unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Through the Night

Leah's POV:

After Ella finally let herself break down, she seemed drained, her usual confidence nowhere to be seen. It hurt to see her like this, but I knew that what she needed now was just quiet, comforting company. As the evening faded into night, I stayed close, refusing to leave her side. When she finally closed her eyes, lying beside me on her couch, I decided there was no way I was going home tonight.

"Ella," I said softly, brushing a stray curl from her face. "Do you want me to stay?"

She nodded, barely opening her eyes, too tired to say anything more. I got up quietly, grabbed a blanket, and dimmed the lights in her living room, settling back beside her. She didn't protest when I pulled her close, just melted into my arms, her head resting on my shoulder.

Hours passed, but sleep seemed far off for both of us. I could feel the weight of her thoughts in the way her fingers tapped against my hand, each tiny movement tense and restless. Every now and then, she'd sigh, and I'd instinctively pull her a little closer.

At one point, I whispered, "You don't have to carry this alone, you know." She looked up at me, her green eyes soft, the exhaustion even more visible now in the dim light. She nodded slowly, and for the first time in days, I saw a glimmer of relief.

"Thank you, Leah," she murmured, barely audible. "I don't think I could get through this without you."

"You don't have to," I whispered, gently kissing the top of her head.

Eventually, her breathing steadied, and I felt her finally relax, sinking into sleep. I stayed awake, watching her, ready to be here if she needed anything. The city's lights flickered through the window, and the sounds of London at night seemed to calm the both of us. The night felt endless, but it was quiet, and for the first time in days, she seemed at peace.

When dawn started to creep in, Ella stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She looked at me, half-surprised to see that I was still holding her.

"You didn't sleep, did you?" she asked softly, her voice raspy from sleep.

I shrugged, smiling. "I didn't need to. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

She reached up, touching my cheek, and for a moment, I saw a warmth return to her gaze. "I really am grateful for you, Leah."

And right then, I knew that staying up all night just to be here for her was worth it. In the quiet of that early morning, we just held each other, feeling a closeness that didn't need any words. We didn't need to speak; we were just two people, finding comfort in each other's presence, letting the dawn bring with it a new beginning.