With the Lights Off...

(10): Don't Say You Love Me

*oh my gosh! ((: guys, thanks for making this story reach 1,000+ reads :)) i just hope the votes were just as much, but that doesn't really matter (: hahaha xD thank you for that. I know I've made you wait long enough for this chapter, but, but... school and... SLEEP -.-" hahaha xD no excuses, but i'm still very sorry. I've also been stuck lately. Didn't know where the story was going -.-" anyways, here it is and i hope you like it! even if it's just a tiny filler chapter <33 Please continue to read, vote, fan, comment and share! :DD

Oh and, how could I forget? I LOVE YOU ALL! <33 HugsieeLovesieeBooBooBells! :">*

NINA'S POV

"Ian?" I asked worriedly, shifting over in my bed. I was panting heavily, my hair matted to my forehead with sweat.

"Bad dream?" he asked, rubbing his forehead.

I nodded, quite hesitantly. I didn't want to admit it to him. How was I supposed to admit to Ian that all my nightmares were about him. "You?" I asked, rubbing my arms.

"Same," he said, shaking his head. He sat up and heaved a huge sigh.

I felt myself groan, breathing in and out repeatedly. "I can't sleep," I muttered, running my hand through my hair.

"Neither can I," he admitted, placing his elbows on his knees.

I kept quiet, before running a hand over my face in exasperation. "No wonder you can't sleep," I heard myself say. I looked down at his makeshift bed. "That floor is so cold and hard. It's uncomfortable."

"I have to make do, I guess," he said, half-laughing, half-serious. "I can't lie down next to Paul, now can I?"

I had no idea what I was doing or what I was feeling. But, all I knew was that Ian was about as restless as I was right now.

And only one thought crossed my mind and verbalized itself into words.

I smiled and moved over, leaving a big space next to me

"But you can lie down next to me," I sighed, smiling slightly. I didn't want to look overeager or expectant.

Suddenly, Ian's face softened, his half-smile playing on his lips.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded and moved over, lying down on the farther side of the bed near the wall. "Come on up," I smiled. "Before I change my mind."

He nodded and stood up, walking towards the bed. He lied down facing me, his blue eyes piercing through mine. I shifted awkwardly, causing his face to slightly droop.

"I can turn around if you want," he offered, trying to make a space between us. "It's okay."

Before I could think better of it. "No," I sighed. "Don't. Please."

"Why?" he challenged.

I sighed. "Because you've always kept my nightmares away when you slept next to me," I whispered hesitantly. "And I really, really need a good night's rest right now."

"I know the feeling," he nodded. "Okay, I won't turn around."

I cracked a grateful smile and leaned up to kiss the bottom of his stubbly chin. "Thank you, Ian," I whispered. I looped my fingers around his and closed my eyes. "Good night."

He kissed my forehead and wrapped his arm around me protectively. "Good night Nina," he sighed. "Sleep tight, don't let a Salvatore bite."

I chuckled sleepily and leaned my head on his shoulder. "Good night," I whispered, before finally feeling myself drift off into a peaceful sleep.