The house was quiet that evening, and for the first time in a long time, it felt like the world had slowed down just for them.
Keifer had taken a week off from work—no meetings, no calls, no boardrooms. Just time for them.
Jay couldn't remember the last time she had days like this. Days where she didn't have to be "on." Days where she could just be… her.
She sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, her head resting against Keifer's shoulder. He was sitting beside her, holding her hand gently.
"You know," Jay began softly, "this feels like a dream."
Keifer's eyes softened. "Good."
Jay looked up at him. "I don't know when I last had a week like this."
Keifer's gaze stayed on her. "You deserve it."
Jay smiled faintly, but her eyes were still heavy with emotion.
"I used to live with Jax," she said quietly, as if she was afraid to say it out loud.
Keifer's expression didn't change, but his hand tightened around hers.
Jay continued, voice trembling slightly. "Back then… when I had my periods, no one even asked me how I was."
Keifer's brow furrowed. "No one?"
Jay nodded, looking down. "Not even Jax."
Keifer's jaw tightened, but he didn't interrupt. He let her speak.
"I would be in pain," Jay whispered, "and he wouldn't even notice. He wouldn't look at me. He wouldn't ask if I needed anything. It was like… I was invisible."
Keifer's eyes filled with something deep—anger, sadness, and protectiveness all mixed together.
Jay swallowed, continuing. "I used to think that was normal. I used to think that was how it was supposed to be."
She paused, breathing slowly.
"But then you came into my life."
Keifer's gaze softened, and Jay could see the emotion in his eyes.
"You were different," she said. "You noticed me. You cared. Even when I was not at my best."
Keifer's thumb rubbed the back of her hand gently. "I always will."
Jay's eyes shone. "You stayed with me even when I was hurting. You didn't make me feel like a burden."
Keifer leaned in, resting his forehead against hers. "You are never a burden."
Jay's voice grew softer. "And that's when I fell for you."
Keifer's eyes searched hers. "You fell for me because I took care of you?"
Jay shook her head. "No."
Keifer waited.
Jay's lips trembled into a small smile. "I fell for you because you saw me. Not just my work. Not just the person you needed. But me. The real me."
Keifer's expression softened even more. "I've always seen you."
Jay's voice cracked slightly. "And you still do. Even now."
Keifer's grip tightened gently. "Always."
Jay rested her head against his shoulder again, letting herself relax into him. The warmth of his presence was soothing, like a safe place she could always return to.
"I used to think I was strong because I handled everything alone," Jay whispered. "But you taught me that strength doesn't mean doing everything by yourself."
Keifer kissed her temple softly. "You don't have to be alone anymore."
Jay smiled, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"I know," she said. "And it scares me… how much I want this."
Keifer pulled her closer, his voice soft. "What do you want?"
Jay looked up at him, her eyes full of emotion. "I want you."
Keifer's smile was gentle, almost relieved. "Then you have me."
Jay's heart fluttered.
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly like she didn't want to let go.
Keifer held her back just as tightly, as if he was afraid she might disappear if he did.
They sat there in the quiet of their home, the world outside moving on, while inside, Jay felt something shift in her heart.
Because for the first time, she wasn't just surviving.
She was living.
And she was doing it with someone who truly cared.
The week off felt like a warm, gentle pause in their lives.
For once, there were no meetings, no deadlines, no constant rush. Just time—time for them to breathe, to rest, to simply be.
Jay woke up to the quiet sound of the kettle boiling. The house felt calm, safe, and strangely peaceful.
Keifer was already in the kitchen, moving around with ease. When he saw Jay in the doorway, he gave her a soft smile.
"Morning," he said.
Jay smiled back, her eyes still sleepy. "Morning."
Keifer walked over and handed her a warm cup of tea. "Here."
Jay took it, feeling the warmth spread through her hands. She took a slow sip, letting the comfort of the moment sink in.
"You didn't have to get up," she said.
Keifer shrugged gently. "I wanted to."
Jay leaned against the counter, watching him. "You're really taking this week seriously."
Keifer's gaze softened. "Yes. Because you need it."
Jay's heart warmed. "And you?"
Keifer's eyes met hers. "I need you."
Jay's cheeks warmed slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she walked closer and leaned into him.
Keifer wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart—it felt like home.
They stayed like that for a moment, simply enjoying the quiet.
Then Keifer pulled back slightly, his expression gentle but determined.
"Okay," he said, voice calm. "Today's plan: you rest. I take care of everything."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Everything?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes. No work. No stress. Just you."
Jay smiled softly. "You sure you can handle that?"
Keifer's eyes sparkled. "I can handle you."
Jay's heart fluttered. "Stop."
Keifer laughed quietly. "I'm serious."
Jay nodded, settling onto the couch. Keifer brought her a pile of soft cushions and arranged them behind her, making sure she was comfortable.
He placed a warm water pack on her stomach and adjusted it gently. "Keep this here," he said. "It'll help."
Jay closed her eyes, feeling the warmth ease the discomfort. She sighed softly.
Keifer moved around the room, bringing her snacks, tea, and a small plate of fruit. He set everything within her reach.
Then he sat beside her, his expression calm.
"Now," he said softly, "I want you to relax."
Jay opened her eyes. "How?"
Keifer's smile was gentle. "Let me take care of you."
Jay felt a flutter in her chest. "What are you going to do?"
Keifer's voice lowered. "A massage."
Jay blinked, surprised. "A full body massage?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes. I want to help you relax."
Jay's cheeks warmed. "You don't have to."
Keifer reached for her hand, his thumb rubbing her knuckles gently. "I want to."
Jay nodded slowly, trusting him.
Keifer guided her to lie down on the couch, making sure she was comfortable. He dimmed the lights slightly, creating a calm atmosphere. The soft music in the background made everything feel like a quiet sanctuary.
He started with her shoulders, gently kneading the tension away. His touch was careful and soothing, never too hard, never rushed.
Jay's body began to relax almost immediately. She let out a small sigh, closing her eyes.
Keifer moved his hands slowly down her arms, massaging her wrists, her forearms, and her hands. He made sure to pay attention to every part of her, like he wanted her to feel completely cared for.
Then he moved to her back, working gently along her spine, easing the tightness in her muscles.
Jay felt her body loosen, her breathing becoming deeper.
Keifer's voice was quiet. "How does that feel?"
Jay opened her eyes slightly. "It feels… amazing."
Keifer smiled softly. "Good."
He continued, moving his hands to her legs, massaging her thighs and calves with gentle pressure. He made sure to keep his touch comforting, not overwhelming.
Jay's body finally felt like it was letting go.
Her mind drifted, and for a moment, she forgot about the pain, the stress, the world outside.
She was just here.
With him.
Keifer moved back up, massaging her neck and scalp with slow, careful motions. Jay's eyes fluttered shut again, her breathing steady.
"You're doing great," Keifer whispered.
Jay smiled, her voice soft. "I feel like I can breathe again."
Keifer's hand rested on her cheek. "Good."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he murmured.
Jay's eyes opened, and she looked at him, her expression vulnerable.
"I know," she whispered.
Keifer's thumb brushed her cheek softly. "But I want you to know… I'm here. Always."
Jay's heart fluttered. Tears filled her eyes again, but this time they were tears of relief.
She reached up and touched his face gently. "Thank you."
Keifer smiled softly. "For what?"
Jay leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "For loving me."
Keifer held her close, his voice quiet and sincere. "Always."
And in that moment, Jay realized something she hadn't fully understood before:
She didn't have to face anything alone.
Not pain.
Not stress.
Not life.
Because Keifer was there—always.