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It was just coming up to 2am when Simon's phone rang, causing his bedside table to shake a little. He quickly went to turn it off, as the city was currently supposed to be under a blackout, but paused when he saw who was ringing. He then answered immediately.
"Betty? Betty dear, it's so late - is everything alright?" He whispered down the phone.
"I - yeah," his girlfriends voice crackled down the unstable line, but through the static he hear her sniff and take in quick breaths. "Simon, I-I was just wondering if I could come over?"
"Oh Betty, of course - um," Simon pondered a moment, "There's officers patrolling most streets at this time, how are you-" he was interrupted by a knock at the door. Crud. He cut himself off and held his breath as he began to tiptoe out of his bedroom and towards the entrance to his apartment. At such a key point in his career, he really could not be arrested right now. That would certainly put a spanner in the works. As he inched closer, he heard Betty from down the line.
"I'm at the door Simon," she whispered. Her voice, as well as coming from the phone, crept under his door. He quickly unlocked it to reveal his girlfriend, face red and eyes puffy, snivelling in his doorway. He embraced her.
As he ushered Betty in he went to switch the kettle on, before realising the noise would be much too loud. "Would you like some milk? I'd make you tea - the kettle-"
"I brought chocolate milk powder," Betty said with a weak smile, pulling a small jar of cocoa from her coat pocket. Even with her face just barely lit by the moon, with her cheeks wet with tears, she looked radiant.
They both began preparing themselves chocolate milk in silence. Betty wiped away her tears, and once they were finished they sat at Simon's small, rather unstable kitchen table. They sat across from one another and each took a sip. "Betty," began Simon between careful sips, "what happened?" He looked at her, his face concerned and sympathetic. Betty shrugged.
"Nothing happened per se, it's," she looked forlornly out the window. At that moment, some lights in the sky were crossing above the city. Her eyes welled up, and she stared out in horror as the plane silently crossed the cityscape. Simon quickly got up and shut his curtains. Lighting a small candle, he returned to the table. "You're not supposed to have any light sources," she said.
"If anyone notices, I'll," he rubbed his chin, "I'll eat your sweater!" He smiled at her, and she giggled.
"Anyways, I guess it's just everything." She looked into her mug and gently stirred the spoon around the edge. "I wonder if I would've been safer on that outback trip, or - or if I'd ever get to come home from it, or anything, you know?" Her voice cracked. "I just feel like it's coming to an end."
Simon frowned at her "What is?" She waved her arms around, gesturing at nothing in particular.
"Everything!"
He rubbed his face. "Oh Betty, Betty my darling - I know how scary things seem right now, I know - but do you know what else I know?" She looked at him expectantly. "I know that no matter what happens, you and I will be okay."
She smiled at him weakly and nodded, looking down at her hands. "I hope so."
"I know so! And have I ever been wrong before?"
"...Well-"
"Don't answer that." They both chuckled at each other, and Betty yawned.
"Simon, would it be too intrusive if I were to stay over? I-I know you're busy tomorrow and I know I've already disrupted your schedule and-" Simon placed his hand on hers.
"Betty, there is literally nothing in this entire universe and/or multiverse that I would want more. I'll get you some PJ's."
-
Betty stood in an oversized shirt of Simon's, the front of which read "Don't trust atoms, they make up everything!" The fabric was still soft, suggesting that Simon had likely gotten it as a gift and had never actually worn it. She pulled herself under the sheets of his bed and wrapped her arms around him. He stroked her hair gently.
"I'm glad you're here, Betty."
"I'm glad I'm here too, Simon." She buried her head into his chest. He smelled like old books and peppermint - and chocolate milk. He shifted a little.
"Betty, dear, I-" he found himself stumbling over his words. He cleared his throat. "I think you should come round more often. And stay more often. Um," he rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't want you sneaking out past curfew - you could get arrested. It'd be safer if, well," he cleared his throat again, "if you were to live here. With me."
Betty's eyes lit up. "Oh Simon," she gushed, "Simon there is literally nothing in this entire universe and/or multiverse that I would want more." She buried her face further into his chest and squealed a little.
"Besides, now it'll be a lot easier for me to lend you books-"
"And easier for me to help you with your studies-"
"And easier for me to not miss you so much when you're gone."
Betty smiled at him and kissed his cheek. Simon blushed and looked away. "I love you, Simon Petrikov."
"And I love you, Betty Grof."