The Provider

As soon as the door closed, I ran over to bolt the lock. I heard Hikaru cough a few times, then pulled themself off the floor trying to regain composure. I rushed to their side and said, “Are you okay? I’m sorry I didn’t do anything.”

They nodded and offered me a sad smile. “It was better that you didn’t. If he would have hurt you in front of me, I would have lost control for sure. And he’s much stronger than me in any form.” They rubbed their neck, looking embarrassed. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

I slid an arm around their waist. “You did what you had to do in order to get him to leave. There’s no shame in that.” I leaned up to kiss their cheek before moving toward the couch. “I just wish I knew where Juno is. Or when she’s coming back.” I flopped down and let out an exhausted sigh.