Travis hadn't slept.
Couldn't sleep
Couldn't think, couldn't breathe
The last time he had shared a bed it had been with his little sister.
Images of her tucked in to him as he fought away her nightmares twisted and turned in his mind, but instead of running, instead of hiding or screaming he just breathed.
In and out, deeply, taking in the sweet scent of the girl that was now lying with her ass pressed into his crotch.
Her soft breaths met the relaxing music she had put on before taking her place next to him and quickly falling asleep.
For the last two years Travis had slept alone in his bare apartment. His second hand mattress was lumpy and his comforter was thin. The electricity had been turned off in the earliest of days so he relied on a friendly neighbour for showers and food that wasn't cold or stale.
He knew at any time he could have called his grandparents but then he also knew the torrent of emotions that would have unleashed and he hadn't wanted to hurt them anymore than he already had
Taylor had said she was a cuddler and no matter how he had protested he had kind of hoped it was true, the last person to hug him was a mourner at his family's funeral, he desperately wanted that to change for his thoughts of hugs to bring thoughts of a small, annoying blond instead of an elderly lady that smelled too strongly of lavender but so far she had slept with her back to him, her generous behind nestled sweetly in his groin
He lifted his arm and half considered wrapping it around her and pulling her in closer, allowing himself to take the hug he was now becoming desperate to receive but he just couldn't, he didn't know this girl, yes she had been kind and sweet and funny but psychotic came in all kinds of packages, even one as cute as her
It's was 4am and the van was starting to lighten with the rays of the sun by the time Taylor finally turned to face him and then wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. The warmth of human contact causing him to choke up and tears to spill over his cheeks as he remembered how it felt to be held and loved
He couldn't hold it in any longer as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and held her as close to him as he could, desperate to freeze this moment and never move on from it. It was so perfect, so warm and comforting that he knew he would never recover from it, never wipe it from his mind
Tomorrow he would be back in his apartment, left with his nightmares and his nothingness but for this moment he had her and the warmth and safety of this van and that was everything, for this one moment he had everything he had lost when his family had died
"I thought you didn't cuddle" her voice was lazy and heavy with sleep and Travis immediately released his grip and put some distance between them "Come back Shyboy, that was super cozy" she quickly scooted over and wrapped her arms around his naked torso once more
"You're so needy" he huffed, refusing to hug back but secretly loving the way she felt clinging to him like a human koala
"So what are we doing today?" She asked as she laid her head against his chest "Oh you're nervous!" She announced at the feel of his heart hammering in her ear "That's so cute" she giggled but Travis pushed her from him and sat up in bed
"You're a pain, do you know that?" He huffed whilst looking for his sweater and pulling it on.
"I know, whatever will you do with me?"
He could definitely think of a few things and they ranged from murder to sex and everything in between
"I have to go" he said as he pushed the covers from him, missing the warmth and the company immediately
"Why?"
"I..." he paused.
Why did he have to go? Other than he was beginning to panic internally about what was going on here. She was a stranger. They had spent the night in each other's arms but she was a traveller, she didn't stay anywhere for long and he was Travis... the two were incompatible in every way and the sooner he left and forgot about her the less chance there was that he would feel hurt or rejection of any kind
"Let's clean up in the lake and then I'll make breakfast" Taylor instructed as she climbed out of bed, her naked legs catching Travis' attention and holding it on her
"I have to go"
"Why?" She crossed her arms over her chest and raised her eyebrows as if to tell him she was waiting for an answer and it had better be good
He didn't have an answer, not a good one anyways, nothing more than he was scared and he wanted to run back to his gloomy apartment to protect himself, she was showing him too much, making him feel too much, it was overwhelming him and the panic of having something to lose once more was beginning to seep in
"It's none of your business. Thank you for the food and drink and the bed"
"You're welcome, the cuddles were free" she winked as she pulled off her long T-shirt and stood there in just her underwear, reaching for a suitcase and then beginning to rifle through the clothes
"I guess I'll see you around" Travis said hesitantly, picking up his shoes and heading towards the door, his height causing him to have to stoop to move
"No chance, I'm leaving this evening. On to the next place, see what other awkwardly shy boys I can find to hang out with"
He didn't see the smirk on her face or the way she chewed her lip in anticipation of his response but he felt his stomach clench and his heart drop at the thought that she would be leaving and tomorrow it could be another boy in his place.
He shook his head, trying to shake himself free of the thoughts and the emotions this entire situation had sent swirling through him
"Okay. Have a safe trip"
"Have a happy life Travis" she said turning to face him and taking his cheeks in her hands "You deserve it, all the shit that happened, you didn't deserve it but some peace for your soul and happiness for your heart, that you definitely do deserve" with that she pressed the softest kiss to his lips and then pulled away, Travis' eyes dropping to her underwear clad body and then struggling to regain eye contact
"Bye Taylor" he said as he finally pushed open the door and bolted from the van
"Bye Travis" she waved and then laughed as she went back to her suitcase and pulled out a yellow and white sundress "See you soon"
*please comment and vote, this is new and a different style for me and I would love your opinions on the characters
