I love you,
"I love you." Nikki had whispered, before falling asleep, assuming that Diane had been asleep. From that moment, even as she tossed and turned, Diane knew that it was a losing battle to try and sleep. Eventually, she got up and padded to the kitchen flicking the kettle on.
Sitting with a cup of tea in her hands her mind whirled. Why did Nikki have to bring up emotions? Diane didn't do emotions – it wasn't how she worked.
A while later, she wasn't sure how long it had been, she heard the bedroom door open.
"Di what's wrong, what are you doing up?" Nikki asked as she moved into the kitchen door.
"I don't know if I can do this, Nik…"
"Do what?"
"Do us, Nikki."
"Why, why now Diane?" Nikki questioned almost pleading.
Diane took her time answering. Yet finally she had to speak.
"You love me. I always hurt the ones that love me. I always have."
"I'm willing to take the risk, Diane."
"I'm not."
"Diane, why?"
Because she loved her, because she had always loved her.
"I love you, it would kill me to hurt you, and I will eventually."
Nikki stood quietly by the door for the moment. Then moved over and pulled Diane into a tight hug.
"Well you're not getting rid of me that easy. You hurt me then we will both hurt, but let's not dwell on it. It may never happen.
"But you don't understand, Nikki, I hurt people, I always do."
"But you've never loved anyone. You've said that before, and you love me. That is the difference."
Diane stayed silent, contemplating Nikki's words.
"I'm not taking no for an answer, okay Diane?" Nikki whispered pulling Diane in for another hug.
Kissing Diane from the ear to the cheek, she murmured again.
"I'm not taking no for an answer, okay? Now come to bed"
With that, Diane let herself be dragged to bed. Perhaps, she thought, this could work.