TNN ONESHOTS

The bar - CV & AFK

The dim lights of the bar flickered softly, casting shadows that danced across the walls. Autumn sat hunched over at the far end, her glass nearly empty, tears streaming down her cheeks. The laughter and chatter of the crowd faded into a dull roar, drowned out by the weight of her emotions. She felt lost, overwhelmed by a wave of sadness that seemed to wash over her with every sip.

Charlotte, having noticed her absence from their usual spot, pushed through the throng of people, her heart racing with concern. She spotted Autumn, her friend's vulnerability stark against the backdrop of the bustling bar. Once dhe reached her friend, Charlotte slowly sat herself down next to Autumn. "Come on, stop being so flipping stubborn and let me look after you," Charlotte spoke calmly, her voice cutting through the noise as she approached.

Autumn looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, and for a moment, she resisted. But the warmth in Charlotte's eyes melted away her defenses. Slowly, she gave in, letting herself fall against Charlotte as she wrapped her arms around her. "I've got you," Charlotte whispered into Autumn's hair, resting her head against her chest. In that moment, the chaos around them faded away, leaving just the two of them, finding solace in each other's embrace.

Charlotte wrapped her arms around Autumn slightly tighter, feeling the tension in her friend's body slowly begin to dissipate. The warmth of their embrace was comforting, a reminder of the bond they shared. As Charlotte held her, she could feel the weight of Autumn's sorrow pressing down on her, and she tightened her grip, wanting to provide as much support as possible.

But as the seconds turned into minutes, Charlotte noticed something shifting in Autumn's breathing. Autumn's soft sobs began to break through the silence, and Charlotte's heart ached for her friend. The tears flowed freely, each one a testament to the pain Autumn had been carrying alone for too long. Charlotte's own heart began to swell with emotion; it had been ages since her, herself, had felt the comfort of a hug like this, where vulnerability was met with unwavering support.

"Shh, it's okay," Charlotte whispered gently, her voice steady despite the tears that threatened to spill from her own eyes. She held Autumn tighter, rocking her slightly as if to soothe the storm within. "I'm here for you. You're not alone." The more she held her, the more Charlotte felt her own tears welling up, a release of all the times she had wished for this moment-to simply be there for a friend in need. They sat together, two souls intertwined, finding solace in their shared vulnerability as the world outside faded away.

Once they had bothed calmed down, Charlotte had convinced Autumn that it was time to get her back to the comfort of her own home. Thankful the queen Victoria pub was close enough for them to walk as there was no way Autumn could drive and Charlotte didn't have her car.

The night air was crisp as Charlotte guided Autumn down the quiet street, her friend swaying slightly with each step. The laughter and noise of the bar were a distant memory, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Charlotte kept a steady arm around Autumn's waist, ensuring she wouldn't stumble.

"Come on, just a little further," Charlotte encouraged, her voice gentle but firm. Autumn leaned against her, her head resting on Charlotte's shoulder as they walked. The weight of the evening's drinks hung heavy in the air, and Charlotte could sense the vulnerability radiating from her friend.

As they neared Autumn's apartment, she suddenly stopped, pulling away slightly to look up at Charlotte with wide, pleading eyes. "Please, don't go," Autumn begged, her voice tinged with desperation. "I don't want to be alone right now."

Charlotte's heart ached at the sight of her friend, so fragile and exposed. "You won't be alone. I'll stay," she replied softly, brushing a strand of hair behind Autumn's ear. "I'm not going anywhere."

Relief washed over Autumn's face, and she wrapped her arms around Charlotte once more, holding on tightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice muffled against Charlotte's shoulder. In that moment, Charlotte knew that sometimes the best way to help was simply to be there, to provide a safe space for her friend to feel everything she needed to feel. They stood together, the warmth of their friendship providing a shield against the loneliness that threatened to creep in.

Charlotte carefully helped Autumn into her house, up the stairs and finally into her bedroom, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light over the space. Autumn swayed slightly, her sadness from earlier now replaced by a sleepy haze. "I can't believe I let myself drink that much," she mumbled, leaning against the wall for support.

"Hey, it's okay. We all have those nights," Charlotte reassured her, guiding her gently to the bed. "Let's get you changed, alright?" Autumn nodded, her eyes fluttering as Charlotte helped her out of her clothes, choosing a comfortable oversized t-shirt for her to wear. Charlotte was careful and respectful, making sure Autumn felt secure and cared for.

Once Autumn was changed, Charlotte tucked her into bed before she climbed into bed beside her. The sheets were cool against her skin, and she pulled them up to Autumn's chin, tucking her in gently. Autumn turned to face Charlotte, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "Stay with me?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

"Of course," Charlotte replied, wrapping her arms around Autumn and pulling her close. The warmth of their bodies created a cocoon of comfort, and Charlotte could feel the tension in Autumn's body slowly melting away. As Autumn's breathing became slower and steadier, Charlotte held her friend tightly, whispering soft reassurances until she finally drifted off to sleep, knowing she was safe and loved.