I haven’t moved in what feels like hours. The sun is fully up now, light slipping through the blinds and painting soft stripes across the room. I should probably get up. I should probably start figuring out what my life looks like now that I don’t have a home to go back to. But right now all I want is to stay right here, listening to Tiny’s steady heartbeat and feeling his fingers trace slow circles on my back.
Scarlett had poked her head in earlier and told me I could stay in the guest room as long as I wanted. No pressure, no time limit. She said it so casually, like offering someone a place to stay after their whole world fell apart was the most normal thing in the world. I almost started crying again.
Tiny shifts a little, trying to get more comfortable without squishing me. “You awake?” he asks, voice rough and sleepy.
“Yeah.” I tilt my head back so I can see his face. His eyes are soft, worried. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
He brushes my hair back from my face. “You don’t have to figure it all out today. Scarlett said you can stay here. Or you can come stay with me. My place isn’t fancy, but it’s yours if you want it. No pressure either way.”
I bite my lip and look down at where my hand is resting on his chest. The choice feels huge. Staying with Scarlett would be safe and easy. She’s already been so kind, and I wouldn’t feel like I’m imposing on Tiny so soon. But the thought of waking up next to him, of having him close every night, makes something warm bloom in my chest.
“I don’t want to be a burden,” I whisper.
“You’re not.” His arm tightens around me. “You could never be a burden, Buttercup. I want you with me. But I know this is a lot. You’ve had your whole life flipped upside down in one night. Whatever you choose, I’ve got your back.”
I stay quiet for a while, just listening to his heartbeat and thinking. Staying with Tiny feels scary and exciting at the same time. It’s fast. Really fast. But everything between us has felt fast in the best way. He makes me feel safe. He makes me feel seen. And after last night, I don’t want to be alone.
“I think…” I take a shaky breath. “I think I want to stay with you. If that’s really okay.”
Tiny’s whole body relaxes. He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “It’s more than okay. It’s exactly what I want too.”
We stay tangled up a little longer, neither of us ready to face the day yet. Eventually Scarlett knocks softly on the door and tells us she made breakfast. Tiny helps me up, keeping one arm around my waist like he knows I still feel unsteady.
When we walk into the kitchen together, Scarlett gives me a knowing little smile but doesn’t push. Rook just nods at Tiny like everything is settled. I sit down at the table with Tiny’s hand on my knee under the table.
We sit at the kitchen table for a while longer. Scarlett had made a big stack of pancakes, crispy bacon, and a fresh pot of coffee. The smell fills the whole house and makes everything feel a little less heavy. Everyone drinks coffee and eats quietly. Tiny keeps his hand on my knee under the table the whole time, a steady, reassuring weight.
Eventually I push my plate away and stand up.
“I’m going to get dressed,” I say softly.
Scarlett stands up too. “I’ll come with you.”
We walk back to the guest room together. Once the door closes behind us, Scarlett turns to me with gentle eyes. “You don’t have to leave today, you know. You can stay here as long as you need. There’s no rush.”
I sit on the edge of the bed and look down at my hands. “I know. And I’m really grateful. You and Rook have been so kind to me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you last night.”
She sits beside me and bumps my shoulder lightly. “But…?”
I take a shaky breath. “But I want to stay with Tiny. I know it’s fast and maybe a little crazy, but he makes me feel safe. Hemakes me feel like I’m not broken or ruined or whatever Dad said I am. I want to try this with him.”
Scarlett studies me for a moment, then smiles softly. “Then that’s what you should do. Just know the door here is always open if you ever need it. Day or night. And if that big idiot does anything to hurt you, I’ll kick his ass myself.”
I laugh through the tears that threaten to spill again. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She pulls me into a quick, tight hug. “You’re stronger than you think, Lucy. Don’t let last night make you forget that.”
When she leaves I change into the clothes I managed to pack, jeans and a soft sweater. I feel a little more like myself once I’m dressed, even if everything still feels overwhelming. Tiny is waiting for me in the living room when I come out. He stands up the second he sees me, eyes warm and worried.
“Ready?” he asks.
I nod and slip my hand into his. “Yeah. I’m ready.”
We walk over to Scarlett and Rook in the living room. Scarlett pulls me into another hug, holding me tight for a long moment. “I’ll check in on you later,” she whispers against my hair. “You’ve got this.”
Rook just gives Tiny a single, meaningful nod. The kind of look that says everything without words, like he’s promising to have Tiny’s back if anything goes wrong, and that he’s proud of him for stepping up.
Then we’re outside. Tiny straps my bag securely to the back of his bike, helps me with the helmet, and swings his leg over. I climb on behind him and wrap my arms tight around his waist,pressing close. The ride to his place is quiet and calm, the morning sun warm on my back and the wind rushing past us. I feel like I can actually breathe.
