Vicious brushed a hand gently against her cheek, his thumb tracing the soft line of her jaw. "You don't have to explain… just breathe," he murmured, his voice like a warm current wrapping around her.
Thalia felt the tension melt from her chest, a quiet surrender to the comfort he offered. He draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close so that their foreheads touched. "I've wanted this moment all day," he confessed softly. "To hold you, just like this, and remind you that you're not alone."
A small sigh escaped her, a mixture of relief and something tender stirring inside her. "You always know what to say," she murmured, her lips barely brushing his collarbone.
He smiled faintly, brushing his lips against her temple in the gentlest of kisses. "And I always will," he promised, his hand threading through her hair. "Every moment, every day… I'll be here."
Vicious leaned in, holding her so that she could feel his heartbeat against hers. The closeness was electric, not in heat, but in the intensity of care, attention, and unspoken trust.
Thalia closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the comfort he provided. She realized how much she had been holding in, the fear and fatigue of the day, and how, in his presence, it all seemed lighter, manageable.
He tilted her chin gently, their eyes meeting again. "I love you," he said simply, but with a weight that made every word linger in the air.
Thalia remained quiet, her heart racing, yet a smile tugged at her lips. She didn't need to respond immediately. In that moment, words weren't necessary — the hug, the closeness, the softness of his gaze said more than any declaration ever could.
Eventually, he released her slightly, still holding her hand. "Sleep now, Thalia. Let the night take care of the rest. he whispered.
As Vicious stood to leave the room, Thalia's heart jolted. "Wait!" she called softly. Before he could respond, she ran to him and threw her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice trembling.
He tilted his head, frowning slightly. "Why are you apologizing?"
"You… you're so nice to me," she said, her hands tightening slightly on his shirt. "But I'm not sure… I'm not sure I can love you yet."
Vicious expression softened, his hand resting gently on her back. "No pressure," he said quietly. "Just allow me to love you."
Her silence hung in the air, and he gave her a small, patient smile. "Do you want me to stay here tonight?" he asked gently.
Thalia hesitated, words failing her.
"Alright… goodnight then," he said softly, starting to leave.
Her hand shot out, grabbing his sleeve. "If you want to… you can stay," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Vicious paused, his lips curving into a faint, playful smile. "With pleasure," he replied, and she felt a quiet warmth bloom in her chest. Thalia turned slightly, hiding the smile that threatened to break free.
"You can talk to me," he said softly, his fingers brushing lightly through her hair. "About anything, or about nothing. I just… want you near."
She exhaled slowly, letting herself sink into the warmth of his presence. "I'm… tired," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper "Not just physically… but from everything. From the day… from… everything."
He wrapped his arm more securely around her shoulders, tilting her gently so her head rested against his chest. "Then rest," he murmured, his thumb tracing slow circles on her arm. "I've got you. No one else matters right now."
They remained like that, in silence at first, each minute stretching comfortably. She listened to the steady beat of his heart, the subtle rise and fall of his chest, and she realized how grounding it felt, how safe it made her feel even amid the chaos of their lives.
After a few moments, she whispered, "Thank you… for today, for everything."
Vicious lips curved into the faintest smile. "You don't have to thank me," he said quietly. "You've done enough simply by being yourself. That… is more than enough."
A small laugh escaped her, soft and shaky, the tension finally melting from her shoulders. "You make it sound so easy," she said, voice trembling slightly.
"It's not easy," he admitted, eyes on her, serious yet gentle. "But it's real. And what's real… matters more than anything else."
They fell silent again, the kind of silence filled with presence and trust rather than absence. She shifted slightly, curling closer into him without thinking, and he tightened his hold instinctively, like a promise of protection without words.
Minutes passed, then hours, though time seemed irrelevant in the quiet. Thalia's eyelids grew heavy, her breathing slowing, and Vicious remained patient, brushing her hair from her face and murmuring soft reassurances whenever she stirred.
Finally, as sleep pulled her fully under, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Sleep well," he whispered, "and know that I'm here. Always."
Thalia's lips curved into a small, content smile even in sleep, and Vicious stayed lying beside her, careful not to disturb the fragile peace, yet holding her close enough,