Linger

F O R T Y - T H R E E

Sleepiness found comfort in my tired state as the stars found comfort in the now navy blue sheet that consumed the sky. My eyelids were starting to feel heavy as I admired the night time scenery as we passed through the lively city on this Saturday night. My mind felt burdened with sleep and I found myself in a daze between dozing off to the dreams in my mind and appreciating the one that sat next to me, his concentration fixed on the traffic ahead of him as his hands gripped the black leather steering wheel.

The car ride to Daniel's place was quiet, yet peaceful. The only noise filling our ears was the radio now playing "Do I Wanna Know" by the Arctic Monkeys softly in the background. There was solace in our silence and it was oddly satisfying to just sit together as we drove through the night. Maybe it was because we had spent the whole day socializing at the team party that our minds just needed a break to just recharge from all the activity. Both of us barely had any energy left to make conversation. But speaking wasn't necessary. When you're with someone who you connect with so well, being with each other is enough.

Even though I felt worn out from looking after little Bennie and Jenny all day, I still had this longing to spend time with Daniel. Despite not having much energy left and sitting in silence as result, my soul still found satisfaction simply by being in his presence. He had that type of effect on me like no other.

We had both agreed on spending some time together as his place, however not before he tried to convince me to get some rest instead & that we could always spend the next day together. I appreciated his care yet reassured him that I'd be alright and that all I really wanted after such a long day was nothing more than quality time with solely him. He didn't argue with this and I admired the way his eyes lit up when they met mine in agreement.

His black cap sat low on his head, concealing his warm brown eyes, but the street lights illuminating the road ahead us, reflected upon his face making his smile the brightest feature on his face. I watched as he would bring a hand up to his face and rub at the dark stubble that had grown there over the past few days, after stopping at a red traffic light, then reaching out for my hand when the light blinked green. No words were exchanged, but the small gesture spoke enough volumes to cause my heart to flutter.

"Alright, we're here, love." Daniel said as we pulled into the dimly lit underground parking structure at his apartment complex.

"Mmm, could I just stay here and sleep?" I mumbled as I shifted around in the narrow car seat to find a comfortable position to rest in as he unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the car.

"Come on, darling. You'd be more comfortable once we're upstairs." He came around the car and opened the passenger door, waiting patiently for me to gather the energy to get off the car. Walking across the massive parking lot and to the elevators did not seem appealing in the least, but you can't always get what you want. There was already a gorgeous man in front of me, waiting for me to go inside with him. It'd be a shame if I said no.

Eventually we finally made to the seventh floor and through his apartment door, my hand interlaced in his larger one as he led me into the cozy apartment.

"I'm just going to put my coat away really quick. I'll be right back." He pressed a kiss to my hair before disappearing into the other room. "Make yourself comfortable."

I stepped further into his apartment, taking in the atmosphere of the one who occupied my thoughts the most. Being in someone's living space was almost like pulling back another layer of that person's character. It was a step further into their personal lives and revealed a lot about them in a way.

The carpet was soft and comforting beneath my feet as I walked into the living room. The moonlight shined through the window, and next to the window stood the television display where a few picture frames were placed.