From the night they first came together, Elara was startled by Adrian's sexual desire. There was a quiet intensity in him, as if he had been holding himself back for far too long. Each time he reached for her, his touch carried both longing and restraint.
Their nights were full of warmth and connection, but Elara understood that blindness had heightened Adrian's sensitivity to touch. He seemed to see her through his hands, learning every detail not with his eyes but with patience and care through the touch.
Elara had asked Adrian once, in a quiet moment before bed, to keep their relationship a secret for now. "Just until I am ready," she had said. "I do not want people to look at me differently. Not Rowen, not Emi, and especially not your parents."
Adrian had agreed without hesitation. "Whenever you are ready," he said. "I can wait."
During one weekend, Rowen and Emi came over for lunch.
Rowen teased her over lunch. "Elara, what did you do to Adrian? I have never seen him like this."
Elara blinked. "Like what?"
"Relaxed. Smiling. Actually human," Rowen joked. "You have some kind of magic, I swear."
Elara smiled, trying to keep her expression steady. "I just make sure he eats well and rests enough. That is all."
Rowen wagged a finger at her. "Don't play humble. You have worked miracles."
Adrian's lips curved faintly, though he said nothing. He only reached for his glass and took a slow sip, his hand brushing Elara's wrist beneath the table, subtle enough that no one noticed but her.
Emi laughed, nudging her husband lightly. "Be nice, Rowen. I would say Adrian finally found the right one to care for him. Even when he was with Luna, he was never this at ease."
Elara laughed softly, though her cheeks warmed. "I am just doing my job," she said, trying to sound casual.
Rowen leaned back with a grin. "He used to be all business, always serious. Now he actually smiles during meetings."
She only smiled, unable to explain what had changed. Their time together had given Adrian a quiet strength, a calm that went beyond recovery. It was not just the nights that drew them close. They shared simple days too, reading together, listening to music, watching films, or walking in the garden. Their conversations were easy, and even their silences felt warm and familiar.
Emi laughed. "I would say he finally found the right person. Even with Luna, he was never like this."
At the mention of Luna, Rowen nodded thoughtfully. "Adrian and Luna were too much alike. Being together was like facing a mirror. Maybe that's why it could not last."
Elara noticed a subtle shift in Adrian's expression, the faint tightening of his jaw. She quickly set down her chopsticks. "Let's eat," she said, her tone light. "The beef looks great."
Rowen chuckled, grateful for the change of topic, and Emi joined in.
Later that evening, when the guests had left and the house had grown quiet, Elara helped clear the table. Adrian remained seated, listening to the faint clatter of dishes before speaking.
"About what they said today," Adrian murmured, his arms wrapped loosely around her from behind. "They mentioned Luna. I hope you did not mind."
Elara smiled faintly. "It should be me saying that. I hope you did not mind them bringing her up. I could tell it made you uncomfortable."
"I thought you would be jealous. Maybe I was wrong," he said, his voice light with teasing.
"She is your ex. She looks perfect. Of course I compare myself without meaning to," Elara admitted.
"You are you," he said gently, his hand rising to pat her head as if to soothe her. "There is no need to compare."
She hesitated, then said softly, "It has been almost two years since you broke up. Given how strong your sexual desires have been lately, I thought maybe you missed what you had with her."
He smiled, his voice low and sincere. "Believe me, you are the only woman I slept with. After losing my sight, touch became the way I understand the world. When I reach for you, it is not only longing. It is how I know I am alive."
Her chest tightened at his words. "So before you lost your sight, you were not this… active?" she asked, her tone light but curious.
"Luna never stayed over," he said. "As Rowen once mentioned, we were too alike. Always serious, always focused. At university we studied together, after graduation we worked together. We were a good match on paper, but too similar to ever grow."
Elara turned in his arms, her cheeks warming. "So you are saying my first time was also your first?"
Adrian nodded with a small smile.
"I do not believe it. You seemed so experienced," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He chuckled softly. "Well, it just come naturally with you" he said, brushing a gentle kiss against her lips.
"So what should we do tonight?" he asked, his voice low and calm.
Elara looked over her shoulder and smiled. "You should rest early. You have your eye appointment at the hospital tomorrow."
Adrian tilted his head slightly toward her voice. "All right," he said. "But before I sleep, I just want to hold you for a while."
Her heart softened at the simple honesty in his tone. "You really like having me next to you, don't you?" she teased lightly.
"I do," he said without hesitation. "It helps me sleep."
Elara turned away, pretending to focus on the dishes to hide her smile. "All right then. I will come up after I finish here and take a shower."
"Good," he replied, his lips curving in a faint smile. "I will go first."
Adrian made his way upstairs while Elara stayed stacked the plates neatly and wiped the table once more.
After her shower, Elara changed into something comfortable and towel-dried her hair before she made her way upstairs.
Adrian was already in bed, resting against the headboard, his head turning slightly toward the sound of her steps. "You took your time," he said with a small smile.
"Thank you for waiting then" she said, walking closer.
She settled beside him, and his arm slipped around her shoulders. Her head rested against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. His warmth surrounded her, grounding and safe.
"Elara," he murmured, his voice already heavy with sleep. "Thank you."
"For what?" she asked quietly.
"For everything," he said. "Sometimes I still wonder when I will see clearly again. The doctor is not sure how much time it will take. I try to stay patient, but there are moments I fear I might never recover. I do not want to be a burden to anyone."
Elara lifted her head slightly, looking up at him. "You are not a burden," she said softly. "You have never been one."
He gave a small smile. "I am really fortunate to have met you. Before you came, I did not realize how empty my life had become. I cannot imagine it without you now."
Her chest tightened. "As long as you still need me, I will be here," she said. "But if one day you regain your sight and realize you no longer do, I will leave peacefully. I do not ever want to become someone who holds you back."
Adrian's arms tightened around her, his voice firm. "Do not say that."
She rested a hand on his chest, feeling the tension there. "I am only being reasonable," she said gently. "All I want is for you to be happy, Adrian. That is enough for me."
He tilted his head toward her voice, his expression softening. "I am happy now," he said. "Because you are here."
Her breath caught, but before she could reply, he leaned in and kissed her. Elara responded instinctively, her hand rising to his cheek.
When they parted, she stayed close, her forehead resting against his.
He drew her close again, holding her as if afraid she might slip away. Elara relaxed in his embrace, her heart full and calm. For the first time in years, she felt that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Soon his breathing slowed, the weight of sleep settling over him. Elara stayed awake a little longer, watching the faint rise and fall of his chest, and whispered softly, "I am here, Adrian. Always."
Then she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of him lull her into sleep.