Work Text:
Elide wasn't sure why she was standing on her ex-boyfriend's porch. In a moment of clarity, she stopped before her fist landed against the door in a firm knock. What was she doing? Things ended for a reason. He wasn't her support system anymore.
She ducked her head and shoved her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket. Her dark hair fell in a heavy curtain around her face, concealing her escalating emotions from anyone who shared the sidewalk. At least that played to her favor.
Walking had been a mistake. Purpose had compelled her, but now that she made the decision to turn around, the trek felt interminable. Depending on one's view of her situation, not having a destination in mind could qualify it as endless.
Going home to deal with her uncle and their recurring fights was about as appealing as putting her hand over an open flame or completing the extra practice suggestions on her Calculus assignments. Living with him had seemed like the best option to maximize focus on her studies. She'd managed to fit her 4-year degree into three years, which was a good thing considering he grew more insufferable with each passing day. Graduation couldn't come fast enough, but she wasn't looking forward to the growing struggle to get there.
After another block, she plopped down on a public bench and pulled her phone from her pocket. She tapped until her favorites showed on the screen, her thumb touching gently over a name; one of the only constants in her life over the years, despite a time where it wouldn't have seemed possible. Her best friend answered on the first ring.
—
A familiar black truck slowed to a stop nearby. The window slid downward to reveal inch-by-inch of dark skin, complete with ebony hair and the barest form of a cocky smile. He leaned over to push her door open, gesturing to join him with a casual jerk of his head.
"Get in Lochan," he ordered, glancing in his rearview mirror. "Before someone rear-ends me."
Elide hurried to haul herself into the passenger seat and slammed the door behind her. The silence and familiar scent were comforting, but she felt oddly sheepish about why she called Lorcan to pick her up. When she'd explained what happened, he'd jumped into his truck to head her way, and he offered no criticisms. Perhaps it was her shame for the moment of weakness, or maybe it was the fact that Lorcan demonstrated yet again why her relationship had been doomed.
Lorcan and Elide had been friends for years, and he had been caring for her in some capacity ever since. The intensity of his care flowed with the seasons of life, but their friendship had ensured that she never felt alone. The problem was that the older she got, the more she realized he had set certain standards by which she compareds. All that came to a head in her most recent relationship when she realized she couldn't count on her boyfriend half as often as she counted on Lorcan. Over time, her best friend's willingness to be there for her made her realize how little she gained from her relationship. That realization initiated some tough conversations, weeks of tougher fights, and ultimately led to their split two days ago.
Suddenly, she felt shitty for calling Lorcan, for feeling so complete and at-ease in his company. Did he know that he was her massive, glorified security blanket? Another interesting question was whether or not she actually believed that's all he was to her.
Lorcan drove to their spot by a small stream, the babbling of the water easing her tension. They sat side by side in the grass in comfortable silence until Elide realized she hadn't shown him any appreciation for picking her up.
"Thank you for coming. I hope you weren't busy."
"Nah. I had just showered after my run, but I didn't have any plans."
Lorcan rested his elbows atop his bent knees, his eyes fixed over the water. There was a tension in him, too, but Elide couldn't quite put her finger on it. She wondered if he was lying to her about his plans, but she refrained from asking. If that was his truth, she had already given him the opportunity to share it.
His voice interrupted her train of thought. "Why'd you end up there, El?"
"Habit, I guess." Her eyes lined with silver, and she blinked furiously against it. Lorcan always fussed over her when she cried, and if he started that, the flood gates would open. "Uncle Vernon and I got in a fight, so I didn't want to stay in the house. I started walking, and that's where I ended up."
Lorcan grunted; the best she could hope for with him sometimes.
"It was dumb to go; I know that. I was feeling sorry for myself, and I didn't know where else to go."
His head snapped in her direction, but his expression softened when their eyes met. He lifted a hand to the back of her neck, cupping it gently while his eyes scanned over the ripples of water. His broad palm nearly covered the expanse of skin at her nape, and it sent a rush of heat down her spine. Elide resisted the urge to melt into his touch when his fingers massaged gently at her tight muscles.
"I'll pretend you didn't say that." A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, betraying his attempt to seem offended.
"I know. That's not how I meant it. Again, it was more habit than anything."
Lorcan nodded.
"Anyway, thanks again. I owe you one; whatever you need."
She bumped her shoulder against his, biting her lip when he turned his attention to her fully. The affection in his expression was as plain as day.
"Just smile," he murmured, his brow furrowing in concern. "I really need to see you smile right now. I want you to be okay."
The corners of her mouth drew upward of their own volition, no effort involved. Smiling was always easiest with Lorcan, no matter what they went through. She hoped he looked at her like that forever.
"Much better."