She stayed at her desk for the majority of the night, drilling herself with flashcards, repeating equations over and over again, going over her notes until she was practically thinking in formulas and design theorems. Finally, at 4:45am, she crawled into bed beside Tyler, her eyes drifting shut.
“Finally..” He murmured, eyes still closed. He reached out slowly and took her hand.
Macha's eyes flew open again. "You're still awake?" she breathed, propping herself up on one elbow.
“Of course I’m still awake.” He replied, opening an eye to look at her.
"Tyler…" A wave of guilt washed over her. "Why? You should have slept… I'm sorry…"
“I owe you so much. The least I can do is stay awake for you. Now go to sleep, and I’m not letting you stay awake this late again.” He said sleepily.
"I'm sorry…" Macha whispered miserably, shame flooding her body. "I'm sorry." She lowered herself back onto the mattress and curled up into a tight ball, letting her eyes fall shut.
“Don’t be sorry..you should never be sorry..” Tyler said, hesitantly wrapping his arms around her. “I love you..” He whispered.
Macha curled into his warmth, tears pricking her eyes. I missed this… I missed you.. The feeling of being held, of having someone's strong arms around you while you slept…. God, she had only realized how much she needed him after he'd left.
Tyler began stroking her hair gently, out of habit, closing eyes again. “It’s okay..you’re okay..” He murmured.
But I'm not, she wanted to tell him. You deserve someone better.. someone who isn't broken… Of course, she said none of this aloud, only nodded and let her eyelids drift shut.
(Time skip to morning?)
(sure)
(btw Macha is still awake)
(Smh Macha go to sleep)
Tyler stirred a little, glancing over at the clock. He looked down at Macha, hoping she was asleep.
(macha is basically me)
Macha was careful to keep her eyes closed and her breathing even when she felt Tyler stir beside her. She made sure her shoulders and limbs were loose, relaxed, hoping he didn't pick up on her deceptions.
(SLEEP)
Tyler frowned a little, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “Did you get any sleep?” He asked quietly.
(no)
Macha, who had become an expert at pretending to wake up over the past year, made her eyelids flutter open. She stifled a convincingly sleepy yawn, blinking up at him. "T-Tyler?"
(Yes)
“I asked if you got any sleep since you clearly weren’t doing so when I woke up.” He said, keeping her close against his chest.
(I would write something in tiny font but I don't have the energy)
Macha's brow furrowed, her head lifting as she uttered a sleepy, confused "What…?" She lifted a hand to cup his face. "I can't believe it's you… How did you sleep? You should sleep more, it's not like you have anywhere to be."
(Oof)
“I’m not the one who should sleep more. You have to leave soon and you are eating breakfast this morning.” Tyler said, turning his head a bit and kissing her hand.
(lol)
"Or….." Macha bit her lip, toying with an idea. "I could stay…? Surely… this, whatever this is, is more important than a lecture which I memorized the content of last night."
“If you stay, which would be lovely, you’re going to go back to sleep while I make you breakfast which you will be eating.” Tyler told her.
Macha firmly disagreed with that statement. "I kept you up until almost five in the morning. You travelled hours to find me. You are staying in bed and relaxing for as long as is necessary."
“I left you for one year after almost killing you and you haven’t eaten since the day before yesterday. If we have to argue about who deserves more, you should stop arguing now because the answer is you and it will always be you.” Tyler replied firmly.
(Tyler oh my god I love him)
She stopped at that, mouth opening slightly but procuring no sound except for a soft "Oh." I don't deserve you… she thought, more to herself, but accidentally transmitted it straight to his head.
(^-^ me too)
“Nonsense.” Tyler answered, moving to sit up. “Get some more sleep, okay?”
Macha grabbed hold of his wrist. "Just promise me you'll take it easy today? At least nap."
“I’ll be fine.” Tyler smiled a little. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
I need you, she thought, but didn't say so. "Alright, love.."
“Pleas try and sleep..” He said as he left the room, looking back at her.