Language of Love

Chapter 13 - Comfort

Lost in his thoughts, Troy didn't pay attention to where he was going until he was looking at a newly familiar apartment block. At the main entrance, he hesitated. He dropped his hand just before he was about to press the buzzer and considered walking away. Then, a tenant came out the door.
"Coming in mate?" The man asked, holding the door for him. Muttering a thanks, Troy went inside.

He paused again by her front door. He didn't want her to see him in such a mess, their relationship was really new and he didn't feel he should burden her with the darker side of his job or with how he struggled with it. But he kept thinking of how calmly she had dealt with the resus of the little girl and the caring, kind concern she had shown for him that evening. He really needed her comfort and strength right now. He knocked on the door.

She answered quickly, dressed in pyjamas, her phone at her ear and a look of worry on her face, which eased a little when she saw him standing there.
"He's here, Chappo." She spoke into the phone."I'll get back to you." She shoved the phone into her shorts pocket and stepped towards him cautiously.
"Hey." He forced out, though his throat felt tight.
"Hey." She responded, reaching forwards to wipe the tears from his face. He hadn't even realised he was crying.

Abi took his hands in hers and gently pulled until he followed her through the door. Reaching around him, Abi pushed the door closed. He enveloped her in a bone crushing hug and sobbed into her shoulder. She wrapped one arm round his waist and ran her other through his hair.

Troy wasn't sure how long they stood there, but eventually, he pulled himself together a little and stepped away embarrassed, wiping at his eyes.
"Sorry." He croaked.
"Please don't be sorry. I'm really glad you came over. Come, talk to me..."

She took his hand again and led him through to the sofa, pulling him down next to her. She sat herself cross-legged on the sofa, turning to face him, never releasing his hand as she lent in to gently kiss his cheek. He turned to face her, seeing compassion and concern in her eyes but no judgement following his outburst. And then the words spilt out and just kept coming until he'd told her about the events of the day, how guilty he felt, and how he'd ended up at her door.

When he finished, she drew him into a hug.
"I can't tell you not to feel guilty. You can't help what you feel because you care about your job and the people you protect. But you can't save everyone. They ignored the dangerous current signs, they ignored the megaphone warnings, and they put themselves in danger. That woman suffered a horrible consequence for her choices, but they were her choices. It was NOT your fault. Yatesy didn't spot them either. You did everything you could to save her. If you and the others hadn't been there, there would have been even more lives lost. What you encounter and deal with each season is more than many people deal with in a lifetime. Needing to feel those emotions, that sadness, isn't a weakness, Troy. It's a strength. It makes you the amazing, strong, caring man that I'm so lucky to be getting to know."

He crashed his lips onto hers, kissing her passionately and pushing her down onto the sofa. Initially, she responded, but then she paused and gently pushed her hands against his shoulders. He backed off, a little hurt but also a little ashamed.
"I want to Troy, but I don't want our first time together to be because you are trying to lose yourself after a terrible day. We'd both regret it."
"Sorry. You're right. I should go." He went to stand but was stopped by her hand wrapping around his wrist.
"No. Stay with me tonight. I need to know you're okay." She said. "I just need to text Chappo and let him know. He was really worried when he got back and you weren't there."

He waited whilst she text his flatmate, then he followed her into her bedroom. She had made it her own with various shades of teal and blue furnishings. A pin board on the wall displayed a range of photos of who he presumed were her family, a few selfies of her and Caitlinn and in the centre the photo Caitlinn had taken of them on the sofa and the one of them taken by the fangirls. His hand reached out to touch the photo. Abi wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him.
"It's a good photo." She said softly.
He hummed in response and let her lead him to the side of the bed.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'm just going to use the bathroom."

Troy slipped off his shorts and settled under the covers in his boxers and t-shirt. Abi returned and slipped into the bed beside him, quickly snuggling into his side. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer. She rested her head on his shoulder and he brushed a kiss against her hair. Troy held her close as he stared at the ceiling. Soon, her breathing softened and she slipped into sleep.
"Lova ya Abs." He whispered into her hair.