Standing Next To You Novels & Stories

"Do you understand how that sounds? From the person who is supposed to be beside me?" "I am beside you," he said, and his voice had the quiet force of something genuinely meant. "I have been beside you through everything. I stood in that coronation hall and I have been in this palace and I have been watching every corridor and every face and every inconsistency because I am not willing to let anything happen to you. That is what beside you looks like for me. That is how I do it." "I need you to do it differently," I said. He looked at me for a long moment.

It wasn’t a question. “I don’t feel ready,” I admitted before I could stop myself. For a moment, I thought he might dismiss it. Tell me it didn’t matter. That feelings were irrelevant. But he didn’t. Instead, he walked closer, stopping just in front of me. Not too close. Just enough that I could feel his presence. “You don’t need to feel ready,” he said calmly. “You just need to stand.” I frowned slightly. “Stand?” His gaze held mine. “Beside me.”

I felt Kian move beside me, standing close but not touching, his presence solid and steady. He didn't say anything. Didn't acknowledge what he was seeing on my face. Just stood there like a silent support.

Not because the problems are gone… But because for once, there’s something — someone — steady to breathe next to. And tonight, I’ll be walking beside him again.

I asked, “You really like it?” He nodded exaggeratedly, “I’m going to need to keep you right by side the entire night.” I smiled, “I don’t plan on leaving your side.” He stood up and walked around me, “Your cape has a train?” I responded in a breathy tone, “Just a small one. What do you think?” He walked to stand in front of me, “I’m going to be so proud to stand beside you. I want to show you off to the world”.

“You liar, you have other friends. You don't need me. Speaking of other friends, he paired us up today. The person you're sitting beside is going to be your partner for the trip.” She squealed. “I'm so glad I didn't come then. That way, we can both be together. But, does the person beside you know that you've not been accepted yet? Wait, who's beside you?” He was still in his seat, his hands crossed on his chest.

And by extension—to me, standing beside him. Christian wasn’t going to like this.

I can feel the weight of the moment pressing on me, a pressure that makes every muscle in my body tense. Cheryl and I stand side by side, our bond palpable in the charged air. Her presence is a steadying force, even as the unease continues to gnaw at the edges of my calm. We exchange a quick glance, a silent understanding passing between us. We’re in this together, and whatever happens, we’ll face it as a unit.

“Stay behind me.” You step forward. “Together.” The gates creak open.

"Well, he should be. We want you as well." I glanced over, meeting his gaze. He raised an eyebrow, his smile lazy and dangerous all at once. Adrian stood next to him, arms crossed, watching us quietly.