Home is Not a Place

Chapter Two: Whispered Promises

The night had taken a toll on both of them. Office parties were supposed to be fun, a way to blow off steam, but karaoke and too many rounds of drinks had left Nina more than a little tipsy. Liam had insisted on driving her home, despite her protests that she was fine. He didn't mind. He'd rather be there to make sure she got home safely than spend the night worrying.

He glanced around her small studio apartment, noting the books and scattered papers on her coffee table. It was quintessentially Nina: neat, yet with signs of constant activity. He smiled softly at the sight, a fondness filling his chest. He'd made sure she was settled comfortably on the sofa bed, a glass of water within easy reach.

"Alright, baby girl, you're all set," he murmured, voice low, not wanting to disturb her more than necessary.

She'd been uncharacteristically quiet since they left the office. Not that he blamed her. Nights like these - filled with laughter and clinking glasses - were often the hardest for her. He never pushed, never demanded answers. He simply was, a silent anchor she could hold onto when the waves of memory threatened to pull her under.

"Okay, I'm gonna head out," he said, taking a step back. He turned to leave, his heart already heavy with the thought of leaving her like this, when he felt it-her small hand wrapping around his wrist.

"Stay," she whispered.

He blinked, surprised by the sudden tug. "Huh?"

Her gaze was unfocused, but the emotion in her eyes was raw, unguarded. "I don't want to be alone. Please." Her voice cracked on the last word, and something inside Liam splintered. "Just... stay. Till I fall asleep."

"Okay," he breathed, keeping his tone soft and gentle. "Okay, baby girl. I'll stay."

Carefully, he sat down on the floor beside the sofa bed, resting his back against the side of it. His knees were bent awkwardly, but he didn't care. If she wanted him to stay, he'd stay. He could still smell the faint scent of her shampoo-something fresh and floral-mingling with the remnants of alcohol on her breath.

Nina's eyes fluttered closed, her breathing gradually evening out. Liam waited, watching the rise and fall of her chest. When her breathing turned deep and slow, a sure sign that she'd finally drifted off, he allowed himself a moment to really look at her. Her face was softened in sleep, free from the tension she usually wore like armor.

Without thinking, he leaned forward and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. It was quick, fleeting-more of a brush of his lips than an actual kiss. And like the coward he was, he whispered, lips just a hair's breadth away from her skin.

"I love you," he murmured softly, the words slipping out before he could second-guess himself.

He'd barely pulled back when she shifted, her brow furrowing slightly. Panic flared in his chest. Had she heard him?

"Please don't leave me," she whispered, her voice fragile, barely audible. Liam's heart stopped, the breath catching in his throat.

"Nina?" he whispered, his gaze fixed on her face. But her eyelids fluttered rapidly, her eyes still closed. She was dreaming. Her next breath confirmed his suspicion, deep and even once more.

"Don't leave me... Ethan." She breathed out the name with a soft sob, and Liam's heart plummeted.

It was always him. Even after all these years, he was the one she called out for when she was at her most vulnerable. His shoulders slumped, the familiar ache of longing and disappointment settling deep in his bones.

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the bitterness. It wasn't Nina's fault. It never had been. He knew what he was getting into, knew that she was still piecing herself together, shard by painful shard. But some nights... some nights it was harder to swallow than others.