Getting him inside was harder than she thought. And she had to steal the flask from him he still had, he had managed to sneak another drink in the car and was now stumbling around, trying to grab the flask back.

"You don't need any more." She assures him, tossing the flask into her purse, and grabbing his arm to stop him from swaying. "Come on, baby, let's get you to bed."

"But I'm not tired," Cole whines, pouting. "And I want my flask back."

"Too bad, you're going to bed. And the flask is staying with me. Now let's go, mister." Hollyn managed to get him inside her house, but it was hard. He was mostly leaning on her and stumbling. He was a lot more heavy than she thought and she wasn't very strong, but she managed.

She gets him upstairs and into her room, sighing in relief once she had him in her bed. "There. Finally."

He plops down on her bed, grinning lazily. "I love your bed. It's comfy."

"Glad you think so." She smiles, moving over to her closet to grab him some pajamas he left there before. "I'll be right back."

Cole whined as he watched her leave, but he knew he didn't have a choice, not that he would say no to her. He kicked off his shoes lazily, not caring where they went. He then tried working on shrugging his blazer off, but he struggled, his arms felt heavy and his body felt light. He was tired, and his head was pounding.

He heard the door open and glanced over, a lopsided grin spreading across his face. "Baby..." He started, his tone full of adoration. Hollyn can't help the chuckle that left her lips. The blazer was half on him, half off. His hair was a mess, and his face was red. His eyes were wide and filled with adoration, and his lips were curled up into a lopsided grin. Her heart melted.

"Need some help, handsome?" She asked, walking over and tossing his pajamas on the bed. She helped him out of the blazer and tossed it on her chair. Then she helped him unbutton his shirt, her heart racing at the sight of his toned body. She bit her lower lip, her cheeks growing warm. Despite having seen him without a shirt many times, she still got butterflies and blushed everytime.

"Your face is red." Cole pointed out, his finger poking her red cheek.

"Shush." She grumbled, swatting his hand away, her cheeks now burning.

"Is it 'cause of me?" He asks, his tone cocky. "'Cause I'm hot, right?"

"You are. Hot-headed." She teased, tugging his shirt off and helping him into the pajama shirt.

He huffs, rolling his eyes. "Ha ha, funny."

She helps him stand, and then moves to his pants, but he stops her. "Nope, no, I can do that myself." He insisted, trying to get the buckle off himself, but his hands were shaky.

"I'm just gonna help. Okay?" Hollyn says softly, moving his hands away and unbuckling the belt herself. She unbuttoned his pants and slowly tugged them down.

"I could've done it." Cole pouted, sitting back down, and kicking his pants off that had been at his ankles.

"Sure you could have, baby." Hollyn said, rolling her eyes, and grabbing his pants. "Now, come on. Stand up again and let's get you in the sweats."

"Fine, bossy." He mumbled, standing back up, and holding her shoulders to steady himself.

Once he was dressed and ready for bed, Hollyn helps him lay back down. "Alright, you comfy? Need anything else?" She asked softly, tucking him in and brushing his hair out of his face.

He reached out, his hand grabbing her arm and tugging her towards him. "You. Lay down with me." He insisted, a small smile on his lips.

"I gotta change first. Get you some water and text your parents top. Then I'll lay with you." She promises, moving his hand from her arm and placing a kiss on his palm. "I'll be back."

"Okay, but hurry." Cole muttered, pouting. He was so tired, he wanted to fall asleep in her arms.

"I will. Don't worry, I'll be back." She assures him, her voice soft.

She went and grabbed him some aspirin and a glass of water, and quickly changed out of her dress. She pulled on a tank top and sweats, and brushed her hair into a loose ponytail.

After checking the time, she quickly shot off a text to his mom. She told her he was okay, that they were going to spend the night, and that she would explain more tomorrow. After, she grabbed his flask and hid it in the top shelf of her closet, out of his reach. She would deal with that tomorrow.

"Hollyyyyn," He complains, pouting when she came back into the room. "It's taking you foreverrrr."

"Sorry, sorry. Here, take these." She sits down beside him, handing him the pills and water. "Then I'll turn the lights off and we can cuddle, okay?" Cole did as she asked, and then snuggled into her side once the lights were off and she laid down beside him. His arms were around her waist, his face buried in her neck.

"Mhm. Much better," He mumbled, nuzzling her.

"Yeah, much better." Hollyn repeated, her arms wrapping around him, her fingers brushing through his hair soothingly. She smiled as he let out a content sigh, his eyes closing.

"Good night, Coley."

"G'night, Holly Berry."

She continued brushing her fingers through his hair, her own eyelids getting heavy. Before she could realize what was happening, she was out like a light, the weight of the day finally catching up with her. And in her arms, was the boy she loved. Safe and sound.

****

Hollyn woke up the next morning, the sun streaming in through her blinds. She groaned, rubbing her eyes and turning over. As she did, she realized there was someone beside her. The events from last night came rushing back to her and she was immediately wide awake.

Cole. He was curled up, his head buried in her shoulder. His arm was wrapped around her waist, his hand resting on her hip. His breathing was steady, and his hair was tousled, his mouth hanging open slightly. He looked so peaceful and relaxed. Her lips twitched up into a soft smile as she watched him sleep. She hated that she had to wake him, but he was going to have a massive headache and his parents were probably worried sick.

"Coley," She whispers, gently shaking him. "Coley, it's time to get up." Cole just groaned, tightening his grip on her and burying his face in her shoulder.

He shakes his head, his voice raspy and muffled. "Don't wanna."

"You gotta." She chuckles softly, brushing her fingers through his hair. "I know, I know, I don't want to either. But we have to. We have a lot of explaining to do, especially you."

He lifts his head up, his expression pained. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was flushed. "My head hurts." He groaned, wincing.

"I'm not surprised." She hums, rubbing his back soothingly. "We have some aspirin, and I can make you breakfast and tea."

"Mmm." He laid his head back down on her stomach.

"Coley." Hollyn giggles, patting his back. "Come on. You have to get up."

Cole let out a groan of protest, but sat up anyway. He held his head in his hands, wincing. "Why does everything hurt?"

"You had quite a night." She teases, sitting up. She rubs his back, leaning over and kissing his shoulder. "I'll go get you some aspirin, okay? Stay here and relax. I'll be right back." Before he could respond, she had stood and headed downstairs. He laid back down, covering his eyes with his arm. He felt miserable.

Hollyn came back upstairs, a glass of water and a couple aspirin in her hands. "Here, take these." She set the water and pills on her nightstand. She sat by him, reaching over to rub his head near the base.

Cole leaned into her touch, his eyes closing. He loved it when she rubbed his head, it was so relaxing. She always knew the right spots to soothe his tension and headache.

He forces himself to take the pills, and drank the entire glass of water. He then laid his head back down, sighing. "How am I going to face my parents and Will after everything last night?"

"The same way you've faced all the other things that have happened, baby." She assures him, moving his hair out of his eyes. "They'll understand. It's going to be okay."

"You're too good to me." He murmurs, sitting up and kissing her cheek. "Thank you for taking care of me, and not leaving me alone last night."

"Of course. I would never." She kisses his cheek back, smiling. "Now, how about we get you home and get you showered, huh? I got chores to do and gotta prepare for the rodeo coming up."

Cole sighs, running his hand through his hair. "Yeah. Yeah, okay." He got up, stretching. He winced, his muscles were stiff and aching. Hollyn stood up, grabbing her phone off the nightstand and texting his mom as they left the room. Her dog, Lottie, greet them at the bottom of the stairs, tail wagging and tongue sticking out.

"Hey, Lottie." Cole bends down to pet the dog, smiling faintly. Lottie barks, her tail wagging faster. She nudges his hand, eager for more pets. He chuckles, continuing to pet her. "Missed you too." Paws running against the hardwood floor is heard and soon Ace and Goldie were bounding towards them. He chuckles, giving the dogs the attention they wanted. "Morning, guys. Of course missed you guys as well." Ace barked, and Goldie yipped, both equally happy to see him. They both nuzzled his hand, their tails wagging.

"They're very happy to see you." Hollyn giggled, watching the dogs interact with him. She loved seeing them with him, their tails always wagging. It was adorable.

"Feeling's mutual." He gave all three dogs a few more rubs before standing and following Hollyn into the kitchen where her parents were finishing making breakfast. Kiwi the cat was asleep on the couch, completely unaware of everything around her.

"Morning, sweetheart." Her dad, James, said, giving her a smile. "Morning, Cole. Feel any better?"

"Um, yeah. Still a little sore and tired, but yeah. Thanks." He answered, a small, sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

"That's good, at least. You really gave us a scare, Cole." Carolyn said, a worried expression crossing her features.

"Sorry, ma'am." Cole apologized, looking down.

"It's alright, son. We're just glad you're okay." James reassures him, setting a plate of pancakes on the table. "Now, sit down and eat. You'll need the energy for whatever the day throws at you."

Hollyn guides Cole to a chair and sat beside him, offering a reassuring smile. She could feel the tension radiating off of him, but she gently nudged his arm to break his thoughts. "Pancakes make everything better, right?" She teased lightly.

Cole nods, offering her a small smile. "Yeah, they definitely help." Cole replied, his voice still hoarse but his tone lighter. He picked up his fork and took a bite of the pancakes. The familiar, comforting taste eased some of his lingering unease.

Hollyn's parents kept the conversation light, chatting about the day's plans and the upcoming rodeo. Cole listened quietly, grateful for the distraction. Hollyn occasionally glanced at him, her hand brushing against his under the table to offer silent support. He intertwined their fingers together, his thumb running over the back of her hand. She had no idea how much her simple presence comforted him.

After breakfast, they helped clean up and Hollyn took Cole over next door to his place, using her horse, Apollo, to do so. "I'll see you later." She promises, climbing off her horse to face him with a smile. "I love you."

Cole's heart skipped a beat. Her smile was bright and warm, and her beautiful eyes sparkled in the sun. He couldn't help but smile, his cheeks warm and his stomach filled with butterflies. "I love you, too." He reached over, cupping her face and kissing her gently. She melted into the kiss, eyes closing as her hand reached up to cup his cheek.

"You'll be okay, right?" She asks softly, pulling away slightly. "With your parents, I mean. Do you want me to come with?"

Cole shakes his head, his thumb rubbing her cheek. "I do, but I need to do this myself. Thank you, though. For everything."

"Coley, you don't have to thank me." Hollyn shakes her head gently, a soft smile on her lips. "Taking care of you, being there for you—that's just what we do for the people we love."

"I know. Still, though. Thank you. You're amazing." He murmured, kissing her again, a little longer than the last.

"You're amazing too." She mumbled in between kisses.

They were both grinning by the time the kiss ended. "I'll call you later. If you need me, I'll be there. I promise." She gave him a final hug, squeezing him tightly. "You've got this, Coley. I believe in you."

Cole nods, his nerves still there but soothed by her words. "I believe in you too. You're gonna be amazing at the rodeo." He assures her, kissing her forehead and gaining a shy smile in response. "I'll see you later, baby." He said, stepping back reluctantly. He watched as she climbed back onto Apollo, her movements graceful and practiced. 

She turned back to him, blowing him a kiss and giggling as she did. His heart skipped a beat again, and he couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head fondly. He pretended to catch the kiss, despite thinking it's a little cheesy, and brought his hand to his chest with a grin. Hollyn's laughter echoes as she rides off, her hair bouncing lightly in the sunlight.

Cole stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. Hollyn's faith in him gave him a sense of strength he hadn't realized he needed. She believed in him, and that meant he could believe in himself, too. With a deep breath, he turned and headed toward his house. Each step felt a little steadier, his resolve building. He knew the conversation with his parents and Will wouldn't be easy, but he also knew he wasn't alone. Hollyn's support was with him, every step of the way.