Once we got all of my things, we went down to the lobby to check out. On the elevator, I rest my head on Conan's shoulder. I was exhausted. I feel him rest his head on mine, just before the door dings and we both get out. We walked to the checkout counter, holding my suitcase and guitar. I look over and see Conan handing the lady his card, the motioning for us to leave. "Conan! You did not just pay for that!"
"Yes, I did. You don't need to use your money. It's okay." He gives me a reassuring smile. I follow him out to his car, and we drive to his house. It feels like forever since I've been here. He's been on tour for so long...staying in penthouses and hotels. Once we arrived, I grab my things and follow him to the door which he opens for me.
I bring my stuff in, setting it on the floor next to the door. That's when the realization hits me. "Conan, where exactly do you plan on me staying?" I look at him, confused. "Well, I was thinking with me..." he mumbles. "Oh, uh...okay" I say, my heart beating faster. I carry my things to his room, setting them down by his window.
"I'm going to the bathroom, can you start some tea for me?" he says, turning towards the bathroom door. "On it!" I reply. I walk into his kitchen, a familiar smell in the air. It's not specific, just...home. I take the teabags out of the cabinet and prepare some water in the microwave. After a minute and a half of heating the water I take the tea bag and drop it into the hot water. This makes the air fill with the smell of peppermint.
Just then, I feel a pair of arms behind me. I feel Conan's head resting on my shoulders, his arms wrapped around my waist. I jump slightly, not realizing he was behind me. "I'm so happy to have you here" he says, leaning his head into my neck. I rest my hands on his, leaning into him. "I'm so happy to be here with you"
We stand like this for a bit, just breathing slowly. I can tell we're both exhausted. After a minute or two, he lifts his head, turning me to face him. "You really really matter to me. I hope you know that." Conan was always saying things like this, and sometimes it was really hard for me to believe. I really didn't like myself, and felt so undeserving of his friendship. He was so popular...there were so many other pretty, nice, kind, wonderful girls out there who would die to be in my place.
"I mean it" he says, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. This sends all thoughts out of my mind and butterflies into my stomach. He lets go of me, grabbing his tea and walking towards the couch. I follow behind him, flustered. He sits on the couch, motioning for me to sit next to him. He turns on Gilmore Girls, our latest favorite show. A few episodes in he sets down his empty mug on the coffee table. He then puts his arm around me, pulling me in close to him. "Is this okay?" he asks, making sure I feel comfortable at all times. "Mhm-" I reply shyly.
