"Yes?" The door opened. George slipped away, quietly walking back up the street.

Julia started crying again, falling into his arms. "What's wrong?" He asked, alarm and compassion filling his voice.

"Everything." He shut the door, supporting her and steering her towards the kitchen table. In the light he could see at her properly and believe she was there.

"What happened?" The house was still and quiet so they talked in whispers, standing close enough together to hear each other's heartbeats.

"Darcy and I argued. I don't think he'll want to see me again." She absentmindedly touched her red arm, looking down. He didn't miss this.

"Did he do this to you?" William started to walk towards the door, his voice loud and full of revenge.

"Yes, but no, William–" She reached for his hand and pulled him back. "Don't. I need to just get away from him. Please."

It took a moment for his anger to quiet down, but he stayed where he was. Delicately, he replaced her hand with his on her arm.

"Does it hurt you?" He asked quietly, moving closer to her.

"No, it's fine. But thank you." A moment of silence before it was too much for her. "William, I don't know what to do!" She leant against him, hiding her face in his shoulder. Her shoulders shook minutely as she started to cry again, giving him no choice but to wrap his arms around her and hold her close.

"Stay here." He whispered, stroking her tangled hair. "I've got you now. You're safe." She sobbed, clinging to him. He held her close, surprised at the twist in his evening. While he'd never wish her to be harmed, he was infinitely glad Julia had found him.

"Thank you," her muffled voice said softly, making him smile despite everything. He nuzzled his face into her soft hair, closing his eyes and supporting her.

"Come with me." He suggested, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. She looked at him, bags starting to hang under her eyes.

She didn't answer, but William wrapped one arm around her and led her out of the kitchen, up the stairs. "Quietly," he whispered. "Mrs Kitchen doesn't take kindly to visitors." She laughed, leaning against him as they crept across the dark landing.

William opened his bedroom door, careful to not let it squeak, and showed her in. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close again, making the most of her fragile freedom. He shut the door with his foot, keeping her close.

"Shall I put the light on so you can see where you're going?" So soft, his voice was like a warm blanket to her. She shook her head and took a cautious step forward.

"No, it's okay. Guide me." For once, she was okay to be looked after. Just for that night she wanted someone else to be strong.

He steered her slowly to the left, towards his bed. He turned her around (so she was facing him) and told her to sit down. "I'm not going to leave you." He whispered as they got settled down, lying on top of the sheets.

Grateful but nervous, she lay down on the very edge of the bed and kept her shoes off the sheet. She waited for him to get comfortable around her before even taking a breath.

"Are you scared?" He asked quietly, arm locked around her again like a shield.

"Not of you. Of home – of what tomorrow will bring. I'm scared of having to see everyone again and having to apologise."

"You don't need to apologise."

"You didn't see me. Or hear what I said to Darcy. I was rude and ungrateful and I wouldn't blame them if they refused to be near me." Her voice faltered, so William stroked her arm reassuringly and kissed her head.

"Don't worry about tomorrow. Just get some rest for now and I'll look after you." He kept stroking her arm, wanting her to feel okay. But how do you comfort such a determined woman? For the time being, William was just glad to have this night where he could hold her in his arms and no one would either know or care. Too much time had been spent tiptoeing around each other. Too much time had been spent making up reasons why they couldn't be happy – why they couldn't deserve to be happy – why they didn't suit each other. But holding her there – knowing he was the only one she wanted to be with right then – was enough to convince him that he didn't need anything as long as she was safe.

At some point he noticed that she'd fallen asleep. Instead of tensely clinging to the side of the bed, Julia had relaxed and was leaning into his chest. He smiled and his eyelashes got damp, clumping together as he pressed his nose once more into her hair. Inhale. She smelt like flowers and smoke.

"Happy new year, Julia." He muttered, closing his eyes and letting himself fall into a light sleep, knowing that she would be there when he woke up.

Maybe, he thought to himself as he started to dream, she'll always be here with me now.