Unexpected Encounters [B.H.M.]

39

"Oh god... Frida, I'm so sorry, that's horrible," Brian said quietly, holding me close to him. "I'm really sorry you had to go through all that..."

I didn't say anything, I simply cuddled close to him, loving the fact that he gave me the possibility to hide from the world for a moment. I was relieved that he just allowed me to grieve in a way I hadn't gotten the chance to before. Even though it had been seven years, I had always managed to keep it bottled up somehow, until now. Because Brian cared, and he showed me that he cared. And I loved him for that, he was such an amazing guy.

"You are so strong... I admire that so much," he said softly. I could tell he really meant that. "All this time you've been telling me that you understand me... I never thought that you really understand me so well. I would have hoped for you that you don't really understand, but you do..." He was really wonderful at comforting, I could feel myself getting calmer with every circle his fingers were drawing on my back.

"I do," I mumbled. "Those days when you just can't get out of bed," I began, straightening up so I could look at him. "I've had plenty of them. Plenty... I know the feeling much too well, and I wanted to help you." I wiped my eyes with my hands before I took the fresh tissue that Brian had grabbed for me. I sniffed before I blew my nose, mumbling an apology to Brian. But he was just his wonderful self, he continued gently rubbing my back, smiling a little. "I'm sorry," I apologised again. "I probably look really gross right now, crying is never attractive."

Brian's smile grew a little. "Nonsense, you're always beautiful, Frida."

"You're such a charmer," I replied, unable to keep myself from smiling. He had to be magic somehow.

"Maybe, but I'm simply being honest. You're always beautiful. I've thought so right from when we first met, when we ran into each other. You're gorgeous, and if I'm honest, the fact that you are so open about your feelings around me just increases that. If anything, I find you even more beautiful now, because you're beautiful inside and outside," he told me, his voice getting quieter before he very softly kissed my cheek, lingering for a moment.

I know it shouldn't have, but that had an effect on me that I couldn't deny. "Thank you," I replied quietly, taking a hold of his hand. "You are so sweet. And that means a lot coming from you because you are one of the most handsome men to ever walk this planet... and on top of that one of the sweetest. I cannot even begin to describe how lucky I am to have you in my life. To know you the way I do. Thank you for trusting me even in your lowest moments, Brian..." I looked at him, somehow managing to look him into the eyes. He had gorgeous eyes, he made me feel so safe and comforted, and loved. It had been a very long time since I had felt this way and I hadn't realised how much I had missed this. I missed the warmth, I missed the comfort that went along with being so close with someone. I could resist, I wrapped my arms around him and snuggled close to him, smiling when he pulled me in close.

"Frida, never ever doubt how beautiful you are. Please... you are so gorgeous, you are beautiful and you're an amazing woman. You're so strong, you've been through so much and yet you're one of the most loving people I have met. I've met a lot of people, but none of them compare to you. You're so very special to me, Frida. I've known you for a short time only, but even on the first day you were different. You stood out, in the best possible way. You make it so easy for me to trust you, you treat me like a normal person and you just let me be myself. I am so unbelievably grateful for you and your support, Frida, and I hope that I'll be lucky enough to keep you in my life for a very long time... I don't want to miss your company... our fun Scrabble nights, that I know you enjoy on some level even though you say the game is painful, I love our little emotional moments like this, and just... this feeling of trust, and comfort..."