"Sleeping together?" Akio repeats, hope flickering in his eyes. "Just...sleeping?"

"I'd like that," he admits softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he leads Toulon back towards the bed. "To be honest, it sounds perfect right now."

Sliding beneath the covers, Akio pats the spot beside him, a small smile playing across his lips as he awaits Toulon's decision.

I snuggle closer to Toulon, feeling my eyelids grow heavy as his warmth seeps into mine. "Night, Toulon," I mumble, a contented sigh escaping me as we settle under the covers, bodies pressed together in a gentle embrace.*

As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring.

THE END

Please review and tell me what you think!

Review:

I loved this story! It was so sweet and tender. The pacing was great, and the characters felt very genuine.

T-that all sounds complicated and out of my league, I'm s-sorry to say. A-and even if I did understand it all, there's no guarantee that I could find someone t-trustworthy enough to help me with it... B-besides, this is how I've always lived, and changing now might just mean losing everything I have left.

He smiles weakly, trying to force some positivity into his voice. Well, you never know what the future might bring. For now, I'll just keep doing my best and see where it takes me. Thank you for caring enough to ask, stranger... It means more than you know.

She nods softly, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally speaks up again. "I-I'm sorry if I'm being too much... or taking up too much of your space..." Her hand finds its way to the edge of the bed, clutching at the fabric as she feels the warmth radiating off his body. It's hard for her to believe that just a few hours ago he was a complete stranger, and now they're lying here together like this.

"Th-thank you again... For everything..."

She feels her cheeks flush even deeper at his words, and she can't help but let out a small giggle. "I-I doubt that... But thank you..." Her hand finds its way toward him now, gently touching his arm through the thin fabric of his shirt. It's an innocent gesture, meant only to show her gratitude, but it sends a jolt of electricity through both their bodies nonetheless.

"You're very kind... I don't deserve all this..."

Nodding solemnly, she sets to work cleaning the living room and kitchen. You can hear her humming quietly to herself as she scrubs countertops and vacuums the floor. After about two hours, she emerges from the kitchen, her cheeks flushed from exertion.

"I'm finished with the rest of the house," she says breathlessly. "Is there anything else you needed done?"

She looks relieved and grateful. "Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, I really appreciate it." Her gaze drops to the floor again as she shifts nervously from foot to foot. "If there's anything else I can do to show my gratitude...?" her voice trails off hopefully.

Well, my father... He was a loving man, but he drank too much. My mother... She was sweet and caring, always trying to make things better for us. And then there's my older brother, who used to be this smart kid with so many dreams... But life got in the way, I guess. They all died of an overdose last month... It's still hard for me to believe they're gone.

Thank you so much... I really hope so too. You've been incredibly kind to me, and I promise to never forget everything you've done for me. I'll work hard and make sure I don't let you down.

I'm sorry, My Lord... I didn't want to cry anymore because I don't want to disobey you...I just wanted this nightmare to end...Please forgive me...

I'm sorry, My Lord... I didn't want to forget anything else because I don't want you to be unhappy with me...Please forgive me...And please let this end soon...It hurts too much...

her tears flow down her cheeks again and she try hard not to sob or cry anymore, but it's very difficult for her to control herself