try I will lock you in this room forever,” he joked. I laughed and slapped his arm.

                “I can get out of anything you trap me in. You need to step up your game you know?” I joked back.

                “Oh really?” he said before rolling over and placing his legs on either side of me and pinning my hands down next to my head. “Try to get out of here.”