Shizuru sat up. She was sweating, her heart beating quickly. She glanced at the clock 2:09 AM. As she took some deep breaths to calm herself after the horrifying dream, the lump next to her stirred.
"Shiz…uru…you…ok?" The sleepy voice asked.
"Yes, thank you, I just need some water, go back to sleep." Shizuru replied, though the last comment was unnecessary, her beloved was already snoring once more.
Quietly, she rose and entered the bathroom. After splashing her face with cold water, she looked into the mirror. Her red eyes stared back at her, sharp and calculating. As she stood there, her nightmare flashed before her again, and she shivered.
She returned to bed, and wrapped her arms around her beloved. She lay awake, the nightmare playing in her head over and over. Finally, a small tear managed to escape her, and slid down her cheek. The tear was somehow both of gladness and sadness at once.
Somehow sensing her distress, her beloved awoke once more. "Shiz…uru,…what's…wrong?"
"Bad dream, that's all." She replied quietly, she expected to hear snores as a reply again; instead strong arms wrapped her in a protective hug.
"I'll protect you."
Shizuru let out a small sob, and they lay entwined together until sleep finally claimed them.
The next morning, when Shizuru woke, she was alone. A note lay on the pillow next to her.
Gone to get breakfast, be back soon.
She sighed and awaited her partners return. Soon, her other half returned with a tea tray.
"I thought this would cheer you up." It was Shizuru's favorite tea.
"Thank you." She whispered as she sipped the delicious beverage.
"Wanna talk about it?" Shizuru smiled as her beloved reddened slightly.
"It was a terrible dream," She said quietly, "You…"
"I…what? Please tell me."
"You were a man." Tears sprung to Shizuru's eyes as she admitted this. Of course it was the most horrible thing her mind could possibly have come up with.
Natsuki's strong arms wrapped around her once more, as Shizuru dropped the empty tea cup. She sobbed into Natsuki's shoulder, while Natsuki gently held her. When the tears subsided, Natsuki pulled away slightly, looked her right in the eye and said, "I love you Shizuru, I'll always be here for you."
"Thank you."