"Hey," I whispered, grabbing the attention of the girl sitting against my chest. I could feel her heart beat under my fingers, hear her soft breaths slowing as she fought sleep to watch the end of the movie with me. 

She turned her head slightly, shifting so that I could see her face. A soft smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. How could a girl so perfect have chosen me? I pressed my lips to her cheek in a silent thank you, and I felt the butterflies stirring in my stomach when she grinned. I love you.

"Can I be cheesy for a minute?" I asked with new-found courage. She hummed. "Promise you won't be weird," I added. "Promise you'll stay."

She hummed again, apparently still awake enough to turn fully around and straddle my hips with her legs. "Only if you promise to keep loving me." Mischief danced in her brilliant blue eyes and I found myself smirking.

"It's a deal." My eyelids fluttered shut as her lips met mine, soft and sweet.

She chuckled at the small whine that left my throat when she pulled away. "You were about to confess your love, Annie," she reminded me. I'm unashamed to admit that the sound of my name on her lips sent a shiver down my spine. "Don't let me stop you."

I sighed softly, regretting my decision to be vulnerable but knowing I couldn't turn back now. I looked away from her curious gaze, feeling a blush creeping up my neck. I swallowed. "I... I love you," I began, and suddenly the words came pouring out. "So much that it scares me. My life has never been perfect, I've had to deal with some shit I wish I hadn't, and I've always been afraid to be happy. I'm afraid to breathe. It's as if I know how to swim, but I'm always drowning."

I knew I was rambling, and I wasn't making much sense, but there was no stopping me. While I may not be good at speeches or explaining my feelings, I still had to try. For her. Anything for her.

Her hand at my chin gently guided my gaze back towards hers. She's all I saw. Those beautiful eyes staring back at me like a wolf in the night, silently waiting for me to continue. I was the prey and she was the hunter, and I wanted so desperately to be hunted.

"I was lost," I continued after a minute. "Afraid that I would never find my way. I always had this fear that no one would ever love me, no one would ever understand me, and if I died, no one would care." I looked away again, the pained expression on her face making me regret bringing up my insecurities. "But," I whispered, voice cracking. "You do. You care. And... For the first time in my life, I can breathe. For the first time in my life, I'm happy. You pulled me out of the ocean and gave me a home."

A tear slipped down my cheek. I really hadn't meant to get this emotional, but it was only fitting. I was a candle, barely flickering, begging to be blown out, and she was the air keeping me alive. I needed her.

She smiled. "I'll always be your home, Annie," she whispered, resting her head on my shoulder. "Always."

And I believed her.

I'm not naive. I knew it would end. I knew she would leave. I loved her. A lot. I still do. But now, as I watch the sun fade from existence, I can't seem to find a reason why I shouldn't do the same. 

I hoped. Loved. Lived. Laughed. And for one measly moment, once in my entire life,

Breathed.

But as is the fate of every candle, I suffocated without her.