Thinking Later

After the arena lights go out, Tate should feel tired.

Usually she does.

But tonight, she's still buzzing-like the music hasn't quite left her yet.

Her hotel room is quiet when she gets back. Too quiet.

Until Ryan doesn't leave.

He's always there-her bodyguard, her shadow, the one person she never has to think twice about. Calm, steady, safe.

And always just a little out of reach.

But tonight feels... different.

He lingers in the doorway like he's not sure what to do, and she catches it-the way his usual composure slips just a little. Softer. Warmer.

It makes her heart do something small and stupid.

She thinks about all the little moments-
the quiet "you good?" after every show,
the way he's always right there when she needs him,
the way his eyes sometimes stay on her just a second too long.

It's kind of always been there.

They've just never said it out loud.

She knows it's probably a bad idea.

But right now, she doesn't really care.

She just... doesn't want him to go.

She looks at him across the room, nerves fluttering in her chest.

He doesn't move.

Just waits. Like he always does.

And then, a little shy, a little hopeful-

"Stay."