Jay lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The hotel room was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioner the only sound… until a low rumble echoed through the night.
Thunder.
Her chest tightened. She flinched, curling into herself instinctively. Memories she didn't want to remember stirred in her mind, but she pushed them down, forcing herself to breathe.
I can't… I can't do this alone.
Without thinking, she slipped off the bed and tiptoed toward the sofa. Keifer stirred as she approached.
"Keifer…" she whispered.
His eyes opened, calm but alert. "Jay?"
She hesitated, glancing back at the bed. "I… I can't sleep. The thunder…"
Keifer didn't question her. He simply moved slightly to make space.
"Come here," he said softly.
Jay climbed onto the sofa, feeling awkward and tense, but his steady presence made her feel… safer. She curled up on top of him, her head resting lightly against his chest.
Keifer adjusted slightly under her, careful not to crush her but to hold her securely. His arm wrapped around her back, just enough to provide warmth and comfort.
The thunder rolled again, louder this time. Jay's body shook slightly.
"Hey… it's okay," Keifer murmured quietly, almost under his breath. "I've got you. You're safe. Just… breathe."
Jay listened to the steadiness in his voice, letting the rhythm calm her. She closed her eyes, pressing herself a little closer without thinking.
Keifer's other hand reached up to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His touch was gentle, almost tender, but he didn't say anything more.
The world outside could rumble and storm, but here, in this small hotel room, they were still. Inches apart. Safe.
Jay's breath slowed. Her body relaxed slightly against him. She didn't need to think about the threat, the case, or anything else.
Keifer's chest rose and fell beneath her. His soft murmur repeated again, quiet enough that only she could hear:
"For your own good… always."
Jay clung a little tighter, her mind racing yet strangely calm.
And for the first time that night, she felt… protected.
The thunder faded into the distance.
Outside, the world waited. But here, in this quiet hotel room, Jay was safe.