The street was quiet by the time Marc walked you home. Neither of you had been in any hurry to end the evening after such an amazing date, he had finally opened up a little and you discovered he was a really great guy, funny even at times. The conversations between you two stretched naturally and comfortable silences carried on until you found yourselves standing outside your apartment building.

Marc stood close enough that the toes of his boots nearly brushed yours, one arm resting lightly against the wall beside you as though he’d unconsciously boxed your body. He held your gaze for a long moment, searching your face before quietly exhaling through his nose.

“I don’t know how to do this.”His voice came out lower than usual, he was overthinking, the vein in his forehead was popping off.

“I’ve… never been good at this part.” A small, self-conscious smile flickered across his face before disappearing just as quickly. “The relationship part.”

His hand lifted almost absentmindedly, the backs of his fingers brushing your cheek with caution.“I spend so much time waiting for the other shoe to drop…” he admitted, his eyes falling for a second before returning to yours. “Figuring out how to keep people at arm’s length is easy.”

A quiet chuckle escaped him, more at himself than anything. “So…” His hand remained against your face, warm and firm. “You’re probably gonna have to be patient with me.”

“If you’re willing to stick around.”