Sleep Now, Beautiful

Julia closed her eyes and breathed deeply. The air felt like sweat. She did her business and got out. Ben was combing his hair. "You okay, Jules? Looks like you saw a--". "What? Saw a what?" "Well, the writing on the wall, if...you will."

It took a second, but she caught on. It should've been obvious. She was more tired than she had realized. Belatedly, she shoved Ben. He grabbed his shoulder in mock pain. "You ass." "I just thought you'd appreciate a little message. It's been awhile." His skin was still wet, and it made Julia uncomfortable that even after two years she still found his presence intoxicating. Not batting an eye, she said, "Put a shirt on. You look like a heathen."

"Good to see you too." said Ben, but went to look for a shirt.
"You've been sleeping here? Are you responsible for this?" Julia nodded at Carl's closed door.

Ben pulled on a shirt. It was too tight. He shook his head and wriggled out of it. Julia couldn't help watching his supple torso squirm. He threw the shirt aside and bent down to look for another. "Must be the kid's. Lindsay? She was here before I got in. I've only been here two nights. I'm meeting back up with The Act at The Big Tent." Finding something that fit, he looked up and saw Julia's vague puzzlement and interest. "Dollface, you really do look beat. Can't even muster up the old evil eye, can you? Look, you're almost smiling! Or is that just your look now? The Big Tent, it's this big event in Central Park where different circus troupes perform and compete and there're all these workshops. It's gonna be a blast. You should come."

Ben, oftentimes lost in his movements, trailed off and looked at Julia. He came up to her and held her shoulders. A stray hair had fallen in front of Julia's face. Ben smiled and smoothed it back. "Sleep now, beautiful." He guided her to the couch and crouched before her as she tucked herself in. "Ben, I--" She looked up into his face. It was comforting having him here. She had forgotten how good it felt to be around him. The blankets smelled like him. "What's that, Jules?" She looked down at her hands, clutching the blankets, then looked back at him. "I want to come to your performance. When is it?" "Four. Carl'll bring you along. Now don't worry about anything. You're in good hands now." He kissed her on the forehead, gathered a few things, and walked to the door. "Night, kid." he said. "Sleep."

A feeling of security breathed through Julia's body. She inhaled deeply and felt Ben's presence still lingering. Picturing his eyes smiling deeply, she slipped into the best sleep she'd had in a long time.