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It’s another dream again. But unlike the other nights filled with nightmares, the atmosphere is light and inviting. The fog that’s begun to roll in usually would have him concerned but somehow, his mind is relaying to him that it's nothing to be feared. Beyond the murk is a silhouette and a voice. Edega walks to them, arm outstretched, trying to navigate through the blurry air. The mysterious figure calls out to him again, but much softer.
“Dr. Edega?”
He immediately recognizes that voice. The fog dissipates and without a doubt, it’s Dr. Paige. She’s a frequent visitor in his good dreams, usually elated to see him. Edega is happy to see her too.
She’s standing in what was a white void, but now appears to be a room with blankets and pillows. Warm yellow lights adorn the ceiling, giving the room a comforting glow. Ada’s confusion turns to joy when she looks behind her to see Edega. She smiles and leads him to some cushions conveniently spawned on the floor.
“It’s been some time.”
Ada whispers to him with a grin. There really isn't any need to lower their voice since they’re the only inhabitants in this space, but for the current scene it just feels right.
“Yes, I suppose it has.”
Delicate fingers wrap around his hand and she leans on his shoulder with a sigh. Edega can't help but rest his head above hers. She looks out to a starry field that has suddenly appeared before them and continues.
“It’d be nice if we could meet more often like this. It’s so peaceful here. Of course, I love my job, even though it’s super busy and taxing. Working also gives me purpose and the patients need me. There's no way I could stay here for very long and-”
“It’s a nice respite.”
Ada stops when Edega interrupts her ramble. She lets out a happy sigh.
“Yes, yes it is.”
The two sit in silence for a short while. Observing the stars and feeling the fresh wind of the night against their skin. It’s perfect. Ada pulls Edega’s arm to catch his attention and pats her lap.
“...What does that mean?”
“You should rest your head on my lap! That way you get to lie down and also see the stars.”
Edega accepts. He lets out a sigh of relief as soon as his head has a place to rest. He’s startled at first when he feels fingers run through his hair, but relaxes seeing Ada’s gentle eyes smile at him from above.
“Your bangs are so long, I don't know how you see anything. Especially with that clipboard always in front of your face.” She parts one side so at least one of his eyes meets hers. “Hello there~ Now I can see you!”
She giggles and continues to pet the top of Edega’s head. It feels so nice he can't help but lean into her touch. Even though he’s meant to observe the stars from this position, the comfort he’s experiencing currently is making him drowsy. Ada notices his weariness.
“It's okay to sleep. Your alarm is about to go off, so you should get as much rest as you can.”
“But… We’ve only just seen each other.”
“What are you talking about? I saw you yesterday.”
She’s implying the existence of non-dream Ada. Edega grimaces.
“But you would prefer I don't see you, isn't that right?”
She can tell he’s not really talking to her, but at the same time he is. She uses her other hand to gently intertwine Edega’s hand with hers and gives it a light squeeze.
“How about I sing a song to lull you to sleep? Don't worry, it’ll be okay.”
“Ada…”
Edega feels his heart sink when she says that. He knows what she means, but things will definitely not go as smoothly as this in reality. It’s no use though, he’s too tired. He attempts to fight off the sleep but his eyes can't help but close when he hears her melody.
“I’ll be waiting…”
—
beep…
BEEP…
BEEP!
Edega wakes up to the grating and incessant sound of his phone alarm. His pet cat is extremely displeased and has begun pawing at his face in an attempt to get the owner of the alarm to turn it off.
“I’ve got it…”
He slowly turns over to stop the noise as quick as his exhausted body can muster. Feeling satisfied, his companion meows with gratitude before violently jumping off their master’s stomach and walking to the litter box. Edega grunts in pain and lies back down, trying to rub the sleep off his face. He recalls bits of his dream and sighs.
His time with Ada will continue at work, just as she herself predicted.
—
As soon as he arrives, Edega stumbles onto Hailey yapping to Ada about something with a big grin. Ada herself seems to be enjoying the conversation. Feeling particularly nosy, he decides to stand somewhat close to them, but not close enough to be noticed.
“Thank you so much, Dr. Paige!”
Hailey chirps with joy. Ada smiles and reaches her hand out to stroke Hailey’s head. Edega twitches at that scene and watches her fingers closely.
“You’re very welcome, just let me know if you experience any other “symptoms”, okay? Now go get him!”
She nods and gleefully runs off down the halls. Ada gives a content sigh. She turns around and immediately sees a very infamous clipboard.
“Woah! Uh… Sir…?”
“Dr. Paige.”
Both are met with awkward silence, she gives him an inquisitive look and begins to step out of the way.
“I’m just gonna… Get back to work…”
As she begins to leave, Edega remembers the words of the Ada in his dreams.
‘I’ll be waiting…’
That’s what she said, right?
Perhaps this was his mind telling him to make the first move. As long as he stands around and twiddles his thumbs, nothing is going to change between them. He must be the one to get the ball rolling.
“Ada.”
She stops in her tracks and looks back to Edega. He doesn't usually call her by her first name that often, so it caught her by surprise. Edega walks up to her and lowers his clipboard out of the way of his face.
“I’m… I’m happy to see you again.”
She doesn't know exactly what he means by that, but she can feel the sincerity through his lowered defenses. She can't help but give him a small smile in return.
“I’m glad to see you too.”
