TNN ONESHOTS

Are you okay? - SS & VC

Siobhan stirred awake, the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the dim light, but something felt off. The space beside her was empty. Viv wasn’t there. A wave of unease washed over her as she propped herself up on one elbow, scanning the room for any sign of her partner.

The clock on the bedside table ticked softly, its rhythmic sound amplifying the silence that enveloped the house. Siobhan’s heart raced slightly as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, the cool wooden floor sending a shiver up her spine. She called out softly, “Viv?” but only silence answered.

Feeling a mix of worry and curiosity, Siobhan got up and padded quietly down the hallway, the faint creaks of the floorboards echoing her cautious steps. As she approached the living room, she noticed a sliver of light peeking from underneath the door. With a gentle push, she opened it, revealing Viv sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket. It wasn't till she got closer that she noticed the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Viv?” Siobhan whispered, kneeling beside her. The sight of her partner in such distress made Siobhan’s heart ache. Vivian looked up, her eyes red and puffy, and for a moment, the two just sat in silence, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

“I’m sorry,” Vivian choked out, her voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to wake you.” Siobhan shook her head, placing a comforting hand on Vivian’s back. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m here for you. What’s wrong?”

Vivian took a shaky breath, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “It’s just… everything feels overwhelming right now. I thought I could handle it, but…” Her voice trailed off, and Siobhan felt a rush of empathy. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around Vivian, pulling her into a warm embrace. “You don’t have to handle it alone. I’m right here,” Siobhan murmured, holding her tightly but Vivian shook her head quickly. "You have enough going on without me." She choked out. “Viv, please, what’s wrong?” Siobhan asked softly, stepping closer. She reached out, wanting to comfort her, but Vivian flinched, shaking her head. “No, Siobhan, just… just leave me alone,” she said, her voice strained.

Siobhan felt a pang of hurt and confusion. “But I want to help you. You don’t have to go through this by yourself,” she pleaded, trying to comfort her. Vivian looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and sadness. “I said I’m fine! I just need some space right now!”

The tension in the room was palpable. Siobhan’s heart ached at the sight of Vivian in pain, but she respected her partner’s wishes, even though it felt unbearable. “Okay,” Siobhan whispered, backing away slowly. “I’ll be right here if you change your mind.”

As she retreated to the kitchen, she felt helpless, wishing she could break through the walls Vivian had put up. She sat quietly, hoping that with time, Vivian would allow her to be there for her, to share the burden rather than carry it alone. In that stillness, Siobhan realized that love sometimes meant waiting patiently, ready to embrace when the moment was right.

Vivian sat on the couch, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her. The tears had stopped, but the ache in her chest remained. She tried to convince herself that she could handle it alone, but the loneliness of the silence was suffocating. After a few moments of battling her emotions, she realized she needed Siobhan.

Gathering her courage, Vivian stood up and made her way to the kitchen. As she stepped inside, she found Siobhan standing by the counter, her back turned, busy preparing a cup of tea. The warm glow of the kitchen light made the space feel inviting, and the familiar scent of chamomile filled the air.

“Siobhan?” Vivian’s voice was barely above a whisper. Siobhan turned around, her expression shifting from concentration to concern in an instant. “Viv! I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, setting the kettle down and walking toward her.

Without a word, Vivian stepped into Siobhan’s open arms, seeking the comfort she had been avoiding. Siobhan wrapped her tightly around her, holding her close as if to shield her from the world outside. “It’s okay to feel this way,” Siobhan murmured softly, stroking Vivian’s hair. “You don’t have to go through it alone.”

As they stood together, Vivian felt the warmth of Siobhan’s embrace seep into her bones, washing away the remnants of her sadness. “I’m sorry for pushing you away earlier,” she finally admitted, her voice muffled against Siobhan’s shoulder. “I just didn’t want to burden you.”

“You could never be a burden to me,” Siobhan replied, pulling back slightly to look into Vivian's eyes. “I’m here for you, always.” In that moment, Vivian felt a sense of relief and safety, knowing that no matter how heavy her heart felt, she would never have to carry it alone.