I awaken suddenly, my heart pounding fiercely in my chest. Reflexively, I gasp loudly and bolt upright. My hands fly to my sides, holding me straight. My head whirls around, scanning the dark room around me.
The alarm clock's digital face glows, showing the time to be 2:14am. Glancing around one final time, I allow myself to slowly pull the covers around me, sliding deeper into our bed. My brain still swims with snippets of details of my nightmare, but the fear is already quickly fading away as I try to return to sleep.
In vain, I pull the blankets around me, but I remain cold. After tossing and turning for a while, I give up, opting to go to the closet and retrieve a woolen winter duvet. As my nude body exits my warm cocoon, I shiver reflexively. I consider turning the lights on, however, decide that I can brave the darkened hallway in order to avoid hurting my still-tired eyes.
Stepping into the hallway, I advance slowly towards the closet, being mindful to avoid the loudest of floorboards. Even when you weren't home, I still acted like you were here. I let out a small chuckle as I retrieve the blanket from the closet. I hear the old grandfather clock downstairs ding, and I turn my head towards the sound.
You should be home by now, as the 3 a.m bell tolls. Your shift ended an hour ago. Lost in my thoughts, a shape darts between my legs, and I jump back with a shout.
"Gully!" I exclaim, as the chubby Maine Coon meows impatiently. Looks like I'm not the only one that can't sleep. Sighing loudly, I tread lightly down the wooden staircase to give the impatient feline his midnight snack. Bending down to feed the cat, I believe I hear our front door, but upon investigation, it remains shut.
"Now I'm hearing things..." I mutter to myself, turning around to walk towards the stairs. I pause in the kitchen to get a small glass of water, resting against the counter as I take thirsty sips. A small trickle of water escapes my lips and runs down my neck, and I shiver as it carves an icy path.
Suddenly, hands are on me. I feel breath on my neck, stubble rubbing against my ear. I try to jump back, to scream, but a hand covers my mouth and a body forces me in place. Using my free arm, I swing back, hard, and am met with the feeling of jean against my skin. I smell your cologne, mixing with your shampoo, and I relax as I recognize a familiar form.
"Let me get that for you, darling." You purr, sucking the water off my collarbone. I gasp into your hand, my heart still beating quickly. Is it because I'm startled, or is it because you're here, I wonder?
Your teeth nibble along my neck, up to my ear. Arms relaxing slightly, you move to give me more room. You've made an error, darling. You're not the only one that can tease. I spin around to finally see you.
You stand softly, your arms resting gently on my sides. Smiling crookedly, you try to pull me towards you. I slip away, moving towards the centre of the kitchen.
"How was work?" I inquire, watching your eyes roam my body. I know you're not thinking about work, but I decide that you deserve some payback for startling me so.
Momentarily confused, you blink at me as though you've forgotten what work even is. Making a noncommittal sound in the back of your throat, you advance towards me again. Oh no, my love. You're not getting off that easy.
"Can you make me some tea, considering you're already up?" I nod towards the bulge in your jeans, giggling as I dash towards the staircase.
I hear you chuckle as I advance the stairs. Our bedroom is at the end of the hall, but I slip into the closet. Fighting to cover my giggles, I wait to hear your footsteps on the staircase. A few minutes later, I hear the wooden staircase protesting under you. I find myself biting my hand to prevent an onslaught of nervous giggles from erupting out of my chest.
I expect to hear you pad right past the closet towards our bedroom, but you pause. Damn your training. How is it that you can know I'm here without seeing me? Finally, I hear footsteps retreating down the hall, and I jump out of my hiding place. Payback is a bitch,
liebe.
Expecting to be greeted with your strong back, I instead feel arms wrap around my stomach. I've run right into you! I let out my breath as you hold me against your chest. I struggle, pushing back with my arms, but it's too late. You chuckle as I laugh loudly, my head flying back in a gesture of pure contentment.
"How'd.." My speech is interrupted with fits of giggles. "How'd you know I was hiding there?" You smile, half your mouth lifting. Without a word, you scoop me up into your arms.
Uh-oh. This is not how I saw this going. I protest, halfheartedly telling you to put me down, but you continue carrying me to our bedroom. I don't think either of us wants to stop now, not truly.
Suddenly, I'm on the bed, with one of your hands containing both my wrists. I squirm, laughing loudly as you use your free hand to tickle my stomach. Before I can realize what's happening, cold, metallic handcuffs have tied my wrists.
Well, fuck.
"You really can't ever keep quiet, can you?" You question, stepping off the bed. I follow your movement with my eyes, and laugh nervously. Your hands slip over my ankles and I find myself reflexively pulling my legs closer together.
Once again, you retreat. Returning, I see you hold something in your hands, however, it is too dark for me to make it out. Something soft and familiar slips over my eyes, and I feel you resting above me.
"Is a blindfold really necessary,
