Page 18 of Fibre and Ink

I was a terrible person.

I withdrew my hand.

Chapter Seven

Aster

Iwas pleased with the meal I’d made, and the progress I’d made researching who made what decisions about new projects around town, and who I could contact about the data center.

The problem was, that night, after dark, once Mickey had gone to bed and the world outside was pitch black again, all I could think about was the possibility of strangers wandering around the farm.

Strangers who wanted... what? To break in and attack us? To move the boundary lines and build some horrible massive structure?

Maybe there was someone out there, just watching.

It was all way too creepy.

I changed out of my binder and into my sleepwear and brushed my teeth. I was a grown man. I could sleep alone on the farm.

Only... I’d never actually slept alone at the farm, had I?The nights I’d slept here, Harlow had been in the room with me. Mickey in the next room over. Earlier, their parents had been there too. A comforting group of people to reassure me.

At my family place, there was always Dillon and my folks and Tane.

Plus, although they were at the end of Main Street, the grocery store and apartment were still in Foggy Basin proper. If I’d ever had any issues I could open a window and start hollering and someone would hear and come help.

Out here?

I didn’t really know the neighbors and they weren’t within hollering distance.

I was being stupid, really deeply pathetic.

But I went and knocked on Mickey’s door all the same.

“Come in?” Mickey sounded confused, which was pretty expected, since we’d said our goodnights already.

I pushed the door open, sheepish.

“Hey, um... I’m sorry to ask, but can I sleep in here with you again?”

Mickey’s expression was nothing but softness as he nodded.

“Yeah, I’m gonna read for a while before I switch the light out though.”

“That’s fine.” I went back to my room and grabbed my notebook, pen, and a novel and slip[ed into bed beside him, being sure to keep space between us.

I focused on my novel and he focused on his and it was totally not awkward and weird at all when he turned the light off and we both lay down facing each other in the dark.

I absolutely did not imagine myself running my fingers through his hair or touching his beard. I definitely didn’t dream about how warm and safe I’d feel if I rolled over and he wrapped his arms around me, spooning me.

I closed my eyes and told myself to behave.

Eventually, I got to sleep.

Once again, Mickey was up and gone before I woke up, which was sort of impressive since I’m usually not that deep a sleeper, but... well, he’d made me feel safe, hadn’t he?

It followed that I’d sleep soundly with him beside me.

I rolled over and buried my face in his pillow and inhaled his scent until I felt like a creep and got up instead.