BfaR 6

Finally, they arrived. Eris took the steps to the door hurriedly, pausing when she remembered Lukas was still holding her bag. As she looked back, she found a pensive expression on his face.

"Are your parents home?"

She jumped. Swallowing hard, she shook her head. He followed her up to the door.

"How long?"

It took a moment for her to find her voice.

"Next week..."

He was silent for another few seconds.

"All right," he finally stated, "you're staying with me, at least for the weekend."

"Wh-what!?"

"It's that, or I stay with you."

She went rigid, blush crawling to her chest at the ultimatum.

"I don't want anything to happen to you," he elaborated, "and the only way I can be sure is if I'm with you."

She saw a trace of color entering his face, highlighting the determined expression on his face. There would be no changing his mind. Finally, she sighed, opening the door. He followed her inside and up the stairs to the living room.

"At least get what you need for tonight," he instructed softly. A sigh escaped him. "If you really want to come back tomorrow... I won't stop you..." She swallowed, nodding hurriedly as she made for her room. She was honestly surprised that he remained waiting in the living room.

If he really never had followed her home, how did he know that her parents frequently went out of town for work? Did he really pay her that much attention that he could tell when she was home alone?

...

He had just saved her from the exact thing she could have sworn he was going to do to her only minutes earlier. It certainly added support to his claims of not wanting anyone else to touch her. She could not deny that the trembling of her muscles was not solely the result of anxiety or fear.

Eris was not certain if she was surprised that she was doing as he had told her to, gathering her PJs, toothbrush and paste, hair brush, and a change of clothes for the morning. She had to admit that she was nervous being alone, even now with him a short walk down the hall away.

Finally, she had everything she thought she might need packed into a messenger bag. Taking a deep breath, she emerged from her bedroom, making her way back to where he was waiting.

He was still holding her bag, gaze set on the photos decorating one of the walls. Turning, he startled her once more by giving her a smile-- a sincere smile, not his usual smirk.

"Got everything?"

She nodded hurriedly, avoiding his eyes.

"Then let's go."

She allowed him to guide her through the front door, locking it behind her as he waited. Finally, she joined him on the sidewalk. The entire walk to his home, he held her securely, close to his side.