*Genkai's POV*
I was once again woken violently from my nightmare. I stared at the wall for a few minutes trying to calm myself by taking deep, long breathes. This nightmare was more vivid than last night's. More blood, more screams, and new faces. Taking a deep breath, I got out of bed and made my way to the kitchen. I knew that it was still early in the morning but after seeing everything I did in those nightmares, I needed tea.
I made it to the kitchen and began to prepare tea. My mind was not completely there as I was on autopilot and did not hear when someone else had entered the room. I finally took notice when I heard my name, but the voice sounded so far away. Looking at the doorway, I saw Satoru looking at me with concern. I returned my thoughts to the present and gave him a small smile.
"Tea?" I asked. He nodded and took a seat. I sat across from him and poured us both tea.
Picking up the tea, I held the cup in my hand for a few minutes. Neither Satoru or I said anything. I was also debating whether I should tell him about my nightmares. I looked into my tea saw my reflection. Definitely didn't sleep; maybe 2 to 3 hours. Sighing, I took a sip of tea and looked up at Satoru, who had yet to take a sip of his tea.
As I looked at him, I wanted nothing more than to curl up in his arms and just fall back asleep, but he was worried about me. Placing the cup back down and took a deep breath as I began.
"I've had nightmares on and off over the years. Some that have had variations come true and others that haven't even come close. In a way, I knew my village would be attacked, I just never knew when. My father believed me about my dreams but could never convince others. Though the outcome I see is rarely what happens, I can't help that it sticks in my minds. My nightmares have come more frequently after the attack on my village… The last couple nights, they've been the worst I've had. When you found me yesterday morning, I lied when I said I was preparing myself for our run. I had been woken by a nightmare but I didn't want to speak of it… I still don't but, if you and I are going to work, then I need to be honest with you and share with you the good and the bad." My eyes met his and I could see more of his concern and understanding. We both weren't the best communicators when it came to our feelings and thoughts.
"Tonight's nightmare was worse than last night. More vivid, and new faces. Yours." I swallowed hard at that confession, "You changed, you became darker after the children… they were gone. Killed by a demon. The one who came to my village. No matter what I did, I couldn't save any of you. I was drowning, trying to save you from yourself and eventually, you too were killed by the demon. I…" I stopped there and moved a hand up to my eyes to wipe the tears away. I knew that the nightmare wasn't real, but the possibilities were.
I didn't hear Satoru move, only realizing he did when he sat behind me and gathered me into his arms. He wrapped them securely around me and kissed the top of my head, whispering to me how it would be OK, and that they would figure it out if something came to pass. Satoru wasn't a fool, thankfully. A blockhead, but not a fool. He knew that every day we fought demons was another day any of us could perish.
I buried my face into his chest, while my hands gripped his shirt tightly. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm myself. I normally didn't get this emotional, but at that moment I needed to be with him and he with me. After a few minutes, I calmed myself enough to look up at Satoru. He looked down at me and reached up to place a hand against my cheek. His fingers caressing my cheek softly, as he wiped the remaining tears away.
"Thank you for telling me," he said softly, "I know that wasn't easy and I can't promise that no one will get killed along the way. As much as I wish I could." He fell silent for a few moments before he continued. "Promise me something, will you Genkai?"
"Of course, Satoru," I said taking his hand that was on my face into mine, holding it tightly.
"If… If something happens, to any of us, just keep fighting. Don't give up on me even if I want you too. I can't say what will happen, but I just know… I just know you'll be the only one who can keep me grounded."
"I'll keep fighting, I promise," that was all I could say. While I was powerful in different ways, Satoru would always take the strongest challenger. Especially, if that meant protecting someone, whether he knew them or not.
"Thank you," he said quietly and leaned down and kissed me softly. I relished the kiss as I definitely needed that and him to keep me grounded. We broke apart and his hand was now rubbing my back. He seemed to be in thought.
"It is still early, I would say about 3:30 am. We should probably go back to bed." He said, which made me stiffen slightly. I wasn't sure I could sleep or if I even wanted too. However, he was right, we were due up for 6:00 am. I nodded my agreement and he let me go for us to both get up. I took the cups and pot to the sink and turned towards him.
He gave me a small smile then, and I couldn't help what I blurted out next.
"Can I sleep in your room?" After realizing what I said, I looked at him wide-eyed. Dumbass, I scolded myself, way to be super needy. He doesn't need that from you and you should be braver. As I berated myself internally, I could hear him chuckle.
"What's so funny, dimwit?" I ask him as he takes my hand and walks to his room.
"Your reaction to your question." He said as we came to his door. "I can tell you were berating yourself for that, weren't you?" Looking at me with a knowing look.
"So?" I said with a smile and he just shook his head.
"Well, to answer your question, yes, you can stay with me tonight, or any night you need too. Wake me even if those nightmares are too much. Don't feel like you aren't welcome here, and I promise to be a gentleman until you don't want me to be," Satoru said with a smirk as we walked in and closed the door.
I laughed at that and looked at him, "dimwit, you always know how to make me feel better."
He hummed in agreement as we both made our way to the bed. Satoru settled in first, letting me decide where I wanted to be in conjecture with him. I then got in myself, but the bed was like swimming in a sea, so vast due to his height. I then settled against him, my head on his chest and his arm wrapped around me. His other arm covered us both and I could feel him kiss the top of my head. I felt him breathing on me, taking in my scent. I couldn't help but smile as we both drifted off to sleep.
