Older || 18+

19. Emma

I get dressed and follow Ares out of the room. He said even with my clothes on, he still couldn't focus with me in his bed. It's honestly cute.

I trail behind him, navigating through the quiet hallway to the cozy living room where he settles onto the couch. Joining him, I tuck one leg underneath me, turning to face him as he broaches a topic that's both practical and a tad awkward.

"We need to talk about birth control," he begins, his tone matter-of-fact. "Have you thought about going back on it? Maybe an IUD?"

I nod, considering his question. "Yeah, but it would definitely have to be an IUD. I can't take hormones. I'd have to research them to find a type that's hormone-free."

He leans forward, earnest. "Whatever you decide, I'll cover the cost."

I can't help but raise an eyebrow. "Appreciate that, but my health insurance has it covered. Just a small co-pay is all."

Ares isn't easily dissuaded, his frown deepening. "How much is the co-pay? I'll take care of it. If I'm part of the reason you're incurring extra expenses, it's only right that I help."

I let out a soft chuckle, touched by his concern. "It's about $40, but seriously, it's no big deal."

He's persistent, his gaze locking with mine. "Emma, it is a big deal to me. I want to take care of it. Let me do this for you."

My independent side screams to decline his offer. The side that's never had anyone take care of me without a price attached to it. The side that has dealt with my mother throwing everything she's ever done for me in my face. But my submissive side glows and preens under my skin, loving the thought of Ares taking care of me in every way.

"Alright, you win," I concede, unable to resist the genuine care he's offering.

As he hesitates, I can almost see the gears turning in his head, trying to find the right words.

"What's on your mind?" I prompt, a hint of curiosity mixed with a dash of apprehension coloring my tone.

He lets out a small chuckle, a sound that seems out of place given the seriousness of his expression. "I'm just trying to figure out how to ask this without sounding like a lovesick teenager. Because if I'm being honest, it's exactly what I feel like right now."

"You can ask me anything. I won't judge," I assure him.

He takes a deep breath, as if bracing himself for the plunge. "What are we? Where is this heading?" The questions spill out in a rush, his gaze fixed on mine, searching for answers.

To be honest, I'm as lost as he is. "I'm not sure myself. I think... we're just figuring things out as we go. It's simple right now, easy. But we have to think about how things will be in the future. What happens when my mom comes home? What happens when you're done with whatever work you have over here? You basically live three thousand miles away. We both have our own lives, and as much as I'm enjoying this, we need to be realistic about what we're doing."

He's quick to counter, a determined glint in his eyes. "Long-distance isn't ideal, but it's not impossible. We could make it work."

I shake my head, the very thought exhausting. "I'm not cut out for long-distance. The idea of being together but apart, it's just... not something I can do."

He presses on, undeterred. "But isn't it worth trying?"

I can feel my resolve firming. "It's just not for me. I need more than occasional visits. If that's what you're looking for, I'm not the right person."

"I respect your boundaries. I'm not going to pressure you." He pauses, as if he's trying to stop his next words. "Have you ever thought of moving to the West Coast? Would you even consider it?"