The way his lashes rest against his skin.
The faint crease between his brows that hasn’t fully smoothed out.
He still looks like he's holding himself together.
My fingers tighten slightly around the edge of the bowl.
I wish he’d realize he can let go.
I’m here to take care of things.
Careful not to wake him, I slide out from the couch and set the bowl on the coffee table.
I slip away for a few minutes, and when I return, Drew has shifted. He’s now lying on his side, one arm tucked beneath his head.
Luna has relocated, stretched along the armrest near his face like a tiny guard.
She blinks up at me, then lowers her head back onto her paws. She looks content and peaceful.
I take a slow step forward.
Then another.
There’s a blanket folded neatly over the back of the chair. It’s the one I bought for him.
I pick it up, unfolding it slowly before draping it carefully over him.
His brow smooths slightly beneath the warmth.
He looks younger like this. Like the weight he carries finally loosened its grip.
I lower myself carefully onto the edge of the couch beside him.
He doesn’t stir.
I reach my hand out, gently running it through his hair.
He sighs, leaning into my touch.
I lift the blanket and crawl in beside him.
I turn onto my side, facing him.
My leg bumps his knee, and I freeze, waiting for his eyes to fly open. For him to tell me to leave.
Instead, he lifts his top leg slightly.
I slide mine between his, feeling the warmth radiating from him as he presses his legs against mine like I’m his pillow.
His arm shifts, hand moving to my hip.
His hand slides to my back, pulling me closer.
It’s automatic. Instinctual.
My heart stutters once before steadying.
I relax in his warm embrace, feeling more content than I have in a long time as he holds me like I belong here.
