Sleep
Before I had known it, I had succumbed to the exhaustion that drifted over me, following a long and eventful day. It hadn't taken much, a full stomach, a little wine, and the soft humming of the engine in the limo created a perfect escape. As my eyes closed, I could feel a warm arm wrap around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I blindly found my way to Eisuke, resting my head on his shoulder, as I crossed my legs. In a second, I was gone.
I stirred slightly as I could feel my arms and body being wrapped gently in a jacket. I sighed, as the familiar and comforting aroma of Eisuke's cologne drifted around me. I hazily attempted to open an eye to look at him, as I felt his strong arms lift me from the seats, but as much as I tried, I couldn't get my eyes to open. Effortlessly, he carried me out of the limo, where the brisk night air sent a chill down my spine. He held me close to his chest as he walked me through the hotel. Drifting in and out of sleep, I could faintly hear the slightest melody streaming the lobby.
It wasn't until I was placed on cool soft sheets that I stirred in my sleep again. I shivered as my body adjusted to the temperature change. The blazer was removed from my body, and in its place, was a was a slightly warm and soft blanket. I could feel Eisuke's fingers brushing a strand of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my hair, as I drifted back to sleep.
I was running. I was running for a while. My legs ached but I kept pushing onward. The frigid air transformed my breath into tiny puffs of white in front of me, as I sprinted forward. The sky was dark, not a single star, nor moon to light the path I was headed along. What I could see was what was immediately on my sides. Abandoned and dark, the buildings were lifeless, and worn down. I questioned why I was running, but each time I attempted to look back, my body propelled me further forward. Soon my legs felt incredibly weak, a numbing feeling in my feet, caused my legs to tangle up in themselves, driving me to the ground.
My knees met the ground harshly, sending sharp pings of pain through my body. I could just barely see my hands on the ground beneath me, as I began to cry. Feelings of frustration and fear swelled up in me, as I tried to push myself up from the ground. As I did so, I felt something cold and hard pushed against the back of my neck.
"This is your fault." An angry voice said.
"I-I don't understand." I stuttered in shock.
"None of this would have happened if it wasn't for you." The angry voice retorted.
"B-But I have no idea what you're talking about!" I shouted.
"You're a liar." The voice responded, still holding the object to my neck. "Stand up."
Obeying I stood up slowly to my feet. The voice was familiar for some reason. I wasn't quite sure why, but a sudden curiosity built up inside me.
"Turn around."
Hesitantly I started to turn, although it was dark, I could just about make out the figure of a man in front of me. He was roughly Eisuke's height, but had a much larger build. He was bald, but had a beard, and was definitely American. My eyes grew wider as he stepped closer, holding out what looked like a gun toward me. I recognized this man! Sadness immediately engulfed me as I watched William approach me. His eyes glowed with a mixture of sadness and anger.
"William…" I whispered.
"Why did you lie?" He asked.
"I never lied to you." I attempted to say calmly as tears swelled in my eyes.
"You never loved me." He accused.
"I loved you! I always loved you!" I shouted back taking a step toward him and the gun.
"D-Don't lie to me again!" He shouted in response, the hand holding the gun started to shake as he struggled to keep it facing me.
"Let's talk William."
"There's nothing to talk about. You're happier here." He said, sadness oozing from his words.
At a loss for words I watched as he gazed at the gun, turning it toward himself. My eyes grew large in disbelief, I struggled to rush forward to him, but instead I was being held in place by something.
"William, no!" I begged, tears streaming down my cheeks, as I struggled to free myself to reach him.
I shrieked, my body propelling upward, as I was jolted awake. Tears were falling from my eyes as I buried my head in my hands. Closing my eyes, I could see William's face, filled with sorrow. My breathing quivered, as I attempted to calm myself down.
It was just a dream. It was just a dream. I chanted to myself.
I sat up straight, taking a deep breath in, and opened my eyes. It was still very dark out, the light from the moon shining in through a large window. As my eyes adjusted, I surveyed my surroundings. I was lying in Eisuke's bed, the soft silk sheets wrapped around my body. A small stream of light emerged from a crack between the doors of Eisuke's office. Quietly, I slipped out of the bed, tiptoeing to the office door. I softly pressed my hand against the cool surface of the door, opening it slightly so I could peek in. Eisuke sat at this desk; his right wrist was resting on the edge of the desk twirling a pen around in between his fingers. He leaned ever-so-slightly, so his head could rest comfortably, supported by his fingers against his temple.
"Do you sleep?" I pondered aloud gaining his attention for a brief moment.
"No sleep for the wicked." Eisuke retorted.
I chuckled slightly, the uneasy feeling that had consumed me before drifting away.
"Thank you." I began, "For bringing me back here."
He grunted, focusing on the laptop in front of him. I stood awkwardly for a moment watching him in silence. Every bone in my body urged for me to ask him to come to bed, but I lacked the resolve to allow the words to flow from my lips. I contemplated whether or not I should make him coffee. I was truly concerned for his well-being. Coffee would not enable him to obtain the rest he required. Then again, what do I know about what he requires? I fidgeted self-consciously, unable to walk away, but unable to say a word.
"Are you going to stand there all night?" Eisuke said, looking up at me again.
His disheveled hair and the exasperated look he was giving me, filled me with despair. I lowered my head in apology and walked back to the door, where I let myself out of Eisuke's office. I could hear him sigh as I mellifluously shut the office doors behind me. I glanced at the bed, not quite ready to drift back off to sleep, I walked over to the giant window. The city burned bright, various colors illuminating the roads and buildings. The brightness from the city drowned out the stars in the sky, leaving only the moon visible to the human eye.
"It's really beautiful." I muttered.
"Eh."
Eisuke startled me as he approached me. I turned to look at him as he stood next to me, staring out the window. I smiled before returning my gaze out the window again. I closed my eyes, painting the reflection of the city on the inside of my eyelids, committing it to memory. Somber thoughts of mortality briefly invaded my mind as I swiftly thought to usher them away. In doing so, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. I could feel Eisuke's eyes on me as I watched our reflections in the window. His fitted shirt was unbuttoned half-way, his chest slightly exposed as he stood there. His sleeves were rolled up a quarter of the way up his arm, establishing a very erotic presence. I was still dressed in my day clothes, the slightly revealing lace shirt, exposing some skin above my pants.
I turned walking toward the closet, where I assumed my clothes would be kept. As I ventured into the closet, the lights flickered on, before dimming to accommodate for the time. I couldn't help but wonder how long I would be able to share such a lavish closet with Eisuke. How long will this last? I frowned at the possibility of this, whatever this was, ending. I opened one of the drawers from one of the center bureaus, exposing various forms of lingerie. Stunned, I pulled one of the pieces out, examining it. The piece was lacy but the fabric was incredibly soft.
"Fascinated?" I heard Eisuke murmur, leaning against the closet door.
Startled I tossed the article of clothing back in the drawer closing it hastily.
"I was looking for my pajamas." I responded flustered.
"Three drawers down, one drawer over."
Following his direction, I pulled open the drawer, viewing various chemises, gowns, and slips. I ran my finger over the top, they all felt as silky as the sheets on his bed.
"Uhh…" I cleared my throat, "These aren't my pajamas."
"They are now." Eisuke said approaching me.
"There wasn't anything wrong with the one's I had." I stated indignantly.
"They were atrocious."
"They were comfortable!" I exclaimed standing up to face him, my hands on my hips.
Eisuke reached down past me, into the draw, pulling out a silky black slip with lace drawn into a rose at the bottom.
"Here." He said, handing me the slip.
"This is far too short." I dismissed, outstretching my hand to return the slip to him.
"For heaven's sake woman, just wear the damned thing." He said frustrated, walking away from me and out of the closet.
I stood speechless for a moment, glaring at the door he had just left through. For a moment, I had the utmost sincerest feelings of resentment toward Eisuke. How could he possibly think that he can just toss someone else's belongings aside and think that he can replace them with whatever he sees fit! I scrunched the slip in my hand taking a deep breath. Damn it! I groaned, taking off my clothing, and sliding the slip over my head. I pulled slightly at the ends of the slip, attempting to create more length, as I turned to review my reflection in the mirror. I let my arms hang at my sides, my hands pressed against my thighs. The end of the slip just barely matched the tips of my fingers. Though it definitely was too short, it was also very sensual, complimenting my curves perfectly.
Sheepishly, I walked out of the closet, to the bedroom where I found Eisuke sitting in a chair, having changed himself. He was bare chested, wearing what appeared to be silk pajama bottoms. One leg was crossed over the other, as he scrolled through his phone. As I exited, he glanced at me over his phone. For a moment, it appeared his eyes widened, before narrowing again. Shyly I turned toward the bed, where I quickly threw the blankets over my body. I closed my eyes, rolling over to face the middle of the bed. I could feel the blush creep up my neck filling my cheeks. I took an unsteady breath in through my nose, attempting to calm my nerves. Stop making my heart race! I silently cursed at Eisuke.
As my heart began to calm, I could feel a slight shift in the sheets, as the bed dipped slightly. When I opened my eyes, I was face to face with Eisuke. Unable to move, I stared at him staring at me before bursting out into uncontrollable laughter.
"You're so strange." He mused.
"You're one to talk!" I chuckled.
A few moments passed as we laughed quietly at each other. I rolled back on to my back, releasing a gratified sigh, resting my arms by my sides on the silk sheets. I stared at the ceiling briefly, lost in the happiness that consumed me. I closed my eyes, a sudden image of the beautiful grand piano flashed behind my eye lids.
"Do you know how to play the piano?" I blurted.
Eisuke was silent for a moment, prompting me to turn over to look at him. I propped myself up on my elbow and stared at him expectantly.
"Hmm." He grunted indifferently.
"I was just thinking about the piano in the other room. It's just so…" I paused, "extraordinary."
"Are you postponing sleep because you're fearful you'll have another nightmare?" Eisuke asked abruptly.
"I, uh…"
"I heard you cry out in your sleep." He whispered, "Your eyes were red from crying."
"It was nothing." I denied.
"Harumi," my heart fluttered as he spoke my name. "You ought to know by now, you wear your emotions on your sleeve."
"A blessing and a curse, I suppose." I shrugged.
"It makes you an easy target."
"A target to whom exactly?" I probe. "If you're concerned about my performance in front of Bucci and Carolina, you needn't be."
"That's rather bold." He said barely above a whisper.
I glanced at Eisuke, who had his eyes closed, an arm propped behind his head. He looked so peaceful as he slept. His hair was strewn across his face, shadowing his eyes. A warmness filled my heart, as I watched his chest rise and fall with his calm breathing. This was the real Eisuke. He spoke of being vulnerable, wearing my emotions on my sleeve, but here he was defenseless. I came to the realization that his eyes were the most commanding feature. Hidden behind his eye lids, he didn't appear as intimidating, without those intense eyes. It's who he is here, right now…
"This is why I love you." I whispered.
The tranquil sound of his breathing, coupled with my own exhaustion, persuaded my eyes to close. As I drifted back to sleep, I basked in the warmth radiating from his body.