"Hey Lui, you awake?"

You stir in your bed. It's too dark to see and you're pretty sure it's past midnight. You can hear your uncle's loud snoring thanks to the thin wall that separates your room from his. If these were normal circumstances you would have fallen right back to sleep. You are a growing boy who both loves and desperately desires a good nights rest, yet something keeps your eyes from closing and makes your hand wander until your fingertips brush against skin that's almost softer than yours.

"Sorry about keeping you up but I just can't fall asleep…Is it okay if I talk to you?"

You admire the way she says 'to' instead of 'with' just as much as you admire the way she cares. She was always sensitive to the emotions of everyone around her, especially yours. She made it a point to tell and show you and anyone who ever gave you sympathy that you're not different, that you areas much a person as anyone else.

Your eyes feel heavy as you draw a circle three times on her open palm; yes in your language. You imagine her smiling as you hear the rustling of fabric, which can only mean one thing: it's time for a long story. You hope you'll be able to stay awake long enough to hear it.

"Today in my English class we were translating songs. I found one that got me to remember something very important." Inhale, exhale. You feel her hand twitch. Not good. "I'm leaving for college soon." You don't intend to yet your hand slowly grasps hers and squeeze it. You don't want her to go away.

When she starts talking again she squeezes your hand just as firmly as you're squeezing hers.

"Lu, we have to face it at some point. I might not come back until I get my degree, which will take at least three years to get if I don't take any breaks." NO. You don't want to hear this. You don't but your mind woke up to hear her speak and it won't shut down until she's done. "I'm sorry Lu, I just don't want you to be hurt when you see time has passed by and I'm not here. Goodness, I'm terrible-" No you're not! "Bringing all this up in the middle of the night. I-...I'm sorry. Honest. I want to see you grow but the chances of getting accepted to a University in America with scholarships is so small…" Please stop…

You hear fabric rustling again and feel two hands touch your stomach. They push softly at you, asking you if you could make some space. You do as they wish and feel a shift in weight where your body had been. Your eyes can't see, only your mind. Your mind sees her hands on your shoulders, watching as they journey up and around to join together behind your neck, holding you close to a warm body –her body. You lay your head on her chest and listen to her heartbeat, willing your tears back. Boys don't cry, Lui.

You always were a sensitive child.

"I'm going to write you letters and send lots of pictures and gifts. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can."

You hope she keeps her promise. You really do. Moments like this make you wish you could talk. You never really cared that you were mute but you feel like talking now, in the middle of the night with your uncle's snores that resemble echoes. You want to tell her you're going to miss her. You love her and you'll wait for her. You'll reply to every letter and you'll send her gifts back even if it means having to do more chores.

You don't want her to go. You really, really don't, but you know you can't stop her. You hope she understands all of this as you press yourself closer to her. You both stay like that even though you both know that aunt and uncle will get mad if they see you both slept on the same bed again. You don't care. All you can think about as close your eyes is her name.

Luka.

A/ n:

The title of this story is a song sung by Blink 182, which is the song Luka was translating in class. This isn't a songfic. I have no clue why but I feel like it's important to point that out.

Inspiration for this story came from Ryuchu. I've pondered continuing this story but I'm not too sure. I also want to point out that italicized words are Lui's thoughts. Thank you for reading this story and I not only hope that you enjoyed it but that you'll also enjoy the future stories I will add to this collection.

P.s. Thank you Mipiko for reviewing and the follow/ favorites :)