Keifers pov
Jay was lying on the couch, half asleep, one leg tucked under her body and the other stretched out. Her hair was messy, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her expression looked like she was trying to hold herself together.
I watched her for a moment and felt something soften inside me.
She had been through so much.
And now, for once, she didn't have to carry it alone.
I walked over to her, sitting beside her gently.
"Hey," I said softly.
Jay opened her eyes and blinked slowly. "Hey."
She tried to sit up, but her body didn't cooperate.
I reached out and brushed her hair away from her face.
"Are you tired?" I asked.
Jay sighed. "A little."
I nodded. "Then you're going to rest."
She frowned. "I'm not a child."
I smiled. "You're acting like one."
Jay pouted. "I'm not acting."
I leaned closer. "Yes, you are."
She rolled her eyes, but I could see the softness in her expression.
So I did what I always did when she was like this—
I took control.
I lifted her up gently and carried her to the bedroom.
She squirmed slightly, like a kid being carried by her father.
"Put me down," she said.
I didn't.
I just smiled.
"Not until you agree to rest," I replied.
Jay sighed dramatically, but she didn't argue.
I laid her down on the bed and pulled the blanket over her.
She tried to sit up again, but I stopped her with a soft hand.
"Stay," I said.
She looked at me, half annoyed, half amused.
"You're so controlling," she whispered.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I'm protective," I said.
Jay's eyes softened.
"Fine," she murmured. "I'll rest."
I left the room for a moment and returned with a small tray.
On it was everything she needed:
A glass of water
Her favorite snacks
A warm towel
A hot water pack
And a little note that said: "You don't have to be strong today."
Jay looked at the tray and smiled.
"Who made this?" she asked.
I shrugged. "You know me."
She laughed softly. "You're such a child."
I sat beside her and placed the tray on the bedside table.
Then I reached for the hot water pack and held it gently against her stomach.
Jay's body relaxed instantly.
She closed her eyes, letting out a small sigh.
"See?" I said. "This is why you don't have to be strong."
Jay opened her eyes, looking at me with something that looked like gratitude and relief.
"You're really taking care of me," she whispered.
I nodded. "Of course."
Jay reached for my hand and held it tightly.
"I'm sorry," she said suddenly.
"For what?"
"For being so weak," she replied.
I squeezed her hand gently. "You're not weak."
Jay shook her head. "I feel like I am."
I leaned closer, voice soft. "You're not weak because you're hurting. You're not weak because you need help."
Jay's eyes filled.
She squeezed my hand harder, as if she didn't want to let go.
"I just… I don't want to be alone," she whispered.
I kissed her knuckles. "You won't be."
Then I did something she didn't expect.
I began to massage her shoulders slowly, carefully.
I watched her breathe out, slowly.
Her face relaxed.
She let out a small laugh.
"This feels weird," she said.
I smiled. "You like it."
Jay nodded, eyes half closed. "I do."
I continued massaging her back and shoulders, then moved to her neck, using gentle pressure to ease the tension.
She sighed softly.
"Keifer," she murmured.
"Yes?" I asked.
Jay's voice was quiet, almost shy. "You make me feel like I'm safe."
I paused, and my heart clenched.
"I want you to feel safe," I replied. "Always."
Jay looked up at me.
"Even when I'm acting like a child?" she asked.
I smiled. "Especially then."
Jay giggled softly, then sighed.
"I'm tired," she said.
"Then sleep," I said.
She nodded.
I sat beside her for a while, watching her fall asleep.
Her breathing became steady, peaceful.
And I realized, once again, that love wasn't just about power.
It was about comfort.
It was about being there.
It was about letting someone be a child again and knowing you wouldn't let anything hurt them.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
Then I whispered, "Rest, Jay. I'm here."
And for the first time in a long time, she slept without fear.