The Comfort of Home

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The car ride was quiet, filled only with the soft rhythm of Blanca's breathing as she leaned against the window, fall asleep. Miguel couldn't help but smile at her peaceful face, her usual spark dimmed by exhaustion from the long day. He didn't have the heart to wake her when they pulled up outside her apartment.

Stepping out of the car, he moved over to her side, carefully opening her door. With a gentle touch, he slid one arm under her knees and the other around her shoulders, lifting her effortlessly. She murmured something in her sleep but didn't wake, her head nestling into his chest as he carried her towards her apartment door.

Miguel typed in her door passcode with practiced ease, pushing the door open quietly and stepping inside. The lights in her apartment were dim, casting a warm glow over the living room. He navigated through, careful not to disturb her, and made his way to her bedroom. Gently, he lowered her onto the bed, pulling the blankets over her.

As he turned to leave, a soft tug on his hand stopped him.

"Miguel..." Blanca's voice was barely a whisper, her fingers curled loosely around his hand, eyes half-closed but somehow aware. "Stay... just for a little bit?"

His heart softened, seeing her so vulnerable. "I'm not going anywhere," he murmured, sitting on the edge of her bed. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle. "You should rest."

Her eyes opened a fraction, a sleepy smile forming as she looked at him. "I am resting. You being here makes it easier." She gave his hand a slight squeeze, grounding herself with his presence. "It's... comforting."

Miguel chuckled, his voice soft and warm. "Comforting, huh? I thought I'd be more exciting than that."

She let out a small laugh, but the exhaustion quickly melted it into a contented sigh. "You're more than that. You're... everything."

Miguel felt his chest tighten, a surge of emotion he hadn't expected. He gently lifted her hand, brushing a soft kiss across her knuckles. "Then get some sleep, Blanca," he whispered, his voice a promise. "I'll be right here."

Her eyes fluttered shut again, and Miguel stayed beside her, watching her breathing deepen as she drifted back into a peaceful sleep. After a while, he leaned back in the chair beside her bed, holding her hand until he, too, slipped into a light doze, content to be by her side for as long as she needed him.

-

Blanca stirred in the middle of the night, her eyes adjusting to the soft glow from her bedside lamp. She blinked, surprised to find Miguel slouched in the chair beside her bed, his head tilted back, eyes closed in a light sleep. His hand was still clasped around hers, and despite his peaceful expression, she knew that chair couldn't be comfortable.

A warm smile touched her lips as she gently squeezed his hand. "Miguel..." she whispered, her voice soft as she tried not to startle him awake.

Miguel's eyes fluttered open, his gaze hazy at first as he took in his surroundings. Then, seeing Blanca awake and looking at him with that familiar softness, he straightened a little, rubbing his neck with a wince. "Hey... you okay?" he asked, his voice rough with sleep.

Blanca nodded, still smiling. "I'm fine. But you... you're going to be sore if you keep sleeping like that," she murmured, her fingers tracing light circles over his hand. "Come on. Lie down on the bed. You'll sleep better."

Miguel shook his head slightly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't want to wake you up earlier. Thought I'd just keep watch," he replied, though he didn't let go of her hand.

Blanca gave him a knowing look, her voice taking on a soft insistence. "You're already here, Miguel. Just lie down," she said, patting the empty space beside her on the bed.

He hesitated, but the pleading look in her eyes made him cave. "Alright, alright," he said, pretending to grumble, but there was a glint of gratitude in his eyes as he climbed onto the bed. As soon as he settled beside her, she pulled the blanket over him, her hand finding his again as they lay side by side.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, both lost in the quiet warmth of the moment. Miguel turned his head to look at her, his gaze softening. "Thanks for looking out for me too," he whispered, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.

Blanca's smile widened as she whispered back, "That's what we do, right?"

Miguel chuckled softly, pulling her a little closer. "Right." And with that, they let the comfort of each other's presence carry them back to sleep, feeling more at peace than ever.

--

The morning light crept through Blanca's curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Miguel was still fast asleep, sprawled comfortably under the blankets. Blanca sat up quietly, brushing a few stray hairs off his forehead before slipping out of bed. She had an early start, today was the launch of the charity event she'd been planning, and she needed to be on campus to oversee the final touches.

She tiptoed into the bathroom, turning on the shower and humming to herself as the water warmed. She muttered about her to-do list under her breath, already mentally juggling the event details, from greeting speakers to managing donations. Miguel stirred at the sound, his eyes opening slowly. He listened, a lazy smile spreading across his face as he caught snippets of her focused mumbling.

With a playful glint in his eyes, Miguel leaned back against the pillows, debating his next move. He waited until he heard the shower turn off, watching as Blanca re-entered the room in a robe, towel-drying her hair. As she approached the closet, he finally spoke up, voice thick with sleep but mischievous.

"You know," he said, drawing out his words, "William won't mind if you're a little late... I think you've more than earned it."

Blanca turned, raising an eyebrow at him. "Really, Miguel?" she laughed, catching on to his teasing as she tightened her robe. "You're going to make me late, just because you want more time in bed?"

Miguel stretched his arms above his head, smirking. "What's a few minutes, right? The event will still be there. Besides, who else is going to make sure you eat breakfast?"

She rolled her eyes, but her laughter softened as she walked over to his side of the bed. Leaning down, she planted a soft kiss on his forehead, then on his lips. "You're impossible," she murmured, but her eyes sparkled. "Go back to sleep if you're still tired. I'll be fine."

But Miguel sat up, rubbing his face as he shook off the last traces of sleep. "Nah, if you're going in, I'll take you. Besides, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I let you handle all that by yourself?" He swung his legs over the side of the bed, shooting her a sleepy grin.

Blanca watched him, affection warming her gaze. "You know you don't have to," she said, but she knew he wouldn't listen.

Miguel chuckled, heading toward her door with a wink. "Just give me five minutes, and I'll be good to go."

While Blanca finished getting ready, Miguel quickly freshened up, throwing on a simple T-shirt and jeans. Before long, they were in his car, making their way through the quiet Saturday morning streets toward campus. Blanca went over her checklist one last time while Miguel drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, half-focused on the road and half on her as she talked herself through her mental list.

As they pulled up in front of the main building, Miguel glanced over, his expression turning serious for a moment. "You're going to do great, you know. This event is going to run perfectly, just like you planned."

Blanca's face softened, and she squeezed his hand before opening the car door. "Thanks, Miguel. And thanks for being here."

"Always," he replied, watching her until she disappeared through the main doors. With a satisfied smile, he shifted the car into gear, making his way back home knowing he'd be right by her side to hear about every detail later.

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