He accompanied you grocery shopping, and would never complain, even if he had stayed up all night. He helped reach things too high for you on the shelves and would silently carry the bags. Even though you, at times, bought way too much.
He blushed whenever your hands accidentally brushed in public.
He gave you his full attention when you ranted, often about work. But he wouldn’t always offer advice, especially when he felt out of his depth with the chosen topic. Instead he listened, presenting his silent support, and made you delicious tea. He practiced in order to make it the way you liked. And if it was a really bad day, he added milk.
Slipping in between the sheets, a satisfied sigh escaped my parted lips. I snuggled into the soft, warm fabric of the bed and almost dozed off immediately.
It had been such a long day at work and walking during the rain hadn’t helped either. Taking a long shower unwounded my weary muscles but laying down felt even more wonderful.
I did feel a bit guilty over sleeping at Gavin’s place without him being there, but he gave me a key to his apartment, in case of emergencies, and missing him was an emergency.
He had been gone for four days, and the mission seemed complicated judging by his short replies to my messages. He only did so when he lacked time, and when it happened I always worried.
Even though I understood, and supported him, his silence made me lonely.
Glancing around his dark bedroom, the prolonged shadows made it appear cold and empty. I bit my lip, feeling bereft of him. He could be anywhere…
“I’m fine,” Gavin sleepily murmured, burying his face further into my neck. His breathy laugh sounded husky, tinged with sleep.
I didn’t answer him. Instead my finger continued stroking the livid bruise on his side, tracing as far as I could as it stretched behind his back.
He sighed contently, eyelashes tickling my skin as he closed his eyes and we lapsed into silence. I snuggled closer to him, relishing the warmth of his body spreading through me. The moment was short-lived, however, as I struck upon a sensitive area on his bruise. He winced slightly, his abdominal muscles stiffening under my fingertips. I instantly drew back, apologizing in abundance. “I hurt you, I’m so sorry.”
Gavin was quick to grip my wrist, pulling it back to him. “You didn’t,” he assured, keeping his hold on me as he lifted his head to look into my eyes. “I promise. Please, continue.”
