Dahlia

Akira holds me against his chest. My eyes peel open, as I look around. Akira shifts.

"What's wrong, Blossom?"

I yawn. "Nothing."

"Blossom?" He whispers, in horror, touching his face. I sit up. "Akira?"

He smiles. His eyes. I wave my hand in front on his face. He smiles. "Breakfast then?"

"Akira...your eyes." I whispered. "What happened? You were fine."

Akira sighs, glancing away. "I...was always at risk for going blind again. The operation was temporary, after all."

He stands, feeling around. "You should go home early, Dahlia. I don't want to burden you again," he smiles softly, almost ruefully.

I can't...I can't leave him. Something about him, since the day I saw him...I need to take care of him.

"Nonsense. Are you...don't you have family? Someone can help you?" I ask softly, cupping his face.

He holds my hand against his cheek. "Ah...I'll find someone. Don't worry about me, Dahlia. It won't be the first time."

I can't believe this. I can just pack up and go home early. He has money, right, so everything will be fine. Hell work it out. The bracket he gave me glints in the light.

Shit. Shit. Not again. Not that he was bad before. In fact...it was nice to have companionship. And...these few days have been so nice.

I have a few days of PTO saved up. At least until I can help him find a trustworthy person to help him.

"Don't worry for me, Dahlia, really." He gets up, slipping out of bed. "I was blind for a bit when I got home, so I know the layout."

He clicks his tongue, finding the bathroom door. "I'll get along."

"I'll help you," I whisper. "I can help you for the rest of the week, and I'll find you a helper, you'll see."

I stand, grabbing his arm. He smiles, patting my hand.

"Being blind...I learned to get around. Just a few days, and I'll have the layout of the house great."

He pressed his lips against my head.

"You want to shower?" I murmur.

He nods, slipping from my grasp, touching his sweatpants. He pulls them off, without shame. I can't help but let my eyes linger down to his package.

I lick my lips. "Are you sure you don't need help?"

He touches the knobs on the shower. "Mh, I'm fine. Just...trying to remember braille. Never learned it very well."

"I've got it." I take his hand. He steps over the tub sitting down.

I know how he likes his baths. Scalding hot. I turn the heat on, add a little cold.

"You know I hate that," he frowns, noticing immediately.

"Can't be good, the heat that high," I murmur.

He beckons me into the bath. "Join me. We both know you like it just as hot, anyway."

I shrug, slipping into the water with him. He kisses my neck.

"I thought...on the island. One more kind word. One more soft touch, and perhaps I'd be completely smitten," his hand caressed my neck.

I press my back against his chest. "And then?"

He doesn't respond, running his wet fingers through his hair, instead.

I look back at him. His eyes are slightly clouded over, but they're are bright as ever. I touch his face, letting him know he's still on the hook.

"And then?" I press.

His lips turn up humorously. "And then, you were supposed to be taking a bath with me, but you're interrogating me instead."

"You started this conversation." I elbow him gently.

"Did I?" He smirks, shrugging. "I don't recall. "

"Ugh, you little..." I trail off a chuckle leaving me, as I shake my head at the absurdity.

"Do you ever think of him?" He asks me gently.

I know who's he's stalking about in an instant.

"You've asked me this before." I whisper.

"Tell me again."

"Barely. In passing, usually. We weren't together long, anyway," I smile. His fingers rise from the water, touching my face.

"But you smile when you think of him." His tone is almost accusatory.

I roll my eyes. "You sound jealous."

"I'm jealous of anyone who puts a smile on your face like that."