"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"Hold Me"

It wasn't the ideal romantic, dinner date that Dennis & Summer had in mind, but it was perfect. They had all that they needed - good food & more importantly, each other. Dennis stood up to clear the table after he & Summer had finished eating. Summer stood to help. Dennis gently placed his hand over hers. She looked up at him.

Dennis: It's ok. I got it.

Summer smiled.

Summer: Ok.

Dennis quickly cleared the table. Summer sat on the couch. Dennis joined her & put his arm up over the back of the couch. Summer looked at Dennis. He was looking back at her.

Summer: Dennis?
Dennis: Yes?
Summer: Thank you for everything.

Dennis smiled. Summer placed her head on his shoulder. It felt right. Summer enjoyed being in Dennis's company. Ever since the time she met him at Grandma's wedding, she felt a deep connection to him. A connection she never felt with anyone else. It was a deeper feeling than anything physical. They had only shared as much as a kiss, but it was more than that. Dennis felt alive in Summer's presence. It was a feeling he hasn't had in over a year. He knew he had to be with her. He wanted to be with her. They just enjoyed each other's company & chatted for a few hours. Summer looked at her watch & realized it was way past midnight. She had so much to do back at Nat's place before Grandma & Jack would arrive.

Summer: I should get going.
Dennis: Stay.

Summer gave Dennis a skeptical look. He shook his head.

Dennis: Not like that. I'm just worried & it's late is all.
Summer: But I don't have a change of clothes or a toothbrush.
Dennis: I have clothes & I always pack an extra toothbrush just in case my other one breaks or falls into the toilet or something.

Summer giggled & couldn't refuse the cute way Dennis offered.

Summer: Ok. Where's that toothbrush?

Dennis smiles & grabs a shirt for Summer along with the extra toothbrush. Summer went into the bathroom & got ready. She was still sore from the procedure. She was just relieved that she had finally left her toxic relationship with Jay. She couldn't believe that she was here with Dennis. He was just a thought & now it had become her reality.

Dennis had finished setting up the couch for him to sleep on as Summer came out of the bathroom. She was wearing Dennis's shirt & had her hair wrapped in a towel. Dennis gulped at the sight of Summer in his shirt. He stuttered as he explained to Summer that the room was all hers tonight. Dennis got ready in the restroom & Summer laid down on the bed. Dennis finished up in the bathroom & came back out. He walked past Summer to head towards the couch.

Dennis: Good night, Summer.
Summer: Where are you sleeping?
Dennis: Right over there.

Dennis pointed to the couch.

Summer: Dennis, I'm tired of sleeping alone. I'm not asking for anything other than just for you to hold me. That's all. That's not weird is it?
Dennis: No, not at all. I'll hold you.

Dennis climbed into bed next to Summer. Summer laid on her side & Dennis laid next to her. He put his arm over her & reached for her hand. He clasped her hand in his & their fingers intertwined as he held her like she had asked.

Summer: Don't let me go, Dennis.
Dennis: No chance of that.