The Protectorate ---
Though I know that I am to obey my master's every wish, I cannot help but drift from his authority now and again. After all, I allow myself some free will under his roof. He may not agree with my free will, but it is mine, just as he is mine.
Along with the 'mine' comes the home that I try to keep perfect for my master while he is away doing astronaut things. He may own the house and all the things in it, but I make it a home for him. It is the least I can do for the wonderful man that took me in and gave me freedom after all that time stuck in my bottle in the sands of the beach.
It is an unspoken rule in this home that I am to stay in my bottle after the lights have gone out and Master has gone to his room for the night. This is something that I try to follow, but the anxiety of being away from him when he is so close keeps me awake at night. I cannot sleep knowing that he is alone and helpless when I could be there to keep watch over him.
So that is what I do night after night. He does not know that I watch him, and he does not need to know. I would not like to make him angry with me if he were to find out. Besides, what harm is there in making sure that he is safe in his bed, protected from all the dangers of the waking world? I could never forgive myself if anything were to happen.
As soon as I know that he is asleep I blink myself into his room and find my spot beside him on the bed. He always sleeps on his stomach, laying out on the left side of the mattress. Sometimes I lay down beside him, just to know what it feels like. I imagine that we are just another normal couple, not genie and master. Sometimes it hurts to leave the make-believe world and come back to the real one.
Since I cannot see his chest rising and falling with each breath, I lay my hand on his back to make sure he is breathing. It may seem dumb, but every little touch counts, and I will take whatever I can get. It makes me feel closer to him just to have that reassurance.
The nights are far too short for my liking. If I could have it my way, I would stay with him forever like this. The dreams would never stop for him, and the reality could just fade away for me. There would be no reason to think that we were anything less than lovers together in our own world.
Just the thought of being lovers brings a smile to my face and a warm feeling throughout my body.
The darkness of the room begins to wane, though, and I know that my time with him has come to a close. I must return to my bottle and play the role of the good genie that would never do anything to disobey her master and his wishes. He should never know that I was ever gone from my bottle.
But the feeling of being so close is so good. Besides, something might happen if I leave his side. I know the chances of that happening are slim, and I really should leave.
But still....
Maybe I'll stay here a little longer, just to be sure.
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a/n: The inspiration struck me, so I began to write. This is how it is, this is how it will be. Feedback appreciated. Gotta share the love. Besides, it's only the fiftieth I Dream of Jeannie fic to be published on Gotta spread the Jeannie love, people!!
It's a fanfiction sin to read without reviewing.
