Marcus

The morning air is crisp as I stand in front of Melanie's apartment, clutching a tray with two cups of cappuccino. I wanted to bring her a little something, considering she might not have had time for coffee. And even if she had, the second cup could serve as a pick-me-up for the day ahead. My heart pounds in anticipation as I ring the bell at exactly 9 sharp.

Footsteps approach, and the door swings open, revealing Melanie. Her smile is small but welcoming as she greets me with a soft, "Good morning."

"Good morning, Melanie," I reply, holding up the tray of cappuccinos. "I brought coffee."

Her eyes brighten for a fleeting moment, and she steps aside to let me in. "Oh, thank you, Marcus."

I step into her apartment, feeling the warmth envelop me. The door closes behind me, and I extend one of the cups towards her. "This should help you kickstart the day."

She takes the cup with a grateful nod, and I can't help but notice the shadows under her eyes. It's been a tough week for her, and today is bound to be hectic. I hope this small gesture makes a difference.

Melanie takes a sip, closing her eyes as if savoring the moment. "It's amazing. Thank you."

"It's from the same place I get my hot chocolate," I mention, setting the tray down on a nearby surface. "They also have fantastic pastries. If you're into those."

A hint of a smile lingers on her lips. "I do. I'll keep that in mind."

Melanie seems a bit off today, her usual energy dampened. I suppose it's only natural; the past few weeks must have taken a toll on her. Emotionally and physically, dealing with the aftermath of her breakup and settling into a new place. I want to be there for her, to offer support and make her day a little brighter.

I decide to cut to the chase. "What can I help you with, Melanie?"

She glances around, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I'm putting away some of my clothes. I'm not sure there's anything you can do to help, though."

"I can keep you company," I suggest, genuinely wanting to share the load. "And if you need anything heavy lifted or arranged, I'm your guy."

Melanie nods appreciatively, and we make our way towards her bedroom. I enter the empty space, looking around as she heads to the closet. There's an open suitcase in front of it, and Melanie starts emptying it. It's a simple task, yet being here with her feels significant.

As she arranges her clothes, I find my mind wandering. I wish I could spend the night here with her tonight. The thought lingers, and I contemplate bringing it up. Maybe there will be an opportunity later in the day.

"So," I begin, attempting to engage her in conversation, "any specific plans for the day after we're done here?"

Melanie looks up, her focus shifting from the clothes to me. There's a momentary flicker in her eyes, a hint of weariness. She says, "I'll probably just relax here. It's been a long week."

I nod, understanding the need for some well-deserved rest. "You should do that. You've been through a lot. But at some point, we should celebrate – you getting your own place."

Melanie's eyes drop to the floor, and she agrees softly, "Yeah, we should."

Melanie continues putting away clothes, and I take a moment to examine her. Something seems off. Sure, she's tired – that much is evident – but there's an underlying unease. I rack my brain, wondering what could be bothering her. Does she have second thoughts about us? Is there something else? I need to find out, but I have to tread carefully.

Taking a sip of coffee, I search for a topic to breach the silence. Melanie beats me to it, breaking the quiet, "What are your plans after we're done here?"

My heart skips a beat at her question. I look at her, trying to gauge her expression, and I say, "I don't have any plans, but I was hoping to spend some time with you."

Melanie glances at me, her eyes meeting mine, and there's a moment of hesitation. She bites the inside of her cheek, a subtle sign of contemplation.

Melanie turns her eyes away, and a strange suggestion escapes her lips. "Maybe Karla would like to spend time with you."

I'm taken aback, my mind struggling to comprehend what she's saying. Karla? What does she have to do with anything? I approach Melanie, a furrow forming on my brow. "Mel, I'm not interested in spending time with Karla. I need you to know that."

She looks down, her voice soft as she replies, "Maybe you should be interested."

Confused, I reach out, gently lifting her chin to meet my gaze. "Where is this coming from, Melanie?"

Silence hangs in the air, and I press her gently, "If you have second thoughts, you need to tell me. I'll respect it. But don't try to set me up with anyone, least of all Karla."

Melanie takes a step back, her silence driving my anxiety to new heights. I reach out to stroke her arm, seeking some connection, but she pulls away. Panic sets in as I ask, "What's going on, Melanie?"

She shakes her head, closing her eyes, and says, "Daniel called me last night."

A lump forms in my throat. Did she take him back? Is that why she's been so distant? They're back together, aren't they? I need to know. Melanie continues, and my fear deepens. "He threatened you, Marcus. I'm afraid for you."

A mix of relief and anger floods through me. Relief that she hasn't taken him back, but anger that he's still haunting her. "Melanie, I can handle it. We'll handle it together. You don't need to worry about me."

She remains silent, and the distance between us feels like an unbridgeable gap. I need to understand, to reassure her, but she keeps her emotions locked away. "Mel, talk to me. Tell me what you're feeling."

Her eyes meet mine briefly, but then she looks away again. The pain in her expression is evident, and my heart aches for her. I take a step closer, reaching out to hold her hands. "Melanie, you're not alone in this. I care about you, and I won't let anything happen to you or to us."

Melanie finally responds, her voice barely a whisper, "I don't want to drag you into my mess."

I shake my head, determined. "It's not a mess if we face it together. Whatever happens, we're in this as a team. You and me."

Melanie's voice trembles as she asks me, "How can you say that so lightly? I can't let Daniel hurt you. I won't be able to live with it."

Her eyes well up with tears, and the last shred of self-control I had dissolves. Without hesitation, I grab her by the waist, pulling her into my arms, hugging her tightly. Melanie starts sobbing, and I soothe her, whispering, "Shh, baby, I'm here." I stroke her hair gently, trying to provide whatever comfort I can.

I wait patiently until her sobs begin to subside. Cupping her cheeks with one hand, the other still secure around her waist, I look deep into her eyes. "Melanie, nothing is going to happen to me. I won't let Daniel hurt you or me."

Melanie takes a deep breath, her vulnerability on display. She confesses, "I don't know what he's capable of."

I stroke her cheek tenderly, reassuring her, "Daniel won't harm us."

"But we thought the same for Matt, and look what happened," she counters, her voice haunted by the past.

The memory of that piece of shit, Matt, stirs anger in me, but I push it aside. Tightening my grip on Melanie, I tell her firmly, "Don't worry, baby. I'll do anything in my power to keep you and myself safe. I promise you that."

Melanie's gaze searches mine, looking for that assurance she so desperately needs. Her fears are valid, and I understand the weight of the situation. I pull her into another embrace, holding her close, as if shielding her from the outside world.

"Marcus," she whispers, her voice vulnerable.

I press a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent promise. "I've got you, Melanie. We're in this together. No matter what comes our way, we'll face it together. You're not alone."

Melanie nods against my chest, finding comfort in our embrace. I press a tender kiss to the top of her head, and when she looks up at me, I gently wipe the tears off her face. She offers a weak smile, and I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, my thumb lingering on her cheek.

"You should throw some water on your face," I suggest, reluctantly letting her go.

Melanie nods in agreement, and I watch as she wipes her eyes. Even with red, puffy eyes, she remains beautiful to me. There's a vulnerability in her gaze that pulls at my heart. She looks at me, deep into my eyes, and before I can fully grasp what's happening, she leans in, crushing her lips onto mine.