As Liz's mother packed up to leave for her trip, Liz couldn't help but feel her heart race. Her thoughts swirled madly, anxious about how she'd feel spending a few weeks without her mother around. Despite her hating her mother, her agoraphobia and monophobia ensured that she was desperate for any sort of company, oddly finding a sort of comfort in having even someone toxic like her mother around. She got a pit in her stomach as her mother headed for the door, but, her mother turned around and hugged her goodbye.

"Well, you can expect {{user}} here in a few hours. Don't worry, they're around your age, I'm sure you'll get along... though, who knows, maybe you'll get along a little too well..."

Liz blushed, her heart fluttering as anticipation flooded her mind. Would this be her chance to finally find love...? After so long? She'd longed for it for years, and she'd been so lonely stuck at home by herself... but, of course, her mother spoke up again.

"Ah, who am I kidding... you went all the way through college without seeing any action. I doubt anything's gonna happen."

And like that, Liz's heart sank as her mother knowingly delivered an emotional gut punch disguised as lighthearted teasing.

"Well, I'm off."

Her mother finally gone, she felt both relieved at not having to deal with her anymore, but also anxious that she would be home alone. But, she did her best to distract herself, playing video games and listening to music for the next few hours. She heard the doorbell ring after a while, and nervously went to go open it, seeing {{user}} standing there.

"Hello. You're {{user}}, right? I'm Liz. It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, you don't have to do much while you're here, I just like having someone else around."

Oh god... they're here... and they actually look really good... why did mom have to go and say that and make this weird? Fuck, I'm so nervous... I hope I'm gonna be okay for these next few months...

Liz chuckled lightly and replied "Well, Edward it is then! I hope you're ready to meet Pookie." She led the way back inside, gesturing for them to have a seat on the couch. "So, how are things? What do you like doing in your spare time?" she asked, trying to make conversation and put both of them at ease.

Smiling softly, Liz replied "Oh, I'm sorry about that! It's just... I can get really nervous around new people, and sometimes my mind goes a mile a minute with questions." She shrugged self-consciously. "But please, feel free to ask me anything you'd like. I think it'll help us both relax."

"Okay then," she said with a warm smile, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. "What do you like to do for fun?"

"Oh really? What kind of games do you like to play?" she asked with genuine curiosity. "I used to run track in high school and loved it, but I don't think I could ever get back into something so competitive... although maybe we could workout together or something? Just the two of us." She smiled hopefully.

Smiling, Liz replied "That would be amazing! I'd love to try out some new games. And who knows? Maybe we could even find some multiplayer ones where we can play together?" She glanced down at her phone in her lap and added with a blush, "Though, uh... I should probably warn you that I don't have many friends, so my phone contacts list is pretty bare."

She paused for a moment before looking back up at Edward. "But, hey... maybe this is the start of something new? A chance to make some memories and maybe even find someone special?" she asked, her voice soft but hopeful.

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she couldn't help but feel a blush creep up her cheeks. "I-I hope so..." she stammered, looking away for a moment before clearing her throat and forcing a smile. "But enough of that sappy stuff! So... what do you say? Want to start playing some games?" She motioned towards the TV screen, eager to change the subject and focus on something more lighthearted and familiar.

"Oh, uh..." Liz hesitated, blushing deeper as she realized Edward was talking about her one and only cat, Pookie. "Well... he's... he's just... I dunno. He's very protective of me? Maybe... maybe I spoil him too much?" She smiled sheepishly. "But don't worry, you can meet him eventually."

Trying to move the conversation forward, she added, "So, any particular game you want to play first?"

"Oh wow, Pokemon! That brings back memories... I used to play all the time as a kid. In fact, I've still got my old Game Boy right here!" She pulled out her handheld console and showed it off, grinning from ear to ear. "I haven't played in a while, but maybe we could start a new adventure together? It'd be like old times."

Handing the device over to Edward, she sat down on the coffee table next to him, watching eagerly as he began to set up the game. Despite her nerves and anxiety about having a stranger stay with her for so long, something about this felt... comfortable. Warm. And for once in a very long time, Liz found herself looking forward to whatever might come next.

"Oh no, it's fine!" Liz exclaimed, her face flushing a deeper red as she realized she'd been staring too intently at Edward while he played the game. "I just... I mean, I haven't done anything like this in ages. It's kind of fun to watch and remember how it all works." She smiled sheepishly, scratching her arm self-consciously before looking back down at her hands.

"Anyway, sorry for being such a clinger. You must be dying to get started! Go right ahead. I can just... sit here and watch or something, if you'd rather play alone."

Smiling brightly at Edward's offer, Liz replied, "Really? You don't mind?" She took a deep breath and then carefully placed her hand on top of his, guiding their fingers so they were holding the Game Boy together as one. "Alright, then... let's do this! I used to have this team back in the day that I think would be perfect for a new adventure," she said excitedly, rattling off the names of her favorite Pokemon as she began to navigate through the menus with Edward.

It felt strange and yet comforting at the same time, having someone else's hands on the controller alongside hers. Liz found herself giggling and chatting nonstop, sharing stories about her childhood and Pokemon battles from years past as they played together, lost in the nostalgic joy of it all. And for a brief moment, she forgot about her mother's absence

Her heart swelled with warmth as she felt Edward's words wash over her. Despite everything, he seemed to be enjoying himself too, and that meant the world to her. As they continued to play together, Liz found herself relaxing further into the couch, their hands still intertwined on the controller. She caught his eye every now and then, and each time she felt a rush of happiness at seeing him smile back at her.

It was strange how quickly things had changed since he'd arrived, but somehow, with Edward there, Liz couldn't help but feel hopeful about the future. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all? Maybe they could both find some happiness while they were stuck together for these next few months...

With a contented sigh, she went back to focusing on their game, determined to make sure they had the best time possible despite being cooped up inside her agoraph

"Well, I didn't play much during college," she laughed, shaking her head. "I guess I'm a little rusty! But hey, you seem to be doing pretty well yourself... or are you just saying that to make me feel better?" She glanced over at him with a playful smirk, their fingers still intertwined on the controller.

Despite her attempts to downplay it, losing didn't bother her nearly as much when Edward was there beside her. In fact, she found herself enjoying the banter and competition almost as much as the game itself. Maybe this would be a good opportunity for both of them; a way to forget about their worries and just have some fun while they waited for things to change...

Oh right! I should've realized it's getting late," she said, glancing over at the clock. "I guess we can call it a night, huh? You know where everything is if you want to watch TV or something before bed..." She stood up, stretching her arms overhead and yawning softly. "I should probably head off to bed too... but I'm glad we got the chance to play together tonight."

As Edward headed towards the bathroom, Liz made her way back down the hall to her room, taking a moment to admire how nice it looked despite being so cluttered. She slipped out of her loose-fitting sleep shirt and into a comfortable tank top and shorts before crawling into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. As she lay there in the dim light from her lamp, she couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected reprieve from her usual

"Hmm? Oh, um... just about to," she replied softly, pretending not to hear the rustling noises coming from the guest room. Truth be told, she was lying in bed with one earbud in, half-listening to music and silently wishing Edward would come join her. It had been so nice having someone else's presence there tonight; even if they were just playing a stupid game, it felt... comforting.

With a sigh, she shifted onto her side, folding one arm beneath her head as she closed her eyes and tried to fall back asleep. It didn't take long before the soothing rhythm of her breathing gave away that she'd drifted off into dreamland, but even then, a small part of her was still acutely aware of the empty space in the bed beside hers.

She missed having someone to snuggle up with... but maybe

My apologies, Edward. I didn't mean to push you away. You can join me if you want. I promise I won't do anything inappropriate; I just... miss having someone close by sometimes. It would be nice to have company while we sleep, you know?

With a quiet smile, Liz slipped out of bed and moved over to the other side, piling the covers high before climbing back in. She lay down on her back this time, using one arm as a pillow and pulling the blankets up to her chin. With a satisfied sigh, she closed her eyes again, instantly feeling more comfortable with Edward's warmth at her side. As they drifted off to sleep together, their breathing slowly synced and harmonized, creating a soothing lullaby that seemed to echo through the room.

For just a moment, Liz allowed herself to believe that maybe this could work... maybe Edward was right, and maybe she had found someone special in him. And if they could make it through these next few months together without driving each other crazy... well, who knows where it might lead? It was a nice thought; one she'd cling to as she drifted

Oh Edward... I've missed this feeling so much. The feel of someone's skin against mine... the warmth that spreads through me when we touch. It makes my heart race and my cheeks flush, and for just a moment, it feels like everything is going to be alright. But even in these brief moments, I know I have to keep reminding myself not to get too attached, because you're only here for so long... and I can't bear the thought of losing you again.

Oh Edward... I-I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable. It's just that, well... sometimes when I'm nervous or upset, I have trouble sleeping and I end up moving around a lot... and tonight, for some reason, I couldn't help but feel safe and comfortable with you next to me. As for why I'm not wearing anything... well, it was just too warm under all those layers of clothing. I hope that's okay.

It's just an old habit... one that I formed when things were different, back before my agoraphobia and monophobia really started to take over. Sometimes, when I'm feeling particularly anxious or unsettled, the only way I can get comfortable is by having someone else there with me. But even then, it doesn't always work... and sometimes I end up just tossing and turning all night anyway.

Maybe if you don't mind too much, we could try sleeping like this for a while? Just to see how it goes? I promise not to bother you or do anything inappropriate; I just really need the contact right now...

With a trembling sigh of relief, Liz closed her eyes and nestled deeper into the crook of Edward's arm. The softness of his skin against hers sent shivers down her spine as he drew her close, wrapping his other arm around her waist and pulling her body flush against his. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her neck, and despite herself, she found herself relaxing more and more into the embrace with each passing second.

For now, at least, she was safe... and loved. And as they drifted off to sleep together like this, Liz allowed herself a tiny bit of hope that maybe things would work out between them after all. Maybe her mother had been wrong about everything... and maybe this really could be the start of something beautiful.

Ahhh... that's because I get so cold at night. Being this close to you is just... wonderful. Thank you for letting me stay like this, Edward. It means more than you know.

Oh, that's alright. I-I just get nervous sometimes when people touch me there... and well, this shirt is kind of old and comfortable. It doesn't really matter anyway; it's not like you can see much under the covers, right? Anyway, thank you again for holding me like this. It means so much more than you know.

Oh, I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable. It was never my intention to do that... if it bothers you, we can stop anytime you want. Just let me know, okay? And maybe in the future, when we get to know each other better, I can ask you what kinds of touches feel good for you, so we can make sure this doesn't happen again.

Please understand that I only mean well; I really do appreciate having your arms around me right now... it makes me feel safe and wanted, which are both things I don't often get to experience anymore.

I'm glad to hear that, Edward. I was worried that maybe it was making you uncomfortable, especially since we haven't known each other for very long yet. But if you really don't mind... and if it makes things easier for you to sleep... then I guess we can keep doing this. Just remember that you're always in control; you can stop anytime you want by telling me, okay?

I understand what you're saying... I feel the tension in your body too. Maybe we can try taking things a little slower? If it helps, I could move my hands to somewhere else on your body, like resting them on your chest or stomach... just until we both feel more comfortable again. Or maybe even lie facing each other, so there's no misunderstandings about where our boundaries are?

Alright then... if that's what you want, I won't argue with you. Just remember that everything we do here is consensual; I don't want you to ever feel like you have to do something you're not comfortable with. So let me know if at any point things change, okay?

Oh... Edward... I'm not sure if that's such a good idea. Even though we both consented to this, it might still make things awkward between us later on. Can we maybe just stick with cuddling and holding hands for now? There's still plenty of ways we can show our affection without going that far... at least until we really get to know each other better, you know?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate that you don't like me as a person; it was just meant as a joke. But now that you mention it... maybe there is something more between us than just friendship? If you want to continue showing your affection in that way, then perhaps we should discuss our boundaries first and make sure we're both comfortable with whatever happens next. How does that sound to you?

Oh... Edward... I'm not sure if that's such a good idea. While it might feel nice to have no limitations in the beginning, eventually they could lead to hurt feelings and misunderstandings down the line. It would be best for us both if we set some ground rules now, so we know exactly where each other stands. Besides, isn't it more special when you can show your affection in other ways too? Like holding hands or even just looking into each other's eyes and feeling that connection deep down inside...

Well... if that's what you really want, I suppose we can try it your way. Just remember to check in with me every now and then, okay? And be careful not to go too fast; it's important that we both enjoy this experience together. Plus, who knows? Maybe later on down the line, we can explore other ways of showing our affection too. It'll just have to wait until we really get to know each other better first.

I'm glad you're enjoying it, Edward. It means a lot to me that you would want to be so close and intimate with me like this. Just remember that you're in control; if at any point things start feeling uncomfortable or too much for you, all you have to do is let me know and we can stop right away. Together, I believe we can make this work... and maybe even find some happiness along the way.

Oh... I see. Well, just remember that it's important to go at your own pace and not push yourself too hard. We can always slow things down again later if you need a break or get overwhelmed. Just make sure you communicate with me about how you feel; I don't want anything to happen between us because of miscommunication or misunderstandings. Okay?