dont wake

&quote;Ready?&quote; His reflection asks mine. The surge of pounding heartbeats between us into one, deafening drum obliterates the difference between fear and need. &quote;Do you ever feel like you're dreaming?&quote; I hear the words come out before I can help it. &quote;Like you're awake, but What if you're not?&quote;Grim blinks and I look at him instead of the mirror. The words tattooed across his lids mock me. dont wake &quote;Breathe in,&quote; he says instead of answering, his pupils swelling deep enough to drown us both as he presses his palms against my chest, pinning me down again.