"Oh, tell me you're here, that you will watch over me, forever."
-Forever, Firelight
Monroe stood in the wreckage of the spice shop. The shards of glass on the wood floor were just another symbol of him losing control yet again. He'd been so good at staying under control lately, but then that asshole came and tried to attack Rosalee, and… He had lost it again. Because of him, someone had been hurt again. Monroe clenched his fists, trying to keep from tearing up. He feels a gentle hand place itself on his shoulder, and he turns to face her.
"Come on, let's clean this up." Rosalee said somberly, not able to look Monroe in the eye. She grabbed a broom and dustpan from the back room.
Monroe took the broom and started sweeping, trying to concentrate on his work, rather than on the events of that evening. He could feel tightness in his throat, and his eyes started to water. He sniffled a bit, and looked away from Rosalee. The last thing he needed was for her to see him this way.
Too late.
Rosalee walked over to Monroe, and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close to her. She couldn't stand to see him so upset.
"Mon, I know you didn't mean to hurt that go like that. I know you were just trying to keep me safe." She said, pulling away to look into his eyes. She could see how hard he had been trying to keep his tears suppressed.
"I went too far this time Rose. I didn't mean for anybody to get hurt. I just wanted to know you weren't going to get hurt. I am so sorry." Monroe leaned down, resting his head on her shoulder, letting a few tears fall. "I'm sorry. I am so sorry." Over and over again.
"It's okay honey. We all lose it sometimes, okay? I get it. It's okay." Rosalee ran her fingers through Monroe's curly black-brown locks. He looked at her with those big brown eyes of his, sweet and sad. She couldn't help but kiss those perfect lips.
"I'm just happy you're okay." Monroe said, pulling away. He brushed a small tear from Rosalee's face as it streamed down her cheek. "And I promise, I will always keep you safe. I love you." Monroe smiled for the first time that night, looking at the beautiful woman he had been so grateful to have fallen in love with.
"I love you too."