Chapter Text
They stayed like that on the beach, just sitting in the sound of the waves, long enough for Osora's breath to even out, soft and steady, as they fell asleep in the safety of Arias’s arms. The weight of the past few days seemed to settle in their bodies all at once. Arias watched them, his gaze softening as he realized just how much of an emotional toll the last few days had taken on them.
He gently shifted, carefully picking them up in his arms, cradling them bridal-style as he walked them back to the car. Osora stirred slightly, a small, tired sigh escaping their lips, but they quickly found comfort again and relaxed into his chest. They fell asleep so easily, like they knew they were safe with him.
I get them all to myself now, Arias thought, a rush of warmth filling his chest. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he adjusted them in his arms. He leaned back the car seat, angling it just right so Osora could stretch out and be more comfortable.
The drive back to campus was calm and quiet, just the gentle hum of the car’s engine and Osora’s soft, even breaths filling the silence. Arias kept his eyes on the road, but his thoughts were a jumble of emotions. He couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of happiness, knowing that Osora had fallen asleep like this, so trusting and vulnerable in his arms. It was a rare gift—Osora wasn’t exactly the type to let their guard down so easily.
Arias parked the car carefully, then gently carried Osora up to their dorm room. He carefully searched their pockets for the room key, feeling the weight of Osora’s smaller, trusting form in his arms. His hands were careful, methodical, making sure not to jostle them too much or risk waking them.
When he finally got the door open, he eased Osora into their room and onto the bed. His movements were slow and deliberate as he slipped off their shoes, careful not to disturb their sleep.
But Osora stirred, a soft groan escaping their lips as they began to wake. Their eyes fluttered open, still half-closed with drowsiness.
“What time is it?” they mumbled, their voice thick with sleep.
“It’s around 11:00,” Arias replied softly, giving them a light smile. “You fell asleep at the beach.”
Osora’s face flushed slightly, a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude crossing their features as they began to process just how they’d gotten home. Arias smirked, gathering his things to leave for his own dorm, and let them get ready for bed.
“Arias?” Osora’s voice was small, hesitant, and Arias turned back toward them, pausing as they looked at him, their brown eyes captivating. “Um… do you want to stay over again?”
Arias’s smile deepened, warmth flooding his chest. “As if I would ever refuse that offer,” he said, stepping back into the room.
They took turns in the bathroom, showering and cleaning up. When they were both done, they climbed into bed together. The room felt small and intimate, and Arias’s heartbeat quickened just being so close to them.
He moved to pull their back against his chest, his arm reaching around their front, but Osora stopped him, a sudden, sharp tension filling the space between them.
“What is it?” Arias asked, his voice filled with concern. He instinctively shifted, propping himself up on his elbow.
“Um... it’s embarrassing,” Osora muttered, sitting up, arms instinctively crossing over their chest. Arias propped himself up on his elbow, his gaze steady but filled with patience.
“Hey, it’s okay,” he said gently. “What’s going on?”
“I... forgot to take off my binder last night,” Osora admitted, their voice shaky, “and I wore it all day today. It hurts. I really can’t wear it that long, but I did, and now... I just feel so exposed without it.” They paused, their breath catching slightly. “I don’t know... it’s scary. Even though I know you already know about me...” Their voice trailed off, the vulnerability in their eyes obvious.
Arias’s heart softened, and he reached out, placing a hand on their leg, rubbing gently in reassurance. “Thank you for trusting me,” he said softly, his touch light but grounding. “If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always tell me. If you need me to go to the couch or my dorm, I’ll understand. You don’t have to—”
“What? No way, you’re staying here.” Osora interrupted, their voice firmer now, though a faint blush still colored their cheeks. “I need to get used to this. It’s silly. I would never ask you to leave.”
Arias’s smile was soft and sincere. “It’s not silly at all,” he whispered, before leaning over to kiss them, slow and gentle, his lips brushing against theirs with all the tenderness he felt in his chest.
He guided them back down onto the bed, settling their head on his chest, his arm wrapping around their lower back this time, not pressing into their front. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes.
“Is that better?” Arias asked, his voice barely a whisper, watching as Osora's eyes fluttered open to meet his.
Osora’s eyes were wet, but their face softened as they took a deep, shaky breath, releasing some of the tension that had held them tight. They nodded, curling into his chest with a soft, relieved sigh.
“I love you,” they said, their voice barely audible but carrying all the weight of their heart.
Arias’s breath caught, his pulse racing in his ears. In his life, he had never expected to hear those words, to have Osora open up this way. He hadn’t dared to dream that they could be here, together, in this moment. But now that they were, it was everything.
They’re perfect, he thought, combing his fingers through their soft, fluffy hair, feeling the smooth strands slip between his fingertips. I’ll tell them every day until they realize it.
With that thought, he pulled them closer, wrapping them up in the warmth of his embrace as they drifted off to sleep, secure and safe in each other’s arms.
And Arias knew, in his heart, that no matter what came next, he would be here. He would always be here, holding them close, making sure they never felt alone again.