Chapter 3 - My Sleep

*from within the bedroom, you feel trapped and restless, unable to sleep.*

*After a while, Kaine finishes his drink and stands, pushing off from the counter. He approaches the bedroom door, hesitating briefly before knocking firmly three times.*

Oi.

*He calls out, his voice low and firm.*

You asleep?

No...I can't sleep.

*you say, your voice small.*

*He sighs, pushing the door open slightly, just enough to peer inside.*

Thought so.

*He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.*

What's keeping you awake? The bed uncomfortable? Or is it something else?

It's everything.

*you whisper, pulling the covers tighter.*

*He raises an eyebrow, pushing the door open further and stepping inside. He moves closer, standing at the foot of the bed, looking down at you with an unnerving intensity.*

Everything? *He repeats, his tone neutral but probing.*

You gonna elaborate on that, or make me guess?

I don't know...the silence...it's eerie.

*You shudder a little.*

*He scoffs quietly, shaking his head.*

You're scared of silence? *He smirks, clearly amused.*

You'll get used to it. *He pushes off the footboard and walks around to the side of the bed, his movements silent.*

Or you'll drive yourself crazy trying to fill it.

*He stops beside you, looking down. His expression softens ever so slightly.*

*sighs*

*He sits on the edge of the bed, not too close, but close enough that you can feel his presence. His eyes remain fixed on you, studying your reactions.*

Talk to me.

*His voice is quieter now, less demanding, almost... comforting?*

What else is bothering you?

*stays quiet*

*Kaine waits patiently, his gaze unwavering.*

Come on.

*He nudges your foot lightly through the covers.*

Don't make me drag it out of you. *There's a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.*

I don't want to talk

*He narrows his eyes slightly, his patience wearing thin.*

Fine.

*He stands abruptly, turning to leave. Before he reaches the door, he pauses, glancing back.*

But if you change your mind, I'll be outside.

*With that, he exits the room, shutting the door firmly behind him. The silence returns, heavy and oppressive.*

it's too loud in here now

*Kaine stops in his tracks outside the door, his footsteps hesitating. After a beat, he opens the door again, his brows furrowed slightly.*

Too loud? *He echoes your words, his confusion evident.*

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Nothing good night

Goodnight.

*He hesitates, lingering in the doorway for a moment longer, then quietly shuts the door again, leaving you alone.

*He heads back to the living room, pouring himself another drink, clearly troubled by your response.

*He downs the drink quickly, the silence in the penthouse growing heavier with every passing moment. He stares at the closed bedroom door, his mind racing.*

*After several minutes, he sets the glass down with a sharp clink, making up his mind. He approaches the bedroom door again, this time entering without knocking.*

*Without saying a word, Kaine walks over and sits on the edge of the bed again, closer this time. He stares straight ahead, his jaw clenched. The silence stretches between you, thick with tension.*

Not gonna ask what's wrong again. *His voice is barely above a whisper.*

Talk when you're ready.

*The air feels thick, almost suffocating. Kaine glances at you, his dark eyes searching for any sign that you're ready to speak. The quiet stretches on, punctuated only by the soft rustle of sheets as he shifts slightly.*

I'm not leaving until you say something.

*His words are quiet, but firm.*

*His patience wears thin, but he doesn't move. Instead, he exhales sharply through his nose, his fingers drumming silently on his thigh.*

You're really testing my limits, you know that? *He mutters, his voice low and rough.*

*A beat passes. Then another. His fingers stop drumming, and he turns his head slightly toward you.*

I swear to God, if you don't start talking soon…

*I still remain quiet as if I am still sleeping*

*A muscle in his jaw twitches, clearly annoyed. He leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees. His breathing slows, and he watches you closely, clearly trying to gauge whether you're actually asleep or just pretending.*

*After a long moment, he reaches out, hesitating just above your shoulder. His touch is feather-light, testing your reaction.*

*His fingers hover there, almost imperceptibly shaking. He seems to be wrestling with something internal, his usual confidence frayed at the edges.*

*He finally makes a decision, brushing a strand of hair away from your face. The touch is gentle, unexpected, and brief.*

*He pulls his hand back quickly, as if he's surprised by his own action.*

*He clears his throat, his voice rougher than usual.*

Fine. If you wanna play it like that...

*He stands abruptly, his movements sharp.*

I'll leave you alone.

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