Coming From the Shadows Series
Eliza and Tyler 2
The August sun streamed through the open window of the living room of the Wright household; painting it in stripes of gold; dust motes danced in the light, creating a hazy dreamlike atmosphere; 2016 was proving to be a good year for Eliza and Tyler – their bond had deepened, tested by the pressures of their rigorous training and the competing on the international stage for Tae-Kwon Do, Eliza had also taken up teaching Ravem; her little sister who had been seeking a way to rebuild her confidence following so much trauma.
Eliza was usually a whirlwind of controlled energy, now though; she sat curled up on the couch, a soft, oversized hoodie swallowing her slender frame – Tyler sat behind her as she leaned back against him; he kept his arms gently around her.
For years, Eliza had cultivated an image of unwavering strength on the Tae-Kwon Do mats; she was a force to be reckoned with – a fierce competitor who’d represented Britain with pride and a steely gaze that could intimidate even the most seasoned opponents.
It was an image born not just from talent, but years of disciplined training, a conscious effort to supress any hint of weakness and vulnerability.
But here, in the quiet intimacy of her home; something had shifted, the weight of expectation seemed to lessen; the carefully constructed façade began to crack and Tyler, more than anyone, understood the delicate balance she constantly maintained.
He knew the Eliza the world saw – the fierce competitor, the unwavering athlete; but, he also knew the Eliza beneath the surface – the one that loved cheese romance movies and comedies, collected various stuffed bears which usually made him chuckle, and then there was her collection of vintage coins, a collection that was given to her that was originally begun by her long deceased Grandmother; Lydia, the coins held a lot of importance to Eliza, a connection to someone she had never met.
And in rare moments she even allowed herself to be soft.
It was this Eliza, those moments – he recognised them as the precious gifts that they were.
Today though, she seemed particularly subdued; it hadn’t been long since they had returned from an overseas competition in Italy; and though she had fought valiantly, a medal eluded her grasp; the disappointment lingered, a dark cloud that seemed to eclipse her usual sunny disposition.
“Hey” Tyler murmured, breaking the comfortable silence, gently squeezing her in his arms as they continued to rest on the couch “You okay?”
Eliza shrugged her shoulder “Just…, tired I guess”
He didn’t push; he knew when to offer a comforting silence and when to gently coax her out of her shell; today certainly felt like a coaxing day.
He decided to move his hands from around her waist; taking hers between his and intertwining their fingers; his touch was warm and reassuring, a familiar anchor in the sea of her emotions “It’s okay to be tired you know” he said softly
Eliza thought for a moment, she then tilted her head backward; shifting her eyes as she gazed up towards him, he couldn’t help but smile at her, but he could see the disappointment in her eyes; the frustration and a hint of self-doubt that she would usually keep carefully hidden “It’s just…, I wanted to win so badly…” she whispered, her voice barely audible “I feel like I let everyone down”
“Nonsense” he said softly, squeezing her hand gently “You didn’t let anyone down; you fought your heart out and beyond that, you was amazing”
She let out a sigh, but she maintained her positioning, staring at him with her head tilted back against his chest; she could smell the familiar scent of his cologne; a comforting smell that smelt uniquely Tyler.
There was a few minutes longer before she decided she was moving; rotating her body around, and laying atop of him and resting her face against his chest; making a mumbling noise when he commented on movement.
Finally though, Eliza stirred from her comfortable position, her eyes locking onto his a smile played on her lips “Thanks”
“Not sure why; but, anytime” he smiled, he brushed a strand of her from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek “Always”
The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions – it was more than just comfort, it was a deep, abiding love that had grown steadily over the years; through countless shared experiences, triumphs and challenges; they knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses; their hopes and fears – they were partners, confidantes and the best of friends.
He leaned in closer; his gaze dropping to her lips, the question was unspoken, but it hng heavy in the air; Eliza met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest – she wanted him, not just for comfort, but for a deep, passionate connection that only they shared.
She nodded, a silent invitation.
Tyler’s lips met hers in a soft, tentative kiss – it was a kiss that spoke of understanding, of comfort, of unwavering support; the warmth of their bodies radiated outwards, dispelling the last vestiges of lingering shadows
Their kiss deepened – it became more urgent, more passionate, he pulled her closer against him, and to Eliza, he tasted like sunshine and something uniquely him,
Breaking the kiss, Tyler gently cupped Eliza’s face in his hands “Let’s go upstairs; to your room” he whispered, his voice husky
Eliza – her eyes filled with love and longing, nodded her head; so they got up, they moved, and hand-in-hand they left the living room behind as they went up to Eliza’s room, the world outside faded away, replaced with the promise of intimacy and connection.
the fierce competitor – an international fighter was momentarily forgotten, in that moment, Eliza was just a woman that was deeply loved, and deeply in love and ready to embrace vulnerability.
Written By: Westley H.
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