𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 |𝟏𝟖+|

36

TW: Mature reading ahead

Etta Valentines POV

We got in the car and he broke down on me.

I'd never seen him cry like that, and whilst I'd never hope to see him so pained again, I'm glad that he feels safe enough to be so vulnerable with me.

I was sat on his lap, holding his head to my chest as he shook with silent sobs.

I said nothing as I let him do what he needed to do. Said nothing as I gave him nothing but my existence. Said nothing as he clung to me so tightly it was as if he was afraid I'd disappear.

Ten minutes we stayed like that.

When the worst of it was over, I stroked my hand over his hair and peeled just enough away to see his face.

"I'm sorry E. I don't know where that came from."

I shook my head and kissed his cheek. "Don't apologise baby. You couldn't help it, I'm just sorry she's made you feel like this."

His head remained hung low as he nuzzled against my chest. "Thank you for sticking up for me back there. Words can't express the way you made me feel validated."

My heart clenched. "I'd do it ten times over to prove you don't deserve her ignorance." I winced. "I'm sorry for talking badly, she is your mother after all."

Miguel scoffed. "Baby, talk bad all you want. Mother is a title you earn, and she...She has not earned it."

There was such raw heartache in his eyes that I could do nothing but hold him and simply be there, existing in that moment alongside him.

"You want me to kiss it better?"

He raised his head, smiling faintly as he kissed the underside of my jaw. "Yeah." He whispered whilst hugging my body into his.

So then I took his face gently in my warm hands and kissed every inch of skin, from his forehead to his light dusting of stubble.

And then I found his lips.

The kiss was slow, raw in its own delicate way. It wasn't lust fuelled or ravenous. No. It was gentle and loving, an adoring action in which all the words we couldn't say were displayed throughout this touch.

"I love you." He said once we pulled away for breath.

Those three little words wreaking blissful havoc on every fibre of my being.

We both knew I wasn't quite ready to say it back, and that was okay. Miguel didn't make me feel pressured or guilty, he just made me simply feel.

So I leant down and nuzzled into his neck, feeling his body relax as he ran his hands up and down my back.

"I'm so lucky to have found you E." He whispered hoarsely, his voice thick with emotion that it brought tears to my eyes.

"Right back at you Guelly."

~~~

"I actually stocked up on snacks earlier. So you'll be happy to find more than just protein powder in my cupboards."