Garden Gacha Side Story

Love's Refrain- "Believing"

"Leo—there is something, isn't there? Some reason you can't sleep." Leo stared up at Maya silently. (I wish you wouldn't look at me like that. I feel like you can see all the awful things I'm thinking.) When he spoke, his voice was a husky murmur.

"Maya, you should leave. I'm not sure where this will lead if you stay." Maya continued to gaze down at him with wide eyes. Leo could see her trembling a little, and he gave her a wry smile. "I'm a mess right now—I can't promise I can be kind." (And I don't ever want to hurt you.) Leo laid back against the sofa, and covered his eyes with his hand so he wouldn't have to see how she looked at him. "Please Maya—please just leave and don't ask me anything." (Please—run away from me.) He could feel Maya's gaze on him, but he refused to look up. The silence in the room was heavy and tense, and Leo gave a long sigh.

"Leo—" Her voice was soft but sure, and it seemed to ring in his ears. Her hand touched his arm gently, and he began to tremble. He lowered his arm slowly until he could see her face. She was still looking directly at him, and he felt caught by her clear gaze. "I'm here for you." Her soft whisper seemed to fill the whole room. "I'm here for you, Leo." Leo raised his head slowly, his eyes wide. (Why won't you run away like I want you to?) He slowly reached his hand out towards her and hesitantly slid it behind her head.

"You really are an idiot, Maya." (Now is the time to run.)

"I know." (You must be an idiot if you won't run from me.) He pulled her face towards his, and pressed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss. Maya moaned softly as Leo kissed her. Leo smiled, his lips curving against hers, and then kissed her again, deep and intense. He felt her trembling against him, and he caught her around the waist. He turned her around and pushed her onto the floor, his body pressed against hers.

"Don't you want to ask me anything else?"

"Huh?" (I guess you're not really the type to ask why.) Leo buried his face in her shoulder and then pressed a soft kiss against her throat. Maya shivered a little at the touch, and then spoke in a whisper. "There's so many things I want to know and ask. But I'll wait until you're ready to tell me." Leo raised his head and stared down at her. (You once told me you "believe." But I don't understand why you believe in me.) He lowered his head again and gently bit her neck. "Ohhh—" (I want to ask just as many things of you, if not more. Like how is it that you're able to believe in people and trust them?) Leo's fingers found the catches holding her dress shut, and he pulled at them roughly. (Please, please tell me.)

Maya slept quietly, and Leo gently covered her bare shoulders with his jacket.

"What the heck am I doing?" Suddenly he felt like crying, and he raised a hand to cover his face. (It's like I'm trying desperately to cling to you. And all because you believe in me.)

"Nnnn—" Maya rolled over in her sleep, and the jacket slid off, exposing her bare back. There were countless faint marks across her skin— remnants of the night before. Leo stared down at them in surprise. He felt an urge to trace his fingers along the, and he hastily stood up. (I can't forget what it is I live for. After all, I have to—) At that moment, Maya's words flitted through his mind. He caught his breath, his heart suddenly aching. (I thought I didn't need anyone, or anything.)

"Maybe I'm the idiot in all this." (And the way I am now, I could never ever say it to her, but—) Leo walked to the door, then looked back over his shoulder at Maya. His expression softened at the sight of her face, so peaceful in slumber. Then he stepped quietly from the room and shut the door behind him. (I don't think I can live without her anymore.)

Part Nine coming soon!