Logan

112. No Secrets

*Natalie's POV*

I'd decided on going to Aeron's at some point after I cooled down, we had fun filling up my cup with Mt. Dew slush and eating gas station pizza.

I'd ignored the notifications on my phone, texting to Alex that I was at least okay. I saw the numerous texts and calls from Desmond, I couldn't deal with that right now.

I could see the moments in Aeron's face when he was truly having fun, it was something I hadn't seen on his face in a while.

We'd decided it was too late to go to the Iris, and I was getting too tired to go home and deal with everyone. Aeron offered me his bed, and he would go to the couch.

I turned the lamp on and he turned to me, then put his arms out, after motioning to his side. I hadn't noticed the gun before now, but I still trusted Aeron.

"Can you put it in my safe? It's in the closet," he asked as he wavered on his feet. "I don't think I can do it myself in this state." He'd picked up a six pack at the gas station, and was even worse for wear than earlier.

"I don't know the password." I sighed, kneeling next to the safe.

"0212, and the safety is on, you don't have to worry," he mumbled.

"That's my birthday," I smiled.

He nodded, "I only got to spend one of them with you, remember?"

I unbuckled his holster, and placed the gun and everything else inside the safe. "Why did you wear this to my party?" He stayed silent, and I didn't feel like pressing it. He would tell me in due time, but I couldn't help but be a little suspicious "I took classes, you know, so I'd stop being so scared of them. I have my license... yet the idea of shooting something still scares me to death." I took a deep breath and sat next to him as he laid down.

I pulled his socks off, and his breathing was calm until I unbuckled his belt. He swallowed hard and laughed, "Natalie if you wanted that you might as well have said so."

I chuckled, "Funny, but your pants are going to wrinkle if you sleep in them. Dry cleaning is expensive."

It was quiet between the two of us for a moment, the sound of the wind and snow whipping against the window. I was well aware of the closeness between us. I started to unbutton his shirt when he smiled.

"You take such good care of me, Natalie, why do you even bother with me?" He sighed, and put his hand on my knee, softly rubbing with his thumb.

I shrugged, finishing unbuttoning his shirt and placing it on a hanger. "I don't know."

"I hurt you, more than once. I broke your heart, yet here you are, helping me while I'm drunk. Why? Why treat me so nicely?"

His question bothered me, I took a deep breath, "Because that's what you do for people you love. Sometimes people hurt you, but you help them anyway."

My body ached as I settled in next to him, it had been a while since I'd slept next to anyone. He'd promised to stay until I fell asleep, and shut the lamp off and turned to me, putting his arm around me.

A silence passed between us, and I felt myself drifting to sleep.

I'd heard him call my name, "Natalie, Natalie, hey" and ignored it.

I felt his breath on my ear, "I love you" and a kiss on the cheek. I tried to mumble but I was so tired.

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*Aeron's POV*

When I woke up, Natalie was still asleep. Laying next to her had been so warm, I didn't realize how touch starved I was until I'd felt her curl up to me. I'd meant to move to the couch after she fell asleep, but... I had to admit her leg against my body sent disastrous thoughts to my mind. I shook my head and slowly moved out of her hold. Her breathing was even, no nightmares.