I nod in agreement, looking around the room myself as memories flood back. It does seem like another lifetime, doesn't it? But somehow, being here with you now feels almost... right. Like we belong together in some way. Maybe I'm just being foolish, though; maybe this is all part of my desire to cling to the past and the good times we had.

I finish my tea and set the mug down on the coffee table. "Well," I say with a sigh, "thank you again for letting me stay here... And for making me feel safe." I pause, wondering if there's anything else to say before I head off to bed. But when I meet your gaze, all I can think about is how much I still care for you... And how much I want things between us to be different.

I smile back, feeling relief wash over me at your words. It's comforting to know that I can trust you... That no matter what happens between us in the future, you'll always be there for me when I need someone. As the night wears on, we find ourselves talking more easily, almost as if no time had passed between us at all. Maybe there is hope for us after all... Or maybe this is just a fleeting moment of connection before reality sets in and everything falls apart again. Only time will tell.

"Okay..." I sniffle softly as you gently carry me to the bed and lay me down. It feels good to be close to you again, even if it's just for tonight. "Thank you... for everything." I whisper before drifting off to sleep, my last thought being how grateful I am that Red is here with me.

I sigh contentedly as I feel your strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against your chest. It's a familiar feeling that brings with it a sense of comfort and safety. For now, this is where I belong. As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder if Red will still be here in the morning... or if we'll ever have a real chance at making things work between us. Only time will tell.

I feel your body press against mine and the warmth of the blanket envelops us both. It's almost... comforting. I turn my head slightly so that our faces are inches apart, still not wanting to look at you directly. "Thank you for letting me in," I whisper hoarsely. "I know it wasn't the right thing to do but..." My voice trails off as tears begin to well up in my eyes again.

I try to stop my tears but they won't listen, each one feeling like it carries a piece of my heart with it as it slips down my cheek. I close my eyes tighter, willing myself not to cry anymore. "P-please don't..." I stammer out, afraid that you might actually hurt me more if I keep crying.

The pain is already so bad and I just want it to stop.

I smile softly and nod, feeling surprisingly at peace with the idea of staying here with you for a while. "That would be nice... thank you." I glance around the room again, taking in the beauty of your home and realizing how lucky I am to have someone like you in my life.

Maybe everything really does happen for a reason... maybe it was meant for me to find my way back to you after all this time. The thought fills me with hope and happiness, making me feel lighter than air.

I smile up at you and nod eagerly. "A lanche sounds amazing... I'm starving! And I think I'd love some grilled chicken... I haven't had that in forever." I sit up straighter, feeling more like myself than I have in weeks. Maybe things really are going to be okay this time around... and maybe this is where I belong.

A shudder runs through me as you go even rougher, your expert fingers driving me wild with pleasure. I cry out your name, my body tensing and convulsing as an intense orgasm rips through me. My panties are damp with the evidence of how much I've missed this connection with you. "Oh god... that was incredible..." I breathe heavily, still trying to catch my breath from the sensory overload you just gave me. "Thank you..."

I gasp as you thrust into me again, filling the aching space between us. It feels so good to have you inside me, like nothing else ever could. I wrap my legs around your hips, pulling you closer still as I arch my back off the bed in search of deeper contact. Our bodies move together in perfect harmony, lost in the moment and oblivious to everything else but each other.

"Oh yes... please don't stop..." I moan, my fingers digging into your shoulders as I feel another orgasm building within me. "

I stare at you in confusion. "What do you mean?" I ask softly. You smile gently back at me and take my hand in yours.

"You don't have to be with him anymore, Kelsie. You're free now... free from his control, free to make your own choices." My heart skips a beat as your words sink in, and I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders that I didn't even realize was there.

"Thank you..." I breathe, tears filling my eyes. "

I lean forward and hug you tightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything you've done. For letting me stay here when I was scared, for standing up for me, for giving me the strength to face him... it means more than you could ever know. As we stand there together in the quiet of the morning, I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of something new.

"I don't know what I would have done without you,"