eyes don't lie

🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷​ ​​​🇸​​🇪​​🇻​​🇪​​🇳​

We step back into the warmth of the house, the kitchen now bustling with a quiet energy as Nathan and Sean engage in a heated discussion about an upcoming project. The lively banter brings a smile to my face, a stark contrast to the stillness outside. I glance at Owen, who returns my smile with a reassuring nod before heading back to his seat.

Nathan looks up as we re-enter, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Everything okay?" he asks, his concern evident despite the light-hearted tone of his question.

"Yeah, just needed some fresh air," I reply, feeling a bit more at ease. I slide back onto the stool next to Nathan, my coffee still warm in my hands. Sean gives me a wink, my cheeks heating up at his nonchalant flirting across the kitchen island.

The conversation flows effortlessly, touching on everything from Sean's latest shift at the hospital to Nathan's last martial arts lesson. As I listen, I find myself laughing and contributing more freely, the earlier tension that had resided in my shoulders melting away in the company of these guys, despite Nathan being a new face to me.

"Have you decided what you want to do tomorrow?" Sean asks, turning his attention to me. His eyes sparkle with mischief, and I know he's already planning something fun.

I ponder for a moment, thinking about the possibilities. "Maybe a hike? I saw some trails nearby earlier. Could be a nice way to spend the day."

Nathan nods enthusiastically. "Great idea! There's a beautiful trail that leads to a lake. We could pack a picnic and make a day of it."

"Count me in," Owen adds, closing his laptop with finality. "A break from work sounds perfect." I look towards him, his eyes scanning me with a soft smile.

As the guys finalize our plans, I feel a sense of nervousness wrapping around my chest. The prospect of exploring the outdoors with them was exciting yet nerve-wracking. The evening continues with easy conversation and laughter, me staying quieter as they talk and I watch them with a small warmth bubbling in my chest.

Thinking back on the past few days, I feel more at ease than I have in the more recent years. Ever since my mother's death, and before that losing my best friend, I have been tense, constantly paranoid of disrupting the situation with my father. But now, with these guys, in this country, I don't have those worries, that paranoia, that gnawing feeling at the pit of my stomach which I have recognised as dread when I'm coming home from work or school.

A hand rests on my thigh and I look to its owner, meeting Sean's green eyes, them shining with a light I haven't seen in a while from people when they look at me. I smile at him, my heart feeling a little lighter as I see his own smile grow wider. Sean's touch is gentle, the warmth of his hand on my thigh sending shivers up my spine as he rubs his thumb up and down in a soothing motion. His eyes hold mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. The kindness he has shown me ever since picking me up from the airport never hesitates from his gaze, a reassurance that makes me feel safe here, and valued as an individual. His smile widens, a mirror of my own, and I realise in that moment, that this is the connection that I have been missing for the last few years.

"You looked like you were a million miles away," Sean says softly, his voice a soothing mumur as if to make sure no one else hears our conversation.

"Just thinking," I reply, my voice equally as quiet, "It's been a lot but I'm enjoying it." His smile softens, his eyes sparking with another emotion at my admission.

He nods, "I get that. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you." His statement, as simple as it is, makes my chest tighten with emotion and my stomach unleash a butterfly or two from the cage. I place my hand gingerly over his, giving it a light squeeze as I compose myself to speak.