Something in me cracks wide open at those words. And for the first time in what feels like forever, I don’t feel like I’m fallingapart. I feel like maybe—just maybe—I’m falling into something safe.
I don’t know how long we stay like that—tangled up in each other, hearts racing, the store around us quiet and dim except for the hum of the fridge and the light over the counter. But at some point, the storm inside me starts to quiet. My breathing slows, and I shift just enough to rest my head against Elijah’s shoulder.
“I don’t want to be alone tonight,” I whisper, the words so quiet I’m not even sure I said them out loud.
But he hears me.
“You won’t be,” he says immediately, without hesitation. “I’ll stay. As long as you want me to.”
I nod against his chest, something soft and small blooming in my chest. He doesn’t ask for more, Doesn’t push. He just gently helps stand and brushes the hair from my face like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
“Come on,” he says. “Let’s lock up and get you home, okay?”
We move around the shop slowly—me still shaky, him quiet and steady beside me.
I don’t remember how we even made it to the car. My legs feel like jelly, and my hands are still trembling as Elijah guides me gently, a steady hand on my back, like he's afraid I might disappear if he lets go.
He doesn’t say much on the drive to my house. Just glances over now and then, like he’s making sure I’m still breathing. And honestly? I need silence more than words right now. His presence says enough.
When we pull into the parking lot, he parks, turns off the engine, and looks over.
Inside, everything feels too quiet. The familiar safety of my home feels distant—like the fear from earlier is still hiding in the shadows. I set my bag down with shaking hands, and when Iturn around, Elijah’s standing there in the entryway, unsure, like he’s waiting for me to change my mind.
I don’t.
“Will you stay here with me tonight?” I ask, gesturing to the couch or maybe the floor—I’m not even sure what I mean, but I just… need him close.
His voice is a murmur. “I’ll stay wherever you want me.”
“I want…” I trail off, fingers twisting the hem of my sweater. “I want you close.”
That’s all he needs.
Elijah shrugs off his hoodie and kicks off his boots. I go to the bathroom, wash my face, brush my teeth, I leave a spare toothbrush for him, and when I come back, he’s sitting at the edge of the bed, not under the covers, waiting for permission.
“I left a toothbrush for you in the bathroom.” - I say with small voice
When he comes back, he just stands there looking at me.
“You can sit,” I say softly. “Or… I mean, if you want. I just... I don’t want to be alone.”
His expression softens. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You can lay down,” I whisper.
He does, slowly and carefully, staying on top of the blanket until I reach out, fingers brushing his. “It’s okay. I trust you.”
Elijah exhales like I just gave him the world. He slides under the blanket, careful not to touch me until I inch closer. I rest my head on his chest, and his arm wraps around me like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
Silence stretches between us, not heavy now, but full. Full of questions neither of us are ready to ask. Full of hope we’re too scared to name.
“I’m still scared,” I admit, my voice small in the dark.
“I know,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “So am I. But we’ll figure it out. No pressure, no timeline. Just us.”
I nod against him, tears prickling again—but not from fear this time. From relief. From the warmth of his chest, the beat of his heart, the feeling of finally being held not just by someone—but by him.
He doesn’t say anything. Just slides closer and pulls me into his chest. I go willingly—no hesitation this time. My fingers curl into the fabric of his shirt as he wraps his arms around me, holding me like I might break, but he’ll be there to catch every piece if I do.
