Sewn {QuickEmmett}

I Let You

As the seasons slipped on, I helped him get a job-- or, more so, an off-and-on one. I set up flyers all around the neighborhood for his plain-old services, like odd jobs. He was grateful, and he actually made some money. When he kept it up, I started to visit less often, bringing bigger things he might need when I did, like nicer clothes or a coat and scarf in the winter. I learned that he hopped around hotels and YMCA rooms, and I guess... I guess I was happy for him.

Our studying for finals paid off, because I received a letter from my top choice of college that I had successfully applied and made it in, even having my first year paid for. I broke down right then, suddenly feeling like all the stress I'd gone through had both been worth it and doubled for the future.

I graduated Valedictorian and went straight off to college, returning at least twice every month to visit him.

I learned that my very and only best friend's name was James. When he told me, I literally laughed. It pissed him off for a second, but I just blushed through the snow, hugging his neck and standing on his tiptoes. 

"I just didn't expect you to be a classy hobo is all," I laughed quietly, and he squeezed my waist, pulling back and smiling down at me with enough warmth to melt the snow. 

"Actually, I'm just a classy gentleman. I'm not homeless anymore, man."

My eyes instantly grew, and he only smiled bigger, hugging me close again. "I got a steady job! It's shit, but ya know, I can live somewhere now... Not just under a slide..." James trailed off and rested his head on my shoulder. "I bought an itsy-witsy flat close to your college, and... And I was wondering if you would maybe, u-um..."

The moonlit snow around his seemed to get brighter as the breath left my lungs, realizing that he was asking me if I wanted to move in with him. He really cared this much? S-Since when? Since forever ago, my conscious said, and I blushed into his neck, my striped scarf blowing in the light winter breeze. Really, since when had anyone cared this much?

The breath from me fogged up the chilly air as I replied. "I would be more than happy to, Stitches." At this, I felt his threads wrap around my hands, holding them as if he had an extra pair of his own. I smiled and felt him blush into my skin, then suddenly shivered when I felt his lips graze my neck, kissing it softly as if he'd wanted to do it for so long. 

I shifted slightly, and he seemed to notice that he'd crossed his usual line, although... I didn't want him to regret doing it. I loved it. More than I should have... Something inside of me had been aching for him to want to return my goodnight hugs with more luster, or my pecks on the cheek every now and then as a congrats. My heart... Needed this... But I hushed, biting my lip as I felt the threads slink away from my hands as he pulled back.

His warm smile looked a little sad as he looked down at me, but there was no question as to whether or not he was ecstatic at my choice. "Th-Thank you. So damn much, Em. You don't know how lon--"

"No, I do. I've been there before, and maybe even lower." I stepped a little closer to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging it. "I'm going to make sure you never feel alone again, okay, frien'?"