Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 64

After eating some food, they all were sitting around the dining room table. Nate told AJ and Gwen about Becca's offer. "I'm going to go over there to try to keep Becca safe. She doesn't need to be around here if there is a bug."

"I am considering taking her up on it. I know that I don't feel safe here." Gwen looked at AJ. "What do you think, Baby?"

AJ looked stern. "He's not scaring me out of my house. I'm not going anywhere. Nate, I'll keep an eye on Penelope for you."

"Okay. Thanks. I think she'd do better here anyway. I'll let Becca know what's going on and I'll pack some things up." Nate got up and went back upstairs and into his room.

Gwen stood and walked over to AJ. He stood and embraced her. He kissed her on the head. She leaned her head into his shoulder.

After a few moments, Gwen looked up at AJ. "Thank you for always being there for me. For protecting me, for being by my side, for loving me." She put her hand on his cheek again. "No matter what happens, I know I will be safe with you."

"That's the thing— I feel I haven't been doing a very good job of protecting you lately." He looked down and dropped his hands to her hips. "You don't even feel safe in your own home. As your husband, I need to protect you. You deserve to feel safe wherever you are." He removed his hands from around her. He whispered under his breath, "If you're not feeling safe, I'm not doing my job as your husband."

Gwen crooked her finger under AJ's chin and had him look at her. "Baby, you are my safe space. If you want to stay here, I'll stay here right by your side." She put her hand on his cheek gently. "We made a promise. I'll be by your side forever." She kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too." He engulfed her once again in his arms.

Gwen rested her head on his shoulder again. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She would always find comfort in his arms.

Nate came down the stairs and they broke apart.

"Becca will be here to pick me up in a bit since I don't have my car back yet. You sure you don't want to come?" Nate looked from AJ to Gwen.

Gwen looked to AJ. "No, we'll be fine here." She looked to Nate. "Keep us updated on what's going on with you, and if you need rides to doctor appointments or anything, let us know. The least we can do is help in that way."

"I will." Nate set his bag down by the door and went into the kitchen. "If you guys need anything while I'm gone, feel free to call me." He grabbed a water bottle and sat down at the bar. After opening the bottle, he took a sip and stared off.

"Nate? You okay?" Gwen asked, concerned. She walked over to the bar and stood in front of Nate. AJ went over to the living room and was petting Mr. Meowse.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I just— it's going to be weird living with Becca temporarily. She has known me for years, but that doesn't make this new territory any less scary. It's not like we're officially moving in together. But since I'll be over there for who knows how long, this will really put our relationship to the test."

"Well, I can't really say much because I didn't live here until we were married, but you do learn a lot about a person once you're living together. Or even stay the night at their house. She's stayed over here plenty of times though. There shouldn't be any surprises."

"We weren't dating when she stayed over," Nate stated.

"But you already loved her," Gwen countered.

Nate gave Gwen a look. "Alright, I guess there's nothing to be nervous about. It'll be just like a sleepover."

"I love sleepovers!" AJ came bounding over, impersonating Enis. Gwen laughed and Nate rolled his eyes.

Becca knocked on the door. Nate went to open the door for her. "Hi. Come on in." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hi." She walked in, smiling at him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright. Better now that you're here." He grinned at her.

She blushed. "Are Gwen and AJ in there?" She pointed to the dining room.

"Yeah, feel free to step in and say hi."

She rounded the corner and saw AJ standing with his arm around Gwen's waist. He's feeling protective of her. Becca smiled at the pair. "Hey you two! Are you guys sure you don't want to come? We will certainly make do if you wanted to."

"No, we'll be fine. You two go on ahead. Please let us know if you need anything," Gwen reassured Becca.

"Of course. You do the same too. Anytime." Becca smiled and turned to Nate. "Are you ready to head out?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Alright. Bye you two!"

"Bye!"

Nate grabbed his bag. He and Becca left.

"So..." AJ looked to Gwen.

"So..."

"We're alone."

"That we are."

"What do you want to do?" AJ smirked at Gwen.

"I don't know. Do you have anything in mind?"

"Well, there's something I know we could do."

"Really? What's that?"

AJ wiggled his eyebrows and Gwen smiled at him.

"I mean... If you want to, we could," Gwen said.

"I feel like it'll be a good break."

Gwen glanced upstairs, and this time, AJ smiled.

"First one upstairs gets first player!" AJ bolted upstairs, and Gwen laughed, chasing after him.

"No fair, you got a head start!" Gwen giggled to him. Once in their bedroom, he stopped her, catching her in his arms.

They looked at each other, smiling breathlessly.

Her smile faded as she looked at him adoringly. He was so handsome. She really couldn't believe she was married to such an amazing man.

He looked at her lovingly as his smile faded. He brought his hand up and stroked her cheek. She was so beautiful. He couldn't believe he was married to someone as wonderful as her.

He leaned in and kissed her. When they broke apart, he tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned his forehead onto hers. "You are so beautiful. I love you."

"I love you too, Baby." She kissed him again. "Now, I believe we have a game to play." She smiled at him, and sat on the bed.

"Mario Kart?"

"Sure. I'll annihilate you at Mario Kart." She smiled at him as he booted up the game.