Morgan glanced up at Caleb after a moment, a soft, gentle smile tugging at her lips. She didn't say anything right away, but the look she gave him was one of quiet gratitude. Then, without hesitation, she rose from where she had been sitting and moved to help with getting the last bits of left over food in the fridge. But, not long after, she returned to the couch, her body sinking into the blankets as she happily settled right next to him. She glanced at the clock on the wall—it was well past dark now, creeping towards eleven. The dim lighting of the room created a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and she could feel her body growing tired, the day’s exhaustion catching up to her.

Her gaze shifted back to Caleb as a soft sigh escaped her lips. The weight of the evening seemed to settle on her shoulders. "Would that be alright?" she asked softly, a slight crease forming between her brows as she wondered if staying the night would be a good idea. She hadn’t intended on being out this late, but now that it was, she knew she wasn’t in any shape to drive home.

When he gave a quiet confirmation, Morgan felt a small sense of relief. She picked up her phone, her fingers moving quickly as she typed out a message to her mom, letting her know that it was too late to be driving and that she would be staying with a friend for the night. Once the message was sent, she curled back up into the warmth of the blankets, a small chuckle escaping her lips. She shifted, settling more comfortably beside him.

"You've been saving me too much," she mused lightly, her voice teasing but affectionate, a soft warmth in her gaze as she looked at him. It was a gentle acknowledgment, not just of the evening, but of the way he'd been looking out for her in all the little ways. And, in that moment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Everything felt calm, and so quiet.

Caleb wrapped his arm protectively around her again once she'd settled, content and glad she felt comfortable to stay the night with him. He met her gaze, hearing everything she thought of him and smiled softly. "If I don't save you, who will?" He asked, wondering himself who would watch out for her in more ways than one. He rubbed her back, trying to bring her ease and comfort as he waited for her to fall asleep

Morgan rolled her eyes at his comment, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she playfully tilted her head toward him. "Well, who's gonna save me from you?" she teased, her voice light and playful, the familiar banter making her feel oddly at ease. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and she felt a wave of unexpected comfort wash over her. It was strange; they had only known each other for a short time, and yet there was something so natural about this moment. She had never felt quite this comfortable with anyone so quickly, but with him, it felt like she could breathe.

She let out a long, contented breath, feeling the tension of the day slowly melt away as she relaxed into his embrace. The warmth from his body seeped into hers, and she could feel her muscles unwind, every worry from the outside world fading into the background. She closed her eyes, finding peace in the quiet of the moment. The soft, rhythmic sound of his breathing and the steady beat of his heart were grounding, like a lullaby that calmed her mind.

Despite the oddity of the situation, there was no discomfort. It felt simple. Safe. She rested her head against his chest, curling up into the blanket cocoon they had made together, letting the exhaustion from the day catch up to her. As she slipped deeper into sleep, her breathing slowed, and she could feel herself drifting away, wrapped in the calm and security of the moment, completely content.

Caleb felt her relax and fall asleep. He slowly closed his eyes and relaxed as well. He slowly fell asleep, dreaming of him and Morgan, hand in hand, walking down the halls of an unknown house. He woke in the middle of the night, randomly, but listened to her dream. He smiled softly, watching her peacefully sleep and be so at ease with him

Morgan slept peacefully, the soft rhythm of her breath matching the calm of the night around her. In her dreams, she was surrounded by warmth and love—her family’s voices filled the air like a gentle lullaby. She could feel the familiar comfort of her bed, and there, beside her, was Caleb. He sat before a brilliantly decorated Christmas tree, the faint flicker of a nearby fire casting a soft glow. His arms wrapped gently around her, a protective comfort that made everything seem just right. She nestled closer, the tranquility of the moment wrapping her in a tender cocoon.

But as dreams often do, this one shifted. The scene around her blurred, and suddenly, she found herself back at the party. Her vision swam in and out of focus, the alcohol still thick in her system, her steps unsteady. She remembered the feel of a stranger’s lap beneath her—Thomas, she thought his name was. He’d offered to take her home that night, and, in her haze, she’d accepted. The car ride was a blur, the world spinning as she tried to hold onto consciousness. Then, without warning, he was on top of her, his hands roaming, and the panic surged in her chest like a wave.

The nightmare was too real, and she awoke quickly. The memories of what could have been too familiar. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she woke with a gasp, the remnants of fear clinging to her like a cold sweat. She almost choked on the sob that threatened to break free, her body trembling in the aftermath of what might have been. But then, just as quickly as the panic had gripped her, she felt the warmth of another body next to hers. She froze for a moment, her breath catching, until she realized—it was Caleb. The same arms that had once helped her home, that had protected her when she was vulnerable, were wrapped around her now. They were gentle, reassuring, not invasive or threatening.

She let out a shaky breath, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing as she nestled back into the safety of his embrace. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear was a calming rhythm, a reminder that it was just a dream. She sighed, pressing closer to him, allowing the comfort of his presence to ground her once again. And, just like that, she drifted back into sleep, the nightmares fading as the warmth of his arms held her steady.

"You're alright." He murmured softly when she awoke, rubbing her back and watching her fall back asleep. He wanted to protect her from everything that could harm her and anything that did. He wished nothing bad to ever come to her, especially when he wasn't around. He also hoped that wouldn't be often

Caleb woke an hour before her, smiling at her as she woke up. "Morning" he murmured softly. "How did you sleep?"

The young woman let out a soft sigh as she slowly moved to sit up, her body stretching as she raised her arms above her head, her top lifting slightly along her torso. The stretch felt good, and she couldn’t help but let out a quiet, contented murmur. "Good," she said softly, her voice carrying a touch of warmth as she looked down at him, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "Mostly good, anyway," she added, her eyes twinkling with a hint of playfulness.

A faint blush crept across her cheeks as she realized, for the first time, that she had spent the entire night in his arms. The thought sent a flutter through her chest, making her grin widen. She couldn’t suppress the smile that spread across her face as she flopped back down, settling next to him again, her gaze playful and light. "I probably only slept so well because of you," she teased, her laughter soft and genuine. There was a warmth in the moment, a feeling of comfort and ease that she hadn’t expected to find. The words had come out before she even thought about them, but somehow, it felt just right.

Caleb smiled at her, stroking the blush on her cheeks. "Maybe you should stay over more often then" he suggested, rubbing her back comfortingly