𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒔

forty nine

"3 words, 8 letters. say it and i'm yours"

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow that seeped into Cato's living room, creating a sanctuary of warmth amidst the cold reality outside.

I curled my fingers around the steaming mug of hot chocolate he'd made for me, the rich aroma mingling with the faint scent of sandalwood from the candles flickering on the windowsill.

As I sat on the plush couch, a familiar weight settled in my chest, but it felt lighter somehow, as if I had just shed a layer of armor.

"Thanks for having me over," I murmured, my voice breaking the comfortable silence. I took a sip of the hot chocolate, feeling the warmth seep into my soul. Cato had gone the extra mile with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles, a small gesture that made me smile despite the emotional turmoil swirling inside me.

"Anytime," Cato replied, leaning back in his chair with an air of effortless confidence. His dark onyx eyes sparkled in the dim light, and I couldn't help but admire the way his tousled brown hair framed his face. "So, how did it go with your mom?"

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to share my day, the nervousness pooling in my stomach. "It was... surprisingly okay," I admitted, letting the warmth of the mug comfort me. "We talked about a lot of things—her reasons for being distant, how it affected me. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders just being honest with her."

Cato's expression softened, and he leaned forward, genuinely interested. "I'm proud of you for facing that. It takes a lot of courage to open up, especially about family stuff."

"Thanks," I said, my heart fluttering at his praise. It felt good to have someone acknowledge my struggles. "I realized I don't want to keep running from it anymore. I want to move forward, focus on my recovery, and surround myself with people who actually care."

"Definitely," he agreed, a spark of admiration lighting his features. "You've been through so much, and it's okay to want to heal. Just remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you."

His words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope ignite within me. The evening unfolded effortlessly as we fell into a rhythm of sharing stories, our laughter echoing through the cozy space, pushing the shadows of despair further away.

"What's your biggest dream?" Cato asked suddenly, his curiosity shining in his eyes. "I mean, aside from the whole 'getting better' thing."

I paused, contemplating my answer. "I want to travel," I confessed, a surge of excitement coursing through me. "See the world, experience different cultures, live outside my bubble for a bit. What about you?"

"Honestly?" Cato replied, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I just want to ride my motorcycle all over the country. Feel the wind, y'know?"

I laughed, envisioning him tearing down the highway, wild and free. "I can totally see that. You'd make an excellent biker."

"I'll take that as a compliment," he chuckled, the sound rich and warm, enveloping me in its comfort. The more we shared, the more I felt the walls I had built around my heart begin to crumble.

But as the evening wore on, the atmosphere shifted slightly, a tangible tension building between us. Cato leaned in closer, our shoulders brushing against each other, and I felt my heart race. My skin tingled where our bodies connected, and I could sense the air thickening with unspoken feelings.

"Gina," he said, his voice low and serious, breaking through the charged silence. "I've been thinking a lot about us lately."

I held my breath, anticipation flooding my senses. "What about us?"

"I care about you," he admitted, his gaze searching mine with an intensity that made my heart stutter. "Like, a lot. You're not just some pretty face to me. You're so much more than that."

Emotion surged within me, overwhelming and beautiful. I had never allowed myself to fully believe that someone could see me beyond my exterior, beyond the pain I concealed. "I care about you too, Cato," I said, my voice trembling. "More than I've ever cared about anyone."

A silence enveloped us, heavy with the weight of our unvoiced confessions. And then, as if pulled together by an invisible force, he reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers in a way that felt both electrifying and grounding. His thumb brushed against my knuckles, sending shivers racing up my arm.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible, yet it rang clear in the stillness of the room. It felt like the most honest declaration I'd ever heard, and the sincerity in his eyes sent tears welling in my own.

"I love you too," I breathed, the words spilling out like a secret I had been holding onto for far too long. It felt like a promise, a commitment to this moment, to him.

The world outside faded away, and all that existed was us, suspended in time. Cato leaned in, his gaze locked on mine, and before I could second-guess myself, I closed the distance between us. Our lips met in a gentle kiss, tentative at first, as if testing the waters of this new territory we were exploring together.

It was soft, filled with an innocent sweetness that melted into something deeper, more urgent. I felt myself leaning into him, losing myself in the warmth of his body and the electric connection between us. Every worry, every fear seemed to evaporate in that single moment, replaced by an overwhelming sense of belonging.

When we finally pulled away, breathless and wide-eyed, my heart raced with a newfound exhilaration. I couldn't help but smile, my cheeks flushed, and for the first time, I felt empowered—like I could take on the world with Cato by my side.

"Wow," he breathed, his grin wide and genuine.

"Yeah, wow," I echoed, still tingling from the kiss.

We settled back into the couch, the atmosphere shifting into a cocoon of warmth and intimacy. It was no longer just an evening spent chatting; it had transformed into something profound, a deepening bond that made my heart swell.

As we talked, I found myself opening up in ways I hadn't anticipated. "You know, for a long time, I felt like no one really saw me. Just this pretty face everyone wanted to use. But you... you look beyond that. You see me."

Cato's expression softened, his thumb still gently stroking my hand. "I see you, Gina. I see the strength in you, even when you don't see it in yourself. You've survived so much, and that's incredible. You're not just beautiful; you're resilient."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them away, overwhelmed by his words. "It's hard sometimes to believe that. I've been so lost, especially with everything I've been through."

"I get it," he said, his voice steady and soothing. "We all have our battles, but that's why we need each other. You don't have to face this alone."

In that moment, a wave of gratitude washed over me, leaving me breathless. Cato's presence felt like a lighthouse guiding me through a storm, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could finally breathe.

As the night wore on, I leaned against him, the sound of his heartbeat a soothing melody. My thoughts drifted to the future—an uncertain path ahead, but one that didn't feel as daunting with Cato by my side.

Eventually, a comfortable silence settled between us, our fingers still intertwined. I could feel the weight of the world shifting, the darkness retreating, and for the first time, I felt hope blooming within me.

"Gina," Cato said softly, breaking the silence. "I promise to be here for you. We'll face whatever comes together."

I nodded, my heart swelling with a sense of safety I hadn't known I craved. "Together," I echoed, a vow that felt as solid as the walls around us.

In that moment, I realized I was ready to face whatever came next, with Cato by my side. The journey ahead would undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but I had the strength to overcome them. Together, we would find a way to heal and grow, and that realization brought a smile to my face.

As the stars twinkled outside, a sense of peace enveloped me. I felt loved, empowered, and ready to embrace the future. And in Cato's presence, I knew that no matter how tough the road ahead, I wouldn't have to walk it alone.