(0.6): I'll be here.

" With one goal and one mindset, the bigger the victory." I read out loud, tracing the words on the bottom of a framed picture.

It's Ethan within a group of people. They are all in uniform, something similar to a military one.

Is this the organisation that Ethan's parents are leaders of?

Would this be Ethan, in a couple of years?

" I don't think I'd be a good fit." He stands beside me and I watch him take the picture.

" Why not?" 

" Our views differ at times."

" Is this about the music ?" I ask.

He's silent for a moment while looking at the picture. I wait patiently for his good for thought.

He doesn't answer at first but looks at the picture. I wait patiently for him to give me his food for thought.

An unreadable expression dims through his eyes when he looks up, but it's gone as fast as it came. He lets out a sigh, placing the picture back in its place.

" Ethan?"

" The music is a part of me..."

" Hmm." I nod, agreeing.

I've witnessed him get so immersed in the music live and he's incredible.

" But there's a legacy, a name, history that hangs on my shoulders. It's not necessarily a burden but it does carry weight. My parents have taken me under their wings a many times but there's still so much to learn." He turns to me.

What I see on his face is a mixture of being uncertain and dejected.

" Middle ground, that's all I need." He shakes his head, " I don't have that at the moment."

I close the remaining distance between us and wrap my arms around his middle, resting my head against his chest.

" You know what I think?"

" What?"

" I think- no, I believe you are meant for great things. What you set your mind into, the results will be good because you put your all into it. Middle ground, a start or finish, you'll find a way, I believe in that. Ethan, you are amazing to me.

I feel his arms wrap around me and lock us in, chest to chest.

" Knowing that you believe in me, gives me immense amount of energy."

" I'll give you more for future performances."

" And that's all I'll ever need."

" Don't let your fan girls hear that."

He chuckles.

" I only know one."

" And that's not me."

" Oh?" He leans back and tilts my chin up, so our eyes meet.

" I am your number 1 supporter, that in my ears sounds far better than being a fan."

When he smiles, I smile.

For a moment, we stand in place and in each others arms. Not once do we break eye contact.

My curiosity takes over when his eyes move all over my face, as if memorizing every detail of it.

" What are you thinking about?"

The smile he had then is long gone.

He shakes his head and leans his face close to mine. My eyes flutter closer when I feel his lips touch mine .

One thing I will never get tired of, is his kisses.

My whole body relaxes as I let him take control and lead the way. I feel his lips tease my own, making me crave more. A small whimper leaves past my lips when instead of deepening the kiss, his lips leave my own and trail along my jaw.

" Ethan..." His name falls from my lips in a whisper as his own travel further down to my neck.

" Hmm?"

I feel it then, a smirk growing on his face against my skin, which tells me everything I need to know.

He's teasing me.

" You are ----" he cuts me off with a subtle kiss.

" I am....What?"

My eyes open and I see him already looking at me, that teasing spark glowing in his eyes.

My face heats up out of embarassment and I quickly look down, not being able to take more of this teasing.

" Muffin?"

" Mm?"

" Look at me."

I shake my head no.

I need for my face to cool down first.

If I thought there's time for my face to cool down and my heart to calm down, I definetly thought wrong. He lowers his head more until his face is in my level. His eyes search for my own, silently demanding I meet them.

I cave in with no real effort to resist and meet his eyes.

Gosh, his chocolate brown eyes are so beautiful to look at.

The longer I look into those eyes I love so much, my desire for more heightens. It pushes me to be bold and lean in, initiating the kiss.

" That's more like it." He says against my lips.

I feel heat creep up my neck at the sound of those words.

'Never hold back from letting me know what you want and need from me.' He's said this before, always pushing for me to be more vocal or expressive about what I want and need.

I feel his hands touch the back of my legs, wrapping them around his waist. My arms do the same around his neck while continuing to kiss him. I feel him move us across the room, never daring to break the kiss.

I'm soon lowered onto the couch and he makes quick work to hover over me. Physical contact is important to him, he loves being close to me. My heart skips a beat  when he rests his arm beside my head and connects our chests before he starts peppering kisses on my skin.

" Mmm." A moan slips out when he connects our lips again, wasting no time in deepening it and letting his tongue explore.

Following his lead of exploring, my hands do their own, travelling along his back. I make sneak work under his sweater and finally touch his skin. I internally smile when I feel him tremble against me, the more of muscle my hands touch.

Every muscle, whether from the back to the front is a pleasure for my hands to touch.

I'm so lost in him and this moment, that I almost miss it.

Hard and firm skin.

Along his back, the upper middle part area, where his spine is at.

I know it's not nothing when he suddenly tenses above me.

My eyes flutter open when he breaks the kiss and hides his face in the crook of my neck.

We are surrounded by silence apart from the sound of our harsh breathing. My hands have not moved from that part of his skin, I'm collecting my thoughts as we remain in this position while calming myself down.

I hear him groan a bit when one of my fingers presses on that part.

Is that a wound?

A scar?

" Ethan?"

Please tell me what it is?

Don't hold back.

" You're hurt." The words leave my lips.

" It's nothing." Denial.

He's wrong if he thinks I'll let it go. He's hurt and I didn't know.

When did it happen? How did it happen? Where....

He moves his head away from my neck and finally looks down at me.

" Don't." He warns(his voice gentle), just as I move my hand.

How big is it?

" Ethan..."

" Muffin, don't." He warns again, tone now firm but soft gentle.

We stare at each other for a moment, silence surrounding us.

His eyes narrow in the way that he can tell when the wheels are turning in my head.

Questions are having a field day in my head but I can't word out either one.

" Casey.." he groans in protest when his lips land on my cheek instead of my own lips.

" Explain everything so I don't cross the line." I say stubbornly.

We look at each other again.

" Muffin, you're overthinking and I haven't even said anything yet."

" Your silence isn't helping."

He knows very well how I worry when it comes to him.

" Bubba please, tell me." I plead softly.

His eyes move all over my face before his expression softens and he lets out a sigh.

He's caving in now, I can tell.

It only happens a few times that I use that nickname on him. It's usually ever present during our intimate moments or when I really need something from him.

It renders him weak to the knees, those were his words and not mine.

I wait patiently for him to speak while he rests his forehead against my own. I wait with bated breath for him to share.

" It was an accident." My body tenses up just from the sound of those words.

He is concerned. His eyes show it all.

" Casey...." Another firm warning from him. He's letting me know that he might not continue if I don't calm my thoughts.

I feel a sense of relief when he continues, " a son of my father's friend got into some trouble and I went to bail him out. Lets just say things got a little complicated."

" What kind of trouble?"

" Don't worry about that, okay?" He says as he touches my hair.

" It's not something illegal, is it?" I press more, worried.

"No." He says against my skin, his face buried in the crook of my neck again.

" Don't do it again. Whatever it is don't do it. You get hurt and I don't like that." I express my dislike.

" Something's are unavoidable baby." He says. " And besides, I'm a big boy, I can handle myself." He continues, his tone teasing.

Unfortunately I can't join in because I'm not happy about this.

He sighs. " I took care of it and I'm better now."

" Let me see."

" No."

" Ethan.." I protest.

He is quick to stop me from looking away, his hand on my chin.

" I'm okay."

" Fine, if you say so. Tell me- why couldn't somebody else do it?"

" I was close by, that's it."

" It was him wasn't it? Your father asked you to do this?"

" Hmm." He nods, leaning down for a short kiss.

His answer wasn't immediate. He hesitated which makes me believe that his father didn't necessarily ask.

More like demanded.

But why?

Why him and not any other?

" Are you satisfied now?" He asks, his eyes searching my own.

I shake my head no.

He frowns.

" Let me see..." I try again.

He shakes his head no and I pout, not liking that one bit.

He kisses the pout away and I sigh, letting it go.

He is quick to stop me from touching around his wound and removes my hand from under, his sweater. He brings it up to his lips, placing a kiss against my palm.

" I'm okay," he says against my hand.

My eyes automatically close and I let out a shaky breath when his lips make contact with my skin. " You're distracting me." I murmur, not putting much of a fight.

I melt in his arms and under the pleasurable assault of his kisses.

An inaudible gasp comes out of me when he moves from my collarbone, down to my stomach. My heart beats hard against my chest as his hands push up my shirt, revealing more of my stomach. Each time the shirt rides up, his lips follow that lead.

My eyes pop open as I feel him near that specific area, making me tense up.

" Ethan...." My hand touches the top of his head, with intention to stop him.

I look down to discover his eyes already on me.

He's watching me.

He gently removes my hand, placing it aside. " You're beautiful, every part of you." I tremble slightly as he kisses every inch of my scar.  " And if I have to remind you every chance I get, I will."

" Ethan..."

" Look at me." The low demand prevents me from looking away. " You're my beautiful girl."

Tears prick the corners of my eyes but I hold them back from falling. 

" My one and only girl." The silent demand, it has me keeping my eyes on him, the whole time he adorns my skin with kisses.

I suck in a breath when he trails down till he reaches the waist band, of my pants.

He stays in position with eyes darkened, desire swirling behind them.

Without another word he moves back up to my face and presses his lips against mine. " Every thing has its time, yeah?" He says against my lips.

I nod in agreement.

" Hungry?"

I shake my head no, " I'm still good with the meal you made for me earlier."

" Hot chocolate?"

" I'd like that thank you." He nods before moving away from me.

I sit up, now watching him move around. He first makes a quick visit upstairs and returns with a pretty blanket.

My heart flutters when he covers my legs. After he's done, he heads over to the kitchen. I rest my head against the couch and let my eyes wander around, giving this place another look.

It makes me think about how everything will change, especially after the move. Mom has started work in a new hospital and I will have to adjust to a different school. I have to get used to a new life here and with Ethan far away.

I mean it would be selfish of me to expect him to make so many trips, it'll be unfair and I don't want that.

I know that I need to play my part as well.

'May be a trip ----"

" Casey?" I snap out of my thoughts and look up.

That pleasant hot chocolate smell hits my nose as he holds out one cup to me.

" Careful, it's really hot."

" Thank you,"  I receive the mug before pulling the blanket back, wanting him to join me.

A small smile touches his lips as he does, placing my legs over his in the process.

" We won't see each other as often anymore." I mention.

He looks at me, his eyes moving-searching, for what? -I can't tell.

" I'll be here." My heart stops for a moment. " For as many times as I can possible make it."

I look down, releasing a breath.

" I want you here Ethan, but not at the expense of you travelling too many times just because I'm not feeling my best that day or I'm lonely( I look up again). There's alot of things we need to consider, like our schedules, health, expenses and ....."

" Casey, I don't mind----" I shake my head, " no but I do. I can't watch you make all these sacrifices while little comes from my end."

" Muffin, how can you say that?"

I look away, feeling quite a bit emotional. The thought of this change, it's hitting me hard right now.

I hear him place his cup on the coffee table before he does the same with mine. I feel him shift on the couch,  closing the little space between us.

" Hey," he tilts my chin up, silently asking for eye contact. " Don't ever make such comparisons when I haven't had such thoughts."

" But Ethan -----"

He shakes his head, " you have done more than you think. Us being in different places is no different than the many times I've had to leave you and travel, due to commitments or tasks given by my parents or because of music. You have been understanding through it all and you still are. You never ask for much and don't expect me to give you the world when I want to."

He leans his face close to mine.

" Muffin, don't ever let those thoughts be loud and put you, in a place where you view yourself as not being or doing enough."

A traitorous tear slips out and I feel it trail down my cheek. He is quick to wipe it away.

" Do you understand me?"

I nod.

His eyes search my own for a moment before he connects our lips.

We remain in that moment, just the feeling of lips connected and being close to each other. A small smile graces my lips when he moves a back slightly, to look at me. "The distance, we'll feel it but we'll get used to it."

" We'll make it work, right?"

He nods, " yeah Muffin, we will." My eyes close when his thumb gently caress my skin. " We are together right now and this right here, matters."

" Agreed." My eyes flutter open and I fall into a position of admiring his pretty features.

" Bubba, your eyes are really pretty." The compliment naturally slips through my lips.

My heart reacts to the sight of his face reddening a bit, because of what I've said.

Not being able to help

I quickly kiss the corner of his eyes before moving up to his forehead, letting my lips linger on his skin for a second before pulling back.

By the time he finally looks up again, I'm already smiling. He shakes his head, " you're too sweet." He says, his own sweet smile coming out.

I shift slightly on the couch so I can lean over to take our cups, and he holds onto my waist, preventing me from falling over.

" I was thinking...." I hand him a cup. " Hmm?"

" We don't have to put that graduation trip on hold anymore. We can do it."

" Just the two of us?"

" Yes."

If possible, his smile grows even bigger.

A trip somewhere far, was something we'd both considered. Ethan and suggested it but I'd only said that I'd think about it. At the time, the thought of travelling so far scared me a little but exhilarated me more. I was caught between the two, undecided on which one to lean towards more.

Now with the move and the change in our lives, I'm considering this trip a reward for us after all. It'll be good and it'll give Ethan and I a chance to spend more time together.

" I'm looking forward to it."

" Same."

He reaches out his cup towards me and I meet his with mine, sealing our celebration.

We will do this and I like it.

I hum in satisfaction after the first sip of my hot chocolate. The good taste awakens my taste buds once more.

We sit for awhile in silence, enjoying the taste of hot chocolate and the warmth that comes from being close to one another. The feeling is good and what we both needed.

Days like this moment here, are what I desire for us later in the future. Times where we unwind and slow down after the craziness of the day, communication with no distractions and treating ourselves to something good and fun.

" So, about that performance...." I trail off.

" You want me to do it?"

" It's your decision and the other members too."

" And it's short notice." He adds.

" But it's for a good cause."

" That too." He agrees, seemingly thinking as he looks ahead.

" Ethan?" He turns my way. " Do you have other commitments, another family one?"

He doesn't answer me straight away but his eyes say it all.

" Something like that, but it's unconfirmed as of yet."

" So that means your time here -----"

" Don't worry about all that. I'm here now and I'm prepared to stay as long as possible, a week or two, remember?"

Yeah, but nothing can be guaranteed.

" I'll talk to the guys." He speaks up again.

I wonder whether he means this or he's trying to change the subject. Either way, I don't comment on this and let it be.

" Please tell me 'Endless Night' would be on the playlist."

" Is that a personal request?"

" Yes."

" I'll put in a word with the guys."

" Thank you, oh and maybe the cover of Bed of Roses."

He playfully rolls his eyes at that.

" I'd pay you double for that." I wiggle my brows at him, which amuses him.

" Or you can join me on stage." I frantically shake my head, "no way. I want people to survive the night, thank you very much."

"I've survived."

I throw a pillow at him but he dodges the hit. He lets out a laugh when I throw another.

" But I only said......"

" Oh hush."

" You know, I almost burnt myself because of you." He gestures to the hot chocolate.

" You deserve it."

" Wow Muffin, that hurt my feelings."  He places his hand against his chest and shakes his head in a dramatic way.   " Do you even love me?"

" More than words could describe."

My words seem to shut down whatever he meant to say and instead, a heart melting smile takes over his face.

Easy conversation within a calm atmosphere and good tea, we both settle into. We enjoy the rest of the afternoon, indulging into our time. 

Days leading to my move to Crystal Valley didn't allow for quality time for us, especially when he was busy with his own thing too. So this afternoon is exactly what both of us needed, for it to just be about us.

*

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It's only in the early evening, does he drive me back home. We do make a few stops on the way and that gives me a chance to check out places I may have missed, during the drive with my mom.

Mom's car already is in the driveway when we arrive. I bought cake for us to have later after dinner and it's a flavour we both like.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake.

I thought it would make it extra special to celebrate her first day at work, in a new town and hospital.

" I've been thinking...." Ethan says while leaning against my side of the door. " If that whole night is a possibility, maybe we could try convince your mom to let you sleep over by my place."

I bite on my lip, the idea of spending the night at his place sounding quite appealing in my mind.

'Don't you think it's a bit too soon Casey? We've just moved into our new home and you haven't adjusted as of yet. Not to mention you have been having trouble sleeping and- does Ethan know about that? Does he ----'

" Casey?" I snap out of it when Ethan waves his hand infront of my face.

" Huh?"

" You got lost in your head back there. What were you thinking about?"

I shake my head, " nothing important. Uh, maybe you can do all the talking but only when I'm out of sight. She might think I put you up to it." The thought has me pouting, feeling a little discouraged.

With his hand under my chin, he tilts my head in his direction and leans his head inside the car. " If you want me to talk to her alone, I can do that."

I nod, feeling much better.

I try to push back the nervousness that lingers.

" Do you feel better now?"

Instead of a verbal answer, I press my lips against his. " Is that a good enough answer?"

" Mmm." That's all I hear just as he deepens the kiss, letting me know he's not done yet.

In the midst of falling deeper into the moment, I remember where we are.

" Ethan, mom might come out and---" he pecks my lips once, twice before letting them stay on the corner of my own.

" She might not consider the idea of a sleep over if she's watching right now."

He pulls back and gently plays with strands of my hair. " You're right, I need to make a convincing case. Maybe if I kneel and cry begging......"

I giggle at the idea, " dont be silly." He smiles while watching me.

I'm curious to know what he's thinking about. He pulls back before I can ask, opening the door and helping me out. I allow him to take most of my things since he won't let me carry them. The sudden sound of music blaring from a car as it pulls over in front of Ms Bondaz's house, gains our attention. It's a red pick up truck and only when the driver steps out, do I wish we were already inside.

It's that Carter guy.  I remember how he'd made me feel quite uncomfortable with his staring.

There was something in his eyes that didn't sit well with me.

" Friendly?" I look at Ethan when he asks this.

His eyes are on Carter, who is busy taking stuff out of his trunk.

" Can't tell. He was quiet the whole time mom and his guardian Mrs Arian talked. Even his half sister Mia was quiet. I think she is just shy." I explain.

" Hmm."

I frown a little when I notice the blank look on his face as he continually looks across the street. I can't tell what he is thinking but his random question and blank staring makes me question what may be going through his mind right now.

" Ethan?" No answer.

" Ethan?" I call him again, now touching his arm.

He turns to me and smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

" Lets go in, hmm?"

" Why did you....."

" It's nothing- I was only being curious. Lets go in, it's late."

I accept despite my curiosity.

A sneak of a glance over my shoulder as we head in, is what I regret doing because that's the time Carter is already looking in our direction. I quickly walk inside the house and only then, do I let myself breathe easily.