A Little Understanding

What This Could Be

Layla woke a little after midnight to the cries of Benji coming from the next room. Carefully untangling herself from Jeffrey she crept out and went to check on her son. It was quite common for Benji to wake crying in the night. She never knew why it happened, but usually all it took was a cuddle and he was fine again.

Once she had Benji settled she stopped off at the bathroom, then the kitchen for a glass of water before heading back to bed.

"Hey, everything okay?" Jeffrey asked as she closed her bedroom door quietly.

"Sorry, I tried not to wake you. Everything's fine. Benji just wakes most nights upset, he's settled again now" she told him.

"Come back to bed" he said as he pat the empty space on the mattress where she had been just moments ago.

Layla climbed back in and he wrapped an arm across her waist snuggling in close. She lay nuzzled in to his chest enjoying the smell of his skin.

"I thought you'd bailed one me" he teased.

"Where would I go? This is my house" she giggled.

"True..." he laughed.

"I wouldn't dream of it".

"Good to know" he grinned as he placed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the sweet fruity scent of her shampoo. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah"

"I know we haven't really talked about what this is... or what it could be but you and I... are we you know... a thing?"

"A thing?" She teased.

"A couple?"

"I know we hadn't put a label on it or anything... but I kinda thought we already were?" She chuckled.

"I didn't want to assume anything" he grinned. "I know you probably have a few walls up, and you maybe don't trust men much after what Benji's father did to you. But I'd never hurt you. I really like you, and I want to be there for you. I want to care for you, and Benji".

"You're right, I do have some walls up, and probably some trust issues. But from the moment we met I knew that you were a good man with a good heart. I trust you completely" she smiled. "And I'd like to be yours and for you to be mine, if that's what you want".

"Absolutely. That is 100% what I want" he smiled as he kissed her.

"I feel so relaxed and at ease when I'm with you" she whispered as she ran her fingers through the fluff on his chest.

"Good. That's how I want you to feel".

"I'm so used to being on edge all the time, worried about Benji and what people might think of the way he is. Feeling like I need to protect him from the world, from those who don't understand. But I don't have to feel that way with you. Thank you".

"You never have to worry about anything like that with me. How would you feel about staying over at my place sometimes?"

"With Benji?"

"Of course"

"I'm not sure how that would work I mean of course I'd want to it's just-"

"We make it work" he smiled. "I want this to be a normal relationship for you. I know you are used to avoiding certain situations for Benji's sake, but I want you to know you are both welcome in my home. Whatever you need to make it comfortable and safe for Benji you let me know and I'll make sure it's done".

"Really?"

"Really. I know it's not your natural instinct, but I want you to put your wants and needs first every now and then. It doesn't mean that you are neglecting your son's needs, because I know that you always make sure he is happy and safe. I just want you to consider what you want, don't think that you can't have it because you need to worry about Benji. You don't have to do this alone anymore".

"Seriously Jeff... could you get any sweeter?" she gushed. "You are just a perfect man".

"I'm far from perfect Sweetheart. I have my flaws".

"Not in my eyes. To me you are perfect" she whispered contently as she snuggled in close to him, planting a soft kiss to his bare chest.

"Get some more sleep Sweetheart. I'll be right here when you wake up" he whispered as he held her tight. He knew that she probably had a fear of abandonment after the way Benji's father had left. He had seen something special in her the day they met and every day that they had spent together since, he only saw that emerge more and more. He was falling for her in a big way, and he was determined to show her what a caring, protective and loyal partner and father looked like.

When Layla's eyes fluttered open the next morning she was greeted with the most adorable sight. Jeffrey was fast asleep next to her, his arms wrapped securely around her waist. He looked so happy and content that she didn't want to wake him, so she decided to slip out of bed and make him some breakfast. She began to slowly wriggle her way out of his arms when he stirred and tightened his hold on her and pulled her close.

"Mmm where you going?" He mumbled sleepily.

She turned to look at him, his eyes slightly open and his hair sticking up in all directions. He looked so fucking cute. "Well I was going to make you breakfast" she whispered as she kissed his cheek.

"Stay and snuggle" he whispered as he nuzzled in to her.

"You're so cute when you're all sleepy" she giggled.

"Am I just?"

"Mmhmm" she smiled kissing him again.

He began to place sweet kisses along her neck and collarbone making her giggle. "That's dangerous Mr Morgan" she teased.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah... I might not be able to keep my hands to myself".

"Maybe I don't want you to" he countered.

"How about a shower?"

"Together?"

"Yup".

"Well... I definitely won't be able to keep my hands to myself then either" he teased.

"Maybe I don’t want you to" she quipped, using the same words he just had.

"Oh I'm definitely in" Jeffrey grinned.

Thanks for all your comments so far guys. I have a lot planned for the future of this story. Lots of fluff, a little drama here and there and some smut of course!