Lily Of The Valley (Aris x Reader)

16) In Reach

The cries were so soft I almost couldn't hear them. They seemed muffled, almost silent and shameful. I wouldn't have even heard if I hadn't slept on my side, my good ear resting on the bed.

I wasn't sure exactly why he was crying. I wasn't sure I would have the right words to comfort him.

I won't just let him be upset alone though. I never could.

Climbing down the ladder, I did my best not to shiver, though it wasn't much use. This place always seems to be freezing when we dare not have blankets.

That wasn't the problem to deal with though. At least not for now.

“Hey,”I said gently, taking a spot on the edge of his bed. He didn't say anything as he looked at me before wiping his eyes with the sides of his hand.

“Sorry. Didn't mean to wake you,”He mumbled, his voice cracking.

“Do you want to talk about it?”I suggested. He simply shook his head no. “Do you need me to get you something?”

“Stay with me?”He asked quietly, gently grabbing my hand.

“Yeah. Of course,”I nodded.

He moved closer to the wall as I crawled under the covers, keeping his hand in mine. Lightly tracing my thumb over his hand, I let my free one run through his hair, brushing it out of his eyes despite the way it always fell back into place.

“I’m sorry,”He repeated, his voice beginning to steady.

“You don't have to apologize. It's okay. It's gonna be okay,”I promised, moving my hand to his cheek, gently cupping his face. He looked at me with glassy eyes, staying completely still. “It’s gonna be okay,”I repeated, kissing his forehead. Slowly, he nodded before resting his face in the crook of my neck, his arms wrapped around me and gripping my shirt as he sniffled, his tears falling on my skin.

“It's okay. You're safe. You're here. You're breathing. Nothing can touch you,”I soothed, rubbing his back.

I’m not sure he’ll tell me why he was crying in the morning. I’m not sure he’ll tell me ever. He’s always been confusing when it comes to emotions, sometimes spilling his soul and sometimes completely shutting down.

That's okay though. Either I’ll know or I won't, but either way I’ll be here for him.

With a jolt, I quickly sat up, looking around me. Running a hand through my hair, I leaned my head back as I took a breath, basking in the warm sun through the window as the memory disguised as a dream left my mind.

“You're finally up.”

Looking at him who was sitting on the floor, our bags completely packed and ready beside him, I managed a nod.

“Sorry. Just got tired I guess,”I apologized.

“It's fine. If you slept through the morning, you needed it.”

“Thank you then. That was sweet of you.”

“Wow. A real compliment? From you?”He gasped, putting a hand over his heart as he feigned surprise, a wide smile to match his energy.

“Shut up. I’m too groggy to think of insults right now.”

“I’m sure it’ll come to you in no time, darling.”

“Thank you for your support in me bullying you. It’s definitely needed,”I sighed, pulling my hair back so it would be off my neck and not make me want to kill myself.

“Anytime, dear.”

“You physically repulse me,”I grumbled.

“I love you too. Now let's get going.”