Ruh Roh (One on One)

He was quiet for a moment, letting go of her hand and hesitating before slowly brushing back her hair with gentle fingertips, careful not to touch her too much before he pulled away.

"Sleep well, Tez."

 

He froze, looking down at her hand before looking back at her, one brow raised. He was quiet, his eyes searching, before he pulled the chair from his desk and sat in it, his knees brushing hers.

"Okay."

 

"Don't be sorry," he said gently. "You're sweet. Go to sleep, okay? I'll be here."

 

He studied her, his thumb rubbing small circles on her knuckle as he waited patiently for her to fall asleep.

 

A shadow passed over his face and he hesitated, his eyes intense before he stood up slowly and came around to the other side of the bed, slipping in without another word.

 

His gaze flickered over to her and he frowned, running a hand through his unruly hair.

"I know."

 

"I'm not..." He trailed off before sighing, lying on his back as he looked up at the ceiling. "I haven't..." He struggled for a moment before his expression solidified. "I'm fine."

 

"Yes," he said, nodding slowly. "I just haven't done this in a while. It's fine."

 

"Goodnight, Tez," he said quietly, his voice low in the open air.

 

He studied her carefully in the dark, his brow furrowed as he waited for her to fall asleep.