"What are you doing up?" She yawned and stretched as she paced over to the brooding figure.
"Did I wake you? I'm sorry."
She smiled, he was such a dork. She came and plopped into his lap, startling him slightly. She took his face between her hands and stared into his tired, light blue eyes. She tilted her head to the side, brow furrowed.
"What is it?"
He avoided her gaze, blushing slightly and murmured,
"Nothing. It's… it's stupid."
"Probably," She agreed with a laugh at his frown. "No, but come on," she said seriously, stroking a hand down his cheek softly, "What's the matter?"
He heaved a heavy sigh, took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. The other arm went around her waist, holding her more firmly to him. He closed his eyes at her touch and she whispered,
"Sweetheart…" She felt her heart sink to the bottom of her stomach as he opened his eyes again. The sorrow, the pain, the hurt, the exhaustion in them cut her deeply and she leaned, capturing his lips for a long, loving kiss.
"Marianne…" He whispered softly after they parted.
"Tell me what's wrong, Bog. I hate seeing you like this, please."
He didn't want to, she knew. So she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned heavily against him. She could wait. He knew this tactic of hers and normally it would end with him using his strength to pry her from him after a lot of yelling and laughter.
Her eyes opened in surprise as this time he only drew her as close as he could, wrapping both arms around her tightly and burying his face in her hair. After a long time, he slowly began to speak.
"I dream a lot… I know they aren't real. I know they mean nothing but… sometimes they just feel so real." He shook his head and she raised a hand to caress his cheek.
"What are they about?" He was silent for so long she almost fell asleep against him. Finally, he whispered, so quietly she wasn't sure she'd heard him right,
"You."
She pulled away and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Let me guess, the dream me leaves you because you're ugly and evil and mean and can no longer stand you?"
He flinched and looked away. She took his chin and forced him to look at her.
"Who fought against tradition and her father to be here?"
He swallowed and spoke softly, "You."
"Who made the advancements in the relationship because someone was too shy?" He flinched again.
"You."
She let go of his chin to slide her hand up his cheek, running her thumb under his eye, her face softening.
"And who- whole-heartedly and happily- agreed to marry you?"
"You did." He whispered and she brought his face to hers in another sealing kiss.
"And don't you dare forget it." He only nodded and swiftly picked her up, standing, and going back to their bed.