Key Story (2) - Chapter 21
As they walked down the dimly lit street, the silence between them felt heavier with each step. Sable leaned slightly into Raxian, her grip on his hand tightening again, and he could feel the tremble in her fingers. Something wasn't right.
Her voice, soft and almost a whisper, broke the quiet. "Raxian…"
He turned to look at her, concern flickering in his eyes. "What is it?" His voice was gentle, but his heart began to race as he noticed her slowing down.
"I… I don't feel…" Sable's words trailed off as she stumbled, her legs suddenly buckling beneath her.
Raxian moved without thinking, his arm catching her around the waist as she started to sink to the ground. "Hey, hey—hang on," he urged, panic rising in his chest. "Sable, hang in there."
Her knees gave out entirely, and she leaned heavily into him, her head falling against his chest. The weight of her body was a stark reminder of just how drained she was. He could feel her shallow breaths, the way her fingers weakly clutched at his shirt, trying to hold on.
"Sable!" His voice was sharper now, fear slipping through. He crouched down with her, lowering them both to the ground, his arms wrapping around her to keep her steady. "You're okay. Just stay with me."
But her consciousness was fading fast. Her eyes, half-lidded and unfocused, struggled to stay open. The world around her was spinning, and her grip on reality was slipping through her fingers like sand. She could barely hear Raxian's voice now, the words muffled, distant.
"I'm… sorry," she mumbled weakly, her head lolling forward as her body sagged against his.
Raxian's heart clenched, his breath catching in his throat as he held her tighter. "No, don't apologize," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. Just… just hang on, Sable. Please."
He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his hand trembling as he did so. The sight of her so fragile, so close to the edge, filled him with a sense of helplessness he hadn't felt in a long time. He wanted to do something, anything, to take this pain away from her, but all he could do was be there, holding her close as her consciousness faded.
Sable's breathing slowed, and for a terrifying moment, Raxian thought she might slip away entirely. But then, she let out a soft, shaky breath, her body still limp in his arms.
Raxian's jaw clenched as he fought to keep his emotions in check. He needed to get her home, get her somewhere safe. He carefully shifted, cradling her against him as he rose to his feet, her weight resting entirely in his arms.
"I've got you," he whispered, his voice filled with determination. "I'm not letting go."
As he started walking, his mind raced. This wasn't just about getting Sable home—this was about getting her through this, piece by piece, moment by moment. He didn't care how long it would take. He wasn't leaving her side.
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Raxian's gaze softened as he knelt beside her on the steps, his hand still entwined with hers. The cool air of the stairwell did little to chase away the warmth that spread through him at her touch. Sable leaned against the railing, her body heavy with exhaustion, but her grip on his hand remained firm—almost desperate, as though letting go might cause her to lose her balance, both physically and emotionally.
"You don't have to do this alone," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper, though his words carried all the strength he had left to offer. "I'll help you. Let me carry you upstairs."
Sable shook her head weakly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I don't want you to…" Her voice was hoarse, barely audible as she tried to explain. "It's too much… You've done enough."
Raxian opened his mouth to protest, but the quiet resolve in her eyes stopped him. He could see it—the battle she was fighting, the way her pride and fear warred against her need for help. She didn't want to be a burden, not to him, not to anyone. But she was already on the edge, barely able to stay upright.
They sat there in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft rustle of fabric as she shifted on the steps. She hadn't let go of his hand, though, and it was in that small, instinctive gesture that Raxian found solace. She was still holding on. Maybe that was enough for now.
He leaned in slightly, his brow furrowing with concern as he watched her. "Sable… you don't have to be strong for me. You've done enough." His words were gentle, careful, but filled with the weight of his own heartache.
Sable's eyes fluttered shut, her shoulders sagging as she leaned back against the railing. After a long pause, she whispered, "Please… don't leave me." The words were so quiet, so fragile, that Raxian had to strain to hear them. Her fingers tightened around his, and he felt the slight tremor in her touch, the way her body shook with the weight of everything she had been holding in.
"I need you," she admitted, her voice cracking on the last word. "I need you here. I can't… I can't do this alone."
Her confession tore at Raxian's heart. He had always known, deep down, that she needed him—he had promised her he would be there, after all. But hearing her say it out loud, hearing the vulnerability in her voice, made it real in a way he hadn't fully understood until now.
He didn't say anything for a moment. Instead, he let her words sink in, let the gravity of them wrap around him like a weight. Slowly, deliberately, he brought their clasped hands to his chest, letting her feel the steady beat of his heart beneath his shirt.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said, his voice firm, steady. "I'm right here. And I'll stay right here… for as long as you need."
Sable let out a shaky breath, her grip tightening just a little more. She didn't say anything, but the way her body seemed to relax against his, just a fraction, told him everything he needed to know. She trusted him, completely. She needed him, and he was more than willing to be her anchor, her constant in the storm.
They sat like that for a long while, the world around them fading into the background. Nothing else mattered. Not the steps they still had to climb, not the challenges ahead. Just this—this quiet moment of connection, of understanding. Of knowing that they didn't have to face it alone.
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Raxian stayed by her side, his hand never leaving hers, as they sat on the stairwell. Sable's breath came in slow, shaky waves, her body still leaning heavily against the railing. Every step they had taken since leaving the bench felt like a mountain to climb, and now, with the stairs before her, it seemed like an insurmountable task. But Raxian's presence grounded her, like a tether keeping her from drifting too far into the storm of her thoughts.
For a long while, neither of them moved, the quiet stretching between them. Raxian didn't push her. He simply sat there, waiting, his patience as steady as his heartbeat. He knew she needed time.
"I don't know if I can…" Sable's voice broke through the silence, trembling with uncertainty. Her eyes focused on the steps ahead, as if they were an impossible challenge. "I don't… I don't think I can do it."
Raxian squeezed her hand gently, his voice calm and reassuring. "You don't have to do it all at once," he said softly. "Just one step at a time. I'll be right here with you."
Sable hesitated, her gaze shifting to him, searching his eyes for any sign of frustration or doubt. But there was none. Only warmth, only understanding. Somehow, that gave her just enough courage to try.
Slowly, she placed her free hand on the railing, gripping it tightly as if it might slip away at any moment. Her legs felt like lead, but with Raxian's steady presence beside her, she managed to push herself up, wobbling on unsteady feet.
Raxian rose with her, staying close without crowding her, his hand still in hers. "That's it," he encouraged softly, his tone full of quiet pride. "Just one step."
She took a shaky breath and moved her foot forward, planting it on the first step. Her legs trembled, and for a moment, she thought they might give out again, but she held firm, leaning into the railing for support. Raxian's hand remained her anchor, giving her the strength to keep going.
Another step. Then another.
Each movement was slow, almost agonizingly so, but Raxian's steady encouragement kept her going. When her legs faltered, he was there to catch her, his grip never loosening. He didn't say much, but he didn't need to. His quiet presence was enough.
Halfway up, Sable paused, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She clung to the railing, her hand squeezing Raxian's tightly. Her whole body ached, and her mind screamed at her to stop, to give up, to sink back down to the floor. But when she looked at him—saw the unwavering support in his eyes—she found just enough resolve to take another step.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the top. Sable collapsed against the wall, her legs weak beneath her. She was exhausted, her body trembling from the effort, but there was a faint glimmer of pride in her chest. She had made it.
Raxian knelt beside her, his hand still in hers, offering a small smile. "You did it," he whispered, his voice full of warmth.
Sable let out a shaky breath, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles. It wasn't much, but it was something. And for now, that was enough.
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Raxian placed the back of his hand gently on Sable's forehead, his expression tightening with worry. Her skin was burning, and even though she had seemed worn down outside, he hadn't realized just how bad it was. A deep frown crossed his face as he pulled back, carefully observing her shallow breathing.
"You're burning up..." he muttered to himself, worry tugging at his chest.
His thoughts flickered back to the thermometer. Sable's father had told him where they kept it, so without hesitating, he made his way to the small drawer in the kitchen, rummaging through it until he found the familiar plastic case. But before he used it, he wanted to be sure. Moving back to the couch, he knelt beside Sable, placing his forehead gently against hers.
The warmth radiating from her skin confirmed his suspicions. His heartbeat quickened with concern, but he kept his touch light, not wanting to startle her. He gently slipped the thermometer between her lips, careful not to disturb her too much. He waited quietly as the seconds ticked by, his eyes never leaving her face. The thermometer beeped, and as he glanced at the screen, his suspicions were confirmed—her temperature was high, way too high.
A soft groan escaped her lips as she shifted on the couch, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Her face was pale, her hair sticking slightly to her forehead from the heat. It wasn't just exhaustion.
Raxian stood, glancing toward the kitchen. He needed to do something. The helplessness gnawed at him, but for now, all he could do was take care of her. The first thing that came to mind was tea—something warm, soothing, and with honey to help ease whatever strain her body was under.
He quickly set about boiling water, glancing over his shoulder every few moments to check on her. When the tea was ready, he brought it over, setting it on the small table beside the couch. He crouched down next to her, gently draping another blanket over her trembling form.
"Here, I made some tea. It'll help," he whispered, his voice soft, careful not to wake her if she had drifted off. "Just rest. I've got you."
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Raxian stayed close, watching as Sable finally found the strength to lift the cup of tea to her lips. She was slow, deliberate in her movements, her exhaustion evident in the way her hand trembled slightly as she held the cup. He didn't say anything, didn't push her—just stayed present, his gaze never straying from her face.
She took a small sip, the warmth soothing her throat, but her weariness still clung to her like a weight. Her eyes, heavy and tired, drifted toward Raxian, and she let out a quiet sigh. "Rax..." she mumbled softly, unsure of what she wanted to say, the sound of his name grounding her, bringing her back to the present.
He leaned in slightly, just enough to show her he was listening. "I'm here," he replied, his voice as gentle as ever.
Sable's heart fluttered in her chest. She wasn't sure if it was from the fever or from the sudden flood of emotions swirling inside her. She wanted to say more—needed to—but the words wouldn't come. Her thoughts felt tangled, slipping away every time she tried to grasp them. She wondered if she was ready to speak, if it was the right time.
But deep down, it felt right. With him here, so close, his presence so steady and unwavering, her walls—the ones she had carefully built to keep everyone out—were crumbling. She was completely vulnerable, her heart exposed, and it terrified her.
"I-I…" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. The words stuck in her throat, refusing to come out. She clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Why was it so hard to say what she felt? Why couldn't she just be honest with him, with herself?
Her hands tightened around the tea cup, her body tensing as she struggled to find the courage to continue. But nothing came. The hopelessness washed over her like a wave, and she hated herself for it—hated the way she couldn't even speak her mind, couldn't even control her own words.
With a shaky breath, she wrapped the blankets tighter around her, retreating into their warmth as if they could shield her from her own emotions. Her eyes drifted away from Raxian's, unable to meet his gaze anymore. The silence between them grew, heavy with everything left unsaid.
Raxian didn't push her. He knew her well enough to see the storm brewing inside her, to know that she was fighting herself. Instead, he stayed by her side, his hand resting gently on the back of the couch, close enough to reassure her but not too close to overwhelm.
"Whenever you're ready," he said softly, offering her a gentle smile, even though she wasn't looking at him. "I'm not going anywhere."
Sable closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling in slow, uneven breaths. She wasn't ready yet. Not today. But the fact that Raxian was there—patient, unwavering—was enough to give her a glimmer of hope. She didn't have to have all the answers now. She didn't have to force the words out.
And in that moment, even though she couldn't say it, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to face this alone.
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They had drifted off together again, the warmth of Raxian's body next to hers easing Sable's fever. As the night deepened, the apartment was silent except for the soft rhythm of their breathing.
Sable stirred first, her eyes slowly fluttering open. The dim light of the moon filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. For a moment, she was disoriented, the heaviness of sleep still clinging to her, but then her gaze fell on Raxian, who was still sound asleep beside her.
He was so close, his chest rising and falling gently with each breath. His face, so peaceful in his slumber, made her heart ache. The weight of everything she'd been holding back, everything she hadn't been able to say, pressed down on her.
Her fever had finally begun to calm, but the warmth radiating from him—so steady, so constant—was the real reason she felt safe. The barriers she had built around her heart, the ones she had fought so hard to keep in place, were crumbling again, and in the quiet of the night, there was no one to witness it. No one to judge her for her vulnerability.
Except… Raxian.
Sable's chest tightened as she looked at him, her emotions swirling just beneath the surface. She knew she couldn't keep hiding from herself, not here, not like this. The words she had struggled to say earlier came rushing back, begging to be released. And now, with him asleep, there was no risk. He wouldn't hear her. She could finally say what she had been holding inside.
With a shaky breath, she leaned in just a little closer, her lips barely a whisper away from his ear. "Rax… I…" She paused, her voice trembling with emotion. "I… need you."
Her heart pounded in her chest, her throat tightening as the words she had been too scared to admit before tumbled out. "I need you more than I ever thought I could need anyone," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You… you make me feel safe. You make me feel like I'm not so broken after all."
Her eyes welled with tears, but she blinked them back, not wanting to wake him with her trembling voice. "I'm scared… but you make it easier. I don't know what I'd do without you."
The vulnerability in her words echoed in the stillness of the room. She felt lighter, as if finally letting them go had lifted some of the weight off her chest. She sighed softly, her breath catching as she looked at him, expecting no response. After all, he was still fast asleep, right?
But what she didn't know—what she couldn't see—was that Raxian wasn't asleep at all.
He had been awake the entire time, his heart pounding just as hard as hers, his eyes shut tight as he tried to process what he had just heard. He wanted to reach out, to hold her, to tell her that he felt the same way—that he would never leave her, no matter what. But he didn't. He knew she wasn't ready for that yet.
So, instead, he remained still, his breathing even, pretending to sleep as her words washed over him. Each confession, each soft-spoken truth, stirred something deep inside him. And yet, he knew that for now, he had to let her have this moment. This was her first step, her way of breaking through her own walls, and he wouldn't take that from her.
Sable settled back down against him, pulling the blanket closer as the last of her whispered confession faded into the night. "I think… I might love you," she breathed, barely audible.
Raxian's chest tightened at the sound of her words, his heart racing. He had known for a while that his feelings for her had grown into something more than friendship, something deeper, but hearing it from her—even though she didn't think he could hear—felt like everything he had been waiting for.
But still, he stayed quiet, allowing her the peace of believing her secret was safe for now. His arms remained at his sides, though every fiber of him wanted to pull her closer.
Tomorrow would come. And when she was ready, they would face it together.
For now, he just lay there, the warmth of her breath against his neck, the sound of her quiet confession playing on repeat in his mind.
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The soft glow of early morning filtered through the curtains, casting gentle light across the room. Sable stirred slowly, feeling the weight of the blanket wrapped around her, the warmth of the body pressed against hers. Her breath caught in her throat as her mind slowly pieced together what had happened overnight.
She wasn't just leaning on Raxian's shoulder anymore. At some point, while they had both slept, she had shifted, unintentionally curling up against him, her head resting on his chest, his arm draped protectively around her. Their bodies were tangled together beneath the blanket, the shared warmth so soothing, so right that it sent a rush of emotion through her.
Sable's heart raced, but she remained perfectly still, unwilling to break the moment. She could feel his steady heartbeat beneath her cheek, the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he slept. There was something so peaceful about it, something that made her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
She knew it had been unintentional—this closeness, this intimacy. She hadn't meant to cuddle up to him like this, and he certainly hadn't forced it. But waking up in his arms, enveloped by his warmth, with his scent lingering on the blanket around them... it was the best feeling she'd ever known. It was hard for her to admit—even to herself—but this was where she wanted to be, in this moment, in his arms.
The vulnerability she had felt the night before, the whispered confessions in the dark, all came rushing back to her. Her heart fluttered as she remembered the things she had said, the secrets she had spoken while believing he was asleep. But now, in the light of morning, all of that seemed too much to face. The fear of exposing too much, too soon, gnawed at her.
So instead, she stayed still. She didn't want to ruin this moment by waking up. She didn't want to face whatever awkwardness might come with opening her eyes and seeing him look down at her, knowing they had woken up in each other's arms.
She allowed herself to sink deeper into the warmth, her breathing softening as she pretended to remain asleep. It was easier this way, easier to hold onto this fleeting feeling without the weight of reality crashing in.
But as much as she tried to keep her breathing steady and her body still, the slight tightening of her grip on his shirt, the way her cheek rested more snugly against his chest, might have given her away. She hoped he wouldn't notice.
Raxian stirred beside her, his arm shifting slightly as he adjusted in his sleep. For a moment, Sable panicked, thinking he might wake up, but then his breathing evened out again, deep and steady. She released a quiet sigh of relief, her body relaxing once more into his embrace.
She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep pretending, but for now, she would hold onto this. This closeness. This warmth. She didn't know when she'd ever feel this safe again, and she wasn't ready to let it go.
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Raxian stirred, blinking against the soft light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, he remained still, his mind sluggish from sleep. Then, as his senses slowly came to life, he became aware of the weight against him—the warmth of a body pressed close.
Sable.
His heart skipped a beat as he realized she had curled up next to him during the night, her head resting on his chest, her hand gripping his shirt lightly. The blanket was wrapped snugly around them, cocooning them together in a way that made the world feel distant and unimportant.
For a moment, he didn't move, afraid that any shift might wake her or shatter the serene quiet of the morning. He looked down at her, his breath catching at the sight of her so close, so vulnerable. The soft rise and fall of her chest, the way her fingers clung to him even in sleep—it made his heart ache in the best way possible.
He hadn't expected to wake up like this, with her nestled so tightly against him. But as the seconds stretched on, he realized that he didn't want to move. This felt… right. It felt like everything he'd been hoping for, even though he hadn't dared imagine it would happen like this.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched her, trying to process the emotions swirling inside him. It wasn't just about the closeness—though that in itself was enough to make his chest tighten—but it was about the trust she had unknowingly shown. Sable, who kept her walls so high, was letting herself be this close to him, even if only while she slept. It meant more to him than he could put into words.
His fingers twitched slightly, instinctively wanting to brush a strand of hair from her face, but he hesitated, not wanting to disturb her. Instead, he let his hand rest lightly on the blanket, keeping his movements minimal, as if trying to preserve the fragile moment for as long as possible.
But as much as he tried to stay still, Sable shifted slightly against him, her fingers tightening briefly around his shirt. His breath caught. Was she awake? He held his own breath, unsure of whether to say something or continue pretending to be asleep.
If she was awake, she wasn't letting on—her breathing remained slow, steady. But there was something about the way she leaned just a little closer, the way her body seemed to relax even more into his, that made him wonder.
A gentle warmth spread through him, and he couldn't help the small, fond chuckle that escaped his lips. Maybe she wasn't as asleep as she pretended to be. He could feel the slight tension in her grip, as though she was holding on to him for more than just warmth.
Sable didn't stir, but her grip on his shirt loosened ever so slightly, as if she, too, had heard his quiet laugh and was silently acknowledging it.
With a soft sigh, Raxian let his hand drift, just barely grazing her shoulder through the blanket. His voice, barely above a whisper, broke the comfortable silence. "You know… you don't have to pretend, Sable."
For a moment, nothing. Then, he felt her shift again, her body tensing slightly, as if she had been caught in the act. Her breathing hitched, and though she still didn't open her eyes, he could tell that she was very much awake.
He smiled to himself, his heart swelling with affection. "I'm not going anywhere," he whispered softly, his voice full of warmth. "You're safe."
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Sable's breath caught in her throat the moment Raxian spoke, her mind racing as she processed the fact that he knew she was awake. She had been holding on to the quiet comfort of pretending, of delaying the inevitable awkwardness of facing him after waking up wrapped in his arms. But now, there was no more pretending. He knew. And from the softness in his voice, she realized that he wasn't teasing her—he was giving her an out, a chance to respond without pressure.
Her heart pounded as she lay still for a moment longer, trying to gather her thoughts. Slowly, she shifted, pulling back just enough to lift her head from his chest and meet his eyes. Her cheeks flushed with warmth, a mixture of embarrassment and the lingering afterglow of the peaceful sleep they had shared.
Raxian was already looking at her, his expression tender, a small, reassuring smile tugging at his lips. There was no awkwardness in his gaze, only understanding—and something deeper that she wasn't quite ready to name yet.
For a few long moments, they just stared at each other, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. Sable didn't know how to explain what she was feeling, how to untangle the jumble of emotions that had surfaced since waking up in his arms. It was both comforting and terrifying—comforting to feel so safe with him, yet terrifying to realize just how much that meant.
She swallowed hard, finally breaking the silence. "I… didn't mean to—" she started, but her voice wavered, unsure of what to say next. What could she say? That she didn't mean to fall asleep next to him? That she didn't mean to feel this safe, this close? She wasn't even sure herself.
Raxian chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's okay, Sable," he said, his voice calm and steady. "You don't have to explain anything. I didn't mind."
His words, so simple and reassuring, made her heart ache in the best way. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, but there was still a lingering uncertainty—what did this mean for them? How could she face this new closeness without overthinking it?
Raxian seemed to sense her hesitation because he gently shifted beside her, sitting up a little, but still keeping the blanket draped over both of them. His hand reached out, just brushing against hers in a subtle, grounding gesture. "If anything," he added quietly, his eyes never leaving hers, "I'm glad we're here… like this."
Her chest tightened at his words. There was no judgment, no awkwardness, just sincerity. It was almost enough to make her forget her own nervousness, her own walls. Almost.
Sable looked down, biting her lip as her fingers nervously toyed with the edge of the blanket. "I'm not used to…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "This." She didn't know how to put into words the mix of emotions she was feeling—how unfamiliar it was to wake up feeling safe, to let herself be vulnerable like this.
Raxian nodded slowly, understanding in his eyes. He didn't push her to explain further, didn't pressure her to define what had just happened between them. Instead, he offered her something that made her heart swell.
"You don't have to be used to it," he said softly, his voice gentle. "We'll take this one step at a time, okay?"
His words washed over her, calming the storm in her chest. One step at a time. That was all she needed to hear. Raxian wasn't expecting her to have all the answers, wasn't expecting her to be anything other than what she was right now—vulnerable, uncertain, and maybe a little scared. But he was here, and he wasn't going anywhere.
She nodded, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips. "Okay," she whispered back, the tension slowly leaving her body as she let herself lean into the warmth of the moment.
Raxian's smile widened slightly as he watched her, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel the urge to run, to push him away. She didn't feel like she had to guard her heart so tightly.
They sat there for a few moments longer, neither of them moving to leave the cocoon of warmth they had created. There was no rush, no need to define anything just yet. They had time. And in that quiet, shared space, with the blanket still wrapped around them, it felt like everything was exactly where it needed to be.
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As the silence settled between them, Sable's heart beat faster, the closeness between her and Raxian making everything feel heightened. His words, his steady presence, the way he looked at her without judgment—it all made her feel safe in a way that was unfamiliar but comforting.
Her gaze flickered from his eyes to his lips for the briefest of moments, and she quickly looked away, feeling a rush of heat in her cheeks. She wasn't sure what had come over her, but the warmth of his presence, the quiet intimacy of the moment, made her heart ache in a way she couldn't ignore. She felt a pull, something deep inside her that wanted to close the distance between them.
Raxian, still watching her closely, seemed to sense her hesitation. His hand was still lightly brushing against hers, his eyes full of understanding and patience. He wasn't pushing her, wasn't expecting anything—but the connection between them was palpable.
Sable's mind raced. Part of her wanted to pull back, to put the walls back up and hide behind her usual defenses. But another part of her—a stronger, more vulnerable part—didn't want to let this moment slip away. The way he made her feel safe, the way his presence calmed the storm inside her, it all felt too important to ignore.
Before she could second-guess herself, before she could overthink, she leaned in. Her movement was slow, tentative, as if she was testing the waters, unsure if she was ready to take this step. But the closer she got, the more certain she felt. This was right.
Her lips brushed against his, featherlight, barely a kiss at all—just a soft, fleeting touch. It was hesitant, almost as if she was afraid to fully commit to it, but the warmth of his lips against hers sent a wave of emotion crashing through her.
For a moment, she stayed there, frozen in the delicate intimacy of the moment. Her eyes fluttered shut as she allowed herself to feel it—this quiet connection, this unspoken understanding between them. It wasn't bold, it wasn't overwhelming—it was just them, wrapped in the quiet warmth of each other's presence.
Raxian's breath hitched slightly, his surprise evident, but he didn't pull away. Instead, his hand gently tightened around hers, his touch steady, reassuring. He didn't rush her, didn't deepen the kiss—he just let her set the pace, his patience an anchor in the midst of her emotional whirlwind.
When Sable finally pulled back, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing, she avoided his gaze for a moment, unsure of what to say. Her lips tingled from the brief contact, and a nervous flutter settled in her chest. She hadn't planned to kiss him—it had just happened. But now, with the space between them once again, the weight of what she had done started to sink in.
"I…," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, but the words caught in her throat. She wasn't sure how to explain herself, wasn't sure if she even needed to.
Raxian's gaze softened as he watched her, his lips curving into a gentle smile. He didn't say anything at first, just let the silence between them linger, allowing her to find her footing again. His thumb brushed against the back of her hand, a quiet reassurance.
"You don't have to explain," he said softly, his voice full of warmth and understanding. "It's okay."
Sable's chest tightened at his words, the knot of anxiety loosening just a little. She hadn't expected him to make it so easy, hadn't expected the kiss to feel so right. But here they were, and instead of feeling awkward or rushed, there was a quiet peace in the air. The soft morning light filtering through the curtains bathed the room in warmth, adding to the sense of calm that had settled between them.
But even though he had told her she didn't have to explain, Sable felt like she owed him this—an explanation, a glimpse of the turmoil that had been raging inside her for so long. She couldn't keep avoiding it, not after everything Raxian had done for her, everything he had confessed. He had been so patient, so kind. She had to give him that much, at least.
She took a slow, shaky breath, her fingers tightening around the blanket as she tried to steady herself. "I didn't mean for that to happen," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "The kiss, I mean. I wasn't… planning it. It just… happened."
Raxian watched her closely, his expression soft, but he didn't interrupt. He could tell she was struggling to find the right words, and he wasn't about to rush her.
Sable's gaze dropped to her lap, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of everything. "But… I don't regret it," she whispered, her voice wavering slightly. "I thought I would… I thought I'd feel scared or… like I'd done something wrong. But I didn't."
She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her confession settle over her. "I've been so scared to let myself feel anything. I didn't think I could handle it after everything that happened. I didn't think I deserved it… or you."
Raxian's brow furrowed, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. He shifted slightly, reaching out to take her hand in his. His touch was gentle, steady, and it made her heart flutter, grounding her in the moment. "Sable," he murmured, his voice low but firm. "You don't have to feel like that. You deserve everything… and more."
She shook her head, her eyes flickering toward him before quickly looking away. "I've pushed you away so many times," she whispered. "I didn't know how to handle everything. But you… you stayed. Even when I didn't give you a reason to. You've been so patient with me, and I—"
Her voice cracked, and she stopped, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I've been feeling something for a while now. I didn't know what it was, and I didn't know how to deal with it. But the truth is… I care about you, Rax. More than I know how to say."
Raxian's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his heart pounding in his chest. He hadn't expected her to be so honest, so open, and it filled him with a warmth he hadn't realized he needed.
Sable glanced at him again, her voice softer now. "I'm scared," she admitted. "I'm scared of what it means, and I'm scared of messing everything up. But I can't ignore it anymore. I… I think I'm falling for you."
The words hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Sable's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had never been this honest with him before, never let herself be so vulnerable. But now, with the morning light softening the edges of the room and Raxian's hand holding hers, she felt a flicker of hope.
Raxian's breath hitched at her words, his eyes wide, filled with a mixture of surprise and something deeper—something that made Sable's chest tighten with anticipation. He didn't speak right away, as if he was still processing what she had just said, but the look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.
"I've been waiting for you," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't want to push, but… I care about you too, Sable. I always have." He paused, his hand gently squeezing hers. "I've been falling for you for a while now. I just didn't know if you felt the same, and I didn't want to pressure you. I wanted to give you the time you needed."
Sable's heart swelled at his words, her chest tight with a mixture of relief and affection. He had been so patient, so understanding, and now here they were—finally speaking the truth that had been lingering between them for so long.
"I don't know if I'm ready," Sable whispered, her voice small. "I don't know how to handle everything yet. But I don't want to push you away anymore."
Raxian smiled gently, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "We don't have to rush," he said softly. "We'll take it slow. One step at a time. I'm not going anywhere, Sable. I'll be here, for as long as it takes."
A wave of relief washed over her at his words, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe again. The fear that had been gnawing at her, the uncertainty, began to fade, replaced by a quiet sense of peace.
She leaned into him slightly, her head resting against his shoulder as they sat in the soft morning light. The world outside felt distant, unimportant, as they sat there, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence.
For now, it was enough. They didn't need to have all the answers. They just needed each other.