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The rain had been falling for hours. It wasn't loud, just steady, tapping gently against the window. You sat at your desk, knees pulled close to your chest. Your eyes were sore from crying, but the tears wouldn't stop. Everything felt too heavy, too much to hold in anymore.
You thought you were alone. Edward was supposed to be in the library, working. You didn't want him to see you like this. But then the door opened quietly behind you.
"Hey," his voice came, soft but worried. "You okay?"
You quickly wiped your face and shook your head.
"I'm fine," you said, but your voice cracked.
Edward sighed. You heard his boots on the floor as he walked closer. When he stopped in front of you, he crouched down a little, trying to catch your eyes.
"You're a terrible liar," he said gently.
You let out a weak laugh, but more tears slipped down. You looked away, embarrassed.
He reached out, his automail hand brushing a tear from your cheek.
"Hey..." He said quietly, "you don't have to hide it from me. It's okay."
You tried to speak, but your voice shook too much. Before you could stop him, Edward moved closer and wrapped his arms around you. His coat was warm, and he smelled faintly like metal and rain.
You froze for a moment, surprised, but then you slowly hugged him back.
"Ed..." You whispered.
He held you tighter.
"Don't talk. Just let it out, okay? I've got you."
That was all it took. The tears came again, harder this time, but you didn’t try to stop them. You pressed your face against his chest and cried quietly while he held you close.
Edward adjusted slightly, pulling you fully into his lap. His coat wrapped around you both, cocooning you from the chill of the room.
One arm stayed firm around your waist, keeping you close, while the other, his gloved hand moved up to your head.
He began to gently run his fingers through your hair, the soft cotton of his white gloves gliding against your scalp in slow, soothing motions. The sound of the rain mixed with the faint rustle of fabric as his hand moved.
You trembled, trying to catch your breath, but his steady rhythm helped calm the storm inside you. His thumb brushed the back of your neck in quiet reassurance, and he murmured something you couldn't quite make out... something soft and meant only for you.
Every time you shuddered, his arm tightened slightly, grounding you. His gloved hand continued to comb through your hair, tender and careful, as if he was afraid to hurt you.
Eventually, your sobs began to fade. The world seemed smaller now... just his warmth, the steady beat of his heart against your cheek, and the rain tapping softly against the window.
After a while, he pulled back a little, just enough to see your face.
"Feeling a little better?" He asked, his tone soft.
You nodded, though your cheeks were still wet.
"Yeah... a bit."
He smiled. A small, warm smile that made your chest ache.
"Good. You should smile more. I like seeing it."
You laughed quietly, embarrassed. "You're such a dork."
"Yeah, well..." He said, scratching the back of his neck, "you're stuck with me."
Then, after a short silence, he looked at you again. His eyes were gentle but serious this time.
"I mean it..." He said softly. "Whatever's wrong, we'll deal with it together. You're not alone."
Something about the way he said it made your heart skip. You nodded again, your hand resting on his coat.
Edward hesitated for a second, like he was thinking too hard about something. Then he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to your forehead. You froze, eyes wide, and he immediately turned red.
"Sorry.." He mumbled, looking away. "I just... I hate seeing you cry."
You smiled, feeling warmth spread through your chest.
"Don't be sorry." You said quietly.
He looked back at you, his golden eyes soft. Then he rested his forehead against yours and whispered,
"No matter what happens... I've got you. Always."
And for the first time that day, you smiled for real.