Session 𝓢eventy

Session 70:
"The Run"

⨳ ⨳ ⨳

"Forty-seven times?" I asked as soon as we entered the bedroom.

The rest of dinner was quiet and filled with unbearable small talk—even the walk back to our room was silent.

And I definitely wasn't about to ask Monroe anything until I had her alone.

"I only got to forty-seven in my head," Monroe casually murmured.

I blinked a few times as she closed the door behind us, realizing the number of stabs Monroe settled on was purely based on her imagination.

"And your parents want to form an agreement with my mother?" I pointed out as I followed Monroe over to the bed, "Don't you have connections to the government?"

"Federal approval means nothing without state approval," Monroe briefly explained, guiding me to turn away from her.

But only unzip my dress?

"California has its own regulations," she continued, sliding the fabric down my arms. "If Levane wants to operate freely there with clinical trials or distribution, they need the governor's cooperation."

I nodded, suddenly understanding better.

It wasn't the federal government pulling the strings—each state has its own rules, its own gatekeepers even.

And in California, that meant my mother.

"They've already had NDA's about us signed?" I whispered as my dress fell to my ankles.

"It didn't highlight us, darling," Monroe reassured me, smoothly unhooking my bra. "Paperwork of this nature consists of keeping everything in office. No one is legally allowed to discuss anything."

I hummed softly as she guided my bra off, exposing my chest to the cold air.

Goosebumps naturally raced down my body, my nipples hardening.

"We can be public, Liberty," Monroe softly whispered in my ear, tugging at my underwear, "Just as you wanted, darling."

I shook my head, "No, I... need to tell my mother first," I mumbled my thoughts aloud, "I'm not sure she'll like this."

I actually know she won’t like this.

How do I even tell her something like this?

"I'm a Leclair," she said, turning me around to face her.

My eyes locked with hers, and I could immediately pinpoint that something was off here.

I'm not sure what it was, but the look in Monroe's eyes...

Or maybe there wasn't anything there to begin with.

Her eyes look void and it's fucking concerning.

"Monroe," I softly whispered as she guided me to lie back on the bed.

"She'll approve," Monroe determined, reaching for her leather belt, "I'm a Leclair."

I nodded hesitantly, "Yes, baby, you said that," I whispered, watching as she undid her belt.

"I fix things, I don't break them," she murmured, and I swear it sounded like she was talking to herself.

"You do fix things, Ro," I assured her, reaching up to cup her face.

I inaudibly gasped when she smoothly grabbed my wrist, wrapping her leather belt around it.

Then she grabbed my other.

"I want to play with you," Monroe said so casually that it made me draw in a measured breath, "Can I play with you, Liberty?"

I blinked a few times. "I, um," I forced out as she tied my wrists together using her belt, making intricate knots, "Sure, baby. Will that make you feel better?"

Monroe stiffly nodded once, laying me on my back against the mattress.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched her take off her blazer, draping it over one of the nearby chairs.

Then she began rolling her sleeves up, which I couldn't tell if that was her tendencies showing, or if she genuinely needed them out of the way.

Either way, I remained silent, trying not to be scared of the power she held.

I just watched her walk into the closet while I silently lay on the bed with my wrists tied above my head.

Moments later, she exited the closet with a dildo and a vibrator in her hand.

That was it.

I expected numerous toys, but that was all she settled on.

"Don't move," Monroe instructed as she stopped in front of me, "Don't make a sound."

I furrowed my brows at her demands, but nodded anyway.

I'm just not used to her telling me to be silent.

Yes, I know to be still, but silent was a new order.

I wanted to think it was because other people could hear us, but we're so isolated from the main part of the house

I drew in an unsteady breath when she guided my legs apart, spreading them wide for her touch.

Monroe didn't say anything for once—not a compliment or any encouragement.

She just stared down at my core, running her fingers along my folds.

Her open stare made my face burn up, and her teasing touch encouraged my body to light up for her.

She began rubbing my clit, staring down at my core without meeting my stare once.

There weren't any praises either, not even with me staying as silent as possible.

She just kept rubbing and teasing my clit until I was wet enough for her.

I could barely keep my moans in, but I tried my best to stay silent.

Then she slid two fingers past my entrance, spreading them inside of me, and I physically fought myself to stay quiet for her.

My breaths were deep and shallow as she thrusted in and out of me, her motions quick and as deep as she could possibly go.

Her eyes still didn't meet mine, and not a single word fell from her lips.

I don't know why, but it made me feel so exposed to her.

I know I'm naked and she's quite literally fucking me, but this felt so different.

She was so detached.

I could probably be anyone here in front of her, and it wouldn't matter.

I'm just a warm body to her.

"Yellow," I suddenly forced out, blinking rapidly once I processed what I had done.

Monroe immediately slid out of me, reaching for my tied wrists first.

But there was still nothing.

No words, no reassurance.

She just silently undid my wrists, not meeting my stare.

It made me feel like a genuine toy—I felt degraded in a way I didn't realize was possible.

Monroe finally pulled the belt away, freeing me entirely.

I tried to quickly push away the annoying feelings weighing me down, but I swear all I wanted to do was cry.

My face burned, and I still felt wet between my thighs, but in the worst way.

I glanced over to Monroe when she drew in a series of deep breaths.

They sounded panicked, like she genuinely couldn't breathe.

"Ro," I whispered, quickly lying up from the bed.

That's when she finally met my stare, shaking her head as she drew in more rapid breaths.

I didn't know what to do—how to help her.

"I'm sorry," she rushed out, quickly turning away from me, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Tears burned in my eyes at her broken words, how she couldn't even face me right now.

"It's okay, baby," I whispered, quickly wiping my own tears away, "I'm okay."

"No," was all Monroe was able to force out, stressfully running her hands through her hair, "I just-you... I used you."

More tears burned in my eyes, but it was less from her words and more about her breakdown.

She's genuinely breaking down, and it's all their fault.

Why would they do this to her?

"Monroe-baby, it's okay," I tried to assure her, but I genuinely felt so useless right now. "Tell me what you need. I'll give you anything. You can use me as much as you want."

Her breathing only grew more chaotic, keeping her hands on top of her head.

Fuck, I don't know what to do.

What do I do?

"No," Monroe suddenly whispered, "No-no," she repeated. "I fix-I fix. I don't break."

"Yes," I whispered weakly, sniffling as more tears burned in my eyes, "You fixed me, Monroe. You fixed me so much."

She hummed, but I swear it sounded so weak. 

It only broke me worse, hating to see her like this.

"You fix me, so I can fix you," I told her, hoping to somehow break through to her, "I fix you, Monroe."

She drew in more panicked breaths, "You fix me," she breathed out.

I nodded rapidly, not wanting to reach out for her until she was facing me and could see my hands.

"I fix you," I repeated again, "Let me fix you, baby."

I drew in a deep breath when Monroe finally faced me—her face was flushed, and her blue eyes were so wide with panic.

"My baby," I brokenly whispered, holding my arms out for her.

Her face crumbled so quickly, falling with despair and confusion.

Like she was genuinely trying to catch up with her own body.

I couldn't help myself anymore—

I reached out for her before I could think it through, pulling her down to me for the biggest hug.

Monroe weakly hummed, wrapping her arms so tightly around me for support.

I slid further into the bed, pulling her down onto my lap so I could hold her as close as possible.

I didn't care that I was fully naked, still, or that Monroe was clothed.

I just wanted to hold her right here until the end of time and never let her parents near her again.

"It's okay. You're okay," I whispered as I caressed the back of her head.

Her face was buried in the crook of my neck, her breath warm against my skin.

We sat like that for minutes on end, our warm bodies pressed together.

Her breathing slowly got calmer, but it still sounded too panicked for my liking.

"You're my Ro Ro," I murmured as I rubbed my other hand up and down her back, "You're incredible in the kitchen, you fix so many people for a living, and you're unworldly beautiful."

I felt her relax against me, and even if she didn't formulate words, I took that as a sign that I'm going in the right direction.

She probably can't speak, much less think about what to say right now.

"Do you remember when you showed me your hidden bedroom?" I asked, my voice softened between us, "That record player was my favorite part of your room. All the jazz records you kept, even the one you played for me."

Monroe's arms tightened around me, almost like she was trying to find a way to communicate with me, even if it wasn't verbal.

"That's why I painted you that record, baby," I softly whispered, caressing the back of her head,
"I used forest green because you seem to like that color too."

Monroe still remained silent, but I knew she could hear me—that my voice was at least filtering into her head.

She's on my level again.

"You know," I suddenly said, unsure if I should tell the story at the forefront of my mind, "I um—that first night we met at The Archive."

I paused, drawing in a deep breath for my next words.

I wasn't sure if I should even admit this to her.

"I knew you the whole time," I suddenly whispered, pursing my lips into a smile, "I wanted to get out of therapy, so I thought flirting with you would help."

I froze slightly, trying to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.

But I swear I felt her lips twitch up against my neck.

"That's insane," she finally spoke for the first time in the last half hour, making every limb in my body relax.

"It was a stupid plan," I murmured, chuckling softly, "And I thought you would drop me as a patient if you flirted with me beforehand."

"Or you found me attractive," Monroe said, making me laugh again.

"Okay-yes, but have you seen yourself?" I asked, making her smile deepen against my neck.

"While we're confessing," she softly whispered, immediately piquing my interest, "I pieced it all together when you were trying to get out of therapy."

I pursed my lips into a smile, "Oh, so I was obvious?"

"You were arguing with me over a referral, Liberty," she pointed out, making a soft chuckle vibrate in my throat, "It wasn't that hard to piece together after the fact."

I shook my head with a growing smile, "Totally worth it," I murmured.

"Very worth it," Monroe didn't hesitate to say.

I hummed softly, suddenly wondering if Monroe would ever try seeing a therapist herself.

It seems like she knows how to fix other people... she aims to fix them, just not herself.

And given the damage her parents have done, I don't blame her.

Right now is definitely the worst time to suggest the idea of trying therapy herself.

Her entire complex is based around fixing, how she doesn't break.

Telling her she needs therapy genuinely might trigger her back into the breakdown I just pulled her out of.

I'll bring this up once we're safely back in Seattle, away from all of this.

"Let's lie down," I softly whispered.

Monroe immediately nodded, finally pulling away from me.

I smiled the moment her eyes locked with mine, reaching up to gently cup her face.

"God, you're so perfect, Monroe," I softly whispered, eyeing her beautiful face.

I could look only at her for years on end and never get bored.

Monroe's lips twitched up, leaning into me for the softest kiss.

Our eyes didn't close, holding each other's stare as her lips grazed mine so perfectly. 

"Thank you for fixing me," Monroe whispered, staring so deeply into my eyes as she pressed another kiss to my lips. "You get me."

"Always, baby," I didn't hesitate to say, "I always get you," I assured her, smiling slightly when she kissed my lips again.

Then she pulled away from me entirely, grabbing the two toys that sat on the bed and standing to her feet.

I focused on pulling the covers back as Monroe briefly walked over to the closet and put the toys away.

I also took a few of the pillows off the bed, throwing them aside as Monroe entered the bedroom.

She was unbuttoning her shirt now, approaching the bed as I slid under the covers.

"Here, darling," she softly whispered, sliding her shirt off and handing it to me.

I smiled at her actions, unconsciously eyeing her velvety bare skin.

She wore a smooth nude bra, which undoubtedly emphasized her chest.

"Thank you," I murmured, taking the shirt from her extended hand.

I pulled the white button-down shirt on, rolling the sleeves up a little and leaving it fully unbuttoned.

Monroe unbuttoned her dress pants too, unzipping them and revealing her matching nude underwear.

I smiled wider when she slid into bed next to me, pulling the covers up over us both.

I eagerly ran one of my arms around her waist and my other around her neck, tangling our smooth legs together.

Monroe hummed contentedly as she eyed my face, wrapping her arms around my waist.

"My sweet girl," she softly whispered, her stare not once wavering from mine, "You're so good to me."

I unconsciously leaned in closer to her, "You're so good to me," I emphasized back, pressing a brief kiss to her lips.

Monroe remained silent for a moment, her eyes openly trailing my face for a moment.

She was clearly thinking deeply about something.

"I'm sorry for..." she trailed off, her brows furrowing as she drifted off deeper into her thoughts.

I immediately shook my head, "It's okay," I quickly assured her before she could float away from me again, "It's all okay. I know you were trapped in your head."

Monroe drew in a deep breath, shaking her head, "I didn't mean to use you like that. You mean so much more to me than that, Liberty," she said, making me nod immediately.

"I know, baby," I didn't hesitate to say.

I did wonder if that was how her past arrangements usually operated.

"Was that how you were... um," I awkwardly paused, unsure if I should even ask her this right now, "With all the others?" I finally finished, blinking a few times. "Your past arrangements, I mean?" I quickly corrected.

Monroe remained silent, staring so deeply into my eyes.

But I couldn't miss the way she nodded, even if it was stiff.

I know now wasn't the time, but it felt so good to know she was like that with all of the rest.

It made me feel special.

"The first arrangement was different," Monroe whispered, furrowing her brows, "But it wasn't like this. Nothing has ever been like this."

I smiled softly at her, nodding a few times as I eyed her face.

"Can I..." I unconsciously trailed off, my face suddenly growing warm, "I want to show you a bigger difference."

Monroe remained silent for a moment, her blue eyes sinking into mine.

Then she suddenly nodded once. "Show me, Liberty."

I drew in a deep breath at her words, my lips tugged up into such a permanent smile.

I pulled my arm away from her waist, grabbing one of her hands on my own waist.

"Okay, so put your hand here," I softly whispered, guiding her hand to my cheek, "You keep it here, baby."

Monroe hummed softly in acknowledgment, her stare not wavering from mine.

"Then your other hand..." I trailed off, grabbing her other hand on my waist—

And subtly guiding it between my legs.

"This is where it belongs," I softly murmured, reaching up to cup her face in my hand.

Then I lowered my other hand down, sliding it between her soft warm thighs.

"And now, you look at me... and I look at you," I tried my best to explain, even if I wasn't sure what direction I was going.

I just wanted to show her a deeper way to do all of this.

Monroe's lips parted when I slipped my hand beneath her smooth underwear, running my fingertips over her soft wet clit.

I gasped when Monroe mirrored my actions, rubbing my clit just as I did hers.

"Okay, and you-uh—be as loud as you want," I told her, quickening my pace and eliciting a soft moan from her.

"My god, Liberty," she softly whispered, quickening her pace against me to match mine.

I moaned even deeper, leaning my face closer to rest my nose against hers.

I held her stare, my eyes nearly sinking into hers as I carefully slid two fingers past her wet entrance.

Monroe moaned immediately in response, and I swear she felt so fucking warm around me.

It was one of the best feelings I've ever experienced.

"How does that feel, baby?" I asked her, my eyes trailing her face for where her head was.

"Good," she murmured, sliding two fingers into me and matching my actions, "My beautiful Liberty."

My parted lips twitched up, letting out a breathless moan as she caressed my face with her other hand.

I kept my pace slow, curling my fingers against the ridges of her G-spot.

"Liberty," she moaned out, her warm breath fanning across my lips as she held my stare.

I furrowed my brows as soon as she began hitting my spot so perfectly, keeping her pace as slow as mine.

"I never want to stop," I breathed out, "Don't stop, please."

Monroe subtly grazed her lips against mine, "Never," she softly murmured, openly holding my stare.

I moaned softly as I tucked her soft hair away from her face with my other hand, slowly approaching my orgasm.

"I'm right there," I tried my best to say, even if my words were breathless and stuck together.

Monroe tightening around my fingers only pushed me closer to my orgasm.

"Together?" I whispered, earning a few nods from the beautiful woman in front of me.

God, this was beyond anything I've ever experienced.

I could do this over and over again until the end of time.

"Come with me, Liberty," Monroe whispered against my lips, making me moan so deeply.

That was it.

I hit my peak immediately, gasping for air between breathless moans.

Our heavy breaths tangled as Monroe fell into her orgasm with me, pressing her lips to mine and muffling my moans.

I kissed her softly, tightening even more around her fingers before I suddenly went limp.

A smile twitched up on my lips as soon as our eyes fluttered open, meeting each other's stare.

"That was incredible," I breathed out as we slid out of each other. "What did you think?"

Monroe remained silent for a moment, her blue eyes trailing my face.

There was an unfamiliar look behind her eyes. 

It made me unconsciously hold my breath, anticipating that she hated it.

Or maybe it was too much.

It was definitely too much. 

We never do this sort of thing. 

"I need this once a day now," Monroe suddenly murmured, briefly kissing my cheek before leaning down to my neck.

I laughed softly, "Really?" I asked, almost in disbelief, "You want it to be our daily routine?"

"I need it to be," she corrected me, nuzzling her face into the crook of my neck as she pressed her body closer to mine.

My smile widened, running my arms around her body as I caressed the back of her head.

"I'm really happy you liked it," I whispered, relaxing in her arms.

Monroe hummed softly in response, but even I could hear the tiredness in her voice.

I'm honestly ready to call it a night as well.

"Is it bedtime?" I softly asked her, my tone entirely joking.

"I need to ensure everything is good with one of my patients, then yes," Monroe murmured against my skin.

"Oh, was that the call from earlier?" I asked, recalling the Seattle area code.

"Yes, it was most likely his parents," Monroe briefly explained, "I recognized their number."

"I hope everything is okay," I murmured, knowing he was probably a younger patient if his parents had called.

"I'm sure everything is," she said, softly kissing my neck before pulling away slightly.

I laid up from the bed as she grabbed her phone, deciding I would brush my teeth and prepare her toothbrush for her as well.

Monroe went ahead and handled her phone call in the bedroom, so I made sure to shut the bathroom door to give her privacy.

It honestly didn't take her that long to check in and ensure everything was okay.

Soon, she was walking into the bathroom while I was focusing on my skincare.

I seriously counted down the minutes until I would be in bed again with her.

It didn't take too long to finish up our nighttime routine, luckily.

Within ten minutes, we were sliding into the bed and turning the lamps off.

It wasn't even that late—especially not in Seattle time, but after a full day of traveling, I was beat.

So was Monroe.

We were out like a light within minutes, our bodies tangled together and our breaths soft in the quiet air.

Even if I hated being here, I will say the bed was really fucking comfortable.

I slept through all night, even if Maricel still lingered in my dreams like some sort of weird plague.

Luckily, it wasn't a full-on nightmare, but it did wake me up out of my sleep.

The room was dark, and the bed beside me was empty, furthering my sleepy confusion.

Then I noticed the sliver of light under the bathroom door, queuing me in on where Monroe was.

I rubbed underneath my heavy eyes, sitting up in bed as I tried to wake up further.

The bathroom door opened seconds later, quickly revealing Monroe.

Only she wasn't in only a bra and underwear.

She wore black Nike leggings and a matching long-sleeve compression shirt.

Her silky brown hair was tied into a high ponytail, her bangs framing her bare face.

"Did I wake you, darling?" Monroe softly whispered, her brows furrowing in concern.

I quickly shook my head, "No-no, I just," I paused, not wanting to mention the Maricel dreams.

The night before we left for New York, my dreams had gone back to normal.

This was only a second occurrence.

"I kind of woke up on my own," I whispered, hating that this was my second lie.

But Monroe can't deploy herself into my dreams.

It's fine anyway, I'm sure it will fade.

Maricel's death is just really fresh.

"Do you need anything?" Monroe said as she approached the bed, eyeing the nightstand that already had a water on it.

I shook my head, "No," I murmured as she leaned over to softly kiss the top of my head, "Where are you going?" I curiously asked.

"For a run," Monroe said, reaching down to fluff the pillows for me, "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep," she offered.

I remained silent as I subtly eyed her face.

I enjoyed her offer, but I also felt a little worried.

The last time I remembered her running was at the therapy retreat.

I wonder if she runs to clear her mind, maybe?

Should I let her go alone?

I'm scared about her seeing either of her parents, especially after last night.

I don't know what our long-term plan is here, but we need to get out of here.

And quickly.

"Can I come?" I suddenly asked, even if running was the last thing I wanted to do right now.

I don't even run on the treadmill, I walk.

This is going to be hell, but it's worth it if I know she's okay.

"Darling, it's only six in the morning," Monroe said, furrowing her brows as she eyed my face, "You should sleep. I won't be long."

"I know, I just... love running," I awkwardly said, my words sounding noticeably hesitant.

I hate running.

God, I hate it so much.

The only time I'm running is if I'm running from something.

Otherwise, what's the point?

"You love running?" Monroe echoed my words back to me, tilting her head slightly.

"Yes, it's just-so much fun," I said, forcing an excited smile, "Like the most fun activity that you can do in your free time."

Monroe only hummed, glancing down at the covers I pulled back so I could get out of bed.

Even if it felt so warm and the sheets were so soft.

Fuck Monroe for being so athletic.

Actually, I would fuck her for that.

Or really anything at all—

"I know every detail about you, Liberty," Monroe suddenly spoke again as I walked toward the closet, "You prefer weighted workouts. Perhaps an inclined walk on the treadmill."

Very true.

How she knows that is beyond me anymore.

I'm used to it at this point.

"You don't love running, darling," she emphasized like it was a clear fact in her head.

"I... love the idea of it," I quickly settled on as I rummaged through my suitcase, "Running sounds like fun."

Monroe hummed as she leaned against the door frame, watching me look through my suitcase that she had packed meticulously.

"I didn't pack you any running attire, darling," she clarified, "Because you don't prefer running."

I rolled my eyes at the repetitive point she keeps making.

It's actually kind of funny how confused she looks.

"I'm sure I'll prefer it after this," I determined with a small smile, "Normal workout clothes should work right?"

Monroe nodded once, "Yes, perhaps you can wear a pair of my running shoes," she suggested, walking over to her suitcase, "None of your shoes will provide enough support."

"Perfect," I murmured happily, grabbing the cropped long-sleeve athletic top, a sports bra,
and a pair of seamless leggings, "Thank you, Ro Ro."

"Of course, darling," she didn't hesitate to say as I stood from the floor to get changed.

It didn't even take me that long to fully get ready, either.

I let Monroe do my hair since she always does the best messy buns.

Then I slipped on her sneakers, which fit me a little looser, so I had to settle for a pair of mine instead.

But they were still built for the gym, just not technically running shoes.

Either way, I felt weirdly energized as I walked with Monroe through the quiet hallways.

All the lights were weirdly on, not a person in sight.

It was kind of unsettling, especially once Monroe led me outside.

There was this weird fog, and the sky was getting lighter without a sunrise.

I could tell it was going to be a gloomy day.

Monroe ensured I stretched properly, especially my hamstrings.

"Touch the grass," I heard her voice echo by me.

I folded down further, my legs spread apart as I touched the dewy grass between my feet.

I was pretty flexible, so it didn't really hurt.

My legs burned a little, but it quickly faded away.

"Monroe," I immediately said when I felt the warmth of her lower body pressed against my backside.

"Keep stretching, darling," she softly murmured, running her hands past my waist that she gripped. "My god, are you going to be a distraction," she whispered under her breath, making every inch of my body light up with warmth.

"We can always do cardio inside," I subtly suggested, pressing my ass further against her as I remained bent over.

Monroe hummed softly, "Oh, we'll get to that, Liberty," she determined, "Trust me."

I clenched my jaw, feeling an ache at my core from her words alone.

"You and these leggings," she whispered mostly to herself, gently squeezing my ass and making me chuckle.

"I should wear these around you more often, Ro Ro," I teased, lifting up from my leaned-over position.

"You would barely last a few seconds around me in these," Monroe determined as I turned to face her, smiling wider when I noticed her diverted stare.

She looked genuinely dazed, eyeing my body like it only ever belonged to her.

"Twenty minutes," she suddenly murmured, blinking a few times as she glanced away from my presence entirely, "We'll run for twenty minutes and head back inside."

I nodded, "Sounds good to me," I said with a smile.

Monroe only hummed, still not glancing in my overall direction.

She only motioned for me to follow along on the pathway, which led into the surrounding woods.

I wondered if she ran often when growing up here.

She seemed to know the trail really well.

Meanwhile, I was holding on for dear life. 

The first few minutes, I was fine, but it continuously got worse. 

"Ro," I breathed out, wheezing for air as I tried to keep running.

But fuck did my lungs burn and my legs ache.

This is the worst thing ever.

"Liberty," Monroe calmly said through measured breaths as she continued running beside me, "If you stop right now, I'm edging you."

I parted my lips wider, "You're cruel," I breathed out, inhaling breaths of air as I contemplated what was worse.

Edging or running.

Probably running.

"I won't relieve you for a week, Liberty," Monroe added, noticing my pace falter slightly.

I groaned dramatically, "But my legs hurt and I can't breathe," I complained as we continued running along the trail.

"That's never stopped you from finishing before," she just had to say, making me lightly hit her arm.

"You're so annoying," I whispered through deep breaths as Monroe chuckled effortlessly, not even slightly affected by running.

She was sweating beautifully, but she had more controlled breathing.

"We're halfway there," Monroe encouraged me.

"Halfway?" I emphasized with wide eyes, making another beautiful chuckle fall from Monroe's lips.

"You can do it, sweetheart," she encouraged me as we followed the curve in the trail, "You know I always reward you when you're good for me."

I groaned dramatically, my breaths growing shallower, "You're right, I don't like running," I quickly rushed out, trying not to stumble over my feet, "I hate it so much, but I wanted to make sure you would be okay. I didn't want to let you go alone and—"

"Liberty," she softly cut me short, halting her running entirely.

But I didn't stop.

No matter how much I wanted to, it wasn't worth an edging that lasted days.

"You can stop running, darling," she called out, immediately making my feet halt underneath.

I panted for air, hunching over as I tried to catch my breath.

My lungs burned so fucking badly.

I fucking hate this.

I coughed a few times, feeling her softly grab my ponytail to hold it away from my face.

"My sweet girl," she softly whispered as she rubbed my back, "Thank you for coming with me."

I forced a hum, "Always," I forced out, coughing a few more times as I leaned up to my full height.

"Come on, let's go get back in bed," Monroe told me, immediately making my eyes light up.

"Yes, please," I nearly pleaded.

"After a shower," she quickly clarified, walking to stand with her back to me and bending her knees slightly, "I'll carry you the rest of the way."

"Ro, you don't have to do that," I immediately said, even if her offer was very generous.

"I'm not asking," Monroe clarified, "Get on or I'm throwing you over my shoulder."

I rolled my eyes at her threat, "Fine, but not the entire way," I said, knowing she would throw me over her shoulder with ease. "I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"I'll be perfectly fine," Monroe said as I lifted one of my legs, reaching for her shoulders so I could get on her back. "Good girl," she murmured once I got settled on her back.

I smiled slightly when she turned her head, clearly wanting a kiss from me.

"Thank you, Ro Ro," I said as I leaned in to kiss her lips.

She hummed in response, "You're welcome, my beautiful girl," she said, walking forward as I rested my head on her shoulder.

This is so much better than running.

I'll never underestimate the strength it takes to run again.

I also won't underestimate Monroe's parents.

We need to formulate a game plan as soon as we make it inside.