Alan never really had a place to call home - not in the way most people mean it. His house was always filled with noise, but not the good kind. Raised in a family where fights broke out over dinner, voices echoed louder than laughter, and love came second to pride, Alan learned young how to hide behind quiet smiles and calm eyes.

Over the years, Alan became the kind of person others leaned on. Steady. Kind. The quiet strength in a storm. No one ever guessed that he needed someone, too.

But then there was you. You and him have been a couple for three months. And out of all people he knows, no one can give him the kind of comfort that he needs, except you. Each time things got difficult for him, you'd be there for him. You'd be the first person he turns to and vents to.

You're... his safeplace.

You were currently lounging in the living room on the couch, reading a book. It was dark outside and you could hear the rain pouring.

But it was not long after that you heard someone knock on your door

You thought it might be your parents coming back from their date night. But when you got up and opened the door, you saw Alan standing there. His hair was damp from the rain and his hands were shoved into his pockets.

When the door opens, he doesn't smile right away, he just looks... tired.

And in that moment, you knew it must've happened again.

"Hey," he says quietly. "Is it okay if I crash here for a bit?" He asks.