Micah (bxb)

unlikely comforts

(Micah)

As I lay in bed, I heard Landon’s footsteps fading down the hallway, off to fetch me that soup I'd been craving.

I shifted on the mattress, the quiet settling in around me, making me think about everything that had happened.

My chest felt tight like it always did when the stress started piling up.

One thing after another. It’s like I couldn’t get a break.

Thoughts drifted back to my parents, specifically my father, who always seemed too busy to notice much about my life, wrapped up in his work.

My mother, on the other hand, never missed a chance to dictate my every move.

She was always there, her opinions louder than my voice, suffocating me.

I wanted to live my own life and make my own choices, but she never gave me the freedom.

And when things with Landon had gotten bad... when I needed someone to pull me out, she didn’t help. Instead, she’d urged me back to him, telling me it was for the best and that he was my mate, so I should accept him.

I’d needed her support, her understanding that day when I went to visit her, but all I got was her telling me to go back to him, to ignore the pain.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and Arlo slipped inside. He took one look at me and sighed, crossing the room quickly.

“Micah, you look like shit,” He murmured, climbing onto the bed beside me without hesitation.

“You’re stressing yourself out again, aren’t you?” I managed a weak smile, and he pulled me close, tucking me under his arm.

“Sometimes I think you’re the only one who gets it aside from Landon,” I mumbled.

Arlo brushed his fingers through my curls, leaning his head against mine.

“We’ve been through too much for me not to. Remember how things used to be? When we could just... be?” A warm, nostalgic feeling settled over me as I thought back to those times.

When we were younger, there were so many nights spent just like this, whispering secrets and sharing kisses when we felt like the world was too heavy. Arlo leaned back a bit, his eyes meeting mine.

“Want to go back to that, just for a little bit? To take your mind off things?” He asked, a playful smile on his lips as he continued to play with my hair.

I nodded, feeling the tension in my chest eases slightly. I guess he read my mind to know what I was thinking about.

Seff was warning me, telling me not to do it. But I didn't listen to him; I needed a distraction, and this was it.

We leaned in, our lips meeting softly. The kiss was gentle and comforting, a reminder of the safety I’d always felt with him.

The door creaked open, and I pulled back, startled. Landon stood in the doorway, a bowl of soup in hand, his expression slipping into one of mild irritation.

He rolled his eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Not this shit again,” He muttered, stepping inside and setting the soup down on the nightstand.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Landon just shook his head, an almost amused glint in his eye as he took in the scene.

“Well, at least I brought you soup,” He said, settling himself on the edge of the bed, clearly not surprised by what he’d walked in on.

“What are you doing here, pipsqueak?” Landon asked Arlo, who scoffed at the name.

“My best friend fainted, and I was trying to get his mind off things. At least he's laughing now.” Arlo replied while pointing at me, and sure enough, laughter bubbled up inside of me.

It felt like a while since I've laughed like this. It felt good.

“Get the fuck out of my room.” Landon snapped at Arlo who jumped from his tone in fright.

“What the heck?” Arlo replied while folding his arms.

“I'm a beta and you're crossing a line here. No matter if you are Micah's best friend. Get out so that I can tend to my baby.”  Landon gestured for Arlo to leave.

Landon's glare at Arlo was intense, but the whole scene just made me grin wider.

Arlo is never one to shy away from poking the bear. Literally, in this case, tilted his head and sized Landon up with a smirk.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t realize I was interrupting the great Silverback Gorilla in his natural habitat,” Arlo said, gesturing to Landon.

“You should consider putting on a shirt, big guy. People might start tossing you bananas.” I burst out laughing, clutching my stomach as I tried to catch my breath.

Landon’s expression was priceless, somewhere between offended and bemused.

“Seriously?” Landon muttered, rolling his eyes.

“A gorilla? That’s what you’re going with?” Arlo shrugged, flashing me a grin.

“Well, I could’ve gone with a grumpy bulldog, but I thought gorilla suited you better. You’ve got the arms for it, dude.” My laughter intensified, and I could barely breathe as I looked over at Landon, who was now rubbing his temples like he was reconsidering all his life choices.

“Glad I could entertain you,” Landon said dryly, but I could see the hint of a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. He leaned down, handing me the bowl of soup.

“You keep laughing like that, and you’re going to spill this all over yourself.” Arlo chuckled, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

“Mission accomplished, my work here is done. But don’t worry, King Kong, I’ll be back to check on my best friend later.” Arlo said.

“Please do,” I managed between giggles, giving him a thumbs-up.

Arlo shot one last playful look at Landon.

“Don’t let the bananas go to your head, alright?” With that, he strolled out, leaving Landon and me alone.

Landon just sighed, sitting down beside me with a smile.

“Do I look like a gorilla to you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I grinned, taking a spoonful of soup.

“Nah, you’re more of a majestic silverback. Fierce and protective... but with a bit of a soft side.” I replied.

He chuckled, shaking his head.

“I’ll take that. Just keep Arlo from tossing any bananas at me, alright?” Landon said, making me smile.

“Deal,” I replied, feeling the warmth between us grow as the laughter finally faded, leaving only a comfortable silence.