𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 ~ 𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚕𝚢𝚗 𝚊𝚞

𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗: 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝

Ashlyn took a deep breath. She had gotten a long night's sleep, but because of the events occurring the night prior she didn't feel refreshed.

She lazily sat up. Without missing a beat, Big Red put his arm around her waist and pulled her back down. He wrapped both his arms around her. "Don't get up yet."

"Why?"

"Last night was a nightmare. I want you here. I want to be here for you."

"Okay." She nodded, cuddling up against him and once again becoming comfortable. They laid in silence for minutes. "Were you awake?"

"Hm?"

"Before I woke up."

"Yeah, for awhile."

"Did... was the picture shared?" She asked hesitantly.

"It was. And we're gonna figure it out."

"I know we will. I just can't imagine how. And I hate that you loving me and me loving you suddenly puts you under scrutiny just because of my profession."

"Hey, I don't care what people say. Maybe they'll judge us, and maybe they'll get to me a little from time to time, but what we have is more than worth it. You're enough to stop that pain."

"I love you." A tear rolled down her face. "I don't deserve you."

"You're stuck with me. But you're literally an angel, so ditto."

"I wanna talk about last night." She admitted.

"Okay."

"I panicked."

"Yeah."

"I really panicked." She said. "And I know it shouldn't have, but it felt pathetic."

"Oh, hon..."

"I know it shouldn't have, I do. But calling you— leaving because I felt uncomfortable— it was the right thing to do, and I know it, but it just felt like another thing I was running from."

"You don't run from anything Ash. You're the most powerful person I've ever met."

"Everything is so hard that putting my health first feels like running. It doesn't matter if it's big or small."

"I know what you mean." He nodded. "Sometimes it's... weird. But you're doing great. You really are."

"And you... you're perfect."

"Small overstatement." He laughed.

"I mean it. I'm living my dream. You're still the best part of my life. I need you, I want you, I love you. And I'm so glad I have you."

"You always will." He promised. "I love you so much."

"I'm so used to you being with me, but it's still kinda surreal that I get to have you as a boyfriend. And, not only that, the only boyfriend I've ever had. The only partner I've ever had."

"I don't know where I'd be without you." He kissed her gently. "So even if we feel a little lost, we're together and that's what matters. Right?"

"Right." She smiled. She rested her head on his chest.

"I guess EJ and Gina probably won't come over anytime soon?"

"Yeah."

"I'm going back to sleep. Didn't get much."

"How come?" She asked.

"Just last night. Overthinking."

"Yeah..."

"I'm good. A part of me is glad the secret's out." He told her. "It was just a long day."

"I know." She sighed. "I'll sleep a bit longer too."

"Mkay." He pulled her closer, cuddling into her, with a small smile.