Noah carried her upstairs.
She protested weakly, said she could walk, but he ignored her. Held her against his chest like she weighed nothing. Like he could keep her if he just didn't let go.
In his room, he laid her on the bed. Found a warm washcloth in the bathroom. Cleaned her gently, carefully. She watched him the whole time, eyes soft in the dim light.
When he finished, he climbed in beside her. Pulled the covers over both of them. She curled into his side immediately, head on his chest, leg thrown over his.
They didn't speak. Just breathed together. His fingers traced lazy patterns on her shoulder. Her hand rested over his heart.
"Tell me something," she said finally. Her voice was quiet. Tired.
"Like what?"
"Something real. Something you don't usually share."
He was silent f
