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Steven wasn’t sure he had ever ran so fast before. Not even in his dreams. Yet, here he was, running like a mad man through London. His destination, your apartment. He had to see you.
It could hardly be called knocking, the sound on your door. More along the lines of pounding. The sound was urgent. Whomever was on the other side was begging to be let in.
“I’m coming!” You yell.
The pounding does not stop until the door is open. Steven tumbled in, clearly not expecting the door to actually open.
“Steven?”
You kneel down and help him to his feet. Steven clings to you like never before. He is frantic, in clear panic. He turns and faces the open door, slamming it shut quicker than you can call his name again.
“Steven?”
The man turns back to you and clings to your arms again.
“I…I…”
“What? What is it? What do you need?”
Steven can’t think straight and pulls you into a hug. It’s tight, but not suffocating. You hug him back, no longer asking any questions. You just hold him.
His soft pants in your ear begin to quiet down the longer you hold him. You take to running his back in gentle circles. You can feel him relax in your arms.
Steven buries his nose into your neck and clenches his eyes shut.
“You’re alright,” you softly whisper.
You feel the shake of his head.
“No. I’m not.”
He does not move from your arms. You say nothing and hold him as long as he wants. You’re fine with this.
“I’m losing track of days… I’m blinking out for longer than before. I can’t keep track of anything anymore.”
You listen.
“I’m scared.”
Steven feels the squeeze you give him. He squeezes back just as tightly. You make everything feel better. You make sense to him. Only you.
“I’ve got you, Steven. You don’t have to be afraid. Whatever this is, I’m here to help you.”
You feel him nod his head.
Softly, he feels your lips against his head. His heart calms. His breathing evens out.
He’s safe. He is safe because he is with you.
“Can you hold my hand?” He asks.
You pull away from the hug and smile fondly at him. Your hand traces down his arm and finds his open palm waiting for you. His fingers wrap around your hand and you smile up at him. Steven keeps his gaze locked onto your joined hands.
“Only when I’m with you does the world make sense. Any other time, I’m lost and confused.”
“Then don’t let go, Steven.”
His eyes meet yours.
“I don’t want to.”
You smile softly and lean up, kissing his cheek.
“You know where to find me when you need me.”
Steven smiles.
Yes, he does. He always knows. He has lost count of how many times he has coming knocking on your door. And though you have offered to let stay the night on more than one occasion, he will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.
After all, it’s at night when the world makes less sense to him.
He smiles at you.
“I know.”
You put the kettle on and let him get comfortable on your sofa.
Steven would like to spend the day with you, and there is nothing better you can think of doing.