She didn’t know when everything started falling apart.
All she knew was that she couldn’t breathe in the silence anymore.
So she went to him.
The door barely had time to close before he noticed it in her eyes—the storm, the chaos, the unspoken pain.
“What happened?” he asked softly.
She shook her head, stepping closer. “Don’t ask… just—”
And before she could finish, his arms were around her.
Strong. Warm. Safe.
Exactly what she needed.
She melted into him instantly, her fingers clutching his shirt as if letting go would send her crashing back into everything she was trying to escape.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured against her hair.
And for the first time that night… she believed it.
“Don’t let go,” she whispered.
“Not a chance.”
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her face. Her eyes searched his, filled with emotions she couldn’t put into words.
But he understood.
He always did.
His hand lifted gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his touch soft but grounding. Her breath slowed, her heart still racing—but now for a different reason.
“You’re safe here,” he said quietly.
She nodded faintly, her voice barely a whisper. “With you… I always am.”
The distance between them faded without thought.
And then—
His lips met hers.
Slow. Gentle. Reassuring.
But the moment she responded, holding onto him tighter, the kiss deepened—filled with everything she had been holding back. The warmth of his arms around her, the way he held her close, made the world disappear.
No noise.
No fear.
Just him.
When they finally pulled away, her forehead rested against his, her breathing unsteady but calmer now.
“Better?” he asked softly.
She closed her eyes, staying close.
“Yes,” she whispered. “You’re my escape.”
And in his arms…
She didn’t want to be found again.