The calming noise of chirping crickets drifted in through an open window, the night air filling the small bedroom with a soft, earthy scent. You were sprawled on your boyfriend's bed, lazily observing him as he riffled through his dresser drawers, searching for a t-shirt.
After locating a shirt, he turned to find you watching him, and one of his signature grins blossomed on his face. "What are you looking at?" He inquired.
You shook your head, propping yourself up onto your elbows. "You, of course."
"And what's so interesting about looking at me?" He continued, after pulling on a soft, gray shirt.
"Well, you're kinda attractive, so that's what's interesting," you casually replied.
He moved to hop onto the bed, but as he landed, an obvious wince passed over his face, and he took a deep breath, willing the pain to subside. You leaned upright, already reaching out to him.
"No," he held a hand up, "I'm fine, it's just taking a bit longer to heal."
You folded your arms over your chest, a sigh leaving your lips. "Scott, it's been a few weeks already, and you still haven't healed. That's not good. You keep telling me you're fine, but I know you're not. And you never let me take your pain, so I can't help you."
"But I don't need your help, I'll be completely fine," he protested.
"In case you didn't notice, you kind of died for a brief period of time, and you're still having trouble healing. That doesn't mean you're fine, it means you need help. I don't want you to be in pain. Please, just-"
"No, just stop. You don't need to take my pain, babe. Even though healing is taking a while, it's not going to be forever. Eventually, the wound'll fade away. You don't need to take my pain, because I don't want you hurting. Alright?"
You finally relented, letting your shoulders slump. "Fine. I'm sorry I keep bothering you about it, I just hate seeing you in pain. It's not fair. Theo's the one who killed you, he should be the one experiencing all the pain."
Scott leaned forward, brushing some hair out of your face. "Let's just change the subject," he suggested, "anyway, are you still up for our date?"
You raised an eyebrow. "Well, I know I am, but what about you? Are you sure you don't just wanna stay home, what with how you're feeling?"
He hurriedly shook his head. "And miss a date with a smoking hot girl? Are you kidding?"
You giggled at this, dipping down before looking back at him. "Well, what are we waiting for? To the movie theater it is."
You rose from the bed, gently pulling Scott up with you before grabbing your coat from the end of his bed. You slid into the coat before following Scott out of his room and down the stairs, reaching out to squeeze his hand as you went.
"Hang on," he announced, "let me just leave a note for my mom, letting her know where I am just in case she comes home before we get back."
You nodded, deciding to step into your shoes while you waited for your boyfriend. He finally emerged from the kitchen, a smile on his face as he came over to put his own shoes on, shrugging into a denim jacket.
"After you," he graciously offered, motioning for you to step out of the house. You obliged, sauntering out onto the porch. He pulled the door shut behind the two of you, turning to make sure it was locked.
With shining eyes, you linked arms with him, walking by his side as you stepped off the porch. "So, what movie are we gonna go see?" You questioned, bumping his hip with your own as you strode to his dirt bike.
