Work Text:
She stared out at the waves cresting against the shore from her spot on the picnic table. Her brown hair blowing in the breeze, emotions rolling over her in time with the ebbs and flows of the water.
She was normally so in tune with her emotions. She had mastered her triggers and knew when to lock herself away, but for some reason these feelings of helplessness hit her like a freight train with no end in sight.
“There you are!” He called, sitting down next to her. “I’ve been looking for you. Everything alright?”
“If I said yes would you believe me?”
He sighed, scooting closer to her. “I like to think I know you better than that. What’s going on?”
She shifted closer, pressing their knees to touch. “Honestly I have no idea. I feel like I’m stuck. Like there’s nowhere for me to go; nothing for me to be. You’re so successful and I’m just…me,”
He gently put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close against him. “you’re not just here. You matter so much to everyone around you. I know you feel stuck in your current spot because you’re not using your full potential. It hurts me to see you struggle like this,”
“And me being successful has everything to do with the people I work with…and you. I’m only successful because I work with an amazing team and I have you supporting me.”
She huffed, “Some support I am. I can’t even handle my own shit.”
“Sure, right now you’re having a weak moment. I wouldn’t expect you to be perfect all the time. You’ve human…my human.”
She smiled, linking her hand in his. “I am, am I?”
He brought their joined hands to his lips, delicately kissing her knuckles. “Yep. All mine. You’re the person I want to call when something happens, whether it’s happy or sad. I know you’re in my corner when I’m stuck in a dark place or have hate thrown at me in the press and online. I just hope that I’m the same for you. You’re so fiercely independent; it’s so sexy and powerful. Of all the people in my life you’re the one with your shit together. But, please, let me in to help sometimes.”
She smiled, gently kissing his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. “Find me a new job.”
“You don’t have to work. I’ve already told you I’ve got more than enough money for the both of us…”
“Fiercely independent remember. That’s your money, not mine.”
He let out a lough laugh, pulling her close to his chest. “Fine. Will you finally consider working for us?”
“I’ve always considered it; I just didn’t want us to get sick of each other. We’d be together all the time.”
“It won’t. Please, I just want you happy and to excel at your job.”
She smiled and nodded. “Fine. I’ll meet with upper management tomorrow to see if something is still available. Don’t you meddle either! I want to do this on my own.”
He put his hands up in surrender. “Not a peep. I promise.”
“You ready to come inside? The food just arrived.”
She shook her head. “Not yet. Just wanna feel myself a little more.”
He nodded, getting up off the table and draped a soft blanket around her. “Don’t feel yourself for too long, it’s getting cold.”
She nodded. “Cold for you. I’m from Canada.”
“But you’re not a polar bear, baby. I don’t want my independent woman coming down with a cold.”
“Twenty minutes. I wouldn’t mind taking a bath later either.”
He smiled, “Just say when and I’ll draw one up. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He went back inside, leaving her with her thoughts again. She looked behind her to see the man she loved and their friends laughing in the kitchen. They were her home and her anchor. No matter how rough life got, no matter how hard her emotions were to deal with, they all had her back and would bring the happiness and stability she needed in her life. The days would get easier, they always did. But for now, the ebbs and flows of the ocean were all she needed.