forum Hold me closer, tiny dancer (o/o) (Closed)

Started December 20, 2021 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Rowan sighed and fell quiet for a few seconds. "And… I assumed people would think I was lying… it's stupid, I know…"

Eve still had her back to him, but he could see her tilt her head and hear her sigh. "You're not stupid, Rowan…"

"I feel pretty stupid… I'm sure things would've turned out better for me if I just… I dunno… talked to someone sooner. Reached out for help, I guess." He looked away, feeling guilty.

"Stop changing your mind," Eve said, the words coming out sharper than she'd meant them to.

"S-Sorry…" Rowan fell silent and stared at the floor, his heart racing. The silence was painful, and he still couldn't shake the guilt. He just hoped Eve wasn't too angry with him.

Eve winced and finally turned around. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."

"It's fine… you're right. I-I need to… make up my mind, I dunno…" Rowan replied weakly, his voice scarcely more than a whisper.

Eve sighed. "I just wish that you would realize that not everyone in this life is out to get you. Some people just want to listen and help."

"I know… it's just hard to believe." Rowan smiled weakly and looked away. "I know you want to help…"

Eve’s eyes searched his. “Then let me.”

Rowan flushed lightly, and he looked up at Eve with a tired expression. "…What do you want to know?"

Her expression softened as she asked, "Did your parents really make you sleep outside?"

Rowan paled a bit and looked away. "Ah… I-I guess I said something about that last night?" He smiled sheepishly. "They were really strict about curfew, so they would lock the doors, and if I wasn't back before then, I'd have to sleep outside. And a couple times I just got in trouble, but mostly the curfew thing…"

Eve's eyes shone with sadness. "Oh…" She placed her glass on the counter and slowly approached him.

"It's not that bad… I brought some blankets outside so it wouldn't be too cold when it was actually cold." Rowan shrugged.

Eve sighed softly. "That's so wrong…"

Rowan shrugged again, not meeting Eve's eyes. "I got used to it…"

Eve shook her head. "That's even worse."

Rowan didn't reply for a bit, not entirely sure what to say. "Um… do you have any more questions…?"

"I'm sure I will," Eve replied, implying that she didn't have any currently. "Well, I guess I have one. Are you hungry?"

"Uh… yeah, a little. Do you want me to make breakfast?" Rowan asked, standing up a bit straighter so he could move over to the stove.

Eve stepped to block his path. "I was actually thinking… we could go out. For breakfast," she suggested hesitantly.

"Go out for breakfast?" Rowan repeated, looking over at Eve curiously. "Um… yeah, sure. Where do you want to go?"

She seemed relieved that he'd accepted the idea. "I-I'm not sure. I didn't think I'd get this far," she admitted with a shy laugh.

"Alright, uh… w-what kind of stuff do you like for breakfast? I'm sure we can find somewhere…" Rowan replied awkwardly.