Midnight

The shop was dark and quiet, the clock on the computer had just turned twelve, and Melfina found herself starring at the smudge of coffee left by Jim earlier that day. She couldn't sleep no matter what she tried. So, she sat there, her legs brought up to her chest, and her head resting on her knees. A subtle noise came from upstairs; why is Gene up?

She heard him walk down the stairs and drift lazily over to the couch where he sat beside her. After what seemed like minutes, he finally spoke,

"Can't sleep huh?"

Melfina nodded slightly, she didn't want him to see her face.

"Me too. I don't know what it is, but lately I find myself waking up in the middle of the night restless." Gene stretched out his long lean body and yawned. "Want to talk?"

"No." Melfina let out softly. Untangling herself, she slid over to Gene and rested her head on his shoulder. "Just stay with me, please Gene."

Gene could tell that Melfina was holding back tears; so, he moved so that they were facing each other, and lifted her chin. "Hey, what is it? You haven't been yourself lately; you're starting to scare me."

That was all it took; the tears came harder than she had expected them to. Gene let her cry out all she needed to, and by the time Melfina was done, her eyes were red and splotchy.

"You know you can tell me anything." Gene said, wiping away her tears.

"That's just it, I really don't know why I'm so emotional."

"I have an idea."

Melfina looked at Gene questioningly.

"Why don't you come up and lie with me tonight. Maybe all we need is to be with each other."

"Oh," Melfina let out a gasp.

"No, oh god no Melfina. I just want to hold you and be close to you that's all. I promise you I won't do anything unless you feel comfortable with it."

"Ok," Melfina let Gene lead her up stairs where they sat down on the edge of his bed.

Gene stroked her hand gently, savoring the moment he was spending with her. "Let's try and get some rest ok,"

"Gene I," Melfina could feel the heat entering her cheeks. Apparently Gene could see it, because he placed his hands on either side of her face and drew her close.

"You don't have to say anything Mel, just tell me to stop if I take it too far."

Gene pressed his lips to hers, moving his mouth over the curve of her jaw, down her neck, and up the other side of her face. Melfina trailed the edges of muscle along his lean chest, her stomach contracted when Gene groaned with pleasure at her soft touch.

"It feels so different from the Lay-Line."

"What does?" Gene asked.

"There, when we kissed, it felt like a dream. But now I know it's real."

Gene smiled at her softly and brushed away a strand of hair on her shoulder. "I can show you more things that are real."

Melfina blushed bright red which made Gene laugh.

"Only if you promise me no more drinking." Melfina said.

"Huh, what? Really, ah come on Mel."

"No, if I am going to let you have my body; then you can do with out it."

"Fine," Gene resigned, pulling Melfina tight against him. "No more alcohol. You're my drug now."

Gene kissed Melfina hard, laying them down on the bed.

"Gene," said Melfina.

"Hmm," Gene breathed into her chest.

"Why did it take you so long to realize I need you too?"

Gene looked up at her with a frown on his face. He really didn't know the answer. "Maybe I thought you weren't ready."

"I wasn't," Melfina let out a long breath. "But now I think I am." She smiled at him. And Gene had a look in his eye that meant they would not be going to sleep anytime soon.