Never Not You

What happened

TW: implication of SA, Rape, Spiking of a drink etc.

With a flick of the lock, Leah swung the door open. There, standing on her doorstep in disarray, was Aurora. Her usually immaculate makeup was smudged, her clothes rumpled, and her hair tangled. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her whole demeanour radiated distress. Before Leah could utter a word, Aurora practically lunged forward, burying her face in Leah's shoulder, her body shaking with sobs.

Leah's initial shock gave way to a flood of concern and instinctive care. She wrapped her arms tightly around Aurora, holding her close as she tried to soothe her friend's trembling form. "Rory, what happened? Are you okay?" Leah murmured softly, her voice filled with worry and relief at seeing Aurora safe, albeit distraught.

Aurora pulled back slightly, her eyes red-rimmed and filled with anguish. "I... I don't know," she managed to choke out between sobs. "Everything just... fell apart tonight."

Leah guided Aurora inside, closing the door behind them with a sense of protectiveness. Leading her to the couch, she gently guided Aurora to sit down, never breaking contact. "Take your time," Leah encouraged gently, her heart aching at Aurora's evident pain.

With a trembling breath, Aurora tried to compose herself, wiping tears from her cheeks. "We were at the club, and everything was fine," she began, her voice wavering. "But then... I don't know. I just started feeling so weird, like something was really wrong."

Leah listened intently, her concern deepening with each word. "Did something happen? Did someone do something to you?" Leah asked, her voice edged with protective anger.

Aurora's tear-streaked face looked up at Leah, her expression filled with confusion and distress. "I don't know," she managed to whisper, her voice trembling. "I just woke up... somewhere, no clothes on. Just on the floor, and I... I came straight here. I don't even know why I came here."

Leah's heart sank at Aurora's words. She gently cupped Aurora's face in her hands, her touch soft and reassuring. "It's okay, Rory," Leah murmured, her voice gentle yet firm. "You're here now, and that's what matters. You're safe."

Aurora nodded faintly, her breathing ragged as she struggled to calm herself. "I'm sorry," she whispered hoarsely, tears continuing to stream down her cheeks. "I'm sorry for showing up like this, for... for falling apart."

Leah shook her head slightly, her own emotions raw and conflicted. "You never have to apologize for needing someone," she said softly, her voice cracking with emotion. "Especially not to me."

After a few moments of silence, Leah looked at Aurora with concern etched across her face. "Are you feeling any better now?" she asked gently, hoping to gauge Aurora's condition.

Aurora took a moment to assess herself before responding. "It's not as bad as before, but I still feel weird," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Rory, I really think we should go to the hospital," Leah said gently, her voice tinged with concern. "The doctors there can help figure out what's going on. I'll stay with you the whole time, I promise. You won't be alone."

Aurora hesitated, her mind racing with worry. "But what if it's nothing serious?" she murmured, her voice wavering.

Leah squeezed Aurora's shoulder reassuringly. "Then that's great," she replied, her tone calm yet firm. "But we need to make sure. Your health is what matters right now."

Aurora nodded slowly, her reluctance still evident. "Okay," she conceded quietly. "But can I change clothes first? I feel really uncomfortable in these."

Leah nodded understandingly. "Of course," she said, her voice gentle "I'll get you something to put on."

Aurora managed a weak smile of gratitude as she took the offered clothes. She quickly changed out of her clubbing attire into the comfortable hoodie and track pants. Leah handed her a small bag for Aurora to put her dress in.