"Baby, I gotta go," Daniel said while he rubbed Analise's back.
"Stay home with me," she mumbled while wrapping her arms tighter around his neck.
Daniel kissed the top of her head. "I gotta work, bae. I came back to lay down with you for a lil longer, but now I need to go."
"Five more minutes."
Daniel gave in and relaxed under her once again. Her lips were on his neck, gently kissing him. He knew he should be getting up now, but he could admit he'd rather be home with her. Or he'd prefer if she came with him, but he knew they needed space. Daniel could feel his social battery starting to drain, so the car ride with music and smoking would allow him to somewhat recharge.
Analise gave Daniel a lot of peace, but being in a relationship was hard for him. He found it difficult to manage his friendships, both jobs, and now a girl he wanted to be around 24/7. The best part of it was how it seemed to somewhat keep this mind off the things that haunted him. He found it difficult to reminisce on his demons when Analise had most of his attention. It was only late at night or early mornings-when she was asleep-that the memories resurfaced.
That was part of the reason he wanted her to stay with him instead of going back home. She became the calm in the storm he called his mind. Analise soothed him more than any of the drugs he took. Nevertheless, he still needed the drugs-and was afraid he always would.
"What are you thinking about?" Analise whispered against his neck.
"How much you mean to me."
Analise's hold on his neck grew tighter before she kissed his neck again. "You mean a lot to me, too, my sweet boy."
Daniel smacked his teeth. "Don't start with the sappy shit, bae."
Analise giggled. "You are sweet. Well, to me."
"Yeah, to you." Daniel tapped her butt. "Lemme get up, ma."
"We're gonna do your hair when you get home," she said before running a hand through his afro.
"Okay."
Analise let out a long, dramatic sigh before rolling off top of Daniel. With a chuckle, Daniel shook his head while he got up from bed.
