The city lights blurred in the distance as you stood on the balcony, the cool evening breeze wrapping around your shoulders. The party inside was in full swing, music and laughter spilling out through the open sliding doors. But you couldn't bring yourself to stay. The small talk, the crowds—it was all too much tonight.
You sighed, gripping the railing as you stared out into the night, wishing for something—or someone—to pull you back from the heavy weight pressing on your chest.
"Thought I'd find you out here," a familiar voice called softly.
You turned your head to see Nicholas standing in the doorway, his hands shoved into the pockets of his leather jacket. He looked effortlessly perfect, as always. His dark hair was slightly messy, his jawline sharp, but it was his eyes that caught you. There was something there—something that felt like understanding.
"Hey," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.
"You okay?" he asked, stepping closer.
You gave a small, noncommittal shrug. "Just needed some air."
He didn't say anything for a moment, just leaned on the railing beside you, his gaze following yours to the city below. "I get it," he said finally, his voice soft but steady. "Sometimes it's easier out here."
You glanced at him, his profile illuminated by the warm glow of the string lights hanging above the balcony. He always had this way of making you feel seen, like he could understand what you were going through without you needing to say a word. You loved that about him.
"Thanks for coming out here," you said after a moment. "You didn't have to."
He turned to you, a small, teasing smile curving his lips. "What kind of guy would I be if I left you out here all alone?"
You laughed softly, the sound easing some of the tension in your chest. "You're something else, Nicholas Chavez."
"Something good, I hope," he said, his tone light but his eyes serious.
You nodded, your gaze dropping to the space between you. "Definitely something good."
He reached out then, his fingers brushing your arm. It was a simple touch, but it sent a shiver through you, and you couldn't help but look up at him.
"You don't have to do this alone, you know," he said, his voice low and steady. "Whatever it is you're feeling—whatever's weighing you down—I'm here."
Your breath hitched at his words, the sincerity in his voice making your heart ache in the best way. "I don't know how to let someone in like that," you admitted, your voice barely audible.
His fingers moved to your hand, lacing with yours as he stepped closer. "Then let me show you how," he murmured. "Let me love you the way you deserve."
The world seemed to stop in that moment, the noise of the party fading into the background. All you could focus on was him—the warmth of his hand, the intensity of his gaze, the promise in his words.
Before you could think, before you could doubt, you closed the space between you, your lips brushing his in a kiss that felt like coming home. He responded instantly, his free hand moving to cup your face as he deepened the kiss, his touch both gentle and firm.
His lips were soft and warm, and they moved against yours with a mixture of passion and tenderness that made your knees weak. He kissed you like you were the only thing that mattered, like he was trying to pour all his feelings into this one moment.
When you finally broke apart, your foreheads resting together, he let out a soft laugh, his breath warm against your skin. "God, I've wanted to do that for so long," he admitted.
You smiled, your heart racing. "Me too."
He pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you as the cool breeze swirled around you. "Then let's stop wasting time," he said, his voice low and filled with determination. "Let me be the one who's there for you, who picks you up when you're feeling low. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
You looked up at him, your heart swelling at the way he looked at you—with so much love and certainty, it made your chest ache. "Okay," you whispered, your voice trembling. "Okay, Nick."
He smiled, and the sight of it was enough to make you forget the weight you'd been carrying all night.
Without another word, he kissed you again, and this time, it was slower, deeper. His hands moved to your waist, pulling you against him as your fingers tangled in his hair. The tension between you was electric, every touch igniting something inside you that you hadn't felt in so long.
His lips trailed down your jawline, leaving a trail of fire in their wake, before settling on the curve of your neck. You let out a soft gasp, your hands gripping his shoulders as he pressed soft, lingering kisses to your skin.
"Nick," you breathed, his name falling from your lips like a prayer.
He pulled back slightly, his dark eyes meeting yours, his expression a mixture of desire and adoration. "Tell me if I'm going too fast," he murmured, his voice thick with restraint.
"You're not," you said quickly, your fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "You're perfect."
That was all he needed to hear. He kissed you again, his hands sliding down your back, his touch firm and steady. Every kiss, every touch, was filled with so much passion and love that it left you dizzy, completely lost in him.
As the night stretched on, the party inside faded further into the background. It was just the two of you, standing on the balcony, wrapped up in each other like nothing else in the world mattered.
And in that moment, you knew you didn't have to be afraid anymore. With Nicholas, you felt safe, cherished, and completely, undeniably loved.
