#IVE BEEN HERE 12 YEARS STOP | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

maddamoiselle · 7 days ago

Text

The Weight of Wanting You

Pairing: Caleb x NonMC!Reader Synopsis: You fell for each other in pixels and whispers—never realizing you had already crashed into each other every day in real life.

Tags: Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, university AU, slow burn( I hope) Author's nonsense : Hahaha, 10k i must be crazy. I hope you'll enjoy. its mostly the bounds getting created. I really need a name for MC. Words: 10k <- Previous Chapter

Chapter IV: The Name I Don’t Know But Feel

Zayne’s voice cut through the speaker.

“I’ll be there in two hours.”

You nodded — you thought you did, at least. Everything felt a little floaty. Your nails pressed into the palm of your hand like it might keep you grounded. It didn’t.

You should feel better. There was the beginning of a plan now. Zayne was coming. You were not alone. You were not alone. His voice should steady you. Should make it easier to breathe.

Then why did your chest feel like it was caving in? But the air in your lungs went tight instead — too full of something. Guilt, maybe. Grief. Or fear. You were not sure anymore.

You heard her voice, still sitting next to you, trying to bring some comfort. Her voice was a bright melody you couldn’t quite follow.

“Oh! Zayne, you're coming here? That’s perfect!”

She was smiling at you like it’s a normal evening. Like dinner was still on. Like the world didn’t just turn sideways.

You nodded again. Smile or something like that.

“Yeah, that’s perfect…” you said before glancing at her. You could see her face, but it was like you couldn't understand what her expression was. “ So, are you all childhood friends? What a coincidence.” You asked them with a shaky laugh, like it was a game. Like you didn’t just find out you’ve been swallowing pieces of your own humanity for years.

“Oh, yeah! We’ve known each other since we were kids. Zayne is a bit older than us and is way cooler than Caleb, no pun intended. Why couldn't Zayne be my fake boyfriend…” she mumbled, making sure Caleb and Zayne couldn’t hear her.

You blinked at her, trying to keep your face light, your voice normal. She was so good at filling the room with warmth — you didn’t want to take that from her.

Caleb answered Zayne with something dry, but you could barely process it. You just register his voice low and steady, and his eyes — trained on you. Not watching the phone. Not looking at his girlfriend– no she said they weren’t in a relationship…

Just… watching you.

Your stomach twisted. You needed air.

You forced a small grin. You leaned back against the wall.

Smile wider.

“To be fair,” you added, voice light, “Caleb’s very convincing. He is sweet and protective of you.”

That got a loud snort from the woman, before she kept talking to you about her relationship with Caleb and Zayne. You knew she just wanted to cover the tension around the new situation but… hearing her talk without stopping was reminding you of your father’s voice.

Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?

“Do you want to eat right now?”

Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?

“ We should wait for Zayne.”

Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?Did you take your pills?

“But I’m sure she is hungry.”

“Eating now might get her sick.”

You were trying to breathe, your smile was still on but you could sense the anxiety growing inside you. Was your life always like this? Were you just someone whose choices were taken away from them? And for what?

“She doesn’t need another person trying to control her.” Zayne’s cold voice echoed from your phone.

Your best friend. The one who never betrayed you. The one who– even with a shift of 12 hours– was going to take a 2 hour ride to come to you.

You stood up gently, taking your phone from Caleb’s, listening to Zayne’s voice calling for your name, saying he will soon be here before hanging up.

And Caleb—

You felt his gaze.

You didn't look at him, but you felt it: steady, sharp, and watchful.

Your skin itched with the pressure of keeping still.

Not here. Not in front of them. Not where they can see.

“Be right back,” you muttered.

You didn’t wait for them to answer but as you turned away, you felt Caleb’s eyes still on you — not confused, not even annoyed. Just...

Focused. Quiet. Suspicious, maybe.

Or maybe he saw more than you wanted him to.

You barely made it.

You sank to the bathroom floor the second the lock clicked. Cold tile kissed the back of your legs, but you hardly felt it.The air feels thinner here, even though there’s more of it. Your lungs couldn’t find a rhythm.

Your hands were shaking.

The echo of your father’s voice wouldn’t stop repeating in your skull — Did you take your pills? Did you take your pills? — each repetition burying itself deeper, until even Pipsqueak’s warm, harmless chatter outside started to sound like him.

Like a command.

Like control.

Like the smile you had forced was no longer yours.

You pressed your knuckles to your mouth, willing the tremor in your breath to disappear.

It didn’t.

You grabbed your phone. Unlocked it.

Your fingers moved automatically — right to Discord. Right to the only person who didn’t know your name, didn’t ask you to be okay, didn’t expect anything from you except the truth you were willing to give.

You opened your thread with him. The last message still sat there, teasing and warm and perfect.

You stared at it a second longer than you meant to.

Then typed.

WindQueen.exe(21;02); i think i’m having a panic attack

You hovered a moment, your thumb shaking. Then tapped send.

That was it. That was all you could say.

You set the phone on the ground beside you, tucked your knees to your chest, and tried to keep your breaths quiet.

You didn’t want them to hear you.

Not her. Not your own self. Not Caleb.

Especially not Caleb.

The floor felt too real beneath you, and your hands didn’t feel like they belonged to you anymore. Your Evol stirred in your chest — faint little flickers of air that danced along your skin like it was trying to comfort you, but you were too raw to feel it properly.

Then—

A ping.

You turned your head, slowly.

The screen lit up with a message.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed is typing...

You barely breathed.

Then, the message appeared:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;02): okay

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;02) stay where you are

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;02) don’t move, don’t answer yet

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;02) just breathe, alright?

Another pause. Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;03); you don’t have to explain it to me

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;03); or justify anything

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;03); whatever it is — the weight, the fear, the noise in your chest — you don’t owe me the why

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;03); : you’re allowed to feel

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;04); even if it doesn’t make sense

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;04); even if it makes too much

You could feel tears dripping from your eyes, but you did not dare blink, waiting for his words again.The cursor blinked again. Then another message slid in:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;04); just picture this

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;04); my hand, not holding you down

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); not pulling you forward

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); just… there

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); on the floor beside you

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); steady

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); real

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); here

You didn’t mean to break like this.

You thought maybe you'd cry a little. Maybe breathe it out. Maybe count backwards from ten until the world stopped spinning.

But none of that happened.

Your breath caught in your throat like glass.

And then—

You shattered.

Your hand flew to your mouth too late to catch the sob. It clawed its way out, high and sharp and ugly. Your shoulders shook as you folded in on yourself, head against your knees, knuckles pressed to your lips.

You tried to breathe — slow, like he said — but it came out in broken hiccups. Wet. Harsh. Loud. And still not enough.

The air refused to stay in your lungs.

You were spiraling and floating all at once, the panic dragging its nails down your spine, your chest, your heart.

Did you take your pills?

You’re too much.

You’re not enough.

Don’t cry. Don’t feel. Don’t be difficult.

Your Evol stirred again — not calm this time, but confused. Like even it didn’t know how to help.

You turned your face to the wall and whispered into your knees, voice cracking:

“Please... I just want it to stop.”

Your phone buzzed again beside you.

His messages were still there.

Still here.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); i’m not going anywhere

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); and you’re not alone

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;05); not even close

You fumbled with your fingers — clumsy, wet, shaking — and pulled the phone into your lap.

You couldn't write much. Not like this.

But you wrote something anyway.

WindQueen.exe (21;07); can we go to the tree

WindQueen.exe (21;07); like last time

WindQueen.exe (21;07) ; and just hold hands

WindQueen.exe (21;07) ; not talk

WindQueen.exe (21;07); just that

You hit send.

Collapsed back against the wall, chest still heaving.

It was messy. Desperate. You didn’t care.

You just wanted to feel something solid. Something true.

You just wanted him. Even if you didn’t know his name. Even if he didn’t know yours.

You sat still for a long moment, the phone in your lap, your knees pulled tight to your chest. Your face was sticky with tears. Your mouth felt like paper. Your eyes watched the screen without blinking, waiting—aching—for any sign he was there.

Then—

Ping.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;07); meet me there

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;07); i’ll be waiting

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;07); and i’ll hold your hand as long as you want

You exhaled. Not fully. But it was enough to stand.

Your limbs still trembled as you wiped your face, turned the faucet on low, and splashed cold water against your skin. It didn’t make the ache go away — but it gave you something real to feel.

Your reflection was pale. Red-rimmed. But steadier than it had been. You slipped your phone into your pocket, fingers trailing along the edge of the sink one last time.

Then you opened the door.

And caught Caleb in motion.

He was zipping up his vest, quick, focused, moving like someone who already knew where he needed to be. His hand went for the doorknob, keys already in the other.

He didn’t look at you. Just paused mid-step and muttered, not unkindly:

“I’m heading out. Gonna pick up Zayne.”

You stared, stunned. You looked at the clock before looking back at him.

“Now? He’s still—”

“I won’t be long. Lock the door behind me.”

And then he was gone.

The door clicked shut. A breath of wind swept in from the hall before it sealed.

You stood there for a moment longer, frozen.

Then your phone buzzed again.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:18) i’m almost there

Your heart beat once. Hard.

You looked at the door again, Caleb’s footsteps faded down the corridor, fast and steady.

You still stood there, staring. Trying not to feel too much all at once.

meet me there, i’ll be waiting

His words on your screen still pulsed gently in your mind, wrapping around your ribs. You turned toward the living room, ready to slip out the back.

But his pipsqueak caught you.

She leaned against the doorway with a lopsided grin, arms crossed. That same easy energy — always sunshine, always trying to fill the silence.

“Sooo…” she sang. “He never moves that fast unless he’s late for training or hiding snacks.”

You raised a brow, forcing a half-smile.

“Maybe he just really misses Zayne.”

“Or,” She teased, wagging her eyebrows, “maybe Caleb’s got a secret girlfriend somewhere. You know… a real one.”

You reached for your jacket, not really in the mood for gossip about Caleb. The man could run for his soulmate and you wouldn’t even bat an eye.

“I’m heading out for a bit,” you said casually. “Need to grab a few things for Zayne. Something comforting, in case he’s tired when he gets here.”

“Aww,” She beamed. “You’re so thoughtful. Do you want me to—?”

“I’ve got it,” you cut in gently. “Be back soon.”

You slipped past her, the smile still on your lips.

But as soon as the door closed behind you, your heart began to race again.

Because this time, you weren’t going out for some poor reason.

You were going to the tree.

To him.

And you weren’t sure if the ground beneath your feet felt lighter …or if it was just him, pulling you in again like gravity.

You didn’t remember locking the door behind you. You barely remembered the way your hand trembled as it turned the knob, or how the air outside hit your lungs like it had been waiting to remind you that you were still alive.

You just ran.

Down the steps, across the path, past the quiet buzz of late-lit dorm windows — all of it a blur.

The world spun beneath your feet.

Too fast.

Too wide.

Your breaths came in sharp, ragged gasps, not quite enough to match the racing in your chest. Your heartbeat echoed between your ears, louder than your footsteps, louder than the rush of wind you hadn’t meant to stir with your Evol.

But it followed you anyway — a protective ripple of air circling you, like it knew you were one second from falling apart again.

You wiped your face with your sleeve without stopping. You couldn’t afford to stop.

If you stopped now, you might not move again.

Your legs burned. Your hands tingled. Your thoughts didn’t line up anymore — just scattered pieces:

He said he’d wait for me.

He’s there. He doesn’t even know me.

He still want me.

You turned the last corner, and the campus opened wide.

There it was.

The tree.

Your tree.

It stood tall at the edge of the quad, dark and still under the starlight — exactly as it had been that first night, when you sat with your back to his, fingers brushing the grass, breath catching in the silence between messages.

You reached the tree just as your knees finally gave out.

You sank down on the familiar patch of grass, your back resting gently against the rough bark. The night air brushed your skin, cooler now, and your Evol responded without command — a low, calming stir of wind wrapping around your arms like a whisper trying to soothe you.

You pressed your forehead to your knees.

Tried to breathe. Tried to believe that he would come.

Your phone buzzed once in your palm, but you didn’t check it. You didn’t want to hope too early.

Then—

A sound.

Shoes against the grass on the other side of the tree. Quiet. Hesitant. Real.

Your heart thundered.

You didn’t move. Didn’t call out. You just… waited.

Then your screen lit up in your hand.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;30); pls tell me you haven't been waiting for too long

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;30) i brought you some cakes

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;30) figured sugar might help

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;30) or at least distract you

You stared at the words, and something inside you broke cleanly, without resistance. A sound escaped you — not a sob, not yet, but something raw and caught and shaking. You buried your face in your hands and cried. For real this time. No holding back.

He came.

He brought you cake.

He didn’t know who you were.

But he came anyway.

You reached blindly to your side, fingers trembling, and laid your hand flat on the grass. Open. Reaching.

And after a beat— his fingers touched yours.

Soft. Steady. Warm.

He didn’t speak. You didn’t either.

But your hands stayed there, tangled in silence, and for once, you weren’t unraveling alone.

Your fingers stayed laced with his — palm to palm against the grass. He didn’t squeeze too tight. Didn’t shift. Just stayed.

Present.

Real.

Your breath was still unsteady, but the worst of it had passed. Like the flood inside you had finally found somewhere to drain.

Your phone buzzed in your other hand, soft and tentative. You glanced at it.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;31); you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;31); and for the record

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;31); crying isn’t weakness

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;31); it’s pressure leaving the body

You let out a sound that was half a laugh, half a sob — too soft for the night to carry. Your thumb moved slowly as you typed while you could feel his hand squeeze yours.

WindQueen.exe (21;31): your science is weird

WindQueen.exe (21;31): but thanks

Another ping.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;32); i’m full of weird science

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;32); and cake

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;32); i brought three kinds

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;32); i didn’t know what you liked

Your chest tightened again, but it wasn’t panic this time. It was gratitude so sharp it almost hurt. You swallowed it down and typed:

WindQueen.exe (21;32); i like that you showed up, that’s enough

Your phone buzzed again, this time with a different tone. Lighter.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;33); after the picture you sent earlier

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;33); i didn’t expect to find you crying under a tree

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;33); kinda ruins the femme fatale image

You let out a soft puff of air — not quite a laugh, but close. How could he always make you feel better, you didn't know.

Your thumb hovered above the screen as you typed:

WindQueen.exe (21;33): maybe i’m a multi-layered mystery

WindQueen.exe (21;34) dangerous at dusk, unhinged by midnight

His reply came quickly.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;34); dangerously beautiful

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;34); unhinged but still elegant

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;34); 8/10 would meet behind a tree again

You smiled, actually smiled — and bit your lip because it felt like too much.

But then a shadow of worry crept back into your chest. You turned your head slightly, trying to catch any glimpse beyond the tree trunk, even though you knew you wouldn’t see him.

WindQueen.exe (21;34) : are you okay though?

WindQueen.exe (21;34) you said you were sick

WindQueen.exe (21;35) i didn’t mean to drag you out like this

There was a longer pause before he answered.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;35); i’m still a little feverish

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;35); but this was worth it

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;35); you were worth it

Your heart tripped over itself. You stared at the screen a long time before responding.

WindQueen.exe (21;35): you’re too kind for someone who called me dramatic two nights ago

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;36); you are dramatic

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;36); but i like that about you

His fingers played lightly with yours — slow, lazy movements like he wasn’t even aware he was doing it. Or maybe he was, and he just didn’t care to stop.

You didn’t either.

Your phone buzzed again in your lap.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;36); your hand’s smaller than i remember

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;37); kinda unfair how it still fits so perfectly in mine

You smirked softly, already typing back.

WindQueen.exe (21;37): should i be flattered

WindQueen.exe (21;37): or suspicious that you’re measuring my hands behind a tree?

His reply came fast.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21;37); yes

You huffed a laugh under your breath and shifted a little, letting your thumb gently stroke across the back of his hand where your fingers stayed laced.

Then your teasing spark returned — that familiar fire that always made him rise to meet you.

WindQueen.exe (21;38): maybe your fever’s worse than you said

WindQueen.exe (21;38): didn’t realize one picture could mess you up that bad

WindQueen.exe (21;39): or are you always this handsy when you’re sick?

You could feel the pause on the other side of the tree.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:39); only when the girl is you

You bit your bottom lip, trying not to smile like an idiot.

WindQueen.exe (21:41): bold of you to assume i’m not secretly a swamp goblin with good angles

His fingers curled more securely around yours — a squeeze, followed by a small, wandering stroke of his thumb along your knuckles.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:41): then i guess i’m in trouble

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:41) cause i’d still meet you here anyway

The air between you was still. Warm, like the weight of your laughter hadn’t fully drifted away yet.

Then—

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:42): so…

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:42) you flirt like you fight

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:42) fast hands, no follow-through 😏

You blinked.

Then gaped at your screen.

WindQueen.exe (21:42): EXCUSE me??

WindQueen.exe (21:43): i’ll have you know i am very capable

WindQueen.exe (21:43); of follow-through

WindQueen.exe (21:43) i just choose to let you sweat

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:44): is that what you call running off with my heart and leaving me under a tree?

Your jaw dropped again. Your cheeks were on fire.

WindQueen.exe (21:44): you are SO dramatic

WindQueen.exe (21:44): are you sure i’m the dramatic one??

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:44): you cried over cake

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:45): i’m literally sitting here feverish and still smoother than you

Your hand tensed around his instinctively. He squeezed back — just enough to make it worse.

WindQueen.exe (21:45): i am being EMOTIONALLY VULNERABLE

WindQueen.exe (21:45) stop being HOT

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:46): can’t help that either

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:46) side effect of the fever 😏

You stared at the screen in disbelief, your other hand flying up to cover your face.

WindQueen.exe (21:46): i’m blocking you

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:46): with our fingers still touching?

You glanced down where your hand still rested in his — and now his thumb was stroking yours again, slow and deliberate.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:47): i win

WindQueen.exe (21:47): you’re unbearable

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:47): and yet here you are

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:47): still holding my hand

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:47): still choosing to stay

The teasing had gone too far. His thumb was still stroking yours. Your ears were burning. The tension was thick enough to chew through.

And then you snapped.

WindQueen.exe (21:48): you know what, feed me the cake

There was a long pause.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:48): …deal.

Your whole body tensed.

And then — you heard it.

Shuffling on the other side of the tree. A rustle. A plastic bag. Then a soft tap tap on the grass near your side. You glanced down.

Fingers.

His.

Holding out something — a fluffy little cube of strawberry shortcake, balanced precariously between his thumb and index.

You stared. You didn’t even think.

You leaned in—

—and bit his fingers.

Not hard. But definitely enough to make a point and hear him gasp.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:49): ???

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:49): DID YOU JUST BITE ME WOMAN

WindQueen.exe (21:49): power move

WindQueen.exe (21:49): respect it

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:50): remind me never to flirt with you near sharp objects again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:50): or dessert

WindQueen.exe (21:50): you love it

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:50): …yeah

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:50): i kinda do

You licked the frosting off your lips and smiled, still breathless, still dizzy — but for the first time in hours, it wasn’t from panic.

It was from him.

WindQueen.exe (21:51): you’re an idiot

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:51): yours tho?

Your fingers curled tighter around his — warm, steady.

You didn’t answer but your smile against the back of your hand said everything. You were grinning like an idiot, you almost felt ashamed of yourself.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:52): so that’s what it takes, huh

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:52): cake and fingers

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:52): you really do bite when you want something

WindQueen.exe (21:52): careful

WindQueen.exe (21:52): you’re the one who offered

WindQueen.exe (21:52): i just took initiative

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:53): oh, is that what we’re calling it

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:53): initiative?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:53): interesting word for someone who moaned over cake and bit me in the same breath

You choked on air.

WindQueen.exe (21:53): i did NOT moan

WindQueen.exe (21:53): that was an exhale. a stressed sigh.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): sounded like sin

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): not stress

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): should i test the theory?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): next bite, maybe a little slower?

Your fingers tightened around his instinctively. You were not prepared.

WindQueen.exe (21:54): you’re sick. go home. hydrate. cool off.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): maybe i can’t cool off

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:54): maybe someone raised the temperature tonight

WindQueen.exe (21:55): oh my god! did you just blame your fever on me

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:55): look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t plan the picture

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:55): the hand-holding

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:55): the tree

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:55): the cake trap

You were shaking with laughter — and something else.

WindQueen.exe (21:56): you’re delusional

WindQueen.exe (21:56): and dramatic

WindQueen.exe (21:56): and not wrong

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:56): say that again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:56): the last part

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:56): slowly

WindQueen.exe (21:57): not.

WindQueen.exe (21:57) wrong.

You felt it — the shift.

His thumb slid slowly across the inside of your wrist, where your pulse stuttered.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:57): if we weren’t behind a tree right now

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:57): i’d kiss the hell out of you

Your heart stopped.Then thundered.

WindQueen.exe (21:58): what if i still want you to

WindQueen.exe (21:58): even behind the tree

There was a long pause.

You could feel it.

The world shrank to the space between your hand and his.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (21:59): then hold still, let me find your hand again

And when he did, his fingers slid between yours like he already knew the shape of your want.

You didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.

You felt his fingers brush yours again — slow, careful. No teasing this time.

He found your hand where it waited in the grass, lifted it gently, cradling it in both of his.

Then—

Warmth.

Soft.

His lips pressed against your knuckles — slow, certain. A touch so quiet it was nearly lost to the night.

But it set your heart ablaze.

No words followed. No jokes. No smirk in your messages.

Just a buzz.

WindQueen.exe (22:00): you kissed my hand

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:00): yeah

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:00): couldn’t help it

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:00): your fingers were asking for it

WindQueen.exe (22:01): i think i stopped breathing

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:01): same

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:01): should we file a report or something

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:01): “unknown girl under tree causes temporary cardiac arrest via skin contact”

WindQueen.exe (22:02): i’ll frame it

You were dizzy. Not from panic this time. Not from running.

From him.

The way he kissed your hand like he’d been waiting all night to do it. Like your skin held secrets he needed to taste. You looked at your phone, thumb trembling.

WindQueen.exe (22:03): is this your fever or are you always like this

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:03): dangerously charming?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:03): tragically sincere?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:03): touch-starved and losing it under a tree?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:04): yeah, that’s all just me

WindQueen.exe (22:04): you realize you’re making it impossible to sleep now, right?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:05): good

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:05): i don’t want you dreaming about anyone else

You stared at the screen, blushing furiously with heat polling in your lower belly. Then your eyes turned back at where your hand still rested in his.

WindQueen.exe (22:05): maybe i’ll just dream about that kiss

WindQueen.exe (22:05): over and over

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:05): need a better one?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:05) we could try again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:05) next time, closer to the wrist

Your breath hitched.

The images that conjured—

WindQueen.exe (22:06): you’re gonna kill me

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:06): not before i ruin you a little first

Your stomach flipped. He was teasing — but it didn’t feel like a joke anymore. Not with the way his thumb kept stroking circles over your palm. Not with the way your body leaned into the space between the tree trunks like a tide.

WindQueen.exe (22:07): stop flirting

WindQueen.exe (22:07): i’m weak and you’re warm

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:07): babe

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:07): i’m literally burning

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:07): if you peek right now, i won’t stop you

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:07): but i also won’t let you walk away after

The first kiss had been on your knuckles.

Soft. Surprising.

This one…

This one wasn’t.

You didn’t even feel him move. Just the shift of air. The tilt of your hand.

Then—

His lips at your wrist.

Open.

Lingering.

Not just a kiss. A press.

Right over your pulse.

He knew.

Your Evol sparked — a flutter of breeze circling low around your ankles, unsure what to do with the way your whole body flushed in waves.

Your phone buzzed in your lap.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:08): your skin got warmer here, did you notice?

You swallowed hard. Your breath caught somewhere high in your chest. You tried to keep your cool.

You tried.

WindQueen.exe (22:09): maybe your fever’s just spreading. i should quarantine you

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:09): you’re the one trembling

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:09): i think you caught it

He kissed you there again.

Slower.

His breath left heat behind — like you’d been marked.

WindQueen.exe (22:10): if i pass out under this tree, you’re legally responsible

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:10): that’s fair, but only if i get to kiss you awake

Your legs nearly buckled beneath you. You bit your lips, trying to contain any noise that he could manage to pull out of you. It was unfair how easy it seemed for him to turn you into a melting void.

WindQueen.exe (22:10): you think you’re so smooth

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:11): i know i am

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:11): and right now

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:11): you’re letting me be

His lips didn’t leave your wrist.

They just…stayed.

A brush. A breath. A dare.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:11): tell me to stop

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:11): and i will

You didn’t.

Instead, you lifted his hand slightly — just enough to bring it to your mouth.

And then…

You bit him.

Hard. Just enough.

To mark.

To answer.

To challenge.

You heard it before you saw the notification.

A sharp, startled sound — muffled by the tree but unmistakable.

A low, involuntary moan.

Your face went up in flames.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:12): …you’re playing a dangerous game

You couldn’t look at the screen.

You did anyway.

WindQueen.exe (22:12): that wasn’t on purpose

WindQueen.exe (22:12):fklfejflsf

WindQueen.exe (22:12): i mean it was

WindQueen.exe (22:12): but not gugkjh

WindQueen.exe (22:12): you weren’t supposed to react like that

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): too late

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): you found my weak spot

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): hope you’re proud of yourself

You covered your mouth with your hand — not the one still held tightly in his. You quickly took your hand off your mouth to answer him. Why didn’t you think before acting upon your intrusive thoughts?

WindQueen.exe (22:13): oh my god i can never show my face again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): good

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): cause if i saw your face right now

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:13): i wouldn’t be responsible for what happens next

WindQueen.exe (22:13): STOP

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:14): babe

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:14): you bit me

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:14): and i liked it

Your Evol flickered again — a swirl of air brushing your ankles like even the wind was scandalized.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:14): just saying, you should be careful

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:15): because

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:15): i like to bite too

Your entire soul exited your body.

WindQueen.exe (22:15): okay

WindQueen.exe (22:15): i’m done

WindQueen.exe (22:15): you win

WindQueen.exe (22:15): i concede the war

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:15): oh no, sweetheart

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:15): this isn’t war

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:15): this is foreplay

You threw your phone into your lap.

Then picked it back up 0.2 seconds later because what if he sent another one. You were breathing like you ran a marathon. Your Evol curled around your ankles like a cat sensing chaos.

Your hands were shaking… So of course, you typed.

WindQueen.exe (22:16): you’re disgusting

WindQueen.exe (22:16): filthyWindQueen.exe (22:16): revolting

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:16): keep going, say it slower

WindQueen.exe (22:17): oh my GOD

WindQueen.exe (22:17): this is harassment

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:17): nah, this is what happens when you bite me under a tree in the dark

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:17): what did you expect?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:17): silence?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:17): prayer?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:17): restraint?

WindQueen.exe (22:18): i expected composure

WindQueen.exe (22:18): maybe a thank you

WindQueen.exe (22:18): definitely not a moan

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:18): say it again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:18): say “moan” one more time

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:18): i dare you

You were not okay. Your whole body felt wired, pulled tight, like one more word from him and you'd snap in half.

So of course, you bit back.

WindQueen.exe (22:18): you liked it that much?

WindQueen.exe (22:18): what would you do if i bit higher?

The silence after that felt like a thunderstorm.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): sweetheart

You swallowed.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): you keep saying things like that

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): and one night

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): i’m gonna stop kissing your hand

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): and start dragging my teeth up your arm

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:19): until you forget there’s a tree between us

You almost dropped your phone.

WindQueen.exe (22:20): YOU ARE SICK

WindQueen.exe (22:20): YOU HAVE A FEVER

WindQueen.exe (22:20): GO HOME

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:20): i am home

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:20): you’re here

That one shut you up.

Completely.

Your hand was still in his. His thumb — still stroking. His other hand rested warm over the top of yours now, grounding you.

WindQueen.exe (22:21): …say that again

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): you’re home

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): even if i don’t know your name

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): even if i never see your face

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): this?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): right here?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:21): feels like home

You didn’t know how to reply. You stared at your phone like it was holy. Like it might burn you.Your pulse thudded in your ears. So instead of typing…You leaned forward. Lifted his hand — the same one you’d bit before. The one he didn’t let go of even once.

And you kissed it.

Soft. Warm. Right over the mark you’d left.

No bite. No tease.

Just a press of lips, slow and reverent.

A moment that said: I’m here too.

No more Discord messages came. Not right away. You didn’t need them. Because on the other side of the tree, he didn’t move. Didn’t speak. But his fingers closed tight around yours.

Then, gently, your phone buzzed.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:23): that was the kind of kiss people write poems about

You smiled. Quietly. Felt your throat sting a little.

WindQueen.exe (22:23): that was the kind of hand that deserved one

There was a pause.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:24): i’m gonna think about that for days

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:24): maybe longer

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:24): maybe always

Your thumb brushed his. And this time? You kissed his wrist again. Just because you wanted to. No teasing. No biting. No games.

Just you. And him.

Still behind the tree. Still hidden.

But closer than ever.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:29): it’s late, you should go sleep

You smiled faintly.

WindQueen.exe (22:30): you too, before your fever eats the rest of your brain

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:30): too late. gave the last pieces to you

You laughed under your breath. Your thumb brushed along the edge of his hand. One last time.

WindQueen.exe (22:31): thank you for being here

The pause that followed was longer than usual.

Then:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:32): always

Your throat tightened.

WindQueen.exe (22:33): goodnight and you better take care of your fever

And just before you let go of his hand — your phone buzzed once more, one last time:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:34): don’t dream of anyone else tonight

WindQueen.exe (22:34): i never do

You stayed there, beneath the tree, long after he pulled away.You heard his footsteps—slow, steady, then fading. And you almost called out.

But you didn’t.

Not until your eyes drifted down.

There—on the inside of your wrist, where his mouth had lingered too long.

A faint purple bloom.

A kiss.

No—a hickey.

Your stomach dropped. Your face burned. Your fingers twitched, brushing over the heat that still pulsed there. You blinked down at it, stunned, heart racing again as the night swirled around you.

That bastard.

He didn’t bite.

He claimed.

He bit you back. He knew exactly what he was doing.

You fumbled for your phone, heart in your throat. Clicked a photo—your fingers forming a half-heart with the fresh mark on your wrist.

And without thinking twice, you sent it.

WindQueen.exe (22:39): [image attached]

WindQueen.exe (22:39): you left something.

The reply came almost instantly.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:39): fuck

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:39): you’re going to kill me

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:39) slowly

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:39) sexily

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:39) and i’m gonna say thank you

WindQueen.exe (22:40): you’re trouble

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:40): and you like it?

WindQueen.exe (22:41): i really, really do

There it was again.

That ache. That need. That thing between you neither of you dared name.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): now go

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): or i’ll come back

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): and bite somewhere worse

WindQueen.exe (22:41): is that a threat?

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): it’s a promise

You laughed aloud under the tree, covering your burning face.

WindQueen.exe (22:40): night, gravity boy

WindQueen.exe (22:40): try not to dream about my wrist

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:40): too late

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:40): it’s already in 4K in my brain

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): see you tomorrow (?)

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (22:41): bruises and all

You sighed with a soft smile before standing up. You couldn’t help but laugh when you noticed the bag of cake still on the ground. You took it with you and ate one on the way to an open shop. You bought some drinks and sweets, knowing Zayne would crave it as soon as he arrived.

After thirty minutes, or forty, you were back at Caleb’s apartment, feeling guilty to have ran off like this, leaving Caleb’s girlfri— friend alone.

You shut the door behind you softly. No need to be quiet — Caleb hadn’t returned yet, Zayne’s train was supposed to arrive in less than an hour. But someone was waiting.

She sat on the couch, curled under a blanket, a mug in her hands and concern in her eyes. When she saw you, she immediately stood.

“Hey,” she said gently. “I was starting to worry.”

You gave her a soft smile — smaller than usual, but no longer hollow. “Sorry. I just… needed air.”

She didn’t press. “Did it help?”

You nodded. “Yeah. It did.”

She blinked, surprised at how steady your voice sounded. Then she smiled too, cautiously. “You seem… different. Better.”

“I am,” you said.

She gestured to the spot beside her on the couch. “Want to sit with me a bit? ”

You hesitated only a moment before joining her.

And she talked. Soft and sweet, her voice filling the space like a hum.

She told you about how Zayne used to carry her on his back when she fell asleep in strange places. How Caleb used to be louder— cunning, protective — until he wasn’t. About the time they all snuck out to watch fireworks when they were fifteen, and Caleb fell asleep with his head on her shoulder and pretended the next morning it never happened.

You listened. Not just out of politeness. But because… you could feel the shape of their friendship more clearly through her words.

“Zayne used to call him gravity-boy,” She giggled softly, swirling her tea. “Not because of his power — just because everything kinda stuck to him. People, problems, tension. He just… holds things. Even when it’s too heavy.”

You glanced down at your wrist.

At the faint purple mark.

You frowned before shaking your head. It seemed like everyone had a Gravity boy in their life… But hearing this name while mentioning Caleb was…

The sound of the front door unlocking made both you and your new friend turn your heads.

It swung open — and in stepped Caleb, looking windswept, sharp-eyed, and exhausted. But you couldn’t help but notice that the air around him seemed softer, appeased. His gaze swept the room once, lingering on you… just for a second.

Then Zayne followed.

No coat. Messy hair. Worry written all over his face. He said—like your name alone was a question.

You barely had time to rise from the couch before he crossed the room in two strides.

He didn’t touch you.

But he stood close. Too close to be casual. Close like someone who was already memorizing every detail of your expression to figure out what you weren’t saying.

“Are you okay?” His voice was low. Firm. Not panicked, but pointed.

You nodded. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine,” he said bluntly.

“I wasn’t,” you admitted, softer now. “But I’m better.”

Zayne’s eyes flicked over you again. You could feel the analysis happening in real time — tracking your breathing, your posture, the slight redness in your eyes.

Then he nodded. Just once. The kind of nod that meant: Okay. For now.

“Good,” he said. “Because I brought way too much coffee and I’m not drinking it alone.”

You let out a breath that almost passed as a laugh. You looked between the three of them.

Zayne, sharp and calculating.

Pipsqueak – what was her name again?--, still buzzing from cozy nostalgia.

Caleb, arms crossed, leaning against the wall and checking his phone.

And you announced:

“I need to drink the night away.”

Everyone blinked.

Zayne’s brow furrowed instantly. “You need what—”

“Alcohol,” you repeated firmly, already kicking off your shoes. “Strong. Cold. Copious.”

A high pitched cheer could be heard on your right.

Zayne looked like you’d just declared war on your own bloodstream. “You had a panic attack five hours ago and your solution is vodka?”

“Absolutely,” you said, heading for the kitchen. “Don’t try to stop me.” You said to Caleb who was walking toward you.

“Wasn’t gonna,” Caleb muttered, already walking past Zayne. “I’ll get the glasses.”

That, somehow, startled Zayne even more.

“Caleb—”

“She’s earned it.”

And just like that, it began.

You didn’t know how many drinks you had. Zayne was sipping his first glass, saying it would be the only one he was going to drink.

“I’m starting the game,” The one you needed to ask for her name declared, already perched dramatically on the arm of the couch like a queen on her throne. “Truth or dare is mandatory for all emotionally repressed individuals in this room.”

“That’s all of us,” you said, raising your glass.

Zayne groaned. “This is going to end badly.”

“Good,” Caleb muttered, pouring himself another drink.

She asked with a grin. “Truth or dare?”

You smirked. “Truth.”

Her eyes gleamed. “Have you ever had a crush on someone?”

You froze.

Caleb looked up.

Zayne arched his brow.

“I…” you stalled, heat crawling up your neck. “...maybe.” You looked at your phone.

She squealed.

Caleb blinked once. Drank.

Zayne squinted at you like he was adding something new to a mental file.

You turned, a little buzzed, a little brave.

“Caleb,” you said slowly. “Truth or dare?”

He leaned back on his hands. “Truth.”

You grinned. “Who was your first kiss?”

He didn’t blink. “Does a sparring partner who knocked me out and started mouth to mouth count?”

You laughed. “Was that your origin story?”

Caleb looked at you, deadpan. “I bled on her shoes.”

You howled.

Caleb then grinned — a rare, actual grin.

“Zayne. Truth or dare?”

Zayne narrowed his eyes. “Truth.”

“Have you ever had a normal, human crush?”

A beat.

Zayne looked at his drink.

“I once memorized someone’s coffee order and changed mine to match it for three months without ever talking to them.”

Everyone stared.

“…Okay that’s worse than I thought,” Caleb whispered while you hugged your best friend against your chest, pointing at Caleb and his girl– friend.

“Don’t mock my baby!”

“Oh, it’s on,” she purred. “Caleb. Truth or dare?”

He hesitated.

“…Dare.”

Her eyes gleamed.

“I dare you to whisper something in the ear of our dear new friend that would absolutely ruin her.”

You froze.

He held your gaze a little too long.

You could see the way his throat shifted when he swallowed. How his hand tightened just slightly on the drink in his lap.

You raised an eyebrow. Dared him silently.

He stood.

Crossed to you slowly.

Leaned down — his breath just barely brushing the shell of your ear. His voice low, almost lazy, but charged with something that felt like a fuse already lit:

“You act like I bother you… but if I touched you right now, you wouldn’t pull away.”

Your heart dropped straight to your knees.

The entire room fizzled out.

You didn’t move. Didn’t breathe.

He pulled back, casual as ever — not realizing you were wrecked. The mastermind behind this dare stared between you both like she was watching enemies fall in love against their will. Zayne looked into his drink like it might offer guidance from another plane.

You turned to pipsqueak, still recovering from Caleb’s whisper.

“Truth or dare?”

She clutched her chest like she’d been proposed to. “Truth, because I love drama.”

You narrowed your eyes, smirking. “Okay then. Who did you actually have your first kiss with?”

She blinked. Then looked down.

“…Zayne.”

Silence.

Zayne, very calmly: “You said we were just practicing.”

“I was lying.”

You nearly choked on your drink.

Zayne downed his glass in one go.

Caleb was staring in the void.

She quickly recovered with a wicked grin. “Zayne. Truth or dare.”

“…Truth,” he muttered.

“If you had to date someone in this room, who would it be?”

You and Caleb both stared. You knew your best friend – well you thought you did– he would never have a crush on someone here..? Or maybe–

Zayne didn’t even blink and then point at you.

You sputtered. “What?!”

He shrugged. “I know you’d never let me control you. That’s… oddly comforting.”

“Okay, wow, we’re spiraling.” You heard pipsqueak whisper.

Caleb’s jaw tightened just slightly white Zayne stared at him with curiosity. You could see his lips twitch a bit before he turned to you, deadpan.

“Truth or dare?”

You tilted your head. “Dare.”

He didn’t hesitate. “Switch seats. Sit next to Caleb.”

You could hear your girl gasping. “You little devil.”

You blinked. Caleb raised an eyebrow. But you moved. Crossed the space. Sat beside him on the couch.

Your thigh touched his. He didn’t move away.

Neither did you.

You could feel him look at you sideways. You refused to look back.

Caleb, slow drawled. “Pips. Truth or dare.”

She clapped. “DARE. Ruin me.”

He smirked. “Send your last selfie to the group chat you create, with no context.”

She immediately grabbed her phone. Three seconds later, a ridiculous duck face with glowing blush cheeks appeared in the group text.

Zayne almost begged. “Unsent. Please.”

You were laughing so hard you couldn’t breathe. Caleb chuckled quietly beside you.

The warmth between you two started to hum.

Zayne was sitting cross-legged on the floor, sipping water now. The little sunshine that was your new friend was curled beside him, her head resting on his shoulder as they whispered between themselves.

It was quieter. The laughter had simmered into something closer to breath.

You sat beside Caleb on the couch, your head tilted slightly toward him. Close, but not touching. Still warm from the game. He was staring ahead — eyes distant, fingers resting against the rim of his glass but not lifting it again.

“Do you believe,” he said suddenly, voice low and rough, “that blood makes people the same?”

You blinked. “What?”

He didn’t look at you. “Like… if you share DNA with someone who’s a monster, that makes you one too.”

You didn’t answer.

He let out a dry laugh. “I used to think it did. Still do. Sometimes.”

His hand twitched slightly — not toward you, but close.

“My grandmother,” he said, voice barely audible now. “She was a high-level researcher. Part of the original Ever project.”

You stiffened.

“She used to run tests on me when I was little. On Pips, too.”

Your head snapped toward him. “Really..?”

He nodded. “She doesn’t remember. They did something to her memory when it was over. Probably because she was just a kid. I was older.”

You stared at him — stunned, quiet.

“She called it evolution acceleration,” he said. “Wanted to see how far she could push us. How much we could take before we broke.”

“And did you?”

He turned to you then. His eyes were so tired. So honest.

“Not yet.”

Your throat tightened. “Caleb…”

“I don’t talk about it,” he said. “But with you…”

He trailed off.

Then finally, he added, quieter:

“I don’t feel like I have to lie. I feel like... we're the same."

Caleb's confession lingered in the quiet air between you.No one else in the room heard it — just you.

And it felt sacred, somehow. Like being handed a piece of someone’s bruised soul and knowing they trusted you not to crush it.

You didn’t speak.You just looked at him. Really looked. And he looked back, eyes shadowed, jaw tight — but softer than you’d ever seen him.

There it was. The shared understanding. The matching scars you hadn’t realized you both wore.

HIs phone buzzed and his eyes snapped on it. You raised your eyebrows as he checked his phone again.

“Okay, what is it with you and that screen? Don’t tell me you’re one of those people secretly obsessed with a farming game.”

He smirked, setting his phone facedown but not far from his reach.

“Not exactly.”

“Oh?” you leaned in a little, voice playful. “Secret girlfriend?”

He glanced at you, the smile still there — but quieter now. A little more… real.

“Something like that.”

He checked his phone again — but this time, he didn’t type anything. Just stared at the screen a moment longer than usual.

You nudged him gently with your elbow. “You okay?”

He blinked, like you’d pulled him from somewhere far away. “Yeah.”

Then, without quite meaning to, you asked, “Is it her?”

He didn’t ask how you knew. He didn’t even pretend to be confused. He just nodded.

And said — almost to himself — “I think I’m in love with her.”

You looked at him. Ooh, yeah, he was drunk talking.

But seeing this part of Caleb, how he seemed at ease, you didn’t want to tease him. You were actually curious about the person that held your ex-enemy.

“Yeah?”

He exhaled, slow and tired and full.

“She makes me feel like… I’m not the version of me everyone’s decided I am. Like I’m more. Not monsieur perfect.”

“I’m happy for you,” you said quietly.

He didn’t look at you right away.

Just rested his head back against the couch. Eyes on the ceiling with a fond smile.

“Thanks.” He whispered before looking at his phone and kissing the screen. He then stood up and carried his pipsqueak in the guest’s bedroom. He added that Zayne could sleep in his room, he would take the couch. You asked where you were supposed to sleep and he just said that the guest’s room had a bed for two persons.

You smiled before going next to Zayne, trying to get him to tell the hospital’s drama but he kept his face down. Maybe he drank too much? Well, you knew Zayne wasn’t a drinker, should you feel guilty..? Fuck, yes you were feeling guilty now.

“I don’t know who your father really is,” he whispered. “But I know this isn’t just medical. It’s strategic. And it’s wrong.”

You blinked. Was he still thinking about the pills and your father while being drunk? “You believe me?”

He looked at you now. Eyes a little glassy, but sharp. Unshaken.

“I do,” he said. “And I don’t care what anyone else says — I’m on your side.”

Your breath caught.

He shrugged. “Even if you turn out to be a human weapon or some genetically engineered storm queen or whatever.” He smiled a little. “You’re still you. That’s the part I trust.”

You didn’t realize you were crying until your sleeve brushed your cheek. Gosh alcohol was not the best for being strong.

And Zayne, maybe still too drunk to understand the magnitude of what he’d just said, added simply:

“Besides, you’re kind of my favorite.”

You laughed, watery and surprised.

“That’s the vodka talking.”

“Nope,” he said, resting his head on your shoulder. “That’s the human part.”

You smiled at him, hugging him strongly while he closed his eyes. You knew he was going to fall asleep soon so with the left of your strength, you brought him toward Caleb’s room. You opened the door slightly and watched Zayne fall head first in the bed.

You giggled drunkenly, took a picture then looked around. Your eyes landed on his computer, the scream showing a discord’s window.

Should you..?

You approached the screen before shaking your head. You left the bed while taking your phone, feeling a drunk desire to mess with your… crush. You went into the living room and started taking off your pants and your shirt, leaving you in your underwear. You looked around and smiled when you realized Zayne had brought some clothes for you.

He was such a perfect man.

You quickly took a hoodie and put it on you before taking back your phone. You stared at the glowing Discord screen.

WindQueen.exe (02:06) Still awake?

Your pulse thumped hard in your neck.

You waited. One second. Two. Twenty.

Nothing.

But you were already moving — tugging the hoodie’s zipper down just enough. Letting it slip off one shoulder. Just enough skin. Just enough dare.

You lifted your phone.

No face. Never your face. Just a hint of your neck, bare shoulder, the hoodie half-fallen down your collarbone, even letting a bit of the swell of your breasts show. Your fingers curved into a half-heart at your chest.

You stared at the image for one long breath. Then added:

WindQueen.exe (02:07)If you were here… What would you do?

Sent.

The air around you tightened.

Your chest rose and fell — high, too high. A little dizzy. A little drunk. But not from the alcohol anymore.

The typing dots blinked to life.

Stopped.

Started again.

Your fingers clenched the blanket.

Then came his reply:

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:09)…youre going to be the death of me.

You bit your lip, already smiling — heat pooling low in your stomach..

Then, a new image appeared.

You opened it with shaking hands.

A photo. Dim. Close.

His hand, strong and calloused, rested beneath his jaw. The faintest sliver of his chest was visible — bare skin, warm-toned, a hint of collarbone and shoulder. His fingers curved into a half-heart to mirror yours.

Your breath hitched.

And then—

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:11): I’d found that zipper.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:11): Real slow.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:11): And kiss everything you were trying to hide.

Your entire body flushed.

Heat from head to toes.

A noise caught in your throat, half-laugh, half-whimper.

You buried your face in the pillow.

He didn’t know. He had no idea. And still, he was unraveling you like no one else ever had.

WindQueen.exe (02:12)Then show me.

WindQueen.exe (02:12) What you’d do.

WindQueen.exe (02:12) Pretend I’m right there.

The typing bubbles appeared instantly this time.

As if he hadn’t even paused.

You swallowed hard.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13); I’d start slow.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13); Pull the zipper down with my teeth.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13); Let it fall off your shoulders, one side at a time.

Your breath hitched.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13) I’d kiss just below your collarbone.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13) One kiss for every time you’ve driven me insane this week.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:13) That’s… a lot of kisses.

You laughed quietly into your hand — flushed, flustered, wrecked.

You tugged the hoodie tighter around yourself. Somehow, it felt warmer now.

WindQueen.exe (02:14) You’re making it very hard to stay quiet, you know.

WindQueen.exe (02:14) Everyone’s asleep. I should be asleep.

You snapped another photo — just your legs curled beneath the hoodie, fingers brushing your bare knee. The lighting was soft, intimate, and low. Nothing explicit. Just… vulnerable. Inviting.

WindQueen.exe (02:15) But I keep thinking about your hands.

You waited.

You’d laughed into the pillow — warm, soft, dizzy.

But now?

Now you just felt undone.

The hoodie had slipped a little farther down your arm. The air felt warmer. Your skin, electric. You tugged your knees up beneath you, curling into the oversized fabric. You laid on the couch that still smelled faintly like Caleb. You lifted your phone again.

The typing bubbles blinked.

Stopped.

Then—

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:15) They’d be gentle…until you asked otherwise.

Your breath hitched. You swallowed. And then—without overthinking it—you took another picture. Dim light. Hoodie draped loose over your thighs. Your hand rested just above your knee — fingers tracing a slow, suggestive curve. Nothing too much. Just inviting.

WindQueen.exe (02:16)And if I said I wanted you here right now?

Seconds passed.

More.

You held your breath.

Then—

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:17)Then I’d tell you the truth.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:17)You wouldn’t be alone for a single second.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:17)Not tonight. Not ever.

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:17)Not if I could help it.

You blinked.

Stared at the message like it might vanish.

And then something in you folded.

The heat between your ribs turned tender. The ache in your throat wasn’t just from want — it was from how much this mattered.

Not the flirting. Not even the rush.

But him.

His voice in your mind. His words in your hands. His presence, quiet and unwavering, on the other side of a screen — never once letting go.

You pulled the hoodie tighter.

Curled smaller.

And typed:

WindQueen.exe (02:19) Then don’t go.

WindQueen.exe (02:19)Stay with me.

WindQueen.exe (02:19)Just like this.

And when the reply came—

Grav1ty.D3n1ed (02:20) Always.

----

TagLIst: @xyzbeloved @deepspace-fishie @floofycookie @silmeria-lafleur @pagesfalling @noxus123 @sylusgirlie7 @anuncalledbridge @napforalifetime @starlitkitten @floofycookie @jcrml @zukini-01 @saybeyonce @chrisjw108 @jisodior @orianakira

242 notes · View notes

theegyal · 14 days ago

Text

Hush [ Annie x Smoke ]

Chapter 10 : The Plan

12: 40 AM

Joy and love filled the white room — fragile yet too strong to carry. For an instant, there was no Colonel Manson, no Olivia, no foreclosure.

There was only the weight of Lois sleeping on Annie's chest, the rasp of Elijah's breathing, and the scent of vanilla and shea butter mixing with the sterile bite of antiseptic.

Elijah's hand was still on Annie's face, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone. His memory was still a blank map with roads that led nowhere, but the route back to Annie revealed itself.

He remembered her scent before he remembered her name. He remembered the high sound of her laugh in his chest before he could recall her face.

"I wanted to give up," Annie whispered, trembling. "Every day I prayed for your safety...they told me you'd died there..I just... I didn't know how to breathe."

"Love, I'm here now," he brushed over her skin, caressing the corner of her eyes and her nose, "I'm here."

The door opened, the unwelcome visitor didn't bother knocking.

That nurse, the one who allowed Olivia in before Stack and her—not the kind doctor from before, stepped in holding a clipboard.

"Mr. Moore, we're glad to see you're awake. Your wife, Olivia, was very concerned. She's arranging for a specialist to come down and oversee your continued care."

The air shifted. Annie's back went rigid. Elijah's hand fell from her face, his expression hardening into a cold mask.

The name 'Olivia' was a key turning in a lock : the night he assaulted her, the scene Annie told him she caused, how she talked about their child—Lois.

"That woman ain't my wife," Elijah stated, his Delta accent cutting through the air, sharp as a razor. "My wife, right here. Her name is Annie Moore."

The nurse's smile dropped. She glanced at her clipboard, confused. "Sir, our records, upon admission to the program, list—"

"Your records are wrong," Annie intervened. She stood up, shifting Lois carefully to her shoulder. "And we're leaving."

"Ma'am, I can't let you do that. The patient just experienced a significant seizure. He needs to be monitored. Against medical advice—"

"He needs to be with his family," Annie shot back, her voice low and steady. "And away from the people who put him in here. I'm a pharmacist. I would manage"

Elijah was ready to move. He started pulling the IV from his arm, wincing as the needle pulled out.

"We ain't stay here."

But the nurse was already backing out of the room, her hand reaching for the phone. "I—I have to call security."

1:20 PM

Carol was coming. They got more hands to deal with the Manson. Oddly, Stack didn't think about that mission —for a minute at least. His whole mind drove fast to the possibly re-meeting with the woman he'd left rotten in prison.

Back days ago, when they bumped into each other's at club, he was surprised to see her in Chicago — called her Ol' flame to mask his burning shame— Nobody told him she had been freed from jail. And now he would possibly pulled her into deeper shit. Dirtier than years behind Delta's bars and rows.

Classified documents ; They needed to put a hand on them. Delete all evidence of their desertion and then take care of Manson.

The plan was too simple to not hold any wrongs : He would get Carol in Manson house, she'd pass as a worker or something more easier. She'd look for and get the documents. She'd make copies, it would be dangerous to steal them all the way.

With his chica—no former chica, Carol, they used to do such qualitative errands for people. Drugs were the most safe work they did—and still...

Stack looked at the rainy streets through the window door, Olivia was making her way out. Arrogance shimmering from her bruised face.

"Damn Annie you went damn hard" he chuckled.

The Manson girl turned her car on. The young twin knew better than following her himself. He scrolled through his contacts then stopped on one: 'Pops'. An old-timer who ran a garage over on the West Side, a man who had more eyes and ears on the street than the CPD.

He dialed. It rang once.

"Yeah." A rough voice waiting for him behind the line.

"Pops, it's Stack."

"Elias Moore. So you ain't rotting six feet under."

"Need a favor. A big one," Stack said, cutting to the chase. "There's a Black XJ8 Jaguar coming your way, West Side. There's a white woman in it. Blonde, emerald eyes. Follow her."

"How big ?"

"No blood. Keep an eye, she on her way to a private clinic off Mich.Ave"

"And who's she ?"

"Manson. Colonel Octavio Manson daughter." Stack answered bluntly.

Pops went silent for a long moment. Stack could almost hear the old man weighing the risk against a debt from long ago. "Manson, you say? That's a heavy name, son."

"I know," Stack retorted, jaws clenching "But the man she's with is family. And they tryin' to take him away from us."

"See what it is. Ok, considered it done,"

HANG.

1:45 PM

Inside the hospital, confrontation came faster than expected.

Two men in deep grey suits stood before Annie and Elijah as they were walking out the healthcare building.

Behind them stood the nervous nurse who kept mistaking that white chick as his wife, and a man in a hospital administrator's uniform.

"Mr. Moore," the administrator began, his voice oozing false concern. "We can't allow you to leave. Your condition is unstable. Your wife, Mrs. Olivia Moore, has expressed extreme concern for your well-being."

"I told you," Elijah growled, his tone rising dangerously. "My wife is fucking there." He pointing at Annie, who stayed glued at his right side. "She ain't got a name starting with O. She's Annie. Annie Moore, can't you hear me ?"

One of the suited men stepped forward. He moved with the quiet, predatory confidence of military intelligence. "Sir, our information states you are a ward of a government reintegration program under the authority of Colonel Octavio Manson. Until the Colonel says otherwise, you're not going anywhere."

He wasn't talking to Elijah. He was talking to Annie. It was a threat. Lois, sensing the tension, began to whimper, her small cries cutting through the standoff.

Annie clutched her daughter tighter.

They were trapped. They could fight, but these men wouldn't hesitate to use force, to declare Elijah mentally incompetent and drag him away right in front of his child.

They thought that intimidation would work on her. Too bad for them, Annie got something in her sleeve and she was ready to use it.

"He got pushed into the program without his family consent. His brother got coerced into agreeing, —never to flying him out the state though." She asserted while patting Lois' head.

Annie brushed Elijah out her way, approached the men in black, closer, then whispered spitefully "Got Dr. Roberts putting him on solid drugs, sedatives and no single med for memory recovery on sight...mmh. I don't even think the system can protect Sir Octavio if all these informations...accidentally leaked."

She was gambling with their lives. Hoping these two brutes ain't know about the twins being deserters.

They took the bait.

Fear and anguish changed side. The men exchanged a stare before stepping backward.

"Let them go."

Elijah squinted his eyes, looking at his beautiful wife. He didn't recall her being this strong and commanding.

"We go home papa" she offered him a smile, her droopy eyes candidly closed.

5: 30 PM

Olivia stood by the window, watching the storm roll in. Her pearls were gone. Face bruised. Lips cut, the natural pink of her lips replacing the red of her lipstick.

Dr. Roberts paced behind her like a mouse in a glue trap.

"I got visited by his brother, the man is crazy, he threatened my family. Moreover, Elijah Moore already recovering" he hissed. "You don't understand—"

"I understand perfectly," Olivia said coolly. "You think this is still about love. I mean you right, he's my man and only mine. But this whole mess—"

She turned, her eyes glinting. "This ain't about him. This is about what happens if he talks. If the media ever learns we pumped a soldier, son of this country, full of mind-numbing shit so he could forget his black wife and child—"

"Ms Manson—"

"My father risked everything, everything, to protect our family from that embarrassment. I won't let it come undone because your conscience grew a pair of balls."

She stepped closer, pinning him with her gaze. "We can still control this. Give me one clean dose. Just one. I'll do the rest."

"I—I'm sorry I can't help you—my family—please get out my office"

"You really think this negro will leave your little poor wife and children alone ? Trust me you'll pay the high price Roberts"

She threw him a cold gaze and slammed the door closed.

Shadows followed Olivia as she jumped in her Jaguar. They trailed her for interminable hours, until she parked in front of a huge mansion.

Pops minions sent few words to Stack.

'Left the clinic an hour ago. Parked on 7th ***. Robert went other way'

6 : 00 PM

It was not his first time walking in this house since he had lost memory. Still, the new fresh smell of freedom mixed with lavender and Santal woods gave him comfort.

"When did they stopped by ?" Elijah asked, grazing at the boxes

Annie, on her way to change Lois diapers responded, her tone heavily anxious, "three or four days ago. We got 'til the month's end."

Elijah furrowed his eyebrows, moving slow to the living room counter. Bunch of papers including a colorful paper laid there.

"And what is this ?" He asked genuinely curious

"Oh nothing. Days ago was Lois first year anniversary. Before going to war, you told us, we'll throw a party, inviting the neighbors..."

He laughed, joy and mischief sparkling in his brown eyes.

"And did you ?"

Annie lowered her head, a veil of sadness passing over her face.

"Nobody came. Well, let's say I did try. I mean—anyway it's all behind now !" She disappeared inside the nursery

Elijah sat a moment, his eyes suddenly red of anger. He was thinking. Indeed Annie had been left all by herself for almost a month now, while he was recovering from some schemes fuckers put onto him.

The bank, this shitty neighborhood or even that bitch Olivia. These people had hurt his family. Now he was back, things were about to change. He would take care of them and fly back to Delta with Annie and Lois.

2:00 AM

The bottle of Jim Beam sweat in Stack's hand. Night had fallen over Chicago, draping the city in it usual lights and noises.

Standing next to the bar, topless, the corded muscles of his back and shoulders tight, wearing only a pair of grey jogging pants that hung low on his hips, he took a long pull from the bottle, the amber liquid flowing down his throat.

His high-standing appartement was now empty, Elijah went home with Annie, he had sent him a text to tell him so. Stack was now, totally alone — drowning in this luxury.

The apartment doorbell rang. One then twice. He climbed upstairs to check the security cameras.

The black and white footage nearly made him fall down—

"Ca—Carol ?" He couldn't believe his eyes. Yes she was supposed to come to Chicago but he ain't expecting her at his fucking doorway.

"Shit." He took the stairs two at a time on his way down, forgetting to wear a shirt.

He cracked the door open. Here stood Miss Jalapeña.

"Who done ordered el picante?" Carol hissed.

The hallway seemed to tighten around her figure. Her clear eyes deliberately sweep of him—his bare muscular chest, the expensive apartment with marble tiled floor, the bottle of Jim Beam on the bar.

"You livin' good, huh," she said, her voice a low murmur. "Long damns way from da roachy-ass motel you used to sneak off an' meet me for yo' lil' deals"

Tag List

@thelifeoflagab @juniooox @tadjoa @shamansha @brownskincheyenne @freelandgoddess @Ib-xci @blaqgirlmagicyallcantstandit @iammyownlover @stormynovashambler @summrsovrinterlude @prettygirl2800 @puffmamaa @harleycativy @jasssdee1 @itstayleigh @queenofklonnie22 @bigjh @tadjoa @Isc72 @forzaferrariii , @blxckberrie @avidreader73 @partylikemajima @lolalikesgames @ultralspblr @post-woke @jasssdee1 @lizbehave @rkiiives @underated345-blog @thefutureemmywinner @chknnwffls @maddyf22

A/N : I’m offering you these gifs to ask for forgiveness 😞 I experienced a writer block with this story I had to read it twice at least to gather ideas, I listen “What is love” by V. Bozeman the song really help me with Stack and Carol side story but more with Elijah getting back his home with full memory.

I’m kinda sad cause that story comes to end, I already wrote the final chapter (yes I do that to almost all my stories if not I’m going to write write and sheeesh never ending and I hate to not have an ending to my stories )

#sinners #smoke x annie #annie x elijah #annie sinners #elias stack moore #fanfiction #smoke sinners #black authors #stack x annie #michael b jordan

111 notes · View notes

fangirltothefullest · 5 months ago

Text

You know.... tumblr is the only place I've ever felt like people can match my brand of neurodivergence. And I'm not talking about the weird conversations or funny posts either. I just mean in general conversation and interaction.

I've been in a small room with 12 other strangers for this soft skills class I have to take for this program that's helping me get a government job as someone with adhd and I just..... feel like such an alien when I'm in the room with them? They're all different ages and some are even around my age but it's like I'm pretending to be a person for them just as I would be doing around neurotypical people.

I am constantly masking in front of these people that are supposes to be like me.

More than one have adhd like I do but they're so different than me? There's so much unnecessary laughter that feels so forced and fake? All anyone wants to talk about are sports and parties and alcohol and drugs. Its exactly likw it was in every other social situation ive ever been in. "Who last partied and got black out drunk"- "my party days are over but i can still knock back a 12 pack of whatever and function just fine"‐ "last weekend i partied i got too high to remember my name-"

Or who rooted for which sportsball team and why the spoinklers are better than the spronklers. The sprunklies had a great pass but they called it too much for the spranklies and it was all rigged. I would stop watching it but I like mr pitcher-catcher-thrower-frontguy and if he can make it this year he'll win them for the whateverchampioncup for sure.

I feel like an alien studying an entirely different species.

Like is this how people always interact? Is it all fake nonsense or is it code? It feels like it's all in code and I just have no fucking idea what that code is.

Cause like I can tell none of them actually care! I KNOW we are here for a soft skills class but like.... this isn't soft skills this is high school locker room. This is people desperately trying to fit in. Soft skills are keeping things civil and connecting with fellow humans.

This didn't feel like forming connections, it felt like pretending. It felt like showing off. It felt like people vying for their chance to be in the spotlight. It felt like America's next top banana.

We were told not to talk about religion, politics, sports and personal lives at work because all it does is start drama at the workplace. What did they proceed to do? Talk about every single subject on the no-go list the moment we'd agreed not to. Did they think "no" was code for "do this immediately"?

Like is it me? Am I really so confusingly alien that even the people that are supposed to be like me, that also have adhd, are just so different?

And I come here on tumblr and yall get me.

I post about making a PowerPoint about the most fuckable pasta shape and yall are like drop the PowerPoint.

163 notes · View notes

snowysosturn · 10 months ago

Text

Speeding Car - Matt Sturniolo Part 21

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29

Pairing : y/n x Matt Sturniolo

Summary : After six years with your boyfriend Alex, you start to mentally check out. At a UCLA party, Alex reconnects with his childhood friend Emily, who proposes a double date with her boyfriend Matt. Your attraction to Matt grows as he pays you the first real attention you've had in years, sparking a complicated emotional journey.

Warnings : THESE WARNINGS WILL GIVE SPOILERS!!!! MDNI, angst, tension, anxiety, mentions of car accident/reader in accident, aftermath of accident, trauma as a result of accident, memory loss, mentions of cheating

Finally get to tell you where the inspo for this fic came from now that it won’t give away any spoilers. (all my Irish girlies stand up 🫡) I’d fully forgotten about this song this song until July, and when I listened to it it sparked the little ideas for me, and that’s how I came up with the main plot <3 I've been going through a break up (which was nearly a 10 year relationship) during the time of writing this so ive poured my heart and souuuuul into this ( i also want to note no themes of the story relate to me maybe only mentally clocking out bc of a bare minimum bf, do not fucking cheat on anyone) . this fic has been my baby and im so thankful to anyone who has read so far <3 p.s if you ever go back and reread this you’ll notice the little pieces of lyrics here and there lol

The world came back to me in fragments - blurred lights, muffled sounds, and an overwhelming sense of disorientation. As I fluttered my eyes open, the harsh brightness of the room made me wince. My head pounded with a dull ache, and my body felt heavy, as if it wasn’t quite mine.

I slowly turned my head to the right, trying to take in my surroundings, and there he was. The man I loved, sitting by my bedside. His face was a mixture of relief and something else, fear, maybe? His eyes met mine, and I felt a flicker of familiarity in the chaos of my mind.

“Alex..” I whispered, my voice weak and strained.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. Try not to move too much,” Alex said softly, his hand reaching up to gently stroke my face. His touch was warm, comforting, but something about the way he looked at me sent a ripple of unease through my chest.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice barely audible, as panic started to rise within me. My thoughts were jumbled, trying to piece together how I ended up here. The last thing I remembered was.. was.. I couldn’t even grasp it.

“You got into an accident” Alex explained, his voice steady, but I could see the worry etched into his features. “But you’re going to be okay. You just need to rest.”

An accident? My mind raced, and instinctively, I tried to move, only to be met with sharp pain that made me gasp. “What about my injuries? When can I skate again? I have qualifiers for the Olympics soon!” The words tumbled out of my mouth in a frantic rush, driven by a fear that I couldn’t quite place.

Alex’s face twisted in confusion, and he hesitated before answering. “Y/n.. you haven’t skated in years.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest, refusing to believe what he was saying. “What? No.. that’s not true. I.. I’ve been training. You know that.” My voice quivered with desperation.

Alex exchanged a worried glance with the nurse, then looked back at me, his expression pained. “Y/n, You stopped skating when I was a freshman.. I’m a junior now..”

His words echoed in my head, but they didn’t make any sense. UCLA? Sophomore year? It was as if he was speaking a different language. The last memory I had was waiting anxiously to see if he made the Bruins team, both of us so excited about the possibility of him making it big with football.

“No… no, that’s not right,” I muttered, shaking my head as if it would somehow clear the fog that clouded my thoughts. “Did you get onto the Bruins team?” I asked, clinging to the one thing that made sense to me.

“Y/n..” Alex’s voice was gentle, but it carried the weight of the truth I wasn’t ready to accept.

The room spun around me, and I felt like I was being thrown into a different universe. Everything was wrong, nothing made sense. My heart raced, my breathing quickened, and I felt like I was drowning in confusion.

The female nurse stepped forward, her expression calm and professional. “Alex, could I speak with you outside for a moment?” she asked, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Alex squeezed my hand one last time before letting go, his eyes lingering on mine with a look that made my chest tighten. He nodded and followed the nurse out of the room, leaving me alone with the student nurse who had been quietly observing from the side.

I turned my head slightly to look at him, trying to ground myself in something familiar, something stable. “Can someone tell me how long I’ll have to be in here for?” I asked, my voice trembling.

The boy hesitated, looking a bit uncertain. “I’m not too sure, Y/n. We’ll have to wait for one of the staff to give us results first” he said, trying to sound reassuring as he reached out and cupped my hand with his two.

His gesture was kind, but it only added to my confusion. Why was he holding my hand like that? Was he one of those compassionate doctors who went the extra mile for their patients? My mind struggled to make sense of his actions.

“Can’t you ask someone since you work here?” I asked, hoping for some clarity.

He blinked at me, clearly taken aback. “Work here?”

Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and the female nurse reentered the room, followed by Alex. There was a heaviness in the air, a sense of something unspoken. The nurse’s eyes met mine, and I could see the concern etched into her features.

“Ms. Y/l/n” she began, her voice gentle yet serious, “I need to explain something to you. After the accident, you sustained a significant concussion, which has led to a form of memory loss known as post-traumatic amnesia..”

“Amnesia?” I whispered, the word foreign and terrifying on my tongue. My gaze darted between her and Alex, hoping for someone to tell me this was all a mistake.

“Yes” she confirmed softly. “From what we can gather, you seem to have lost your recent memories from about two years ago onward. It’s possible that these memories will return with time, but for now, you’re not going to remember much.”

My world shattered with those words. Two years? How could two whole years of my life just be gone? My breath quickened, and the room began to feel smaller, more suffocating. I glanced at Alex, hoping to find some reassurance, but his expression only mirrored my panic.

“Two years?” I asked again, trying to wrap my mind around it. “What happened in those two years? I don’t remember any of it..” My voice trembled as I spoke, my heart sinking deeper into despair.

“That’s okay, Y/n” Alex said, stepping closer to me. “We’ll figure this out together, okay? I’ll help you remember.”

But something about the way he said it felt off. There was a tension in his voice that made me uneasy. I looked back at the boy who had been holding my hand, trying to place his face in the context of my life, but nothing came to mind.

“Who.. who are you?” I asked hesitantly, turning my attention to him. His expression faltered, a mixture of pain and something else flashing across his features.

“Y/n, it’s me.. Matt” he said, his voice tinged with a sorrow that cut through me like a knife.

I stared at him “I- I don't know who you are..” I didn’t recognize him. I didn’t remember anything about him. It was as if the two years that had vanished had taken him with them.

Before I could say anything else, the tension in the room exploded.

“Okay man I think it’s time you leave” Alex snapped, his eyes narrowing at Matt, his voice dripping with venom. “You have no right to be here, especially after what you did.”

“What I did?” Matt shot back, his voice rising with anger. “You’re the one who’s been sat here lying to her! You cheated on her, Alex! Don’t you dare act like you care about her now.”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence. My head spun, the room tilting as I tried to process what was happening. Cheated? Alex cheated on me?

“You’re full of shit, Matt” Alex retaliated stepping closer to him, their faces inches apart. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’ve been lying to her this entire time!” Matt shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. “You think I don’t know what you’ve done? You think she won’t find out? I won’t let you keep doing this to her.”

“Stop it!” I screamed, my voice cutting through their argument like a knife. Tears streamed down my face as the overwhelming stress consumed me. “Just stop! Both of you, get out! Get out!”

The room fell into a stunned silence. Both Matt and Alex turned to look at me, their expressions a mixture of shock and regret. But I couldn’t take it anymore. The confusion, this talk of betrayal, the loss of my memory - it was too much. I felt like I was drowning, and I needed them to leave before I lost myself completely.

“Please.. just leave.” I begged, my voice barely above a whisper, but firm in its request.

Matt’s face crumpled with pain, but he nodded slowly, backing away toward the door. Alex hesitated, his eyes pleading with me to understand, but I couldn’t even look at him.

One by one, they both left the room, the door closing behind them with a finality that left me feeling utterly alone. The silence that followed was deafening, the emptiness in my heart growing with every passing second.

I collapsed back onto the bed, my body trembling as I sobbed, the weight of everything too much to bear. Two years of my life, gone. The man I thought I loved and a stranger. The man who claimed to love me and a liar. The situation infront of me confused me as to which one was which. The memories I needed to make sense of it all, vanished.

I was lost in a world that no longer felt like my own.

Matt’s POV

I walked out of Y/n’s hospital room, the door clicking shut behind me like a hammer hitting the final nail into a coffin. My heart pounded in my chest, the adrenaline from my argument with Alex still coursing through my veins, but it was nothing compared to the fiery dread settling in my stomach. Every word I’d said to her, every desperate attempt to break through her confusion, seemed to hang in the air like a suffocating fog.

I made my way to the waiting area, my feet heavy, my mind numb. The bright, white lights overhead did nothing to chase away the darkness consuming my thoughts. We approached the row of cold plastic chairs and Alex sat down, his elbows resting on his knees, head buried in his hands. I could feel the tension radiating off him, but I was too consumed by my own torment to care.

I dropped into a chair two seats away from him, the hard plastic pressing against my back, and let my head fall into my hands. My thoughts spiraled, chaotic and disjointed, but always coming back to one image - the moment she was hit.

The screech of tyres. The blinding headlights. The sickening thud as Y/n’s body crumpled under the car’s impact. I could still hear the scream that tore through me as I watched her fly through the air, time slowing to a crawl, helpless to stop it. It played over and over in my mind, each replay more gut wrenching than the last.

I should’ve been faster. I should’ve told her how I really felt. I should’ve… My fists clenched in my hair as I tried to choke down the guilt that threatened to swallow me whole.

What was I even doing on that balcony? Watching her run out of the house, pacing back and forth. I should’ve gone to her instead of just standing there like an idiot, too lost in my own confusion and pain to act. And then when I saw the car coming down the hill, everything in me froze.

"Y/n, get off the road!!" I had shouted, but my voice felt so small, so powerless against the force of what was about to happen. But it's too late.

In a split second, the beam of headlights blinds her. The screeching of tyres fills the air as the car tries to stop, but the impact is inevitable. I watch in horror as the car hits Y/n. The sound of the collision is deafening, and time seems to slow down.

She’s thrown backward, landing hard on the pavement. I can’t breathe, my legs feel like jelly as I race down the stairs, stumbling and pushing through the crowd.

When I finally reach her, my heart is pounding in my chest, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. I kneel beside her, tears streaming down my face as I try to make sense of the horrific scene before me.

Y/n lays there on the ground, her face contorted in pain, her body not moving. The car speeds away into the night, leaving behind a scene of devastation. The people around us have began to scatter, some calling for an ambulance, others standing in shocked silence.

I gently cradle Y/n's head in my lap, my hands shaking uncontrollably. "Y/n, stay with me" I pleaded, my voice choking with emotion. "Please, stay with me."

She blinks slowly, her eyes meeting mine with a look of pain and resignation. I can see the life fading from her, and it feels like my world is collapsing around me.

The sound of sirens grows louder, and I can hear the distant honking of emergency vehicles approaching. I try to stay strong for her, to keep her conscious until help arrives, but my heart is breaking.

"I’m so sorry" I whisper, tears falling freely. "I’m so sorry for everything."

As the ambulance pulls up, paramedics rush to our side, taking over the situation with practiced efficiency. I’m left standing on the sidelines, my heart shattered as I watch them work to save her. I know that nothing will ever be the same again, and the weight of what just happened is almost too much to bear.

Now she was in that hospital bed, her memories shattered along with my heart. She didn’t even recognize me. My face, my voice - nothing. I was just a stranger to her now, a distant memory from a life she couldn’t even recall.

And then there was Alex. The guy she “loved”, the guy who’d betrayed her. He sat there just a few feet away, but it felt like a canyon stretched between us. I knew he was going to see this as an opportunity to weasel his way back into her life. She didn't remember any of it, him cheating, the way he treated her like an option. And now this was his free pass, to get her back like nothing had ever happened. I wanted to punch him, to scream at him for all the lies he’d fed her, for making this even more unbearable than it already was. But what good would that do? None of it would bring her memories back. None of it would undo the damage that had been done.

I glanced sideways at Alex. He was still in the same position, as if he were trapped in his own private hell. Good. He deserved it. But the satisfaction was fleeting, replaced quickly by a wave of exhaustion and despair.

All I could do was sit there, replaying the accident in my head, the look of panic in Y/n’s eyes as she realized what was happening, the way everything went silent just before impact. It was a moment I knew would haunt me for the rest of my life, one that no amount of apologies or explanations could ever make right.

All I wanted was for her to be okay, to wake up and remember me, remember us. But even that hope felt distant now, buried under the weight of the reality we were in.

I let out a shuddering breath, forcing myself to look away from Alex and focus on the dull hum of the hospital around us. Waiting, that’s all we could do now. Wait and hope for a miracle that seemed less likely with each passing second.

The door in front of us opened, and in came Nick, Madi, Chris & Emily. I had gone to the hospital with Y/n in the ambulance, and the paramedics contacted Alex as he was still down as Y/n’s emergency contact. The news of what happened tore through the party fast, but getting out of the place was hard to do so with the amount of emergency services on scene.

“God Matt is she okay?” Nick asks frantically.

“She’s awake Nick.. she’ll be okay.. But she doesn’t remember anything.”

“Oh thank god she's okay, maybe it’s for the best that she doesn't remember the accident happening.” Nick says, trying to make me feel better.

“No, Nick. She doesn’t remember anything. She doesn’t remember me, she won't remember you, she doesn’t have any memory of the last 2 years at all.” I said, tears outlining my eyes.

Nick stood there with a horrified expression on his face. “You love her don’t you?” Nick whispers, so low that only us can hear.

“More than anything Nick, more than anything I know.”

“Do you think I could go in and see her?” Nick questions.

“If you want, but she’s stressed out at the minute.. Just try your best not to make anything worse.” I say, as Nick nods at me, getting up to gently knock on the door to Y/n’s room.

I take my eyes off Nick and lock eyes with Emily.

“Can we go outside for a minute for some air?” I asked her, knowing I'm about to have a conversation that I should’ve handled differently nights ago.

a/n: sorry.. again..

taglist : @muwapsturniolo @anitahunt @sturnfannn @jayde510 @chrissfavhoe @babyalliah-777 @v33angel @urmom69lol @willowrites @ribread03 @2muchofaslvt @sturnsaver @sleepysturniolo @jcsturniolo11 @jessie-essie @hoeforchrizz @mynbbys @sturniolopanini @mattsturnxoxo @delicatechrry @t77te @sturnsyaper69 @hotdismylife @maggot3647 @ivysturnss @noplaceissafeanymore @mattssgf @yourfavsturniologirl @maethem0nth @sillyponygrl @mattyblover07 @imjusthereforthesturniolosmut @dominicfikeenthusiast @mattsfavbigtitties @ncm9696 @chrisstvrns @schlutt4matty @chrissolos @ilusa @amelia-sturniolo3 @wonnieeluvvr @pussydestroyer100 @amexiass @mystinkylefttoe26 @lizzysmith110 @sturniololovebot @secret-sturniolo @freshythefishy @witchofthehour @stvrnlover @alizestvrnss @beachbabe000

#Spotify #snowy speaks #speeding car #matt sturniolo x reader #matthew sturniolo #matt sturniolo #chris sturniolo x reader #chris sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #nick sturniolo #christopher sturniolo #nicolas sturniolo

263 notes · View notes