Broken

by Nicola Haken

“Stay with me, Theodore,” he murmurs. “No matter how hard I push, stay with me. Believe in me.” His tone is so raw, so powerful, and I can’t prevent the tear that leaks from the corner of my eye. Hovering my face just inches from his, I cup his cheek, stroking softly with my thumb. “Always.” There isn’t a choice. I belong to James Holden. I can try to fight it, but the truth is this beautiful, haunted man, has owned me since the first time I looked into his eyes.

“I finally know who you are, James. You’re brave. Strong. A survivor. Things have changed because, today, I have no doubts about us, about you. Last night, you gave me all of you. You trusted me beyond a level I doubt I’ll ever deserve, and I’m going to make damn sure you never regret it.” Pressing my forehead to his, I sigh. “I’m scared, James. I’m scared I won’t know how to support you, that I’ll let you down, but if you let me I want to try.”

“I love you, James.” His lips part but I hover my finger over them. “I don’t expect you to say it back. Not yet. Just know that I do. I love you. What I feel for you, how connected I am to you, it’s too strong to be anything else.”

As Peter must’ve said a thousand times, broken crayons can still colour.