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It was pretty warm for eight in the morning, sweat already starting to bead on the top of Langdon's forehead. As he walked up the few steps leading to the front door of Mel’s apartment, he nervously wiped his palms on his shorts before raising his fist to knock.
He had been anticipating today since he and Mel made the plans to spend the day together. He was so nervous, constantly having an internal debate with himself on whether or not he should cancel. But every time he picked up the phone to do so, he remembered the large smile on her face when he agreed, and he wanted to see more of it.
He felt so selfish, coming and spending time with her. He knew that she asked him for her, because she was tense, and wanted to spend time with Langdon to decompress.
But Langdon was only a man, and he couldn’t deny that he was not only spending time with her for her benefit, but also his own.
He shoved that thought in the back of his head, compartmentalizing those feelings until the dead of the night where he lay restlessless, his brain no longer able to hold them back anymore. His dreams swirling of a life with her, waking up with her in his arms, feeling the ghost of her non-existent warmth, a panging ache in his heart knowing his dreams would never be.
Instead, he focused on Mel. He knew she was exhausted, overworked, tension constantly on her face causing her jaw to clench and her hands to reflexively clench and unclench. He vowed that he would help her relieve some of that tension, and show her the benefit of taking a day for herself.
After he knocked, he only had to wait a moment before an energetic Mel quickly swung the door open.
“Langdon! You’re here!” She exclaimed happily, and Langdon immediately felt all of the anxiety he was previously feeling wash away at the sight of Mel's happy face.
“I told you I would be.” He smiled back, and she stepped back, giving him space and gesturing to him to come inside.
He hesitantly stepped inside, slipping off his sneakers on the mat while Mel closed the door behind him. The air was significantly cooler inside, a large window AC unit near the door.
He looked around the apartment, taking in his surroundings. The front door led to the living room, cozy but neat furniture creating a homey atmosphere. Immediately to his right the kitchen stood, a small island with two barstools being the only wall separating the two rooms. It was organized, calm. Very Mel.
He turned on his heels towards her smiling, letting out a huff of fake disappointment when he took in her appearance.
“Now what on earth are you wearing?” He asked, and she furrowed her brows looking down at her clothes.
She was dressed nicely. Her hair in her normal tight braid, wearing a grey long sleeve shirt and a pair of semi-skinny jeans. Her outfit was completed with a pair of matching white socks, surely previously accompanied by her sneakers. She looked good - but one thing she did not look, was comfy.
“I thought we were having a relaxing day?” He pushed, “That does not look like loungewear to me!” He exclaimed, causing Mel to laugh.
“I had to drop Becca off! I needed to get dressed for that!” She explained, and he dramatically waved her off with a “Pshhhh”
“I’ve dropped Tanner off in the pajamas I slept in!” He noted, and Mel rolled her eyes
“Yeah, you would.” She rebutted, and his mouth opened agape, his hand going over his heart in mock offense.
“How dare you! So rude.” he defended, and the both of them erupted in mutual laughter. When they both calmed down, Langdon grabbed her shoulders gently, before ushering her towards the other side of the apartment where he assumed her bedroom was.
“Now, you go and change into something actually comfortable. And I will be here, preparing the relaxation for you!” he pushed, and Mel laughed again
“Alright, alright. I’ll be right back!” she noted, walking down the hall towards her room.
Langdon took a deep breath, steadying himself. So far, so good. He took the time to take more of his surroundings in, and found himself wandering into the kitchen. Mel’s fridge was adorned with magnets, holding onto pictures and drawings that he assumed Becca made.
He looked at a few of the photos, loving how lively and happy Mel looked in them. He honed in on an older looking picture, two toddlers, holding onto each other smiling. He quickly clocked it as Mel and Becca, and was able to tell them apart by Mel's large purple glasses that hung crookedly off her nose. Langdon let out a fond laugh, loving to see such a carefree expression on her face.
He moved to look at the rest of the kitchen, and noticed a worn kettle on the stovetop. He remembers Mel talking about how she enjoys tea, particularly boba, but wonders if she has any regular tea around.
Hoping she wouldn’t mind, he scoured her cabinets before finding both her tea bags and a nice mug. He filled the kettle with water, turning on the stovetop and setting the kettle on top, waiting for the water to boil.
While waiting, he heard footsteps behind him, and turned to see Mel. The words he was about to say caught on his throat, the sight of Mel stopping him in his tracks.
She was definitely in more comfortable attire now, her long sleeve replaced with a baggy blue University of Pittsburgh sweater, and rather than jeans she now wore bright pink pajama shorts, cartoon black cats covering them like polka dots. Finally, her white socks were replaced with lighter pink fuzzy ones.
Not only did she look much more comfortable, she looked beautiful. He suddenly felt blessed - how is he, this fuckup, this failure, so lucky to see Mel in such a perfect state.
She was already beautiful everyday, even when in her scrubs. But he knew Mel took great value in how she presented herself to others, feeling the need to prove her professionalism not only with her knowledge and how she spoke, but how she looked too.
But he was allowed the privilege to see her be so soft, so carefree - telling him that Mel was aware that him seeing her like this did not change his perception of her. Just the thought of that made his stomach clench and his head dizzy. It may just look like loungewear, but to him - she looked ethereal, and his heart pattered insistently.
He stood frozen for a moment, before the high-pitched loud whistle of the kettle shocked both of them out of their stupor. Mel looked over his shoulder towards the kitchen.
“You made tea?” she asked, and Langdon cleared his throat, nodding.
“Uh, Yeah-yeah. For you”. He explained, turning to pour the hot water into the mug before adding the tea bag, dipping it a few times before turning back towards her.
She had a small smile on her face, looking at him with wide eyes.
“C’mon” He started, gesturing to the living room with the mug “To the couch!” he insisted, and Mel turned and sat on the couch.
Langdon followed behind her slowly, making sure to not spill the tea, before gently setting the mug down on a coaster on the coffee table in front of the couch. After setting it down, he joined her on the couch, sitting a fair distance from her to allow himself some reprieve.
“Thank you, for the tea.” She said, and Langdon nodded. She looked down at herself, using her two hands to gesture to her clothes.
“Is this up to your standards, sir?” she asked, and Langdon chuckled lightly. He looked into her eyes, smiling
“Almost” he replied, and she tilted her head in confusion. “Turn around” he said, gesturing a circle with his finger for emphasis. Mel rolled her eyes again, but complied, turning her back to him.
“Between my mother, Abby and Penny. I know that at the end of a stressful day, having a pony tail or a braid in makes everything ten times worse.” He explained, before taking Mel’s braid in his hands.
Gently, he pulled on the black hair tie that held everything together, taking it out of her hair before setting it on top of the coffee table.
Quickly, his fingers weaved through each lock of hair, softly spreading each of them apart. Once the three parts of her hair were separated from each other, he wove his fingers through the entirety of her hair, detangling it all and letting it flow over her back and neck. His hand moved more to the top of her head, calmly massaging her scalp to release the tension that the muscles previously had from the pressure of holding onto the braid.
Langdon isn’t sure if Mel was doing it consciously or not, but she tilted her head back, leaning into the pressure of his hand and letting out a small sigh. He quickly glanced over her shoulder to look at her face, seeing that her eyes were closed, allowing herself to fade into the feeling fully.
Her hair was definitely detangled by now, but Langdon continued his motions anyway, not wanting to stop seeing the fully relaxed expression on her face. A deep feeling of pride warmed in Langdon's chest, knowing that he was the one to make Mel feel such tranquility.
He’s not sure how long they sat there, his hand massaging her scalp and Mel leaning into the feeling, but he didn’t care. At this point, he must have died and this was heaven, because he swears that he could do this for eternity.
Unfortunately, though, he was not dead. Because Mel slowly lifted her head, and Langdon reluctantly removed his fingers from her soft locks. She turned towards him, visibly more relaxed, and smiled softly.
“Thank you for that, that was really nice”. She thanked, and Langdon nodded shyly.
“Of course, always.” he responded. God, he was fucked.
She moved so she was sitting normally on the couch, and turned to look at him, a bit unsure before starting to look around the room.
“So-” she started, dragging out the ‘o’ syllable before looking back at him. “What now?” She asked, and Langdon laughed.
“Welp, first you're going to take this-” He said, reaching for the mug of tea and handing it to Mel. Luckily, it still felt warm despite it sitting there for who knows how long while he did her hair.
She carefully took it from his hands, pulling it to her lips before taking a small sip. Her eyes closed instinctively and she hummed in contentment, and Langdon lightly shook his head to force the impure thoughts that were starting to emerge in his head just from hearing her sounds.
“And now, we are going to watch a show!” he exclaimed, reaching for the remote, turning on the TV and leaning back into the couch himself.
“So tell me, what's a show you’ve been wanting to watch but haven’t been able to because you’re too busy watching Elf with Becca?” he asked, and Mel bellowed out a laugh. She thought for a moment, her lips tugged tightly, and Langdon couldn’t help the thoughts that emerged of how he wanted to kiss those lips.
“Well, there is one show. But I don’t think you would enjoy it.” She admitted
“Try me.” Langdon challenged, and Mel sheepishly looked down to pick at her fingernails.
“Well, I don’t even know if you’d be able to understand because it's a later season, but the new Bridgerton just released and I wanted to watch” She admitted quietly, seemingly embarrassed.
Langdon pursed his lips, looking contemplatively at the TV before turning back to Mel.
“Is this season supposed to be Elosie’s season? Oh wait-no it’s Benedicts isn’t it?” he asked, a cocky smile grazing his lips.
Mel's jaw dropped in shock, and Langdon threw his head back laughing at her reaction.
“You’ve watched it?!” Mel asked, astonished, and Langdon nodded his head.
“Yeah, yeah. When the very first season came out Abby and I started it, but she fell asleep halfway through the first episode saying it was boring. But, I have to admit, I was pretty attached to Daphne's story, and then before I knew it I watched the whole thing.” He explained and started to get shy himself.
He knows it's not particularly manly to watch a romance show, but he genuinely enjoyed the plot - finding the way they went about relationships was really interesting.
Mel's shocked face turned into a wide smile. “Wow, so you’re all caught up? You watched season 3?” She asked and Langdon nodded again.
“Yup, but I also haven’t watched season four. So I guess this is fate!” he stated, and Mel's smile softened, looking deep into Langdon's eyes.
“Yeah, I guess it is.” Mel agreed
Langdon turned back to the TV, pulling up Netflix and scrolling to the “newly added” section, where Bridgerton was waiting for them.
They got comfortable on the couch, Mel bringing her knees up to her chest and Langdon leaned back more into the couch, legs spread comfortably. Mel reached back to the arm of the couch and grabbed a large tan throw blanket and draped some of it over her lap. She hesitated for a second, before taking the initiative to also throw it over Langdon's lap as well.
He smiled at her gesture, and felt immense happiness just to be in the presence of her kindness.
The show started, the two of them immersing themselves into the period drama. About five minutes in, though, Langdon noted that there was still a good chunk of space between the two of them. He thought of how relaxed Mel seemed when they were touching, and decided to take the risk and reached his arm around the back of Mel’s shoulders, lightly pulling her into his side.
She looked up at him, her hazel eyes staring up at him inquisitively. He looked down to her, smiling softly, and Mel smiled back in understanding. She looked back towards the TV while scooting closer to him, pressing herself into his side and leaning her head onto his firm chest. He curled his hands back into her hair, tangling his fingers through the softness of her locks.
They settled into a comfortable silence, enjoying the comfortable warmth of each others steady presence while investing into the show they watched. A small smile stayed stamped to Langdon's face, a rare feeling of contentness befalling him.
—
Before they knew it, hours had passed. They had binged the first four episodes of the season, content on just being in each other's arms.
They laughed at the quick witty moments, and Langdon treasured watching the shocked expressions that grazed Mel’s face at the dramatic scenes. He loved how invested Mel became into the stories, and how she seemed to have an emotional connection with each character.
He saw how quickly she connected with patients in the ER, however sometimes that type of kindness can feel like an obligation of a job rather than an actual personality trait. But seeing how attached she got to each person, even the background characters like Hazel, it just reminded him of how amazing she was.
They were getting towards the end of the fourth episode, Benedict and Sophie meeting on the stairwell, unable to resist the tension between them anymore. Benedict did his graceful, British love monologue, both Langdon and Mel assuming he would ask her to marry him. But when the fool opens his mouth he says the stupidest thing Langdon has ever heard.
“Be my mistress” the character says, and both Langdon and Mel's mouth gapes open.
“What the fuck?” Langdon shouts at the TV, gesturing his hand towards the screen in anger. Mel laughed both in shock and humor at Langdon's dramatic reaction.
“He’s the stupidest human being I’ve ever seen. He’s not even in a relationship, why would he choose the word mistress?” Langdon insisted, making Mel laugh more.
“Oh, so if he was in a relationship he could ask her that then?” She challenged, and Langdon furrowed his brows and shook his head.
“Absolutely not. I hate the idea of cheating in general, but cheating on your wife? Repulsive.” he stated sternly, and he failed to notice how Mel's smile wavered. She looked back towards the TV nodding softly.
“I’m - I’m glad that you’re so loyal, especially with Abby.” Mel commented, not taking her eyes off the television, and Langdon's brows furrowed in confusion.
“I mean, yeah. Loyalty is really important to me.” he commented, looking down to his lap. Mindlessly, he thumbed at his ring on his left hand that he should’ve 100% taken off by now.
“But honestly, it doesn’t even matter anymore.” He admitted, and Mel looked at him puzzled
“What? What do you mean?” she asked, taking the remote and pausing the episode, signifying that this was going to be a conversation. Langdon let out a huff. He knew that he needed to have this talk, it was important, but it was also really embarrassing. He didn’t want Mel to see him differently, knowing that he couldn’t save his marriage.
“I know that I wear my ring and everything. And I told Dana that Abby and I are still together. But truthfully? Abby and I haven't been together since I started rehab.” he explained. He heard Mel gasp lightly, but he refused to look in her eyes. He couldn’t bear to see the disappointment on her face at another one of his failures.
“Langdon, why didn’t you say anything?” she asked, her tone calm, dripping with empathy that Langdon didn’t deserve.
“Because it’s embarrassing Mel. Just another thing I failed at doing, another person I let down.” Langdon's voice broke, and he hated that he felt like crying.
It’s been months since the split, and Langdon hates that he’s been more upset at the concept of him failing again than the relationship itself ending.
And that hate towards himself just creates an unhealthy cycle of self-loathing, which he is reminded of every time he feels the heavy weight of the gold band that presses into his finger.
“Langdon, you can’t think like that” Mel started, “Do you wanna talk about it?” she asked, and he knew that if he said no, she would drop it. That's the type of person Mel was, she doesn’t press, doesn’t push. He should drop it, because this is Mel’s day - they were supposed to be focused on making her relax. But Langdon is so selfish, such a man, so he continued.
“I mean, there's not much to it. She felt really betrayed, understandably, and said she didn’t feel like she could trust me like that anymore.” He started, Mel nodding in understanding.
“It's been like nine months. Honestly, I’m not really upset anymore over the end of the relationship, which I hate about myself.” he admitted, surprised he said it allowed. “I’m more upset that it’s just another thing I failed at”
Mel looked at him contemplatively, and he felt so vulnerable. Here he was. Out and open and bare, and he baited his breath awaiting Mel’s next steps.
How would she see him now? Would she ask him to leave, knowing that he was such a fuck up? Would she hate him, seeing him the same way he sees himself?
Instead, Mel took a moment to process the information, looking deep in thought before looking back into Langdon’s eyes.
“Langdon, where have you been sleeping?” She asked, and Langdon felt a wave of confusion wash over him.
That was not at all the reaction he was expecting from her. He expected some prodding, asking more about what he did wrong. Not a question bordering concern for him over concern for Abby.
“Oh, well I’ve had an apartment for the last few months. At first I just stayed in a hotel, but I couldn’t really have the kids over at a hotel every other weekend. So I got an apartment a few blocks from the hospital.” he explained, and Mel smiled lightly
“I'm glad you’re not still at a hotel. I'm sorry though, that you only see the kids every other weekend.” she empathized, and he smiled at her kindness.
“Yeah, I’m just happy I get to see them at all, honestly. It could’ve gone a lot worse - I could’ve never seen them again. Which would’ve been understandable. I don’t really deserve them.” He muttered the last sentence, thoughts of self hatred again starting to cloud his mind.
“Hey, don’t do that.” Mel said, reaching out and grabbing the front of his shirt tightly for emphasis.
“You’re a great dad. I’ve heard you talk to them on the phone, how your face lights up when talking about them. You made a mistake, that makes you human. Not a bad dad.” She explained, and he felt tears start to well in his eyes.
He hated that something so simple as reassurance caused such an emotional reaction from him, it made him feel weak. Before she could see his tears, he nodded his head.
“Thanks Mel. That means a lot.” He thanked her, and she smiled in return.
He needed to change the subject. He felt too vulnerable right now, the focus was too much on him when the day was supposed to be about Mel. He sat up straighter, patting her shoulder encouraging her to sit up too.
“Welp, it’s just about 12:30. Let's have lunch!” He insisted, standing from the couch and stretching his hands above his head. His shirt rode up slightly, exposing the lower half of his torso.
He reached down uncaringly, pulling his shirt back down. He looked towards Mel, who stared at his lower half, before shaking her head and quickly standing and walking to the kitchen.
That was weird. And he swears, Mel’s face was red. Was she okay?
“Hey, are you feeling okay?” He inquired, a bit worried now.
“Uh, yep. Yep! All good. Um, what would you like to eat? I can cook you some-”
“Oh no you don't.” Langdon interrupted, running to place himself between Mel and the fridge door she was reaching for. She looked at him confused
“You just said we were going to eat!” she pointed out.
“Yes, but I did not say you were cooking! I told you, today you don't do anything! So I will cook for you” He insisted, puffing his chest out dramatically.
Mel rolled her eyes, her hands forming fists as she rested them on her hips in mock sass.
“Well, then what am I supposed to do then?”
Langdon chuckled, a mischievous grin plastered across his face. He didn’t give her time to react before he wrapped his arm around her torso, using his strength to lift her off her feet as high as he could.
“W-What! Ah! Langdon!” She yelled, and he laughed
“You-” he grunted out, walking towards the island before gently setting her atop it.
“Are going to sit here and look pretty.” He finalized, and Mel’s face reddened, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.
Before she could respond, he turned again towards the fridge.
“Now, what do you want?”
—
Langdon didn’t feel like making a whole meal, it was just lunch. So he made two simple sandwiches, setting them on paper plates and adding some chips before handing one to Mel, who was still on the counter. He leaned against it while they ate together, making small talk about Bridgerton, gossip about the Pitt, whatever came to mind.
Once they were both done Langdon took both of their plates, turning to put them in the garbage bin before turning back to Mel.
She looked deep in thought, her eyebrows pinched and her fingers playing with each other, teeth chewing on her lips in worry. Her eyes looked far away, unfocused, and Langdon walked in front of her stopping right in front of her form.
“Hey, what's wrong?” He asked softly, bending his head down slightly to meet her eyes. She looked up at him quickly, almost surprised that she had zoned out, and that he had caught her doing so.
“Oh! Nothing, nothing.” she said quickly, and Langdon stared at her sternly.
“No, not nothing. What’s going on?” He insisted, and Mel sighed
“I just-I’m really, really happy.” She stated, and Langdon smiled softly, letting out a chuckle.
“That’s great! Then why do you look like I just kicked your cat.” He pushed, and Mel laughed light-heartedly.
“I’m not, it's just. I really appreciate you, and how much you’ve done for me. I just can’t figure out why. Why me?” she asked, looking up into his eyes.
Langdon's eyes furrowed in concern, and he stepped closer to her, his torso rubbing against her bent knees.
“Mel, because you deserve it. You’re so kind, so amazing. I just - I can’t fathom seeing you suffering because you’re so busy taking care of others.” He explained, and Mel shook her head.
“You keep saying it’s because I’m kind, because I’m amazing. But there are so many people who are kind. So many kind and amazing people in the Pitt. So why me?” She insisted, and Langdon’s eyes widened.
In a way, she was right. There were many kind, amazing people in the Pitt. But how were he to explain that none of those people are her.
“Yeah, that’s true. But, you are you. And, I don’t know why, but I’m almost magnetized towards you.” He started, and he leaned forwards some, his hands resting on her knees.
“It’s really hard to describe. It’s every part of you. The way you light up whenever you finish a stressful procedure successfully, or see even just someone you love. The special show of confidence you present every day walking into the Pitt, making everyone around you feel calm, even when everything feels scary.” He continued, and Mel’s eyes widened with each sentence he said.
With each truth he spoke, and the way Mel was looking at him, his confidence grew. He felt that he could be more and more open with her, wondering what it would be like to give this beautiful girl in front of him his whole heart.
He moved ever closer, gently pushing Mel’s legs apart and settling his body in between them.
“Its the way you care, not only about people you love, but to random strangers - even the ones who aren’t kind back to you.” He continued. He lifted his hands, bringing them to cup her face gently, looking deeply into her eyes.
She looked back at him, her wide eyes sparkling, motivating him to continue.
“It's your eyes. Jesus Mel, your eyes”. He whispered, his thumbs emphasizing his point by brushing her cheeks. Mel’s breath hitched, and he gazed down at her lips.
“God Mel, I don’t know how to put into words how much you mean to me. And if I can, I don’t know if I’m allowed to” He admitted, his voice barely a whisper.
Her eyes softened, and her gaze traveled down to his lips. They both leaned in slightly, but not yet connected - both of them scared to take that leap.
Mel, in her own quiet tone, whispered back to him.
“Try, Frank. Try.”
Langdon swallowed dryly. If he told her, it was over. Mel had pushed him leaps and bounds farther than he ever thought he would be in terms of communicating. In being open, and vulnerable. But saying these feelings, these thoughts. This was Pandora’s box, once opened could never be closed, never undone.
“Mel-” his voice cracked, his tone wavering in unsureness
“Please” she begged lowly
He looked at her, really looked at her. At this beautiful woman, who has shown him an unfathomable level of kindness. A kindness he surely doesn't deserve. He doesn’t deserve her, but now that he has her, he can’t lose her.
“Mel, I don’t want you to leave.” He admitted, his voice still low, their faces still mere inches apart. Their breath mingled, and Landgon could smell the faintness of the chamomile tea he had given Mel just a few hours ago.
“You won't, I promise. Just tell me.” She insisted, a small shy smile forming on her face. Langdon frowned, anxious - doubtful.
But she was here, and she was so beautiful, and the tingling warmth that he tried so hard to hold back flooded him, and before he knew it -
“God Mel, I love you”. He pushed out.
Fuck, there it was. He waited for the anger, the pain. Maybe she’d even laugh at him. Yell at him for falling for someone when he just got out of a marriage. Tell him to get the fuck out.
But instead, she smiled. She breathed out an airy laugh, almost like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I love you too, Frank.” she said, and Frank's eyes shot open. She loved him? He couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but apparently his body did.
He shot forwards, finally connecting their lips together in a passionate kiss, his eyes closing tightly. Mel kissed back with vigor, her hands coming to wind around his neck, and her legs that surrounded his waist tightened, almost as if she was ensuring he wouldn’t leave her.
He wouldn't leave her, he would never leave her. In fact, if anything, he was certain that she would leave him.
His brain caught up with his body, and he pulled back from the kiss. He looked at Mel, her eyes still closed for a moment before they looked back up at him. She looked content, happy. Frank made her happy.
But she made him feel more than happy, she made him feel important. And he was so scared that he was going to lose her. Fuck, what if he lost her? What if she now saw through him, realized all of the things wrong with him, and then left him? God, he wouldn't be able to live, wouldn't be able to breathe.
Fuck, he can’t breathe
He watched as Mel's eyes changed from love to fear, her eyes shifting to look at him in concern. She brought her hands down from around his neck to grab his face, just as he was hers.
“Frank, Frank! Hey, hey hey hey. You’re having a panic attack Frank. You need to breathe. Can you breathe for me?” She spoke, her grip on his face firm trying to ground him.
But his thoughts flooded his system, the fear of losing another person he loved making his knees weak, chest heavy.
“I-I’m trying Mel. I’m so scared.” He admitted, his voice unsteady.
“Okay, okay” she spoke calmly. “Talk to me, why are you scared?” she asked, Langdon shaking his head
“I can’t-I can’t lose you Mel. You’re all I have left, and I love you. But everything I love, I lose. I fuck it up. I can’t lose you Mel, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself, I wouldn’t-I couldn’t-” He panicked out.
“Shhh, shush now” she comforted, one of her hands moving to the back of his neck and rubbing soothingly. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to melt into the comfort she provided. A tear that he didn’t know he was holding back fell from his eyes dripping down his cheek.
“Now, why would you lose me, when I just told you I loved you?” She asked, and he opened his eyes to look at her. She was smiling softly, gazing at him as if he were the only person in the world
“Because I’m me, Mel. I ruin things. I’m a drug addict. I constantly need reassurance, and when I don’t get it I implode. I’m not a good person, I ruined my marriage. Eventually, you’ll realize all the bad things I am, and you’ll leave too.” He huffed out, and for some reason Mel’s smile only grew.
“Frank, I fell in love with you knowing all of those things about you. Except for the fact that you’re a bad person, because that's just not true.” She hummed, giggling lightly.
“So if I know all of that, why would I leave?” She asked, and Langdon hesitated. His brows still furrowed, but now in thought more than panic.
“You, you just deserve better.” he finalized, and she shook her head
“I don’t care what you think I deserve, I deserve and I want you.” she noted, her firm tone noting strictness, telling him that he was not to argue.
“I love you, Frank. I’m not going to leave.” She emphasized her point by pecking his lips softly, but quick enough that he couldn’t kiss back.
She was right, she did know all of the bad about Langdon. She's seen him at his worst, and he’s been more open with her about his emotions than he has anyone, including Abby.
That’s probably why his marriage didn’t work, but he’s already so vulnerable with Mel. He doesn’t feel fear around her, or feel that he has to hold everything inside. Maybe, just maybe then, this could work.
He looked back at her. She looked at him like he held the universe, the same way that he felt about her. He smiled lightly.
“What if I said I hate Boba?” He mused, and she gawked at him
“Oh, well then it's over. Get out of my house.” She said sarcastically, and the both of them laughed, eyes crinkling and faces split with large smiles. Mel shook her head, her wide grin turning into a fond smile.
“Even then, Frank. I still love you.”
Frank's eyes once again welled with tears, but for the first time in a very long time it was due to love, rather than sadness. His hands still held her face, and he used his thumbs to rub against her cheeks lovingly.
“I love you too.” He replied, and the warmth of love that he had been so desperately trying to hide - to lock away in secret, spread through his whole body. It left tingles of joy in its wake, spreading to his fingertips.
He felt alive, and it wasn’t because of pills, or the rush of saving someone who was on the brink of death. But because of this beautiful woman sitting in front of him, who loved him as he was, flaws and all.
He pushed forwards once more, leaning in to try to convey what words could not. Mel met him halfway, kissing passionately, deeply.
They moved in sync, separating for less than moments to breathe before diving back into one another's space. Langdon did his best to show Mel all of the love he had been feeling though his lips, his touch with her.
Light sounds of their kisses filled the otherwise quiet kitchen, creating a peaceful rhythm to their dancing lips. They squeezed each other tightly, coming together in as many points of contact as they could, as close as physically possible.
Eventually, their lips did separate. They pulled apart slowly, but kept their foreheads leaned together, still wanting to be touching.
They opened their eyes slowly, looking into one another's gaze. Mel's eyes crinkled with joy, excitement filling her features, and Langdon mirrored her smile. He leaned in for a quick final peck, before pulling away slightly more, but still remaining in between Mel's legs.
His hands traveled down from Mel’s face to her shoulders, rubbing slightly before going down her arms and intertwining her fingers with his. He breathed deeply, exhaling the lingering nerves that remained in his chest.
“Well, I may have done this a bit backwards. But, Melissa King, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?” Langdon asked, and although they had just professed their love for one another and made out on her kitchen counter, Langdon was still scared that she may reject him.
Instead, she laughed, nodding her head.
“Of course - I would love to.” she agreed, and any remaining doubt left in his system evaporated.
They stared at each other for a bit, reveling in one another's space and enjoying the electric, loving air surrounding them. Eventually though, the moment did need to end, and their staring was interrupted by a sudden, long yawn from Mel.
Langdon chuckled, reaching his hand up to play with a strand of Mel’s hair.
“Well, I think that's a sign that a nap is in order!” he proclaimed, and Mel's eyebrows furrowed
“A nap? I haven’t napped since grad school!” Mel noted, her nose scrunching.
“That is literally the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.” Langdon said shocked “And even more reason to take a nap now!” he stated, reaching for Mel and putting his arms underneath her legs before lifting her off the counter.
Mel gasped in shock, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. He turned, carrying her out of the kitchen laughing at her shock.
“Langdon! Your back!” She worried, and Langdon rolled his eyes playfully
“Fuck my back” he grunted out, walking with her towards the living room.
He plopped her onto the couch, her body bouncing with the sudden drop and causing her to laugh. He sat down next to her, before leaning back slightly and holding out his arms in a gesture for her to lay down beside him.
Her smile faded for a second, her brows furrowing and lips pursed. She looked deep in thought, and for a second Langdon worried that he had done something wrong.
“We don’t have to cuddle if that's too much contact for you!” He offered, sitting back up. Mel’s eyes widened and she shook her head.
“No, no! That's not it at all. The opposite, actually.” She said sheepishly, her hands going to play with a strand of her own hair.
“Okay, what's on your mind?” Langdon inquired, and Mel bit her lips nervously before taking a deep breath.
“Okay, this might sound weird, but could I possibly be on the inside of the couch while we cuddle rather than the outside? I know that sounds weird - that I would have a preference, I mean it's just cuddling. I just really like the idea of being between you and the back of the couch.” She breathed out, not stopping to let Langdon answer.
“Actually, there was some awesome research about the comfort that pressure provides, particularly with people who struggle with overstimulation! There was this autistic researcher, her name was Temple Grandin-” Mel started rambling, and Langdon let her.
As she quickly chatted about the logistics of the research, something about a cow press? Langdon was more focused on Mel as a whole, watching her face light up as she talked about something she cared about. He loved watching her, taking in all of her passion and care for learning and science, especially in regards to helping others.
And this time, he was allowed to stare. He didn’t have to be worried about her catching him, or others watching their interaction with confused, gossipy eyes. She was his now, but he was always hers.
“Anyway, people really didn’t believe her hypothesis, not only because she was autistic herself but also a woman! And so-” Langdon interrupted her rambling by wrapping his hands around her waist, and throwing the both of them backwards, this time making sure Mel was on the inside.
“Woah!” She laughed out, and he maneuvered them into a more comfortable position, nestling her more into his side and neck, one of his arms behind her shoulders and the other back to hold her face.
He loved being able to hold her like this, to caress her face and look at her as long as he wanted to. Their legs met, tangled together, pressing each other impossibly closer.
She leaned down slightly grabbing the previously discarded throw blanket before covering the both of them before looking back into Langdon’s loving eyes.
She bit her lip nervously again, and Langdon had an urge to kiss them. He realized he actually could this time, so he leaned down, kissing her slowly.
It wasn’t another make out, just a single, long slow kiss that was returned with the same amount of pressure. They had all the time in the world, and they showed it through the lingering of their lips.
They separated, smiling still and Mel meeting his eyes.
“Langdon, I know I’ve said it before. But I’m really happy I met you, and that you have been so kind to me. You have no idea how much you mean to me.” she confessed, and Langdon looked at her longingly, still in disbelief that he had such an amazing girl in his arms.
“Mel, you have made me happier than I ever thought possible. I love you - so much.” He mused, emphasizing his point by kissing her forehead.
Mel giggled lightly.
“I love you too” She said in return, before relaxing to nuzzle her face into the crook of his neck and closing her eyes.
And for the first time in a very, very long time, Langdon did feel loved.