where i'm safe

simple things

                                       kehlani's pov

the drive home was quiet in the most comfortable way.

aria kept her hand in mine the whole time, her thumb brushing slow circles over my skin like she didn't even realize she was doing it. the windows were cracked just enough to let the ocean air drift in, and the whole car smelled like salt and her perfume and leftover sweetness from our dessert jars.

she leaned her head against the seat, watching the road with soft eyes; the kind of eyes that tell you someone's full, in that warm, full-hearted way.

i glanced over at her a few times. each time she caught me, she smiled that shy little smile that made my chest tighten.

she's so cute.

when we pulled into her driveway, the porch light was on, glowing warm against the dark. everything was quiet: no toys on the floor, no tiny shoes kicked off at the door, and no baby monitor humming in the background.

just us.

"go inside," i murmured, squeezing her hand and giving her a kiss. "i'll be right behind you."

she nodded, sleepily, but happily, and walked ahead. i watched the way her dress moved in the soft light and wanted to freeze the moment forever.

once she stepped inside, i grabbed my phone and check my messages.

i had a friend of mine set aria up with a bath and lay out some matching pajamas i got for us while we were on the way back. just to end the night smoothly.

hot water. bubbles. lavender oil. soft classical music.

i stepped inside and found her slipping off her shoes, looking around with that post-date glow.

"aria," i called softly.

she looked up at me. "hm?"

"there's something waiting for you in the bathroom. go look."

she blinked, her brows pulling together. "kehlani... what did you do?"

"just go," i smirked.

she walked down the hall, confused but trusting, always trusting. i leaned against the doorway and waited.

the moment she opened the bathroom door, i heard it:

her soft gasp.

i peeked in behind her.

the tub was full, steam rising gently, bubbles piled high and fluffy. lavender scented candles flickered across the counter. soft violin music played from the speaker. the soft cream set with the tiny blue bows were folded neatly on the counter.

she turned toward me, eyes shiny. "you... you did this?"

i brushed a strand of hair from her face. "yeah. you've done enough for everyone all week. let me take care of you."

her throat bobbed as she swallowed. "nobody's ever done things like this for me."

"i will." i stepped closer, cupping her cheek. "and i always will. every time."

she leaned into my hand like she needed the touch.

i kissed her forehead gently before turning to step out the bathroom.

"take your time,baby." i whispered. "i'll get showered in the other bathroom."

she nodded, tears still in her eyes. "thank you."

i gave her one more soft kiss before backing out and closing the door to give her privacy.

• • •

my own shower was quick. but i still took a moment to breathe, letting the hot water hit my back, letting the night replay in my head.  her smile on the boat, the way she leaned into me, the way she said my name like it meant something.

i finished aboit fifteen minutes later, dried off and pulled on the pajamas i left on the bed earlier.

light blue. soft. cozy.

the same exact ones that are set out for her... just in my size.

i smirked at the thought of her reaction.

when i opened the bathroom door, the house felt still and warm.. i walked toward the living room and headed to the kitchen to make some tea for us. aria loves her tea.

i quietly boil water with the kettle and pull out mugs while i wait for her to finish her bath. i set them on the coffee table and put on a movie for us to watch, and a few minutes later i hear aria coming out.

she stepped out of her room then she stopped when she saw me.

then i stopped.

and we stared at each other.

boom. matching pajamas.

her jaw dropped a little and she rolled her eyes playing. "kehlani..."

i spread my arms. "what? we're cute."

she covered her face with her hands, laughing into them. "you're ridiculous."

"you don't like? it's cute," i teased, walking toward her.

she peeked at me between her fingers. "it is." she said walking into my arms, hugging me. "you're so sweet to me"

i grinned. "always."

then her eyes softened, really softened, the way they only did when she felt completely safe.

"you... you planned this too?" she asked quietly.

i pulled back from the hug, looking down at her. "i planned everything." i kissed her cheek. "come sit."

when we reached the couch, she paused.

there, on the coffee table, were two mugs of tea. chamomile with honey. her favorite.

aria looked at me, stunned all over again. "kehlani..."

"drink," i teased, nudging her gently toward the couch. "before it gets cold."

she sat. i sat beside her, thigh to thigh, shoulder to shoulder.

she held her mug close, took a slow sip, and melted back into the couch with a sigh. "this is everything i didn't know i needed."

i slid my arm around her shoulders. "good, that's the point, i want you to relax"

she curled into my side instantly, like her body had been waiting for the invitation. her hair brushed against my jaw. her warmth pressed into me in all the right ways.

i pressed play on the movie, some soft, old romantic film she liked and she settled fully into my chest. legs curled up. head on my shoulder. breath slowing. heartbeat steady.

i lay back and pull her on top of me, rubbing small circles on her back.

about halfway through the movie, she whispered, sleepily "kehlani?"

"yeah, baby?"

she hesitated. and took a breath before talking. "thank you... for tonight."

i kissed the top of her head. "anything for you, sweet girl."